Commentary

MLB mock draft 2.0

After a solid week, LSU's Anthony Ranaudo gets back into the mix

Originally Published: May 31, 2010
By Keith Law | ESPN Insider

The 2010 Rule 4 draft is just one week away, and there haven't been many changes in the Top 10, but there's more clarity in the middle of the round than there was a week ago. The biggest change has to be the comeback of LSU starter Anthony Ranaudo, who started the year as the presumptive No. 2 pick behind Bryce Harper but struggled through an injury-plagued spring. He was solid in his start at the SEC tournament Wednesday, then was very impressive in a three-inning relief outing Sunday as the Tigers won the championship game. But questions about his price tag and what's really going on in his elbow will limit his market to teams with larger draft budgets and higher risk tolerances.


Washington Nationals
Bryce Harper, C, College of Southern Nevada

No change. Harper's next game is Monday at 2 p.m. MT at the JuCo World Series in Grand Junction, Colo. SCOUTING VIDEO

Pittsburgh Pirates
Manny Machado, SS, Brito Miami Private High School (Fla.)

Still possible they take Drew Pomeranz, but the odds of them taking Jameson Taillon remain slim. SCOUTING VIDEO

Baltimore Orioles
Jameson Taillon, RHP, The Woodlands High School (Texas)

If Taillon is gone -- unlikely -- they'll probably take Machado. SCOUTING VIDEO

Kansas City Royals
Chris Sale, LHP, Florida Gulf Coast University

The name of the week is Minnesota catcher/right fielder Michael Kvasnicka, and this is the highest I've heard him so far.

Cleveland Indians
Drew Pomeranz, LHP, Ole Miss
Or a college bat (Michael Choice over Zack Cox), or possibly Chris Sale if he gets here.


For the full list -- No. 6 (Arizona) to No. 32 (New York Yankees), you must be an ESPN Insider.

Keith Law

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

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