By Robert Sherry

Adrian Gonzalez: The number one overall selection in the June 2000 draft, Gonzalez was the Marlins choice as they didn't want to have a repeat of what happened last season when they selected Josh Beckett number two overall and almost were unable to sign him. Instead, the organization agreed to a pre-draft deal with a $3 million bonus for this 18-year-old first baseman.

As a senior at Eastlake High School (CA), Gonzalez swung the bat to a .645 average along with 13 home runs and 34 runs batted in (76 AB). He spent his first summer as a pro playing in the Gulf Coast League and even though he didn't show the power you want from that position (0 HR in 193 AB), he did put up some other good stats (.295, 30 RBI, 24 R, 10 2B, 1 3B, 32 BB, and 35 SO). His season ended with a brief stint in the NY-Penn League for Utica (.310 3 2B, 3 RBI, 7 R, 7 BB, 6 SO in 29 AB).

At 6-2 and 190 pounds, this left-hander has a very nice and smooth swing which should help him develop into a solid, consistent .300+ hitter. As he develops, you could project the power numbers to come around. Right now, I will say 20+ homers a year until we see how he develops as he advances up the minors. In the field, he could become one of the top fielding first basemen in any league that he plays in. He's seems very fluid handling that position.

There might have been some players available in the draft with overall higher ceilings than what Gonzalez may have, but he was one of the safer picks in my view. Gonzalez should open the 2001 season at Low-A.