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Draft needs, possible fits for NL West teams

The Rockies might look to take hard-throwing Kansas prep Riley Pint with their first pick (No. 4 overall). David Banks/USA TODAY Sports

For the fourth straight year, we're doing a comprehensive audit of every organization in baseball leading up to the MLB draft.

By examining where each team's strengths and weaknesses lie -- and with a working knowledge of its typical draft strategy and tendencies -- we can get a sense of which player each team will select.

Click on the player names of the possible fits to get a full scouting report for that player. Also, the number in parentheses in the bonus-pool area is the team's rank among all MLB teams, from most money (Reds are first) to least (Cubs at 30th).

Division-by-division draft outlook

AL East | AL Central | AL West | NL East | NL Central | NL West


Arizona Diamondbacks
First pick: No. 39 overall
Bonus pool: $5,419,900 (26th)

System strength: The Diamondbacks send personnel to games at the lowest levels of the minor leagues -- something a lot of organizations still aren't doing -- which allows them to identify breakout prospects sooner than other teams would. There are a number of interesting arms throughout their system, though many of them likely will end up as relievers.

System weakness: Minor league talent valuation in general seems to be an issue. Their trade of 2015 first pick Dansby Swanson was evidence of that.

Recent top picks
2015: Dansby Swanson, SS, No. 1
2014: Touki Toussaint, RHP, No. 16
2013: Braden Shipley, RHP, No. 15
2012: Stryker Trahan, OF, No. 26
2011: Trevor Bauer, RHP, No. 3

Possible fits

College arms: I would caution D-backs fans from getting too excited if a high-profile prep talent tumbles down the draft board toward their team's selection at 39. That player is likely headed for an overslot deal with Atlanta or Cincinnati just behind Arizona. Instead, look for the Diamondbacks to grab one of the college arms, such as Eric Lauer, Corbin Burnes or T.J. Zeuch.

Jeff Belge, LHP, Henninger HS (Syracuse, New York): Belge is a massive prep lefty from the Northeast who, while not very physically projectable, has been in the mid-90s with really good curveball feel.

Cooper Johnson, C, Carmel Catholic HS (Mundelein, Illinois) : Johnson is the best defensive catcher in the draft. We've seen players go in the middle of the first round simply because they laid claim to that superlative. Johnson is highly unlikely to make any sort of big league impact as a hitter, but he's athletic and has a good frame and could be an everyday player because of his defense alone.


Colorado Rockies
First pick: No. 4
Bonus pool: $11,153,400 (5th)