First-round selection overview

1. Washington Nationals: Bryce Harper, C

- There has been speculation for the past month that the Nationals would take Harper with the first overall pick, so it did not come as a surprise when they selected the 17-year old catcher.

2. Pittsburgh Pirates: Jameson Taillon, RHP

- This kid has tremendous makeup and throws a fastball that tops out at 98 mph. He has the potential to be a front of the rotation starter and lead the Pirates in the future.

3. Baltimore Orioles: Manny Machado, SS

- Machado might be the most athletic position player in the draft. He has all the tools and will likely grow into his body to hit for some power. The Orioles should be very happy to have him. 

4. Kansas CIty Royals: Christian Colon, SS

- The Royals went with the safe pick taking a polished college prospect out of Cal State Fullerton. He has a great all around game and will work nicely with 1B prospect Eric Hosmer down the road.

5. Cleveland Indians: Drew Pomeranz, LHP

- The Indians went with a solid pitcher who has great command and a knack for attacking the strike zone. He should rise fast through the organization to help boost that weak rotation. 

6. Arizona Diamondbacks: Barret Loux, RHP

- This was kind of a surprise but the fact the team selected a pitcher was not. Loux is a college arm with a plus fastball and good secondary pitches. He has a great changeup that should only get better with work in the minor league system.

7. New York Mets: Matt Harvey, RHP

- Harvey is a big arm pitcher who is also a Boras client, so he is expected to command above slot. He has a lot of upside and should help the Mets, a solid move for a team with spotty draft history.

8. Houston Astros: Delino DeShields Jr., OF

- DeShields was taken with the first of the Astros two first-round picks, and it should come as no surprise for a couple reasons. One, DeShields has tremendous speed and pretty good mechanics at the plate. He can really hit through a ball, and that should only improve in the minors. Second, he should be fairly easy to sign and get out playing, which is key for a team in need of some help from within their system.... and finally, he is the son of former ballplayer Delino DeShields Sr.

9. San Diego Padres: Karsten Whitson, RHP

- Whitson is a very athletic college arm with a plus fastball. He will need some time to develop his secondary pitches, but he should sign early and get working in the minor league system quickly. Overall, he has tremendous upside and could help shape that rotation in the future.

10. Oakland Athletics: Michael Choice, OF

- Choice has a big swing and a lot of power, so the A's hope to take him under their wing and hone that swing into a true power swing. He runs well, but is destined for a corner spot at the professional level.