What To Watch At The MLB Trade Deadline

Here are the Major League Baseball standings after the All-Star Break

National League

West	Central	East
Dodgers 51-39	Cardinals 56-33	Nationals 48-39
Giants 46-43	Pirates 53-35	Mets 47-42
Diamondbacks 42-45	Cubs 47-40	Braves 42-47
Padres 41-49	Reds 39-47	Marlins 38-51
Rockies 39-49	Brewers 38-52	Phillies 29-62

Green = Buyers at the deadline Red = Sellers Blue = Wait and see

American League

West	Central	East
Angels 48-40	Royals 52-34	Yankees 48-40
Astros 49-42	Twins 49-40	Rays 46-45
Rangers 42-46	Tigers 44-44	Orioles 44-44
Mariners 41-48	Indians 42-46	Blue Jays 45-46
Athletics 41-50	White Sox 41-45	Red Sox 42-47

Now, that's a lot of information but I'm here to simplify it by explaining what to expect from YOUR team or any other team's point of view on what they should do before July 31st's non-waiver trade deadline or August 30th's waiver deadline (the one where lesser players are dealt but, there is a larger quantity of deals). None of these teams are officially "buyers" or "sellers" until we see them make a deal or two and this is all strictly opinion-based (although you can assume that teams in last are sellers and the top two teams in every division are buyers) and the "Wait and see" teams are just teams that I don't really have a feel for as they'll have to make up their minds over the next two weeks of pre-deadline play.

Los Angeles Dodgers: The back end of the starting rotation has been a question mark since Hyun-Jin Ryu's Tommy John Surgery during Spring Training and while Mike Bolsinger and Brett Anderson have exceeded expectations, Carlos Frias is still an unreliable inconsistency that needs to be replaced and has enough value that they could include him in a trade for a huge name. Don Mattingly's club is in win-now mode after a few years of disappointing postseason experiences. Juan Uribe was already swapped for Alberto Callaspo at Third Base in May and the team should still be looking for more help at that position as Hector Olivera probably is not ready yet.

Positional Targets: Starting Pitcher, Bullpen help, Third Baseman?

Specific Targets: Cole Hamels, Aaron Harang, Scott Kazmir, Johnny Cueto, Alex Wood, Jonathan Papelbon, Koji Uehara, Jake Petricka, Tyler Clippard, Aroldis Chapman, Francisco Rodriguez, Martin Prado?

Any big-name prospects they might deal?: You name the prospect, they will probably be willing to deal them if it means acquiring Cole Hamels or even Jeff Samardzija. Zach Lee, Julio Urias, even Corey Seager, nothing is off limits.

San Francisco Giants: Winning 3 out of 5 championships, one would have thought that the Giants might just take the year off and come back next year but, that is not happening. Despite a weaker pitching staff and constantly ailing outfield, the Giants are still in serious contention this year and Madison Bumgarner might need some help this postseason (Jake Peavy, Tim Lincecum, Ryan Vogelsong, Tim Hudson and Chris Heston are nice but are they really worthy of postseason-push starts?) if they do make the playoffs again. 

Positional Targets: Starting Pitcher, Bats for bench, Reliever?

Specific Targets: Cole Hamels, Tom Koehler, Kyle Kendrick, Wandy Rodriguez, Emilio Bonifacio, Adam Rosales, Kelly Johnson, Domonic Brown, Edward Mujica?, Sam Dyson?

Any big-name prospects they might deal?: C Andrew Susac (The only prospect they had on Baseball Prospectus's Top 100 at the start of the year), LHP Adalberto Mejia, LHP Ty Blach

Arizona Diamondbacks: With Patrick Corbin returning from 2014 Tommy John Surgery and the best offense in the National League, Arizona is not ready to back down yet but, a sudden drop-off over the next two weeks is not off the table. Arizona's GM made one of the weirdest trades in recent memory earlier this season when he traded last year's first round draft pick SP Toukki Toussaint and overpaid RHP Bronson Arroyo to Atlanta for mediocre utility player Phil Gosselin. It was a total desperation salary dump and signaled to the fans that anything is possible under a General Manager who thinks of wacky trades like that one. Whatever they decide to do, they will do it big.

On The Market: Aaron Hill, Addison Reed, Brad Ziegler?, Oliver Perez, Jeremy Hellickson
Who gets a bigger post-deadline role?: I don't think Arizona does anything. I literally think they stay put minus a reliever-for-prospect deal. Their AAA team is pretty stacked in bullpen arms with major league experience and they can afford to lose an Oliver Perez if the offer is attractive enough (a team's 5th best prospect). To answer this question, I'd say either Addison Reed or Evan Marshall gets another shot at earning their Diamondback status. Be prepared for Archie Bradley to return from the Disabled List and knock a starter off of the team in August.

San Diego Padres: That did not take long for the "incredible" off-season San Diego had to turn into complete dirt. They are already rumored to be shopping nearly every name they picked up this off-season and the good news is if they do get deals done, the front office can redeem themselves by stealing a ton of good prospects and still field a mediocre/watchable team by the end of the 2015 season. Hold your heads up, Padre fans.

On The Market: Any batter not named Cory Spangenburg, Any pitcher not named Tyson Ross (maybe. I do not know how integral the front office believes Ross is to future success.)
Who gets a bigger post-deadline role?: Whether or not the terribly-slumping Derek Norris is dealt, 22 year-old Catcher Austin Hedges should be getting more playing time. Utility-man Tommy Medica will be in the majors again at some point since he was one of the few respectable offensive players for San Diego last season. A whole bunch of once-hyped Pitchers like Casey Kelly, Robbie Erlin and Nick Vincent need to be tested before San Diego begins the youth movement they need to start in 2016. Lastly, Outfielder Rymer Liriano seems to have been completely forgotten about after his 2014 cup of coffee and it's time for them to decide on whether he has a future in the organization.

Colorado Rockies: The hitters continue to hit and the pitchers continue to pitch poorly. It has gotten very repetitive but, Colorado has the most lopsided park in terms of in a hitters park thanks to elevation levels and the fact that Colorado never has more than one pitcher worth mentioning. It has gotten to the point of exhaustion that we keep having to bring up this incompetent organization as a seller at the deadline that NEVER deals their most valuable possession (Troy Tulowitzki). You cannot hold Tulo captive any longer Colorado! I forbid it! I don't care if you send him to a team as terrible as Philadelphia, just get him on the first flight out of Colorado and at least give your team some hope in the pitching staff instead of trotting out the rotting corpses of Jorge de la Rosa and Kyle Kendrick and trying to brainwash your fans into believing those are your aces.

On The Market: Nick Hundley, Willin Rosario, Troy Tulowitzki, Drew Stubbs, Jorge de la Rosa, Rex Brothers, LaTroy Hawkins, Boone Logan, John Axford, Carlos Gonzalez
Who gets a bigger post-deadline role?: Hopefully, my NL West Rookie of the Year pick LHP Tyler Matzek gets another shot, David Hale, LHP Ken Roberts, IF Rafael Ynoa

 Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
It's time for the 30 year-old walking injury to go somewhere outside of Colorado.

St. Louis Cardinals: Why do the Cardinals need to make trades? It does not matter how active the Cards are at the deadline, they are a lock to clinch a playoff berth because they always are. St. Louis are the Yankees of states nobody cares about, always dominant no matter what and willing to go all out for a trade (see: Shelby Miller for Jason Heyward deal). Adam Wainwright's injury seems to have only made their rotation stronger and the only noticeable hole right now is at first where Matt Adams is missing for the rest of the year due to injury and Matt Reynolds/Xavier Scruggs are doing a mediocre job of replacing Adams.

Positional Targets: First Baseman
Specific Targets: Adam LaRoche, Yonder Alonso, Ben Paulsen (not an exciting market)
Any big-name prospects they might deal?: C Carson Kelly, 2B Breyvic Valera, C Cody Stanley

Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pirates are making the Cardinals breathe a tad deeper and that is exactly the goal for every other NL Central team. Clint Hurdle's ball-club is currently the #1 wildcard team and has the second-best record in the National League. The rotation is playing very well right now but, Jeff Locke and Charlie Morton are not safe postseason options and they will at least need a different fourth Starting Pitcher to use in October. The bullpen is nice and the infield is batting well but, they both have their flaws (specifically for the infielders, defense) and Pittsburgh could be shopping for a new First Baseman if Pedro Alvarez records another fifteen errors. The Outfield needs Gregory Polanco to step up even though Andrew McCutchen and Starling Marte' are playing like silver sluggers.

Positional Targets: Starting Pitcher, Infield Help
Specific Targets: Wandy Rodriguez, Colby Lewis, James Shields, Andrew Cashner, Justin Masterson, Scott Kazmir, Adam Lind, Kelly Johnson, Adam LaRoche, Mike Napoli
Any big-name prospects they might deal?: They won't deal RHP Jameson Taillon or RHP Tyler Glasnow. There probably aren't any other names entirely off-limits. They might even include Charlie Morton in a deal for a better fourth starter.

Chicago Cubs: Shortstop Starlin Castro will likely be part of any league-altering trades as the team is absolutely stacked at the position and Castro was not drafted by current General Manager Theo Epstein. As a Starlin Castro fantasy owner this intrigues me. While Kyle Schwarber's bat seems to be too good to waste at a position where he would need many days off for rest (Catcher), Miguel Montero is out for a month NOW and the Cubs need Schwarber to schwarb his schwarbly schwarbiness so that David Ross does not have a full time role in the offense. On the mound, the Cubs have already added Rafael Soriano via free agency around a month ago and they are ready to plug him in whenever Joe Maddon feels confident enough to make the move. This lowers their likelihood to acquire a reliever but, it is not out of the question as long as Travis Wood and Edwin Jackson are still in their bullpen.

Positional Targets: Starting Pitcher (big names only), Catcher, Reliever?
Specific Targets: Cole Hamels, Jeff Samardzija, Scott Kazmir, Carlos Ruiz, A.J. Pierzynski, Nick Hundley, Derek Norris, Tyler Clippard?, Tom Wilhelmsen?
Any big-name prospects they might deal?: IF Arismendy Alcantara, IF Javier Baez, RHP Jake Stinnett

Cincinnati Reds: Bryan Price has done everything to sabotage the Reds' chances at a wildcard spot this season but, he will get a pass for the rest of the season from the front office since injuries curtailed both SP Homer Bailey and C Devin Mesoraco's seasons. It would seem like the perfect time for Cincy to sell on elite pitchers like Johnny Cueto and Aroldis Chapman but, with Bailey and one of the league's best catchers back next season, the team should be in contention again especially if they are able to re-sign both Cueto and Chapman. 

On The Market: Johnny Cueto, Aroldis Chapman, Brandon Phillips, Marlon Byrd, Jay Bruce, Burke Badenhop, Brayan Pena, Manny Parra
Who gets a bigger post-deadline role?: Former Marlins' sixth overall pick C Kyle Skipworth should get an opportunity after seven years in the minors. OF Yorman Rodriguez will try to fight off OF Brennan Boesch for at-bats once Marlon Byrd is dealt and with the hot streak Byrd is on, he will be traded. If Chapman is indeed dealt, expect J.J. Hoover to step into the Closer's role and get overvalued in your fantasy league.

Milwaukee Brewers: Weren't the Aramis Ramirez and Jean Segura deals done back in early May? How are they not Mets yet? The Brewers are still digging for false hope but, there is no chance this team plays in October as long as Matt Garza, Kyle Lohse and Jonathan Broxton all continue to have awful or inconsistent seasons at the same time. Jonathan Lucroy is starting to look like his old self after missing a majority of the first half on the DL. It's a good thing for Milwaukee that the one they lovingly refer to as "Luuuuuc" is healthy because he is the only hitter in the lineup that is untouchable (Braun is untouchable in another sense of the word since nobody else will touch that contract). 

On The Market: Every major league batter not named Jonathan Lucroy, Lohse, Garza, Francisco Rodriguez, Broxton, Will Smith, Mike Fiers? (he is 30)
Who gets a bigger post-deadline role?: OF Shane Peterson, RHP Tyler Thornburg, 3B Matt Dominguez, 1B Matt Clark

Washington Nationals: The best rotation in baseball has not quite lived up to expectations with only Max Scherzer and Jordan Zimmermann living up to expectations. With Doug Fister recently healed and Stephen Strasburg coming back from the DL, Washington will not be in the market for any Starting Pitchers. Relief pitching has not been as much of a problem as last season thanks to Aaron Barrett and Drew Storen throwing their best seasons to date but, every contender could use one more reliever just in case of emergency. Minus Bryce Harper and Yunel Escobar, Washington's offense has been very disappointing with Ryan Zimmerman barely topping the Mendoza Line and presently on the DL, Ian Desmond swinging like he is holding a toothpick and Danny Espinosa continuing to erase all good fortune he built up in that one good season he had. Hopefully, Anthony Rendon and Denard Span will return in the next two or three weeks and Washington will have at least two more spots filled but, this is still not a lineup that is prepared for a Bryce Harper second half slump.

Positional Targets: Infield Depth
Specific Targets: Chase Utley, Emilio Bonifacio, Troy Tulowitzki, Ben Zobrist
Any big-name prospects they'd be willing to deal?: RHP A.J. Cole, RHP Reynaldo Lopez, 2B Wilmer Difo, RHP Jefry Rodriguez

New York Mets: Despite the young starters blowing away every opponent, the Mets are barely above .500 thanks to the least clutch offense in baseball. Bartolo Colon, Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom and Steven Matz are 100% staying in the rotation and Jonathan Niese is on a hot streak so unless somebody gives them an offer they cannot refuse, it is unlikely that Niese will be going anywhere anytime soon. The bullpen is much better now with a healthy Bobby Parnell and an un-suspended Jenrry Mejia so the entire pitching staff is looking steak sauce (A1). Lucas Duda and the funky bunch have completely wilted on offense and it's time for the Mets to pick up multiple bats before this becomes a lost season. 

Positional Targets: Third Baseman, Infield Depth, Outfield Bat (they're pretty set on defense)
Specific Targets: Jean Segura, Aramis Ramirez, Brandon Phillips, Gordon Beckham, Ben Zobrist, Shane Victorino, Melky Cabrera, Troy Tulowitzki
Any big-name prospects they'd be willing to deal?: RHP Marcos Molina, SS Gavin Cecchini, SS Milton Ramos

Atlanta Braves: After finding a way to dump both Upton contracts and Craig Kimbrel on San Diego, Atlanta has performed surprisingly okay for much of the 2015 baseball season. Nick Markakis is still without a home run through 300+ plate appearances, which is the craziest stat of the season. Atlanta's hopes at making it into October were dashed the moment Jason Grilli tore his meniscus costing the Closer his season and moving Jim Johnson into a vital role. A bunch of twigs and previously-chewed gum is holding this bullpen together. Also, Freddie Freeman's extended Disabled List stint is not helping.

On The Market: A.J. Pierzynski, Chris Johnson, Kelly Johnson, Juan Uribe, Jonny Gomes, Cameron Maybin, Alex Wood?
Who gets a bigger post-deadline role?: C Christhian Bethancourt, 2B Jose Peraza, OF Todd Cunningham, Joey Terdoslavich

Miami Marlins: Giancarlo Stanton is out for the next month and this team needs to get better by next season to fully validate Stanton's presence on the team for the next twelve years with a world series win or five. Marcell Ozuna's recent demotion made zero sense to anyone outside of the Miami organization and with a move like that, one would have to believe that he is on the trading block along with many other Marlins. One way Miami can get better in time for 2016 is to deal Ozuna, Haren and many others for players who are knocking on the major league door who can then get an opportunity to shake off rookie cobwebs in August and September while this team is still below .500. The other way Miami will get better for 2016 is simply by returning to full health with Jose Fernandez, Henderson Alvarez, Stanton and Dee Gordon back in time for a full season together.

On The Market: Michael Morse, Ichiro, Martin Prado, Derek Dietrich, Jeff Mathis, Dan Haren, Mat Latos, Mike Dunn, Steve Cishek, Bryan Morris?, David Phelps, Marcell Ozuna
Who gets a bigger post-deadline role?: The aforementioned Disabled Listed players, Jarred Cosart, Jose Urena, Preston Claiborne

Philadelphia Phillies:

On The Market: Everyone but Cesar Hernandez, Maikel Franco and Ken Giles.
Who gets a bigger post-deadline role: C Erik Kratz, 1B Tommy Joseph, RHP Aaron Nola, OF Aaron Altherr

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Josh Hamilton was a total bust and failure for the Angels and they are still looking for his replacement. Currently, Mike Trout and Kole Calhoun have the Center and Right Field positions nailed down but, Daniel Robertson is not a starter in the MLB and Matt Joyce plays defense like he's wearing an oven mitt. They are clearly in the market for someone to play in the Outfield. The bullpen could be nicer and Matt Shoemaker is having the fall-back-to-earth season I thought he would with Tyler Skaggs still out for the entirety of 2015. Anaheim needs another arm and it doesn't necessarily NEED to be a starter. They could add a Tim Lincecum-type (not Lincecum) that can work in either a starting role or a relief role. With Hector Santiago, Andrew Heaney and Garrett Richards throwing well, the Angels don't need an ace (although that would easily increase their World Series odds) and would accept a Jonathon Niese (average starter on a hot streak) in their staff.

Positional Targets: A Pitcher, Second or Third Baseman (Freese and Giavotella can win as starters, I just don't see how you can start BOTH and win.), Outfielder, speed
Specific Targets: Marcell Ozuna, Ben Revere, Hanley Ramirez, Chase Utley, Carlos Gonzalez, Justin Upton, Will Middlebrooks, Ian Kennedy, Aaron Harang, John Danks, Wade Miley, Matt Garza
Any big-name prospects they'd be willing to deal?: LHP Sean Newcomb, RHP Nick Tropeano, RHP Victor Alcantara

Houston Astros: The years of tanking that nobody wants to call "tanking" because they are afraid it would give some credit to this brilliant yet easy strategy have finally paid off. George Springer, Jose Altuve', Carlos Correa and Preston Tucker are all killing it in the major leagues now. The rest of the offense is supported by power bats with terrible plate discipline like Chris Carter, Evan Gattis, Luis Valbuena and Colby Rasmus who could all be dealt for pieces or swapped for more reliable players. It's unlikely that Houston goes all in right this very moment as they still have big names coming up like Mark Appel, Jonathan Villar and Jon Singleton. The pitching is fine but Collin McHugh and Scott Feldman need to hit their stride if they want the team to get back into first in the AL West and the bullpen could always use another guy despite the great pickups Houston made in winter. 

Positional Targets: Third Baseman, Outfield depth
Specific Targets: Gordon Beckham, Aramis Ramirez, Will Middlebrooks, Chris Johnson, Kelly Johnson, Marlon Byrd, Jackie Bradley Jr., Melky Cabrera, Cameron Maybin, Jonny Gomes
Any big-name prospects they'd be willing to deal?: Nothing too big but, they have given Villar and Singleton chances in the majors and I could envision a future where they deal both for a surprisingly major name. I just don't see that happening this July.

Texas Rangers: Texas was a very real threat to the throne that Houston and Anaheim are fighting for now but, after a cold stretch and Joey Gallo's regression back to Triple-A, the team is closer to out of the hunt than in and will begin fielding offers for names they don't want on their books in 2016. Starting Pitcher Martin Perez has returned from 2014 Tommy John Surgery but, Perez can only do so much and it would not shock anyone to see Texas try to deal Colby Lewis and/or Wandy Rodriguez. Neftali Feliz is already gone and Elvis Andrus is getting to be a waste of space in an otherwise potent, interesting lineup. Texas should be good to go for next season with a healthy Prince Fielder, Adrian Beltre, Shin-Soo Choo and Rougned Odor in the lineup plus the exciting prospects might take over next season with (maybe finally healthy) Jurickson Profar, Joey Gallo, Jorge Alfaro and even Hanser Alberto. 

On The Market: Elvis Andrus, Wandy Rodriguez, Yovani Gallardo, Colby Lewis, Ryan Rua, Adam Rosales, Elvis Andrus, Robinson Chirinos?
Who gets a bigger post-deadline role?: Chi Chi Gonzalez will likely return to the rotation, Hanser Alberto, Nick Martinez will return, Chris Gimenez, Adam Rosales if he isn't dealt but others are.

Seattle Mariners: My 2015 Preseason American League Champions are really starting to look like a bad pick. I started noticing the signs sometime in early April. The Mariners are not completely ready to sell on their players yet as they have already acquired Mark Trumbo and Vidal Nuno in early-season deals. I actually believe that with SP Hisashi Iwakuma back from the DL and a new-found gem in SP Mike Montgomery that Seattle are still considering BUYING at this July's non-waiver deadline. They really need to fix that Catcher situation (Mike Zunino is Jeff Mathis 2.0) and the DH could use some work (Trumbo in a deep slumber) and with those two problems fixed, they could make a realistic case for themselves in the wildcard hunt.

Positional Targets: Catcher, A bat, Closer?
Specific Targets: Aroldis Chapman, Jonathan Broxton, Craig Kimbrel, Joakim Soria, Brayan Pena, Geovany Soto, Nick Hundley, Carlos Ruiz, Martin Prado, A.J. Pierzynski, Justin Upton, Carlos Gonzalez, Troy Tulowitzki
Any big-name prospects they'd be willing to deal?: 3B D.J. Peterson, OF Alex Jackson, RHP Edwin Diaz, IF Patrick Kivlehan, LHP Ryan Yarbrough, OF Tyler O'Neill

Oakland Athletics: Billy Beane's ball-club might think they still have a chance but, it will not be long before this team finds their deficit a hill too steep to climb. The rotation is still good and that is terrific for Oakland since that means they have valuable trading chips in Scott Kazmir and Jesse Chavez. This team experiments with an entirely new roster once every three or so years and this season's experiment has appeared to have failed them in the immediate future and present. 

On The Market: Scott Kazmir, possibly Jesse Chavez, Edward Mujica, Fernando Abad, Tyler Clippard, Sam Fuld, Josh Reddick, Billy Butler, Ben Zobrist, Marcus Semien? (he is a defensive liability and that's being kind to him)
Who gets a bigger post-deadline role?: OF Craig Gentry, LHP Drew Pomeranz, RHP A.J. Griffin, RHP Cody Martin, IF Max Muncy

Kansas City Royals: After a World Series berth and an impressive first-half of 2015 featuring more than half a dozen All-Stars, still nobody knows if Ned Yost can manage. One way to cover up any flaws in management is for Kansas City to pick up a Cole Hamels if they can or another big name. There will be a second-half drop-off, the question is just how Yost tries to avoid such an impending disaster. It might not seem like this is going to happen in the AL Central yet but, trust me when I say that the Cleveland Indians are not done competing just because Kansas City has a big lead with seventy games remaining. There are no obvious holes in the Royals' plans at this very moment but another Starting Pitcher would assuredly keep them in first for the long run. 

Positional Targets: Starting Pitcher
Specific Targets: Cole Hamels, James Shields, Scott Kazmir, Yovani Gallardo, David Price?
Any big-name prospects they'd be willing to deal?: If they can get any of the above names, they will deal whatever it takes.

Minnesota Twins: Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano are finally up just in time for Minnesota's first playoff race that they have cooperated in since the early 2010's. Both of those kids will need to get healthy if the Twins want to seriously threaten Kansas City's reign of terror over the AL Central. The Twins are still a few bodies away from fielding a playoff team. Joe Mauer's a nice story to keep on your roster out of the respect he has earned through a decade of Hall of Famery (word I invented) but, he is an average bat with below average defensive ability at a position that requires much more offensive production than he is capable of providing. As long as Mauer is in the starting lineup, the Twins need someone of Troy Tulowitzki's stature to put them in the World Series discussions. The rotation is the best it has been since Johan Santana left, which isn't saying a whole lot but, Kyle Gibson seems to have a very bright future. 

Positional Targets: Bullpen help, batting average help at any position possible, one more Starting Pitcher?
Specific Targets: Alexi Ogando, Koji Uehara, Jonathan Broxton, Edward Mujica, Ben Zobrist, Yonder Alonso, Mike Morse, Martin Prado, Dan Haren?, Mat Latos?, Matt Garza?, Aaron Harang?
Any big-name prospects they'd be willing to deal?: RHP Nick Burdi, RHP Jake Reed, LHP Stephen Gonsalvez, 3B Travis Harrison

Detroit Tigers: With Miguel Cabrera on the Disabled List for another month or so, Detroit appears to be willing to take the L this season and hoard as many prospects as possible for players whose value will not be higher in a Tigers uniform than they are right now like Yoenis Cespedes. There are rumors that David Price is out on the market which, would only make sense if Detroit can get a complete haul from another team including an above-average Starting Pitcher for the near future. If they cannot get away from a Price deal with multiple pieces for 2016 or even the last few months of 2015, it would make no sense at all for them to deal THE man in their rotation and one of the franchise players for years to come. There will be several teams clamoring for Price but, none willing to pay the ultimate price. Closer Joakim Soria is in his thirties and would make sense for Detroit to deal as well considering they have Neftali Feliz and Bruce Rondon ready to close in case of change of plans. 

On The Market: David Price, Alfredo Simon, Joakim Soria, Yoenis Cespedes, Rajai Davis
Who gets a bigger post-deadline role?: OF Tyler Collins, RHP Buck Farmer, LHP Kyle Ryan, Neftali Feliz

Cleveland Indians: Terry Francona's rotation is set in stone for the remainder of 2015. They do not need to change a thing about Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer, Danny Salazar or Cody Anderson right now. The bullpen is like any other bullpen outside of Kansas City's in that they could always use one more proven arm and it isn't a guarantee that Cody Allen should close the rest of the season. Don't be shocked if they end up with a Craig Kimbrel at the end of the month. The one glaring weakness in Cleveland's lineup is the current outfield scenario where Michael Bourn is still an everyday starter. This organization's minor-league depth is strong enough that they could string together a season-altering deal.

Positional Targets: Outfielder, Reliever
Specific Targets: Craig Kimbrel, Aroldis Chapman, Jay Bruce, Koji Uehara, Justin Upton, Carlos Gomez, Joaquin Benoit, Yoenis Cespedes, Melky Cabrera
Any big-name prospects they'd be willing to deal?: SS Jose Ramirez, OF James Ramsey, C Francisco Mejia, SS Erik Gonzalez

Chicago White Sox: The lesser of the two Chicago baseball clubs is having another bad season and is already contemplating whether or not to deal Jeff Samardzija after half a season. Chicago's offense has seen better days and this team has desperately needed a Catcher for years. If they can deal Samardzija for one of the better Catching prospects, the White Sox will immensely improve future odds of success.

On The Market: Jeff Samardzija, John Danks, Jake Petricka, Dan Jennings, Geovany Soto, Tyler Flowers, Gordon Beckham, Emilio Bonifacio, Alexei Ramirez, Adam LaRoche?, Melky Cabrera, J.B. Schuck
Who gets a bigger post-deadline role?: C Adrian Nieto, RHP Erik Johnson, RHP Scott Carroll, RHP Kyle Drabek, OF Tyler Colvin or OF Matt Tuiasosopo

New York Yankees: Thanks to contributions from 2014 absentees Mark Teiexeira and Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees are in first place in the weirdly competitive AL East. Despite the Yankees achievements, this team is still far from contending for a World Series. I hope New York goes all in like they used to in the good old days and swaps a bunch of prospects for some huge names. If they do not do that, they aren't going very far. 

Positional Targets: Starting Pitcher, Second Baseman, Shortstop, Outfielder
Specific Targets: Cole Hamels, Dan Haren, Scott Kazmir, Jeff Samardzija, Chase Utley, Ben Zobrist, Brandon Phillips, Elvis Andrus, Alexei Ramirez, Troy Tulowitzki, Gerardo Parra, Carlos Gomez, Yoenis Cespedes, Marcell Ozuna
Any big-name prospects they'd be willing to deal?: Yes. 

Tampa Bay Rays: Just like the Joe Maddon years, the Kevin Cash-era has begun with a hot and cold first-half. Another trend that has been similar to the Maddon-era is the plethora of arms Tampa has gone through that have worked out, all quite effectively, despite there having been so many different pitchers in the staff. The Rays' offense is on path for disaster. If a team is in contention and still playing Grady Sizemore in most games, that team is not really in contention for anything besides most embarrassing collapse. This offense needs a complete facelift before next month if Tampa wants to stay in the playoff hunt. 

Positional Targets: Any batters at all, one reliever
Specific Targets: Ben Zobrist (reunited and it would feel so good), Nick Hundley, Adam Lind, Marlon Byrd, Jay Bruce, Shane Victorino, Mike Napoli, Ryan Rua, Jake Petricka, Dan Jennings, Joakim Soria, Boone Logan
Any big-name prospects they'd be willing to deal?: RHP Taylor Guerreri, 2B Ryan Brett, SS Hak-Ju Lee

Baltimore Orioles: Bud Norris is no longer a Starting Pitcher and Kevin Gausman's promotion to the major league rotation is long overdue. The Orioles should not go hard after a starter when they have not given Gausman an opportunity yet in 2015. Also, it seems like the delay on Dylan Bundy's career should end sometime soon with his new-found health. The team also has enough relievers that are former starters and could go multiple innings if necessary (Tommy Hunter, Brian Matusz and Norris) plus All-Star Darren O'Day so, bullpen extras are not needed. The only hole on the roster that cannot be easily filled by someone already within the organization is the missing Outfielder that Baltimore is already rumored to be looking for.

Positional Targets: Outfielder
Specific Targets: Justin Upton, Carlos Gomez, Matt Kemp, Ben Revere, Carlos Gonzalez
Any big-name prospects they'd be willing to deal?: RHP Dylan Bundy, RHP Zach Davies, C Chance Sisco, LHP Tim Berry

Toronto Blue Jays: One of the four teams still viably contending for the AL East title, Toronto is currently in fourth yet, has the most potent offense of any team in the American League. The problem is the rotation is incapable of consistency (Drew Hutchison, R.A. Dickey, Mark Buehrle) and constantly thin thanks to injuries (Marcus Stroman, Aaron Sanchez). The bullpen has a few unknowns as well (Ryan Tepera, Liam Hendriks, Bo Schultz). Toronto is desperate for new pitching help. 

Positional Targets:Outfielder, Pitching, Pitching, Pitching
Specific Targets: Mike Fiers, Scott Kazmir, Matt Garza, Kyle Lohse, Carlos Gomez, Wandy Rodriguez, Aaron Harang, Mat Latos, Dan Haren, Marcell Ozuna, Marlon Byrd, Justin Upton, Francisco Rodriguez, Joakim Soria, Addison Reed, Steve Cishek, Manny Parra, John Axford
Any big-name prospects they'd be willing to deal?: OF Dalton Pompey, LHP Daniel Norris, RHP Miguel Castro, 3B Mitch Nay, LHP Matthew Smoral

Boston Red Sox: I cannot believe this team is seriously considering firing John Farrell. That should tell you all you need to know. Everybody over the age of 26 (not named Dustin Pedroia) is available and Boston will continue to stockpile potential future starters. They'll compete in 2017 but, there's a lot of ugly left on the Red Sox calendar.

On The Market: Everyone not pre-primes of their careers besides Dustin Pedroia.
Who gets a bigger post-deadline role?: C Blake Swihart, LHP Brian Johnson, OF Rusney Castillo, IF Garin Cecchini, RHP Matt Barnes, LHP Henry Owens

Good luck to all of your teams and may your teams futures (immediate or further) be ultimately brighter!

Let's Get Musical

In case you were wondering what I have been doing these past couple of weeks since I made up my fairly successful (5/30 is better than most years) NBA mock draft, I have your answer. My obsession with music is well documented and if there's one thing that I had not covered before this July in describing my obsession, it's proof that I made weekly top 20 music video countdowns from at least 2007-2012 (2001-05 records have been lost over time. What? You expected six year old me to expect to do this for eleven years and keep a sophisticated filing system?). Well, I've gone through those records and have used one of the heads etched forever in stone on the internet Mount Rushmore, Spotify, and have added EVERY SINGLE SONG that debuted between the years of 2007 and 2012 and made an annual playlist for each year titled so gracefully "-insert year here- Good Stuff". I was inspired to go through with this shower-thought after two things happened...

A. I already had made 2013, 2014 and 2015 Good Stuff lists to narrow down my choices for my annual end-of-the-year Top 40 Countdown after I stopped doing the weekly countdowns (due to increased time focused on work and social life)

and B. I saw that Conan on TBS had playlists from every year all the way back to 1992 featuring music from nearly all of the musical guests on his multiple talk shows these past 23 years.

Here is a link to each playlist of songs that appeared on my countdown (2007-2012) and songs that just missed the cut for the year-end Top 40 Countdowns (2013 & 14), AKA: The "Good Stuff".

2007 Good Stuff (featuring Amy Winehouse, Justin Timberlake and about two Daughtry songs too many)
2008 Good Stuff (featuring Britney Spears, Ludacris and Sheryl Crow)
2009 Good Stuff (featuring Alicia Keys, Drake and Green Day)
2010 Good Stuff (featuring David Guetta, OK Go and Timbaland)
2011 Good Stuff (featuring Cee-Lo Green, Florence + The Machine and Lady Gaga)
*2012 Good Stuff (featuring Feist, Machine Gun Kelly and Rihanna)

* = Not in chronological order. Not that you likely care

Those are just the NEW playlists that I was able to put together in my free time this past week. 2013 Good Stuff (featuring John Legend, Kendrick Lamar and Paramore) and 2014 Good Stuff (featuring Beyonce', Childish Gambino and Coldplay) were already in existence prior to this week but, that does not make them any lesser as playlists and everyone should check those out as well as there are songs that haven't been heard in a while and songs that you might have missed these past eight years.

Along with that, I might as well link to my end-of-the-year Top 40 playlists (AKA: The "Best Of" lists) as well.

Please note that some songs (only two or three out of the 300 songs) are not on Spotify for whatever reasons.

**Best Of 2006  (featuring Outkast, Gnarls Barkley and Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Best Of 2007 (featuring Gwen Stefani, KT Tunstall and Paolo Nutini)
Best Of 2008 (featuring Flyleaf, Kanye West and Katy Perry)
Best Of 2009 (featuring The Black Eyed Peas, Kid Cudi and Yeah Yeah Yeahs)
Best Of 2010 (featuring Brandon Flowers, Ke$ha and M.I.A.)
Best Of 2011 (featuring Adele, Kings Of Leon and Lykke Li)
Best Of 2012 (featuring Bon Iver, Lana Del Rey and Metric)
Best Of 2013 (featuring Arcade Fire, Janelle Monae and Lorde)
Best Of 2014 (featuring Foster The People, Phantogram and St. Vincent)

** = Only a Top 20 and all other records from this year are lost which is why there is no "2006 Good Stuff" playlist.

So, enjoy the sonic journey I have led you to and keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.

Sadly, there is no music featured on any of these lists from Devastatin' Dave and I apologize for having failed you.

2015 NBA Mock Draft: Who Said Centers Were Irrelevant?

You know how this thing goes by now...

Tune in at 6:30 PM CT to ESPN for live coverage of the NBA Draft.

Now, it's mocking time!

1. Minnesota Timberwolves - C Karl-Anthony Towns (Kentucky)

Towns is not surprised.

Karl-Anthony Towns goes from being one of the only people to stay at the University of Kentucky for multiple years to attending the University of Kevin Garnett where he'll pick up some tips from one of the best Power Forwards of the last twenty years. I like his odds at success as long as he avoids problems with his feet. The Timberwolves have begun a youth movement that they hope to keep together for a very long time with three first-rounders from 2014 (Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine and Adreian Payne) plus they still have the #1 overall pick from 2013 (Anthony Bennett) although, he's widely rumored to be on the trading block. Add Towns to the mix and you have a future playoff team (though likely not for another season, give Towns time to adjust). There are many sources out there already stating that this is Minnesota's pick and I feel very comfortable in not blowing the #1 pick as I did last year (Dante Exum).

2. Los Angeles Lakers - C Jahlil Okafor (Duke)

(Grant Halverson, Getty Images)
Okafor has no relation to Emeka Okafor but, he'll also be selected 2nd eleven years later.

Who said Centers were a dying breed of little importance? The second pick is also a Center and the player who I believe is the surest thing in the draft (I thought he'd go #1 since he graduated high school). L.A. will welcome Okafor with arms wide open since they never want to have to start Robert Sacre for 18 games ever again. Sacre has plenty of skills but, the only thing he excels at are his bench celebrations.

The Lakers don't have any specific needs other than "players" and Jahlil Okafor is one of the best ones of those in the 2015 draft and he won't impede on Kobe's thirty shots per game so, he's a perfect match.

3. Philadelphia 76ers - PG Emmanuel Mudiay (China)

(Kelly Kline)
The only player with first-round potential to come out of China, Mudiay's stock is filled with questions.

The Sixers have their big men of the future (Nerlens Noel & Joel Embiid) and they have Robert Covington as a temporary place holder at Small Forward. This leaves them with a glaring need at one specific position and that is Guard. Mudiay is tall enough and enough of a scorer that he could manage to play as the Shooting Guard in case Philly still thinks they have something in either Tony Wroten or Isaiah Canaan. This move would not catapult the Sixers out of the top ten of the draft next year (only Embiid's health could potentially do that) but, it does get them one step closer and one season away from Sam Hinkie looking like a mad genius.

4. New York Knicks - PG D'Angelo Russell (Ohio State)

Mike Munden/AP
Russell is just the type of player the Knicks need.

Phil Jackson's stint in New York may only be a season long but, it's gone terribly after one 17-65 season and the team fell out of the top three picks during the draft lottery. Not a good look so far but, at pick #4 some future All-Star is bound to be available and Russell just happens to be the best player available and the perfect fit on an unidentifiable Knicks roster. Last season's one hyped draft pick (SF Cleanthony Early) did not pan out whatsoever and Tim Hardaway Jr.'s sophomore NBA season was a disaster. Carmelo Anthony needs a teammate of some substantial value because as Lebron James has just proven, you cannot win a championship by yourself. Russell is the most NBA-ready Point Guard in this year's draft and would add offense that nobody outside of Anthony currently possesses in New York.

5. Orlando Magic - SF Justise Winslow (Duke)

(USATSI)
Winslow's stock took a major jump when he outperformed teammate Jahlil Okafor during the 2015 NCAA Tournament.

Tobias Harris is as good as gone and rumor has it that the team picking #4 (the Knicks) are the most likely suitors for the Small Forward. This would leave Orlando with "How could you be" Moe Harkless in the starting lineup. They need a better backup plan in case the inevitable happens, Winslow is the best fit for Orlando's scheme as he is a good all-around player and Orlando loves their defense. With the questionable hiring of three-time failure Scott Skiles, it's unlikely this team is competing for a championship any time over the next 3-4 years but they've built quite the nucleus to reach the next step (playoffs) in a weaker Eastern Conference. A lineup of Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo, Justise Winslow, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic' is very exciting to most and shouldn't have any problem avoiding being in this same draft position next off-season.

It wouldn't be a proper discussion about the Magic if I didn't heartlessly diss Scott Skiles once every five minutes.

6. Sacramento Kings - PF Kristaps Porzingis (Spain)

Is that basketball even a real basketball? Did they set this up or was it an in-game dunk? So many questions for Kristaps.

Get ready for the obvious European comparison... Kristaps is the weaker, faster Dirk Nowitzki. The only thing missing from his game is any type of moves in the post, something that has made Nowitzki a future hall of famer. Porzingis needs some polishing but, his outside shooting is something rarely seen from players of his height. If he ever does find a way to get out of the post, watch out because this is a steal. The one thing that worries is if he does get selected by Sacramento, what are the chances this team that is currently in a huge disagreement with their head coach on the future of their one All-Star can do the right thing and give enough to time to Porzingis and/or the coaching help he needs early on. They are the most unstable franchise in basketball right now, don't let the down years for the Lakers and Knicks and boldness of the Sixers fool you.

7. Denver Nuggets - SF Mario Hezonja (Spain)

Victor Salgado / FCB
Back-to-back players from Spain! 

New Nuggets head coach Mike Malone is the former coach of the Kings, current Kings head coach George Karl is the former Nuggets coach and now both teams are taking players from Spain? Who started emulating whom in this scenario? Mario Hezonja is rumored to be a very hard player to coach as he ditched his team in Spain after multiple disagreements with the head coach overseas. His attitude does affect his play at times but, typically talent prevails in these types of situations. I mean... look at J.R. Smith. He's still in the NBA and an integral piece on a team's roster. The Nuggets are coming off of a depressing season and probably don't want to deal with another headcase but, I still think they take Hezonja as this is a team that has had luck with foreign prospects previously (Jusuf Nurkic, Danilo Gallinari and Evan Fournier). Hezonja is also just like J.R. Smith in his extreme inconsistencies but, when he gets hot, he can actually play defense (something Smith rarely does). Gary Harris did not live up to the hype his rookie season and the Nuggets could use another player with the same capabilities as Harris to build a more dynamic offense. In steps Mario Hezonja and problem solved!

8. Detroit Pistons - PF Trey Lyles (Kentucky)

Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America
With a name like Trey, you'd think he'd be able to hit threes better than going 4-for-29 at Kentucky.

Much like Orlando at pick #5, the Pistons are going to make a choice here based on a large chunk of their team's focus almost certain to leave in big-man Greg Monroe's testing free agency. With Detroit more than set in talent at the Guard position (Reggie Jackson, Brandon Jennings, Spencer Dinwiddie, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jodie Meeks), they are guaranteed to be thinking big at pick number eight and Trey Lyles is big in size, big in hype and big in talent. Once Detroit acquired Ersan Ilyasova in a trade, this pick was pretty much locked in. There could still be another big man that fancies the Detroit Pistons but, Lyles is the top on my remaining-big-men draft board (an oddly specific draft board).

9. Charlotte Hornets - PG Cameron Payne (Murray State)

Jenny Rohl/The News
Small college Point Guards succeeding is nothing new (Damian Lillard)

An exquisite passer, little was known about Payne before the drafting process began and now that everybody is at least semi-familiar with Payne, his stock is the fastest rising in the draft. Charlotte doesn't absolutely need another Point Guard with Kemba Walker having that position on lockdown for a few more years but, Mo Williams has already been rumored as a potential Cavalier so, Michael Jordan's team will need another guy who can dish it out on the bench. With the addition of Spencer Hawes via Lance Stephenson trade, the team has already picked up a scorer. Add him to an improving, second-year P.J. Hairston and Charlotte should be in the postseason as an eighth-seed at minimum.

(Plus, Charlotte just traded for Nicolas Batum and dumped Noah Vonleh/Gerald Henderson. WHAT?)

10. Miami Heat - SF Stanley Johnson (Arizona)

Jae C. Hong/Associated Press
"Replacing Lebron? Bring it on." - probably what Stanley Johnson is saying in this photo.

The Heat just barely missed the playoffs last season and somehow lucked out by getting the tenth pick in the lottery instead of surrendering the eleventh pick to Philadelphia as part of a trade in which the pick was top-ten protected. Now, Miami has a good chance at getting a player who should be ready for their rotation on day one. Stanley Johnson is a Forward who can step in for Luol Deng if he indeed leaves via free agency. The Heat are dealing with a lot of off-season drama right now as Dwyane Wade's next contract is uncertain to be with Miami, Chris Bosh recovers from a blood clot, Goran Dragic likely becomes the highest paid Point Guard in team history and Udonis Haslem's contract is more of a nuisance than ever as his glory days seem to be behind him. Ultimately, I think we'll be looking at a very similar team to the one Pat Riley and crew ended last season with plus they'll add a kid who is just 19 going on 20, leaving Miami with a brighter post-Wade future. 

11. Indiana Pacers - C Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky)

(USATSI)
Cauley-Stein lucks out and falls to a team that only missed the playoffs due to one star's injury who is now healthy.

Stick with me on this one... Say THIS INCREDIBLY BALLSY TRADE ACTUALLY HAPPENS, all of a sudden Indiana has a spot in the starting lineup for Cauley-Stein (if they want him to start) and they'd have Nicolas Batum coming off a terrible season alongside Paul George. I don't think there's any real chance Larry Bird and I share the same thoughts but if that trade and this pick happens plus Indy adds a Point Guard in free agency (not a great one, just not Donald Sloan), they'd probably be back in the Eastern Conference Finals. I'm still not sure who would say no to that deal.

UPDATE: Nicolas Batum has been traded to Charlotte for Gerald Henderson and Noah Vonleh. My pick has not changed here.

12. Utah Jazz - PF Myles Turner (Texas)

Eric Gay/AP
Look at that wingspan. He could probably play multiple jazz instruments at the same time, which is great considering Utah is quite well-known for their underground Mormon jazz scene.

Utah's bench is absolutely horrible. There are some quality young players worth keeping past next season like Alec Burks, Trey Burke, Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert plus they still have last year's two first rounders, the disappointing Dante Exum and Rodney Hood. Outside of those core seven? Not a whole lot to brag about. This team desperately needs to add a big man for their bench even though they were much more successful after the Enes Kanter trade. Myles Turner is another guy with an incredible wingspan (Utah might want to make sure the Bucks don't trade up for him) that would be quite the compliment to the emerging superstar Rudy "Stifle Tower" Gobert. 

13. Phoenix Suns - C Frank Kaminsky (Wisconsin)

Current Phoenix Center Alex Len has developed a jump shot but, why not go all in and take a Center who can hit threes?

The curious case of Frank Kaminsky is either going to bomb out or ball out at the NBA level. I don't see him working out just "okay", it's an incredibly low floor or an incredibly high ceiling for the former Badger with two final four trips under his belt. He has his own unique move just like Dirk Nowitzki's step-back jumper only, Frank "The Tank"'s unique motions moves him forward for an off-balance yet mostly accurate layup. Phoenix has taken some weird chances on players since hiring Jeff Hornacek (remember the three-guards experiment?) and Kaminsky just seems like the type of chance Phoenix is willing to take.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder - SF Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Arizona)

Speaking of unique movements, I introduce you to Hollis-Jefferson's pre-free throw shimmy.

If Oklahoma City's best backup plan once/if Durant gets hurt is Kyle Singler, then they won't be as deep into the championship hunt as people assume they will. OKC already has all the offensive firepower one could ask for from their bench and Hollis-Jefferson is very weak in that field but much stronger on defense. The way the Thunder played late in the season without Durant was they ran very little of their offense through the Small Forward position and weren't a total train-wreck. Plus, despite that awkward looking free throw motion, the man shot 70% from the line in the 2014-15 season. A safe play for Billy Donovan's first season coaching the Thunder.

15. Atlanta Hawks - SG Devin Booker (Kentucky)

photo courtesy of kentuckysportsradio.com
Devin Booker is the shooter that Atlanta needs more of on their bench in case of a Kyle Korver emergency.

The Hawks new uniforms are nice but, they haven't erased a disappointing Eastern Conference Finals exit due to injury-after-injury where they were forced into playing with their lack of depth (NYPD only partly to blame in the grand scheme of Atlanta basketball). Kent Bazemore might not just be the towel-waving 12th man he was in the bay area but, he's still not a guy I'd want as the first option off the bench at Shooting Guard. If Devin Booker can steal that role from him, hopefully Atlanta can avoid the return-to-earth season everyone and their mothers are expecting. Booker is a kid who I don't believe to be the ready for the big stage just yet but, we're halfway through the first round and chances are 50-50 on whether or not a team is drafting a serious member of their team for years to come. (Just look at Adreian Payne whom Atlanta selected and gave up on halfway through his rookie season last year).

16. Boston Celtics - SF Kelly Oubre (Kansas)

KU Athletics Photo
Somewhere Oubre the rainbow, Kelly goes up for a dunk.

What is it with Boston taking guys named Kelly? The Red Sox have had Kelly Johnson and now roster Joe Kelly, the Celtics already Kelly "Turn your arm and rip the shoulder off" Olynyk and now I have them taking Kelly Oubre of the elite Kansas program under Bill Self. Current Boston Small Forward Jae Crowder had a breakout near the end of last season and was very much a factor in their playoff berth but, when he left the floor Boston had nowhere to turn that wouldn't stop the offensive production. Jonas Jerebko is not the answer. Luigi Datome is not the answer. Gerald Wallace is only the answer to one question and that is "who does Boston most want to get rid of?". Kelly Oubre is not a guaranteed good professional player but, he should be able to fill in for some minutes in Brad Stevens' rotation.

17. Milwaukee Bucks - SG Rashad Vaughn (UNLV)

At just eighteen years old, Vaughn is another project for Jason Kidd to work on.

Milwaukee needs a shooter. Rashad Vaughn is a good shooter. He's also a super raw talent and Milwaukee has been eating up the raw-talent lack-of-experience players since the "Fear the deer"-era. John Henson, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Michael Carter-Williams have all gone from showing flashes of greatness to being quite valuable starters and role players under Jason Kidd and Rashad Vaughn already has the jump shooting and rebounding down AT AGE EIGHTEEN! If they could get some better defense out of the kid and maybe make him pass every now and then, watch out Eastern Conference because Milwaukee's hype is not just empty hype. 

18. Houston Rockets - PG Jerian Grant (Notre Dame)

hoopscience.it
Something tells me Jerian Grant is a more offensive-minded Patrick Beverley and Houston already has the defensive version of that.

Houston was all sorts of hampered by injuries in the postseason and still managed to make it to a lopsided Western Conference Finals. Jason Terry simply cannot be the player he wants to be anymore at 37-years old and he has a career in broadcasting or as an analyst all wrapped up for him once he decides to hang up the phone on his very good career. For the moment, he is still a Houston Rocket though but, I don't see that changing Houston's pick here of a Point Guard who resembles Patrick Beverley (their starting Point Guard) on defense and is a much better passer than him as well. Grant would be the perfect fit in Houston's starting lineup even though he will likely only be a valuable bench-warmer during the upcoming season. 

19. Washington Wizards - SG R.J. Hunter (Georgia State)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
You've probably seen this shot before.

Ronald Jordan Hunter was a virtual unknown until he gave his father a heart attack and promptly wrapped up the season in Baylor sports disappointments. It was phenomenal entertainment and the world was introduced to the coach's son, an otherwise likely second rounder or even un-drafted free agent steal. R.J. is definitely a one-trick pony right now (he likes to shoot and he does it well) and Randy Wittman will want him to cover the weakest offensive player on the opponent's lineup because Hunter's defensive game is a complete liability and he's only there to temporarily replace departing free agents like Rasual Butler and Paul Pierce. Washington is eyeing another top four finish next year and they won't be able to do that if they allow their offensive game to falter at all.

20. Toronto Raptors - PG Delon Wright (Utah)

(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
"Stop hitting yourself with the ball, Justise! Justise! Justise! Stop hitting yourself with the ball!"

Toronto is losing sixth man of the year Lou Williams because somebody is always guaranteed to overpay the guy coming off a sixth man of the year trophy and it's almost never the team that keeps him out of the starting lineup. Delon Wright already has some secondhand idea of what the NBA is like from his brother, Trailblazers Forward Dorell Wright. I'd compare Delon to last year's #6 pick, Marcus Smart of the Celtics. He is a defense-oriented player with a jumper that needs some developing otherwise, he's a lock-down defender who's bound to impress in his rookie season. The Raptors will need to look elsewhere to replace Lou Williams' fourteen points per game but, this is the backup Guard they should want and need. They'll be a team of freak athletes in a few years with Bruno Caboclo, Wright and Terrence "Tyrannosaurus" Ross likely still in the future plans.

21. Dallas Mavericks - SF Sam Dekker (Wisconsin)

(Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Dekker was all smiles in the final four this March when his team beat seven of this year's draft prospects.

Dallas is absolutely screwed in the upcoming 2015-16 season unless they find a way to attract LaMarcus Aldridge away from San Antonio or they think of some deal involving draft picks (which they clearly have had no problems dealing under Mark Cuban) and getting a Guard in return. Otherwise, this team is absolutely not contending next year with dust flying off of Dirk Nowitzki and both Monta Ellis and Rajon Rondo 100% gone. With all of that said, if they do choose to make a pick, Sam Dekker is still out there and is high on some team's boards. Personally, I just don't see this guy being the next Gordon Hayward, the next Shawn Marion or even the next James Jones. He just does not have enough redeemable qualities outside of being willing to be a team player (which in the case of Matthew Dellavedova is really all you need in certain games but, as we saw in the Finals, it is not a good permanent plan). Dekker can shoot but the inconsistencies in his all-around game are too inconsistent for him to even be in consideration as a first-rounder. Dallas is used to making poor choices that cost them so this move will hurt very little if it does backfire. 

22. Chicago Bulls - PF Bobby Portis (Arkansas)

(AP Photo/Danny Johnston)
What? I didn't think it was THAT surprising of a pick?

Bobby Portis fits perfectly in Chicago's roster once they trade PF Taj Gibson (something they've been attempting to do for months). Gibson is a rare talent but, he's not a starter and therefor, not an absolute necessity to Chicago's playoff hopes next season. Bobby Portis is the better scoring, less defensive version of... okay, there is no comparing Portis to Gibson but, I'm just trying to help Chicago fans get some idea of the player they are drafting and an exact NBA comparison is not coming to mind. SEC basketball is not on the same planet as SEC football though so, temper your expectations for last year's SEC Player of the Year.

23. Portland Trailblazers - PF Kevon Looney (UCLA)

(Brandon Choe/Daily Bruin)
I hope Kevon has a strong NBA career just so I can start using the phrase "Looney bin" in an NBA context.

With the addition of Noah Vonleh while I was typing up this mock, the chances of Looney landing in Portland have been slightly lowered BUT I stand by this decision as it is highly possible LaMarcus Aldridge is never ever ever getting back together with Portland. This leaves the Blazers with a gaping wound in their hearts and a need at the backup Power Forward position with Noah Vonleh potentially slotted into the starting lineup. In steps Kevon Looney, a forward that could guard both Small and Power Forwards and can explode offensively in the most random of games (much like Portland's Center Meyers Leonard). 

24. Cleveland Cavaliers - PG Tyus Jones (Duke)

Mark Dolejs, USA TODAY Sports
Tyus Jones would become the Cavalier with the most recent championship-winning experience if they chose him.

Cleveland needs to just keep asking themselves one question all off-season with each player they add to the roster and that question is "Would we have won the championship if we had had this player on our roster against Golden State?" and with Tyus Jones, the answer is "we probably could have taken the Warriors to seven at least". Jones is a game-changer whenever he gets an open shot at hitting a three. He is a much better shooter than Iman Shumpert and only time will tell on whether or not he can avoid the inconsistencies that plagued J.R. Smith's first (and probably final) Finals appearance. Lebron would feel a lot less lonely if he could have had a better shooter at Point than Matthew Dellavedova.

25. Memphis Grizzlies - C Dakari Johnson (Kentucky)

David Richard / AP
Johnson is the most widely-referenced player that should not have left Kentucky due to inexperience.

Dakari is a great first name. Dakari is also a first-round basketball talent and the only reason his stock is this low is because most experts don't believe he received enough playing time as a Wildcat stuck behind Willie Cauley-Stein but, talent is talent and Kentucky is Kentucky. Memphis will more than willing to open up their offices for a proper backup to All-Star starter Marc Gasol. Besides, Kosta Koufos' contract is up and does anybody truly believe Kosta Koufos' job is completely secure? No. 

26. San Antonio Spurs - SG Olivier Hanlan (Boston College)

Associated Press
The Spurs need to take a Shooting Guard eventually. Hanlan is the unexciting type of pick they love making.

Marco Belinelli is not going to replace Manu Ginobili once the long-time Spur decides to retire. Olivier Hanlan probably won't either but, it never hurts to take a chance in the draft when you're always in the postseason no matter what moves you do or do not make. If Hanlan does anything in the 2015-16 season, it'll be due to rest or injuries for players of higher importance. I have no idea what Hanlan's pro future looks like but, I can't imagine him to be a name we really care about in two years let alone a decade like Ginobili but hey, teams were wrong on Manu also.

27. Los Angeles Lakers - PG Terry Rozier (Louisville)

Bob Donnan - USA TODAY Sports
A shoot first Point Guard? Kobe might not like this.

With L.A. needing all types of players and already having taken Jahlil Okafor at #2, I see them going after a Guard with their second first-rounder. Jeremy Lin is likely departing because why wouldn't he? Byron Scott never played despite Lin giving his best production since his Knick days. Terry Rozier is sort of the Shabazz Napier of this year's draft, a shooting first Point Guard for the most part that has won a championship in college as a starter. His transition to the NBA will not be easy but, if he can play above the Gary Neal line (a thing I just made up), he'll always have a spot on an NBA roster.

28. Boston Celtics - PF Montrezl Harrell (Louisville)

Montrezl is another Louisville Cardinal with championship experience. What a coincidence!

Easily the most explosive dunker in the draft, Harrell just loves playing the game of basketball. He might be the player with the most on-court effort exhibited on a game-to-game basis. The one problem with him is if he ever stops being the carefree athletic freak that he is or injures himself, his game will be completely destroyed. The Celtics don't have the greatest big men in the league (Bass, Olynyk, Sullinger) and drafting another 6'8'' Power Forward halfway through the draft would not hurt.

29. Brooklyn Nets - C Mouhammadou Jaiteh (France)

Photo by: Jean-Philippe Carlier
He's 6'9" and that's about the extent of public knowledge on France's Mouhammadou Jaiteh

There's at least one pick in the first round that nobody sees coming. Last year that choice was Bruno Caboclo to the Raptors. This year I think the Nets are going to do something shocking with their last first-round choice until the world is overtaken by robots and Mouhammadou Jaiteh is enough of a mystery man with just enough whispers of hype that I could see somebody taking a chance on him. Brook Lopez probably isn't staying for very long so even the roster math admits it is a possibility.

30. Golden State Warriors - PF Christian Wood (UNLV)

Ethan Miller/Getty Images
It was at this moment that Wood dropped the most embarrassing flatulence of his young life.

The defending champions never NEED another first-rounder on their roster but, the Warriors could certainly use one with David Lee announcing his plans to sign elsewhere in free agency along with the total lack of big games from big men in the Finals. Festus Ezeli is a keeper and Bogut is a nice tutor with a much shorter future in Golden State but, they can't do it by themselves just like Curry and Klay won't get the opportunity to pass through a bunch of teams crippled by injury all while hitting every one of their shots. It's never as easy one year later and Golden State needs Christian Wood to at least give them a chance at winning back-to-back.

Best of luck to all of your teams and may you all avoid drafting a Jonny Flynn over a Stephen Curry!