It's been more than four years since the 2006 MLB Draft took place, but the names that checkered it are as fresh as ever. One of the beauties of looking back several years is that by now, we have a pretty good indication of how those teams and players have fared. So without further ado, it's time to break down one of the stronger first rounds in recent memories, complete with player analysis and a grade on how they have fared thus far in their journey.


Pick, Player, Team, Pos., School

1 Luke Hochevar, Kansas City Royals, RHP, University of Tennessee

Anaylsis: Hochevar's selection didn't create nearly the same buzz that more recent ones like David Price and Stephen Strasburg have, and perhaps with good reason. His inauspicious career has paralleled that of the Royals, who have yet to break through as seem feel they have the talent to do. In three-plus seasons at the major-league level, the tall righty has gone just 18-30 with a 5.68 ERA. This year has been his best yet, and that's not saying much. He is 5-4 with a 4.96 ERA but is currently on the disabled list with a sprained right elbow. Grade: D+


2 Greg Reynolds, Colorado Rockies, RHP, Stanford University

Analysis: Reynolds has been nothing short of a disaster for the Rockies. He has survived just 14 games in the major leagues, going 2-8 with an 8.13 ERA in 13 starts in 2008. Though his minor league numbers are somewhat respectable, he has found the disabled list more often than the mound. He was recently activated from the 60-day DL with an elbow contusion and is back at Double-A Tulsa. Grade: F


3 Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays, 3B, Long Beach State University

Analysis: The Rays found a franchise player in Longoria, and he has been one of the key cogs in their remarkable turnaround in recent years. In three seasons in the majors, Longoria has made the All-Star team three times, been named Rookie of the Year, and earned both a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award in the rugged American League. He continues to improve both offensively and defensively and will be a force in the AL East for years to come. Grade: A


4 Brad Lincoln, Pittsburgh Pirates, RHP, University of Houston

Analysis: Lincoln finally cracked the big-league club this season, almost a surprise given the struggles of the Pirates in recent years. Although his numbers are far from spectacular (1-3, 5.10), Lincoln has been durable in all seven of his starts, going six innings or more six times, and he earned his first big-league win with seven shutout frames against the Cubs on June 30. Lincoln figures to be a mainstay in the rotation for years to come. Grade: C-


5 Brandon Morrow, Seattle Mariners, RHP, UC-Berkeley

Analysis: Morrow has great stuff, but what's frustrated fans in both Seattle and now Toronto is his lack of command. He has shown flashes of brilliance, but ongoing problems locating the strike zone have driven managers and fans alike batty. The Mariners shipped him off to Toronto after three uneven seasons, and the inconsistency bug has continued to bite Morrow north of the border. In three-plus seasons, he is just 13-18 with a 4.26 ERA and an even-more alarming 5.3 walks per nine innings. A good fastball will only take you so far, and until Morrow can throw strikes on a regular basis, he will remain an enigma. Grade: C


6 Andrew Miller, Detroit Tigers, LHP, University of North Carolina

Analysis: Like Morrow, Miller's stuff has never been in question, but rather his command and mound presence. The Tigers apparently saw enough of him in just over a year in the big leagues to ship him off to Florida, where his problems continued. After going 9-15 in two seasons with the Marlins, Miller has spent the entire 2010 campaign in the minor leagues working on his control. The Tigers gave up awful quickly on Miller, but what they got in return was perhaps the best all-around player in the American League in Miguel Cabrera. Grade: C


7 Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers, LHP, Highland Park High School

Analysis: It hasn't always been picture-perfect, but Kershaw's two-plus years in the big leagues have been pretty smooth in Tinseltown. The hard-throwing lefty has struggled with his command at times, but a 22-18 record and even-more impressive 3.30 ERA have coincided with the Dodgers' return to the top of the heap in the National League. Kershaw has gotten better each year, and his 9-5 record and 3.16 ERA have helped keep the Dodgers afloat in a suddenly-tough NL West. If he can shake the walks, Kershaw will eventually evolve into the staff ace the Dodgers envisioned when they drafted him. Grade: A-


8 Drew Stubbs, Cincinnati Reds, CF, University of Texas

Analysis: Stubbs has emerged in 2010 after getting his feet wet last year in Cincy. Now a regular in the Reds' lineup, Stubbs has at least shown power potential with 11 home runs (including three in one game) despite a sub par .235 average. He has provided the Reds with an offensive spark as the team is in first place this late in the year for the first time this decade. Though he needs to cut down on the strikeouts (90 this year), he figures to get better as time goes on. Grade: B-


9 Bill Rowell, Baltimore Orioles, 3B, Bishop Eustace Prep School

Analysis: For a team that has had its fair share of poor draft picks, this one took the cake. The Orioles passed on two-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum apparently because they felt his odd throwing motion would lead to injuries. What they got instead was a player who hasn't ascended beyond high-A ball. In three seasons at Single-A Frederick, Rowell has hardly impressed, hitting .240 with 23 home runs. He doesn't figure to be in the club's big-league plans any time soon. On a side note, ponder this: Of the top 22 draft picks, Rowell is the only one without his own Wikipedia page. That should tell you all you need to know. Grade: F


10 Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants, RHP, University of Washington

Analysis: Lincecum's unique delivery has held up just fine in San Francisco, as the baby-faced righty already has two Cy Young awards under his belt. In this his fourth season in the majors, Lincecum is also a three-time All-Star who has posted a 50-21 record, 2.91 ERA, and 812 strikeouts. Safe to say one team's misery is another team's treasure. Grade: A


11 Max Scherzer, Arizona Diamondbacks, RHP, University of Missouri

Analysis: Scherzer didn't get much of a chance to shine in Arizona, as the D-Backs traded him to Detroit after last season. Like many young pitchers, the hard-throwing righty has shown flashes of brilliance while still batting inconsistency. He is 15-22 with a 4.13 ERA at the major-league level, but his 335 strikeouts have raised some eyebrows, including 14 in a game earlier this year. Scherzer and Justin Verlander will combine to give the Tigers a potent 1-2 punch of power arms in their rotation for future years. Grade: C+


12 Kasey Kiker, Texas Rangers, LHP, Russell County High School

Analysis: Kiker has hardly lived up to expectations, as the southpaw is still toiling away at Double-A Frisco. His minor league numbers won't excite anybody, as he is just 20-27 with a 4.07 ERA, including 1-4 with a 5.65 ERA this year. The Rangers already have a slew of talented arms at the major league level, leaving many to wonder if Kiker is in their future plans. Grade: D-


13 Tyler Colvin, Chicago Cubs, LF, Clemson University

Analysis: Colvin was at the heart of a war of words earlier this season between Cubs broadcaster Steve Stone and manager Lou Piniella. Many wondered why the talented young outfielder wasn't getting ample playing time, and rightfully so. Colvin has emerged in his first full year on the scene, hitting .262 with 12 home runs and 32 RBI. He has provided a boost to an otherwise-unspectacular lineup and will anchor the middle of the Cubs batting order for a long time. Grade: B+


14 Travis Snider, Toronto Blue Jays, RF, Henry M. Jackson High School

Analysis: Snider had been picking his game up when he went down in May with a sprained wrist. Though he is still learning how to hit and struggles against lefties, he has good power potential, as evidence by his six early-season home runs. He is just 22, so the Blue Jays have time to work with him to make sure he develops properly. Snider is an important part of their plans, so how he returns from his injury will be key. Grade: C+


15 Chris Marrero, Washington Nationals, 3B, Monsignor Edward Pace High School

Analysis: Marrero has yet to hit the majors, but at least he has given fans hope by posting respectable minor league numbers. He has played primarily first base, as his drafted position of third is blocked by mainstay Ryan Zimmerman. In 116 games at Double-A Harrisburg, Marrero has hit .288 with 13 homers and 61 driven in, and may find himself in Washington soon should the team move Adam Dunn. Grade: C-


16 Jeremy Jeffress, Milwaukee Brewers, RHP, Halifax County High School

Analysis: Stuck in high-A ball, Jeffress has been a disappointment thus far. The Brewers need pitching help, and the youngster has been nowhere to be found, struggling to a 20-21 record with a 4.04 ERA in the minors. Milwaukee seems to be taking its time with Jeffress, probably a good thing given his inconsistency. Grade: D-


17 Matt Antonelli, San Diego Padres, 3B, Wake Forest University

Analysis: Antonelli reached Triple-A ball in 2008, but has scuffled ever since, batting just .209 with 11 homers after showing promise at the lower levels. Just making contact has given him trouble, meaning he won't be helping the Padres in the immediate future. Grade: D


18 Kyle Drabek, Philadelphia Phillies, RHP, The Woodlands High School

Analysis: The Blue Jays targeted Drabek when they were planning to deal Roy Halladay, and they ultimately landed the son of former major leaguer Doug Drabek. The youngster had been progressing nicely for the Phillies, and has continued that progress with the Blue Jays. In 33 minor league games (32 starts), Drabek has gone 17-10 with a 3.31 ERA. Though he never pitched for the Phillies, he did help them land the coveted Halladay, so they get a strong grade anyway. Grade: B+


19 Brett Sinkbeil, Florida Marlins, RHP, Missouri State University

Analysis: Sinkbeil has yet to adjust to Triple-A ball, going 3-11 with a 6.20 ERA in 85 games (just 8 starts). His numbers as a starter at the lower levels makes one wonder if that isn't where his future lies, because as a reliever Sinkbeil has had his share of issues. The Marlins may have a decision to make on Sinkbeil, who hasn't warranted a promotion by any stretch. Grade: D-


20 Chris Parmelee, Minnesota Twins, RF, Chino Hills High School

Analysis: Parmelee has been steady if not spectacular in the Twins' system, averaging 15 home runs a year from 2007-09. He is hitting .272 with 7 dingers between high-A and Double-A ball this season. Still, he has played just 62 games in Double-A, so he doesn't figure to land in Minnesota for a couple more years. Grade: C-


21 Ian Kennedy, New York Yankees, RHP, USC

Analysis: Kennedy showed occasional promise during an otherwise rocky tenure in the Bronx before the Yankees finally sent him to Arizona last offseason. At times Kennedy has impressed with the D-Backs, compiling a 4-7 record with a 4.12 ERA in 2010. He has racked up 100 strikeouts, meaning he seems to have turned a corner as far as his command is concerned. The Yankees get credit for the return they got for Kennedy in a three-team trade that also included Scherzer. Grade: B-


22 Colton Willems, Washington Nationals, RHP, John Carroll Catholic High School

Analysis: Considering the Nationals' gaping hole in their rotation, the fact that Willems hasn't played beyond high-A ball should be an indication of his struggles thus far. Issues with his command have played a part, but his 9-17 record and 4.00 ERA at the low minor league levels haven't helped either. Willems has been nothing short of a major disappointment thus far. Grade: F


23 Maxwell Sapp, Houston Astros, C, Bishop Moore High School

Analysis: There may be no sadder story in this first round than Sapp's. The Astros saw the youngster struggle mightily with a .224 average and just 7 home runs while never getting beyond Single-A ball. Sapp then sat out then entire 2009 season with a life-threatening case of meningitis before the Astros finally released him this year. As often seems to be the case, the players in a draft that fall the farthest always seem to be in the organizations that struggle the most. The Astros will have to chalk this one up to experience, as they have already moved on. Grade: F


24 Cody Johnson, Atlanta Braves, 1B, A. Crawford Mosley High School

Analysis: Johnson has shown a lot of promise in the minors, hitting 58 home runs in 2008-09 between A and AA ball. He is batting just .210 with 10 homers at Double-A Mississippi this year, and his 97 strikeouts are another indication that he still has some holes in his swing. But if he can fix some of those woes, he figures to make a splash in Atlanta at some point. Grade: C


25 Hank Conger, Los Angeles Angels, C, Huntington Beach High School

Analysis: Conger recently took place in the Futures game and won the game's MVP honors, which is why the Angels are quite excited about him. He has hit .292 with 41 home runs in the minor leagues, and it won't be long before he finds himself in Anaheim. Though the Angels have Mike Napoli and Jeff Mathis getting the job done at catcher, they will find a place for Conger, who also has improved his defense behind the plate this year. Grade: B-


26 Bryan Morris, Los Angeles Dodgers, RHP, Motlow State Community College

Analysis: Morris is among the countless prospects the Pirates have received when shipping off a big name to a contending team at midseason, netting the Red Sox Jason Bay and the Dodgers Manny Ramirez in 2008. He has shown some promise in the minors, but has yet to get beyond Double-A. Additionally, he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2007 and then was suspended five games by the organization in 2009 for “unprofessionalism”. Still, with the Pirates being perennial bottom-feeders, Morris will likely find himself in a Bucs uniform sometime soon. For the Dodgers, having Manny Ramirez instead isn't too shabby. Grade: C


27 Jason Place, Boston Red Sox, CF, Wren High School

Analysis: Place may not have one in Boston for a while given the team's never-ending depth, but he has shown flashes in the minors. Place was inactive for a while this year and his numbers have slipped drastically, but he hit 31 home runs from 2007-08 in A and high-A ball. Still, with the rash of injuries the Red Sox have had in their outfield this year, it is probably somewhat telling that Place's name hasn't even surfaced as a possible suitor. Needless to say, the team will have to let Place develop quite a bit more before he's ready for prime time. A rare miss thus far for the charmed Sox. Grade: D-


28 Daniel Bard, Boston Red Sox, RHP, University of North Carolina

Analysis: Did we say rare miss for Boston? Bard has been anything but a miss, except when it comes to missing bats. The flame-throwing righty has quickly righted any control woes he had in the minors to become Boston's go-to guy in the 8th inning to set up Jonathan Papelbon. In fact, Bard has been so dominant at times there have been rumblings the team may move Papelbon and make him the closer. But while those reports are quite inaccurate, Bard hasn't taken long to adapt to the major-league level. This season, Bard has posted a 1.85 ERA in 42 appearances while also chipping in 3 saves. He has fanned 45 batters in 43.2 innings, a byproduct of developing a solid slider to complement his blazing fastball. Closing may indeed be in his future. Grade: A


29 Kyle McCulloch, Chicago White Sox, RHP, University of Texas

Analysis: 29-38 with a 4.37 ERA isn't going to get anyone riled up about McCulloch, but he has at least finally reached Triple-A. With the White Sox having some bullpen issues, they may be able to overlook his 1-3 record and 6.39 ERA this season, but it's clear McCulloch still needs more time to develop. Especially when he has 9 walks and 8 strikeouts. Grade: D+


30 Adam Ottavino, St. Louis Cardinals, RHP, Northeastern University

Analysis: Ottavino earned a promotion to St. Louis this season, struggling to an 0-2 record with an 8.46 ERA in five games with three starts before landing on the disabled list. But he is still a highly-touted prospect who deserves credit for cracking a rotation that contains Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. He may still need time to develop, but he is on the right track. Grade: B


Notable supplemental first-rounders and second rounders: Chris Coghlan, Marlins OF (2009 NL Rookie of the Year), Joba Chamberlain, Yankees RHP (current setup man to Mariano Rivera), Brett Anderson, LHP (Drafted by Arizona, currently with Oakland), Wade LeBlanc, Padres LHP (3.30 ERA in 16 starts for San Diego this year), Trevor Cahill, Athletics RHP (named to 2010 All-Star team), Justin Masterson, RHP (key reliever for Red Sox, currently a starter for Indians).