No. 1, Florida: Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Eastlake High School, Chula Vista, Calif.
Of note: The Marlins worked out a pre-draft deal with this sweet-swinging first baseman. He was not regarded as the best talent in the draft by most clubs, but that doesn't mean he isn't a good prospect. He is.
Strengths: Outstanding swing. Makes contact. Possibly the best for-average hitter in the draft. Also excellent with the glove. Scouts like his makeup and work ethic.
Weaknesses: Some questions exist about how much power he will develop.

No. 2, Minnesota: Adam Johnson, RHP, Cal State Fullerton
Of note: The Twins were strongly considering Matt Harrington, but were unsure they could meet his bonus demands. They opted instead for Johnson, a polished college pitcher who should help quickly.
Strengths: Throws a 92-mph sinker and hard slider. Intelligent, strong, knows how to pitch. Should move through the minors quickly.
Weaknesses: May not get much better than he already is. Projects as a solid major league pitcher, but not an ace.

No. 3, Chicago Cubs: Luis Montanez, SS, Coral Park HS, Miami, Fla.
Of note: The Cubs continue their efforts to rebuild their farm system by drafting young, athletic players. Montanez fits right in with that philosophy.
Strengths: Strong defensive player with quick hands, good range and a strong arm. Should develop into a good offensive player as well due to excellent bat speed. Scouts project 20-homer power.
Weaknesses: Doesn't run particularly well. Compared by scouts to Alex Gonzalez of Toronto, who hasn't developed into the star that many expected.

No. 4, Kansas City: Mike Stodolka, LHP, Centennial HS, Corona, Calif.
Of note: The Royals have concentrated on pitching in recent drafts and continued that trend with this solid first-round pick.
Strengths: Timed fastball as high as 93 mph, though 90 is more the norm. Also has a good curve and fine mechanics. An outstanding athlete, he is also a good hitter, though it is his pitching that will get him to the majors.
Weaknesses: Still working on his changeup. Turns 19 in September, making him a bit older than other high schoolers in his class.

No. 5, Montreal: Justin Wayne, RHP, Stanford
Of note: The Expos have made controversial first-round picks in recent drafts, but they picked a good one this time in Wayne, a native of Hawaii and Stanford's ace.
Strengths: Extremely intelligent, throws his fastball, slider and changeup for strikes. Durable in college. Adept at attacking hitters, he should move quickly through the minors.
Weaknesses: Can hit 91 mph, but is usually closer to 88. Lack of big-time fastball makes some scouts wonder how good he really will be.

No. 6, Tampa Bay: Rocco Baldelli, OF, Bishop Hendricken HS, Warwick, R.I.
Of note: He hasn't played a lot of baseball, but Baldelli's extraordinary athletic ability makes scouts drool. The Devil Rays were originally interested in a college pitcher, but they felt they couldn't pass up on Baldelli. This is a major disappointment for the Red Sox, who like to snatch up New Englanders.
Strengths: Extremely fast, strong, projects power with his 6-foot-4, 180-pound frame. Also has a good mind to go with his body.
Weaknesses: Limited baseball experience. Could be great, could be mediocre, could be a bust.

No. 7, Colorado: Matt Harrington, RHP, Palmdale HS, Palmdale, Calif.
Of note: Considered by most the best player in the draft, Harrington was expected to go second overall to Minnesota, but his desire for Josh Beckett money may have scared off the Twins. The Rockies will take a shot at signing him, and hope that he can handle Coors Field.
Strengths: Everything you want in a young pitcher. Throws 97 mph, has decent breaking stuff, is projectable for his age, and intelligent. Also throws strikes.
Weaknesses: Nothing major. His breaking pitch is inconsistent, but that will improve with time. The main problem for him will be the thin Colorado air. If he were my kid, I'd tell him to take his scholarship to Arizona State and look for another elite draft slot in 2003.

No. 8, Detroit: Matt Wheatland, RHP, Rancho Bernardo HS, San Diego.
Of note: Looking to bolster their minor league pitching cadre, the Tigers pull the trigger on this top-notch San Diego area prep.
Strengths: Excellent body at 6-5, 200, with athletic ability. Throws 92-mph sinker that could get faster as he matures. Curve is a solid pitch.
Weaknesses: Needs to improve his changeup. Basically needs innings and experience. The Tigers don't have a good track record helping young pitchers develop; hopefully Wheatland will be an exception.

No. 9, San Diego: Mark Phillips, LHP, Hanover HS, Hanover, Pa.
Of note: The Padres continue their recent tradition of drafting high schoolers from Pennsylvania, hoping that Phillips will team with Ben Davis someday to make a Quaker State battery.
Strengths: Has a major league body and arm at 6-2, 195. Already throws 92-93 mph, with more velocity possible as he matures. Curveball has excellent rotation. The Marlins considered taking him with the first overall pick.
Weaknesses: Less experienced than high school pitchers from warmer states. This shows up in his mechanics, which can be erratic. On the other hand, it also means he hasn't been abused.

No. 10, Anaheim: Joe Torres, LHP, Gateway HS, Kissimmee, Fla.
Of note: Angels drafts are often indifferent, but many scouts like this young lefty and think he could be one of the best pitchers drafted this year.
Strengths: Live, wiry body. He's 6-2, 170 now, but could gain an inch or two and at least 20 pounds. Fastball in low 90s, but should get faster. Already has a major league curve.
Weaknesses: The Angels will have to be careful not to overload him until he reaches physical maturity. Velocity can be inconsistent.

No. 11, Milwaukee: Dave Krynzel, OF, Green Valley HS, Henderson, Nev.
Of note: This is the first player that seems truly out of place in the first half of the first round. Most teams did not rank him this highly.
Strengths: Fastest player in the draft is also a top-notch defensive outfielder. Line-drive bat. Played well late in the year after a poor start.
Weaknesses: His swing is inconsistent, and there are questions as to how well he will do against pro pitching.

No. 12, Chicago White Sox: Joe Borchard, OF, Stanford
Of note: In a draft relatively weak in college position players, Borchard stands out due to his athletic ability and power potential.
Strengths: Has all the tools. Switch-hitter with power, speed and good defensive skills, including a strong arm.
Weaknesses: Mainly questions about what he wants to do. Borchard is projected as Stanford's quarterback this fall, and he has given mixed signals about his intentions. The White Sox have a history of difficult contract negotiations, so it will be interesting to see how this turns out.

No. 13, St. Louis: Shaun Boyd, OF-SS, Vista HS, Oceanside, Calif.
Of note: The Cardinals often go with college players, and when they do go the high school route it is usually for a polished guy. Boyd fits that description.
Strengths: A fine athlete with good speed and power potential. Smooth swing, and should develop power as he matures. Runs the bases well, works hard and knows how to play.
Weaknesses: Used to be a shortstop, but erratic defense moved him to the outfield. Could move back to the infield if need be. Has to be bought away from UCLA.

No. 14, Baltimore: Beau Hale, RHP, University of Texas.
Of note: Hale was expected to go somewhere in the top six, especially after recent overpowering performances for Texas in the NCAA regionals. It's a bit of a mystery why he fell this far, but the Orioles have to be happy.
Strengths: Begin with a 93-96 mph fastball. Add good control, a slider, a changeup, and throw in a bulldog attitude.
Weaknesses: Erratic track record before this year. Slider could use some improvement. Some question about whether he will be a starter or reliever. Also had a heavy workload this year.

No. 15, Philadelphia: Chase Utley, 2B, UCLA.
Of note: Seeking an answer at second base, the Phillies picked Utley, a polished hitter who should move through their system quickly.
Strengths: Short, sharp stroke at the plate. Excellent pull power despite 6-foot size. Possibly the best pure hitter in the draft.
Weaknesses: Can be stubborn about trying to pull the ball. Defensive skills at second are average at best. He is often compared to Todd Walker, both offensively (good) and defensively (bad).

No. 16, New York Mets: Bill Traber, LHP, Loyola Marymount.
Of note: The Mets received this pick from the Mariners as compensation for the loss of John Olerud to free agency. Traber could pay quick dividends.
Strengths: Three-pitch starter with college experience. Fastball runs 88-91. Breaking pitch is decent. Uses superb splitter as a changeup, and knows how to pitch.
Weaknesses: Fastball is not overpowering. He is on the border between finesse and power, and pitchers like that sometimes struggle when they reach Double A.

No. 17, Los Angeles: Ben Diggins, RHP, Arizona.
Of note: Raw physical specimen compared to a young Dave Kingman. Not refined for a college product, however.
Strengths: 6-7, 240 body generates 95-mph heat with ease. Slider is potentially excellent as well. Also a prospect as a power hitter, but scouts want his arm on the mound.
Weaknesses: Raw. Very raw. His slider is erratic, and he doesn't change speeds well. When the Dodgers made him their pick, my first thought was "Bill Bene." Diggins has had more success at the college level then Bene did, but that isn't saying much.

No. 18, Toronto: Miguel Negron, OF, Manuela Toro HS, Caguas, Puerto Rico.
Of note: The Blue Jays drafted a raw Puerto Rican outfielder for a below-market value signing bonus last year, and pulled the same stunt this year.
Strengths: Good raw tools. Runs well and has power potential.
Weaknesses: Will need lots of development time. It is distasteful, in my view, for major league clubs to exploit players like this just to save a few bucks.

No. 19, Pittsburgh: Sean Burnett, LHP, Wellington HS, Wellington, Fla.
Of note: The Pirates love drafting high school players. While many of their draftees are raw talents, Burnett is very polished and could rise through the system quickly.
Strengths: Throws strikes with sinking 89-mph fastball. Command and control are excellent, and his changeup is already a major league pitch. Reminds most scouts of Tom Glavine.
Weaknesses: Was ranked higher at the beginning of the season, but inconsistent velocity dropped his stock a bit. Not physically imposing on the mound.

No. 20, Anaheim: Chris Bootcheck, RHP, Auburn.
Of note: Most observers thought that Bootcheck could go in the first 10 picks, but surprises up the draft dropped him down here. The Angels will gladly take him as a bookend and complement to Joe Torres.
Strengths: Scouts like his 6-5, 195 build. Throws 90-92 mph and should get faster. Owns a four-pitch arsenal, all of which should be major league average or better. Should move rapidly through the system.
Weaknesses: Although he pitched well in college, he didn't dominate much of the time. Some scouts also have questions about his makeup on the mound. If his velocity doesn't pick up just a notch, he may find the upper levels in the minors difficult.

No. 21, San Francisco: Boof Bonser, RHP, Gibbs HS, Pinellas Park, Fla.
Of note: Although Bonser has one of the best arms in the draft, few people expected him to go this early, due to concerns we will mention below. High-risk pick by the Giants.
Strengths: Throws 94-95 and could get faster with refinement. Curveball is also potentially above average. Mechanics are surprisingly good.
Weaknesses: Has trouble staying in shape and is a risk to eat himself into trouble. Not eligible to attend a Division I school due to poor scholastic performance. Was projected in the second or third round by most clubs.

No. 22, Boston: Phillip Dumatrait, LHP, Bakersfield JC.
Of note: Their dreams of getting Baldelli dashed, the Red Sox decided to go with Phil Dumatrait, a hard-throwing but somewhat raw junior college pitcher from California.
Strengths: Increased his velocity from 83 to 93 mph in one year. Breaking pitch also shows potential. Could be an overpowering lefty.
Weaknesses: Limited pitching experience. Wasn't drafted out of high school.

No. 23, Cincinnati: David Espinosa, SS, Gulliver Prep HS, Miami, Fla.
Of note: On pure talent alone, Espinosa deserved to go higher in the draft. But money counts too, these days.
Strengths: Across the board talent. Combines superb defensive skills with solid instincts at the plate and a quick bat. Runs well. Intelligent and understand baseball on many levels.
Weaknesses: Some people aren't sure he'll remain at shortstop. May not develop much home run power. His biggest problem in the eyes of many clubs is that Scott Boras is his agent.

No. 24, St. Louis: Blake Williams, RHP, Southwest Texas State.
Of note: The Cardinals, after drafting a high school outfielder early, return to their tradition of picking college talent.
Strengths: Highly advanced college pitcher. Throws 88-92. Curve has a nice break and he knows how to use his changeup. Pitched extremely well in outings against tough competition this year.
Weaknesses: Heavy workload this year leads to injury worries. Fastball is good, but not overpowering. May have already reached his ceiling.

No. 25, Texas: Scott Heard, C, Rancho Bernardo HS, San Diego.
Of note: One of the biggest surprises in the draft is Heard's fall down the charts. Just a week ago, the Marlins were considering picking him first overall.
Strengths: Outstanding defensive catcher, with a strong arm, quick release, good mobility and knowledge of how to call a game.
Weaknesses: Serious questions about his bat. He struggled in high school this year, undone by poor plate discipline. Although many are surprised that Heard fell this far, it reflects a growing awareness that high school catchers who have questionable bats are very risky investments.

No. 26, Cleveland: Corey Smith, SS, Piscataway HS, Piscataway, N.J.
Of note: The Indians were roundly criticized last year for drafting raw high school catcher Will Hartley with their first pick. Smith should be better, but you can bet questions will be asked.
Strengths: Strong power potential. Could be a superb home run hitter, or even an all-around force in the Gary Sheffield mode. Arm good enough for third base or shortstop.
Weaknesses: Performance this spring was erratic. Gained too much weight and lost the quickness needed to remain at shortstop. May end up in left or even first base eventually.

No. 27, Houston: Richard Stiehl, RHP, El Camino CC.
Of note: The Astros have quietly collected a bevy of hard throwers at the lower levels. Stiehl will fit right in.
Strengths: Former catcher has a 95-mph fastball. Breaking pitch also shows potential. Mechanics are pretty decent given his inexperience.
Weaknesses: May end up as a reliever if he has trouble changing speeds. Raw guys like this are always a risk, but sometimes pay off big. Think Troy Percival.

No. 28, New York Yankees: David Parrish, C, University of Michigan.
Of note: If Heard's slippage isn't the biggest surprise in the first round, this definitely is. Parrish has talent, but was regarded as a mid-round pick by most clubs.
Strengths: Resembles his father Lance. Has a strong arm and power potential. Catching skills have improved over the last year.
Weaknesses: His power may not carry to higher levels due to his long swing. He might develop into a lower-case version of his dad, but he could just as easily hit .220 in A-ball.

No. 29, Atlanta: Adam Wainwright, RHP, Glynn Academy, St. Simons Island, Ga.
Of note: The Braves love high school pitchers from the South. Here's another one.
Strengths: 6-7 size is intimidating. Timed as high as 93. Slider is also a potentially nasty pitch.
Weaknesses: History of minor elbow trouble. Minor elbow trouble can easily become major elbow trouble. Many teams had him pegged as a third-rounder, and the Braves may have overdrafted him to get a Georgia kid.

No. 30, Atlanta: Scott Thorman, P-3B, Preston HS, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
Of note: With their second consecutive pick, Atlanta took a two-way player from Canada. This looks like another overdraft; most teams saw him several rounds down the list.
Strengths: Strong arm, can hit 91 mph and could get faster if he moves to the mound full-time. Also has good power potential, but projects better as a pitcher.
Weaknesses: Needs to concentrate on pitching or hitting to get the most out of his ability. Would probably be best served by going to college at South Carolina, but first-round money will probably change that plan.