After weeks and months of anticipation, the Washington Nationals used their 1st Round pick, 18th overall, in the 2014 MLB Draft to select UNLV right-handed pitcher Erick Fedde. Later in the evening, the Nationals chose University of Miami left-handed pitcher Andrew Suarez with their pick at #57 overall in Round #2.

Staying true to form at the top of the draft, the Nationals did not shy away from a potential injury risk and took the top rated player on the board, Fedde. If he had remained healthy throughout the season, he was in discussion for the Cubs at #4, and certainly would not have escaped the top-12 picks. Unfortunately Fedde suffered an elbow injury late in the season and underwent Tommy John surgery earlier this week. Plainly stated, the Nationals had no chance of selecting Fedde, a Scott Boras client, if he does not suffer an injury late in the season.

On the mound Fedde possesses a powerful and electric 92-94mph fastball that can touch 97mph, along with a sharp low-80s slider with true swing-and-miss type movement. In addition Fedde throws a solid mid-80s changeup that scouts believe could be an above-average pitch with refinement and polish. Blessed with a wiry, lean projectable 6-4 180lbs frame that could add considerable strength and weight, Fedde could find additional velocity as he matures physically. Finally, Fedde repeats his relatively quiet delivery well and is considered a good athlete on the mound.

After starring on Cape Cod and for Team USA last summer, Fedde entered the season as one of the top prospects available in the draft class, as scouts were in love with his strong repertoire and prototypical pitcher’s body. His elbow injury casts a healthy amount of risk with this pick, but Fedde was the best prospect available at #18, and the Nationals were shrewd to scoop him up.

Building off 1st round pick Fedde, in the 2nd round the Washington Nationals selected left-handed pitcher Andrew Suarez, a well-built 6-2 205lbs left-handed pitcher from the University of Miami. Blessed with a solid 3-pitch repertoire, Suarez throws an 89-91mph fastball, touching 93mph, with an above-average (or better) low-80 slider with late biting action. Also, Suarez features a changeup with sinking action, which has average or slightly better potential with some refinement, along with the occasional fringy curveball.

Suarez is a very intriguing draft prospect, as he has clear current strengths and weaknesses to his game. Suarez has a solid 4-pitch mix, although his present fastball and slider are more advanced than his curveball and slider, and he has a strong, durable pitcher’s body. Suarez pounds the strike zone, and rarely walks opposing hitters, as evidenced by his 15 walks in 109.2 innings pitched in 2014.

On the other hand, scouts question if Suarez will eventually pitch in relief, as his changeup (and curveball) currently lag behind his fastball and slider, and he has had past labrum surgery on his pitching shoulder during his freshman year. Only time will tell if his shoulder can hold up to the workload of a professional starting pitcher, but he has thrown 190+ collegiate innings as a workhorse for the Hurricanes in the ACC.

These lawyers are in a best position to aimhousepatong.com purchase levitra online advise the clients about proper course of action and can use their expertise to strengthen the case in the favor of the client. The pills enable successful intimacy with your wife. cialis generika 5mg aimhousepatong.com With more and more dirt particles accumulating over the coolant discount generic levitra coil, air doesn’t reach the coil at all. Pregnancy tadalafil 20mg españa massage – Specifically aimed at relieving lower back pain, leg pain and tight buttock muscles. Assuming he is completely recovered from his past injuries, Suarez projects as a strike-throwing #4 or #5 starting pitcher in the big leagues, and if he can improve the quality and consistency of his changeup, Suarez could develop into a strong #4 starter. His floor is that of a lefty reliever, as his fastball, slider, and terrific command of the strike zone should allow him to be a weapon against lefties in the bullpen. The Nationals did well to pair a polished, high-floor pitcher like Suarez in Round 2 with the talented but injured Erick Fedde on Day 1 of the draft.

NatsGM Day 1 Grade ->                  A-

 

* NatsGM’s Projected Early Day 2 Picks *

Round 3 (Pick #93)  Grayson Greiner Catcher South Carolina
After taking two pitchers on Day 1, I almost guarantee the Nationals will look to draft a bat in Round 3. Brett Austin from NC State would also be an intriguing pick here.

Round 4 (Pick #124)  John Curtiss RHP University of Texas
Mentioned by Jim Callis as a personal favorite of his on the 1st Episode of THE NatsGM Show (cheap plug), Simms would be a terrific value for the Nationals in Round 4.

Round 5 (Pick #154)   Justin Morris Catcher DeMatha HS
A local product with the ability to stay behind the plate as he matures, Morris could be an interesting pick midway through Day 2 of the draft.

We are LIVE LIVE LIVE from the NatsGM Studios to celebrate, analyze, and inebriate our way through the 2014 MLB Draft.  Teams will make 74 picks in total tonight, and the Washington Nationals possess two of them, picks #18 and #57.

I will be Live Blogging every pick this evening, so please join me with your comments, questions, jokes, and obscure pop culture references either in the Comment’s Section, on Twitter @NatsGMdotcom or on Facebook at NatsGM.

My early predictions for the Nationals picks tonight are UNLV’s RHP Erick Fedde at #18 and University of Maryland’s RHP Jake Stinnett at #57 (wishful thinking).  Who do you project them taking?

6:50pm – Just opened a Flying Dog Dream Machine IPL… Very promising, I would place a “55” on it.

6:56pm – Near 100% chance Mrs. Zimmer will be ordering a new couch and pillows by noon tomorrow after Harold Reynolds crushes the status quo on her living room furniture.

7:04pm – Nice tie Jonathan Mayo… Yikes!

#1   Houston Astros  Select  Brady Aiken  LHP  California HS

Gutsy pick by the Astros, as Rodon has superstar potential, but Aiken is an advanced high school pitcher with a chance for 4 better than average (or better) pitches.

#2  Miami Marlins Select  Tyler Kolek  RHP  Texas HS

WOW!  And the first mild surprise comes at selection #2, as many suspected Kolek was slipping in recent days.  But Kolek has a massive fastball and the Marlins are known to scout that area of the country well and extensively.

The Cubs have to be excited to now have a chance at either Rodon or Nola at #4.

#3  Chicago White Sox  Select  Carlos Rodon LHP North Carolina State

The projected #1 pick entering this year, Rodon scuffled a bit with his fastball command this season and leaned heavily on his slider.  However, Rodon has a chance to explode in professional baseball and should reach the major leagues sometime in 2015.  Excellent pick by the suddenly surging White Sox farm system.

#4  Chicago Cubs Select   Kyle Schwarber  C/1B/OF Indiana University

Predicted the Cubs would try to cut a below-slot deal with a local product this morning, but I expected it to be Evansville LHP Kyle Freeland, not Indiana hitter Kyle Schwarber.  I like Schwarber a lot, and think his compact, quick left-handed swing will play in the major leagues, but he is either a 1B or LF in the pros, two positions the Cubs seems to have PLENTY of in their organization.  Schwarber feels like a bit of a reach here at #4.

#5  Minnesota Twins  Select  Nick Gordon SS Florida HS

Boom!  I nailed this pick in both of my mocks, and he makes perfect sense, as the Twins desperately need help up-the-middle.  He’s a different type of player than his brother Dee, but he is a pure shortstop and he’s a solid value here at #5.

#6 Seattle Mariners  Select  Alex Jackson C/OF California HS

3 for 6 and 2 in a row from my morning mock draft, as this draft fell perfectly for the Mariners.  Jackson, perhaps the only elite hitting prospect in the draft, fills a dire organizational need for the Mariners.  He should be shifted to the outfield and his bat fast-tracked to the majors.

7:45pm – Interesting the Mariners announced Jackson as only an outfielder… Also, what word did Bud Selig replace “Sixth” with when announcing the pick.  Sounded like a Ozzy Osborne trying to say he feels “Sick“.

#7 Philadelphia Phillies  Select  Aaron Nola RHP Louisiana State

Terrific pick, as Nola has the highest floor in this draft class and should move extremely quickly through the minor leagues.  He does not have the monster ceiling one might expect from a #7 overall pick, but he has 3-quality pitches, outstanding control, and should sit in the Phillies rotation for many years.  Nice work by Ruben Amaro Jr. and his staff.

#8 Colorado Rockies  Select  Kyle Freeland LHP Evansville

Questions exist if he is healthy, as some teams did not like his medicals, but Freeland has a monster fastball/slider combination and projects to be an outstanding compliment to Jon Gray and Eddie Butler in Colorado.  Risky pick from a health perspective, but could pay dividends in the relatively near future.

#9 Toronto Blue Jays  Select  Jeff Hoffman RHP East Carolina

The Blue Jays just made a pick filled with testicular fortitude, drafted an injured pitcher off Tommy John surgery inside the top-10 picks.  If he was healthy, he was the odds on favorite to be selected 1-1, so this is a massive gamble of risk verses reward.  I REALLY like this pick.

#10 New York Mets  Select  Michael Conforto OF Oregon State

Although the Cubs would argue, Conforto is perhaps the most polished, advanced collegiate bat in this draft class.  He will be a pure left fielder with only a fringy arm and speed, but he can flat out hit, which is the most important tool for a position player.  He should move quickly and has a high floor but only a reasonable ceiling. Solid, but not wonderful pick here by the Mets.

8:11pm – Some team is going to get a steal with Sean Newcomb…

#11 Toronto Blue Jays  Select  Max Pentecost Catcher Kennesaw State

Interesting pick, as Toronto has been seeking a long-term solution at catcher for what seems like more than a decade.  The best pure catching prospect in this draft, Pentecost tore up the Cape League last summer, and should move quickly through the minor leagues.  I might have preferred them to take Touki Toussaint, but this is a solid choice for the Blue Jays.

#12 Milwaukee Brewers  Select  Kodi Medeiros LHP Hawaii HS

This feels a little rich for this Hawaii-native left-handed pitcher who is only about 6-0 180lbs, but he has the filthiest slider you will see from a high school pitcher.  There are others I like a bit more than Medeiros, but he has a chance to be a good one in a few years.

#13 San Diego Padres Select  Trea Turner SS North Carolina State

The college roommate of Carlos Rodon, Turner is a no-doubt defensive shortstop, with excellent speed, a good arm, and solid agility.  Scouts (and non-scouts like myself) question if he will hit against major league velocity and breaking stuff, but he is a quality value here at #13.

#14 San Francisco Giants  Select  Tyler Beede RHP Vanderbilt

I am happy for Beede, who is a personal favorite of mine and is going to an organization that specializes in developing pitching.  An inconsistent pitcher during his college career, Beede will flash monster stuff when he is on.  Heavy risk verses reward with this pick, but it could pay monster rewards for the Giants if they can help Beede allow his talent to blossom.

#15 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim  Select  Sean Newcomb LHP University of Hartford

Immediate candidate for steal of the draft, Newcomb is one of my favorite prospects in this draft.  Armed with the easiest 93mph fastball you will ever see, along with a promising slider and changeup, Newcomb stands a strong chance of developing into a mid-rotation starting pitcher.  Terrific pick and already the #1 prospect in the Angels farm system.

#16 Arizona Diamondbacks  Select  Touki Toussaint RHP Florida HS

A raw pitcher, even for a high school player who has spent considerable time on the travel baseball circuit, Toussaint is a large kid with a chance to develop 3 above-average pitches including a mid-90s fastball.  There’s risk here, but this is a solid value at #16.

#17 Kansas City Royals  Select  Brandon Finnegan  LHP  Texas Christian

Another pick I nailed in my first Mock Draft, Finnegan has top-10 talent but slides here to #17 due to his smallish stature and shoulder issues last month.  He could be a monster closer in short order, or the Royals could develop him as a starter.  Excellent pick by the Royals here in the middle of Round 1.

#18 WASHINGTON NATIONALS  Select  Erick Fedde RHP UNLV

I have predicted this selection for more than a month now, as Fedde was a sure-fire top-10 pick before undergoing Tommy John surgery.  A monster pitcher with the upside of a quality #3 starter, the Nationals got a steal in Fedde here at #18.  Sure there is the obvious health risk, but this could prove to be the steal of the draft in a few years.

8:57pm – Give me Maryland RHP Jake Stinnett at #57 and you will have a happy NatsGM this evening.

#19 Cincinnati Reds  Select  Nick Howard RHP University of Virginia

Solely a closer (and a hitter) at UVA, Howard should shift to the starting rotation as a professional.  Armed with a massive frame and a terrific fastball, Howard has real upside as a pitcher once he ditches hitting and focused on the mound.  I probably like this pick more than I should considering the names still on the board, but good pick by the Reds.

#20 Tampa Bay Rays  Select  Casey Gillespie 1B Wichita State

A pure first baseman, Gillespie will need to hit A TON to fill the profile as a first division starter.  One of the better college bats this year, I think he was overdrafted slightly here at #20 with other quality names still on the board.

#21 Cleveland Indians  Select  Bradley Zimmer CF San Francisco

One of my favorites in this draft class, Zimmer is a steal here at #21.  A potentially elite defensive outfielder with a chance to be an above-average hitter, Zimmer is a raw prospect with a chance to blossom with some refinement.

#22 Los Angeles Dodgers  Select  Grant Holmes RHP South Carolina HS

Physically advanced for a high school pitcher with a thick frame, Holmes represents excellent value outside the top-20 picks because of his powerful fastball and polished repertoire.  Holmes could have easily gone 10 picks higher, so the Dodgers did well to select him here at #22.

#23 Detroit Tigers  Select  Derek Hill OF California HS

A true centerfielder, Hill has outstanding speed and instincts and has climbed draft boards in recent weeks.  He has 4 solid or better tools, with questions existing if he will develop power as he physically matures.  I am surprised to see him land with Detroit, but I like this pick for the Tigers.

#24 Pittsburgh Pirates  Select  Cole Tucker SS Arizona HS

Tucker is the first player selected in the 2014 draft class that I have not seen on television, in-person, or on video, and have only read about online. Tucker is a toolsy high school shortstop that should likely sign for an underslot bonus, which will allowing them to divert some funds to other picks in the draft.

He is a pure shortstop, but this feels like a reach on a pure talent basis in Round 1.

#25 Oakland Athletics  Select  Matt Chapman 3B Cal State Fullerton

Predicted to be selected in the top-10 prior to the season, Chapman struggled for much of the season (like his teammates) did at Cal State Fullerton.  Chapman has a monster arm and should be a terrific defender at third base, but this feels like a reach in the 1st Round as there are legitimate questions about his bat.

9:37pm – A.J. Reed might makes sense here for Boston, especially if they want to save a few dollars.

#26 Boston Red Sox  Select  Michael Chavis Infielder Georgia HS

A pure hitter, questions exist where he will eventually play defensively, but Chavis has a sweet swing and is a nice choice this late in Round 1.

9:42pm – Call me crazy, but I am liking Chavis’ bowtie.

#27 St. Louis Cardinals  Select  Luke Weaver RHP Florida State

A consistent Friday starter for the Seminoles, Weaver is a polished pitcher with plenty of physical projection remaining and profiles as a strong #4 starter in the big leagues.  This pick feels a bit early for St. Louis, but far be it for me to question the Cardinals Scouting and Development people.

#28 Kansas City Royals  Select  Forest Griffin LHP Florida HS

I am a little surprised the Royals picked Griffin over fellow Florida high school pitcher Sean Reid-Foley, but Griffin is a raw, projectable lefty with a blazing fastball.  He will need significant development time, but Griffin is a quality prospect to draft late in the round.

#29 Cincinnati Reds  Select  Alex Blandino Infielder Stanford

I know college bats tend to get snatched up quickly, but this feels rich for me on Blandino at #29.  If they wanted a bat, I might have preferred Derek Fisher from UVA or high school hitter Jacob Gatewood.

10:01pm – We are going to see quite a run of high school pitchers, especially righties, in the next 30 minutes or so of the draft.

#30 Texas Rangers  Select   Luis Ortiz RHP California HS

A nice value here at #30, many mock drafts had Ortiz going closer to pick #20.  The Rangers will need to develop Ortiz slowly, like an average high school arm, but Ortiz could be a pitching name to remember in a few years.  Boom or bust pick but a worthy gamble in late Round 1.

#31 Cleveland Indians  Select  Justus Sheffield LHP Tennessee HS

A Vanderbilt commit, the Indians must consider the talented left-handed pitcher signable away from the Commodores.  (Insert bad “Brick House” Commodores reference here).

#32 Atlanta Braves  Select  Braxton Davidson 1B/OF North Carolina HS

An intriguing high school bat, it feels like it has been a long time since the Braves have used their top selection on a hitter.  (I could be wrong).  That said, Davidson had some hype in the 20s and is considered one of the best high school bats in this crop.

#33  Boston Red Sox  Select  Michael Kopech RHP Texas HS
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One of the fastest rising players in recent days, there were rumors Kopech could be selected inside the first 20 picks.  The Red Sox have done well in recent years developing pitching, and Kopech is a solid value here late in Round 1.

#34 St. Louis Cardinals  Select  Jack Flaherty RHP California HS

A graduate of the same high school as Nationals Lucas Giolito and Padres Max Fried, Flaherty was seen as the most difficult to sign prospect in this draft, as he has a strong commitment to UNC.  Scouts are split on his future, as some like him on the mound and others like his bat, but most expect him to end up a power pitcher as a professional.  This pick has more risk than I am used to with a Cardinals selection.

* Compensation Round A *

10:25pm – Curious if the Astros pop local product RHP JB Bukauskas at #37.

#35 Colorado Rockies  Select  Forest Wall 2B Florida HS

I knew I overvalued him blowing him up to #17 in today’s mock draft, but Wall might have the best pure hit tool on the high school side, and should be a quality defender at second base.  He would have been a reach in Round 1, but here in the Comp Round, he feels like a quality pick for the burgeoning Rockies farm system.

#36 Miami Marlins  Select  Blake Anderson Catcher Mississippi HS

A quality defensive catcher, Anderson has a large frame to stay behind the plate, and questions with his profile make him feel like a reach at #36.  He’s a good prospect, but would fit better later in Round 2, than here.

#37 Houston Astros  Select  Derek Fisher OF University of Virginia

Terrific pick by the Astros, to scoop up a polished college bat who should hit for more power as he matures.  A personal favorite, the Astros scored a coup here at #37.

#38 Cleveland Indians  Select Mike Papi OF University of Virginia

Back to back UVA outfielders, Papi is a solid hitter and is another solid addition to the Indians farm system.

#39 Pittsburgh Pirates  Select  Connor Joe  Outfielder San Diego

And the run of college bats continues, as Connor Joe is overdrafted here in the Comp Round.  A solid hitter, there are rumors he could be shifted to catcher as a pro.  Not my favorite pick, though I prefer him to Bryan Morris, the player traded for this selection last week.

#40 Kansas City Royals  Select  Chase Vallot Catcher Louisiana HS

Athletic catchers with a chance to hit are always selected earlier than expected during the draft, but this feels a bit early for Vallot.

#41 Milwaukee Brewers  Select  Jacob Gatewood SS California HS

Terrific pick, as Gatewood was probably on their short list at #12.  Huge risk with this pick, but Gatewood would have been a top-5 pick this time last year.  Outstanding value at #41.

* 2nd Round *

#42 Houston Astros  Select  A.J. Reed 1B University of Kentucky

The odds-on favorite to win the Golden Spikes award as the top collegiate player, Reed has immense power and his supporters believe his hit tool will improve once he focuses exclusively on hitting.  Another solid pick by Houston.

#43 Miami Marlins  Select  Justin Twins SS Texas HS

I know his name and reputation as a quality athlete who should stay in the middle of the diamond as a professional, I really do not know enough about him to comment.

Time to pour a new beer.

#44 Chicago White Sox  Select  Spencer Adams RHP Georgia HS

One of the better high school right-handed pitchers in this class, Adams is a solid match with their 1st round pick, Carlos Rodon, to help infuse more talent into their farm system.

#45 Chicago Cubs  Select  Jake Stinnett RHP University of Maryland

A personal favorite of mine, Stinnett is a terrific pick by the Cubs here in Round 2, and should be a relatively easy pick to sign as a college senior.  Great pick!  Bummer, I was hoping he would reach Washington in Round 2.

#46 Minnesota Twins  Select  Nick Burdi RHP University of Louisville

If not for Aaron Nola, Burdi is likely the fastest player from this class to the majors.  Armed with a power fastball and slider, Burdi could get big league hitters out right now, and is a solid choice at #46.

#47 Philadelphia Phillies  Select  Matt Imhof LHP Cal Poly

Two solid choices, and college pitchers no less, from the Phillies on Day 1 of the draft.  Imhof does not have a tremendous ceiling, but he has good polish and is a quality pick for Philly here at 47.

#48 Colorado Rockies  Select  Ryan Castellani RHP Arizona HS

Oozing with athleticism, Colorado selects one of the many promising high school arms here in Round 2.  Expect this run to continue for much of the rest of the evening.

#49 Toronto Blue Jays  Select  Sean Reid-Foley RHP Florida HS

A projectable high school pitcher, I expected Reid-Foley to have been selected 20 picks higher, making him the best value pick thus far on Day 1.

#50 Milwaukee Brewers  Select  Monte Harrison OF Missouri HS

One of the tooliest athletes in this class, Harrison is a multi-sport athlete who shows considerable promise on the diamond.  Questions exist if he will hit, but if the Brewers can sign him, they have maybe their #3 prospect in their farm system in Harrison.

#51 San Diego Padres  Select  Michael Gettys OF Georgia HS

Terrific, amazing athlete with questions about his future ability to hit.  If he can refine his swing, this is a steal, but there is plenty of boom-and-bust involved in Gettys future.  Intriguing athlete to add to the Padres system though.

#52 San Francisco Giants  Select  Aramis Garcia Catcher Florida International

Probably the 2nd best collegiate catcher behind Max Pentecost, Garcia showed well in the Cape League last summer and followed it up with a strong college season.  I thought he might slip to the 3rd round, but I like this pick for San Francisco.

#53 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim  Select  Joe Gatto RHP New Jersey HS

Another strong high school pitcher, Gatto is a northeastern pitcher with presumably fewer miles on his pitching arm.  He will need plenty of refinement in the minors, but Gatto is a solid 2nd round pick.

#54 Arizona Diamondbacks  Select  Cody Reed LHP Alabama HS

A talented left-handed arm, Reed has been slightly overlooked this spring due to the depth of high school pitching in the south.  A Vanderbilt commit, it will be interesting to see if the Angels are able to sign him.

#55 New York Yankees  Select  Jacob Lindgren LHP Mississippi State

A fast moving collegiate reliever, Lindgren has a powerful fastball slider combination and could reach the majors late this season or in 2015 as a hard-throwing lefty reliever.

#56 Kansas City Royals  Select  Scott Blewett RHP  New York HS

The top prospect from New York, Blewett is an athletic, projectable righty with a low-mileage arm from the northeast area.

#57 WASHINGTON NATIONALS   Select  Andrew Suarez LHP University of Miami

A quality, and projectable collegiate lefty, Suarez has a solid fastball that can touch the mid-90s, along with a solid Slider and Changeup.  With some injury concerns in his past, there is risk involved, but Suarez is a solid pick here in Round 2.

#58 Cincinnati Reds  Select  Taylor Sparks  3B UC Irvine

Good college hitter, Nice pick.

#59 Texas Rangers  Select  Ti’Quan Forbes Mississippi HS

 #60 Tampa Bay Rays  Select  Cameron Vargan Ohio HS

#61 Cleveland Indians  Select  Grant Hockin California HS

#62 Los Angeles Dodgers  Select  Alex Verdugo OF Arizona HS

As we are seeing late in Day 1, the depth and talent of the high school class, especially on the pitching side is starting to show through.

#63 Detroit Tigers  Select  Spencer Turnbull RHP University of Alabama

Turnbull is a very thickly built athlete, and a solid SEC starting pitcher who could shift to the bullpen as a professional.

#64 Pittsburgh  Pirates  Select  Mitch Keller RHP Iowa HS

#65 Oakland Athletics  Select  Daniel Gossett RHP Clemson University

A personal favorite of mine, Gossett was a strong Friday starter for the Tigers in 2014, and while his physical measurables are not outstanding, he knows how to pitch and has a chance to be a quality back-end starter.  I really like this pick.

#66 Atlanta Braves  Select  Garrett Fulenchek RHP Texas HS

#67 Boston Red Sox  Select  Sam Travis 1B Indiana University

The best senior collegiate hitter in this year’s draft, Travis could be a left fielder as a professional, but either a 1B or LF, Travis is a bat-first prospect who will need to hit his way to Boston.  That said, I think he will and like him late in Round 2.

#68 St. Louis Cardinals  Select   Ronnie Williams RHP Florida HS

 * Comp Round B *

#69 Arizona Diamondbacks  Select  Marcus Wilson OF California HS

#70 Arizona Diamondbacks  Select  Isan Diaz SS Massachusetts HS

Good prospect but thought to have a strong commitment to Vanderbilt, he will be difficult to sign away from those Commodores.

#71 St. Louis Cardinals  Select  Andrew Morales RHP UC Irvine

A terrific college pitcher lacking ideal size, if he was 2-3 inches taller he would have been picked in Round 1.  Nevertheless, Morales is another nice pick by the Cardinals late on Day 1.

#72 Tampa Bay Rays  Select  Brent Honeywell RHP Walters State CC

From the same school as Craig Kimbrel (it’s true, look it up), Honeywell is one of the earliest selections ever from this excellent baseball junior college powerhouse.

#73 Pittsburgh Pirates  Select  Trey Supak RHP Texas HS

The Pirates have an affinity for high school pitchers and developing them, and they did a nice job getting the talented Supak here at #73.

#74 Seattle Mariners  Select  Gareth Morgan OF Canada HS

The top prospect from north of the border this year, Morgan has long been on the prospect landscape.  A talented player with some questions surrounding his hit tool, the Mariners chose another excellent bat here in Round 2.  Great pick to complete Day 1!

 

And with that, the first day of the 2014 MLB Draft is in the books!  I will return in the morning with my analysis of the Nationals two picks, Erick Fedde and Andrew Suarez, and I will be LIVE Blogging Day 2 of the MLB Draft beginning tomorrow at 1pm.

Thank you for joining me this evening!

Happy Draft Day everyone! It has taken me 363 days to fully recover from the three days of the 2013 MLB Draft, but after introducing light beer into my diet (yeah right), I am ready to attack this year’s draft like Joey Chestnut in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating competition.

However, before 7pm arrives and Bud Selig strides to the podium in his finest leisure suit, I figured I should do one final mock draft. In this exercise, I have only predicted 20 picks in Round 1, as after that I have not seen all of the players and would be essentially using others’ opinions to make prognostications. With that said, this is the final NatsGM 2014 MLB Mock Draft.

#1 Houston Astros  Brady Aiken  LHP  California HS

Rumors are the Astros are debating between Aiken, NC State lefty Carlos Rodon, and California high school hitter Alex Jackson. While Rodon’s tempting, I think the Astros make Aiken the first left-handed high school pitcher taken 1-1 since Brien Taylor in 1991.

Previous Choice: Carlos Rodon

#2 Miami Marlins  Carlos Rodon  LHP  North Carolina State

The Marlins will choose between Rodon, Jackson, and Texas flamethrower Tyler Kolek, and while the Marlins show an affinity for high school prospects in the draft, I expect the opportunity to pair Rodon with Jose Fernandez later in 2015 will be too tempting to pass on.

Previous Choice: Tyler Kolek

#3 Chicago White Sox  Aaron Nola  RHP  Louisiana State

The White Sox are in a good spot here in the draft, as Kolek and Jackson are still on the board, and have preferred high school picks in recent years. Most project Kolek in this spot, but I think the White Sox will prefer adding a college starter like LSU’s Aaron Nola, who has the highest floor in the draft and could reach the majors in early 2015.

Previous Choice: Brady Aiken

#4 Chicago Cubs  Kyle Freeland  LHP  Evansville

If one of Rodon or Aiken slips to #4, I would expect the Cubs to run to the podium to draft them. However, the Cubs would be in an interesting position, significantly preferring to add a pitcher although the top player available is likely Alex Jackson. If the first three picks go as expected, I predict the Cubs cut a below-slot deal with a collegiate pitcher, with (somewhat) nearby pitcher Kyle Freeland making a logical selection.

Previous Choice: Alex Jackson

#5 Minnesota Twins  Nick Gordon  SS  Florida HS

While I tend to expect “safer” picks from the Twins’ organization in the draft, I think Minnesota would be ecstatic to see Kolek, Jackson, and Nick Gordon still available at #5. I think the Twins take the best middle infielder in this draft over the other two.

Previous Choice: Nick Gordon

#6 Seattle Mariners  Alex Jackson  OF  California HS

I think Seattle runs like Carl Lewis to the podium to select Jackson, perhaps the only true potentially elite bat in this class.

Previous Choice: Aaron Nola

#7 Philadelphia Phillies Tyler Kolek  RHP  Texas HS

Philadelphia tends to go with high-ceiling high school prospects early in the draft, and I expect them to continue this pattern with Kolek still available. If Nick Gordon is available, he would be difficult to pass on, otherwise expect Kolek to Philadelphia.

Previous Choice: Grant Holmes

#8 Colorado Rockies  Michael Conforto  LF  Oregon State

This pick is difficult to project, as their feels to be a drop in talent from the previous 7 selections to this one. Therefore, when in doubt during baseball mock drafts, project college bats, so I will give Colorado the safest bat in the draft class.

Previous Choice: Bradley Zimmer

#9 Toronto Blue Jays  Touki Toussaint  RHP  Florida HS

The rumors are Toronto wants “ceiling” with their two picks in the first round, and there is not a player at this spot with more potential than Toussaint, a still raw, massive righty with the potential for three better than average pitches.

Previous Choice: Jeff Hoffman

#10 New York Mets  Sean Newcomb  LHP  Hartford

Probably my favorite prospect in this year’s draft, the Mets should be fully acquainted with the Hartford prospect Newcomb, who has three average or better pitches including the easiest 93mph fastball you will ever see.

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#11 Toronto Blue Jays  Jeff Hoffman  RHP  East Carolina

A strong contender to be selected 1-1, Hoffman recently underwent Tommy John surgery which should drop him down draft boards but also makes him an electric pitcher with little bargaining leverage. In keeping with the theme “ceiling”, Hoffman has the best potential left in this draft crop.

Previous Choice: Michael Conforto

#12 Milwaukee Brewers  Brandon Finnegan  LHP  Texas Christian

A difficult player to project due to his recent shoulder issues, on talent alone Finnegan deserves to be picked inside the top-10 picks. While he could slide later than #12, Finnegan would be a terrific addition to the mediocre Brewers farm system.

Previous Choice: Tyler Beede

#13 San Diego Padres  Bradley Zimmer  OF  San Francisco

This fit just feels like Beer and Chicken Wings, a perfect match. The Padres are always looking for outfield bats, who are also athletic enough to cover the monsterous outfield at Petco Park and Zimmer is that guy.

Previous Choice: Trea Turner

#14 San Francisco Giants  Trea Turner  SS  North Carolina State

San Francisco has long searched for a long-term solution at shortstop, and Turner could provide the answer to that revolving door.

Previous Choice: Kyle Freeland

#15 Los Angeles Angels  Max Pentecost C Kennesaw State

Pentecost is the most complete catching prospect available this year and could provide a long-term solution to the Angels at catcher, perhaps as soon as 2016.

Previous Choice: Max Pentecost

#16 Arizona Diamondbacks  Tyler Beede  RHP  Vanderbilt

Arizona is one of the most difficult teams to prognosticate about in the draft but the inconsistent, but talented Beede seems like a reasonable fit here at pick #16.

Previous Choice: Touki Toussaint

#17 Kansas City Royals  Forest Wall  2B  Florida HS

Maybe the fastest rising prospect in this year’s draft, Wall was seen as a supplemental first round pick a few weeks ago, and now pick #17 feels too low on this athletic hitter. However, a pure second base prospect rarely goes particularly high in Round 1, so I will put Wall here at #17.

Previous Choice: Brandon Finnegan

#18 WASHINGTON NATIONALS  Erick Fedde  RHP  UNLV

A few weeks ago Fedde was a lock for the top-10, maybe even the top-5, but after undergoing Tommy John surgery recently, Fedde will slide down draft boards this spring. Nevertheless, the Nationals have shown a willingness to gamble on talented, but injured pitchers, along with Scott Boras clients, making Fedde a strong possibility at #18.

Previous Choice: Erick Fedde

#19 Cincinnati Reds   Kyle Schwarber  1B/LF  Indiana

A quality athlete with a polished left-handed swing and noticeable bat speed, Schwarber is arguably the best collegiate hitter available and could develop into a dangerous corner outfielder in a few seasons. His left-handed swing could be dangerous playing his home games in Cincinnati.

Previous Choice: Kyle Schwarber

#20 Tampa Bay Rays   Sean Reid-Foley  RHP Florida HS

A terrific high school pitcher who has been slightly overlooked in this deep high school class, Reid-Foley pitches in Tampa’s backyard (somewhat) in Jacksonville, and would be a terrific addition to the thinning Rays’ minor league system.
Previous Choice: Sean Reid-Foley

* Please join me tonight at 7pm, along with all day Friday and Saturday, as I Live Blog all 40 Rounds of the 2014 MLB Draft.

Only one more painstakingly long day until Bud Selig will approach the podium and commence the 2014 MLB Draft. Yesterday we examined the strength of the draft, specifically the pitching crop and highlighted several of the top pitchers available. Today we will now turn our attention to the best hitters this year has to offer.

Due in large part to the nearly unlimited signing bonuses given to prospects three years ago prior to the adjustments in draft spending, the pool of hitting prospects again feels relatively light, with a notable dearth of elite bats. Nevertheless, there are quality bats with potential to blossom on the collegiate side, and there are plenty of high school athletes one can dream of one day developing into a dangerous major league hitter. This is an introduction to several of the top hitters available in the 2014 draft, each of whom is expected to be selected during the 1st round on Thursday.

Alex Jackson  C/OF  California High School

7-Word Scouting Report: Potentially Elite Hitter, Strong Arm, Likely Right-Fielder
Perhaps the only hitter in this draft class with the ceiling to be a true impact, difference-making middle-of-the-order hitter, Jackson has easily noticeable bat speed and man-strength in his well-built frame. A few scouts question his hitting ability, but the general consensus is Jackson will hit for power and plenty of it.

Defensively, he has good athleticism, reasonable speed, and a very strong arm, making him likely to shift from behind the plate to right field, where he easily profiles as an above-average outfielder. The team that drafts him will certainly move him, as they will want to expedite his bat to the major leagues, and he should be drafted inside the top-5.

Nick Gordon  Shortstop  Florida High School

7-Word Scouting Report: Pure Shortstop, Potential Above-Average Hit and Power

The near-consensus top middle infield prospect in this draft, Gordon (son of Tom Gordon, brother of Dee Gordon) has a surprisingly physical body, quality bat-to-balls skills, and more power than one might expect from a middle infielder. He needs refinement with his swing mechanics and to continue to get stronger as he matures, but Gordon has a chance to be an above-average hitter with slightly above-average power from the middle infield.

Gordon has solid speed, an excellent throwing arm, and the athleticism that will allow him to stay at shortstop professionally. While he projects to be a different type player than his brother Dee, Nick has outstanding potential with a ceiling as an All-Star caliber shortstop. Gordon should be selected inside the top-7 picks.

Trea Turner  Shortstop  North Carolina State

7-Word Scouting Report: Elite Speed, Pure Shortstop, Questionable Hit Tool

An obviously toolsy athlete with elite speed, Turner physically looks the part of a top draft prospect, with a solid frame with some projection remaining. Offensively Turner shows a good eye at the plate, with a plan and approach during his at-bats. He shows healthy bat speed and good balance at the plate, although his game will be based upon gap power and utilizing his speed at the top of the lineup.

Defensively Turner is clearly athletic enough to play shortstop in the majors, but does not flash the monster throwing arm expected from that position. Turner has good agility and shows range both left and right, although if it were up to me, I would shift him to center field to take advantage of his outrageous speed. Nevertheless Turner projects as an up-the-middle defender with a reasonable chance to hit atop a lineup at the next level, and the team that believes in his bat will pop him inside the top-15 picks.

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Bradley Zimmer  OF  University of San Francisco

7-Word Scouting Report: Still Raw Potential 5-Tool Prospect, Pure Centerfielder

One of my favorite collegiate players since I watched him as a lanky, athletic freshman outfielder, Zimmer has blossomed into above-average (or better) defensive centerfielder with potential offensively. With notable bat speed from the left side and home run power, Zimmer has the potential to develop into an impressive major league hitter.

Defensively, Zimmer has very good speed and a strong throwing arm, which leads scouts to believe he is a no-doubt major league centerfielder. While Zimmer is far from a finished product, the potential for Zimmer to be an above-average 2-way centerfielder makes him a strong contender to be selected in the first 15 picks overall.

Kyle Schwarber  C/1B/LF  Indiana University

7-Word Scouting Report: Bat-First Prospect, Massive Left-Handed Power, Questionable Defender

A thick, massively built man, Schwarber has one of the sweetest left-handed swings in this draft class and possesses the type of bat speed that could allow him to hit 25+ home runs in the future. Questions exist where Schwarber will play defensively, as he is unlikely to remain a catcher professionally, though with surprisingly speed and athletic ability, he could play a reasonable left field with adequate instruction and refinement. That said, Schwarber is a bat-first prospect and the team that selects him will be convinced his left-handed power will translate against major league pitching.

A.J. Reed  1B/LHP  University of Kentucky

7-Word Scouting Report: Big Power, Strong Arm, Difficult Prospect Profile

Perhaps the leading contender to win the NCAA College Baseball Player of the Year, the impressive 2-way player leads the nation in home runs and has also been a force on the mound. His professional future lies as a first baseman, as scouts are intrigued by his massive power and believe his hit tool could improve as he focuses exclusively on batting.

Reed is not a particularly athletic player and is likely limited to first base defensively, although his strong arm and soft hands should make him a better than average defender. Reed will really have to hit for power to profile as a major league first baseman, but the team that selects him in Round 1 will believe in his bat and will have the option of converting him back to a pitcher if he fails to hit.

Michael Conforto  LF  Oregon State University

7-Word Scouting Report: Polished Hitter, Above-Average Bat Speed, Pure Left-Fielder

A thickly built collegiate hitter, Conforto uses his excellent strength and above-average bat speed to hit for both power and average. He does not possess good speed, and with only average arm strength, Conforto profiles at a bat-first left field prospect whom will need to hit his way to the major leagues. In a draft light on college hitters and players who should move quickly, Conforto has a chance to be selected inside the top-15 picks.