HISTORY AT THE NO. 2 SELECTION A LOOK AT RECENT NO. 2 OVERALL PICKS IN THE DRAFT:
YearPlayer, positionTeamContract Comment
2011Danny Hultzen, LHPMariners$6.35 millionThrows 93 mph with a good changeup.
2010Jameson Taillon, RHPPirates$6.5 millionHas a 93-97-mph fastball and hard curveball.
2009Dustin Ackley, OFMariners$6.0 millionDebuted last season as 2B. Potential table-setter.
2008Pedro Alvarez, 3BPirates$6.0 millionTeam waiting for him to harness his power.
2007Mike Moustakas, SSRoyals$4.0 millionNow a 3B, debuted last season. Big-time power potential.
2006Greg Reynolds, RHPRockies$3.25 millionFailed to match the hype; traded to Texas in January.
2005Alex Gordon, 3BRoyals$4 millionStarting to reach potential after move to outfield.
2004Justin Verlander, RHPTigers$3.12 millionAce. Workhorse. Cy Young Award and MVP winner.
2003Rickie Weeks, 2BBrewers$3.6 millionPower source at second base. Made first All-Star Game in 2011.
2002B.J. Upton, SSRays$4.6 millionNow an OF, he's a good -- not yet great -- player.
PRIOR YEARS
2001: Mark Prior, Cubs
2000: Adam Johnson, Twins
1999: Josh Beckett, Marlins
1998: Mark Mulder, A's
1997: J.D. Drew, Phillies
1996: Travis Lee, Twins
1995: Ben Davis, Padres
1994: Ben Grieve, A's
1993: Darren Dreifort, Dodgers
1992: Paul Shuey, Indians