Note....draft grades are based on position in draft and needs of the team, while also slightly considering players drafted ahead or behind them.
Pick #1,
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The High School Sr. is making hsi way to Mexico City, and from reports had a long night after his introductory press conference. Drafted as a 3B, he faces a sure move to LF or 1B in the future, though that will not be a problem for him as his bat is his calling card. The RH hitter is equally adept at hitting RH or LH pitching and has power, contact and a great eye thrown in. To further add to his tools he will have plus speed. He'll have to prove he's durable, but still should make 500+ at-bats and looks like a future MVP.
ETA: Season 13
Grade: A+
Pick #2,
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Honolulu went with the college closer in Craddock at pick #2. From TCU, Craddock set numerous Mountain West Conference records over his time there. As a LH closer he is actually more adept vs. RHs, with a hard sinker that RHs swing right over. He looks to be a fast riser and could make Honolulu by season 12.
ETA: Season 12
Grade: B+
Pick #3,
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Buffalo went to the community college ranks and plucked 2B Neil James at #3. He has top flight power for a 2B, and if he needs to move to 3B or the OF will still be a dangerous hitter. He crushes LH pitching, and looks to become at least proficient against RH with a good eye. His power/patience combo will allow him to be a productive middle of the order hitter.
ETA: Season 13
Grade: B+
Pick #4,
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Bubbles projects as a power RF with solid defense. He has great contact and projects to be able to drive the ball out of any part of the field. He is patient and can hit from both sides of the plate, the he has a more fluid LH stroke. His contact rate should help him as he does have some trouble picking up the ball out of the pitchers hand. Once he improves that he'll be able to square balls up on the barrell and produce more line drives. The Auburn College JR. could move quickly and has already advanced to Low A, after a brief stop in Rookie ball.
ETA: Season 12
Grade: B
Pick #5,
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The switch hitting SS looks to have two career paths, depending on his development. If he's able to improve his arm strength and keep his defensive projections, he could be a perenial All-star SS. If he has to make a move to 2B or 3B his bat projects lower and he will definitely be a solid player, but not upper-echelon. His next few years of development will go a long way to determining; 'Franchise SS' or 'Solid ML vet'.
ETA: Season 13
Grade: B
Pick #6, TEd Scott (link unavailable), SS/IF, Atlanta
Unsigned at this point, Ted has the option of going back to college for his Sr. year. At Illinois Ted was a solid SS, but will have to move as his defense is marginal. Going to 2B or 3B would not be a big problem as his hitting approach is very sound, though I doubt he'll become a regular All-star.
ETA: N/A
Grade: C+
Pick #7, David Chang, SP (link unavailable), Trenton
Also Unsigned, Chang is a very projectable #2 SP, who could make the case as a #1 if he hits all his potential. He has some health issues due to his overuse as a High Schooler and even in the summer leagues, but his stuff is undeniable. He has an excellent curveball with great depth and it's easily his #1 pitch. His 4-seam FB has great movement and paired with his average-plus slider and change-up, he has 4 pitches to work with, all of which he commands in and out of the zone very well. Interesting that he wants slot money, but remains unsigned.
ETA: N/A
Grade: B+
Pick #8,
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The 21 yr. old form St. John's U. was taken 8th and projects as a solid #2 SP. A closer his first 2 years in college, he has a good health record sand needs to improve on his stamina to round into the #2 potential he has. He is very good vs. RH with plus-plus movement on his FB and a sharp slider. His change-up allows him to be effective vs. LH showing good tumbling action down and away. He's moving quickly, posting 2 Rookie level starts and 6 Low A starts, going a combined 7-0.
ETA: Season 12
Grade: B
Pick #9,
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O'Brien is slated to be a top-end closer. The lanky kid has a lighting FB thatt currently tops out between 88-92, but could reach 98. Pairing that with his drop-off slider at a projected 88, the combination could be lights out for many a Richmond opponent. While he projects to close games, Richmond has him starting in Rookie ball to get action, however his last outing saw him start the game tired and subsequently he got knocked around.
ETA: Season 14
Grade: B+
Pick #10,
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A steal at #10, "The King"Arthur could have a lot of followers in Souix Falls before too long. The 22 yr. old from William and Mary is on the fast track and proving he should be. He has a great comination of size, health and stamina on the physical end, while his stuff is impecable. He projects as a #2 due to his lack of 'heat', but his control and deception are top notch. He compliments a plus-plus boring FB with a slider and curveball,both effective vs. RH hitters, allowing him to work all batters.
ETA: Season 12
Grade: A-
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