Baseball: Major-league draft is one week away

Baseball's amateur draft is set for next Monday, June 4, starting at 4 p.m., and the big question is what will the clubs decide to do about Lucas Giolito of Studio City Harvard-Westlake?

He threw a 100 mph fastball in February, then injured his elbow in March. He has been on a rehabilitation program. He has signed with UCLA.

A healthy Giolito has the best arm in the draft. He's just 17, mature, determined and has a great future. But does he want to sign and when will he be back pitching? Those are the questions scouting directors will be working on.

Giolito's teammate, left-hander Max Fried, another UCLA signee, is expected to be taken in the top 10 picks. One recent MLB draft projection has him being taken No. 8 by the Pirates.

Other potential high picks from Southern California include Long Beach Wilson pitcher Chase DeJong, Lakewood pitcher Shane Watson and Camarillo pitcher Hunter Virant.

Like Giolito, Bishop Amat infielder Rio Ruiz, sidelined after a procedure to remove a blood clot, presents another dilemma for clubs. He has signed with USC.

-- Eric Sondheimer