Final impressions shaking up Draft in latest mock

This is the time, two weeks and counting before the start of the 2016 Draft, where late performances can really boost — or hinder — a prospect’s stock. While decisions on who to take in the first round are made with numerous evaluations on a player over the course of last summer and this spring, it’s only human nature to have last impressions make a difference.

Right now, scouts are able to see first-round candidates in high-pressure situations. High schoolers who are still playing are in the playoffs and college players are currently in conference tournaments. Seeing how these players perform “under the lights” can have a huge impact.

While the very top of this mock mirrors what Jim Callis projected a week ago, there is no question that strong late performances have moved players up the board. And for those whose season has ended, there will be opportunities soon to make one last up-close-and-personal impression, by way of the private workout.

2016 MLB Draft: June 9-11 on MLB Network, MLB.com

1. Phillies: A.J. Puk, LHP, Florida The prevailing thinking has long been that Puk was the guy the Phillies wanted to be the clear-cut choice at No. 1. One start doesn’t make a decision, but his dominance in the SEC tournament against LSU could be all the Phillies needed to cement a decision. High school lefty Jason Groome isn’t out of the disucussion and there are still bats — Mickey Moniak on the high school front and Kyle Lewis from the college ranks are the main names mentioned — still in play.

2016 Mock Drafts Date No. 1 pick Author May 26 Puk Mayo May 19 Puk Callis May 12 Lewis Mayo May 2 Puk/Puk Callis/Mayo Dec. 2 Groome/Puk Callis/Mayo

Complete 2016 Draft order

2. Reds: Nick Senzel, 3B, Tennessee Perhaps the most advanced bat in this Draft class, Senzel has closed strongly, swinging a hot bat as the Draft rapidly approaches. The Reds would have interest in Puk should the Phils go elsewhere, while Lewis and Puerto Rican high schooler Delvin Perez are still possibilities.

3. Braves: Kyle Lewis, OF, Mercer Lewis could still go in one of the top two spots, and the Braves would have interest in either Puk or Senzel. Groome would fit the bill if Atlanta really wants to go with upside.

4. Rockies: Jason Groome, LHP, Barnegat (N.J.) H.S. Groome has an exciting combination of stuff, ceiling and feel for pitching, but there is inherent risk in taking a high school pitcher and the last time the Rockies went the prep southpaw route in the first round, they selected Tyler Matzek. Moniak is mentioned often in this spot too.

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5. Brewers: Delvin Perez, SS, International Baseball Academy, Ceiba, P.R. Perhaps no team and player have been as linked as the Brewers and the toolsy Perez. They could go college bat with someone like Corey Ray, but sometimes you have to just trust your gut and stick with the oft-repeated rumor.

6. A’s: Mickey Moniak, OF, La Costa Canyon H.S., Carlsbad, Calif. If Senzel got to this spot, he likely wouldn’t go any further. There seems to be interest in Groome as well. And before you dismiss the idea of the A’s taking a high school bat, remember they took Addison Russell and Billy McKinney in back-to-back years in the first round.

7. Marlins: Braxton Garrett, LHP, Florence (Ala.) H.S. Garrett is as polished a high school pitcher as there is in this class, seeming more like the prototypical college lefty. The Marlins were in heavy when Garrett turned in a 19-strikeout performance this spring.

8. Padres: Forrest Whitley, RHP, Alamo Heights H.S., San Antonio, Texas The Padres have often been linked to high ceiling and upside and they have shown considerable interest in this big Texas high school right-hander. There are other prep arms like Matt Manning or Ian Anderson to consider if they want to go in this direction.

9. Tigers: Riley Pint, …

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