By Jack Fritz, Sports Talk Philly editor 
In his last mock draft before Monday night's MLB Draft, ESPN.com's Keith Law has the Phillies taking Pavin Smith from the University of Virginia with the No. 8 pick.
Here's what Law had to say about the pick:
I think they'd take Royce Lewis if he got this far, and they're still tied to high school arms Shane Baz and Trevor Rogers, as well as the college bat of Keston Hiura.
A few thoughts:
- This is the first time the Phillies have been linked to Hiura
- I don't think they're really set on anyone
- If Royce Lewis falls to them we should all collectively jump for joy
- He had my favorite, Austin Beck going at six to the Athletics
Back to Smith. I really doubt they are taking him at No. 8 because it doesn't make a ton of sense for them. He's a one position defender that has a good bat but not the high upside power that you're looking for at first base or a corner outfield spot. With Rhys Hoskins clearly as the first baseman of the future, and Tommy Joseph being a pretty good one right now, I would just be shocked if they took Smith here.
Judging by Law's write up, it sounds like the Phillies are all over the place and people are just putting Smith there just because.
If the Phillies do go with a prep arm, I would prefer Baz over Rogers. He's got a competitive/mean streak to him and he seems relentless on the mound. He's got the Texas fastball that can reach the mid 90's and a rare four pitch arsenal that you don't really see from high school arms. The two main concerns for him are that he seems set on going to TCU and his command isn't fantastic.
As Law said, this is the first link to Hiura that we've seen. Hiura has only been a DH for his UC Irvine team after an elbow injury has kept him out of the field. Even when on the field he has never been a plus defender and if a National League team takes him, Hiura will most likely be put in a corner outfield spot. Hiura may be viewed as a reach at No. 8, but his bat is so advanced that he could rise quickly through the system.
In 2017, Hiura hit .442, with a .567 OBP and a .1260 OPS (!). He also hit eight homers and drove in 42 runners. The scouts rave about the bat and think he projects as a guy that will hit for a high average and have a high OBP due to his advanced hitting approach.
The problem is he doesn't really have a position, but I'm a pretty firm believer in taking the bat and working about the defense later.
The draft begins Monday night at 7 ET on MLB Network.
