GDT: MLB Draft, June 10, 2020

[gruber92]

We could maybe wait until Martin has even a single professional at bat before we start directly comparing him to a hall of famer.

 

So your saying is not safe to assume that Betts and Rendon will make the HOF if they stay healthy?

[Orgfiller]

So you think Benitendi (a LH bat to boot) is a better comp for Martin than Molitor? Molitor played multiple positions, both in the infield and outfield with 15-20 HR power, 30-40 SBs. Crazy quick hands from the right side with more of a line drive launch and uses the whole field. How the f*** is Benitendi a better comp? Betts and Rendon had way more power than Martin at his age. I don't get what your argument is.

 

So you think it's normal to go around comparing draft picks to hall of famers? How is Benintendi not a good comp other than his handedness? Good hit tool, low strikeouts, average power, plays above average defense. Explain to me how Paul Molitor, first ballot Hall of Famer, is a better comp than that.

[gruber92]

So you think it's normal to go around comparing draft picks to hall of famers? How is Benintendi not a good comp other than his handedness? Good hit tool, low strikeouts, average power, plays above average defense. Explain to me how Paul Molitor, first ballot Hall of Famer, is a better comp than that.

 

Is Benintendi capable of playing the infield (except for 1B)in the MLB?

 

Maybe you should roast his former manager at Vanderbilt for throwing around Betts and Rendon comps while your at it.

[BlueRocky]

I would expect Martin to have somewhat similar BB/K ratios to Altuve. Although Altuve took something like 4 full seasons to grow into his home run power. Hopefully Martin doesn't take quite that long.

 

Maybe Xander Bogaerts with better discipline?

 

 

 

I just hope he doesn't turn out like Dansby Swanson.

 

Martin’s offensive production in Vanderbilt leapfrogs Swanson, the bat is much more advanced in every metric.

 

Swanson (2013-14): 67 GP// .333/.414/.483, OPS .897, 87 hits, 58 runs, 31 RBI

Martin (2018-19): 65 GP// .392/.486/.604, OPS 1.090, 105 hits, 87 runs, 46 RBI

 

Swanson: 46 K/ 35 BB / 1.314 strikeout to walk ratio

Martin: 34 K/ 40 BB / 0.850 strikeout to walk ratio

 

The scary part is those are Martin’s numbers from last year. Martin was on pace for even better power numbers and asinine strikeout/walk numbers 2 K/10 BB in 16 games with a measly 1.167 OPS.

 

It’s understandable they slap a 70-hit tool projection on this guy.

[Orgfiller]

Is Benintendi capable of playing the infield (except for 1B)in the MLB?

 

Sounds like McCutchen maybe.

 

Much better comp than Benintendi.

 

Yup

[gruber92]

Yup

 

Yup what? Can you confirm that you're saying Benintendi can play an MLB infield (outside of 1B)?

[Ray]

Martin’s offensive production in Vanderbilt leapfrogs Swanson, the bat is much more advanced in every metric.

 

Swanson (2013-14): 67 GP// .333/.414/.483, OPS .897, 87 hits, 58 runs, 31 RBI

Martin (2018-19): 65 GP// .392/.486/.604, OPS 1.090, 105 hits, 87 runs, 46 RBI

 

Swanson: 46 K/ 35 BB / 1.314 strikeout to walk ratio

Martin: 34 K/ 40 BB / 0.850 strikeout to walk ratio

 

The scary part is those are Martin’s numbers from last year. Martin was on pace for even better power numbers and asinine strikeout/walk numbers 2 K/10 BB in 16 games with a measly 1.167 OPS.

 

It’s understandable they slap a 70-hit tool projection on this guy.

 

Yeah, maybe it's just the Vanderbilt INF connection making me think that way. By all accounts Martin on paper should be a better hitter. Martin had a better sophomore season than Dansby's draft eligible junior season.

 

Absolutely no way Martin falls to #5 if the whole season plays out. He was on track for some video game numbers.

[TheHurl]

Mark Kotsay comp is easily the best one

[BlueRocky]

The Jays will likely groom him to play up the middle, and probably try centerfield as he did for Vanderbilt. But Martin was SEC All Defense as a Third Baseman last year. Just briefly scouting some of his fielding plays from 2019, his actions looks very fluid on the infield and I have no question he can continue to build on that arm strength as did Bichette. He’s probably more natural at third base than any other prospect in our farm system.

 

It’s not a sexy as filling the hole in CF, or being a “super utility” guy, but it makes sense for him.

Edited June 17, 2020 by BlueRocky

[P2F]

Mark Kotsay comp is easily the best one

 

I think we can all agree that Johnny Damon is the best comp for Austin Martin.

[L54]

The Jays will likely groom him to play up the middle, and probably try centerfield as he did for Vanderbilt. But Martin was SEC All Defense as a Third Baseman last year. Just briefly scouting some of his fielding plays from 2019, his actions looks very fluid on the infield and I have no question he can continue to build on that arm strength as did Bichette. He’s probably more natural at third base than any other prospect in our farm system.

 

It’s not a sexy as filling the hole in CF, or being a “super utility” guy, but it makes sense for him.

 

I’ve thought the same thing. There’s no need to rush him to the OF just because it’s our biggest hole, or because it’s felt like 3B belonged to Groshans until a few days ago. If Martin is the first to the bigs and proves he can handle it Groshans might end up in RF.

 

Ideally you have a bunch of versatile guys who can play both on the dirt and in the field. Martin at 3B/2B/CF, Biggio 2B/OF, Groshans 3B/OF. This doesn’t seem unrealistic and is the type of versatility the Jays seem to value as per their fetish of shortstops.

[BlueRocky]

I honestly don’t want Groshans to play shortstop for too much longer. He’s got a pretty big frame, listed 6-3, 205 lbs but I’ve heard he’s approaching 6-4, 220 lbs.

 

He’s already missed 2/3 of a season from a stress fracture on his foot while playing as shortstop. If it’s inevitable he’ll change positions he should make that transition sooner rather than later, a spot that’s less taxing on his body defensively. His bat should be able to play anywhere.

 

Groshans have been seen as a future third baseman, but second and right field also makes some sense.

[Krylian]

I honestly don’t want Groshans to play shortstop for too much longer. He’s got a pretty big frame, listed 6-3, 205 lbs but I’ve heard he’s approaching 6-4, 220 lbs.

 

He’s already missed 2/3 of a season from a stress fracture on his foot while playing as shortstop. If it’s inevitable he’ll change positions he should make that transition sooner rather than later, a spot that’s less taxing on his body defensively. His bat should be able to play anywhere.

 

Groshans have been seen as a future third baseman, but second and right field also makes some sense.

 

I'd like to see him at 3B as well.

 

I'm probably in the minority but I'm thinking that Martin ends up at 2B. His arm doesn't grade that well and from the clips I've seen it doesn't look particularly strong. Not weak, just nothing special... Average at best. I know Biggio has spent some time in the OF. Anyone know how he grades defensively in the OF?

[Jimcanuck]

Pete Rose is a good comp for Martin. Hard nosed hustle, play all over the diamond. Crank out hit after hit, pop some HR.

 

Ok, maybe stretching it a bit.

[Captain Adama]

I'd like to see him at 3B as well.

 

I'm probably in the minority but I'm thinking that Martin ends up at 2B. His arm doesn't grade that well and from the clips I've seen it doesn't look particularly strong. Not weak, just nothing special... Average at best. I know Biggio has spent some time in the OF. Anyone know how he grades defensively in the OF?

 

According to UZR Biggio was really awful in the OF last year, albeit in a small sample of 61 innings. Compare that to 2B where at least he was average.

I feel like if Martin gets pushed out the infield, he could likely slot into CF pretty easily. Otherwise he would rep with the other infielders as a utility man to give them a break. The bat should play anywhere.

[Pendleton]

If we move him to CF, the best comparable would probably be Joe DiMaggio

[Orgfiller]

According to UZR Biggio was really awful in the OF last year, albeit in a small sample of 61 innings. Compare that to 2B where at least he was average.

I feel like if Martin gets pushed out the infield, he could likely slot into CF pretty easily. Otherwise he would rep with the other infielders as a utility man to give them a break. The bat should play anywhere.

 

FWIW Statcast had Biggio as an elite defender at 2B, and with that in mind and his good speed there's reason to believe he can likely play an average OF with more reps and a larger sample size. There's also the possibility that Bo isn't a good enough defender at SS to justify keeping him there longterm, which is where Martin or Groshans if he develops well defensively can step in. I think we're going to have the luxury of versatility with many of these young, athletic guys after Vlad inevitably gets pushed to 1B/DH.

[Spanky99]

I'd be shocked to see it exceed $7M unless, like I said, they had some kind of verbal agreement prior to selecting him.

 

Or Martin's camp told teams their number, either way it's highly likely that's how it went down, I said on draft day his number is likely 7.5 and they barter from there to the deadline.

[Captain Adama]

FWIW Statcast had Biggio as an elite defender at 2B, and with that in mind and his good speed there's reason to believe he can likely play an average OF with more reps and a larger sample size. There's also the possibility that Bo isn't a good enough defender at SS to justify keeping him there longterm, which is where Martin or Groshans if he develops well defensively can step in. I think we're going to have the luxury of versatility with many of these young, athletic guys after Vlad inevitably gets pushed to 1B/DH.

 

Yeah I just saw that, interesting to see such a disparity between the two stats.

Vlad getting pushed to 1B is pretty much an inevitability. Which like you said, allows the Jays to have the flexibility to have 3 guys who can possibly play on the L side of the infield in a pinch.

The beautiful thing with adding Martin would allow all those guys to rotate to find their appropriate spots on the diamond.

[Carlos Danger]

IMO, we are weak at CF, we have multiple options at 3B and 2b.. Groom him/keep him in CF!

[Spanky99]

Mark Kotsay comp is easily the best one

 

What happened to him after '04, injuries? He declined dramatically after that season, especially his defense, I'm assuming injuries.

[Brownie19]

FWIW Statcast had Biggio as an elite defender at 2B, and with that in mind and his good speed there's reason to believe he can likely play an average OF with more reps and a larger sample size. There's also the possibility that Bo isn't a good enough defender at SS to justify keeping him there longterm, which is where Martin or Groshans if he develops well defensively can step in. I think we're going to have the luxury of versatility with many of these young, athletic guys after Vlad inevitably gets pushed to 1B/DH.

 

Orelvis Martinez needs to be added to this conversation boys.

[Brownie19]

f*** - who awoke Gruber? I knew that draft talk of the guy who was compared to Goins would get his spidy senses tingling...

[Spanky99]

f*** - who awoke Gruber? I knew that draft talk of the guy who was compared to Goins would get his spidy senses tingling...

 

lol... to post something dumn right away.

[Brownie19]

Mark Kotsay comp is easily the best one

 

I think we can all agree that Johnny Damon is the best comp for Austin Martin.

 

It's pretty clear that Martin's best comp is Dustin Ackley...

 

 

 

 

 

 

and I'll show myself to the door.

[Spanky99]

Yup what? Can you confirm that you're saying Benintendi can play an MLB infield (outside of 1B)?

 

lol... can you confirm McCutcheon can play the infield besides 1B? It's just that easy.

[Orgfiller]

Orelvis Martinez needs to be added to this conversation boys.

 

Good shout but he's still forever away, even relative to Groshans IMO. If everything goes perfectly (a big if) he's more of a #1 prospect kicking the door down when these guys are in year 2-4 of their MLB careers. An excellent problem to have if that's the case.

[gruber92]

lol... can you confirm McCutcheon can play the infield besides 1B? It's just that easy.

 

And you're just that dumb. I said McCutcheon was a BETTER comp and that Molitor was a decent comp. Both drafted fifth overall out of college, multiple positions with a similar offensive profile, that's all.

 

The toxicity on this board remains, sadly.

[Carlos Danger]

And you're just that dumb. I said McCutcheon was a BETTER comp and that Molitor was a decent comp. Both drafted fifth overall out of college, multiple positions with a similar offensive profile, that's all.

 

The toxicity on this board remains, sadly.

 

I wanted to share this resource with you:

 

https://www.stompoutbullying.org/get-help/helpchat-line

[Spanky99]

And you're just that dumb. I said McCutcheon was a BETTER comp and that Molitor was a decent comp. Both drafted fifth overall out of college, multiple positions with a similar offensive profile, that's all.

 

The toxicity on this board remains, sadly.

 

Toxicity, lol. If Martin becomes as good as Molitor(only played 52 games in the OF and sucked) or better value wise, that would be a comparison on his ceiling. Don't compare draft selections numbnuts. Org's comp is more reasonable in looking at him as a bit better than his floor. You still missed the point of his post and mine, yer dumn. *Yup*