Odds are the Reds go with a player up the middle on the defensive spectrum if they go with a positional player over a pitcher, that just seems to be where Buckley goes. I don’t think they would go catcher again, but pitcher or shortstop is where I think they may be leaning. With them not having a second round pick I think they will make their pick count and take the best guy on the board. Who that is yet, I don’t know but if its a pitcher, bet your bottom dollar it will be a tall right hander.

We have a great opportunity to nab a potential star with this early round pick. My philosophy is to take the best player available although I must admit that I prefer the safety of hitters to pitchers. The following are some players I am considering:

Alonso, and Smoak – Both have potential impact bats that are close to the majors but are potentially blocked down the road by Votto. Should this impact our rankings?
Hosmer – High upside but a high school bat will take time to develop. Is he worth the wait?
Gordon Beckham – Beckham has leaped up the draft charts with his outstanding season. Appears to have the ability to stay at short. Could be the future starting shortstop the Reds.
Friedrich, Hunt, Melville, and Scheppers – I think a team can never have enough pitching but I would really need to be sold on a guy to take him this early. Who does everyone think is the best available arm if Crow and Matusz are off the table?