steveofbradenton
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Post by steveofbradenton on Mar 4, 2015 7:28:50 GMT -5
Just because a condition is uncommon doesn't make the player risky. If it's a "common and manageable" condition as has been reported then drafting him isn't a risk. I would imagine that Houston might pass on Matuella due to last year's fiasco but unless something else happens, he's a top five pick. Minus Houston, Boston picks fifth. You could also make the same general statement about Aiken. I didn't think of that. So Aiken has told the Astros he isn't interested in them? I understand he can have a say with a team that has already drafted him and didn't sign him. Aiken would be of even more interest to me, but doubt he gets to #7.
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Post by juniorp90 on Mar 4, 2015 7:56:47 GMT -5
Well, I really catches my attention Mike Nikorak, a pitcher with an enviable stature and a line that goes from 94-97 MPH and a good curve. If he can develop 2 pitches, I do not see a bad choice as pick 7. It's early, but unlikely to see the best pitchers are not available for pick 7 as Mattuella, Kirby, Allard, Aiken and even Funkhouser.
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Post by philsbosoxfan on Mar 4, 2015 7:57:11 GMT -5
I've thought for a while that Aiken might drop. First, I think there's zero chance that Houston picks him, that leaves four other teams. If there are 4 decent low risk players I'd imagine teams would generally take the safer route. Not every team is as loaded as the Sox, we're in the perfect position to take the risk. Additionally, it's going to be a couple of years before we're in anywhere near the position we'll be in on draft day. It behooves the Sox to go for gold, not a high floor player.
Also don't forget, teams are going to view what happened in a negative light for both sides of the equation. Aiken still has leverage because he could wait a year or transfer to a 4 year school and come out in two. I'm also pretty sure his adviser isn't viewed behind close doors as Mr. nice guy. Keith Law pointed out several times that the view of most execs is that the Astros did nothing wrong here.
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Post by James Dunne on Mar 4, 2015 8:22:09 GMT -5
Is Houston even allowed to re-draft Aiken?
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Post by chavopepe2 on Mar 4, 2015 8:39:02 GMT -5
Is Houston even allowed to re-draft Aiken? Only with his permission, which I doubt he gives.
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Post by FenwayFanatic on Mar 4, 2015 17:44:37 GMT -5
Ashe Russell
High school arm from Indiana, sounds like he could be a bit of a reach at 7, has drawn some comparisons to Clay Buchholz.
Thats our guy. Too bad we can't trade back in this draft.
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steveofbradenton
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Post by steveofbradenton on Mar 4, 2015 19:30:29 GMT -5
I would have to agree that we probably take a college pitcher. I like Allard but with us taking Ball and Kopech so high in the last couple of drafts, I'd be surprised if we when with a high school hurler this year. We certainly will have some solid choices
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Post by moonstone2 on Mar 4, 2015 21:36:46 GMT -5
Just because a condition is uncommon doesn't make the player risky. If it's a "common and manageable" condition as has been reported then drafting him isn't a risk. I would imagine that Houston might pass on Matuella due to last year's fiasco but unless something else happens, he's a top five pick. Minus Houston, Boston picks fifth. You could also make the same general statement about Aiken. The Matuella of last summer is a top five pick. If he starts throwing at that velocity again, he won't be available at 7 even if Houston takes him off their board.
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Post by moonstone2 on Mar 4, 2015 21:41:08 GMT -5
I would have to agree that we probably take a college pitcher. I like Allard but with us taking Ball and Kopech so high in the last couple of drafts, I'd be surprised if we when with a high school hurler this year. We certainly will have some solid choices I can tell you now that won't be a consideration for a couple of reasons. First off Allard is a much more experienced and polished pitcher than either Ball or Kopech. Secondly, to beat a dead horse, they are going to take the highest player on their board regardless of where that player is from. I think they will take a college arm because there are so many of them that are clearly worthy of a top ten pick and no prep arms other than Allard that are. I think that Allard will be taken in the top 6 but if he's not, there is a good chance the Sox take him.
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Post by James Dunne on Mar 4, 2015 21:57:24 GMT -5
I'm terrible at the whole mock draft thing, but Allard to Minnesota at #6 seems like one of those fits that is almost too perfect.
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nomar
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Post by nomar on Mar 4, 2015 22:22:23 GMT -5
I would love Aiken at our pick. Sign me up.
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Post by FenwayFanatic on Mar 5, 2015 7:40:45 GMT -5
I dont see aiken getting past texas.
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Post by philsbosoxfan on Mar 6, 2015 0:11:04 GMT -5
Just a comment and I'm not a doctor and I've never played one on TV.
From what I've read, I'm under the impression that there are really only two reasonably likely outcomes for Aiken's congenital bone condition. Either it's never an issue (the more likely) or it's a career-ender, it's not something that is correctable with surgery or rehab. If that's the case, it's not going to be an easy decision for a GM when there are still viable alternatives available.
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Post by jmei on Mar 6, 2015 7:27:09 GMT -5
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Post by philsbosoxfan on Mar 6, 2015 7:57:09 GMT -5
I'm not so sure that that opinion is universal. I recall (vaguely) some concern about the ultimate effect. As that article points out though, nothing has been released regarding how undersized it is, therefore, the only people that could give a truly informed opinion will be the people that look at the actual medicals and render their opinion to the teams considering drafting him.
The author also closes with a caveat:
Despite the initial apprehensions raised due to the finding, it is hoped that between what Aiken' has shown in respect to the possible strength of his elbow along with the advances in the treatment and prevention of elbow and UCL injuries and the understanding of and application of advances in the realm of biomechanics and kinematics, all will be sufficient enough to allay fears that Aiken's predicament is foreboding of a career stinted by his UCL shortcomings.
How much risk is inherent in "it is hoped" ? Still no medical degree here, I'm just trying to point out that Aiken going in the first five isn't as forgone a conclusion as would normally be the case. The other teams that draft before us are all small market teams and risk tolerance, to a large extent, is proportionate.
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Post by pedroelgrande on Mar 6, 2015 22:08:01 GMT -5
Dillon Tate continues to dominate.
7 IP, 5H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 10 SO on 95 pitches.
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Post by philsbosoxfan on Mar 6, 2015 22:14:58 GMT -5
Aaron Fitt ?@aaronfitt Fulmer's thrown 42 pitches in 2 innings, just 19 strikes - and 11 have been called strikes. UCLA's strategy is clear: make him throw strikes . . . Kiley McDaniel ?@kileymcd I'm told Azusa Pacific RHP Josh Staumont hit 100 again today & has now struck out 14 over 6.2 IP w/0 hits & 4 BB all early then settled down
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Post by juniorp90 on Mar 6, 2015 22:32:04 GMT -5
Phil Bickford In his last outing, 6IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 1BB, 15SO. Simply amazing. It is in a lower division? Because he looks well above the league ...
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Post by philsbosoxfan on Mar 6, 2015 23:44:18 GMT -5
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Post by James Dunne on Mar 7, 2015 7:33:50 GMT -5
Phil Bickford In his last outing, 6IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 1BB, 15SO. Simply amazing. It is in a lower division? Because he looks well above the league ... He is in a lower division. He transferred from Cal State Fullerton to JC of Southern Nevada in order to be eligible for the 2015 draft.
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Post by Jim Crowell on Mar 7, 2015 8:24:45 GMT -5
Dansby Swanson is looking more and more like a top 5 pick as the reports on his defense at shortstop continue to be positive. I think Kirby, Swanson, Rodgers, and Aiken are all gone before the Sox pick, with Funkhouser, Allard, and Tate being the most likely picks at 7. Obviously still very early, but that is my initial feel for how the top of the draft shakes out. Matuella is obviously the huge wildcard.
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Post by iakovos11 on Mar 7, 2015 9:04:53 GMT -5
I can't see Tate lasting to #7 if keeps pitching the way he has - but I'd love it if he did.
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steveofbradenton
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Post by steveofbradenton on Mar 7, 2015 9:50:16 GMT -5
I can't see Tate lasting to #7 if keeps pitching the way he has - but I'd love it if he did. It would be nice if Swanson does keep impressing. One thing we are not really in need for in 3-4 years is a shortstop (probably). I still like Marrero a lot and Xander does look better. And even in the lower minors we have some interesting folks. Nothing against Swanson, but with him and almost definitely Rodgers becoming potential top 5 draftees....it just pushes some pitchers down to us that are exciting. Tate has been impressive. Lets see how he is looking at the end of April. It is nice (for us) to have the excitement of another high pick this June, but hopefully it will be a loooooooong time before we do again!
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nomar
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Post by nomar on Mar 7, 2015 10:22:21 GMT -5
Yeah if Swanson has a big spring that would be nice. Getting him in the top 6 would be very clutch for us.
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nomar
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Post by nomar on Mar 7, 2015 10:47:10 GMT -5
I can't see Tate lasting to #7 if keeps pitching the way he has - but I'd love it if he did. Saw a minorleagueball article on him that said he's in the conversation for 1.1 now.
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