History of No. 56 pick -- Dodgers' 2nd-rounder -- has talent, but no real studs

The MLB Draft is just a few hours away. The Dodgers have picks No. 18 and 56 today. Last year, I looked at the history of the No. 18 pick. Instead of just rehashing the list, just add Corey Seager to that list to get a feel for the type of player the Dodgers could possible land at the pick.

The Dodgers originally held the No. 19 pick, but since the Brewers signed Kyle Lohse this winter, the Dodgers moved up one spot.

I'll look at the history of the No. 56 draft selection. There have been some quality draft picks to go at this selection in the past.

History of the No. 56 pick (last 20 years)

2012: RHP Paul Blackburn, Cubs
2011: OF Kes Carter, Rays
2010: RHP J.R. Bradley, Diamondbacks
2009: OF Blake Smith, Dodgers
2008: OF Jay Austin, Astros
2007: RHP Trystan Magnuson, Blue Jays
2006: RHP Steven Wright, Indians
2005: RHP Chris Mason, Rays
2004: OF Jon Zeringue, Diamondbacks
2003: 3B Jeff Flaig, Mariners
2002: 1B Brian Dopirak, Cubs
2001: SS J.J. Hardy, Brewers
2000: SS Jason Bourgeois, Rangers
1999: C Rob Bowen, Twins
1998: RHP Nick Neugebauer, Brewers
1997: RHP Scott Linebrink, Giants
1996: RHP John Nicholson, Rockies
1995: 1B Jim Scharrer, Braves
1994: C Kevin Brown, Rangers
1993: LHP Matt LaChappa, Padres
1992: OF Tony Sheffield, Red Sox

- The best of this bunch appears to be Hardy. He's posted a 21.7 WAR in his career. Linebrink is second with 9.6 WAR. Smith was the Dodgers' draftee when they had the pick in 2009.

Other notable selections
1987: LHP Pete Schourek, Mets
1982: LHP Jimmy Key, Blue Jays
1974: Pete Vuckovich, White Sox
1971: OF Larry Herndon, Cardinals
1967: OF Richie Zisk, Pirates

- Key is by far the best of any No. 56 pick in history, posting a career 49.6 WAR. Buckovich, Herndon and Zisk all posted double-digit career WAR marks.

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There's a little talent available traditionally at this selection, but no real game-changers. It'll be interesting to see who drops and who the Dodgers might get at the pick. I'd love to nab a guy like Rowdy Tellez (Elk Grove HS 1B) or Dustin Peterson (Gilbert HS SS/3B), but there's no guarantee Tellez makes it there and Peterson is one of the tougher signs in this draft.

Photo credit: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue