The DDT - Draft Day 1 thread

[Angrioter]

 

So we signed our first draft pick. Dan Lietz

 

Tweet doesn't show because he has a protected twitter account, but he said he was headed to gulf coast league

 

link? Money? Slot?

[ace3113]

I'm sorry, but if we're saving a couple hundred K here and there, I see no reason we shouldn't be getting him signed at this price.

 

100% agree.

 

Brentz is a must sign for me to make this a good draft (in addition to Bickford and Hollon of course). If we sign Tewes and Lauer instead it will probably be equal value, but the optics won't be the same. Brentz is a day 1 type of talent.

[ace3113]

 

 

 

So I guess he's coming to Florida to sign

 

Awesome. Keep em coming. Get those arms in the system ASAP.

[GD]

"Goodbyes are the hardest especially when they are your best friend"

 

[GD]

I believe we'll get Brentz signed, although it will probably take more than the comparable second-rounders. He fell because teams didn't think he'd sign for second-round money.

 

We'll save more money than you guys think on our first 10 rounds, they'll save a few hundred thousand all over the place. Some team supposedly had a pre-draft deal with Bickford, I bet he'll take $2.2MM or less. Then Hollon sounds like a slightly-under slot guy, and we have some college guys in the 4-10 range who will take under slot.

 

Brentz is really the only big money late pick, there won't be too much juggling to do.

 

I agree with this, I think we'll be saving money, but it really comes down to how much Brentz wants. If he wants, say, 900k, maybe we can get both Brentz and Tewes signed. BUt if he wants, say, 1.4mm, then we may not get some guys signed.

[Angrioter]

100% agree.

 

Brentz is a must sign for me to make this a good draft (in addition to Bickford and Hollon of course). If we sign Tewes and Lauer instead it will probably be equal value, but the optics won't be the same. Brentz is a day 1 type of talent.

 

If you can't sign Bickford and Hollon then you'll lost more than 4 million of the total amount.

The silver lining = Jays will add another 1st round pick the next year (#10 overall)

[dineke]

"Goodbyes are the hardest especially when they are your best friend"

 

 

How can you have a girl as your best friend? the guy must be a pussy, I hope the Jays don't sign him.

[GD]

How can you have a girl as your best friend? the guy must be a pussy, I hope the Jays don't sign him.

 

*looks down in shame* lol

 

Just gonna say that they probably aren't best friends because girls tend to embellish.

[Angrioter]

I believe we'll get Brentz signed, although it will probably take more than the comparable second-rounders. He fell because teams didn't think he'd sign for second-round money.

 

We'll save more money than you guys think on our first 10 rounds, they'll save a few hundred thousand all over the place. Some team supposedly had a pre-draft deal with Bickford, I bet he'll take $2.2MM or less. Then Hollon sounds like a slightly-under slot guy, and we have some college guys in the 4-10 range who will take under slot.

 

Brentz is really the only big money late pick, there won't be too much juggling to do.

 

Where do you think are the best talented?

 

A) 1-10

11-40

[ace3113]

I personally doubt he would sign for 1 mil+. IIRC, last year's highest bonus after Rd 10 was a touch over 400k for Ryan Borucki (not sure if it's just blue jays or all baseball). I'd say he sign for less than 1 Mil if not much less. It's just because it is super difficult to squeeze slot money in the current system.

 

I was super excited about Borucki last year, having done a write up on him before hand, but he wasn't rated nearly as highly (not in BA's top 200) as a prospect as Brentz was this year (80th by BA), and he was coming off an elbow injury. Borucki was and is more polished that Brentz, but Brentz has the higher upside, which is why he was a consensus first round type of talent. I think Borucki even if he was fully healthy out of high school was at best a 3rd round type of talent in 2012.

[StevieRay]

I agree with this, I think we'll be saving money, but it really comes down to how much Brentz wants. If he wants, say, 900k, maybe we can get both Brentz and Tewes signed. BUt if he wants, say, 1.4mm, then we may not get some guys signed.

 

I think some HS guys will definitely be more than happy to sign for 100k.

[ace3113]

Hahahahahahahahhahaha that's funny. Poor guy though

 

He could be a Jason Collins fan.

[G-Snarls]

Davidi's write up on the draft:

 

http://bit.ly/11tah65

[GD]

Davidi's write up on the draft:

 

http://bit.ly/11tah65

 

Bit of a fluff piece.

[Atothe]

*looks down in shame* lol

 

Just gonna say that they probably aren't best friends because girls tend to embellish.

 

A guy isn't supposed have any female as

friends.Its an oxymoron.

[o2cui2i]

GM Alex Anthopoulos echoed that sentiment, laughing as he relayed how pitching co-ordinator Dane Johnson watched the first nine rounds unfold and sent a text asking, “What the hell’s going on?”

 

so it's not just the fans....

[GD]

A guy isn't supposed have any female as

friends.Its an oxymoron.

 

I disagree, see why you think so, and won't really get into it lol.

 

When do guys generally start signing? Around late June?

[o2cui2i]

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/team/draft.jsp?c_id=tor

 

Take a look at the last column, says when last years draft picks sign dates were

 

And they have to be signed by July 12th at 5 ET

 

most should sign by next weekend. might be a few hold outs into next month, but they only have a month to sign them.

[GD]

Seems like the easy signs generally sign around this week and the harder ones hold out until July.

[ace3113]

Should we make a second thread for the July 2 signing period or use this one? I hope we sign some bats this time.

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/international/ten-international-prospects-to-watch-for-july-2/

 

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/4/24/4259466/2013-international-free-agents

 

So far we're connected to Venezuelan shortstop Yeltsin Gudino.

 

Yeltsin Gudino, ss, Venezuela : When scouts grade out Gudino’s tools, there isn’t a 60 on his scouting report, but he’s a well-rounded player with success on the international circuit and strong baseball instincts. Gudino, who trains with Carlos Guillen, excelled at the 15U World Championship last August in Mexico and has continued to show an advanced hitting approach for his age. Gudino’s game will benefit from additional strength, which is a positive because there’s room to project more power and perhaps arm strength from his 6-foot, 150-pound body. He’s an average runner and a good fielder who projects to stay at shortstop. Oakland and Texas were tied to Gudino at one point, but now it looks like the Blue Jays are the leaders to sign him.

 

I really want us to try to get these players, who project to hit at the next level.

 

Luis Encarnacion, 3b, Dominican Republic:

 

If Devers isn’t the best offensive prospect in Latin America, that title might belong to Encarnacion, who trains with Juan Herrera, plays in the IPL and won’t be able to sign until he turns 16 on Aug. 9. Encarnacion is 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, hits in games consistently and already has plus power from the right side. While Encarnacion earns widespread praise for his offensive upside, scouts are even more sold on him having to change positions soon after signing, either to left field or first base. Sources say the Phillies have been enamored with Encarnacion and have emerged as his most likely destination.

 

Luis Asuncion, OF, 6'3" 180lbs, R/R, Dominican Republic

Trainer: Nube

Age: 16.4 years

 

Lean projectable build with some thickness to lower half. Average runner, but faster than his 60 time (7.07). Massive kid, but should be able to handle left field. Bat would profile anywhere regardless. Plus raw arm strength, with quick release. Easy power, obvious strength in hands, gets good extension. Balanced approach at the plate with a nice consistent swing path. Simple swing, makes contact. Leg lift trigger. Patient approach in games, has an idea. Hit 19 homeruns at the DPL Power Showcase. Huge power potential, can really drive the ball, but doesn't sellout to pull and lift the ball. Lets the ball get deep and drives it to all parts of the field. Impressed scouts with his showing in the MLB Amateur Prospect League where he went 3 for 7 with a homerun, two rbi, a walk, and a stolen base.

 

Nestor Tejada, OF, 5'10" 180lbs, L/L, Venezuela

Trainer: Carlos Guillen

Age: 16.2 years

 

He's not a tremendously smooth or fast runner (7.00), he's small and stocky without a whole lot of projection, and his fringe average arm screams left field profile, but what Tejada can do is hit the baseball, and at present he does it as good as anyone in the July 2nd class. A left-handed hitter with a short compact swing, Tejada brings an aggressive approach to the plate without being undisciplined. He has excellent bat speed, and always seems to square up the ball. There is a slight wrap in his swing, but he's able to compensate for it with his ultra quick hands. Tejada employs a leg lift trigger, which helps him generate at least average power despite the lack of leverage from his frame. More of a game player than a showcase player, Tejada has a strong record of performance in international competitions. Named a tournament all-star at the 15-and-Under World Championship of Baseball after hitting a ridiculous .520/.629/.1080 in 25ab to go with 2hr 13rbi 4(3b) 4bb 5so 4sb 0cs. He will have to continue to hit that way in pro-ball as he projects to be an average defender at best.

 

Rene Pinto, C, 5'10" 160lbs, R/R, Venezuela

Trainer: Jaime Torres

Age: 16.8 years

 

Prototypical catcher's build, short compact, very good present strength. Solid athlete with average 60 time (7.20) for the position. Excellent receiving skills and very strong arm (82mph), his 1.95 pop time is well above average for his age. Catching fundamentals are advanced. He looks like he's had excellent instruction. Good baseball bloodlines. Father Rene Sr. (also a right-handed hitting catcher), played 7 years in the Yankees system in the early 90s hitting .277/.324/.439 for his minor league career. Pinto's trainer, Jaime Torres, played with his father with New York's Double-A affiliate. Rene Jr. has much more power at the plate than his father, but employs a deep hand load. Has the tools and pedigree to be a top-level defensive catcher, and the power bat is a bonus.

 

Jose Herrera, C, 5'11" 177lbs, S/R, Venezuela

Trainer: Felix Olivo

Age: 16.4 years

 

One of the top catching prospects for July 2nd, Herrera is known more for his bat than his glove. The young backstop was one of Venezuela's best hitters at the 15-and-under World Championship, posting a line of .455/.571/.636 with 11 runs 2 doubles, 1 triple, and 8rbi in 8 games. He came up especially big in the championship game against Cuba, leading his team to victory on the back of 3 hits, 3 runs, and 3 rbi. The switch hitting Herrera is purported to have a polished approach at the plate with excellent contact ability as evidenced by his 3:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio at the Worlds. From the right side his swing is shorter and more compact. Left-handed there is more loft in his swing, and he gets out in front of the ball. Herrera doesn't have a lot projection left, with a thick lower half, and a small frame, so he likely will not hit for more than average power. Defensively, the converted infielder may not have the greatest physique or athleticism, but he's a smart cerebral player who will be able to make the most of the tools he has including his above average arm-strength.

[ace3113]

Contnued...

 

Jeramias Portorreal, OF, 6'2" 180lbs, L/L, Dominican Republic

Trainer: Banana

Age: 15.10 years

 

The youngest player in the 2013 international free agent class, Portorreal has pretty swing mechanics from the left side and an advanced feel for hitting. One of the best left handed approaches among the young Dominican players available for July. Fast whippy swing and good weight transfer. Looks like he could develop into a very good all-around hitter down the road with the potential to hit for power as well as average. He looks to be a future left fielder or first baseman defensively so his bat will have to carry.

Lewin Diaz, 1B/OF, 6'3" 195lbs, L/L, Dominican Republic

Trainer: William Valdez

Age: 16.9 years

 

A long-limbed and thickly built outfielder, Diaz offers very little projection, but also doesn't need very much more. He is already close to physically mature with plenty of now strength, and his carrying tool just happens to be his plus raw left-handed power. Diaz is able to generate tremendous power without having the greatest pure bat speed, but simply through strength and leverage. He maintains a balanced approach at the plate, and does not sell out to pull or lift the ball. Diaz swing is simple and repeatable. He uses a leg lift trigger and his plate setup is reminiscent of Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. Diaz gets good extension on his swing and has demonstrated the ability to handle 88-91mph velocity and average offspeed stuff. He stands out among other Dominican prospects for his ability to translate his hitting tools to games. He plays outfield right now but is a below average runner (7.6) lacking the range for even a corner position. Diaz has above average arm strength but will likely end up at first base in pro ball. His combination of plus power and arm-strength should make him one of the top names available for July 2.

Yeffry De Aza, SS, 6'0" 170lbs, R/R, Dominican Republic

Trainer: Nube

Age: 16.5 years

 

De Aza is a sure handed middle infielder with a ton of offensive potential. A solid runner (6.89), he possesses the range and hands to stay up the middle though his average arm strength may profile better at second long term. Should he have to move to the right side of the bag, his exceptional hitting tools should still allow him to become an above average regular at the position. De Aza's bat stands out and really projects despite his seemingly modest size. He has explosive bat speed and a whippy swing that allows him to put a charge into the baseball. Hits some very hard line drives, and looks like he'll hit for at least average power in the future. His overall approach could use some refinement as he has a big load and a slight bat wrap in his swing. Played 2 games in the APL and went 1 for 6 with a double, an rbi, and a walk.

 

Ihan Bernal, C/3B, 6'0" 190lbs, L/R, Panama

Trainer: Emilio Sempris

Age: 16.9 years

 

Bernal is an athletic young catcher with with all the tools to stick at the position. A solid runner for a backstop (7.2) he has quick feet and moves well behind the plate. Defensively, Bernal's greatest asset is his plus arm strength (82 mph), which figures to get even better as he physically matures. His recorded pop time of 1.95 at the MLB International Showcase was tied for the best among the catchers, and his best reported time of 1.89, is outstanding for a 16-yeard-old. Bernal's strong defensive profile has garnered comparison's to fellow Panamanian catcher Carlos Ruiz of the Phillies. He is a smooth receiver and sound blocker, whose baseball fundamentals are well advanced for his age. At the plate Bernal has a short simple swing, tailor made for contact. Spread stance, balanced through the ball, he can hit the ball to all fields. Not sure how much power there will be, but he sure looks like he could hit for some average. Bernal has excellent bloodlines and comes from a baseball family. His eldest brother Iosif Bernal, an outfielder, signed with the Braves in 2011 and hit .259/.382/.360 in his debut with their DSL team, while his father Iosif Bernal Sr. played for the Dodgers' DSL affiliate in the early 90s. Bernal's transition to North America should not be as difficult as most Latin prospects as he's already bilingual, having attended the Canadian International school in his native Panama.

Dayan Perez Olmo, OF/MIF, 5'11" 160lbs, S/R, Dominican Republic

Trainer: Valentin Monero

Age: 16.7 years

 

Smaller in size but a very strong. Quick twitch 5-tool athlete with plus-plus speed (6.55-60) and a centerfield profile. Arm strength is excellent. Flashes good bat speed. Displays some power right-handed, more of a slap hitter as a lefty. Top of the order type of hitter with gap pop. Was named co-MVP of the DPL All-Star game after going 3 for 4, with 2 triples, and 3 rbi.

[GD]

Should we make a second thread for the July 2 signing period or use this one? I hope we sign some bats this time.

 

100% we should. The OP would have to be updated. You want to start it or should I?

[GD]

I've read and watched enough of Gundino, Encarnacion, Asuncion, and De Aza to know that I like them. Don't know about Molina, Portorreal, Diaz, Bernal or Olmo.

[ace3113]

I've read and watched enough of Gundino, Encarnacion, Asuncion, and De Aza to know that I like them. Don't know about Molina, Portorreal, Diaz, Bernal or Olmo.

 

There's video of some of the other guys online (Molina notably), but when I clicked on them, it said they were private videos or else we were not aloud to watch them from our country. lol

 

Here's a few.

 

Lewin Diaz

 

 

 

 

Ihan Bernal

 

 

 

 

 

Dayan Perez Olmo

 

 

Go ahead and create the July 2nd thread for us prospect junkies. It will be nice to discuss some POSITIONAL prospects we might sign. Imagine if AA blows the whole 2.9mm on pitchers again. Hahaha. Mayky Perez & Marcus Diplan baby!

[ace3113]

We signed Jansen, the HS catcher we drafted.

 

http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/sports/high_school/appleton-west-baseball-alum-turning-pro#.UbUdtfGA-_g.twitter

 

Great find. Sounds like a promising prospect.

[GD]

Ace, I'll start the thread.

 

King, nice find. Jansen sounds like a nice prospect.

[GD]

Created the thread.

[ace3113]

Should be nice to get another young catcher in the system

 

Found some video and more info an Jansen if it hasn't been posted already.

 

http://www.ncsasports.org/baseball-recruiting/wi/appleton/appleton-west-high-school/dan-jansen

 

Danny Jansen

 

GP/GS 18gs 46ab .500/.662/.934 5hr 19rbi 9(2b) 2(3b) 19bb 3so 0sb 3cs

.998fld% 19a 1e 16-20(cs/sba)

 

Bench Press: 225

Squat: 345

60 Yard Dash: 7.16

Top Pop Time: 1.85

Pop Time: 1.89

Top Infield Velocity: 82

Infield Velocity: 80

[GD]

http://www.truebluefan.com/mobile/news/one-on-one-with-clinton-hollon/

 

Woodford County's Clinton Hollon will soon be a Toronto Blue Jay.

 

Where does it say in here he'll soon be a Blue Jay? TL;DR lol.

 

Found some video and more info an Jansen if it hasn't been posted already.

 

http://www.ncsasports.org/baseball-recruiting/wi/appleton/appleton-west-high-school/dan-jansen

 

Danny Jansen

 

GP/GS 18gs 46ab .500/.662/.934 5hr 19rbi 9(2b) 2(3b) 19bb 3so 0sb 3cs

.998fld% 19a 1e 16-20(cs/sba)

 

Bench Press225

Squat345

60 Yard Dash7.16

Top Pop Time1.85

Pop Time1.89

Top Infield Velocity82

Infield Velocity80

 

That's pretty athletic for a catcher.

[ace3113]

Headed to Florida to sign this week

 

http://www.pros2preps.com/2013/06/hamilton-duo-selected-in-3rd-and-4th-rounds-of-mlb-draft/

 

I have to think he signed below slot. Hopefully 300k or less which would save us 350k to use later. Any reports on his bonus?