We're two weeks away from the draft, and the pieces are starting to fall in place. We're learning more about who is rising, who is falling, who is likely to attend college, who is signable, and who is not. Stephen Drew and Jered Weaver remain unsigned, although there are rumblings that both of them will sign before they are eligible to re-enter the draft. Some of the biggest risers include prep outfielder Jay Bruce, prep infielder/outfielder C.J. Henry, college outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and college righty Cesar Carrillo. The most notable players falling include two talented prep two-way players in Sean O'Sullivan and Zach Putnam. We're also hearing more and more about which teams are likely to select which players. The Diamondbacks sound like a lock to take Justin Upton #1 overall, which makes sense since Upton has been the #1 prospect for this year's draft since Justin's older brother B.J. was drafted second overall in 2002. There are rumors that the Royals may go cheap, with possible pre-draft deals involving Cliff Pennington or Cesar Carrillo. The Royals have done their best to dispel those rumors, which may point that they are indeed intent on drafting Alex Gordon. The Mariners are ready to take Upton or Gordon should one fall to them, otherwise they reportedly have fallen in love with Troy Tulowitzki. Ryan Zimmerman is the most popular name bounced around in conjunction with the Nationals. Which leaves Cameron Maybin the most likely choice for the Milwaukee Brewers, and it really is a perfect match given Jack Zduriencik's track record and insistence on taking the best player available with a specific interest on high-potential, multi-tooled players. The Brewers reportedly are willing and able to take either Upton or Gordon should one of them fall (although it's unlikely either one of them does), while they're also keeping their eyes on Troy Tulowitzki, Ryan Zimmerman, Ricky Romero, Ryan Braun, Jay Bruce and Maybin. While the first round seems to be falling in place, the Brewers don't have a 2nd round pick after signing Damian Miller this offseason, so that leaves us to projecting the team's 3rd round pick. Of course, that is an impossible task, but looking at the team's drafting history, keep an eye on Rio Hondo JC RHP Kenny Maiques, prep catcher Charlie Cutler, prep lefty Travis Wood, prep third baseman Josh Bell and prep outfielder Diallo Fon. Also given the Brewers interest in Canadians, especially as visa issues are expected to persist, keep an eye on college catcher Chris Robinson along with prep players RHP Ivan Rusova, SS Marcel Champagnie and 1B Nick Weglarz. Since family ties are always a big part of baseball, Dana Eveland's little brother Kyle and Rickie Weeks' little brother Jemile, a pair of prep infielders, are two more players to watch.
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