MLB Amateur Draft - Recap of Top 5

1. Washington Nationals-Bryce Harper, OF, College of Southern Nevada (NV)

Coming as no surprise, the 17 year old Harper was the first player chosen in the MLB Draft. His majority of starts in junior college came at catcher, but as Bud Selig said on the podium when the Nats' pick was announced, being a backstop is likely not in Harper's future. The Nationals will probably move him to right field, where his incredibly strong arm (clocked at 96 miles per hour on the mound in high school) will give him the opportunity to gun down runners at home plate. Also the move to the outfield will guarantee Harper more at bats at the Major League level, seeing as most catchers are prone to injury and have to take days off regularly because of the demands of the position. To quote ESPN head scout Keith Law, "Harper has the most raw power of a teenager ever." His tape measured home runs are an Internet sensation, specifically his 502 foot shot at Tropicana Field and his 570 footer while as a sophomore in high school. Furthermore, Harper's overall maturity at the plate His draws comparisons to Ken Griffey Jr, a fellow number one overall pick. Look out for the current 17 year old in the majors by 2013, at the latest.

2. Pittsburgh Pirates - Jameson Taillon, RHP, The Woodlands High School (TX)

Taillon is a towering 6'7" prep flamethrower whose fastball has been clocked consistently between 96 to 99 mph. Paired with two refined off speed pitches (his curveball and changeup), Taillon boasts a large repertoire than many college pitchers can't even claim to have. He has solid mechanics on the mound and is much more polished than average high school pitchers. With Pittsburgh, he projects to be an eventual ace that will eat innings up and give the Pirates an opportunity to win every fifth day or so. Taillon is comparable to Josh Beckett because of their similar aggressive pitching styles, and almost identical situations coming out of high school as Texas prep phenoms.

3. Baltimore Orioles - Manny Machado, SS, Brito Private High School (FL)

The Dominican born and Miami raised Machado draws comparisons to the great Alex Rodriguez, another Miami hometown product. Machado's frame and playing style, however, better resemble Troy Tulowitzki of the Rockies. Machado shortstop stands 6'3" and

with 180 pounds, but his enormous size 13 feet suggest more growth might be possible. While some scouts suggest the 18 year old Machado may eventually grow out of the shortstop position and move to third base, I do not share that view. Clearly, the Orioles have a glaring need at shortstop, and the hot corner is filled throughout the minor league system with promising young hitters, such as Josh Bell and Billy Rowell.

Machado may not be blazing on the basepaths, but he is fast enough to swipe close to 20 bases per year maximum. Defensively, the third overall selection can cover all the ground needed while playing shortstop. That being said, he does not project as an Ozzie Smith-type in the field. Gold gloves will likely not be in Machado's future. Nevertheless, Manny Machado's true value comes at the plate. Strong armed and well built already at age 18, he projects as a middle of the lineup presence. I expect Machado to be a .300 hitter, and depending on his physical growth, he could average 25 plus home runs and at least 100 RBIs in the major leagues.

4. Kansas City Royals - Christian Colon, SS, Cal State Fullerton (CA)

Colon is one of the most polished position players in the draft. At shortstop, he is a vacuum cleaner that moves well and has soft hands, not letting any ball get by him. His range in the field is in question though, and he could very well end up at second or third. He hits for average, but lacks raw power. When on base, Colon is always a threat to steal. Playing at such a successful college program like Fullerton, he is a great leader, who possesses the instincts any GM wants to see in a top 5 draft pick. On the Major League level, he reminds me of Phillies' third baseman Placido Polanco. Look for the experienced and savvy Colon to be in the big leagues before any of his top 5 counterparts.

5. Cleveland Indians - Drew Pomeranz, LHP, University of Mississippi (MS)

Pomeranz, like Christian Colon, is a refined college player from a successful program. Coming from Ole Miss, Pomeranz had to face top level hitters who also were potential MLB players every outing. He won SEC Pitcher of the Year honors, and boasted an ERA in the low 2's. Pomeranz has potential to be a 8 to 9 strikeout per outing kind of guy in the big leagues, and he could be a top of the line pitcher in the rotation. In the worst case scenario, Pomeranz is the number 2 pitcher on a team. He already has a good fastball and curve but must develop his changeup to be successful on the major league level. The Indians need power pitching, and as of now have no true ace on their staff or in their organization to speak of. The only knock of Pomeranz is his inconsistency.

-JS