2014 MLB Draft: An Early Look

[Angrioter]

If Gordon is gone I like Hoffman,Nola or Freeland for our two picks we have! Just not sure which two? Any thoughts?

 

Nola = Deck McGuire?

 

I want speed-heat, not pitchibility.

[raBBit]

Nola = Deck McGuire?

 

I want speed-heat, not pitchibility.

McGuire's secondary offerings couldn't sniff Nola's.

[GD]

One of Conforto, Zimmer, Gordon, and Turner will be there. Take one of them and go for Hoffman at 11.

[SpeedyGose]

One of Conforto, Zimmer, Gordon, and Turner will be there. Take one of them and go for Hoffman at 11.

 

I like what I'm reading on Conforto's bat, potential 70 hit. Defensive profile is worrisome though (LF?)

[GD]

I don't really care a ton about defensive profile when the guy has a potential 70 hit tool. As long as he's not Ryan Doumit reincarnate in the field, he'll find a spot if his bat plays.

[Angrioter]

I like what I'm reading on Conforto's bat, potential 70 hit. Defensive profile is worrisome though (LF?)

 

Schwarber (pop+discipline+catcher+OF) over Conforto (tons of swing-miss)

[ace3113]

I'd be happy with any two of Freeland, Hoffman, Gordon, Holmes, Zimmer. I'm glad to hear the Jays were in on Finnegan who I love, but it depends on how the medical reports come back. Friggin TCU and their arm shredder pitching coach, this kid is (was?) a stud in waiting.

 

Who are you guys liking for pick 50? I was really high on Forbes pre-season but it looks like he's going to sneak into the 1st or comp round now. If that's the case I'm probably leaning towards a pitcher with guys like Justus Sheffield, Scott Blewett, Keaton McKinney, Cam Varga, Bryce Montes de Oca, or Michael Kopech. None of the position players in that range really appeal to me, as I think guys like the two Morgans, Greiner, and Reetz make it to the third.

[GD]

Any chance Gatewood slips there?

[ace3113]

Any chance Gatewood slips there?

 

Seems unlikely. Someone is going to be too tantalized by the massive power upside. Look at Gallo, you take the chance he can learn to hit with instruction, and bam. Not saying they're in the same category powerwise obviously as Gallo is in a class of his own, but Gatewood has big time pop in his own right. If he learns to hit just a little he's going to be an all-star.

[Angrioter]

Any chance Gatewood slips there?

 

Seems unlikely. Someone is going to be too tantalized by the massive power upside. Look at Gallo, you take the chance he can learn to hit with instruction, and bam. Not saying they're in the same category powerwise obviously as Gallo is in a class of his own, but Gatewood has big time pop in his own right. If he learns to hit just a little he's going to be an all-star.

 

Do you have twitter account?

[ace3113]

BA prospects chat:

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-100-prospects-chat/

 

Casey (Fort Worth): If you are the Astros, who do you take number one and why?

 

John Manuel: Good afternoon everyone. Based on the information we have, I would take Rodon. He’s been better in the last month or so since improving his direction to the plate in recent weeks. He’s less side to side and more north-south in his delivery, hence the velocity has improved. His slider’s the best pitch in the draft. I think he’ll be a productive big league starter sooner than either of his main rivals to go 1-1, and he has as good a chance to be a No. 1 starter as Kolek or Aiken. I think Aiken’s ceiling & lesser risk are the next-most attractive package. Kolek probably has the highest ceiling but he’s such an outlier, it would be tough to take him No. 1 overall.

 

Bryan (Los Angeles, California): What are some of the top options for the Dodgers? Would you go with a position player or a pitcher?

 

John Manuel: I am in love with my mock draft selection of Spencer Adams to the Dodgers. He just makes sense for them—athletic, two-sport guy, south Georgia … the track record of South Georgia pitchers is a lot better than it is for North Georgia or the East Cobb program. I also would not be surprised if LA went after some of the high school bats who could go in the 20-40 range such as Forrest Wall or Michael Chavis.

 

Mike (Iowa): Who do you see the White Sox talking, Aiken, Kolek, Rodon or someone else?

 

John Manuel: They’re crosschecking hitters such as Nick Gordon and Alex Jackson, but I believe Kolek is the perfect fit at 3 for the White Sox. I’m a fan of their pitching development program and believe Kolek and the White Sox are a great match. That said, 4-5 years ago, they would never have considered Alex Jackson because of who’s advising him, but I think he’s in play for the White Sox as well.

 

BigDaddy (Texas): Not a John Barr fan. Plaese tell me what you hear about the Giants, and then what direction do YOU think the Giants should go in (stay in NoCal?)

 

John Manuel: John Barr had one of the best drafts the Giants will ever have in 2008 with Posey, Brandon Crawford plus several other fringe big leaguers such as Gillaspie, Kieschnick, Surkamp, Scott Barnes … pretty good draft. so you probably should be a bigger Barr fan. He’s also rocking an impressive beard this spring. If NorCal includes Fresno, I could see them biting on Jacob Gatewood, because the power potential and ability to stay in the infield are hard to find in the draft. That said, I always think it’s better to guess the Giants will go for an arm, especially in a draft so rich in arms.

 

Mike (Evansville): Kyle Freeland keeps climbing higher and higher. Any chance at him going 1st overall?

 

John Manuel: I have asked that very question myself and been told he is not in the mix for that selection. I humbly believe that he should be; I suppose there’s actually nothing humble about saying that. But the stuff is outstanding, as is the performance. But I think his track record isn’t long enough to get him into that mix. I do think we’re a bit higher on him than the entire industry is, but I am OK with that.

 

Roger (Greenville, SC): What separates Alex Jackson from the trio of pitchers being considered at 1/1? If I were the Astros, I think I'd take the potential middle of the order bat and use the pitching depth of the draft to build up my pitching.

 

John Manuel: There’s some merit to this approach. Jackson is the best power hitter in this draft; his 47th homer the other day tied the San Diego section record, and he did it in a dead-bat era. SD has had some fair players over the years as well. If you thought Jackson could remain a catcher and would not lag behind defensively, I think the Astros would seriously consider it. I will say historically, position players at the top of drafts have out-performed pitchers at the top. If the Astros do take a hitter No. 1, I think it would be Jackson.

 

Andrew (NJ): The Draft Preview is always my favorite BA issue and looks like y'all have excelled once again. Which high schooler in the Top 100 is most likely to head to school? Could Gettys make it to Athens, Ga.?

 

John Manuel: I don’t see Gettys making it through despite his struggles; there are just too few hitters. He goes to a team with extra picks that can mitigate the risk with other picks. Jack Flaherty’s got tough signability and could fall, he’s probably the toughest guy to gauge right now.

 

Mick (Chicago): Is Providence Catholic high school RHP Jake Godfrey still the number one prospect in Illinois? I saw him out pitched last month, w/ Jim Hendry in attendance, by St. Laurence's Mike Kornacker. Any buzz on him?

 

Clint Longenecker: Yes, he is still the top HS pitcher in the state. But he has not had the spring evaluators expected after a strong summer. The velocity has been down into the 87-88 mph range at times and the breaking ball, which was plus last summer, has been closer to solid-average. Godfrey, who had a strong body in the summer, is significantly lighter this spring, having dropped an estimated 15 pounds. The stuff is still good, but has taken a step backwards. But he is still likely a top-5 round talent.

 

Mike L. (Columbia): What are South Carolina catcher Grayson Greiner's draft prospects in terms of pushing up higher after his Team USA summer and strong junior season? How much does being 6-foot-5 work against him in the eyes of scouts and front-office evaluators?

 

Clint Longenecker: Mike, thanks for the question. Playing for a perenially-strong program for three years and catching for Team USA have been situational factors that have helped gain him notoriety. His height is very much a par to the evaluation process, as there have only been two catchers (Mauer and Alomar) at 6’5 to play more than 1,000 major league games at catcher in major league history. But the reviews of his defense this season have been positive and scouts have praised his defensive improvements from the time he reached campus. A team has to believe in him as a catcher to see him as a top 3/4 round talent because the other tools dont profile that high at 1b.

 

Dan (Ohio): Do you feel that Marcus Wilson has legitimate five tool potential or is it just wishful thinking? In your opinion, would it be better for him to hone his talents at Ariz. State or in the low minors? Thanks.

 

Clint Longenecker: What is better for Wilson’s development, the minors or school, is a different question, but its tough to not dream on his potential because of his how athletic and young he is as one of the younger players in the class. He does have five-tool potential. He has plus-plus speed now. His arm is around average. The bat will have to come on to reach that level but he has bat speed. He could develop power down the line because his frame could get a lot stronger. He has above-average bat speed without having grown into his strength. There is a significant gap between his present and future grades but he has the raw materials to justify five-tool status with development.

Will (San Francisco): Spencer Adams has been slowly rising up draft boards ever since last summer, but It really seems like he has shot up in the past few weeks. He is a great athlete who is just beginning to focus on baseball. How high does he end up going and could you shed some more light on his potential and what he could become?

 

Clint Longenecker: He has really shown well in recent weeks. He could go in the top 25 picks and a tick higher if he continues to improve and a team falls in love with the athleticism, strike-throwing ability and everything he brings to the table. He could become at least a No. 3 starter with a plus fastball, plus slider, above-average changeup and strike-throwing ability with above-average fastball life. There is not much that he cant do on the mound. Its tough to cap his upside because he is one of the best athletes in the class, will benefit from focusing just on baseball and is young for the class.

 

Bill (Raleigh): I noticed in your top righthanded pitchers, you don't list Jeremy Null, a 6'8 240 righthander from W Carolina who is having another solid season and has touched 90's with his downhill plane fb all spring and developing breaking stuff, where does he stack up in your prospects list for 2014?

 

Clint Longenecker: Null had a strong start to the season, touching 92 as you mentioned. And he has had a strong statistical season. But scouts have said he has not been 100% healthy and the stuff has backed up. There have been starts where his velocity has fallen as low as 85-88 in the later innings, although he competes and throws a good amount of strikes for his size. He throws his slider a lot, which scouts think may have led to some of the velocity reduction. But it shows above-average potential. Multiple scouts I have spoken with recently see him outside the top 5 rounds.

 

jerry (houston): Where does Daniel Mengden and Zech Lemond stack up in the draft? 2-3 round material right?

 

Clint Longenecker: Lemond’s talent puts him in that range, higher if he is healthy. The stretch run will be critical for him. Mengden falls behind and likely outside of the top 3 rounds because of his uneven season and likely reliever profile. He has competed through injury and thrown strikes (2.5BB/9) but his size, reduction in velocity and high-effort delivery will likely play best out of the bullpen in the long run. His velocity has fallen in the rotation and dipped to the mid 80s in a recent start.

 

Joel (KCK): Do Tyler Kolek's secondary offerings have above average to plus potential?

 

Clint Longenecker: Absolutely. His curveball shows at least plus potential. His secondary stuff will likely improve significantly under pro instruction.

 

Josh (Boston): Which high school and college hitters have the best bat speed this year?

 

Clint Longenecker: Josh, great question! From the high school side Alex Jackson, Michael Chavis, Michael Gettys and Monte Harrison are in the discussion for some of the best bat speed.

 

Luke (NYC): Who could jump the most and who could fall the most between now and the draft?

 

Clint Longenecker: Players coming back from injury have the chance to show well down the stretch. LHP Brandon Finnegan coming back from a minor shoulder setback. Derek Fisher stands to benefit with a strong showing in the ACC tourney after missing a large portion of the season. Toolsy high school players in private workouts could show well down the stretch. Gatewood hitting monstrous shots in front of important decision-makers, Chester running like a cheetah. The louder the tools, the more upside in workouts.

 

Brady (DC): What keeps Imhof from making it to at least the supplemental round?

 

Clint Longenecker: He could go in that range to a team that likes the track record, as the stats have been very strong. The secondary stuff is a little lighter for that point in the draft, although he has the body, fastball and track record to put him in that range.

 

Allen (IN): Who makes it to MLB the fastest out of this draft? Rodon? Nola?

 

Clint Longenecker: They are contenders, though Rodon will have to improve his command, particularly of his fastball, and continue to develop his changeup. I spoke with an evaluator who suggested another pitcher for this category, LHP Kyle Freeland. He said that you could stick him in the major league pen in August with his plus fastball-slider combo and at least plus command.

 

Ben (Leland Grove): Which five pitchers offer the most in terms of physical projection, in your opinion?

 

Clint Longenecker: The most projectable bodies? In no particular order could be Keith Weisenberg, Michael Kopech, David Peterson, Cobi Johnson and Spencer Adams.

 

Johnny (Minnesota): Who is the top defensive prep catcher in the draft this year?

 

Clint Longenecker: Tim Susnara might be the frontrunner. He has posted pop times as low as 1.81 in game action. He has good blocking skills and strong hands. High school catching is one of the toughest things to project and many of the top HS catchers in this draft are offense-first catchers–Vallot, Skoug, Jackson–. There is not anybody in the same defensive class as Reese McGuire last year.

 

Keisuke Takahashi (Mt. Akagi): Where do you think Alexis Pantojas gets picked? How does he compare to the other prep shortstops in this draft?

 

Clint Longenecker: As a switch-hitting shortstop who has the defensive ability to stay at the position, Pantojas has the talent to go in a single-digit round. He is a defense-first shortstop with a good glove and arm that is at least average. He has a contact-oriented bat with well below-average power and needs to get stronger at 150 pounds. He is a below-average runner. His offense lags behind many of the other top SS in this years class.

 

Howard (Freeport, ME): Do you think Conforto is a good fit for the Mets at 10, if available, or do you think they will take a high school bat again?

 

John Manuel: I had the Mets taking Conforto in the last mock, so yes, I do think he’s a fit there. He’s the best college hitter in the draft, and his power is starting to come on. I believe the Mets would be forcing a high school bat too far up the board at 10 unless Jackson or Gordon were to fall there. I suppose it’s possible they could take Max Pentecost at 10 if you factor in the catcher value, but that feels a bit high for Pentecost, who we’re hearing more in the 12-18 range.

 

Mack (IL): With Hoffman and Fedde injured, you still have them pretty high. Do you think they will actually be drafted as high as ranked or do you think they will get the money associated with the slots they are ranked here?

 

John Manuel: The Fedde TJ happened after that list went to press; Hoffman had been adjusted down a tad. We decided not to change the list from what went into the print edition to avoid confusion and having different lists. The final BA 500 on May 28 may tweak that top 100 order some but not too drastically. We’ll have more information presumably at that time, though, so it’s natural that some things could change. I still think both players will go in the first or supplemental first, as Sean Manaea and Kyle Gibson and other injured players have gone before. Andrew Brackman’s another example of a player who needed Tommy John surgery and was a first-rounder anyway. He’s the worst-case scenario; a lot of the other TJ guys still went on to successful careers. So I do think they’ll go out high, particularly to a team or teams with extra picks.

 

Eminor3rd (NYC): Is Kolek a ticking time bomb for injury? Is the risk of throwing that hard that young enough that you'd let him slip past say pick 3?

 

John Manuel: That’s the approximately $5 million question. The snarky answer would be, of course he is. He’s a pitcher. The better answer, I hope, would be: He’s coordinated; nothing in his delivery screams out red flag according to the scouts I have talked to. He’s certainly got his man strength, and he goes to a personal trainer three times a week and has really improved his body over the course of the past year. If you think he just throws too hard (and I frankly sympathize with that opinion) then yeah, he’s going to get hurt. But he certainly has a body and arm action that scouts believe to be up to the task of throwing this hard for a long time. He’s a big boy. I think he’s going to go out really high. Don’t think he’s going to slip at this time.

 

Kyle (Dallas, TX): Do you see Bukauskas signing with a team (despite his letter), assuming he gets taken in the first couple of rounds?

 

John Manuel: I just learned this yesterday—Bukauskas plans to take his drug test as a MLB Top 200 prospect. He will not be removing himself from the draft a la Nathan Kirby. So he has not completely closed the door to signing. That said, I don’t think the kid should be mocked for writing the letter. He’s 17, and this can be an overwhelming process. The draft rules are different than they used to be and he’s not going to get a $5 million Josh Bell deal. If he’s there for the Astros’ 2nd pick at 37 or at 42, I could see them taking him if he is signable. Scouting director Mike Elias has ties to the area and knows the player well.

 

mike (toronto): Blue Jays - will they lean toward two pitchers as they have done in prior years?

 

John Manuel: I don’t think so. In 2012 they took Stroman and D.J. Davis, pitcher & hitter. Last year’s draft fell that way for them but they also went pitcher-hitter in 2011 when they had multiple picks. This is a pitcher draft so I could see them going that route, but I went hitter-pitcher in the first mock and still think that is true.

 

Joel (KCK): Despite having a so so season thus far, would Tyler Beede be considered somewhat of a steal if he drops to the middle of the first round? It seems that with three pitches with plus potential and a chance to be further developed in a major league system, he has a chance to pay serious dividends.

 

John Manuel: Beede is the most vexing guy in the entire draft for me. Not sure what to make of him. He certainly has huge upside but I just don’t know that you can reach that high for him. Frankly he has pitched as if he’s distracted of late; his outing against Florida last Thursday, where his lack of control stood in stark contrast to Florida freshman Logan Shore, was not helpful. Still, I believe a team in the first half of the first round will be too temped. Could see him at 12 for Milwaukee or 14 for SF.

Edited May 15, 2014 by ace3113

[GD]

I wonder just how far he drops.

[ace3113]

Character questions? Must have heard his rapping. Bitin' Drake's style hard. The lyrics are "He's fallin, he's fallin, he's fallin..." That's gonna be his official draft song. lol

 

[Angrioter]

Bret (Toronto)

Keith, I was surprised in your mock draft that you said Jeff Hoffman could go under-slot at pick 11 - I would have figured he'd still have eyes on a top-of-the-draft bonus. Is that not what you're hearing?

 

KLaw

Might as well start with some draft chatter. What on earth would Hoffman's leverage be? Go back to ECU and redshirt next year? Go to indy ball and throw maybe 5 innings before draft day? He'll get what he gets and he won't throw a fit.

[z3r0s]

Baseball America mock draft

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/2014-draft-preview-rodon-remains-atop-mock-draft-2-0/

 

They have Kolek at #7, Jackson at #2.

 

and Trea Turner + Touki to the Jays at #9/11

 

Being that close to Kolek would just be depressing

[Frenchsoup]

Baseball America mock draft

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/2014-draft-preview-rodon-remains-atop-mock-draft-2-0/

 

They have Kolek at #7, Jackson at #2.

 

and Trea Turner + Touki to the Jays at #9/11

 

i really hope that doesn't happen i hate both those guys

[Frenchsoup]

No hit tool and no control, sounds about right

[sethrich]

What about Clay Casey, the kid that doubled off Kolek at area code, hitting everything hard

[ace3113]

BA's second mock draft:

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/2014-draft-preview-rodon-remains-atop-mock-draft-2-0/

 

ASTROS: Jackson’s power barrage has thrust him into the conversation for the top three selections. It’s unlikely the Astros take him at No. 1, however, and then move him from behind the plate to right field or third base. They’re expected to choose between two of the many lefthanders with upside in this draft, North Carolina State’s Carlos Rodon and San Diego prep Brady Aiken. Rodon has more upside thanks to his top-shelf slider, but as one crosschecker put it, “Aiken does it easier and throws a lot more strikes. He may not have the same present stuff, but he’s more consistent, and his stuff is plenty good. He just does so many things well.”

 

Industry opinion appears to favor Aiken as the top prospect in the draft, and he’s the rare high school player with a long-enough track record to earn the No. 1 selection. But Rodon’s trend lines continue to point in the right direction, and the Astros’ big league struggles likely bring pressure to speed up the rebuilding process in Houston. Rodon’s talent is worthy of the No. 1 pick, and so is the buzz factor he would bring.

 

Projected Pick: LHP Carlos Rodon

 

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MARLINS: Ownership would jump on Rodon if the Marlins get the chance, even if he’s not the first choice of their scouting department. Prep arms Aiken and righthander Tyler Kolek, as well as Jackson, are said to top their board. Several scouting directors have said they believe Jackson’s likely position switch would drive him down the board, but he also has the draft’s best bat. He has the most usable power in the class as well as one of its best hit tools, and he has enough experience in the outfield to move quickly.

 

Projected Pick: C/OF Alex Jackson

 

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WHITE SOX: Chicago would like a shot at Jackson, and may still get it, but this scenario would leave the polished Aiken falling in their lap.

 

Projected Pick: LHP Brady Aiken

 

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CUBS: Here’s where it gets interesting. The Cubs want a college pitcher, but Rodon is unlikely to fall this far, leaving Kolek and his 100 mph fastball staring them in the face. Kolek is such an outlier, however, that teams aren’t sure what to make of him. It’s not only his velocity and height (6-foot-5), but at 250 pounds he’d be the biggest high school pitcher ever drafted in the first round by weight, bigger than Indians 1998 first-rounder C.C. Sabathia (who was listed at 6-foot-6, 240 pounds when drafted) and even Orioles 2009 first-rounder Matt Hobgood (listed at 6-5, 245).Kolek’s extreme velocity, at a time when every other hard-throwing prep pitcher, it seems, is having Tommy John surgery, further complicates matters.Kolek’s unique combination appears to be dropping him down boards. The same is true of Finnegan, who was projected in this slot last time. The Cubs still prefer a college pitcher, and Evansville’s Kyle Freeland has been burning up boards with his stellar season. The tall lefty is in play this high and won’t get out of the first 10 picks if he doesn’t falter down the stretch.

 

Projected Pick: LHP Kyle Freeland

 

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TWINS: The Twins have done their due diligence on the top prep arms, and their emphasis on finding velocity in recent drafts could lead them to Kolek. But they’ve also done a lot of work on Gordon, whose middle-of-the-diamond athleticism is too much to turn down.

 

Projected Pick: SS Nick Gordon

 

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MARINERS: As we wrote last week, Conforto is an intriguing local option here for the Mariners. The organization’s pressing need for pitching, however, which is heightened by the loss of 2011 first-rounder Danny Hultzen to shoulder surgery, means a fast-moving college pitching target makes more sense. No college arm other than Rodon will move more quickly than Louisiana State’s Aaron Nola.

 

Projected Pick: RHP Aaron Nola

 

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PHILLIES: Early reports had the Phillies honing in on Fresno prep shortstop Jacob Gatewood, but reports of Gatewood’s poor spring persist. He could fall out of the first round completely at this point due to a significant lack of contact. Philadelphia would love for Jackson or Gordon to fall this far but will have to settle in this scenario for Kolek, the hardest-throwing amateur in draft history.

 

Projected Pick: RHP Tyler Kolek

 

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ROCKIES: The Rockies prefer the college route historically and have interesting options here. Turner will start to come into play in this range, and his top-of-the-scale speed would play well in center field at Coors Field, or he could stay at shortstop if Troy Tulowitzki needs to move. They are more likely to opt for a college arm, either one of the injured pitchers or Hartford lefthander Sean Newcomb, whose durable body and plus fastball could allow him to complement rising Rockies arms Eddie Butler and 2013 first-round pick Jonathan Gray.

 

Projected Pick: LHP Sean Newcomb

 

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BLUE JAYS: If the Jays want a college position player, Turner appears to be their man thanks to his speed. They’re also in heavily on Miami prep righthander Touki Toussaint, who has the tantalizing upside the organization craves. The Mets aren’t likely to take Toussaint, so the Jays could wait to take him with their second pick (11th overall). It’s possible Toronto could go with Hoffman and Toussaint and wind up with two of the draft’s top arms when healthy, but would be an extremely risky approach.

 

Projected Pick: SS Trea Turner

 

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METS: The Mets are in on the top college bats. Oregon State’s Conforto is hitting at a .393/.545/.632 clip and fits the bill for an organization looking for power.

 

Projected Pick: OF Michael Conforto

 

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BLUE JAYS: With their second pick, the Jays will get a high-upside pitcher. While the injured Hoffman is tempting, Toussaint appears to be too attractive to pass on twice.

 

Projected Pick: RHP Touki Toussaint

 

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BREWERS: Milwaukee has been tight-lipped as usual. Other industry sources seem to believe they are leaning toward pitchers such as South Carolina prep righty Grant Holmes, who has earned Ben Sheets comparisons and could wow in a workout, or Vanderbilt’s erratic but talented ace Tyler Beede.

 

Projected Pick: RHP Tyler Beede

 

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PADRES: It now sounds like the Padres are leaning more toward bats than arms with this selection. Turner would be a strong option here, either as a shortstop or as a center fielder in Petco Park. If he’s not available, that leaves the likes of San Francisco outfielder Bradley Zimmer or Indiana slugger Kyle Schwarber, who likely would move off catcher for the Padres.

 

Projected Pick: OF Bradley Zimmer

 

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GIANTS: The Giants could have their pick of injured pitchers here, though the lack of an extra pick likely precludes them from pulling the trigger. The best college bats on the board are catchers Schwarber (though he likely will move) and Max Pentecost, so the Giants will look for a pitcher here. They’d pop Newcomb or Beede if available, but prep pitchers are the top player on the board at this point.

 

Projected Pick: RHP Grant Holmes

 

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ANGELS: College bats appear to be the focus for the Angels, though their dearth of starting pitchers in the minor leagues could lead them to take a chance on a damaged pitcher such as Finnegan or Hoffman.

 

Projected Pick: C Max Pentecost

 

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DIAMONDBACKS: The draft gets wonky after Pentecost goes off the board. Holmes would make sense if he’s available, as would Pentecost. This is the first spot where interest starts for one of the top prep bats, Georgia prep infielder Michael Chavis. A high school second baseman (Chavis’ most likely defensive home) this high would be unusual, so a college arm makes more sense. Finnegan, who was looking like a single-digit selection previously, could be a value here, though he could use a good start in the Big 12 tournament to solidify his stock.

 

Projected Pick: LHP Brandon Finnegan

 

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ROYALS: As we wrote last week, the Royals are interested in Hawaiian lefthander Kodi Medeiros, though they’d prefer him with a lower pick. In an organization that has never hit 40 home runs, Gatewood would be tempting, but Schwarber—who may wind up a lefthanded version of Billy Butler but with more power—makes more sense.

 

Projected Pick: C Kyle Schwarber

 

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NATIONALS: Gatewood’s slide likely will carry him past the Nats, who are said to be in on college bats. They’d probably hate to see Schwarber go one spot ahead of them but will be happy to take Casey Gillaspie, a switch-hitter with power and track record.

 

Projected Pick: 1B Casey Gillaspie

 

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REDS: Cincinnati wouldn’t be expected to be the team to take high school righties three times in four years, but that’s where the value is on the board at this time, with the likes of Adams and Floridian Sean-Reid Foley.

 

Projected Pick: RHP Sean Reid-Foley

 

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RAYS: Likely the best defender in the draft, Derek Hill fits the Rays’ profile as a tools up the middle player with upside. Missouri prep outfielder Monte Harrison has more athleticism and strength but Hill’s baseball background—his father is Dodgers scout and hitting coach Orsinio Hill—tips the scales.

 

Projected Pick: OF Derek Hill

 

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INDIANS: With other college bats off the board, Kentucky slugger A.J. Reed will tempt the Indians. But the Tribe has tried and failed with college first basemen high in the draft many times over the years (Michael Aubrey, Stephen Head, Beau Mills) and won’t get fooled again. Cleveland has another pick at No. 31, so it can take a risk with one of the injured pitchers and may need to go get one with its first pick, because the Royals and Reds pick again before Cleveland.

 

Projected Pick: RHP Jeff Hoffman

 

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DODGERS: Hill’s Dodgers ties would be enticing if he were available here. But the Spencer Adams pick we detailed last week makes too much sense, and his talent fits this range.

 

Projected Pick: RHP Spencer Adams

 

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TIGERS: The Tigers liked to take players who fell due to sign ability under the old system. The way to do that in this system is to take top talents who fell due to injury. If Hoffman’s here, he’d be a target, but UNLV’s Erick Fedde is on the board.

 

Projected Pick: RHP Erick Fedde

 

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PIRATES: Harrison may not last this long, thanks to his all-around tools and athleticism and improving instincts. If he sticks around at 25, the Pirates will pounce.

 

Projected Pick: OF Monte Harrison

 

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ATHLETICS: The A’s are in on high school bats such as Hill, a Bay Area product; Harrison; Chavis; and Florida prep second baseman Forrest Wall. They’ve been linked to Mississippi prep shortstop Ti’quan Forbes he likely doesn’t fit this high.

 

Projected Pick: 2B/3B Michael Chavis

 

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RED SOX: Boston has high hopes, but in this scenario its top targets such as Fedde or Hoffman, or Harrison, are off the board. They can hit on a prep bat with their second pick, but could still get high upside with Virginia outfielder Derek Fisher, who has hitting ability and untapped athleticism.

 

Projected Pick: OF Derek Fisher

 

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CARDINALS: The Cardinals would be in on a college bat that legitimately fits, such as Fisher. In a draft heavy in catchers, that position is a priority but will have to come with a later pick. A late surge, including a return to the 90s for his fastball, has pushed Florida State righty Luke Weaver back into first-round consideration, but there’s more power among the prep arms such as central California prep Luis Ortiz, who starred with USA Baseball’s 18U team last fall.

 

Projected Pick: RHP Luis Ortiz

 

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ROYALS: The Royals are strong on Hawaii prep lefty Kodi Medeiros, low slot and all, as he’s hit 95 mph recently with a power slider. Because several teams from 28-40 also are in on him, the Royals will have to strike here with an extra pick.

 

Projected Pick: LHP Kodi Medeiros

 

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REDS: Some scouts consider Wall, the Florida prep second baseman, to be the best pure hitter in the class, college or high school. He’s likely to become the highest-drafted high school second sacker ever.

 

Projected Pick: 2B Forrest Wall

 

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RANGERS: This far back, it’s hard to get a read on where Texas is leaning. They’d get value in power arm Nick Howard, the Virginia closer who started last season. He could move quickly in a bullpen role or give starting a shot again in pro ball, especially after giving up hitting.

 

Projected Pick: RHP Nick Howard

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

INDIANS: OK, asking Cleveland to pass on Kentucky slugger Reed twice when he’s leading the nation in home runs—and could always fall back on being a lefthanded pitcher—is just too much to ask of the Tribe.

 

Projected Pick: 1B/LHP A.J. Reed

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

BRAVES: Atlanta keeps getting linked to lefthanders such as Florida prep Foster Griffin, Georgia prep Mac Marshall (who appears to be slipping), Medeiros and Alabama prep lefty Cody Reed.

 

Projected Pick: LHP Foster Griffin

 

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RED SOX: Boston would love a high-ceiling arm with one of its first two picks. The options remaining likely are riskier players such as New Jersey prep Joey Gatto, Reed and prep lefties such as Justus Sheffield, Carson Sands and Alex Verdugo, the Arizona two-way talent.

 

Projected Pick: LHP Alex Verdugo

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

CARDINALS: St. Louis went heavily for pitchers at the top of last year’s draft and took Ortiz with its top pick in this exercise. Gatewood makes sense for a team with extra picks and a deep enough farm system to take the risk.

 

Projected Pick: SS Jacob Gatewood

[ace3113]

I know it won't happen, but this seems like the perfect draft for the Blue Jays to do what the Yankees are doing in the international free agent market (i.e. disregarding the bonus pool and taking the penalties). Granted the penalties are harsher in the draft (losing your 1st round pick), but if you did it only for one year, and it was a particularly deep draft, you could add the equivalent talent of three drafts, and they'd all be developing a year to two years ahead of picks from the next year would.

 

That would allow the Jays to trade some prospects they have for help right now (a starter for instance), and immediately replace them with more high upside prospects.

 

The Yankees right now are expected to spend 20 million in international free agency. If the Jays were prepared to do that in the draft, and take the penalty of losing their next 1st round pick and 2nd round pick, they could absolutely load up on the 1st round talent that falls in this very deep draft.

 

I know AA doesn't have the balls to do it or the budget, but imagine something like this (not exactly obviously depending on who's available at the picks).

 

9. Nick Gordon

11. Jeff Hoffman

49. Erick Fedde

83. Keaton McKinney

114. Gareth Morgan

144. Dylan Cease

174. Jackson Reetz

204. Bryce Montes de Oca

234. Jeren Kendall

264. Josh Morgan

294. Jake BuKauskas (throw crazy money at him).

[Angrioter]

9. Nick Gordon

11. Jeff Hoffman

49. Erick Fedde

83. Keaton McKinney

114. Gareth Morgan

144. Dylan Cease

174. Jackson Reetz

204. Bryce Montes de Oca

234. Jeren Kendall

264. Josh Morgan

294. Jake BuKauskas (throw crazy money at him).

 

Gordon 9th?-- No way.

Touki, Hoffman or Trea

[GD]

I'm confident we'll take Hoffman if he's there.

[crazy47larry]

Also, anyone who wants the scouting reports from BA just PM me your email. I got you covered already Spanks.

 

Are they the scouting reports from the just released issue of BA?

[raBBit]

I know it won't happen, but this seems like the perfect draft for the Blue Jays to do what the Yankees are doing in the international free agent market (i.e. disregarding the bonus pool and taking the penalties). Granted the penalties are harsher in the draft (losing your 1st round pick), but if you did it only for one year, and it was a particularly deep draft, you could add the equivalent talent of three drafts, and they'd all be developing a year to two years ahead of picks from the next year would.

 

That would allow the Jays to trade some prospects they have for help right now (a starter for instance), and immediately replace them with more high upside prospects.

 

The Yankees right now are expected to spend 20 million in international free agency. If the Jays were prepared to do that in the draft, and take the penalty of losing their next 1st round pick and 2nd round pick, they could absolutely load up on the 1st round talent that falls in this very deep draft.

 

I know AA doesn't have the balls to do it or the budget, but imagine something like this (not exactly obviously depending on who's available at the picks).

 

9. Nick Gordon

11. Jeff Hoffman

49. Erick Fedde

83. Keaton McKinney

114. Gareth Morgan

144. Dylan Cease

174. Jackson Reetz

204. Bryce Montes de Oca

234. Jeren Kendall

264. Josh Morgan

294. Jake BuKauskas (throw crazy money at him).

This is ridiculous. Hoffman at 11 is realistic all the other picks aren't.

[ace3113]

This is ridiculous. Hoffman at 11 is realistic all the other picks aren't.

 

Reading comprehension is your friend.

 

(not exactly obviously depending on who's available at the picks).

[raBBit]

Reading comprehension is your friend.

 

It's funny that this is your response considering the sentence you quoted cannot be deduced into a legible sentence... Punctuation is your friend.

 

Besides your post was a TLDR in the first place. You should have said, "I am going to make a scenario where the Jays luck out in their first pick, then draft Hoffman, and then use picks 2-10 on top 100 prospects that won't be available anyways." Concision is key my friend.

[ace3113]

It's funny that this is your response considering the sentence you quoted cannot be deduced into a legible sentence... Punctuation is your friend.

 

Besides your post was a [Too Long Didn't Read] in the first place.

 

The meaning was obvious enough for a quick post on a message board. I didn't realize it was being copy-edited for the New York Times. It was pretty clearly an example, and anyone with at least half a brain should have been able to deduce that, as I'm sure they did. I guess I can't expect much from someone who considers 5 SENTENCES too much to read.

 

You should have said, "I am going to make a scenario where the Jays luck out in their first pick, then draft Hoffman, and then use picks 2-10 on top 100 prospects that won't be available anyways." Concision is key my friend

 

You claim you want concision but you want that achieved with a verbose account of every single thought and step involved in the process (which you wouldn't read anyway because it would be too long). Talk about persnickety. lol

[Caper]

I have a question of value. The Jays have the 9th and 11th pick.

 

If trading draft picks was possible, would you...... trade our 2 picks for the 1st over all pick? If so what about 2? If yes, where would you not trade our 2 picks for which spot up in the draft order?

[imsorry4beatinU]

I know it won't happen, but this seems like the perfect draft for the Blue Jays to do what the Yankees are doing in the international free agent market (i.e. disregarding the bonus pool and taking the penalties). Granted the penalties are harsher in the draft (losing your 1st round pick), but if you did it only for one year, and it was a particularly deep draft, you could add the equivalent talent of three drafts, and they'd all be developing a year to two years ahead of picks from the next year would.

 

That would allow the Jays to trade some prospects they have for help right now (a starter for instance), and immediately replace them with more high upside prospects.

 

The Yankees right now are expected to spend 20 million in international free agency. If the Jays were prepared to do that in the draft, and take the penalty of losing their next 1st round pick and 2nd round pick, they could absolutely load up on the 1st round talent that falls in this very deep draft.

 

I know AA doesn't have the balls to do it or the budget, but imagine something like this (not exactly obviously depending on who's available at the picks).

 

9. Nick Gordon

11. Jeff Hoffman

49. Erick Fedde

83. Keaton McKinney

114. Gareth Morgan

144. Dylan Cease

174. Jackson Reetz

204. Bryce Montes de Oca

234. Jeren Kendall

264. Josh Morgan

294. Jake BuKauskas (throw crazy money at him).

 

I would totally do this. We will also get a 1st rounder for losing Rasmus too right?

[ace3113]

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/259745821.html

 

The Twins are focusing on a handful of prospects to select with the fifth overall pick of the June 5 draft, a class that includes several hard-throwing pitchers.

 

The Twins have attempted, in recent drafts, to address the lack of power arms in their farm system. Could the kid with the biggest arm of them all be available when it’s the Twins’ turn to draft?

 

Tyler Kolek, a righthander from Shepherd (Texas) High School, has a fastball that reaches 100 miles per hour, giving him the unofficial title as the hardest-throwing prep pitcher ever. Some mock drafts have him as a possible first overall pick. But Baseball America’s most recent predictions have Kolek on the board when the Twins’ turn comes up fifth overall.

 

Twins scouting director Deron Johnson said he expects draft boards to vary from team to team this year because it has been more difficult to identify the top tier of players this year than in the past.

 

“You can’t rely on what’s going to happen above you,” he said. “We have to be prepared to take the guy who gets to us. I don’t think there’s a clear-cut guy at the top. It’s been different this year.”

 

In addition to Kolek, the Twins are doing their most due diligence on righthander Aaron Nola, from Louisiana State; lefthander Brady Aiken from Cathedral Catholic in San Diego; Carlos Rodon, a lefthander from North Carolina State; Nick Gordon, a shortstop from Olympia High in Orlando; and Alex Jackson, a catcher-outfielder from Rancho Bernardo High near San Diego.

 

Despite the number of hard throwers in the draft, the Twins are keeping their options open. They ignored their glaring need for pitching in 2012 when they selected outfielder Byron Buxton with the second overall pick. So someone such as Gordon, the son of former major league pitcher Tom Gordon and the brother of Dodgers infielder Dee Gordon, definitely is on their radar.