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The first round of the 2005
June Draft expects to be heavily dominated by collegians, particularly
in the first 10-15 picks. It would not be a surprise if 20 of the 30
first round selections were collegians. It's also possible that 20 of
the first-round selections will be position players. The high school
pitching draft class lags behind this year.
The Top
College Pitchers
Luke
Hochevar, rhp, Tennessee -- Likely the best pitcher of the group
as it stands right now, favorite to be the first pitcher taken.
Mike
Pelfrey, rhp, Wichita State -- Big-bodied power pitcher with good
command. Throws harder than Hochevar. The most likely candidate to
dethrone Hochevar as the first pitcher drafted.
Wade
Townsend, rhp, formerly Rice -- The one of Rice's Big Three from
2004 that didn't sign. Will go in the first half of the first round.
Mark
McCormick, rhp, Baylor -- Throws harder than them all, but
inconsistency raises more concerns than the others.
Craig Hansen, rhp, St. John's -- The next college closer
expected to make a
quick jump to a major league bullpen, following the likes Ryan Wagner and Chad Cordero
(2003) and Huston Street (2004).
Jered Weaver, rhp, formerly Long Beach --
Unsigned Angels selection at #12 overall last year. Likely will go in the middle of the first round if he
enters the 2005 draft.
Ricky Romero, lhp, Cal State Fullerton -- Top lefthander in the
draft. Repertoire includes a great curveball and solid fastball command.
Other potential first-round
picks include: Cesar Carrillo, rhp, Miami;
Matt Torra, rhp, Massachusetts;
Brian Bogusevic, lhp (of), Tulane.
The Top
College Hitters
Alex
Gordon, 3b, Nebraska -- The best college bat of the draft
class. Also displays power and good defensive skills. One of the first
to go off the board.
Troy
Tulowitzki, ss, Long Beach -- The top middle infield
prospect. Can hit, do so with some power, and is a legitimate defender
at shortstop.
Ryan
Zimmerman, 3b, Virginia -- Best defensive player in draft.
His bat has shown good promise.
Stephen Drew, ss, formerly Florida State -- Selected 15th overall
by the Diamondbacks last year, Drew would be a top 10 pick if he remains
unsigned.
Ryan
Braun, 3b, Miami -- Braun adds to a deep group of college
third basemen, though he'll probably move to the outfield. His hitting
ability with power should allow him to be a run producer.
Jeff
Clement, c, Southern California -- Arguably the best power in
the draft. Concerns about his catching abilities have quieted. If a move
is necessary, his bat will fit right in as a 1b/dh.
Other potential first-round
picks include: John Mayberry, 1b,
Stanford; Jacoby Ellsbury, of, Oregon
State; Cliff Pennington, ss, Texas A&M;
Stephen Head, 1b, Mississippi;
Trevor Crowe, of, Arizona;
Taylor Teagarden, c, Texas;
Brian Bogusevic, of (lhp), Tulane.
The
Top High School Hitters
Justin Upton, ss, Chesapeake, VA -- Considered the top talent
available and likely #1 overall selection. Tremendous bat and lightning
quick, but position change to CF is expected.
Cameron Maybin, of, Asheville, NC -- Has all the tools to be
a complete player. Likely top-5 selection.
Jay
Bruce, of, Beaumont, TX -- Also with 5-tool potential, ranks
just a tick below Maybin.
Other potential first-round
picks include: Andrew McCutchen, of,
Fort Meade, FL; C.J. Henry, of, Oklahoma
City, OK; Brandon Snyder, c/ss,
Centreville, VA; John Drennen, of, San
Diego, CA; Henry Sanchez, 1b, San Diego, CA.
The
Top High School Pitchers
Chris Volstad, rhp, Palm Beach Gardens, FL -- Not a deep crop
this year. Volstad could be first high school pitcher selected even
though he may not go until after the mid-point of the first round.
Mark
Pawelek, lhp, Springville, UT -- Top high school lefty. Being
a Boras advisee, his signing could be difficult.
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