Making a list...checking it twice.

[RudyLawRules]

As we sink further towards the bottom of the overall standings, we better start brushing up on some of these names for the future.

 

Two California preps at top '08 draft class

 

By Keith Law

Scouts Inc.

 

It's never too early to look ahead to the next First-Year Player Draft; USA Baseball's national team, comprising college players, starts its schedule the week of June 18, the same week that the junior national team holds its Tournament of Stars for high school players in North Carolina.

 

Here's a quick look at 20 players who, right now, have a good chance to go in the first round next year. For college players, I've included their information from the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, including the drafting team and the round.

 

Class of 2008: Top 20 prospects

 

NO. NAME POS. SCHOOL '05 DRAFT POS.

1. Isaac Galloway OF Los Osos HS, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. Ineligible

2. Aaron Hicks OF Wilson HS, Long Beach, Calif. Ineligible

3. Justin Smoak 1B University of South Carolina Oakland, 16th

4. Brian Matusz LHP University of San Diego Anaheim, 4th

5. Pedro Alvarez 3B Vanderbilt Boston, 11th

6. Brett Wallace 1B Arizona State Undrafted

7. Eric Hosmer 1B American Heritage HS, Plantation, Fla. Ineligible

8. Lance Lynn RHP University of Mississippi Seattle, 6th

9. Daniel Webb RHP Heath HS, W. Paducah, Ky. Ineligible

10. Yonder Alonso 1B University of Miami (Fla.) Minnesota, 15th

11. Brett DeVall LHP Rutherford HS, Panama City, Fla. Ineligible

12. Cody Satterwhite RHP University of Mississippi Cleveland, 37th

13. Brandon Crawford SS UCLA Undrafted

14. Ethan Martin 3B Stephens County HS, Toccoa, Ga. Ineligible

15. James Darnell RF/3B University of South Carolina Undrafted

16. Jemile Weeks 2B University of Miami (Fla.) Milwaukee, 8th

17. Harold Martinez SS/3B Braddock HS, Miami, Fla. Ineligible

18. Tyson Ross RHP University of California Undrafted

19. Jacob Thompson RHP University of Virginia Undrafted

20. Jordan Danks OF University of Texas White Sox, 19th

[fathom]

#20 scares me so much. I heard bad reports on his performance for Team USA.