PROSPECT WATCH: 2000 draft top picks

Sporting News, The, June 26, 2000

Adrian Gonzalez (6-3, 200), 1B Marlins (1st pick overall)

* Gonzalez wasn't hyped as Josh Beckett and Josh Hamilton were last year, but the Marlins are quite happy to have Gonzalez, who has been compared to Mark Grace and Rafael Palmeiro. A lefthanded batter, Gonzalez has a good build and a nice swing--he hit .645 with 13 home runs and 34 RBIs as a senior at Eastlake High in Chula Vista, Calif. He also has a bulldog mentality, once taking the field this year with a 104-degree temperature. The Marlins gave him a $3 million signing bonus and, considering Gonzalez's high potential, they consider that a bargain.

Adam Johnson (6-2, 200), RHP, Twins (2nd pick)

* Johnson, Cal State-Fullerton's career strikeout leader, had that all-important attribute on draft day: the right price. Minnesota had wanted to select high school righthander Matt Harrington with the No. 2 pick, but Harrington reportedly wanted a bonus of more than $4 million. Johnson orally agreed to terms for a $2.5 million signing bonus. Though he can't match Harrington's 97-mph fastball, the Twins believe Johnson could be in the majors much faster, perhaps by the end of next season. And the Twins need pitching help. Johnson, who likes to come after hitters, has good command of four pitches: a low-90s fastball plus a changeup, curveball and a dynamite slider. He was 7-4 with a 2.72 ERA for the Titans, striking out 166 and walking just 28 in 119 1/3 innings.

Luis Montanez (6-2,175), SS, Cubs (3rd pick)

* Montanez, an 18-year-old out of Coral Park High in Miami, was signed, sealed and delivered on draft day. He reminds scouts of Blue Jays shortstop Alex Gonzalez with his soft hands, good range and strong throwing arm. The only drawback with Montanez is that he does not have great speed, but he does have good first-step quickness, which helps him get to balls other shortstops might not. Montanez batted .431 in 33 games with Coral Park this year with seven homers, 25 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. The Cubs will send him to Mesa (Ariz.) for rookie ball. With several other shortstops in the system (the Cubs also drafted Bobby Hill, the standout shortstop from the University of Miami), the Cubs will feel no need to rush Montanez.