PHOENIX -- There is no consensus choice for the No. 1 in next week's the major league draft. But that does not mean the Diamondbacks will not have their pick of premier talent.
The D-backs have a heady group of targets, from both college and high school, pitchers and position players. A look at some of the top prospects:
Baseball America analysis: "Bregman is one of the safest picks in this year's draft, as scouts are nearly unanimous that he should at the worst be a productive big league middle infielder. The debate revolves entirely over how much of an impact he will make. Blessed with excellent bat speed, Bregman has a flat bat path and contact-oriented swing that fits well with his excellent hand-eye coordination. He's proven to be a very reliable shortstop and a number of evaluators believe he will be able to stick at shortstop as a pro with average range, an accurate, average arm and quality hands. Bregman projects as an above-average defender at second base. Wherever he goes, he'll make his new team better with his follow-me approach."
Baseball America analysis: "Despite his outstanding track record, scouts remain mixed on Fulmer. Listed at 6-feet, 195 pounds, he is undersized for a right-hander and has an effortful, high-energy delivery. Those factors lead some to see him as a future reliever. But he has a starter's arsenal and has excelled in that role, both for Vanderbilt and Team USA. He has improved his control this year, but his delivery means he will likely never have better than average command. He earns praise for his makeup and work ethic."
Baseball America analysis: "While he excels in a short-relief role, he's held firm stuff over extended outings, such as a five-inning early-season start against Lamar and a six-inning outing at Penn State. Scouts were mixed on whether or not Jay could start, but he'd maintained similar (92-96 mph) velocity when extended, and he's shown a four-pitch mix. His low 80s slider earns 'wipeout' designation from scouts, while he locates both an average curveball and change. Jay was trending toward the top half of the first round and could be the first player from the draft class to reach the majors if he stays in a relief role."
Baseball America analysis: "Rodgers combines impressive offensive potential with solid defensive ability. He has a good feel for hitting and has the potential to be a plus all-around hitter. His strength and elite bat speed mean he doesn't have to sell out to drive the ball, and it isn't out of the question that he one day hits 25 or more home runs in the big leagues. While he runs well enough, he isn't a burner. Defensively, Rodgers has good tools, but not all scouts are sold on him staying at shortstop. His arm strength, infield actions and hands are all good enough for the position if he is able to maintain his range as he physically matures. He is well-polished and makes the game look easy."
Baseball America analysis: "He is very quiet behind the plate and frames pitches well thanks to his strong, soft hands. He has plus arm strength and once he gets his footwork down has the potential to be an above-average defender. Offensively, he creates raw power thanks to his strength. There is some length to his swing and he didn't hit all that well with a wood bat last summer. But his advanced skills behind the plate will allow a team to be patient has he figures things out offensively."
Baseball America analysis: "Whether he has a true plus arm remains the subject of some debate, but scouts project he'll stay at shortstop as a professional. Swanson is a well-rounded hitter. He has a quick, loose swing that allows him to produce hard contact to all fields. He is a patient hitter who knows how to work a walk and has a sound two-strike approach. He has some pop in his bat, especially when he can turn on the ball but gears his swing more for hitting line drives. He is a plus runner and knows how to steal bases. Swanson earns praise for his makeup and work ethic."
Baseball America analysis: "With the exception of a missed start due to a strained muscle in his neck, Tate had hit few speed bumps in ascending draft charts this spring. Tate's high-energy delivery, fast arm and athletic body deliver plus fastballs. Tate had doubled his 2014 innings total already, so scouts continue to watch how he holds up under a starter's workload. He has adjusted to the role well, though, establishing a routine and holding his stuff deep into games and the season. His lack of an extensive track record is the biggest knock against him, but he still projects to be the first college pitcher drafted with a shot to go No. 1 overall."
Baseball America analysis: "The Wake Forest commit mixes his impressive pitch recognition and timing with elite bat speed, giving him all the materials to develop into a plus hitter with above-average potential. What separates Whitley is his plus speed; despite his physically mature frame, Whitley records plus run times to first base and takes gazelle-like strides in center field. The only tool of Whitley's that doesn't project as plus is his throwing arm. Some evaluators grade it as average while others have seen a fringe-average arm. Whitley has an impressive sixth tool in his makeup, which he's evidenced with the ability to receive coaching and implement changes.
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