We're getting pretty close to the draft, and it will be an unusual one for the Tribe in that they have FA'd themselves out of their second, third and fourth round picks. The only reason they retained their first round pick is because the top 15 are protected. Hence, we still get a pretty good pick at #13.

Given that scenario, they will be effectively betting more on that sole high pick than in previous years, as they not be able to spread any risk around until later rounds. The trend in recent drafts for Mirabelli is to go safe anyhow, but I truly hope that's not the case this year, and the fact that Jason Davis was traded for a raw yet high-ceiling 18 yr old may be an indication that the brass have decided they have enough mid range talent thruout the system, and that the time has come to take a few bigger swings with younger talent.

This draft actually sets up pretty well for that, as the college ranks are pretty thin, while there is a good pool of high end prep prospects that should be available from picks 10-20. My initial reflex is to go with a big righthanded arm, which is well represented in the prep ranks. In fact, I believe the BA mock draft has us taking Blake Beaven, a big powerful righty who is their amateur player of the year for '06, but there are others who will likely be available as well, including Michael Main, Matt Harvey and Phillipe Aumont, who are all upper 90's studs.

However, the one guy I hope falls to us is Justin Heyward, a 6'4 OF from Georgia who has perhaps the highest ceiling in the draft for being a middle of the order run producer. He is known for a combo of huge raw power and patience at the plate, and is at least avg in all other tools. He's my pick at #13. If he's already taken, I'd go with one of the big prep righties.

Thoughts? Predictions?