Round 1: Tyler Colvin, Clemson University, LF

Scouting Report: Colvin’s stock steadily rose throughout the 2006 year. Coming off two years of sub-.300 averages, Colvin was seen as a speedy left fielder without much power (7 home runs in two years) or on-base ability (.332). But during 2006, Colvin made strides to address those concerns. He hit .359; but more importantly smacked 12 home runs (39 extra-base hits) and pulled up his walk rates to more respectable levels. The Cubs see a player with a solid all-around package. Colvin has a smooth line-drive swing from the left side which along with plus speed gives him tools for high averages. In addition, the Cubs think that as he fills out his slender frame the power will increase even more. Lastly, they see enough defensive skills for Colvin to possibly play center. Despite Colvin’s progress, few observers expected him to be taken as high as #13 overall. Skeptics can also point to his lack of a track record in addition to an overaggressive approach at times, especially for a potential lead-off man. Colvin also lacks a standout skill, and if he fails to make the transition to center field, he’ll have to hit for more power at a corner.

Analysis: New Scouting Director Tim Wilkin sure made a surprise pick with Colvin. I personally think Colvin would be an excellent second round choice. But given that the Cubs had the 13^th overall pick and didn’t have a pick in rounds 2-4, it is disappointing to see them not make a splash. Colvin’s upside appears to be as a solid every day player, and he lacks the perennial all-star potential that fans look for in a top half of the first round choice. Hopefully, Wilkin and Colvin will prove all the doubters wrong.

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Round 5: Jeff Samardziji, Notre Dame, RHP

Scouting Report: If it weren’t for the fact that Samardziji is also a star receiver for Notre Dame, he wouldn’t have been available for the Cubs in the fifth round. His fastball works in the low-90’s and has flirted with the high-90’s on occasion. The 6’6” righty has the size and athleticism that the Cubs love in young pitchers, to go with a big fastball. The rest of his game hasn’t caught up with his fastball. He struck out just 61 batters in 97.7 innings last year and posted an overall ERA of 4.33. His command and off-speed pitches are still developing, but his fastball and athleticism alone give him a huge upside. However, Samardziji’s talent in football makes him a tough sign, and it allowed him to slip to the fifth round.

Analysis: If the Cubs can get Samardziji signed and committed to baseball, this is a great pick. Samardziji has serious potential and given the lack of 2-4 round picks, they’ll be able to spend above the normal fifth round bonus. If not, then well, at least it’s only a fifth round pick, but it’d be a hit to the overall draft.

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Round 6: Josh Lansford, Cal Poly, 3B

Scouting Report: Lansford has a pedigree; his brother, Jared, is in the Oakland system and his father, Casey, once led the American League in hitting. Josh established himself in 2006 by leading his team with a .353 batting average. Lansford also gets high marks for his makeup and instincts on defense. But outside of an excellent average, Lansford’s 2006 line was fairly empty. He hit just 7 home runs and had a weak 20/40 BB/K ratio. In the field, his 16 errors led the team. Most of his value will hinge on his average, which is dangerous, especially for a third baseman.

Analysis: Like Colvin, the choice of Lansford is primarily based on his average during one year of play, which is unreliable. However, unlike Colvin, Lansford is sixth round pick. I don’t have strong feelings either way about this one.

Round 7: Steven Clevenger, Chipola (FL) JC, SS/3B

Scouting Report: Clevenger hit .347 with Southeastern Louisiana in 2005, and planned to transfer to Texas, but school-related problems forced him to junior college. In 2006, Clevenger hit .389 in 180 at-bats but hit just 7 home runs and didn’t steal a single base. Like Colvin and Lansford most of his value is tied to his average; Clevenger has a balanced swing that produces line drives to all fields. Clevenger is a poor runner and very possibly may move to third in the future. His lack of power would make the transition even more difficult. He has already signed.

Analysis: Clevenger is yet another pick who’ll have to hit for a high average to be successful. Unfortunately for him, he’ll be playing a position that demands a power bat. If he can stick at shortstop, he’ll have a much, much better chance of making it.

Round 8: Billy Muldowney, Pittsburgh University, RHP

Scouting Report: Muldowney is a polished college arm. His fastball generally works in the high-80’s but gets good sink; he complements the fastball with a change and curve that give him three solid offerings. He has plus command and receives positive remarks for his makeup. His 2006 stat line was impressive. Muldowney posted a 3.16 ERA in 82.7 innings and had an excellent 99/26 K/BB ratio. Scouts don’t expect Muldowney to improve substantially, but if can maintain his 2006 numbers, he should make for a fine reliever. He has already signed.

Analysis: Solid pick. Muldowney isn’t likely to become anything special, but in the eighth round, that’s not what a team expects. Muldowney has a fair chance to become a middle reliever for a major league team a few years down the road.