2010 Amateur Draft Grades

The 2010 Amateur Draft is complete, so let's take a look at how the teams did.

Kansas Twisters (A+) - The pressure was on with the #1 overall pick, but it's tough to argue with Stephen Strasburg. The 21 year old has two ML ready pitches and good command. Will the Twisters give him a year to develop, or will we see him in the majors this year? As if that wasn't enough, CF Austin Jackson falls to the 2nd round, and OF project Michael Taylor to the 3rd round.

Miami Sharks (A) - An impressive draft for the Sharks, as they picked up three players who all project as future starters. Tracy Pena is a five-tool shortstop who is likely ticketed for the majors sooner rather than later (I mean, Mark DeRosa is playing short right now....) Great value pick with Jay Jackson in the 2nd round, while Desmond Jennings already looks good enough to be the 4th outfielder on some clubs.

Sioux Falls Tomahawks (A-) - The struggling Tomahawks were fortunate to find themselves in the position to draft a potential ace. Many scouts would argue that Yu Darvish was the best player in the draft, and the baseball historians will likely compare his career to Strasburg's for their entire careers. Jenrry Mejia was a great pick in the 2nd round, as four-pitch relievers are a rare find. The 3rd rounder was gravy after the first two, though C Tony Sanchez looks promising.

Columbus Capitals (B+) - Columbus was in the dreaded middle of the order spot in this draft, meaning they weren't going to get a sure thing. Still, things went pretty well for the team, landing lefty Brad Lincoln in the 1st round, and fellow southpaw Craig Kimbrel in the 2nd. GM Darin Keesing lucked out in the third with 2B Scott Sizemore, a player many thought would go in the 2nd round.

La Brea Dire Wolves (B+) - Richard Gin filled a big need with 1st round pick Brett Wallace, an eventual 3B replacement for Michael Young. Hoyt Williams is an atypical SS (good power but slow speed), while P Casey Kelly could be a steal in the 3rd round if his control improves.

Oklahoma City Bison (B+) - The Bison went with three pitchers, starting with the flame-throwing Cuban Aroldis Chapman. If the lefty can develop some control and secondary pitches, he might ace this staff. Drew Storen is a promising late inning reliever, while Barr is a project reliever.

Caracas Bolivares (B) - Despite the roster being strong on offense and thin on pitching, GM Tom Hey went with three bats this draft. SS Starlin Castro looks like the heir apparent to Derek Jeter, and should improve his hitting and power in the minors. Hank Conger is a switch-hitting catcher who at the very least could become a serviceable backup.

Fremantle Cormorants (B) - With the focus on pitching early in the draft, Fremantle was able to land the Winter League MVP Ike Davis 6th pick. Davis hit 15 HR and posted a .981 OPS this winter and probably won't spend too long in the minors. Kevin Russo is an okay 2B, but at age 25, is already pushing "prospect" status.

Jersey City Jackals (B) - All pitching for the Jackals, which was a smart move for a team with a 5.24 team ERA. Kyle Drabek needs more development, but with two good pitches, could be in the majors in a couple of years. Dan Hudson has better control, but needs more work on his stuff, while Moxie Jimenez is a risk/reward prospect who, if he matches his WL numbers, could be the steal of the draft.

New York Knights (B) - Were the Knights sending a message to the under-performing Albert Pujols with their pick of 1B Justin Smoak? If nothing else, it puts Pujols on notice. New York rolled the dice on Mike Leake in the 2nd, hoping his raw skills would develop, while Ron Bailey is a decent if not spectacular relief option.

Quebec Horned Frogs (B) - With the two big arms off the board, picking OF Jason Heyward was a no-brainer with the 3rd overall pick. With Jeremy Hermida's impending free agency, Heyward could find himself in the opening lineup next April. Two more bats round out Quebec's selections, though both need more time to develop.

Springfield Isotopes (B) - Only two picks for the Isotopes, but both were power bats. Mike Moustakas may end up with the best power of anyone in the draft, though he needs to improve his eye and cut down on the strikeouts. His potential future infield partner may be 1B Chris Carter, who also has impressive power skills.

Atlanta Flyers (B-) - Jim Masters' team picked last each round (after picking first overall in the initial draft), so the team wasn't destined to land the very best players. Chili Jackson and Scott Pedrique are decent looking pitchers who could grow into back end rotation guys, but Johnny Cunningham has a long way to go before being MLB ready. Luckily, he's just 19 years old.

Brisbane Koalas (D) - Not a great showing by rookie GM Evan Goforth, as he squandered his high draft position on some questionable picks. 1st round pick Ken Pall is a decidedly average SS who wasn't projected until the late 2nd or early 3rd round. The Koalas need offense, but with players like Austin Jackson and Ike Davis available, the pick is puzzling. The team redeemed itself with Johnny Crasher, whose plus fastball could make him a future setup man/closer.