Commentary

Gerrit Cole still the top choice

But prep outfielder Bubba Starling could rise all the way to Seattle at No. 2

Updated: June 3, 2011, 3:26 PM ET
By Keith Law | ESPN Insider

With three days to go until the 2011 MLB draft, it seems as if the names are clearer but the order is foggier. Picks three through five are probably the same names but in almost any order, and there's a similar run in the early teens, where a few teams are fighting over the same handful of players. I'll update this list again overnight Sunday, by which point I'm hoping we'll at least have more clarity in the top 15.


Pittsburgh Pirates
Gerrit Cole, RHP, UCLA

No change here in the name, and I keep hearing the Pirates are taking a pitcher here regardless. Danny Hultzen would be the most likely alternative, but the tea leaves say the Pirates can't pass on Cole's raw stuff.

Seattle Mariners
Anthony Rendon, 3B, Rice

I know Francisco Lindor worked out for Seattle, but I'm not alone in thinking that would be a crazy move with Rendon (or Cole) sitting right there in front of the Mariners. Bubba Starling is also a possibility here as he's apparently a favorite of GM Jack Zduriencik.

Arizona Diamondbacks
Trevor Bauer, RHP, UCLA

Or Hultzen, or Dylan Bundy. The next two picks are likely the two guys Arizona didn't take here.

Baltimore Orioles
Danny Hultzen, LHP, Virginia

If Hultzen goes at No. 3, the Orioles will take Bundy over Bauer. It's possible they take Bundy anyway, but they rate Hultzen a little higher because he's a college guy. Archie Bradley is still a long shot but not out of the discussion.

Kansas City Royals
Dylan Bundy, RHP, Owasso (Okla.) HS
They'd love Cole and aren't getting him. I have heard that they're reconsidering Starling, given how the first four picks will likely play out, but still prefer a fast-to-the-majors pitcher.


To see the rest of Keith Law's mock draft, become an ESPN Insider today.

Keith Law

ESPN Insider
  • Senior baseball analyst for Insider
  • Was special asst. to Blue Jays GM
  • Wrote for Baseball Prospectus

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