Fantasy players have to consider several things when evaluating the talent from Baseball's June Amateur draft. First of all, never draft a pitcher unless he has Kerry Wood-type stuff (a rarity). Secondly, most high school players, especially pitchers, are a long ways away from the major leagues. Even when they get there, it might be another 2-3 years before they contribute on a productive level. Corey Patterson and Sean Burroughs could be exceptions here. Secondly, concentrate your scouting efforts on the established college hitter with power who are relatively close to the majors.

1. Pat Burrell, Philadelphia, 3b, Miami. The 21-year-old Burrell (.426-17-47 RBIs in 115 at-bats this year) is the best hitting prospect in sometime to come out of college. He missed more than two months of the regular season because of lower-back problem is not a concern either. "He's been examined by two doctors," scouting director Mike Arbuckle said. "There have been CAT scans and MRIs. We're very comfortable that's not a problem. On our ranking scale, he has 70 to 80 raw power (Mark McGwire is an 80). Plus, he's a down-to-earth kid. He's confident without being arrogant. And he's a good worker." Burrell will end up at first base when all is said and done, possibly as soon as next year. This guy has lightening in his bat.

2. Mark Mulder, Oakland, lhp, Michigan State. The 6-foot-6 lefty has a fastball in the mid-90s and outstanding control. He has command of three plus pitches and could quickly become a quality starter for the A's. He was 6-6 with a 3.40 ERA and had 113 strikeouts in 85 innings this year.

3. Corey Patterson, Chicago Cubs, of, Harrison HS, Kennesaw, Ga. Scouts rated him as the best high school player available because of his big-time power-speed potential. The left-handed hitter combines blazing speed with developing power but is about 3-4 year away from the majors. He could be a star center fielder when he finally arrives though.

4. Jeff Austin, Kansas City, rhp, Stanford. Combines intelligence with a good fastball and a varied repertoire. He might be closest to the big leagues of all the pitchers drafted but some scouts expressed concern about his 5-11 frame.

5. J.D. Drew, St. Louis, of, Florida State. Drew is still seeking a $10 million contract so signing him will be difficult. But it is a chance the Cards are willing to take. He played in the independent Northern League last season rather than sign with the Phillies. "He's still as good as he was," GM Walt Jocketty said. Scouts deem the left-handed hitting Drew an impact player too. He batted .455-31-95-32 in 1997 at Florida State (the first 30-30 season in NCAA history), and .341-18- 45 in 170 at-bats with the independent St. Paul Saints. "We think he's running a shade better now," said one scout. "He's in great shape. He has been diligent in being healthy and making sure he's in shape to play."

6. Ryan Mills, Minnesota, lhp, Arizona State. A 6-5, 200-pound lefty who throws in the mid-90s, Mills is the son of former Red Sox pitcher Dick Mills and turned down $535,000 from the Yankees out of high school to go to ASU. Twins scouts clocked his fastball from 87-91 mph in his last appearance at the College World Series though but power lefties are always in demand. He finished with an 8-3 record this year with 133 strikeouts in 108 innings.

7. Austin Kearns, Cincinnati, 1b-of, Lafayette HS, Lexington, Ky. Kerns, who switched from the mound because of early failures, is one of the better power-hitting high school prospects. He is still somewhat raw, though, and is probably 4-5 years away from the major leagues.

8. Felipe Lopez, Toronto, ss, Lake Brantley HS, Altamonta Springs, Fla.  The 18-year-old is a switch-hitter but his forte is defense with excellent range and a strong arm. He also hit .521-6-23-33 this year and some scout liken him to Omar Vizquel but is a gamble because his parents want him to go to college in Florida.

9. Sean Burroughs, San Diego, 3b, Wilson HS, Long Beach, Calif. Son of former big-leaguer Jeff Burroughs, scouts agree that he is the best pure high school hitter taken in the draft. "Even in pretty polished Southern California, he stands out," GM Kevin Towers said. "He has great instincts for the game. He's one of those guys with 'baseball player' written all over him. This kid's strong. Wherever he goes, he'll move fairly quick. He'll be like a Derrek Lee and move on the fast path through the minors."

10. Carlos Pena, Texas, 1b, Northeastern. Pena (6-2, 210 pounds) has developing power and starred as the MVP of the Cape Cod League last summer using a wood bat. The 20-year-old's left-handed swing should be ideal for The Ballpark in Arlington as well but right now he is more of a line-drive type.

11. Josh McKinley, Montreal, ss, Malvern Prep, Downington, Pa. Switch-hitter with good speed and pop but is a ways away from the major leagues. He might be moved to either second or third base if he outgrows the position and continues to hit.

12. Adam Everett, Boston, ss, South Carolina. A fine defensive player with good pop, Everett should improve offensively even more as he fills out (6-1, 171 pounds) with age. He can also play most any position on the field.

13. J.M. Gold, Milwaukee, rhp, North HS, Tom's River, N.J. Gold was coveted by many team and should develop quickly into a big league workhorse. The 6-5, 225-pounder throws in the mid-90s with a nasty curveball and was 4-1 with a 0.90 ERA with 82 strikeouts in 39 innings this year. He has signed a letter of intent to attend St. John's however. He's going to be a good one if he stays healthy.

14. Jeff Weaver, Detroit, rhp, Fresno State. The White Sox second-round pick last year held out and did not sign. He throws in the low-90s with a good slider, changeup and command. Fanned 156 in 124 innings this year.

15. Clint Johnston, Pittsburgh, lhp-of, Vanderbilt. Johnston, a 20-year-old left-handed pitcher, also put up .424-19-74-6 numbers in 198 at bats as an outfielder. He start out as a left-handed starter but could be moved to the bullpen as a closer or back to the outfield

16. Kip Wells, Chicago White Sox, rhp, Baylor. Throws in the mid-to-low 90s but really impressed scouts with his excellent performance the in the last two months of the college season. He also has a hard slider and is on the fast track to the majors.

17. Brad Lidge, Houston, rhp, Notre Dame. Lidge throws in the high-90s (the best in the draft) but is still learning the nuances of his craft. He didn't start pitching until his senior year in high school. It will be a while before he reaches the majors.