Matt's Draft Journal

In the deciding game of the College World Series Final it was Oregon State University who defeated the University of Arkansas by a score of 5-0. Providing a matchup between two programs ranked fifth  (Arkansas) and third (Oregon State) in the nation, there were a total of 16 2018 MLB Draft picks between them. However, it was a pair of underclassmen who took the stage as the game's biggest stars in Oregon State sophomore catcher Adley Rutschman and freshman pitcher Kevin Abel. Rutschman won Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series, totaling a tournament record 17 hits throughout entirety of the event — including going 3-4 with an RBI and a run scored in Game 3 of the CWS Finals to help the Beavers win the third national title. Abel pitched a complete game shutout — less than 24 hours after coming from the bullpen to pitch a scoreless inning and pick up the win, forcing Game 3— giving up only two walks and two hits, striking out 10, in earning a College World Se

1. Phoenix Suns : Deandre Ayton, C (Arizona) 2. Sacramento Kings : Marvin Bagley III, F/C (Duke) 3. Atlanta Hawks : Luka Doncic, G (Real Madrid, Spain) 4. Memphis Grizzlies : Jaren Jackson, F/C (Michigan State) 5. Dallas Mavericks : Mo Bama, C (Texas) 6. Orlando Magic : Trae Young, G (Oklahoma) 7. Chicago Bulls: Wendell Carter, C (Duke) 8. Cleveland Cavaliers : Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G (Kentucky) 9 . New York Knicks : Mikal Bridges, G/F (Villanova) 10. Philadelphia 76ers : Michael Porter, F (Missouri) 11. Charlotte Hornets : Collin Sexton, G (Alabama) 12. Los Angeles Clippers : Robert Williams, F/C (Texas A&M) 13. Los Angeles Clippers : Kevin Knox, F (Kentucky) 14. Denver Nuggets : Troy Brown, G/F (Oregon) 15. Washington Wizards : Lonnie Walker, G (Miami) 16. Phoenix Suns : Zhaire Smith, G/F (Texas Tech) 17. Milwaukee Bucks : Miles Bridges, F (Michigan State) 18. San Antonio Spurs : Chandler Hutchinson, G/F (Boise State) 19

Florida Gators/Kansas City Royals Pitcher Brady Singer, 2018 MLB Draft 18th Overall Pick One of the more unique aspects about the MLB Draft is that it takes place in-season, while other sports such as the NBA and NFL have their drafts months following basketball and football respective NCAA and high school seasons. As the selection process of the amateurs throughout the collegiate and prep ranks concluded last week, some of the prospects drafted are now playing on the largest platform the NCAA has to offer in the College World Series — held annually in Omaha, Nebraska.  Filtered throughout the field of eight teams that will play in two, four team double-elimination brackets, where the winner of each respective bracket will meet in a best of three series to decide the National Champions. Each of the eight teams feature multiple players who were chosen in the 40 rounds of the MLB Draft which took place over the course of three days, June 4-6.  The University of Florida and Or

High School Seniors Selected in 17 of 30 First Round Picks, With Two more in Comp. Round  With each year of the MLB Draft one of the more interesting aspects is found in the diversity of picks distinguished between high school and college prospects. This year's high school class featured some quality depth of talent, especially at the pitching position. A handful of names in the Class of 2018 were mentioned in the consideration for top five, top ten selections, with a few even garnering mention for the top two picks as some of the top college pitchers faced questions of their own. Nevertheless, ultimately it was a position player who was the first prep prospect off the board — and not the one many initially may have expected. The New York Mets selected outfielder Jarred Kelenic from Waukesha West HS (WI) sixth overall, who was committed to Louisville, but has signed with for $4.5 million. Kelenic's selection set off a string of three high school players in a row a

While a large value is placed on the athletes who man the middle infield spots, it takes a unique ballplayer to cover the corner infield positions. Typically of larger stature than those who man second base and shortstop, first and third baseman often possess a strong arm or powerful bat, sometimes both.  Though they aren't required to cover as much ground or necessitate elite range, the instincts and awareness needed to be a positive performer at either corner, in the field of play, are of practice. Furthermore, no other spots are counted upon to provide more power productivity and drive in runs with men standing on base.  This year's crop of corner infielders provide depth at both first and third base, at the prep ranks as well as the collegiate level. Many of the best pure power hitters reside in this position group and there are more than a few prospects who will be called in the first round of the MLB Draft, Monday, June 4th. Luken Baker, TCU A massive man

MLB Draft Prospect, Georgia Tech Catcher Joey Bart (Danny Karnik, Georgia Tech Athletics/Gwinnett Daily Post) In the baseball world, the positions up the middle are considered of the highest importance and value. Obviously beginning with the pitcher on the mound, but predominantly speaking of the position players whose job it is to help the man on the mound keep runs off the board.  Often times when mentioning the key positions up the middle of the diamond, the first thought is of the shortstop position that is so vital to a team's defense. The range centerfielders show going into the gap to dive and grab well-hit balls are shown across the highlights. Even some slick fielding second baseman are thought of, especially when possessing a gun for an arm and being a Gold-Glove caliber defensive threat like Javier Baez.  Yet the catcher position is truly the most demanding and often the most difficult to fill for many teams in the draft. Drafting and developing a qualit