Longenhagen prospects chat today
Adam: In a deep draft for college arms, does that make it easier for one of the top 3 teams to take a risk on Hunter Greene knowing they can probably get someone closer to the majors with their next pick?
Eric A Longenhagen: It’s an interesting idea but it’s easier to move the prep kids back than it is college.
Philip: Is JB Bukuaskas a starter for you?
Eric A Longenhagen: Yes but not a total slam dunk. I’m less apt to write up someone as a pen arm because of height if the arm works well so it doesn’t bother me that he’s 6′, but there is some effort there. He’s filthy, though.
Conrad: “(Nick) Allen began swinging lefthanded in the offseason, and his swing shows promise.” Thoughts?
Eric A Longenhagen: Thinking a SoCal trip is a must this spring.
Seiya: Could you see the Padres taking DL Hall at 3, and giving out higher bonuses to later picks?
Eric A Longenhagen: Not sure. Preller was at Vandy on Thursday to see Wright (so was Boras, btw) and they really only have one other pick to play with big money…there’s less room for creativity this year. But I like how much you like Hall because I think he’s a top 10 guy, too.
YouthBerry: How does J.J. Schwarz of Florida (2017 draft) compare to 2016’s college Catchers like Zack Collins and Matt Thaiss (moving off C I know)?
Eric A Longenhagen: More power than Thaiss, more physical projection than Collins, I think Collins has a better chance to hit, better pitch recog and ability to deal with offspeed stuff.
YouthBerry: Thoughts on Jeren kendall’s hit tool? He struck out 122 times in 435 college at-bats (28%), how concerning is that?
Eric A Longenhagen: Yeah, you’ve nailed the most difficult thing to nail down about his profile. The bat speed is there, for sure. And he has a good approach. But man, that swing path is kind of odd. If I knew he were going to hit for power, I wouldn’t care. But I’m not sure about that yet, either.
Adam: It seems like Hunter Greene has a REALLY good fastball and a lot of projection. Is there more to his current repertoire or is his ranking dependent on his athleticism and aptitude?
Eric A Longenhagen: Nope, I think you’re on it. The slider will flash and got better as last year went along. I saw him in the spring during his junior year, then all during the showcases and his feel for it improved. Wouldn’t surprise me if it was a solid 55 this spring.
David: Good to see you out at USD last week! Since Wright’s disappointing start speaks for itself and Kendall spent the whole time getting walked and trying to bunt… what’s your read on Will Toffey? Somewhere in the middle of Day 2 of the draft?
Eric A Longenhagen: I though Wright was fine (it’s February) and yeah, I didn’t like some of Corbin’s decisions that limited my look at Kendall. I liked Toffey. Good feet during in and out, plus arm, hands are kind of inconsistent. Great approach. Probably not prototypical power for third so yeah, day two to a team that prioritizes approach.
Jean: I’d say Brice Turang has the following future ratings: 60 Hit, 60 Run, 50 Power, 55 Defense, 55 Arm. This is obviously very early, though would you agree with these tool grades?
Eric A Longenhagen: You might be heavy on the power (if it’s game) but otherwise I don’t have a quarrel with you.
Michael: Have you gotten the chance to see Hans Crouse? What do you think of him?
Eric A Longenhagen: Yes, several times. Was encouraging his stuff ticked up late last summer, the delivery is unique and tough to confidently say he’s a starter.