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Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 08 2010 02:20 PM

Just about four months until adoption season again. With our favorites nursing a 7th overall pick this year, it's never too early to start drooling, no? First, check out two prospects that the Mets won't see drop to their slot: wonderboy Bryce Harper (I had no idea he was a catcher) and Texas schoolboy pitcher Jameson Taillon. Harper's special... but Taillon might be just as interesting a prospect. And if he looks a LITTLE unsignable to a few of the teams-- KC, Pittsburgh, etc.-- in front of us... well... just lookit. Video of both here. Witness, specifically, the way his fastball gets more giddy-up (and even a little tail action) as the game progresses, and the Wiffle-ball-like movement of Taillon's offspeed stuff from his footage (a long series of clips/sequences from a HS all-star game). And with command, no less... with that gangly, huge, unfinished body, too. (Of less informational value, but more fun, is Harper legging out a triple nicely... then slapping away the third baseman's lingering tag.) More to the point, maybe-- here's an early stab at a mock draft by Rob Orza of comprehensive scouting hub Baseball Draft Report. He has the Mets passing up Team USA shortstop/Cal State Fullerton Jeter-y sort Christian Colon and Georgia Tech junkball wizard/All-Baseball-Name-Team prospect Deck McGuire for Virginia Tech's Jesse Hahn, a man with a fantastic sinking fastball... and nothing else (sound familiar?). There's some nice breakdowns of other prospects as well through the end of the first round projections.

Valadius Feb 08 2010 02:21 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

I don't want a Jeter-y sort anyway.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 08 2010 02:25 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Yeah, but how much do you want a guy named Deck McGuire?

Valadius Feb 08 2010 02:32 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

That would be fucking awesome.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 08 2010 02:36 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010 Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Feb 08 2010 02:46 PM

No, my friend. That would be fucking Deck. (Also, plus-plus curve and change, and plus slider. Droolworthy.) Similarly funky with the off-speed stuff: lefty Chris Sale and DeAndre Smelter (who, ironically, brings little heat).

Ashie62 Feb 08 2010 02:40 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Yeah, but how much do you want a guy named Deck McGuire? Better than Nuke LaRouche?

Benjamin Grimm Feb 08 2010 02:42 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Jesse Hahn would be an interesting name; to me, Don Hahn was an original Met. And if "Jesse" is short for Jessica, then it's interesting for yet another reason. (Raise your hand if you remember Jessica Hahn. And bonus points if you remember which famous preacher she scandalized.)

Centerfield Feb 08 2010 02:45 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

I remember. Especially the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg34iR1D49c

Centerfield Feb 08 2010 02:47 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Oh, and it was Jim Baker. The one with the wife with the funky makeup. Tammy Faye? I think?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 08 2010 02:48 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

I would probably draft a Tommy Kitaen, scouting report unseen.

themetfairy Feb 08 2010 02:51 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Just about four months until adoption season again. Dang - I was thinking about adopting a prospect or two when I go down to Spring Training at the end of the month. What are the ramifications of an out of season adoption? Do prospects go stale?

HahnSolo Feb 08 2010 03:01 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: I would probably draft a Tommy Kitaen, scouting report unseen. I bet he hits lefties.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 08 2010 03:43 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

HahnSolo wrote: LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: I would probably draft a Tommy Kitaen, scouting report unseen. I bet he hits lefties. Well, yes, I'd imagine he would have good-looking splits.

Ashie62 Feb 08 2010 03:55 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

themetfairy wrote: LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Just about four months until adoption season again. Dang - I was thinking about adopting a prospect or two when I go down to Spring Training at the end of the month. What are the ramifications of an out of season adoption? Do prospects go stale? Only ones named Fernando Martinez

Valadius Feb 08 2010 04:16 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

HahnSolo wrote: LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: I would probably draft a Tommy Kitaen, scouting report unseen. I bet he hits lefties.

attgig Feb 08 2010 04:21 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

are we really going to go above slot to sign a good prospect? or are we going to get scared like a small market team, and sign someone who's going to be projected as a late 1strounder?

Frayed Knot Feb 08 2010 04:52 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

attgig wrote: are we really going to go above slot to sign a good prospect? or are we going to get scared like a small market team, and sign someone who's going to be projected as a late 1strounder? C'mon, in which 1st round have the Mets done that? This whole 'not going over slot' complaint exists but it's NOT that the club willingly passes on known quantities early in the draft out of cheapness. What they're doing not doing is spending over the recommended levels with later round selections in order to attempt to buy some raw but possibly high-reward kid out of a college commitment that might pay off down the road. That's something they could be doing and should be doing if/when the find the right candidate but it's also a method that's going to produce a lot more misses than hits.

batmagadanleadoff Feb 08 2010 05:24 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

In order to properly evaluate the Mets success at acquiring amateur talent, you have to recognize that the team has developed the strongest pipeline to Latin American talent in all of baseball. The Mets, more than any other team in baseball, are willing to forfeit a first round pick in order to sign a Type A free agent and also, to adopt unreasonably rigid positions favoring baseball's recommended slotting system. The team does this because it's confident that it'll more than make it up by signing prime Central and South American teenaged amateurs who essentially enter USA pro baseball as free agents. It's a deliberate MO. Among the team's many Latin American signings are Jose Reyes, Fernando Martinez, Jesus Flores and Carlos Gomez. And while Gomez hasn't yet panned out, there's hardly a team in baseball that wouldn't have wanted Gomez in their system six or seven years ago. On the other hand, I have nothing against the team maintaining its South of the Border advantage and simultaneously going over slot in the June draft. I mean, are the two approaches mutually exclusive?

Fman99 Feb 08 2010 08:07 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: I would probably draft a Tommy Kitaen, scouting report unseen. Would he be rolling around on David Coverdale's car?

RealityChuck Feb 09 2010 07:23 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

batmagadanleadoff wrote: In order to properly evaluate the Mets success at acquiring amateur talent, you have to recognize that the team has developed the strongest pipeline to Latin American talent in all of baseball. The Mets, more than any other team in baseball, are willing to forfeit a first round pick in order to sign a Type A free agent and also, to adopt unreasonably rigid positions favoring baseball's recommended slotting system. The team does this because it's confident that it'll more than make it up by signing prime Central and South American teenaged amateurs who essentially enter USA pro baseball as free agents. It's a deliberate MO. Among the team's many Latin American signings are Jose Reyes, Fernando Martinez, Jesus Flores and Carlos Gomez. And while Gomez hasn't yet panned out, there's hardly a team in baseball that wouldn't have wanted Gomez in their system six or seven years ago. On the other hand, I have nothing against the team maintaining its South of the Border advantage and simultaneously going over slot in the June draft. I mean, are the two approaches mutually exclusive? Very true, and certainly nice, but that doesn't preclude them from drafting top talent, too. Of course, I don't know why anyone puts any faith in mock drafts. They are worse than meaningless.

Frayed Knot Feb 09 2010 07:42 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

I don't know why anyone puts any faith in mock drafts. They are worse than meaningless. Particularly when the college/HS season hasn't started yet in most places.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 09 2010 07:49 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Point taken. Posted the mock as more of a window into 32 decent player evaluations, and not so much as a predictive tool.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Feb 09 2010 07:59 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

My favorite part of the draft, I think, is looking over all the names of the eligible players and realizing that maybe only 1 in a 1,000 will become a household name, but It. Will. Be. A. Household. Name.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 10 2010 01:57 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo looks at some potential household names, providing a look at some early spring showcases, as well as aVERY early top 10 and 11-20. Bryce Harper is #4 on his list, in favor of a pair of SEC starters: LSU righty Anthony Ranaudo and Ole Miss' Drew Pomeranz. On Ranaudo (from lsusports.net): Originally drafted in the 11th round of 2007 draft by the Texas Rangers before deciding to go to college. Hard-throwing right-hander with mid-90s fastball who is considered one of the best pitching prospects in the country ... projected to be one of the starters in LSU’s 2009 weekend rotation ... a big, intimidating pitcher ... throws a curveball and changeup to complement his fastball ... has a tremendous feel for his pitches, especially for his height. On Pomeranz (from draftamerica.com): Pomeranz is a big-bodied lefty with solid stuff across the board and two legitimate swing-and-miss pitches. He generally sits 89-92 mph with his fastball that he can throw to both sides of the plate. His curve is his best offering and when he's on, he comes with good depth and tight break at 79-77mph. He can mix-in an upper-70s changeup, which he throws with decent arm speed. Not surprising for a big man, Pomeranz can struggle to get all of the pieces of his motion working together, leading to inconsistent command of his offerings and, more broadly, bouts of wildness. His arm action can get long in the back, though he does an adequate job of hiding the ball with his body and utilizes a windmill-like release, giving him good downward plane on his fastball and a nice angle on his curve, particularly against lefties. He can miss bats and when he's in a groove, mechanically, he has some of the best stuff in the 2010 draft class.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 14 2010 08:32 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

From Andy Seiler of mlb.com, a look back at Met draft trends under scouting director Rudy Terrasas... and super-premature postulation about where Mets scouts might have their eyes. Rudy Terrasas has been scouting for almost 30 years now, and it was during his first decade of scouting that he met up with general manager Omar Minaya with the Texas Rangers. Terrasas spent almost 20 years with Texas, and he only left when Doug Melvin was replaced with John Hart after the 2003 season. Terrasas’ job with the Mets is his first shot at being a scouting director, and that job was seemingly in jeopardy as the 2009 season came to an end. However, Mets management decided to stick with Minaya, who in turn decided to stick with Terrasas as his amateur scouting director. This year will be Terrasas’ fifth draft, so it’s time to look at some trends from his first four. The first trend that’s apparent is a preference for arms in the early rounds. Usually this is in the supplemental first round and beyond, as Terrasas’ two first-round picks have both been college bats. Until 2008, Terrasas had not even selected a bat in his first five picks. The last two drafts have featured a fair number of bats, but it’s obvious that Terrasas prefers arms in the second to fifth rounds. A second trend, which lies in pitching, is a preference for bigger, more projectable arms, even in the college ranks. Magnifico was a bit of an anomaly in that he’s “only” 6’1’’, but the majority of Terrasas’ pitching picks were big or absolutely huge (Moviel). One final trend to look at is that when Terrasas does pick bats, he prefers athletic players with solid defensive ceilings. Davis was the least athletic of the bunch, but he did have a plus arm, and he profiled to be about average at first base. I look for that trend to continue, though Terrasas generally doesn’t pick hitters that are projecting to be plus hitters at the Major League level... ...Since Terrasas has never made a selection in the top ten before, it’s hard to say where the Mets will focus their scouting activities for that pick. I’ve connected them to prep arms so far, but I’m sure they’re searching out players that will signable for slot, while also maximizing the talent. Prep arms are usually not signable for slot unless you drop to the second tier, so that’s a distinct possibility here.

Frayed Knot Feb 24 2010 08:01 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

The final draft order is now set in stone (Barajas was the final piece to the puzzle) Met picks: #7 #89 #122 ... and then every 30 picks after that Pick #57 is the one that wound up being ceded to the BoSox for Bay

Frayed Knot Apr 10 2010 07:45 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

The early view for the top of the upcoming draft is one much deeper in pitching than in hitting - at least on the college level. So at around the midpoint in the college season, BA reviews two LHPs they think are ticketed for the top 10 in the draft - although, keep in mind, it's just one scout's opinion: "The scouting consensus is that junior lefthanders Drew Pomeranz of Mississippi and Chris Sale (also mentioned in an above post) of Florida Gulf Coast will both be drafted among the first 10 picks in June, and maybe the top five. Both have excellent stuff and good size, though Pomeranz is considerably more physical at 6-foot-5, 231 pounds than Sale at 6-6, 183. An American League crosschecker gave a side-by-side comparison of the two lefthanded aces "For me, they're probably the two best lefties out there, and I would love to have either one of them." "Sale's fastball probably has more movement than Pomeranz's does. Pomeranz does it as easy as you could see—it looks like he's throwing batting practice fastballs out there, and it's 93-94. It's just a very easy delivery, whereas Sale's a little bit herky-jerky with that delivery; he's got a lot going on. Sale I've seen up to 95, and he can reach back late in the game and maybe get a 93, but he'll pretty much settle at 91-92. Pomeranz can go back in the sixth or seventh and get 93-94 when he wants to. He'll probably pitch with a 60 fastball (on the 20-80 scouting scale), a firm 92. It's truer than Sale's, but the thing I like about Pomeranz's fastball is the angle he's able to create with it—he's able to go to both sides. Sale, with that cross-body finish, kind of struggles to get out on the front side consistently and get his fastball in on righthanded hitters. Pomeranz can get it in on righthanded hitters well. I would see Sale pitching more with a 55 fastball, whereas Pomeranz will pitch with a 60. "Sale has a good slurvy slider, but Pomeranz has a true 12-to-6 downer curveball that is a true swing-and-miss pitch for me. I would say Sale's breaking ball is a solid 55, and I'd give Pomeranz's a 60. Sale's slider is very effective to lefties because of the angle that he's throwing it from and the direction he's landing in his delivery—everything's pointing away from a lefthanded hitter. When he's throwing that slider slashing across, it's hard for lefties to hit it. Against righties he can bury it on the back foot at times, but he can get around it and give it a sweepy action at other times, and when it's up it can get hit. "Sale's changeup is really good—I would give it a 60. It's got good arm speed, good fade/sink action. He's able to repeat it and throw it back to back, which I like. He's not afraid to use it against lefties and righties. Pomeranz doesn't really have to use the changeup that much because he's not afraid to pitch with his fastball and he's not afraid to pitch to contact, but when he does throw it, it's a solid-average pitch with a chance to be a 55-type pitch in the future with more use. He's got enough hand feel with it and enough touch with it, there's no doubt it'll be a tick above-average pitch. "For me, the difference is Pomeranz is a bigger guy, more durable for a starting role, and Sale has a real frail body, for me. I'm not sure how long Sale's body will last, and I have some real questions about the arm action on the back. It's an upside-down takeaway—that's a red flag in the baseball industry, it usually leads to some elbow problems down the road. It's easier for Pomeranz to repeat it and there's less effort there. Over the long haul of a season, Pomeranz won't have to exert as much effort as Sale will have to exert. Command for me with Sale will probably be average, and Pomeranz for me would be a tick above—he throws more quality strikes in the zone. Sale will be a little more scattered. "With Pomeranz, the body's there, the stuff is there, he's durable, he's pitched in a major conference and been successful, he's pitched with Team USA and been successful. If I had to put my $2.5 million on one, I'd put it there."

Ashie62 Apr 10 2010 08:24 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

I'd like to see the Mets draft 64 Left Handed Pitchers that can hit and handle a utility role.

MFS62 Apr 10 2010 08:50 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Yeah, yeah, you can never have enough pitching. BUT, all of these current position players in the minors - Davis, Thole, Fernando Martinez, Capt. Kirk, Havens, Carter, et. al. are lefty batters. I say the top need is righty hitting prospects, position optional. Later

Edgy DC Apr 10 2010 09:26 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

The top need is the best and most talented available players. More specific needs always change by the the time players make it through whatever minor league crucible confronts them.

Frayed Knot Apr 10 2010 09:33 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Yes. There are two basic rules for drafting: Rule 1: Draft the best available talent regardless of position or perceived need Rule 2: See Rule 1

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 10 2010 10:05 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

As per said rules, if either of Taillon or Harper drop due to contract demands and the Mets aren't all over that... well... I'll be so mad, I'll, I'll... I'LL DANCE.

Frayed Knot Apr 12 2010 02:02 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Some Bryce Harper hype - just in case you weren't sure he'd get enough. You ought to wear a bib while reading, although the odds of him dropping to #7 overall can't be too good. From BA: Unsurprisingly, College of Southern Nevada coach Tim Chambers has fielded plenty of phone calls from reporters about Bryce Harper this year. He's given up trying to temper expectations for Harper, the phenom who graced the cover of Sports Illustrated as a sophomore and then earned his GED so he could skip the final two years of his high school career and enroll at the Las Vegas area junior college. "Sometimes I don't know how to answer it," Chambers said. "I think he's the best player ever to play the game. I swear to God, I've never seen anything like it in my life. I've been coaching 21 years. If you factor age and the league he's playing in, he's the best player ever to play the game—it's amazing. I am dumbfounded. I knew he would do well, but I didn't expect this, I really didn't." No one has ever doubted Harper's talent. Capable of hitting 500-foot home runs, throwing 96 mph off the mound and doing just about everything in between, it's no wonder Harper was dubbed "Baseball's Chosen One" and "the most exciting prodigy since Lebron (James)" by Sports Illustrated. But there was some sentiment among baseball people heading into 2010 that Harper might not live up to the gargantuan expectations facing him this spring, as a 17-year-old against much older competition in a wood-bat league. But after going 5-for-13 with three home runs in Southern Nevada's four-game sweep of JC of Southern Idaho this weekend, Harper is hitting .422/.516/.891 with 15 home runs and 42 RBIs in 128 at-bats. He has already breezed past the single-season school record for home runs (12, by Joe Wagner, with metal bats in 2001). He has 54 hits—29 of them for extra bases. "He's destroying our league, and we're in a good league," Chambers said. "It's wood bat, we have really good pitching in our league, and he's just freaking destroying our league. He should be a junior in high school right now. It's sick, it really is—it's just disgusting. It's unbelievable what he's doing." Shockingly, just two of Harper's 25 walks have been intentional, a benefit of playing for a very good team that is 34-6. The Coyotes seemingly always have runners on base when Harper comes to the plate, forcing opponents to pitch to him. After Harper hit his third home run this weekend, Chambers stood in the third-base coaching box and had a conversation with Southern Idaho's third baseman. "The third baseman looks at me and says, 'Shoot, if you throw him a strike, he hits a home run. What do you do?' " Chambers said. "You walk him, I guess. He's special." Chambers said the 6-foot-3, 205-pound Harper has also done a fine job behind the plate handling CSN's power arms, and one American League scout last week told BA that he also thought Harper's receiving and throwing were both showing progress, projecting Harper as an average big league defender eventually. He also praised Harper for his play at other positions. Because the Scenic West Athletic Conference schedule includes doubleheaders on Fridays and Saturdays, Harper has split time between catching and playing right field, center field and even some third base. He'll usually catch one game in each doubleheader, and Chambers said Harper will likely catch more often in the postseason. He said he believes Harper could be in the big leagues as a catcher within three years, but his bat could carry him to the majors in two years if he moved to an outfield spot full-time. And the AL scout said that while Harper wasn't ideal in center field, he's also good there defensively due to his athleticism. That's high praise for a 17-year-old, but high praise is nothing new for Harper. When a player generates as much hype as Harper has, there inevitably will be skeptics, but Harper is gradually making believers out of all of them. "The rest of the world, the critics, all the smack-talking everybody does—come watch him, and you'll go, 'Whoa,' " Chambers said. "Bottom line, he's the best amateur baseball player in America. Bottom line."

Benjamin Grimm Apr 12 2010 02:15 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

So which are the six teams that draft before the Mets? Hopefully they're six teams that are not interested in having the greatest player who ever lived.

Frayed Knot Apr 12 2010 02:31 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

1 - Nationals (a Strasburg-Harper 1-2 combo would cost them a pretty penny but might be the best back-to-back amateur picks ever and would go a long way towards turning around that franchise should everything work out as hoped) 2 - Pirates 3 - Orioles 4 - Royals 5 - Indians 6 - Diamondbacks Mets blew the sixth spot by winning their final three games last year

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 12 2010 05:57 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Nats might also feel some pressure to keep him from the Orioles.

Frayed Knot Apr 19 2010 06:52 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

John Sickels takes a look at some of the better HS pitchers in advance of June's draft. He lists these four in particular as having the talent to be possible top 10 picks: A.J. Cole, RHP, Oviedo HS (Florida) Well known to scouts for a long time, still has projectability at 6-5, 190 pounds but already hits 91-94 MPH with good movement. Mixes in a good breaking ball but will need to improve change-up in pro ball, not unusual for his age. He throws strikes and basically has no major flaws as high school pitchers go. He has a University of Miami commitment but should be signable if drafted early enough. He's a definite candidate for the Top Ten, and barring a late injury disaster or unusual bonus demands he won't get past 15. Dylan Covey, RHP, Maranatha HS (California) Good athlete, not huge at 6-2, 195, but has more than enough arm strength with a 91-94 MPH fastball and a nasty curve. Well-known to scouts on the amateur circuit, like Cole he is relatively polished for his age and has done well against good quality competition. A University of San Diego signee, he's been rated a Top 20 talent for some time, has done nothing to change that this spring, and could get into the Top 10 under the right circumstances. I doubt he would get past the Angels at 18 and could go as high as the Mets at #7. Jameson Taillon, RHP, The Woodlands HS (Texas) This draft is loaded with high school pitching, but just about everyone thinks Taillon is the best of the bunch. Listed at 6-6, 225 last fall, he's up to 6-7, 230, but despite his size he's quite athletic. Clocked as high as 98 MPH, he maintains steady mid-90 velocity. His mechanics are consistent considering his age and size, and he has a killer curveball. Committed to Rice, he won't be a cheap sign. Assuming that the Nationals do as expected and pick Bryce Harper first overall, Taillon could go to the Pirates at two or the Orioles at three. If they pass, the Royals (willing to spend money on the draft and take risks) are unlikely to shy away. Karsten Whitson, RHP, Chipley HS (Florida) Committed to the University of Florida, Whitson has ideal size and some remaining projectability at 6-4, 190 pounds. He has a 90-94 MPH fastball, hitting 95 at times, and an advanced slider for a high school kid. He is polished for his age, throws strikes, and has a good balance of current skill, remaining projection, safety, and risk as high school pitchers go. He is likely go to somewhere in the Top Ten, and certainly won't make it past 15 unless his bonus demands are outrageous.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 19 2010 09:14 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Baseball Rumor Mill's notes, compiled from ESPN.com and Baseball America reports, included some reports from last week's games on three projected top-10 college starters: LSU ace Anthony Ranaudo were finally able to pitch at 100% and did so in front of many scouts. His command wasn't there, but Ranaudo was able to sustain his velocity at 90-92 and his off speed pitches looked good. Who Pittsburgh takes at #2 will be the most interesting question of the draft. Ranaudo, if healthy, is one option. Another? Ole Miss's LHP Drew Pomeranz. He went 7IP giving up 2H, 4BB 0ER and struck out 10 to increase his K/BB for the year to a crazy 90/24. Pomeranz might not be the first LHP in the draft as Florida Gulf Coast pitcher Chris Sale is drawing consideration from Kansas City at the fourth pick. He did not help his draft stock on Friday, however, with the following pitching line: 7IP, 11H, 2BB, 8ER, 11K.

Vic Sage Apr 19 2010 09:54 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

what were the picks we gave up by trading Wagner, instead of offering arb? I mean, now that we know the Mets have absolutely no interest in the player they got for Wagner (Chris "we'd rather play Jacobs" Carter), what did they give up to save a few of Freddie's coupons?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 19 2010 10:07 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Vic Sage wrote: what were the picks we gave up by trading Wagner, instead of offering arb? I mean, now that we know the Mets have absolutely no interest in the player they got for Wagner (Chris "we'd rather play Jacobs" Carter), what did they give up to save a few of Freddie's coupons? Assuming things played out in the same fashion but for the Carter-Wagner trade, the Mets would be looking at a #20 and a #36 (supplemental) overall in addition to the #6. They're also sending the #57 overall to Boston for Bay. So Theo should be very, very nice to Omar at the meetings for as long as O's attending them.

Number 6 Apr 22 2010 04:10 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Apparently, Bryce Harper is a future Yanqui, according to Kevin Goldstein of BP. The Makeup: This should not be underrated. It's impossible to find any talent evaluator who isn't blown away by Harper's ability on the field, but it's equally difficult to find one who doesn't genuinely dislike the kid. One scout called him among the worst amateur players he's ever seen from a makeup standpoint, with top-of-the-scale arrogance, a disturbingly large sense of entitlement, and on-field behavior that includes taunting opponents. "He's just a bad, bad guy," said one front-office official. "He's basically the anti-Joe Mauer." How this plays into the negotiation or future evaluation is yet to be determined, as history has shown us that the bigger talent a player is, the more makeup issues teams will deal with. Bench players can't afford to be problems, but plenty of teams happily put up with difficult superstars.

Edgy DC Apr 22 2010 05:57 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

The system kind of plays into that, doesn't it? I mean, if he was a Latino, he'd be playing pro ball and haviing the occasional humbling experience or getting promoted to a level where he'd find some. Here he's playing a level where the competition is a plaything. I think we all know what how jock dominance can feed teenage entitlement.

Swan Swan H Apr 22 2010 07:39 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

He also has a girly name.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 22 2010 08:16 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Swan Swan H wrote: He also has a girly name. Hell, I've seen video of the guy, but I still keep picturing Ron Howard's daughter with a chest protector and more power.

Frayed Knot Apr 22 2010 08:19 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

The system kind of plays into that, doesn't it? I mean, if he was a Latino, he'd be playing pro ball and haviing the occasional humbling experience or getting promoted to a level where he'd find some. Here he's playing a level where the competition is a plaything. I think we all know what how jock dominance can feed teenage entitlement. Sure, but Mauer was all-world in several sports at the same age and (as mentioned in the article above) is considered the total opposite. I had never heard this about Harper before but Goldstein talks to a ton of people about prospects and I assume isn't the type to simply swallow the opinions of one crotchety scout and repeat it as if universal fact. And on a semi-related topic, Steven Strasburg was just on BB2N and, in civvies, is a totally unremarkable looking specimen. Maybe it was just the camera angles but Aaron Boone looked bigger and fitter.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 29 2010 01:06 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Speaking of Goldstein... he's started to guess at the top 10 over at BP. As for what he says about the Mets, well... yick. Multiple sources indicated that the Mets will “go off the board,” or “pull a surprise” at No. 7. …three sources indicated a connection between the Mets and Cal State Fullerton shortstop Christian Colon. …maybe nobody has brought more wide-ranging opinions than Colon. …The Good: “He’s shocked us with his power and he’s proven some stuff with wood bats for us already as well. He’s not a runner, but he has great footwork, great hands, and a good arm. He’s not sexy with upside, but for me, if you are talking about a guy like Manny Machado, you’re hope is that in three years he’s as good as Colon is now.” The Bad: “Based on what I expected, he’s the most overrated and overhyped guy I’ve seen all spring. He’s a 30 [on the 20-80 scouting scale] runner and he’s kind of fat. It’s a gritty utility guy for me, as I just saw no tools there. How many 30 runners are playing shortstop in the big leagues? At best, he’s maybe Ronnie Belliard.”

Edgy DC Apr 29 2010 01:47 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

It seems to me that --- their statements to the contrary --- the Mets may be looking for less projectable well-rounded athleticness than in the past and may be more willing than they had been to land amateur talent with special skills in one area while overlooking notable deficiencies in another. I've been chewing on that notion for a few weeks, and mightn't have mentioned it, except that report feeds into it, as does the presence of guys like Ike Davis, Reese Havens, and Wilmer Flores, and maybe Steven Matz and Eddie Kunz as well.

Frayed Knot Apr 29 2010 02:51 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

I generally don't consider "surprises" in the top ten to be a good thing. Stick to BAT - Best Available Talent

Frayed Knot May 01 2010 08:03 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

John Sickels is in the midst of looking at HS hitters and mentions Manny Machado (referenced above) as one of those deserving to go early in Round 1: Manny Machado, SS, Brito Private High School, Hialeah, Florida - Machado has emerged as the top overall player in the high school class, growing from 6-2, 180 to 6-3, 190 over the last 12 months. Scouts are impressed with his glove and he has the range and hands to be a top-flight defensive shortstop. His arm is okay but is very accurate and has a quick release, so it shouldn't be a problem at higher levels. There were some questions about his bat pre-season, but he's shown much better offensive potential this year with a swing that should provide a high batting average with at least decent power as he matures. Pure running speed is his only average tool. Signed with Florida International University, Machado is now aligned with Scott Boras and may be a difficult sign. On talent alone, he would fit perfectly with the Orioles at number three or the Royals at number four. Also pimps up Austin Wilson, OF, Harvard Westlake High School, North Hollywood, California - Probably the toolsiest overall player in the high school class, Wilson features excellent power potential, decent speed, and an amazing throwing arm. He's 6-4, 215, and reminds scouts of players like Andre Dawson and Jermaine Dye. He's still somewhat raw as a hitter, but Wilson is extremely intelligent and has a strong work ethic, giving him a good shot at ironing out remaining flaws in his swing. He has a Stanford scholarship and is academically-oriented, giving him plenty of leverage on draft day. Toolswise he belongs in the Top Ten of the draft, but he could end up slipping towards the bottom of the first round if teams get worried about his bonus demands. Current speculation is that he's willing to sign if the money is right.

MFS62 May 01 2010 08:20 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

"Raw as a hitter". Is that another way of saying "Swings at everything and can't hit a breaking ball"? Just because a guy is "smart", it doesn't mean he will be able to hit. Moe Berg comes to mind. And, tools? Remember Al Shirley? Omar, howz about picking a ballplayer? Later

Edgy DC May 01 2010 11:35 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

You're criticizing Minaya because of an independent scouting report? The number of high school seniors who are completed products is virtually nil. They're all raw to some degree, mostly very large degrees. Harvard Westlake is a very comptetitive prep school and students don't tend to go there only to skip college.

MFS62 May 01 2010 12:00 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Of course I'm not criticizing Omar for his drafting. That's why I referenced Berg and Shirley - way before Omar. And Berg wasn't a Met. He has made some really good draft and International choices (Pelfrey, Ike, Mejia, etc.). Even before he was a GM, he was known for having a keen eye for talent. He has kept that up. I was just having fun with some of the terms in that scouting report and rooting Omar on to make another of his great picks. Later

Frayed Knot May 02 2010 11:19 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Sickels starts delving into college hitters now, and is high on possible NYM pick Christian Colon, at least a lot higher than that one scout Goldstein quotes: Christian Colon, SS, Cal State Fullerton - The 6-1, 190 pound Colon may be the first four-year college hitter drafted. After a slow start, he's now hitting .325/.432/.618, knocking 11 homers along with 24 walks and just 10 strikeouts in 157 at-bats, giving him more offensive potential than most middle infielders. I love the BB/K ratio. His range and hands work well at shortstop, but his arm isn't exceptional and some scouts see him more as a second baseman long-term. My own view is that he should be able to remain at short, enhancing his value. His work ethic and makeup are also considered excellent. Colon is a Scott Boras guy, but his overall potential should still get him into the Top Ten picks. also: Zach Cox, 3B, University of Arkansas - If Colon isn't the first four-year hitter drafted, Cox could be. The 6-1, 215 pound left-handed hitter has a pure stroke and excelled last year in the Cape Cod League, showing his skills with the wooden bat. He should hit for both power and average at higher levels. Defensively, he has the arm strength and hands for third base, but perhaps not the range. He could be moved to second base or perhaps the outfield eventually, but I wouldn't give up on him at third. He's hitting .436 with a 30/22 BB/K in 181 at-bats for the Razorbacks, showing strong contact hitting skills but not terrific power yet with six homers. He could go anywhere from six to 20 in the draft, and I'll try to get a better handle on his slot before I do my mock draft next week. Yasmani Grandal, C, University of Miami-Florida - Six months ago, Grandal was considered to be similar to Gibbs: a strong defensive catcher with a decent bat who could get into the lower part of the first round under the right conditions. But while Gibbs has maintained his stock, Grandal has significantly improved his with a breakout season, hitting .429 with 10 homers, 39 walks and 25 strikeouts in 154 at-bats, leading his team in OPS, OBP, and SLG while showing good plate discipline. Rumors now have him getting into the top 15 picks, maybe the top ten, and even possibly in the top five; one rumor connects him with the Royals at number four overall. I don't know if he'll go that high, but a 6-2, 210 pound left-hitting catcher with power, plate discipline, and a good glove is certainly a very attractive commodity. Bryce Brentz, OF, Middle Tennessee State University - A 6-1, 185 pound right-handed hitter, Brentz is hitting .331/.438/.669 with 11 homers. His production has been solid but perhaps not quite as good as his press clippings: his OPS in the Middle Tennessee context is about +26 percent, very good but not spectacular. On the other hand, he's had some problems with a nagging ankle injury, and scouts say he's being worked around in the lineup: he's not getting many good pitches to hit. They continue to focus on his excellent raw power, some scouts rating him as the top power hitter available in the four-year college ranks. He has decent speed and a right field throwing arm. Brentz should go somewhere in the 12-18 range depending on late May performance and his bonus demands. and, of course, Bryce Harper, C, College of Southern Nevada - Everyone knows about Harper; he's been hyped for years, and he's actually living up to the hype, hitting .407/.500/.901 with 21 homers, 30 walk and 31 strikeouts in 162 at-bats, with 16 stolen bases in 18 attempts. He's made progress on defense, and his bat is extremely polished for a 17 year old playing against older competition. Two negatives: he might have to move to right field or first base eventually if he outgrows catcher, and his makeup has been questioned of late. I'm not worried about the size issue at this point. On the other hand, the makeup thing is somewhat concerning. His work ethic on the field isn't questioned, but he apparently has a huge sense of entitlement. That is understandable given his age and the fact that he's the best 17 year old hitter to come along in the last 20 years. A big ego goes with the territory and is hardly damning at this stage of his career. The thing that bothers me are reports of him taunting opponents. I'd like more detail about that. Razzing opponents has been part of the game for a century and there's nothing wrong with that, but the fact that it is being pointed out as a specific issue with Harper is unusual. The taunting could be an overblown report that we should ignore. It could be a simple case of 17 year old braggadocio that he'll outgrow. Or it could be a symptom of a larger issue that could alienate teammates and negatively impact his career. There's no way to know yet given his age, and at this point I'm not going to worry about that either, not without more information. Even if Harper has significant makeup problems and will command a huge bonus, I think the Nationals still have to draft him at number one. Harper is basically Joe Mauer with more power, and you just can't pass that up, even if he doesn't have Mauer's personality.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr May 11 2010 10:27 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Yesterday was apparently A.J. Cole day in the Mets-blog realm. Amazin' Avenue/MetsGeek's Alex Nelson tidily profiles the lanky prep righty for AA, pointing up his mechanics, fastball, and "projectability"... There are two things that A.J. Cole has that you just can't teach: size and arm speed. Cole's primary asset is his projection. He has one of those tall, lanky frames that make scouts salivate. Long legs, long arms. He pairs that with maybe the quickest right arm in this draft... And unlike some other high school pitchers, Cole's mechanics are mostly a positive. There's a little bit of length to his throwing motion (which I'll outline below), but he's still quick to the plate, and he takes a nice, healthy stride. As of right now, I don't see anything that suggests he'll have crippling issues with command, as I do with Jameson Taillon, for example ... and talking down his breaking stuff, and a funky little elbow-pronation issue: The slider certainly has promise. He throws it at the right speed, he's got a good arm slot for it, and it's a tight offering when everything's going well. But he doesn't always snap it off right, and the result is an inconsistent pitch. Keith Law has suggested that he might be better off switching to a curve ball, and I don't necessarily disagree. But Cole has a three-quarters arm slot that isn't as well suited for a big-breaking curve... What's happening is Cole is twisting his forearm too early, pronating the elbow sooner than necessary and causing his arm to pause slightly. This is usually associated with Tommy John surgery. Also, there's video. Michael Diaz, meanwhile, does the same for SNY-affiliated MetsMinorLeagueBlog here. He generates big time arm speed, with little effort. Reports have his fastball sitting in the low 90s, and tops out at 94. While he lacks a plus fastball right now, Cole does have the frame to fill out and add a few more ticks on his fastball. Cole’s secondary pitches still need refinement. Reports have his curveball sitting in the mid 70s. He has flashed a plus breaking ball, but still needs to be more consistent with it. He needs to stay on top of his curveball, to create the downward break. His curveball tends to flatten out, making it very hittable... Blessed with an ideal pitcher’s frame, and an above average fastball, Cole has a chance to go in the top-10 of the draft. All in all, it sounds a bit like the scouts who like this guy seem to leer at his body as if he were pitching in a wet-t-shirt contest, and not so much on what he's got now, repertoire-wise. Between this, and his having a very solid backup plan (a commitment to Miami (FL)), he may not be worth the trigger-pull at the 7 slot. But he is 6'5", 190 lbs...

MFS62 May 11 2010 10:34 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

You can't just look at body type for a pitcher and think "too thin". Pedro Martinez (when he was young), Tim Lincecum and Ron Guidry could fall through a sidewalk subway vent grating. Later

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr May 11 2010 11:27 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

MFS62 wrote: You can't just look at body type for a pitcher and think "too thin". Pedro Martinez (when he was young), Tim Lincecum and Ron Guidry could fall through a sidewalk subway vent grating. Later It's not that he's thin... it's that his build is seen as his biggest asset (or one of his biggest assets, anyway). My thing is, guys like Pedro and Lincecum-- and, on the other hand, guys like Prior (a "great body" for a power pitcher, but a motion that's all arm/scapular load)-- prove that, gigantic human-red-flags aside, it's not how you're built, but how your motion generates power/velocity/spin that counts.

Frayed Knot May 11 2010 02:06 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

MFS62 wrote: You can't just look at body type for a pitcher and think "too thin". Pedro Martinez (when he was young), Tim Lincecum and Ron Guidry could fall through a sidewalk subway vent grating. The race doesn't always go to the swiftest nor the fight to the strongest ... but that's the way to bet. IOW, sure you can be slight of build and still generate enough arm speed for a 'plus' major league fastball, but if you've got one bullet to spend on a high draft pick you'll probably want to use on the not scrawny one just to be safe.

Frayed Knot May 11 2010 02:36 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Innuresting answer to a question posed to BA about who were the hottest draft picks over the last 20 years [u:31pyjnvf]based on the perception of them at the time[/u:31pyjnvf] they were picked. It's just one columnist's opinion but ... - 2 have yet to be drafted as they're in this year's pool - 10 of the remaining 18 were #1 overall picks - 4 were #2 - The remaining 4 dropped for real or perceived signability issues including one who fell to #4, two #5s, and, the only one not in a top-5, Todd Van Poppel at #14 By my count the 20 includes just 4 bonafide stars [Rodriguez, Teixeira, Beckett & Mauer] 5 stone-cold busts [all of them pitchers - Prior, McDonald, Wilson, Taylor, Van Poppel], 5 that fall somewhere in-between [Upton x 2, Drew, Hamilton, Benson] some of which could still move into the 'Star' category and 6 where it's still too early to tell 1. Stephen Strasburg, rhp, San Diego State (Nationals, No. 1, 2009) The latest to wear the mantle of best college pitching prospect ever. 2. Mark Prior, rhp, Southern California (Cubs, No. 2, 2001) Had slightly less stuff than Strasburg, but proved himself against better competition. 3. Ben McDonald, rhp, Louisiana State (Orioles, No. 1, 1989) The Strasburg of the pre-Internet era; $824,000 contract was shocking at the time. 4. Justin Upton, ss, Great Bridge HS, Chesapeake, Va. (Diamondbacks, No. 1, 2005) Tabbed as 2005's top prospect three years earlier, he lived up to the hype. 5. Todd Van Poppel, rhp, Martin HS, Arlington, Texas (Athletics, No. 14, 1990) Braves passed on Van Poppel because of signability and took Chipper Jones at No. 1. 6. Brien Taylor, lhp, Beaufort (N.C.) HS (Yankees, No. 1, 1991) Never reached the bigs, but scouts still say he and David Clyde were top prep lefties ever. 7. Alex Rodriguez, ss, Westminster Christian HS, Miami (Mariners, No. 1, 1993) Had the highest ceiling scouts had seen in years—and still surpassed expectations. 8. J.D. Drew, of, Florida State (Phillies, No. 4, 1997/unsigned) First 30-30 player in college history sought a $10 million deal and didn't get it. 9. David Price, lhp, Vanderbilt (Devil Rays, No. 1, 2007) Delivered almost instant payback with ALCS, World Series heroics a year later. 10. Matt Wieters, c, Georgia Tech (Orioles, No. 5, 2007) A more well-rounded prospect than Bryce Harper is this year, and a switch-hitter to boot. 11. Paul Wilson, rhp, Florida State (Mets, No. 1, 1994) Like many of the pitchers on this list, he fell victim to injuries. 12. Kris Benson, rhp, Clemson (Pirates, No. 1, 1996) Lauded as big league-ready, he didn't arrive in Pittsburgh until 1999. 13. Mark Teixeira, 3b, Georgia Tech (Rangers, No. 5, 2001) Before the 2001 season began, he was considered a better prospect than Prior. 14. Pedro Alvarez, 3b, Vanderbilt (Pirates, No. 2, 2008) Think the Rays might wish they had taken Alvarez over Tim Beckham at No. 1? 15. Bryce Harper, c, CC of Southern Nevada (2010) Most hyped draft prospect ever, starting with a Sports Illustrated cover story at age 16. 16. Josh Hamilton, of, Athens Drive HS, Raleigh, N.C. (Devil Rays, No. 1, 1999) Showed all five tools as an outfielder, plus a mid-90s fastball on the mound. 17. Jameson Taillon, rhp, The Woodlands (Texas) HS (2010) Area scouts say Taillon is the best high school pitcher they've ever seen, better than . . . 18. Josh Beckett, rhp, Spring (Texas) HS (Marlins, No. 2, 1999) So dominant that he might have been the No. 1 pick in 1998 as a high school junior. 19. B.J. Upton, ss, Greenbrier Christian Academy, Chesapeake, Va. (Devil Rays, No. 2, 2002) Drew a lot of comparisons to a more physically and offensively developed Derek Jeter. 20. Joe Mauer, c, Cretin-Derham Hall, St. Paul (Twins, No. 1, 2001) Overshadowed by Prior and Teixeira at the time, he has surpassed them both.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr May 11 2010 03:44 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

The lesson I take away from this? If you're drafting high, you're probably better off drafting a position player.

seawolf17 May 11 2010 05:37 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: The lesson I take away from this? If you're drafting high, you're probably better off drafting a position player. If you're drafting high, you should probably let someone who isn't make your choices.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr May 14 2010 10:35 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

ProspectInsider editor/ESPN MLB draft honcho Jason Churchill talks to MetsMinorLeagueBlog here. He's high on prep arms and bats... not so on college arms (like Pomerantz or the LSU guys). Q- How does Josh Sale (HS, OF) run? Does he have the arm to play RF, or will he end up in LF? A- One foot in front of the other, and yes, he has enough arm for RF. Not a slug at all. Q- Is he (Sale) a top 10 worthy guy? A corner OF is not a premium position, but he does have a premium bat. A- For me, yes. I don’t like the “athlete” picks at all — ever — and I’m not fond of a single college starter for the Top 10. Q- I agree, College arms are No.3 guys at best. So you like Sale over Manny Machado (HS, SS)? How many position players do you have in top 10? A- Machado isn’t just an athlete. He can play SS, and hit some. Machado, Sale, Zach Cox (U. of Arkansas, 3B)… that’s probably it for position players. Q- Well besides the obvious Bryce Harper. So you have those 4 (Machado, Sale, Cox, Harper) and 6 prep arms in your top 10? A- For me, yes. But at least two college SP will be taken top 10. All the pre-draft deal/signability picks will dictate. Taillon, Whitson, Covey, Sanchez, Cole, Machado, Harper, Cox, and maybe instead of a 6th prep arm, Grandal or Brentz. Q- I love Aaron Sanchez (HS, P) as well. Not much love for him that high, but he is athletic and has a live arm. Why not as much hype with him? A- Not as projectable as others, doesn’t have the right-now stuff the top three. He could go as high as 10. An area guy I know down there says he doesn’t know if Sanchez is among the top 10-15 in the class, but he’d be a worthy top 10 pick. Q- Who is gonna have signability issues. Like last year with Tyler Maztek and Matt Purke? A- Not sure. None to that level, it seems, or at least I haven’t heard the early rumors like we did a year ago. Q- I appreciate your time. Thanks for answering my questions. A- Sure.

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 14 2010 11:53 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Q- I appreciate your time. Thanks for answering my questions. A- Sure. I always love it when Q&As include this line, as if to be complete. Why not start it with: A- Hello? Q- Hello, is this Jason Churchill, ESPN Draft Honco? A- Yes Q- Hi, this is Mets Minor League Blog A- Hi. Q- Can we talk? A- Sure

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr May 14 2010 11:58 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

That's adorable. MetsMinorLeagueBlog.com-- Toby Hyde and his minions do increasingly good work-- follows the above with a look at prep 3B/OF Josh Sale. PROS: -- Build ("linebacker" shoulders and frame, muscular, strong core) -- Power to all fields, with compact swing -- Plus arm -- Nice lefty power stroke -- Reputed hard worker, good-makeup guy -- Did I mention the power? The bat? You know how the pundits, when they talk about special prospects, talk about the sound of the "ball coming off of [the] bat?" Go to the blog, and watch the first video. Then watch the second video.

Frayed Knot May 24 2010 08:41 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

John Sickels top 15 draft eligibles. Note that this isn't his prediction of how the draft will go just that it's his current opinion of the best players available. 1) Bryce Harper, C, College of Southern Nevada 2) Jameson Taillon, RHP, The Woodlands, Texas, HS 3) Manny Machado, SS, Brito Private HS, Hialeah, Florida 4) Drew Pomeranz, LHP, University of Mississippi 5) Yasmani Grandal, C, University of Miami-Florida 6) Chris Sale, LHP, Florida Gulf Coast University 7) Dylan Covey, RHP, Maranatha HS, Pasadena, California 8) Stetson Allie, RHP, St. Edward HS, Olmstead Falls, Ohio 9) Karsten Whitson, RHP, Chipley HS, Florida 10) Zach Cox, 3B, University of Arkansas 11) Christian Colon, SS, Cal State Fullerton 12) A.J. Cole, RHP, Oviedo HS, Florida 13) Deck McGuire, RHP, Georgia Tech 14) Brandon Workman, RHP, University of Texas more

seawolf17 May 24 2010 08:48 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

"Stetson"? "Deck"? Parents are stupid.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr May 24 2010 10:09 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

A possible bonus-demands dropper to the Mets at 7, Manny Machado looks intriguing. Actually, in terms of superficialities (Miami-area HS shortstop with eye-popping talent), build (6'3"ish, 190-200 lbs.), and skills package (good at everything, great instincts/gracefulness making up for lack of lateral quickness on defense, solid plate judgement), he looks a little like Baby A-Rod, as MLB's draft previews point out: Hitting ability: Machado is swinging the bat very well, with authority. He led Team USA in hitting last summer Power: He has the chance to have good power. Running speed: He's run well in the past, though he might slow down as he matures. Base running: He's fine on the basepaths. Arm strength: He's got plenty of arm for his position. Fielding: He makes the plays he can get to. Range: This is the question, whether he'll have enough range to stay at shortstop as he gets bigger and stronger. Physical Description: A big, strong athletic high school shortstop in the Miami area, Machado obviously draws young Alex Rodriguez comparisons. Medical Update: Healthy. Strengths: Big, strong, looks the part, plenty of tools, especially with the bat. Weaknesses: Already pretty big, he may not be able to stay at shortstop in the long-term. Summary: Machado entered the season as the top high school position player and has done nothing to diminish that evaluation. Big and athletic, he can do just about everything on the baseball field, with the ability to hit for plenty of average and some power as he matures. He's got more than enough arm to play shortstop and is fine there for now, though there is some concern he'll outgrow the position. Even if he does, he'd be just fine at third, both in terms of handling the position defensively and providing the kind of offense teams look for at the hot corner. Regardless of his position, Machado is primed to be one of the earliest names taken off the board in June. ADDITIONAL SCOUTING REPORTS: http://pnrscouting.com/scoutingreports_ ... adoma.html

Frayed Knot May 26 2010 07:19 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Machado is one of the players "sources say" the Mets would go over-slot to sign if they fell to #7. The others are Harper and Tallion but there's much less chance of either of those happening. BA came out with their list of the Top-200 draft eligibles - divided between pitchers & hitters. 2) Jameson Taillon, rhp, The Woodlands (Texas) HS -- Area scouts say he's a nicer version of Josh Beckett. 4) Drew Pomeranz, lhp, Mississippi -- Better than Andrew Miller at a similar stage, especially when his breaking ball is on. 5) Chris Sale, lhp, Florida Gulf Coast -- Skinny as a rail but throws two plus pitches for strikes 7) Deck McGuire, rhp, Georgia Tech -- Steadiest performer among top college RHPs 8) Stetson Allie, rhp, St. Edward HS, Lakewood, Ohio -- His pure stuff rivals Jameson Taillon's as the best in this draft. 1) Bryce Harper, c, JC of Southern Nevada -- Entered season with high expectations and surpassed them all. 3) Manny Machado, ss, Brito Miami Private HS -- Emerging power for a player who should stick at shortstop. 6) Zack Cox, 3b, Arkansas -- The best pure hitter and top sophomore-eligible in the draft. 9) Christian Colon, ss, Cal State Fullerton -- Safe college bat emerged from slow start to lead Big West in HR. 10) Josh Sale, of, Bishop Blanchet HS, Seattle -- Physical beast limited to corner outfield, but projects as a .280 hitter with 30 HR power 11) Michael Choice, of, Texas-Arlington -- Has power, patience and a chance to play center field 12) Kaleb Cowart, rhp/3b, Cook HS, Adel, Ga. -- Would go in first two rounds as 3B, first-round arm, tough to sign 13) Yasmani Grandal, c, Miami -- ACC Player of the Year should be first catcher picked

Edgy DC May 26 2010 07:26 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Frayed Knot wrote: 13) Yasmani Grandal, c, Miami -- ACC Player of the Year should be first catcher picked Is Harper not considered seriously as a catcher? I didn't think that was true. Do they mean first college(-aged) catcher?

Frayed Knot May 26 2010 07:31 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

They probably meant college catcher, or maybe "pure" catcher seeing as how the debate as to whether Harper will remain one is still up in the air. Many see him as a RF. I included the list down as far as Gradal because he's a guy that's getting a lot of pub lately, is higher on other lists, and I think could be a NYM pick if one of 'the big three' don't drop.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr May 26 2010 09:14 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010 Edited 1 time(s), most recently on May 26 2010 10:31 AM

2) Jameson Taillon, rhp, The Woodlands (Texas) HS -- Area scouts say he's a nicer version of Josh Beckett. Like, more velocity, or a better build? Or is he just more likely to send thank-you notes after receiving gifts? Grandal's a switch-hitter, loaded with raw power from both sides, and has an improving defensive rep. The MLB draft report on him, though, is a masterpiece of damnation-via-faint-praise. To wit: Arm strength: His pure grade would be just okay, and his release times aren't great, but he's fairly accurate. Fielding: He's been strong defensively in the past but doesn't always move his feet well. Physical Description: Grandal is a big, strong, physical backstop, kind of like a Damon Berryhill type. That last one... is amazing. (Emphasis mine.)

bmfc1 May 26 2010 09:38 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

It's a mock: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/05/26/mlb- ... ss=twitter They have the Mets drafting Bruce Berenyi, or something like that.

bmfc1 May 26 2010 10:26 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Mookie will represent the Mets at the draft: http://bizofbaseball.com/index.php?opti ... &Itemid=42

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 27 2010 11:38 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010 Edited 1 time(s), most recently on May 27 2010 12:11 PM

It's a mock: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/05/26/mlb- ... ss=twitter They have the Mets drafting Bruce Berenyi, or something like that. Bryce Brentz. But this tool has the Mets choosing GT RHP Deck McGuire [url]http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/5/24/1484908/mock-draft-7-first-round#storyjump And this douchetaster has the Mets taking C Yasmani Grandal [url]http://www.mymlbdraft.com/MLB-Mock-Draft-2010 While this vajingo says HS RHP Karsten Whitson [url]http://baseballdraftreport.com/2010/05/17/mlb-mock-draft-2-0/

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 27 2010 11:45 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Another vote for McGuire [url]http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100526&content_id=10448720 Here's a dickcheese for Christian Colon, Cal State SS: [url]http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=4742

Edgy DC May 27 2010 11:50 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

I answered on online ad offering me a more Christian colon in five easy steps.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr May 27 2010 12:19 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Edgy DC wrote: I answered on online ad offering me a more Christian colon in five easy steps. I'm guessing that the remedy involves hole-y water.

Frayed Knot May 27 2010 12:29 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

I assume rinsing with holy water is one of those steps. The problem with mock drafts - aside from the fact that they're mock drafts - is that the ones making them fancy themselves as being able to get into the heads of each team and therefore pick not just the next best player but the one who "fits" that team's philosophy & attitude. With the Mets that tends to mean they point to the guy they think will come cheap - as if the standard criticism of them not taking chances and spending in later rounds applies to round 1 as well. I maintain that the Mets show no particular pattern when it comes to top choices. They've plucked college pitchers (Humber, Pelfrey); college bats (Davis, Reese), HS pitchers (Kazmir) and HS bats (Milledge, Wright) and none fall into the category of a "reaching over-draft" in order to save on bonus demands.

Edgy DC May 27 2010 12:32 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

I got the idea that Milledge was a higher on many boards but fell to the Mets at least in part for perceived bonus demands. Maybe it was: 15% concerns over wood-bat adjustments 35% concerns over perceived bonus demands 50% concerns over perceived behavioral issues

Frayed Knot May 27 2010 12:40 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Kazmir definitely fell to the Mets over perceived bonus demands that turned out to never materialize (Kaz, unlike Milledge, had a full scholarship in hand). But the label that's being hung on the Mets is quite the opposite. Many predict potential NYM picks as if they're in the habit of "over-drafting" or choosing someone not worthy of the slot they've got while leaving known better players on the board for fear of getting into a protracted and expensive negotiation.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr May 27 2010 12:41 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

I don't know about overdrafting, but you could make a solid argument that Davis, Havens, Holt and Kunz-- good, not great college prospects all (well, maybe not Kunz)-- were "safe," slotting-friendly picks. (On another note, you could also make an argument that by not signing three of their top 6 picks-- or, if you want to flip it, by selecting guys they weren't sure about signing... and then waiting until late in the game to make offers-- they made a near-complete waste of last year's draft.)

Edgy DC May 27 2010 12:46 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: (On another note, you could also make an argument that by not signing three of their top 6 picks-- I got Magnifico and Buchanan. Who else did they not sign?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr May 27 2010 12:52 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Glenn. (3 out of 9, I meant. Flerg.)

Edgy DC May 27 2010 01:01 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

I think they signed him deadline day. According to The Baseball Cube, he signed for $150,000 which was more than fellow catcher John Freeman got the round before.

Frayed Knot May 27 2010 02:33 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: I don't know about overdrafting, but you could make a solid argument that Davis, Havens, Holt and Kunz-- good, not great college prospects all (well, maybe not Kunz)-- were "safe," slotting-friendly picks. "Safe, slotting-friendly picks" to me implies that there were other obvious picks still left on the board at the time of those choices which I don't believe was the case. Usually, unless some Boras-attached college kid or some big stud HSer with a scholarship in his hand are falling through the 1st round on account of announcing to the world that it'll take a HUGE number to get them to sign, most of what you're going to get at #s 18, 22, 33 & 42 are either the "good, not great, college prospects" or else HS guys a cut lower than those taken in top-10 territory who might have higher ceilings than their older counterparts but are also more hit or miss. And, again, it's not like the Mets haven't done that too with their top selections: Kazmir, Milledge, Wright My larger point being that while I'm not here to defend every NYM draft pick (hell, if each draft was re-done a mere 6-9 months later the results would be wildly different for almost any team) and where I DO believe that where they've been far too quick to adhere to Master Bud's 'slotting system' is in the later round where some still-raw teenager can be lured out of a trip to university with some extra bucks that might pay off down the road somewhere, that transferring that reluctance to pay to the first round isn't an accurate charge.

MFS62 Jun 01 2010 09:18 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Rivals.com (via Yahoo Sports) is predicting the Mets will take a kid named Covey, a righthanded high school pitcher from Pasadena California. Later

Edgy DC Jun 01 2010 10:09 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

A follower of the seven habits of highly successful pitchers.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 01 2010 10:26 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010 Edited 3 time(s), most recently on Jun 01 2010 11:24 AM

Rivals.com (via Yahoo Sports) is predicting the Mets will take a kid named Covey, a righthanded high school pitcher from Pasadena California. Later Alex Nelson's scouting report on the kid for Amazin' Avenue (with YouTube video!) is maybe the best primer, though there are other places to look. In short: mechanically sound (compact, low-stress motion from 3/4 armslot), decently-polished prep hurler; good fastball velocity/movement, and some interesting secondary stuff (including above-average curve and close-to-MLB-averagechange). Some consistency issues with velocity and command, and his frame-- though decently-sized-- is filled out, so he's about what he's going to be, physically (unlike Karsten Whitson or, say, whippet-skinny/whip-armed A.J. Cole). Intriguingly polished, though, according to this and other reports. On principle, I'd still rather they go with a bat this high, like Brentz or Cox... or, if you're feeling lucky, Josh Sale. But he's not a terrible option by any means... and his stock seems to be sliding slightly due to the consistency issues, so maybe he'll prove a more-signable stripe of first-round prep fish.

Edgy DC Jun 01 2010 11:21 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

High school pitchers are frightening enough without mysterious consistency issues, no?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 04 2010 01:39 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

These things come and go in waves, to be sure. Keith Law and Jon Heyman both have linked the Mets with UNC righty Matt Harvey of late. Scouting reports here and here and here. PROS: -- Consensus best fastball in the draft among college pitchers (92-96, topping at 97, with good movement); produces nice ground-ball numbers with it (64% in college) -- Big, brickhouse frame (6'4"/225), with powerful lower-half -- Hard, biting, occasional plus slider and okay change-up with good potential -- Good durability so far in college career CONS: -- Control issues in past; poor before this year, now much better but still not an asset -- Off-speed stuff largely undeveloped/suboptimal for a college pitcher (with plus curve that HAD been there when he was a prep arm now missing) -- Slow tempo to delivery, with low arm-separation point at his motion's beginning lead to some repeatability issues (and may help explain the control problems) Seems a little like Poor Man's Pelfrey (with the command being significantly iffier) to me. Hell, I think I'd rather have Covey... and I'm none too fond of Covey.

bmfc1 Jun 04 2010 01:48 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

In the discussion of pitcher Dylan Covey: Edgy DC wrote: A follower of the seven habits of highly successful pitchers. Look what you did there.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 04 2010 02:19 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

I saw that guy speak in Vegas a few weeks ago. You know what's highly effective? Giving a speech that includes long stretches of yourself speaking on video.

Frayed Knot Jun 04 2010 02:28 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Late mock drafts have Mets taking: Cal St Fullerton SS Christian Colon (Sickels) -- http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/6/4 ... #storyjump OR Zach Cox - 3B (maybe 2B) U Arkansas (BP - Kevin Goldstein) -- http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=11070

DocTee Jun 04 2010 03:30 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Cox..Colon...hee hee

Frayed Knot Jun 05 2010 02:13 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

More mocking going on as MLB.com (Jonathan Mayo) thinks Michael Choice (OF, Texas-Arlington) is the Mets' choice. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd ... p&c_id=mlb

Frayed Knot Jun 06 2010 08:18 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Late rumors have Zach Cox - often associated with the Mets - asking for "Pedro Alvarez money" or ~ $6 mil. The thing with Cox is that he's a rare 'sophomore eligible' player meaning it's easier for him to return to college for a 3rd year if he doesn't like what he's offered. But Alvarez was the 2nd overall pick in his year and I don't think anyone thinks Cox is on the same plane. Some describe him as a 'tweener' with not enough glove for 2B or enough power for 3B An alternative might be Indiana HSer Justin O'Conner if one of those expected to go in the top 4 (Sale or Pomeranz) is still available. O'Conner is listed as either a C or an IF but the Mets reportedly like him as a catcher. One report declares; "He might have the best catcher's arm in the minors the second he signs, and while there are some big holes in his swing, his raw power is equally large as far as worthy consideration."

DocTee Jun 06 2010 08:36 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

ESPN has Covey going to Oakland, and Colon to the SF Giants. Frankie Piliere of fanhouse.com has the Mets tabbing Middle Tennessee State OF Byrce Brentz, "whom the Mets have been out if force to see these past couple weeks." [url]http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/threedotblog/detail?entry_id=65152

soupcan Jun 07 2010 10:42 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Bryce Brentz. Bit of a tongue-twister.

MFS62 Jun 07 2010 10:50 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

soupcan wrote: Bryce Brentz. Bit of a tongue-twister. I hope his knees don't brentz when the pitcher throws him a curve ball. Later

A Boy Named Seo Jun 07 2010 10:58 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

I remember having in-draft threads at work in years past. Whey did they stick this sucker in prime time?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 07 2010 11:36 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010 Edited 2 time(s), most recently on Jun 07 2010 12:01 PM

A Boy Named Seo wrote: I remember having in-draft threads at work in years past. Whey did they stick this sucker in prime time? Since MLB Network, presumably? Frayed Knot wrote: More mocking going on as MLB.com (Jonathan Mayo) thinks Michael Choice (OF, Texas-Arlington) is the Mets' choice. Choice has big-- like, 80 big, in scout parlance, or Kong/Howard big in reg'lar people talk-- power, and given his batting eye, projects to be at least a source of that in the majors. That toe-tap timing mechanism, though... t'is funky. (And not necessarily in a good way.)

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 07 2010 11:39 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

They wanna glitz it up and sell some ads. OK programming for an off nite I suppose but man I'm bored at work today.

Edgy DC Jun 07 2010 11:55 AM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

It makes for quite the Abbot and Costello routine. "Mets, you're on the board. What's it going to be?" "Choice." "Yes, it is your turn to make a choice. And you choose..." "Choice." "Well, we all certainly respect your assertion of your rights, but we assure you they are under no threat here. So we need to move on. I understand Mr. Piazza will be representing you." "Michael Choice." "Yes, very good, Michael will be making your choice." "Oh, for fuck... HOLT! We say Holt, OK?" "Well we can't holt things for long. You need to make a selection. Our entire draft panel is waiting for you to decide on..." "COX!!" "Now there's no need for you to insult the draft panel."

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 07 2010 12:00 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

I like this Choice fellow. Bring him to me.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 07 2010 12:03 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

If we're talking elite skills among those who'll likely be available, give me Choice or Josh Sale (superhumanly strong high-schooler). Although Colon seems a nice, if limited, plug-and-play at second/short.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 07 2010 02:35 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

One last mock, with Mayo? Coming right up. With the seventh pick, in Jon Mayo's pretendin' head, the New York Mets fake-select... Zach Cox, 3B, Arkansas. (With Grandal fake-going at 4-- the Royals are rumored to have talked extensively with his Boras-h agent-- the talented Mr. O'Conner ersatz-going to the A's, Deck McGuire pretend-sliding to 21, and Colon imaginarily dropping to 25.)

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 07 2010 03:48 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

Josh Sale, last year. Josh Sale, more recently. Nice, unbusy load and swing, especially in the second one-- like Choice's power, but without the little hitchy foot.

bmfc1 Jun 07 2010 04:55 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

I agree w/you LWFS; I like Sale's swing, too.

attgig Jun 07 2010 05:10 PM Re: Feeling a Draft: MLB June First-Years, 2010

guess who just got picked... announced as OF'er though.