MLB 2020 Draft

[jaysguy44]

Am I the only one with serious misgivings of taking a pitcher with a top pick? Unless a pitcher is considered a generational talent, I'd go with a bat. If Lacy or Hancock are available at #5, would you take one them or go with Veen or Mitchell?

 

Give me Veen in this scenario.

[Beans]

Am I the only one with serious misgivings of taking a pitcher with a top pick? Unless a pitcher is considered a generational talent, I'd go with a bat. If Lacy or Hancock are available at #5, would you take one them or go with Veen or Mitchell?

 

As BlueRocky said, college players, especially pitchers, have never been better. And with the rise of technology in college baseball programs, there's more to base the scouting reports on. And "major league teams do pay for access to college TrackMan data, and many of them weight it heavily in their draft models."

 

But there's no such thing as a pitching prospect. First, you have the injury risk. Second, the change in usage patterns (last year only 15 pitchers threw 200 innings or more; 13 the year before) has drastically reduced the value of a SP. With your top draft picks, you're hoping to get a 'franchise cornerstone,' someone who's going to be the star of your team, and starting pitchers just don't fill that role anymore. The jobs of Starter and Reliever are blending together at this point. The fact that only 3 HS pitchers were selected in the first round last year—the fewest since 2008—is a real trend going forward.

 

Add on the very inevitable TJS and it's easily Veen/Mitchell over Lacy/Hancock for me.

[Beans]

For sure that’s a great name.

This class also has a “Itchy Burts”, “Zacchaeus Rasberry”, “Scotty Scott”, “Blake Deatherage”, “Konnor Zickefoose”, and “Bubba Hubbard”

 

Someone needs to update last year's NOTY bracket, then...

 

[metafour]

But there's no such thing as a pitching prospect. First, you have the injury risk. Second, the change in usage patterns (last year only 15 pitchers threw 200 innings or more; 13 the year before) has drastically reduced the value of a SP. With your top draft picks, you're hoping to get a 'franchise cornerstone,' someone who's going to be the star of your team, and starting pitchers just don't fill that role anymore. The jobs of Starter and Reliever are blending together at this point. The fact that only 3 HS pitchers were selected in the first round last year—the fewest since 2008—is a real trend going forward.

 

Add on the very inevitable TJS and it's easily Veen/Mitchell over Lacy/Hancock for me.

 

You guys are taking this to an extreme that doesn't really reflect reality. Yes, there is a higher usage of relievers which means less value in starters in general, however, that just means that there is even more emphasis placed on finding GOOD starters because no one has enough relievers on their team who can eat an entire season's worth of innings for a team year in and year out. The fact that there are so few starters who throw 200+ innings nowadays just means that there are less AVERAGE starters who are being left in for too long to "eat innings"; it doesn't say anything about the value of GOOD starting pitching which will always remain a premium. The Washington Nationals just won a World Series with Scherzer, Strasburg, and Corbin putting up 6.5, 5.7, and 4.8 WAR seasons playing against a team who's best starting pitcher signed for over $300 million as a free agent with the Yankees - so where exactly is this notion of starting pitching being "less valuable" playing out in reality? The drop in HS pitching going in the first round doesn't really say anything about the value of starting pitching in general, as HS pitchers (especially right handed HS pitchers) have ALWAYS tended to "fall" on draft day - that isn't a new trend, it is probably just emphasized nowadays by the fact that College players in general have gotten better (as you mentioned).

 

Shifting to the discussion at hand; from a pure baseball standpoint I fail to see how a Type-1 Diabetic who has never hit for in-game power (Mitchell) is any less risky than a guy like Hancock who realistically was a 1-1 talent who might only be getting to us because the situation at hand meant that he had a few bad starts and then the season ended. The same can be said for Veen who obviously carries added risk due to being a HS player, regardless of how nice his swing is. In the case of Veen, there is also something to be said about the timeline of our team/needs when looking at a college pitchers vs. a HS position player. That fact would be negated if Veen was legitimately just a better prospect than someone like Hancock/Lacy, and if you feel that way its fine, but that isn't something that is considered to be dogma within the actual scouting community/front offices. Obviously there is also the hypothetical of getting Veen underslot or whatever, but that is a different discussion altogether. Either way I don't think we can really f*** this up no matter what which direction we go.

[BlueRocky]

Don't even care about scouting reports and not going to look him up but Itchy Burts needs to be a Toronto Bluejay.

 

Itchy Burts is a 4-year senior from Texas A&M, second baseman and right-fielder. Good hitter but not much power and a little bit short for those wondering, 5-8, 165 lbs.

Edited April 16, 2020 by BlueRocky

[Jimcanuck]

You could say the risk in drafting a pitcher is perceived as higher this year given that they haven't played anywhere near enough to mitigate health concerns (Hancock).

 

Can definitely see Jays drafting Veen even if Hancock available, regardless of slot value strategies.

[jays4life19]

Itchy Burts is a 4-year senior from Texas A&M, second baseman and right-fielder. Good hitter but not much power and a little bit short for those wondering, 5-8, 165 lbs.

 

Sounds like he should be the guy at 5 for us

[baubau]

MLB updated its list and expanded to 150 from 100

 

https://www.mlb.com/prospects/2020/draft/

[BlueRocky]

MLB updated its list and expanded to 150 from 100

 

https://www.mlb.com/prospects/2020/draft/

 

That’s a really aggressive 25th rank for Bryce Jarvis. I was hoping to grab a guy like that in second or third round, he threw a perfect game for Duke earlier this season with 15 K’s, and there’s an uptick stuff. Baseball America has him at #45.

 

45

Last: 81

Bryce Jarvis

Duke

RHP

VIDEO

Notes:

Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 195 | B-T: L-R

Commit/Drafted: Indians '19 (37)

Age At Draft: 22.5

 

Jarvis is one of several big-time pitching risers in North Carolina, along with Wake Forest’s Jared Shuster and North Carolina State’s Nick Swiney. Jarvis didn’t pitch in the Cape Cod League over the summer, instead working to improve his game by working with Driveline and Cressey Sports Performance to improve his pitch mix and fastball velocity. The work paid off, as Jarvis increased his fastball from a pitch that topped out in the low 90s to a plus offering that sat 93-96 deep into outings early in the spring. That new fastball—combined with his already impressive secondary offerings—has taken his draft stock to a new level. Jarvis already had an impressive track record with Duke as a starter and reliever, racking up impressive strikeout totals no matter the role. After striking out 12.7 per nine during his freshman season primarily as a reliever, Jarvis whiffed 11.2 per nine in a split role as a sophomore. He was one of the most dominant arms in the country through four starts this spring, including a 15-strikeout perfect game against Cornell during the second week of the season. Jarvis has three potential plus pitches now, with a mid-80s slider and a changeup a tick below that range. The 6-foot-2 righthander throws all of those pitches effectively and showed above-average or better command in 2020 after walking more than four batters per nine innings as a freshman and sophomore. He works with a quick tempo and throws with a bit of effort and some recoil at times. It’s not the most fluid delivery, but it shouldn’t prevent him from starting at the next level either. Teams surely would have liked to see if Jarvis was capable of holding his newfound fastball velocity over a full season in a starting role. Now that that’s not possible, Jarvis is probably looking at a second- or third-round selection.

Edited April 22, 2020 by BlueRocky

[baubau]

What are your thoughts on Drew Romo, @BlueRocky?

[jaysguy44]

I don't think I've ever wanted a prospect as much as I want the Jays to draft Veen

[BlueRocky]

What are your thoughts on Drew Romo, @BlueRocky?

 

Baseball America has him pegged as a early-second rounder. Prep catching prospect with good raw power and plus defensive tools, some swing and miss. I honestly haven’t paid too much attention to Romo, as I’m eyeing more college arms in the second to third round range.

 

I’m weary of drafting high-school catchers unless their bat is really special. There’s just so much that goes into the position defensively, just recently we’ve seen catcher prospects fizzle out like Hagen Danner (2017 2nd rounder) and Max Pentecost (2014 1st rounder). I personally don’t really have the stomach for it. But Romo looks like a guy that could develop into a solid defensive catcher with some pop, maybe like a Shea Langeliers (2019) type. He could goto college and develop into a stud, and catch the mid to upper first round in 2022-2023. Keep in mind, domestic high school catchers is the riskiest draft demographics, you want a bat that has enough upside to move off catcher in case things don’t work out.

 

Luckily our catching depth is really strong in the farm system, there isn’t much need to take a risk on a catching prospect. (Jansen, McGuire, Kirk, Adams, Moreno, even D’Orazio if you go further down). Guys are really high on Kirk, for good reason. But don’t sleep on Danny Jansen, just hearing about all the improvements in his routines, his showing in spring training, and what we saw in the minors, if his bat settles in.. that’s a really good player.

 

If we have to draft upside high school bats in the second round, there’s a few to choose from like: Isaiah Greene or Dylan Crews.

Edited April 24, 2020 by BlueRocky

[BlueRocky]

I don't think I've ever wanted a prospect as much as I want the Jays to draft Veen

 

https://www.baseballamerica.com/chat/?1587656035

 

Matt (Oceanside): How does Zac Veen compare to the top hs bats last year (Witt, Abrams, Greene)?

 

Carlos Collazo: I think all three from last year have better pure bat-to-ball skills. Veen has the most power potential by a pretty decent margin. Veen's zone recognition is similar to Greene's if not a tick better IMO. Abrams and Witt have much better defensive value, but I think Greene and Veen could be comparable defenders in the long run in a corner spot.

 

Does this help?

[Jimcanuck]

Longenhagen's update has Veen at #5. Has also moved Heston Kjerstad up significantly.

 

Dillon Dingler occupies the Jays #42 pick slot, that may excite some of you.

 

https://www.fangraphs.com/prospects/the-board/2020-mlb-draft/summary?sort=-1,1&type=0

[BlueRocky]

Longenhagen's update has Veen at #5. Has also moved Heston Kjerstad up significantly.

 

Dillon Dingler occupies the Jays #42 pick slot, that may excite some of you.

 

https://www.fangraphs.com/prospects/the-board/2020-mlb-draft/summary?sort=-1,1&type=0

 

Kjerstad has the offensive potential to sneak into top 10. Mick Abel being highly rated also doesn’t surprise me. But IMO fangraphs are really sleeping on Austin Hendrick. If we were drafting our position from last year (11), and we’re trying to get the best bat available that’s the guy I’m praying would fall to our pick.

 

If drafting arms, I would be mixed about Meyers, Crochet, Abel, and Detmers.

Edited April 24, 2020 by BlueRocky

[BlueRocky]

https://www.baseballamerica.com/chat/?1587656035

 

Lots of juicy content in this week’s Baseball America draft chat with Carlos. I’ve highlighted some down below:

 

Carlos Collazo: Hey everyone! Thanks for stopping by for another draft chat. These have been fun to do over the last few weeks. It’s NFL Draft Day, which will be interesting, if only to see how the league handles a remote draft. I’m looking forward to how the coverage of the event looks. But we’re here for a much better sport, so let’s jump into your questions.

 

Bob M (Ontario):

You’re Detroit. Tork or Martin?

 

Carlos Collazo: Kyle and myself actually did a recent draft podcast and spent a significant amount of time on this subject. I wouldn’t be surprised either way at this point. Personally I would lean towards Martin but Kyle and JJ (and I believe Teddy) would all prefer Torkelson. If you want to hear more about this debate, check out the pod.

 

Joseph (Knoxville Tn):

How can a player up their draft stock at this point when there are no competitions or live scouting going on? Seems to have been a lot of movement on draft boards lately when there is no new sources

 

Carlos Collazo: This was also something we got into in the draft podcast and I explained a lot about the process of gathering information and updating the rankings there. But for those who haven’t listened, it’s simple. We continue to get more and new information that changes the picture for us, regardless of games being played or not. In an ideal world, we would be able to get information instantly from all the sources we use, but that’s not a realistic information cycle. As we continue to gather more information and look at more data points, we fold that into the rankings to make them as accurate as possible based on our industry feedback. Hope that answers the question well.

 

Dave (San Diego):

How do Abel, Kelley and Bitsko compare to previous prep arms such as Priester, Liberatore, Gore etc?

 

Carlos Collazo: Most people I’ve talked with like this group of prep arms more than last year’s class. The 2018 group was much better on depth at the top IMO. None of these guys have the complete profile and advanced repertoire that Gore offered at the time, and he also has the benefit of being lefthanded. I would have him in a different tier than the 2020 trio right now. If we’re using Priester and Gore I would have all three in between them.

 

Tyler (San Diego):

Of the top three high school arms which one are you most comfortable taking?

 

Carlos Collazo: I like a lot of Mick Abel’s traits, personally. He doesn’t have one obvious weakness, he’s got above-average or plus stuff across the board, has remaining projection in his frame, is a good strike thrower and has trended in the right direction over the offseason by all accounts. There’s a lot to like their IMO. At the same time I was extremely impressed with my two looks with Bitsko and I’ve never seen a prep pitcher locate velocity with the consistency and ease that Kelley has. These guys are all very close.

 

Joe (Syracuse NY):

What’s the chances the draft is more then 10 rounds?

 

Carlos Collazo: I would be surprised. I’ve still been hearing 10 rounds in conversations but that’s just what everyone seems to be hoping for more than any sort of locked in number.

 

Brandon (Georgia):

Crochet and Cavalli are two guys that have numbers that don't match the stuff. What gives Crochet the edge over Cavalli in the rankings?

 

Carlos Collazo: I think handedness and the way the his stuff plays are two benefits for Crochet in this debate. There’s some concern with how Cavalli’s fastball has a tendency to play down and get hit a bit more than you would expect, given the velocity. Could be a deception or spin rate question mark, but the fastball is less explosive than Crochet’s.

 

Keith (California):

Would you be surprised to see Bryce Jarvis and Clayton Beeter end up in the 1st round? Do you think their stocks would have increased significantly if the season had continued?

 

Carlos Collazo: I would not. Both did really well in the limited season that we got. Both have question marks, but Beeter has consistently improved as he’s gotten away from TJ, while Jarvis’ newfound fastball velocity took his entire repertoire to an entirely new level. I think teams would feel much more confident in their assessment of both players with a full 2020 season but unfortunately that’s not possible. Outside of those two there are a number of college arms who could slide into the first and I wouldn’t be as shocked as I probably would have been in previous years.

 

Lincoln (Minnesota):

What pitcher in this years draft class has the potential for the best stuff? All other factors set aside, just pure stuff?

 

Carlos Collazo: Garrett Crochet, Jared Kelley, Max Meyer, Burl Carraway and JT Ginn all have some of the better fastballs. Meyer, Asa Lacy, Cade Cavalli, Ginn, Mick Abel, Crochet and Seth Lonsway all have some of the better breaking balls. Max Meyer and Garrett Crochet seem like the best options if we’re putting it all together. I’ll go Meyer because the slider is just so filthy.

 

Brett (Denver):

Would Michael Conforto be an accurate comp for Heston Kjerstad? Do you have concerns about his BB/K ratio?

 

Carlos Collazo: I like to pull up player draft reports when answering these questions and I think on the surface it's not a terrible comp. They have some similarities. I think Conforto was seen as a better pure hitter than Kjerstad at the time, with better zone recognition and OBP skills, while Kjerstad might have a tick better power production. The swings are different, how they do it is different, but the production isn't too terribly different. I do have some concerns about Kjerstad's BB/K ratio. I would like a player with his impact to take more walks, and the strikeout rate is concerning. That's the biggest question with Kjerstad's profile for me, but there's a lot to like with him still. I would have been very interested to see how that strikeout rate changed or stayed the same this season against SEC pitching.

 

Ryan (LA):

Do you anticipate signability issues with Wilcox or Ginn this time around? Seems as if Ginn could fall due to TJ and it's been reported Wilcox only will sign for top half of the 1st money.

 

Carlos Collazo: Both players have plenty of leverage as draft-eligible sophomores and Ginn has already turned down first round money so from the outside looking in, yes, they could be tough signs. Some scouts have mentioned as much to me as well. I don't have specific numbers that either are looking for. For the players, use whatever leverage you can because this whole draft thing is designed to pay them less than they are worth.

 

Boof (High School Prom):

Did the abbreviated college season hurt or help Crochet?

 

Carlos Collazo: I didn't help him because he threw just 3.1 innings in one game. Compare that to Reid Detmers and Asa Lacy who both started four games and threw 22 innings and 24 innings respectively. Track record is a big deal and Crochet wasn't able to establish as much as teams were hoping for. With a strong season there's no reason why he couldn't have pushed up into the top 10.

 

Vince (Portland):

Any way you could throw out some comps for the top arms in the draft (Lacy, Hancock, Detmers)?

 

Carlos Collazo: I go back and forth on the value of player comps on a daily basis. Generally I think they are more misleading than useful, but I understand they can be fun, at the very least. So take all these with grains of salt. Hancock has some similarities to Brady Singer and Aaron Nola. Detmers shares traits with Brendan McKay and Drew Pomeranz. Asa Lacy... I don't have an obvious comp. I've had Madison Bumgarner thrown out about Lacy, but that was more in regards to his mentality and demeanor than his delivery and stuff. Lacy's secondary offerings are all more advanced that Bumgarner's were when he was drafted, but he did come out of high school.

 

Parts and Gleyber (The Shop):

What was the deciding factor(s) in ranking Lacy ahead of Hancock?

 

Carlos Collazo: First and foremost, the industry overall prefers Lacy at this point. But as for the why, he has the edge in handedness, his breaking ball has been more consistently plus than Hancock's has and he's improved his strike throwing. Hancock's command is still better overall, but there are fewer question marks with Lacy at this point. I think you could nitpick how Hancock's fastball plays in the zone question whether the breaking ball is a true wipeout offering. Hancock's arm slot is a bit more concerning than Lacy's. Those are all important factors to consider.

 

Mr. Fister (Arlington):

I've read multiple articles that link KC with Nick Gonzales at #4. Wouldn't it make more sense for them to take whichever of Lacy or Hancock is left, considering that they have zero pitching at the major league level and can't expect all of Singer, Lynch, Kowar, and Bubic to develop into quality starters?

 

Carlos Collazo: I wouldn't ever argue with someone who wants to say you can never have enough pitching. That's certainly true and undoubtedly a number of Kansas City's collection of pitching prospects won't pan out. It comes down to whether or not the Royals think the pitcher available is a better talent than the hitter. If there's a gap, take whoever you evaluate as better regardless of the position. If they are seen as even, I think it makes sense to go with the bat, especially at the top of a draft class and considering the number of quality pitching prospects in their system right now. I think Gonzales is a special hitter.

 

Jon Simpson (Baltimore):

Out of Jarred Kelley, Mick Abel and Nick Bitsko which is most likely to fall to the second round?

 

Carlos Collazo: I would guess Bitsko because of his reclassification. Most teams probably feel better about their information with Kelley and Abel.

 

Aaron (Seattle):

How does this year's top 6 (Martin, Tork, Lacy, Hancock, Gonzales, Mitchell) compare to last year's top 6 (Rutschman, Witt, Vaughn, Abrams, Greene, Bleday)?

 

Carlos Collazo: Man, last years top six was really, really good. Rutschman is the best player of the entire group and I have always been sky high on Bobby Witt Jr. I'll go 2019. Those are really impressive position players.

 

Brad (Dallas):

What type of power do you see Austin Martin developing? Do you think a team will try to see if he can stick at SS/3B or is he destined for the OF?

 

Carlos Collazo: Above-average juice. Yes and probably to your other questions.

 

Cade (New Orleans):

Am I wrong to think Lacy best compares to Carlos Rodon/Andrew Miller? Seems to me he could have pretty high relief risk for a guy in the top 5?

 

Carlos Collazo: I've had a scout say Lacy's slider is the best college slider from the left side since Rodon. Outside of that I don't know that they compare super well. Lacy has a better fastball than Rodon did at the time and he can pitch off of the heater better than Rodon did at the same time. I don't have a ton of concerns about Lacy being a reliever at this point. Lacy's overall stuff sounds more similar to Miller's at the time, but the bodies are quite a bit different and Lacy has a better track record of racking up strikeouts than Miller did.

 

Spencer Torkelson (Phoenix):

Am I the best 1B prospect ever?

 

Carlos Collazo: Do we even know that Tork is better than Andrew Vaughn? I don't think there's a ton of separation between the two at the moment. Certainly his size and power give him more upside, but Vaughn was a pretty impressive hitter just last year and he had fewer swing-and-miss tendencies. Tork is an awesome player, but let's not dub him the best 1B prospect ever just yet.

 

Martha (MA):

What is the industry thinking in regards to a 5 round or 10 round draft?

 

Carlos Collazo: The industry wants 10 rounds.

 

Mike (Virginia):

Do you think the lack of a 2nd round pick will change the Red Sox philosophy at 1-17?

 

Carlos Collazo: With less pool money and one less pick, that could potentially sway them to a more safe demographic, but personally I hope they don't change anything about what they are doing there. I know the financial games are something that every team has to be aware of, but I think you just take the best player available there and figure out the rest later. They are 26th in bonus pool money now. Maybe if you're looking a at a tier of players that you see as basically the same, you take the biggest discount you can and try and slide a player you like to No. 89, where your slot value is $667,900. In general it will be interesting to see how teams play the money game in this year's shortened draft. Good question.

 

Nick (Ohio):

Where would LHP Nick Lodolo (2019 7th overall) rank among this year's pitching prospects?

 

Carlos Collazo: Behind Meyer and ahead of Wilcox probably. Anywhere in that 13 to 23 range would probably make sense off the top of my head.

 

Ethan (Athens):

How would you rate the life of Hancock's fastball? I know he has good velocity, but what kind of movement/spin rate does he have?

 

Carlos Collazo: Nothing exceptional. Hancock's command of the pitch is more impressive than its life.

 

Phil (Baltimore):

Do you see Baltimore taking a arm or a bat with the number 2 pick? I want them to take Zac Veen out of Florida. Any chance? As I feel we need run producers now not arms later.

 

Carlos Collazo: Most people I have talked with think a bat is more likely than an arm for Baltimore at that spot.

 

Tom (Canada):

Obviously their backgrounds are different, but is it reasonable that I see some Jason Heyward in Garrett Mitchell? Both big, ultra toolsy lefty outfielders that have some trouble with their swings and therefore with getting to their power in games.

 

Carlos Collazo: Their toolsets are a bit different, as is their size, but I do think that's a pretty good comparison of the same issue with raw power translating to game power. There were comments that Heyward would need to change his setup to better backspin balls coming out of high school and Mitchell has similarly had trouble getting to his juice consistently going back to his high school days as well. I like that specific area of comparison actually. Nice.

 

TLDR;

- The industry is trend towards 10 round draft

- Rankings update despite having no games because information coming in from scouts take time to process

- Torkelson or Martin for no. 1? It’s mixed, but lots of parties are starting to lean towards Torkelson.

- Orioles want a bat

- Royals linked to Gonzales

- Industry likes Lacy over Hancock atm

- This isn’t the first time Carlos said this, but Nick Lodolo (the first pitcher, 7th overall last year) would likely go 13 to 23 in this year’s draft. Reminder that we took Alek Manoah at 11th.

- Leisurely, Hancock comp’d to Aaron Nola. Lacy comp’d to Madison Bumgarner. & Lacy has Andrew Miller/Carlos Rodon type stuff. Hancock leads in fastball command

- Red Sox lost their 2nd rounder and now down to 26th in pool money despite picking 17th.

- Lots of people want Zac Veen.

- Mick Abel is a stud.

- Max Meyer also a stud.

- based on chat + podcast: last year’s top 6 has an edge over this top 6 due to Adley Rutschman and Bobby Witt jr, but this draft is much deeper, there are guys to get really excited about deep into the first round.

Edited April 24, 2020 by BlueRocky

[P2F]

So it probably comes down to whichever one of Lacy and Hancock are remaining at #5, and Veen.

[BlueRocky]

So it probably comes down to whichever one of Lacy and Hancock are remaining at #5, and Veen.

 

One top team with a surprise pick can really have a cascading effect on the 1st round.

There’s a scenario where the front office takes someone completely off the board despite having Lacy, Hancock, and Veen on the table. The board would likely go nuts.

 

Zac Veen was considered an off the board pick (still kinda is) just two months ago, though a lot of people are warming up to the idea.

 

Though unlikely, some off the board picks that could happen:

 

Garrett Mitchell

The plus CF upside, 80-grade speed, and hit tool might be enough to offset the power being raw and type-1 diabetes. The hit tool is plus but lacks game power, high raw in cage. If everything works out that’s a star in CF.

 

Austin Hendrick

Elite bat speed, serious power and good hit tool. Corner power bat from left side is what you’re hoping for. I like his character as well.

 

Pete Crow-Armstrong

I would be floored, but it might not be a bad pick. Just two years back people were chanting for “Tank for PCA”, his stock dropped a bit over the summer from lack of power (possibly due to fatigue) but has really crushed earlier this season before COVID. HS bat with really high ceiling and lock for CF.

 

Max Meyer

His stuff is really loud, touching triple digits and a double-plus slider. Smaller frame than Hancock but high ceiling if he stays healthy. Some risk due to lack of track record, he’s a two-way player.

 

Garrett Crochet

Double plus grades on a triple digit heater. Injury history and less track record may scare some people away, but they also said that about Nate Pearson. Being lefty is enticing.

 

Reid Detmers

Filthy curveball and plus command on FB, led nation in strikeouts and really polished. High floor, love his demeanor.

 

Mick Abel

Good frame, HS prep arm is risky but he’s showed premium velo hitting triple digits in bullpen. Promising changeup and slider. Front rotation ceiling. 6-5, 180 elite frame, probably gained some weight over the winter.

Edited April 24, 2020 by BlueRocky

[Jimcanuck]

So it probably comes down to whichever one of Lacy and Hancock are remaining at #5, and Veen.

 

Getting one of Lacy or Hancock *should* set up the Jays to have one heck of a rotation in a few years, Pearson, SWR, Manoah, Lacy/Hancock, Ryu if his arm is still attached?

 

But Veen is the lower risk (not a pitcher) and higher reward pick, IMO.

[metafour]

 

But Veen is the lower risk (not a pitcher) and higher reward pick, IMO.

 

A HS bat is not in any shape or form a "lower risk" than a dominant SEC starter. Veen isn't even the consensus best hitter among his HS peers.

[THANOS]

So it probably comes down to whichever one of Lacy and Hancock are remaining at #5, and Veen.

 

From what Carlos was saying about Hancock above, if he's the only one of the top 5 available when we pick, I want Veen instead.

[P2F]

From what Carlos was saying about Hancock above, if he's the only one of the top 5 available when we pick, I want Veen instead.

 

Gimme Hancock all day.

[THANOS]

Gimme Hancock all day.

 

I don't like the concerns on the secondaries as swing/miss offerings or about his fastball having little zip or movement. Nola is amazing and Hancock actually throws harder then him. That said, Veen's ceiling excites me more, if both are the BPA at 5.

[BlueRocky]

From what Carlos was saying about Hancock above, if he's the only one of the top 5 available when we pick, I want Veen instead.

 

What if the Royals take Emerson Hancock, and the choice was between Nick Gonzales or Zac Veen?

[jays4life19]

Nick Gonzales easy.

[P2F]

Nick Gonzales easy.

 

^ This.

 

My pref list:

 

Martin

Big Tork

Gonzales

Lacy

Hancock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

everyone else.

[43211234]

I'd be quite happy with any of Lacy, Gonzales, Hancock or Veen.

 

 

 

Inb4 the Blue Jays take Garrett Mitchell, everyone is irate, then he turns out to be the best player in the draft!

[Spanky99]

I'd be quite happy with any of Lacy, Gonzales, Hancock or Veen.

 

 

 

Inb4 the Blue Jays take Garrett Mitchell, everyone is irate, then he turns out to be the best player in the draft!

 

Hah... we can do this for many drafts, I think any of the names dropped are fine at 5, we're getting a really good spect and I'm hyped.

[THANOS]

What if the Royals take Emerson Hancock, and the choice was between Nick Gonzales or Zac Veen?

 

Nick Gonzales easy.

 

^ This.

 

Nick Gonzales. He looks so good and polished.

[Spanky99]

Veen's swing tho... It's legit Fap Worthy. Ughh...