eMLB 2012 Mock Draft - Version II

It seems that opinions of players are changing every day, so I figured I'd write a quick mock draft. I will publish a more detailed version once the lottery order has been established.

1.1 Hackensack Bulls - Adrian Gonzalez, 1B: Bautista is the best offensive player in the draft, but Gonzalez is the best available five-year player. Ben can't really go wrong with either.

1.2 Olivet Killer Eagles - Jose Bautista, 3B/OF: Larry seems to be waffling between Cano and Bautista, but I have a hunch Bautista's 3B eligibility for 2012 winds up being the decision maker. Larry drafts Bautista #2 overall, considers giving him a 5-year deal, and eventually settles on a 3-year deal.

1.3 Michigan Miracles - Troy Tulowitzki, SS: For all the reasons previously mentioned, Tulo is a virtual lock for Renner here. Renner will slap a 5-year deal on him and not look back.

1.4 Atlantic Surge - Mike Stanton, OF: Squire says he has a "young star" in mind who will boost his offense, and while there are several in this draft, I think Stanton is the most likely. I would personally take Cano here, but there is nothing wrong with locking up Stanton for five years here.

1.5 Julian Javelina - Robinson Cano, 2B: I'd still be shocked if Cano made it to #5, but he won't make it any further if he does. I can't complain about having Cano for 3-4 years.

1.6 Springfield Flying Squirrels of Republic - Andrew McCutchen, OF: I still think Anson takes McCutchen here, knowing how much he likes him. That said, either he or J-Up would be a fine pick here.

1.7 North Texas Rangers - Nelson Cruz, OF: Adrian lands one of his four legit man crushes with his first pick. Will he land a second in the second?

1.8 Charlotte Orios - Mark Teixiera, 1B: Broskey has apparently tipped his hand here, unless he's trying to throw us off his real pick; Will Venable.

1.9 Oviedo Knights - Josh Hamilton, OF: This pick, in this spot, actually has Hanley Ramirez written all over it. However, I don't think Reynolds can take Hanley here since he won't be SS eligible after 2012. I think he goes with the familiar Hamilton here.

1.10 Mid Michigan Tigers - Justin Upton, OF: J-Up should go much earlier, but slips in this scenario. He's a nice get for Keith in this slot.

1.11 Gaylord Dingers - Jose Reyes, SS: I don't think this is Mike's target heading into the draft, but I think he "settles" for Reyes in this spot when his first target or two get taken just ahead of him. Reyes gets a 3-year deal.

1.12 San Antonio Fire Ants - Hanley Ramirez, 3B/SS: Sankey could go any number of ways because, let's be honest, he needs everything. This is a perfect spot to draft Hanley, whom most in the league probably consider one of the better bounce-back candidates around.

1.13 Dallas Redbirds - Cliff Lee, SP: If things shape up like I've outlined above, this pick goes one of two ways; (A) Cliff Lee, or (B) Elvis Andrus. In the end I think the draw of a rotation containing Greinke, Price, Lee and Bumgarner is too much to resist.

1.14 Rochester Red Sox - Adrian Beltre, 3B: I think Rich plans to keep Mark Reynolds and play him at 1B/UTIL, which means he'll need a 3B. He took a chance on Beltre in his first year in eMLB and it worked out pretty well, so I think he's looking for a reunion.

1.15 South Texas Heat - Rickie Weeks, 2B: I'm guessing the Lawrie talk is a smokescreen and Berg is hoping the best Brewer in this draft is still available when he picks. Not too shabby at 1.15, and a great 3-year option.

1.16 Arizona Desert Swarm - Cole Hamels, SP: I think Hamels is probably the best and most likely option for Josh in this spot. Teaming Hamels with Felix and Carp would be pretty hard to resist.