A quick look at the 2008 MLB Draft

I think this is relatively clear at this point, but just so everyone knows: that shitty season was the best thing that ever happened to the Bulls. I’d written them off for the next three or four years (or at least until they fire Pax) before those ping pong balls somehow bounced their way. Now, I really think they have one of the NBA’s brightest futures.

Well the Sox had a terrible season of their own in 2007, and tomorrow they get their reward: the eighth pick in the draft. While the baseball draft is 20x the crapshoot that the NBA or NFL draft is, a lot of stars get drafted in the top ten picks. Since the Sox farm system is decimated after the Swisher trade (by the way, DLS just had Tommy John surgery), this is great chance to get some high level talent in the organization. Obviously I’ve never seen any of these kids play, so I really can’t be pissed at who they take either way. I will say this, though: Kenny Williams has to make this first pick count. Whoever he takes, they better turn out to be good.

Guys that will likely be gone before the Sox pick at eight

3B Pedro Alvarez- This year’s version of Alex Gordon. Alvarez was the consensus top pick before a hand injury sidelined him for part of this season. He’ll go in the top three, probably #2 to Pittsburgh.

C Buster Posey- Because catchers are so hard to find, Posey will get drafted higher than some scouts believe his talent would dictate. He has a great chance to go #1 to Tampa Bay, but one scout compared him to Josh Bard. He is thought to be major league ready and could be called up as early as next season.

SS Tim Beckham- High school players are never safe picks, but Beckham is a five-tool player. He won’t slip out of the top four.

Players the Sox should target (in order)
Again I haven’t watched any college baseball games this year, but this is who I like based on what I’ve been reading over the past month

1B Justin Smoak- Most people expect the South Carolina star to be gone, but SI had the Sox choosing him in their mock draft today. Smoak is a big patient power hitter who would fill in nicely once Konerko or Thome leave.

SS Gordon Beckham- If he can stick at shortstop, Georgia’s Beckham would be a great pick. Some scouts aren’t sure whether he will be able to, but if the Sox take him, they better be.

SP Aaron Crow- Crow and Brian Matusz are the two best college pitchers, and Kenny loves taking college pitchers. I sort of hope they steer clear of these two guys, but they do have more talent than former picks like Lance Broadway and Kyle McCulloch.

Other possible picks: 1B Yonder Alonso, SS Brett Lawrie