2009 MLB Draft Preivew, 6/9

A bunch of links to pass along about tonight's draft.  We'll sort them by team and in draft order.

• If the Mariners surprise everyone and pass on Dustin Ackley, the Padres have the money available to take him with the #3 pick writes Chris Jenkins of The San Diego Union-Tribune.  If Ackley is gone, as expected, Donovan Tate appears to be the front runner.
• Carroll Rogers of The Atlanta Journal Constitution notes that the Braves could continue their trend of drafting local talent with either Zach Wheeler or Donovan Tate, if he's available.  Alex White and Mike Minor are other options for the Braves with the seventh pick.
• Troy Renek of The Denver Post suggests that the Rockies do not play it safe with this draft.
• The Royals hope to find a shortstop in the draft, writes Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star.
• The Rangers will continue their draft modus operandi of drafting the best available player with each pick writes Jeff Wilson of The Dallas Morning News.  Jason Churchill approves.
• The Indians have not hit on a first round draft pick since CC Sabathia in 1998, so they are feeling pressure to get their pick this year, #15, right writes Dennis Manoloff of The Cleveland Plain Dealer.
• With a plethora of picks in tonights draft, including #16 and #17, the Diamondbacks have employed a "hybrid" approach to scouting according to Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic.  It is an 'all hands on deck' approach where scouts are watching all levels of player (high school, college, latin, international) and even major league personel are getting involved in the amateur scouting.
• Tom D'Angelo of The Palm Beach Post writes that the Marlins are looking to improve their amateur pitching in tonight's draft.
• The Astros had a successful draft (so far) in 2008 and hope to replicate those efforts tonight reports Zachary Levine of The Houston Chronicle.
• The Twins seem to be eschewing Churchill's suggestion of not drafting for need and are hoping to find pitching and middle infield help in tonight's draft.
• In an effort to improve their bullpen this year, the Angels might look to take Billy Bullock or Drew Storen with one of their first picks (#24 and #25) writes Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times.
• Tom Haudricourt of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes that he Brewers pick #26 tonight, the lowest they've selected sin 1983.
• Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein recalls the years when not as much attention was given to the amateur draft.
• The Rays believe they'll get some talent they like with the 30th pick according to Marc Topkin of The St. Petersburg Times.