With the draft just about here, I wanted to review a few mock drafts from some of the industry’s most respected publications to see the possible selections that San Diego could be making with the 7^thoverall pick.  With the new MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement in place and no real industry consensus picks at the top of the draft, anything is possible for the Padres at #7, making this one of the most exciting picks for San Diego in recent memory. Below you will see a breakdown of what we see as the best case, most likely, and most interesting scenarios the Padres could be encountering in the first round.

Best Case Scenario: Carlos Correa, SS

Mock Draft: Baseball America’s Mock Draft 3.0

Published On: June 1, 2012

Though Baseball America’s mock draft published on Monday will likely be the most accurate version we’ll see, Padres fans have to be encouraged by this prognostication made by one of the most respected prospect publications in the industry.  Of course, due to the fact that Correa has gotten some serious helium over the last few weeks, it seems that the outcome predicted in this so-called best case scenario is also the most unlikely for San Diego. Continue reading “Padres MLB Draft Mock Review” »

Nick Williams – OF

What to Love: Nick Williams is yet another strong and dynamic outfielder out of the state of Texas.  Equipped with some top-notch tools, including plus-plus speed and impressive arm-strength, Williams has everything he needs to become a defensive force in centerfield, where many project him to remain during his professional career.  Included in Williams’ toolbox is some intriguing hitting ability, especially to the opposite field, and considerable power potential.  Though he won’t ever hit 40 home runs, doubt digit bombs should be well within reach for Williams in the future.  Williams’ speed also makes him a threat on the base paths, giving the Texan future 15-15 potential down the road if things break right.  For what it’s worth, Williams also plays the game with a great attitude and always seems to have a smile on his face on the field, evoking makeup comparisons to a young Ken Griffey, Jr. Continue reading “2012 MLB Draft Scouting Reports: Nick Williams, Stryker Trahan, Ty Buttrey” »

Carlos Correa – SS

What to Love:  When Jeff and I visited the practice field preceding the Perfect Game All-American Game last summer, there was one player that we agreed was the most impressive prospect of the bunch.  His name: Carlos Correa.  It’s not often you see a shortstop with a refined line drive approach, strong defensive skills and enough power potential to raise an eyebrow, yet that’s exactly what Correa represents.  This native of Puerto Rico may be the most impressive high school position prospect this side of Byron Buxton.  Though just about every tool in his game is impressive, it’s Correa’s bat that makes him special.  Correa takes a very direct route to the ball, using his quick hands to stroke liners all over the field.  He’s not an uber power prospect by any means, but Correa’s power with wood is already materializing and there’s plenty more to dream on for the future.  Correa’s actions in the infield are excellent and are only outdone by his arm-strength, allowing him to have tremendous defensive upside no matter what position he ends up at. Continue reading “2012 MLB Draft Scouting Reports: Carlos Correa, Gavin Cecchini, Courtney Hawkins” »

Lucas Giolito – RHP

What to Love:  We’ll start this series with one of the biggest high school pitching prospects in this year’s draft: Lucas Giolito.  This Southern California native combines a great frame and a fluid delivery with some of the best stuff in the draft class, including a fastball that has touched 100 MPH, a strong power curve and a changeup that has shown potential.  At 6’6 220 lbs, Giolito will be able to add some weight to his somewhat wiry frame, which should allow him to add velocity to his already impressive arsenal.  Giolito has also been able to leverage his size and his over-the-top delivery to create tremendous downhill plane on his pitches, leaving scouts seeing plenty of strikeouts and groundballs in his future.  Needless to say, this right-hander has seemingly limitless potential.

What to Loath:  There has only been one wart on Giolito’s scouting report, and it’s a big one: injury risk.  After some monster early showcase performances (including one at the 2011 Area Code games, where the exclusive video below was filmed), Giolito went down with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament and did not throw another pitch during the remainder of the high school season.  While no surgery will be required in his recovery, any potential damage to the UCL in a pitcher’s throwing elbow will understandably be cause for serious concern.  With a commitment to UCLA, Giolito also has the leverage of a strong college program to bring to the negotiating table.  The right-hander could forego a professional career for another three years if the opportunity to prove his health and get a quality education are worth more to him than the contract he’s offered out of high school. Continue reading “2012 MLB Draft Scouting Reports: Lucas Giolito, Max Fried, Joey Gallo” »