MLB Draft Report Cards: Atlanta Braves

Top Pick: Matt Lipka - SS - McKinney HS, TX. 1s - 35 Overall. H.S. teammate in both football and baseball to LA Dodger 1st round draft pick (28th overall) Zach Lee, Lipka will focus on baseball as a professional. Having lost their 1st round pick (#20 overall), as a result of signing Billy Wagner, the Braves quickly signed Lipka to an $800,000.00 bonus.

Closest to Majors: Todd Cunningham - 3B - Jacksonville State. 2nd - 53 Overall. Cunningham performed well with wood bats in the Cape last summer, and he's a switch hitter. While I think he's more of an outfielder than a 3B, his bat will cause him to move quickly.

Long Shot to Sign: Stefan Sabol - C - Aliso Niguel HS, (CA) (17th Round) and Zach Alvord - 2B - South Forsyth HS (GA) (18th Round). Sabol has 1st round talent, and while he may not have the arm to remain at catcher, he'll likely get the chance to prove me wrong at Oregon next season. Alvord is committed to Auburn and he's unlikely to sign. One of the more advanced prep bats in the draft, Alford should become an immediate offensive producer in the ACC next spring. While both are long shots to sign, I applaud the Braves for taking a shot at premium talent this late in the draft.

Overall: The Braves played it pretty conservative early in the draft and they're already seeing the benefits of their draft strategy, with each of their first 10 selections already signed (and 32 of 50 thus far). Major College veterans Phil Gosselin - 2B - UVA (5th Round) and Joey Terdoslavich - 3B - Long Beach State (6th Round), will add depth to a system that has graduated premiere prospects Tommy Hanson and Jason Heyward in recent years. Grade: B

College World Series Update: Finals Game 2

South Carolina 2 UCLA 1 (South Carolina Wins CWS)

Jackie Bradley Jr. - CF - SC. 0-5. 3K.
Whit Merrfield - OF - SC. 1-5. RBI. Drafted by Kansas City - 9th.
Bobby Haney - SS - SC. 2-5. K. Drafted by San Francisco - 22nd.
Michael Price - RHP - SC. 2.2IP 1H 0ER 1BB 3K. (W, 5-1).

Rob Rasmussen - LHP - UCLA. 6IP 6H 0ER 4BB 5K. Drafted by Florida - 2nd.
Dan Klein - RHP - UCLA. 3.1IP 1H 1ER 2BB 4K. (L, 6-1). Drafted by Baltimore - 3rd.
Chris Ciovinazzo - OF - UCLA. 0-3. BB. Colorado - 21st.
Erik Goeddel - RHP - UCLA. 1IP 2H 0ER 0BB 1K. Drafted by Mets - 24th.
Brett Krill - OF - UCLA. 2-5. K. Drafted by San Francisco - 25th.
Nick Gallego - SS - UCLA. 1-5. RBI. 2K. Drafted by Arizona - 27th.
Blair Dunlap - OF - UCLA. 1-4. Drafted by Baltimore - 43rd.

College World Series Update: Finals Game 1

South Carolina 7 UCLA 1 (South Carolina Leads Best-of-Three Series 1-0)

Blake Cooper - RHP - SC. 8IP 3H 1ER 1BB 10K. (W, 13-2). The D-Backs have to be excited about what they saw. Drafted by Arizona - 12th.
Jackie Bradley Jr. - CF - SC. 2-5. R, K. Rated as the #10 Prospect in the 2011 draft by Andy Seiler.
Whit Merrfield - OF - SC. 1-5. RBI. Drafted by Kansas City - 9th.
Bobby Haney - SS - SC. 2-3. 3RBI. Drafted by San Francisco - 22nd.

Gerrit Cole - RHP - UCLA. 7IP 11H 4ER 1BB 2K. (L, 11-4). Wasn't hit hard but couldn't finish hitters.
Matt Grace - LHP - UCLA. 1.1IP 3H 1ER 1BB 0K. Drafted by Washington - 8th.
Chris Ciovinazzo - OF - UCLA. 0-3. K. Drafted by Colorado - 21st.
Niko Gallego - 2B - UCLA. 0-4. 3K. Rough night for Mike's son. Drafted by Arizona - 27th.
Blair Dunlap - OF - UCLA. 0-3. 2K. Drafted by Baltimore - 43rd.

College World Series Update: Day 8

UCLA 10 TCU 3 (TCU Eliminated)

Trevor Bauer - RHP - UCLA. 8IP 4H 2ER 2BB 13K. (W, 12-3). The Tim Lincecum comparisons are insane but he is pretty damn good.

Dan Klein - RHP - UCLA. 1IP 0H 0ER 0BB 1K. Drafted by Baltimore - 3rd.
Chris Ciovinazzo - OF - UCLA. 2-4. K. Drafted by Colorado - 21st.
Nick Gallego - 2B - UCLA. 2-3. 3R, BB. Drafted by Arizona - 27th.
Blair Dunlap - OF - UCLA. 3-5. HR(6), 3RBI. Drafted by Baltimore - 43rd.

Bryan Holaday - C - TCU. 2-4. 2 HR(17). It's been a lot of fun watching this guy play. Drafted by Detroit - 6th.
Greg Holle - RHP - TCU. 1IP 0H 0ER 1BB 1K. Drafted by Milwaukee 11th.
Matt Curry - 1B - TCU. 0-4. 2K. Drafted by Pittsburgh - 16th.
Paul Gerrish - RHP - TCU. 1.1IP 5H 3ER 2BB 1K. Drafted by Houston - 42nd

South Carolina 4 Clemson 3 (Clemson Eliminated)

Sam Dyson - RHP - SC. 6.2IP 5H 2ER 2BB 5K. Drafted by Toronto - 4th.

Michael Price - RHP - SC. 2.1IP 3H 1ER 0BB 3K. (W, 4-1)

Jackie Bradley Jr. - RHP - SC. 1-2. BB, R.
Whit Merrfield - RF - SC. 3-5. K, 2B, 3B. Drafted by Kansas City - 9th.
Bobby Haney - SS - SC. 1-4. Drafted by San Francisco - 22nd.

Kyle Parker - OF - CLE. 0-3. 2K. Drafted by Colorado - 1st.
Michael Freeman - 2B - CLE. 2-5. K. Drafted by Arizona - 11th.
John Hinson - 3B - CLE. 2-3. BB, R. Drafted by Philadelphia - 13th.
Jeff Schaus - OF - CLE. 1-5. RBI. Drafted by Cleveland - 27th.
Casey Harman - LHP - CLE. 6.1IP 7H 3ER 0BB 5K. Gutsy performance. Drafted by Cubs - 29th.

College World Series Update: Day 7

UCLA 2 TCU 6

Rob Rasmussen - LHP - UCLA. 4.1IP 6H 3ER 3BB 6K. (L, 11-3) Drafted by Florida - 2nd.
Garett Claypool - RHP - UCLA. 3.2IP 3H 3ER 2BB 2K. Drafted by Philadelphia - 11th.
Chris Ciovinazzo - OF - UCLA. 1-4. Drafted by Colorado - 21st.
Brett Krill - OF - UCLA. 1-2. RBI. Drafted by San Francisco - 25th.
Nick Gallego - 2B - UCLA. 0-4. RBI. Drafted by Arizona - 27th.
Blair Dunlap - OF - UCLA. 0-3. BB. Baltimore - 43rd.

Matt Purke - LHP - TCU. 6.1IP 3H 2ER 2BB 2K. (W, 16-0). Can't say anything more that hasn't already been said about the Freshman.

Bryan Holaday - C - TCU. 2-5. HR (15), RBI, 2R. Continues to be the catalyst of the TCU office. Drafted by Detroit - 6th.
Matt Curry - 1B - TCU. 1-4. R. Drafted by Pittsburgh - 16th.
Tyler Lockwood - RHP - TCU. 2.2IP 1H 0ER 1BB 2K. Drafted by Boston - 25th.

South Carolina 5 Clemson 1


Matt Roth - LHP - SC. 9IP 3IP 1ER 1BB 4K. They needed 3 innings out of the Sophomore relief pitcher. He gave them 9.
Jackie Bradley Jr. - CF - SC. 1-3. 2RBI. On the short list of Most Outstanding Player Candidates.
Whit Merrfield - RF - SC. 0-4. K. Drafted by Kansas City - 9th.
Bobby Haney - SS - SC. 0-3. BB. Drafted by San Francisco - 22nd.

Kyle Parker - OF - CLE. 0-2. K, BB. Drafted by Colorado - 1st.
Michael Freeman - 2B - CLE. 0-4. Drafted by Arizona - 11th.
John Hinson - 3B - CLE. 0-4. K. Drafted by Philadelphia - 13th.
Jeff Schaus - OF - CLE. 0-4. Drafted by Cleveland - 27th.

College World Series Update: Day 6

Oklahoma 2 South Carolina 3 (12 Innings - Oklahoma Eliminated)

Daniel Black - 2B - OK. 0-4. 2K. Drafted by Florida - 14th.
Zach Neal - RHP - OK. 7IP 5H 1ER 1BB 7K. Was fantastic and left after 104 pitches. Drafted by Florida - 17th.
Steven Buechele - 3B - OK. 1-5. 4K. Swung and missed some pitches by 15 inches. Drafted by Texas - 18th.
Jeremy Erben - RHP - OK. 4IP 2H 0ER 1BB 1K. Drafted by Arizona - 22nd.

Tyler Ogle - C - OK. 2-3. HR (11). His 12th inning go ahead HR was his second HR in as many days.

Whit Merrfield - OF - SC. 0-5. Drafted by Kansas City - 9th.
Blake Cooper - RHP - SC. 5.2IP 4H 1ER 2BB 6K. Drafted by Arizona - 12th.
Bobby Haney - SS - SC. 1-5. K. Drafted by San Francisco - 22nd.

Matt Price - RHP - SC. 3IP 0H 0ER 0BB 5K. Gamecocks gave up the lead 1 hitter after he left.
Jackie Bradley Jr - CF - SC. 1-6. RBI, K, BB. Comes up huge with an RBI single with 2 outs in the bottom of the 12th to tie the game. Scored the game winning run later that inning.

College World Series Update: Day 5

Oklahoma 6 Clemson 4

Kyle Parker - RF - CLE. 1-3. 2R, BB. Drafted by Colorado - 1st.
Michael Freeman - 2B - CLE. 0-4. 2K. Drafted by Arizona - 11th.
John Hinson - 3B - CLE. 3-4. 2RBI (75). Drafted by Philadelphia - 13th.
Jeff Schaus - LF - CLE. 0-2. 2BB. Drafted by Cleveland - 27th.

Daniel Black - 2B - OK. 1-3, RBI. Drafted by Florida - 14th.
Steven Buechele - 3B - OK. 0-5. K. Drafted by Texas - 18th.
Jeremy Erben - RHP - OK. 1IP 0H 0ER 0BB 1K. Drafted by Arizona - 22nd.

TCU 11 FSU 7 (FSU Eliminated)

Bryan Holaday - C - TCU. 2-6. RBI, 2R. Man he's be annoying to play against. But I'd love to have him on my team. Drafted by Detroit - 6th.
Steven Maxwell - RHP - TCU. 2.2IP 6H 4ER 0BB 4K. Drafted by Minnesota - 12th.
Matt Curry-1B - TCU. 2-3. HR (18), 5RBI. Grand Slam off of Mike McGee in the 8th to complete this comeback is Omaha's signature moment this year so far. Drafted by Pittsburgh - 16th.
Tyler Lockwood - RHP - TCU. 3.2IP 4H 3ER 3BB 3K. Drafted by Boston - 25th.

John Gast - LHP - FSU. 3IP 3H 2H 0ER 1BB 3K. Drafted by St. Louis - 6th.
Geoff Parker - RHP - FSU. .1IP 1H 0ER 0BB 0K. Drafted by Colorado - 9th.
Tyler Holt - OF - FSU. 1-4. R, BB, K. Drafted by Cleveland - 10th.
Stephen Cardullo - SS - FSU. 3-4. 2RBI. Drafted as a 3B by Arizona - 24th.
Mike McGee - LF/RHP - FSU. .1IP 2H 5ER 2BB 0K. (L, 4-1). 1-4. HR (17). Sad to see such a great college career end this way. Drafted as RHP by Arizona - 41st.

College World Series Update: Day 4

South Carolina 11 Arizona State 4 (Arizona State Eliminated)

Sam Dyson - RHP - SC. 7.1IP 8H 4ER 2BB 3K. (W, 6-5) Drafted by Toronto - 4th.
Whit Merrfield - OF - SC. 3-5. HR(13), 2R, 2RBI. Drafted by Kansas City - 9th.
Bobby Haney - SS - SC. 1-4. K. Drafted by San Francisco - 22nd.

Jackie Bradley Jr. - CF - SC. 3-4. HR(13) 4RBI. Sophomore will be on my watch list in 2011.

Jordan Swagerty - RHP - ASU. 2IP 2H 1ER 0BB 2K. Drafted by St. Louis - 2nd.
Merrill Kelly - RHP - ASU. 1.2IP 10H 8ER 0BB 3K. (L, 10-3). Horrible end to a pretty magical college season. Drafted by Tampa Bay - 8th.
Kole Calhoun - OF - ASU. 1-4. R, BB. Drafted by Angles - 8th.
Drew Maggi - SS - ASU. 1-5. RBI. Drafted by Pittsburgh - 15th.
Raoul Torrez - 2B - ASU. 0-3. Drafted by Arizona - 21st.

Devon Marrero - DH - ASU. 3-4. 2B (12), RBI. Freshman will step into every day SS role in 2011.

College World Series Update: Day 3

Clemson 6 ASU 3

Kyle Parker - OF - CLE. 1-4. R, BB. Drafted by Colorado - 1st.

Michael Freeman - 2B - CLE. 2-5. K. Drafted by Arizona - 11th.

John Hinson - 3B - CLE. 2-5. RBI, R, 2K. Philadelphia - 13th.

Jeff Schaus - OF - CLE. 1-2. RBI, 3BB. Drafted by Cleveland - 27th.

Casey Harman - LHP - CLE. 6IP 7H 3ER 3BB 5K. (W, 8-3). Drafted by the Cubs - 29th.

Seth Blair - RHP - ASU. 4.1IP 7H 5ER 5BB 4K. Drafted by St. Louis - 1s.

Kole Calhoun - OF - ASU. 0-3. BB, K. Angles - 8th.

Drew Maggi - LF - ASU. 0-5. RBI. K. Pittsburgh - 15th.

Jimmy Patterson - RHP - ASU. 1IP 2H 0ER 0BB 0K. Drafted by Tampa Bay - 18th.

Raoul Torrez - 3B - ASU. 1-3. R, BB. Arizona - 21st.

Florida 5 Florida State 8 (Florida Eliminated)

Kevin Chapman - LHP - FLA. 1IP 2H 1ER 0BB 1K. Drafted by Kansas City - 4th.

Matt den Dekker - OF - FLA. 0-2. BB. Drafted by the Mets - 5th.

Nolan Fontana - SS - FLA. 2-4. BB, 2R.

Preston Tucker - 1B - FLA. 1-5. 3RBI.

Austin Maddox - DH - FLA. 2-5. RBI.

Geoff Parker - RHP - FSU. 2.1IP 4H 0ER 0BB 1K. Drafted by Colorado - 9th.

Tyler Holt - OF - FSU. 3-4. HR (13) 2RBI, 3R. BB. Drafted by Cleveland - 10th.

Stephen Cardullo - 3B - FSU. 2-5. RBI, R. Arizona - 24th.

Mike McGee - RHP - FSU. .2IP 1H 0ER 0BB 0K. 2-4. HR (16) 2B, 4RBI, 2R. Drafted as a pitcher by Arizona - 41st.

TCU 3 UCLA 6

Bryan Holaday - C - TCU. 0-2. BB, 2K. Drafted by Detroit - 6th.

Matt Curry - 1B - TCU. 2-4. R. Drafted by Pittsburgh - 16th.

Paul Gerrish - RHP - TCU. 3.2IP 2H 0ER 0BB 5K. Drafted by Houston - 42nd.

Gerrit Cole - RHP - UCLA. 8IP 5H 3ER 2BB 13K. (W, 11-3). 2008 1st rounder (Yankees) will go in the top 10 in 2011.

Dan Klein - RHP - UCLA. 1IP 1H 0ER 0BB 0K. Drafted by Baltimore - 3rd.

Chris Ciovinazzo - OF - UCLA. 1-3. K. Colorado - 21st.

Nick Gallego - 2B - UCLA. 0-3. RBI. Arizona - 27th.

Blair Dunlap - OF - UCLA. 1-4. RBI. Baltimore - 43rd.

College World Series Update: Day 2

South Carolina 3 Oklahoma 4

Whit Merrfield - OF - SC. 1-4. BB. Drafted by Kansas City - 9th.

Blake Cooper - RHP - SC. 5IP 6H 3ER 1BB 5K. (L, 12-2) Drafted by Arizona - 12th.

Bobby Haney - SS - SC. 0-3. K. Drafted by San Francisco - 22nd.

Steven Neff - LHP - SC. .1IP 0H 0ER 0BB 0K. Drafted by Kansas City - 23rd.

Michael Rocha - RHP - OK. 6IP 5H 2ER 3BB 2K.

Daniel Black - 2B - OK. 0-3. 2K. Drafted by Florida - 14th.

Steven Buechele - 3B - OK. 1-4. HR (17) RBI, K. Drafted by Texas - 18th.

Jeremy Erben - RHP - OK. 2IP 4H 1ER 2BB 2K. Drafted by Arizona - 22nd.

Pelotonia 2010

Dear Friends,

I've decided to participate in a great experience. It will involve cycling for a great cause, and I've emailed you because I need your help.

Pelotonia is a grassroots bike tour with one goal: to end cancer. It is a cycling experience that will take place August 20th-22nd. The ride will span two days and will cover as many as 180 miles. I've personally committed to riding 43 miles. I am writing to ask you to help me reach my fundraising goal of $1,000. Large or small, every donation makes a difference. 100% of every donation will fund essential research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

We all know someone who has been affected by cancer. By supporting Pelotonia and me, you will help improve lives through innovations in research with the ultimate goal of winning the war against cancer. I would love to have your support. This truly is a unique opportunity to be a part of something special.

When you follow the link below, you will find my personal rider profile and a simple and secure way to make any size 100% tax deductible donation you wish.

Think of this as a donation not to me, or Pelotonia, but directly to The James. Please consider supporting my effort and this great cause. Here is the link to my rider profile: http://www.pelotonia.org/ride/riders_profile.jsp?MemberID=62806

Thanks again!

Sincerely,

Burke Granger

College World Series Update: Day 1

TCU 8 FSU 1

Matt Purke - LHP - TCU. 7IP 4H 0ER 4BB 7K. (W, 15-0). Unsigned 14th overall pick from 2009 will be a draft eligible sophomore in 2011.
Bryan Holaday - C - TCU. 3-5. HR(14), RBI, 2R. Drafted by Detroit - 6th.
Matt Curry-1B - TCU. 0-5. 3K. Drafted by Pittsburgh - 16th.

Sean Gilmartin - LHP - FSU. 3IP 8H 6ER 3BB 1K. (L, 9-8)
John Gast - LHP - FSU. 1IP 0H 0ER 1BB 2K. Drafted by St. Louis - 6th.
Tyler Holt - OF - FSU. 1-4. R, BB. Drafted by Cleveland - 10th.
Stephen Cardullo - SS - FSU. 0-3. BB, K. Drafted as a 3B by Arizona - 24th.
Mike McGee - LF - FSU. 1-4. K. Drafted as a RHP by Arizona - 41st.

UCLA 11 Florida 3

Trevor Bauer - RHP - UCLA. 7IP 6H 3ER 2BB 11K. (W, 11-3). Sophomore is fun to watch pitch and even more fun to watch warm up.
Chris Ciovinazzo - OF - UCLA. 1-6. 2K, 1R. Colorado - 21st.
Erik Goeddel - RHP - UCLA. 2IP 0H 0ER 2BB 2K. Drafted by the Mets - 24th.
Brett Krill - OF - UCLA. 1-4. RBI. Drafted bu San Francisco - 25th.
Nick Gallego - 2B - UCLA. 4-5. 2R. Drafted by Arizona - 27th.
Blair Dunlap - OF - UCLA. 0-3. RBI, R. Drafted by Baltimore - 43rd.

Alex Panteliodis - LHP - FLA. 3.1IP 5H 4ER 1BB 2K. (L, 11-3). Sophomore couldn't find his stride.
Matt den Dekker - OF - FLA. 1-5. 3K. Made one of the best catches I've ever seen. Drafted by the Mets - 5th.
Tommy Toledo - RHP - FLA. 1IP 3H 1ER 0BB 1K. Drafted by Minnesota - 32nd.
Matt Campbell - RHP - FLA. 2IP 5H 2ER 0BB 2K. Drafted by Cincinnati - 43rd.

NCAA Super Regional Update 6.14.10

CHARLOTTESVILLE SUPER REGIONAL.

Oklahoma 11 Virginia 0 (Oklahoma Wins Series 2-1).

Daniel Black - 2B - OK. 1-5. R. Drafted by FLA (14th).
Garrett Buechele - 3B - OK. 1-6. 2B, 2RBI, K. Drafted by Texas (18th).

Phillip Gosslin - LF - UVA. 1-4. K. Drafted as a 2B (Atlanta - 5th)
Jarrett Parker - CF - UVA. 0-4. Drafted by San Francisco (2nd).
Tyler Cannon - SS - UVA. 1-3. Drafted as a 3B by Cleveland (12th).
Neal Davis - LHP - UVA. 1.1IP 1H 0ER 1BB 2K. Philadelphia (36th).
Kevin Arico - RHP - UVA. 2IP 5H 2ER 0BB 2K. Cincinnati (10th).
Tyler Wilson - RHP - UVA. 3.2IP 3H 1ER 1BB 1K. Cincinnati (35th).

CLEMSON SUPER REGIONAL

Alabama 6 Clemson 8. (Clemson Wins Series 2-1)

Josh Rutledge - SS - ALA. 2-5. 2R. Colorado - 3rd.
Ross Wilson - 2B - ALA. 2-4. BB, 2RBI. Drafted by the White Sox (10th).
Jake Smith - 3B - ALA. 0-4 HR BB,R. Drafted by Philadelphia (15th). Clay Clay Jones - 1B - ALA. 0-4. BB Drafted by Detroit (32nd).

Kyle Parker - OF - CLE. 1-5. K, R. Drafted by Colorado (1st).
Michael Freeman - SS - CLE. 3-5. K, R. Drafted as a SS by Arizona (11th).
John Hinson - 3B - CLE. 3-5. HR (17) 2RBI, 2R. Drafted by Philadelphia (13th).
Jeff Schaus - OF - CLE. 2-5. RBI. Drafted by Cleveland (27th).

NCAA Super Regional Update 6.13.10

AUSTIN SUPER REGIONAL

TCU 4 Texas 1 (TCU Wins Series 2-1).


Bryan Holaday - C - TCU. 2-4. RBI, BB, HR (13). 6th round pick (Detroit).
Matt Curry - 1B - TCU. 1-4. K. 16th round pick (Pittsburgh).
Tyler Lockwood - RHP - TCU. 1.1IPO 2H 0ER 0BB 0K. Boston (25th)

Brandon Workman - RHP - TEX. 5IP 4H 1ER 0BB 4K. (L, 12-2). Boston (2nd)
Chance Ruffin - RHP - TEX. 3IP 3H 3ER 1BB 1K. Gave up two HR's. Detroit (1s)
Cameron Rupp - C - TEX. 0-4. 2K. Phillies 3rd round pick.
Kevin Keyes - RF - TEX. 1-4. 7th round pick (Washington)
Connor Rowe - CF - TEX. 0-3. K. Washington draftee (21st Round).
Russ Moldenhauer - DH - TEX. 1-4. K, R. Nationals draftee (24th Round).
Tant Sheperd - 1B - TEX. 1-3. BB. Reds draftee (47th round)

TALLAHASSEE SUPER REGIONAL

Vanderbilt 6 v. Florida State 7 (FSU Wins Series 2-1)

Aaron Westlake - 1B - VAN. 2-4. 2RBI, BB, R.. Drafted by Toronto (22nd).
Andrew Giobbi - C - VAN. 1-4. R. Drafted by Seattle (32nd).
Jason Esposito - 3B - VAN. 1-4. RBI, 2K. Sophomore should go in early rounds in 2011.
Drew Hayes - RHP - VAN. 4.1IP 4H 0ER 4BB 3K. Cincinnati (11th).

Tyler Holt - CF - FSU. 2-2. 3BB, 2RBI, R. Indians 10th Round pick.
Stephen Cardullo - SS - FSU. 1-4. HR(10). BB. Drafted by Arizona (24th).
Mike McGee - DH - FSU. 0-3. BB : 2.1IP 3H 3ER 1BB 5K. (S, 12). Drafted as a pitcher last week (Arizona - 41st).
Geoff Parker - RHP - FSU. 3.1IP 2H 1ER 2BB 4K. Drafted by Colorado (9th).
Sean Gilmartin - LHP - FSU. 3.1IP 5H 2ER 0BB 1K. (W, 9-7)


LOS ANGELES SUPER REGIONAL

Cal State Fullerton 1 UCLA 8 (UCLA Wins Series 2-1)

Christian Colon - SS - CSF. 1-3. R. The 4th overall pick (Royals).
Billy Marcoe - C - CSF. 0-3. Seattle draftee (41st).
Nick Ramirez - 1B - CSF. 0-4. 2K. 2011 Draft prospect.

Rob Rasmussen - LHP - UCLA. 9IP 2H 1ER 1BB 9K. Florida 2nd round pick carries the Bruins to Omaha.
Blair Dunlap - DH - UCLA. 0-4. 2K. Baltimore Draftee (43rd Round)
Niko Gallego - SS - UCLA. 2-4. RBI. Drafted as a 2B in the 27th round (Arizona).
Chris Giovinazzo - RF - UCLA. 1-4. R. Drafted by Colorado (21st)

CHARLOTTESVILLE SUPER REGIONAL.

Oklahoma 10 Virginia 7 (Series tied at 1-1).

Zach Neal - RHP - OK. 3IP 5H 4ER 0BB 2K. Drafted by Florida (17th).
Daniel Black - 2B - OK. 1-3. RBI. Drafted by FLA (14th).
Garrett Buechele - 3B - OK. 0-3 BB, 2R, 2K. Drafted by Texas (18th).
Jeremy Erben - RHP - OK. 2.2IP 1H 0ER 0BB 3K. (S, 5). Drafted by Arizona (22nd)

Robert Morey - RHP - UVA. 2IP 3H 6ER 3BB 1K. (L, 9-4). New Florida draftee (5th) looked awful.
Phillip Gosslin - LF - UVA. 3-5. HR(11), 3RBI, 3R. Drafted as a 2B (Atlanta - 5th)
Jarrett Parker - CF - UVA. 2-4, RBI. Drafted by San Francisco (2nd).
Tyler Cannon - SS - UVA. 0-4. K. Drafted as a 3B by Cleveland (12th).
Neal Davis - LHP - UVA. 2.1IP 0H 0ER 0BB 3K. Philadelphia - 36th.

CLEMSON SUPER REGIONAL

Clemson 19 Alabama 5(Series tied at 1-1)

Josh Rutledge - SS - ALA. 1-4. Colorado - 3rd.
Ross Wilson - 2B - ALA. 2-3. HR(9),RBI. Drafted by the White Sox (10th).
Jake Smith - 3B - ALA. 1-4 HR (15), RBI. Drafted by Philadelphia (15th). Clay Jones - 1B - ALA. 0-5, RBI. Drafted by Detroit (32nd).
Jason Townsent - RHP - ALA. 3IP 3H 0ER 2BB 2K. Pittsburgh - 31st.

Kyle Parker - OF - CLE. 2-4. 3R, RBI, 2BB Drafted by Colorado (1st).
Michael Freeman - SS - CLE. 3-7. 2R, RBI. Drafted as a SS by Arizona (11th).
John Hinson - 3B - CLE2-4. HR (16) BB, 3RBI, 3R. Drafted by Philadelphia (13th).
Jeff Schaus - OF - CLE. 4-6, 3RBI. Drafted by Cleveland (27th).
John Nester - C - CLE. 0-1. Drafted by Oakland (39th).

MYRTLE BEACH SUPER REGIONAL

South Carolina 10 Coastal Carolina 9 .(South Carolina Wins Series 2-0)


Whit Merrfield - RF - SC. 1-5. R. Kansas City (9th).
Sam Dyson - LHP - SC. 1.1IP 4H 4ER 1BB 0K. 4th round pick (Toronto) didn't have it today.
Bobby Haney - SS - SC. 3-3. BB, K. San Francisco (22nd).
Steven Neff - LHP - SC. .1IP 0H 0ER 1BB 1K. Kansas City - 23rd.

Cody Wheeler - LHP - CC. 3.2IP 8ER 2ER 2BB 2K. Arizona (5th)
Rico Noel - OF - CC. 1-3. RBI, BB. Drafted by San Diego (5th).
Scott Woodward - 3B - CC. 1-3. 2R. Oakland - 15th.
Austin Fleet - RHP - CC. 2.1IP 3H 3ER 2BB 3K (L, 6-2) San Francisco (16th).
Chance Gilmore - OF - CC. 0-5. 2K. Dodgers (25th).


TEMPE SUPER REGIONAL

Arkansas 5 ASU 7 (ASU Wins Series 2-0)

Zack Cox - DH - ARK. 3-6. 2R, 2K. St. Louis 1st Rounder.
Brett Eibner - CF/RHP - ARK. 2-6. R, RBI, Drafted by Kansas City (2nd) as a pitcher.
Andy Wilkins - 3B - ARK. 2-5. R, BB, K. White Sox 5th round pick was selected as a 1B.
Collin Kuhn - LF/CF - ARK. 0-6. 4K. Wen 1-12 with 5 K in Super Regional tournament. Detroit - 15th.
Drew Smyly - LHP - ARK. 4.2IP 7H 4ER 3BB 6K. Detroit (2nd).

Merrill Kelly - RHP - ASU. Rays (8th). 6.1IP 7H 3ER 3BB 5K.
Jordan Swagerty - RHP - ASU. 4.1IP 3H 1ER 0BB 7K. (W, 2-0) St. Louis (2nd)
Jake Barrett - RHP - ASU. .2IP 2H 1ER 0BB 1K. Freshman may move into Friday starter role next season.
Jimmy Patterson - RHP - ASU. .2IP 0H 0ER 0BB 0K. Rays (18th)
Kole Calhoun - OF - ASU. 1-2. 5BB, 3R, K, RBI, HR (17). What a game for the Angles 8th round pick.
Drew Maggi - LF - ASU. 1-6. HR (5) 2RBI, 3K, BB. Pittsburgh - 15th.
Raoul Torrez - 2B - ASU. 1-5. 2RBI, 2R. Arizona - 21st.
Deven Marrero - SS- ASU. 2-5. RBI. Freshman and old teammate of Kansas City farm hand Eric Hosmer is a 2012 Draft Prospect.

NCAA Super Regional Update 6.12.10

AUSTIN SUPER REGIONAL

TCU 1 Texas 14 (Series even at 1-1)

Steven Maxwell - RHP - TCU. 3.2IP 4H 0ER 3BB 2K. 5 unearned runs didn't help the 12th round pick (Minnesota)
Bryan Holaday - C - TCU. 1-2. BB. 6th round pick (Detroit).
Matt Curry - 1B - TCU. 0-3. 16th round pick (Pittsburgh).

Taylor Jungmann - RHP - TEX. 8.1IP 6H 1ER 2BB 9K. (W, 8-3). Dominate performance for the likely top 10 2011 pick.
Cameron Rupp - C - TEX. 1-5. R. Phillies 3rd round pick.
Kevin Keyes - RF - TEX. 2-4. 2B, RBI, BB, 2R. 7th round pick (Washington)
Connor Rowe - CF - TEX. 0-2. Washington draftee (21st Round).
Russ Moldenhauer - DH - TEX. 0-4. K, R. Nationals draftee (24th Round).
Tant Sheperd - 1B - TEX. 4-5. 3RBI, BB, 2R, HR(8). Reds draftee (47th round)

TALLAHASSEE SUPER REGIONAL

Vanderbilt 6 v. Florida State 2 (Series even at 1-1)

Aaron Westlake - 1B - VAN. 1-4. RBI,K. Drafted by Toronto (22nd).
Andrew Giobbi - C - VAN. 0-3. RBI. Drafted by Seattle (32nd).
Jason Esposito - 3B - VAN. 1-2. 2R, 2BB, HR(12). Sophomore should go in early rounds in 2011.
Sonny Gray - RHP - VAN. 6IP 7H 2ER 3BB 3K. (W, 10-5). Sophomore should be a 1st round pick in 2011.

Tyler Holt - CF - FSU. 1-5. K. Indians 10th Round pick.
Stephen Cardullo - SS - FSU. 2-4. Drafted by Arizona (24th).
Mike McGee - LF - FSU. 0-4. Drafted as a pitcher last week (Arizona - 41st)
Geoff Parker - RHP - FSU. 2.1IP 5H 4ER 0BB 3K. Drafted by Colorado (9th).

GAINESVILLE SUPER REGIONAL

Miami 3 Florida 4 - 10 Innings (Florida Wins Series 2-0)


Yasmani Grandal - C - MIA. 0-4 The 12th overall pick (Reds).
Stephen Perez - SS - MIA. 0-2. K. 2012 draft prospect..
Scott Lawson - 1B - MIA. 2-4. Drafted as a 2B in the 29th Round Pick (Rays).
Chris Hernandez - LHP - MIA. 8.1IP 3H 1ER 3BB 4K. Boston's 7th round pick did everything he could do to keep the Canes alive.

Matt den Dekker - CF - FLA. 1-2. 3BB 2R. Senior was 5th round pick (Mets)
Preston Tucker - 1B - FLA. 1-5. R. 2011 Draft Prospect
Austin Maddox - 3B - FLA. 1-5. RBI. 2012 Draft Prospect.

LOS ANGELES SUPER REGIONAL

Cal State Fullerton 7 UCLA 11 - 10 innings (Series even at 1-1)

Christian Colon - SS - CSF. 1-3. R, 2BB.. The 4th overall pick (Royals).
Corey Jones - 2B - CSF. 1-2. 2RBI. Went in the 7th round (Tigers).
Billy Marcoe - C - CSF. 3-5. RBI, R.. Seattle draftee (41st)
Carlos Lopez - DH - CSF. 0-4. BB, RBI, 2K. Selected in the 37th round by Detroit.
Nick Ramirez - 1B - CSF. 0-5. 2011 Draft prospect.
Daniel Renken - RHP - CSF. 4.1IP 2H 2ER 2BB 6K. Drafted by Cincinnati (25th).

Trevor Bauer - RHP - UCLA. 7IP 9H 6ER 2BB 6K. Sophomore is 2011 Draft Prospect.
Blair Dunlap - DH - UCLA. 0-2. 3BB.. Baltimore Draftee (43rd Round)
Niko Gallego - SS - UCLA. 0-3. R, BB, K. Drafted as a 2B in the 27th round (Arizona).

CHARLOTTESVILLE SUPER REGIONAL.

Oklahoma 2 Virginia 3 (Virginia Leads Series 1-0).

Daniel Black - 2B - OK. 1-4. 2K. Drafted by FLA (14th).
Garrett Buechele - 3B - OK. 0-4. 2K. Drafted by Texas (18th).
Jeremy Erben - RHP - OK. 1.2IP 2H 0ER 1BB 1K. Drafted by Arizona (22nd)

Danny Hultzen - LHP - UVA. 8IP 6H 2ER 1BB 9K. (W, 11-1). Sophomore is a better college player than he is a pro prospect, but I'll be rooting for him as a professional. 2011 Draft Prospect
Kevin Arico - RHP - UVA. 1IP 1H 0ER 1BB 2K. (S, 18). One of the most effective closers in the nation. Drafted by Cincinnati (10th).
Phillip Gosslin - LF - UVA. 2-4. RBI, R. K. Drafted as a 2B (Atlanta - 5th)
Jarrett Parker - CF - UVA. 1-4. 2K. Drafted by San Francisco (2nd).
Tyler Cannon - SS - UVA. 0-3. K. Drafted as a 3B by Cleveland (12th).

CLEMSON SUPER REGIONAL

Alabama 5 Clemson 4. (Alabama Leads Series 1-0)

Jimmy Nelson - RHP - ALA. 6.2IP 9H 4ER 5BB 4K. (W, 9-3) Drafted by Milwaukee (2nd).
Josh Rutledge - SS - ALA. Colorado - 3rd. 0-3. R, 2K.
Ross Wilson - 2B - ALA. 0-4. 2K. Drafted by the White Sox (10th).
Jake Smith - 3B/RHP - ALA. 2-4 RBI, R, K, HR (12). 2IP 1H 0BB 2K. (S, 6). Drafted as a 3B by Philadelphia (15th). Hitting a HR and getting a save. Classic Collage Baseball.
Clay Jones - 1B - ALA. 0-3. 2K, R. Drafted by Detroit (32nd).

Kyle Parker - OF - CLE. 1-4. BB, K. Drafted by Colorado (1st).
Michael Freeman - SS - CLE. 2-5. K, RBI, R. Drafted as a SS by Arizona (11th).
John Hinson - 3B - CLE. 0-3. BB, K. Drafted by Philadelphia (13th).
Jeff Schaus - OF - CLE. 3-4. RBI, K. Drafted by Cleveland (27th).
Casey Harman - LHP - CLE. 8.1IP 10H 1ER 0BB 9K. (L, 7-3). 4 unearned runs doomed Clemson. Drafted by the Cubs (29th).
John Nester - C - CLE. 0-1. Drafted by Oakland (39th).

MYRTLE BEACH SUPER REGIONAL

South Carolina 4 Coastal Carolina 3.(South Carolina Leads Series 1-0)


Whit Merrfield - RF - SC. 1-5. R. Kansas City (9th).
Blake Cooper - RHP - SC. 7IP 6H 3ER 3BB 5K. (W, 12-1). Arizona (12th).
Bobby Haney - SS - SC. 1-3. R, 2K. San Francisco (22nd).

Rico Noel - OF - CC. 2-5. 2K. Drafted by San Diego (5th).
Scott Woodward - 3B - CC. 0-4. 2K. Oakland - 15th.
Austin Fleet - RHP - CC. .2IP 1H 0ER 0BB 0K. San Francisco (16th).
Chance Gilmore - OF - CC. 2-4. RBI, K. Dodgers (25th).
Keith Hessler - LHP - CC. 1.1IP 1H 0ER 0BB 1K. Arizona (28th).

TEMPE SUPER REGIONAL

Arkansas 6 ASU 7 (ASU Leads Series 1-0)

Zack Cox - 3B - ARK. 2-5. R, K. St. Louis 1st Rounder limited to DH duty because of Back injury.
Brett Eibner - CF/RHP - ARK. 1-5. 2R, RBI, K, 2B : 2.2IP 1H 1ER 1BB 2K (L, 3-5). Drafted by Kansas City (2nd) as a pitcher.
Andy Wilkins - 3B - ARK. 2-5. R, K. White Sox 5th round pick was selected as a 1B.
Mike Bolsinger - RHP - ARK. 3IP 3H 3ER 5BB 4K. Arizona - 15th.
Collin Kuhn - LF/CF - ARK. 1-6. K. Detroit - 15th.
Jordan Pratt - RHP - ARK. 2IP 4H 1ER 3BB 2K. Florida - 22nd.


Seth Blair - RHP - ASU. 5IP 9H 5ER 2BB 6K. Drafted by St. Louis (1s).
Kole Calhoun - OF - ASU. 1-2. 5BB, 3R, K, RBI, HR (17). What a game for the Angles 8th round pick.
Drew Maggi - SS - ASU. 1-6. BB. Pittsburgh - 15th.
Raoul Torrez - 2B - ASU. 1-6. RBI. Arizona - 21st.
Deven Marrero - DH - ASU. 2-7. 3RBI. Freshman will step into every day SS role next year.

NCAA Super Regional Update 6.11.10

AUSTIN SUPER REGIONAL

TCU 3 Texas 1 (TCU Leads Series 1-0)

Matt Purke - LHP - TCU. 7.2IP 3H 1ER 1BB 11K. (W, 14-0) The unsigned 14th overall pick in the 2009 draft will undoubtedly be named the NCAA Freshman Player of the Year.
Tyler Lockwood - RHP - TCU. 1.1IP 0H 0ER 0BB 1K (S, 6). Senior and 25th round selection (Boston) retired all 5 Longhorns he faced to nail down the save.
Bryan Holaday - C - TCU. 1-3. BB, R. 6th round pick (Detroit).
Matt Curry - 1B - TCU. 1-3. BB, R. 16th round pick (Pittsburgh).

Cole Green - RHP - TEX. 5.2IP 5H 3ER 3BB 4K. (L, 11-2). #2 pitcher and 4th round pick (Detroit) pitched Friday because ace Taylor Jungmann threw on Sunday.
Cameron Rupp - C - TEX. 0-4. 2K. Phillies 3rd round pick has struggled against Friday pitching all year. Doesn't bode well for someone starting their professional career.
Kevin Keyes - RF - TEX. 2-4. HR, RBI. Keyes was a 7th round pick (Washington) and I expect him to be a power hitting right fielder.
Connor Rowe - CF - TEX. 0-3. 2K. He'll join Keyes in the Washington farm system (21st Round).
Russ Moldenhauer - DH - TEX. 0-3. K. A CWS hero last year hopes to get another chance to play in Omaha. Another Nationals draftee (24th Round).
Tant Sheperd - 1B - TEX. 0-4. K. Reds draftee (47th round)

TALLAHASSEE SUPER REGIONAL

Vanderbilt 8 v. Florida State 9 (FSU Leads Series 1-0)

Aaron Westlake - 1B - VAN. 1-5. R, 2K. Drafted as an outfielder by Toronto in the 22nd round.
Andrew Giobbi - C - VAN. 1-5. K. Drafted by Seattle in the 32nd Round.
Jason Esposito - 3B - VAN. 2-5. 3RBI 2R. Sophomore should go in early rounds in 2011.

Tyler Holt - CF - FSU. 2-5. 2RBI 2R. Indians 10th Round pick.
Stephen Cardullo - SS - FSU. 0-3. RBI. Senior was rare All American as a Junior that went undrafted that year. Drafted this week by Arizona in the 24th as a 3B.
Mike McGee - LF - FSU. 2-4 HR (15), RBI, 2R. When he's not hitting walkoff HR's he closes games on the mound. Drafted as a pitcher last week (Arizona - 41st)
Geoff Parker - RHP - FSU. 2.1IP 5H 4ER 0BB 3K. Drafted by Colorado (9th).
Sean Gilmartin - LHP - FSU. 4.2IP 10H 4ER 1BB 4K. Sophomore will retain Friday starter role in 2011.

GAINESVILLE SUPER REGIONAL

Miami 2 Florida 7 (Florida Leads Series 1-0)

David Gutierrez - RHP - MIA. 4IP 7H 1ER 3BB 1K. 5 Unearned runs sunk the Twins Draftee's (18th Round) chance to win.
Yasmani Grandal - C - MIA. 1-4. HR (15), 2RBI The 12th overall pick (Reds) hit a 2 run opposite field HR.
Harold Martinez - DH - MIA. 0-3. 2K. Likely high draft 2011 draft pick held in check.
Stephen Perez - SS - MIA. 0-3. 2K. Freshman and unsigned 18th round pick in 2009 draft (Reds) will be one of the top SS to go in 2012.
Scott Lawson - 1B - MIA. 1-3. R, 2K. 29th Round Pick (Rays), hit 3 HR in a game last weekend and had a Sac Bunt in the first inning on this game.

Alex Panteliodis - LHP - FLA. 9IP 3H 2ER 1BB 12K. Bad bodied Sophomore had a great night.
Matt den Dekker - CF - FLA. 1-5. RBI. Senior was 5th round pick (Mets)
Preston Tucker - 1B - FLA. 0-2. 3BB, R. Sophomore and 2011 draft prospect has patient approach.
Austin Maddox - 3B - FLA. 1-5. 2RBI. Maddox is the anti Tucker. The Freshman and unsigned 2009 draftee (37th Round - Rays) has an embarrassingly low walk rate. He's still an amazing talent and I already have him penciled in the 1st round of my 2012 Mock Draft. OK so I don't have a Mock Draft 2 years in advance but that's a damn good idea for an article.

LOS ANGELES SUPER REGIONAL

Cal State Fullerton 4 UCLA 3 (Fullerton Leads Series 1-0)

Christian Colon - SS - CSF. 2-5. HR(17). The 4th overall pick (Royals) profiles as a 2B long term.
Corey Jones - 2B - CSF. 0-2. R. Jones went in the 7th round (Tigers).
Billy Marcoe - C - CSF. 0-3. BB. Seattle draftee (41st)
Carlos Lopez - DH - CSF. 0-3. RBI. Selected in the 37th round by Detroit.
Nick Ramirez - 1B - CSF. 1-4. 2RBI. 1IP 1H 1BB 1K. (S, 11). Sophomore 2 way player is interesting 2011 Draft prospect.
Noe Ramirez - LHP - CSF. (7IP 6H 1ER 2BB 13). Sophomore has dominate performance on big stage.

Gerritt Cole - RHP - UCLA. 6.2IP 5H 4Er 2BB 7K. Sophomore and unsigned 2008 1st round pick (Yankees) will go again in the 1st in 2011.
Brett Krill - RF - UCLA. 0-4. 25th round pick (SF)
Blair Dunlap - DH - UCLA. 2-5. Baltimore Draftee (43rd Round)
Niko Gallego - SS - UCLA. 1-2. RBI, 2BB. Former A's SS Mike's son was drafted as a 2B in the 27th round (Arizona).

NCAA Super Regional Preview

Super Regional Preview

We nailed 13 of the 16 Super Regional teams with our "Regional Preview" last week, underestimating Oklahoma, and TCU while overestimating Georgia Tech. An .813 batting average isn't bad but we'll aim for a perfect 8 for 8 in making our Omaha predictions. This weekend’s matchups will give fans a taste of 116 players that were selected in this week’s MLB draft. UCLA leads the way with 11 players drafted, and that doesn’t even include their Sophomore ace pitcher Gerrit Cole who was an unsigned 1st round pick (NYY) in 2008. Well enough of this palaver, let’s get this show on the road.

AUSTIN SUPER REGIONAL

Texas v. TCU:

TCU went 3-0 to breeze through their regional thanks to strong pitching performances by Freshman LHP Matt Purke (6.1IP 6H 3ER 2BB 9K) v. Arizona and Junior RHP Steven Maxwell (8IP 3H 0ER 2BB 11K) v. Baylor. Purke was an unsigned 1st round pick in 2009 (TEX) but he’ll get his toughest matchup of his college career regardless of which of the Longhorns “Three Headed Ace Monster” (patent pending) he faces.

Texas possesses the best pitching staff in the nation led by sophomore LHP Taylor Jungmann, who disposed of Rice last weekend going 7.2IP 2H 1ER 2BB 7K. New MLB draftees RHP Cole Green, RHP Brandon Workman and closer RHP Chance Ruffin make Texas too difficult to beat and the 2009 CWS Runner up will make a return to Omaha.

Projected Winner: Texas

TCU Drafted Players (6):

Bryan Holaday - C. Detroit - 6th.
Greg Holle - RHP. Milwaukee 11th.
Steven Maxwell - RHP. Minnesota - 12th.
Matt Curry-1B. Pittsburgh - 16th.
Tyler Lockwood - RHP. Boston - 25th.
Paul Gerrish - RHP. Houston - 42nd.

Texas Drafted Players (8):

Chance Ruffin - RHP. Detroit -1s.
Brandon Workman - RHP. Boston - 2nd.
Cameron Rupp - C. Philadelphia - 3rd.
Cole Green - RHP. Detroit - 4th.
Kevin Keyes - OF. Washington - 7th.
Connor Rowe - OF. Washington - 21st.
Russ Moldenhauer - 1B. Washington - 24th.
William Sheperd - 1B. Cincinnati - 47th.

CHARLOTTESVILLE SUPER REGIONAL

Oklahoma v. Virginia

Oklahoma needed just three games to get though their regional, although it took 10 innings in each of their first two contests against Oral Roberts and North Carolina. Zach Neal is pitching well enough that he could steal the first game of this series but Virginia holds the advantage in almost every category.

Virginia got a scare from St. Johns who forced and elimination game by beating them Sunday 6-5. Ace Danny Hultzen hasn't been as sharp in his last several starts but he's still the best pitcher in this Super Regional. Virginia also has more depth in their staff as RHP Robert Morey matches up well against most #2 pitchers in the nation and Kevin Arico was one of the most effective closers in the nation. Virginia also wins the offensive battle and Jarrett Parker is the key. The athletic outfielder sets the tone for veteran leaders Phil Gosselin and Tyler Cannon.

Projected Winner: Virginia

Oklahoma Drafted Players (5):

Daniel Black - 2B. Florida - 14th.
Zach Neal - RHP. Florida - 17th.
Steven Buechele - 3B. Texas - 18th.
Jeremy Erben - RHP. Arizona - 22nd.
Jason Chowning - RHP. Houston - 28th.

Virginia Drafted Players (9):

Jarrett Parker - OF. San Francisco - 2nd.
Phillip Gosselin - 2B. Atlanta - 5th.
Robert Morey - RHP. Florida - 5th.
Kevin Arico - RHP. Cincinnati - 10th.
Dan Grovatt - OF. Pittsburgh - 11th.
Tyler Cannon - 3B. Cleveland - 12th.
Tyler Wilson - RHP. Cincinnati - 35th.
Kenny Swab - C. Atlanta - 35th.
Neal Davis - LHP. Philadelphia - 36th.

CLEMSON SUPER REGIONAL

Alabama v. Clemson

Big Jimmy Nelson of Alabama holds the edge on Clemson ace Casey Harmen. Alabama 2B Ross Wilson has been starting for 3 years for the Crimson Tide and provides veteran leadership. Clemson is led by Kyle Parker, who’s also the QB on their football team and the only player in DI history with 20 HR and 20 TD passes in the same year. A first round pick with the Rockies, when his run to Omaha is complete he’ll need to work out the details to determine if he can still play football after signing his baseball contract.

Projected Winner: Alabama

Alabama Drafted Players (8):

Jimmy Nelson - RHP. Milwaukee - 2nd.
Josh Rutledge - SS. Colorado - 3rd.
Ross Wilson - 2B. White Sox - 10th.
Jake Smith - 3B. Philadelphia - 15th.
Tyler White - RHP. Detroit - 20th.
Justin Woodal - LHP. Tampa Bay - 26th.
Jason Townsent - RHP. Pittsburgh - 31st.
Clay Jones - 1B. Detroit - 32nd.

Clemson Drafted Players (6):

Kyle Parker - OF. Colorado - 1st.
Michael Freeman - SS. Arizona - 11th.
John Hinson - 3B. Philadelphia - 13th.
Jeff Schaus - OF. Cleveland - 27th.
Casey Harman - LHP. Cubs - 29th.
John Nester - C. Oakland - 39th.

GAINESVILLE SUPER REGIONAL

Miami v. Florida

This Miami team doesn’t have the same star power as they did in 2008 when Yonder Alonzo and Jemile Weeks led them to Omaha but then Freshman Yasmani Grandal and Chris Hernandez were big contributors on that team. Hernandez was the Freshman National Player of the Year and Grandal has been a mainstay behind the dish.

Florida has a mix of veterans and young talend, from Senior Matt den Dekker to Freshman All American 3B/C Austin Maddux. Neither team is particularly deep on the mound but Florida can hit with anyone.

Projected Winner: Florida

Miami Drafted Players (5):

Yasmani Grandal - C. Cincinnati - 1st.
Chris Hernandez - LHP. Boston - 7th.
David Gutierrez - RHP. Minnesota - 18th.
Scott Lawson - 2B. Tampa Bay - 29th.
Iden Nazario - LHP. St. Louis - 30th.

Florida Drafted Players (6):

Kevin Chapman - LHP. Kansas City - 4th.
Matt den Dekker - OF. Mets - 5th.
Tommy Toledo - RHP. Minnesota - 32nd.
Hampton Tignor - C. Angles - 36th.
Justin Poovey - RHP. Angles - 41st.
Matt Campbell - RHP. Cincinnati - 43rd.

LOS ANGELES SUPER REGIONAL

Cal State Fullerton v. UCLA

Fullerton plays my style of college baseball. They like to bunt, they like to run, they basically like to keep applying pressure to the defense. One thing they could work on is taking walks. Gary Brown may have been the fastest guy in the draft and he walks less than 3% of the time. I don’t get that. If your best tool is your legs, why not try to utilize them more by being selective and getting on base? The Titan staff is led by RHP Dan Renken, who seemingly has been there forever.

UCLA, as mentioned earlier, has 11 players that were just drafted. They’re second only to Texas in terms of quality pitching. RHP Gerrit Cole leads the staff and will go in the first 10 picks next June. Fellow Sophomore Travis Bauer and Junior Rob Rasmussen round out the rotation while Dan Klein is their stopper. Fullerton’s Christian Colon may be the biggest name in this regional but give me pitching depth on a 3 game set any day.

Projected Winner: UCLA

Cal State Fullerton Drafted Players (9):

Christian Colon - SS. Kansas City - 1st.
Gary Brown - OF. San Francisco - 1st.
Corey Jones - 2B. Detroit - 7th.
Dan Renken - RHP. Cincinnati - 25th.
Kevin Rath - LHP. White Sox - 26th.
Kyle Mertins - RHP. Atlanta - 28th.
Chris Floethe - RHP. Arizona - 29th.
Carlos Lopez - 1B. Detroit - 37th.
Billy Marcoe - C. Seattle - 41st.

UCLA Drafted Players (11):

Rob Rasmussen - LHP. Florida - 2nd.
Dan Klein - RHP. Baltimore - 3rd.
Matt Grace - LHP. Washington - 8th.
Garett Claypool - RHP. Philadelphia - 11th.
Matt Drummond - LHP. Baltimore - 20th.
Chris Ciovinazzo - OF. Colorado - 21st.
Erik Goeddel - RHP. Mets - 24th.
Brett Krill - OF. San Francisco - 25th.
Nick Gallego - 2B. Arizona - 27th.
Mitchell Beacom - LHP. Kansas City - 36th.
Blair Dunlap - OF. Baltimore - 43rd.

MYRTLE BEACH SUPER REGIONAL

South Carolina v. Coastal Carolina

SoCar RHP Sam Dyson v. Coastal LHP Cody Wheeler should prove to be an interesting matchup in game 1. These teams are fairly evenly matched in terms of having pitching depth and hitting deficiencies. If all things are even, give me the SEC.

Projected Winner: South Carolina

South Carolina Drafted Players (7):

Sam Dyson - RHP. Toronto - 4th.
Whit Merrfield - OF. Kansas City - 9th.
Blake Cooper - RHP. Arizona - 12th.
Bobby Haney - SS. San Francisco - 22nd.
Steven Neff - LHP. Kansas City - 23rd.
Parker Bangs - RHP. Kansas City - 31st.
Jordan Propst - RHP. Kansas City - 49th.

Coastal Carolina Drafted Players (7):

Cody Wheeler - LHP. Arizona - 5th.
Rico Noel - OF. San Diego - 5th.
Scott Woodward - 3B. Oakland - 15th.
Austin Fleet - RHP. San Francisco - 16th.
Chance Gilmore - OF. Dodgers - 25th.
Keith Hessler - LHP. Arizona - 28th.
Jim Birmingham - LHP. San Francisco - 33rd.

TALLAHASSEE SUPER REGIONAL

Vanderbilt v. Florida State

This Super Regional features two teams that ousted the Big East’s two top teams as Vanderbilt defeated Louisville in dramatic fashion on Monday while Florida State disposed of host Connecticut to advance in their regional. Vanderbilt is young and led by Sophomore ace RHP Sonny Gray, a likely 1st round pick next year.

Florida State relies heavily on veteran leadership from OF Tyler Holt, SS Stephen Cardullo and UTL Mike McGee. I think we’re likely to go 3 games but Vandy will have to wait until 2011 to make it to Omaha.

Projected Winner: Florida State

Vanderbilt Drafted Players (6):

Andrew Hayes - RHP. Cincinnati - 11th.
Aaron Westlake - OF. Toronto - 22nd.
David Hill - RHP. Cleveland - 30th.
Robert Brewer - RHP. Colorado - 31st.
Andrew Giobbi - C. Seattle - 32nd.
Michael Reed - RHP. St. Louis - 41st.

Florida State Drafted Players (6):

John Gast - LHP. St. Louis - 6th.
Geoff Parker - RHP. Colorado - 9th.
Tyler Holt - OF. Cleveland - 10th.
Stephen Cardullo - 3B. Arizona - 24th.
Tiawan Easterling - OF. Florida - 31st.
Mike McGee - RHP. Arizona - 41st.

TEMPE SUPER REGIONAL

Arkansas v. Arizona State

Arkansas may have more big names left in the tournament than any other team. Zack Cox sliding to #25 overall may have been the steal of the 1st round and 2-way threat Brett Eibner hit 3 HR his first game of this tournament. Drew Smyly heads the pitching staff and Andy Wilkins may strike out a lot, but he also provides some pop in this lineup.

Arizona State is the top seed in this tournament and they’re pretty deep from top to bottom even without their expected 2010 ace LHP Josh Spence. Seth Blair is has picked up where Spence left off and redshirt 23 year old sophomore Jake Borup has been a pleasant surprise. I want badly to call for an upset here but I just can’t discount the Sun Devils.

Projected Winner: Arizona State

Arkansas Drafted Players (7):

Zack Cox - 3B. St. Louis - 1st.
Brett Eibner - RHP. Kansas City - 2nd.
Drew Smyly - LHP. Detroit - 2nd.
Andy Wilkins - 1B. White Sox - 5th.
Mike Bolsinger - RHP. Arizona - 15th.
Collin Kuhn - OF. Detroit - 15th.
Jordan Pratt - RHP. Florida - 22nd.

Arizona State Drafted Players (10):

Seth Blair - RHP. St. Louis - 1s.
Jordan Swagerty - RHP. St. Louis - 2nd.
Merrill Kelly - RHP. Tampa Bay - 8th.
Kole Calhoun - OF. Angles - 8th.
Josh Spence - LHP. San Diego - 9th.
Drew Maggi - SS. Pittsburgh - 15th.
Jimmy Patterson - UTL. Tampa Bay - 18th.
Raoul Torrez - 2B. Arizona - 21st.
Xorge Carrillo - C. San Diego - 23rd.
Jake Borup - RHP. Philadelphia - 23rd.

MLB Draft Notes: Rounds 1-5

Round One:

OK so everyone knew the Cubs were going to take Hayden Simpson with the 16th pick but the Nationals shocked everyone by taking Bryce Harper. Wait, I messed that up. Simpson, a RHP from DII Southern Arkansas was the #191 ranked prospect in this draft and expected to go in the 4th or 5th round but the Cubs obviously had him ranked slightly higher. He should come cheap for the Cubs but he could have been even cheaper say...3 rounds later.

After Harper, RHP Jamison Taillon and SS Manny Machado went as expected to the Pirates and Orioles. The buzz over the weekend was that the Royals and Miami catcher Yasmani Grandal had a pre-draft deal in place, but the deal fell apart and the Royals used the #4 overall pick on Cal State Fullerton SS Christian Colon.

Chris Sale slipped out of the top 5 until the White Sox shocked the blogosphere and used the 13th overall pick on the Florida Gulf Coast LHP. The White Sox have a history of taking low ceiling easily signable college pitchers and Sale doesn't fit that mold. He ranked among DI leaders in strikeouts this year while walking just 12 hitters. 12! Thought of as a top 5 overall talent, he may be looking for top 5 money.

The steal of round one may have been Zach Cox sliding to the Cardinals at #25. Cox was regarded by some to be the top college hitter and this draft and many thought he'd end up with the Mets at #7.

The Dodgers may have taken a page out of the Cincinnati Reds playbook. In 2001 the cash strapped Reds took Jeremy Sowers with the 20th overall selection and made little attempt to sign him away from his strong Vanderbilt commitment. The Dodgers, plagued with financial problems as a result of messy divorce of owners Frank and Jamie McCourt, were expected to take a player that will stick to the MLB slot recommendations. They pulled a fast one on us and instead they selected Texas prep RHP Zach Lee who's perceived as one of the tougher signs in this draft. The two sport star is likely on his way to LSU to play QB unless the Dodgers blow him away. And if they blow him away, it's because either Frank or Jamie hit the Power Ball lotto and decided to give it another shot.

Round One Supplemental:

Middle Tennessee State OF Bryce Brentz to Boston at #36 was a good get. He led the nation in hitting as a sophomore in 2009 and was considered a sure fire 1st rounder for much of this spring dispute not being able to duplicate the previous year's performance.

The Red Sox made news again when they scored LSU RHP Anthony Ranaudo at #39. Ranaudo, along with Harper and Taillon, was a top 3 prospect coming into the year before missing time with arm trouble. The Boras Corp will still try to get top dollar for their client and I expect him to get an above slot bonus on or about the August 15th deadline.

Round Two:

The Nationals kicked off the Draft's second day by selecting San Diego LHP Sammy Solis, but the big splash was made when the Pirates scored St. Edward HS RHP Stetson Allie. After landing the draft's top prep pitching prospect (Taillon) in the 1st, the Buccs were fortunate enough to have Baseball America's #8 rated draft prospect fall to them at #52 overall. It's rumored the Allie camp will need $3MM to sign him away from a North Carolina college commitment.

With the 55th selection, the Indians took OF LaVon Washington, an unsigned 2009 draftee (30th overall - Rays) out of a Florida HS. A Boras Corp client, he was content to honor his college commitment to Florida before failing to qualify and ending up at Chipola (FL) JC.

San Diego was linked to slugging infielders Kolbrin Vitek and Nick Castellanos in the first round but took prep pitcher Karsten Whitson instead. In the 2nd they were able to get Jedd Gyorko, an offensive minded SS at West Virginia, and he'll play 2B professionally.

The Reds were linked to Ohio State RHP Alex Wimmers in the 1st but instead pulled the trigger on Grandal. They did get a Big 10 player in the second when they took athletic OF Ryan LaMarre.

Tampa Bay continued their strong draft by getting Georgia Tech SS Derek Dietrich with the 79th overall pick. He has a potent bat from the right side and will move to 3B as a professional.

Round Three:

I suppose it's relevant to mention on the inaugural Stephen Strasburg extravaganza, that the White Sox selected Strasburg's former closer, Addison Reed with the #95th overall pick. Reed will be given the chance to start as a professional until he proves otherwise.

The Cubs landed the on-field leader of the defending National Champion LSU Tigers in catcher Micah Gibbs. The switch hitting Gibbs draws comparisons to Jason Varitek and should hit for average power.

Another high profile college catcher went in the 3rd when the Phillies took Texas backstop Cameron Rupp. While not a switch hitter, I give him an edge over Gibbs because he's much more successful at throwing out runners.

Round Four:

The Nationals pulled the trigger on Florida Prep pitcher A.J. Cole in with the 1st pick in the 4th (116 overall). Cole was rated #16th in this draft by Baseball America and he's likely looking for 1st round money. With Bryce Harper expected to eat up a large chunk of the draft budget, this is going to be a tough sign and Cole may end up at playing for Jim Morris at Miami.

A couple of premiere college closers went in the 4th including LHP Kevin Chapman of Floirda (KC #119) and Kevin Munson of James Madison (ARI #121). Both are expected to remain in the bullpen and move quickly.

The Mariners will make a run at James Paxton the unsigned #37th overall pick from the 2009 draft. The M's got him with the 132nd pick this year and will try to succeed where the Blue Jays failed.

Cole Green is one of my favorite sleeper prospects, although I admit it's simply because I follow college baseball and he dominates that world. The #2 starter for Texas, he looks short and pudgy on the mound which doesn't bode well for RHP prospects. What does bode well is that he keeps hitters off balance with a 3 pitch mix and by locating his fastball down in the zone.

The Phillies snapped up Tennessee LHP Bryan Morgado with pick 141. He was a 3rd round selection (White Sox) in 2009 following a disappointing sophomore season, but dominated the Cape Cod League which drove up his bonus demands. He didn't sign, went back to Tennessee and struggled again.

Round Five:

The Orioles drafted Connor Narron, son of former Reds manager Jerry, with the #148th pick and they'll try to sign him away from his North Carolina college commitment.

The Mets took one of the best draft eligible seniors in the draft in, Matt den Dekker of Florida. An unsigned 16th round pick from 2009 after a disappointing junior year, den Dekker will come cheap to the Mets and provide a nice return on their investment.

The Marlins jumped on Virginia RHP Robert Morey with the 167th pick. Morey, the #2 pitcher on one of the best college teams in the nation, is one of my favorite college players and I didn't think he was highly regarded as a professional. I feared he might slide to the 10th round, so I was happy to see him come off the board.

MLB Draft Prospect: Alex Lavisky - C - St. Edward HS - Scouting Report

MLB Draft Prospect: Alex Lavisky - C - Lakewood St. Edward. Bats: R Throws: R. 1.13.91. 6'1" 210. College Commitment: Georgia Tech

SCOUTED

Lakewood St. Edward v. Cincinnati Elder - June 6, 2010 (In Person)

STATISTICS (Through May 25)
YR-CLASS-AVE.- AB - H- 2B -HR - RBI SB
2010 - SR - .450 - 66 - 29 - 7 - 13 - 34 - 1



HITTING: Lavisky has a level swing and will generate a lot of line drives, but he has a timing hitch that may cause issues at the next level.

POWER: Lavisky does a good job of getting his arms extended and pulling the ball for power. The last swing in the video above generated a fly out the warning track at Huntington Park, a 405 foot trip that would have cleared most of the high school parks he's accustom to.

SPEED: While a good athlete for a catcher and former starting QB for the St. Edward football team, Lavisky is a just a fringe average runner, however that rates him near the top of his catching peers in that area.

DEFENSE: Not many H.S. catchers can handle a 95 MPH fastball, nor do they have the opportunity to, but Lavisky catches Stetson Allie and more than holds his own. His receiving skills are advanced for a prep catcher. He has quick feet behind the plate and moves well to block pitches in the dirt.

ARM: The arm is above average but not spectacular. I had him clocked at 1.9 and 2.0 on two throws to second with a runner successfully stealing 2B.

FUTURE: Rated as the #89 best prospect in the 2010 draft by Baseball America, Lavisky figures to go in the 3rd round depending on signability. Already 19, he'll be 21 and draft eligible after his sophomore year if he follows through on his college commitment to Georgia Tech. His receiving skills are advanced enough that I think he be able to stick at catcher. If he goes to school, I think he's good enough to play right away in the ACC. As a professional, I view him as a low average, high OBP power hitting catcher who's average on defense.

MLB Draft: Top 10 Available For Day Two

The top 50 picks of the MLB Draft are in the books and there's still plenty of big names available. Here's a quick list of some of the names you can expect to see come off the board early on day two.

1. Stetson Allie - RHP - St. Edward HS (OH). The 6'4" 225 fireballer hit 101 MPH over the weekend while leading his team to a state championship. Rated as the #8 player in the draft by Baseball America, I suspect the Allie camp threw out a high number that has scared some teams away. University of North Carolina Head Coach Mike Fox is hoping his slide continues, as it increases the likelihood he ends up at Chapel Hill.

2. Austin Wilson - OF - Harvard-Westlake HS (CA). At 6'4" 215, he's a bag of tools that has yet to put them all together in game action. He's going to be extremely difficult to sign away from Stanford, especially this late.

3. Brett Eibner - RHP/OF - Arkansas. Most teams want him as a pitcher, he likes hitting and blasted 3 HR in the opening game of regional tournament last weekend.

4. A.J. Cole - RHP - Oviedo HS (FL). At 6'5 190, he fits the mold for the prototypical projectable prep pitcher. He's headed to Miami (FL) if he doesn't sign.

5. Brandon Workman - RHP - Texas. The #3 pitcher on the best college pitching staff in years. Could be the first guy on this list to go in Round 2.

6. Jesse Hahn - RHP - Virginia Tech. H.S. teammate of new Mets draftee Matt Harvey. Possible future MLB closer.

7. Yordy Cabrera - SS/RHP - Lakeland (FL). 19 year old at 6'3" 200 has plus power and a plus arm but few think he'll stick at SS.

8. Chad Bettis - RHP - Texas Tech. Possible destination would be the White Sox in round 2.

9. Ryan LaMarre - OF - Michigan. Athletic OF who will attempt to play CF as a professional.

10. Jarrett Parker - OF - Virginia. One of the better athletes left in the draft.

Other Notables: Jacob Petricka - RHP - Indiana State, James Paxton - LHP - Grand Prairie (Independent), Jedd Gyorko - SS - West Virginia, Sammy Solis - LHP - San Diego, Kyle Blair - RHP - San Diego, Micah Gibbs - C - LSU, Kevin Gausman - RHP - Grandview HS (CO), Ryne Stanek - RHP - Blue Valley HS (KS)

MLB Draft Prospect: Stetson Allie - RHP - St. Edward H.S. - Scouting Report

MLB Draft Prospect: Stetson Allie - RHP - Lakewood St. Edaward. Bats: R Throws: R - 6'4" 225. 3.13.91. College Commitment: North Carolina

SCOUTED

Lakewood St. Edward v. Cincinnati Elder - June 6, 2010 (In Person)

Result: 6IP 5H 3ER 5BB 16K. W

STATISTICS
YR - CLASS - IP - W-L - ERA - K.
2010 - SR - 60 - 9-1 - 1.29 - 134




It's goes without saying that watching a prep pitcher throw one game doesn't garner enough information for a true scouting report. I'm not the guy who's going to shell out a seven figure bonus for this kid, but rather I'm an amateur scout and prospector. Take it for what it's worth and enjoy.

REPERTOIRE:

Fastball: Allie possesses an 80 arm which translates into plus plus fastball velocity when he's on the mound. More of a thrower than a pitcher, his control and his command are both well below average at this stage in his life. The pitch sat between 93-96 for most of the game and he hit 94 several times in the 6th inning when he was over 100 pitches. He lit up the stadium gun with a 101MPH offering on the 3rd pitch of the game, but it's important to note that next highest velocity pitch was 96 which he hit on multiple occasions. I didn't see a single pitch between 97-100 which makes the 101MPH pitch difficult to validate.

Slider: I'd rate this pitch as above average with potential to develop into a plus offering. It sat between 82-85, he kept it down in the zone and felt comfortable throwing it when he was even or ahead in the count. The pitch has more vertical break than horizontal sweeping action and like his fastball, both the control and command of this pitch are below average.

Changeup: If he possesses a changeup, I didn't see it. But when you record 16 of 18 outs via the strike out on a mix of 95MPH fastballs and 84MPH sliders, there's not much need for a changeup at the high school level. He'll need to develop an off speed pitch to succeed as a starter at the professional level.

DELIVERY: Allie displays more body control than I anticipated. His actions are fluid and athletic for a kid of his size and he utilizes his frame to generate his outstanding velocity. He balances well on his back leg and uses that leg to explode his body toward home plate. While he generates plus plus velocity without being violent and max effort, he does fall off the mound toward first base and sometimes fails to follow through. This causes him to lose his release point and contributes to his poor control. From the stretch he pays little attention to baserunners and foregoes a slide step for an exaggerated leg kick.

FUTURE: Allie will hear his name called in the first round, just over 24 hours after leading his team to a Division I Ohio High School State Championship, so I guess he's having a good week. And if he's not satisfied with the offer he receives from the team that selects him, he's got a full ride to a first class college program (North Carolina) as a fall back option. Also a legitimate prospect as a hitter, he'd be a two way threat at Chapel Hill, but he's expected to focus on pitching as a professional. His current two pitch mix would make him a dangerous late inning relief pitcher, but professional teams don't spend first round money on high school relief pitchers. He'll be developed as a starter until he proves otherwise. It's difficult to project his future as a starter since he doesn't yet use a changeup, so I'll say he has a ceiling as a Major League closer and has an average chance to reach that ceiling.

2010 MLB Mock Draft 3.0

BATS -THROWS - HEIGHT - WEIGHT - D.O.B.

1. Washington Nationals: Bryce Harper - C - Southern Nevada. R-L - 6'3" 205. 10.16.92. I wasn't thrilled to hear that his last play as a scholar athlete was him getting ejected for a second time this season. But when I saw the video it was 1) a bad call and 2) a quick trigger. (5.21 Harper, 5.29 Harper)

2. Pittsburg Pirates: Jamison Taillon - RHP - The Woodlands HS, TX. R-R - 6'7" 230. 11.18.91. Recent buzz suggests this is a two horse race between athletic shortstop Manny Machado and Texas HS RHP Jamison Taillon. (5.21 Drew Pomeranz, 5.29 Machado)

3. Baltimore Orioles: Manny Machado - SS - Brito HS, FL. R-R - 6'3" 190. 7.6.92. If the Pirates select Taillon, Machado is likely the Orioles choice. (5.21 Taillon, 5.29 Taillon)

4. Kansas City Royals: Yasmani Grandal - C - Miami. B-R - 6'2 210. 11.8.88. A few industry sources have reported that Grandal and the Royals have a predraft agreement in place.

5. Cleveland Indians: Chris Sale - LHP - Florida Gulf Coast. L-L - 6'6" 175. 3.30.90. Could be Ole Miss LHP Drew Pomeranz or even Cleveland Prep pitcher Stetson Allie but I still think it's going to be Sale. (5.21 C. Sale, 5.29 C. Sale)

6. Arizona Diamondbacks: Drew Pomeranz - LHP - Mississippi. L-L - 6'5" 230. 11.28.88. The Diamondbacks are being linked to college pitching and if Grandal goes to the Royals at #4, Pomeranz or Sale would be possibilities here as would North Carolina RHP Matt Harvey. (5.21 Karsten Whitson, 5.29 Deck McGuire)

7. New York Mets: Matt Harvey - RHP - University of North Carolina. R-R - 6'4" 225. 3.27.89. If you asked me 3 years ago, I would have said Harvey would be a top 10 pick in 2010. If you asked me 3 months ago I'd say he's pitched himself out of the first round. He's obviously turned it around including a solid performance in regional action yesterday.

8. Houston Astros: Josh Sale - OF - Bishop Blanchet HS, WA. L-R - 6'0" 205. 7.5.91. The Stros are like Nuke LaLoosh, sorta all over the place. Besides their love for Sale, they've been linked to advanced college hitter Michael Choice and raw prep pitcher Stetson Allie who are at opposite ends of the spectrum. (5.21 Deck McGuire, 5.29 Josh Sale)

9. San Diego Padres: Zack Cox - 3B - Arkansas L-R - 6'0" 215. 9.23.88. I still feel Ball State 2B Kolbrin Vitek is a great possibility here as is prep 3B Nick Castellanos, but with this scenario Cox slips past the Mets and the Padres pounce. (5.21 Vitek, 5.29 Vitek)

10. Oakland Athletics: Michael Choice - OF - UT Arlington. R-R - 6'0" 210. 11.10.89. I've been seeing a lot of Cal State Fullerton SS Christian Colon to the A's at this pick. They just selected another Boras client SS (Grant Green) last year and if Colon is moved to 2B, they just selected Jemile Weeks in 2008. If Choice goes to the Astros at #8 the Athletics will surprise us and we know they do have an interest in Indiana prep catcher Justin O'Conner. (5.21 Choice, 5.29 Choice)

11. Toronto Bluejays: Christian Colon - SS - Cal State Fullerton R-R - 6'0" 205. 7.5.91 The Jays are tough to predict. I had them linked to the difficult sign that is Austin Wilson but he still doesn't have an advisor or a number so he'd be a risky pick right here. Colon is a Boras Corp client and rest assured he has a number and a binder full of explanations justifying that number. (5.21 Bryce Brentz, 5.29 Austin Wilson)

12. Cincinnati Reds: Alex Wimmers - RHP - Ohio State. L-R - 6'2" 195. 11.1.88. Deck McGuire would be tempting if he fell here as would Kolbrin Vitek but I still feel the Reds are focused on Wimmers. (5.21 Wimmers, 5.29 Wimmers)

13. Chicago White Sox: Deck McGuire - RHP - Georgia Tech. R-R - 6'6"218. 6.23.89. Deck could go as high as 6 but I would hope he wouldn't fall past the White Sox. He'll be more expensive than Texas RHP Brandon Workman and Asher Wojciechowski but he's also a better pitcher. (5.21 Workman, 5.29 Workman).

14. Milwaukee Brewers: Asher Wojciechowski - RHP - Citadel. R-R - 6'4" 235. 12.21.88. Power arm will need time to develop secondary stuff. (5.21 Brett Eibner, 5.29 Harvey).

15. Texas Rangers: Brandon Workman - RHP - Texas. R-R - 6'5" 220. Given this pick as compensation for failure to sign Matthew Purke, Texas will want to stick to slot. (5.21 Jesse Hahn, 5.29 Wojcieschowski)

16. Chicago Cubs: Justin O'Conner - C - Cowan HS, IN. R-R - 6'1" 190. 3.31.92. I'm reading either the Indiana athlete turned catcher or fireballer Stetson Allie. (5.21 Harvey, 5.29 Karsten Whitson)

17. Tampa Bay Rays: Karsten Whitson - RHP - Chipley HS, FL. R-R - 6'4" 190. 8.25.91. Whitson is a steal this late. (5.21 Grandal, 5.29 Grandal)

18. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Dylan Covey - RHP - Maranatha HS, CA. R-R - 6'2 200. 7.19.91. There are a lot of California prep arms in this draft and any of them could go here. (5.21 Christian Colon, 5.29 Colon)

19. Houston Astros: Delino DeShields Jr - OF - Norcross HS, GA. R-R - 5'9 175. 8.16.92. Rated as a 2nd round talent for most of the spring, DeShields may go as high as the Blue Jays at #11 or the Rangers at #15 (5.21 Josh Sale, 5.29 DeShields)

20. Boston Red Sox: Anthony Raunado - RHP - LSU. R-R - 6'7" 230. 9.9.89. I've had Raunado to Boston for several weeks and I still feel good about it. (5.21 Raunado 5.29 Raunado)

21. Minnesota Twins: Michael Kvasnicka - C/OF - MIN. B-R - 6'2" 210. 12.7.88. Kvasnicka's name is now all over the first round and I still have to look up how to spell it every time. The hometown Twins do have a history of taking Golden Gophers. (5.21 A.J. Cole, 5.29 Bryce Brentz).

22. Texas Rangers: Kaleb Cowart - RHP/3B - Cook HS, GA. B-R - 6'3" 190. 6.2.92. Justin O'Connor would be a good fit here but I think he's gone by now. Cowart will be a tough sign away from Florida State. (5.21 Stetson Allie, 5.29 Allie)

23. Florida Marlins: Barret Loux - RHP - Texas A&M. R-R - 6'5" 220. 4.6.89. Targeting college arms. Arizona State RHP Seth Blair and Arkansas RHP Brett Eibner are also possibilities. (5.21 Dylan Covey, 5.29 Brett Eibner).

24. San Francisco Giants: Nick Castellanos - 3B - Archbishop McCarthy HS, FL. R-R - 6'4" 200. 3.4.92. Another pick that has not changed in weeks. There was early buzz that Castellanos could go as high as #9 (San Diego) but that has faded. (5.21 Castellanos, 5.29 Castellanos)

25. St. Louis Cardnals: Kolbrin Vitek - 2B - Ball State. R-R - 6'3" 195. DOB 4.1.89. The slide of Vitek is this faux draft has ended. He'll likely go higher but this scenario is not out of the question. (5.21 Justin O'Conner, 5.29 A.J. Cole)

26. Colorado Rockies: Cameron Bedrosian - RHP - East Cowets HS, GA. R-R 6'0" 205. Bedrosian has had some late helium and could find himself in the 1st draft. (5.21 Gary Brown, 5.29 Dylan Covey)

27. Philadelphia Phillies: Austin Wilson - OF - Harvard Westlake HS, CA. R-R - 6'4" 200. 2.7.92. I've liked Kaleb Cowart here as a risky sign so why not take a shot at the even more difficult sign in Wilson. No one knows how much, if any, amount would lure him away from his Stanford commitment. (5.21 Cowart 5.29 Cowart)

28. Los Angeles Dodgers: A.J. Cole - RHP - Oviedo HS, FL. R-R - 6'5" 190. 1.5.92. Prototypical projectable HS pitcher. (5.21 Ryan LaMarre, 5.29 Gary Brown)

29. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Stetson Allie - RHP - St. Edward HS. OH R-R - 6'4" 225. 3.13.91. I'm going to get my first live look at him during the D-I Ohio HS State Championship game tomorrow. (5.21 Austin Wilson, 5.29 Justin O'Conner)

30. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Peter Tago - RHP - Dana Hills HS, CA. R-R 6'1 160. 7.5.92. No change here. (5.21 Peter Tago, 5.29 Peter Tago)

31. Tampa Bay Rays: Bryce Brentz - OF - Middle Tennessee State. R-R - 6'0" 195. 12.30.88. Brentz could really go anywhere in the 1st but this should be his floor and the Rays would be thrilled to get his talent this late. (5.21 Yordy Cabrera, 5.29 Jedd Gyroko)

32. New York Yankees: Ryan LaMarre - OF - Michigan. R-L. 6'2" 205. 11.21.88. LaMarre is unlike two sport stars that the Yankees have been linked to like Zach Lee or Tyler Jenkins, but he does possess 1st round athleticism. (5.21 Zach Lee, 5.29 Lee).

Fallen Off
Brett Eibner, Gary Brown, Jedd Gyroko