As the MLB draft nears, plenty of mock drafts have been thrown together, with several conclusions to each team's first pick.
The Tampa Bay Rays are no exception, with nearly 20 experts predicting 15 different players for their first selection.
One name that has seemed to pop-up more than a few times is that of Jose Fernandez, the right-handed stud out of Alonso High School in Tampa.
Fernandez did his share of dominating opponents on the mound and in the batter's box, as he led Alonso High to the 6A state championship this past week. Hernandez hit over .400, with nine home runs and 35 RBI in just 28 games.
But what he's done with his bat can't even come close to what he's done when he's toed the rubber. Fernandez struck out an eye-popping 134 batters in just 93 innings, and added in a micro-like 1.35 ERA.
It's not just his production, but also his size (6'4"-220lbs) that the Rays are interested in.It would also make for a great story, with the Rays taking a local player. But it would be far from the beginning of the story.
Fernandez, like many in the communist country of Cuba, wanted to go to America to pursue his dream, one of pitching in the pros.
After his freshman year was spent in Cuba, Fernandez attempted to flee the island, but was caught and sent to a Cuban prison for a year. When he finally made it ashore in Florida, Fernandez eventually enrolled at Alonso as a sophomore.
After an outstanding junior season, Alonso was looking forward to an even better year from Fernandez in his senior year. But the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) ruled him ineligible at first, because a player can only have four years of eligibility after his freshman year begins.
Seeing as he spent a year in prison, one of Fernandez's school years went to waste. After a long-discussed process, the FHSAA decided to let Fernandez play another season. And did he ever make the most of it.
And now the Rays are in the position that he may be available at the 24th overall pick on June 6. Players such as North Carolina's Levi Mitchell or Taylor Guerrieri out of Spring Valley High School (South Carolina) if they're still on the board.
The MLB draft is as unpredictable as a professional draft can get. Not even Mel Kiper or Todd McShay could predict half of the first round. So there's no telling where the flame-throwing (he can touch 97 MPH) righty will be drafted.
But the safest bet may be with Tampa Bay. The Rays may have a future closer in Jake McGee or Chris Archer, and Fernandez will most likely be used to end games instead of starting them.
Because Fernandez is a maximum-effort guy, there's more of a chance he turns into a Francisco Cordero-like closer, rather than a front-line starter. His lack of stamina wouldn't affect him nearly as much if he closed, with his blazing fastball and quality curve, along with a progressing change piece.
There's a lot of different ways the Rays could go, but with their fair share of early picks, there's no need to worry about Fernandez being a bust. He has through-the-roof potential, and the Rays know that. It all adds up to the conclusion that Jose Fernandez could indeed stay in the area.
Amanda Marcum Leila Arcieri Kate Mara Izabella Scorupco Carla Campbell
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