MLB 2020 Draft

[Carlos Danger]

Veen's pretty confident to say he's been compared to Bellinger and then say he doesn't play the game to be average like him.

 

I like that in a man. Along with his broad shoulders and flowing brown locks..

[Beans]

I like that in a man. Along with his broad shoulders and flowing brown locks..

 

Is he cute enough to join our next GB?

[Carlos Danger]

Is he cute enough to join our next GB?

 

I thought you had banned me from exchanging/swapping anything with you? Or does that not include chicks & dudes?

[Beans]

I thought you had banned me from exchanging/swapping anything with you? Or does that not include chicks & dudes?

 

lol, it does not include chicks and dudes (one in the pink, one the in the stink).

 

I’ll go through my Inbox to reply to your last PM soon!

 

My apologies to everyone else I forgot to reply to

Edited June 5, 2020 by Beans

[P2F]

https://prospects365.com/2020/06/04/examining-the-blue-jays-draft-board/

 

"Hancock is no longer in the Blue Jays’ plans according to my intel."

[BlueRocky]

Veen's pretty confident to say he's been compared to Bellinger and then say he doesn't play the game to be average like him.

 

I hear he’s gained 20 lbs of muscle to fill out his frame last summer. Just like Carlos Danger I heard good things about him. He’s a bit intense and passionate about the game, he does reminds me of Jarred Kelenic at draft time + extra 4-5 inches of height.

 

But I hear despite his advanced plate discipline, Veen does have a bit of swing and miss to his game. The power is developing but it’s a future 70 raw power.

 

BA’s Carlos Collazo mentioned, scouts are saying “Yelich body with a Bellinger swing” and Veen is a really driven guy. His bat could carry him up the minors fairly quickly.

[BlueRocky]

https://prospects365.com/2020/06/04/examining-the-blue-jays-draft-board/

 

"Hancock is no longer in the Blue Jays’ plans according to my intel."

 

Mason’s sources are pretty legit, and goes in-line of Jim Callis reporting the Jays have Max Meyer over Emerson Hancock on their board.

 

If Mason’s draft board prediction is true, it’s kinda weird there is one possible scenario we can run away with Austin Martin at no. 5 which would be fantastic.

 

But if none of the under-slotting happens ahead of #5, we’ll have a chance to draft Zac Veen. The most likely scenario is both will be gone and we’ll go with Nick Gonzales or Max Meyer. Interesting stuff.

[metafour]

Mason’s sources are pretty legit, and goes in-line of Jim Callis reporting the Jays have Max Meyer over Emerson Hancock on their board.

 

Who is this guy and does he actually have any sources? Literally days before he started expressing this "Hancock is off the board" perspective he was Tweeting about how it was all a smokescreen and how Hancock was their guy at #5. He seems to say a lot of things under the notion that something will stick. I've never heard of this guy before this year's draft, but I'm intrigued as to what sources this guy from a third-tier baseball website has. He proclaimed in one of his Tweets that SHAPIRO was high on Owen Caissie. Like he "knows" about the Team President being high on an obscure Canadian HS prospect lol.

[Orgfiller]

I hear he’s gained 20 lbs of muscle to fill out his frame last summer. Just like Carlos Danger I heard good things about him. He’s a bit intense and passionate about the game, he does reminds me of Jarred Kelenic at draft time + extra 4-5 inches of height.

 

But I hear despite his advanced plate discipline, Veen does have a bit of swing and miss to his game. The power is developing but it’s a future 70 raw power.

 

BA’s Carlos Collazo mentioned, scouts are saying “Yelich body with a Bellinger swing” and Veen is a really driven guy. His bat could carry him up the minors fairly quickly.

 

lol

[Captain Adama]

Almost a surety that we'll be able to get one of Veen, Meyer, or Gonzalez, and I'd personally prefer them in that order.

 

Although to be fair, even if this front office goes way off the board, I think they deserve a benefit of the doubt. Their drafting has been mostly fantastic. Logan Warmoth is looking like the biggest dud they've drafted. Other than that, Pearson, Groshans, Manoah seem like strong picks. I know people are down on TJ Zeuch here, but even he made the majors which is more than can be said for the rest of the 2016 1st rounders.

 

I just looked back at that 2016 draft, wow. Lots of those hindsight selections are absolutely gag inducing.

[BlueRocky]

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/baseball-america-2020-mlb-staff-draft/

 

Baseball America had a staff writers two-round mock draft with Carlos Collazo, J.J. Cooper, Ben Badler, Teddy Cahill, Josh Norris, Mark Chiarelli and Chris Trenkle.

 

Mark Chiarelli selected for the Blue Jays and drafted #5 Zac Veen and #42 Bobby Miller.

 

A brief run down of the first round in this BA mock:

 

1. Torkelson

2. Martin

3. Lacy

4. Hancock

5. Veen

6. Gonzales

7. Detmers

8. Hendrick

9. Mitchell

10. Meyer

11. PCA

12. Kjerstad

13. Hassell

14. Kelley

15. Abel

16. Bailey

17. Crochet

18. Ginn

19. Cavalli

20. Howard

21. Burns

22. Dingler

23. Soderstrom

24. C. Martin

25. Wilcox

26. Walker

27. Bitsko

28. Wells

29. Loftin

[metafour]

Kiley McDaniel player comps for a few top prospects:

 

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29266064/the-next-pete-alonso-mlb-star-comparisons-top-2020-draft-prospects

 

Max Meyer is the next ... Walker Buehler

Meyer has close to the best, if not the best, raw stuff in the draft, with an 80-grade slider and a fastball that has been clocked up to 100 mph. His stature (6-foot, 185 pounds) along with his mechanics are reminiscent of Buehler. The concerns are that Meyer throws too many sliders, his velocity will scale back on regular pro rest, and his build might limit his innings upside.

Meyer's mock draft landing spot: No. 5 to Blue Jays

 

Emerson Hancock is the next ... Luis Castillo

The right-handed starting pitcher who uses a changeup more than either breaking ball is a small fraternity, and Castillo is the class of it.

Hancock also sits in the mid-90s and is a premium strike-thrower with an above-average breaking ball, but the worry among clubs is that Hancock's fastball -- which is more sinker than four-seamer -- is too hittable right now.

Hancock's mock draft landing spot: No. 9 to Rockies

[BlueRocky]

Boxy isn’t gonna like those comps

 

Max Meyer’s delivery is actually quite similar to Walker Buehler.

[Spanky99]

Boxy isn’t gonna like those comps

 

Max Meyer’s delivery is actually quite similar to Walker Buehler.

 

lol

[Spanky99]

Longenhagen up dated his draft board rankings, this isn't a Mock Draft...

 

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

[P2F]

Pat

12:26

Let's say every player in this draft hypothetically reaches his ceiling. Who is the best player?

Eric A Longenhagen

12:26

Veen

[Spanky99]

VEEN!!!

 

 

Faaaack P2F... lol

[P2F]

Mary

12:53

Is the only thing keeping Meyer from being the top pitcher in the draft just size and durability concerns?

Eric A Longenhagen

12:53

More relief risk than the other guys. Probably about the same as Lacy but Lacy has the more robust repertoire.

[BlueRocky]

We typically had poor results in the draft when playing it “safe”, and ironically our best picks recently have been the “risky with higher upside” guys.

 

I agree with Boxy here, there isn’t really a “safe” pick, anyone in any draft could be a dud. Might as well swing for the fences by drafting high upside and best talent.

 

When we drafted safe: Deck McGuire, Jeff Hoffman, Max Pentecost, Jon Harris, TJ Zeuch, Logan Warmoth

 

When we took upside: Noah Syndergaard, Aaron Sanchez, Bo Bichette, Nate Pearson, Jordan Groshans, James Paxton (didn’t sign)

[metafour]

We typically had poor results in the draft when playing it “safe”, and ironically our best picks recently have been the “risky with higher upside” guys.

 

I agree with Boxy here, there isn’t really a “safe” pick, anyone in any draft could be a dud. Might as well swing for the fences by drafting high upside and best talent.

 

When we drafted safe: Deck McGuire, Jeff Hoffman, Max Pentecost, Jon Harris, TJ Zeuch, Logan Warmoth

 

When we took upside: Noah Syndergaard, Aaron Sanchez, Bo Bichette, Nate Pearson, Jordan Groshans, James Paxton (didn’t sign)

 

Your premise is correct, but both Hoffman and Pentecost would in reality fall under both categories. Its hard to argue that either of those two didn't have "high upside" - Hoffman was the guy who could have gone #1 overall pre-injury, and Pentecost was a "5-tool catcher" with all-star upside.

[Carlos Danger]

Unfortunately I think we will be disappointed. I think KC will take Veen, or he won't get to us... I hope I am wrong..

[baubau]

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/baseball-america-2020-mlb-staff-draft/

 

Baseball America had a staff writers two-round mock draft with Carlos Collazo, J.J. Cooper, Ben Badler, Teddy Cahill, Josh Norris, Mark Chiarelli and Chris Trenkle.

 

Mark Chiarelli selected for the Blue Jays and drafted #5 Zac Veen and #42 Bobby Miller.

 

A brief run down of the first round in this BA mock:

[snip]

 

I don't know nothing about nothing, and this is a deep draft and random stuff will happen, but if Miller lasts till #42 I would be shocked.

Watch him now last till the jay's 3rd pick. lol

[BlueRocky]

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2020-mlb-draft-prospects-chat-6520/

 

Another weekly draft chat with Collazo has started, I’ll just post a few good ones as I see them, these can get really long and a lot of the Q’s are not relevant to our pick.

 

Lou (MD):

Hey Carlos, what do you think the O’s ultimately do at 2 come Wednesday? You think they’ll go underslot so they can spend big at 30 and 39 or pay more for a player like Martin or lacy? Also what are some names that could be in that 30-40 range that would be really good value?

 

Carlos Collazo: Thanks for the question Lou. I think it’s still more likely that they grab Martin. In our last mock where we had the underslot deal going through we said that and acknowledged the mock was about trying to explore what that scenario would do to the first round. I think it’s a real possibility they do an underslot deal, but I think it’s more likely they just take Martin—based on the information we have now.

 

Linc (Canada):

Hi Carlos, Between the first five teams, are the Marlins and Blue Jays the only teams interested in taking a college pitcher? Do you think Max Meyer could go before the Blue Jays pick? Thanks!

 

Carlos Collazo: It sounds like the Tigers like Lacy, but just not enough to grab him over Tork. I think generally you have it right, but it’s probably more to do with the bats that are available in this range more than any animosity towards college arms. I think it’s more likely than not that Max Meyer is available for the Blue Jays at five.

 

Zack S (Virginia):

Do you think it's fair that Garrett Mitchell has slipped from early to middle first round? Even if he hasn't gotten to his power much in games, I don't think we've seen a draft prospect with his combination of raw power, speed, and polish in years - would you agree with that? I love Max Meyer and Heston Kjerstad, but I think teams could be making a big mistake passing over Mitchell for guys with big flashy numbers on the radar gun or in the SEC. My fiancee is also a diabetic athlete, so I may be a little biased on this one.

 

Carlos Collazo: His name definitely hasn’t gotten as much buzz in the top 10 as I would have expected. I do tend to agree. It’s hard for me to ignore all the tremendous feedback we got from the scouting community on Mitchell’s toolset and skill as a player. That’s primarily the reason I’m so in on him. I have also gotten very little clarity on how teams are assessing the diabetes in their models and their evaluations, and it’s something I’ve asked about pretty frequently. I don’t think teams have a great way to do it, other than assigning him more risk in some capacity… So, yes, I generally agree with everything you’ve said. Even if he never hits for power, you have a premium center fielder who’s an 80-runner who should hit for a high average and steal bases… That’s hard to not like.

 

 

Zack (Baltimore):

Any update on the rumors of Zac Veen possibly going #2 overall?

 

Carlos Collazo: Nothing has come out to make me any more convinced it’s going to happen. We generally get a ton of rumors around now. I would still lean towards going back to Martin for that spot on our next mock.

 

Pete (Toronto):

What would the argument be for taking Max Meyer over Emerson Hancock? Do you think the 2 are that close or would you put Hancock in a different tier?

 

Carlos Collazo: They’re very different pitchers, so it would just depend on what you prioritized for an arm. Meyer’s fastball and breaking ball are much more electric, but Hancock has a more traditional starter’s profile with four solid or better pitches, a taller frame and better command. We have Hancock in a different tier, but it’s not some huge gap and I wouldn’t be shocked to see Meyer taken in front of Hancock on draft night. The argument for Meyer is a bit more upside and swing-and-miss stuff.

 

Aaron (Pittsburgh):

What are the chances Nick Gonzales sticks at SS?

 

Carlos Collazo: I’d say like 20 percent maybe? I think it’s much more likely he winds up at second base. I think he could handle shortstop if you need him to play there for a game or two, but don’t see him profiling as a regular at the position.

 

Andrew (Alberta):

How does Veen compare to Greene and Abrams from last years draft?

 

Carlos Collazo: Those are all vastly different players. Greene is the best pure hitter, Abrams has the best pure bat-to-ball skills and is clearly the best runner. Veen has significantly more power potential. In terms of talent they are all pretty close I would guess, but they get there in wildly different ways.

 

 

Lloyd (Lakewood):

If Meyer has a big fastball, and the “best amateur slider some scouts have seen”, what do Detmers, and Hancock have, that have them rated higher?

 

Carlos Collazo: Bigger frames, deeper pitch mixes, a longer track record of starting and better command. Both have better chances to start than Meyer at the next level. Maybe those aren't as sexy as Meyer's two-pitch combo, but they matter.

 

John (Poway):

Be kind, tell me that Zac Veen gets to San Diego.

 

Carlos Collazo: That seems more and more unlikely with the number of teams interested in him in front of them. Our last two mocks have had him gone before No. 8.

 

John (WV):

Thanks for the chat. If late 1st round teams focus on college bats then which arms do you see slipping into the comp round; Wilcox, Beeter, Jarvis, Mlodzinski, Miller? I know you already highlighted Bitsko & Kelley may slip but I was just curious about the college arms that may get pushed by bats.

 

Carlos Collazo: All of those guys are the right names that could be pushed if everyone in the final third of the first round goes for bats, particularly Mlodzinski and Miller.

 

Matt (Baltimore, MD):

Can you help me get excited about Martin at #2? Yeah, he's got a great bat, but I don't see the upside like I do with a guy like Zac Veen.

 

Carlos Collazo: If you can't get excited about a potential 70-grade hitter who plays up the middle... I don't know what to tell you man. Go check out his swing. It's beautiful. The hit tool is far and away the most important and you can't get excited about Martin?? To each his own, I suppose, but man... that swing is special.

Edited June 5, 2020 by BlueRocky

[P2F]

^LOL @ Matt from Baltimore

[Jimcanuck]

^LOL @ Matt from Baltimore

 

As expected, its Baltimore.

[BlueRocky]

The chat ended pretty quickly after that one.

I think Carlos lost a bit of faith in humanity.

[BlueRocky]

180 Last: 181

Owen Caissie

Notre Dame Catholic SS, Brampton, Ont.

OF

Notes:

Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 190 | B-T: L-R

Commit/Drafted: Michigan

Age At Draft: 17.9

 

Like Caissie’s Canadian counterpart, David Calabrese, Caissie is young for the 2020 draft class and doesn’t turn 18 until July. Originally a member of the 2021 class, Caissie offers exciting upside with a 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame and power potential from the left side. Caissie’s power potential is his biggest attribute. He was one of the leaders in exit velocity at Prep Baseball Report’s Super 60 Showcase and has plus raw power and homered against pro pitching with Canada’s Junior National Team before the 2020 season was shut down. Caissie has a handsy swing, but he’s also shown some significant swing-and-miss concerns, albeit against better pitching than almost any 17-year-old will have to face. He’s athletic with plenty of room to fill out, and while he’s managed plus 60-yard dash times, most scouts think he’s more average underway and has a corner outfield profile. Caissie is committed to Michigan.

Owen Caissie in the 5th round is an option.

 

For those wondering about the slot values:

 

Toronto Blue Jays pool: $9,716,500

 

#5 ) $6,180,700 (@64% of pool)

#42) $1,771,100 (@18%)

#77) $805,600 (@8%)

#106) $549,000 (@6%)

#136) $410,100 (@4%)

 

Undrafted players can sign for up to $20,000 only, not negotiable.

 

The first $100,000 will be advanced after signing. Then half the remainder paid in 2021 and the last half in 2022, this is both for tax purposes and to assist teams with cash flow due to season suspension.

[Captain Adama]

We typically had poor results in the draft when playing it “safe”, and ironically our best picks recently have been the “risky with higher upside” guys.

 

I agree with Boxy here, there isn’t really a “safe” pick, anyone in any draft could be a dud. Might as well swing for the fences by drafting high upside and best talent.

 

When we drafted safe: Deck McGuire, Jeff Hoffman, Max Pentecost, Jon Harris, TJ Zeuch, Logan Warmoth

 

When we took upside: Noah Syndergaard, Aaron Sanchez, Bo Bichette, Nate Pearson, Jordan Groshans, James Paxton (didn’t sign)

 

I would argue Hoffman was an upside play, same with Tyler Beede, Jacob Anderson (RIP GD) and Kevin Comer

 

DJ Davis was an upside play that was a total bust

[Jimcanuck]

Aaron Sanchez was an upside play that worked out beautifully.

[Krylian]

Syndergaard...upside.....oof!