Experts’ Guesses on the Braves Draft

MLB.com’s mock draft suggests RHP Erick Fedde (UNLV).  This is surprising to me since he’s already a Tommy John surgery victim… and that just last month.  6’4″, 180 lbs., RHP.  Louisville Slugger All-American; Golden Spikes award mid-season watch list.  Was also on a state championship soccer team in high school (yeah, it’s Nevada, but still – at least he’s doing something other than just baseball… but he still hurt his arm).

MY TAKE:  No.  Not here.  Since this is the best pick Atlanta has, they don’t want to waste it (and $1.7m of their $4.55m bonus pool) on a guy who they think will be healthy in a year – particularly an older (college) prospect who will have one shot.  They did this last year with Jason Hursh, though in his case, his rehab/recovery period was done by the time Atlanta came calling.

Conclusion:  If he’s still around in the second round, then maybe.