Interview with Jim Callis

Jim Callis is an executive editor over at Baseball America that handles prospects and the draft. His points are rarely disputed and are usually right on. Last week, I sent him an email asking him to answer a couple questions of mine before the draft, and then we would finish the interview when the draft is completed. I want to thank him for asking the questions so quickly and look forward to finishing the interview.

ELI: Who do you think will go in the top 10?

JIM: There's still a lot of uncertainty a month before the draft. I feel pretty sure that Vanderbilt LHP David Price will go No. 1 overall to the Devil Rays. I see the Royals taking New Jersey HS RHP Rick Porcello No. 2, followed by the Cubs choosing California HS 3B Josh Vitters No. 3. After that, it's a lot murkier. I do expect Georgia Tech C Matt Wieters, Missouri State LHP Ross Detwiler, Clemson LHP Daniel Moskos to go in the Top 10, and North Carolina State RHP Andrew Brackman should unless signability causes him to slip.

ELI: Best position player? Pitcher?

JIM: I see Vitters as the top position player, and Price as the top pitcher.

ELI: Is this one of the better draft years, is it not?

JIM: It's a very good year for high school bats and arms, and a good year for college lefties. Not a good crop as far as college bats and right handers are concerned.