Phils face make-or-break third pick in the draft

In 2006 it was Evan Longoria. Two years later it was Eric Hosmer. Manny Machado came two years after that. In 2011 it was Trevor Bauer.

All of them were the third player selected in the first round of Major League Baseball’s annual draft.

Then again, Chris Guler, Donovan Tate, Luis Montanez, Dewan Brazelton, Philip Humber, Jeff Clement and Josh Vitter were also the third player chosen. Their names are proof that being taken that high in the draft is not necessarily a ticket to stardom.

Monday evening the Phillies will add another name to the third-player-selected list. Even at this late date it isn’t clear who that player will be, but it is clear that whoever it is, it will be a gamble. There are no can’t-miss prospects in this year’s draft.

Chances are they aren’t going to find another Manny Machado. They have to hope they don’t come up with another Dewan Brazelton.

Nevertheless, this pick alone will probably determine whether or not the Phillies have a successful draft. They forfeited their second-round pick when they signed free agent Carlos Santana. They forfeited their third-round pick when they signed Jake Arrieta. After making the third selection their second choice will be selection 107. There will be many potential choices. If they decide they want a pitcher they might consider Matthew Libertore, a lefthander from Glendale, Ariz., Shane Mc-

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