Patrick Ebert - Final Mock

PERFECT GAME MOCK DRAFT V. 3
1. HOUSTON ASTROS
JONATHAN GRAY - RHP - University of Oklahoma After the Astros 2012 draft, it's hard not to believe that the Astros are going to take a player not usually associated with the No. 1 overall pick, such as North Carolina 3B Colin Moran, or possibly even prep RHP Kohl Stewart, in an effort to strike a pre-draft deal and save money for their later picks. However, also like last year, we likely won't know of the Astros' draft plans until the pick is actually announced on Thursday night. Should they hold with one of the top three college players (Gray, Mark Appel, Kris Bryant), Gray would seem to be the most signable of the three, and arguably the most talented. If they take a player considered unconventional for the No. 1 pick, look for them to take the money saved to select and sign a player that wasn't expected to fall to their first pick in Round 2 such as Sean Manaea, Ryan Boldt or possibly even Cavan Biggio. Should they stick with conventional wisdom, I have a hard time believing the Astros will take Appel, despite being a Houston native, since they already passed on once him last year.
2. CHICAGO CUBS
MARK APPEL - RHP - Stanford The Cubs are expected to pick one of the two college righthanders between Jonathan Gray and Mark Appel. Should they have their choice between the two, Gray would get the nod.
3. COLORADO ROCKIES
KRIS BRYANT - 3B - University of San Diego The Rockies have been connected to Bryant for several weeks now, and unless the Astros go in a different direction at No. 1, which could cause a domino effect in the early picks of this draft, Bryant is expected to be the Rockies pick here.
4. MINNESOTA TWINS
KOHL STEWART - RHP - St. Pius X HS, Texas Similar to the Rockies and their connection to Kris Bryant, the Twins have been frequently mentioned in having heavy interest in prep righthander Kohl Stewart, who enjoyed a sensational spring season as the best prep pitcher since Dylan Bundy, who went No. 4 overall to the Orioles in 2011.
5. CLEVELAND INDIANS
CLINT FRAZIER - OF - Loganvile HS, Ga. Should the draft shake out this way, the Indians will have their choice between Frazier and Moran, with a slight organizational preference toward the dynamic, potential 5-tool outfielder and 2012 Perfect Game All-American Classic Jackie Robinson Player of the Year recipient.
6. MIAMI MARLINS
BRADEN SHIPLEY - RHP - University of Nevada Don't be shocked if this pick is New Jersey prep lefthander Robert Kaminsky, who has been followed heavily by the Marlins brass. Late word suggests they will stick with their expected preference of Braden Shipley, breaking the Marlins usual preference for lefthanders and players from Oklahoma.
7. BOSTON RED SOX
COLIN MORAN - 3B - University of North Carolina The Red Sox are more than prepared to sit back and wait to take the best player available to them, and may have the unexpected choice between Moran and the University of Nevada's Braden Shipley if the Marlins go in a different direction. Kohl Stewart isn't expected to make it past the Red Sox if he makes it this far. Moran, with roots in the Northeast, gets the nod here.
8. KANSAS CITY ROYALS
PHIL BICKFORD - RHP - Oaks Christian HS, Calif. Easily the fastest, farthest rising player of the 2013 draft, Bickford off-speed stuff still has to catch up with his fastball, which has peaked at 97 mph this spring, but the comparisons to Los Angeles Angels ace Jered Weaver are too good to pass up.
9. PITTSBURGH PIRATES (for unsigned 2012 pick mark appel)
REESE MCGUIRE - C - Kentwood HS, Wash. The Pirates have been linked to McGuire for several weeks, and also have shown great interest in fellow 2012 PG All-American Trey Ball and New Mexico slugger D.J. Peterson. Austin Meadows is another option for the Buccos.
10. TORONTO BLUE JAYS
TREY BALL - LHP - New Castle HS, Ind. Whoever the Pirates don't take between McGuire and Trey Ball is expected to be the Blue Jays' pick here at the No. 10 overall pick. They too are in on Meadows.
11. NEW YORK METS
AUSTIN MEADOWS - OF - Grayson HS, Ga. If Meadows doesn't make it this far, look for the Mets to turn to either D.J. Peterson or Mississippi State's Hunter Renfroe as the Mets have narrowed their focus on a small handful of position prospects.