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Post by taftreign on Jun 5, 2014 19:48:26 GMT -5
I agree. Not a fan of Mayo and I know he has seniority at MLB but Callis is one of the best in the biz and I want to hear more from him than anyone else on the entire set.
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Post by taftreign on Jun 5, 2014 19:43:01 GMT -5
Why don't they just put Callis in Reynolds spot with Mayo and just cut into Harold for his color commentary every 3 or 4 picks for his quick thoughts. At least we wouldn't have to listen to him drivel on after every pick.
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Post by taftreign on Jun 5, 2014 19:40:42 GMT -5
Do you think Zimmer would be TB's pick if he's on the board over Gillaspie?
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Post by taftreign on Jun 5, 2014 19:37:21 GMT -5
Last year Shipley fell to Arizona. This year it may be Newcomb.
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Post by taftreign on Jun 5, 2014 18:53:01 GMT -5
I think Aaron Nola works for the draft position and talent at 7 but it must stink to have such a lack luster major league squad, shallow farm system and desire to have a winning product on the field for their upcoming TV negotiations. Not that it's accidental. Amaro has dug his own ditch.
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Post by taftreign on Jun 5, 2014 18:42:30 GMT -5
There is some scuttlebutt that CHC will look to trade hitting prospects for pitching (Ben? It's Theo. ...) It really does make sense.
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Post by taftreign on Jun 5, 2014 18:35:49 GMT -5
I prefer no spoiling but if you want to I'm not going to get all pissed off. I can just check in after right after the pick is announced or at the end of the round.
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Post by taftreign on Jun 5, 2014 18:28:59 GMT -5
And the Cubs trade their pick to. . . . oh yeah that's right we're not that progressive.
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Post by taftreign on Jun 5, 2014 18:01:15 GMT -5
They do have the extra 5% overage to spend on any later picks which equals $318,665 this year in addition to any other savings. Not saying I'd use it on Cease but they could have $800,000+ or so extra between the 5% and Senior signs to offer a draftee.
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Post by taftreign on Jun 5, 2014 17:38:26 GMT -5
@chrismwebb: Building on what Keith Law stated in latest mock, Sam Travis is in play for Boston at 26, among a group of 5 at top of board. Keeps rising. He covers Big Ten Baseball. Here is some vid of the Indiana 1B. I would imagine this would have to be a cost saving pick if it happens in an effort to distribute the savings over a few prep picks later on. I know it's unlikely true but when you keep hearing Reed, Travis, Fisher and so forth attached to Boston you can't help but think they are in some way trying to fill system holes with 1B or corner OF bats who are closer to the majors. That is too need based to me if it's true but everyone keeps asking how are they going to fix the OF or replace Napoli in time. Maybe it's just an attempt to find a high floor player that happens to be at a position of need but it doesn't come across well to me. I will be listening to hear Ben talk about the draft after all is said and done as to what their thinking was to some extent.
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Post by taftreign on Jun 5, 2014 17:27:56 GMT -5
Watching on MLB.com on my Macbook Pro but I can get zero sound from their coverage. Anyone know how I can fix this.
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Post by taftreign on Jun 5, 2014 15:49:43 GMT -5
I still hope they do the right thing (according to me) and grab a pair of Harrison, Chavis, Forbes, Davidson, Vallot, Ortiz, Griffin, Adams, Flaherty, Kopech and so forth. I think it's a mistake to lump all the HSers together. For instance, I would be disappointed with Flaherty (lower ceiling guy for me) and Ortiz (maxed out physically). On the other hand, I would be thrilled with Adams, Griffin or Kopech. On the hitting side, I love Harrison (assuming the late rumors are just a ploy to knock him down to TEX/ATL), although he is a boom-or-bust pick. I am warming to Vallot (and Jakson Reetz) at #33. I like Davidson if they think he can play RF in addition to 1B. I'm not sold on Forbes (going to outgrow SS, bat may not work at 3B or CF) or Chavis (classic tweener). Yes I agree they're not all equal. I give a little leeway to the front office to determine which are the right ones as they have much more knowledge than any of us on each of these players. Personally I'd be fine with a few bats like Harrison, Davidson, Vallot or Reetz, who was one of my likely after 33 but before 67 players, or a pair of arms like Griffin, Kopech or Adams or a somewhat intriguing Blewett or a mix between. If they could get Vallot, Reetz or Blewett at below slot i'd like them better. I'm not totally scared off by Chavis as I think he has options either at 2B or 3B as I do believe in the bat but I also think Boston would be a team that would consider the C experiment. Forbes is probably the riskiest hitter and might be too much to take a chance on but if he achieves his potential. Flaherty is definitely out of the question with his demands. Still I like most of them if not all more than AJ Reed or Derek Fisher.
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Post by taftreign on Jun 5, 2014 12:25:40 GMT -5
Previously I said I'd prefer the upside prep bats and arms over the college bats when Casey Gillaspie was mentioned for the Red Sox at 26. While I still prefer the the upside prep bats and arms I have to say I prefer Casey Gillaspie over all the other college bats I'm hearing at 26 including Blandino, Fisher, Reed, Papi etc. Of the "tier 2" college bats, I like (in order) Gillaspie, Papi, Sparks, Fisher, Reed and Blandino. I'd be more inclined to go pitcher at #26, HS (bat/pitcher) at #33 in round 1 and then see if I could pop a "tier 3" college bat like Sam Travis or one of the Davis boys (Dylan or JD) at the end of the 2nd round. I just don't see a lot of value from the college bats early in the draft. 100% agree.
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Post by taftreign on Jun 5, 2014 11:57:59 GMT -5
Previously I said I'd prefer the upside prep bats and arms over the college bats when Casey Gillaspie was mentioned for the Red Sox at 26. While I still prefer the the upside prep bats and arms I have to say I prefer Casey Gillaspie over all the other college bats I'm hearing at 26 including Blandino, Fisher, Reed, Papi etc. Unfortunately at this point I don't think he's in the mix for them because he's likely to go earlier. I still hope they do the right thing (according to me) and grab a pair of Harrison, Chavis, Forbes, Davidson, Vallot, Ortiz, Griffin, Adams, Flaherty, Kopech and so forth. I'm all for taking on the risk. If the club wants a more advanced hitting prospect then maybe its time to package a few minor league arms together for a young hitter if they can find a willing partner.
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Post by taftreign on Jun 5, 2014 9:38:58 GMT -5
A few round 3 and after players I like:
Nick Wells LHP 6-5 180 Battlefield HS, Va Pavin Smith 1B/OF 6-2 195 Palm Beach Gardens HS, Fl Grant Hockin RHP 6-3 195 Damien HS, Ca Adam Revenelle RHP 6-2 190 Vanderbilt Jordan Holloway RHP 6-4 180 Ralston Valley HS, Co Isiah Gilliam 1B 6-2 215 Parkview HS, Ga Heath Fillmyer RHP 6-1 180 Mercer County JC Spencer Moran RHP 6-6 170 Mountain View HS, Az Brendan McKay LHP 6-1 220 Black Hawk HS, Pa Joe Gillette SS/3B 6-2 195 Scotts Valley HS, Ca Tejay Antone RHP 6-4 Weatherford JC Gage Burland RHP/OF 6-2 190 East Valley HS, Wa Brain O'Keefe C 6-1 205 St Josephs Emmaneul Marrero SS 6-0 Alabama St
Every year I try to target a few non top two round guys and follow who drafts them and how they develop.
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Post by taftreign on Jun 4, 2014 20:01:30 GMT -5
Henry says Mookie who? Welcome to my team.
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Post by taftreign on Jun 4, 2014 18:07:26 GMT -5
It wouldn't be an answer until the 2016 season but I can see Ben unsurprisingly zeroing in on Jason Heyward. Sabermetricians tend to value him more than some of the traditionalists and he can pretty easily be a 4 WAR right fielder. He will be a 26 year old free agent which fits the youth criteria and Ben should be willing to go 6 years on him as he brings solid defensive value as well. Heyward has also been hitting leadoff this season so he would provide additional lineup options. Perhaps Atlanta decides this summer they won't or can't resign him and decide to go ahead and move him for a few prospects instead of a supplemental pick. Is he valuable enough to trade pieces for this offseason or do you take your chances he reaches the market and you can land him? To me he is the most obvious player meeting the criteria of what Boston is looking for and the timing works well with Victorino theoretically being healthy for one last year in 2015. What do you think it would take to land Heyward on the free market AAV?
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Post by taftreign on Jun 4, 2014 17:44:38 GMT -5
I heard the Sox like and could take Jack Flaherty at #33 and let him play both ways before he ultimately ends up on the mound. Is the consensus that it's too high to take him there? I can see Jack Flaherty having a little Hunter Harvey in him as one who is drafted later but adds a little velocity in the short term providing a jump in his performance. Flaherty has been a two way prospect and will focus strictly as a pitcher. I for one am a fan as I had mentioned him awhile back as a prospect I like who likely went after 33 but before the 60s and he has only gained helium since. I'd take a shot on him at 33 personally as I really like his fastball, change-up, slider combo. Could be three plus pitches there when its all said and done.
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Post by taftreign on Jun 4, 2014 13:33:49 GMT -5
It looks like the Rays will be going for a top 10 pick, probably top 5. As disappointing as it would be for their franchise and fans you have to think this could end up being a long term blessing. They can move Price for at least two top 75 prospects either this July or in the offseason in addition there is a possibility they would move Zobrist who likely would get them a useable piece. Add in a top 5 draft pick and that is a jolt in the arm to their farm system. The team would still retain a solid core of young pitchers and an offensive core of Longoria, Myers and Jennings. Still hard to believe they have played as poorly as they have. Then again if you would have told me at the beginning of the season it was a lock Xander would put up an offensive line as he has I would never have thought the Red Sox team would be in the situation they are.
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Post by taftreign on Jun 1, 2014 20:49:19 GMT -5
Reed Gragnani has been hitting very well this season with little fan fare, .341/.429/.453. Granted he is a 23 year old in High A but I imagine when promotions start he will get a chance in Portland with a majority side of a split with Coyle at 2b.
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Post by taftreign on May 31, 2014 21:17:53 GMT -5
I think he makes more sense for a team like the Astros, Royals, or Indians who have three picks in the top 42 each and the Marlins who have four in the top 43. They can spread the risk out further and at still have a chance to pull two solid prospects out of this draft early even if he busts.
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Post by taftreign on May 31, 2014 21:05:01 GMT -5
Xander's really showing an improved D of late. Glad he will still get some games there even with Drew. Rest Drew and play some Bogaerts/Holt left side.
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Post by taftreign on May 31, 2014 21:02:06 GMT -5
First it was the Bloody Sock now it's the Bloody nose plug!
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Post by taftreign on May 31, 2014 20:59:38 GMT -5
That's one tough nose!
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Post by taftreign on May 31, 2014 20:56:59 GMT -5
Honestly I don't see why anyone would want to bring a minor league prospect making his first start of the season into the bean ball wars. I want his attention on nothing but getting outs. I don't think we should be discrediting how great Rubby was tonight by downplaying the TB roster more than necessary.
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