Brett Jackson
Rumors

Keith Law of espn.com ranked the 30 best prospects from the Cape Cod League this summer. 1-15 can be found here and 16-30 can be found here. Keith ranked 2010 and 2011 eligible players, but we're only concerned with 2010, so we have conveniently summarized the 2010 prospects in one post.

1. Zack Cox - 3B, Arkansas: A good defensive thrid baseman who also swings a big bat. Age-eligible sophomore means demands could be high.
2. Austin Wates - OF, Virginia Tech: His defensive position is unclear, but he's a super athlete with good plate discipline.
3. Brandon Workman - RHP, Texas: Good fastball at 94-92 and an unhittable "sharp spike curveball".
4. Alex Wimmers - RHP, Ohio State: Arguably the best curveball on the Cape, Wimmers was also in the top five in D1 in Ks last year.
5. Leon Landry - OF, LSU: A superior athlete who is blazing fast and actually had a higher average with wood bats on the Cape than in college.
6. Rob Rasmussen - LHP, UCLA: An aggressive pitcher with above-average command, he throws four pitches including an above-average fastball and curveball.
7. Bryan Morgado - LHP, Tennessee: Despite a difficult spring, Morgado excelled this summer and displayed an above-average fastball and breaking ball.
8. Brett Eibner - RHP, Arkansas: Good command with a low-90s fastball and a "promising" cutter.
9. Cameron Rupp - C, Texas: Plays like a true power hitter with solid slugging numbers and good walks.
10. Dallas Gallant - RHP, Sam Houston State: His "stuff" has not yet translated into success on the field, but he has good speed on his fastball and a very good curveball.
11. Justin Grimm - RHP, Georgia: Has hit 97 on the gun, but struggles with any other pitch.
12. Mickey Wiswall - 3B, BC: Swing is long and he struggles with his discipline, but good power.
13. Chris Sale - LHP, Florida Gulf Coast: Good movement on his fastball, decent change up, below-average curveball
14. Seth Rosin - RHP, Minnesota: Big 6'6", 220 lb frame with good command of his fastball
15. Kevin Rhoderick - RHP, Oregon State: Mid-90s fastball and a good slider are enticing. His command isn't.
16. Hunter Morris - 1B, Auburn: A big power hitter, who doesn't bring much else to the plate (figurative or literally).
17. Jarrett Parker - OF, Virginia: His power/speed combination draw comparisons to Brett Jackson, but he needs to improve consistency.
18. Dan Tillman - RHP, Florida Southern: While ERA can be erratic at the college level, 0.00 is hard to ignore.
19. Jedd Gyorko - 2B/3B, West Virginia: Despite diminutive size, he has great bat speed which will lead to good contact rates.
20. Micah Gibbs - C, LSU: Switch-hitter, good power, patient.
21. Josh Rutledge - SS, Alabama: Offense is lacking, but he's a rock at shortstop.
22. Kevin Munson - RHP, James Madison: Hard thrower (96-92), but struggles with control. Already a full-time reliever.
23. Nick Tepesch - RHP, Missouri: Very live arm, but struggles with command. Throws four pitches, but only changeup is above-average right now.
24. Michael Olt - 3B, UConn: Has moved from SS to 3B already and may have to move to the OF eventually.
25. Todd Cunningham - OF, Jacksonville State: Led the Cape in batting average, but little power.

The August 17th deadline to sign plays from the 2009 MLB Draft is fast approaching. We'll use this page to update the signing status of all the first round picks.

The deadline for players to sign is August 17, 2009

1. Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals - Despite speculation that he would not signed, agreed to a $15M contract. (updated 8/17/09)
2. Dustin Ackley, Seattle Mariners - Agreed to a $7.5M signing bonus. (updated 8/17/09)
3. Donovan Tate, San Diego Padres - Instead of going back to UNC to play football, signed a contract with a 6.25M signing bonus (updated 8/17/09)
4. Tony Sanchez, Pittsburgh Pirates - Signed a well-publicized contract before the draft
5. Matt Hobgood, Baltimore Orioles - Signed a contract
6. Zach Wheeler, San Francisco Giant - Signed for $3.3M (updated 8/17/09)
7. Mike Minor, Atlanta Braves - Signed a contract with a record $2.42M signing bonus (updated 8/8/09)
8. Mike Leake, Cincinnati Reds - Agreed to a $2.2M contract (updated 8/15/09)
9. Jacob Turner, Detroit Tigers - Received a Rick Porcello-like signing bonus of $5.5M (updated 8/17/09)
10. Drew Storen, Washington Nationals - Signed a contract
11. Tyler Matzek, Colorado Rockies - Rumors were that it would take a lot of money to keep Matzek away from Oregon: signed for $3.3M (updated 8/17/09)
12. Aaron Crow, Kansas City Royals - Agreed to a $3M contract with the Royals (updated 9/21/09)
13. Grant Green, Oakland As - Agreed to a $2.75M signing bonus (updated 8/15/09)
14. Matt Purke, Texas Rangers - Decided to go to college instead of signing with the Rangers (updated 8/17/09)
15. Alex White, Cleveland Indians - Got a bit less than Minor, $2.25M signing bonus (updated 8/17/09)
16. Bobby Borchering, Arizona Diamondbacks - Agreed to a contract with a $1.8M signing bonus (updated 8/15/09)
17. AJ Pollock, Arizona Diamondbacks - Signed a contract
18. Chad James, Florida Marlins - Agreed to a $1.7M contract (updated 8/15/09)
19. Shelby Miller, St. Louis Cardinals - Inked a $2.875M signing bonus (updated 8/17/09).
20. Chad Jenkins, Toronto Blue Jays - Signed for $1.359M (updated 8/15/09)
21. Jiovanni Mier, Houston Astros - Signed a contract
22. Kyle Gibson, Minnesota Twins - Signed a $1.8M contract (updated 8/17/09)
23. Jared Mitchell, Chicago White Sox -Signed a contract
24. Randal Grichuk, Los Angeles Angels -Signed a contract
25. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels - Signed a contract
26. Eric Arnett, Milwaukee Brewers - Signed a contract
27. Nick Franklin, Seattle Mariners - Signed for $1.28M (updated 8/15/09)
28. Reymond Fuentes, Boston Red Sox - Signed a contract
29. Slade Heathcott, New York Yankees - Agreed to a $2.2M signing bonus (updated 8/17/09)
30. LeVon Washington, Tampa Bay Rays - Ultimately did not sign with the Rays (updated 8/17/09)
31. Brett Jackson, Chicago Cubs - Signed a contract
32. Tim Wheeler, Colorado Rockies - Signed a contract

Plenty of news, rumor and commentary links to pass along

• Troy Glaus could be a decent option for a team looking for a first base or DH.  He does not figure to have a spot on the Cardinals.
• The Phillies need pitching, but is much available?  Not really.
• Giants general manager Brian Sabean has a "narrow list" of players he's interested - primarily right handed bats - but concedes that he's unlikely to get anything done until closer to the deadline.
• Trading Juan Pierre for Jarrod Washburn would not work for the Mariners because of Pierre's contract.  The Dodgers could make it work however.
• Brewers general manager Doug Melvin does not want to continue to trade prospects for pitching.
• The Cubs have signed their first round pick, Brett Jackson.
• Peter Schmuck of The Baltimore Sun suggests a few moves for the Orioles.
• The White Sox will not be sellers at the trade deadline according to general manager Kenny Williams.

Keith Law of espn.com provided a reaction to the draft picks from Day 1 of the 2009 MLB Draft. For Day 2 analysis, click here.

Best picks of the first round

• Tyler Matzek, Colorado Rockies, #11 overall: He slid because of signability concerns and the Rockies benefited.
• Shelby Miller, St. Louis Cardinals, #19 overall: Like Matzek, he fell because of contract demands.
• Kyle Gibson, Minnesota Twins, #20 overall: The stress fracture in Gibson's throwing arm scared many teams off, but so long as it heals, the Twins got a steal.

Worst picks of the first round

• Tony Sanchez, Pittsburgh Pirates, #4 overall: It's not that Sanchez is not a first round player, but the Pirates reached too high at #4. The reason was a pre-draft deal that saved the Pirates some money, but they passed on too much talent.
• Randal Grichuk, Los Angeles Angles, #24 overall: Not even in Law's Top 100
• Nick Franklin, Seattle Mariners, #27 overall: Franklin does not have much upside along with below average power and mediocre defense at best.

More Thoughts

• Law liked the Diamondbacks draft of Bobby Borchering and AJ Pollock in the first round and Matt Davidson, Chris Owings and Mike Belifore in the second and third rounds.
• The Cubs took low stat, high upside athletic guys Brett Jackson and DJ LeMahieu.
• Rex Brothers was a steal for the Rockies at #34.

Here's a review of the first round of the 2009 MLB Draft.

1. Washington Nationals - Stephen Strasburg, RHP, San Diego State University
2. Seattle Mariners - Dustin Ackley, OF, UNC
3. San Diego Padres - Donovan Tate, OF, Cartersville HS, GA
4. Pittsburgh Pirates - Tony Sanchez, C, Boston College
5. Baltimore Orioles - Matt Hobgood, RHP, Norco HS, CA
6. San Francisco Giants - Zach Wheeler, RHP, East Paulding HS, GA
7. Atlanta Braves - Mike Minor, LHP, Vanderbilt
8. Cincinnati Reds - Mike Leake, RHP, Arizona State
9. Detroit Tigers - Jacob Turner, RHP, Westminster Christian Academy, MO
10. Washington Nationals - Drew Storen, RHP, Stanford
11. Colorado Rockies - Tyler Matzek, LHP, Capistrano Valley HS, CA
12. Kansas City Royals - Aaron Crow, LHP, Fort Worth Cats
13. Oakland As - Grant Green, SS, USC
14. Texas Rangers - Matt Purke, LHP, Klein HS, TX
15. Cleveland Indians - Alex White, RHP, UNC
16. Arizona Diamondbacks - Bobby Borchering, Bishop Verot HS, FL
17. Arizona Diamondbacks - AJ Pollock, OF, Notre Dame
18. Florida Marlins - Chad James, LHP, Yukon HS, OK
19. St. Louis Cardinals - Shelby Miller, RHP, Brownwood HS, TX
20. Toronto Blue Jays - Chad Jenkins, RHP, Kennesaw State
21. Houston Astros - Jiovanni Mier, SS, Bonita HS, CA
22. Minnestoa Twins - Kyle Gibson, RHP, Missouri
23. Chicago White Sox - Jared Mitchell, CF, LSU
24. Los Angeles Angels - Randal Grichuk, LF, Lamar Cons HS, TX
25. Los Angeles Angels - Mike Trout, CF, Millville Sr. HS, NJ
26. Milwaukee Brewers - Eric Arnett, RHP, Indiana
27. Seattle Mariners - Nick Franklin, SS, Lake Brantley HS, FL
28. Boston Red Sox - Reymond Fuentes, CF, Fernando Callejo HS, CA
29. New York Yankees - Slade Heathcott, OF, Texas HS, TX
30. Tampa Bay Rays - LeVon Washington, 2B, Buchholz HS, FL
31. Chicago Cubs - Brett Jackson, CF, University of California - Berkeley
32. Colorado Rockies - Tim Wheeler, OF, Cal State - Sacramento

For picks 1-5, 6-10, 11-15, 16-20 and 21-26 click on the links.

8:17pm With the 27th pick of the 2009 MLB Draft the Seattle Mariners select Nick Franklin.  The Red Sox are on the clock.

8:18pm Baseball Rumors Mill Best Available: Tanner Scheppers, Rex Brothers, Tim Wheeler

8:19pm The Red Sox have been rumored to be interested in catchers Wil Myers and Max Stassi, but the Red Sox could be very excited to see Scheppers fall to them.  I think they'll pull the trigger on Scheppers.

8:20pm The Sox have also struggled on a few catcher picks recently, so they could be a bit gun shy on Myers and Stassi.

8:21pm With the 28th pick of the 2009 MLB Draft the Boston Red Sox select Reymond Fuentes.  The New York Yankees are on the clock.

8:23pm One of three prep high school outfielders who were expected to be gone by now (along with Mike Trout and Everett Williams).

8:24pm How far does Scheppers fall?  Is it a similar situation to Aaron Crow where he actually gets picked lower than he did in 2008 (2nd round)?  And what does both he and Crow falling mean to draft picks this year who may be considering holding out?  In 2009 at least it has not done Crow or Scheppers any good.

8:25pm With the 29th pick of the 2009 MLB Draft the New York Yankees select Slade Heathcott.  The Rays are now on the clock.

8:28pm Keith Law called the Angels pick of Randall Grichuk the "worst pick of the first round."  Ouch.

8:29pm Jason Churchill wasted no time calling the Mariners pick of Nick Franklin the second worst pick of the first round after Grichuk.

8:30pm With the 30th pick of the 2009 MLB Draft the Tampa Bay Rays select LeVon Washington.  The Chicago Cubs are now on the clock.

8:32pm I'll be curious what Law and Churchill have to say about this pick.

8:33pm A quick note here, Slade Heathcott was drafted as an outfielder, but a few scouts have already said his future could be as a pitcher.

8:35pm With the 31st pick of the 2009 MLB Draft the Chicago Cubs select Brett Jackson.  The Colorado Rockies are on the clock.

8:36pm Harold Reynolds tells us that this is his favorite player in the draft.

8:38pm Law and Churchill don't kill Tampa Bay's Washington pick.  Shows what I know.  however, apparently the Rays really wanted Fuentes who went to the Red Sox two picks earlier.

8:40pm With the 32nd and final pick of the first round the Colorado Rockies select Tim Wheeler.

The first round is complete and I think the story of the draft so far (besides Strasburg) is Tanner Scheppers and Aaron Crow falling as far as they did.  Both were considered Top 10 talents and while Crow didn't fall nearly as far as Scheppers has (so far) what I'm curious about is how this affects the 2009 draft picks and the threat of holding out.  If the 2008 holdouts do worse in 2009, what does that mean for anyone trying to hold out in 2009?

Still more rumors and news floating in about what players teams are zeroing in on for tonight's draft.  Let's take a look.

• Jen Langosch of mlb.com is beginning to accept the possibility that the Pirates will take Tony Sanchez with their first pick, #4 overall.  Keith Law of espn.com believes that, beyond Sanchez, Zach Wheeler, Matt Hobgood, Grant Green and Aaron Crow all are in the mix.  Chuck Finder of The Pittsburgh Post Gazette agrees about Wheeler, Crow and Sanchez and also suggests Kyle Gibson.  There is also some great stuff about how Sanchez is ready to sign in Finder's piece.  
• Tracy Ringolsby of Inside the Rockies indicates that the Rockies are high on Matt Hobgood.
• Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic found out that the Diamondbacks really like Bobby Borchering and will take him if he's available with their picks (#16 and #17).  Mike Leake also falls into that category.  Some options for the Diamondbacks next picks (#35 and #41) include Tyler Skaggs, Jiovanni Mier, Brett Jackson and Tommy Mendonca.  
• Rangers president Nolan Ryan believes they will take a pitcher with their pick, #14.  Names under consideration are Shelby Miller and Matt Purke.

Jonathan Mayo of mlb.com has given us a number of mock drafts over the past month which can all be viewed here.  For his mock draft prior to this one, click here.

But, those are all in the past.  Let's get to his most recent mock draft published this morning.

1. Stephen Strasburg, Nationals
2. Dustin Ackley, Mariners
3. Donovan Tate, Padres (last week, Mike Minor)
4. Aaron Crow, Pirates
5. Zach Wheeler, Orioles
6. Tyler Matzerk, Giants
7. Alex White, Braves (last week, Shelby Miller)
8. Mike Minor, Reds (last week, Mike Leake)
9. Matt Purke, Tigers (last week, Jacob Turner)
10. Drew Storen, Nationals
11. Mike Leake, Rockies (last week, Rex Brothers)
12. Wil Myers, Royals (last week, Kyle Gibson)
13. Grant Green (last week, Tanner Scheppers)
14. Shelby Miller, Rangers
15. Eric Arnett, Indians
16. Rex Brothers, Diamondbacks (last week, AJ Pollock)
17. Bobby Borchering, Diamondbacks
18. Chad James, Marlins (last week, Chad Jenkins)
19. Chad Jenkins, Cardinals (last week, Grant Green)
20. Tim Wheeler, Blue Jays (last week, Everett Williams)
21. Jared Mitchell, Astros
22. Matt Hobgood, Twins
23. Everett Williams, White Sox (last week, Mike Trout)
24. Mike Trout, Angels (last week, Garret Gould)
25. Jiovanni Mier, Angels (last week, Matt Purke)
26. Garret Gould, Brewers (last week, Matt Davidson)
27. Tanner Scheppers, Mariners (last week Tony Sanchez)
28. Jacob Turner, Red Sox (last week, Max Stassi)
29. Brett Jackson, Yankees
30. Tommy Joseph, Rays (last week, Jiovanni Mier)
31. AJ Pollock, Cubs (last week, Tim Wheeler)
32. Kyle Gibson, Rockies (last week, Slade Heathcott)

Earlier, we previewed the pitchers would could go in the first round of the upcoming 2009 MLB Draft.  Similar to how Stephen Strasburg is expected to go first overall to the Washington Nationals, Dustin Ackley is expected to go #2 overall to the San Diego Padres.  Only rumors of a high price tag appear to be possible to derail the selection.  But after Ackley, who's available from the position players?  Steve Henson from Yahoo! Sports previews the position players.  Unlike the pitchers who figure to fill the Top 10 with either just Ackley or one other position player, the ranks are significantly thinner from the guys who play defense.

• AJ Pollock - The jack of all trades, Pollock could rise to the majors faster than any other positional prospect, but lacks the upside that scouts drool over.
• Tony Sanchez - Recent mock drafts have him going anywhere from the 20s to as high as #4 to the Pirates as teams struggle to put his tremendous season into perspective.  The Red Sox have been rumored to be interested in him with their pick at #28.  He might not be there.
• Rich Poythress - A true power hitter, that's all that Poythress really bring to the table unfortunately. 
• Jared Mitchell - He was recently named the best collegiate athlete in the draft, Mitchell is pure upside as his split duties as a wide received on the LSU football team has prevented him from giving his full attention to baseball.
• Tim Wheeler - His speed and defense scouts seem to agree on, but many think that his 18 HRs are an anamoly.  Otherwise Wheeler would be in the discussion with Ackley.
• Brett Jackson - Similar to Pollock, Jackson displays good, but not great ability in many areas, but unlike, say, Poyhtress, he does not do one thing very well. 

First we got Jonthan Mayo's Top 10 picks.  Then he gave us his Top 20 picks.  Now he puts together a mock draft of the entire first round.  For Keith Law's possible Top 10, click here.  For Keith Law's mock draft of the first round, click here.

1. Stephen Strasburg, Nationals
2. Dustin Ackley, Mariners
3. Mike Minor, Padres
4. Aaron Crow, Pirates
5. Zach Wheeler, Orioles
6. Tyler Matzerk, Giants
7. Alex White, Braves (last week, Shelby Miller)
8. Mike Leake, Reds (last week, Tanner Scheppers)
9. Jacob Turner, Tigers
10. Drew Storen, Nationals (last week, Chad Jenkins)
11. Rex Brothers, Rockies (last week, Kyle Gibson)
12. Kyle Gibson, Royals (last week, Tony Sanchez)
13. Tanner Scheppers (last week, Alex White)
14. Shelby Miller, Rangers (last week, Matt Purke)
15. Eric Arnett, Indians (last week, Rex Brothers)
16. AJ Pollock, Diamondbacks (last week, Mike Leake)
17. Bobby Borchering, Diamondbacks
18. Chad Jenkins, Marlins (last week, Eric Arnett)
19. Grant Green, Cardinals
20. Everett Williams, Blue Jays (last week, Drew Storen)
21. Jared Mitchell, Astros
22. Matt Hobgood, Twins
23. Mike Trout, White Sox
24. Garret Gould, Angels
25. Matt Purke, Angels
26. Matt Davidson, Brewers
27. Tony Sanchez, Mariners
28. Max Stassi, Red Sox
29. Brett Jackson, Yankees
30. Jiovanni Mier, Rays
31. Tim Wheeler, Cubs
32. Slade Heathcott, Rockies