TCB 2013 MLB Mock Draft v2.0

When we did our first mock draft, we divided things up into three teams of two. This time around, we had six writers involved - subber10, native_astro, leistomania409, jsams, kyuss94, and me. In the interest of time, we got rid of the "piggyback starter" system, so each person was responsible for the teams assigned to him.

This allowed us to continue to focus on individual teams' draft strategies, history, and organizational prospects, but we moved a lot faster. So fast, in fact, that as we neared the end of the first round, we decided to keep going. So, ladies and gentlemen, I'm pleased to present TCB's 2013 MLB Mock Draft II: Bigger, Badder, and Deeper. 74 picks, brought to you in the comfort of your own home, office, or wherever it is people access our site from that isn't their home or office.

The assignments

subber10: Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres
Anthony Boyer: New York Yankees, Colorado Rockies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Milwaukee Brewers
leistomania409: Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays
jsams: Baltimore Orioles, St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins, Seattle Mariners
native_astro: Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants
kyuss94: Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, Oakland Athletics, Washington Nationals

Round 1

1. Houston Astros: Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford University

Just to let everyone know how close this was for me between Appel and Kris Bryant, I had a full e-mail typed out explaining my reasoning for Bryant. I would be happy with both players. However, as the adage goes, you can never have too much pitching. Appel has three plus pitches, some of them plus plus, and can command them all. He's not a perfect prospect, but I do believe he's the best player right now for the Astros. He could both pitch in the big league rotation by this September and anchor the rotation for the next ten years; his big league readiness and upside is pretty hard to pass up. The pick for now if Appel, but if you ask me next week I could very well go with Bryant.

2. Chicago Cubs: Jonathan Gray, RHP, University of Oklahoma

The Cubs have a rapidly-improving farm system led by Jorge Soler, Javier Baez, and Daniel Vogelbach, but they lack a true pitching crown jewel. Theo Epstein likes to build around bats, but Gray is simply too good to pass up here. Kris Bryant is not an excellent fit, since the team is stacked at 1B and RF organizationally and Bryant is not a lock to stay at 3B.

3. Colorado Rockies: Kris Bryant, 3B, University of San Diego

The thought of a guy with 80 power coming into the Rockies' system is just too enticing to pass up. Bryant is like Nolan Arenado with plate discipline, and if one ever becomes a problem for the other, Bryant moves to first or either of the corner outfield spots. Dan O'Dowd has gone out and gotten himself some pitchers the last few years, with Eddie Butler, Tyler Anderson, Peter Tago, Tyler Matzek, Rex Brothers... but there's just no way he can pass up Bryant, a perfect fit for this club.

4. Minnesota Twins: Kohl Stewart, RHP, St. Pius X HS (TX)

The Twins adjusted their draft strategy last year and began to stockpile high velocity arms, but almost exclusively from the college ranks. They have a goal of stockpiling pitchers with high upside and Stewart has the highest upside arm that is left on the board. There's definite risk with Stewart in terms of development and signability, however at this high in the draft, they should be able to offer substantial money that he might sign for and they have a lot of pitching in their system that will allow them to develop him slowly.

5. Cleveland Indians: Clint Frazier, OF, Loganville HS (GA)

I seriously considered Colin Moran here, as the Indians have regularly taken college guys in the first round and he could provide some reinforcement to their surprisingly competitive major league club very soon. While Moran would be a smart pick, Frazier is the better prospect by a good margin and he would give the Indians a needed boost of upside in their system. Without any other picks in the first 40 they can afford to shell out a full slot for Frazier as opposed to Moran.

6. Miami Marlins: Braden Shipley, RHP, University of Nevada

It's difficult to predict what the Marlins are going to do. It comes down to three players here: Sean Manaea, Austin Meadows, and Braden Shipley. I'm going with who I believe to be the safest pick in Shipley. I think he has number two starter upside and his floor is higher than Manaea's. His fastball and change are both above-average pitches and he could become dominant if his curve develops. He also has great intangibles and a pitcher's body. Sign me up.

7. Boston Red Sox: Colin Moran, 3B, University of North Carolina

There have been some rumors that the Red Sox are high on Moran and would be ecstatic if he fell to them. Other options would have Frazier or Stanek, but Moran has the best floor.

8. Kansas City Royals: Sean Manaea, LHP, Indiana State University

The Kansas City Royals should be extremely happy if Sean Manaea falls to them with the 8th overall pick. Manea is still in consideration for pick 1.1, but injuries have made his stock fall prior to the draft. Signability could be a concern for the Royals if Manaea falls this far and Manaea could simply pull a Mark Appel and re-enter the draft next year in attempt to rebuild his value. For right now, the Royals will select the best player on the board.

9. Pittsburgh Pirates: Austin Meadows, OF, Grayson HS (GA)

Like Mark Appel last year, Meadows is a potential top pick who fell to the Pirates. Unlike Appel, he doesn't have a lot of signability questions. The Pirates love tools, and Meadows has them in spades. He's a talented hitter, athletic enough to cover center field, and enough arm and bat in case he gets moved to a corner. The Pirates have a lot of really good young arms, and this gives them an opportunity to stock the farm with a really nice young hitter.

10. Toronto Blue Jays: Dominic Smith, 1B, Serra HS (CA)

Smith has a pretty advanced bat for his age that will for nicely in Toronto's system, which your lacks power hitters. Smith projects to hit for power and average as well, and will probably play first base, not a bad thing considering the Jays don't have a solid prospect like that in the minors. This sounds like a need pick, but I really like Smith's advanced bat enough to go here.

11. New York Mets: Jonathan Denney, C, Yukon HS (OK)

The Mets acquired Travis D'Arnaud in the offseason in the R.A. Dickey trade, but he's far from a safe prospect, given his contact issues. Denney hasn't had the best spring, but his swing, raw power and athleticism make him a tantalizing prospect nonetheless. He has the potential to be the best hitter for average from the catcher position since Joe Mauer, and is well worth the gamble at 11th overall.

12. Seattle Mariners: Hunter Renfroe, C, Mississippi State University

The Mariners like their college bats and decide to take a good one in Hunter Renfroe. Renfroe has always had a drool-worthy toolset, but the performance has never matched the potential, until this year. He legitimately has three plus tools in his arm, speed, and raw power. The biggest factor in his future success lies with his hit tool, and there are legitimate concerns.

13. San Diego Padres: Ryne Stanek, RHP, University of Arkansas

Padres select Ryne Stanek. They aren't afraid of risky pitchers and there's some risk with Stanek. However, Stanek still holds a lot of upside despite a rough season. The velocity and slider combination is still there and worth drafting. Most mocks have him going in the top 10, so the Padres would be excited to have his level of talent.

14. Pittsburgh Pirates: John Paul Crawford, SS, Lakewood HS (CA)

When this draft began, the Pirates were hoping that Crawford would be available to them at 9th overall. The fact that Meadows fell meant they had to break from this plan, but then Crawford falls to them at 14, anyway. They have to be ecstatic with this first round - two toolsy guys who provide good-to-excellent defense up the middle. Crawford has a potentially game-changing toolset, and could develop into a very good defensive shortstop. Thrilled. There's no other way to put it.

15. Arizona Diamondbacks: Trey Ball, LHP, New Castle HS (IN)

Trey Ball is the best two way player in the draft, and Kevin Towers and the Arizona Diamondbacks will gladly draft him in an attempt to figure out what position is best for him in their system. Ball has a big frame at 6'6" that should allow him to project nicely as a pitcher. He is an interesting amateur pitcher in that his secondary stuff is ahead of his fastball, but as soon as he is able to control his pitches and repeat his delivery he should project well.

16. Philadelphia Phillies: Reese McGuire, C, Kentwood HS (WA)

This is a no-brainer for the Phillies, as McGuire is easily the best player available here. The Phillies aren't drafting for need, as they have Carlos Ruiz at the major league level and Tommy Joseph and Sebastian Valle in the minors. However, McGuire has great value at 1.16 as a top-10 talent, and he has more upside than any of the other catchers in their system. He's one of the best defensive catchers in the draft to go along with his high upside at the plate. The Phillies would be thrilled to get a player with this kind of upside in the middle of the first round.

17. Chicago White Sox: Phil Bickford, RHP, Oaks Christian HS (CA)

I strongly considered both Robert Kaminsky and Ian Clarkin, and I will need to do more film study to decide who I think is the best prospect of the three, but I thought that Bickford best fit the White Sox tendencies. They value upside in their high picks, as evidenced by selections like Courtney Hawkins, Keon Barnum, Chris Sale, and so on. Bickford has big velocity, projectability and he shows feel for some potential plus secondary stuff.

18. Los Angeles Dodgers: Nick Ciuffo, C, Lexington HS (SC)

The Dodgers have a lot of holes, and catcher isn't their weakest spot, but they need some upside behind A.J. Ellis and Tim Federowicz. Nick Ciuffo has ascended into the same tier as the top two prep catchers in this class, Jonathan Denney and Reese McGuire, and represents a good value at the 18th selection. He has the potential to be an above average defender with plus offensive game for a backstop, and could develop into a future 5 or 6 hole hitter for the Dodgers.

19. St. Louis Cardinals: Marco Gonzales, LHP, Gonzaga University

The Cardinals select Marco Gonzales, one of the safest pitching prospects in the draft. He's not going to be a TOR guy, but he has the upside of a three, and a BOR floor. At the very least, he'll be an effective bullpen guy. Bottom line is, he's going to have a solid Major League career. At 6'1", his size is somewhat limiting, but the lefty has no weaknesses, and a solid four-pitch mix, including a plus change-up. Seems like the typical St. Louis Cardinals pick -- best farm system in baseball adds a sure-fire future ML piece.

20. Detroit Tigers: Ian Clarkin, LHP, Madison HS (CA)

Clarkin has been in the top 15 or 20 in a lot of rankings and mocks I've seen, so he's a good value for Detroit here. The Tigers system is getting pretty thin, so it makes sense for them to take one of the best players available. Clarkin has a low to mid 90s fastball with some projectabilitiy, and his curve is already a plus pitch and can get even better. The Tigers need some pitching prospects in their system, so I was inclined to give them a high upside pitcher here at 1.20 in Clarkin, a guy who won't make it to Detroit's next pick at 39.

21. Tampa Bay Rays: D.J. Peterson, 3B, University of New Mexico

He is arguably the second best college hitter after Colin Moran based on results. There are some flaws with his swing, but you can't argue against his results. The Rays have taken a college hitter in the first round the last two years and seem to like the use of college statistics. This fits their style and is a guy that has been mocked all the way into the top 10.

22. Baltimore Orioles: Alex Gonzalez, RHP, Oral Roberts University

Orioles select Alex Gonzalez. The Oral Roberts pitcher has been nothing short of dominant this season. Much like the other Gonzalez – Marco – he doesn't possess TOR potential, but there's potential to be a three, with three quality pitches and a groundball tendency. He definitely fits the pitcher-not-thrower profile, but can still get it up into the mid-90s with good life.

23. Texas Rangers: Aaron Judge, OF, Fresno State University

Rangers like their tools and Judge has plenty of them. He's likely a corner outfielder but if he's able to tap into his raw power, he can easily be an impact hitter. He's athletic enough that he can be an above average defender as well for a corner spot.

24. Oakland Athletics: Robert Kaminsky, LHP, St. Joseph's Regional HS (NJ)

The A's have shown the ability to develop pitching talent at a high level, and Kaminsky would be a great piece for them to work with. He possesses a live fastball that he puts a good plane on with his high release point, a plus curve, and a fairly advanced changeup for a high schooler. He has a great feel for pitching already and has the chance to turn into a #2 starter at the big league level.

25. San Francisco Giants: Chris Anderson, RHP, Jacksonville University

The San Francisco Giants love to draft an develop their own frontline starters. Anderson has the potential, stuff, and frame to be a frontline starter. Above average command to go with a FB that touches 97 mph is a hard thing to pass up.

26. New York Yankees: Phillip Ervin, OF, Samford University

Ervin has been continually underrated as a prospect, and as one of the younger college bats in the draft, he's only going to get better. With a great hit tool and hand speed, along with plus defense in the outfield, it's hard not to like him here. The Yankees haven't chased a lot of college bats in the recent past, but this one is too hard to pass up, especially with Rob Kaminsky off the board, who we were really hoping for.

27. Cincinnati Reds: Austin Wilson, OF, Stanford University

Austin Wilson is a toolsy OF that could hit for above average power at the next level. He'll need to cut down on his strikeouts like any power hitter, and his swing has holes that could get exposed at the next level. There is just too much potential with Wilson and the Reds will be thrilled if he falls to them at pick 27.

Supplemental First Round

28. St. Louis Cardinals: Andrew Thurman, RHP, UC Irvine

Cardinals take Andrew Thurman, another safe MOR pitching prospect. I was really hoping Phil Ervin would fall here, but Thurman is a fine consolation. There's a lot to like about Thurman. He's got a nice frame, a four-pitch arsenal and a groundball tendency. He fits the MOR innings-eater profile to a tee. He's made strides every season at UC-I thanks to improved velocity. The Cardinals come away with two pitchers with MOR upsides who should move through the minor leagues quickly.

29. Tampa Bay Rays: Hunter Harvey, RHP, Bandys HS (NC)

The Rays love their college bats and love even more to supplement them with high school pitchers that they take their time with to develop. Hunter Harvey needs some time but has a ton of upside that will only bolster their pitching depth.

30. Texas Rangers: Billy McKinney, OF, Plano West HS (TX)

It may be odd that they take two OFers in the first round, but they are rumored to be looking heavily at high school players for high upside. McKinney offers that and couples with a nice story since he's a local guy. He's more of a project than their previous selection of Judge.

31. Atlanta Braves: Tim Anderson, SS, East Central CC (MS)

The Braves have a strong young core and don't have a ton of glaring needs, but they do need a second baseman of the future given how bad Dan Uggla has looked this season. Tim Anderson likely does not have the arm for shortstop, but he has the athleticism to turn the double play and the elite speed to be a dynamic threat on the basepaths. Pair that with his impressive hitting mechanics and a bit of raw power, and you have a very impressive prospect who fits very nicely into Atlanta's plans.

32. New York Yankees: Teddy Stankiewicz, RHP, Seminole State JC (FL)

Sure, this has the nice added touch of being a big "FU" to the Mets, but Stankiewicz is a legitimate pick here. With all the buzz going into last year's draft, he got taken by the Mets, who came within $100k of signing him. He's been largely unheralded in the college ranks this year, but he's pitched well enough to merit this selection. This is a really nice under-the-radar pick that could pay huge dividends.

33. New York Yankees: Eric Jagielo, 3B, University of Notre Dame

It really came down to Aaron Blair, Ryan Boldt, and Jagielo. But Jagielo has a power bat that could look really great in Yankee pinstripes. His glove is probably going to force a move to first base, but they'll give him every opportunity to stick at the hot corner. His bat will play at either position.

Competitive Balance Lottery Round A

34. Kansas City Royals: Trevor Williams, RHP, Arizona State University

Williams has very good stuff, but doesn't miss as many bats as he should with his type of stuff. His FB will sit in the mid 90s, but he will need to work on command of his secondary stuff at the next level.

35. Miami Marlins: Kyle Serrano, RHP, Farragut HS (TN)

Having already drafted a college pitcher with the 6th pick, I have the Marlins swinging for the fences at 35, with Kyle Serrano. Serrano is committed to Tennessee, where his dad happens to be a coach, so you can imagine how tough he is going to be to sign. But I think it's worth a shot to take him early, throw a ton of money at him and see what happens. He has a nice delivery and the potential for three plus pitches. Sign me up.

36. Arizona Diamondbacks: Travis Demeritte, 3B, Winder-Barrow HS (GA)

Demmeritte has very quick hands and plus bat speed that allows him to make consistent contact and drive the ball consistently to all fields. He has the arm to stick at 3B, but his best position is likely to be 2B.

37. Baltimore Orioles: Alex Balog, RHP, University of San Francisco

In what may be considered a slight reach, the Orioles select Alex Balog. I've liked Balog from the beginning of my research process. He has a big body, generates weak contact and has two nasty pitches in his fastball – with movement – and his slider. He reminds me of Astros prospect, Jarred Cosart, in a lot of ways. His upside is number two, although he's more suited for 3/4. If all else fails, he has closer potential.

38. Cincinnati Reds: Hunter Dozier, 3B, Stephen F. Austin State University

Pick 1.38, The Reds select Hunter Dozier, 3B, Stephen F. Austin. Dozier is a power hitting SS that will have to move to the hot corner at the next level. He has plus power, descent range, and a strong enough arm that should allow him to make the move to 3B.

39. Detroit Tigers: Ryan Boldt, OF, Red Wing HS (MN)

I was really angling for a college hitter here, but a lot of the really good ones have been taken already. So I'll go with Boldt, a high school hitter who has had some issues playing in the cold Minnesota weather this year. Boldt doesn't project for a ton of power, but his hit tool and speed are both assets. He would fit nicely at the top of the Tigers' lineup if he continues to develop, and is a little less raw than your average high school player, so he could move rather quickly through the system.

Round 2

40. Houston Astros: Cord Sandberg, OF, Manatee County HS (FL)

Ok, here we go. Sandberg is one of the toolsiest players in the draft. He has a huge build, runs well and has great power potential from the left side. However, he's committed to Mississippi State to play quarterback, which is always tough to sign away. So I think the Astros make this pick and hope they can save money elsewhere and give Sandberg overslot, because that's what it will take to get him in the system. But the potential payoff is huge. His tools make me drool, and he could wind up being an elite outfielder in the middle of the Astros batting order of the future. I really want a hitter here after taking Appel at 1.1, so I looked mostly at high school hitters, though there are some high school pitchers that I would be happy with at 2.1.

Other guys I considered here: Chris Okey, Rowdy Tellez, Matt McPherson, Ryan McMahon

41. Chicago Cubs: Matt Krook, LHP, St. Ignatius HS (CA)

The Cubs selected Jonathan Gray at 1.2, but pitching is still by far the weak point of their improving farm system. In Krook, they get another arm with a lot of juice, and this time it's a left handed thrower. Krook has shot up boards with a strong spring, and his fastball, which touches 96, is a huge plus for a lefty, and he shows feel for some strong secondary stuff as well. The broad-shouldered lefty would be a great get for the Cubs' farm system, and adding both him and Gray would make their stable of young arms suddenly very impressive.

42. Colorado Rockies: Bobby Wahl, RHP, University of Mississippi

I've been having an ongoing debate here between Bobby Wahl and Ryan McMahon. On the one hand, the Rockies need to address starting pitching eventually. On the other hand, it almost seems like they should punt the entire issue and just gather up the power, which McMahon would provide. At the end of the day, though, Wahl is a good fit here. He's got a fastball in the mid-90s, topping out at 97, but it has late sink on it. He's been pretty good at generating groundballs at Ole Miss, and that's going to help him in the Rockies system. I hate to pass up on McMahon's bat, but I feel pretty confident that this is a guy who can contribute in the near future at the big league level.

43. Minnesota Twins: Oscar Mercado, SS, Gaither HS (FL)

The Twins select Oscar Mercado. They take the high end pitching prospect in the first round and supplement with another high upside prospect with the other side of the ball. Mercado has some of the best tools in the middle infield and has a good chance to stick at shortstop.

44. Miami Marlins: Michael Lorenzen, OF, Cal State Fullerton

I originally had the Marlins taking Ryan Eades, but switched to Michael Lorenzen at the last second. I'm not in love with either player, and there is certainly more talented HS players available. But after taking a tough sign with the previous pick, I wanted to take a college player with this pick. Lorenzen gets the nod, because he has two standout tools in his speed and arm. I highly doubt he ever hits enough to be in a lineup consistently, but there's value in such a good defensive center fielder, with a big arm. At worst, he'll find himself on a 25-man roster as a bench player. At best, he's Drew Stubbs.

45. Boston Red Sox: Ryan Eades, RHP, Louisiana State University

He has some upside as a pitcher with good stuff but he's still considered raw by college standards. There's a good bit of risk as he doesn't have clean mechanics, but if things get worked out, he could have potential to #2 or #3 starter.

46. Kansas City Royals: Kevin Ziomek, LHP, Vanderbilt University

Ziomek has a nice three pitch mix, but some teams could be scared off by his low arm slot. The Royals could be more than willing to gamble on Ziomek.

47. Toronto Blue Jays: Jacob Brentz, LHP, Parkway South HS (MO)

The Jays have had a lot of success drafting and developing high school arms into solid prospects. Guys like Justin Nicolino, Aaron Sanchez, Noah Syndegaard and Daniel Norris were all highly drafted high school pitchers who have a lot of upside and make up the strength of the Toronto system. After taking a bat in Dominic Smith in the first round, the Jays go with Brentz, who has a ton of projection and a fastball that sits in the mid to low 90s.

48. New York Mets: Rowdy Tellez, 1B, Elk Grove HS (CA)

I saw one of my twitter follows recently say something to the effect of "if you're a high school 1B projected to go highly, scouts really like your bat," and that's exactly how I feel about Tellez's. The hulking 1B has a sound, left handed swing with lots of bat speed and he possesses massive raw power. The Mets' farm system is lacking in potential middle-of-the-order bats, and they'd be getting one here in Tellez.

49. Seattle Mariners: Cody Reed, LHP, Northwest Mississippi CC (MS)

Mariners select Cody Reed and another another high upside arm to their organization. The big-bodied lefty has a clean delivery, a potentially plus curve, and a fastball that can hit mid-90s. Yes please.

50. San Diego Padres: Riley Unroe, SS, Desert Ridge HS (AZ)

There are a ton of pitchers on the board that would fit, but the Padres can't afford to ignore their depth with pitching and their first selection being a pitcher as well. Unroe provides them with a high upside, up-the-middle prospect who should be able to stick at short but could also be a centerfielder. He's also a switch-hitter.

51. Pittsburgh Pirates: Tyler Skulina, RHP, Kent State University

After landing Austin Meadows and J.P. Crawford, two top prep bats who had both been linked to the 1-1 spot at one time or another, the Pirates are looking toward their old fallback - big college arms with ace potential. Skulina may be an overdraft here, but Pittsburgh has been linked to him, and they may be afraid of him rising after another good postseason. Since transferring from Virginia, he hasn't developed as strongly in the cold weather, but Skulina looked incredible last year during KSU's march to the College World Series, including a pitching duel that he ultimately lost to South Carolina in the final game of the season. A 6'6" righty with four pitches (including a slider that continues to develop into a plus offering) right in their backyard. I like this pick a lot.

52. Arizona Diamondbacks: Tom Windle, LHP, University of Minnesota

The Diamondbacks love their LH arms and Tom Windle has plenty of upside that should be attractive on draft day. Windle has a big frame that should allow him to add a little strength which should help his FB that sits in the 91-94 range. Windle mechanics can get a little out of whack at times which leads to control problems, but there is plenty of pure stuff there for the Diamondbacks to gamble on.

53. Philadelphia Phillies: Jan Alexis Hernandez, SS, Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy (PR)

Philly doesn't have any middle infield prospects in their top 10, and Hernandez would be a steal at this point. He's from the same academy as Carlos Correa, and is similar in some ways. He has an impressive bat with power projection, and has solid defensive tools. The Phillies have good starting pitching depth, so it makes sense for them to stock up on high upside position players with their first two picks.

54. Milwaukee Brewers: Jonathon Crawford, RHP, University of Florida

After loading up on pitchers in 2011, Milwaukee went in a different direction in 2012, but they're always looking for solid arms, and it's unbelievable that Jonathon Crawford is still on this board. This is their first pick of the draft - at #54 - and they walk away with a guy who could have been a top twenty pick. Unbelievably good luck.

55. Chicago White Sox: Andrew Knapp, C, University of California

The White Sox love college players high in the draft, and Knapp is the best college hitter on the board. A switch hitter with some serious power, Knapp has a decent chance to stick at catcher, where Tyler Flowers is not going to cut it in the long run. This is a great match in round two.

56. Los Angeles Dodgers: Joe Martarano, 3B, Fruitland HS (ID)

With pick 56, the Dodgers snap up high ceiling third baseman Joe Martarano from Fruitland HS in Idaho. A Boise State commit as a linebacker, Martarano combines a smooth swing, bat speed, raw power, quick twitch athleticism and a big arm that come together to form a prototype third base package. J-Mart has the potential to turn into an all around star at the hot corner if he chooses baseball over football, and the Dodgers took a similar chance on Zach Lee a few years ago, so it's a good landing spot.

57. St. Louis Cardinals: Aaron Blair, RHP, Marshall University

The Cardinals are thrilled to select Aaron Blair. I seriously considered Connor Jones here, but Blair will actually sign. The 6'5" Blair has a good fastball with great movement. He also has a potentially plus change. He has the upside of a 3/4 starter, or a set-up man. Between Thurman, Marco Gonzalez and Aaron Blair, the Cardinals added some polished guys with mid-rotation upside to their system.

58. Detroit Tigers: Andy McGuire, 3B, Madison HS (VA)

Like the Phillies, Detroit doesn't have many infield prospects, and McGuire has good defensive and hitting tools. This isn't a sexy pick as far as high school players go; McGuire doesn't seem have any elite tools, but he's an all-around solid player. I was once again looking for college bats initially here, but couldn't find any that were quite worth the pick.

59. Los Angeles Angels: Devin Williams, RHP, Hazelwood West HS (MO)

The Angels' farm needs everything, but they especially need pitching. I considered A.J. Puk very strongly here since they've shown an affinity for tall pitchers such as John Hellweg and Loek Van Mil in the past, but I decided to go instead with Devin Williams, a stellar athlete with a very live arm and a promising feel for pitching. Williams has a clean delivery, a strong three pitch arsenal including an outstanding curveball, and has all the upside in the world. He's a worthy gamble for an Angels team in severe need of high end talent in their minor league system.

60. Tampa Bay Rays: Jordan Paroubeck, OF, Serra HS (OF)

Rays select Jordan Paroubeck. He's a switch hitter with a good approach and happens to get private lessons from Barry Bonds. He projects to have some power and be a good defensive corner outfielder.

61. Baltimore Orioles: Dustin Peterson, SS, Gilbert HS (AZ)

Much like his older brother, kid can really hit. Average-ish tools across the board, but projects as a really good hitter moving forward. Plays SS in high school, but won't stick -- will play somewhere else on the IF. Reminds of Rio Ruiz as a prospect. .300, 20 bombs is his ceiling.

62. Texas Rangers: Jason Hursh, RHP, Oklahoma State University

Rangers select Jason Hursh. He's going to come with some risk as a post TJ pitcher, but he has loads of upside. His fastball can reach the upper-90's but is primarily a mid-90's pitch with good sink on it. Add in a very hard slider and he has the stuff to be a really good pitcher. His ultimate ceiling is going to hinge on how well his changeup develops since he lost a year of development.

63. Oakland Athletics: Josh Hart, OF, Parkview HS (GA)

The A's went heavy on HS hitters last year, and after grabbing a top prep arm in the first round, here they snag another. Hart has huge defensive tools, a pretty swing, plus-plus speed and some raw power. He's not quite on the level of a Lewis Brinson last year, but he's a similar type of prospect and could be Oakland's center fielder of the future when Coco Crisp is gone, with Cespedes and Choice manning the corners.

64. San Francisco Giants: Jeremy Martinez, C, Mater Dei HS (CA)

Maybe its because Martinez looks like a baby Pujols at the plate or maybe it's because he has the potential to be an above average defender and hitter that could be appealing to teams on draft day. It's probably not a bad idea for the Giants to think of a retirement plan for Buster Posey's catching duties and Martinez would give them a young backstop for the future.

65. Atlanta Braves: Trey Masek, RHP, Texas Tech University

Masek, though short and right handed, has electric stuff, including a great fastball/curveball combo, and could be a #2 starter in relatively short order. The Braves love taking pitchers with high draft picks, and since I gave them a hitter in round one in Tim Anderson, it's time they snagged an arm, and Masek is one of the best on the board.

66. New York Yankees: Trey Williams, 3B, JC of the Canyons (CA)

I've thought long and hard on this pick. I've gone back and forth between a lot of guys... the Yankees have a big shopping list. Left-handed pitchers like Jonah Wesely or Hunter Green. Power bats like Ryan McMahon. "Big game" pitchers like Adam Plutko, who seems to pitch his best in big games. But I keep coming back to two things:

1) Though Jagielo, Ervin, and Stankiewicz aren't tough signs, we did spend a lot of money in the first round, getting all three of them, and could look to save a dollar here.

2) The left side of that infield isn't getting any younger, and there aren't a lot of great options available to the newly-frugal Yankees. It's gotten so bad that their general manager is considering changing his name to Brian Creditman.

I'd like to hit a home run here by getting a signable guy with superstar upside who can plug in on the left side of the infield in a few years, and I think the guy is Trey Williams. He's stagnated, basically losing a year of development in junior college, but I think the Yankees can repair what's broken, give him back his fire, and tap into the guy who was once in the top ten discussion. He's something of a project, but that's exactly what will keep his price tag down.

67. Cincinnati Reds: Stephen Tarpley, LHP, Scottsdale CC (AZ)

Stephen Tarpley has a nice frame an throws with ease. This combination along with a smooth-effortless-repeatable delivery should allow him to project well at the next level. His FB sits comfortably in the 92-94 range, but his secondary stuff is in a work in progress. His clean mechanics should allow him to develop nicely at the next level.

68. Washington Nationals: Ryon Healy, 1B, University of Oregon

The Nationals usually like to chase upside, but with the smallest bonus pool this year, they may be best off taking a potentially cheaper player with their first pick to save some of their league-low bonus pool for high school bats that fall to the later rounds. Healy broke out this season, showing significant power for the first time, and continued to hit for excellent contact. He could be the successor to Adam LaRoche at first base in the medium term.

Competitive Balance Lottery Round B

69. San Diego Padres: Chad Pinder, 3B, Virginia Tech

Padres select Chad Pinder. Pinder provides the Padres with a very good defensive third baseman who profiles to have a pretty good bat. Won't have a lot of power, but will provide a good average and a good at-bat with each plate appearance.

70. Colorado Rockies: Ryan McMahon, 3B, Mater Dei HS (CA)

I cannot, in good faith, allow Ryan McMahon to slip any farther. Not when there's a team like the Rockies where his bat is going to play so well. He's like the high school version of Kris Bryant, who they got in the first round, so it seems like a redundant pick on that level, but I don't think the Rockies are going to shy away from him here because of Bryant.

71. Oakland Athletics: Brian Navarreto, C, Arlington Country Day HS (FL)

Catcher is a position of weakness in the Oakland system, with Bruce Maxwell representing the best prospect in the organization behind the plate. Navarreto is extremely athletic and has big raw power, and could turn into a plus offensive catcher with solid defense.

72. Milwaukee Brewers: A.J. Puk, LHP, Washington HS (IA)

Even though Milwaukee doesn't go after many high school arms, this came down to the choice between A.J. Puk and Hunter Green for me. Green is something of a newcomer onto the scene, but he has a changeup with life, a hard curve, and a decent slider. Plus he's extremely projectable. With a little more command, this guy's a first rounder. But Puk is a physical specimen. 6'7" with a very high ceiling. He's almost the physical opposite of Zach Quintana. I give Puk the edge here, because I think his stuff will grade out better after development, but Green is a tough guy to leave on the board.

73. Miami Marlins: Casey Shane, RHP, Centennial HS (TX)

Marlins take Casey Shane, the projectable HS right-hander, who has mid-rotation upside. I like his combo of delivery, change and movement on the fastball.

Marlins added some serious arms this draft, though Serrano is going to be a really tough sign.

Round 3

74. Houston Astros: Malik Collymore, 2B/SS, Point Credit SS (Ontario, CN)

I went back and forth on Collymore and Tyler Danish here. I wanted a HS pitcher to get more pitching upside in the system, but I'm pretty satisfied with the likes of Houser, Comer, and Musgrove as young guys with potential. Collymore seems to have a really advanced bat that can get him quickly through the system, but is also pretty toolsy. Signability doesn't look like an issue with him either. Collective mancrush initiated.