2010 MLB Draft Mock, Picks 1-15: Throwing Darts at a Small Board

[Porter]

This will be the 1st time ever I will do a MLB draft mock in the 29 year existence of Porter99, and it will only be complete through picks 15. Outside of pick 1, the rest of the draft is more art than science, and this draft, sadly, is yawn worthy. This year's class is deep with high school arms, that might come on the whole cheaper to sign than those with a college pedigree, but for every Josh Beckett there is a kid who never even makes it out of AA. And it also seems that top-end position players have that extra level of seasoning which could make them attractive to an organization in need of an impact to the lineup. But once you get past Harpermania and a few others...

Throwing darts is an appropriate phrase for this year's draft versus most once you get past the big talent of Bryce Harper, Jamison Tailon, & Manny Machado. One National League GM said "there's virtually no difference between the fourth and 44th picks. So in many ways, it's really a scouts' Draft." So if your team wasn't absolute embarrassment last season, likely you will need to do some research on whomever they select and the chats and message boards will be in complete disagreement as there will be no clear-cut choice on the "right" pick. However, this also means that the draft could be fairly expensive as if a #5 pick and a #29 pick have little talent difference between them, we can all be certain that the #29 pick's agent will not let the drafting organization forget this.

The 2010 draft class is not the most exciting, 2011 should be of a lot more interest. But even so, it will be interesting to see the strategies of each team's draft think tank. Could a team elect to not sign who they draft in order to increase what they can grab next year? Due to the lack of big differences, could teams gamble on high upside more and less on the safe, more polished talent? We hope you come here to discuss it with us as it happens June 7th at 7 PM EST.

Pick #1: Washington Nationals
C/OF Bryce Harper
College of Southern Nevada, Fr.

The Nationals would be hard press not to pick the hitting version of Stephen Strasburgh here (and Harper's arm isn't shabby either.) At only 17 years old and planning his route to the Majors since age 5 (or something), many scouts believe he is biggest talent they have ever seen at that age and he is unusual hand & wrist strength for his age. I think he might move to a 3B or a Corner OF spot with his arm and his natural power. However, as much as there is to love about his ability, his makeup leaves more to be desired as "Bryce Harper" & the word "jerk" are not usually far behind, but I don't think Ty Cobb exactly won any Miss Congeniality pageants. Count on 15 very productive years if he doesn't let his attitude get in the way and very possibly some of the biggest homeruns we've seen with his explosive power. Washington could truly have a dynamic duo here.


Pick #2: Pittsburgh Pirates
RHP Jameson Taillon
The Woodlands HS, Texas, Sr.

Jamison is the top high school pitcher in the draft and unfortunately for him, if selected by he Pirates, the Pirates have a graveyard of top-10 pitching draft selections. He brings a plus fastball, slider and curve. His fastball really is the star of the show, hitting the upper 90's but sitting consistent in the mid 90's, it often rises on his hitters and has plenty of movement, usually. His curveball is also a plus pitch, but needs work to be an out pitch he can use with confidence... but it looks nearly identical to his fastball coming out of his hand and that could prove huge for him. Tailon also knows that he will have to use his developing change-up at the next level. Jameson has a great makeup according to scouts. Tailon will need to refine his control, as many high-school pitchers need to, as he is able to get by hitters with sheer power, something which will not happen in professional baseball. The Pirates will also consider SS Manny Machado here as well...


Pick #3: Baltimore Orioles
SS Manny Machado
Miami Brito HS, Sr.

Machado is the top high-school position player and the kid to select if Harper and Tailon are gone, no doubt about that. The O's do need some pop in that lineup, especially in that infield, and Machado seems like the logical pick here. Machado delivers tremendous power and good speed, considering his size. The concern is his ability to stay SS as a 6'2 high-school kid who will only get bigger, even though he currently handles the position fine with his quick hands and athletic build. His ability to stick there long term is already at question, but with a strong arm, a move to 3B could be beneficial. As with any infielder with power from the Miami area, A-Rod comparisons are sure to come of course.


Pick #4: Kansas City Royals
LHP Chris Sale
Florida Gulf Coast University, Jr.

The Royals need bats, arms and fans as a whole. Sale could be a very good complement to Zach Grienke in the rotation. His fastball is only 91-94 MPH, but is very devastating to LHB. Very unorthodox pitching slot, its very close to a sidearm motion.


Pick #5: Cleveland Indians
LHP Drew Pomeranz
Mississippi, Jr.

Sale and Pomeranz are pretty much 1 and 1a for lefties. He has great command of his fastball and curve but needs to develop a third pitch. Also, he has to learn how to hold runners at bay when they get on.


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

He might also help the air conditioning with his strikeout rate, but Choice can rake to all fields. The DBacks will like his ability to be a smart runner and being a solid defender. While his arm will move him to RF, not like the CF he plays right now. You have to have a little concern with his funky front leg action on his swing.


Pick #7: New York Mets
CA Yasmani Grandal
Miami (FL), Jr.

Grandal is very raw with his skills. Switch hitter who has decent power but his bat speed needs work. The Mets do need a catcher but would have to patient with Grandal. He projects to be the best catcher in this draft and a productive bat down the road.


Pick #8: Houston Astros
RHP Deck McGuire
Georgia Tech, Jr.

He doesn't have the pure stuff like a Taillon. Deck has a grind-it-out style similar to a Doug Fister, Paul Byrd (when he's good), or Jamie Moyer. He can win without his best stuff. Projects to be a #3 or 4 starter.


Pick #9: San Diego Padres
2B Kolbrin Vitek
Ball State, Jr.

The Pads would be interested in Vitek mainly because of his approach at the place and the ability to hit them where they ain't. Very solid defender that could find himself at 2B or the OF. Some teams have also scouted him as a pitcher as well. He's compared to '09 first rounder A.J. Pollack.


Pick #10: Oakland Athletics
2B/3B Zack Cox
Arkansas, So.

He won't bowl you over with his power, but gets excellent bat speed with his swing. He's currently been moved from 3B to 2B. He could a better defensive version of Jose Lopez. An offensive minded 2B. Also, like Vitek, can be scouted as a pitcher as well


Pick #11 Toronto Blue Jays
OF Josh Sale
Bishop Blanchet HS, (Wash.), Sr.

Sale is well talked about in this part of the country. He could be a RF as his arm continues to develop. He won't win batting titles, but has a ton of power in that bat. Josh should fit well in that style that Gaston has implemented in Toronto.


Pick #12: Cincinnati Reds
3B/RHP Kaleb Cowart
Cook County HS (Ga.), Sr.

He could help the Reds with his bat or his arm. Compared to another switch hitting 3B Chipper Jones with his makeup as a hitter. If they use him as a pitcher, they have to be patient with developing a 2nd and 3rd pitch for him to use consistently. I think he will most likely end up a hitter.


Pick #13: Chicago White Sox
OF Bryce Brentz
Middle Tennessee State, Jr.

Brentz doesn't stand out at any one thing, but hes above average at everything. His aggressive approach at the place could be one of his very few weaknesses. This is an Ozzie type of player and could help them sooner than later. They need the offense badly right now.


Pick #14: Milwaukee Brewers
RHP Barret Loux
Texas A&M, Jr.

He has four pitches that he can use, although two of them needs to be worked on. Great mound presence and the change up is his best pitch. Loux has the potential to move up in this draft, mainly because he's one of the few that can use four pitches regularly, at least potentially.


Pick #15: Texas Rangers
3B Nick Castellanos
Archbishop McCarthy HS, Fla., Sr.

I know like the Rangers need anymore bats in their lineup. He's not great defensively and could be their DH when Vlad finally finds father time for good. He needs to improve his range and footwork if he wants to stick at 3B. 1B is also a possibility, but the Rangers have Justin Smoak.

[missionhockey21]

The draft is almost here and the Nationals will get their second reward for stinking up all of America when they add Harper to a future with Strasburg.

[missionhockey21]

I'm surprised Colon didn't make your list Porter for top 15.

[Porter]

I got the 1st 3 picks right. I had Colon at #16. I was way off and its a crapshoot to project.

[missionhockey21]

You got Pomeranz right too! 4/5 of the top 5 isn't too shabby. Heh.

[Porter]

4 correct picks, 10 of 15 overall, not bad.