"You should know that baseball's draft is unpredictable and specific in ways that the more popular drafts with the NFL and NBA are not.

This draft, in particular, is drawing wildly different opinions about everything from player value to where this class stacks historically — some say it's one of the best ever, but others, including an AL executive speaking last week, call it "just OK."

That explains in part why there are so many names on this list, and also why it may not even include the man the Royals select fifth overall today. At any rate, this list was compiled with the help of a few baseball men whose job it is to analyze the draft.

One general thought with which this list is done: the Royals would much prefer to have pitching, particularly at the top of the draft.

•Trevor Bauer, RHP, UCLA. Actually outperformed his more touted teammate Gerrit Cole this year with an outside-the-box approach. Very cerebral, he's a student of biomechanics with an unconventional delivery that maximizes torque. Works with rubber tubes before and during his starts. High pitch counts are a concern, but Bauer thinks his workouts allow him to do it.

•Dylan Bundy, RHP, Owasso (Okla.) High. His fastball has touched 100 mph this spring, and he's able to alter hitters' timing with a slow curveball, cutter and change-up. Very good feel for pitching for a high school kid, with good body control and balance. Good makeup and work ethic.

•Gerrit Cole, RHP, UCLA. A first-round pick three years ago by the Yankees, Cole is among a handful of players who could go first overall this year. Has the best pure stuff of anyone in this draft, with two effective fastballs, a power slider and change-up.

•Danny Hultzen, LHP, Virginia. The ace of the team that spent most of the season ranked No. 1, Hultzen is strong (6 feet 3, 200 pounds) with two plus pitches and good command. His fastball jumped about 5 mph this season, and now touches 96. Considered the safest bet among the top prospects."