Capsule look at top 10 picks in Major League Baseball draft – News & Observer

A capsule look at the top 10 picks in the Major League Baseball draft on Thursday night:

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1. PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

MICKEY MONIAK, OF, La Costa Canyon H.S. (California), 6-foot-2, 190 pounds.

First high school outfielder to be selected No. 1 since Tampa Bay drafted Delmon Young in 2003. Tremendous athlete considered five-tool talent whose stock rose throughout senior season. Left-handed hitter is consistent to all fields with solid power to gaps. Outstanding defensive player who has good speed and will likely remain in center field as a pro. Video of impressive over-the-shoulder catch in Area Code Games in California last summer has nearly 4,000 views.

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2. CINCINNATI REDS

NICK SENZEL, 3B, Tennessee, 6-1, 205.

Draft stock rose dramatically after last summer’s performance in Cape Cod League, where he won MVP award and was selected as top prospect. Followed that up with terrific season for Volunteers, hitting .352 with eight HRs, 59 RBIs and SEC-leading 25 doubles along with 25 SBs that led team. Solid, strong-armed defensive player who could stick at third base or move to shortstop, where he played some this season. Vols’ highest-drafted player taken directly out of school; Luke Hochevar went No. 1 overall in 2006 after a season playing independent ball.

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3. ATLANTA BRAVES

IAN ANDERSON, RHP, Shenendehowa H.S. (New York), 6-3, 170.

Vanderbilt recruit missed some time on mound with strained oblique, but has fastball that sits in 91-94 mph range and gets into mid-90s. Mixes in solid breaking pitch with terrific control. Helped Team USA’s 18-and-under team win the gold medal at World Cup in Japan last fall. Has twin brother Ben, a catcher who is committed to play at Binghamton next year.

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4. COLORADO ROCKIES

RILEY PINT, RHP, St. Thomas Aquinas H.S. (Kansas), 6-4, 195.

Fireballer throws fastball that sits in mid-90s, but can crank it up to 100 mph, along with an exceptional changeup, power curve and tough slider that all had scouts drooling. Played second base when he wasn’t on mound and hit winning two-run double in Kansas Class 5A title game. Also played basketball in high school, but future is clearly baseball. Has commitment to LSU.

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5. MILWAUKEE BREWERS

COREY RAY, OF, Louisville, 6-0, 190.

Golden Spikes Award semifinalist and All-ACC First Team selection is do-it-all talent. Lefty-hitting slugger sprays ball to all fields with power, makes consistent contact and has outstanding speed in field and on bases. After starring last summer for Team USA collegiate team, has been offensive leader (.319, 15 HRs, 60 RBIs, 44 for 52 in SBs) for Cardinals, who are in NCAA Tournament’s super regionals. Highest-drafted player in school history.

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6. OAKLAND ATHLETICS

A.J. PUK, LHP, Florida, 6-7, 230.

Was in conversation to go first overall. Struggled a bit with inconsistency (2-3, 3.21 ERA, 95 Ks, 31 BBs) and hasn’t gone deep into many games — also had minor back issue — for Gators, but his size along with upper-90s fastball, fantastic slider and solid changeup have him projected as potential future ace in majors.

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7. MIAMI MARLINS

BRAXTON GARRETT, LHP, Florence H.S. (Alabama), 6-3, 190.

Lean and athletic lefty has one of best curveballs in draft, dropping in between 76-80 mph, and projects as front-end starter in majors. Fastball that sits in upper-80s, low-90s, is expected to improve in velocity, to go along with still-developing changeup. Vanderbilt commit who pitched for Team USA in 18U World Cup. Impressed scouts by tossing four-hit shutout at National High School Invitational in March.

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8. SAN DIEGO PADRES

CAL QUANTRILL, RHP, Stanford, 6-3, 185.

Son of former major league reliever Paul Quantrill didn’t pitch this season for Cardinal after undergoing Tommy John surgery last year. Worked out for teams to show he’s healthy. Before injury, had fastball that would sit in low-to-mid-90s and mixed that with curve, changeup and slider that give him impressive repertoire. Easily gets family bragging rights; father was sixth-rounder to Red Sox in 1989.

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9. DETROIT TIGERS

MATT MANNING, RHP, Sheldon H.S. (California), 6-6, 185.

Son of former NBA power forward Rich Manning is two-sport star, but expected to pursue pro career on mound instead of hardwood. Father was second-round draft pick by NBA’s Atlanta Hawks in 1993. Has mid-90s fastball, power curve and developing changeup. Started baseball season late while helping basketball team in postseason, but hit stride quickly. Committed to Loyola Marymount.

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10. CHICAGO WHITE SOX

ZACK COLLINS, C, Miami, 6-3, 220.

Lefty-hitting slugger was first catcher selected in draft relatively weak at that position this year. Leads super regional-bound Hurricanes in several offensive categories, including HRs (13), on-base percentage (.534), slugging percentage (.631) and walks (69). Baseball America’s 2014 national freshman of year is patient at plate — his walks total leads country — and projects as power hitter at next level. Only question is whether he’ll stick at catcher in pros or move to first base or outfield, as injured Cubs bopper Kyle Schwarber (a common comparison) has done.