[Cannon Shell]

New York Yankees

Draft Philosophy: Take the best player available in the first round, regardless of bonus issues, then play it surprisingly close to the vest.

First Pick: Gerrit Cole, RHP, Orange Lutheran HS (CA) (28th overall)
How High He Could Have Gone: While he was arguably the best pure arm among prep players, some anticipated financial demands and some attitude issues dropped him. Detroit thought about taking a stab at him at 21, and a few mid-first round teams kicked the tires on him. On pure talent alone, however, he’s much better than the 28th-best prospect in the draft.
Path To The Big Leagues: Cole is an incredible raw talent, but a bit of a project. His mechanics are a little violent, and despite the velocity he currently has, some might consider trying to raise his arm angle in order to give him more depth and spin on his breaking stuff, and hopefully improve his command.

Rest of the First Day:
1. Jeremy Bleich, LHP, Stanford: An overdraft to possibly make up for the cost of Cole, Bleich is a strike-thrower low on stuff and ceiling who most project as a reliever.
2. Scott Bittle, RHP, Mississippi: Some of the best numbers in college baseball (70 2/3 IP, 35 H, 130 K), but some see him as no more than a trick pitcher who won’t close in the big leagues.
3. David Adams, 2B, Virginia: Possibly a first-round talent entering the spring, he could be a steal if he returns to earlier form.
4. Corban Joseph, SS, Franklin HS (TN): Good-not-great athlete with middle-infield skills.
5. Chris Smith, OF, Centennial HS (CA): High-ceiling bat with plus power who needs some refinement.
6. Brett Marshall, RHP, Sterling HS (TX): The only other big-budget pick they picked on day one, Marshall delivers pure power stuff out of a smallish frame, but will go to college unless he gets a big bonus.

Best Second-Day Selections:
7. Kyle Higashioka, C, Edison HS (CA): A big catcher with great defense and a power bat, but he will be costly.
12. Luke Greinke, RHP, Auburn: Zach’s brother isn’t nearly in his brother’s class, but like his kin, he’s an outstanding athlete, so there’s some projection there.
20. Pat Venditte, RHP/LHP, Creighton: One of the most fascinating prospects around, Venditte pitches from both sides, but the stuff isn’t especially impressive either way.
30. Ben McMahon, C, Bishop Moore HS (FL): One of the better high school catchers in the country is likely unsignable