This mock was quite strange for me as I felt I was able to address the needs I intended to do without any trouble. In fact, I would say that the draft was actually went better for me than I intended. I don't think I had any major reaches and took advantage of some players that illogically slid. Below are the results of the recent Reds Mock Draft...

01.14 - Andrew Heaney, LHP, Oklahoma State University

01.49 - Travis Jankowski, OF, Stony Brook

01.57 - Carson Kelly, 3B, Oregon HS

02.78 - Kayden Porter, RHP, Utah HS

03.109 - Kevin Brady, RHP, Clemson

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Looking at the draft tendencies and history of Reds GM Walt Jocketty, he has selected at #12 in 1995 (Matt Morris, RHP, Seton Hall), #13 in 2000 (Shaun Boyd, 2B, Oceanside, CA, HS) , #18 Peter Kozma (Owasso, OK, HS), and #12 in 2008 (Yasmani Grandal, C, Miami U). Jocketty has only selected 6 High School players in the 1st RD during his 19 years as a GM with Boyd's selected at #13 in 2000 being the earliest. This tendency lends to the belief that Jocketty will target a College player here rather than a high schooler as he usually favors HS players later in the 1st round if selected and had more luck doing so.

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From small market to big market, that is apparently what the Reds are now considering themselves with the large contract extensions of Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips. These contracts in addition to the extensions of Cueto & Bruce mean that the Reds are in for the long haul. So, lets take a look at the organization to see which positions GM Walt Jocketty might need to address in the 2012 draft.

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I was curious if anyone had an updates on the three unsigned former Cuban players...Jorge Soler (OF), Adonis Garcia (OF), and Onelkis Garica (LHP). I believe I recently read that Soler was still attempting to establish residency and could sign as a free agent with any team after being approved by MLB but I've heard little since. I've heard even less on A. Garcia and even less on Onelkis after he was seemed eligible for the 2011 MLB amateur draft and then ineligible. Was Onelkis officially suspended by the MLB for a year? Once unsuspended, will he be 2012 MLB draft eligible or will he be a free agent? Just curious. Thanks.

Below are some prospect draft results from a recent draft. The draft excludes any player in the Yahoo database and is limited to only minor leaguers with an A level classification. So, who which team has the best minor league system going forward?

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Over the last few days, I have done some extensive research on the draft while mainly centering on prospects that the Reds may be attracted to.  When looking at the Reds options, the most obvious type of player that most would expect them to select would be a polished collegiate pitcher that can help an already contending team and potentially catapult them to a World Series contender.  While that may be a fine conclusion, the more I think about about it the more I see the Reds potentially doing something a little less conventual.

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2010 was a big year for the 1st professional baseball team because the Reds won the NL Central and returned to the playoffs after 15 years.  Granted, they faced a Phanatic buzz-saw in the 1st round but they got over the hump and are showing the same tenacity in 2011.  The Reds have done a good job locking up some of their more talented players (Bruce, Cueto, etc.) which proves their desire to contend and possibly spend some money.  I think it is important to note where the Reds currently are as an organization as well as where they want to be and while I don't always think it is smart to target certain positions during a draft, I think it is reasonable to address organizational needs in the draft if you don't forcefully reach. 

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MiLB.com: You're moving to an organization that has an established second baseman at the big league level in Aaron Hill. Has the idea of switching positions been discussed at all?

Lawrie: I've been working out at third -- they've wanted me to play some third. I felt comfortable over there, I think I am going to go into Spring [Training], where third is where I'm going to be put at.

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110116&content_id=16444702&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp&partnerId=rss_tor

My Top 50 Prospects (with a fantasy perspective)

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These are the prospect selections from our recent Dynasty Draft.  All prospects had to play in A, AA or AAA in order to be considered.  Which teams have the best prospect systems? Worst? Safest? Most potential?  Etc.


Team A:  M. Trout (LAA), Si. Castro (SD), E. Beltre (Tex) 
Team B:  M. Machado (Bal), B. Belt (SF), M.Moore (TB) 
Team C:  W. Myers (KC), B. Lawrie (Mil), J. Vitters (ChC) 
Team D:  J. Teharen (Atl), K. Gibson (Min), M. Montgomery (KC) 
Team E:  Sh. Miller (Stl), W. Flores (NYM), Z. Wheeler (SF) 
Team F:  J. Taillon (Pit), C. Withrow (LAD), Z. Britton (Bal) 
Team G:  M. Pineda (Sea), D. Gordon (LAD), J. Lyles (Hou) 
Team H:  A. Hicks (Min), N. Franklin (Sea), D. Betances (NYY) 
Team I:   E. Hosmer (KC), J. Lamb (KC), N. Weglarz (Cle) 
Team J:   L. Chisenhall (Cle), T. Beckham (TB), M. Moustakas (KC) 
Team K:  J. Turner (Det), K. Vitek (Bos), G. Green (Oak) 
Team L:   M. Banuelos (NYY), G. Sanchez (NYY), M. Choice (Oak)

01. A. Chapman (SP) - Best arm I've ever seen, from the left side no less

02. D. Mesoraco (C) - Rebounded in a big way to warrant 1st round pick

03. Y. Alonso (1B/OF) - Question as to where he'll play but a smooth stick, especially in 2nd half

04. Y. Grandal (C) - I would have preferred Chris Sale in draft, but a good prospect

05. B. Hamilton (SS) - Made some noise in Billings, can mature while at SS

06. Y. Rodriguez (OF) - Tools galore and is starting to put it together

07. T. Frazier (INF/OF) - Horrible 1st half, nice 2nd half, I think he'll replace Rolen at some point

08. D. Joseph (RP) - Power lefty reliever, a nice thing to have

09. J. Francisco (INF/OF) - Might be better in the AL with powerful bat, bad glove, though great arm

10. R. LaMarre (OF) - We'll see what the toolsy Wolverine can do but didn't do much in Dayton

11. K. Lotzkar (SP) - Was impressive in his '10 return, hopefully bright future to match talent

12. C. Valaikia (INF) - Useful MLB utility infielder but not much more

13. Z. Cozart (INF) - Safe to say he'll only be a utility INF with some pop in the majors

14. B. Boxberger (SP) - Strikeout numbers are there but season showed he might be a future reliever

15. J. Duran (OF) - Had an okay season, A-ball will tell a lot in '11

16. D. Lohman (SS) - 3rd rounder showed a lot of patience in rookie ball

17. N. Soto (INF/C) - I have no idea where he'll play but he does have impressive power

18. M. Serrano (SP) - Hopefully, he'll start '11 in AA and not AAA, which is where he ended '10

19. H. Rodriguez (2B) - 20 year old showed some pop and potential

20. M. Klinker (SP) - Could probably grow into a decent MLB spot starter/long reliever

21. D. Sappelt (OF) - Probably a pretty valuable reserve major league outfielder

22. R. Torreyes (2B) - Youngster showed a little power and will likely start '11 in A-ball

23. J. Arias (SS) - Talented 18 y/o was quite impressive in AZL

24. B. Green (INF) - Nice 4th rounder that could move quickly but limited upside

25. K. Negron (SS) - Not a world beater but a competent INF that can handle a stick

Below you find the reported minor league placements of from the 2010 MLB Draftees.  There are a few missing as well as conflicting reports for #1 Harper and #2 Taillon. 

2010 Draft Picks Reported MiLB Level Source

Bryce Harper - (Was - C) GCL/A - Viera/A - Vermont, Brownsville Herald/USAToday

Jameson Taillon (Pit - SP) A - State College / A - West Virginia, Pittsburgh Post

Manny Machado (Bal - SS) Extended ST, Baltimore Sun

Christian Colon (KC - SS) A - Wilimington 

Drew Pomeranz (Cle - SP) A - Mahoning Valley, Akron Beacon

Barret Loux (Ari - SP) Free Agent Seattle Post

Matt Harvey (NYM - SP) ? ?

Delino DeSheilds Jr. (Hou - OF) R - Greeneville  

Michael Choice (Oak - OF) A - Vancouver 

Deck McGuire (Tor - SP) ? ?

Yasmani Grandal (Cin - C) R - Billings, mlb.com

Chris Sale (ChW - SP) MLB

Jake Skole (Tex - OF) A - Spokane

Hayden Simpson(ChC - SP) 2011 - Illness, mlb.com

Josh Sale (TB - OF) Florida Instructional League, SI.cnn.com

Kaleb Cowart (LAA - SP) R - Arizona,  ajc.com

Mike Foltynewicz (Hou - SP) R - Greeneville  

Kolbrin Vitek (Bos - 2B) A - Lowell

Alex Wimmers (Min - SP) A - Ft. Myers

Kellin Deglan (Tex - C) A - Spokane  

Christian Yelich (Fla - OF) ? ?

Gary Brown (SF - OF) ? ?

Zack Cox (Stl - 3B) R - GCL,  AP

Kyle Parker (Col - OF) 2011 - College,  mlb.com

Jesse Biddle (Phi - OF) R - GCL

Zach Lee (LAD - SP) ? ?

Cam Bedrosian(LAA - SP) R - AZL  

Chevez Clarke (LAA - OF) R - AZL

Justin O'Conner (TB - C) R - GCL 

Cito Culver (NYY - SS) R - GCL

Michael Ynoa will undergo Tommy John surgery on August 24, reports Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. Oakland signed the 18-year-old in 2008 to a contract that featured a $4.25MM bonus, a record high for a non-Cuban international player. Ynoa made his professional debut this season for the Athletics' Arizona League rookie-ball team, posting a 5.00 ERA and 11.0 K/9 ratio in three starts mlbtraderumors.com 

This list contains no current player with MLB service time. It is a little different as it emphasizes potential more than most lists while giving less emphasis to current production. Let me know what you think as I'd be glad to hear your opinions. Rank Name

1 A. Chapman (Cin - SP)

2 D. Jennings (TB - OF)

3 B. Harper (Was - C)

4 J. Teharen (Atl - SP)

5 M. Trout (LAA - OF)

6 J. Montero (NYY - C)

7 B. Lawrie (Mil - 2B)

8 M. Perez (Tex - SP)

9 A. Hicks (Min - OF)

10 S. Miller (Stl - SP)

11 K. Drabek (Tor - SP)

12 F. Freeman (Atl - 1B)

13 G. Green (Oak - SS)

14 E. Hosmer (KC - 1B)

15 D. Ackley (Sea - 2B)

16 J. Lyles (Hou - SP)

17 Y. Alonso (Cin - 1B)

18 M. Moustakas (KC - 3B)

19 J. Tallion (Pit - SP)

20 L. Anderson (Bos - 1B)

21 J. Parker (Ari - SP)

22 J. Mitchell (ChW- OF)

23 S. Castro (SD - SP)

24 D. Tate (SD - OF)

25 W. Myers (KC - C)

26 R. Delgado (Atl - SP)

27 M. Pineda (Sea - SP)

28 B. Jackson (ChC - OF)

29 T. Matzek (Col - SP)

30 E. Martin (LAD - LAD)

31 M. Montgomery (KC - SP)

32 D. Gordon (LAD - SS)

33 J. Turner (Det - SP)

34 K. Gibson (Min - SP)

35 N. Franklin (Sea - SS)

36 C. Kelly (Bos - SP)

37 C. Friedrich (Col - SP)

38 T. Sanchez (Pit - C)

39 Z. Britton (Bal - SP)

40 Z. Wheeler (SF - SP)

41 P. Aumont (Phi - SP)

42 M. Machado (Bal - SS)

43 G. Richards (LAA - SP)

44 A. Vizcaino (Atl - SP)

45 L. Chisenhall (Cle - 3B)

46 W. Flores (NYM - SS)

47 R. Havens (NYM - 2B)

48 D. Santana (Phi - OF)

49 M. Harvey (NYM - SP)

50 H. Conger (LAA - C)

I was just reading this article by John Fay who talked to Walt Jocketty and he states that Todd Frazier will see time at SS this year with the Reds.  Could be a big time producer if he can stick there.  Hey, Frazier is more mobile than some MLB SS already.  Maybe the bat might allow him to play there.

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2010/01/23/frazier-may-get-a-look-at-shortstop/

It has been awhile since someone posted their own prospect lists so I decided to post mine.  I tired to take into account future potential as well as past performance.  Please be aware that I did not include anyone with major league experience in my ranking.  Enjoy!

1. J. Heyward (Atl – OF)
2. S. Strasburg (Was – SP) 
3. M. Stanton (Fla – OF) 
4. P. Alvarez (Pit – 3B) 
5. J. Montero (NYY – C) 
6. D. Jennings (TB – OF) 
7. J. Smoak (Tex – 1B) 
8. C. Santana (Cle – C) 
9. K. Drabek (Phi – SP) 
10. L. Morrison (Fla – 1B) 
11. H. Rondon (Cle – SP) 
12. M. Taylor (Phi – OF) 
13. M. Perez (Tec – SP) 
14. G. Green (Oak – SS) 
15. Y. Alonso (Cin – 1B) 
16. S. Castro (ChC – SS) 
17. C. Crosby (Det – SP) 
18. R. Westmoreland (Bos – OF) 
19. D. Ackley (Sea – OF) 
20. T. Frazier (Cin – 2B) 
21. F. Freeman (Atl – 1B) 
22. J. Hellickson (TB – SP) 
23. E. Martin (LAD – SP) 
24. D. Brown (Phi – OF) 
25. J. Mier (Hou - SS)
26. C. Carter (Oak – 1B) 
27. T. Beckham (TB – SS)
28. M. Dominguez (Fla – 3B) 
29. B. Lawrie (Mil – 2B) 
30. J. Mejia (NYM – SP) 
31. D. Gordon (LAD – SS) 
32. A. Hicks (Min – OF) 
33. C. Truinfel (Sea – SS) 
34. Sh. Miller (Stl – SP) 
35. J. Parker (Ari – SP) 
36. J. Bell (Bal - 3B) 
37. A. Cashner (ChC – SP) 
38. C. Freidrich (Col – SP) 
39. B. Erbe (Bal – SP) 
40. J. Turner (Det – SP) 
41. M. Leake (Cin – SP) 
42. M. Moustakas (KC – 3B) 
43. C. Kelly (Bos – SP) 
44. I. Davis (NYM – 1B) 
45. J. Castro (Hou – C) 
46. D. Tate (SD – OF) 
47. L. Anderson (Bos – 1B) 
48. T. Sanchez (Pit – C) 
49. J. Weeks (Oak – 2B) 
50. D. Storen (Was – RP)

Best? Worst? Why?

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'Please Rank Prospects' for fantasy purposes...

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When does Milledge return to the AAA lineup from his thumb injury?  I believe he was supposed to be out 6-8 weeks since his injury and surgery but I expect the Nationals to make some trades this season ether including Milledge or clearing space for him in the future.  Still, he has to get on the field to get value.  Has anyone heard anything about his recovery or have any insight into possible moves?

Just wanted to let everyone know that since the Dodgers converted 2004 1st round pick and surgery fixed/recovered Scott Elbert back to starting he's been putting up very impressive numbers in Double-A . He's a talented lefty with dynamite stuff as his fastball has been creeping back to the mid to high 90's mph he was at pre-surgery. In 57.1 IP he's K'd 77 with 25 walks. In his last 4 outings he's struck out 9, 10, 9, 9. This guy was once considered the best pitcher in the organization over Billingsley and as he continues to regain his starting form, he's again living up to the hype. Forget the short reliever your saw briefly in the majors, you might be looking at the next Cole Hamels so keeper league and dynasty leagues need to add this guy if possible. I don't see him up this season but after that, getty up. 

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb ... pid=455092

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/ ... bert.shtml

I put a lot of thought into this and I think this is as good of a breakdown on the draft I can do.  I don't agree with all of these picks as I think some players are better than their draft status but this is simply a prediction of what I think could happen.  Please express any thoughts or additions you might have. Thanks and I hope you enjoy!

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KANSAS CITY -- The Kansas City Royals made a series of roster moves today and announced several more moves for tomorrow. Prior to tonight's game in Texas, the Royals reinstated outfielder Mark Teahen from the 15-day disabled list, and recalled right-handed pitchers Kyle Davies and Leo Nunez from Wichita (AA). All three players will be in uniform for tonight's game.

In addition to today's moves, tomorrow the Royals will recall 2006 first overall selection Luke Hochevar and first baseman Justin Huber, and purchase the contracts of catcher Paul Phillips and first baseman Craig Brazell. All four players will join Kansas City from the Triple-A Omaha roster.

http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20070903&content_id=2 187510&vkey=pr_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc

With MLB rosters expanding on September 1st and teams calling up players for the expansion as soon as today or tomorrow, does anyone have an idea of which players on the various team will be called up? Any possible surprises? Elite Prospects?

Also, are the callups limited to the 40-man roster?

Good thing I already did this before the draft.

C: Devin Mesaraco
1B: Joey Votto
2B: Brandon Phillips
3B: Edwin Encarnacion/Todd Frazier
SS: Alex Gonzalez
RF: Josh Hamilton
CF: Drew Stubbs
LF: Jay Bruce
Util: Paul Janish
Bench: Chris Dickerson
Bench: Jerry Gil
Bench: Milton Loo
Bench: Chris Valaika

SP: Homer Bailey
SP: Aaron Harang
SP: Bronson Arroyo
SP: Johnny Cueto
SP: Travis Wood
ST: Sean Watson
LR: Richie Gardner
LR: Tyler Pelland
MR: Gary Majewski
MR: Same Lecure
SU: Marcus McBeth
SU: Thomas Pauley
CL: Bill Bray

Just going with the talent they presently have. I imagine that Arroyo, Encarnacion, & Gonzalez might not be in Cincy by2010. In case you all were wondering, 2010 is supposed to the peak year for the Redfs because there are a lot of contracts ending after that year (Harang, Arroyo, Phillips, &Gonzalez). The Reds minor league system is having a fantastic year all-around. Still, that looks like a lot of offense (I love the OF) and some great to good arms. I'm happy with it give or take.

It seems that the prospects of Drew Stubbs actually fullfilling his skills and meriting his Top 10 pick in the 2006 draft have suddenly become pretty good. The reason? Choking up.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=547

Thats right a simple move of the hands that our Dad's always told us to do when we were younger. But most of us, like myself, eventually realized that we could generate more power from swinging with the whole bat. The draw back is the that we sacrificed bat speed and it takes longer to loadup for a pitch. Many years ago, studs like Ted Williams, Hank Aaron, and Willy Mays all choked up on the bat. One of the main reasons was because they usually swung heavier bats than the sluggers of today do but maybe they were on to something. Barry Bonds has long preached that choking up allows him to get the bat through the zone much quicker and the rest is well...history. Many Japanese batters take a similar approach when they come over to the majors to better compensate for better MLB pitching. Is this the solve-all? Well, no, but it could certainly help free-swinging

The Tigers will call up Jair Jurrjens to start Wednesday against the Indians.

Virgil Vasquez gets bypassed again. It'll probably be one and done for Jurrjens, as Andrew Miller is due back next week, but he's another youngster that could possibly be viewed as an upgrade over Chad Durbin.

rotoworld

The Yankees are "seriously" considering promoting Ian Kennedy for Tuesday's start against the Orioles at Yankee Stadium.

Kennedy, their No. 1 pick in last year's draft, is a possible candidate to make his major-league debut when the Yankees need a starter to fill in for Roger Clemens. The plan with Kennedy hinges on what happens with reliever Jeff Karstens this weekend. If he was needed in relief last night or today, Kennedy will get the call.
Source: New York Post

RotoWorld.com has learned that Chase Headley is being called up for Friday's game and will be in the lineup against the Cubs.

As if it wasn't already obvious, Padres manager Bud Black just isn't a fan of Russell Branyan. If Kevin Kouzmanoff goes on the DL, Headley will likely get a chance to play fairly regularly for a couple of weeks, making him a decent option in NL-only leagues. Headley has hit .357/.433/.648 in 227 at-bats for Double-A San Antonio.

rotoworld
-------

I personally think Headley is now a Top 5 3B prospect (right there with Stewart) and he could potentially overtake Kouzmanoff if Kouz comes back down from his recent hot streak.

"Braves purchased the contract of INF Yunel Escobar from Triple-A Richmond.

He's up now, though he's not expected to be available until Saturday. Escobar, 24, was hitting .333/.379/.456 with two homers and seven steals in 180 at-bats in Triple-A. His ability to hit for average could carry over to the majors, but he's not likely to contribute much elsewhere. Expect him to get the majority of the starts at third until Chipper Jones returns." rotoworld.com
----

This move is for Chipper going on the DL but I think he might be he has a lot of talent and might even be trade bait for a team looking for a SS or 2B for the future.

"According to the St. Petersburg Times, the Devil Rays may call up Andy Sonnanstine from Triple-A to start Tuesday against the Blue Jays.

He would replace either Jae Seo or Casey Fossum in the rotation, and the Devil Rays may also call up J.P. Howell to grab a starting spot. An extreme control pitcher with outstanding minor league numbers, Sonnanstine is like a slightly poorer man's Kevin Slowey and could good value in AL-only leagues eventually."
Source: St Petersburg Times