Deep Leagues: - Mock

#1: Washington Nationals Bryce Harper C, College of Southern Nevada


Harper is a 17-year old phenom who has already graced the cover of Sports Illustrated. Along with Stephen Strasburg, he is the most widely-discussed draft prospect in recent memory. After a dominating prep career, Harper earned his GED to enroll a year early at the College of Southern Nevada, and has posted amazing numbers for a player his age. Bonus demands are the only thing possibly preventing Harper from being the first pick.

#2: Pittsburgh Pirates Manny Machado SS, Miami, FL

Machado burst onto the scene as an athletic shortstop with impressive skills. In recent months, reports have questioned his defensive abilities, wondering whether he will be able to remain a shortstop as he gets bigger. But Machado remains in the first round because of his bat, which has been more impressive than projected this season. As an elite offensive infielder from South Florida, he has drawn comparisons to Alex Rodriguez. He should be the first hitter taken, and along with Taillon, is considered the best prep player in the draft.

#3: Baltimore Orioles Jameson Taillon P, The Woodlands, Texas

Taillon established himself as the best high school pitcher in this year’s draft. Like Ranaudo, scouting reports list Taillon as a 6’7, 230 pound starting pitcher who throws a mid-90’s fastball along with an impressive curveball. Scouts see him developing an effective changeup and slider. He is the clear choice to be the first high school player taken this year.

#4: Kansas City Royals Drew Pomeranz P, Ole Miss

Pomeranz is the best left-handed starter in the draft, and has arguably been the most impressive pitcher in college baseball this season. Reports show Pomeranz commands his fastball in the low-90’s with good life and throws a solid changeup. His best pitch, however, is arguably a knuckle-curve he has been using to devastate SEC hitters this season.

#5: Cleveland Indians Deck McGuire P, Georgia Tech

No collegiate prospect was more impressive early this season than Virginia-native Deck McGuire. He is the leader of a Georgia Tech squad which has been one of the nation’s best. He cooled off slightly in his most recent performances, however. Reports show McGuire throws around 93-94, and offers three secondary pitches (curveball, slider, changeup). He shows incredible poise on the mound and should develop into an excellent major league pitcher.

#6: Arizona Diamondbacks Zack Cox 3B, Univ. of Arkansas

Cox is one of the best hitters available in this year’s draft. A third-baseman who, according to reports, will likely play second professionally, Cox has lit up the competition this season, batting .442. He is a left-handed hitter with excellent power and bat speed. The downside is Cox could be an injury risk, and moreover, the bonus demands could be awfully high since he is a “draft-eligible sophomore.”

#7 New York Mets Josh Sale OF, Seattle, WA


The Seattle-native was my biggest snub from in the original mock draft, considering he is among the best hitters available. This video sums up Sale pretty well. Scouting reports show Sale is a left-handed hitter known for his remarkable power and plate instincts. Basically, he is the baseball version of Jake Heaps (the highly recruited Seattle-area QB) because he has a “wow factor” which makes up for any knock on his athletic ability.

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