It really is a matter of opinion on who is the BPA at this point so BPA could be anyone. In my opinion, its either Ethan Martin, Christian Friedrich or Joshua Fields.
Looking at the Brewers organization, they are getting ready to enter into a successful run for the playoffs that could last around 5 years. I think a college player, specifically a pitcher, would be a great pickup for the Brewers system so that they can get to the big leagues quicker to help with that playoff run. A guy like Josh Fields might be ideal. The Brewers have a horrible back of the bullpen and Fields could really help that out and he could help out pretty soon. Not only would he be a great fit, but he would be very close to BPA on many team’s boards.
Christian Friedrich would be another guy that could move through a farm system quickly and he projects to be at least a #3 starter. A good starter is a huge need for their farm system and like Fields, Friedrich is very close to being BPA.

Tough call, but I’m going with Fields here. I think the Brewers will be able to get a middle of the rotation starter later on in the draft as they have 6 picks in the first 62. There’s a chance a guy like Lance Lynn falls to them at 31 because his velocity has been down this spring. They could also pick up a guy like Tyson Ross(doubtful), Zach Putnam, Tim Murphy, Michael Pallazone or maybe Brett DeVall in the supplemental 1st round.

Honestly, if you want this to be realistic, the Dodgers are not going to pick Gerrit Cole due to the Boras factor.

If there is anything I am certain about, this is it. You should probably change it to the next highest voted.

How can Ike Davis or Brett Wallace not even be mentioned in the current best players available?

I gotta go Fields here. Hes returned to form from his Sophomore year, and i think the change from a slider (06) to 12-6 curve (08) projects as being a better pitch and will be better for his health.

Seriously, do you really feel good wit Eric Gagne holding down the end of the game?

but keep in mind I am a Bulldawgs NUT.

But it makes sense even from an unbiased angle. As far as best player available he is certainly the most talented, or as talented as anyone here, but his role might bring down his value. The Brewers though could really use someone in this role and though usually you never want to consider MLB team need with a pick college closers might be the one exception.. though you shouldn’t ever just assume they WILL be ready in 2-10 months.

Just gotta say it once more though…
Josh you are the FKKING MAN! Thanks for coming back for one more year, even if that meant I won’t ever see you in the Braves uni I had hoped for

So Trevor Holder, a nice draft prospect himself, goes seven decent innings vs Florida and leaves with a 7-4 lead. Alex McRee, a very good 08 prospect and usually a dynamite setup man, gets one out in the 8th but also gives up a walk and a hit. With a catcher’s interferece thrown in there that loads the bases, puts the tying man on and brings the winning run up in the 8th.
Georgia brings in Fields for the multi inning save and he strikes out EVERY DAMN MAN HE FACES! Five of em, with the game on the line! The #s 4,5,6,7 and 8 hitters! He Kd the #4 and #5 hitters w/ the bases loaded
Not to be a fanboy or nothing but the kid is MONEY!
42 Ks now in 22+ IP. 11 BBs is a bit much, and part of what hurt him last year, but when you’re only giving up 5 hits and 0 ERs in 22+ innings I’ll live w it.

Gordon Beckham 3-3 with 2 doubles, 2 runs, an RBI and a steal… oh, and a walk of course – every team is walking Beckham these days even though the kid behind him is hitting .371 w 9 HR… though that kid has 2 more walks than even Beckham.

What hurt Fields last year was the inability to throw a breaking pitch for a punchout. Last year he was transitioning from a hard slider to a big 12-6 curve. I think he racked up a ton of innings at the end of 06 too, the cape league added a ton of innings, and Perno probably gave him too much work that fall trying to tweak a few things.

What we see now is a guy who is locating the overwhelming 95-98 MPH fastball well, and when he is missing hes missing away from danger. The other difference is that his curve is a plus pitch now, and it is a strikeout pitch (similar to the hard slider he featured in his sophomore All-American year of 2006), and not the developing curve it was last year in 07.

Some people are worried about taking closers first round ,but i think when proper focus is put on the scouting of the closers, it can be good for the team. We saw Huston Street and Chad Cordero a few years ago. Ryan Wagner came that same year and was great until Cincinatti ruined him. Where you need to be careful is rushing him TOO much (ala Boston and Atlanta the next year in taking Devine and Hansen and not giving them enough time in hte minors). The Braves have to be kicking themselves right now for not offering the extra 150 K to Fields in the 2nd round last year