Round 1 Draft Review

So I've done a review of the 1st round, plus supplemental round, of this seasons draft. I used a format that is like "Baseball America's Prospect Handbook" rather than write something up about each player. Some of the categories are pretty straight forward while others are not. The Best "Pitcher" Category doesn't necessarily he's the best pitcher, just that he knows how to "pitch" and not just be a "thrower." The Best Athlete category was tricky and I was originally going to give it to Joel Hynes before ultimately deciding. If anyone wants to come up with a set criteria for determining it then be my guest. Anyhow, here is the review.


Best Hitter for Average - Alex Zhou, Catcher, Iowa City Undertakers, 11th Overall
Best Power-Hitter - John Stanley, 2B, Helena Mountaineers, 21st Overall
Best Stirke-Zone Discipline - Paul Long, Catcher, Washington D.C. Revolution, 23rd Overall
Best Pure Hitter - Alex Zhou, Catcher, Iowa City Undertakers, 11th Overall
Fastest Baserunner - Jose Mercedes, 2B, Durham Disaster, 2nd Overall
Best Athlete - Gerry Wise, CF, Charleston Chiefs, 17th Overall
Best Fastball - Wayne Cormier, San Fransisco Values, 50th Overall
Best Curveball - Albert Granados, San Fransisco Values, 5th Overall
Best Slider - Cesar Ramirez, New Orleans Gushing Dikes, 49th Overall
Best Changeup - Ricardo Espinoza, Montgomery Marauders, 1st Overall
Best Control - Albert Granados, San Fransisco Values, 5th Overall and Malcom McCartin, Buffalo Wings, 3rd Overall
Highest Velocity- Albert Sojo, Charlotte Knights, 20th Overall
Best 'Pitcher' - Malcom McCartin, Buffalo Wings, 3rd Overall
Best Defensive Catcher - Paul Long, Catcher, Washington D.C. Revolution, 23rd Overall
Best Defensive Infielder - Anthony Zentmeyer, 2B, Minnesota Goats, 15th Overall
Best Infield Arm - Vladimir Chavez, SS, Louisville EliteDucks, 19th Overall
Best Defensive Outfielder - Craig Hardy, CF, Milwaukee Timber Rattlers, 31st Overall
Best Outfield Arm - Orel Lawrence, CF, Kansas City Monarchs, 14th Overall
Closest To The Majors - Malcom McCartin, Buffalo Wings, 3rd Overall
Best Late-Round Pick(Made After No.20) - Paul Long, Catcher, Washington D.C. Revolution, 23rd Overall
Most Intriguing Background -Ross Nixon and Charles Nixon are cousins who were both taken in the supplemental round of the draft.
Biggest Reach - Albert Hernandez, Atlanta Incorruptibles, 40th Overall