The MLB Draft gets underway at 6 pm CT. MLB Network will have the first 60 picks tonight and a pre-game show starting at 5 pm. I'll be updating this thread regularly, but first a few links.
- Baseball America Top 500 Prospects (subscriber)
- MLB.com Top 100 Prospects
- Baseball America Draft Blog
- MLB.com Draft Tracker
- Watch live online on MLB Network
Scroll for updates.
1. Houston Astros: Carlos Correa, SS, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy
He already has a big league body at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, yet he's light on his feet and shows fluid actions with a cannon for an arm. For those reasons, the team that drafts him will allow him to stay at shortstop. While he may get a little bigger, his tools would also allow him to be a premium defender at third base. Correa has garnered comparisons to both Troy Tulowitzki and Ryan Zimmerman. At the plate, Correa shows excellent balance and rhythm, as well as patience, to go along with exciting bat speed and natural loft. — Baseball America
another report:
High school middle infielders who have the tools to stay at shortstop long term aren't always easy to find. That's a big reason why Correa is so high on Draft lists at this point.
Defensively, Correa is above average across the board — range, arm and actions — leaving no question about his ability to stay at short. He can swing the bat, too, with the potential to be an above-average hitter with outstanding power. He's a solid baserunner who is better underway and has off-the-charts work ethic and baseball instincts.
Correa's swing can get a little long at times and he will occasionally get out of his game plan at the plate. But that's just nitpicking and the only thing that could keep Correa from being the highest draftee from the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy is his commitment to Miami. — mlb.com
2. Minnesota Twins: Byron Buxton, OF, Appling County HS, Baxley, Ga.
The 6-foot-2, 170-pounder has a high-waisted frame that oozes projection. He hasn't hit for big power this spring, with just two home runs, though he flashes plus raw power in batting practice and was runner-up (to Lewis Brinson) in last year's home run derby prior to the Under Armour All-America Game at Wrigley Field. Buxton's speed plays more presently, as he steals bases easily and covers acres of ground in center field. Some scouts have given him top-of-the-scale grades for both his speed (others call it well above-average) and at times for his throwing arm. — Baseball America
another one…
There may not have been another player who helped his stock more over the summer than Buxton, the toolsy Georgia high school outfielder. Buxton performed well at a variety of showcases, particularly the East Coast Showcase, to put him firmly at the top of many prospect lists.
Buxton's best present tool is his speed, which is plus, and should serve him very well both as a basestealer and an outfielder. He's not just a runner, though, showing some ability with the bat. He's got a line-drive stroke with gap power right now. The ball can jump off his bat at times. Defensively, he has the chance to be above-average across the board.
Buxton is still more tools than polish, but the more he plays, the better he gets and many teams will gladly bring him into the fold and allow him to develop into an impact-type player. — mlb.com
3. Seatle Mariners, Mike Zunino, C, Florida
Mike has been a three-year starter for the Gators and was the Southeastern Conference player of the year in 2011, when he ranked seventh in Division I with 19 home runs. Zunino doesn't wow scouts with tools but beats opponents steadily with his strength, solid catching ability and professional approach. Zunino's bat projects to be above-average for a major league catcher. He has excellent strength in his 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame and has a short swing when he's locked in. Scouts generally give him 50-55 grades for his bat and 55-60 grades for his power on the 20-80 scouting scale. — Baseball America
another…
Zunino is no stranger to the Draft, taken out of the Florida high school ranks three years ago. His father, Greg, was a 1981 draft pick who played for two seasons in the Yankees system and has been a scout for the past quarter-century.
Zunino is the best catcher in this Draft class and he has the potential to be a very good everyday big league backstop. While he does have a bit of a long swing and can struggle with offspeed stuff at times, he has bat speed and loft, meaning he should have plenty of future power. With some more consistency with his swing, he could be a middle of the order bat. Behind the plate, he's a natural leader who can run a pitching staff. Zunino has a very good and accurate arm, good hands and agility, giving him a a package of plus catch and throw skills.
Zunino's dad currently scouts for the Cincinnati Reds. They have the 14th pick in the 2012 Draft and it's looking very unlikely the team will have the chance to unite father and son in one organization. — mlb.com
4. Baltimore Orioles: Kevin Gausman, RHP, LSU
Gausman headed to LSU, where he's made a leap forward after pitching for USA Baseball's College National Team last summer. New pitching coach Alan Dunn also has made some subtle tweaks to Gausman's repertoire this spring, shelving his slider earlier in the season in favor of a curveball before bringing back his slider later in the season. At his best, Gausman has two premium pitches with a fastball that sits 94-96 mph, touching 98, and he mixes in a low-90s two-seamer to get something with some armside run. Gausman's 85-86 mph changeup is a second plus pitch — BA
another…
Coming out of Colorado as a high schooler, scouts liked Gausman's arm strength but an inconsistent spring and signability issues caused a slide until the sixth round, where Gausman reportedly turned down an above-slot offer from the Dodgers. Now he's back just two years later as a Draft-eligible sophomore.
Gausman still has the electric stuff, this time with a little more polish. He'll run his fastball up to 94 mph and he's still projectable given there's plenty of room on his frame to add strength. The heater has plenty of life to it and gets on hitters quickly thanks to a loose and easy delivery. His breaking ball has the chance to be an average offering and he now throws a changeup that fades and sinks and could be an above-average pitch.
The right-hander still struggles a bit with command, particularly with his breaking pitch and the delivery on his changeup doesn't always work. But with his size, mound presence and arm, he has all the makings of a frontline starter, one who shouldn't stay on Draft boards for very long if he has a productive sophomore season. — mlb.com
5. Kansas City Royals: Kyle Zimmer, RHP, University of San Francisco
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Zimmer is extremely athletic. Along with baseball, he also played basketball and water polo in high school. His father played baseball at UC San Diego and his mother ran track for San Diego State. Zimmer's little brother, Bradley, is a highly-touted outfielder for the Dons. Kyle was recruited as a position player and only pitched five innings his freshman year before transitioning into the role full-time last year and now he's a candidate to be picked first-overall. Zimmer's fastball typically sits in the 94-96 mph range and gets as high as 99 and his hammer curveball is just as good. — BA
another one…
The University of San Francisco has had a fair share of pitching taken highly in the Draft in recent years, with Aaron Poreda (No. 25, 2008) standing out. Zimmer has the chance to potentially beat Poreda with a strong spring.
Zimmer has the makings of four pitches that could be at least Major League average. Any talk about the strong, durable right-hander has to begin with his plus fastball that he can run up to 97 mph. He maintains velocity deep into his starts and he has pretty good run and sink to it. His curve is a power breaking pitch, one that could be an out pitch at the next level. He also throws a slider that's very effective when he throws it right. Zimmer doesn't throw his changeup much, but he does have one and it looks like it can be deceptive with sink if he starts throwing it more consistently. He is a very consistent strike thrower.
Zimmer will pitch all year at age 20. With his size, stuff and pitchability, there's little question decision-makers will be flocking to Northern California to get multiple looks at him. — mlb.com
6. Chicago Cubs
Comments
F7 has lost the plate.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Good Lord, F7 is living dangerous with that fastball
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I’m surprised he’s still in the game. NOt sure how many pitches, but he doesn’t have it today. Get him out there having only given up 1 and consider it a good day.
mb21Quote Reply
GBDP right here would be all right.
joshQuote Reply
@ mb21:
According to Brenly, Sveum is teaching F7 how to deal with adversity.
joshQuote Reply
@ mb21:
Except that recent performance in a game has little predictive value.
ACTQuote Reply
102 pitches for F7 right now.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
BerseliusQuote Reply
face ——–> palm
ACTQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
Sullivan’s going to have a field day with that.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Ugh. Damnit Castro.
joshQuote Reply
If only Bobby V. were managing!
ACTQuote Reply
Credit to the Giants’ shitty lineup that F7 has only given up 2 runs.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
@ ACT:
That was definitely the play of a man not having fun.
joshQuote Reply
@ ACT:
I know that, but we’re talking about a guy who is now at 110 pitches and he just got through 5. The Cubs have to be careful with F7 and this is a game you get him out early.
mb21Quote Reply
What just happened? I was on the phone
BerseliusQuote Reply
@ Mercurial Outfielder:
The Giants are playing very Cubslike offense today. Except for Buster Posey’s walks of course.
joshQuote Reply
@ josh:
They got the ground ball face palm instead.
mb21Quote Reply
(dying laughing). 19 baserunners in 5 five innings between these two teams, only 4 runs
BerseliusQuote Reply
@ Berselius:
BABiP has been kind to both pitchers. Also, the offenses are shit.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
@ Berselius:
WAG to Barney, Castro caught the flip but didn’t try to turn, started running off the field as though the inning were over. BB and LK thought it wouldn’t have been an double play anyway, but you know…
joshQuote Reply
Guys, I think Ian Stewart might suck.
joshQuote Reply
@ josh:
But he still might be better than Joe Mather
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Coleman’s windup and motion are awkward as fuck.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
@ josh:
might?
mb21Quote Reply
Can Cardenas play 3B?
joshQuote Reply
Theriot with the popgun arm still, I see. (dying laughing) That was a nice play, nevertheless.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
@ josh:
http://www.cancardenasplay3B.eu
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Gameday suggests that Marmol just got drilled.
Mobile RiceQuote Reply
@ josh:
In all seriousness, he’s played 100 games there over 4 years in the minors, so I think he’s at least familiar with the position, although fielding percentage-wise (I know, I know), it’s his worst defensive position.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
@ Mobile Rice:
In the hip.
joshQuote Reply
Dammit, the feed went down.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
@ Mercurial Outfielder:
Not just me then.
joshQuote Reply
Can’t count on those signal pirates for nothing!
joshQuote Reply
I’m already done with the draft preview. It’s terrible from what I’ve seen so far.
mb21Quote Reply
This draft preview is GOD AWFUL
dylanjQuote Reply
Brian Buxton makes Reggie Upshaw seem eloquent
dylanjQuote Reply
@ dylanj:
I take it hasn’t improved in the last 15 minutes?
mb21Quote Reply
The Score has already blamed the tying run scoring on Castro. So it begins…
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
A couple real nice plays by Theriot late in this game.
mb21Quote Reply
Hobbiton continues the “It was all Castro’s fault” refrain:
So even though the run would’ve scored anyway, the run scored because of the lack of focus. Sound logic, you frumpy, biased, dwarvish hack.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Oh, God, now the radio guys are piling on the “Castro just doesn’t care” train. This is how it begins, people.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
@ Mercurial Outfielder:
It was inevitable. It seems to happen to all non-whites in a Cubs uniform.
mb21Quote Reply
Theo wont give a shit about this nonsense though.
dylanjQuote Reply
@ dylanj:
Theo won’t go nuts about it like those on the radio apparently are, but he’ll definitely care. He wouldn’t be doing his job if didn’t care about such plays. If the media thinks this kind of thing for him is common, so does Thoyer.
I don’t care about it anymore than I care about an error. Mistakes happen, but when you do something like that in baseball you tend to get bitched out by the coaching staff at the very least. You know, mental mistakes should never happen! (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
hey MD turn it back on, they are about to talk about Almora
dylanjQuote Reply
I should have assumed female gamers were treated like shit, but it never occurred to me: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18280000
mb21Quote Reply
no he’ll care about the fuck up but he isn’t going to let the mob decide things for him they way I felt Hendry did at times
dylanjQuote Reply
really cool story for Almora. Definitely a Thoyer type of guy.
mb21Quote Reply
Apparently the draft consists of a screen buffering.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
@ dylanj:
No, but I don’t think Hendry did either. It’s just one of those mistakes you’re going to address. I’m sure it’s already been addressed and will be again and again. These things happen, but at the same time they can’t happen. This team sucks so I don’t care if he takes naps while he’s at SS this year, but that’s just me.
mb21Quote Reply
@ Mercurial Outfielder:
Maybe you’re blacked out from MLB’s Draft. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
3 people have found this site by searching this today: jeff samardzija photos
Can’t they just search Jeff Samardzija and then click on images? (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
Mayo has Correa slipping to 5, maybe he slips one more?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
@ Mercurial Outfielder:
That would be nice. Where does he have Gausman going?
mb21Quote Reply
MLB doesnt watch a misanthropic fuck like MO watching.
I’m ok with Almora or Correa
dylanjQuote Reply
@ mb21:
Maybe they want the “Let It Happen to You” pic (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
as annoying as Reynolds is I will always remember he was very high on the Brett Jackson pick and said so on the draft night.
dylanjQuote Reply
I’d be thrilled with Correa, but I’m pessimistic about the chances.
ACTQuote Reply
@ mb21:
It goes:
1.) Buxton
2.) Appel
3.) Zunino
4.) Gausman
5.) Carrea
But he admits this is based on his own ranking, not his contacts.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
@ ACT:
Yeah, I wouldn’t even be surprised if Houston took Correa. I don’t think Correa is around after 3 picks, but I’d be thrilled if he drops to 6th.
mb21Quote Reply
Bud Selig looks like a sack of soggy shit. What an unimpressive and slovenly fuck. Having your outfit picked out by Paul Sullivan doesn’t win you friends, Bud. It also doesn’t help that you have the public speaking ability of a large toad.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Just no Zimmer. His health is fading his velocity is down
dylanjQuote Reply
@ Mercurial Outfielder:
mb21Quote Reply
@ dylanj:
Mayo said he has the most MLB-ready body and says his arm is “built for innings”
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Orioles and KC now looking at really messing up the board. Gasuman could be there for sure
dylanjQuote Reply
@ Mercurial Outfielder:
Based on what I’ve read I like Zimmer more than Appel. I’d be very happy if the Cubs went with Zimmer or Gausman. I’d go with either over Almaro.
mb21Quote Reply
signability is going to be more important than it has been with these new rules
dylanjQuote Reply
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_06_04_chnmlb_sfnmlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id=&partnerId=rss_chc
I don’t know if they turned two on that one, but the Cubs gave up another run. It’s not Castro’s fault the bases were loaded.
mb21Quote Reply
Correa!
dylanjQuote Reply
Astros ——–> Correa
ACTQuote Reply
WOAH
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Wow. Correa
BerseliusQuote Reply
Nice job ignoring the kid, Bud.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
wow that was a surprise
dylanjQuote Reply
I’m updating the post after each pick with BA and mlb.com scouting reports.
mb21Quote Reply
@ mb21:
The site meter includes image and web searches togeter
BerseliusQuote Reply
@ dylanj:
I thought there was a good chance he’d go first overall. Dude has tremendous potential.
mb21Quote Reply
@ Berselius:
I was looking at Jetpack. I never check out Sitemeter anymore.
mb21Quote Reply
Buxton or Appel next? I think it’s Buxton.
mb21Quote Reply
Who is at the draft for the cubs? Hopefully not Todd
BerseliusQuote Reply
@ mb21:
Yeah, I think Twins grab Buxton. Appel may slip.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Buxton!
ACTQuote Reply
Fuck. Afraid mariners will take Almora now.
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
M’s must be thrilled to get a shot at Appel.
ACTQuote Reply
ppl saying Appel might be asking too much
dylanjQuote Reply
@ bubblesdachimp:
I think they’ll grab Zunino before Almora
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
@ bubblesdachimp:
Wouldn’t they have taken him anyway? They have the 3rd pick, bubbles.
mb21Quote Reply
uncle daveQuote Reply
@ dylanj:
Does he have any eligibility left at Stanford?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I’m starting to think the Cubs may end up with a pitcher if all these position players are gone. Anybody got pitcher preferences? I like Fried.
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
(dying laughing), that was an anticlimactic interview
BerseliusQuote Reply
@ Mercurial Outfielder:
Zunino is probably the next best player in the draft. I’m actually pleased with how it’s gone so far. Appel isn’t as good as either player drafted so far.
mb21Quote Reply
Seattle will be the key to who is around for us.
dylanjQuote Reply
Why the fuck does it matter how fast an OF throws the ball off the mound?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
@ Recalcitrant Blogger Nate:
Zimmer, Gausman, Appel, Almora. Two of them are likely to be available.
mb21Quote Reply
I have a friend who claims to have KC insider info- if they draft who he says they will I will giggle and know he isnt totally full of shit
dylanjQuote Reply
So Appel, Gausman & Zimmer still there.
dylanjQuote Reply
Some pitcher is going to be available for the Cubs
BerseliusQuote Reply
@ Recalcitrant Blogger Nate:
On paper I love Giolito, but that UCL strain scares the hell out of me.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
So arguably best pitcher just gonna keep falling because of bonus demands?
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
@ dylanj:
Edinson Volquez?
BerseliusQuote Reply
Sveum says he’ll bench Castro if that happens again. Fucking dumbass.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I wish the Quade-Cubs had lost a few more games last year
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
@ Berselius:
Take one of them.
mb21Quote Reply
I think cubs will have a chance at apple if they want him
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
@ mb21:
I want no part of Zimmer.
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
its important to note that everyone has us linked to Almora because the FO apparently loves him. So even though one of the pitchers will probably be there I dont think we take them
dylanjQuote Reply
@ Mercurial Outfielder:
I’m fine with that. Apparently it was Castro’s second fuck-up this series. He’s been in the big leagues long enough and should be treated like a veteran at this point. It was a really bad play by Castro.
mb21Quote Reply
I have no problem with what Sveum said, either.
ACTQuote Reply
@ dylanj:
We saw why in that little blurb they did about him. They like guys like Almora.
mb21Quote Reply
Gausman to BAL.
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
Benching Castro accomplishes nothing. It’s fucking asinine.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
ACT wrote:
Yeah, it’s a play that shouldn’t happen and if he did fuck up earlier in the series the manager has to do something about it.
mb21Quote Reply
You would think Jonathan Mayo could afford a suit that fits him.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
@ Mercurial Outfielder:
It may not accomplish anything, but as a manager you can’t let that shit slide.
mb21Quote Reply
Who do we want the Cubs to get at this point? Appel?
shawndgoldmanQuote Reply
I think the Royals take Appel.
mb21Quote Reply
I want apple or Almora.
Or the 160th player
Let’s see what happens
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
I want Almora above all else right now.
dylanjQuote Reply
yeah my friend is full of shit (dying laughing)
dylanjQuote Reply
Zimmer!
Cubs on the clock
BerseliusQuote Reply
Well, Almora is there if THoyer want him.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Ok, Almora, Fried, Appel still there. I wouldn’t be surprised with Fried because supposedly Theo loves LHP, and we know they apparently like Almora a whole lot.
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
@ dylanj:
What did your deep goat say dj?
BerseliusQuote Reply
That was the guy I was hoping would fall to the Cubs.
mb21Quote Reply
its Wilken so……..
dylanjQuote Reply
I’m fine with Almora. Appel would be nice, though.
ACTQuote Reply
some guy named Stratton. his friend is supposedly a scout of some kind.
dylanjQuote Reply
@ mb21:
Zimmer?
BerseliusQuote Reply
The Cubs have to take Appel here.
mb21Quote Reply
Glad we are taking Almora welcome to Chicago kid.
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
everyone reporting we are taking Almora
dylanjQuote Reply
@ Berselius:
Yeah, I thought he was the best of the 3 pitchers that would go early in the draft with Gausman just behind Zimmer and Appel next. I’d have taken any of them over Almora.
mb21Quote Reply
BA confirms is Almora
dylanjQuote Reply
There it is, Almora, they got their guy.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
No surprise here.
ACTQuote Reply
Almora it is. Awfully skinny.
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
new shit: http://obstructedview.net/minor-leagues/cubs-first-round-pick-albert-almora.html
mb21Quote Reply
I think it’s hilarious that the first pick in the Thoyer era is one for which everyone is raving about his “makeup.” Not saying it’s bad, just ironic given Theo et al’s rep.
shawndgoldmanQuote Reply
Wonder how far Appel will drop
BerseliusQuote Reply
Very happy.
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
Anyone else think there HAS to be something wrong with Appel, like an injury or something? He’s in free fall.
AkabariQuote Reply
not appel? i’m shocked…
gaius mariusQuote Reply
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply