THE 2015 MLB Draft Live Blog – Day 1

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Hip Hop Hooray everyone – My personal Christmas morning and last day of school wrapped into one has arrived, also known as the annual Major League Baseball Draft.  Tonight, the teams will complete the first 2 rounds and 70 picks of the 2015 MLB Draft, with Day 2 comprising Rounds 3-10 tomorrow and Day 3 finishes the Draft, with Rounds 11-40 on Wednesday.

Before we get started, I should do my predictions for tonight’s picks.  I will not do another full mock draft, but here is my predictions for the top-5 selections AND whom Baltimore and Washington will select this evening.

#1) Dansby Swanson #2) Alex Bregman #3) Brendan Rodgers #4) Dillon Tate #5) Kyle Tucker

Baltimore Orioles : #25 – Josh Naylor 1B Canadian HS   #36 –  Joe McCarthy OF UVA  #68 – Alex Robinson LHP University of Maryland

Washington Nationals :  #58 – Kep Brown OF South Carolina HS  #69 – Brandon Koch RHP Dallas Baptist

Please join me with questions, comments, jokes, beer recommendations and anything else in the Comment’s Section, on Facebook search NatsGM or on Twitter @NatsGMdotcom.  Also, come back tomorrow at 1pm as we Live Blog Rounds 3-10 and on Wednesday at Noon, as we complete Rounds 11-40.  Now, let’s get ready to Draft!

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6:59pm – We are LIVE from THE NatsGM Studios for Day 1 of the MLB Draft.  I am fired up like a old lawn mower right now ready to start counting down all 40 rounds of the draft – tonight, we cover the first 2 rounds and top-75 picks.  Buckle up, here we go!

7:08pm – Hoping Rob Manfred’s introductory speech is the low-light of the evening… #ZZzzzzz

Arizona Diamondbacks @ 1-1 Select Dansby Swanson SS Vanderbilt

“Samsonite, I was WAY Off!”

In seriousness, Swanson is a solid, expected choice, especially after his incredible streak of performance in the SEC Tournament and thus far in the NCAAs.  He has a solid floor of Yunel Escobar in the majors and could develop into a fringe All-Star player with a “6/6” bat and the ability to be an above-average defensive shortstop.

Houston Astros @ 1-1A (comp for Brady Aiken) Select Alex Bregman SS LSU

Two for two thus far – I won’t hurt myself patting my own back.

Questions exist if he is a long-term shortstop due to a non-elite athleticism or arm, but he is a consistent defender at shortstop but is probably a future second baseman.  That said, he would be a plus defender at the keystone, with the potential to hit both for average and some power, though more doubles and gap power than over the fence pop.  I would give Bregman a chance to stay at short and expect him to pair with Correa up the middle in 2017.

Colorado Rockies @ 1-3 Select Brendan Rodgers SS Florida HS

Steal!!!… As he was atop my board this year and Colorado swipes him here at pick #3.  He needs some time in the minor leagues, but this could be the eventual replacement for Troy Tulowitzki at short for Colorado.  Rodgers has a chance to have 20+ home run power along with a strong hit tool, giving him the ceiling as a perennial All-Star at shortstop.  He needs minor league refinement, but this is a terrific pick for the Rockies.

7:30pm – Proud to announce I just cracked my 1st beer of the 2015 MLB Draft, an Abita Strawberry Harvest Lager.  Very nice summer beer, plays up due to the crispness on the palate, easy “65”.

Texas Rangers @ 1-4 Select Dillon Tate RHP UC Santa Barbara

4 for 4, just saying… Not my favorite selection here for the Rangers, as I have concerned about Tate’s delivery and ability to remain a starter in the majors.  That said Tate has a mid-90s fastball, punishing high-80s slider and flashes of a decent slider, along with working as a starter this season.  He has a nice floor as a late-inning reliever but I am skeptical of his chances to remain a long-term starter.

Houston Astros @ 1-5 Select Kyle Tucker OF Florida HS

Brother of current Astros outfielder Preston Tucker, Kyle has an impressive, sweet left-handed swing with strong power to all fields.  He is a lean, projectable athlete who should move to a corner outfield position in a few years as he matures physically.  He is probably the best hitting outfielder in this high school class and I like this pick as a gamble on potential.

Minnesota Twins @ 1-6 Select Tyler Jay LHP University of Illinois

I thought Jay would go a few picks further but this pick makes a lot of sense, as the Twins have a tremendous amount of hitting prospects near major league ready, and Jay gives them an arm not far from the bigs.  Jay has only made a few starts in his entire career, but for Minnesota to use the 6th overall pick on him, they must envision him as a starter.  Jay has a floor as a dynamic, shutdown reliever with potential to be a mid-rotation starter.  I like Jay and I am curious to see if he ends up starting or in relief.

Boston Red Sox @ 1-7 Select Andrew Benintendi CF University of Arkansas

Red Sox fans are really going to like Benintendi, a draft-eligible sophomore who dominated the SEC conference this season.  He is not the biggest kid and does not have a large track record, but those are the only knocks on his game, as he plays a strong center field and has a chance to hit for power and average.  He is gritty and a “gamer”, and while there is some risk involved with him, he has a chance to be a terrific player in a few seasons.

Chicago White Sox @ 1-8 Select Carson Fulmer RHP Vanderbilt

Questions surround whether his eventual role is as a starter or as a reliever due to his high-energy pitching motion and smallish frame, but no one questions his massive mid-90s fastball and hammer curveball.  He has a fringy changeup as well, repeats his delivery well, and has tremendous physicality in his frame.  I don’t love the motion, but if he can make a few mechanical tweaks, this could be a tremendous selection for the White Sox.

7:59pm – Please bear with me, there is a ridiculous storm going on outside right now and the power is flickering like my dogs eyes after a big dinner.  Stand by!

Chicago Cubs @ 1-9 Select Ian Happ 2B/OF University of Cincinnati

Love this guy as a hitter, as he is a pure switch hitter with power and barrel ability from both sides of the plate.  I would expect the Cubs to try him at second base initially and is a better athlete than most believe at first glance, but could eventually move to a corner outfield spot.  But the Cubs are drafting his bat, and I think he will hit his way to a lengthy big league career.

8:02pm – Trenton Clark would be a true Phillies pick here at #10.

Philadelphia Phillies @ 1-10 Select Cornelius Randolph SS Georgia HS

Randolph has one of the best high school bats in this year’s class, as he has a beautiful, fast left-handed swing.  He’s a good, but not great athlete with a fringe arm, so he is unlikely to stay at shortstop long-term.  Probably a second baseman, the Phillies are buying his bat and will gamble that he will hit enough that his defensive position will be an afterthought.  I really like this pick for Philly and can only imagine how upset the Braves are he did not last to #14.

Cincinnati Reds @ 1-11 Select Tyler Stephenson Catcher Georgia HS

Stephenson has a cannon for an arm and plenty of power in his bat, but there are definite questions whether he will stay behind the dish due to his size and inexperience as a catcher.  He could develop into a power hitting catcher, but there is more risk in his profile than I would like at this pick, with others like Walker Buehler and Jon Harris still on the board.

8:13pm – Feels like a small college pitching run is about to occur, along with a few high school outfielders.

Miami Marlins @ 1-12 Select 1B Josh Naylor Canada HS

First true shock of the 1st round, as I had Naylor going to Baltimore at #25.  Naylor has legitimate power in his left-handed swing, but his body is large already and will be limited to first base or designated hitter as a professional.  His profile and questions about his swing-and-miss makes this feel like a reach at #12.

Tampa Bay Rays @ 1-13 Select Garrett Whitley OF New York HS

Whitley has not faced much competition playing in upstate New York, but he made quite a statement last summer on the showcase circuit flashing impressive tools at the plate and in the outfield.  He is expected to stay in center due to his plus speed and has a chance to hit for both average and power.  He looks the part and I like this pick a lot in the middle of round 1.

Atlanta Braves @ 1-14 Select Kolby Allard LHP California HS

Allard did not pitch much this spring due to a back injury and there are questions about if he will sign or attend UCLA in the fall.  However, Allard was the top high school arm coming into this spring and has a monster 3-pitch repertoire, making him a potential bargain here at #14.  If he was healthy, he goes inside the top-7, making this a solid risk verses reward selection for the Braves.

Milwaukee Brewers @ 1-15 Select Trenton Clark OF Texas HS

I really liked Clark when I watched him last summer in the AFLAC and Under Armour High School All-Star games, as his athleticism and left-handed swing are extremely impressive.  He has a unique swing but shows excellent barrel skills and should grow into some power as he matures physically.  High school outfielders are generally a risky group, but the Brewers have been showing an appetite for risk in the draft the past two years.

8:36pm – Do the Yankees dare pop Brady Aiken here at #16?

New York Yankees @ 1-16 Select James Kaprielian RHP UCLA

Big fan of this pick and this solid righty – Kaprielian has been the Friday starter for UCLA this season and lead the Bruins to the #1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.  He features a solid low-90s fastball, curveball and changeup, along with a quiet, repeatable delivery and projects as a strong #4 starter.  Kaprielian does not have a monster ceiling, but he has one of the highest floors in this year’s class.

Cleveland Indians @ 1-17 Select Brady Aiken LHP IMG Academy

WOW, good for the Indians taking Brady Aiken.  Those reading this likely know he was selected 1st overall last year and did not sign with the Astros, eventually enrolling at the IMG Academy.  He threw 1 inning there before undergoing Tommy John surgery in March.  However, this was the top player in last year’s draft, a perceived stronger crop of prospects, and the Indians have made a major Boom or Bust pick here at #17.  I lean toward great pick and I credit Cleveland for the gamble.

San Francisco Giants @ 1-18 Select Phil Bickford RHP CC of Southern Nevada

This is a really interesting pick by San Francisco – Bickford was selected in the 1st round two years ago but decided against signing, preferring to enroll at Cal State Fullerton.  He then dominated last summer on the Cape, which lead to his decision to transfer to junior college and make himself eligible for this year’s draft.  Bickford has a lean, large frame and a monster fastball and curveball, but has questions about his changeup and his ability to start in the future.  That said Bickford has an excellent arm and is a quality gamble in the second half of the 1st round.

Pittsburgh Pirates @ 1-19 Select Kevin Newman SS University of Arizona

A two-time batting champion in the Cape League, the first player to ever do that, Newman has shown the ability to hit well with wood bats against top competition.  He has a short, quick swing which should allow him to hit for average but does not project to hit for much power.  Defensively he makes the routine plays at shortstop but is not the usual athlete one expects there at the major league level.  Nonetheless, this is a quality pick for the Pirates, and could potentially solve the long-term hole Pittsburgh has had at shortstop in recent memory.

Oakland Athletics @ 1-20 Select Richie Martin SS University of Florida

Martin is a quality athlete who projects to stay at shortstop defensively as a professional.  Offensively he does not project to hit for much power, but he has a short swing and finished 2nd last summer in batting average in the Cape League.  He has a high floor due to his defensive skills and speed on the bases, and there is a chance he can be a productive contributor with the bat also.

Kansas City Royals @ 1-21 Select Ashe Russell RHP Indiana HS

High school arms are traditionally risky, but Russell was extremely impressive last summer in the Under Armour game, lighting up radar guns with a mid-90s fastball and a hammer curveball.  He is tall, lean and extremely projectable, possessing a flawless pitcher’s frame.  I like this gamble here at the back of Round 1.

Detroit Tigers @ 1-22 Select Beau Burrows RHP Texas HS

Big, physical right-handed Texan who can throw some legitimate cheese, Burrows has a punishing mid-90s fastball and a solid curveball.  He has some mechanical flaws in his motion and needs refinement to his arsenal, but the Tigers need pitching prospects and this is a promising arm if they allow him the time to properly develop.  He is immediately the #2 prospect in their system.

St. Louis Cardinals @ 1-23 Select Nick Plummer OF Michigan HS

Plummer is a raw athlete who has above-average but not elite speed and there are questions if he will stay in center long-term due to his fringy arm.  In addition the competition he has faced except for the showcase circuit is extremely poor, so he will need plenty of at-bats in the minors to improve his offensive game.  However, he has good potential with the bat and could stay in center field, so if everything comes together, he could be a special player in a few years.

Los Angeles Dodgers @ 1-24 Select Walker Buehler RHP Vanderbilt

Excellent pick, as I thought Buehler should go inside the top 10-15 picks in this draft.  Buehler is a projectable righty with 3 quality pitches including a low-90s fastball, changeup and curveball.  He needs some tweaks to his pitching motion, but this is a steal for the Dodgers and should allow them to take some risks with their picks later tonight.

Baltimore Orioles @ 1-25 Select DJ Stewart OF Florida State

Ugh, color me underwhelmed with this pick, as I do not like his body or his future defensive profile as a poor left fielder or first baseman.  That said Stewart has a sweet, left-handed swing with power and has consistently hit against top quality competition in the ACC.  I like the bat and think he will hit his way quickly through the minors, but I hope he works on his body to allow him to be a decent left fielder, which would allow his hitting skills to shine through.

Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim @ 1-26 Select Taylor Ward Catcher Fresno State

And we have now found the first player selected that I have not seen play and can only repeat scouting reports from others.  Catchers are often overdrafted on draft day and I must assume Mike Sciosia likes his potential behind the dish.

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Supplemental 1st Round

Colorado Rockies @ 1-27 Select Mike Nikorak RHP Pennsylvania HS

Terrific pick by the Rockies here in the Supplemental 1st Round, as Nikorak has a monster pitching frame accompanied by a mid-to-high 90s fastball and devastating breaking ball.  He is raw and will need development time, but I thought he would go in the late teens, so he’s a tremendous gamble at #27.

9:47pm – Think I was the first one to publicly announce the DJ Stewart to Baltimore pick… Can anyone confirm this for me?

Also, hearing North Florida OF Donnie Dewees to Baltimore at #36 if he is still available.

Atlanta Braves @ 1-28 Select Mike Soroka RHP Canadian HS

Another member of a deep Canadian draft class, Soroka has performed well on his junior national team and was a popular name in draft rumors the past few weeks.  Atlanta is looking to rebuild their organization with pitching prospects and have done well to add Allard and Soroka on Day 1 of this year’s draft.

Toronto Blue Jays @ 1-29 Select Jon Harris RHP Missouri State

Complete and utter steal as I expected Harris to be among the top-15 picks in the draft, as he has a lean, projectable pitcher’s frame and should stay as a starting pitcher long-term.  His motion has some flaws and needs to work on his command of the zone, but Harris looks like a long-term mid-rotation starter and could be quicker to the big leagues than many of the picks selected ahead of him.  Absolutely terrific pick for Toronto and another excellent arm to add to their organization.

New York Yankees @ 1-30 Select Kyle Holder SS University of San Diego

Solid, but slightly underwhelming pick for the Yankees here at #30 with Holder, perhaps the best defensive middle infielder in the entire class.  There are questions about his left-handed bat, especially how much power he will develop, but he should be a major league shortstop due to his defense.  I expected to see “riskier” picks from the Yankees than Kaprielian and Holder, but both are solid picks and should develop into major leaguers, barring injury.

San Francisco Giants @ 1-31 Select Chris Shaw 1B Boston College

A terrific left-handed hitter with some of the best power in this class, Shaw struggled with an injury this spring, which kept his production down this season.  Shaw showed well last summer on the Cape and he has true, real raw power.  He is most likely a first base profile due to his size, but he has a terrific swing and is a solid value in the Comp round.

Pittsburgh Pirates @ 1-32 Select Ka’Bryan Hayes 3B Texas HS

Blood flow is important because it is so much fun to watch video clip after video clip of funny, embarrassing, interesting and/or informative material. viagra vs cialis The second most important ingredient in energyhealingforeveryone.com cheapest viagra professional Plus is ginseng. Men can hold the set of causes responsible for male erection breakdown in the bed. viagra india price energyhealingforeveryone.com How can you spot POTS Syndrome? Stand up! cialis super active browse around this link When standing very still, patients with POTS experience a rapid heart rate. Son of former major leaguer Charlie Hayes, Ka”Bryan has legitimate home run power in his right-handed swing and the potential to stay at third base professionally.  He has lost weight since his junior year, allowing his natural athleticism to show up on the field and has good potential as a two-way third baseman.  This is a nice value for Pittsburgh, who has made two quality selections thus far in Hayes and Newman.

Kansas City Royals @ 1-33 Select Nolan Watson RHP Indiana HS

The second high school pitcher taken from Indiana tonight, Watson has a strong 4-pitch arsenal featuring a mid-90s fastball.  In addition he has quiet mechanics and repeats his delivery well.  The only real knock on him is a solid commit to Vanderbilt next fall, so getting him signed could be challenging, but this is a terrific pick if the Royals can get him signed.

Detroit Tigers @ 1-34 Select Christian Stewart OF University of Tennessee

A mediocre athlete who starred for a mediocre Tennessee team, Stewart has some legitimate raw power in his left-handed swing and can hit for a little bit of average, but he is likely a pure left field profile in the big leagues.  That said in a draft lacking quality bats with power, Stewart has a chance to hit 20+ homers annually without an embarrassing batting average.  This feels like a bit of a reach here at #34, but considering they took a tough-to-sign Beau Burrows a few picks back, perhaps they save some money with Stewart to insure they sign Burrows.

Los Angeles Dodgers @ 1-35 Select Kyle Funkhouser RHP University of Louisville

Terrific value pick again by the Dodgers, who have now taken two college righties projected to go in the top-15 picks two months ago.  Funkhouser struggled a bit during this season with a case of “draftitis” but he has a massive fastball curveball combination who could be a dynamic closer in the future.  I am not sure he is a starter, but this is an outstanding arm to add to the Dodgers’ farm system on Day 1 of the draft.

Baltimore Orioles @ 1-36 Select Ryan Mountcastle SS Florida HS

Big fan of this pick and the Orioles gambling on an intriguing high school bat with some legitimate raw bat speed.  I am not sure Mountcastle is a long-term shortstop due to his athleticism and movements, but he could develop into a useable third baseman or outfielder.  This is a risky pick but the Orioles could potentially sign him under slot and save a few dollars for other Day 2 players.

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And that’s the end of Round 1 and for the most part, I liked most of the picks.  That said, there is plenty of talent still available, particularly college middle infielders and pitchers.  So sit back, crack an adult beverage and let’s enjoy Round 2 of the MLB Draft!

Houston Astros @ 1-37 Select Daz Cameron OF Georgia HS

Son of epic MLB outfielder Mike Cameron, Daz is a talented, instinctual centerfielder much like his father.  Daz is a lean, projectable centerfielder with excellent baseball IQ and should develop some power as he matures physically.  He will be expensive to sign here in Round 2, but this is a steal if he is signed.

Colorado Rockies @ 1-38 Select Tyler Nevin 3B California HS

Son of former #1 pick Phil Nevin, Tyler has a good swing and some raw power in his right-handed swing.  Rumors have had Nevin landing here for a few days and this is a good pick in Round 2.

St. Louis Cardinals @ 1-39 Jake Woodford RHP Florida HS

Large high school righty with a big fastball, Woodford was thought to have a solid college commitment to Florida, but should sign after being selected so early tonight.

Milwaukee Brewers @ 1-40 Nathan Kirby LHP University of Virginia

Solid value pick here by the Brewers, though there are definite medical concerns with him, as he has not pitched much this spring.  Nevertheless, he had a chance to go top-10 preseason and represents a value here in Round 2.

Atlanta Braves @ 1-41 Austin Riley RHP Mississippi HS

Interesting two-way prospect who is likely to stay as a hitter, I remember being extremely impressed with his swing and raw power last summer when watching the Under Armour High School All-Star Game.

Cleveland Indians @ 1-42 Tristan McKenzie RHP Florida HS

Steal of Day 1 in my mind if they can sign him away from Vanderbilt… I fell in love with McKenzie in the Under Armour game last summer due to his projectable pitcher’s frame, extreme extension towards home plate, and quality 3-pitch arsenal.  He will be expensive to get away from Vandy, but he is a tremendous talent if Cleveland can secure his services.

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Arizona Diamondbacks @ 2-43 Select Alex Young LHP Texas Christian University

Solid pick for Arizona as Young is a lefty with a 3-pitch mix, though the changeup lags behind the fastball and breaking ball.  He might be a future reliever.

Colorado Rockies @ 2-44 Select Peter Lambert RHP California HS

Texas Rangers @ 2-45 Select Eric Jenkins OF North Carolina HS

A pure centerfielder due to his plus or better speed, this is a lean athlete who will need plenty of minor league time to refine his swing and develop his body.

Houston Astros @ 2-46 Select Thomas Eshelman RHP Cal State Fullerton

I saw Eshelman this spring against Maryland and immediately one must be impressed of his control and mastery of the strike zone.  He has a quality 3-pitch mix and while none of them are plus, his command of his fastball allows his stuff to play up.  He could move quickly through the minor leagues and projects as a back-end starting pitcher in a year or two.

Chicago Cubs @ 2-47 Select Donnie Dewees OF University of North Florida

Another hitter for the Cubs, and Dewees hit extremely well last summer in the Cape Cod League.  He has good speed but a terrible arm, so he might be a left fielder, but his ability to barrel the baseball and work the count gives him a strong chance to reach the majors.  I thought he would be Baltimore’s pick at #36.

Philadelphia Phillies @ 2-48 Select Scott Kingery 2B University of Arizona

Terrific value for the Phillies, who take a polish college hitter in Kingery who could project in center field as a professional.  But he can flat out hit, and I love this pick (unfortunately) for Philly here in Round 2.

Cincinnati Reds @ 2-49 Select Antonio Santillan RHP Texas HS

I do not know this player… I hope this statement looks dopey in 5-years when he’s an All-Star.

Miami Marlins @ 2-50 Select Brett Lilek LHP Arizona State

Good pick, solid lefty with a strong 3-pitch mix who suffered from “Draftitis” this spring.

San Diego Padres @ 2-51 Select Austin Smith RHP Florida HS

Tampa Bay Rays @ 2-52 Select Chris Betts Catcher Calfornia HS

Outstanding pick and possible steal of the round, as he was the top catcher available this spring a month ago, until questions surrounded the health of his arm.  If he is right, he has a cannon for an arm, good agility defensively and a quality bat.  Good gamble, especially if he is able to stay behind the dish rather than moving to first base.

New York Mets @ 2-53 Select Desmond Lindsay OF Florida HS

Atlanta Braves @ 2-54 Select Lucas Herbert Catcher California HS

The only thing I know about Herbert is he is/was the high school catcher of Braves’ 1st round pick Kolby Allard.

Milwaukee Brewers @ 2-55 Select Cody Ponce RHP Cal Poly Pomona

Great pick!  Massive pitcher’s frame and he has a chance to pitch as a workhorse at the back-end of a rotation.

Toronto Blue Jays @ 2-56 Select Brady Singer RHP Florida HS

New York Yankees @ 2-57 Select Jeff Degano LHP Indiana State

WASHINGTON NATIONALS @ 2-58 Select –>> Andrew Stevenson OF Louisiana State

One of the best true athletes in this class, Stevenson has legitimate plus or better speed and projects as a plus defensive centerfielder.  He has excellent bat-to-ball skills and should run into the occasional home run, but his value is going to lie with his speed and defense.  He profiles as a quality 4th outfielder, with the chance of a Denard Span-type ceiling.

Cleveland Indians @ 2-59 Select Juan Hillman LHP Florida HS

Seattle Mariners @ 2-60 Select Nick Neidert RHP Georgia HS

San Francisco Giants @ 2-61 Select Andrew Suarez LHP University of Miami

Remember him Nats fans?… I’d rather have Stevenson than Suarez even up, though that year of development would be nice to have back.

Pittsburgh Pirates @ 2-62 Select Kevin Kramer SS UCLA

If Kyle Holder is not the best defensive shortstop in this draft, Kramer would be his top competition.  He has a good arm, soft hands and a good feet, making him a strong chance to stay at short, and he has some hitting skills also. Nice pick by the Pirates.

Oakland Athletics @ 2-63 Select Mikey White SS/2B University of Alabama

Great pick!  A true gamer, I think he moves to the keystone as a professionally, but he has a chance to be a good, offensive second baseman.  I am a big fan of his and this pick-

Kansas City Royals @ 2-64 Select Josh Staumont RHP Azuza Pacific

Probably the second best Division 2 prospect available behind Cody Ponce, Staumont has a monster fastball in the upper-90s and projects as a late-inning reliever as a professional.

Detroit Tigers @ 2-65 Select Tyler Alexander LHP Texas Christian University

A draft-eligible sophomore and I know nothing more…

St.Louis Cardinals @ 2-66 Select Bryce Denton 3B Tennessee HS

Los Angeles Dodgers @ 2-67 Select Mitch Hansen OF Texas HS

Baltimore Orioles @ 2-68 Select Jonathan Hughes RHP Georgia HS

Plenty of great players still available, including my guy Kep Brown…

WASHINGTON NATIONALS @ 2-69 Select –>> Blake Perkins OF Arizona HS

I know he’s an athlete projected to stay in center field – I wish they had taken Blake Trahan instead of Perkins.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim @ 2-70 Select Jahmai Jones OF Georgia HS

Extremely fast, Jones impressed last summer at the Under Armour game.

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Cincinnati Reds @ 2-71 Select Tanner Rainey RHP West Alabama

Big arm from a Division 2 powerhouse, Rainey is a probable long-term reliever as a professional.

Seattle Mariners @ 2-72 Select Andrew Moore RHP Oregon State

Minnesota Twins @ 2-73 Select Kyle Cody RHP University of Kentucky

Outstanding pick and a prospect I was hoping would slip to Day 2, Cody is a monster righty who needs to develop a third pitch to stay as a starter.  I saw him a few times on film and I am a huge fan of his potential, but he needs development time in the minors.

Los Angeles Dodgers @ 2-74 Select Josh Sborz RHP University of Virginia

A lock-down reliever for UVA this season, Sborz projects as a late-inning reliever as a professional who could move quickly through the minors.

Atlanta Braves @ 2-75 Select A.J. Minter LHP Texas A&M

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And with that, Day 1 of the MLB Draft has concluded!  Thank you for joining me tonight either here, on Twitter or on Facebook.  I will return tomorrow morning with my analysis of the Nationals Day 1 picks and at 1pm to Live Blog Rounds 3-10 of the MLB Draft on Day 2.  Thanks again, #ByeForNow!

 

 

18 thoughts on “THE 2015 MLB Draft Live Blog – Day 1

  1. Might as well give kudos to scout Jimmy
    In Texas and pay homage to JJ alma mater !!!
    Just call him Koch

  2. Congrats on the hot start. But I’ve got to seriously question your 65 for abita strawberry… Borderline 5

  3. Daz is sliding due to bonus demand concerns… Expect him now to slide to perhaps the Dodgers at 24 or somewhere later tonight in Round 2

    • Love the gamble, Cleveland cannot “buy” that type of talent in free agency and he is/was the best arm in the past two drafts. Good gamble at #17

    • Huge fan of Russell’s wardrobe… Solid “6” and I am pro-Ashe Russell fashion.

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