[Cannon Shell]

Minnesota Twins

Draft Philosophy: Follow the Twins' traditional template by taking toolsy athletes for position players, and polished strike-throwers (preferably with a sinker) on the mound.

First Pick: Aaron Hicks, OF, Wilson HS (CA) (14th overall)
How High He Could Have Gone: Believe it or not, he was very high on the Athletics' board for the 12th overall selection–-but as a pitcher.
Path To The Big Leagues: There’s no need to worry about a clear path for now, as while Hicks is a human toolshed, he’s also a raw product who could take a one-level-at-a-time trip to the majors and not be ready until 2012 or later.

Rest of the First Day:
1. Carlos Gutierrez, RHP, Miami: Nowhere near this high on other teams' boards, the Hurricanes closer will bring his outstanding sinker to a starting role once he turns pro.
1. Shooter Hunt, RHP, Tulane: At one point talked about as a top 10 pick, Hunt’s late-season slide coincided with command problems and some concerns about his workload and shoulder soreness.
2. Tyler Ladendorf, SS, Howard JC (TX): One of the few players in the draft with speed and true shortstop skills, it was a mild surprise he was still around at pick number 60.
3. Bob Lanigan, RHP, Adelphi: There's a mismatch of body and stuff, as Lanigan is a big guy who is better known for his ability to throw downhill and fill up the strike zone.
4. Danny Ortiz, OF, Harrison HS (PR): Bat speed and foot speed are his main two calling cards.
5. Nick Romero, 3B, San Diego State: A polished college product doesn’t blow anyone away, but drew one comparison to Corey Koskie.
6. B.J. Hermsen, RHP, West Deleware HS (IA): A massive right-hander draws wide variety of opinions from scouts. All agree at the very least that he’s a project.

Best Second-Day Selections:
8. Jeff Lanning, C, New Orleans: Big, meaty catcher with above-average pop but questionable defense.
11. Dom De la Osa, 2B, Vanderbilt: A down year for the Commodores hurt his stock, but he’s profiled as a nice offensive second baseman in the past.
18. Matt Nohelty, OF, Minnesota: A local product, he has plenty of athleticism and center field skills