The ATL Thread 6/8: Draft Day Edition (and the return of the Uptons and Kimbrel)

Arguably the biggest day of the year so far for the Braves. The Braves hold five picks this evening (14, 28, 41, 54, 75), which is the most of any team in baseball. The Braves will have a $10,684,100 pool for the draft, which is the 4th most of any team in baseball.

All 75 picks this evening will be aired live on MLB Network beginning at 7 PM ET.



MOCK DRAFTS

FanGraphs
14. Cornelius Randolph, 3b, Griffin HS, Griffin, Ga.

NOTES: Sources say Randolph is in play at 10, 14, 21 and 28. Braves would prefer him at 28 but Royals would take him at 21 so Braves will select him here.

28. Ke'Bryan Hayes, 3b, Concordia Lutheran HS, Tomball, Texas

41. Jake Woodford, rhp, Plant HS, Tampa/Jalen Miller, ss, Riverwood HS, Atlanta


Baseball America
14. Ashe Russell, rhp, Cathedral Catholic HS, Indianapolis

NOTES: Sources indicate Braves will not select a prep catcher (Stephenson) with first pick. Prep arm is expected to be the play here and Brady Aiken is as much in play for Braves as anyone with such a large bonus pool.

28. Tristan Beck, rhp, Corona HS, Corona, Calif.


John Sickels
14. Mike Nikorak, rhp, Stroudsburg HS, Stroudsburg, Pa.

NOTES: Another high ceiling prep arm projection here.

28. Donny Everett, rhp, Clarksville HS, Clarksville, Tenn.

41. Ke'Bryan Hayes, 3b, Concordia Lutheran HS, Tomball, Texas


USA Today
14. Cornelius Randolph, 3b, Griffin HS, Griffin, Ga.

NOTES: Best Georgia prep player left on board

28. Dakota Chalmers, rhp, North Forsyth HS, Cumming, Ga.


MLB.com
14. Cornelius Randolph, 3b, Griffin HS, Griffin, Ga.

NOTES: Braves have done tons of prep work on HS arms but will go with best prep hitter/GA prospect on board in Randolph. Kolby Allard getting a lot of buzz as well.

28. Ashe Russell, rhp, Cathedral Catholic HS, Indianapolis (Callis)/Dakota Chalmers, rhp, North Forsyth HS, Cumming, Ga. (Mayo)



Melvin Upton is also being activated tonight and will make his Padres debut against the Braves. Justin Upton and Craig Kimbrel also return to Atlanta.