The Arizona Diamondbacks are the first team ever to have two picks in the top seven of the MLB Draft. With their first pick, third overall, they selected Trevor Bauer, right-handed pitcher from UCLA. Bauer is extremely polished and according to ESPN's Buster Olney could even pitch in the big leagues in the 2011 season.
Trevor Bauer has been a sensational pitcher, but succeeding in the shadow of the attention of his highly touted teammate, Gerrit Cole (selected 1st overall, Pittsburgh). He holds the Bruins team record for wins (33) and strikeouts (433). He was 12-2 in 2011, was Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year and led the nation in innings pitched (127 2/3), strikeouts (189) and strikeouts per nine innings (13.7).
In a draft where his teammate is the flashy pick, Bauer could be seen as one of the safest and is projected to be selected in the top 10 of the draft, some having him as early as number four to the Baltimore Orioles.
He has several pitches - a four-seam fastball in the 90-95 mph range, two curveballs, a slider, a backdoor slider, a splitter and a circle change. All his pitches are rated from average to plus. His delivery is compared to Tim Lincecum.
His one knock seems to go contrary to his history. Teams may have some concern for his future durability because of the workload he has had on college. Bauer isn't a big guy, just 6-foot-1, 175 pounds. He will not come with the fanfare that Cole will when he makes the big leagues, but he should make a fine addition at the top of any rotation for years to come.
Twitter / @Buster Olney: By the way: If Arizona tak ...
By the way: If Arizona takes Bauer at No. 3, there is a chance he will pitch in the big leagues this year.
Baltimore Orioles are up next with the fourth pick in the 2011 MLB Draft.
For more on the 2011 MLB Draft, visit AZ Snake Pit for in-depth coverage of the Arizona Diamondbacks and SB Nation's Baseball Nation for national draft coverage.