Now that the exciting action of MLB's amateur draft has completed it's first round, it's time to take a look at our country's next millionaires. Here's a quick glance at the first round selections by the teams of the AL Central.Kansas City Royals (3) Eric Hosmer, 1B, American Heritage (Fla) H.S.: Picking this early in the draft is nothing new for the Royals, as they've had a top six pick in six of the last seven drafts. They've spent a lot of those picks on position players, as they've only chosen one pitcher (Luke Hochevar) with their first pick in the last four years. Well, considering that the Royals currently have the lowest scoring offense in baseball, and have hit the least amount of home runs, it's no shock that they went after a player with a lot of power in his bat. It's been said the left-handed hitting Hosmer has more raw power than any other player taken in the first round, and he can use that power to go to the opposite field just as easily as pulling the ball. Some wonder if he'll be a first baseman in the Majors, though, as he does have a very strong throwing arm, and may eventually be moved to the outfield.
Chicago White Sox (8) Gordon Beckham, SS, Georgia: After all the trades Kenny Williams has made the last few seasons, the White Sox farm system has been left pretty bare, especially in the middle infield. That's why the Sox had to be ecstatic when Beckham fell to them at the 8th spot. Beckham can play both shortstop and second, though he'll probably stay at short, and he can swing the bat as well. He hit .307/.505/.781 for the Bulldogs this season, and according to ESPN's Keith Law, he'll be the best prospect in the White Sox organization the second he signs his contract. Considering that Orlando Cabrera doesn't plan on sticking around in Chicago after this season, and the team is never happy with Juan Uribe, it may not be very long before White Sox fans see Beckham at U.S. Cellular Field.
Minnesota Twins (14) Aaron Hicks, RHP/RF, Wilson (Ca.) H.S.: Though Hicks has enough talent on the mound and at the plate to warrant a first round selection at either position, the Twins drafted him with every intention of playing him in the outfield. As far as baseball tools go, there weren't many players in this draft better than Hicks, as the kid has been called the best pitcher/outfielder in the L.A. area since Darryl Strawberry. Hopefully he doesn't have the same coke habit. Still, despite all of Aaron's ability, he still has a lot to learn and the Twins will probably be playing in their new stadium before the home town fans get a chance to see him.
Detroit Tigers (21) Ryan Perry, RHP, Arizona: Now the Tigers have their share of problems this season, but nobody is expecting the offense to be so horrible all season. No, the Tigers biggest problem the last few seasons has been their bullpen, and they made a big step towards improving it on Thursday. Before you know it, Tigers fans may be saying goodbye to Todd Jones' 88 MPH fastballs, and saying hello to the 100 MPH heat of Ryan Perry. The Wildcats tried to turn Perry into a starter, but closing is what this kid does best, and it's what he'll likely be doing for the Tigers. He may be in the bullpen in time for September call-ups.
Minnesota Twins (27) Carlos Gutierrez, RHP, Miami (Fla.): The Twins can thank the Angels for this pick, as they got their second pick of the first round as a result of Torii Hunter signing with L.A. this offseason. After taking a position player with their first pick, the Twins went with pitching in the second. Gutierrez is a closer with a 94 MPH fastball, but a concern is that he doesn't have another pitch. No breaking ball, no changeup, no spitter, no nothing. Still, given the Twins history with developing pitchers in the minors, I don't think they'll have that much of a problem teaching him some new pitches. At the same time, I'm not sure I'm taking a one-pitch pitcher in the first round.
Cleveland Indians (29) Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B, Pitt CC (SC): Of all the first round picks in the AL Central this draft, Lonnie Chisenhall has by far the best name of any of the selections. I just enjoy saying it. Unfortunately, from everything I've read on him (sorry, but I stopped buying season tickets to Pitt Community College baseball games in 1998), that's about the only nice thing I can say about him. The reports I read are that his bat could be decent, but he'll never be a power hitter, which is generally what you'd like in a third baseman. Fortunately, Lonnie isn't considered that great of a third baseman, so he may not be there very long. Just where Cleveland will use him, nobody is sure just yet.
