Mets Draft Day. #7 Pick Down to 3 Players?

A lot of people focus solely on the potential draft picks, and they do an outstanding job and I would be amiss if I didn't link to their sites for you to read more in-depth scouting reports. Metsminorleagueblog.com has previewed 10 potential choices for the Mets at #7.



This is how the 1st round is shaping up according to ESPN's Keith Law (Insider only):
1. B Harper, C- Nationals
2. J Taillon, HS P- Pirates
3. M Machado HS SS- Orioles
4. Y Grandal C- Royals
5. D Pomeranz LHP - Indians
6. B Loux RHP - Diamondbacks

The Mets would surely take any of the 1st three players if they were to fall to them, but that is appearing highly unlikely. Pomeranz is a possibility if the Indians and D-backs pass on him; he's 6'5" 220 pounds, with 2 plus pitches: fastball (90-92) and curve. He missed some time this year with a strained pec and it has some teams concerned, although he pitched well for Ole Miss in the NCAA regionals this weekend versus St. John's (7 innings, 7 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks, 5 k's).

If all those players are off the board, the Mets choices are between: Zach Cox, Matt Harvey, and the latest reports link the Mets to HS Cactcher Justin O'Conner, whom Omar went to scout himself on Saturday.

Zach Cox, 3B University of Arkansas. 6'0" 215 pounds. Best pure-hitter in the draft. Some questions re: his power potential  (15-20 HRs, not 30+). Left-handed hitter got three hits off of Pomeranz earlier this year. Draft-eligible sophmore so some people think he will require going way over-slot, but he doesn't have much leverage as he would be a 22-year-old junior next year and next year's draft projects to be a lot deeper. He also hasn't helped his draft stock recently as he's missed the past two+ weeks with an injury. Doesn't have much speed. Some talk of possibly moving to 2B where his bat would be above average.

Matt Harvey, RHP University of North Carolina. 6'4" 225 pounds. He was highly touted coming out of high school (3rd round pick by the Angels), but had two poor seasons at UNC before he reestablished himself this year. He hits 97 mph and has a filthy change-up; his best pitch in high school was his curve, but that has regressed to a below average pitch. Some people believe his future is in the bullpen, and if that's the case, you can't take a reliever with the #7 pick in the draft.

Justin O'Conner, High School Catcher from Indiana. He has a great arm (rated as Plus-Plus), and just recently became a catcher. Going into the year there was some debate where he would wind up, outfield, catcher or pitcher (he's hit 95 mph on the gun). Some questions re: his power potential with a wood bat, but he is a very good athlete. Could be a franchise catcher if his bat continues to progress.


Jim Callis (Baseball America) and Keith Law both have the Mets taking Zach Cox and I tend to agree with them, but I wouldn't be surprised if they take Justin O'Conner either.

I will post more in-depth/link to more scouting reports tonight/tomorrow after the Mets make their selection. The draft starts tonight at 7PM on MLB Network. The Mets have the #7 pick, but don't have a 2nd round pick due to signing Jason Bay, so their next pick will be in the 3rd round.