ouch...

[TheHurl]

At least it was good scouting. Nothing really new here

 

http://collegebaseballcentral.com/tyler-beede-aaron-nola-luke-weaver-blue-jays-what-could-have-been/3067/

 

What do Tyler Beede, Aaron Nola, and Luke Weaver all have in common? Well, to be quite fair, the answer to that question is rather extensive. For one thing, all three are junior right-handers that are widely considered to be three of the premier arms in all of Division I college baseball, as each have displayed stuff that will more than warrant them selections well within the first round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft this coming June.

 

On a more intriguing level (and that’s not to assert the notion that each pitcher’s prospects at receiving a first-round selection is not intriguing, although it’s been generally accepted as fact that each are surefire locks in the first round) Beede, Nola, and Weaver share a connection dating back to 2011.

 

Coming fresh off of successful prep careers, the trio would garner attention from professional ball clubs, in particular the Toronto Blue Jays. Sure enough, all three were selected by Toronto in the 2011 MLB Draft, as Beede was of premium interest, being taken with their first pick (1st round, 21st overall), whereas Nola (22nd round, 679th overall) and Weaver (19th round, 589th overall) were relegated to later-round selections.

 

While this is all well and good, you may be asking the significance of bringing up this intriguing bit of information. In all honesty, with the way each has performed over the course of their respective college careers and through the first few weeks of the young season, it is quite astonishing to look back in wonder at the level of talent Toronto had selected.

 

It certainly isn’t everyday that a trio of potential early-first round talent (and this is looking in retrospect) is selected by the same team – and it certainly isn’t everyday that that team is happy to know such talent got away (and I can assure you Toronto is not that team).

 

A lot has transpired since that fateful draft class and as a result, it may be necessary to bring ourselves up to speed on the respective journey of each pitcher – from their decision to defer professional ball in favor of college to their recent successes over the past three years as some of the nation’s premier college arms.

 

Coming out of Lawrence Academy in Groton, Massachusetts, Tyler Beede was a natural standout. The young right-hander possessed a big frame (6-4, 200) and was hailed for his command of a strong four-pitch arsenal, comprised of a pair of heaters (both two and four-seamers) that worked in the 89-92 range along with a strong changeup and low-70s breaking ball option.

 

Heading into the draft, it can be argued that he didn’t receive the proper exposure due to the fact that he pitched in a cold weather state, but nonetheless, college programs and professional scouts knew of the talents this young pitcher was working with.

 

However, he was a strong commit to Vanderbilt and expressed the desire for a signing bonus well above the slot value, as he was relatively adamant in wanting to attend college for an education and the opportunity to win a national title.

 

Both can be argued to have had a role in Beede dropping to the 21st overall pick, but nonetheless, the Blue Jays were lucky enough to select the talented pitcher, displaying their earnestness in signing Beede by offering him a reported $2.5 million bonus, well above the slot value at the time. Reports suggest that Beede asked for $3.5 million and negotiations were quelled by August, as he joined the Commodores’ squad that fall.

 

Throughout college, Beede has displayed the type of stuff that should garner him a potential top five selection in this year’s draft, but the road to that end result hasn’t always been a smooth one. Starting last season, he began to throw his stuff much harder than the year before, in turn affecting his command, as evidenced by his jump in walk rate from 10.0 percent in 2012 to 15.1 percent in 2013. But through three starts this season, Beede appears to have finally put it all together.

 

Beede is consistently tossing his heater in the low-90s, hitting 95 on occasion, and maintaining velocity deep into his outings. His changeup has good fade on left-handed hitters, while cutting in against those from the right side of the plate, a pitch he keeps in the low-80s and has been utilized as a devastating out-pitch.

 

In terms of mechanics, he has an easy, full windup in which he stays tall and finishes over his front side, generating power from his upper body due to sound mechanics and minimal hip rotation. As such, his command appears to be as strong as ever and barring any glaring setbacks or injuries, Beede should be a prime contender for a top five selection in this year’s draft.

 

As for Aaron Nola, the right-hander out of Catholic High School was naturally on the radar of LSU’s Paul Mainieri, as Nola’s older brother, Austin, was the starting shortstop for the Tigers. The elder Nola was selected in the 31st round (949th overall) by (you guessed it) the Toronto Blue Jays, as his younger brother was taken nine rounds earlier.

 

The opportunity to be able to play with one another at the professional level was something the two had always dreamed of, but would have been a difficult reality given the fact that Austin would have been placed at a higher A-level than Aaron, who likely would have started at rookie league ball to commence his professional career in the minors.

 

Nevertheless, both Nolas deferred professional ball and elected to return (in Aaron’s case, join for his freshman year) to LSU. The rest would be history, as Austin would turn in a solid 2012 senior campaign and receive a 5th round selection by the Miami Marlins in the 2012 MLB Draft, while Aaron has turned in quite the remarkable college career, as the talented right-hander is arguably one of, if not the premier control pitcher in the nation.

 

Throughout 2013 and through three starts this season, Nola has absolutely dominated college hitters with his superb command and control of his pitch arsenal, which is comprised of a plus fastball and very good breaking ball combo that he can paint across the lower part of the plate with relative ease.

 

Although his height and low arm slot limit the downward plane on his pitches, such is not of concern for Nola. Instead, he understands the importance of pitch sequencing, knowing how to set up his pitches and adjust a hitter’s eye level, as witnessed through his two-seam fastball that gets excellent hand side tailing action.

 

His low ¾ arm slot has affected his curve in the past, letting it hang on right-handed hitters, but he has had little problems with his curve this season, as it has been impressive thus far, which he mixes quite well with his slider. As well, he works efficiently and rarely falls behind in the count – and if he does, he works his way out of jams with great poise.

 

He does have a smaller frame (6-1, 196), but is strong nonetheless and has deceptive stuff that will successfully translate at the next level – and as such, he has the ability to become a possible top ten selection in the draft.

 

And lastly (and certainly not least), Luke Weaver was taken with the 589th overall pick (19th round) after a strong career at Deland High School, but due to the late-selection and his desire to play college ball for the Seminoles, Weaver deferred pro ball and enrolled at Florida State.

 

Although he is considered as one of the premier pitchers in the country, he has certainly come a long way, as he experienced some struggles in his freshman campaign in 2012. He was utilized in the rotation and in long relief roles interchangeably throughout the season, as he was unable to find a definitive groove, as evidenced through a rough 5.93 ERA and 1.51 WHIP.

 

Nonetheless, Weaver took command in 2013, garnering the Friday night job and positioning himself amongst not only the top arms in the ACC, but also the rest of the country. Weaver made 15 starts, improving his ERA to 2.29 and WHIP to 0.99, as he helped lead the Seminoles to the super regionals in last year’s NCAA Tournament.

 

Through three games this season, Weaver looks stout and is leading a talented rotation that has helped the Seminoles occupy the No. 2 spot in the Top 25 Division I rankings for two straight weeks. At 6-2, 170 and with the tools in his back pocket, not to mention his utilization of a slightly low ¾ arm slot, he has Bret Saberhagen written all over him.

 

His fastball sits consistently between 91-94 and tops out at 96 on occasion, a pitch that he employs good hand side action on, solid tailing action, and can hammer the lower half of the zone with ease. Like his heater, Weaver’s slider has plus potential, as it has sweeping tendencies and solid bite, which he utilizes effectively against lefthanders.

 

Weaver possesses outstanding command and can pound the zone incessantly with each of his pitches with relative ease and effectiveness. As such, with the way Weaver has continued to pitch thus far in 2014, there is strong reason to believe that he has the ability to be an early-first round pick come draft day in June.

 

While Beede, Nola, and Weaver each headline the 2011 Toronto draft class that has since gone on to college ball, they are certainly not alone in the conversation, as four other impressive college-level pitchers were taken by Toronto in that draft. Miami’s Sunday starter, Andrew Suarez, was taken in the 9th round (289th overall) out of Christopher Columbus High School and is arguably one of the better left-handers in the country.

 

After having to undergo labrum surgery following a shoulder injury in high school, Suarez was forced to miss most of 2012 and was noticeably off last season, as his fastball velocity had dropped from the low-90s to the mid to high-80s. However, Suarez made a remarkable resurgence this fall, as he was able to get his velocity back to the low-90s (even hitting as high as 95) and his stuff looks better than ever through three starts this season.

 

He doesn’t have prototypical ace size (6-0, 205), but he does have an impressive four-pitch mix, as his fastball, slider, and changeup have the potential to become plus pitches. As well, Suarez has great mound presence and fluid mechanics. If he continues to impress this season, Suarez could be a borderline first-round threat.

 

Houston’s Friday night starter, Aaron Garza, was taken in the 10th round (319th overall) out of Galveston Ball High School and has displayed impressive stuff for an improving ball club that has proven its legitimacy this season that can threaten an appearance amongst the Top 25 in the nation. As well, LSU’s Sunday starter, Cody Glenn (469th overall) and South Carolina’s bullpen stalwart, Joel Seddon (619th overall) were selected by Toronto and deferred pro ball in favor of college.

 

As the young season carries on into it’s fourth week, the above-mentioned pitchers will look to help their respective teams cement a strong foundation for the season ahead and all the while improve their draft stock as some of the best arms available.

 

As for Beede, Nola, and Weaver, who are each legitimate candidates for top ten selections, the likelihood that Toronto receives a second chance and re-selects one of them is relatively high, as the Blue Jays have the No. 9 and No. 11 (as compensation for not signing Phil Bickford in last year’s draft, another example of a top prep pitcher who deferred pro ball and is currently having a strong freshman campaign for Cal State Fullerton) picks in this year’s draft. Will it happen?

 

That is yet to be determined, as the college baseball season is still fairly young and these talented pitchers have many more innings to prove and maintain their weight as the premier arms in the country. But it’s always intriguing to ponder such thoughts, isn’t it?

[KingKat]

At least it was good scouting. Nothing really new here

 

http://collegebaseballcentral.com/tyler-beede-aaron-nola-luke-weaver-blue-jays-what-could-have-been/3067/

 

What do Tyler Beede, Aaron Nola, and Luke Weaver all have in common? Well, to be quite fair, the answer to that question is rather extensive. For one thing, all three are junior right-handers that are widely considered to be three of the premier arms in all of Division I college baseball, as each have displayed stuff that will more than warrant them selections well within the first round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft this coming June.

 

On a more intriguing level (and that’s not to assert the notion that each pitcher’s prospects at receiving a first-round selection is not intriguing, although it’s been generally accepted as fact that each are surefire locks in the first round) Beede, Nola, and Weaver share a connection dating back to 2011.

 

Coming fresh off of successful prep careers, the trio would garner attention from professional ball clubs, in particular the Toronto Blue Jays. Sure enough, all three were selected by Toronto in the 2011 MLB Draft, as Beede was of premium interest, being taken with their first pick (1st round, 21st overall), whereas Nola (22nd round, 679th overall) and Weaver (19th round, 589th overall) were relegated to later-round selections.

 

While this is all well and good, you may be asking the significance of bringing up this intriguing bit of information. In all honesty, with the way each has performed over the course of their respective college careers and through the first few weeks of the young season, it is quite astonishing to look back in wonder at the level of talent Toronto had selected.

 

It certainly isn’t everyday that a trio of potential early-first round talent (and this is looking in retrospect) is selected by the same team – and it certainly isn’t everyday that that team is happy to know such talent got away (and I can assure you Toronto is not that team).

 

A lot has transpired since that fateful draft class and as a result, it may be necessary to bring ourselves up to speed on the respective journey of each pitcher – from their decision to defer professional ball in favor of college to their recent successes over the past three years as some of the nation’s premier college arms.

 

Coming out of Lawrence Academy in Groton, Massachusetts, Tyler Beede was a natural standout. The young right-hander possessed a big frame (6-4, 200) and was hailed for his command of a strong four-pitch arsenal, comprised of a pair of heaters (both two and four-seamers) that worked in the 89-92 range along with a strong changeup and low-70s breaking ball option.

 

Heading into the draft, it can be argued that he didn’t receive the proper exposure due to the fact that he pitched in a cold weather state, but nonetheless, college programs and professional scouts knew of the talents this young pitcher was working with.

 

However, he was a strong commit to Vanderbilt and expressed the desire for a signing bonus well above the slot value, as he was relatively adamant in wanting to attend college for an education and the opportunity to win a national title.

 

Both can be argued to have had a role in Beede dropping to the 21st overall pick, but nonetheless, the Blue Jays were lucky enough to select the talented pitcher, displaying their earnestness in signing Beede by offering him a reported $2.5 million bonus, well above the slot value at the time. Reports suggest that Beede asked for $3.5 million and negotiations were quelled by August, as he joined the Commodores’ squad that fall.

 

Throughout college, Beede has displayed the type of stuff that should garner him a potential top five selection in this year’s draft, but the road to that end result hasn’t always been a smooth one. Starting last season, he began to throw his stuff much harder than the year before, in turn affecting his command, as evidenced by his jump in walk rate from 10.0 percent in 2012 to 15.1 percent in 2013. But through three starts this season, Beede appears to have finally put it all together.

 

Beede is consistently tossing his heater in the low-90s, hitting 95 on occasion, and maintaining velocity deep into his outings. His changeup has good fade on left-handed hitters, while cutting in against those from the right side of the plate, a pitch he keeps in the low-80s and has been utilized as a devastating out-pitch.

 

In terms of mechanics, he has an easy, full windup in which he stays tall and finishes over his front side, generating power from his upper body due to sound mechanics and minimal hip rotation. As such, his command appears to be as strong as ever and barring any glaring setbacks or injuries, Beede should be a prime contender for a top five selection in this year’s draft.

 

As for Aaron Nola, the right-hander out of Catholic High School was naturally on the radar of LSU’s Paul Mainieri, as Nola’s older brother, Austin, was the starting shortstop for the Tigers. The elder Nola was selected in the 31st round (949th overall) by (you guessed it) the Toronto Blue Jays, as his younger brother was taken nine rounds earlier.

 

The opportunity to be able to play with one another at the professional level was something the two had always dreamed of, but would have been a difficult reality given the fact that Austin would have been placed at a higher A-level than Aaron, who likely would have started at rookie league ball to commence his professional career in the minors.

 

Nevertheless, both Nolas deferred professional ball and elected to return (in Aaron’s case, join for his freshman year) to LSU. The rest would be history, as Austin would turn in a solid 2012 senior campaign and receive a 5th round selection by the Miami Marlins in the 2012 MLB Draft, while Aaron has turned in quite the remarkable college career, as the talented right-hander is arguably one of, if not the premier control pitcher in the nation.

 

Throughout 2013 and through three starts this season, Nola has absolutely dominated college hitters with his superb command and control of his pitch arsenal, which is comprised of a plus fastball and very good breaking ball combo that he can paint across the lower part of the plate with relative ease.

 

Although his height and low arm slot limit the downward plane on his pitches, such is not of concern for Nola. Instead, he understands the importance of pitch sequencing, knowing how to set up his pitches and adjust a hitter’s eye level, as witnessed through his two-seam fastball that gets excellent hand side tailing action.

 

His low ¾ arm slot has affected his curve in the past, letting it hang on right-handed hitters, but he has had little problems with his curve this season, as it has been impressive thus far, which he mixes quite well with his slider. As well, he works efficiently and rarely falls behind in the count – and if he does, he works his way out of jams with great poise.

 

He does have a smaller frame (6-1, 196), but is strong nonetheless and has deceptive stuff that will successfully translate at the next level – and as such, he has the ability to become a possible top ten selection in the draft.

 

And lastly (and certainly not least), Luke Weaver was taken with the 589th overall pick (19th round) after a strong career at Deland High School, but due to the late-selection and his desire to play college ball for the Seminoles, Weaver deferred pro ball and enrolled at Florida State.

 

Although he is considered as one of the premier pitchers in the country, he has certainly come a long way, as he experienced some struggles in his freshman campaign in 2012. He was utilized in the rotation and in long relief roles interchangeably throughout the season, as he was unable to find a definitive groove, as evidenced through a rough 5.93 ERA and 1.51 WHIP.

 

Nonetheless, Weaver took command in 2013, garnering the Friday night job and positioning himself amongst not only the top arms in the ACC, but also the rest of the country. Weaver made 15 starts, improving his ERA to 2.29 and WHIP to 0.99, as he helped lead the Seminoles to the super regionals in last year’s NCAA Tournament.

 

Through three games this season, Weaver looks stout and is leading a talented rotation that has helped the Seminoles occupy the No. 2 spot in the Top 25 Division I rankings for two straight weeks. At 6-2, 170 and with the tools in his back pocket, not to mention his utilization of a slightly low ¾ arm slot, he has Bret Saberhagen written all over him.

 

His fastball sits consistently between 91-94 and tops out at 96 on occasion, a pitch that he employs good hand side action on, solid tailing action, and can hammer the lower half of the zone with ease. Like his heater, Weaver’s slider has plus potential, as it has sweeping tendencies and solid bite, which he utilizes effectively against lefthanders.

 

Weaver possesses outstanding command and can pound the zone incessantly with each of his pitches with relative ease and effectiveness. As such, with the way Weaver has continued to pitch thus far in 2014, there is strong reason to believe that he has the ability to be an early-first round pick come draft day in June.

 

While Beede, Nola, and Weaver each headline the 2011 Toronto draft class that has since gone on to college ball, they are certainly not alone in the conversation, as four other impressive college-level pitchers were taken by Toronto in that draft. Miami’s Sunday starter, Andrew Suarez, was taken in the 9th round (289th overall) out of Christopher Columbus High School and is arguably one of the better left-handers in the country.

 

After having to undergo labrum surgery following a shoulder injury in high school, Suarez was forced to miss most of 2012 and was noticeably off last season, as his fastball velocity had dropped from the low-90s to the mid to high-80s. However, Suarez made a remarkable resurgence this fall, as he was able to get his velocity back to the low-90s (even hitting as high as 95) and his stuff looks better than ever through three starts this season.

 

He doesn’t have prototypical ace size (6-0, 205), but he does have an impressive four-pitch mix, as his fastball, slider, and changeup have the potential to become plus pitches. As well, Suarez has great mound presence and fluid mechanics. If he continues to impress this season, Suarez could be a borderline first-round threat.

 

Houston’s Friday night starter, Aaron Garza, was taken in the 10th round (319th overall) out of Galveston Ball High School and has displayed impressive stuff for an improving ball club that has proven its legitimacy this season that can threaten an appearance amongst the Top 25 in the nation. As well, LSU’s Sunday starter, Cody Glenn (469th overall) and South Carolina’s bullpen stalwart, Joel Seddon (619th overall) were selected by Toronto and deferred pro ball in favor of college.

 

As the young season carries on into it’s fourth week, the above-mentioned pitchers will look to help their respective teams cement a strong foundation for the season ahead and all the while improve their draft stock as some of the best arms available.

 

As for Beede, Nola, and Weaver, who are each legitimate candidates for top ten selections, the likelihood that Toronto receives a second chance and re-selects one of them is relatively high, as the Blue Jays have the No. 9 and No. 11 (as compensation for not signing Phil Bickford in last year’s draft, another example of a top prep pitcher who deferred pro ball and is currently having a strong freshman campaign for Cal State Fullerton) picks in this year’s draft. Will it happen?

 

That is yet to be determined, as the college baseball season is still fairly young and these talented pitchers have many more innings to prove and maintain their weight as the premier arms in the country. But it’s always intriguing to ponder such thoughts, isn’t it?

 

Maybe there's something to the idea that Toronto really has a knack for scouting high school arms. That still doesn't make an exclusive focus on them a desirable draft strategy by any stretch but it the club may not be not wrong to think that they do it relatively well as opposed to it merely being the one aspect of the draft where they don't do poorly.

[z3r0s]

moral of the story is 'always through money at the guys you pick, it will come back to haunt you often enough'.

 

unfortunately that moral doesn't help us in the new draft cap system.

[bluejaysfan]

moral of the story is 'always through money at the guys you pick, it will come back to haunt you often enough'.

 

unfortunately that moral doesn't help us in the new draft cap system.

 

Kal was a senior pick out of college in the 23rd round in 2013. WCC batting champion who has won 2 championship rings in the last 3 years (1 in college and 1 with Vancouver), Captial-One All American in 2013, and All-star starter for Vancouver in short season following the draft. Like Jacoby Ellsbury who was drafted in the 23rd round, Kal can flat out hit to all fields from both sides of the plate. Drafte picks can sometimes become a core of a championship team and Kal looks to become one of a new core coming up to Toronto!

[z3r0s]

Kal was a senior pick out of college in the 23rd round in 2013. WCC batting champion who has won 2 championship rings in the last 3 years (1 in college and 1 with Vancouver), Captial-One All American in 2013, and All-star starter for Vancouver in short season following the draft. Like Jacoby Ellsbury who was drafted in the 23rd round, Kal can flat out hit to all fields from both sides of the plate. Drafte picks can sometimes become a core of a championship team and Kal looks to become one of a new core coming up to Toronto!

 

ok, I have defended the 'Kal's Whoppers' when they have been criticized on here. I think the joke is getting a bit tired, but it doesn't bother me. But lets try to keep it to the Kal thread... not bring it up in a non-related thread.