2018 MLB Draft Thread

[Bobthe4th]

As disgusting as what was alleged he did i would still agree with you that it shouldn't forbid him from ever playing professional baseball. He was a kid, and yes, of course he was old enough to know it was wrong but when your 15 you can't appreciate or understand the consequences your actions have. That part of your brain doesn't develop until your early 20's.

 

If he wanted to be a youth baseball coach i would have a lot of more reservations. He completed his treatment programs, paid a price and like you i believe in rehabilitation and second chances. I don't think an incredibly disgusting act when you're 15 should define you for the rest of your life. From all accounts he was a good teammate, and had no issues during his time at Oregon State.

 

IMO a convicted paedophile shouldn't be allowed in certain professions, (mainly public service) which includes being a professional sportsman.

 

There's nothing stopping him have a productive, happy life in a more appropriate vocation - he could be a Catholic priest.

[Rusty_Savage]

IMO a convicted paedophile shouldn't be allowed in certain professions, (mainly public service) which includes being a professional sportsman.

 

There's nothing stopping him have a productive, happy life in a more appropriate vocation - he could be a Catholic priest.

 

He'd fit right in

[John_Havok]

When it comes to Heimlich though... how would he even begin to fit in to any clubhouse in the majors .. or even the minors when a bunch of his teammates are gonna have kids around?

 

How does a minor league team, whose entire existence relies upon family atmosphere and kids being at the ballpark run a guy out there with a child molesting record? it would be a PR nightmare.

 

I don't care what anyone says, when you know there's a convicted child molester near, whether he's paid the price with jail time or whatever... he's going to be a pariah. No teammate with kids would ever trust bringing his kids around ever, whether they believe he's reformed completely or not. None of these guys will have any history with him prior, so the first thing anyone is going to think is "hey here comes the child molester." They won't see him as a person first, ballplayer/teammate second, convicted criminal third or whatever. It's especially true in child crime scenarios.

 

And while Osuna's type of situation is beyond s*****, guys in MLB already have a history with him, probably really like him as a person and have some sort of foundation to build forgiveness from. Plus, as s***** as abusing women is, it's not abusing children and he'll be much more likely to be given second chances by the people around him and still be seen as a person and a ball player rather than a wife beater. Sure .. they'll still have it in the back of their minds all the time, but not like any crime relating to kids.

[Key22]

If Alabama had a baseball team they would sign the pedophile. 49% of them nearly elected Ron Moore (a pedophile) to office. So the kid just has to wait for a franchise.

 

I really hope no one signs him. Just don't want to see a pedophile get millions of dollars - and once a pedophile always a pedophile - with millions in the bank he'll be able to satisfy his monster inside. (as Dexter would say). He'll be able to pay off the right people like Donald Trump who attended under age sex parties. Heck with Money you can still become president.

[KingKat]

If Alabama had a baseball team they would sign the pedophile. 49% of them nearly elected Ron Moore (a pedophile) to office. So the kid just has to wait for a franchise.

 

I really hope no one signs him. Just don't want to see a pedophile get millions of dollars - and once a pedophile always a pedophile - with millions in the bank he'll be able to satisfy his monster inside. (as Dexter would say). He'll be able to pay off the right people like Donald Trump who attended under age sex parties. Heck with Money you can still become president.

 

I can't believe in defending Roy Moore but I might as well get this in early. There's a difference between a child molester and someone picking up teenagers at the mall. Don't get me wrong, Roy Moore is a total creep and a piece of s*** for all kinds of reason but there's not much of a parallel here. It's a safe assumption that a lot of those people defending Roy Moore would be among those to come down hardest on him if he did what Heimlich did (and yeah some of them would not like those religious hypocrites who defend Josh Duggar).

[Spanky99]

MLB Pipeline updated their top 200...

 

https://www.mlb.com/news/top-200-mlb-draft-prospects-list-unveiled/c-278192514

 

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

[metafour]

Callis' mock from today:

 

https://www.mlb.com/news/mock-draft-college-players-get-picked-early/c-278228058?tid=151437456

 

 

12. Blue Jays: Jarred Kelenic, OF, Waukesha (Wis.) West HS

 

Every Draft has a guy who seems to be considered by several teams, but doesn't quite make it to their top choice, and this year that may be Kelenic. The best high school hitter available, he may not be able to overcome the preference for collegians at the top or for prep arms right ahead of Toronto. If he's gone, the Blue Jays are on more prep bats such as Gorman, outfielder/wide receiver Jordyn Adams (North Carolina) and others who could drop into the 20s if they don't go 12 or 13: shortstop Xavier Edwards (Florida), third baseman Jordan Groshans (Texas) and catcher Noah Naylor (Canada).

[GeorgiaPeach]

I don't care what anyone says, when you know there's a convicted child molester near, whether he's paid the price with jail time or whatever... he's going to be a pariah. No teammate with kids would ever trust bringing his kids around ever, whether they believe he's reformed completely or not. None of these guys will have any history with him prior, so the first thing anyone is going to think is "hey here comes the child molester." They won't see him as a person first, ballplayer/teammate second, convicted criminal third or whatever. It's especially true in child crime scenarios.

 

It's weird how society throws around the "rehabilitation" term for people doing prison time, but when the person gets out, no one wants to be around them. So what type of work are these rehabilitated members of society supposed to do? Society talking out of both sides of it's mouth.

 

And while Osuna's type of situation is beyond s*****, guys in MLB already have a history with him, probably really like him as a person and have some sort of foundation to build forgiveness from. Plus, as s***** as abusing women is, it's not abusing children and he'll be much more likely to be given second chances by the people around him and still be seen as a person and a ball player rather than a wife beater. Sure .. they'll still have it in the back of their minds all the time, but not like any crime relating to kids.

 

Another odd situation how Yunel Escobar vilified for his eye black incident in where the gay community forced Toronto to move on from him. But Toronto fans making excuses in Osuna laying a hand on a woman and him sticking around or being given a second chance. Since when is saying something worse than assaulting someone?

[John_Havok]

It's weird how society throws around the "rehabilitation" term for people doing prison time, but when the person gets out, no one wants to be around them. So what type of work are these rehabilitated members of society supposed to do? Society talking out of both sides of it's mouth.

 

 

 

Another odd situation how Yunel Escobar vilified for his eye black incident in where the gay community forced Toronto to move on from him. But Toronto fans making excuses in Osuna laying a hand on a woman and him sticking around or being given a second chance. Since when is saying something worse than assaulting someone?

 

Society's hypocrisy is not lost on me, which was somewhat the intent of the post

[Slade]

I'm all aboard that Kelenic train but not going to lie some of those arms at the top look really good too like Liberatore, Winn and Carter.

[Krylian]

It's weird how society throws around the "rehabilitation" term for people doing prison time, but when the person gets out, no one wants to be around them. So what type of work are these rehabilitated members of society supposed to do? Society talking out of both sides of it's mouth.

 

 

 

Another odd situation how Yunel Escobar vilified for his eye black incident in where the gay community forced Toronto to move on from him. But Toronto fans making excuses in Osuna laying a hand on a woman and him sticking around or being given a second chance. Since when is saying something worse than assaulting someone?

 

Even though that's what we do, a lot of people don't really believe in rehabilitation. At least not for certain crimes, usually ones that are sexual in nature.

[burlingtonbandit]

I'm all aboard that Kelenic train but not going to lie some of those arms at the top look really good too like Liberatore, Winn and Carter.

 

I'd love Liberatore but sounds like he will go top 10. I don't mind going with the "best" prep hitter. The track record of pitchers at the top of the draft isn't great.

 

Look back at the 15 draft and the pitchers were Dillon Tate, Tyler Jay and Carson Fulmer. Now compare that to Swanson, Bregman, Rodgers, Tucker, Benintendi and Randolph.

 

Go back to 14 and the pitchers were Aiken, Kolek, Rodon, Nola, Freeland and Hoffman. Hitters were Schwarber, Gordon, Jackson, Conforto, Turner (13th overall).

 

You can go back to other drafts and there are a lot of big bust pitchers at the top of the draft.

[Ray]

According to Kiley McDaniel, we're heavily targeting prep players for our 1st pick unless a college player that's not supposed to fall gets to us. Apparently we have a chance at Swaggerty. It would be fantastic to get Swaggerty at #12, but I'd also be very happy with a prep bat like Kelanic. I hope we stay far away from Nolan Gorman and Shane McLanahan. If we want a power lefty bat, I'd much rather go with Larnach who atleast has more of a track record. Meanwhile McLanahan has a big walk problem.

 

Other college players I like for our later picks: Luken Baker, Josh Stowers, Kris Bubic, Nick Sandlin, Mickey Gasper and Nick Dunn

[Slade]

Mayo has us on Kelenic in his latest mock.

 

 

12. Blue Jays: Jarred Kelenic, Waukesha (Wisc.) West HS

 

The tendency is to stick a college arm with Toronto as they haven't shied away from that in recent drafts. But Kelenic's pure hitting skills sure would be tough to pass up.

[Dr. Dinger]

Kelenic over Swaggerty plz

[P2F]

Kelenic over Swaggerty plz

 

All day, son. All day!

[Dr. Dinger]

All day, son. All day!

 

Everything I've read indicates that Kelenic is the best pure prep hitter and Swaggerty seems to have some red flags, hence he's falling out of the Top 10.

[Brownie19]

Kelenic over Swaggerty plz

 

Honest question. How do you guy form any kind of opinion about whether the Jays should take Kelenic over Swaggerty? Do you just watch youtube videos on them?

 

Personally - I love drafts (in all sports) and for bball and football, I read enough scouting reports and watch enough video that I do form some opinions (like that Josh Allen is a big risk for the Bills). However, with baseball, I don't seem to find the same level of coverage. The most I see are some mock drafts with a little blurb on the player maybe. And I watch a few youtube videos on some of the players the Jays are projected to select, or who they do select. However, there doesn't seem to be breakdowns by position where they debate who the top 10 OF draft eligible prospects are (like they do with all the football positions).

 

Anyone have some good website or tips on how I can educate myself better?

 

Thanks.

[P2F]

Everything I've read indicates that Kelenic is the best pure prep hitter and Swaggerty seems to have some red flags, hence he's falling out of the Top 10.

 

The reports of a hitch in his swing scare me the most. I don't know if there's anything to the supposed make-up issues, but there's enough red flags, like you say, to look elsewhere.

[jays4life19]

Swaggerty over kelenic plz

[jays4life19]

The reports of a hitch in his swing scare me the most. I don't know if there's anything to the supposed make-up issues, but there's enough red flags, like you say, to look elsewhere.

 

His swing is fine lol. There were deffo games where he would sell out for power and look awkward AF at the plate but those were rare. I think the questions about his power got to his head sometimes.

 

As I PMd you I promise you there's no make up concerns in regards to swaggerty. I think my source would know better than a scout.

 

He has such a high floor. Elite PD and loud tools to boot. It would be fantastic if we got him but I have my doubts he falls to us.

 

I've watched around 20 bama games this year. He's the real deal

[Laika]

Swaggerty OR Kelenic please!

 

Both sound like nice young men

[Jimcanuck]

His swing is fine lol. There were deffo games where he would sell out for power and look awkward AF at the plate but those were rare. I think the questions about his power got to his head sometimes.

 

As I PMd you I promise you there's no make up concerns in regards to swaggerty. I think my source would know better than a scout.

 

He has such a high floor. Elite PD and loud tools to boot. It would be fantastic if we got him but I have my doubts he falls to us.

 

I've watched around 20 bama games this year. He's the real deal

 

Your trolling is not going to work on me this time.

[jays4life19]

Your trolling is not going to work on me this time.

 

You need to stop blaming me for drafting Garrett Cooper 2nd overall.

[metafour]

Everything I've read indicates that Kelenic is the best pure prep hitter and Swaggerty seems to have some red flags, hence he's falling out of the Top 10.

 

Kiley brought up Swaggerty in his chat yesterday and noted that he was getting Trea Turner vibes in that people are overthinking putting too much thought into finding "red flags" for a guy with big tools and a track record of production. I'd be happy with Kelenic, but its not like he's an infallible prospect himself, and really: what does he do that Swaggery hasn't already done in college against much better competition? He's just a less proven version of Swaggerty, and its not like his upside is really any higher either.

[TheHurl]

Honest question. How do you guy form any kind of opinion about whether the Jays should take Kelenic over Swaggerty? Do you just watch youtube videos on them?

 

Personally - I love drafts (in all sports) and for bball and football, I read enough scouting reports and watch enough video that I do form some opinions (like that Josh Allen is a big risk for the Bills). However, with baseball, I don't seem to find the same level of coverage. The most I see are some mock drafts with a little blurb on the player maybe. And I watch a few youtube videos on some of the players the Jays are projected to select, or who they do select. However, there doesn't seem to be breakdowns by position where they debate who the top 10 OF draft eligible prospects are (like they do with all the football positions).

 

Anyone have some good website or tips on how I can educate myself better?

 

Thanks.

 

For me (and probably a lot around here) there is a profile type we like. You hear certain things you like or that it reminds you of a player and then you search for videos. I usually go to BA because I pay for the membership. But there are lots of other sites both free and pay.

 

I can't tell f*** all from watching pitching videos unless they have an obvious hitch. So I seldom watch them. I lean towards college hitters because I will occasionally watch them in game (used to be 100's of games, now that I'm not working I watched some ACC and SEC tourney and will watch the CWS. The biggest thing with college hitters is improvement every year.

 

PS Seth Beer is back putting up tto numbers (and did most of it during ACC play). 20 HR's (along with 11 doubles in 66 hits), 52 BB, 31k's. He's still more athletic than the way some make him out to be...But he's going to be a defensive liability somewhere. Him and Chris Williams (a Sr. who will be a good a good senior signing IMO) had an insane ACC tourney.

 

Short answer. Yes just watch video and read reports.

[jays4life19]

Carl: Do you know who the jays could be linked to at the 12th pick in the draft? I saw somewhere they were linked to high schoolers which was surprising for the front office.

 

12:19

Kiley McDaniel: Still hearing mostly high school guys unless a college guy that shouldn’t get there slides. Sounds like the floor for Swaggerty. If TOR gets Bichette, Pearson and Swaggerty in three consecutive drafts in those spots, Jays fans should be doing backflips.

 

Ballsandgutters : Why are you guys higher on Travis Swaggerty than other?

 

12:50

Kiley McDaniel: He has maybe the best tools of any position player in the draft and he’s performed before, just had some bumps this spring. That rap is super similar to Trea Turner, who like 20 teams mis evaluated and privately would tell you that. Luckily I got to see him as a college freshman/sophomore so I had more context than most national scouts who just focus on draft eligible guys in their draft year

 

Kiley McDaniel: If you take a step back and ask your scouts why they didn’t like Trea Turner and their answer is I saw 13 plate appearances and didn’t like it, that’s kinda an insane answer when the guy has tools like that and was breaking records statistically, but was banged up/making swing changes on Team USA and the first half of the spring when like 90% of the scouting looks happened.

 

12:54

Kiley McDaniel: For all the truth that scouting can reveal that can’t be replaced by numbers, the lack of context and lack of searching for answers to reconcile something that doesn’t make sense can often be maddening. Like the two games you saw can tell a kid’s entire athletic future on multi-million dollar decisions and that’s a good process.

[KingKat]

 

12:54

Kiley McDaniel: For all the truth that scouting can reveal that can’t be replaced by numbers, the lack of context and lack of searching for answers to reconcile something that doesn’t make sense can often be maddening. Like the two games you saw can tell a kid’s entire athletic future on multi-million dollar decisions and that’s a good process.

 

This brought to mind when AA personally scouted Yu Darvish and he had a bad game that day. Small sample size caveats should apply to old school scouting just as much as they do to stat scouting. If you're going to base your whole evaluation on a single game, you'd be better off staying home.

[P2F]

His swing is fine lol. There were deffo games where he would sell out for power and look awkward AF at the plate but those were rare. I think the questions about his power got to his head sometimes.

 

As I PMd you I promise you there's no make up concerns in regards to swaggerty. I think my source would know better than a scout.

 

He has such a high floor. Elite PD and loud tools to boot. It would be fantastic if we got him but I have my doubts he falls to us.

 

I've watched around 20 bama games this year. He's the real deal

 

Every single person here knows you like Swaggerty, bruh.

[Boxcar]

Honest question. How do you guy form any kind of opinion about whether the Jays should take Kelenic over Swaggerty? Do you just watch youtube videos on them?

 

Personally - I love drafts (in all sports) and for bball and football, I read enough scouting reports and watch enough video that I do form some opinions (like that Josh Allen is a big risk for the Bills). However, with baseball, I don't seem to find the same level of coverage. The most I see are some mock drafts with a little blurb on the player maybe. And I watch a few youtube videos on some of the players the Jays are projected to select, or who they do select. However, there doesn't seem to be breakdowns by position where they debate who the top 10 OF draft eligible prospects are (like they do with all the football positions).

 

Anyone have some good website or tips on how I can educate myself better?

 

Thanks.

 

Sure, just sign up to Baseball Prospectus and get a premium account. Then, just regurgitate everything from there to here and present it as an original thought.