The #1 player in the Takkle Top 100, Tim Beckham, was chosen first overall by the young and talented Tampa Bay Rays. By most experts opinion Beckham had the most upside and is a 5 tool athlete. Beckham is an athletic, supremely talented player with potential above average defensive ability at the Major League level. His actions are smooth, fluid and easy.
Coming in with the 3rd overall pick the Kansas City Royals chose Eric Hosmer, a power hitting first basemen out of American Heritage HS in Plantation, FL. He features a rare combination of natural hitting ability and exciting raw power, made even more interesting because he hits from the left side of the plate. He has present strength on a large 6-foot-4 inch frame, and also handles the glove very well at first base. Hosmer is one of the top hitting prospects in the draft and has drawn comparisons to Casey Kotchman.
The Top 100's # 2 player, Kyle Skipworth slipped to the 6th position in the draft as the Marlins got a great offensive catcher with a large upside in the power category from the left side. Skipworth's quality left handed stroke put him on the radar last summer, and it alone has kept him there to this point. His move to the zone is short, quick and easy - allowing him to consistently get the good part of the bat to contact. His defense could use some work, but that should get better with time as he has a good arm and an okay glove behind the dish.
The next player to go in the draft was Aaron Hicks, #9 in the Top 100 rankings and went 14 to the Minnesota Twins who are notorious for finding value in the draft. Hicks is an immense natural talent, with quick twitch actions and overall life in his body to spare. He is one of the rare players with five tool potential. While he is still learning to put all of this ability into play, he is far from just a raw talent.
Going 15th in the draft to the Los Angeles Dodgers was Ethan Martin, #6 in the Top 100. The Dodgers intend to turn him into a pitcher. He has the potential to move quickly up the ranks.
At #16 in the draft was Brett Lawrie, Lawrie was chosen by the Brewers. Lawrie is #25 in the rankings and may have gone earlier in the draft if it wasn't for the fact that he plays in Canada. A pure hitter with an intelligent and advanced approach to the game. The ball really gets off his bat with great life from gap to gap, thanks to his combination of strength and bat speed. He has yet to find a home defensively. Some still give him a chance to stay behind the plate, where his value would be best, especially in a young talented organization such as the Brewers.
The next team in the draft to take a high school ball player is the 24th position by the Philadelphia Phillies. Anthony Hewitt, #22 in the Top 100. A live bodied, athletic player with excellent tools nearly across the board. He plays shortstop at present, though most see him making the move to the outfield. He runs very well, and throws well enough to allow him to run his fastball into the low 90's.
At number 28 in the draft the New York Yankees went with Gerrit Cole, # 7 in the draft. Some think he dropped this far due to his representation by Scott Boras. Of course you see the Yankees flex their financial muscle and scoop up a top prospect. There is no question that Cole's stuff is among the best in the 2008 class. His fastball has reached into the mid 90's, and he has shown a biting breaking ball in the low 80's along with a developing changeup. Opinions vary on the quality and repeatability of his mechanics and arm action. As a result, there is some debate as to whether his future will be at the front of a rotation or the back of a bullpen.
Finally, at number 30, the last pick in the first round of the 08' draft is Casey Kelly by the Boston Red Sox. Kelly, son of former Yankee 2b Pat Kelly, is ranked 5th in the Top 100. A naturally gifted athlete that makes parts of the game look very easy, especially with the glove. Also a highly sought after quarterback, making his arm strength quite an obvious asset. He has power potential, along with the makings of a solid right handed stroke at the plate. He may have fallen this far due to the fact that he is a highly sought after two sport athlete where has committed to play football for the Tennessee Volunteers.
Thanks to Baseball Factory for providing thorough and insightful scouting reports on the Takkle Top 100.
For the full results of the draft you can check them out here.
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