27. Scott Smith: Chicago, C - He is short on the defensive side of the ball to be truly great. His hitting abilities make him totally viable at the position however. He would not be favored by the pen in the late innings but is good enough to be a starter. Downside is health, which could stop him from fulfilling his dreams.
Grade A - Cubs GM likes hitters and he fills the bill nicely.
28. Scott Smith: Boston, P: If he was on my board I would have taken him with the 21st pick, I only had one RP on my board and he got picked 7th. He could very well be a shut down closer or a long setup. Splits could actually be better than I am seeing and two very nice pitches to go with the control. Getting the ball in the air will be very tough.
Grade A+ - Fantastic pick that squeezed through this late in the draft.
29. Haywood Bell: Kansas City, 2B - His hitting abilities are great and tuned for KC. A 2B is a very long reach however. Figuring out what position to put him will be a secondary concern, maybe LF and could wind up at 1B. Keeping him off the DL may take luck and will be the primary concern.
Grade C - Only because he is a very risky pick
30. Brian Grim: Pittsburgh, P - Could be a very good middle reliever if projections get close. His downfall is durability which could slow his progress somewhat. One must be careful with this guy as his gold abilities combined could make him one of those surprising and maddening DL candidates.
Grade A - Exactly what I was looking for in a middle reliever. Durability drops his overall grade from an A+
31. Blade Gates: Anaheim, 1B - I agree with the GM as his glove and range are too weak to play COF. Could be a spot on hitter in their park. The hard part will be getting his abilities close to projections, it will take a couple very good rollovers before he starts to develop properly.
Grade B - I think he could be a very good player, but not exactly a 1B hitting type for most lineups. Could be slow to develop and maybe not worth the wait. Still think it was a very good pick though.
32. Richie Harding: Pittsburgh, P - Choosing a second middle reliever has Pittifulburgh addressing future needs. He has some control issues that could cause problems but if the other projections manifest could be very good doing his job as planned. A wait and see project.
Grade B - Ability is there but projections may be unattainable.
33. Bennie York: Durham, P - A lefty middle reliever is hard to come by. Bennie just may come up short in that department. His health not withstanding the pressure may further add to the woes. His control will be good, the splits of this lefty is not exactly desirable and with only one really good pitch may leave him out in the cold.
Grade C - Only because I don't see him making it.
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