5/15/2012 9:40:01 AM
David Rawnsley will be providing an updated mock draft this coming Friday after
his last installment on April 17. The teams at the top of the draft have started to narrow their focus on a few select players. If the draft was conducted today, here is how the top 5 picks could shake out:
1. Astros: Mark Appel
2. Twins: Byron Buxton
3. Mariners: Mike Zunino
4. Orioles: Kevin Gausman
5. Royals: Max Fried
The Astros' short list has reportedly been narrowed to the 3 big college arms (Appel, Gausman, Zimmer) and the top 2 prep positional prospects (Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton). Mike Zunino could also be in the mix, as the new Astros ownership reportedly strongly prefers, and may have even directed the scouting department, to select a college player.
Kyle Zimmer is also on the Twins' short list, the Mariners have been scouting Carlos Correa hard and the Orioles are in on all of the top college pitchers as well as Buxton.
David Dahl is drawing strong interest from teams in the 7-10 range with the Padres (No. 7), Pirates (No. 8) and Rockies (No. 10) showing the most early interest.
Also, while Perfect Game still views Joey Gallo as a primary positional prospect, he reportedly was up to 100 mph and sat 97-100 in a pitching appearance on Saturday.