Live from Studio 42 in scenic Secaucus, NJ, tonight we have the MLB Draft. Shockingly, my Washington Nationals aren't picking in the top 5... or the top 10.... or the top 15! Progress is fun, isn't it? Various mocks have us taking the best college arm available at Pick #16, which could mean Andrew Heaney from Oklahoma State or Michael Wacha of Texas A&M. Another has the Nats taking Deven Marrero, a shortstop from Arizona State, and cousin of our 1B prospect Chris Marrero. It is nice, for the first time in franchise history, to be picking for luxury over need.
There is no Stephen Strasburg or Bryce Harper-type star in this draft. There may be players that end up better, of course, but none of them have the kind of ridiculous hype those two players came into the draft with. Knowing this, the Houston Astros are expected to draft pitcher Mark Appel from Stanford first overall. According to ESPN's draft guru Keith Law, Appel is the #4 prospect, but is a very safe pick, with guaranteed MLB potential, as well as a fastball that touches 99 mph. The 'Stros need a solid starter as they move to the AL next season.
Another question this draft will raise is whether or not the MLB will make it possible to trade picks soon. Say, for instance, the Washington Nationals wanted to acquire a centerfielder at some point this season. They could pair players with major league ability that rarely see the field, such as John Lannan, along with a high pick for a young outfielder like BJ Upton, Peter Bourjos or Denard Span. I am unsure why baseball is so hesitant to allow this to happen, since it could make the draft more exciting to watch. However, with their recently-approved signing bonus caps on teams, it doesn't make trading in the draft as feasible.
The MLB Draft starts at 7 pm on MLB Network. Enjoy it! I hope your team improves itself just enough to finish just behind the Nationals.
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