Kyle Skipworth could be a top pick
BASEBALL
The player from Riverside Patriot is considered the top high school catching prospect and could go first among Southland players in the amateur draft Thursday. Tampa Bay again has the top pick.
The Southland figures to be well represented in the 2008 Major League Baseball amateur draft, today and Friday in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Tampa Bay will have the first selection for the second year in a row -- the first team to have that distinction after the Rays finished with the worst record in baseball again in 2007.
The Dodgers pick 15th, but the Angels will have to wait until the 74th pick, having given up the 27th pick to the Minnesota Twins for signing free agent Torii Hunter.
ESPN2 will broadcast the first round and the compensation first round from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The draft will continue until approximately 6 p.m. today, then resume at 8:30 a.m. on Friday and will continue until all 30 teams have passed on making a selection or after the final pick of the 50th round.
Local prospects
Here's a look at the top Southland players among Baseball America magazine's top 100 draft prospects:
Kyle Skipworth
C, Riverside Patriot HS
In the last year, Skipworth's stock has skyrocketed from virtual unknown to the top high school catcher in the draft. Tall and athletic, he possesses an easy swing that produces power from foul pole to foul pole, as well as a strong throwing arm and natural leadership skills behind the plate.
Ranked as the No. 9 prospect by Baseball America, which projects him to be selected with the sixth pick by the Florida Marlins.
Tanner Scheppers
RHP, Fresno State
The former Dana Point Dana Hills High standout was regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in the draft before he suffered a stress fracture in his right shoulder a few weeks ago. His fastball is consistently in the low-to-mid 90s.
Ranked as the No. 10 prospect by Baseball America, which projects him to be selected with the ninth pick by the Washington Nationals.
Aaron Hicks
RHP-CF, Long Beach Wilson HS
One of the most athletic outfielders in the draft, Hicks can cover plenty of ground and brings a strong throwing arm. Bats from both sides of the plate, where he lacks power but has blistering speed. With a fastball in the low 90s, some speculate he could wind up on the mound.
Ranked as the No. 13 prospect by Baseball America, which projects him to be selected with the 15th pick by the Dodgers.
Gerrit Cole
RHP, Orange Lutheran HS
