ESPN

The Chicago Cubs' first draft pick was happy to be chosen by the legendary franchise, but seemed focused on attending college rather than signing a professional contract.

18-year-old outfielder Albert Almora of South Florida (Mater Academy in Hialeah Gardens), who is being advised by legendary agent Scott Boras, sounded like a Boras player when he was asked if it would be for the Cubs to sign him.

“My main priority right now is college,” said Almora, who has a full baseball scholarship to the University of Miami. “That’s what I am looking forward to right now. What kid doesn’t want to play Major League Baseball and when the time is right that will happen. Right now, my main priority is the University of Miami.”

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The Chicago Cubs put an emphasis on pitching during the second day of the MLB First-Year Player draft on Tuesday.

The Cubs selected pitchers in the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, eighth, 10th, 12th and 14th rounds on Tuesday. They also used two of their three selections on pitchers on Monday.

The Cubs drafted Pope High School (Ga.) right-handed pitcher Duane Underwood in the second round at No. 67 overall. Underwood, who is 6-2 and 205 pounds, is signed with Georgia.

ESPN Scouts Inc. described Underwood as “one of those pitchers scouts get excited about because when he’s good, he’s among the best pure arms in the draft.”

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CHICAGO -- They day that could and should alter the fate of the Chicago Cubs franchise has arrived, just don’t expect those changes to make an impact tomorrow, next week or even next month.

It’s draft day today, or more specifically, the first draft day with president of baseball operations Theo Epstein manning the club’s draft board.

The first round and compensatory picks will take place Monday beginning at 6 p.m. CST. Rounds 2-15 take place Tuesday, with Rounds 16-40 on Wednesday.

Epstein treats draft week like most kids regard their birthday and Christmas, or the feeling that adults get when the tax return hits the bank account. To Epstein there is promise and potential ahead since there will be a lot more toys to play with very soon.

It’s not unlike any franchise feels about draft day, except Epstein not only puts it out there that this is the day that can change things, he takes the extra steps to make sure it happens.

There are scouting reports to go over, videos to watch, but there is also Epstein’s first-hand knowledge of seeing up to 20 top prospects with his own eyes, while also making sure they were never seeing him. Epstein says he goes in disguise to see high school and college players and is confident that he has never been, nor will be, noticed in the stands.

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