2018 MLB Draft Thread

[jays4life19]

With this being a studdly deep draft i thought it would be a good idea to start a thread to discuss.

 

Some draft info:

 

https://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/2018-top-200-mlb-draft-prospects/#IHOWLmK8hvFlXjft.97

 

https://jaysjournal.com/2017/10/02/blue-jays-will-select-12th-overall-in-2018-amateur-draft/

 

http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2018?list=draft

 

https://www.baseballamerica.com/college/top-10-college-outfielders-2018-draft/#Jd17HK08bzxgzR81.97

 

https://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/mlb-draft-chat-feb-22-2018/#xvqgQSCHt2AQwJkE.97

 

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1. Tigers

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Detroit's scouting department hasn't had much experience picking this high, but David Chadd--the club's vice president of amateur scouting and special assistant to GM Al Avila--has picked high before, including working with the Marlins when they picked Josh Beckett (No. 2, 1999) and Adrian Gonzalez (No. 1, 2000). Since he's been in Detroit, coming over from the Red Sox in 2005, Chadd has played a part in shaping the club's college-heavy approach to the draft overall despite a nearly 50-50 split of high school and college top picks.

 

Having the Tigers at No. 1 makes Florida's Brady Singer a prohibitive favorite. They value top performers in the Southeastern Conference, and may have struck gold in 2017 when Singer's rotation mate from the spring, Alex Faedo, inexplicably fell all the way to the Tigers at No. 18 overall. The duo could help jump-start a Motor City rebuild.

 

Scouts have some delivery questions, and Singer only got to college because of an issue with his physical with the Blue Jays that scuttled his deal when he was a second-round pick in 2015 out of high school. But he dominated at the end of a 126-inning sophomore season and was the top pitcher in the Cape Cod League in 2016. He has the pedigree and stuff to go No. 1 overall.

 

PICK: Brady Singer, RHP, Florida |

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2. Giants

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Scouting director John Barr and team president Brian Sabean have been involved in high draft picks before, but it was a long time ago. The Giants haven't had the homegrown pitching success in recent years that propelled them to three World Series titles from 2010-2014, led by Madison Bumgarner, the retiring Matt Cain and long-gone Tim Lincecum.

 

This draft class is pitching-heavy, especially on the high school side, with Georgia prep Ethan Hankins poised to become the third prep righthander in five drafts to go out No. 2 overall, joining the Marlins' Tyler Kolek (2014) and Reds' Hunter Greene (2017). Scouts want to see more consistency out of Hankins' breaking ball, but his fastball, size, dominant summer with USA Baseball's 18U national team and makeup all push him toward the top of the draft class.

 

PICK: Ethan Hankins, RHP, Forsyth Central High, Cumming, Ga. |

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3. Phillies

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The Phillies' rebuild gained momentum in the second half, mostly thanks to the arrival of prospects such as Rhys Hoskins, Nick Williams and Jorge Alfaro to boost a previously moribund offense. The Phils' last three first-rounders have been outfielders in Adam Haseley, Mickey Moniak and Cornelius Randolph, but their best pick of the last decade was righthander Aaron Nola, a fast mover out of Louisiana State. So the Phillies likely will pay special attention in 2018 to the top tier of college starting pitchers, a group that includes Singer and his rotation mate Jackson Kowar, lefthanders Shane McClanahan (South Florida) and Ryan Rolison (Mississippi) and righthanders Casey Mize (Auburn) and Logan Gilbert (Stetson).

 

However, if the organization liked Moniak, it should love Brice Turnag, who has a similar profile but a longer track record, big league bloodlines and the ability to play shortstop.

 

PICK: Brice Turang, SS, Santiago HS, Corona, Calif. |

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4. White Sox

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Chicago's rebuilding efforts have moved into overdrive with trade acquisitions and solid early returns from bat-first college first-rounders the last two years in Zack Collins and Jake Burger. If the White Sox continue in that vein, they could pursue college bats such as top Cape Cod League performers Greyson Jenista of Wichita State or Griffin Conine of Duke.

 

But Chicago won't have to limit itself to college bats, and a need for athletes could push it to pick a prep bat this high. If so, the best choice is Nander De Sedas, who attends the same Florida prep school that produced another American League Central shortstop, Francisco Lindor. De Sedas switch-hits like Lindor and has some lightning in his bat to go with middle-of-the-diamond athleticism.

 

PICK: Nander De Sedas, SS, Montverde (Fla.) Academy |

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5. Reds

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The Reds last had three straight years of top-10 picks from 1983-85, and they've hit with the last two No. 2 overall picks with Nick Senzel (already in Double-A) and Hunter Greene (the hardest thrower in draft history). Cincinnati employs a Best Player Available philosophy, and in this draft class, that's going to mean a high school player, with more upside available. In other words, even though they have Senzel, that's not going to keep them from pursuing Nolan Gorman, who has the best power bat in the class, high school or college.

 

PICK: Nolan Gorman, 3B, O'Connor HS, Phoenix |

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6. Mets

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The Mets have been curiously cautious in recent years, sticking to college picks, and until ownership changes, there's no reason to believe that direction will change. Injury concerns may dog McClanahan (who already has had Tommy John surgery) and Mize (limited to seven innings this summer by a forearm strain), but the Mets have had their eyes on McClanahan for a while. They drafted him in the 26th round out of Cape Coral (Fla.) High in 2015 and will have reason to take him again.

 

PICK: Shane McClanahan, LHP, South Florida

 

7. Padres

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Yes, the Padres like toolsy players, but they haven't shied away from collegians early, such as 2016 first-rounder Cal Quantrill. Mize has a longer college track record than Quantrill and similarly commands a plus fastball well for his experience level.

 

PICK: Casey Mize, RHP, Auburn

 

8. Braves

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Rocker's father Tracy played in the NFL and was most recently Georgia's defensive line coach, though he's out of coaching now, watching his son's baseball career progress. He'll have plenty of time to get to know Brian Bridges, Roy Clark and the Braves' scouting department, which will be happy to grab a Georgia prep product in a banner year of Peach State prospects.

 

PICK: Kumar Rocker, RHP, North Oconee HS, Bogart, Ga.

 

9. Athletics

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Madrigal is a NorCal kid, having played on some loaded Elk Grove High clubs south of Sacramento. If any team is willing to look past his 5-foot-7, 161-pound stature this high, it's a club like Oakland, which values kids who can play. Madrigal can play.

 

PICK: Nick Madrigal, SS/2B, Oregon State |

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10. Pirates

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Pittsburgh would do well to land USA Baseball's gold-medal starter for the 18U national team, and that's what Liberatore became in a breakout summer. He's shown a 93-94 mph fastball with angle to go with a fine curveball with depth and a changeup with fade.

 

PICK: Matthew Liberatore, LHP, Mountain Ridge HS, Riverdale, Ariz.

 

11. Orioles

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This is the first selection that's not protected; in other words, if the Orioles sign a free agent who's received a qualifying offer from his former club, they could forfeit this draft pick. Right now, we're just going off the raw order, but this is where the final order could start to change.

 

In this scenario, the Orioles keep loading up on lefthanded pitching after taking D.L. Hall in the first round in 2017. Rolison shined in the Cape Cod League this summer and is an eligible sophomore for Mississippi next spring.

 

PICK: Ryan Rolison, LHP, Mississippi

 

12. Blue Jays

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This all could line up well for the Jays to take a Canadian in the first round, which has never happened in club history. Tristan Pompey of Kentucky, whose older brother Dalton has played in the majors with Toronto, wouldn't be a big reach here at 12. But other college bats, at this juncture, make more sense, particularly those who performed better with wood in the Cape Cod League this summer. That list starts with Wichita State's emerging Greyson Jenista.

 

PICK: Greyson Jenista, OF/1B, Wichita State |

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13. Marlins

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Miami Marlins

 

With all the turnover going on with new ownership and Derek Jeter as head of baseball operations, it's anyone's guess who will make this pick. Scouting director Stan Meek has served in that post since 2002, tied with Oakland's Eric Kubota for the longest active tenure in the game. According to an industry source, Meek's contract expires at the end of this month.

 

No matter who makes the pick for Jeter, with Jeff Conine one of the first advisors let go, don't look for his son, Griffin Conine, to cut the Marlins a deal. Instead, we're getting the top prep bat remaining off the board.

 

PICK: Jarred Kelenic, OF, Waukesha (Wis.) West HS |

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14. Mariners

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A top college performer would suit Seattle well; a college hitter has been the team's top draft pick five of the previous seven years.

 

PICK: Griffin Conine, OF, Duke |

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15. Rangers

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Texas has had success developing lefthanders from Matt Harrison (before his injuries) to Derek Holland to Martin Perez, and has high hopes for homegrown lefties Cole Ragans and Yohander Mendez. The son of ex-big leaguer David Weathers, Ryan Weathers is a lefty who grades well in modern metrics with high fastball and breaking ball spin rates.

 

PICK: Ryan Weathers, LHP, Loretto (Tenn.) HS

 

16. Rays

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Lightning Round time: Tampa Bay grabs Gilbert, another top Cape performer.

 

PICK: Logan Gilbert, RHP, Stetson

 

17. Angels

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The Angels' new attention to data would make Stewart, with an incredibly high spin rate on his curveball, extra attractive.

 

PICK: Carter Stewart, RHP, Eau Gallie HS, Melbourne, Fla. |

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18. Royals

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Vasil has pitchability to go with present stuff (low 90s fastball, above-average curve), a projectable 6-foot-4, 205-pound frame and a fresh Northeastern arm.

 

PICK: Mike Vasil, RHP, Boston College HS

 

19. Cardinals

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St. Louis gets back into the first round with a college bat.

 

PICK: Tristan Pompey, OF, Kentucky

 

20. Twins

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Denaburg has athleticism to spare as a football prospect and two-way baseball player.

 

PICK: Mason Denaburg, RHP/C, Merritt Island (Fla.) HS |

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21. Brewers

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Milwaukee can take some risks with a deep farm system; nothing's riskier than a high school catcher in the first round.

 

PICK: Will Banfield, C, Brookwood HS, Snellville, Ga. |

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22. Rockies

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Eierman could shoot up draft boards with a big spring, but his summer was pretty so-so.

 

PICK: Jeremy Eierman, SS, Missouri State |

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23. Yankees

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The rising Yankees still lack a consistent first baseman, and Triston Casas--MVP of the 18U World Cup--has the power to make Yankee Stadium look small.

 

PICK: Triston Casas, 1B, American Heritage School, Plantation, Fla. |

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24. Cubs

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Physical size and a heavy low-90s fastball put Georgia's Cole Wilcox on the radar of any team that needs homegrown pitching.

 

PICK: Cole Wilcox, RHP, Heritage HS, Ringgold, Ga. |

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25. Diamondbacks

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Arizona's system could use a fast mover with some swag to his game, as well as his name.

 

PICK: Travis Swaggerty, OF, South Alabama |

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26. Red Sox

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Boston has had some hits of late with college bats but needs to replenish its stash of arms, and after grabbing Tanner Houck in the first round in 2017, they could stay in a similar vein with hard-throwing Florida righthander Jackson Kowar.

 

PICK: Jackson Kowar, RHP, Florida |

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27. Nationals

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It doesn't seem like a power arm like Florida's Slade Cecconi, a high schooler who has reached 97 mph and has both a slider and a curveball, should last this long. Maybe he won't.

 

PICK: Slade Cecconi, RHP, Trinity Prep HS, Winter Park, Fla.

 

28. Astros

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Houston has taken some unconventional athletes who can hit both in the draft (A.J. Reed) and in trades (Colin Moran), and Oklahoma’s Steele Walker fits that bill.

 

PICK: Steele Walker, OF, Oklahoma |

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29. Indians

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Siani has a panoply of tools and has to prove his bat to some scouts. Cleveland has hit up the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast heavily in recent years.

 

PICK: Mike Siani, OF, Penn Charter, Glenside, Pa. |

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30. Dodgers

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Well, he's not really a Southern California kid, as Winn transferred in from Colorado for his senior season to SoCal power Orange Lutheran. But his quick arm and hand speed are what the Dodgers, and other clubs, will be interested in.

 

PICK: Cole Winn, RHP, Orange (Calif.) Lutheran HS

 

 

Read more at https://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/mlb-mock-draft-2018/#CrE7fMsec3ZzzGJu.99

 

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My fav prospect is Travis Swaggerty, OF, South Alabama. He's a college bat that should stick in CF. Great PD; walks more than he strikes out and has pop in his bat. Also has a sweet sweet swing. Would love for the Jays to grab him in the first.

 

Who do you like?

[baubau]

Solid stuff! I was thinking about posting this last night myself.

 

Other resources I found that have some draft content:

 

https://baseballdraftreport.com/2017/10/06/2018-mlb-mock-draft/

 

http://www.the3rdmanin.com

 

My list is pretty vast because I know nothing, but as its always fun: Nander De Seda, Brice Turang, Logan Gilbert, Carter Stewart and Jeremy Eierman (blame Hurl on this one).

[Jonn]

Tristan Pompey talked a lot of s*** in his draft year out of high school for being "disrespected". In fact his twitter was worse than Stroman's yet he seems to have backed up the talk and comfortably made himself a first round pick. Hes been pretty impressive at Kentucky.

[Krylian]

Tristan Pompey talked a lot of s*** in his draft year out of high school for being "disrespected". In fact his twitter was worse than Stroman's yet he seems to have backed up the talk and comfortably made himself a first round pick. Hes been pretty impressive at Kentucky.

 

Let's disrespect him some more and pass, just to give him more Twitter fodder.

[Captain Adama]

Tristan Pompey talked a lot of s*** in his draft year out of high school for being "disrespected". In fact his twitter was worse than Stroman's yet he seems to have backed up the talk and comfortably made himself a first round pick. Hes been pretty impressive at Kentucky.

 

This is purely anecdotal, so make of it what you will, but my brother played on the same Terrier team as Tristan, and he said Pompey was pompous ass.

[Krylian]

This is purely anecdotal, so make of it what you will, but my brother played on the same Terrier team as Tristan, and he said Pompey was pompous ass.

 

Social media shows people who you really are.

[Spanky__99]

Social media shows people who you really are.

 

Or how young, and immature they are.

[Krylian]

Or how young, and immature they are.

 

If you say so

[Spanky__99]

If you say so

 

C'mon...

[Krylian]

C'mon...

 

Some people don't change. Maybe Tristan will... But I never expect them to.

[jays4life19]

Returner to know: Travis Swaggerty, OF: The No. 2 prospect for Team USA this summer, Swaggerty is a potential five-tool player and an offensive spark plug who offers both speed and power. He stole 19 bases in 25 attempts last season while slugging 11 homers and drew hefty praise from scouts. A gritty self-made player, Swaggerty epitomizes South Alabama's blue-collar culture. The Jags will go as far as he can take them.

Read more at https://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2018-college-baseball-preseason-top-25-capsules-no-24-south-alabama/#Jv6OsmDwWlyhcRkp.99

[Brownie19]

Returner to know: Travis Swaggerty, OF: The No. 2 prospect for Team USA this summer, Swaggerty is a potential five-tool player and an offensive spark plug who offers both speed and power. He stole 19 bases in 25 attempts last season while slugging 11 homers and drew hefty praise from scouts. A gritty self-made player, Swaggerty epitomizes South Alabama's blue-collar culture. The Jags will go as far as he can take them.

Read more at https://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2018-college-baseball-preseason-top-25-capsules-no-24-south-alabama/#Jv6OsmDwWlyhcRkp.99

 

Sounds like a great - and realistic target for the Jays. Everything you're reporting sounds great.

[Bobthe4th]

Some fantastic names already: Greyson Jenista / Steele Walker / Travis Swaggerty.

 

Seriously, who calls their son Steele?

[jays4life19]

Each year, Baseball America polls scouting directors to select preseason High School All-America teams. The first team, in particular, has been an accurate predictor of both the first round of the draft and future major league success. Last year, seven members of the first team were selected in the first round, including top two picks Royce Lewis and Hunter Greene. This year's high school crop is deeper than the 2017 class, particularly at the top.

 

The 2018 high school class is one of the strongest in recent years.

 

Despite only one player representing the typically strong state of California on the first team (shortstop Brice Turang), scouts see potential impact talent all over the field. This class has one of the most naturally gifted defensive prep catchers in Will Banfield, powerful and polished bats at the corners in Triston Casas and Nolan Gorman as well as high-end stuff and command on the mound with righthanders Ethan Hankins and Kumar Rocker and southpaw Matthew Liberatore.

 

Three players were unanimously selected to the first team: outfielder Jarred Kelenic, along with Gorman and Hankins. Casas was just one vote shy of a unanimous first team selection at first base.

 

One wrinkle in this year's class is the amount of impact talent from the state of Arizona. Gorman and Liberatore give the state a legitimate shot at two drafted players among the first ten picks of the draft, depending on how the spring season unfolds. Today, Gorman is ranked the No. 6 player in the 2018 draft class and Liberatore is ranked No. 9.

 

That would be a historic level of prep talent for the Grand Canyon state, which hasn't produced multiple first round high school picks this century. Gorman and Liberatore each have the talent to become the highest drafted Arizona products since at least 2000, as Arizona State righthander Mike Leake is the highest-drafted Arizona player in that time period. Leake was selected by the Reds with the eighth overall pick of the 2009 draft and has produced 15.3 WAR through an 8-year meajor league career since then according to Fangraphs.

 

Righthander Mike Jones is the highest drafted prep player from Arizona in that same time period. Jones was selected by the Brewers with the 12th pick of the 2001 draft. He spent nine seasons in the minor leagues. 2008 was a notable draft year for the state, with four college players selected in the first round, including Brett Wallace (No. 13, Cardinals) and Ike Davis (No. 18, Mets).

 

Here is the complete first team:

 

C | Will Banfield | Brookwood HS, Snellville, Ga.

1B | Triston Casas |American Heritage HS, Plantation, Fla.

MIF | Brice Turang | Santiago HS, Corona, Calif.

MIF | Nander De Sedas | Montverde (Fla.) Academy

3B | #Nolan Gorman | O'Connor HS, Phoenix

OF | #Jarred Kelenic | Waukesha (Wis.) West HS

OF | Mike Siani | Penn Charter HS, Glenside, Pa.

OF | Joe Gray | Hattiesburg (Miss.) HS

RHP | #Ethan Hankins | Forsyth Central HS, Cumming, Ga.

LHP | Matthew Liberatore | Mountain Ridge HS, Riverdale, Ariz.

RHP | Kumar Rocker | North Oconee HS, Bogart, Ga.

RHP | Mason Denaburg | Merritt Island (Fla.) HS

RHP | Mike Vasil | Boston College HS

 

# denotes unanimous first team selection

 

ADVERTISING

 

Below, BA subscribers can find reports on every member of the first team, the complete second and third teams, as well as the best tools of the 2018 high school class as voted on by major league teams.

 

First Team Reports

 

Catcher

 

Will Banfield, Brookwood HS, Snellville, Ga. (Vanderbilt)

 

The most talented defensive catcher in the class, Banfield brings a plus arm to the table that some scouts have labeled a 70, with strong forearms and wrists that allow him to frame even the most advanced high school pitchers with success. He moves extremely well laterally and has good flexibility in his lower half that allows him to block and smother balls in the dirt. Offensively, Banfield has a powerful righthanded swing that should allow him to have at least above-average power down the line at the next level.

 

First Base

 

Triston Casas, American Heritage HS, Plantation, Fla. (Miami)

 

Casas has one of the more impressive track records of the high school class, serving as a middle of the order bat in Team USA's 18U lineup in 2016 and 2017 and led the team in home runs last summer. Casas is one of the younger players on this team after reclassifying from the 2019 class into the 2018 class. Receiving votes as both the best pure hitter and best power hitter in the class, Casas also has a strong arm that could play at the hot corner, where he moves well for his 6-foot-4, 238-pound frame.

 

Middle Infield

 

Brice Turang, Santiago HS, Corona, Calif. (Louisiana State)

 

Perhaps the most polished all-around player in the class, Turang has plus-plus speed out of the lefthanded batter's box, where he has an advanced understanding of the strike zone and arguably the best hit tool in the country. Defensively, Turang covers tons of ground up the middle and takes great angles to the baseball, using his athleticism to make difficult throws and turn the double play with ease, helping his average arm play up. Turang doesn't have a ton of power, but takes an all-fields, line drive approach.

 

Nander De Sedas, Montverde (Fla.) Academy (Florida State)

 

Where Turang stands out with polish, De Sedas gets attention thanks to loud tools across the board. The switch-hitting infielder has plus raw power from both sides of the plate though still needs to find consistency from the left side, where he tends to get long and loopy, having been hitting from that side for around two years. De Sedas also has above-average arm strength on the infield with extremely quick hands and solid footwork, allowhim him to make all the plays despite lacking plus speed.

 

Third Base

 

Nolan Gorman, O'Connor HS, Phoenix (Arizona)

 

After winning all but one of the major home run derbies during the summer showcase season, Gorman made an easy case for having the best raw power in the 2018 class--high school or college. That power played in-game vs. some of the top high school pitchers as well, making Gorman one of the top offensive players in the class. Defensively, Gorman flashed plus glovework at third base with Team USA's 18U national team, with plus arm strength and an impressive internal clock.

 

Outfield

 

Jarred Kelenic, Waukesha (Wis.) West HS (Louisville)

 

The sole unanimous first-team outfielder, Kelenic has a bat-first profile thanks to a hit tool that stacks up with anyone in the class despite playing high school ball in Wisconsin. Still, Kelenic is far from a hit-dependent profile, with plus arm strength that plays at any outfield position, as well as impressive athleticism, good reactions and route running ability that gives him a chance to play center, though many scouts think he will move to a corner as his body develops. With that, some scouts also project plus power.

 

Mike Siani, Penn Charter HS, Glenside, Pa. (Virginia)

 

The best defensive outfielder in the class, Siani is potentially a 70-grade defender in center where he has excellent range as a plus runner with great instincts and routes that allow him to make all of the routine plays and then some. Siani frequently rolled over on balls at the plate last summer, but sprays line drives across the field when he's on time. Siani has a plus arm and has been up to 94 mph on the mound.

 

Joe Gray, Hattiesburg (Miss.) HS (Mississippi)

 

Gray Jr. made excellent adjustments in the fall after a down summer showcase season, and started looking more like the elite 5-tool ability that wowed scouts back in 2016. One of the most athletic players in the class, Gray lacks for no physical tools as a plus runner with a plus arm and plus raw power in the tank. He needs more polish at the plate, particular against quality offspeed offerings, but has the talent and hand-eye coordination to make adjustments and the bat speed needed to catch up to premium velocity.

 

Pitchers

 

Ethan Hankins, Forsyth Central HS, Cumming, Ga. (Vanderbilt)

 

Hankins has one of the most dominant pitches in the class in his mid-to-upper 90s fastball, but the velocity alone isn't what makes it special. The pitch has elite life and the 6-foot-6 righty can locate it seemingly at will, something rarely seen from a pitcher his age with that sort of velocity. Hankins can still add weight to his frame and has the arm speed and athleticism that scouts like to see when projecting for the future, with secondaries that have flashed plus in a changeup and curve.

 

Matthew Liberatore, Mountain Ridge HS, Riverdale, Ariz. (Arizona)

 

Liberatore has the best mix of pitchability and projection of any pitcher in the country, as a 6-foot-5, 200-pound lefthander with great feel for a three-pitch mix, led by a fastball that gets into the low 90s fastball and two potential plus secondaries in a changeup and a low 70s curveball with great depth. Liberatore has a clean delivery and a bulldog-like mentality when he's on the mound, but speaking with him about pitch sequencing and strategy after the fact reveals a deep understanding of the game.

 

Kumar Rocker, North Oconee HS, Bogart, Ga. (Vanderbilt)

 

No prep pitcher has raw stuff that stacks up with Rocker. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound righthander is the most imposing pithcer on the rubber, and fires fastballs low-to-mid 90s fastballs with ease, the best of which have touched 97-98 mph. Rocker also has a low 80s slider that breaks shart and late and a firm, mid-to-upper 80s changeup that deceptive arm speed and impressive fading life. Rocker will need to improve his fastball command this spring, but has every element you'd want out of a potential frontline starter.

 

Mason Denaburg, Merritt Island (Fla.) HS (Florida)

 

Denaburg has premium velocity that matches up with the best pitchers in the class, and also spotted the pitch effectively to both sides of the plate over the summer. He's one of the most athletic pitchers in the class and is a talented catcher in his own right, with raw power at the plate. He could be a legit two-way player at Florida, though his pro future seems likely to come on the mound. Denaburg has flashed impressive offspeed offerings in the past but pitched off of his overpowering fastball for much of the summer.

 

Mike Vasil, Boston College HS (Virginia)

 

Vasil has the least track record of any first team pitcher, but what he showed last summer has every scouting director interested. The top prep prospect in the northeast, Vasil has a great body (6-foot-4, 210 pounds), a clean delivery and a four-pitch mix headlined by a fastball that gets into the mid 90s and a plus curveball. Vasil checks off the athleticism box as well as a high school basketball player and teams big on projectable arms out of the northeast should be itching to see the Virginia commit throw more this spring.

 

Second Team

C Anthony Seigler, Cartersville (Ga.) High

1B Grant Lavigne, Bedford (N.H.) High

MIF Xavier Edwards, North Broward Prep, Coconut Creek, Fla.

MIF *Bobby Witt Jr., Colleyville (Texas) Heritage High

3B Jordan Groshans, Magnolia (Texas) High

OF Alek Thomas, Mount Carmel (Chicago) High

OF Elijah Cabell TNXL Academy, Altamonte Springs, Fla.

OF Ryder Green, Knoxville (Tenn.) Christian Academy

LHP Ryan Weathers, Loretto (Tenn.) High

RHP Austin Becker, Big Walnut HS, Sunbury, Ohio

RHP Cole Wilcox, Heritage HS, Ringgold, Ga.

RHP Slade Cecconi, Trinity Prep, Winter Park, Fla.

RHP Cole Winn, Orange (Calif.) Lutheran High

 

Third Team

C Noah Naylor, St. Joan of Arc Catholic SS, Mississauga, Ont.

1B John Malcom, Detroit (Mich.) Country Day High

MIF Jeremiah Jackson, St. Luke's Episcopal School, Mobile, Ala.

MIF Blaze Alexander, IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla.

3B Nick Northcut, Mason (Ohio) High

OF Connor Scott, Plant High, Tampa

OF Nick Schnell, Roncalli High, Indianapolis, Ind.

OF Parker Meadows, Grayson (Ga.) High

RHP Adam Kloffenstein, Magnolia (Texas) High

RHP J.T. Ginn, Brandon (Miss.) High

LHP Luke Bartnicki, Walton High (Marietta, Ga.)

RHP Landon Marceaux, Destrehan (La.) High

RHP Carter Stewart, Eau Gallie High, Melbourne, Fla.

 

* denotes underclassman

 

Best Tools:

 

Best Athlete (Position Player)

1. Alek Thomas

2. Joe Gray

3. Brice Turang

 

Best Pure Hitter

1. Brice Turang

2. Triston Casas

3. Jarred Kelenic

 

Best Power

1. Nolan Gorman

2. Triston Casas

3. Jordan Groshans

 

Fastest Runner

1. Max Marusak

2. Mike Siani

3. Xavier Edwards

 

Best Defensive Infielder

1. Brice Turang

2. Xavier Edwards

3. Blaze Alexander

 

Best Defensive Outfielder

1. Mike Siani

2. Jarred Kelenic

3. Alek Thomas

 

Best Defensive Catcher

1. Will Banfield (unanimous)

2. Anthony Seigler

3. Austin Wells

 

Best Infield Arm

1. Blaze Alexander

2. Brice Turang

3. Nander De Sedas

 

Best Outfield Arm

1. Mike Siani

2. Elijah Cabell

3. Joe Gray

 

Best Catcher Arm

1. Will Banfield (unanimous)

2. Kameron Ojeda

3. Adam Hackenberg

 

Best Fastball

1. Ethan Hankins

2. Kumar Rocker

3. J.T. Ginn

 

Best Fastball Movement

1. Ethan Hankins

2. J.T. Ginn

3. Slade Cecconi

 

Best Breaking Ball

1. Carter Stewart (CB)

2. Ethan Hankins (CB)

3. Kumar Rocker (SL)

 

Best Changeup

1. Matthew Liberatore

2. Landon Marceaux

3. Kumar Rocker

 

Best Command

1. Matthew Liberatore

2. Landon Marceaux

3. Ethan Hankins

 

Best Athlete (Pitcher)

1. Mason Denaburg

2. Ethan Hankins

3. Matthew Liberatore

 

Closest To The Majors

1.Ethan Hankins

2. Matthew Liberatore

3. Brice Turang

 

 

Read more at https://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/2018-high-school-baseball-preseason-america-teams/#0v8ey17CrsLDcUdo.99

[jays4life19]

Sounds like a great - and realistic target for the Jays. Everything you're reporting sounds great.

 

Yeah. He's had a real nice start to the college season too.

 

28PA, 321/537/714 3HR, 11BB 5K 1SB. Recent reports say he's probably the most likely top bat to stick at CF, apparently he's looked really good in the field this year.

[jays4life19]

First BA draft podcast

 

http://media.baseballamerica.com/mp3/free/180221.mp3

[Ray]

Some good bats. Hoping we can nab one of Nander de Sedas, Madrigal, or Swaggerty at #12. Worth noting that Swaggerty hit really well with the wooden bat.

 

Hankins should go 1-1 imo. I think that kid is gonna be a beast.

[jays4life19]

https://www.talkingchop.com/2018/2/26/17051470/2018-mlb-player-draft-college-prospects-atlanta-braves

 

Nice little summary of prospect performances. Sucks that Madrigal broke his wrist.

[jays4life19]

Could someone with ESPN insider post this --> http://www.espn.com/blog/keith-law/insider/post?id=8035

[P2F]

I'd copy and paste this Kiley McDaniel draft article here, but it's just so damn long (plus, lots of videos):

 

Draft Notes: In-Person Scouting & Scuttlebutt Galore

[Terminator]

Keith Law

ESPN Senior Writer & SJW Twitter Hero

 

The NCAA Division I schedule kicks off this Friday, Feb. 16, which marks the unofficial start of MLB draft season as well, although some high schools and junior colleges in the south and west are already underway. This year's Rule 4 draft will take place June 4-6, with the Detroit Tigers holding the first pick, followed by the Giants, Phillies, White Sox and Reds. The class looks strong right now, the deepest overall since 2011, although the upper tier is less certain right now and heavier on the high school talent some teams have shied away from in recent drafts.

 

1. Ethan Hankins, RHP, Forsyth Central High School, Cumming, Georgia: By all accounts, the best high school player in the draft class is this 6-foot-6 right-hander, who brings plus velocity already with an advanced feel for pitching. Of course, the annual disclaimer that no high school right-hander has ever gone first overall is required.

 

2. Casey Mize, RHP, Auburn: The best college arm has big velocity, a hard slider and a wipeout splitter, but some questions about his durability and his elbow remain. A strong, uninterrupted junior year would likely quell those concerns.

 

3. Travis Swaggerty, OF, South Alabama: Swaggerty -- his nickname has to be Swaggy T, right? -- has hit for two solid years for the Jaguars and was one of the leading hitters on the USA Collegiate National Team last summer, while also bringing above-average speed that gives him a good chance to profile in center field. He's sub-6-feet … but so was 2015's No. 2 overall pick, Alex Bregman.

 

4. Nolan Gorman, INF, Sandra Day O'Connor High School, Glendale, Arizona: Gorman stands out as the one elite high school bat in the class, which is deep with likely big leaguers but not with potential stars. He's not a shortstop in the long run, but with his swing and huge raw power, it won't matter where he plays.

 

5. Matthew Liberatore, LHP, Mountain Ridge High School, Peoria, Arizona: Liberatore could give Hankins a run for his money as the top high school arm taken, with a projectable body and three average or better pitches right now. He'll work mostly 89-92 mph, along with a slow but tight curveball and above-average changeup, throwing strikes with all three offerings. If he gains velocity, he could end up with three 60-grade pitches in his arsenal.

 

6. Griffin Conine, OF, Duke: Conine's dad used to be Mr. Marlin, although I feel like that might not apply anymore. Griffin is seen as the safest college hitter in the class, returning from an injury-wrecked freshman year to hit .298/.425/.546 for Duke last year and finish in the top 10 in the Cape in OBP and slugging. He'll end up at a corner in pro ball.

 

7. Logan Gilbert, RHP, Stetson: Gilbert shows plus velocity from a slightly low three-quarters slot that's very deceptive, with present control more than command and still some projection left in his body.

 

8. Kumar Rocker, RHP, North Oconee High School, Bogart, Georgia.: Rocker is bigger than most big leaguers already, listed at 6-foot-5 and a perhaps generous 250 pounds by MLB, with a tremendous arm -- his velocity sits in the mid-90s and he also shows a power breaking ball -- but he lacks the command or feel of Hankins and Liberatore.

 

9. Jake McCarthy, OF, Virginia: The younger brother of Rays prospect (and Cavaliers alum) Joe, Jake is a similarly polished hitter but is faster and more athletic, much more likely to stay in center and with a projection to hit and show average power.

 

10. Ryan Rolison, LHP, Ole Miss: A strongly built lefty with a solid-average or better fastball and tight-breaking curveball, Rolison is a draft-eligible sophomore who will turn 21 about a month after the draft and is Ole Miss' best starter even though he started 2016 in its bullpen before entering the weekend rotation.

 

11. Jackson Kowar, RHP, Florida: Kowar will be the Gators' No. 2 starter to begin the spring, but he's their best pro prospect, with a plus fastball, starter's delivery and plus changeup.

 

12. Carter Stewart, RHP, Eau Gallie High School, Melbourne, Florida: Stewart will pitch with solid-average velocity already, but it's his knockout curveball -- the best in the draft class -- that could push him into the top half of the first round, even with the industry bias against prep right-handers.

 

13. Shane McClanahan, LHP, South Florida: McClanahan has thrown up to 99 mph, complemented with at least a solid-average changeup, although he's so slight of build that there's concern he won't hold up throwing that hard as a starter.

 

14. Nander de Sedas, SS, Montverde Academy: Montverde Academy gave the world Francisco Lindor, and we shall be forever grateful. The school's next great shortstop prospect is de Sedas, yet another switch-hitter, with loose hands and physical projection for future power, at least from the right side. He has the glove and plus arm for short but is a below-average runner.

 

15. Jarred Kelenic, OF, Waukesha (Wis.) West High School: Kelenic is a toolsy prep outfielder from the baseball hotbed of … um, Wisconsin, which has produced one first-round pick in the past 30 years. He has power, a plus arm and average running speed, with a good idea at the plate but questionable bat speed.

 

16. Steele Walker, OF, Oklahoma: Walker outhit Swaggerty for Team USA last summer, mostly because he showed more power, but he'll end up in left field in pro ball because he lacks Swaggerty's speed. Also, Steele Walker is a great name if he decides to switch careers and become an actor, a professional wrestler or a superhero.

 

17. Seth Beer, OF, Clemson: Beer is famous for his walk totals, with 126 so far in 583 plate appearances over two years with Clemson, and he has power, but he has to show he can play a position to end up a top 5-10 pick like his offensive stat line might imply.

 

18. Nick Madrigal, 2B/SS, Oregon State: Madrigal can really hit and never strikes out, and he might fly off the board given his offensive performance, but he's just 5-foot-8, 160 pounds, doesn't have much power and has been bumped to second base by junior Cadyn Grenier.

 

19. Will Banfield, C, Brookwood High School, Lawrenceville, Georgia.: High school catchers are considered the riskiest class of players to take in the draft, especially up top; since the Twins took Joe Mauer first overall in 2001, the top-producing high school catcher taken in the first round who reached the majors as a catcher is Devin Mesoraco (15th pick, 2007), with 3.7 WAR. The past two drafts haven't seen a catcher taken before the second round, but Banfield might break that streak, as he’s a very good defensive catcher with a plus arm. His bat is the bigger question; he has a solid swing that should produce average power, and he should end up in the first round with a strong spring at the plate.

 

20. Brice Turang, SS, Santiago High School, Corona, California: Turang is the best shortstop among top prospects in this year's class, but as more scouts saw him last year, questions emerged about how much offensive upside he'd offer, or whether he was more of an Adam Everett type, who would have big value on defense but not at the plate.

 

21. Cole Wilcox, RHP, Heritage High School, Ringgold, Georgia.: Wilcox has a super-quick arm and throws up to 95 mph, also boasting an above-average slider and changeup, but there's effort to his delivery, and he could use his lower half more to show he can hold up as a starter.

 

22. Brady Singer, RHP, Florida: Singer is the Gators' Friday night starter, and the more famous of their two prospects, but his stuff has been inconsistent -- he can throw 94-96 mph as a starter but then be more 90-91 mph -- and his very low arm slot and short-arm delivery are less than optimal for the rotation.

 

23. Tristan Pompey, OF, Kentucky: Yep, that's Dalton's younger brother, a bigger but less speedy model, coming off a strong .361/.464/.541 sophomore year for the Wildcats, albeit with some of the same swing-and-miss concerns that bedeviled other recent college outfield prospects like Jeren Kendall and Corey Ray.

 

24. Tim Cate, LHP, UConn: Cate has one of the best lefty curveballs in the class, giving teams the comfort of a high floor, but he’s on the smaller side for a starter, and the last time the Huskies had a premium starter prospect (Anthony Kay), they overpitched him so badly he blew out his elbow before he could ever throw a pro pitch.

 

25. Jeremy Eierman, SS, Missouri State: The younger brother of the Rays' third-rounder in the 2011 draft, Eierman is a strong-bodied shortstop with a powerful, balanced swing that produced 23 homers last spring, albeit with some swing-and-miss. He's an average runner and probably moves to third base in the long run.

 

26. Mason Denaburg, RHP, Merritt Island (Florida) High School: A traditional prep right-hander with a fastball clocked up to 95 mph as well as a hard slider, with good athleticism and some growth ahead of him as a pitcher. He's at the same school that produced Brady McConnell, now a freshman at Florida and a potential high pick for 2020.

 

27. Tristan Casas, 1B, American Heritage High School, Plantation, Florida.: It's bat-only tools, but Casas looks like he'll hit and hit for power, and he comes from a school with a great track record of producing players, including 2008’s No. 3 overall pick, Eric Hosmer.

 

28. Cole Winn, RHP, Orange (California) Lutheran High School: Winn moved to California from Colorado for this academic year and impressed West Coast scouts in the fall with the uptick in his stuff now that he's not pitching at altitude and is facing better competition.

 

29. Konnor Pilkington, LHP, Mississippi State: A big, strong college lefty with three average pitches who works in the best baseball conference, although he's going to have to work on his command and control and may not have a single plus pitch right now.

 

30. Joey Bart, C, Georgia Tech: The top college catcher generally comes off the board fairly early, and that's Bart this year in a weak group of collegiate backstops. He's a solid defender with a plus arm and has average or slightly better power, but he strikes out too often and projects to a below-average hit tool.

 

Others of note: Greyson Jenista, OF, Wichita State; Alec Bohm, 3B/1B, Wichita State; Noah "Bo" Naylor, C/3B, St. Joan of Arc High School, Mississauga, Ontario; Joe Gray Jr., OF, Hattiesburg High School (Mississippi); Anthony Seigler, C/BHP -- that's not a typo, he throws both righty and lefty -- Cartersville High School, Georgia.; Cadyn Grenier, SS, Oregon State.

[jays4life19]

Wow Law has my boy 3rd. I haven't seen anyone have him top 10

[jays4life19]

Brady Singer @ 22 is pretty wtf.

 

Ditto Turang @ 20,

 

Ditto Beer @17

 

Ditto Coine @ 6

[John_Havok]

Some fantastic names already: Greyson Jenista / Steele Walker / Travis Swaggerty.

 

Seriously, who calls their son Steele?

 

Obviously Mr and Mrs Walker did....

[TheHurl]

Eierman has started the season horribly. I know it's only 6 games but it was Lamar and Texas Southern. They scored a bunch and all he did was K. Can I end up souring on another one of my "can't miss" underclassmen

[TheHurl]

https://www.talkingchop.com/2018/2/26/17051470/2018-mlb-player-draft-college-prospects-atlanta-braves

 

Nice little summary of prospect performances. Sucks that Madrigal broke his wrist.

 

Tyler Holton UCL tear as well.

[Ray]

Brady Singer @ 22 is pretty wtf.

 

Ditto Turang @ 20,

 

Ditto Beer @17

 

Ditto Coine @ 6

 

Also Rocker at #8.

[jays4life19]

If anyone is interested every South Alabama game is streamed through ---> JagNationTV.com

 

South Alabama (11) plays Auburn (18) tonight at 6.30pm.

[Pendleton]

Eierman has started the season horribly. I know it's only 6 games but it was Lamar and Texas Southern. They scored a bunch and all he did was K. Can I end up souring on another one of my "can't miss" underclassmen

 

His profile reads a little bit like a young Donaldson IMO.

[TheHurl]

His profile reads a little bit like a young Donaldson IMO.

 

I've never actually looked at JD's college stats. He's an interesting study. Really average for the Metal bat era during his first two seasons and even struck out 3 times more than he walked. Then his Junior year he goes for 30 XBH (out of 75 hits), walks 38 times and just strikes out 27. In 2600 minor league and college PA's he had just 109 HR's then 150 in his first 2600 PA's as a pro.