After gathering information and listening to GMs during the offseason, I’m finally ready to put pen to ink and bathe myself in some rumor and innuendo. Some slots are based on projected forfeiture of rights by teams prior to the draft. I’ve heard enough from reputable sources to justify my projections. Without further adieu, our first mock draft.

1. Toms River TBD- Pavin Smith, 1B, Diamondbacks

21 year old that has a good bat projection, especially if pop comes along. The pitching wealthy Artist Formerly Known As the Titans would love to pair Pavin in their pipeline with last years #5 overall ASB selection, 1B Brendan McKay, as they look to fortify their offensive attack.

2. Point Loma X-Rayz: Forrest Whitley, SP, Astros

It’s no secret X-Rayz GM loves trees, so it’s of no surprise Forrest Whitley is at the top of his draft board. Add that to the fact that he’s 6’7″ and has been a K-Gun in the minors thus far, it’s easy to see why Point Loma has pegged him this high.

3. Rojo’s Renegades: Yoshihisa Hirano, RP, Diamondbacks

Another thing that is no secret: Renegades management LOVES holds. Considering the Renegades have the most open rights slots to fill (by my projections), they can afford to use this high selection on a “non-prospect” due to his seemingly defined bullpen role and minor league eligibility. After just missing the 2017 postseason, a win now move like this makes a lot of sense.

4. OGTFC: Jesus Sanchez, OF, Rays

One of the hardest, if not the hardest, teams to project. And unfortunately for me they’ve shrewdly gone and acquired back to back picks in the Spring Draft. Let’s just randomly link them to this super talented Rays outfielder and hope for the best.

5. OGTFC: Bubba Thompson, OF, Rangers

I DIDN’T WRITE THIS TO AVOID THE TOUGH QUESTIONS. So let’s link Heroy to another random player and hope for the best. The former two way athlete could appeal to Ocean Gate scouts, and their insane value on Trea Turner leads me to believe they are still on the hunt for long term steal guys. WHAT THE HELL why not.

6. Banana Slugs- J.B. Bukauskas, SP, Astros

With a stocked offensive pipeline, and their Major League aces aging with every year, I see a flamethrower in this slot to the Slugs. I am throwing J.B. in here, since I’ve just got a gut feeling his stuff would appeal to management down there. Disclaimer: YES I KNOW YOU HAVE BRENT HONEYWELL

7. Isotopes- Chance Adams, SP, Yankees

8. Toms River TBD- Adam Haseley, OF, Phillies

Haseley seems to be much better on paper than Mickey Moniak (who went #1 in the Spring 2017 Backyard Draft 🙄) , and the Titans would be very happy to walk away from this draft with a bat like Pavin and a toolsy OF like Haseley.

9. Rojo’s Renegades- Keston Hiura, 2B, Brewers

The savvy Rojo can easily snag the Major League ready Hirano at #3 and still scoop up the tremendous bat of Hiura here with their next pick. The .422 OBP in the minors thus far won’t be what sell this man to team management, it’s going to be the fact that Hiura is half Japanese and half Chinese!

10. Isotopes- Ian Anderson, SP, Braves

No, I did not forget to write a blurb for Mikey T’s first pick. There was simply nothing else that needed to be said. CLOSE to the same here. Once ‘Topes management stumbles upon the fact that Anderson went #3 overall in the 2016 MLB draft to the Braves they will slowly submit their god damn draft card for the second year in a row I’m sure.

11. Rojo’s Renegades- Jake Burger, 3B, White Sox

After dropping Nick Pratto, the Renegades add another corner IF with some long term pop projection. The ghost of the WVU Bombers will never die, and this team will forever want boppers at heart.