MLB.com Mock Draft (05/14/08)

Crystal Ball

"6. Florida Marlins: Kyle Skipworth, C, Patriot HS, Riverside, Calif.
The Marlins have never shied away from taking chances and picking the "high risk, high reward" high school types. There are a few who fit the bill here. While it might sound improbable, Hosmer's name has cropped up and the Marlins surely have had ample opportunity to see the Miami-area prepster. Ditto with University of Miami first baseman Yonder Alonso, but you have to wonder if his name has cropped up solely because of proximity. Just because they can see a guy a lot because he's nearby does not mean they'll take him as the No. 6 overall pick.

The word has been that the Marlins have been all over Skipworth. There has been some debate over whether his defensive skills are good enough for him to stay behind the plate, but he's shown enough ability to get a shot there, no question. And most people are confident he's going to hit. A recent rough game made for a few pauses, but there's enough who believe there's plenty of track record to draw from to not let him slide too far if Florida ends up passing."