Today is our first of four scheduled mock drafts before the June MLB Draft. From my perspective, this is an exercise to play out scenarios on who could be available for the Chicago White Sox at the fourth pick. For this year's draft, I'll be selecting college players for the White Sox as that is what I believe the route they are taking. In my opinion, I don't necessarily think that is the best option, but it's hard to ignore the trend of the White Sox taking 18 college players out of 20 possible picks in the draft pool rounds (first ten rounds).
Joining me in conducting the first mock draft, and will be assisting in draft scouting reports on Sox Machine and will be an analyst on the Sox Machine Draft Show on June 4th is Jim Osborn, but we know him as Lil Jimmy around in these parts. Before we release our picks, a few thoughts we wanted to share.
MOCK DRAFT 1.0
1) Detroit Tigers
Jimmy: Casey Mize | Josh: Casey Mize
2) San Francisco Giants
Jimmy: Nick Madrigal | Josh: Matthew Liberatore
3) Philadelphia Phillies
Jimmy: Shane McClanahan | Josh: Nolan Gorman
4) Chicago White Sox
Jimmy: Logan Gilbert | Josh: Alec Bohm
Josh's thought behind the pick: As I wrote previously, Bohm has emerged as one of the best college bats in this draft. Jake Burger already had some uncertainty if he could stay at third base, and with the Achilles injury, that future gets a bit hazier if the hot corner is his future home. By drafting Bohm, the White Sox add another power potential bat into their pipeline. They can let Burger and Bohm sort out who will play at the infield corners.
5) Cincinnati Reds
Jimmy: Brady Singer | Josh: Shane McClanahan
6) New York Mets
Jimmy: Nolan Gorman | Josh: Brady Singer
7) San Diego Padres
Jimmy: Matthew Liberatore | Josh: Nander De Sedas
8) Atlanta Braves
Jimmy: Alec Bohm | Josh: Ethan Hankins
9) Oakland Athletics
Jimmy: Brice Turang | Josh: Nick Madrigal
10) Pittsburgh Pirates
Jimmy: Ethan Hankins | Josh: Logan Gilbert
