We'll update this thread with the D-backs picks, plus thoughts and reports as appropriate. As yesterday, chip in to the comments with your own observations.
Third round: Daniel Palka, OF/1B, Georgia Tech
Left-handed first baseman. The report from MLB.com says, "Teams who like college bats with power will certainly give Palka a long look during the Draft. Palka has about as much raw power as anyone in the class and has shown an ability to use it well during games from the left side of the plate. There is some swing and miss to his game, but he makes enough contact to put his power into play. He’s played both the outfield and first base, not to mention done some relief pitching, and could profile as a power-hitting corner outfielder in the future."
Fourth round: Matt McPhearson, CF, Riverdale Baptist HS, MD
Left-handed centerfielder. Picked out of Riverdale Baptist School, turned 18 in April. MLB.com says, "Small, but athletically built, McPhearson's speed is the first thing that stands out. He can flat out fly, with the kind of speed that can be a game-changer. He's aggressive on the basepaths and plays a good defensive outfield. He has some bat speed and should be a solid hitter moving forward, though power isn't a part of his game. His fringy arm is accurate, but it might limit him to left field long-term. The University of Miami commit has the chance to be a real sparkplug at the top of a big league lineup in the future."
Fifth round: Jamie Westbrook, SS, Basha HS, Gilbert, AZ
Local middle infielder from Basha High has a great set of tools scouts love. Committed to Pepperdine and is said to be a tough sign, but maybe being the local team it might be easier. Even though he has a small frame he is said to have the potential for average power and also has the speed to steal some bases. Might stick at shortstop but he's being talked about as a future second baseman who can hit. Scouts also rave about his work ethic and makeup as well as his leadership skills.
Sixth Round: Colin Bray, CF, Faulkner State CC
Former 3-sport star in high school signed to play baseball at South Alabama. Transferred to Faulkner State after only getting 50 at bats as a freshman. Developed into a switch hitter. Very athletic, fast, good size, makes a lot of contact. Needs more baseball time but has tools to develop into a quality player. Good upside but some significant unknowns due to lack of baseball experience. Not a lot of power but may have a chance to develop a little there.
Seventh Round: Daniel Gibson, LHP, Univ of Florida
Gibson was a top-rated high school pitcher who joined Florida in 2010 after being drafted in the 26th round. Was never able to crack the Gators rotation and was used exclusively in relief with pretty good results. There are some who think he has the makeup to be a starter with a 4-pitch repertoire. As a reliever he relied on a fastball/slider combination. Showed he has some starter skills when he pitched as a starter in the Northwoods League last summer with good results. Also pitched a summer in the Cape Cod League in 2011. Might be a fast mover as a reliever but the Dbacks may give him a chance to start first.
Eighth Round: Brad Keller, RHP, Flowery Branch HS, GA
Brad Keller is a 6-5, 220 right hand pitcher who led Flowery Branch High School to several state playoffs berths. He is committed to play baseball at Presbyterian College. Keller has a high-80s fastball and projects to be able to increase that into the low-90s as he builds strength. He's an athletic kid and played wide receiver on his high school football that made a deep playoff run. Not a lot of scouting information on him but his size and athleticism give him a chance to be a quality pitcher.
Ninth Round: Grant Nelson, C, St. Louis University
Nelson went to Skyline College out of high school before transferring to St. Louis two years ago. He initially started at third base before moving to catcher last year for his final season, where he has thrived. He is considered a plus defensive catcher with soft hands, good receiving skills, and a quick release on throws to second. He hit .314 as a junior and .334 as a senior. As a senior he also led St. Louis to the regionals for just the 4th time in school history.
Tenth Round: Jimmy Sherfy, RHP, Oregon
Sherfy is a slightly undersized RHP out of Oregon and was recently named a 2nd team All American. He has been serving as the closer for Oregon the past two years and boasts a high K/9 and an aggressive approach to pitching. He has a lot of moving parts to his mechanics which can lead to inconsistency at times. He's a 2-pitch pitcher with a plus fastball and a plus slider so he has the makeup for a good reliever. The question is can he make his funky mechanics work on a consistent basis in pro ball.
We'll be back tomorrow, for the third day, and the remaining 30 rounds. Which should quite whizz past, compared to the first two days!