The Bicoastal Sports Show: MLB Draft Preview

The MLB Draft doesn't have the compelling components that make the NFL Draft so popular, but the MLB Draft is just as important. Sure, none of the names are very recognizable, and the players drafted won't crack a big league roster for a few years. However, great teams are built through the draft, and the first and supplemental rounds kick off tomorrow. First, here are a few draft notes.

The San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers, and Arizona Diamondbacks have two first round picks, because they failed to sign their first rounders last year.
Tampa Bay has three first rounders, their own pick, plus compensation picks for losing Carl Crawford and Rafael Soriano. Tampa Bay has 11 of the first 89 picks.
The Padres and Blue Jays each have 5 picks before the second round.

With that being said, lets take a look at few of the names that should be called on early:

Gerrit Cole, RHP, UCLA: He's 6'4, and is your prototypical power pitcher. His fastball sits in the mid 90's but can hit 100 at times. Was drafted in 2008 by the Yankees, but signed with UCLA. Could be the #1 pick on Monday.

Anthony Rendon, 3B, Rice: Is a little small for a typical 3rd baseman, at 5'11 and 190 lbs, but is regarded as a five-tool talent. Scouts love his bat speed, and his defensive ability is second to none. Shouldn't fall out of the top 5.
Danny Hultzen, LHP, Virginia: Has a pretty solid repertoire of pitches for such a young player. Has an above average fastball that sits at 89-93, a good slider and a changeup, and has elite command of his pitches. Is rumored to want a $13 million bonus, which could hurt his stock. Shouldn't last past the fifth pick.
Bubba Starling, OF, Gardner, Kansas: He has a scholarship on the table to play quarterback at Nebraska, although a pricey bonus will likely point him towards baseball. He's 6'5 and 200 lbs, and has been clocked in the 40 at 4.36. His best tool is his power, which is supposed to be out of this world. His name is shooting up draft boards.