MLB Mock Draft Roundup: White Sox targeting college pitching?

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While the MLB Draft may not get as much attention and hype as other drafts, the three-day event is still vital for many teams to add talented young prospects to the farm system.

No other team has been a better example of building through the draft then the Cubs, who have a loaded minor league system. But the White Sox have also struck gold in the draft in recent years. Pitcher Chris Sale was a first-round pick (No. 13 overall) in the 2010 draft and immediately found his way to the majors and has thrived on the South Side ever since. Last year's first-round pick, pitcher Carlos Rodon, was put on the fast track to the big leagues and has already earned a spot in the rotation.

[SHOP: Gear up, White Sox fans!]

Second baseman Micah Johnson was a ninth-round selection in 2012, and though he's returned to the minors briefly, the speedster is considered a valuable piece for the future. Gordon Beckham hasn't quite lived up to his first-round hype when he was taken eighth overall, but the veteran has provided valuable defense and leadership for the White Sox in his return to the team this year.

[RELATED: Despite dearth of picks, White Sox confident heading into MLB Draft]

While much can change before the 2015 MLB Draft, which begins on Monday, here are a few experts' picks for the White Sox selection at No. 8:

Keith Law, ESPN, Mock Draft 3.0: Vanderbilt RHP Carson Fulmer

Law's take: I've heard Fulmer and Jay placed here the most, with James Kaprielian and Missouri State right-handed pitcher Jon Harris also on their short list.

John Manuel, Baseball America, Mock Draft 4.0: UC Santa Barbara RHP Dillon Tate

Manuel's take: The White Sox’s choice may come down to the wire as well. They’re interested in Fulmer, as they remain in strong consideration for college arms, but the best bets here will wind up being a choice between UC Santa Barbara’s Dillon Tate and Missouri State's Jon Harris.

MLBTopProspects.com, Mock Draft 8.0: LSU SS Alex Bregman

Their take: LSU’s starting shortstop Alex Bregman is a very safe pick for the Sox at 8. Arguably the Nation's best defensive shortstop with power potential who draws a ton of walks and steals bases. He pencils in as the one of the top college draft picks by the White Sox in recent years. He’s a safer pick than Gordon Beckham was several years ago.

Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com, Mock Draft: Missouri State RHP Jon Harris

Mayo's take: Signs are pointing to a college arm here, and the White Sox might hope for Jay to get to them. If not, Harris could get the nod over the Vandy duo of Fulmer and Walker Buehler.

Jim Callis, MLB.com, Mock Draft: Missouri State RHP Jon Harris

Callis' take: Chris Sale (2010) and Carlos Rodon (2014) are the White Sox's two best first-rounders in the past decade, and they're on the hunt for more college pitching. They'll probably opt for Fulmer, Jay, Harris or Buehler, in that order.

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