Mariners 5 Round Mock Draft: The day-of final prediction

The Major League Baseball Draft is today. As we usually see, the rumors are flying around and the Mariners draft board is starting to take shape.

The one rumor that appears to have solidified surrounding the Seattle Mariners, is that they are after college bats. The general consensus is that this draft class biggest weakness is the college bat crop. Yet Jerry Dipoto and company are narrowing their focus, and one name appears to be the obvious choice.

First Round, 17th overall Seattle Mariners select Jake Burger, 3B Missouri State

I have written about Burger twice, and as unexciting as he might be, he does appear to be the logical choice. I believe the Mariners would love to snag one of the Virginia bats ( Adam Haseley or Pavin Smith), but both appear to be long gone by pick 17.

They have been linked to Kentucky first baseman Evan White as well, but it would be considered a reach to take him at pick 17. Keston Hiura, considered the best college bat by some, could be available for the Mariners. But there is almost no linkage between the player and team.

This leaves Burger as the best option remaining. Burger is not a bad prospect, but is not the sexiest name that would excite most Mariners fans. I wrote this about Burger:

"Burger has continued to rake, slashing .341/.459/.691 during the regular season. He has hit 22 home runs, and now has an impressive 41 walks to just 32 strikeouts. Where Burger plays is still a mystery, though some think he can stick at third base and be serviceable. A move across the diamond isn’t out of the question, but it is his bat that will carry him to the big leagues."

Unless the Mariners are playing it cool on Hiura, or bigger fans of Logan Warmoth than they are letting on, Jake Burger is likely the pick for Dipoto and the Mariners scouting department.