the worst mock in the history of existence

[Mephistopheles]

made by me. i was really going on hunches in the sandwich round. ill be happy to match some teams to guys.

 

 

1. Tampa Bay Devil Rays - David Price, LHP - Vanderbilt

 

Price is a big lefty with two plus pitches and a solid change. The other two players that the Rays are looking at are 3B Josh Vitters and C Matt Wieters

 

2. Kansas City Royals - Rick Porcello, RHP - Seton Hall Prep (New Jersey)

 

Porcello is probably the top rated RHP on most draft boards and is a projectable RHP with a plus fastball and a plus curveball. He is advised by Scott Boras and could fall if teams think his asking price is too high. If the Royals go another way they're looking at LHP Ross Detwiler and C Matt Wieters. If the Rays do not select Price he's probably going here.

 

3. Chicago Cubs - Josh Vitters, 3B - Cypress HS (California)

 

Vitters came into May as the consensus top prep bat, but Mike Moustakas has at the least caught him and in some eyes passed him. He's a great pure hitter but his power may not develop to more than 25 HR. He's stiff defensively and at best would develop into an average 3B. This is a tough pick to project. With the Cubs impending sale, they could go cheap here. The other two options here seem to be RHP Jarrod Parker and surprisingly 1B Sean Doolittle.

 

4. Pittsburgh Pirates - Devin Mesoraco, C - Punxsatawney HS (Pennsylvania)

 

This is a tough pick to project. They would prefer a bat, but don't want an expensive one so cross off Mike Moustakas and the Boras Boys. They've worked out Mesoraco at PNC and like him. He's a plus defensive catcher with solid batting tools. He's been flying up the draft boards the last week and would be a slight reach here. The other names being linked here are 3B Matt Mangini and 3B/1B Beau Mills. A name that hasn't been heavily linked here who I think may wind up if the Pirates go HS bat would be Jason Heyward who would be the top prep bat that's not Boras represented. If Vitters is here, he's the choice, easy.

 

5. Baltimore Orioles - Ross Detwiler, LHP - Missouri State

 

The O's want a pitcher and want an advanced one. There are no RHPs worth drafting now and the best available is either Ross Detwiler or Daniel Moskos. The O's love Detwiler and have been on his trail for awhile. Detwiler throws in the low to mid 90s with a hard curve around 80.

 

6. Washington Nationals - Daniel Moskos, LHP - Clemson

 

Money does not appear to be an issue here and they're probably looking for an arm. If Porcello starts to slide because of cash the Nats could grab him. If Wieters continues to fall, it's possible he could go here. Recently they've been linked to Mike Moustakas. I think that they'll pass on the bats and take the best arm they can get that is advanced. Moskos throws in the low to mid 90s with a very good slider. Other possibilities here are RHP Pillippe Aumont and 3B Mike Moustakas.

 

7. Milwauke Brewers - Phillippe Aumont, RHP - Ecole Du Versant HS (Quebec)

 

Aumont's a big 6'7" guy whose fastball has been up to 96. He's raw and shows a potenetial plus slider. The Brewers always draft out of Canada as good as anyone and have been linked to 3B Mike Moustakas the most outside of Aumount. Jarrod Parker is also a possibility. The Brewers were also running out crosscheckers to GT to scout C Matt Wieters.

 

8. Colorado Rockies - Jarrod Parker, RHP - Norwell HS (Indiana)

 

The set-up is simple here. If Moskos or Detwiler are available they're going to Colorado. They want a college arm but in this scenario there are't any ones that aren't a huge reach. LHP Nick Schmidt is probably going to be the next one off the board, but he's probably a back end of the first round guy. His upside isn't very high. Without any logical options they'll take the best arm, Jarrod Parker. Parker has the best fastball on the prep side of the draft routinely hitting 98 working 94-96. Stuffwise, he was better than Porcello all season long. The lone knock on him is his size. He has a plus mid 80s slider and a decent power curve.

 

9. Arizona Diamondbacks - Mike Moustakas, 3B/C - Chatsworth HS (California)

 

Since they signed Scherzer they could be going with a reliever and may not be willing to fight with Scott Boras again. Casey Weathers is a nice option here, but a falling batin this mock would be Mike Moustakas. Moustakas may be the best prep bat in the draft and the Backs would probably jump on him if he's here. Moustakas has plus-plus power and a plus-plus arm.

 

10. San Francisco Giants - Beau Mills, 3B/1B - Lewis-Clarke State

 

The Giants have a pipeline from LCS and Mills fits what they usually take. They have a lot of picks this year so probably cannot afford to take a tough sign. Another option here would be LHP Madison Bumgarner. Mills is a corner infielder who should DH. He has 30 HR power but offers nothing defensively.

 

11. Seattle Mariners - Blake Beavan, RHP - Irving HS (Texas)

 

The Mariners need an arm and could be looking for an advanced one. They could be one of the first teams to take a chance on RHP Andrew Brackman and could also take a long look at RHP Casey Weathers. Other than they could go expensive and nab the expensive RHP Matt Harvey, but Blake Beavan's every bit as good and is an easier sign. LHP Madison Bumgarner could also be an option. Beavan has an electric sinking fastball that runs 92-96 and compliments it with a plus-plus slider that is his best pitch.

 

12. Florida Marlins - Jason Heyward, 1B/OF - Henry County HS (Georgia)

 

The Marlins are going to take best available as long as he's in their budget. Heyward has among the highest bat potential in the draft. He has plus-plus power, plus plate discipline and plus hitting ability. Some scouts compare him to a young Frank Thomas with his power, patience and hitting ability. He's likely to wind up at 1B in the majors. The choices here are wide open. If one of the above HS pitchers or Moustakas fall they could go here.

 

13. Cleveland Indians - Madison Bumgarner LHP - South Caldwell HS (North Carolina)

 

The Indians have been linked to every and all HS pitchers that fall. In this scenario Madison Bumgarner, LHP Josh Smoker and RHP Michael Main are the best available. Bumgarner has a plus fastball that's been up to 97. His breaking pitches and offspeed pitches are a long ways off but he's only been throwing them for a year. His upside is enormous, but I think he's risky.

 

14. Atlanta Braves - Josh Smoker, LHP - Calhoun HS (Georgia)

 

If Heyward is gone, just take a look at the southeastern pitchers, throw a dart at the list and pick the one it lands on. That leaves LHP Madison Bumgarner, RHP Michael Main and LHP Josh Smoker. They've been linked a lot to Main lately, but Smoker knows how to change speeds and fits their mold better than anyone else. Smoker throws six pitches including a big bender a low 90s fastball and an outstanding split. His curve is a legit out pitch against lefties and his split is a legit out pitch against righties. His curve is a legit out pitch against righties as well. He possesses above average command of all of his pitches and projects as a No 2 starter.

 

15. Cincinnati Reds - Kevin Ahrens, 3B - Memorial HS (Texas)

 

This one appears to be easy. The Reds have been linked to Ahrens for awhile now. Ahrens is a switch hitter with decent power and will be a fine defensive third basemen. His power is a bit of projection at this point, but the raw power is there from both sides.

 

16. Toronto Blue Jays - Matt Dominguez, 3B - Chatsworth HS (California)

 

The Jays want a C or a 3B with this pick. Mesoraco is an option and so is LHP Brett Cecil because JP likes to move closers into starters and he has a deep repertoire. Yes, this is the fourth high school 3B to go in the draft, and the second one from Chatsworth HS. Dominguez has plus plus raw power and is a plus plus defender. His raw hitting ability needs work but he's got lofty potential.

 

17. Texas Rangers - Julio Borbon, CF - Tennessee

 

This is a tough decision because they won't be afraid to take a Boras faller, ie Wieters, Harvey, RHP Andrew Brackman and 1B Matt LaPorta. They are looking at pitchers and athletic centerfielders as well. That opens up RHP/CF Michael Main and CF Julio Borbon, a Boras Boy. Borbon projects as a leadoff hitter with surprising power and a terrible arm. He has plus speed and covers a lot of ground.

 

18. St. Louis Cardinals - Matt Wieters, C - Georgia Tech

 

The Cardinals reportedly want to make a splash with this pick and are willing to open up the checkbook. Wieters is a good pick for them. He's a perfect fit for the organization despite Yadier Molina and Bryan Anderson. Wieters has above average to plus tools across the board with the bat and a plus-plus arm. He could move to RF if needed, in my opinion. RHP Jake Arrieta and LHP Nick Schmidt are also options here.

 

19. Philadelphia Phillies - Michael Burgess, RF - Hillsburough HS (Florida)

 

They need bats and they wanted one last year. At this point they could take a flier on an elite high upside player like OF Michael Burgess or SS Justin Jackson. If C Devin Mesoraco is here, he would be the likely pick. OF Michael Main is also an option. Burgess is probably more of a early sandwich pick right now, but the Phils would reach on him. He has a plus arm and profiles as a prototypical RFer. He has plus-plus raw power that is probably tops in the draft and could knock 40 HRs with his quick batspeed that has been compared to Gary Sheffield. The knock on him is his plate discipline and how he has struggled with advanced pitchers. RHP Nevin Griffith dominated him this year.

 

20. Los Angeles Dodgers - Michael Main, RHP/OF - Deland HS (Florida)

 

The Dodgers picking a HS pitcher, what a shocker! Main's ultra athletic and ultra talented fitting the Dodgers mold. He has a plus-plus arm that clocks in the upper 90s and sits 94-96 at times. He has a pretty good curve and above average change too. He's also a 6.5 60 runner and some teams like him better as a 5 tool center-fielder.

 

21. Toronto Blue Jays - JP Arencibia, C - Tennessee

 

Arencibia opened up the season as a potential top ten pick, got off to a slow start and had his stock rise late in the season back into the first round. His bat will carry him as an offensive minded catcher. He's average defensively but possesses plus power. The Jays could look at LHP Nick Schmidt, LHP Brett Cecil and a number of prep middle infielders such as SS Pete Kozma and SS Nick Noonan.

 

22. San Francisco Giants - Aaron Poreda, LHP - San Francisco

 

Who? Poreda jumped into draft boards after showing plus-plus velocity from the left side hitting 97 on the gun. His other pitches are a work in progress but he's a good cheaper pick for the Giants.

 

23. San Diego Padres - Nick Schmidt, LHP - Arkansas

 

The Padres always like to look at advanced college products and the best options left are Schmidt and local RHP James Simmons. Schmidt has done well lately and has come on. He's got three solid pitches and profiles as a safe bet to be a 3 or 4 starter.

 

24. Texas Rangers - Matt Harvey, RHP - Fitch HS (Connecticut)

 

The Rangers won't be scared off by Boras again and would take the best pitcher they can get this late, easily Matt Harvey. Harvey has a plus fastball and a plus curve. If he was an easier sign he'd be long gone by now. Any sliding HS pitchers would be worthy choices here.

 

25. Chicago White Sox - Will Middlebrooks, 3B/RHP - Elyau HS (Texas)

 

The White Sox want more high ceiling players at this point. The last of the elite pitchers went off the board before them so they have to look at second-tier guys. So now we have a fifth prep third baseman drafted in the first. Middlebrooks has potential on the mound but has comparisons to Ripken and Rolen because of his size and athleticism package. He offers plus power potential as well. He's a bit of a reach here but has a lot of potential.

 

26. Oakland Athletics - Tim Alderson, RHP - Horizon HS (Arizona)

 

The Moneyball phenomenon makes it seem as if they don't draft pitchers from high school but they do. Alderson is very advanced and has plus command of his pitches. He's big and has a decent fastball but he's probably a future closer. 1B Sean Doolittle and a boatload of advanced college players are options here.

 

27. Detroit Tigers - Matt LaPorta, 1B - Florida

 

They want the best player available regardless of cost. That leaves them with RHP Andrew Brackman and 1B Matt LaPorta. LaPorta came back for his senior season and erased all doubts with a great season. He has plus power and even showed the makings of an average defensive 1B.

 

28. Minnesota Twins - Peter Kozma, SS - Owasso HS (Oklahoma)

 

The Twins want a high upside prepster, as always. Kozma is a SS who has average to above average tools across the board and should stick at short.

 

29. San Francisco Giants - Chris Carpenter, RHP - Kent State

 

Carpenter had TJ in May 2005 and has returned better than ever and with an excellent work habit. He's shown plus velocity and a plus curve. Wow, a college RHP starter!

 

30. New York Yankees - Kyle Russell, OF - Texas

 

If LaPorta or someone else slides they could snapped up here. This doesn't happen, so they can take an expensive high upside OF. Russell has tremendous power and re-wrote the Longhorn record book this year. Still his bat is questioned and he's a draft eligible sophomore. They could also look to high upside HS guys as well.

 

Supplemental Round

 

31. Washington Nationals - Drew Cumberland, SS - Pace HS (Florida)

32. San Francisco Giants - Brett Cecil, LHP - Maryland

33. Atlanta Braves - Wendell Fairley, OF - Lucedale HS (Mississippi)

34. Cincinnati Reds - James Simmons, RHP - UC Riverside

35. Texas Rangers - Chris Withrow, RHP - Midland Christian HS (Texas)

36. St Louis Cardinals - Nick Tepesch, RHP - Blue Springs HS (Missouri)

37. Philadelphia Phillies - Jack McGeeary, LHP/1B - Roxbury Latin HS (Massachussets)

38. Toronto Blue Jays - Cole St. Clair, LHP - Rice

39. Los Angeles Dodgers - Nevin Griffith, RHP - Middleton HS (Florida)

40. San Diego Padres - Nick Noonan, 2B - Parker HS (San Diego)

41. Oakland Athletics - Sean Doolittle, 1B - Virginia

42. New York Mets - Joe Savery, LHP - Rice

43. San Francisco Giants - Mitch Canham, C - Oregon State

44. Texas Rangers - Brad Suttle, 3B - Texas

45. Toronto Blue Jays - Josh Horton, SS - North Carolina

46. San Diego Padres - Jake Arrieta, RHP - Texas Christian

47. New York Mets - Nick Hagadone, LHP - Washington

48. Chicago Cubs - Justin Jackson, SS - Roberson HS (North Carolina)

49. Washington Nationals - Yasmani Grandal, C - Miami Springs HS (Florida)

50. Arizona Diamondbacks - Kyle Blair, RHP - Los Gatos HS (California)

51. San Francisco Giants - Kyle Lotzkar, RHP - South Delta SS (British Columbia)

52. Seattle Mariners - Andrew Brackman, RHP - North Carolina State

53. Cincinnati Reds - Neil Ramirez, RHP - Kempsville HS (Virginia)

54. Texas Rangers - Josh Fields, RHP - Georgia

55. Boston Red Sox - Todd Frazier, 3B - Rutgers

56. Toronto Blue Jays - Sam Demel, RHP - Texas Christian

57. San Diego Padres - Corey Brown, OF - Oklahoma State

58. Los Angeles Angels - Casey Crosby, LHP - Kaneland HS (Illinois)

59. Oakland Athletics - Wes Roemer, RHP - Cal-State Fullerton

60. Detroit Tigers - Ryan Dent, Wilson HS (California)

61. Arizona Diamondbacks - Josh Donaldson, C - Auburn

62. Boston Red Sox - Danny Payne, OF - Georgia Tech

63. San Diego Padres - Zack Cozart, SS - Mississippi

64. San Diego Padres - Gary Brown, OF - Diamond Bar HS (California)

[Mephistopheles]

jackson is probably unlikely because of boras, but i couldnt resist

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

I would be pissed with Vitters at 3.

 

I feel like Parker or Weiters are our best bet. I'm liking Parker ALOT.

[Mephistopheles]

with the doolittle rumors, ill be content with vitters. moustakas isnt an option. parker is probably a better prospect but i might prefer vitters over him because hes a bat.

[baseball7897]

Casey Crosby would be nice with that 48th pick.

[Brian]

Wieters in a Cardinals uniform killing us would be terrible salt in the wounds.

[TruffleShuffle]

Wieters in a Cardinals uniform killing us would be terrible salt in the wounds.

 

yeah, I might burn down the trib if the draft pans out like this

[seanimal]

This is an interesting scenario, however, I hope for the Cubs' sake it doesn't turn out this way. Edited June 6, 2007 by seanimal

[don_kessinger_was_good]

There's just no way a guy that's been talked about as much as Wieters, who did not hurt his prospects grievously on the diamond this year, falls all the way to #18. No way, no how. I'm still hoping the Cubs take him, but he won't get out of the top ten. Too much talent.

[Mephistopheles]

One thing to watch is that Joe Savery evidently touched 96 in his latest start. He probably won't last to the Mets and is a candidate to go anywhere in the second half of the first round.

[cuubs4life]

tahts a pretty good mock. Looks a lot like the one I just saw at MLB.com :)

[Mephistopheles]

Guys word on the street is that the Royals can't pay the contract that Porcello wants causing him to slide. They're reportedly looking at Moustakas and Vitters. My revision is currently.

 

1. Tampa Bay Devil Rays - David Price, LHP - Vanderbilt

2. Kansas City Royals - Josh Vitters, 3B - Cypress HS

3. Chicago Cubs - Jarrod Parker, RHP - Norwell HS

4. Pittsburgh Pirates - Devin Mesoraco, C - Punxsatawney HS

5. Baltimore Orioles - Ross Detwiler, LHP - Missouri State

6. Washington Nationals - Rick Porcello, RHP - Seton Hall Prep

7. Milwauke Brewers - Phillippe Aumont, RHP - Ecole Du Versant HS

8. Colorado Rockies - Daniel Moskos, LHP - Clemson

[cuubs4life]

I dont have a problem with parker at all, its just that the team has bigger needs than an arm at this pick. I like the idea of picking the best player avaiable with the 3rd. pick, rather than a need though.

[TruffleShuffle]

over/under on how soon parker needs arm surgery after we draft him? i'm going with two years.

[cuubs4life]

over/under on how soon parker needs arm surgery after we draft him? i'm going with two years.

 

I dont think so. He has very good mechanics, and a very smooth, free and easy release. He is a very low risk to have an injury.

[TruffleShuffle]

over/under on how soon parker needs arm surgery after we draft him? i'm going with two years.

 

I dont think so. He has very good mechanics, and a very smooth, free and easy release. He is a very low risk to have an injury.

 

very low risk? he throws a baseball from a pitcher's mound, which immediately rules out "very low risk." Plus he throws 98 mph in high school... how often do those types of guys not end up getting hurt?

[cuubs4life]

over/under on how soon parker needs arm surgery after we draft him? i'm going with two years.

 

I dont think so. He has very good mechanics, and a very smooth, free and easy release. He is a very low risk to have an injury.

 

very low risk? he throws a baseball from a pitcher's mound, which immediately rules out "very low risk." Plus he throws 98 mph in high school... how often do those types of guys not end up getting hurt?

 

It matters very little how hard he throws the ball, it matters how you release the ball and how much stress your are putting on your elbow. If he threw across his body like some young hard throwers do, then yes there would be a very high risk for injury. Parker is straight over the top, maybe almost a 3/4 release, but not that low somewher ein between.

[Guest]

I want Parker and I can say he's definitely at risk for surgery, good mechanics or not.

[RammyFanny]

Guys word on the street is that the Royals can't pay the contract that Porcello wants causing him to slide. They're reportedly looking at Moustakas and Vitters. My revision is currently.

 

1. Tampa Bay Devil Rays - David Price, LHP - Vanderbilt

2. Kansas City Royals - Josh Vitters, 3B - Cypress HS

3. Chicago Cubs - Jarrod Parker, RHP - Norwell HS

4. Pittsburgh Pirates - Devin Mesoraco, C - Punxsatawney HS

5. Baltimore Orioles - Ross Detwiler, LHP - Missouri State

6. Washington Nationals - Rick Porcello, RHP - Seton Hall Prep

7. Milwauke Brewers - Phillippe Aumont, RHP - Ecole Du Versant HS

8. Colorado Rockies - Daniel Moskos, LHP - Clemson

 

Just to clarify, who's "word on the street"? BA or something?

[Mephistopheles]

lol! the street by my house! the local homeless guy sipping vodkas.

 

seriously mayo mentioned it among others.

[cuubs4life]

I want Parker and I can say he's definitely at risk for surgery, good mechanics or not.

 

Everyone who takes the mound and throws the ball is at risk of an injury. The only reason Parker would be a risk is if he is over-used early in his minor league career. Throwing the ball 98 MPH has little to do with it, especially sence he has been doing it for 2 or 3 years now. If he isnt overused, he will be a low injury risk with the way he releases the ball.

[RammyFanny]

Goldstein's mock (with Vitters going 2)

While the Cubs would love to take Wieters, he's yet another Boras client. The Cubs have no problem with Boras, nor with his expected bonus demands, but Major League Baseball does. With the Cubs ownership situation in limbo, the Cubs have been instructed by MLB to adhere strictly to the slot system, with no well-over slot bonuses, and certainly no big league deal -- and Wieters will require both. Rumors that the Cubs would go the super-cheap option with Virginia first baseman Sean Doolittle are more than a little silly, but they've been bearing down hard on Indiana high school righty Jarrod Parker of late, with GM Jim Hendry and special assistant Gary Hughes in attendance at multiple Parker outings in May.

[CubColtPacer]

Goldstein's mock (with Vitters going 2)

While the Cubs would love to take Wieters, he's yet another Boras client. The Cubs have no problem with Boras, nor with his expected bonus demands, but Major League Baseball does. With the Cubs ownership situation in limbo, the Cubs have been instructed by MLB to adhere strictly to the slot system, with no well-over slot bonuses, and certainly no big league deal -- and Wieters will require both. Rumors that the Cubs would go the super-cheap option with Virginia first baseman Sean Doolittle are more than a little silly, but they've been bearing down hard on Indiana high school righty Jarrod Parker of late, with GM Jim Hendry and special assistant Gary Hughes in attendance at multiple Parker outings in May.

 

So it's MLB that is telling the Cubs what they can do? That's an interesting development.

[cuubs4life]

Goldstein's mock (with Vitters going 2)

While the Cubs would love to take Wieters, he's yet another Boras client. The Cubs have no problem with Boras, nor with his expected bonus demands, but Major League Baseball does. With the Cubs ownership situation in limbo, the Cubs have been instructed by MLB to adhere strictly to the slot system, with no well-over slot bonuses, and certainly no big league deal -- and Wieters will require both. Rumors that the Cubs would go the super-cheap option with Virginia first baseman Sean Doolittle are more than a little silly, but they've been bearing down hard on Indiana high school righty Jarrod Parker of late, with GM Jim Hendry and special assistant Gary Hughes in attendance at multiple Parker outings in May.

 

Its official then parker is a cub.

[Guest]

Goldstein's mock (with Vitters going 2)

While the Cubs would love to take Wieters, he's yet another Boras client. The Cubs have no problem with Boras, nor with his expected bonus demands, but Major League Baseball does. With the Cubs ownership situation in limbo, the Cubs have been instructed by MLB to adhere strictly to the slot system, with no well-over slot bonuses, and certainly no big league deal -- and Wieters will require both. Rumors that the Cubs would go the super-cheap option with Virginia first baseman Sean Doolittle are more than a little silly, but they've been bearing down hard on Indiana high school righty Jarrod Parker of late, with GM Jim Hendry and special assistant Gary Hughes in attendance at multiple Parker outings in May.

 

So it's MLB that is telling the Cubs what they can do? That's an interesting development.

 

No excuse for not going over slot if the talent is worthy if the request is not coming from ownership.