COVERITLIVE.COM

12:56

We'll be providing updates on the Rangers specifically and the MLB Draft in general on this throughout all three days of the draft. This is my first time using Cover It Live, so I'm still feeling things out right now.

12:56

As usual, we will be interviewing as many Rangers draft picks as possible over the next three days. Make sure to stay tuned for that.

12:58

[Comment From Nick Spears]
Where can I expect to get drafted by the Rangers today, Jason?

1:00	Sorry Nick, not sure you'll be taken today. Don't forget: we've only got the first 111 picks today. The next 46 rounds will be spread over two days.

1:00	[Comment From Drake Bomber] I was here.

1:01	Drake Bomber is the man.

1:02	[Comment From Sun Devil Sammy] Jason -- I've heard there's a good chance Arizona State pitcher Mike Leake falls to the Rangers. What is the likelihood that happens, do you think?

1:03

He's going to be right in the Rangers' neighborhood. He could go a couple of picks before, he could go a couple of picks after. But I really don't think the Rangers are going to college route today. If they do, I think Leake is their guy. But I'm expecting them to take one of the high-ceiling high school arms that falls to them.

1:33	[Comment From Armando] So, give us a taste of the short season leagues. Aside from the guys picked today, who are some sleepers making their debut this year?

1:35

I think we're going to see a lot of young, big-time Latin American talent in the AZL this year. I was extremely impressed with 16-year-old (though he may be 17 by now) Richard Alvarez in Spring Training. He was in Surprise for extended and he's not in the DSL, so I assume that means we'll see him in rookie ball this year. The same goes for a few other young pitchers like Ezequiel Rijo, Edwin Escobar, and Juan Grullon. Young catcher Tomas Telis could go to either the AZL or Spokane...neither would shock me.

1:37

As for that Spokane club, we'll be seeing guys like Matt Thompson and Kyle Ocampo there. Thompson looked great this past spring. He was commanding his fastball and his tight, power curveball is already one of the system's best pitches. Ocampo's thing is command. He has great raw stuff with excellent action, but he needs to be able to spot his pitches up. When I've seen him the last two years, he's either been outstanding or he gets hit very hard. There isn't much of an in between.

1:37	[Comment From BRABBonUT] Great stuff here, Jason

1:37	Thanks Bobby!

1:40

Many of you know me as the Rangers publisher for LoneStarDugout.com, but I have also been doing baseball writing for BurntOrangeBeat.com this year, which is the UT site on the Scout.com Network. Be sure to check it out. I'll be following the team to Omaha this weekend when the 'Horns participate in their 33rd College World Series.

1:45	[Comment From jumangi] Hook 'em Horns!!! If he's there for the Rangers, it's Shelby Miller all the way right?

1:47

If Miller is there, I think that's most likely. But it's hard to tell which high-ceiling high school arms are going to be available when the Rangers pick. Suddenly, it seems like all of them are asking for big-time bonuses, and they may all fall a little bit. Who actually falls to the Rangers is a roll of the dice, though. I don't think Miller is a lock if it comes between him, Turner, and Purke, but I'd think it's likely.

1:47	[Comment From maninblack] Good to see you at the game this weekend Jason. Are you going to be in Omaha for the whole thing?

1:48	I haven't decided yet. I'll certainly be there as long as the Longhorns are there. After that, I just plan on playing it by ear. Am I going to see you up there?

1:52

Here's some Rangers news for you: According to T.R. Sullivan, they've acquired right-handed reliever Jason Grilli from the Rockies for cash considerations. Grilli has struggled this year, but I like the move. He was a very solid reliever for Detroit in '06 and '07, and he posted a 2.94 ERA in 61.1 innings with Colorado last season. Assuming he takes Kris Benson's spot, he's a much more usable arm than Benson. Really a no-risk deal, and he's a definite upgrade over Benson.

1:53	[Comment From maninblack] Planning on flying in the 2nd weekend for the championship series

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