Amateur draft coverage: The top picks | Recap

We outline some of the top players eligible for Tuesday's first-year player baseball draft (with position, school, height, weight and class):

BRIAN BOGUSEVIC

OF-LHP, Tulane, 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, Jr.

One of college baseball's top two-way players is the No. 2 pitcher and starting right fielder for top-ranked Green Wave. Some teams project him as pitcher in pros with a low-90s fastball along with a good slider and changeup; others think the speedy lefty with big-time power potential belongs in everyday lineup.

RYAN BRAUN

3B, Miami, 6-2, 200, Jr.

Offensive leader for Hurricanes rebounded nicely from strained ribcage that hampered him last season. Aggressive at the plate with quick hands, and hits to all fields. Golden Spikes Award finalist started college career at shortstop, but moved to third base and could switch to outfield in pros.

JAY BRUCE

OF, West Brook (Texas) H.S., 6-3, 195

One of top all-around talents in draft is regarded as five-tool player. Projects as possible 30-homer player in pros with strong arm and outstanding defensive instincts. Often compared to young Larry Walker, physically and talentwise.

CESAR CARRILLO

RHP, Miami, 6-3, 177, Jr.

Had 24-game undefeated streak -- fourth-longest in Division I history -- end last month, but he did enough to make scouts notice. Throws fastball in mid-90s late into games, and mixes it with above-average curveball and changeup. Has stuff and mental makeup to move quickly to majors.

JEFF CLEMENT

C, Southern California, 6-1, 210, Jr.

FANTASY FOCUS
By Eric Mack
Draft Day is a bigger deal in other sports, but remember the names SS-OF Justin Upton (Arizona, No. 1) and OF Cameron Maybin, 18, (Detroit, No. 10), who we consider the best long-term Fantasy prospects of this draft. How long? Well, the top college talents generally take three seasons before they hit the bigs. The top high schoolers -- those behind the five-tool talents of Upton and Maybin -- take four to five years. Upton, 17, like his brother B.J. (Devil Rays, Triple-A) did, is a sleeper to make the majors as a teenager (two years).
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Highly touted since he set national high school career home run record, and continued to show power-hitting prowess for Trojans with short, compact stroke. Golden Spikes finalist has become all-around hitter and defensive skills behind plate have improved dramatically in three years at USC.

ALEX GORDON

3B, Nebraska, 6-1, 210, Jr.

Undrafted out of high school, the two-time Big 12 player of year and Golden Spikes finalist is possible No. 1 overall pick. Best offensive college prospect in draft excites scouts with smooth left-handed swing. Sound defensive skills should allow him to stay at third base in pros.

CRAIG HANSEN

RHP, St. John's, 6-6, 210, Jr.

Big East pitcher of year is regarded as college baseball's top closer after setting school and conference records with 14 saves. Has overpowering fastball that routinely hits 95 mph and nasty breaking pitch to go along with aggressive approach on mound. Could reach majors as soon as this season.

C.J. HENRY

SS, Putnam City (Okla.) H.S., 6-3, 205

Son of former Kansas basketball player Carl Henry is also an outstanding hoops player, and made commitment to Jayhawks to join team as a walk-on. Scouts are convinced his future is in baseball. Has outstanding power to all fields and great speed on the bases.

LUKE HOCHEVAR

RHP, Tennessee, 6-5, 205, Jr.

Golden Spikes finalist could be one of the first pitchers selected. Was ace of Team USA staff last summer and won gold medal game against Japan. Has fastball that hits 96 mph and sits around 92-93, late-breaking slider and knee-buckling curve. Scouts are impressed by command and smooth mechanics.

CAMERON MAYBIN

OF, T.C. Roberson (N.C.) H.S., 6-3, 200

One of best all-around talents in draft has been most often compared to young Ken Griffey Jr. Two-time state player of year has tremendous bat speed and generates excellent power, and is a threat on the bases. Outstanding defensive center fielder doesn't let many balls drop in.

ANDREW McCUTCHEN

OF, Fort Meade (Fla.) H.S., 5-11, 175

Regarded as one of top pure hitters among high school players. Has strong, quick wrists and above-average speed. Coming off incredible senior season: .709 with 16 homers and 42 RBI. Terrific defensive center fielder.

MARK PAWELEK

LHP, Springville (Utah) H.S., 6-3, 190

Tall, lean hurler is state's career strikeouts leader and hadn't allowed earned run in 60 innings. Has smooth, loose delivery and has good command of four pitches. Will likely follow Bruce Hurst (Boston, 1976) as only Utah high school players to be first-rounders.

MIKE PELFREY

RHP, Wichita State, 6-7, 210, Jr.

Two-time Missouri Valley Conference pitcher of year could be best pitching prospect to come out of program that's produced Darren Dreifort, Tyler Green and Braden Looper -- all top 10 picks. Throws fastball that sits in mid-90s, power curve and solid changeup. Could be first college pitcher taken.

RICKY ROMERO

LHP, Cal State Fullerton, 6-1, 195, Jr.

Big West pitcher of the year has been dominant for defending College World Series champs and could be first left-hander taken in draft. Has smooth delivery and keeps hitters off balance with three major league-ready pitches. Scouts love his intensity on mound and envision him as potential No. 1 or No. 2 starter in pros.

MATT TORRA

RHP, Massachusetts, 6-3, 225, Jr.

Atlantic 10 pitcher of the year established himself as a prospect with terrific season for Minutemen: 6-3 with 1.14 ERA, 111 strikeouts and just 16 walks. Has quick, loose arm with good command of a fastball that sits in low- to mid-90s late in games.

WADE TOWNSEND

RHP, Rice, 6-4, 225

Drafted last year by Baltimore with No. 8 pick, but turned down offer of $1.85 million and returned to school. Last season's WAC pitcher of year renounced college eligibility to continue contract negotiations, but Orioles lost rights once he attended classes. Has been working out for scouts and shown fastball in low-90s and good breaking ball. Because of competitive demeanor, is being looked at as potential closer at next level but has stuff to start.

TROY TULOWITZKI

SS, Long Beach State, 6-3, 205, Jr.

Successor to Bobby Crosby at shortstop for the 49ers whose physical makeup and tools are most often compared to last season's AL Rookie of Year, but he is considered even better all-around athlete. Has excellent bat speed, is aggressive at the plate and hits with power to all fields. Terrific defensive player with strong arm completely recovered from broken bone in hand early in season.

JUSTIN UPTON

SS, Great Bridge (Va.) H.S., 6-1, 195

Generally considered top position player in draft and could go No. 1 overall to Arizona. Rated by Baseball America as best all-around athlete, five-tool talent, pure hitter, defensive player and fastest baserunner among high school prospects. Has also played some third base and could move to center field in pros. Could join brother B.J. -- No. 2 overall pick by Tampa Bay in 2002 -- as highest-drafted set of siblings.

CHRIS VOLSTAD

RHP, Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.) H.S., 6-7, 190

Lanky righty has outstanding command and explosive, lively fastball that sits in low-90s. Throws sharp curve and equally deceptive changeup. Took loss after rough outing in state Class 6A semifinals, but should maintain first-round status.

RYAN ZIMMERMAN

3B, Virginia, 6-2, 210, Jr.

Hit machine for Cavaliers also set Team USA record with .468 batting average last summer. Has gap-type power with smooth line drive stroke, and rarely strikes out. Tremendous defensive player with above-average arm, range and fielding skills - described as future Gold Glover by scouts.