Yeah, I know we have an organizational philosophy to draft up the middle (C, SS, CF, P), but when you hear that kind of bat speed with comps to Butler with better defense, it gets your attention.
I don't mind Wells. Sounds like the kind of guy you can strike gold on. Not so fond of this pick, but I don't think it's a bad one either. I just like some of the other guys on the board better.
I was only referring to the 1k - 5k guys since those are more realistically considered punted picks for cap space. If one or two of those actually produce major leaguers, it would be amazing.
The interesting thing about last year's cheap college guys to manipulate the cap is that Graveman and Girodo may actually turn out to be major leaguers. Hopefully we can find some more guys like that this year.
Apparently the Indians have already signed Sheffield. Talk about fast.
I kind of wonder if a deal with the Rockies for Chacin and Rutledge wouldn't make some sense. Chacin has had decent results outside of Coors (this year aside, although his velocity seems to be returning the last start or two so that might improve now too), and I think he still has 2 arbitration years remaining. Colorado is apparently thinking of moving him to open up a slot for Gray or Butler. He's not a top end pitcher everyone wants, but he should come reasonably cheap and has the ability to put up a ~4 xFIP or lower. Even if he didn't end up pitching well, he probably doesn't cost us anything we'd be crying over.
I definitely want Hoffman. I'm not big on Turner, but I think Zimmer could be interesting on the bat side (assuming no one really falls). On the pitching side I would love for us to redraft Nola if he's still on the board, or Freeland if not in addition to Hoffman.
I don't think we will be after that kind of player. Taking AA at face value, we'll be looking for lower tier guys heading to FA rather than the elite names. To me, it sounds a lot like a guy such as Beckett or Masterson.