MOCK: - MLB Scout Buzz

1. Washington Nationals: Bryce Harper, C, South Nevada (JC)

This is pretty much a lock unless anything drastic happens within the next week. Harper has been considered a prodigy but many scouts also think that he is overrated. They had to re-work his swing this year and he has had an extremely good spring. Harper is going to command a big bonus but that isn’t going to scare away the Nationals.

2. Pittsburgh Pirates: Manny Machado, SS, Brito HS (FL)

The Pirates have narrowed their top choice down to 5 or 6 players. Harper is undoubtedly at the top of their list and would be the selection if the Nationals choose to not spend big for the second straight year. There isn’t an obvious choice for #2 like there was last year with Dustin Ackley. Machado has the highest ceiling of any position player in the draft and that includes Harper. Machado has a good frame (6’3”, 190 lbs) and has been hitting the ball extremely well since playing last year for Team USA. He has destroyed high school pitching this year and has the range and arm strength to stay at short.

3. Baltimore Orioles: Jameson Taillon, RHP, The Woodlands HS (TX)
So scouts believe that Taillon is the best prep right hander since Josh Beckett. Taillon throws extremely hard (consistently in the 96 mph range) and has a very good curve that grades out as a plus-plus pitch. He is still working on his slider and changeup which could end up being plus pitches as well. His biggest problem comes as his control is not very good. In one start this year he gave up 11 runs. That is not a good performance from a pitcher who is supposed to be a top caliber starter. He is going to command a big bonus but will ultimately end up signing. He has a huge upside but needs to work on his control and learn to pitch inside if he is going to make it.

4. Kansas City Royals: Drew Pomeranz, LHP, Mississippi University

A month ago you would have thought that Pomeranz was a realistic option for the Pirates selection but he has had some very disappointing outings in the last few weeks. He really needs to rebound during the SEC tournament. Pomeranz has a solid fastball and his secondary pitches are slightly above average. There is a lot to like about Pomeranz but nothing to really love. I believe he profiles best as a #3 starter and is a fairly safe choice. He won’t command an outrageous bonus and should make it to the majors and a fair amount of time.

5. Cleveland Indians: Chris Sale, LHP, Florida Gulf Coast

The Indians will absolutely go with a college player here and we have heard a few names mentioned like Sale, Choice, McGuire and don’t be surprised if someone like Cox ends up being the pick. Sale has been the best and most consistent perform out of the group and he is a big lefty which adds some value to his stock. Sale could end up going to the Royals but I really believe this pick will be either Pomeranz or Sale depending on who the Royals tab at #4.

6. Arizona Diamondbacks: Michael Choice, OF, Texas-Arlington

I really thought for awhile this pick was going to be Deck McGuire as he fit the profile for what the Diamondbacks like to do but his performance has been uninspiring of late proving to everyone he is nothing more than an average starting pitcher. Choice has shown great power and while it’s been against lesser competition, there are few that doubt that he can continue to do that in professional baseball. I am one of the few doubters as I don’t believe he will be able to stay at centerfield and won’t have enough power to be a true corner outfielder. He has shown patience but that has been in large part because pitchers have pitched around him as the season has gone on.

7. New York Mets: Zach Cox, 3B, Arkansas


No one has actually been able to tab what the Mets will do but considering their farm system is so poor I really believe they will choose the safest player on their board. Cox has a very good bat and will be able to hit for both power and average when he gets to the majors. He reminds me a lot of Ike Davis and considering the Mets have really liked what they have seen with him makes me believe they will fall in love with Cox. Cox won’t stay at third regardless of what team drafts him but that won’t matter for the Mets.

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