Basketball Betting

Baseball Draft-Top 10 Player Capsules

Baseball Betting Lines

06/07/2010 -

A capsule look at the top 10 players selected in Monday's first-year player baseball draft (with position, school, height, weight and college class):1, WASHINGTON:BRYCE HARPER, C-OF, J.C. of Southern Nevada, 6-foot-3, 205 pounds.

One of most-hyped players goes No. 1 overall to Washington, which took similarly hyped right-hander Stephen Strasburg last year with top pick. Just 17, slugger surpassed pitcher Alex Fernandez (fourth, 1990) as highest-drafted JUCO player. Skipped final two years of high school, got GED, played in wooden-bat JUCO league this year and hit 31 HRs. Outstanding power - Sports Illustrated cover boy reportedly has hit balls over 550 feet - but tends to overswing at times. Nationals might make him outfielder, where he has played some, to speed his ascent.

2, PITTSBURGH:JAMESON TAILLON, RHP, The Woodlands H.S. (Texas), 6-6, 225.

Considered by many top pitcher in draft has big, solid build and fastball that's in the mid- to upper-90s - with some reports of 99 mph - and overpowers hitters on regular basis. Baseball America rated him as high school player closest to majors, and his command of fastball, sharp curve and solid slider are main reason.

3, BALTIMORE:MANNY MACHADO, SS, Brito H.S. (Fla.), 6-2, 180.

Top high school position player in draft is smooth-fielding shortstop with quick hands and impressive arm strength. Has been most often compared to Alex Rodriguez for hitting ability, defensive skills and fact he's a Florida product - lofty comparisons that haven't seemed to have affected Machado.

4, KANSAS CITY:CHRISTIAN COLON, SS, Cal State Fullerton, 6-0, 180, junior.

Was chosen as first captain of USA national college team last summer, when he was having outstanding campaign until he broke leg against Canada. Had slow start to this college season, but played in every game and gradually came on as he helped lead Titans to NCAA tournament. Spray hitter who's tough to strike out. Solid but not spectacular defensively and could end up as second baseman with pop.

5, CLEVELAND:DREW POMERANZ, LHP, Mississippi, 6-5, 230, junior.

Southeastern Conference pitcher of year was considered by many top lefty available. Rebels' career leader in strikeouts is 9-2 with 2.24 ERA and 139 Ks in 100 2-3 innings. Mixes 90-94 mph fastball with a knee-buckling curve, and changeup has become increasingly effective.

6, ARIZONA:BARRET LOUX, RHP, Texas A&M, 6-5, 220, junior.

First-team All-Big 12 selection (pronounced LOWCKS) was 24th-round pick of Detroit, but opted to go to college. After having sophomore season affected by chips in elbow, bounced back and was completely healthy as junior, going 11-2 with 2.60 ERA and 136 Ks in 104 IP entering Monday night's NCAA tournament game vs. Miami. Has low- to mid-90s fastball and average secondary pitches.

7, NEW YORK METS:MATT HARVEY, RHP, North Carolina, 6-4, 225, junior.

After not signing as third-round pick of Angels in 2007, Harvey went 7-2 in both freshman and sophomore years, but saw ERA rise from 2.79 to 5.40. Still struggles at times with command, but has bounced back to show he has ace-type skills (8-3, 3.09). Fastball sits in mid-90s and mixes in power curve and hard slider. Had career-high 15 Ks vs. Clemson in April.

8, HOUSTON:DELINO DeSHIELDS Jr., OF, Woodward Academy (Ga.), 5-8, 190.

Son of former major league second baseman, Delino DeShields, who was also a first-rounder in 1987, has excellent speed and projects as a center fielder in the pros although needs some work defensively. Also has quick wrists and bat speed, and could develop some power at next level.

9, SAN DIEGO:KARSTEN WHITSON, RHP, Chipley H.S. (Fla.), 6-4, 195.

Considered by many to be behind only Jameson Taillon in discussion of country's best high school right-handers. Has impressive repertoire with mid-90s fastball, sharp slider and tough changeup.

10, OAKLAND:MICHAEL CHOICE, OF, Texas-Arlington, 6-0, 215, junior.

Southland Conference player of year set school record with 34 career homers, and ranks second with .392 career batting average. He also showed good patience at plate, leading Division I players in walks with 76 this season. Scouts love his quick bat and wrists and raw power. Shows terrific speed and solid arm strength.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.