Anaheim
First Round: Lance Cyr offers some impressive split ratings and control, but average pitches. Which of these forces will win the tug of war?
Grade: B-
The rest: Sandwich pick Rick Tyner will have great split rating and pitches, but subpar control. Sammy Mateo looks to be a subpar to average C, defensively, but will be a nice hitter when he can play (~60 durability). 3rd rounder Jorel Bush and 7th rounder Mo Nicholson will likely need platoon partners (Bush hits righties, Nicholson hits lefties), but provide can hold their own otherwise. 5th rounder Andres Encarnacion continues the trend of great ratings (his being splits) addled by average ones (control and pitches). George Henderson probably is best suited to be a DH, but he’ll hit.
Grade: A (no surefire studs, but a lot of quality players)
Boise
First Round: No pick
Grade: Incomplete
The rest: Anthony Fuller was drafted as a 2B, but probably can’t stay there. His bat makes him a borderline corner player. Shea Carver projects to have a good 2B glove, but his bat might not be enough.
Grade: C
Colorado Springs
First Round: With the 3rd pick, the Silver Stars chose Chris Mason. A power threat of the highest order (literally; his projected power is 100) and projected to be a useful right fielder. The only “knocks” would be a sub-awesome contact and vR ratings and very low speed.
Grade: A
The rest: 2nd rounder Marvin Stern projects to provide GG-caliber D in CF, but will probably have to “hit” near the bottom of the lineup. SS Stubby Reith projects to be oh-so-close to an average defensive SS. He’ll need to play up the middle to justify his underwhelming bat. Also, with a name like Stubby, he’s sure to be voted “Most Likely to Kill a Heckler.”
Grade: C+
Tacoma
First Round: Cliff Hawkins. What else needs to be said? How about future MVP candidate? How about 46 extra-base hits in his first 66 games? Opposing pitchers might as well start counseling now to get a head start.
Grade: A (you’d have to try pretty hard to screw up the first overall pick)
The rest: Kevin Morris has talent, but his durability/stamina combo will probably push him into the bullpen. Sean Bailey projects to be a decent 1B prospect, but with Hawkins in the fold, his best bet lies outside Tacoma.
Grade: B-
