MLB 2020 Draft

[P2F]

[TheOutsider]

Putting Meyer on the big league team would be very different from the cautious development paths they've had for other prospects. I'd be very surprised.

[Krylian]

Hoping for Veen, but expecting him to go #4.

Thinking it's most likely going to be Meyer based on the recent chatter.

[Carlos Danger]

McDaniel just posted his final mock too. Can Anyone with an Insider account post the Jays’ selection? Thanks! Sure sounds like Meyer is the guy the Jays want, which I’d be happy with!

 

Not me to be honest.

 

I want Veen so bad that I know I am just not going to be happy. (Unless Austin Martin falls to us in some miracle

 

This years draft has a lot of good second round pitching depth. So, IMO, why even take a pitcher when there are really good position players available at #5 and deep pitching in later rounds.

 

My take is, if we can't get Veen, which I don't think we can, take Gonzalez.. Or another position player depending on if something unexpected happens.

 

To summarize, I think I will be bummed out tonight

[metafour]

This years draft has a lot of good second round pitching depth. So, IMO, why even take a pitcher when there are really good position players available at #5 and deep pitching in later rounds.

 

Because taking anything other than the best player available player at #5 as per your internal rankings is dumb and is asking for trouble, because you are now entering the realm of overthinking or trying to "fill needs". Under your premise, why can't they just take a pitcher with both picks, if the pitcher is the best player available?

[TheOutsider]

Because taking anything other than the best player available player at #5 as per your internal rankings is dumb and is asking for trouble, because you are now entering the realm of overthinking or trying to "fill needs". Under your premise, why can't they just take a pitcher with both picks, if the pitcher is the best player available?

 

Exactly. AA has shown that you can always flip some extra pitchers you collected for an aging knuckleballer (ok maybe not the best example).

[BlueRocky]

We need a GDT, has been too long

 

I agree. Keep this thread for mock drafts, scouting reports and articles.

[Carlos Danger]

Because taking anything other than the best player available player at #5 as per your internal rankings is dumb and is asking for trouble, because you are now entering the realm of overthinking or trying to "fill needs". Under your premise, why can't they just take a pitcher with both picks, if the pitcher is the best player available?

 

I think you are overthinking it. It would basically be Veen or Gonzalez (position players) *unless something unexpected happens, or a pitcher.

 

I value both Veen and Gonzalez over pitchers. That simple... It is not like Gonzalez is projected for 10 etc and you are passing up a top 5 player. I am saying within top 5-6 I would prefer a position player this year.

[metafour]

I think you are overthinking it. It would basically be Veen or Gonzalez (position players) *unless something unexpected happens, or a pitcher.

 

I value both Veen and Gonzalez over pitchers. That simple... It is not like Gonzalez is projected for 10 etc and you are passing up a top 5 player. I am saying within top 5-6 I would prefer a position player this year.

 

If they take Meyer over Gonzales, then it is because they think he is the better player.

 

They should not pass on the better player because there are pitchers avaiable in the 2nd round.

[P2F]

We need a GDT, has been too long

 

Let's see if we can summon TL!

 

[Carlos Danger]

If they take Meyer over Gonzales, then it is because they think he is the better player.

 

They should not pass on the better player because there are pitchers avaiable in the 2nd round.

 

Ok, maybe I wasn't clear. As an example, on the MLB page, they have Meyer in the # 9 spot, Gonzalez at #5.

 

Everyone here is saying they would be Ok and happy with us taking Meyer at #5. So my assertion is that he is not the fifth best player on the board by some standards if Gonzalez is still available..

 

If the FO views Gonzalez and Meyer equally, I am always taking a position player over a pitcher, all being equal.

 

Hope that clear it up for you and probably my bad for not being clear in the first place.

Edited June 10, 2020 by Carlos Danger
Switched from 10 spot to 9.

[metafour]

Ok, maybe I wasn't clear. As an example, on the MLB page, they have Meyer in the # 9 spot, Gonzalez at #5.

 

Everyone here is saying they would be Ok and happy with us taking Meyer at #5. So my assertion is that he is not the fifth best player on the board by some standards if Gonzalez is still available..

 

If the FO views Gonzalez and Meyer equally, I am always taking a position player over a pitcher, all being equal.

 

Hope that clear it up for you and probably my bad for not being clear in the first place.

 

You don't need to apologize.

 

Where MLB.com ranks Gonzales and Meyer is pretty irrelevant as the only thing that matters is the team's own ranking. Keith Law for example has Meyer 4th and Gonzales 7th.

[Jimcanuck]

Let's keep in mind the rankings we have access to on various fandom sites are based on talent/skill assessment.

 

Messaging from the Blue Jays indicates they place high (?) value on player makeup / personality / absence of douchiness when evaluating the players. So there is going to be considerable differences between the Jays and fandom site lists.

[BlueRocky]

Ross Atkins speaks about the draft:

[jaysguy44]

If Veen is gone, who would you guys want between Hancock, Meyer, or Gonzales.

 

I'm leaning hard towards Meyer being the Jays pick at #5(assuming Veen is gone)

[Slade]

Ross Atkins speaks about the draft:

 

Interesting that he says he leans more toward pitching, I guess probably cause he was a pitcher.

[Carlos Danger]

Has Detroit publicly said they are taking Tork as #1? Any chance they take Martin and throw a wrench in the works? Martin seems more like their type of player..

[Slade]

BA's final mock.

 

https://www.baseballamerica.com/rankings/mlb-mock-draft/#MLBDraft

 

det400x400.JPG

Spencer Torkelson

Arizona State1B

Notes:

For those who have been following along throughout our mocks, it’s the same story you’ve been hearing at the first pick. For those who haven’t, all signs have pointed to the Tigers taking the No. 1 overall player in the class in Torkelson. The Arizona State slugger is as safe a prospect as he is an impactful one, and he would become the first ever college first baseman to be selected with the No. 1 overall pick. That fact speaks to just how special Torkelson’s hit and power production is regarded as, and he’s the best collegiate power hitter since Kris Bryant—who had more strikeout concerns at the time than Torkelson. Texas A&M lefthander Asa Lacy is regarded as the backup. It would be a surprise if the Tigers chose anyone other Tork.

 

LESS

VIDEO

2

bal400x400.JPG

Austin Martin

VanderbiltOF

Notes:

In traditional Mike Elias fashion, the Orioles are keeping things close to the vest as we get closer to the draft. We have good reason to believe the rumors about the team checking into underslot deals at this spot are legit. Players like Zac Veen and Nick Gonzales are the most frequently mentioned names in those scenarios. Still, this might be nothing more than due diligence for Baltimore, and we do expect them to take the best available player on the board in Austin Martin, who is the best pure hitter in the class.

 

LESS

3

mia400x400.jpg (1)

Asa Lacy

Texas A&MLHP

Notes:

Lacy going 1-2-3 would have the top three players on the BA 500 going in their ranked order, and plenty of people believe Miami wants an arm here. They are set up to get the best pitcher in the class with Lacy, who made strides with his control and his slider this spring. Scouting director DJ Svihlik has ties to Vanderbilt and because of that Austin Martin, so if the Orioles were to pass on him his name certainly comes into play here.

 

LESS

VIDEO

4

kc400x400.JPG

Zac Veen

Spruce Creek HS, Port Orange, Fla.OF

Notes:

Previously we expected this to be a decision between hitters Zac Veen and Nick Gonzales. However, Minnesota righthander Max Meyer has gotten considerable heat and is being linked fairly significantly to the Royals as well. A bat seems to make more sense for the Royals at this spot though, and we do believe they are enamored enough with Veen’s upside enough to make him the first high school player selected, similar to last year when they took Bobby Witt Jr. No. 2. Arkansas outfielder Heston Kjerstad has been mentioned here as well, but we don’t believe he’s the primary option.

 

LESS

VIDEO

5

tor400x400.JPG

Max Meyer

MinnesotaRHP

Notes:

Similar to the Royals, Veen and Meyer are linked heavily at this spot. We believe the Blue Jays would pounce on Veen if he were to make it to this spot, but if not it sounds like they would be more than happy to take Meyer. The 6-foot righthander gained plenty of steam for a number of factors, but the biggest one is simply that plenty of decision-makers saw him dominate early this season in Arizona and during the Big 10/ACC challenge. Pair that with two disgusting pitches, standout athleticism and an exceptional collegiate track record, and it’s less surprising why he’s getting so much attention among the first several picks. Nick Gonzales and Emerson Hancock are both options at this pick as well.

 

LESS

VIDEO

6

sea400x400.JPG

Emerson Hancock

GeorgiaRHP

Notes:

The Mariners are tied heavily with the best college players available on the board, and at this point that’s likely to be Emerson Hancock and Nick Gonzales. Most of our intel has tied the Mariners with college arms, though they have gone to that well with some frequency in recent years (RHPs George Kirby and Logan Gilbert were their first round picks in 2018 and 2019). Some evaluators believe Gonzales checks plenty of the boxes that the Mariners typically covet, and considering his collegiate production it’s hard to count him out at this spot. They might prefer Meyer over both if he’s available, but he’s not, and we have them grabbing another arm in this scenario.

 

LESS

VIDEO

7

pit400x400.JPG

Nick Gonzales

New Mexico State2B

Notes:

The Pirates could go in plenty of directions here, but with Gonzales falling into their lap it is difficult to see them passing him up. With a new regime in charge in Pittsburgh, rival clubs don’t have a great feel for their preferences or how they’ll attack the draft, but it might be as simple as taking the best talent to fall to them at this spot—hence the Gonzales pick. This could be the floor for the New Mexico State infielder. Emerson Hancock would certainly be an option for the team if the Blue Jays and Mariners both pass him up, as would Veen, who is much less likely to make it here. This also appears to be the high-water mark for prep righthander Mick Abel, and Heston Kjerstad gets mentioned, but we’re less sure of that specific connection.

 

LESS

VIDEO

8

sd400x400.JPG

Robert Hassell

Independence HS, Thompson's Station, Tenn.OF

Notes:

We’ve mentioned before that San Diego might really covet Veen and Meyer, but it’s difficult to see a reasonable scenario where either of those players make it here. The Padres do have more pool money than the Blue Jays, so they might be able to find a way to get one of the college arms in front of this pick to slide. That would make sense for their current major league window. However we continue to hear plenty of heat with Robert Hassell at this spot and believe they like him better than Kjerstad, who they do seem to like. There’s been conflicting information on whether they would be in or out on Abel at this spot, but Abel’s profile makes sense with what San Diego has targeted in recent years.

 

LESS

VIDEO

9

col400x400.JPG

Tyler Soderstrom

Turlock (Calif.) HSC

Notes:

We’re hearing the Rockies tied to a hitter at No. 9. Their ideal bat might be Veen, but there’s no way to see him falling to this spot. One interesting rumor that has gotten a good amount of heat in recent days is Northern California catcher Tyler Soderstrom. Several different sources believe the Rockies are in heavily on him and many scouts are praising his lefthanded hitting ability. Clubs love his swing and believe he could be an impact bat; whether or not he sticks behind the plate is of secondary concern. Kjerstad is another player they have interest in. Colorado seems to be one of the teams out on UCLA outfielder Garrett Mitchell, and perhaps the elevation concerns when paired with his Type I Diabetes is the reason for that.

 

LESS

VIDEO

10

laa400x400.JPG

Heston Kjerstad

ArkansasOF

Notes:

Certainly there’s a chance Kjerstad doesn’t make it here. His collegiate track record is exceptional and that should go a long way in this year’s evaluation. Hassell might be the pick if he’s available here, as scouting director Matt Swanson watched plenty of USA Baseball’s 18U team in person last summer, where he again looked like the best hitter in the prep class. For that same reason, Pete Crow-Armstrong could also be an option, and this could be near the higher end for the Southern California outfielder. Cade Cavalli’s name gets mentioned in this range as well. Some believe Detmers could be a fit, though other sources have countered that, saying the Detmers/Angels connection doesn’t make as much sense. At this point, it does seem like Detmers could slip a bit more than expected a few weeks ago. Ed Howard’s name has been mentioned, but this range seems high for the top high school shortstop this year.

 

LESS

VIDEO

11

cws400x400.JPG

Mick Abel

Jesuit HS, Portland, Ore.RHP

Notes:

This pick is tricky. Chicago has been connected to Tennessee LHP Garrett Crochet, Detmers and North Carolina State catcher Patrick Bailey—the typical collegiate suspects for the White Sox. However the noise with Mick Abel has been significant enough that we think it’s legit and with a new scouting director in Chicago there’s no guarantee the team continues to heavily target college players. Still, it’s worth noting that Mike Shirley has been with the club in a high-level role going back to 2010.

 

LESS

VIDEO

12

cin400x400.JPG

Reid Detmers

LouisvilleLHP

Notes:

We believe the Reds might pounce on Detmers if he were to make it to this pick, and as we’ve mentioned earlier, there are some whispers that he could be slipping outside of the top 10—though not far. Pennsylvania outfielder Austin Hendrick is another real possibility if Detmers isn’t here, as is Cavalli. The Reds would jump on Kjerstad or Hassell if either is available at this spot as well, but do think they could be one of the clubs who isn’t interested in Mitchell at this spot.

 

LESS

VIDEO

13

sf400x400.JPG

Cade Cavalli

OklahomaRHP

Notes:

There could be a wider range of opinions with Cavalli than many other college arms. His upside is significant and he has one of the better bodies in the class, but some teams are skeptical of his history of throwing strikes—particularly prior to this spring, when he showed improvement in that category. If Soderstrom is available here, we find it hard to believe the Giants would let him get past them. It sounds like the Giants might like Arizona catcher Austin Wells, but not enough to take him over some of the players still available at 13.

 

LESS

VIDEO

14

tex400x400.JPG

Aaron Sabato

North Carolina1B

Notes:

We pegged Sabato to the Rangers in our previous mock draft, and we don’t see any reason to come off that selection here. Bailey makes sense in this range as well and could be a fit for Texas, and some sources believe Cavalli could be a fit as well if he’s still on the board. We believe the Rangers could be another team to pass over Mitchell. Southern California speedster Jake Vogel is getting some interest in the second round, the Rangers could be interested in him for their next pick after nabbing a college player here. (The Rockies, Brewers, Red Sox and Yankees could also be interested in Vogel.) If Vogel has to be an overpay in that range, Sabato could simultaneously save the Rangers some money and give them plenty of impact.

 

LESS

VIDEO

15

phi400x400.JPG

Patrick Bailey

North Carolina StateC

Notes:

It’s been difficult to get a feel for the Phillies’ preferences, but Bailey makes a whole lot of sense in this range based on talent. Cavalli is also mentioned, and this could be the start of a range where teams are seriously considering pulling the trigger on Mitchell. They could covet Soderstrom, but we don’t expect him to make it to this spot.

 

LESS

VIDEO

16

chc400x400.JPG

Austin Hendrick

West Allegheny HS, Imperial, Pa.OF

Notes:

This could be close to the floor for Austin Hendrick, who gets mentioned throughout the teens and has plenty of ties at the Reds at 12. If he doesn’t make it, we could see the Cubs being interested in Crochet’s upside. We’ve also heard they might be digging on Wells, and if they could get him for an underslot deal here, that would make a lot of sense considering their history and success with lefthanded bats. We think they could be interested in Mitchell if none of these other names are on the board. Watch out for East Carolina first baseman Alec Burleson with the Cubs in a later-round selection.

 

LESS

VIDEO

17

redsox-900x6351

Garrett Mitchell

UCLAOF

Notes:

Boston’s been a bit of a wild card, but they’re in a range where most teams could be accurately described as that. Despite the loss of a second round pick, there have been rumors of the Red Sox going for upside. Mitchell could be the ideal fit for that strategy, as he has some of the biggest pure upside in the draft and also comes with a solid floor thanks to his defense and speed. Crow-Armstrong or a prep pitcher like Abel could make some sense here as well.

 

LESS

18

ari400x400.JPG

Pete Crow-Armstrong

Harvard-Westlake HSOF

Notes:

Crow-Armstrong has a few potential landing spots before this range, but many evaluators think he’ll be the last of the Veen/Hassell/Hendrick/Kjerstad outfield group to come off the board. Some believe he could slip into the early 20s, but he did well enough this spring to prevent that. Arizona has targeted performing prep players in Southern California in the past and they covet solid hit tools. We’ve heard they also like Austin Wells, so he could be a fit here, or perhaps they risk it and try and get him with their comp round pick. This might be the higher range for Ohio State catcher Dillon Dingler as well.

 

LESS

VIDEO

19

nym400x400.JPG

Garrett Crochet

TennesseeLHP

Notes:

This is a bit of a risky pick, because there’s a chance Crochet is off the board as high as 11 to the White Sox, and maybe the only way he gets past the Cubs at 16 is in our specific iteration. However, there are some indicators which could point to Crochet slipping a bit, thanks to his lack of game-time this spring and questions about his effectiveness as a starter in college. There’s plenty of risk associated with Crochet, and he might be the most negatively impacted college player from the coronavirus situation. The Mets have coveted college lefthanders in the past and we believe they are specifically excited about Crochet, who could turn out to be a steal here. Justin Foscue and Bobby Miller are other interesting names here, as is Wells.

 

LESS

VIDEO

20

mil400x400.JPG

Dillon Dingler

Ohio StateC

Notes:

The Brewers are tricky to peg, though we think they could like Dingler and his year-over-year improvement with Ohio State. This is also the range that a lot of college pitchers should start coming off the board, but players with solid strike throwing acumen might make more sense with Milwaukee than players with spotty control history.

 

LESS

21

stl400x400.JPG

Nick Loftin

BaylorSS

Notes:

Many sources believe this is too much of a ‘Cardinals pick’ for it not to happen. If it does, it might not be long before the Cardinals Devil Magic turns Loftin into an all-star. They could be liked to other college performers like Justin Foscue, Tanner Burns or Chris McMahon as well. One non-college possibility is Georgia third baseman Jordan Walker—we think there could be some interest with the Cardinals on him specifically with their first pick.

 

LESS

VIDEO

22

was400x400.JPG

Cole Wilcox

GeorgiaRHP

Notes:

Wilcox’ asking price seems pretty high, but he checks plenty of boxes for Washington as a big, physical, power-stuff sort of guy. Plenty of clubs believe the Nationals could like Wilcox more than the teams around this range.

 

LESS

VIDEO

23

cle400x400.JPG

Jared Kelley

Refugio (Texas) HSRHP

Notes:

The Indians can go in a lot of directions here. Dingler would be an interesting name, but he’s off the board. They’re another team we believe could be interested in Wells and may have done a lot of work on him, and a name like Miami righthander Slade Cecconi wouldn’t be a surprise either. But Cleveland has consistently shown they are willing to snag up the upside prep arms that other teams are a bit more hesitant with, and Jared Kelley fits that to a tee. See: Espino, Daniel; and Hankins, Ethan.

 

LESS

VIDEO

24

tb400x400.JPG

Justin Foscue

Mississippi State2B/3B

Notes:

If Sabato is available here we think the Rays could be interested. They could also be in on Loftin or potentially Ed Howard here, though we continue to hear that Howard is slipping in the first round. Foscue could make some sense for the Rays, as could many of the arms who are starting to go off the board here.

 

LESS

VIDEO

25

atl400x400.JPG

Bryce Jarvis

DukeRHP

Notes:

The Braves remain difficult to figure out. We’ve heard the rumors of high school arms, but there’s not one on the board that makes enough sense to get here (Nick Bitsko could get more money further down the board) and we also haven’t heard that rumor directly. We’ve gotten some reasonable feedback with Jarvis, and he fits on talent in this range.

 

LESS

VIDEO

26

oak400x400.JPG

Slade Cecconi

MiamiRHP

Notes:

The Athletics have gone in plenty of different directions in recent years, taking both athletic, up-the-middle types and corner bats. For that reason, Howard is a name that makes sense to mention, but again we’ve heard he could slide. Cecconi has gotten reasonable buzz and could be off the board in front of this spot, but seems to fit on talent.

 

LESS

27

min400x400.JPG

Chris McMahon

MiamiRHP

Notes:

It’s been easy to tie the Twins with college arms simply because of how the first round seems to be playing out in this range. We’ve had them connected with Clayton Beeter previously, but have recently gotten feedback that suggests we should back off that connection. McMahon might make a bit more sense, as could Cecconi, Tanner Burns, Jarvis or Jared Shuster.

 

LESS

28

nyy400x400.JPG

Tanner Burns

AuburnRHP

Notes:

We’re thinking college here for the Yankees. Plenty of pitchers should be available and we believe they could like Burns and Jarvis, if he were still on the board. Many of the bats who have been mentioned in front of this spot could make sense if they get here, like Dingler, Loftin and Foscue, but perhaps not Wells.

 

LESS

VIDEO

29

lad400x400.JPG

Ed Howard

Mount Carmell (Ill.) HSSS

Notes:

The Dodgers are as well equipped as anyone to stop Howard’s fall. They have done exceptionally well with position player development, they have targeted athletes and they have also not been hesitant to grab a player with injury concerns (RHP Jimmy Lewis last year). Questions about Howard’s shoulder issues seem to be helping him slide down boards a bit, and he is also one of the more negatively impacted players by the coronavirus, with teams not being able to put eyes on him this spring. There is general skepticism of his bat. Still, he’s a tremendously gifted defender and has some upside.

 

LESS

VIDEO

30

bal400x400.JPG

Nick Bitsko

Central Bucks East HS, Doylestown, Pa.RHP

Notes:

Baltimore is heavily linked with Bitkso on an overslot deal here and they should have the bonus pool muscle to make it happen. LHP Daxton Fulton is another name they are linked with in this range. They could be interested in Louisiana State outfielder Daniel Cabrera, but maybe early in the second at pick No. 39.

 

LESS

VIDEO

31

pit400x400.JPG

Daxton Fulton

Mustang (Okla.) HSLHP

Notes:

The Pirates are another club who could target an overslot deal in the early comp round. Fulton shares traits with prep arms the Pirates have traditionally targeted, and his price tag is rumored to be high—but he could get that here.

 

LESS

VIDEO

32

kc400x400.JPG

Bobby Miller

LouisvilleRHP

Notes:

There’s a decent chance Miller is off the board before this pick, but there’s not a clear and obvious landing spot. Florida righthander Tommy Mace and prep SS/RHP Masyn Winn are other names we’ve heard linked to the Royals, though those names could be better fits at a later pick.

 

LESS

VIDEO

33

ari400x400.JPG

Austin Wells

ArizonaC

Notes:

It might be less than a 50 percent chance Wells makes it to this spot considering the many potential landing spots for him in the middle and back third of the first round. We do think the Diamondbacks like his bat though, and they might be thrilled if he’s available here. Arizona could be one of a few clubs interested in Daniel Susac in the second or third round, and we also hear them linked to Kevin Parada.

 

LESS

VIDEO

34

sd400x400.JPG

Jared Shuster

Wake ForestLHP

Notes:

Shuster generally is getting a lot of buzz in this range, and after taking a prep player, perhaps Shuster gives San Diego an arm that could move quickly through their system. Justin Lange could be interesting here, as could Parada and Isaiah Greene—two Southern California players.

 

LESS

35

col400x400.JPG

Jordan Westburg

Mississippi StateSS

Notes:

There’s some buzz that Westburg could be going better than where he’s been listed in recent mock drafts and plenty of evaluators wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the comp round.

 

LESS

VIDEO

36

cle400x400.JPG

Daniel Cabrera

Louisiana StateOF

Notes:

After grabbing a high-upside prep pitcher with their first round pick, perhaps the Indians could jump on Cabrera. Some teams believe he’s a better fit in the early second, but his exceptional track record of hitting dates back to his underclass days in high school. That has to give him a benefit in this year’s uncertain environment. His teammate RHP Cole Henry could also go in the comp range, but we don’t have him tied specifically with the Indians and his price tag could be high.

 

LESS

VIDEO

37

tb400x400.JPG

Carmen Mlodzinski

South CarolinaRHP

Notes:

Mlodzinski has been sliding, but we heard very late that the Rays have legitimate interest in the South Carolina righthander with one of their day one picks. They have done well developing arms and Mlodzinski has some upside potential.

 

LESS

[Slade]

Has Detroit publicly said they are taking Tork as #1? Any chance they take Martin and throw a wrench in the works? Martin seems more like their type of player..

 

Why would any team with the number 1 pick publicly say something like that?

[Carlos Danger]

Why would any team with the number 1 pick publicly say something like that?

 

Ok, let me re-word the question. Is there any speculation/industry chatter, that Detroit will not pick Tork at #1.... The consensus at this point appears to be they will.

[metafour]

Ok, let me re-word the question. Is there any speculation/industry chatter, that Detroit will not pick Tork at #1.... The consensus at this point appears to be they will.

 

There is a small chance they don't take him, but under that scenario it is believed that they would take Asa Lacy, not Martin.

[Slade]

Ok, let me re-word the question. Is there any speculation/industry chatter, that Detroit will not pick Tork at #1.... The consensus at this point appears to be they will.

 

They like Lacy but overwhelming consensus is it's going to be Torkelson. The only way one of the top 3 guys slides is if Baltimore does something crazy.

[Carlos Danger]

They like Lacy but overwhelming consensus is it's going to be Torkelson. The only way one of the top 3 guys slides is if Baltimore does something crazy.

 

Let's hope Baltimore gets crazy;)

 

Thanks

[metafour]

[TheHurl]

Three biggest negatives about Meyer

 

3. He is from Minnesota which means he will be asked about the civil unrest in his home state tonight

 

2. He is a big hockey fan and won't immediately shut down hockey questions from our f***ed up media

 

1. He is a f***ing ginger

 

Outside of those three things I am good with it

[Krylian]

Three biggest negatives about Meyer

 

3. He is from Minnesota which means he will be asked about the civil unrest in his home state tonight

 

2. He is a big hockey fan and won't immediately shut down hockey questions from our f***ed up media

 

1. He is a f***ing ginger

 

Outside of those three things I am good with it

 

f*** him then.

[Brownie19]

They like Lacy but overwhelming consensus is it's going to be Torkelson. The only way one of the top 3 guys slides is if Baltimore does something crazy.

 

I'm shocked there isn't much discussion about how a 1st baseman is about to go 1st overall in 2020. That tells you how special his bat is I guess.

[Ray]

MLB.com, Law, Kiley, Baseball-America all have us on Meyer day of. Waiting on the Fangraphs, but Max Meyer is seemingly our guy. Could do worse than getting a guy with two plus-plus pitches. Get him through the pitching lab, add muscle, clean up his delivery slightly, work on his changeup, and he'll be a top of the rotation guy. He could probably do well enough in the majors as a two pitch bullpen guy this year if needed.

[Ray]

I'm shocked there isn't much discussion about how a 1st baseman is about to go 1st overall in 2020. That tells you how special his bat is I guess.

 

Torkelson is apparently athletic enough to maybe move to a corner outfield spot. In terms of his bat, I've read scouts say he's much better and polished than Kris Bryant was coming out of college. Less swing and miss to his game. But no surprise to me that he's going first overall. The kid holds a career 1.200 OPS in college.

[BlueRocky]

They like Lacy but overwhelming consensus is it's going to be Torkelson. The only way one of the top 3 guys slides is if Baltimore does something crazy.

 

This is true, but if we were drafting #1 Austin Martin is the no-doubter for me. 70-hit centerfielders with above average power, speed, glove don’t grow on trees. Hit tool carries the most weight by far, and is really a combination of multiple skills: Bat-to-ball contact ability, hand-eye coordination, pitch recognition, plate discipline, and swing. It’s kinda dumb to have all that encompassed into one tool number. Austin Martin may not hit for as much power, but everything else he has it in spades and the power can still develop. You can still find somebody to play first base that puts up decent numbers, trying to find a centerfielder to put up those same numbers can get very expensive.

 

Torkelson is apparently athletic enough to maybe move to a corner outfield spot.

 

This is pretty much speculation from scouts, but I don't see why you’d want to compromise an above average defender at first base and move him to become a below average left fielder. I know his coach came out and said Torkelson is athletic enough to try all over the diamond. Just let him stay at 1B. If he’s ultimately Paul Goldschmidt 2.0 there’s nothing wrong with that.

Edited June 10, 2020 by BlueRocky