While the first 16 picks mostly feature teams with much work to be done, the second half of the 2010 MLB draft is where the 2009 playoff organizations just add on to their success.
For picks 1-16 of the 2010 MLB mock draft, click here.
By Jake McCormick
Part two: Picks 17 through 32 (* indicates compensation pick):
17. Tampa Bay Rays: Yasmani Grandal, C, Miami
The Rays have been so good at drafting lately that the Red Sox and Yankees must be reluctant to support changing the MLB’s no-trade clause on draft picks. The switch-hitting Grandal has excellent footwork behind the plate and should move up the best farm system in baseball fairly quickly.
18. *Los Angeles Angels: Nick Castellanos, 3B, Archbishop McCarthy HS (Florida)
With a little defensive fine tuning and some time to grow physically, Castellanos has the potential to be an All-Star caliber third baseman. At 6’4”, he has a Scott Rolen-like power stroke from the right side and can actually get down the line surprisingly fast for a player his size.
19. *Houston Astros: Matt Harvey, RHP, University of North Carolina
Houston has an extremely thin farm system because of the team’s tendency to favor free agents and trades, but building up depth starts on the mound. Harvey has some command issues, but it’s always hard to ignore a 97 MPH heater that sets up a plus curveball.
20. *Boston Red Sox: Michael Choice, OF, Texas-Arlington
No matter who they sign or trade for, the Red Sox always seem to have quality prospects down on the farm. Choice fits the mold of a stereotypical Boston outfielder (high average and on-base percentage with sufficient power and speed).
21. Minnesota Twins: Alex Wimmers, RHP, Ohio State
Wimmers tossed Ohio State’s first ever no-hitter last May, but has had some questions arise about his consistent control. Considering the Twins’ organizational MO is teaching throwers how to pitch strikes, Wimmers would be in good hands.
22. Texas Rangers: Bryce Brentz, OF, Middle Tennessee State
The Rangers are filled to the brim with young pitchers, and Brentz would give Texas another big bat waiting in the wings to continue their power-happy outfield tradition. Getting a hitter of his caliber at pick 21 would be highway robbery.
23. Florida Marlins: Jesse Hahn, RHP, Virginia Tech
Here’s all you need to know about Hahn: He throws a 96-98 MPH fastball complimented with an 83 MPH changeup. Hahn’s fastest path to the Bigs is most likely as a closer of the future, as he has been relieving for Virginia Tech this season.
24. San Francisco Giants: Austin Wilson, OF, Harvard-Westlake HS (California)
What do Iggy Pop and the Stooges and Austin Wilson have in common? The answer: Raw power. Wilson is fairly slow as a runner and projects as an average defensive outfielder, but his swing is too valuable for a pitching-rich team to pass up.
25. St. Louis Cardinals: Brett Eibner, RHP/OF, Arkansas
What better team to draft a good hitting/just as good pitching prospect than the Cardinals? There looks to be little downside to choosing one over the other, and if St. Louis can convert Rick Ankiel at 26 years old, the 21-year-old Eibner should become a long-term asset.
26. Colorado Rockies: Asher Wojciechowski, RHP, The Citadel
Wojciechowski has a closer’s hard fastball, and has a slider in the works as just an average pitch at this point. Colorado has a surplus of pitchers waiting to graduate to the Majors, and Wojciechowski could be there fairly quickly as a power reliever.
27. Philadelphia Phillies: Tyrell Jenkins , RHP, Henderson HS (Texas)
The Phillies’ offense will be set for a while, and you can never overemphasize the power of too much pitching. Jenkins has a hard sinker and slider, and at 6’4” 175 lbs, will get much bigger with a few years of development and strength training.
28. Los Angeles Dodgers: Justin O’Conner, C/SS/RHP, Cowan HS (Indiana)
Some scouts have said O’Conner has shades of Manny Ramirez in his swing, which has to entice the Dodgers, for obvious reasons. Los Angeles could definitely use some prospect depth in the left side of the infield as well.
29. *Los Angeles Angels: James Paxton, LHP, Kentucky
Because of multiple problems at Kentucky and in negotiations with the Blue Jays (drafted 37th in 2009), Paxton couldn’t start pitching until May 8 in an independent league. He’s definitely the biggest question in the draft because he could be picked in the top 10 or fall to the second round. At this spot, the project lefty is too valuable to pass.
30. Los Angeles Angels: Gary Brown, OF, Cal State Fullerton
Brown can rake and bust it down the line, but he’s got some Carlos Gomez-like issues with walks. The speedster would benefit greatly from trekking through Los Angeles’ hitting clinic of a minor league system.
31. *Tampa Bay Rays: Yordy Cabrera, 3B/OF/RHP, Lakeland Senior HS (Florida)
Once again, think of the implications if smaller market teams could trade on-the-cusp players for draft picks. Cabrera needs some developing, but has proven power in his arm as well as his bat.
32. New York Yankees: LeVon Washington, OF, Chipola JC
Washington will have no problems signing with the Yankees after failing to do so as the 30th pick (Rays) in 2009. He hasn’t played many games this year, but projects as a Johnny Damon-like outfielder, but with slightly less power.