Burrell's back problems have complicated matters, but he's the guy the Phillies have wanted all along. The A's have gone heavily for college pitching under scouting director Grady Fuson, and they feel they can't lose with two talented college left-handers available. The big wild card is J.D. Drew, who is widely believed to be Oakland's choice if the A's think they can sign him. J.D. Drew or Mark Mulder. The Cubs have drafted heavily for pitching under scouting director Jim Hendry, with Kerry Wood being just one example.
Mills has perhaps the highest ceiling of any college pitcher in the draft.
Outfielder Corey Patterson also has been closely pursued. Kansas City Royals Scouting director Terry Wetzel's instinct is to draft athletes, but his organization's resources and talent base dictate a more conservative approach. Stanford right-hander Jeff Austin is probably the closest to the major leagues of any player eligible for the draft, though South Carolina shortstop Adam Everett is a tempting choice. Though the Cardinals have always been known for speed and athleticism in the big leagues, they have always drafted conservatively, concentrating on college players in the first round. But new scouting director Ed Creech comes from the Expos organization, where high-ceiling athletes are the priority.