After not picking until number 70 overall in the draft last year, I have two first round picks this year. The supplemental round pick is compensation for SP Diplan.
Here is what the board looked like when my first pick came up at 24 overall.
Round 1, Pick 24
With my first pick, I decided on CF John Pate (18, high school). He has a potentially above average to great bat that leans a little more to contact than power. It should be noted that my scout is higher on him than OOTP, but even if he only reaches OOTP's potential, his bat would be about average. It also very well looks like he could develop into a plus defensive center fielder.
Round 1, Pick 33
Next, I selected another young center fielder in Jimmy Henry (18, high school). I thought about taking a pitcher here, and hoping that Henry would drop to my next pick. However, there were several pitchers still on the board and Henry became too enticing for me to pass on. He has plus speed and a potentially above average, balanced bat. What makes him interesting is OOTP is even higher on his HR Power potential.
Round 2, Pick 31
Of all the pitchers I hoped would be available with this pick, only one was left and it was the one I was least excited about. Nonetheless, I am glad to add SP Tyler Day (22, college) to my system. He has a deep repertoire and good velocity. While my scout gives him potentially average movement and control, OOTP has him potentially above average at both.
Round 3, Pick 33
Next, I went for an impossible sign in CF Manny Ramirez (18, high school). He is an intriguing pick not just because of his name, but he has a potentially above average, balanced bat and has plus speed.
Round 4, Pick 31
As usual, my round four pick was another impossible signing in SP Phil Schmucker (19, high school). He has an average fastball (90-92 mph) to go with a potentially plus slider and changeup. My scout rates him with potentially plus stuff while OOTP likes his control better. If he splits the potential, he could be a slightly above average starter.
Round 5, Pick 31
I decided to make a conscious effort to go after a catcher here as it seems like it's been a while since I've drafted one and I haven't had much luck developing players here recently. Though it is a bit of a risky pick, I selected RP Jim Ferrer (19, high school) who I will convert to catcher. He has a perfect 20/20 in C Ability, though a below average arm as of now. His bat is a bit of a mixed bag and could even out to average, though he may struggle with contact and eye/discipline, so it isn't a very exciting batting profile. At the very least, I hope he can give a bit of a boost to the pitchers he works with in the minors.
Round 6, Pick 31
With my next pick, I selected almost the opposite version of Ferrer in C Josh Collins (18, high school). Collins could have an average to slightly above average bat that favors contact. Defensively he has a great arm, but below average ability at catcher.
Round 7, Pick 31
The last pick I will cover here was 3B Jose Arias (18, high school). He could have an above average bat overall, even if he struggles with k's. Defensively, he fits the profile of a strong third baseman.
Below are all of my manual selections.
Overall, this is the youngest draft class I have compiled with all but one of my top eight picks coming from the high school ranks. It feels good to add some exciting center field prospects to my organization and to go after some catchers who are imperfect but great in some ways too. It will take a while to see what comes of this class, and if center field and catcher are even positions of need by the time these guys near the big leagues.
Next, the Expos continue play into June...