After taking a few days to recharge my batteries following our recent draft coverage, I felt compelled to examine New York Mets starting pitcher R.A. Dickey and the future of the knuckleball.  Watching Dickey overwhelm the Nationals lineup last Thursday with 7.1 shutout innings with 8 strikeouts to keep the Mets from getting swept, I was captivated with how well he commands the knuckleball and how devastating the pitch is with its low-80s velocity and considerable movement.  I quickly realized how much I have underrated him and have underappreciated his talents the past three seasons.  Consider his last three years, in 2010 Dickey went 11-9 with a 2.84 ERA in 174.1 innings pitched with 104 strikeouts against 165 hits and 42 walks, last season saw him go 8-13 with a 3.28 ERA over 208.2 innings pitched with 134 strikeouts against 202 hits and 54 walks.  At 37 years old, he has begun this season 9-1 with a 2.44 ERA in 81 innings pitched with 78 strikeouts against 65 hits and 19 walks; those are close to Ace-Level numbers.

In the past 30 years, only a handful of knuckleball pitchers have reached the majors leagues, even fewer achieving any notable success, namely Tom Candiotti, Charlie Hough, Joe and Phil Niekro in the 80s, Steve Sparks, Tim Wakefield… and R.A. Dickey.  This got me thinking why we do not see more knuckleball pitchers, or at the very least, pitchers that feature it as part of their repertoire?  I have watched more college baseball than any one person should, and excluding the rare pitcher that throws a knuckle-curveball, I cannot recall ever seeing a college pitcher feature a pure knuckleball.  Why is this? Granted the knuckleball is a difficult pitch to command, but I have to assume the ultimate reason is because “no one else does it” and the overwhelming majority of coaches are ill-equipped to teach the pitch.  Nevertheless, I have to imagine an amateur pitcher with any aptitude to throw a knuckleball would achieve tremendous success because inexperienced and impatient batters would be demoralized trying to hit such a slow, devilish pitch.

In addition, considering the overwhelming amount of arm injuries occurring to pitchers, are we doing a disservice to the next generation of prospects by not introducing them to this pitch at an earlier stage of their development? Currently the biggest area professional teams are trying to advance their knowledge is helping players avoid injuries or predicting them before they occur, especially arm injuries with pitchers. I would argue that more pitchers adding the knuckleball to their repertoire would be the simplest way to decrease pitcher injuries in the next few decades due to the decreased stress it places on the pitching arm.  Certainly this would not solve the entire problem, but any pitcher that subtracted a breaking pitch from their arsenal and added the knuckleball would significantly reduce their chances of injury and thus, increase the potential longevity of their career.

Finally, will R.A. Dickey’s recent success bolster a new wave of knuckleball pitchers in the amateur ranks?  At the very least, can his achievements improve the reputation of the knuckleball from a final attempt for a player almost out of professional baseball to remain in the league, and advance like the cutter has in the past 20 years from a rarely featured offering into a respected, if not feared, pitch in many pitcher’s repertoire?  The baseball fan in me hopes so, as there is little more intriguing than watching major league hitters try to alter their approach and face a knuckleballer on a few rare occasions each season.  The sabermetrician in me would appreciate seeing fewer pitcher injuries, and examining new data to see if pitcher ERA and BAA (Batting Average Against) would decline as a result of implementing and refining the pitch as part of their arsenal or if hitters would correspondingly adjust and improve once seeing a larger amount of knuckleballs per season.  It would be a fascinating experiment to observe within the game.
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Realistically however, conventional wisdom is a tough thing to debunk in professional baseball (Exhibit A – Closer Usage) and I fear that another generation of pitchers will continue to injure themselves at an alarming rate without ever considering the knuckleball as their 2^nd off-speed offering in addition to the changeup.  The easy conclusion is that many years from now, the knuckleball will still be the oddball pitch it is today featured by only 1 or 2 big league pitchers, but my hope is that numbers-oriented front offices take note of Dickey’s success and paired with the potential to prevent injuries, push pitchers to experiment with the pitch and view it as more than a last-ditch effort to remain in baseball.  Only time will tell, but I look forward to the day when I am watching a college game with two starting pitchers featuring a knuckleball.

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For the last time this week…. We are LIVE from the NatsGM headquarters today as I Live Blog the final day of the 2012 MLB Rule 4 Draft, spanning Rounds 16-40.  My goal today is to introduce the Nationals selections, along with shedding light on other picks of interest by other clubs.  I want to thank you for the incredible levels of traffic the past two days; my webmaster has called me both days to tell me he is concerned the server cannot handle this many people, so I want to graciously and humbly thank you for reading.

There will be longer periods of inactivity today than on Days 1 and 2, so I highly encourage you to post your comments in the comments section below, email me at NationalsGM@gmail.com, and via Twitter @NatsGMdotcom.  Without further ado, lets get Day 3 of the 2012 MLB Draft started-

12:06pm – My favorite player in this year’s draft just went with the 1st pick in Day 3, Jacksonville OF Dan Gulbransen.  I discussed him on Day 3 of our preview, but I like this kid and think he carves out a career as a valuable piece to a championship club as a platoon OF, or perhaps as weaker than average starter.  Regardless, he can flat out hit and is a steal on Day 3, great pick by Houston-

Washington Nationals #504 – Ronald Pena RHP Palm Beach St. College

Baseball America likes this young man, who is committed to College of Charleston if he does not sign with the Nationals.  He has a low-90s fastball to go along with an inconsistent curveball and changeup.  His command is below-average which holds him back, but with refinement, he has decent potential for a pitcher in Round 16. 

12:19pm – Nice pick by the Twins at the top of the 17th round with 1B DJ Hicks from Central Florida, I serendipitously watched two of his games this spring and he impressed me with his bat speed and pop.  Nice upside pick by Minnesota-

Washington Nationals #534 – Blake Schwartz RHP Oklahoma City University

A member of the same team as San Diego 2nd round pick Dane Phillips, Schwartz is a 6-3 200lbs. senior right-handed pitcher with an 11-4 record in 2012 with a 3.74 ERA with 113 strikeouts in 98.2 innings.  The Nationals took very few pitchers on Days 1-2 of the draft, so it is little surprise they have started Day 3 with 2 college pitchers.

12:31pm – Seattle just made a nice selection in Jabari Henry from Florida International: Henry has plenty of tools and has suffered from some injury issues and moving schools each year, but his talents warrant a single-digit round pick, making Henry a steal in the 18th round.

Washington Nationals #564 – David Fischer RHP University of Connecticut

A 6-5 200lbs. senior right-handed pitcher from UConn, he has a power fastball in the low-90s along with a decent breaking pitch that looked somewhere between a curveball and a slider.  I watched him last summer on Cape Cod and he is a raw pitcher with some arm strength, and should sign easily… Nice value in Round 18 and another college pitcher to begin Day 3.

12:46pm – Wild guess but I think the Nationals take University of Maryland RHP Brett Harman in the next couple rounds, a raw 5th year senior with a massive frame and potential for improvement.

Washington Nationals #594 – Brian Lippincott 1B Concordia University

Lippincott is a 1B/OF from Concordia that is 6-4 210lbs. senior that swings lefty and throws right.  In 2012, he batted .494 with 10 home runs in 46 games and for his career, he produced a slash line of .428/.497/.594 with 26 home runs.  Tough to learn much from these stats, but anyone that can hit .494 as a senior deserves a chance to hit his way up the ladder, interesting pick here in Round 19.

12:55pm – Nice pick by the Orioles to select Cal’s son Ryan Ripken in the 20th round, he is almost certainly headed to South Carolina to play baseball, but he has talent and could develop into a fine prospect with 3 years of college baseball.

Washington Nationals #624 – James Brooks SS University of Utah

A senior shortstop with a huge 6-3 200lbs. frame, Brooks batted .304 this season with 10 home runs.  It is impressive to find any middle infielder with double digit home runs in todays game, so in the 20th round, it is worth a flyer to see if he can slug his way to the big leagues.  Another interesting senior sign by the Nationals.

1:04pm – I want to highlight a pick the Brewers made at the end of Round 20 with Georgetown University SS Mike Garza – I have watched this kid for a few seasons up close and he can flat out hit a baseball.  I fear he will move from shortstop as a pro, but remember this name because he will hit his way up the ladder the next couple years.  Nice pick by Milwaukee-

Washington Nationals #654 – Austin Chubb Catcher Florida Southern

The college senior brigade continues in Round 21, as the Nationals select Austin Chubb, a 6-2 215lbs. catcher and designated hitter.  Chubb batted .291 with 8 home runs this season as a right-handed hitter, and it should be expected that Chubb will sign quickly and provide some power to one of the minor league affiliates.

1:20pm – Not that we are counting (HA!) but that is 1 Junior College player and 5 college seniors thus far on Day 3 for the Nationals.  I was hoping to see a bit more upside from their selections to begin today, though I do like many of the prospects they have taken.

Washington Nationals #684 – William Hudgins RHP Notre Dame

A 6-4 200lbs. college senior and captain of this season’s Notre Dame baseball team,  Hudgins produced a 5-3 record with a 2.06 ERA with 90 strikeouts in 96.1 innings in 2012.  Hudgins pitched in relief until this season when shifted to the weekend rotation, but is expected to return to the bullpen as a professional.  Another decent arm to take a chance on in Round 22, and that makes 6 consecutive seniors drafted by the Nationals.

Washington Nationals #714 – Casey Selsor OF UT-San Antonio

A 6-3 190lbs. senior from the University of Texas San Antonio, Selsor batted .302/.358/.471 with 1 home run in 2012 and was drafted by the Nats as a high schooler back in 2008.  Selsor is also listed as a pitcher on the team’s website, so one can assume he has a strong left-handed throwing arm, and as a senior, should sign relatively quickly with the Nationals.

Washington Nationals #744 – Kevin DiCharry RHP University of Texas

Another physical right-handed college pitcher, DiCharry had a 1-1 record with a 2.25 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched.  That makes 8 college seniors in a row for the Nationals on Day 3.

1:53pm – I asked this yesterday and only received 1 response, so I am asking the audience again today: does anyone have a good craft beer recommendation, particularly something a bit off-the-beaten path?  Would appreciate any and all recommendations, thanks!

1:57pm – I have gotten a few emails asking me, and YES, Ryan Ripken does have skills, aside from his name, he has a big, physical frame with some athleticism and a nice left-handed swing with some pop.  After 3 years at South Carolina and Ripken could develop into a top-5 round talent.

Washington Nationals #774 – Freddy Avis California HS RHP

Considered an extremely difficult to sign prospect due to his firm commitment to Stanford, Avis is the 1st high schooler taken by the Nationals today and was widely considered a top-100 talent entering the draft.  Avis possesses a low-to-mid-90s fastball, a decent curveball, and the makings of a changeup to go along with an athletic 6-3 195lb frame.  Avis is unbelievably unlikely to sign in Round 25, but perhaps he is a backup plan in case the team fails to sign Lucas Giolito.  Low-risk, high-reward selection in Round 25, and a good gamble by the Nationals.

2:04pm – We have now completed 10 Rounds on Day 3, and the Nationals have drafted 1 junior college player, 1 high school player, and 8 college seniors.  It is difficult to read into what the Nationals are doing, but the conservative nature of their selections leads me to believe they think they will sign 1st round pick Lucas Giolito, but it will probably take up a large percentage of their overall budget.  We will not know this until signing day, but I firmly believe Giolito eventually signs with the team.

Washington Nationals #804 – Skye Bolt Georgia HS OF

A solid commit to the University of North Carolina, Bolt is a switch-hitting 6-2 175lbs. center fielder and the 2nd consecutive high school player drafted by the Nationals who will be difficult to sign.  A toolsy athlete needing plenty of polish, he likely will end up in Chapel Hill this fall, but like Freddy Avis, maybe the Nationals find themselves with some extra dollars next month and find a way to sign him away from college.  Nice gamble here in Round 26-

Physical Examination discount viagra usa & History An exam of the body to stimulate certain regions without the need for external medication, which has proven to be very effective. An official of the government who declined to give his name so as to tadalafil canada online speak freely said that the trio, Fannie, Freddie and FHA could help in disposing of the troubled properties by converting these into rentals; it would stabilize the prices. Put your hands beside your Click Here viagra sale hips and tighten it at the pelvis and back muscles. Nor it is the lack of desire to have sex with the person, whom we viagra tablets in italia love the most in our life, we feel relaxed and attracted towards them. Washington Nationals #834 – Cody Poteet California HS RHP

A UCLA commit, Poteet is a well-known name on the high school showcase circuit and impresses scouts with a low-90s fastball, a poweful curveball, and a reasonable changeup.  A raw high school pitcher, he is thought to be difficult to sign away from the Bruins, but Poteet represents the 3rd straight high school prospect the Nationals have drafted: it will be interesting to see if any of them sign with the team.  Nevertheless, another nice risk in Round 27.

Washington Nationals #864 – Hunter Bailey SS Oklahoma State

A 5-9 175lbs. senior right-handed hitting college shortstop, Bailey batted .275 with 1 home run in 2012.  Known as a strong defensive middle infielder, Bailey should quickly sign and provide some steady defense for one of the Nationals short season affiliates this summer.

Washington Nationals #894 – Leonard Hollins RHP Chipola College

The 2nd player the Nationals have selected this year from Chipola College in Florida, 14th round OF Jordan Poole the other, Hollins is a sophomore right-handed pitcher with a thick 6-2 205lbs. frame.  Harris produced a 2.35 ERA in 76.2 innings in 2012, and I would be surprised if he did not quickly sign with the Nationals.  Give the Nationals area scout for Chipola College a “tip of the fedora” for getting two kids selected from his territory, nice work!

Washington Nationals #924 – Robert Orlan LHP University of North Carolina

Orlan is a junior left-handed pitcher who projects as a lefty specialist in professional baseball due to his low-90s fastball, sweeping curveball, and well below-average changeup.  Orlan might prefer to return to Chapel Hill for his senior season depending upon how much the Nationals offer him as a 30th round pick.  Either way, I like Orlan’s arm and hope the Nationals are able add him to their farm system.

3:27pm – The Yankees just selected one of my personal favorites, LSU outfielder Raph Rhymes, at the end of the 30th round.  He led the nation in batting this season but lacks the power professional teams desire in a left fielder, causing him to slip to this spot in the draft.  If it were up to me, I would try to sign him for the $100K maximum and see if he can hit his way through the minor leagues.

Washington Nationals #954 – Michael Boyden RHP University of Maryland

Boyden, a senior 6-0 181lbs. right-handed pitcher, pitched to a 3.35 ERA in 2012 with 50 strikeouts in 51 innings pitched.  I have seen Boyden before at Maryland and he has a good fastball with velocity to go along with a fringy breaking pitch.  As a senior, he should sign quickly and pitch in relief for one of the lower summer affiliates for the Nationals this summer.

Washington Nationals #984 – Michael Mudron LHP Cal-State San Bernadino

Mudron is a 6-1 junior left-handed pitcher who pitched to a 2.90 ERA over 59 innings this season with 53 strikeouts against 37 walks.  Batters hit only .219 against him and Mudron did not allow a home run this season: maybe he becomes a LOOGY after a few years of climbing the minor league ladder.  Intriguing pick in Round 32 and I will be interested to see if he signs with the Nationals or returns to school for his senior season.

Washington Nationals #1,014 – Michael McQuillan 2B  University of Iowa

McQuillan is a 5-11 175lbs. senior 2B batted .354 with 1 home run and 14 stolen bases in 2012.  A left-handed hitter with a solid hit tool, McQuillan is an interesting pick in Round 33, and while the odds are stacked against any senior 2B, his hit tool should give him a chance to advance through the system the next few years.

Washington Nationals #1,044 – Jake Jeffries 2B California HS

Jeffries, the son of former Major League player Gregg Jeffries, is a 6-1 185lbs. second baseman and according to his high school website, batted .348/.404/.438 this season.  A Cal-State Fullerton commit, I would expect he would pass on the Nationals offer in Round 34 and attend college, trying his luck again in 3 seasons after further development.

Washington Nationals #1,074 – Cory Bafidis LHP Texas Wesleyan University

Bafidis, a redshirt junior left-handed pitcher, was injured for Texas Wesleyan this spring but is schedule to pitch for the Florence Redwolves of the Coastal Plains League this summer; perhaps the Nationals are planning to watch him the next few months to see if he is healthy enough to deserve a contract.

Washington Nationals #1,104 – Max Ungar Maryland HS Catcher

Ungar is described as a 6-3 200lbs. catcher from the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day school in local Bethesda, MD. Other than this, I am struggling to find anything about the young man, can anyone out there help with some information?  If so, please post in the comments section below, and I will continue to search myself.

Washington Nationals #1,144 – Tyler Watson Texas HS LHP

Watson is a smallish left-handed pitcher at 5-11 165lbs. from Georgetown, Texas and has a commitment to the University of Kansas.  Watson’s father is the current Coordinator of Professional Scouting for the Kansas City Royals and I would expect him to honor his college commitment and spend the next 3 years in Lawrence with the Jayhawks. 

Washington Nationals #1,174 – Jared Messer RHP Malone College

A junior right-handed pitcher, Messer was a NCCAA 1st team All-American after a season with a 9-4 record, a 1.50 ERA, and 78 strikeouts in 84 innings pitched.  Messer appears to be pitching in the Prospect League this summer and the Nationals could watch him this summer before offering him a professional contract.

5:10pm – Just two rounds to go in the 2012 MLB Draft…

Washington Nationals #1,204 – Mitchell Williams Georgia HS Catcher

A Georgia high school catcher, Williams is listed as a 5-10 190lbs. left-handed hitting catcher and pitcher, and was named 7-AA Co-Player of the Year by the region’s coaches this season.  With a supposed loose commitment to Marion Military Institute, there is a better chance than one might immediately expect that the Nationals work something out and sign this 39th round high schooler.

5:20pm – Last round everybody!!!  Which is also coinciding nicely with Happy Hour-

Washington Nationals #1,234 – Ricky Gutierrez Florida HS OF

Son of former major league player Ricky Gutierrez who won a World Series ring with the Red Sox in 2004, Gutierrez is currently committed to the University of Connecticut as a two sport athlete in baseball and football.  A toolsy athlete with good bloodlines, it will be intriguing to see if the Nationals can sign him away from UConn and have him begin his professional career this summer.

And that’s a wrap- 40 rounds and 1,200 players selected over 3 days!  I want to thank everyone who joined me as I have Live Blogged the entire 2012 MLB Draft: the response has been overwhelming.  Thank you for reading!

The Shameless Plugs -> Follow me on Twitter @NatsGMdotcom, “Like” my Facebook page search NatsGM, and email me your comments and questions at NationalsGM@gmail.com.

Live from the NatsGM Headquarters, we are BACK to Blog about today’s 2nd day of the MLB Draft, encompassing Rounds 2-15 in the draft.  After the Nationals surprised everyone last night by selecting California high school RHP Lucas Giolito, it will be an interesting exercise today to see what the front office does with their selections today: will they focus strictly on college juniors and seniors who are easy to sign, or will they continue to draft the best athlete available regardless of signability.  Either way, I will be taking you through all of the selections this afternoon, examining all of the Nationals picks in addition to highlighting some of the better and more interesting choices from other teams along the way.  Thank you for joining me, and I want to encourage each of you to post your comments and questions in the comments section below, send me a message on Twitter @NatsGMdotcom, and email me at NationalsGM@gmail.com.

12:08pm – I am very curious to see what route the Nationals take in Round 2.  There will be some intriguing names when they pick, and it will give us a great insight into how confident the team feels about signing Giolito.  I will expound upon this question later this week, but I think GM Mike Rizzo and the Nationals scouting department made the right decision gambling on Giolito’s potential and their ability to sign him rather than selecting a safer college player with less ceiling.  I could and will argue that Deven Marrero from Arizona State might have been a “better pick” but overall, the Nationals made an excellent selection last night at #16.

Houston Astros #61 – Nolan Fontana SS University of Florida

One of my favorite players in this draft, Fontana has impressive on-base skills, emerging power, and is a solid defender at shortstop in spite of his below-average arm.  Great value at #61, and another nice pick by the Astros.

Baltimore Orioles #65 – Brandon Kline University of Virginia RHP

Another nice pick by the Orioles, who did a nice job adding LSU RHP Kevin Gausman in the 1st round and now add another polished college pitcher with Kline.  Kline profiles better as a reliever as he has a strong fastball and breaking ball but little changeup right now.  Nice value selection here in Round 2.

San Diego Padres #70 – Dane Phillips Oklahoma City University

The Padres just so consistently make excellent picks and Phillips is another example.  A great hitter who led the Cape Cod League in RBI, he will need work defensively to stay as a catcher, but he has a solid arm and the skills to stay there, he just needs a ton of refinement and patience in the minors.  Nice value here at pick #70 by San Diego.

12:28pm – Nationals are on the clock shortly and there are some nice names available, especially some college pitchers like Buck Farmer and Brady Rodgers.  With their need to save some money in the next few picks, perhaps they select one of these players, or another collegiate arm.

Chicago White Sox #76 – Chris Beck RHP Georgia Southern

I watched this young man on the Cape last summer and he was VERY impressive, with good command and some excellent stuff, including a above-average cutter.  He struggled this season, forcing him to slip to pick #76, but credit the White Sox for making a great pick grabbing this talented potential #4 starting pitcher.

Washington Nationals #80 – Tony Renda 2B University of California @ Berkeley

A small framed 2B with a solid ability to barrel up the baseball and has some emerging power, Renda receives criticism because his defense is not particularly impressive, but he can turn the double play and make the easy plays.  Make no mistake, they drafted Renda because of his bat, and I like this pick by the Nationals.  Good pick!

Atlanta Braves #85 – Alex Wood LHP University of Georgia

A pitcher I really like, as he is a lefty with a mid-90s fastball and an above-average changeup who needs to develop a curveball.  Yes his motion is awkward and he has already undergone Tommy John surgery, but I think the Braves shift him to the bullpen as a professional and let him quickly move through the minors.  Great pick by Atlanta late in Round 2.

New York Yankees #94 – Peter O’Brien Catcher University of Miami

Great pick here, as I thought he might go 30 picks higher as a relatively easy to sign college senior with a good bat and the chance, rather unlikely, to stay behind the plate.  The Yankees love catching prospects and this was an excellent pick here in Round 2.

1:00pm – Another solid pick by the Astros by taking Arizona State RHP Brady Rodgers in Round 3… I think they shift him to the bullpen and he moves quickly through the minor leagues, and could be an asset as a reliever in a couple years.  I really like what the Astros are doing so far in this draft.

Minnesota Twins #97 – Adam Brent Walker OF Jacksonville University

Some of the biggest right-handed power in this draft, Brent Walker suffers from swing and miss issues, especially on the inside part of the plate because of his long swing, but with some patience and work, I think Walker could be a power hitting corner outfielder in a few years.  He has all the tools and is a great value in Round 3.

Multiple People via Email – “What type of bonus do you expect Lucas Giolito to command in order to sign, and do you think he will sign?”

I have received this question in various forms- Yes I do believe he will eventually sign, likely at 4:59pm on July 13th (I think that’s the signing deadline this year?), but I have a difficult time projecting what type of bonus he can command.  Dylan Bundy received a $4 million dollar bonus at the #4 pick last year and Archie Bradley received $5 million as the #7 pick, but the Nationals have only a maximum $4,658,010 to sign their picks.  I am going to predict he signs for $3,500,000 on July 13th.

Washington Nationals #111 – Brett Mooneyham LHP Stanford University

The Nationals drafted Mooneyham last summer as well, and they certainly want him as they have drafted him again in 2012.  Mooneyham has a low-90s fastball and an impressive curveball with a massive frame with some projection to fill out remaining.  He has struggled with injuries in his time in college, and he needs time in the minors to refine his delivery and polish his arsenal, but Mooneyham, a redshirt junior, has excellent potential and is a nice pick by the Nationals who must balance talent with signability the next few selections. 

1:35pm – I would give the Nationals the grade of a B/B+ for the pick of Tony Renda and I would grade them a B- for the Mooneyham pick.  Both are likely to sign and have the talent to warrant being selected in that general area.  I think they select additional college arms in Rounds 4 and 5.

Baltimore Orioles #132 – Christian Walker 1B South Carolina

I know Walker’s profile is lousy as a 6-0 220lbs first base only player who hits right-handed, but I really like his quick clean swing and I think he could slug his way to the major leagues in a few seasons.  This is a good pick by the Orioles in Round 4, who are having a nice draft thus far.

Kansas City Royals #133 – Kenny Diekroeger SS Stanford University

We discussed Diekroeger in Part 3 of our draft preview the other day, but Diekroeger has talent deserving of being selected higher than #133 overall, and if the Royals can get his swing back on track, this has the potential to be a terrific pick in the 4th round.  Great risk vs. reward selection-

1:59pm – Taylor Dugas from the University of Alabama is going to be a outstanding senior sign somewhere in the next 25-50 picks as a good hitter than should sign relatively cheaply.

Washington Nationals #144 – Brandon Miller OF Samford University

A college senior with some power and a strong throwing arm, he is a former catcher and might profile better there as a professional.  There is some talent here with Miller but he is a signability pick as his talent is not quite deserving for a 4th round selection.  I understand this pick, but I wish the Nationals had chosen Taylor Dugas as a senior player rather than Miller.  That said, this is a reasonable pick in Round 4 as he possesses 2 solid tools.

2:28pm – I am going to stick with my prediction and go with Taylor Dugas as the Nationals pick here in Round 5… If not, I think it will be another college senior, maybe a pitcher.

2:31pm – I am seeing on Twitter that the Nationals are talking about 4th round pick Miller as a potential catcher or that he profiles in right field as well.  They also seem to really like his power.  He might turn out to be an interesting senior sign after a few years in the minors.

Washington Nationals #174 – Spencer Kieboom Catcher Clemson University

A strong defensive catcher with a questionable bat, Kieboom, a junior, batted .250 this season with 3 home runs, so the Nationals scouts must believe his glove will help him up the minor league ladder.  Kieboom is a junior that should be an easy sign, and is likely another pick the Nationals have made while keeping the idea of saving some money in mind.  Many other players I would have liked in this spot, and I feel this is a questionable pick in Round 5. 

2:55pm – Looks like the Nationals have decided to save some money in Rounds 3-5 to shift toward Giolito… A smart decision by the club-

3:14pm – Now entering the 6th round… I expect the Nationals will continue to draft college juniors and seniors, though I think they will take a few pitchers in the next few rounds, as they have shied away from them a bit thus far, aside from Mooneyham.

Baltimore Orioles #192 – Lex Rutledge LHP Samford University

I really like this kid’s power left-handed arm and curveball and if a team shifted him to the bullpen, he could be an asset as a reliever.  In Round 6 to find a lefty that can throw 95mph and has an above-average breaking ball, that is a flat out steal.  Another outstanding pick by the Orioles-
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3:21pm – The Marlins just made a nice pick in Round 6 with Vanderbilt infielder Anthony Gomez, a consistent hitter who has a future possibly at 2B or as a utility guy in the majors.  He has long been a personal favorite of mine, and he is a nice value at #197.

3:27pm – I am not St. John’s RHP Kyle Hansen’s biggest fan, but he is a terrific value pick by the White Sox at pick #201 in Round 6.  I would be surprised if he did not spend some time in the majors if shifted to the bullpen in the future.

Washington Nationals #204 – Hayden Jennings Georgia HS OF

Jennings, a commit to Louisiana State, is the first high school player taken by the Nationals since taking Giolito in Round 1.  A toolsy outfielder, it will be interesting to see if the Nationals can get Jennings signed away from Baton Rouge and how/if this effects their ability to sign their other picks.  An interesting pick in Round 6, and a nice value selection-

3:39pm – Doing a google search on new Nationals selection Hayden Jennings, apparently he ran a 6.4 60-yard dash last year, which is incredibly fast, and he is 5-10 165lbs. center fielder.  Sounds intriguing, I hope the Nationals can find a way to get his signature on a pro contract.

3:54pm – Nice to see Preston Tucker selected at the top of the 7th round by the Astros, he may not have a huge ceiling, but the pop in his left-handed bat gives him a chance to slug his way to the majors.  Another nice pick by the Astros, they are having a nice draft thus far.

Washington Nationals #234 – Robert Benincasa RHP Florida State

A nice value pick here in Round 7, Benincasa has been a dominant late-inning reliever this year for the Seminoles with a fringy fastball and an above-average changeup and slider.  Benincasa will likely return to the starting rotation in pro ball, but his future resides as a rather rare 3-pitch reliever.  Good selection by the Nationals here at #234-

Milwaukee Brewers #245 – Hudson Randall RHP University of Florida

Randall will not overly impress with his stuff, but his above-average to plus command of the strike zone allows his fringy pitches to play up.  I have watched him for 3-years at Florida and I believe he carves out a career as a strike-throwing #5 starting pitcher, or a middle reliever in the major leagues, which is a nice player in Round 7. 

4:27pm – I was really hoping this Live Blog was not going to interfere with Happy Hour… Anyone have a good craft beer recommendation for me?

Washington Nationals #264 – Stephen Perez SS/2B University of Miami

A very talented athlete who shows flashes of top-3 round talent, but unfortunately his inconsistency has been maddening in his 3 seasons at Miami.  He has a strong arm and has the athleticism to play in the middle infield, but the question is whether he will be able to hit.  With his tools, this is a quality selection in the 8th round.  I have liked the last few picks from the Nationals, and I hope they can add Jennings, Benincasa, and Perez to their farm system.

4:56pm – Luke Maile, one of my personal sleepers in the 2012 draft class, was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays at pick #272 – this is a great value pick in the 8th round and I predict Maile has a productive major league career. 

4:58pm – A quick observation, but aside from 4th round pick Brandon Miller (who could himself end up a catcher), each Nationals pick through the top-8 rounds plays up the middle, either a pitcher (Giolito, Mooneyham, Benincasa), catcher (Miller and Kieboom), middle infield (Renda and Perez) and center field (Jennings).  GM Mike Rizzo has focused his early round selections on these positions in the past, and thus far in 2012, he has continued this pattern.

5:02pm – Personal favorite Alabama OF Taylor Dugas finally gets selected by the Yankees in the 8th round; mark my words, while he may not be a major league starter, he will become a valuable major leaguer in his career.  Great pick by the Yankees who continue to impress.

Washington Nationals #294 – Derek Self RHP University of Louisville

A quality senior sign with an impressive fastball in the low-to-mid-90s and an above-average cutter, Self projects as a solid 2-pitch reliever who induces plenty of ground balls.  Self should move quickly through the minors and represents a nice arm that could come at a small discount.  Good, quality pick in Round 9-

Washington Nationals #324 – Craig Manuel Catcher Rice University

A college senior, Manuel has a solid catchers frame at 6-1 205lbs. and batted .275 with 2 home runs in 2012.  Manuel is known as a solid defender and should be a cheap senior sign, as the Nationals continue to try and conserve money throughout Day 2.  Decent, but uninspiring selection in Round 10.

6:13pm – Nice pick by the Yankees late in Round 10 with Mississippi 1B Matt Snyder, who was drafted by the Nationals last summer, and returned to school this season and flashed some solid left-handed pop.  Quality pick with some potential this late in Day 2-

6:30pm – Today’s draft sure has dragged on, rather unnecessarily at times… Looking forward to the more “lightning round” approach (Hi Jim Cramer!) in the later rounds.

6:35pm – Some interesting picks in the 11th Round: Taylor Rogers LHP from University of Kentucky went to Minnesota and has a nice left-handed arm and was impressive last summer on Cape Cod.  Versatile NCSt. Shortstop Chris Diaz went to the Pirates, he’s a slick fielding defender with a sneaky decent bat, nice value.  Both are players I expected to be selected earlier today.

Washington Nationals #354 – Brian Rauh RHP Chapman University

I do not know much about him but Baseball America likes him as a potential sleeper after a shift to the bullpen, as he has a nice pitchers frame and 4 pitches including a fastball, curve, slider and changeup.  Rauh sounds like a reasonable pick here in Round 11.

Washington Nationals #384 – Carlos Lopez 3B Wake Forest

A senior right-handed hitter with a thick 6-2 220lbs. frame, Lopez led Wake Forest in hitting this season with a .294 batting average and was 2nd on the team with 10 home runs.  He has quick wrists and some pop in his bat, making him a more intriguing senior sign than average, and should sign rather quickly.

Washington Nationals #414 – Elliott Waterman LHP University of San Francisco

I was fortunate enough to watch Waterman pitch twice last summer, as he was a member of the Bethesda Big Train summer league team.  He has a huge frame, 6-4 or 6-5 with some room to gain weight, and he had a decent fastball, and the ability to spin a breaking ball.  A junior lefty with some potential, Waterman has a chance to be a lefty reliever or LOOGY in a few seasons. 

Washington Nationals #444 – Jordan Poole OF Chipola College

A sophomore right fielder who hit .340 with 7 home runs this season, there is little other information I can find about Poole on the web.  Anyone care to help shed some light about Poole?

Washington Nationals #474 -Brendan Smith California HS OF

A toolsy 6-3 195lbs. right fielder in high school that was announced as a center fielder, I cannot find any information on the internet about this young man.  As I said above with Jordan Poole, if anyone can pass along information about these two players, I would greatly appreciate it.

With that, Day 2 is complete!  I want to thank everyone who joined me today for this Live Blog of the 2012 MLB Draft.  I will be here again tomorrow Live Blogging the final 25 rounds beginning at 12pm, so I encourage you to return with your questions or comments.  Thank you for reading!

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