MLB Draft Stuff...

As most RSM loyal readers know, the MLB Draft is likely to be a hot topic on this blog for the next couple of months. The wide-range of available players, sign-ability questions, agents, high school vs college, and strong local flavor make this something I look forward to every year.

This year, like 2009, has a consensus #1 pick in Bryce Harper. Bryce is currently hitting .417-21-64 for Southern Nevada CC and is likely the top pick for 2010. There are also several Georgia high school-ers that are possible high picks. DeAndre Smelter from Macon is a sure-fire 1st round pick as a pitcher with a mid-90’s fastball and good command. Kaleb Cowart is a shortstop from Cook County that appears to be a 1st round pick as well. Chevez Clark (Marietta HS) and Cam Bedrosian (East Coweta) are late 1st rounders to sandwich picks.

Deck McGuire of Georgia Tech should go in the 1st round as there are several college pitchers that seem like lock top 10 picks. I think Drew Pomeranz from Ole Miss will the best of the bunch, but Anthony Ranaudo from LSU has a 6’7 frame and tons of upside.

Jamison Tallion is the consensus top high school arm which always draws a crowd. He will likely head to Pittsburgh with the #2 pick. I’ve had the chance to see a couple more potential 1st rounders in person this year. Stetson Allie from Ohio has a fastball that is usually 97-101, but doesn’t quite know where it’s going all the time. I saw him pitch against Drew Cisco, a UGA signee that is one of the most polished high school pitchers this year. Cisco went through his regular season at Wando HS with over 75 K’s and only 5 walks in 40+ innings.

The Braves don’t pick until 35, but there is always the “root for a guy to fall” factor. I think Cowart from Cook County would be a solid choice. He is 6’3 and is a tremendous shortstop prospect. The flame-throwing Asher Wojciechowski from The Citadel is also intriguing. He has dominated the Southern Conference this year and is in the top 5 nationally in K’s. I also think the Braves may go after power hitting 1st baseman Hunter Morris from Auburn or switch-hitting catcher Micah Gibbs from LSU.