DRAFT: - Michael Choice, Matt Harvey, Dickie Thon Jr, Steven Maxwell... and Anthony Ranaudo

Michael Choice:


5-3 from: - http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=10752  - OF, University of Texas at Arlington - Choice continues to move up draft charts at an alarming rate. Really, he's got it all. He's a big, athletic outfielder with enough speed to play center field in a pinch, and overall tools that profile perfect in right field with plus raw power and arm strength. As for the numbers-oriented, he pleases them as well, as with six more walks over the weekend—oh yeah, and four hits, too, including his 14th home run—he's now batting .401/.571/.757 with 59 walks against just 152 at-bats. His level of competition isn't the greatest, but scouts are sold as he's moving into the upper half of the first round for most.

Matt Harvey:

5-1 from: - http://projectprospect.com/article/2010/04/28/lincolns-2010-draft-board  - Matt Harvey has been known to draftniks for a long time. Heralded as neck-and-neck with Rick Porcello out of high school by some, Harvey has been up-and-down during his time at the University of North Carolina. Fortunately for Harvey, this spring has mostly been up. Control has been a problem at times during his collegiate career but this spring he’s walked 9.8% of the batters, a number that will need to come down as a professional but it’s not a terrible figure. Harvey’s mediocre control is offset by a lot of strikeouts, 28.3% of batters this spring including 15 in his last outing versus a very good Clemson squad. Harvey’s fastball has shown impressive velocity, touching 96-97 MPH late in starts and excellent sink, 69% of his batted ball outs have come on the ground. In high school, Harvey’s main breaking ball was a plus curveball; in college he’s spent more time toying with a slider that flashes plus but is still inconsistent. While he may not go as high as some though he deserved out of high school, Harvey still looks like a solid first round pick.

Dickie Thon Jr.:

5-1 from: http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/4/30/1452824/interesting-high-school-hitters#storyjump  - Dickie Thon Jr, SS, Perpetuo Socorro School, San Juan, Puerto Rico - The son of former big league infielder Dickie Thon, junior is less polished than you might expect given his bloodlines, but only took up baseball full time this year after focusing previously on track. Scouts like his speed and arm strength, and there is remaining projectability in his 6-2, 180 pound frame. It remains to be seen how much power he'll develop and if he'll remain at shortstop. He has a commitment to Rice, and from a purely developmental perspective college ball would likely be good for him both offensively and defensively. Right now he's probably a third round target, but three years of college development with a strong program could push him higher than that.

Steven Maxwell:

4-29 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/4/29/1450107/casing-the-states-texas-part-three#storyjump  - Steven Maxwell, RHP, TCU - All eyes were on Maxwell's freshman teammate Matt Purke when TCU opened their season, but it was Maxwell that got the season-opening start. Though Maxwell has since been pushed back to the Sunday spot of the rotation, he's actually had the best season between the trio of Purke, himself, and 2011 prospect Kyle Winkler. However, injury history and lack of projection will ultimately keep Maxwell from becoming a prime draft prospect. Originally from The Woodlands High School, now famous for 2010 draft prospect Jameson Taillon, Maxwell entered TCU without much fanfare, though he logged a solid freshman campaign out of the bullpen. However, disaster struck during his sophomore campaign, when he was off to an excellent start in the rotation. He blew out his elbow, requiring Tommy John surgery, and he ended up redshirting. He returned to TCU the following year, but never recovered his feel for pitching and went undrafted as a redshirt sophomore. His 2010 campaign has shown the return of his stuff, which is back of the rotation material. He usually works 88-91 with his fastball, touching 93 when needed. He complements it with an average curveball and fringe-average changeup, though he's new enough to his changeup that he could improve upon it. As a 22 year old junior, Maxwell should be an easy sign in the top ten rounds. Projected Draft Range: 7th-12th Round

Anthony Ranaudo:

5-3 from: - link  - DOWN: Anthony Ranaudo, LSU, RHP - Teams are shying away from Ranaudo because of elbow issues. He pitched two shaky innings against Florida on Friday, allowing four earned runs on six hits. While he didn't walk anyone, he also didn't strike out anyone. Ranaudo is not missing bats the way he did in the past. Head coach Paul Mainieri has stressed that he will not endanger Ranaudo's health and will monitor his innings. Mainieri has a good track record in this area. And Ranaudo has yet to fully let loose.