1. HOUSTON Astros – Kevin Gausman RHP LSU
Surprised? Don’t be. Jeff Luhnow is a former Scouting Director that tended to lean on sabermetrics. VP and Scouting Director Bobby Heck loves pitching and Kevin Gausman is a low risk, moderately projectable 3rd/4th starter, the kind of prospect that the City of Houston can get behind. Look for Houston to allow Gausman to wind down a bit for the reminder of the minor league season and make a splash in his first Spring Training in 2013.  If Kevin stays on track, look for a June 2013 call to the majors. Sorry, I forgot another BIG reason they draft and sign Gausman – look for him to sign a couple million below the suggested dollars recommended.

2. MINNESOTA Twins – Mark Appel RHP Stanford
Returning GM Terry Ryan will be ecstatic that Mr. Appel fell to the Twins’ waiting arms. Minnesota will embrace Mark for what he is – a hard working, educated plus make up person that is a darn good pitcher to boot. Mark fits into the system and will become acclimated quickly into the professional game. The Twins score first with the draft’s highest prospect with the lowest risk.

3. SEATTLE Mariners – Byron Buxton HS OF
When HOUSTON selects Gausman, GM Jack Z will be barking out orders to Scouting Director Tom McNamara to get Broxton’s people on the phone to confirm he is signable. With the correct response from Broxton, the Mariner war room will look more like mission control during an Apollo launch with McNamara showing off his lucky sweater vest and Captain Jack smiling from ear to ear.

4. BALTIMORE Orioles – Deven Marrero SS ASU
Quite simple – GM will have seen the writing on the wall and his most trusted members of his staff will be working the phones with both Marrero and high schooler Carlos Correa and let the low balling begin. Both have been projected to go lower in the draft, so both will listen, but it will be Marrero that provides Baltimore with the number they are looking for and because of the lower risk/lower reward of signing a college shortstop, Deven is the #4 pick. Bravo

5. KANSAS CITY Royals – Mike Zunino C University of FL
Lacking depth at the catching position, and Top Prospect Salvador Perez on the mend from a knee injury that occurred in March during Spring Training, GM Dayton Moore reels in a Gator. Zunino established himself as a top collegiate bat in this draft.

6. CHICAGO Cubs – Kyle Zimmer RHP USF
It plays out in front of a room full of very happy cubbies as they watch Team President Theo Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer looking like two kids that just uncovered a Honus Wagner card hidden in a wall during a clubhouse remodel. Let the Epstein Era begin. Both the front office and scouting staff will be equally happy that the team ahead of them made this pick much easier than they ever thought.

7. SAN DIEGO Padres – Lucas Giolito RHP CA HS
Josh Brynes is in the driver’s seat and his job is to recreate the Diamondback magic in San Diego. He helped build a solid contender in both Boston and Arizona – one using free agency and the other via the draft. I look for Brynes to make a splash by selecting and signing Giolito. With four picks on Day 1, I can see quite a celebration occurring in Southern California. I see the Padres getting Lucas signed in the neighborhood of $4 to $5 million. If I am correct, the Padre scouting staff will be working the phones looking for players with a higher ceiling and lacking leverage to be taken and signed for amounts that will safely fit within the draft pool dollars. John Savage will not be seen anytime soon visiting Petco Park as the Padres steal another blue chip recruit.

8. PITTSBURGH Pirates – Albert Almora OF FL HS
In 2005 the Pirates selected and developed a young high school outfield. With Pick #11 this time, they use the their pick to choose another High School outfielder. The Pirates and Neal Huntington have had to deal with Boras before, so they will make this deal happen and be happy that Almora chose the advisor he did as it is enough to scare off the clubs picking in front of the Pirates. Welcome to the “We are Family G2 Celebration” Albert.

9. MIAMI Marlins – Carlos Carrera SS PR Academy
Carlos could not fall to a better club and more perfect fit in my opinion. Carrera is compared to Tulo by so many and is the perfect fit in Miami. The Marlins have not had success drafting and developing middle infielders, but Carrera is polished and fits into the culture very well in Miami. Reyes is signed through 2017 and a team option in 2018. Ramirez is a Marlin until 2015 and Infante is filling a hole for the time being until the Marlins either buy or grow a Middle Infielder. It is my thinking that Carrera is the right lure to “Go Fish.”

10. COLORADO Rockies –  Courtney Hawkins OF TX HS
With Cargo signed through 2017, and Dexter Fowler reaching possible Free Agency in 2016, the selection of Hawkins is the perfect fit. The Rockies will be in no rush to move Hawkins though the system and player development has proven they are more than capable of molding young high ceiling position players.

11. OAKLAND Athletics -  Richie Shaffer 3B/1B Clemson
The Athletics have shown a passion for drafting and projecting on power corner bats and that trend continues with Shaffer. Shaffer has drawn comparisons to Ryan Zimmerman. Oakland has stock piled athletic players and “Moneyball” Billy Beane and Scouting Director Eric Kubota hit the jackpot with the selection of Shaffer. I hope to see him in the CAL league before the 4th of July. Let the fireworks rain.

12. NEW YORK Mets Michael Wacha RHP Texas AM
GM Sandy Alderson knows how to build a winner using the draft. Alderson and VP of Player Development and Amateur Scouting Paul DePodesta work hard along with a group of very good scouts to rebuild the Mets. The selection of Wacha is a very good one to a pitching staff in need of a hard throwing right hander. The 6’6″, 200 lbs Wacha is a strike throwing machine who’s game fits well into the confines of Citibank. Wacha turns 21 on July 1, so there is plenty of maturing and learning left for him to do. Projects to a front of the rotation starter by 2017.

13. CHICAGO White Sox Marcus Stroman RHP Duke
Again a GM gets his pocket picked by the club in front. After the dust settles in the White Sox war room and after getting Stroman signed and delivered to player development, the White Sox organization should breathe a sigh of relief as they have found a real life closer. It will not take long for Cooper to work his finishing magic, and player friendly and patient manager, Robin Ventura, to ease Marcus into the closer’s job and possible a date in the 2012 playoffs. As Garth Brooks has sung, Kenny Williams will thank God for an unanswered prayers.

14. CINCINNATI Reds Andrew Heaney LHP OKST
GM Walt Jockey is shocked that he has the ability to select this qualityleft hander. Heaney, projected by most to go earlier in the draft, settles in well with the Reds. Heaney gives the Reds a much needed boost from the left side of the mound. Projects to reach the big leagues in 2014 and becomes a permanent fixture in the back end of the rotation.

15. CLEVELAND Indians Chris Stratton RHP MISS
Stratton has a pitcher’s body and the tools to get the job done. Going un-drafted in high school and maturing in college will provide the Indians with a college pitcher with a four pitch arsenal. It is easy to see him fitting in quickly and seems to be the new breed of Indian pitcher that knows how to pitch and not throw, and find success pitching to contact and not away from it. I think if Stratton falls to Cleveland it is too good to pass up. Cleveland really likes college right handers.

16. WASHINGTON Nationals David Dahl OF AL HS
Dahl should not fall to the Nationals, but the draft is a strange animal and the Nats score big by drafting and signing this 5 tool athlete. The idea of Dahl and Harper in the same outfield will pack the park and put Washington in a power position for years. Washington has one of the richest ownerships and they are dedicated to building a winner year in and year out. Look for a future World Series that has some of the most exciting young players participating and the National League representative will feature the Nationals.

17. TORONTO Blue Jays Lance McCullers Jr. RHP FL HS
I can only hope the Jays post the video of their war room as it erupts after selecting McCullers Jr. With big league bloodlines and the competitive fire of a champion, Lance fits in so well with the blue print GM Alex Anthopolis has drafted and designed. The Jays have stock piled the best young talent and McCullers is no different. Sorry Gator fans, Alex uses his magic and gets this deal done.

18. LOS ANGELES Dodgers Stephen Piscotty OF/3B Stanford
The Dodgers Scouting Department is no stranger to Mr. Piscotty. Having selected Stephen in 2009 in the 45th rd, they were able to spend a great deal of time in Palo Alto and last year selected LHP Chris Reed. Logan White gets his player and this time they get the more matured player that did not disappoint as Piscotty has continued to develop each year and still has areas of improvement and maturation that will occur in the minor leagues. Look for Piscotty to be in the Dodgers line up in 2015.

19. ST LOUIS Cardinals Addison Russell SS/3B FL HS
With the Padres beating the Cards to Giolito, they are able to secure the services of a very high profile, high ceiling toolsy prospect. Whether he becomes a third baseman with 70 power and 50 hit, or splits the middle and becomes the prototypical 60/60 guy, it works for the Cards. He will need to play himself off shortstop first, and that will be just fine in St Louis. Look for Russell to make an appearance in the majors in September 2016 and a permanent fixture in 2018.

20. SAN FRANCISCO Giants Ty Hensley RHP OK HS
Most clubs have an aversion to drafting and signing “Gingers.” NO one will be kicking this Ginger. Ty Hensley is the 2012 version of the Dodgers’ 1979 selection of Rick Sutcliffe with the 21st pick. Sutcliffe went on to pitch in the majors for 18 years. Ty has all the stuff to do the very same and make five times the salary. (Side note – the Giants may go after a name not mentioned by anyone this early in an attempt to make a deal and save some money and have the ability to spend that savings on a day 2 pick. Players have a history of deciding after day 1 action that pro ball is better than college and will sign for less than an amount that drove teams away.)

21. ATLANTA Braves Victor Roache OF Georgia Southern
Atlanta, always looking for a deal, will find it with Roache. The wrist will heal and the bat will come alive and the Braves will have him signed and on a plane the fastest of any round 1 selection. Staying with the Georgia home town discounts, Roache is a wonderful fit. Great job guys. You got a special player. Just remember during arbitration (once he reaches it), you saved on draft day.

22. TORONTO Blue Jays Joey Gallo 1B/3B NV HS
Within 30 minutes the Jays have pulled off another coup and with other clubs not even considering Joey with a higher pick, the Jays would have done their homework and selected Gallo with pick 22. The Jays have more scouts working the country than any other club, I believe. If my homework is correct, you will see the remaining selections over the next rounds up to round 10 as the best athletes with little to no leverage and will sign for less than the suggested dollars published, so the Blue Jays are able to sign these two great high school athletes.

23. ST LOUIS Cardinals DJ Davis OF MISS HS
Lacking a lot of leverage and having a lot of helium (and if you have not heard, helium is no longer inexpensive), the Cards make the call and then pull the card. As so many clubs have been staring at his name attached to the magnet on the big white board, it is gone and the Cardinals have a terrific athlete. Look for Davis to have a Juan Pierre type career, but he will need to remember to take advantage of all the opportunities afforded a Top 25 draft pick.

24. BOSTON Red Sox Gavin Cecchini SS LA HS
Lightning strikes twice and the BoSox put out lighting rods all over the place to bottle the energy. Again bloodlines mean something in this game and as the Red Sox watch the draft unfold, I can imagine a conference call taking place. “I cannot believe this? Get Garin on the phone and let’s make this happen.” After a very brief discussion ,the decision is made and Gavin is bypassing Mississippi and headed to Boston for some meet and greets and then heads to Florida and the Gulf Coast League.

25. TAMPA BAY Rays Max Fried LHP CA HS
The Rays staff has been sitting patiently, watching all the action and a name very high on their draft board sits alone as the remainder of the names have been removed and lay quietly in a large basket or bucket. RJ Harrison quietly looks to Tim Huff and Fred Repke and along with Andrew Friedman nods in agreement. Commissioner Selig strolls to the podium to announce that the Tampa Bays have selected — well, you all know the name. This selection will not be made unless they have the right information and know that Fried is willing to sign. Again, if Fried pushes the envelope and demands a signing bonus that most every draft guru has suggested, the Rays only make this selection if the deal can be done over the phone.

26. ARIZONA Diamondbacks Stryker Trahan C LA HS
The Dbacks lack depth and prospects behind the plate. This pick should not be a surprise to anyone in the game. The question here is how much can they save by convincing Styker that they over drafted him but need and want him. It will be important for the Dbacks to make him feel comfortable and be that “team guy” and sign for less than the suggested amount.

27. MILWAKEE Brewers Peter O’Brien C Miami
There is a method in the Brewer madness -if you think saving money on two quality picks in the first round is madness. The only flip to this story is if Lucas Giolito is still on the board as they will need to swoop in and select Giolito before going senior shopping. O’Brien fills a need and it is easier to put a square into a square slot that continuing to try to groom a leader and stable prospect behind the dish.

28. MILWAKEE Brewers Brett Mooneyham LHP Stanford
Bloodlines and pedigree can be important in this game. The questions of control and command are most often mental, not physical. The Brewers’ player development will need to develop Brett both mentally and physically to compete at the next level. I trust that they can. I see Mooneyham as a steal in this year’s draft.

29. TEXAS Rangers Tyler Naquin OF TX AM
The Rangers stay safe and stay in state with their first selection. Naquin is a solid average player. The questionable part of his game is at the plate. The rangers will do well to surround him with players that can bring out the most in this part of the game. Watching and learning is key. Many wondered if Matt Wieters would watch and learn, and he has so far proven that he can. I see Tyler in the same light and think in the Ranger environment they are able to provide the key to the tool shed that allows Naquin to reach his full potential.

30. NEW YORK Yankees Chris Beck RHP Georgia Southern
The Yankees are thought of as a team that spends. That is not always the truth and they step up and prove it with the selection of Beck. The Yankees know how to scout, and in this case they scouted and brought a quality arm into the system. Quality over quantity could be the new motto in the Yankee camp. Yankee pride can never be overlooked, and the Yankees are capable of cleaning house. Looking back to last year’s draft, I see a change and it is a positive one. I like this pick if the Yankees do. I will need to make sure I am not bccing the scouting department.

31. BOSTON Red Sox Walter Weickel RHP FL HS
Can the Red Sox scouting department be any happier? This would be a great selection and a selection that has teeth. Walter is, in my opinion, a lock with this pick. Weickel will go out and compete and will find his place beside several top young pitching prospects. I truly believe he will be there for them to select, and after the Red Sox spend some time with the family, I think this deal gets done. We can look forward to watching his progress in the minors to the majors.

1.)  You have the bladder capacity of five people combined.

2.)  You have spent more time on the phone with someone else’s child than your own.

3.)  You believe that 99 percent of the players on a field are there for your entertainment – not for you to break out a pencil on.

4.)  Your idea of a good time is traveling 500 miles to see a Top Prospect.

5.)  You wonder why a parent is being especially friendly towards you.

6.)  You believe in your ability to decide if a player can play rather than what his stats are.

7.)  You disbelieve 90 percent of what you hear and 75 percent of what you see.

8.)  You have your two weekends off planned for a year.

9.)  You believe it is possible to see a dozen games in a single day during Spring Break Tournament time.

10.)  You refer to your favorite restaurant by the closest ballpark at which it’s located near.

11.)  You have ever wanted to hold a seminar entitled: “The Draft – Not Everyone Gets a Million Dollars.”

12.)  You ever had to put the phone on hold before you began laughing uncontrollably.

13.)  You think caffeine should be available in IV form.

14.)  You know when a coach tells you a player has “All 5 tools” the player will have at least a 1.5

15.)  You find out a lot about players’ signability via social media.

16.)  Anyone has ever said to you, “My kid is better than the one you are looking at here” 

17.)  People flag you down at the ballpark and ask you about the closest restrooms …and you know exactly where it is.

18.)  You can discuss what round a player was selected and his signing bonus from the past 10 years, but can’t remember your wedding anniversary.

19.)  You are the only person introduced at social gatherings by profession.

20.)  You walk into places and people think you can discuss every player that ever got scouted or signed a contract.

21.)  You do not remember the last time a player said “Look I just want to play, just pick me I will sign for what you offer me for a signing bonus”

22.)  People follow you back to your car to talk about their 6 year old t-ball player.

23.)  A week’s worth of laundry consists of seven Hawaiian shirts, seven pairs of socks, and seven pairs of underwear and one pair of Jeans.

24.)  You’ve ever referred to Monday as “my weekend.”

25.)  You’ve ever written off sunscreen and a stopwatch as business deductions.

It is 5am – Time to get up!

1. Make a decision the night before on a time that you need to wake up. Now for the next 90 days, set the alarm clock for a half an hour earlier and GET OUT of bed! And get moving. By doing this, you will get a few more tasks completed that you would have waited to do later in the day, or put off completely until another day. Early mornings are a great time to get small projects done because most everyone else is still sleeping. A quick look at email followed by a 20 minute walk will help your set your mind to the day’s needs.  Do you feel like you never have enough time in the day?  I just got you an extra 30 minutes, lets continue…
2. Use social media to stay on top of world and local events each day.  Find a good source for information about your needs and responsibilities and use it.  I use a program that combines my interests and provides condensed headlines to stories that I might find interesting about my business. By doing this I am able to recognize opportunities long before my clients or future clients have had their first cups of coffee or juice.
3. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Make a list each day after your walk. Organize the day ahead and always allow for interruptions (phone calls, de-railers that come to visit your work space etc.).  Prioritize the tasks and make sure that if you are starting a task, you can finish the task. (Juggling Elephants)  Avoid the frustrations of being in the middle of a project and having to wait for another partner to provide information or sources to complete the project. Revisit the list and move unfinished items to the new daily list and always shred the previous day’s list. (One list-One day-Every day.)
4. Schedule in time for yourself (personal time).  This is important and not negotiable. Use the time to call, YES CALL a friend.  If you have to leave a message, ask them to CALL you back.  Just 5 minutes every day in a real conversation will make you feel more connected to the REAL world. It won’t just make you feel better, but also the friend will feel more secure in your relationship.
5. Invest in stationary and handwritten notes.  Have the notecard and envelope available along with a stamp and write the note following a telephone call or immediately following a person-to-person meeting.  It is the personal touches that make others feel secure in our relationships; it also makes us more secure in ourselves and what we are doing to makes a difference. It is quick, it is easy and it makes us feel good.

This is not an easy task and even harder to keep doing.  I must admit, I more often than not find it hard to follow what I have written.  I do know that when I do follow these 5 goals, I feel better about myself. Other people’s lives seem to change also. Try it for 90 days along with saying 5 positive things for every one negative thing and let me know if it worked for you? We can meet for coffee to talk about it.

See you at 5am.

Statement – Question – Repeat – I have often been asked by sales professionals and associates “How I can be a better communicator?”  As a trained listener, I have sat in on many presentations and meetings.  Often, I suggest speakers to use a voice recorder during their next meeting or presentation. I tell them to go back and listen to what they said and how they presented their thoughts.  One person that did this noticed that he talked for 18 minutes. He did not pause. He did not ask one question.  After listening to the recording, he asked his team what they heard him say. Many said, “I don’t know what he’s talking about.” I never know what he is talking about.”  I seriously doubt that, but I don’t blame them for saying it.

 As human beings we can be uncomfortable with conflict or confrontation. Despite the temptation to avoid a conversation that raises defenses, coaches/leaders need to guide player(s)/partners through it. It is both unkind and irresponsible not to.

 
It takes a leader to do it well.  To conduct conversations as a leader would, it is your job to invite the other person(s) into the conversation, keep their feeling fences down, and create a space for them to see how they are accountable and show you are on his or her side at the same time.  How can you achieve this?

Get it all out.  Handle your Frustration before the conversation begins. Write down what you need to be understood. Use others to vent.  It is best to find someone you trust and understands the frustration that angers you and may have allowed frustrations to boil over. Does this before you get in front of the player(s)/partners.

Keep your part brief.  Practice what you are going to say. A good rule is to speak 2 sentences and 1 question. Look for feedback and response from your audience.  Did what I just say get a positive body language reaction? (Trunk of body leaning towards you, good eye contact and shoulders relaxed)   Are the players being attentive?  Did what I just say make them nervous or are their body movements becoming closed? (arm crossed, eyes upward and heavier breathing from nose)  The more you talk, the more player(s)/partner(s) will build up objections and fear they are being criticized.

Get them talking as quickly as possible.  A good rule is 5 positive comments and 1 constructive criticism.  Example – Team 1 has seen us do so much better in the past. I am not sure what happened but we need to talk about some things I noticed.  Over matched?  Look, we will face better players all the time but as a group we will learn from these types of games. What are some of the ways we can be better prepared next time for such a game?  You all need to trust your abilities, you are better than you think!  Stay positive and look for ways to take advantage of mistakes.  The more airtime you use, the less likely you’ll uncover what is going on in the player(s)/partner(s) head that you need to address.

Talk, listen, and repeat.  If you wrote out your thoughts, refer to them but do not read from them like a script.  Don’t allow yourself to become derailed.  Ask questions building on their responses, but stay on topic. If asked a question that you will cover from the list, tell the person asking “I will be addressing that in this conversation.”  If it is a new idea, say that is a good observation that I will look into and address at another time, but not today.  Mirror the questions and repeat both ways. Ask someone to tell you what they think the question was?  And reflect on the answers.  Remember, you are to lead the discussion, do not allow someone to derail the conversation. Allow them to realize your frustration without any anger or being confrontational.  Allow them to examine their own thinking and behavior that is causing them problems.

W.A.R. Willingness to accept responsibility for our actions. Ability to make changes and be open to change the way we manage others. Respect the feelings of others, our own feelings and our ethics and morals. Never story tell or exaggerate the facts, you will only lose your ability to lead if you are false.  Admit mistakes made and recheck and research facts.  If you discover a mistake, correct it before someone else corrects it for you. The player(s)/partner(s) should be enlightened, encouraged and realize everyone is able to improve.  If I do not learn one new thing every day, I have wasted that day.  I have learned never to waste a day.

Lead by Example.  Be on time, be brief and organized. Set aside anger and frustrations.  Be open to change and inspiring to others. Leaders lead, followers follow. Allow for others to promote your message.  If the majority agrees, change will occur.  If you do not see a change, finds another delivery system and approach.  Believe and you will be successful.

Donn Parris – Owner of Draft Prospectus, is a speaker, coach, trainer and consultant specializing in creating parent-child, coach-player communication breakthroughs and functional and positive cultures. www.mydraftprepnow.com Twitter @draftprospectus

The fact is that most of those promising 6 year olds decide that their interests are in a whole different direction-music, cars, computers, drama or chorus.  

But my kid has “it” and he loves the game, so he is different.  Right? 

Yes!  Kids that grow up loving the game and showing it respect, plus having the talent, could possibly get drafted or a scholarship to a university or college.  That is when many families are forced to make decisions that will shape the lives of not just the child but the whole relationship between the parents and their son(s). Yes, some families are so blessed they get to make this decision more than once!

Colleges come knocking and so many parents get so excited that a college is offering assistance in the form of a scholarship they jump at any offer, especially if the offer is from a university that has a good reputation for both education and baseball.  But will it be a good fit for your son?

Then there are the scouts of Professional Baseball.  That first call is made and so often it is Mom that gets that call.

 Scout – Hello my name is Dan and I represent <insert favorite baseball team here>  is Jimmy home?

Mom – Excuse me, did you say you represent <favorite team>?

Scout – Yes, that is correct.  May I speak with Jimmy?

Mom – <Insert scream>  Jimmy phone! (Mom immediately begins texting Dad and updating all social media sites of the call.)

After what is sometimes a very lengthy conversation between the scout and player on the telephone, it is announced that the scout would like to come to see him play the next time the scout is in the area.