Re: Draft Folder
3Can Bubba Starling pass Anthony Rendon?
CommentsBy Keith Law and Jason A. Churchill
The past two drafts saw very little drama at the top, with Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper both obvious No. 1 selections before playing the first games of their draft-eligible seasons. We are back to normal this year with no consensus top pick, but the abnormal part is the flood of candidates to take that spot, with one leading name but several others fighting to wrest the crown from his head and hear the Pittsburgh Pirates call their name instead.
The favorite
Anthony Rendon, 3B, Rice (No. 1 on Future 50)
If you want a college performer who projects to hit, hit for power and play plus defense at a skill position, Rendon is your man, and most teams drafting first would prefer to have a star college position player there for the taking. He's extremely patient with the type of pitch recognition that should put him on the fast track through the minors, and has now ability in hitting and power. He's a third baseman with good hands, actions, and arm strength. Teams picking first want ceiling but also want some certainty that they won't get a zero return on their investment, and Rendon has the best mix of both in this draft.
He's not without his flaws as a potential No. 1 pick, however.
For one thing, Rendon suffered a major ankle injury this past summer and missed all of fall ball, the second major injury he has had to an ankle (one to each), leading to some concerns about whether he's going to be injury-prone. He's under 6 feet tall and doesn't project to add much muscle, so you're betting on what he can do now at the plate rather than what he might grow into. And he did struggle in the critical Team USA trials this past summer, mistiming in some unfortunate at-bats against the likes of Sonny Gray and Matt Barnes. He is the best candidate to go No. 1, but his overall profile and the depth of the draft mean he has some competition.
The contenders
Sonny Gray, RHP, Vanderbilt (No. 5 on Future 50)
Gray is a former high school quarterback who brings that mentality to the mound along with two plus pitches and a price tag perceived to be less than that of other names on this list. He's a likely quick mover through the minors whom coaches will love for his makeup, but the selection of a sub-6-foot right-handed pitcher with the first overall pick would be a first by a wide margin -- the shortest right-handed pitcher to go No. 1, at least based on listed heights on Baseball-Reference.com, was Tim Belcher at 6-2.
Bubba Starling, CF/RHP, Gardner-Edgerton H.S. (Kan.) (No. 4 on Future 50)
Sorry, Nebraska, we want Starling playing pro baseball, not helming your football team and delaying his march to major league stardom. If Starling came out tomorrow and said he was giving up football, he wouldn't get out of the top five picks and would give Rendon a real run for his money at No. 1.
Damen Jackson/Icon SMI
If he gives up football, Bubba Starling could be the No. 1 pick.But Starling won't say that because it would destroy his leverage with whoever drafts him (and he might actually like playing football), setting us up for a season-long drama over whether he's signable. Starling has upside to spare, a five-tool center fielder who's low-90s off the bump with plenty of athleticism for a pitching coach to work with. He's too talented for MLB to let him get away.
George Springer, OF, Connecticut (No. 2 on Future 50)
If Rendon happens to stumble, Springer leads the race to No. 1 among college bats, generally thought to be the safer demographic when it comes to young talent. Springer brings plus power and athleticism to the table, and if he makes the proper two-strike adjustments without sacrificing his ability to work counts and get on base via the walk, he could put up numbers that rival those of Rendon and anyone else in the country. Rendon's perceived asking price could help Springer become the top pick, depending on how much the Pirates are willing to spend.
Gerrit Cole, RHP, UCLA (No. 3 on Future 50)
Cole fits the profile of a power arm with No. 1 upside, something the Pirates lack throughout their organization, other than Jameson Taillon, last June's No. 2 overall pick, who could be three-plus years from the big leagues. The UCLA ace, however, could price himself out of contention, something the industry views as a possibility, based on Cole's history. He turned down a significant offer from the New York Yankees -- perhaps as much as $4 million-- in 2008 to attend college and is generally expected to command a rather significant over-slot bonus.
Matt Purke, LHP, TCU (No. 7 on Future 50)
If Purke has a big enough season and appears to be a less expensive sign than anyone graded above him, the lefty could squeeze into the No. 1 spot. As unlikely as it is, it all depends on the asking price of prospects ahead of him on the Pirates' draft board. The club has shown, however, that it is willing to spend in the draft, pouring nearly $9 million into its top two picks a year ago.
The potential impact of hard slotting in future drafts could influence the organization to splurge again, which doesn't bode well for Purke, who would need several dominoes to fall his way to become the top pick and won't be helped by his high bonus demands out of high school in 2009.
The field
It's unlikely a dark horse will emerge to enter the race for the top overall spot, even in a year when there's not a clear consensus on the top guy. High school right-hander Archie Bradley has the size and athleticism but probably takes a back seat to all the college arms. Kentucky right-hander Alex Meyer has hit 100 with great life but has an ERA well north of 6.00 over two years in school. Vanderbilt third baseman Jason Esposito could play himself at least into the top 10 with another step forward this spring, perhaps into the top few picks with his mix of power, speed and strong fielding; he's also fairly young for a junior, turning 21 six weeks after the draft.
CommentsBy Keith Law and Jason A. Churchill
The past two drafts saw very little drama at the top, with Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper both obvious No. 1 selections before playing the first games of their draft-eligible seasons. We are back to normal this year with no consensus top pick, but the abnormal part is the flood of candidates to take that spot, with one leading name but several others fighting to wrest the crown from his head and hear the Pittsburgh Pirates call their name instead.
The favorite
Anthony Rendon, 3B, Rice (No. 1 on Future 50)
If you want a college performer who projects to hit, hit for power and play plus defense at a skill position, Rendon is your man, and most teams drafting first would prefer to have a star college position player there for the taking. He's extremely patient with the type of pitch recognition that should put him on the fast track through the minors, and has now ability in hitting and power. He's a third baseman with good hands, actions, and arm strength. Teams picking first want ceiling but also want some certainty that they won't get a zero return on their investment, and Rendon has the best mix of both in this draft.
He's not without his flaws as a potential No. 1 pick, however.
For one thing, Rendon suffered a major ankle injury this past summer and missed all of fall ball, the second major injury he has had to an ankle (one to each), leading to some concerns about whether he's going to be injury-prone. He's under 6 feet tall and doesn't project to add much muscle, so you're betting on what he can do now at the plate rather than what he might grow into. And he did struggle in the critical Team USA trials this past summer, mistiming in some unfortunate at-bats against the likes of Sonny Gray and Matt Barnes. He is the best candidate to go No. 1, but his overall profile and the depth of the draft mean he has some competition.
The contenders
Sonny Gray, RHP, Vanderbilt (No. 5 on Future 50)
Gray is a former high school quarterback who brings that mentality to the mound along with two plus pitches and a price tag perceived to be less than that of other names on this list. He's a likely quick mover through the minors whom coaches will love for his makeup, but the selection of a sub-6-foot right-handed pitcher with the first overall pick would be a first by a wide margin -- the shortest right-handed pitcher to go No. 1, at least based on listed heights on Baseball-Reference.com, was Tim Belcher at 6-2.
Bubba Starling, CF/RHP, Gardner-Edgerton H.S. (Kan.) (No. 4 on Future 50)
Sorry, Nebraska, we want Starling playing pro baseball, not helming your football team and delaying his march to major league stardom. If Starling came out tomorrow and said he was giving up football, he wouldn't get out of the top five picks and would give Rendon a real run for his money at No. 1.
Damen Jackson/Icon SMI
If he gives up football, Bubba Starling could be the No. 1 pick.But Starling won't say that because it would destroy his leverage with whoever drafts him (and he might actually like playing football), setting us up for a season-long drama over whether he's signable. Starling has upside to spare, a five-tool center fielder who's low-90s off the bump with plenty of athleticism for a pitching coach to work with. He's too talented for MLB to let him get away.
George Springer, OF, Connecticut (No. 2 on Future 50)
If Rendon happens to stumble, Springer leads the race to No. 1 among college bats, generally thought to be the safer demographic when it comes to young talent. Springer brings plus power and athleticism to the table, and if he makes the proper two-strike adjustments without sacrificing his ability to work counts and get on base via the walk, he could put up numbers that rival those of Rendon and anyone else in the country. Rendon's perceived asking price could help Springer become the top pick, depending on how much the Pirates are willing to spend.
Gerrit Cole, RHP, UCLA (No. 3 on Future 50)
Cole fits the profile of a power arm with No. 1 upside, something the Pirates lack throughout their organization, other than Jameson Taillon, last June's No. 2 overall pick, who could be three-plus years from the big leagues. The UCLA ace, however, could price himself out of contention, something the industry views as a possibility, based on Cole's history. He turned down a significant offer from the New York Yankees -- perhaps as much as $4 million-- in 2008 to attend college and is generally expected to command a rather significant over-slot bonus.
Matt Purke, LHP, TCU (No. 7 on Future 50)
If Purke has a big enough season and appears to be a less expensive sign than anyone graded above him, the lefty could squeeze into the No. 1 spot. As unlikely as it is, it all depends on the asking price of prospects ahead of him on the Pirates' draft board. The club has shown, however, that it is willing to spend in the draft, pouring nearly $9 million into its top two picks a year ago.
The potential impact of hard slotting in future drafts could influence the organization to splurge again, which doesn't bode well for Purke, who would need several dominoes to fall his way to become the top pick and won't be helped by his high bonus demands out of high school in 2009.
The field
It's unlikely a dark horse will emerge to enter the race for the top overall spot, even in a year when there's not a clear consensus on the top guy. High school right-hander Archie Bradley has the size and athleticism but probably takes a back seat to all the college arms. Kentucky right-hander Alex Meyer has hit 100 with great life but has an ERA well north of 6.00 over two years in school. Vanderbilt third baseman Jason Esposito could play himself at least into the top 10 with another step forward this spring, perhaps into the top few picks with his mix of power, speed and strong fielding; he's also fairly young for a junior, turning 21 six weeks after the draft.
Re: Draft Folder
4Tribe only has 1 pick in the first 65 picks 
The Arizona Diamondbacks (4, 7), Milwaukee Brewers (12, 15) Tampa Bay Rays (24, 31, 32), Washington Nationals (6,23), Boston Red Sox (19, 26) and San Diego Padres (10, 25) have multiple first-round picks.
Pick Team
1. Pittsburgh Pirates
2. Seattle Mariners
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
4. Baltimore Orioles
5. Kansas City Royals
6. Washington Nationals
7. Arizona Diamondbacks
(for unsigned 2010 pick Barrett Loux)
8. Cleveland Indians
9. Chicago Cubs
10. San Diego Padres
(for unsigned 2010 pick Karsten Whitson)
11. Houston Astros
12. Milwaukee Brewers
13. New York Mets
14. Florida Marlins
15. Milwaukee Brewers
(for unsigned 2010 pick Dylan Covey)
16. Los Angeles Dodgers
17. Los Angeles Angels
18. Oakland Athletics
19. Boston Red Sox
(from Detroit Tigers for free agent Victor Martinez)
20. Colorado Rockies
21. Toronto Blue Jays
22. St. Louis Cardinals
23. Washington Nationals
(from Chicago White Sox for free agent Adam Dunn)
24. Tampa Bay Rays
(from Boston Red Sox for free agent Carl Crawford)
25. San Diego Padres
26. Boston Red Sox
(from Texas Rangers for free agent Adrian Beltre)
27. Cincinnati Reds
28. Atlanta Braves
29. San Francisco Giants
30. Minnesota Twins
31. Tampa Bay Rays
32. Tampa Bay Rays
(from New York Yankees for free agent Rafael Soriano)
33. Texas Rangers
(from Philadelphia Phillies for free agent Cliff Lee)
Comp Round A
Pick Team
34. Washington Nationals (for Type A free agent Adam Dunn (Chicago White Sox))
35. Toronto Blue Jays (for Type A free agent Scott Downs (Los Angeles Angels))
36. Boston Red Sox (for Type A free agent Victor Martinez (Detroit Tigers))
37. Texas Rangers (for Type A free agent Cliff Lee (Philadelphia))
38. Tampa Bay Rays (for Type A free agent Rafael Soriano (New York Yankees))
39. Philadelphia Phillies (for Type A free agent Jayson Werth (Washington))
40. Boston Red Sox (for Type A free agent Adrian Beltre (Texas))
41. Tampa Bay Rays (for Type A free agent Carl Crawford (Boston))
42. Tampa Bay Rays (for Type A free agent Grant Balfour (Oakland))
43. Arizona Diamondbacks (for Type B free agent Adam LaRoche (Baltimore))
44. New York Mets (for Type B free agent Pedro Feliciano (New York Yankees))
45. Colorado Rockies (for Type B free agent Octavio Dotel (Toronto Blue Jays))
46. Toronto Blue Jays (for Type B free agent Kevin Gregg (Baltimore Orioles))
47. Chicago White Sox (for Type B free agent J.J. Putz (Arizona Diamondbacks))
48. San Diego Padres (for Type B free agent Jon Garland (Los Angeles Dodgers))
49. San Francisco Giants (for Type B free agent Juan Uribe (Los Angeles Dodgers))
50. Minnesota Twins (for Type B free agent Orlando Hudson (San Diego Padres))
51. New York Yankees (for Type B free agent Javier Vazquez (Florida Marlins))
52. Tampa Bay Rays (for Type B free agent Brad Hawpe (San Diego Padres))
53. Toronto Blue Jays (for Type B free agent John Buck (Florida Marlins))
54. San Diego Padres (for Type B free agent Yorvit Torrealba (Texas Rangers))
55. Minnesota Twins (for Type B free agent Jesse Crain (Chicago White Sox))
56. Tampa Bay Rays (for Type B free agent Joaquin Benoit (Detroit))
57. Toronto Blue Jays (for Type B free agent Miguel Olivo (Seattle Mariners))
58. San Diego Padres (for Type B free agent Kevin Correia (Pittsburgh Pirates))
59. Tampa Bay Rays (for Type B free agent Randy Choate (Florida Marlins))
60. Tampa Bay Rays (for Type B free agent Chad Qualls (San Diego Padres))
The Arizona Diamondbacks (4, 7), Milwaukee Brewers (12, 15) Tampa Bay Rays (24, 31, 32), Washington Nationals (6,23), Boston Red Sox (19, 26) and San Diego Padres (10, 25) have multiple first-round picks.
Pick Team
1. Pittsburgh Pirates
2. Seattle Mariners
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
4. Baltimore Orioles
5. Kansas City Royals
6. Washington Nationals
7. Arizona Diamondbacks
(for unsigned 2010 pick Barrett Loux)
8. Cleveland Indians
9. Chicago Cubs
10. San Diego Padres
(for unsigned 2010 pick Karsten Whitson)
11. Houston Astros
12. Milwaukee Brewers
13. New York Mets
14. Florida Marlins
15. Milwaukee Brewers
(for unsigned 2010 pick Dylan Covey)
16. Los Angeles Dodgers
17. Los Angeles Angels
18. Oakland Athletics
19. Boston Red Sox
(from Detroit Tigers for free agent Victor Martinez)
20. Colorado Rockies
21. Toronto Blue Jays
22. St. Louis Cardinals
23. Washington Nationals
(from Chicago White Sox for free agent Adam Dunn)
24. Tampa Bay Rays
(from Boston Red Sox for free agent Carl Crawford)
25. San Diego Padres
26. Boston Red Sox
(from Texas Rangers for free agent Adrian Beltre)
27. Cincinnati Reds
28. Atlanta Braves
29. San Francisco Giants
30. Minnesota Twins
31. Tampa Bay Rays
32. Tampa Bay Rays
(from New York Yankees for free agent Rafael Soriano)
33. Texas Rangers
(from Philadelphia Phillies for free agent Cliff Lee)
Comp Round A
Pick Team
34. Washington Nationals (for Type A free agent Adam Dunn (Chicago White Sox))
35. Toronto Blue Jays (for Type A free agent Scott Downs (Los Angeles Angels))
36. Boston Red Sox (for Type A free agent Victor Martinez (Detroit Tigers))
37. Texas Rangers (for Type A free agent Cliff Lee (Philadelphia))
38. Tampa Bay Rays (for Type A free agent Rafael Soriano (New York Yankees))
39. Philadelphia Phillies (for Type A free agent Jayson Werth (Washington))
40. Boston Red Sox (for Type A free agent Adrian Beltre (Texas))
41. Tampa Bay Rays (for Type A free agent Carl Crawford (Boston))
42. Tampa Bay Rays (for Type A free agent Grant Balfour (Oakland))
43. Arizona Diamondbacks (for Type B free agent Adam LaRoche (Baltimore))
44. New York Mets (for Type B free agent Pedro Feliciano (New York Yankees))
45. Colorado Rockies (for Type B free agent Octavio Dotel (Toronto Blue Jays))
46. Toronto Blue Jays (for Type B free agent Kevin Gregg (Baltimore Orioles))
47. Chicago White Sox (for Type B free agent J.J. Putz (Arizona Diamondbacks))
48. San Diego Padres (for Type B free agent Jon Garland (Los Angeles Dodgers))
49. San Francisco Giants (for Type B free agent Juan Uribe (Los Angeles Dodgers))
50. Minnesota Twins (for Type B free agent Orlando Hudson (San Diego Padres))
51. New York Yankees (for Type B free agent Javier Vazquez (Florida Marlins))
52. Tampa Bay Rays (for Type B free agent Brad Hawpe (San Diego Padres))
53. Toronto Blue Jays (for Type B free agent John Buck (Florida Marlins))
54. San Diego Padres (for Type B free agent Yorvit Torrealba (Texas Rangers))
55. Minnesota Twins (for Type B free agent Jesse Crain (Chicago White Sox))
56. Tampa Bay Rays (for Type B free agent Joaquin Benoit (Detroit))
57. Toronto Blue Jays (for Type B free agent Miguel Olivo (Seattle Mariners))
58. San Diego Padres (for Type B free agent Kevin Correia (Pittsburgh Pirates))
59. Tampa Bay Rays (for Type B free agent Randy Choate (Florida Marlins))
60. Tampa Bay Rays (for Type B free agent Chad Qualls (San Diego Padres))
Re: Draft Folder
5Since we dont' keep free agents who then sign elsewhere in the offseason, we don't get any of the bonus picks, which means 1 pick of the first 60. Which is why we have developed a habit of going for some of the harder to sign high quality players who slip down the board. That was the approach in 08 and 10. Not enough time yet to know if the strategy works; from 08 Putnam and Sowell are lower picks who are developing well.
Re: Draft Folder
6Five in mix for top spot
Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper were the No. 1 picks the last two years. Who will join them in June?
When the spring began the top two talents in the class of 2011 were Rice third baseman Anthony Rendon and UCLA right-hander Gerrit Cole. A month out that is still the case. But as Keith Law wrote in February, the top pick is not nearly the slam dunk it's been the past two seasons.
Based on discussions with a handful of senior talent evaluators, there are a couple of other names in the conversation, including Virginia southpaw Danny Hultzen, UCLA's Trevor Bauer and Bubba Starling, the top prep bat in the draft out of Gardner-Edgerton High School in Kansas. One assistant GM even suggested that Owasso HS (Okla.) right-hander Dylan Bundy was the best talent in the entire class and should be the No. 1 pick.
When I polled the group of eight personnel executives and upper-level scouts about who the No. 1 pick would be if the draft were today, here were the results:
Cole, 3 votes; Rendon, 2; Bundy, 1; Starling, 1; Hultzen, 1
Here are results of a similar poll, but as the same evaluators would select if they had the No. 1 pick. It's worth noting that none of the eight selected with 100 percent confidence:
Cole, 2; Rendon, 2; Bauer, 1; Hultzen, 1; Starling, 1; Bundy, 1
Bauer's name was tossed in the hat by a club not selecting in the top 5.
Chances are, Cole and Rendon are still likely to end up going 1-2 to Pittsburgh and Seattle, respectively, but there's still enough time for that to change. Bauer, Hultzen and Bundy are outperforming the rest of the field and Starling may have more upside than any player.
"I imagine it's not out of the question," one special assistant said this week of the Pirates taking someone other than the top two talents. "They may have another player graded higher, and if I were them I'd look for the upside first and foremost."
The Pirates are a club that could use some high impact pitching, and getting an arm that could help as early as 2012 or 2013 might be too desirable to pass up considering the state of the organization. With three young bats -- Andrew McCutchen, Jose Tabata and Pedro Alvarez -- in place, Pittsburgh needs pitching and the sooner they add it to the system and get it to the big leagues, the better chance they have of climbing out of the cellar in the National League Central in the coming years.
Seattle, however, is a whole different story, but it just might work out in their favor, too. The Mariners boast the reigning Cy Young Award winner in 25-year-old Felix Hernandez, top rookie Michael Pineda and a slew of live arms in climbing their way through the minors. What they sorely lack, and have for years, is impact offensive talent. Enter Rendon, who happens to play a position at which the Mariners have no internal answer, and despite a bit of an off year is believed to be the safest choice among college hitters.
If the Pirates were to choose Rendon, Cole likely fits nicely into the plans for the Mariners, who could build a formidable rotation for years to come in the American League West.
Scouting Trail
• Vanderbilt and right-hander Sonny Gray will face Kentucky flamethrower Alex Meyer Friday in Lexington. Both pitchers are considered locks for the first round -- Gray firmly in the top 10 and Meyer with a chance to land in the same range with a strong month of May. Commodores third baseman Jason Esposito will have his hands full against the right-handed Meyer, whose out pitch is a wicked slider, perhaps the best in the draft when it's at its best.
• Cole will toe the rubber in Eugene against the Oregon Ducks and lefty Tyler Anderson, another matchup of top pitching prospects. Cole is trying to shake off a three-start slump while Anderson is looking to show his best stuff and stay among the top 30 or so picks in order to maintain first-round status.
• Bundy and Broken Arrow HS (Okla.) right-hander Archie Bradley have both begun their postseason quests with Bradley fanning 16 -- including 12 of the final 14 batters he faced. Bundy, who tossed a 3-hitter with 14 strikeouts in his last start and fanned five of the last seven in relief Wednesday, is scheduled to start Owasso's next round.
Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper were the No. 1 picks the last two years. Who will join them in June?
When the spring began the top two talents in the class of 2011 were Rice third baseman Anthony Rendon and UCLA right-hander Gerrit Cole. A month out that is still the case. But as Keith Law wrote in February, the top pick is not nearly the slam dunk it's been the past two seasons.
Based on discussions with a handful of senior talent evaluators, there are a couple of other names in the conversation, including Virginia southpaw Danny Hultzen, UCLA's Trevor Bauer and Bubba Starling, the top prep bat in the draft out of Gardner-Edgerton High School in Kansas. One assistant GM even suggested that Owasso HS (Okla.) right-hander Dylan Bundy was the best talent in the entire class and should be the No. 1 pick.
When I polled the group of eight personnel executives and upper-level scouts about who the No. 1 pick would be if the draft were today, here were the results:
Cole, 3 votes; Rendon, 2; Bundy, 1; Starling, 1; Hultzen, 1
Here are results of a similar poll, but as the same evaluators would select if they had the No. 1 pick. It's worth noting that none of the eight selected with 100 percent confidence:
Cole, 2; Rendon, 2; Bauer, 1; Hultzen, 1; Starling, 1; Bundy, 1
Bauer's name was tossed in the hat by a club not selecting in the top 5.
Chances are, Cole and Rendon are still likely to end up going 1-2 to Pittsburgh and Seattle, respectively, but there's still enough time for that to change. Bauer, Hultzen and Bundy are outperforming the rest of the field and Starling may have more upside than any player.
"I imagine it's not out of the question," one special assistant said this week of the Pirates taking someone other than the top two talents. "They may have another player graded higher, and if I were them I'd look for the upside first and foremost."
The Pirates are a club that could use some high impact pitching, and getting an arm that could help as early as 2012 or 2013 might be too desirable to pass up considering the state of the organization. With three young bats -- Andrew McCutchen, Jose Tabata and Pedro Alvarez -- in place, Pittsburgh needs pitching and the sooner they add it to the system and get it to the big leagues, the better chance they have of climbing out of the cellar in the National League Central in the coming years.
Seattle, however, is a whole different story, but it just might work out in their favor, too. The Mariners boast the reigning Cy Young Award winner in 25-year-old Felix Hernandez, top rookie Michael Pineda and a slew of live arms in climbing their way through the minors. What they sorely lack, and have for years, is impact offensive talent. Enter Rendon, who happens to play a position at which the Mariners have no internal answer, and despite a bit of an off year is believed to be the safest choice among college hitters.
If the Pirates were to choose Rendon, Cole likely fits nicely into the plans for the Mariners, who could build a formidable rotation for years to come in the American League West.
Scouting Trail
• Vanderbilt and right-hander Sonny Gray will face Kentucky flamethrower Alex Meyer Friday in Lexington. Both pitchers are considered locks for the first round -- Gray firmly in the top 10 and Meyer with a chance to land in the same range with a strong month of May. Commodores third baseman Jason Esposito will have his hands full against the right-handed Meyer, whose out pitch is a wicked slider, perhaps the best in the draft when it's at its best.
• Cole will toe the rubber in Eugene against the Oregon Ducks and lefty Tyler Anderson, another matchup of top pitching prospects. Cole is trying to shake off a three-start slump while Anderson is looking to show his best stuff and stay among the top 30 or so picks in order to maintain first-round status.
• Bundy and Broken Arrow HS (Okla.) right-hander Archie Bradley have both begun their postseason quests with Bradley fanning 16 -- including 12 of the final 14 batters he faced. Bundy, who tossed a 3-hitter with 14 strikeouts in his last start and fanned five of the last seven in relief Wednesday, is scheduled to start Owasso's next round.
Re: Draft Folder
7Cole goes first in modified mock draft
May, 12, 2011 By Keith Law Here's my first top-10 projection, which I unveiled on Thursday's edition of "College Baseball Live" on ESPNU.
We're still 25 days out from the start of the Rule 4 draft, so it is incredibly early for this, but I think we know enough about some of these teams' preferences to at least offer an educated guess.
1. Pittsburgh Pirates: Gerrit Cole, RHP, UCLA
This is not a lock by any means, as Cole hasn't been as impressive his past three outings as he was early in the spring, and Pittsburgh is looking at Anthony Rendon and Danny Hultzen as alternatives.
2. Seattle Mariners: Anthony Rendon, 3B, Rice
This pick may come down to Rendon's medical records, which I'm told is at the scouting bureau but not yet released to clubs by Rendon's family. If it checks out, he's Seattle's guy. If not, they're also linked to Florida prep shortstop Francisco Lindor.
3. Arizona Diamondbacks: Danny Hultzen, LHP, Virginia
If Hultzen's gone, and he could be, Arizona is also all over Bubba Starling, who had a capital-d Day in front of GM Kevin Towers.
4. Baltimore Orioles: Trevor Bauer, RHP, UCLA
All else being equal, they'd prefer a college player, and would love Hultzen but seem unlikely to get him. Also hearing them on Dylan Bundy and to a lesser degree on Starling and Lindor. Early interest in Jed Bradley seems to have faded.
5. Kansas City Royals: Matt Barnes, RHP, UConn
The near-universal sentiment has them taking a college pitcher -- Cole if he's here -- or the college-pitcher-like Dylan Bundy. Although one source insists they are all over Lindor as well and won't let him get past them.
6. Washington Nationals: Alex Meyer, RHP, Kentucky
Washington originally thought they'd get Meyer with the 23rd pick, which they got as compensation for Adam Dunn signing with the White Sox, but Meyer has pitched way too well down the stretch for that to happen. If they want Meyer they'd have to take him here. Other names in this spot include Hultzen, Bauer, or Barnes if they get this far, but they wouldn't do Bundy, Sonny Gray, or Taylor Jungmann. I've also heard the Nats on outfielder Brian Goodwin with the 23rd pick.
7. Arizona Diamondbacks: Dylan Bundy, RHP, Owasso (Okla.) HS
Yes. the D-backs have two picks in the top 10. This one comes as compensation for failing to sign 2010 first-rounder Barret Loux. Bundy shouldn't get this far, but the top six is full of teams that prefer college players. This could also be another landing spot for Bauer.
8. Cleveland Indians: Sonny Gray, RHP, Vanderbilt
They covet Bauer, but I can't see him getting that far right now with Baltimore and Washington interested. Have also heard Lindor here and Oklahoma prep righty Archie Bradley.
9. Chicago Cubs: Bubba Starling, OF, Gardner-Edgerton HS (Gardner, Kan.)
Starling has no business getting this far, but concerns about a big price tag -- I'm hearing he wants Bryce Harper money -- have some teams passing. If he's gone, other names here include Bradley, George Springer and Gray.
10. San Diego Padres: Francisco Lindor, SS, Montverde Academy Have also heard Gray and Barnes with this unprotected pick, as well as Cory Spangenberg, a player who'll definitely sign for slot.
May, 12, 2011 By Keith Law Here's my first top-10 projection, which I unveiled on Thursday's edition of "College Baseball Live" on ESPNU.
We're still 25 days out from the start of the Rule 4 draft, so it is incredibly early for this, but I think we know enough about some of these teams' preferences to at least offer an educated guess.
1. Pittsburgh Pirates: Gerrit Cole, RHP, UCLA
This is not a lock by any means, as Cole hasn't been as impressive his past three outings as he was early in the spring, and Pittsburgh is looking at Anthony Rendon and Danny Hultzen as alternatives.
2. Seattle Mariners: Anthony Rendon, 3B, Rice
This pick may come down to Rendon's medical records, which I'm told is at the scouting bureau but not yet released to clubs by Rendon's family. If it checks out, he's Seattle's guy. If not, they're also linked to Florida prep shortstop Francisco Lindor.
3. Arizona Diamondbacks: Danny Hultzen, LHP, Virginia
If Hultzen's gone, and he could be, Arizona is also all over Bubba Starling, who had a capital-d Day in front of GM Kevin Towers.
4. Baltimore Orioles: Trevor Bauer, RHP, UCLA
All else being equal, they'd prefer a college player, and would love Hultzen but seem unlikely to get him. Also hearing them on Dylan Bundy and to a lesser degree on Starling and Lindor. Early interest in Jed Bradley seems to have faded.
5. Kansas City Royals: Matt Barnes, RHP, UConn
The near-universal sentiment has them taking a college pitcher -- Cole if he's here -- or the college-pitcher-like Dylan Bundy. Although one source insists they are all over Lindor as well and won't let him get past them.
6. Washington Nationals: Alex Meyer, RHP, Kentucky
Washington originally thought they'd get Meyer with the 23rd pick, which they got as compensation for Adam Dunn signing with the White Sox, but Meyer has pitched way too well down the stretch for that to happen. If they want Meyer they'd have to take him here. Other names in this spot include Hultzen, Bauer, or Barnes if they get this far, but they wouldn't do Bundy, Sonny Gray, or Taylor Jungmann. I've also heard the Nats on outfielder Brian Goodwin with the 23rd pick.
7. Arizona Diamondbacks: Dylan Bundy, RHP, Owasso (Okla.) HS
Yes. the D-backs have two picks in the top 10. This one comes as compensation for failing to sign 2010 first-rounder Barret Loux. Bundy shouldn't get this far, but the top six is full of teams that prefer college players. This could also be another landing spot for Bauer.
8. Cleveland Indians: Sonny Gray, RHP, Vanderbilt
They covet Bauer, but I can't see him getting that far right now with Baltimore and Washington interested. Have also heard Lindor here and Oklahoma prep righty Archie Bradley.
9. Chicago Cubs: Bubba Starling, OF, Gardner-Edgerton HS (Gardner, Kan.)
Starling has no business getting this far, but concerns about a big price tag -- I'm hearing he wants Bryce Harper money -- have some teams passing. If he's gone, other names here include Bradley, George Springer and Gray.
10. San Diego Padres: Francisco Lindor, SS, Montverde Academy Have also heard Gray and Barnes with this unprotected pick, as well as Cory Spangenberg, a player who'll definitely sign for slot.
Re: Draft Folder
8Last push needed for Jed Bradley
Keith Law breaks down his top 10 players
Keith Law's Projected MLB Draft Top 10In light of Keith Law's Top-10 Mock Draft and updated Top 100 Prospects from Thursday, much of the talk is centered on whether or not Rice's Anthony Rendon will be a worthy selection at No. 1 or 2 overall, and who might take his place if the answer is no.
But Rendon isn't the only player that has major questions to answer in order to maximize their draft stock. And time is running out.
Taylor Guerrieri, RHP -- Spring Valley HS (SC)
Guerrieri didn't finish his season as strong as he started it, but he may need to show scouts more during a workout or two between now and draft day to crack the top 10. Dylan Bundy of Owasso HS (OK) is considered the top prep arm in the class, but Broken Arrow's Archie Bradley has also surged late to put himself in the mix for the top 10 and perhaps ahead of Guerrieri.
Side by side, Guerrieri could win out over Bradley, however, thanks to his athleticism, four pitch arsenal and the potential for a plus changeup to go with a promising curveball that flashes as a plus offering already.
Jed Bradley, LHP -- Georgia Tech
Bradley could overtake Kentucky's Alex Meyer and Connecticut's Matt Barnes with his best two starts of the regular season and a strong showing in the ACC Tournament. The breaking ball is what's lacking, but he's a left-hander with plus velocity and some projection thanks to a 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame.
He's firmly in round 1, and while it might be a little late for him to convince clubs that he's a better pick than some of his counterparts, the opportunity is still there.
Sonny Gray, RHP -- Vanderbilt
Gray still reminds me of Tim Lincecum, and not at all for the lack of ideal stature. The effort in the delivery is part of why at least a few clubs are concerned that he'll need to pitch relief, along with his overall control problems. Lincecum walked 63 batters in 125 1/3 innings his junior season, but since starting his professional career has found a way to keep his walks-per-nine to more than manageable rates.
There's no reason to believe Gray can't do the same and one AL crosschecker believes the spotty control isn't really even a major red flag."I'm just not all that worried about that," he said."I'm more wanting to see him command the fastball within the zone, and he's not behind any other starter I have seen this year in that department except for (Danny) Hultzen."
Gray has two regular season starts remaining, before hitting the SEC Tourney late this month.
Bubba Starling, CF -- Gardner-Edgerton HS (KS)
The questions with Starling aren't about anything but evidence and signability. His season started late in the spring and he missed some time early with a minor injury so clubs haven't been able to see him as much as some of the other players being considered for the top 10.
His commitment to Nebraska to play quarterback is an issue, though I find it hard to believe he'd pass up the money he can get this year and risk the 2014 draft with a hard-slotting regulation in place or looking more at a future in football.
Scouting directors, however, have to take that into serious consideration and unless there are strong indications that he will sign and not stick to a potential demand of $10 million or more, Starling is likely to slip further than his skills suggest he should.
Jackie Bradley, Jr., CF -- South Carolina
Bradley not only needs to get back on the field after suffering a wrist injury he needs to show a better hit tool and some consistency. The problems is, he hasn't played in a few weeks already and the Gamecocks have but seven regular season games left before postseason play begins, leaving little chance for Bradley to significantly improve his status.
He's still a potential first-round pick, but if he misses the rest of the season and cannot get in front of scouts again before draft day, he could slip into the sandwich round or later.
Matt Purke, LHP -- TCU
Purke has not pitched since April 9 due to shoulder bursitis and as a draft-eligible sophomore is already a threat to return to school for another year and hope for a top-10 selection in 2012. Whether he chooses to do so or not could depend on what happens the rest of this season. If he doesn't pitch, his draft stock may not surpass the bottom of the first round, and that may be an optimistic scenario for the left-hander.
Purke could still net a solid bonus from a club such as Boston or Toronto who have shown they will spend in the draft for the right players and have extra picks. The Red Sox did so a year ago with Anthony Ranaudo, who went in the compensation round but signed for top-10 money.
Jack Armstrong, RHP -- Vanderbilt
Armstrong has pitched exclusively in relief this season after sitting out the first part of the year with an injury. He's missing bats and throwing hard, but his control has been poor. He impressed on the Cape two years ago but hasn't been the same since. His future may be in the bullpen, but his 6-foot-7, 225-pound frame suggests giving him a shot to develop a more consistent set of mechanics might be a good idea.
A late push, which will come in relief for nationally-ranked Vanderbilt, could catch the eye of scouts enough to get Armstrong a look early in the compensation round, but probably not any higher than that.
Tyler Beede, RHP -- Lawrence Academy HS (MA)
Beede, who tossed a gem Wednesday -- perhaps his best outing of the season -- in front of nearly three dozen scouts, including at last a handful of senior evaluators, striking out 15 in a seven-inning no-hitter. He threw 69 of his 82 pitches for strikes, did not walk a batter and sat 90-94 mph for the game, including a 93-mph heater on his final four-seamer of the night.
Beede brings projection, present stuff and control to the table, and could land in round 1, and is at least a top 50 talent. How far up the first day he can get depends on a combination of what he shows them between now and draft day and whether or not scouts believe his stuff matches the results he's getting versus below-average competition.
Keith Law breaks down his top 10 players
Keith Law's Projected MLB Draft Top 10In light of Keith Law's Top-10 Mock Draft and updated Top 100 Prospects from Thursday, much of the talk is centered on whether or not Rice's Anthony Rendon will be a worthy selection at No. 1 or 2 overall, and who might take his place if the answer is no.
But Rendon isn't the only player that has major questions to answer in order to maximize their draft stock. And time is running out.
Taylor Guerrieri, RHP -- Spring Valley HS (SC)
Guerrieri didn't finish his season as strong as he started it, but he may need to show scouts more during a workout or two between now and draft day to crack the top 10. Dylan Bundy of Owasso HS (OK) is considered the top prep arm in the class, but Broken Arrow's Archie Bradley has also surged late to put himself in the mix for the top 10 and perhaps ahead of Guerrieri.
Side by side, Guerrieri could win out over Bradley, however, thanks to his athleticism, four pitch arsenal and the potential for a plus changeup to go with a promising curveball that flashes as a plus offering already.
Jed Bradley, LHP -- Georgia Tech
Bradley could overtake Kentucky's Alex Meyer and Connecticut's Matt Barnes with his best two starts of the regular season and a strong showing in the ACC Tournament. The breaking ball is what's lacking, but he's a left-hander with plus velocity and some projection thanks to a 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame.
He's firmly in round 1, and while it might be a little late for him to convince clubs that he's a better pick than some of his counterparts, the opportunity is still there.
Sonny Gray, RHP -- Vanderbilt
Gray still reminds me of Tim Lincecum, and not at all for the lack of ideal stature. The effort in the delivery is part of why at least a few clubs are concerned that he'll need to pitch relief, along with his overall control problems. Lincecum walked 63 batters in 125 1/3 innings his junior season, but since starting his professional career has found a way to keep his walks-per-nine to more than manageable rates.
There's no reason to believe Gray can't do the same and one AL crosschecker believes the spotty control isn't really even a major red flag."I'm just not all that worried about that," he said."I'm more wanting to see him command the fastball within the zone, and he's not behind any other starter I have seen this year in that department except for (Danny) Hultzen."
Gray has two regular season starts remaining, before hitting the SEC Tourney late this month.
Bubba Starling, CF -- Gardner-Edgerton HS (KS)
The questions with Starling aren't about anything but evidence and signability. His season started late in the spring and he missed some time early with a minor injury so clubs haven't been able to see him as much as some of the other players being considered for the top 10.
His commitment to Nebraska to play quarterback is an issue, though I find it hard to believe he'd pass up the money he can get this year and risk the 2014 draft with a hard-slotting regulation in place or looking more at a future in football.
Scouting directors, however, have to take that into serious consideration and unless there are strong indications that he will sign and not stick to a potential demand of $10 million or more, Starling is likely to slip further than his skills suggest he should.
Jackie Bradley, Jr., CF -- South Carolina
Bradley not only needs to get back on the field after suffering a wrist injury he needs to show a better hit tool and some consistency. The problems is, he hasn't played in a few weeks already and the Gamecocks have but seven regular season games left before postseason play begins, leaving little chance for Bradley to significantly improve his status.
He's still a potential first-round pick, but if he misses the rest of the season and cannot get in front of scouts again before draft day, he could slip into the sandwich round or later.
Matt Purke, LHP -- TCU
Purke has not pitched since April 9 due to shoulder bursitis and as a draft-eligible sophomore is already a threat to return to school for another year and hope for a top-10 selection in 2012. Whether he chooses to do so or not could depend on what happens the rest of this season. If he doesn't pitch, his draft stock may not surpass the bottom of the first round, and that may be an optimistic scenario for the left-hander.
Purke could still net a solid bonus from a club such as Boston or Toronto who have shown they will spend in the draft for the right players and have extra picks. The Red Sox did so a year ago with Anthony Ranaudo, who went in the compensation round but signed for top-10 money.
Jack Armstrong, RHP -- Vanderbilt
Armstrong has pitched exclusively in relief this season after sitting out the first part of the year with an injury. He's missing bats and throwing hard, but his control has been poor. He impressed on the Cape two years ago but hasn't been the same since. His future may be in the bullpen, but his 6-foot-7, 225-pound frame suggests giving him a shot to develop a more consistent set of mechanics might be a good idea.
A late push, which will come in relief for nationally-ranked Vanderbilt, could catch the eye of scouts enough to get Armstrong a look early in the compensation round, but probably not any higher than that.
Tyler Beede, RHP -- Lawrence Academy HS (MA)
Beede, who tossed a gem Wednesday -- perhaps his best outing of the season -- in front of nearly three dozen scouts, including at last a handful of senior evaluators, striking out 15 in a seven-inning no-hitter. He threw 69 of his 82 pitches for strikes, did not walk a batter and sat 90-94 mph for the game, including a 93-mph heater on his final four-seamer of the night.
Beede brings projection, present stuff and control to the table, and could land in round 1, and is at least a top 50 talent. How far up the first day he can get depends on a combination of what he shows them between now and draft day and whether or not scouts believe his stuff matches the results he's getting versus below-average competition.
Re: Draft Folder
9I have read nothing about any of these players, but BA mock draft today says we take Bauer
Re: Draft Folder
10Yeah.....hard to keep up on all of these players. It appears like they are interested in Bauer though, what with BA having us taking him and Law saying how much we covet him. I do think we will be drafting a college pitcher again in the 1st round.....and if we get someone like White or Pomeranz, I'll take it.
Re: Draft Folder
11We all know that "you never can have too much pitching". The organization is awfully low on solid outfielders; is there anyone we might want to choose with our high level pick?
Re: Draft Folder
12Bubba Starling ( I love that name ) is a name you here being thrown out there. High School player with lots of potential, only trouble is, he wants a boat load of money. He is a very good football player too, and has a scholarship to Nebraska. Keith Law really likes him.....don't know if thats good or bad 
Re: Draft Folder
13The last time we had a player of his caliber committed for football we lost him to the Rays in August by the name of Carl Crawford. I hope he stays with the Huskers because I doubt he'd be an Indian.
Re: Draft Folder
15Yeah anybody drafting him will be prepared to offer big money. Not ripping on the Dolans, but I doubt they would spend that much $ on a H.S. player. Here's a article on Bubba, sounds like he really likes football.
Bubba Starling crushed two home runs in his return to action on Thursday.
GARDNER, Kan. -- Bubba Starling returned to the lineup, and with him came the reappearance of the microscope.
Over the past 3 1/2 weeks as Starling sat with a quad injury, crowds dwindled at Gardner Edgerton High School baseball games. Professional scouts disappeared. Curious observers from nearby Kansas City walked away at the announcement of a Bubba-free lineup.
It all came roaring back on Thursday.
Starling smashed a pair of long home runs in his first action since April 2, doubled, stole two bases and walked three times in the Trailblazers' doubleheader sweep of Blue Valley Southwest. And he did it amid a chaotic environment courtesy of some 60 scouts on hand to watch the 6-foot-5, 195-pound center fielder set to command first-round money after the Major League Baseball draft in June.
"He has every right to be nervous," Gardner Edgerton baseball coach Jerald VanRheen said, "but he just trusts his instincts. That's just him. He's got it all."
Soon, Starling will face the decision of his life: Pro baseball or the University of Nebraska, with which he signed a letter of intent in February as a high school All-America quarterback.
He plans to play baseball at Nebraska, too, if he's not under contract with a pro organization by the Aug. 15 deadline.
Don't assume that a seven-figure signing bonus will sway the three-sport standout away from college.
"People think they know I'm going to sign," said Starling, who also stars in basketball at Gardner Edgerton. "They don't know. They don't know that I love football as much as I do."
Don't assume anything with Starling, who defies logic daily. Take Thursday, when rust could have taken a toll. He did not enjoy the time off.
"I thought having a break would be something I would enjoy," he said, "because I never get a break. But I hated every minute of it."
He liked this day on the diamond, though, which began as Starling arrived to take a few early swings 2 1/2 hours before first pitch.
"I had 20 scouts just standing there to watch me," he said. "It's like, 'Well, all right.' It puts a little pressure on me. But this is fun. Not many kids get a chance to have this many people watching them."
Starling walked on four pitches in his first plate appearance. He ripped a double past third base in the third inning before drawing a pair of intentional walks to the dismay of the visiting scouts.
The stands were filled with scouts wanting a look at the three-sport star.The group included J.J. Picollo, Kansas City Royals assistant general manager for scouting and player development. Picollo had already watched Starling twice in practice this week. On Tuesday, Starling launched a ball in batting practice that traveled more than 500 feet over a street behind the baseball field, according to VanRheen.
He homered Thursday in his first at-bat of the second game, pounding a low curveball with his smooth, right-handed swing over the 354-foot sign in left-center field. After a pop out and a strikeout, Starling came to bat in the sixth inning and heard a woman near visiting dugout shout encouragement to the pitcher. 'Strike him out again', she said.
Starling got mad and punished a fastball, with even the scouts marvelling at how the ball exploded off his bat. The second home run soared even further than his first near the same spot left of the scoreboard.
"A no-doubter," Starling said.
The scouts scribbled a few notes. Then most of them left.
After the game, Starling mentioned only the strikeout when a friend offered praise for his big day.
"That's just him," VanRheen said. "He's got it at all. He's mentally strong. He's physically strong. He's gifted. I've never seen anyone like him. And he's grown up a ton to handle a situation like he did out there.
"So not only does he have major-league skills, he has a major-league mentality."
Mitch Sherman is a senior writer for ESPN.com.
Bubba Starling crushed two home runs in his return to action on Thursday.
GARDNER, Kan. -- Bubba Starling returned to the lineup, and with him came the reappearance of the microscope.
Over the past 3 1/2 weeks as Starling sat with a quad injury, crowds dwindled at Gardner Edgerton High School baseball games. Professional scouts disappeared. Curious observers from nearby Kansas City walked away at the announcement of a Bubba-free lineup.
It all came roaring back on Thursday.
Starling smashed a pair of long home runs in his first action since April 2, doubled, stole two bases and walked three times in the Trailblazers' doubleheader sweep of Blue Valley Southwest. And he did it amid a chaotic environment courtesy of some 60 scouts on hand to watch the 6-foot-5, 195-pound center fielder set to command first-round money after the Major League Baseball draft in June.
"He has every right to be nervous," Gardner Edgerton baseball coach Jerald VanRheen said, "but he just trusts his instincts. That's just him. He's got it all."
Soon, Starling will face the decision of his life: Pro baseball or the University of Nebraska, with which he signed a letter of intent in February as a high school All-America quarterback.
He plans to play baseball at Nebraska, too, if he's not under contract with a pro organization by the Aug. 15 deadline.
Don't assume that a seven-figure signing bonus will sway the three-sport standout away from college.
"People think they know I'm going to sign," said Starling, who also stars in basketball at Gardner Edgerton. "They don't know. They don't know that I love football as much as I do."
Don't assume anything with Starling, who defies logic daily. Take Thursday, when rust could have taken a toll. He did not enjoy the time off.
"I thought having a break would be something I would enjoy," he said, "because I never get a break. But I hated every minute of it."
He liked this day on the diamond, though, which began as Starling arrived to take a few early swings 2 1/2 hours before first pitch.
"I had 20 scouts just standing there to watch me," he said. "It's like, 'Well, all right.' It puts a little pressure on me. But this is fun. Not many kids get a chance to have this many people watching them."
Starling walked on four pitches in his first plate appearance. He ripped a double past third base in the third inning before drawing a pair of intentional walks to the dismay of the visiting scouts.
The stands were filled with scouts wanting a look at the three-sport star.The group included J.J. Picollo, Kansas City Royals assistant general manager for scouting and player development. Picollo had already watched Starling twice in practice this week. On Tuesday, Starling launched a ball in batting practice that traveled more than 500 feet over a street behind the baseball field, according to VanRheen.
He homered Thursday in his first at-bat of the second game, pounding a low curveball with his smooth, right-handed swing over the 354-foot sign in left-center field. After a pop out and a strikeout, Starling came to bat in the sixth inning and heard a woman near visiting dugout shout encouragement to the pitcher. 'Strike him out again', she said.
Starling got mad and punished a fastball, with even the scouts marvelling at how the ball exploded off his bat. The second home run soared even further than his first near the same spot left of the scoreboard.
"A no-doubter," Starling said.
The scouts scribbled a few notes. Then most of them left.
After the game, Starling mentioned only the strikeout when a friend offered praise for his big day.
"That's just him," VanRheen said. "He's got it at all. He's mentally strong. He's physically strong. He's gifted. I've never seen anyone like him. And he's grown up a ton to handle a situation like he did out there.
"So not only does he have major-league skills, he has a major-league mentality."
Mitch Sherman is a senior writer for ESPN.com.