We're still an hour and a half from truly beginning our coverage, but at this point we may as well begin this process with the announcement of the first overall pick.
(Note: Most of the progressive coverage will be in the extended version, with a follow up later on examining day one of the draft.)
Update [2007-6-7 18:2:50 by R.J. Anderson]: The Rays have made their second pick: William Kline, from the University of Mississippi.
Update [2007-6-7 19:3:15 by R.J. Anderson]:RHP Nicholas Barnese is the third round pick, according to MLB.com's coverage he has a high ceiling.
Update [2007-6-7 19:39:1 by R.J. Anderson]:4th Round pick: LHP David Newman Texas A&M MLB.com's coverage: Injury risk, 1st round quality arm.
Update [2007-6-7 20:17:34 by R.J. Anderson]: 5th round pick: Dustin Biell a HS CFer, should be the last pick of the first day. Biell was described as the typical Tampa OFer, athletic, toolsy, ect.
[update] All right we're through 12 rounds, and I figured it's time to update the post, so here we go:
6th Round-Emeel Salem CF Alabama
Emotional player who lead the Tide in walks, batting average, OBP, and stolen bases.
7th Round- Reid Fronk, LF UNC
Has tools and some power, but not very good in the field.
8th Round- Matt Moore LHP Moriarty HS (NM)
From BA
9th Round- Cody Cipriano 2B UC Irvine
Solid bat, poor defense.
10th Round- Greg Sexton 3B William & Mary
Colonial Athletic Association co-player of the year (with Kellen Kulbacki, a sup. round pick)
11th Round- D.J. Jones, CF, Gulf Shores HS (AL)
Sounds like a tough sign, plans on going to Auburn.
12th Round- Stephen Vogt C Azusa Pacific U
13th Round- Brian Flores LHP Arizona State
72-7 high school and college combined record.
14th Round- Kyle Ayers RHP Oswego HS (IL)
Big guy, has decent curve, has potential.
15th Round- Mike Southern RHRP West Hills College (CA)
16th Round -Joshua Johnson SP Miss. St.
From Tyler: Had a 6.21 ERA in 13 starts.
17th Round- Will Harvil RHP Young Harris College
18th Round- Julius Dettrich LHP Arlington HS
19th Round- Kevin Boggan RHP Boston College
20th Round- Chris Luck RHP South Granville HS
21st Round- Kevin Brophy RHP UC Los Angeles
22nd Round- Ryan Turner RHP Richland HS
23rd Round- Joel Carranza C Charles Flanagan HS
24th Round- John Baird RHP Cincy
25th Round- Justin Garcia RHP Western Nevada CC
Also interesting note from ESPN's Keith Law on our second round pick, Will Kline:
Round: 1, Pick: 1, Overall: 1
From Brewerfan.net
Price of course is a lefty, which adds to his value. His natural athleticism allows him to repeat his smooth delivery very well, and his fastball sits in the 89-93 range and he can touch the 96-97 range without much extra effort. His slider is also considered a plus-pitch, and he's working on improving his solid changeup. On the mound, he offers a very cool and collected demeanor, and he doesn't get rattled easily. Some would like to see him be more aggressive at times, but that is a minor gripe.
Jake Take's on David Price
MILB Scouting Report
Baseball America's profile
The consensus pick for a while Price was never challenged this season for the top pick. At the end of the day it appears the Rays felt he was the better prospect than Matt Wieters, and that he was possibly the safer pick. This being the new regime's second first round pick let's hope he's as successful as Evan Longoria was last year. Depending on how fast he signs, and it should be briskly, he might see a few appearances at Vero Beach, and potentially could begin next year at Montgomery alongside Jake McGee and Wade Davis, talk about a scary rotation.
ETA: Mid-Late 2008.
Round: 2, Pick 1, Overall 65 William Kline, University of Mississippi, SP.
Scouting report / video
Round: 3, Pick 1, Overall 95 RHP Nicholas Barnese Simi Valley HS
From MLB.com's coverage high ceiling sinkerballer.