2014 MLB Draft: An Early Look

[raBBit]

If the Jays could swing a Hoffman/Newcomb first round that would be mighty impressive and loaded with potential. Very cool draft Jays fans picking at 9 & 11 with some nice options there. If Nola some how feel to 9, Necomb/Finnegan as well. A lot of great options.

 

Basically they should have a chance to a nab a top 5 (potentially elite) talent in Hoffman and then they get a choice of the very enticing middle tier of starting pitching with Nola/Newcomb/Freeland. I personally think Finnegan gets past them with his injury concerns.

[GD]

I know Newcomb has a lot of potential but I don't want to go double pitcher in the first. I'd prefer Jackson/Gordon/Zimmer at 9 and Hoffman at 11.

[The Cats Ass]

I know Newcomb has a lot of potential but I don't want to go double pitcher in the first. I'd prefer Jackson/Gordon/Zimmer at 9 and Hoffman at 11.

 

I think we should actually go with 2 pitchers. It seems like someone in the org knows hows to develop pitching. Hitting is a totally different thing, and it seems like we can't produce hitters. Why waste a pick on a hitter that we can't develop. You're always able to trade pitching for anything anyway.

[Angrioter]

I know Newcomb has a lot of potential but I don't want to go double pitcher in the first. I'd prefer Jackson/Gordon/Zimmer at 9 and Hoffman at 11.

 

Gordon

Nick Gordon, will cut a below slot deal with the Twins at pick #5 with his father, former big league reliever Tom Gordon, acting as Nick's advisor. Every player/advisor in this range knows they could slip to the bottom if they lose a few coin flips in split war rooms, so they are incentivized to market themselves as signable because if they slip 5-10 picks, even an over-slot deal at a lower pick would likely be for less money.

 

Hoffman TJS; I pass on him.

[Angrioter]

Mock

 

No. 01: Houston Astros

Brady Aiken LHP Cathedral Catholic HS (San Diego) $7.9221M

 

 

No. 02: Miami Marlins

Tyler Kolek RHP Shepherd HS (Tex.) $6.8218M

 

 

No. 03: Chicago White Sox

Carlos Rodon LHP NC State $5.7215M

 

 

No. 04: Chicago Cubs

Nick Gordon SS Olympia HS (Fla.) $4.6212M

 

 

No. 05: Minnesota Twins

Alex Jackson C/RF Rancho Bernardo HS (Calif.) $3.851M

 

 

No. 06: Seattle Mariners

Aaron Nola RHP LSU $3.575M

 

 

No. 07: Philadelphia Phillies

Bradley Zimmer OF San Francisco $3.30M

 

 

No. 08: Colorado Rockies

Tyler Beede RHP Vanderbilt $3.1908M

 

 

No. 09: Toronto Blue Jays

Grant Holmes RHP Conway HS (Calif.) $3.0808M

 

 

No. 10: New York Mets

Sean Newcomb LHP Hartford 2.9708M

 

 

No. 11: Toronto Blue Jays

Trea Turner SS NC State $2.8883M

 

 

http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/05/the-mock-volume-iv/

[KingKat]

I think we should actually go with 2 pitchers. It seems like someone in the org knows hows to develop pitching. Hitting is a totally different thing, and it seems like we can't produce hitters. Why waste a pick on a hitter that we can't develop. You're always able to trade pitching for anything anyway.

 

With this draft being as deep in pitching as it is, this would not be the right time to swith philosophies. Eventually the team will have to stop handicaping itself this way but this would be the worst year to make the change.

[SpeedyGose]

I for one, would be extremely happy with that outcome

[jays4life19]

Taking hoffman at 11 is too risky. Take him at 9 so if he doesn't sign we dont lose the pick.

[raBBit]

Taking hoffman at 11 is too risky. Take him at 9 so if he doesn't sign we dont lose the pick.

 

Why wouldn't Hoffman sign? He's going to get professionals to deal with his TJ and his recovery process. He loses all leverage if he goes back for his senior year and doesn't even pitch. He'll get drafted somewhere 4-15 and he'll sign.

 

I for one, wouldn't want the Jays taking Turner. The guy is pretty low ceiling. No power, injury problems and gets beat by advanced college pitching.

 

If the Jays could swing Hoffman and Newcomb/Nola/Finnegan/Freeland they are in great shape moving forward.

[ace3113]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-mock-draft-track-record-lands-rodon-atop-first-mock/

 

Baseball America mock

 

Trea Turner at 9/Jeff Hoffman at 11

 

Yes to Hoffman, no to Turner. I'd rather have one of Toussaint or Holmes. Part of me is wishing for a Rodon arm injury. 9. Rodon 11. Hoffman.

[ace3113]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/baseball-america-wednesday-chat-with-ben-badler/

 

Twins twerp (Western ND): Jeff hoffman to have tj surgery. Does he sit out a season untill next draft or fall to the nationals like gioloto this draft?

 

Ben Badler: I would bet he still gets paid this year. If I were him though, given that he’s going to have the surgery anyway, I would do something completely outside the box and consider becoming a resident of a foreign country like Haiti, sit out one year, then try to sign as an international free agent, where he probably could get more money even subject to the pools, which teams would certainly go past for a player of his caliber. I’m not sure MLB would allow it, but this might be the perfect time for someone daring and enterprising enough to try it. More realistically, yeah, he probably slips in the draft but still gets paid.

[ace3113]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/pipeline-inbox-who-will-white-sox-draft-first?ymd=20140508&content_id=74770502&vkey=news_mlb

 

With Jeff Hoffman's most recent setback and White Sox general manager Rick Hahn's stated desire to draft a college pitcher, what does Chicago do with its No. 3 overall pick? I can't imagine the White Sox passing on whomever of California high school left-hander Brady Aiken, North Carolina State lefty Carlos Rodon or Texas prep righty Tyler Kolek falls into their lap.

-- Nick D., Chicago

 

With Hoffman out of the running, there are three clear candidates to go at the top of the Draft: Aiken, Rodon and Kolek. The White Sox might prefer a college arm, but I haven't seen where Hahn has said anything that makes it seem like he's set on one. I agree with Nick that they'll just take whichever of the big three remains on the board.

 

If Rodon goes to the Astros at No. 1 or the Marlins at No. 2 -- and I think he probably will -- that would leave righties Aaron Nola (Louisiana State) and Tyler Beede (Vanderbilt) and lefties Kyle Freeland (Evansville), Brandon Finnegan (Texas Christian) and Sean Newcomb (Hartford) as the top college arms available. And while all of those guys are talented, and Nola likely will be the first starting pitcher from this Draft to reach the Major Leagues, I also can't imagine the White Sox ignoring the higher upsides of Aiken and/or Kolek.

 

Chicago has a history of drafting high-ceiling players in the early rounds and hasn't had much success taking college pitchers in the first round in the past decade. The White Sox scored big when Chris Sale unexpectedly dropped to them at No. 13 in 2010, but they missed badly on Lance Broadway ('05), Kyle McCullough ('06) and Aaron Poreda ('07).

 

Does Nola have the ability to be more than what Mike Leake has been?

-- Cameron K., Naperville, Ill.

 

There are some obvious similarities between Leake and Nola. Neither is extremely physical, and both stand out for their ability to command their pitches rather than any particular plus offering. Leake was the eight overall pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, and Nola will go in the same range this year. Leake was the first player from his Draft class to get to the big leagues, and Nola is a good bet to do the same.

 

Leake, the most recent player to begin his professional career in the Majors, has been steady in four-plus seasons with the Reds. He has gone 44-32 with a 3.95 ERA in 121 games (116 starts) and won a career-high 14 games in 2013. Leake is a quality No. 4-caliber starter.

 

Nola has more upside than that. Leake doesn't have a consistently above-average pitch, while Nola has two potential plus offerings in his fastball and changeup. He has what it take to be a good No. 3 starter, a notch above what Leake is.

 

Where do you see Oregon State outfielder Michael Conforto being drafted? Is he slated to be a fourth outfielder rather that a full-time player?

-- Doug C., Bowling Green, Ohio

 

Conforto should fit in the middle of the first round, somewhere in the 11-20 range. He's one of the best bats available from the college ranks, and he's hitting .407/.552/.627 with more walks (41) than strikeouts (26) as a junior. Conforto's best tool is his plus left-handed power -- he led the U.S. national collegiate team with three homers last summer -- and he also could hit for a solid average.

 

Conforto's athleticism isn't bad for a 6-foot-2, 217-pounder, though his below-average speed, range and arm make him a left fielder. He definitely has the bat to profile as not only an everyday player, but also a middle-of-the-order hitter. If not, Conforto wouldn't go nearly as high in the Draft as he will.

 

Conforto has some of the most interesting bloodlines in the 2014 Draft. His father Mike played linebacker at Penn State, and his mother Tracie (Ruiz) won two gold medals in synchronized swimming at the 1984 Olympics. Michael starred as a quarterback and safety in high school, drawing interest from college football programs, before deciding to focus on baseball with the Beavers.

[GD]

Conforto could merit some consideration.

[ace3113]

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGLvYhB9E0k

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbgI1BG6Qp4

[ace3113]

Explain to me why you don't want Turner?

 

Unusual swing mechanics.

Swing can get long, which is not what you want in a speed player.

Can't catch up to velocity on the inside half of the plate.

Carrying tool has fallen a few grades from elite 80 to 60-70 according to many scouts.

Not a shortstop long term, average arm.

Hands, footwork, instincts all need to improve.

In sum: not an impact bat, not likely to stay at a premium position, better players available.

Do not want.

[GD]

Zimmer, Gordon, Jackson @ 9 are my clear cut top 3 right now, with Freeland being an option. It's nice that I'm starting to get a bit more free time and I can follow this thing and find who I like.

 

Alternatively, Hoffman @ 9 and Conforto, Newcomb, or Gatewood @ 11 could be cool too.

 

Still want Morgan in the early rounds. And maybe Luis Ortiz or Derek Fisher or Michael Chavis falls out of the late first.

[z3r0s]

Zimmer, Gordon, Jackson @ 9 are my clear cut top 3 right now, with Freeland being an option. It's nice that I'm starting to get a bit more free time and I can follow this thing and find who I like.

 

Alternatively, Hoffman @ 9 and Conforto, Newcomb, or Gatewood @ 11 could be cool too.

 

Still want Morgan in the early rounds. And maybe Luis Ortiz or Derek Fisher or Michael Chavis falls out of the late first.

 

I was high on Gatewood for a while, but everything I read says he has contact issues. If we draft a hitter, I really want them to have a feel for hitting, not just tools.

 

Gordon intrigues me, I'd be happy with him at 11. Gordon and Hoffman anyone?

[ace3113]

Mostly agree. I really want Zimmer to drop.

 

I think Zimmer drops to the Mets. He seems like their type of player and they need outfield help. They probably would also take Turner if he's there. For some reason I see the Jays taking Jackson, Gordon, or a pitcher at 9 and 11.

[ace3113]

http://www.perfectgame.org/articles/View.aspx?article=9843

 

2014 MLB Draft: Top Tools

 

Position Players

 

Hitters:

 

College

 

RK Name Pos. School

1 Bradley Zimmer OF San Francisco

2 Kyle Schwarber C/1B Indiana

3 Casey Gillaspie 1B Wichita State

4 Michael Conforto OF Oregon State

5 Mike Papi OF/1B Virginia

 

High School

 

RK Name Pos. School

1 Michael Chavis 3B/SS Sprayberry (Ga.)

2 Braxton Davidson 1B/OF T.C. Roberson (N.C.)

3 Nick Gordon SS Olympia (Fla.)

4 Forrest Wall 2B Orangewood Christian (Fla.)

5 Luke Bonfield OF IMG Academy (Fla.)

 

 

Power:

 

College

 

RK Name Pos. School

1 Kyle Schwarber C/1B Indiana

2 AJ Reed 1B/LHP Kentucky

3 Casey Gillaspie 1B Wichita State

4 Taylor Sparks 3B UC Irvine

5 Yale Rosen OF Washington State

 

High School

 

RK Name Pos. School

1 Jacob Gatewood SS Clovis (Calif.)

2 Alex Jackson C/OF Rancho Bernardo (Calif.)

3 Braxton Davidson 1B/OF T.C. Roberson (N.C.)

4 Michael Chavis 3B/SS Sprayberry (Ga.)

5 Chase Vallot C St. Thomas More (La.)

 

 

Speed:

 

College

 

RK Name Pos. School

1 Trea Turner SS N.C. State

2 Tanner English OF South Carolina

3 Greg Allen OF San Diego State

4 Landon Curry OF Indiana State

5 Bobby Boyd OF West Virginia

 

High School

 

RK Name Pos. School

1 Carl Chester OF Lake Brantley (Fla.)

2 Eric Thomas OF Langham Creek (Texas)

3 Jeren Kendall OF Holmen (Wis.)

4 Michael Gettys OF Gainesville (Ga.)

5 Derek Hill OF Elk Grove (Calif.)

 

 

Arm Strength:

 

College

 

RK Name Pos. School

1 Tanner English OF South Carolina

2 Matt Chapman SS/3B Cal State Fullerton

3 Trea Turner SS N.C. State

4 Grayson Greiner C South Carolina

5 Dylan Davis OF/RHP Oregon State

 

High School

 

RK Name Pos. School

1 Alex Jackson C/OF Rancho Bernardo (Calif.)

2 Michael Gettys OF Gainesville (Ga.)

3 Nick Gordon SS Olympia (Fla.)

4 Monte Harrison OF Lee's Summit West (Mo.)

5 Scott Hurst 2B/OF Bishop Amat Memorial (Calif.)

 

 

Defense:

 

College

 

RK Name Pos. School

1 Emmanuel Marrero SS Alabama State

2 Trea Turner SS N.C. State

3 Greg Allen OF San Diego State

4 Grayson Greiner C South Carolina

5 Dale Carey OF Miami

 

High School

 

RK Name Pos. School

1 Derek Hill OF Elk Grove (Calif.)

2 Nick Gordon SS Olympia (Fla.)

3 Milton Ramos SS American Heritage (Fla.)

4 Alexis Pantojas SS Puerto Rico Baseball Academy

5 Devon Fisher C Western Branch (Va.)

 

 

Athlete:

 

College

 

RK Name Pos. School

1 Trea Turner SS N.C. State

2 Greg Allen OF San Diego State

3 Brian Anderson 2B/OF Arkansas

4 Pat Connaughton RHP Notre Dame

5 Matt Chapman SS/3B Cal State Fullerton

 

High School

 

RK Name Pos. School

1 Monte Harrison OF Lee's Summit West (Mo.)

2 Michael Gettys OF Gainesville (Ga.)

3 Marcus Wilson OF J Serra (Calif.)

4 Nick Gordon SS Olympia (Fla.)

5 Jack Flaherty RHP/3B Harvard-Westlake (Calif.)

 

 

Pitchers

 

Fastball:

 

College

 

RK Name Throws School

1 Nick Burdi RHP Louisville

2 Mason McCullough RHP Lander (S.C.) University

3 Jeff Hoffman RHP East Carolina

4 Michael Cederoth RHP San Diego State

5 Jeff Brigham RHP Washington

 

High School

 

RK Name Throws School

1 Tyler Kolek RHP Shepherd (Texas)

2 Jacob Bukauskas RHP Great Bridge (Va.)

3 Grant Holmes RHP Conway (S.C.)

4 Touki Toussaint RHP Coral Springs Christian Acad. (Fla.)

5 Dylan Cease RHP Milton (Ga.)

 

 

Curveball:

 

College

 

RK Name Throws School

1 Jeff Hoffman RHP East Carolina

2 Tyler Beede RHP Vanderbilt

3 Aaron Nola RHP Louisiana State

4 Chandler Shepherd RHP Kentucky

5 Dillon Peters LHP Texas

 

High School

 

RK Name Throws School

1 Touki Toussaint RHP Coral Springs Christian Acad. (Fla.)

2 Grant Holmes RHP Conway (S.C.)

3 Brady Aiken LHP Cathedral Catholic (Calif.)

4 Cobi Johnson RHP JW Mitchell (Fla.)

5 Alex Verdugo LHP Sahuaro (Ariz.)

 

 

Slider:

 

College

 

RK Name Throws School

1 Carlos Rodon LHP N.C. State

2 Erick Fedde RHP UNLV

3 Nick Burdi RHP Louisville

4 Nick Howard RHP Virginia

5 Jacob Lindgren RHP Mississippi State

 

High School

 

RK Name Throws School

1 Kodi Medeiros LHP Waiakea (Hawaii)

2 Luis Ortiz RHP Sanger (Calif.)

3 Sean Reid-Foley RHP Sandalwood (Fla.)

4 Grant Hockin RHP Damien (Calif.)

5 Garrett Fulenchek RHP Howe (Texas)

 

 

Changeup:

 

College

 

RK Name Throws School

1 Aaron Nola RHP Louisiana State

2 Jeff Hoffman RHP East Carolina

3 Tyler Beede RHP Vanderbilt

4 Sean Newcomb LHP Hartford

5 Sam Howard LHP Georgia Southern

 

High School

 

RK Name Throws School

1 Keaton McKinney RHP Ankeny (Iowa)

2 Zack Shannon RHP/1B Anderson (Ohio)

3 Mac Marshall LHP Parkview (Ga.)

4 Kodi Medeiros LHP Waiakea (Hawaii)

5 Brady Aiken LHP Cathedral Catholic (Calif.)

 

 

Command:

 

College

 

RK Name Throws School

1 Aaron Nola RHP Louisiana State

2 Kyle Freeland LHP Evansville

3 Matt Imhof LHP Cal Poly

4 Luke Weaver RHP Florida State

5 Andrew Suarez LHP Miami

 

High School

 

RK Name Throws School

1 Jack Flaherty RHP Harvard-Westlake (Calif.)

2 Brady Aiken LHP Cathedral Catholic (Calif.)

3 Justus Sheffield LHP Tullahoma (Tenn.)

4 Grant Holmes RHP Conway (S.C.)

5 Luis Ortiz RHP Sanger (Calif.)

[Angrioter]

Is Aaron Nola similar to Deck McGuire?

[z3r0s]

3 bat in the top 6 is a little different than we've seen in other lists so far.

[BigBounceyBlueBalls]

I keep thinking if Nick Gordon falls to 9 not sure why you do not take him,unless he signs letter of intent with a college team. if not there i keep looking at 3 names Hoffman,Nola and Freeland.

[ace3113]

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/50555/mlb-insider-keith-law

 

Scott (Lincolnshire)

 

Any chance the big 3 arms don't get selected 3rd overall and slide to 4th for the cubs? I know that you just released a prospect ranking, which isn't necessarily a mock draft on what you think teams will do.

 

Klaw

(1:03 PM)

 

Correct, that's just my "board" but not a projection. I think there's a decent chance Rodon reaches the Cubs, but not the two prep arms. Depends a lot on what the White Sox do if Aiken-Kolek go 1-2.

 

Jon (DC)

 

When you were in the FO, how many deep would you rank draft prospects? Top 1000?

 

Klaw

(1:05 PM)

 

I think we had 600-800 guys on the board each year, but we didn't do a straight ranking - after the top 100 or so we had them broken down into categories. Not sure that was the right approach, but that's how we did it.

 

Cory (down state NY)

 

Hoffman has to drop because of TJ but how far?

 

Klaw

(1:08 PM)

 

Million dollar question - or maybe $2 million. I think teams with a second pick right after the first round would be in position to get creative and pay him over slot down there. Astros would be one such team, as would the Royals with three picks between 17 and 40 and a history of doing just that (Manaea last year). Sources have also pointed out Washington and Boston as teams that might be interested in overpaying him if he fell to them.

 

Michael (North Carolina)

 

Word out of Virginia recently indicates that Bukauskas may elect to go the college route. Have you confirmed any validity to that rumor? I know he is really young (he'd be draft eligible again at 20).

 

Klaw

(1:09 PM)

 

You mean the story I broke the other day? Come on, son. And I still think there's a nonzero chance some team waves $1.5 million in his face and dares him to turn it down.

 

John (Minneapolis)

 

Better draft class than last year?

 

Klaw

(1:09 PM)

 

Yes, more pitching depth for me well into the 2nd and 3rd rounds.

 

Zach (Mpls, MN)

 

Keith, have you heard what names the Twins are on? I'd really like to see Gordon, we don't have anyone like him in our system.

 

Klaw

(1:11 PM)

 

Gordon and Nola in particular with them.

 

Ciscoskid (Folsom)

 

Any chance the Giants get to pick between Zimmer, Hill, and Gatewood? Or do you think they will go with an arm?

 

Klaw

(1:13 PM)

 

Hill might be there, but I doubt both he and Zimmer get that far. Only heard Gatewood above them with Philly. That said, I think the Giants are also scouting players from outside of northern California.

 

Tim (Chicago)

 

With Hoffman out who will the cubs get at 4? Thanks love your work

 

Klaw

(1:16 PM)

 

I think their board blew up a bit with the Hoffman injury. I've heard them a bit with Fedde, although he didn't pitch last weekend and was pushed back to Saturday this week. Theo saw Nick Gordon's last game earlier this week. I don't think Beede is in their mix and I think their link to Alex Jackson is a bit overblown.

 

james (delaware)

 

will anyone sign with the phillies after the controversy this past year with some of their draft picks?

 

Klaw

(1:17 PM)

 

Yes, I think by and large that has blown over, other than perhaps more caution from some advisers in giving the Phillies specific info like bonus demands. The peculiar part was their decision to report Monda - area scouts up there have told me they knew Monda didn't want to sign, and there wasn't any violation of NCAA rules, so why report an innocent kid?

 

John (Reno)

 

Apparently, you really like Erick Fedde. Chances he get picked by DBacks?

 

Klaw

(1:23 PM)

 

The industry likes him - I only saw him once, and tried to see him again last weekend at Clemson but had to cancel my plans when they chose not to pitch him. Have heard him a lot with teams in the top 10 so I don't think he gets that far.

 

Bob (NYC)

 

Is Gettys the closest to having a Trout-like ceiling (of course that's best possible case scenario) in the draft? and if so, why hasn't he been mentioned as going in the top 5?

 

Klaw

(1:35 PM)

 

I hate that comparison - and I've heard it from a couple of scouts, too - because Trout was NEVER this crude of a hitter. Gettys has real swing issues that are the reason he's not a top 5 or top 10 pick. He has a 80 arm, and he's a 70 runner, and you'll see BP power, but he's a guy you hand to player development and say "Fix him."

 

Mike (Tampa)

 

Better comp for Gettys = Marisnick or Stubbs?

 

Klaw

(1:38 PM)

 

Good calls there - similar profiles. Stubbs for me. Marisnick was always a little more polished than he got credit for, IMO.

 

Randy (Germantown, MD)

 

any thoughts on when Trea Turner may get drafted? As Mets fan from the 70s and a NC State alum '89, I'm hoping it is to the NY Mets! thanks.

 

Klaw

(1:41 PM)

 

If you're a Mets fan, you should want them to take someone better.

 

Dave (Chicago)

 

Did health concerns bump Finnegan down your list?

 

Klaw

(1:44 PM)

 

Sore shoulder. Might have gone in the late top ten before that, not top 5 but maybe 8-9-10 area; with the shoulder issue and TCU's horrible track record any team that takes him in the top 15 or so is foolish.

 

FishermanCWC (New York )

 

Any good prospects coming out of the North east this year?? Maybe a Jason Reynolds or Ronnie Babb?

 

Klaw

(1:48 PM)

 

Newcomb and Blewitt are in my top 25. Isan Diaz could go in the third round if he's signable there (Vandy commit). Austin Dicarr and Joey Gatto might be 4th-5th round range, although Gatto may just go to school at that point.

 

Dan (New Mexico)

 

Follow-up to the Treat Turner comment - was he simply overrated coming into the 2014 season, or has there been a significant downgrade in his tools since last season? (or other?) Much thanks, Keith.

 

Klaw

(1:54 PM)

 

I always thought he was overrated. He hasn't been an 80 runner since his freshman year, and his swing needs a lot of work. I think the majority view is that he'll stay at shortstop, which helps, but I am personally concerned that his frame is slight for the wear and tear of the middle infield.

 

sean (pa)

 

if the cubs take jackson at #4 do you think he has the skill set defensively? or because he bat will play he gets moved eventually to one of the corners in the of?

 

Klaw

(2:03 PM)

 

Variety of factors here but all signs point to him not catching long-term. I do think he has the arm and glove for it, at least.

 

Nick (Topeka)

 

Do you see Monte Harrison being a first round pick? is there any chance he gets to Nebraska to play football/baseball?

 

Klaw

(2:23 PM)

 

Yes on first round, no on Nebraska.

 

Frank (CT)

 

speaking purely out of ignorance, what is the benefit of a prep student going to college instead of signing with a team? Youd have to figure that there is plenty of time to go back to school if an MLB career doesnt pan out.

 

Klaw

(2:24 PM)

 

I tell just about every top prep prospect to whom I ever talk that they should sign. Get every dime you can, and then sign. Most college programs won't make you better - there are a few exceptions - but they will use you however they see fit, regardless of whether it'll hurt you long-term.

 

Bret (Toronto)

 

Have you heard any rumblings for what the Jays might do with their two picks in the draft? Does there figure to be any creative opportunities for them?

 

Klaw

(2:27 PM)

 

Prep arms, most likely. Certainly chances to get creative, including Hoffman.

[ace3113]

Hey King can you post Law's commentary on the following players?

 

Prospects Nos. 26-100

RANK PLAYER POSITION SCHOOL

26 Kyle Schwarber C/1B Indiana

27 Michael Chavis 3B Sprayberry HS (Marietta, Ga.)

28 Marcus Wilson OF Junipero Serra HS (Los Angeles)

29 Jake Bukauskus RHP Stone Bridge (Va.) HS

30 Sean Reid-Foley RHP Sandalwood HS (Jacksonville, Fla.)

31 Michael Gettys OF/RHP Gainesville (Ga.) HS

32 Foster Griffin LHP First Academy (Orlando)

33 Chase Vallot C St. Thomas More (Youngsville, La.)

34 Justus Sheffield LHP Tullahoma (Tenn.) HS

35 Spencer Adams RHP White County (Ga.) HS

36 Michael Kopech RHP Mount Pleasant (Texas) HS

37 A.J. Reed 1B Kentucky

38 Mike Papi OF Tunkhannock (Pa.) HS

39 Ti'Quan Forbes SS Columbia (Miss.) HS

40 Gareth Morgan OF Blyth Academy (Toronto)

41 Mac Marshall LHP Parkview (Ga.) HS

42 Alex Blandino 3B Stanford

43 Bryce Montes De Oca RHP Lawrence (Kan.) HS

44 Dylan Cease RHP Milton (Ga.) HS

45 Jakson Reetz C/OF Hickman (Neb.) HS

46 Kodi Medeiros LHP Waiaka HS (Hilo, Hi.)

47 Cameron Varga RHP Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

48 Grant Hockin RHP Damien HS (Pomona, Calif.)

49 Spencer Turnbull RHP Alabama

50 Zech Lemond RHP Rice

51 Daniel Gossett RHP Bynes HS (Lyman, S.C.)

52 Nick Burdi RHP Louisville

53 Luke Weaver RHP Florida State

54 Matt Imhof LHP Cal-Poly

55 Brett Graves RHP Missouri

56 Matt Chapman 3B Cal-State Fullerton

57 Jeren Kendall OF Holmen (Wisc.) HS

58 Bobby Bradley 3B Harrison Central HS (Gulfport, Miss.)

59 Nick Howard RHP Virginia

60 Matthew Railey OF North Florida Christian Academy (Tallahassee)

61 Sam Travis 1B Indiana

62 Cole Tucker SS Mountain Pointe HS (Phoenix)

63 Mitch Keller RHP Xavier HS (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

64 J.D. Davis RHP Cal-State Fullerton

65 David Peterson LHP Regis Jesuit (Denver)

66 Chad Sobotka RHP South Carolina Upstate

67 Taylor Sparks 3B UC-Irvine

68 Trey Supak RHP La Grange (Texas) HS

69 Alex Verdugo LHP Sahuaro HS (Tucson, Ariz.)

70 Jake Godfrey RHP Providence Catholic (New Lenox, Ill.)

71 J.J. Schwarz C Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.) HS

72 Casey Gillaspie 1B Wichita State

73 Forrest Wall 2B Orangewood (Fla.) Christian

74 Dylan Davis OF/RHP Oregon State

75 Chris Ellis RHP Ole Miss

76 Grayson Greiner C South Carolina

77 Garrett Fulenchek RHP Howe (Texas) HS

78 Keith Weisenberg RHP Osceola (Fla.) HS

79 Keaton McKinney RHP Ankenny (Iowa) Centennial HS

80 James Norwood RHP St. Louis

81 Carson Sands LHP North Florida Christian Academy (Tallahassee)

82 Cody Reed LHP Ardmore HS (Athens, Ala.)

83 Austin Slater OF Stanford

84 Milton Ramos SS American Heritage HS (Hileaea, Fla.)

85 Jacob Nix RHP Los Alamitos (Calif.) HS

86 Heath Fillmyer RHP Mercer Community College

87 Trace Loehr SS Putnam HS (Milwaukie, Ore.)

88 Jack Flaherty 3B/RHP Harvard-Westlake HS (Studio City, Calif.)

89 Jake Stinnett RHP Maryland

90 Wyatt Strahan RHP Southern California

91 Austin Byler OF Nevada

92 Jordan Luplow OF Fresno State

93 Jacob Lindgren LHP Mississippi State

94 Michael Cantu C Carroll (Tex.) HS

95 Casey Soltis OF Granada HS (Livermore, Calif.)

96 Dillon Peters LHP Texas

97 Justin Steele LHP George County HS (Lucedale, Miss.)

98 Mitch Hart RHP Granite Bay (Calif.) HS

99 Adam Ravenelle RHP Vanderbilt

100 Andrew Summerville LHP Lakeside HS (Seattle)

 

 

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/draft/mock/?season=2014&version=2&source=keith-law-big-board

[ace3113]

Jeez, they're dropping like flies. Scratch another name off the list.

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/unlv-ace-erick-fedde-to-have-tommy-john-surgery/

 

UNLV Ace Erick Fedde To Have Tommy John Surgery

 

Baseball America confirmed Saturday that UNLV ace righthander Erick Fedde will have Tommy John surgery. He is the second potential top-10 pick this week to suffer this fate, following on the heels of East Carolina’s Jeff Hoffman.

 

Erick-Fedde-mound-dpFedde missed a start last week, and the Rebels said they were just resting him for nonconference action. But he remained tender and had an MRI on Friday, revealing the bad news.

 

Fedde had generated some interest as high as the top five picks this spring thanks to a fastball that has reached 97, a quality slider and changeup, a tall, athletic frame and an advanced ability to pound the strike zone. He is 8-2, 1.76 with 82 strikeouts and 21 walks in 77 innings as a junior this spring. We profiled Fedde in Three Strikes after his strong outing on a frigid night at Nebraska in Week Seven.

 

As Clint Longenecker wrote earlier this week when the Hoffman news broke, several teams have extra picks high in the draft and could still be willing to take a shot on an injured pitcher in the early rounds. The track record of recovery from Tommy John surgery is good, but both pitchers certainly take a hit in value with this news. And UNLV, enjoying its best season in years, now finds itself without its ace heading toward the postseason.

 

The two injuries also throw a pair of significant wrenches into the top half of the first round, less than a month from draft day.

[flafson]

We should aim at those guys with our 2nd round pick IMO.

[ace3113]

Thanks King! I'll post what I have from BA and PG later.

[ace3113]

Really like this kid. Right now for me at 9/11 I want some combination for Hoffman, Freeland, Holmes, Gordon, or maybe Toussaint.

 

 

 

[ace3113]

Sheffield

Sheffield is the younger brother of Jordan Sheffield; an 11th-round pick of the Boston Red Sox in the 2013 draft who had Tommy John surgery and ended up at Vanderbilt -- and the nephew of former All-Star outfielder Gary Sheffield.

 

I think Keith needs a better fact-checker. I'm pretty sure this was proven false months ago. lol

 

[Frenchsoup]

I really like this Keaton Mckinney highschooler, throws strikes,has a huge frame a ton of projectability.