2014 MLB Draft: An Early Look

[GD]

This paragraph doesn't make any sense.

 

Or is it implying they will "ignore their glaring need for pitching' and draft Gordon?

 

Makes plenty sense, they're implying the Twins draft BPA rather than need.

[ElNik2013]

Makes plenty sense, they're implying the Twins draft BPA rather than need.

 

 

LOL, it's crystal clear, king must be drunk or something.

[ace3113]

http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9904

 

Draft Reports: Prospects 51-100

 

51. Chase Vallot, c, St. Thomas More HS

R-R, 6-0/205, Youngsville, La.

College Commitment: Mississippi State

 

Vallot put on a power show for the scouting directors and cross-checkers who were in to see him at the start of the season and has remained hot ever since, posting a .529-12-54 line by mid-May with 24 walks and 12 doubles. The major question is what position he will play at the next level. He has the physical tools to play many positions on the field but his skills behind the plate still needs development. Fellow Louisiana native Stryker Trahan, the Diamondbacks first round pick in 2012, would be an excellent comparison.

 

52. Garrett Fulenchek, rhp, Howe HS

R-R, 6-3/205, Howe, Texas

College Commitment: Dallas Baptist

 

The biggest area of depth in the 2014 class may be in the high school pitching ranks and Fulenchek will be grouped with a long and varied list of prep hurlers who qualify as late first to late second round picks. His strong athletic build, consistent performances this spring and the presence of a nasty second pitch in his slider, to go with his 91-94 mph fastball, will tempt many teams early.

 

53. Mac Marshall, lhp, Parkview HS

R-L, 6-2/185, Lilburn, Ga.

College Commitment: Louisiana State

 

While Marshall has shown mid-90s velocity with his fastball this spring, he has generally pitched in the 88-92 range while showing precision with all three of his offerings. He throws a power curveball in the upper-70s with tight rotation and the ability to spot it throughout the zone. The second plus off-speed pitch in Marshall’s arsenal is his changeup with which he maintains arm speed while generating late fade to his arm side.

 

54. Daniel Gossett, rhp, Clemson (JR)

R-R, 6-1/185, Lyman, S.C.

Previously Drafted: Red Sox ’11 (16)

 

On the strength of increase velocity, Gossett has seen his draft stock skyrocket in 2014. He’s having another strong spring for Clemson, and working at 93-96 mph deep into outings has been what has truly captured scouts’ attention. With a 1.74 ERA as well as 94 strikeouts this spring, Gossett has consistently been one of the most dominant Friday starters in college baseball. And, scouts believed that could translate into a quick rise for him as a professional.

 

55. Forrest Wall, 2b, Orangewood Christian HS

L-R, 6-0/180, Winter Park, Fla.

College Commitment: North Carolina

 

Wall’s draft stock could be all over the map for teams depending on how they evaluate the injuries he’s had to both his shoulders, including a separated left shoulder this spring that caused him to miss a handful of games. When healthy, Wall is a dynamic offensive player with the complete package of skills and tools. He hit .531 in 18 games as of mid-May with 16 walks and a perfect 26 for 26 in stolen bases.

 

56. Spencer Turnbull, rhp, University of Alabama (JR)

R-R, 6-4/240, Madison, Ala.

Previously Drafted: Never

 

Turnbull has turned a corner this spring, becoming not just a pitcher with a big arm, but a pitcher with quality command and secondaries as well. He works between 92-96 mph with his fastball, reaching as high as 98 this spring. His breaking ball has progressed significantly into a solid-average pitch, after he struggled with it last summer, and he’s done a much better job of repeating his delivery. His frame, easy arm action and exploding fastball give scouts something to dream on.

 

57. Cameron Varga, rhp, Cincinnati Christian Academy

R-R, 6-3/205, West Chester, Ohio

College Commitment: North Carolina

 

Varga needed to catch up this spring after missing most of the summer and the fall with an oblique injury and has done just that, allowing only one run in 39 innings through mid-May while walking only four hitters and striking out 94. He’s also thrown three no-hitters. One scout called his rapidly developing power curveball “not fair for the level of hitters he’s facing.”

 

58. Brett Graves, rhp, University of Missouri (JR)

R-R, 6-1/190, St. Charles, Mo.

Previously Drafted: Cardinals ’11 (26)

 

Missouri has struggled since entering the world of SEC baseball, which makes Graves 3-5, 3.71 record in 85 innings as of mid-May somewhat deceiving. After all, Missouri’s ace from 2013, southpaw Rob Zastryzny, went 2-9, 3.39 in 92 innings before being selected by the Chicago Cubs in the second round. The same type of scenario could lie in the hard throwing and polished Graves’ future.

 

59. Alex Verdugo, lhp/of, Sahuaro HS

L-L, 6-2/190, Tucson, Ariz.

College Commitment: Arizona State

 

The top two-way prospect in this year's draft, Verdugo has a much greater split amongst scouts as to whether he profiles best as a position player or pitcher long-term than any other in this class. On the mound he has a well controlled upper-80s to low-90s fastball that is paired with a plus curveball, which would typically leave little question as to his future position. But his power from the left side at the plate and the arm strength in right field are enticing enough to persuade some scouts that his future is as an outfield prospect.

 

60. Ti’Quan Forbes, ss, Columbia HS

R-R, 6-4/170, Columbia, Miss.

College Commitment: Mississippi

 

If there was a player to challenge the athleticism of Monte Harrison, it would be Ti’Quan Forbes. Although one of the youngest players in the this year’s draft there is no mistaking his ability on the field. The progression of his hit tool over the summer circuit is what sets him apart from other toolsy players, and he demonstrated it on the biggest state of the summer, the Perfect Game All-American Classic, lining a Tyler Kolek offering to the opposite field for a base hit.

[Angrioter]

[HERPDERP]

keithlaw ‏@keithlaw ·1 hr

Beede retired the first 7 batters he faced, but he's now walked 5 of the last 8 Ole Miss hitters

[raBBit]

Drafting for need at #5 seems like a pretty bad idea.

Drafting for a need at any position is a pretty bad idea.

 

Tyler Beede is losing tens of thousands of dollars every time out. Serious concerns over his makeup and command.

[ace3113]

BA expanded their top 100 to 200 today.

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft-preview/

[RIPEXPOS]

Have been championing Nick Gordon for a while now, but looks like he might be a lock to be long gone...

[GD]

http://www.bluebirdbanter.com/2014/5/24/5732542/mlb-draft-preview-injury-risks

 

Awesome article breaking down Touki vs Hoffman's mechanics.

[burlingtonbandit]

http://www.bluebirdbanter.com/2014/5/24/5732542/mlb-draft-preview-injury-risks

 

Awesome article breaking down Touki vs Hoffman's mechanics.

 

I would think that if the Jays drafted Touki they would tweak the delivery. With these kids being so young, most are projects anyway. That being said, when you have a pick that high you probaby want an established player where you are not changing alot.

[Angrioter]

Aaron Nola scary me; he sounds like Deck McGuire.

[GD]

Someone tell me if this is plausible.

 

Turner: 9 (signs at or below slot)

Hoffman: 11 (signs below slot)

Beede/Fedde: 49 (signs way above slot)

 

Kinda interesting.

[TwistedLogic]

Someone tell me if this is plausible.

 

Turner: 9 (signs at or below slot)

Hoffman: 11 (signs below slot)

Beede/Fedde: 49 (signs way above slot)

 

Kinda interesting.

 

Don't see any chance Beede drops to 49, and have a strange hunch that Turner is gonna go before 9, just because the player the Jays want always gets robbed right before their pick (Lawrie, Giolito, Meadows, etc, etc)

[Boxcar]

Don't see any chance Beede drops to 49, and have a strange hunch that Turner is gonna go before 9, just because the player the Jays want always gets robbed right before their pick (Lawrie, Giolito, Meadows, etc, etc)

 

The Jays weren't going to take Giolito. Not sure about Meadows, though.

[ace3113]

I would rather have Grant Holmes than Toussaint. His present stuff is just as good if not better, and he has much better command and pitchability. The only thing Toussaint really has over Holmes is projection, and about an inch in height.

 

I'm hoping we can get any of the following guys at pick 49: Ti'Quan Forbes, Justus Sheffield, Cameron Varga, Keaton McKinney, Josh Morgan.

 

I also would love if we could pick up a guy like Marc Zagunis or Grayson Grenier with one of our picks from 3-6. Two really intriguing college catching prospects. I favor Zagunis slightly more than Grenier at this point, but I like both. A high school guy like Jackson Reetz, might make sense too.

[ace3113]

College pitching stats.

 

http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2014/05/19/college-pitching-stats-51914/

[GD]

College starters by kwERA, or strike zone ERA.

 

Axiom: ~4.3 PA/IP

 

Name kwERA

Nick Howard 1.16

Nick Burdi 1.21

Kyle Freeland 2.01

Brandon Finnegan 2.47

Aaron Nola 2.69

Jake Stinnett 2.84

Matt Imhof 2.86

Carlos Rodon 2.93

Erick Fedde 3.14

Jeff Hoffman 3.21

Austin Gomber 3.31

Daniel Gossett 3.37

Daniel Mengden 3.41

Zach Lemond 3.46

Jordan Montgomery 3.48

Sean Newcomb 3.50

Harrison Musgrave 3.54

Eric Skoglund 3.60

Adam Choplick 3.63

Tyler Beede 3.65

Bryan Radziewski 3.66

Luke Weaver 3.71

Preston Morrison 3.78

Jace Fry 3.79

Michael Cederoth 3.84

Jalen Beeks 3.88

Brandon Leibrandt 3.88

Chris Diaz 3.97

Andrew Istler 3.99

Brett Graves 4.00

Justin Kamplain 4.06

Brad Markey 4.09

Benton Moss 4.14

Sam Coonrod 4.23

Mike Compton 4.25

James Norwood 4.26

AJ Vanegas 4.33

Chris Oliver 4.50

Chris Ellis 4.64

Parker French 4.73

Jordan Brink 4.79

Spencer Turnbull 4.88

Brandon Magallones 5.25

Karsten Whitson 5.40

Nigel Nootbaar 6.53

[Angrioter]

Kyle Freeland

94.2 IP, 9 walks and 122 K's

[GD]

I just started liking Freeland a whole lot more. I can't scout mechanics cause I'm just a terrible scout but those are some impressive stats.

[ace3113]

I just started liking Freeland a whole lot more. I can't scout mechanics cause I'm just a terrible scout but those are some impressive stats.

 

The mechanics aren't great, but they're not Chris Sale bad. He throws across his body some, short stride, and his primary secondary is a slider. I'm trying to imagine some way he falls to us at 9 (without injury), but I just can't see him getting past Colorado if he makes it that far.

[ace3113]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/mock-draft-astros-might-take-prep-pitcher-aiken-no-1?ymd=20140523&content_id=76511650&vkey=news_mlb

 

1. Astros: Brady Aiken, LHP, Cathedral Catholic HS (San Diego)

 

Houston likely will choose between the top three pitchers and Jackson, and is believed to prefer the two left-handers. The Astros may save money versus the $7,922,100 assigned pick value to spend later in the Draft but won't compromise on talent at No. 1.

 

9. Blue Jays: Trea Turner, SS, North Carolina State

 

Toronto is most closely tied to high school right-handers such as Touki Toussaint (Coral Springs, Fla., Christian Academy) and Sean Reid-Foley (Sandalwood High, Jacksonville, Fla.), but could wait two picks later at No. 11 to take them. The Blue Jays could take Turner here to keep him from the Mets at No. 10. With their second selection coming before 21 clubs make their first, Toronto also is an obvious destination for Hoffman, who was a potential No. 1 overall choice.

 

11. Blue Jays: Touki Toussaint, RHP, Coral Springs (Fla.) Christian Academy

 

With a compensation pick for not signing first-rounder Phil Bickford a year ago, Toronto could grab the third-best high school arm or buy low on Hoffman.

[ace3113]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mlb/news/20140522/mlb-mock-draft-2014-carlos-rodon-dave-perkin/

 

1. Houston Astros

 

Carlos Rodon

Position: LHP

Size: 6-foot-3, 235 lbs

School: North Carolina State

 

For the third straight year, the Astros hold the first overall pick in the draft. General manager Jeff Luhnow and scouting director Mike Elias are dedicated to sabermetrics but not imprisoned by them. Houston made a non-sabermetric, projection pick on high school shortstop Carlos Correa at the top of the 2012 draft; Correa is now universally considered one of the top prospects in the minors. Last year's 1-1 choice, Stanford righthander Mark Appel, was a safe pick as an accomplished college pitcher with a resume bolstered by both statistics and radar gun readings.

 

With no blatantly obvious talent at the top of this year's draft, odds are the Astros will play it safe and go with Rodon, who was a favorite to go No. 1 overall when the college season began. He has improved drastically since a shaky beginning to this, his junior season. Luhnow and Elias will look past Rodon's won-lost record (6-7 through May 21) and instead concentrate on his 2.01 ERA and 117 strikeouts in just 98⅔ innings. His velocity has been down at times but Rodon still has terrific close-to-the-majors stuff and a powerful big league frame.

 

9. Toronto Blue Jays

 

Aaron Nola

Position: RHP

Size: 6-1, 195

School: LSU

 

With two of the top 11 picks, Toronto is in the most enviable position in this draft. Sources say the Blue Jays will select a "safe" college pitcher with their first choice at No. 9, then gamble on a tools-laden high school position player with their second pick at No. 11 overall.

 

Toronto will have plenty of options to satisfy its first preference. Nola may be the best fit. He's not a fireballer, but he has an impressive array of pitches and works consistently down -- a necessity in this age of the low strike zone.

 

11. Toronto Blue Jays

 

Michael Gettys,

Position: OF, BR/TR

Size: 5-11, 200

School: Gainesville (Ga.) High

 

This could well be the most fascinating pick in the draft. Gatewood and Gordon are possibilities for this spot if still available, and other options include high school outfielders Derek Hill (from Sacramento), Marcus Wilson (Los Angeles) and Monte Harrison (Lee's Summit, Mo.). Of all of these candidates, Gettys is the most complete prep prospect on this year's board and the only one who projects to possess five plus tools.

[ace3113]

 

 

 

 

 

 

[burlingtonbandit]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mlb/news/20140522/mlb-mock-draft-2014-carlos-rodon-dave-perkin/

 

That looks like a pretty bad mock draft. No way Gordan falls to 10 and Gatewood goes that high.

[GD]

Those mock drafts are pretty bad lol

[TwistedLogic]

I would rather have Grant Holmes than Toussaint. His present stuff is just as good if not better, and he has much better command and pitchability. The only thing Toussaint really has over Holmes is projection, and about an inch in height.

 

I'm hoping we can get any of the following guys at pick 49: Ti'Quan Forbes, Justus Sheffield, Cameron Varga, Keaton McKinney, Josh Morgan.

 

I also would love if we could pick up a guy like Marc Zagunis or Grayson Grenier with one of our picks from 3-6. Two really intriguing college catching prospects. I favor Zagunis slightly more than Grenier at this point, but I like both. A high school guy like Jackson Reetz, might make sense too.

I don't think there's really any merit at all in predicting the 2nd round pick. Jays always go off-book and do weird things after the first round (and sometimes even in the first round; see: Beede, Bickford).

 

All I really care about is getting Hoffman. If the Jays pick him up, they could do anything else for the rest of the draft and I'll be happy -- which is pretty much how I felt about Giolito as well. In the perfect world, they'll pick Hoffman, and do so with the 11th pick. There's a lot of guys that I like at 9, so I'm hoping that they go with BPA instead of tunneling on a player and over-reaching, something that they haven't been unfamiliar with in recent years.

 

The thing I'm most dreading, though, is the prospect of a great player dropping to them, and seeing the Jays pass.

[ace3113]

If Freeland fell one spot, I wonder if the Jays would still take Toussaint over him. I really hope not.

[ace3113]

 

 

 

 

[ace3113]

I wonder what happened to Trenton Kemp. There's virtually no buzz about him this spring. He's a really athletic five tool guy who just switched from football to baseball a year ago. Had a really good showing at the PG National. Reminds me a little of Hunter Pence. I could see someone taking him in a signable round. Just surprised he hasn't been mentioned much.

[burlingtonbandit]

http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/05/board-2014-volume-vi/

 

MLB Draft Insider Mock

 

9- Nola

11- Touki

 

He didn't bother to put in Hoffman or Fedde, which makes this mock trash.

 

I think that is his prospect list, no? I don't see the teams listed so that was my thought anyway. If that was a mock, I agree it doesn't seem very good.