IBC

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1st Round - Pick #14 Overall

Aaron Poreda

LHP, 21 yrs old

Sickels: White Sox #3, Grade B+

BA: White Sox #1

BP: White Sox #3, Four-Star Prospect

Year In Review: After being mandated by upper management to take a power arm, the White Sox found the hardest-throwing lefty in the draft. Poreda completely overmatched Pioneer League hitters, although he had more experience than most players in the league.

The Good: Poreda provides an intimidating presence on the mound, and fires a 92-95 mph fastball that touches 98-99 on occasion. His slider flashes as a plus pitch at times. He maintains his stuff deep into games, and is a good athlete for his size.

The Bad: Because of his low arm slot, Poreda isnít able to take advantage of his size in the same manner as most big power pitchers. His slider is highly inconsistent-ñat times, it's an above-average offering, and at other times sweepy and very hittable. His changeup is rudimentary, but heís shown some feel for it since focusing on the pitch as a pro.

Fun Fact: During his brief debut, batters with runners in scoring position went 0-for-17 against Poreda.
Perfect World Projection: Poreda is clearly a big-time power pitcher, but scouts are split as to whether his future is as a starter or as a bullpen ace.

Timetable: Poredaís early-career dominance likely has the organization comfortable will him skipping Low-A and making his full-season debut in the Carolina League. Heíll remain a starter for now, but a move to the bullpen could accelerate his advancement through the system.[/u]

1st Round - Pick #23 Overall

Traded to Houston with pick #44 for Eric Patterson, pick #34 & pick #84

Analysis: I was hoping for Todd Frazier to slide to #23, but when he was taken a few picks earlier, the pick became expendable. I am a bigger believer in Patterson than most, and he fills my need at 2B, at least for the short term.[/b]

Pick #34 Overall

Ben Revere

OF, 19 yrs old

Sickels: Twins #3, Grade B

BP: Twins #1, Four-Star Prospect

Year In Review: A surprising first-round pick, Revere justified the selection with a dazzling showing in the Gulf Coast League, which included 10 triples and 21 stolen bases in 50 games.

The Good: Few players in baseball at any level can match Revereís game-changing speed. He turns ground-ball outs into singles, singles into doubles, and doubles into triples, and he covers a ton of ground in center field. Heís also an adept hitter with a quick short swing and surprising pop for his size. He gets high praise for his makeup, and brings high energy to every aspect of his game.

The Bad: Small and slightly built, Revere will never develop more than his already-existing gap power. Profiling as a pure leadoff man, Revere needs to develop a more patient approach. His arm is below average.

Fun Fact: Revereís father was a 19th-round pick in 1972 by the Astros, and his older brother J.R. was a 49th-round selection by the Rockies in 2001.

Perfect World Projection: A dynamic leadoff man who is among the league leaders in triples, stolen bases, and hopefully runs scored on an annual basis.

Timetable: The Twins tend to let a playerís talent dictate his timetable, and Revereís opening salvo showed the Twins that heís ready for a full-season league. Heíll begin 2008 in the Midwest League.

Pick #84 Overall

Cory Luebke

LHP, 22 yrs old

Sickels: Padres #15, Grade C+

BA: Unrated

Analysis: Luebke was selected 63rd overall by the Padres in real life. I like college pitchers and lefties, so sue me.

Pick #104 Overall

Sean Doolittle

1B, 21 yrs old

Sickels: A's #11, Grade B-

BP: A's #11 (Pre-Haren Trade), Two-Star Prospect

Year In Review: The two-way star at Virginia struggled in pro debut.

The Good: Doolittle has one of the prettiest swings around and should hit for a high average, with a patient approach also giving him a good walk total. Team officials insist that his poor showing at Kane County was the result of being tired and have no questions about his future potential. Heís an outstanding defensive first baseman with Gold Glove potential.

The Bad: Because heís a first baseman, Doolittleís bat will have to carry him, and his opening salvo as a pro was anything but impressive. Even the most optimistic projection for him ends with only average power, so heíll need to be a consistent .300+ hitter to be above average for the position.

Fun Fact: Doolittle attended Shawnee High School in New Jersey, whose most famous alumni is emaciated actress Calista Flockhart.

Perfect World Projection: Ideally, a Mark Grace or John Olerud type of player.

Timetable: Doolittle was the talk of Oaklandís instructional league, and many within the organization are predicting a breakout performance for him in 2008, where heíll begin at High-A Stockton.

Analysis: Doolittle was actually second on my list for the Luebke pick, and I was quite pleased when he was still available here.