Reactions to the Mets' first round MLB Draft pick, Dominic Smith

With their first pick in MLB's Rule 4 draft, the Mets selected first baseman Dominic Smith from Junipero Serra High School in Gardena with the 11th overall pick. The selection of Smith makes the third straight year that the Mets selected a high school position player with their first round pick, following outfielder Brandon Nimmo in 2011 and shortstop Gavin Cecchini in 2012.

Despite some similarities between Smith and the Mets' current first baseman, Ike Davis, Rob Castellano writes in his draft profile that Smith has a better glove and a superior hit tool. And Alex Nelson has an in-depth scouting report on Smith, too.

Here are some of the other reactions to the Mets' pick.

Paul DePodesta and Tommy Tanous

ESPN New York's Adam Rubin got some reactions from Mets assistant GM Paul DePodesta and scouting director Tommy Tanous. Tanous, apparently unaware of the bugaboo about comparing prospects to MLB hitters, said Smith compares to Will Clark and Rafael Palmiero.

"We felt going back to last spring, into the summer, that this was one of the most advanced high school hitters that you'll find," Tanous said.

DePodesta said that Smith has a "chance to impact the game defensively at first base."

Jim Callis, John Sickels, and Peter Gammons

On MLB Network, Jim Callis of Baseball America said that Smith "may be the best all-around hitter in the draft." John Sickels of Minor League Ball said that Smith can hit for both average and power from the left side and that he's as "advanced as you can be for a prep hitter."

There are also positive reports about his makeup, with Peter Gammons saying an anonymous GM told that Smith was his best interview since Darin Erstad in 1994.