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Phillies Draft: ESPN’s Keith Law Releases New Mock Draft

By George Stockburger

Jun 15, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators pitcher A.J. Puk (10) started the game against the Virginia Cavaliers in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators pitcher A.J. Puk (10) started the game against the Virginia Cavaliers in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Major League Baseball Amateur Draft is less than two weeks away and the Philadelphia Phillies are still reportedly struggling with who to take with the first overall pick.

ESPN Senior Writer and Baseball Insider Keith Law reiterated a similar sense in his Mock Draft 2.0, which was released on ESPN’s website Saturday morning.

It appears the first round will be a big mystery according to many baseball executives Law talked to. A jumbled first round could also mean a prized player falls to the Phillies at the top of the second round.

In his first mock draft put out 10 days ago, Law predicted the Phillies would take Florida left hander A.J. Puk. Here’s what he said about Puk earlier this month.

"Puk threw well Saturday with a ton of heat in the house, including three folks from the Phillies, at least two each from Atlanta and Colorado, and the scouting director for the Reds. The Phillies’ mix is still pretty broad, which reflects the lack of consensus around the top talents in the class, with Puk, Kyle Lewis, Corey Ray, Mickey Moniak and Blake Rutherford forming their current decision set."

The Phillies could continue to add very good, young pitching to their stash of minor league prospects, or they could add a power bat for the corner outfield.

Despite the questions surrounding Puk, including him being pulled from a start with reported back spasms, there was no change in Keith Law’s Mock Draft 2.0.

The baseball insider kept A.J. Puk at the number one overall pick for your Philadelphia Phillies.

"I think it’s more likely Puk than the field at this point. The Phillies have kept their short list at five names, doing their due diligence on Puk, Kyle Lewis, Corey Ray, Blake Rutherford and Mickey Moniak, but I’d bet more heavily on Puk now than I would have in the last mock."

Those who are ESPN Insiders can read the rest of Keith Law’s MLB Mock Draft 2.0 here.

Puk has always been towards the top of baseball draft boards along with local kid Jason Groome and outfielder Kyle Lewis. Puk was previously drafted in high school in the 35th round by the Detroit Tigers, but opted to attend Florida.

That decision to attend college appears to have been an excellent one for Puk. In three years at Florida he has a record of 16-9 with a 3.38 ERA. He has shown good command of the strike zone, as he’s gotten 238 batters to strike out and only walking 84 and allowing only 19 home runs.

That Ball’s Outta Here will keep you up to date with all the rumblings surrounding the Phillies first overall pick in the June 9th draft.

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