HARDBALL 24/7 ARCHIVES
ORIOLES TAKE THE BEST OVERALL AT #1
DRAFT ORDER: THE FIRST TEN
After rumors that the Baltimore Orioles may go in a different direction at #1, the organization decided to take the best overall player in the draft. The Orioles drafted Oregon State backstop standout Adley Rutschman, a switch-hitter compared to Buster Posey. He can hit for average and for power. Thanks to a level of patience at the plate, he can draw plenty of walks. It's off the charts as far as his overall makeup. He helped lead his school to the College World Series title last season and earned the tourney's most outstanding player award for his record setting performance in hits and runs batted in. He also set single-season school records in hits and runs driven in. He already is tabbed in as the face of the franchise.
The Kansas City Royals chose the top high school player in the country in shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. The athletically talented shortstop is the son of former big league pitcher Bobby Witt. He has five-tool potential and can pitch like his father. He has the potential to be a 20-20 guy.
Three other players to watch drafted in the top 10 include 1B Andrew Vaughn, drafted by the Chicago White Sox, who has the potential to hit for high average and deliver 30 bombs on an annual basis; OF JJ Bleday ,drafted by the Miami Marlins, who has the potential to be a huge monster as he hits for high average and has tremendous power; OF Hunter Bishop, drafted by the San Francisco Giants, an athlete of tremedous makeup of both power and speed- he adopted a discipline approach at the plate which resulted in the tapping of his power.
Another draft class is in the books so wish them well as their journey to the bigs begins.
NOTABLES
Every single year, sons of former MLB players and present front office personnel will be selected among the pool of high school and collegiate prospects. Even the brothers of present MLB players will have their names called upon to be part of the organization. Notables this year include
SS Bobby Witt Jr. (Rangers)
OF Hunter Bishop (Giants)
SS Logan Davidson (A's)
OF Sammy Siani (Pirates)
SS Greg Kessinger (Astros)
SS Matthew Lugo (Red Sox)
OF Dominic Fletcher (Diamondbacks)
OF Grant McCray (Giants)
SS Glenallen Hill Jr. (Diamondbacks)
SS Christian Cairo (Indians)
C/1B Jaxx Groshans (Red Sox)
P Dante Biasi (Royals)
P Nick Paciorek (Yankees)
P Brock Bell (Red Sox)
P Peuton Battenfield (Astros)
SS Nick Sogard (Rays)
P Ben Anderson (Rangers)
OF Jake Randa (Nationals)
3B Ryan Reynolds (Cubs)
2B Carter Aldrete (Giants)
C Eli Wilson (Pirates)
P Jordan Jones (Indians)
OF Yorvis Torrealba (Rockies)
P Jack Leiter (Yankees)
SS Brandon Frtman (Mets)
3B Jake Mean (Royals)
3B Nic Ready (Marlins)
3B Grayson Byrd (Cubs)
C Casey Combs (Marlins)
OF Jaylen Hubbard (Nationals)
SS Utah Jones (Mariners)
SS Breyln Jones (Dodgers)
P Braden Halladay (Blue Jays)
P Luke Bell (Diamondbacks)
1B Ryan Beradino (Red Sox)
P Jonah Dipoto (Royals)
OF Andy Martin (Royals)
2B Mason Greer (Diamondbacks)
SS Trei Cruz (Nationals)
SS Cole Roberts (Padres)
C Tyler LaRue (Nationals)
SS J.C Correa (Astros)
P Dylan Hoffman (Padres)
NON-MLB RELATED
These guys have no relates in MLB but have relations in other major sports or interests
C Blake Sabol (Pirates)
Check out our newly expanded sections including the greatest #1 overalls, this year's top draft prospects(including the top 10 class) and more.