[Cannon Shell]

Chicago Cubs

Draft Philosophy: A surprisingly college-centric approach for Tim Wilken, who in past years has focused more on upside and ceiling.

First Pick: Andrew Cashner, RHP, Texas Christian (19th overall)
How High He Could Have Gone: As expected, Cashner was the first college closer selected; one rumor had him going as high as No. 15 to the Dodgers.
Path To The Big Leagues: Early indications have the Cubs moving Cashner back to starter, which could be a risky proposition. If he can bring his stuff to the rotation, he’s a monster, but at the same time he was a starter throughout his career before moving to closer this season, and before that move he was no more than a marginal prospect.

Rest of the First Day:
1. Ryan Flaherty, SS, Vanderbilt: Has great fundamentals and decent tools; maybe a bigger version of Ryan Theriot?
2. Aaron Shafer, RHP, Wichita State: Big-bodied righty who excels at throwing strikes and getting groundballs.
3. Chris Carpenter, RHP, Kent State: First-round arm strength, but he already has two elbow operations in his past.
4. Matt Cerda, SS, Oceanside HS (CA): A monster makeup kid who draws David Eckstein comps.
5. Justin Bristow, RHP, East Carolina: Average stuff, but excellent athlete with some projection.
6. Josh Harrison, 2B, Cincinnati: Monster numbers this year, but nobody likes the tools much.

Best Second-Day Selections:
7. Luis Flores, C, Oklahoma State: Great defender, can’t hit, but draws a lot of walks–-similar to the Jays' Brian Jeroloman.
9. Jay Jackson, RHP, Furman: Athletic and smooth with good sinker.
11. Toby Matchulat, RHP, Wabash Valley JC (IL): Tall and skinny with a lot of projection, and can already spin a good breaking ball.