MVN - Most Valuable Network

2008 MLB Mock Draft 1-10

We haven’t had much draft coverage on the Transaction Guy, but here’s a mock of tomorrow’s event. Go to the MLB Draft University for all the coverage.
1. Rays - Buster Posey, C, Florida State

While teams don’t typically draft for need, this is one case where you could see it happening. The Rays already have a strong MLB team and a strong farm team, where catching is the only weakness throughout the system. Posey has an advanced bat that could be with the big club in two years.

2. Pirates - Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Vanderbilt

The Pirates will make a splash and the new management will prove to the fans they are dedicated to winning. Alvarez is considered the #1 prospect in this draft by many, and with super agent Scott Boras as his adviser, he’ll be wanting big dollars.

3. Royals - Eric Hosmer, 1B, American Heritage HS (FL)

The Royals are said to love Hosmer’s bat, who some have said is one of the best high school bats in the last 20 years. Some scouts have said the bat is comparable to that of Alex Rodriguez and Josh Hamilton coming out. It may not be a fan friendly pick, but that won’t sway the Royals.

4. Orioles - Brian Matusz, LHP, San Diego

The O’s are said to be looking at three players — South Carolina 1B Justin Smoak, Missouri RHP Aaron Crow, and Matusz. The San Diego lefty is probably the safest bet of the three, and is also the closest to being ready for the show.

5. Giants - Tim Beckham, SS, Griffin HS (GA)

Beckham is also said to be right up there as one of the best three prospects in the draft. He’s got the best blend of all five tools of any draftee, and can stick at shortstop. He’s been compared to players such as Brian Roberts, B.J. Upton, and Brandon Phillips.

6. Marlins - Kyle Skipworth, C, Patriot HS (AZ)

The Marlins have been hot after Skipworth for a while now, and for good reason. He’s the best prep catcher since Joe Mauer was taken first overall by the Twins in 2001. At one point during the season, he got hits in 18 straight plate appearances.

7. Reds - Gordon Beckham, SS, Georgia

Beckham has answered critics about staying at shortstop his junior year, to go along with monster numbers at the plate. He profiles similar offensively to Khalil Greene or Michael Young, but has the chance to hit for more power than either of them.

8. White Sox - Justin Smoak, 1B, South Carolina

The South Carolina first baseman was a late first round talent coming out of high school three years ago, but will go higher this time around. He’s got a chance to hit for average and power, similar to current Sox first baseman Paul Konerko.

9. Nationals - Yonder Alonso, 1B, Miami

Smoak and Alonso are generally considered 1a and 1b among college first baseman. Alonso has a better approach at the plate than Smoak, but has less potential to hit for power. He profiles similarly to currently injured Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson for his doubles power and ability to take walks.

10. Astros - Aaron Crow, RHP, Mizzou

The Mizzou right hander was bountied as a possible #1 pick earlier, especially after he went 42 innings without allowing a run. He cooled off a tad since then, but still finished up the season on a high note with a 10 strikeout game in the regional. Crow’s mechanics aren’t pretty, but he has a chance to be a top of the rotation starter with a little more polish.

 

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 4th, 2008 at 10:46 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.