Arkansans in the MLB Draft (Round 1)

Only 1 round on the first night of the Major League Baseball draft, and as a Cardinals and Razorback fan I have to be excited. Here's the Arkansas connections:

16. Chicago Cubs: Hayden Simpson, RHP 6-0 175 lbs
Southern Arkansas University (13-1 1.81 ERA 131 K/35 BB in 99.1 IP)
Magnolia, AR / Magnolia HS

Summary (Baseball America): We were on Hayden Simpson in the preseason. But no one was on him at No. 17 overall. Simpson, our No. 191 prospect on our Top 200, was our preseason Division II pitcher of the year, and he was the pitcher of the year at Division II. But Simpson is a big surprise as a 6-foot, 170-pound righthander whose velocity parks at 92-94 mph, and he lost just two games in three seasons. Still, many scouts had Simpson in as a middle reliever. We knew this was a volatile first round, but we didn't think Simpson could go No. 17 overall.

25. St. Louis Cardinals: Zack Cox, 3B 6-1 215 lbs
Arkansas Razorbacks (.424 9 HR 48 RBI 11 SB)

Summary (pre-draft): A Draft prospect two years ago, Cox is back as a Draft-eligible sophomore. His best tool is his bat and he should hit for plenty of average with at least decent power. His plus arm plays just fine at third, but his overall defense at the hot corner likely won't work at the next level. Arkansas has been mixing him in at second and that might prove to be a better spot for the left-handed hitter. Regardless of the position, the bat should be enough to get him off the board sooner rather than later.

Also of note... high schooler Justin O'Conner, a SS/C from Cowan HS (Ind.) got drafted 31st by Tampa Bay. He is committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks if he doesn't sign with the Rays.