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2014 MLB Draft discussion
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Post by jimed14 on Apr 24, 2014 10:01:28 GMT -5
I remember turning the pitching machines up to 100 in HS. That's just impossible for just about anyone to even make contact. And looking at Kolek's stats, that appears correct.
22.1 IP 2H 1BB 48K
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Post by pedroelgrande on Apr 24, 2014 11:58:22 GMT -5
So Hoffman out 8-10 days, not Bueno for him. Let's see what happens.
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Post by pedroelgrande on Apr 25, 2014 22:35:10 GMT -5
Per the twitterverse:
- Rodon was good again, struck out 15 in a CG effort. Was over 130 pitches again.
This is going to go down to the wire and I think the Astros will negotiate with the 4 that seemed to have separated themselves and go with the one that makes the most sense financially and talent wise.
- Brandon Finnegan left his start with shoulder trouble but it is being reported that it was precautionary and likely will not miss a start.
- Derek Fisher has come back on fire hitting a HR his 2nd game back and hitting three doubles today against FSU.
I know I may have been less enthusiastic about him with some of my previous comments but I really think he would be an excellent get, if he is even there, just was trying to say there were some questions to answer.
- Luke Weaver a potential 1st rd pick from FSU has been trending downward. He had a decent outing statically but his stuff has been down, he was mostly low 90s today apparently.
At his best he touched 97 with one of the best change ups in the class and quick arm action. The breaking pitch is below avg apparently but Keith Law mentioned in his chat this week I believe that he doesn't know why his slider is not better with his arm action. He is also very young for the college class and has a slight frame so there are some things that could make you dream, get him on a pro- strenghth and conditioning program so maybe he is more consistent touching the higher numbers and maybe your pitching coordinator teaches him a better grip and the slider improves. Overall I thing he could be an enticing project in the back of the 1st round/supp round for any team.
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Post by amfox1 on Apr 29, 2014 12:55:38 GMT -5
New MLB Pipeline top 20:
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Post by jdb on Apr 29, 2014 12:57:35 GMT -5
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Post by templeusox on Apr 29, 2014 13:55:47 GMT -5
It's really hard to support any playing with a hyphenated name.
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Post by pedroelgrande on Apr 29, 2014 13:59:49 GMT -5
They'll also be chatting on twitter for the interested.
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Post by pedroelgrande on Apr 29, 2014 14:48:22 GMT -5
Nothing too earth shattering from the quick chat, one that caught my eye was that the Blue Jays would pass on Beede, apparently the negotiations left a bad taste.
Kiley McDaniel says the Phillies have been hot and heavy in to see Jacob Gatewood who has been hot lately. Not surprised as the Phillies are tools heavy and Gatewood's power would entice them. Jim Callis added that he is hearing Gordon there, though he is very similar to their 1st round pick last year.
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Post by jdb on Apr 29, 2014 17:02:44 GMT -5
Pedro, I think you brought up Casey Gillaspie a few pages back and while I don't think we'll draft a guy who's only chance is 1B or DH his bio sounds good. I could see Davidson if there's more of a chance to play LF.
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Post by pedroelgrande on Apr 29, 2014 17:41:02 GMT -5
Most seem to think Davidson is a 1B, especially Keith Law, so I don't know if he'd fit from that stand point. Also I don't know if there is much of difference on the defensive spectrum between LF/1B.
Gillaspie seems to be a masher. He switch hits and hits for power from both sides so I like that.
The history of the Red Sox taking corner players is limited at least going off the top off my head Kolbrin Vitek, Bryce Brentz, Garin Cecchini are the ones that I can think of right now. I also remember they were very high on Justin Smoak as an amateur. So it's not 100% that they wouldn't do it if that's how their board breaks.
I know I've been focusing on bats and as a personal preference I would like a high celing bat like Schwaber, Conforto, Fisher, Gillaspie, Harrison, Davidson etc. but I wouldn't be shocked if they continue to go pitching heavy since that's the strength of the draft. Guys like Weaver or if one of the other college arms drops unexpectedly like Erick Fedde or some of the HS arms like Luis Ortiz, Spencer Adams, Bakauskas etc.
I really can't wait to see who the rumorsphere has them bearing down on, Jim Callis usually does a good job with that.
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Post by amfox1 on Apr 29, 2014 19:14:07 GMT -5
Guys like Weaver or if one of the other college arms drops unexpectedly like Erick Fedde or some of the HS arms like Luis Ortiz, Spencer Adams, Bakauskas etc. Neither Ortiz nor Bakauskas fits into the normal Red Sox draft profile. Adams, on the other hand, does and could be a possibility at #33. I am working on mock draft 2.0 and Adams is currently my tentative pick in that spot.
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Post by pedroelgrande on Apr 29, 2014 19:22:05 GMT -5
Was just naming guys off the top of my head that were ranked in tha general area. Good to know about Adams. I liked what I have read/heard on him.
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Post by thegoodthebadthesox on Apr 30, 2014 0:32:23 GMT -5
Pedro, got any info on David Peterson? 6'6 LHP from Denver, sounds like he's got a good fastball and throws a change and a curve, in which his change is slightly better.
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Post by pedroelgrande on Apr 30, 2014 0:41:04 GMT -5
Don't know a lot about him. It seems he got injured, I think he broke his foot, and missed the NHSI which would have been a good opportunity for him. I haven't seen any updates but he was supposed to possibly be back before the draft.
Many Colorado prep pitchers go to college get better and are 1st round picks in 3 years. I'd guess that he'll probably end up going the college route.
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Post by jdb on Apr 30, 2014 9:36:36 GMT -5
In a recent podcast either here or with Speire I think Sawdaye said when he drafts a pitcher he wants to be looking up at him. I know there would be exceptions to every rule but I would take it as they prefer Pitchers at least 6'2 or taller.
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Post by pedroelgrande on Apr 30, 2014 11:55:06 GMT -5
Yeah they have mentioned that before, that's why I agree with amfox1 saying that Spencer Adams could fit the mold. He is listed 6'5" 190 and plays Basketball as well.
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Post by pedroelgrande on May 1, 2014 13:08:33 GMT -5
So Keith Law was on Bustter Olney's podcast talking about the draft so here is some of what he said:
- A cross checker told him that Trea Turner is "free falling" because there are questions about his swing now and he really is not hitting for power. Also his previously 80 speed is missing, more above avg now. He also question his ability to stay in the middle infield because of his slight frame. Law still thinks he goes in the 20s.
- Jeff Hoffman's injury is unclear right now but the trainer came out in his last start and his velocity dropped right after that. So for now it's unclear how this will affect him, he'd have to pitch before the draft to know more.
- He did a Mini-mock and here are his top 5:
5) Nick Gordon - he copied this from me I was doing my "how the draft WILL NOT go" mock draft and I have Gordon there. He says the Twins have been all over Gordon the last few weeks.
4) Carlos Rodon - He says that if Rodon doesn't go 1 this is his most likely landing spot.
3) Erick Fedde - the White Sox are looking College pitching and with Hoffman's injury he put Fedde here because he is hearing him in the top 6. He says the White Sox have been all over the College pitchers.
2) Tyler Kolek - Law says he fits what the Marlins like, though he says ownership may be pushing for a College player.
1) Brady Aiken - He says the Astros are considering Aiken, Rodon, Kolek and Alex Jackson. They were at Rodon's last start but he says they are likely to want to save some money at the top to take a stab at the deep pitching class.
There you have it folks.
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Post by jdb on May 1, 2014 19:14:32 GMT -5
Wonder how far Hoffman could slide? Manea like? With so many good arms it could be hard to pass on them knowing Hoffman is injured. I hope we have scouted Ortiz hard. Him being around when we pick is much more likely.
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Post by pedroelgrande on May 1, 2014 21:12:35 GMT -5
It's hard to even speculate right now. He is said to have an elbow problem and is slated to pitch next week so if he comes out then hitting 97 I'd guess he'd be ok. If not then he could slide. As far as I know he is not a Boras client which affected how far Manaea slid. I'd guess in that case a team with multiple picks like the Blue Jays (2 top 15), Royals (3 top 40) would make sense if they want to go that route.
BTW Erick Fedde is also gonna miss his start this weekend, though it's just rest apparently.
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Post by James Dunne on May 1, 2014 21:39:25 GMT -5
I'd guess in that case a team with multiple picks like the Blue Jays (2 top 15), Royals (3 top 40) would make sense if they want to go that route. Agreed - particularly since both of those teams seem inclined to take a chance on an injury risk type. I just can't see him falling past that #11 pick.
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Post by pedroelgrande on May 2, 2014 22:30:00 GMT -5
Rodon is rolling. He was good again not just stats wise but the people in attendance were raving.
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Post by pedroelgrande on May 3, 2014 23:23:30 GMT -5
So we are a month away from the big night...you know that means it's time for the 2nd installment of "How the draft WILL NOT unfold." A few notes before you skip to who the Red Sox will surely not draft:
- Turner is turning on the jets at the right time. He stole 4 bases tonight including home. I don't know what the police will do but they need to catch him. He was also 4/4 last I checked. Despite what Keith Law was saying I still think he goes middle of the 1st round.
- I like doing this excersice even though I know is 100% wrong because it gives me a sense of who could be available when the Red Sox pick and I can tell you that I'm feeling optimistic that good players will be available.
Without further ado here it is, fire away I can handle it:
1) Astros - Carlos Rodon, LHP, NC ST
He is a run away train coming down the tracks right now. I think the Astros will look into perhaps saving some money to spread it around but in the end Rodon will be too much to pass up.
2) Marlins - Tyler Kolek, RHP, Texas HS
He fits what they like in pitchers to a tee. The only other player I can see unseating him here is Rodon.
3) White Sox - Brady Aiken, LHP, California HS
I think he is the favorite to go one if the Astros pass on Rodon but I don't know how willing would he be to workout a deal. The Southsiders seem to be looking pitcher here, preferably college pitcher, but Aiken is too good to pass up and is a HS arm that could move very quickly.
4) Cubs - Alex Jackson, OF, California HS
This pick is tough to figure out because of some injuries up top. Hoffman would fit here but we'll have to wait and see when he comes back. I'll give them Jackson is the best HS hitter in the class so while they may want pitching I don't think they'll force it.
5) Twins - Nick Gordon, SS, Florida HS
The Twins could opt for a guy like Freeland who combines their old philosophy of strike thrower with their new approach of looking for pitchers with stuff. They could also go with Nola who fits more the previous philosophy. But I say they go Gordon who is having a great spring and projects to be a solid up the middle player with a strong arm and is developing some thump in that bat.
6) Seattle - Aaron Nola, RHP, LSU
The pitching heavy draft continues. Nola is not just a pitch-ability righty. He has the stuff to go along with his impeccable control/command.
7) Phillies - Jacob Gatewood, SS, California HS
I wouldn't take him here but reports are they are looking at him and Gordon and they fit the Phillies' profile. He has light-tower power but the hit tool has been questioned. Some teams think they can work with players to improve the hit tool while others like to see some present ability to buy in, the Phillies seem to fall in the former category. He plays SS now and shows good infield actions but he has a big frame so a slide over to 3rd should work.
8) Rockies - Kyle Freeland, LHP, Evansville
I came to know him recently, thanks amfox, but after further research his rise is not really out of nowhere. He was drafted out of HS and starred at a couple of Colligate summer leagues, including the Cape. The only thing missing was performance during the regular season and all he has done is put up video game numbers.
9) Blue Jays - Jeff Hoffman, RHP, ECU
We'll have to wait and see when he comes back. If he's 97 again then I'd guess the concern is lessened if his velocity is lower then I'd guess he falls. I think a multi pick team makes sense and the Blue Jays have two top 11 picks.
10) Mets - Bradley Zimmer, OF, San Francisco
They've gone the HS hitter route lately but I think it's time they go the College route. Zimmer is perhaps the player with the most playable tools in the draft.
11) Blue Jays - Michael Chavis, 3B, Georgia HS
I don't know if it's realistic but I think Chavis could be amendable to a below slot deal. I mean he has been raking but unless he gets word he'll go in the next few picks it would make sense.
12) Brewers - Erick Fedde, RHP, UNLV
How about a pitcher we can change their entire arm action and expect to be totally fine? Fedde doesn't have unconventional arm action so that's a good start for the BrewCrew.
13) Padres - Trea Turner, SS, NC ST
A potential top 5 pick coming into the year Turner has taken a bit of a hit as scouts put a microscope on him. I still think he goes in the top 15 or so picks.
14) Giants - Grant Holmes, RHP, South Carolina HS
Which unknown player will they draft this year? Well we don't know. What I do know is that they do a good job with pitchers and Holmes is a really good one.
15) Angels - Tyler Beede, RHP, Vanderbilt
I know what you are thinking but how many times have college pitcher dropped from the range most people thought they'd go? Wacha, Barnes, Gray, Sale just to name a few of the prominent names in recent years. Beede isn't helping matters either as he has been struggling with control/command which have been his achilles heel in his college career.
16) DBacks - Brandon Finnegan, LHP, TCU
The DBacks are having A horrible year, but they have a lot of grit. Finnegan has also been dealing with some sort of injury so we'll have to see how he does but he should be hot around this area and in consideration much higher.
17) Royals - Touki Toussaint, RHP, Florida HS
The Royals have 3 picks in the top 40 - darn it Drew - and will be sitting there waiting with open arms "come to daddy, I'm right here" on whomever falls. In this case that will surely not happen it's Toussaint.
18) Nationals - Sean Reid Foley, RHP, Florida HS
I like this guy and he'll probably be in consideration much higher than this, the Blue Jays are said to have been looking at him. The Nats do a good job and always seem to go BPA so he'd fit from the stand point.
19) Reds - Max Pentecost, C, Kennesaw ST
The Reds are another team that goes BPA most of the time. Here Pentecost is the guy. He is the only catcher with no questions of wether he can stay back there long term. He also has some offensive tools which could make him a potential all-star.
20) Rays - Sean Newcomb, LHP, Hartford
Have anybody noticed how horrible the Rays have been drafting lately? Well they should be happy with this guy. A lefty that has been compare to non other than Jonathan Tyler Lester.
21) Cleveland - Derek Fisher, OF, UVA
He has an extensive track record as an amateur and brings athleticism and a good hit-tool to the plate. Cleveland could go a number of different ways but a college hitter with a track record like Fisher would be enticing.
22) Dodgers - Scott Blewitt, RHP, New York HS
The Dodgers like HS RH pitchers and the list is long of the guys they have drafted over the years. I'll trust Keith Law who seems to think Blewitt could go in the 15-30 picks.
23) Tigers - Michael Conforto, OF, Oregon ST
How about a closer here? It would fit to a tee and Burdi could probably pitch in the big leagues this year but it would make too much sense so no. Conforto is a very good hitter with patience and power. He profiles in an out-field corner.
24) Pirates - Kyle Schwaber, C/1B, Indiana
In a class short on college bats Schwaber has stood out. He shows pure hitting skills and raw power. The only question mark is his defensive home. He catches for Indiana and if a team feels like he projects there he goes much higher than this. He fits from the 15 or so picks on it's just there are a lot of worthy players which is nice for teams picking in the back of the 1st.
25) A's - Casey Gillespie, 1B, Wichita State
I don't know what the A's are up to since they seem to have shifted their previous College heavy philosophy, they've been more aggressive with HS talent. Gillespie is said to be attracting interest in this range. He is a switch hitter with plus power and has been mashing this year.
26) Red Sox - Luke Weaver, RHP, FSU
I don't know if he fits what the Red Sox look for to a tee but he does have a few elements that I think they like. He has Team USA experience and his best secondary pitch is his change up, which is a pitch the Red Sox seem to value. He is young for the College class which give you hope he can get stronger and hold his velocity more.
27) Cardinals - Kodi Medeiros, LHP, Hawaii HS
He was perhaps the most unhittable pitcher in the summer circuit. His main question marks are his arm action which is a little low but makes his pitches move a lot. Once he learns to command said movement look out.
Compensation Round
28) Royals - Monte Harrison, OF, Missouri HS 29) Reds - Spencer Adams, RHP, GA HS 30) Rangers - Jacob Bukauskas, RHP, Virginia HS 31) Cleveland - Michael Kopech, RHP, Texas HS 32) Atlanta - Michael Gettys, CF, Georgia HS 33) Red Sox - Derek Hill, CF, California HS
One of the standout defensive players in the draft his only question mark is how much pop he develops. He can hit and is a plus runner. For a system comparison he is similar to Margot.
34) Cardinals - Alex Blandino, 3B, Stanford
Welfare round
35. Colorado Rockies - Marcus Wilson, OF, California HS 36. Miami Marlins - Luis Ortiz, RHP, California HS 37. Houston Astros - Justus Sheffield, LHP, Tenn HS 38. Cleveland Indians - Braxton Davidson, 1B, North Carolina HS 39. Miami Marlins - Aramis Garcia, C, FIU 40. Kansas City Royals - Jake Stinnett, RHP, Maryland (Senior) 41. Milwaukee Brewers - Nick Burdi, RHP, Louisville
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Post by thegoodthebadthesox on May 4, 2014 0:58:27 GMT -5
So we are a month away from the big night...you know that means it's time for the 2nd installment of "How the draft WILL NOT unfold." A few notes before you skip to who the Red Sox will surely not draft: - Turner is turning on the jets at the right time. He stole 4 bases tonight including home. I don't know what the police will do but they need to catch him. He was also 4/4 last I checked. Despite what Keith Law was saying I still think he goes middle of the 1st round. - I like doing this excersice even though I know is 100% wrong because it gives me a sense of who could be available when the Red Sox pick and I can tell you that I'm feeling optimistic that good players will be available.Don't think it was on this site but for drafts someone turned me on to a cool idea: Before the draft, just make a list going down to the pick number of your team (in this case 33) of that many players you'd like your team to draft. Gives you kind of a better sense of the type of guys the Sox could come up with.
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Post by jdb on May 4, 2014 12:57:59 GMT -5
Nice mock. I personally think it would be hard to pass up Marcus Wilson for Hill. He seems to have higher upside. He's a good bit younger for the class too. I'd be happy with a Weaver/Hill first round haul. Still holding out a glimmer of hope Drew signs. Haha
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Post by pedroelgrande on May 4, 2014 13:41:31 GMT -5
If it was my preference I would have come out with Harrison or Wilson with one of the picks but I tried to look for some tendencies and a premium up the middle guy I think would be of interest. I also cosidered going with Verdugo but the things that have been reported is that he may be sliding.
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