Hello!  We are LIVE from NatsGM Headquarters to Blog my 2nd happiest day of the year, better known as MLB Draft Day.  I watch prospects year around to prepare for the next 3 days, and I will be here through all 40 Rounds discussing the Nationals selections and highlighting other intriguing picks along the way.  Tonight is Round 1 and the Supplemental 1st round, which encompasses 60 total selections.  So sit back with me and enjoy tonight’s draft – If you have questions or comments, I highly encourage you to leave them in the comments section below, tweet them to me on Twitter @NatsGMdotcom, or email me this evening at NationalsGM@gmail.com.  With that, lets get this going with the Astros on the clock-

6:59pm – Not guaranteeing that the Astros will regret it if they pass on Byron Buxton, but I was watching last summers AFLAC All-America game this morning and Buxton stands out with his tools and ability.  Tough to believe he will not be a stud major leaguer in a few years.

7:06pm – There was a full 1 hour preview show for the draft, and now the panel has spent the past 6 minutes repeating much of what they covered in the previous hour.  Lets get this moving guys!

7:09pm – Wow, CC Sabathia looked thrilled to be there with a “Should not have included that personal appearances clause into my contract” look.

7:11pm – Fair to say that Bud Selig is not classically handsome in high definition.

Houston Astros #1 -> Carlos Correa Puerto Rico HS SS

WOW!  C-14 You sunk my battleship!  And with that selection my Mock Draft, along with many others, is finished.  Correa had extreme helium coming into the draft, and if he can stay at shortstop, he has the potential to be one of the best players in baseball, as he has incredible hitting potential.  Congratulations to the Astros for taking a chance and sticking to their board by taking Correa.

7:22pm – Fascinating now to see if the Twins favor Buxton or Appel – they have probably spent the last month assuming the choice would be made for them by the Astros.

Minnesota Twins #2 – Byron Buxton Georgia HS OF

My vote for the most talented player in this draft, his tools are above-average to plus across the board and he has a projectable body to fill out and hit for power.  He will take a while to develop in the minors but this is a great pick here by the Twins.

Seattle Mariners #3 – Mike Zunino University of Florida Catcher

My 1st correct prediction!  I am a little surprised the Mariners passed on Appel’s upside and potential to be a top-of-the-rotation starter but Zunino’s floor is extremely high and the Mariners desperately need offensive help.  Zunino was a 3-year starter at Florida and one of the more polished catching prospects I have seen in recent years, solid pick here at #3.

7:34pm – Orioles find themselves in the unexpected situation of having their choice of college pitchers.  I wonder if their assumption that Appel would be off the board will lead them to stick with Gausman here.

Baltimore Orioles #4 – Kevin Gausman RHP Louisiana State University

Two picks in a row… I am a little surprised they went with Gausman over Appel, but I am a huge believer in Gausman and think he is a solid bet to be a mid-rotation starter in short order.

Kansas City Royals #5 – Kyle Zimmer RHP University of San Francisco

Tough to criticize this pick, as he has the highest floor amongst Appel and Gausman, but I am surprised Kansas City did not roll the dice on the potential Appel has.  Zimmer has 3 solid pitches, including a dominating power fastball, and should become a solid #3 starter in the major leagues.

7:46pm – Guess Mark Appel is the “guy that inexplicably slides in the draft” award winner…

Chicago Cubs #6 – Albert Almora Florida HS OF

Outstanding pick… #2 on my board as a potential middle of the order hitter and above-average defender in center field.  Almora has awesome tools and a strong baseball IQ, making him someone that could move quickly as a high school athlete through the minor leagues.

San Diego Padres #7 – Max Fried California HS LHP

With 5 correct picks in a row, I have shattered my record from last year of 4 correct selections.  Fried is the best high school lefty available in this draft class possessing 4 solid pitching including an above-average fastball and massive curveball, making him a solid value here at pick #7.

Pittsburgh Pirates #8 – Mark Appel RHP Stanford University

Great value here for the Pirates getting the best college pitcher in the draft at pick #9.  Pittsburgh is going to struggle to sign Appel, but he is a great risk if they can get him signed, as he is the ace-caliber pitcher that organization desperately needs.  Best pick so far in my opinion-

8:01pm – The best 8 prospects went in the first 8 selections overall, just in a unexpected order.  Expect Heaney, Stratton, Wacha, and Shaffer to go off the board in the next few picks.

Miami Marlins #9 – Andrew Heaney LHP Oklahoma State

Solid pick here for the Marlins as he lead the NCAA in strikeouts this season and has a strong track record of success in the Big-12… Very polished, middle-of-the-rotation starter with few flaws, great selection by Miami.

8:08pm – I had every intention of making it through this live blog without an adult beverage… and I am very proud of myself for making it a full hour with these positive intentions.  Off to the fridge-

Colorado Rockies #10 – David Dahl Alabama HS OF

A true, elite level athlete with the athleticism to stay in center field defensively, Dahl was right there with Buxton and Almora on many draft boards.  Dahl will take some time to develop, but is a solid pick here by the Rockies here at #10.

8:16pm – In other news, I went to the fridge and selected a New Belgium Ranger India Pale Ale with my first choice of a beer.  Tasty and impressive IPA from them, 4 of 5 Fedoras!

Oakland Athletics #11 – Addison Russell Florida HS SS

Another up-the-middle player goes, as a theme develops in this draft.  Russell was expected to be a difficult to sign player but the Athletics have a few extra picks in this draft and could look to rearrange some money to sign Russell, a quality hitter with a good chance to stay at shortstop.  Not my favorite pick here at #11, but I cannot criticize Oakland for drafting such a high quality hitter.

New York Mets #12 – Gavin Cecchini Louisiana HS SS

A wiry athlete with power in his bat, Cecchini has a great chance to stay in shortstop professionally as he is a much better athlete than most give him credit for at first glance.  Cecchini is a polished high school hitter and although he does not have the highest ceiling, his floor is as high as anyone in the 2012 class and I am a big fan of this pick.

8:26pm – The Nationals are going to have one of Deven Marrero, Michael Wacha, Chris Stratton, and Marcus Stroman on the board when they select, which must make GM Mike Rizzo and the scouting department breathe a sigh of relief.

Chicago White Sox #13 – Courtney Hawkins Texas HS OF

Dynamic athlete with big pop, Hawkins is a physical specimen and profiles as a power hitting right fielder after many years of development in the minors.  There are some questions if he will hit, making him a risky pick, but his tools are a worthwhile gamble at pick #13.

8:35pm – That noise you just heard was White Sox GM Kenny Williams screaming at the television telling Hawkins not to do a back-flip in dress shoes.

Cincinnati Reds #14 – Nick Travieso Florida HS RHP

A power right-handed starting pitcher with a monster arm but little idea how to command the strike zone, Travieso has plenty of ability but will need a lot of refinement in his delivery to help him throw more strikes.  He has a strong arm and a big frame, but needs more polish than you would expect from the 14th overall selection in the draft.

Cleveland Indians #15 – Tyler Naquin Texas A&M OF

Probably the best collegiate hitter for average in this class, the question with Naquin is whether he has the speed and instincts to stay in center field.  Obviously the Indians believe he can, but with Michael Wacha and Chris Stratton still available, I question this pick a bit.

8:50pm – The draft has fallen almost perfectly for the Nationals this evening by having the choice of Wacha, Stroman, Marrero, and Stratton.  My vote is for Deven Marrero, but all 4 would be quality additions to the organization.

Washington Nationals #16 – Lucas Giolito California HS RHP

WOW!  Could it be 4 drafts in a row that the Nationals end up with the top overall talent in the draft.  Giolito is a true Ace-level talent with more upside than anyone in the 2012 draft, and if the Nationals can somehow get him signed, he is the Steal of the Draft… Outstanding gamble at pick #16!

Toronto Blue Jays #17 – D.J. Davis Mississippi HS OF

Perhaps a little earlier than he was expected to be taken, Davis is an elite athlete with power in his bat.  There is plenty of risk in this pick but his potential makes him a solid gamble here in the middle of the 1st round.

Los Angeles Dodgers #18 – Corey Seager North Carolina HS 3B

A strong left-handed hitter that profiles similarly to his brother, current Seattle Mariners 3B Kyle, Corey Seager was considered a solid commitment to South Carolina unless he was drafted in the 1st round.  With a quiet swing and an advanced approach at the plate, Seager should move quickly for a high school hitter and is a great selection here at #18.

9:04pm – Trend so far, college pitching is slipping and high school athletes, particularly up-the-middle, are in demand.  Information that would have been helpful to me yesterday.

St. Louis Cardinals #19 – Michael Wacha Texas A&M RHP

Solid pick here, as his combination of fastball and changeup should allow him to carve out a career as a #4 starter, with potential for more if he develops a breaking pitch.  I thought the Cardinals might take someone with more potential, but Wacha is a terrific value at #19 for St. Louis.

San Francisco Giants #20 – Chris Stratton Mississippi State RHP

Great value here at pick #20, Stratton has 4 average to above-average pitches and a sturdy, physical pitchers frame.  Little to criticize with this pick, excellent pick Brian Sabean!

9:16pm – I dream of the day that the MLB Draft allows the trading of picks like the NFL and NBA, as I would be on the phone with the GMs of those selecting in the early 20s to try and acquire their pick to take Marcus Stroman.  Whomever is lucky enough to draft him this late is getting quite a bargain-

Atlanta Braves #21 – Lucas Sims Georgia HS RHP

Huh, go figure, the Braves select a high school prospect from the state of Georgia.  In all seriousness, Sims was climbing draft boards this spring and has big potential in his pitching arm.  Raw and in need of plenty of development time in the minor leagues, the Braves have a player with excellent tools that they will try to mold into a major league starting pitcher.  Nice pick at #21.

Toronto Blue Jays #22 – Marcus Stroman Duke University RHP

Outstanding value selection as Stroman has the best combination of fastball and breaking pitch in this draft.   Stroman’s size allowed him to slip to #22, but he is a great pick here at #22 and I think he could eventually be a mid-rotation starter if a team developed him as such as a professional.

St. Louis Cardinals #23 – James Ramsey Florida State OF

First pick that might be a pre-draft arranged deal, as he is a good prospect but not one worthy of going 23rd overall.  Ramsey is unlikely to stay in center field, but his makeup and ability to make solid contact should allow him to be a productive player at 2B in a couple years.

9:35pm – Gotta think the Red Sox were hoping Stroman was still available – I wonder if they take Stephen Piscotty off his impressive summer on Cape Cod?

Boston Red Sox #24 – Deven Marrero Arizona State SS

Steal of the draft… I know he has been lousy this season as a junior but Marrero was incredible on Cape Cod two summers ago and I have little doubt that he carves out an 8-10 year career, similar to Marco Scutaro.  Great pick from the Red Sox.

Tampa Bay Rays #25 – Richie Shaffer 3B Clemson University

Solid value for the Rays here at pick #25 with Richie Shaffer, perhaps the best college hitter in this draft class.  He is not a great athlete and is questionable to stay at 3B professionally, but his value lies in his above-average bat and advanced approach at the plate.  As usual, the Rays make a wise pick late in Round 1.

9:47pm – I just passed 4,000 words written today… Thank you everyone for reading!

Arizona Diamondbacks #26 – Stryker Trahan Louisiana HS C/OF

An offensive-minded catcher that scouts have a divided opinion about his eventual defensive position, Trahan has a lightning-quick left-handed swing with some legitimate power.  With work, Trahan might be able to stick behind the plate, but Arizona might shift him to the outfield to allow his bat to climb more quickly toward the majors. Stryker is one of my favorite high school players this year and a nice pick at #26.

Milwaukee Brewers #27 – Clint Coulter Washington HS Catcher

A thick, physical right-handed catcher, Coulter was impressive last summer in the AFLAC game, and has the skills to stay a catcher if the organization is willing to be patient.  However, Coulter has some of the best power in this class and would be an average to above-average catcher if he can develop sufficiently defensively.  A boom or bust pick but with enough of a potential payoff that I can support this pick.
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9:59pm – Just received a very confused look from Mrs. NatsGM when I explained to her that I had an opinion on a high school catcher from the state of Washington.  She was positively dumbfounded when I told her I had watched him play twice on television.  She quickly left NatsGM headquarters shaking her head.

Milwaukee Brewers #28 – Victor Roache Georgia Southern OF

First, congrats to Victor, one of my favorite people in this years draft.  I compare Roache to ex-Milwaukee Brewers slugger Greg Vaughn as a power corner outfielder.  Roache has real and legitimate power to all fields, but needs to refine his swing as he is susceptible to velocity inside.  He may never hit for a high average, but his on-base skills are impressive and he will slug for power.  A good gamble at #28 for the Brewers in a year void of much power in the college ranks.

Texas Rangers #29 – Lewis Brinson Florida HS OF

Brinson is a toolsy outfielder with massive right-handed power in part due to a long-ish swing, and possesses almost-limitless potential.  His athleticism and speed are plus tools, but he will need years of refinements in the minors leagues to improve his hitting and mature into his body.  His ceiling is as high as anyone still available in the draft, and the Rangers did well to add him to their organization.

New York Yankees #30 – Ty Hensley Oklahoma HS RHP

Hensley owns a power right-handed arm with a reasonably polished delivery, making him a tremendous value this late in the 1st round.  Hensley has good stuff, including a powerful fastball with life, and could develop into a mid-rotation starter in the future.  Nice pick by the Yankees Scouting and Development people-

Boston Red Sox #31 – Brian Johnson Florida LHP

Can a prospect have the same ceiling and floor?  If so, that prospect is Brian Johnson, a lefty with four average or slightly above-average pitches that improve with his above-average command.  Johnson is a polished lefty that should rocket through the minor leagues and possesses a future as a innings-eating #4/5 starting pitcher.  Reasonable value at #31 but not the type of higher-ceiling player I expected from Boston here in Round 1.

10:20pm – Harold Reynolds with another non-sense comment “I think Johnson can hit in the big-leagues too”(paraphrased)… Ummm, Harold, he would only profile at 1B or DH and has 14 total home runs in three college seasons.  No I think he better stay on the mound as a LHP with a 90-92mph fastball and command of four pitches.  Harold is off his game tonight.

Minnesota Twins #32 – Orlando Berrios RHP Puerto Rico

A right-handed pitcher with potential and a heavy fastball, the Twins are taking a gamble on a height-challenged righty with electric stuff.  A bit of a reach at #32.

San Diego Padres #33 – Zach Eflin Florida HS RHP

A projectable right-handed high school pitcher, he might be a signability question but his talent is tantalizing and the Padres continue to stockpile talented pitchers with projectability.  Nice pick at #33.

Oakland Athletics #34 – Daniel Robertson California HS SS

Big, physical body with little projection left but plenty of power, Robertson is likely to move to 3B as a professional.  His power makes him a good pick at the top of the sandwich round.

New York Mets #35 – Kevin Plawecki Catcher Purdue University

Great power with some ability to make contact, if he can stay behind the plate he will be a steal at #35, otherwise, it is difficult to see his bat profiling in left field or 1B.

St. Louis Cardinals #36 – Stephen Piscotty Stanford 3B

Tremendous value outside the 1st round, Piscotty won the Cape Cod League batting title last summer and his bat and athleticism makes him a steal for the Cardinals.

Boston Red Sox #37 – Pat Light Monmouth RHP

This feels a little rich for Light, who has skills but his talent fits better in the 2nd-3rd round.  Pierce Johnson would have been a better choice than Light; that said, Light has talent and some projection left in a massive frame.

Milwaukee Brewers #38 – Mitch Haniger Cal Poly OF

An outfielder who took advance of a weak college hitting class by putting him huge numbers this year as a junior, Haniger has a solid approach and adds to the number of hitters Milwaukee is importing to their farm system.

Texas Rangers #39 – Joey Gallo Nevada HS 3B

Likely possessing the best power left-handed bat in the high school class, and a total steal outside the 1st round.

Philadelphia Phillies #40 – Shane Watson California HS RHP

Watson has a big mid-90s fastball with life and throws a true power curveball, but slipped outside the 1st round due to some lack of pitchability.  His arm is deserving of a higher pick, but the Phillies will need to be patient and nurture Watson’s immense talent.

Houston Astros #41 – Lance McCullers Jr. Florida HS RHP

McCullers was thought to be solidly in the 1st round but slipped due to signability concerns and rumored outrageous bonus demands.  With a mid-90s fastball and plus breaking pitch, McCullers could be a steal if Houston can sign him.

Minnesota Twins #42 – Luke Bard Georgia Tech RHP

Younger brother of Boston Red Sox Daniel Bard, this feels rich for me, but I have watched Bard three times and have never seen him pitch well.  That said, Bard has quality stuff, the chance to start in the major leagues as a back-end SP, and fits the profile of a Minnesota Twins-type pitcher.

Chicago Cubs #43 – Pierce Johnson Missouri State RHP

Great pick from Theo and the boys in Chicago, as Johnson had a great chance to be selected in the middle of the 1st round with his lively fastball and devastating breaking pitch.  If he can develop his changeup in the minors, Johnson has the potential to be a #3/4 starter.

San Diego Padres #44 – Travis Jankowski Stony Brook OF

A true leadoff hitter with the defensive skills to remain in center field, Jankowski is a great player and outstanding pick by the Padres, who have done as well drafting the past two years as any organization in baseball.  Another great pick and perhaps their long-term center fielder.

Pittsburgh Pirates #45 – Barrett Barnes OF Texas Tech

Barnes is a solid athlete with some power that will likely have to move from center field to left field as a professional.  A good hitter in a year missing quality bats, this is a solid pick at #45.

Colorado Rockies #46 – Eddie Butler Radford RHP

Butler profiles as a reliever with a solid fastball in the 92-96mph range and an above-average slider, though they will certainly allow him to start early in his pro career in order to develop.  Butler was thought of more in the 2nd-3rd round in terms of value, but his arm should give him a chance to carve out a nice professional career.

Oakland Athletics #47 – Matt Olson Georgia HS 1B

This is the anti-Moneyball pick, right?  A high-school 1B, that was unexpected… a left-handed hitter with true power, he will take time to develop but he could be the long-term answer the Athletics have needed at 1B for many years now.  Boom or bust pick with some potential, not bad at #47.

Chicago White Sox #48 – Keon Barnum Florida HS 1B

Massive frame on a power hitting left-handed hitter, Barnum has elite power but possesses questions if he will hit at the higher levels.  Typical Kenny Williams pick with massive risk but massive rewards as well.

Cincinnati Reds #49 – Jesse Winker Florida HS OF

Sweet lefty swing with power and tools across the board, Winker owns a prototypical outfielders body and the potential to be a league-average or better outfielder after plenty of at-bats in the minor leagues.

Toronto Blue Jays #50 – Matt Smoral Ohio HS LHP

Terrific value this late in the compensation round, as many, including myself, expected Smoral to be taken late in Round 1.  Smoral injured himself early this season and barely pitched as a senior, but Smoral represents a nice chance for the Blue Jays to add another pitcher to their organizational stockpile.  Great pick!

Los Angeles Dodgers #51 – Jesmuel Valentin Puerto Rico HS SS

The son of former major leaguer Jose, Valentin has excellent defensive actions at shortstop and should stay there in pro ball.  His bat has some power in it and he has a fairly quick, line drive swing that should produce plenty of doubles.  Nice pick by the Dodgers.

St. Louis Cardinals #52 – Patrick Wisdom 3B St. Mary’s

Another easy-to-sign college player for the Cardinals, Wisdom has a good bat with some power, who will likely shift from 3B to either catcher or corner outfielder as a professional.  That said, this pick feels rich to me, as he fit better in the 3rd Round.

Texas Rangers #53 – Collin Wiles HS

Not a clue…

Philadelphia Phillies #54 – Mitch Guellar Washington HS RHP

Overall tremendous athlete with potential on the mound, Guellar has mid-rotation potential as a starter if he can refine his motion and develop a changeup.  Nice upside pick by the Phillies late in the compensation round.

San Diego Padres #55 – Walker Weickel Florida HS RHP

Ideal pitchers frame with a powerful, heavy fastball, Weickel was expected to be taken late in Round 1, so Weickel represents yet another excellent prospect the Padres have added to their stable of arms.

Chicago Cubs #56 – Paul Blackburn California HS RHP

Rocketed up draft boards this spring, Blackburn flashed real potential this year and could become a back-end starting pitcher after plenty of development work by the Cubs.  Good pick by the Cubs.

Cincinnati Reds #57 – Jeff Gelalich UCLA OF

Great pick, as Gelalich has the potential to be an everyday right-fielder in the major leagues, as he has some thunder in his bat, athleticism, and a strong throwing arm. Nice value at #57.

Toronto Blue Jays #58 – Mitch Nay Arizona HS 3B

Nay is a slugger with real upside as a hitter but will be shifting positions professionally, likely to a corner outfielder.  It is tough to find power in professional baseball, and Nay has plenty of that.  True, he will take years to develop, but this is a nice gamble from Toronto.

St. Louis Cardinals #59 – Steve Bean Texas HS Catcher

Athletic high school catcher with a chance to stay there, but his bat is intriguing, and if he can improve his defense behind the plate, Bean has excellent potential down the line.

Toronto Blue Jays #60 – Tyler Gonzales Texas HS RHP

Very impressive right-handed pitcher that I saw in the AFLAC game last summer, he has a low to mid-90s fastball and a plus breaking ball, and needs to develop a changeup in the minor leagues.  A raw prospect with plenty of talent, Gonzales is a great choice to end the compensation round.

With that selection, we conclude the 1st Round of the 2012 MLB Draft.  I will return tomorrow at Noon to Live Blog Day 2 of the draft, consisting of Rounds 2-15, and examine the Nationals selections and highlight other interesting or noteworthy picks as we go along.  Thank you for joining me this evening.

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