Angels GM Billy Eppler is aiming for best-available talent in MLB draft

Baseball America has rated the Angels’ farm system as the worst in the game for two straight years, but that hasn’t added any urgency to Billy Eppler’s first draft as the team’s general manager. He would have the same approach if the organization was teeming with high-end prospects.

“You want to have a complete and utter maniacal approach to accumulating talent and grab as much of it as possible,” Eppler said. “I don’t focus on the rankings. I’m just always thirsty for talent, no matter where we’re rated. If you hold to that commandment, you don’t worry about the rest of it.”

The Angels have the 16th overall pick in the draft, which begins with the first two rounds Thursday and continues with rounds three through 40 on Friday and Saturday.

Though Eppler said he and scouting director Ric Wilson “won’t shy from a particular label, be it a high school or college player, a pitcher or position player,” the Angels are expected to select a college pitcher with their first pick.

They have been linked in mock drafts to Virginia right-hander Connor Jones, who can reach 96 mph with a four-seam fastball and 92 mph with a heavy sinker, and Mississippi State right-hander Dakota Hudson, who mixes a lively fastball that sits at 93-95 mph with a nasty slider.

Among the other pitchers who could be available in the middle of the first round are right-handers Jordan Sheffield (Vanderbilt), Justin Dunn (Boston College), T.J. Zeuch (Pittsburgh) and Zack Burdi (Louisville).

The Angels traded their top two pitching prospects, Sean Newcomb and Chris Ellis, to Atlanta for shortstop Andrelton Simmons last November, and their signings of Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton cost them first-round picks in 2012 and 2013.

With no sure-fire position-playing prospect at the top three minor league levels and the organization thin on pitching, it will take several years to rebuild.

“You can grab an impact player or two — I’m talking about a solid regular for a championship-caliber club — in any particular draft,” Eppler said. “But to build impact and significant depth, to have 10 guys who have a chance to be major league regulars — and we do not have that — takes a long time to build.”

Short hops

Angels Manager Mike Scioscia appeared on MLB Network radio Wednesday, reiterating his belief that third baseman Yunel Escobar did not forget the number of outs during Tuesday’s first inning. On the radio, Scioscia said “assumptions” were made by the media. The New York Yankees television broadcast caught Escobar slamming his glove when he returned to the dugout following the apparent miscue that cost the Angels a run. Escobar declined to speak to reporters. … Left-hander David Huff, the Angels’ Tuesday spot starter, remains with the team and could be the choice to start Sunday against Cleveland. … Left-hander Tyler Skaggs (elbow ligament-replacement surgery) threw five innings in extended spring training and will next throw Monday. … Right-hander Nick Tropeano (sore shoulder) said he will throw a bullpen session this weekend at Angel Stadium.

DiGiovanna reported from Orange County; Moura from New York.