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MLB Draft, 2021

bmfc1 Jun 14 2021 07:31 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jun 20 2021 05:41 PM

UPDATED: The MLB Draft will begin on July 11. Two of the big names are Jack Leiter, Al's son, and Kumar Rocker, both SP from Vanderbilt and both will be gone by the time the Mets pick at 10. Fangraphs, ESPN and CBS Sports have the Mets taking Matt McLain, a SS from UCLA. https://www.lookoutlanding.com/2020/8/10/21346831/2021-mlb-draft-preview-if-matt-mclain Obviously, the Mets have a SS so McLaine would have to move to 2B or the OF. He's 5'11", 180 but has some power as well as speed. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mclain000mat https://www.espn.com/mlb/insider/story/_/id/31651109/kiley-mcdaniel-2021-mlb-mock-draft-20-new-no-1-gets-jack-leiter-kumar-rockerhttps://blogs.fangraphs.com/2021-mlb-mock-draft-one-month-to-go/ https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/2021-mlb-mock-draft-louisville-catcher-to-pirates-at-no-1-vandys-jack-leiter-kumar-rocker-not-far-behind/ ESPN wrote, on June 18: [BLOCKQUOTE]The Mets are also casting a wide net since it's unclear who is really the best prospect at this juncture and teams are doing deep dives later than usual due to the lack of information. In this scenario, the Mets get their pick of the three college bats in this range (passing on center fielders Sal Frelick and Colton Cowser). They're considering Texas RHP Ty Madden, and the hot rumor is they have been piling in recently to see rising Indiana prep SS Colson Montgomery, who could be an underslot option here.[/BLOCKQUOTE] Keith Law in The Athletic's last mocked on May 13 and he has McLain going at 7. Law predicts that the Mets will take care of business and draft Sam Bachman, a SP from Miami. He had a great 2021 season and strikes out a lot of batters. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=bachma000sam MLB Pipeline also has the Mets taking a SP but it's Ty Madden https://www.mlb.com/news/mock-mlb-draft-2021-june-9 https://metsmerizedonline.com/2021/06/latest-mlb-pipeline-has-mets-drafting-rhp-ty-madden.html/ https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=madden000ty- The player who caught my eye was Colton Cowser, OF, Sam Houston State https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=cowser000col Here is the MLB.com draft board: https://www.mlb.com/prospects/draft/ Here is the Fangraphs draft board: https://www.fangraphs.com/prospects/the-board/2021-mlb-draft/summary?sort=-1,1&type=0

MFS62 Jun 14 2021 07:40 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

I like the idea of drafting Cowser, too. And I would like it even better if he bats righty. But he doesn't. The MLB.com link likens him to Nimmo, but someone who CAN play center. I'll take that. BTW - warning. Once in the fangraphs site, I couldn't arrow key back out to get back to the cpf. I had to close my browser. Later

bmfc1 Jun 14 2021 08:38 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

I thought of Nimmo, too, as he also is from off-the-beaten-path

bmfc1 Jun 24 2021 10:22 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Keith Law has revised his mock but still has the Mets selected Bachman: [BLOCKQUOTE]Bachman missed two starts in the spring with a sore shoulder but was electric after he returned, so his stock is a function of what the doctors say — he's a top-10 talent on stuff but could easily slip out of the first round if teams are scared of his medicals. I think the Mets would love McLain or maybe Cowser, would at least consider going over slot for Rocker, and I've heard Colson Montgomery here.[/BLOCKQUOTE]

bmfc1 Jul 05 2021 05:47 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021 Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 05 2021 07:02 PM

The Draft is THIS SUNDAY NIGHT! I don't know what Prospects Live is but they make a nice website. They have Kumar Rocker falling to the Mets at 10 and if that happens Scott will grab him in a second. https://www.prospectslive.com/mlb-draft/2021/5/11/2021-mlb-mock-draft-40-zwtc9

DocTee Jul 05 2021 05:59 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Kuman Rocker? I hardly know her, but ok.

bmfc1 Jul 11 2021 08:05 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

It's tonight at 7 PM! And it takes place while the 4 PM games are finishing so well done MLB! Fangraphs' final mock has the Mets selecting Colson Montgomery, SS, Southridge HS (IN). https://blogs.fangraphs.com/mock-draft-3-0-the-morning-of/ Keith Law of The Athletic ranks Montgomery AT 56. The Mets have the 10th pick and 56 is much more than 10: [BLOCKQUOTE]Montgomery is a big kid, 6-4 and 200-odd pounds already, likely to move to third base but with a plus arm that should let him profile there. I like his left-handed swing and he's supposed to have a good approach, but scouts have questioned how he'll hit against better pitching, and he already turned 19 in February.[/BLOCKQUOTE] https://theathletic.com/2580901/2021/07/10/2021-mlb-draft-big-board-keith-law-ranks-the-top-100-draft-prospects/ MLB Pipeline has Montgomery at 25 which is closer but perhaps draft someone else, Zach. https://www.mlb.com/prospects/draft/ MLB.com predicts otherwise: [BLOCKQUOTE]Callis: Sal Frelick, OF, Boston College If they can't get a shot at Jobe or Rocker, the Mets likely will choose between Frelick, Madden and high school third baseman Colson Montgomery. Mayo: Matt McLain, SS, UCLA The college bats still seem to fit, with McLain perhaps taking the lead over Sal Frelick, who I've had in this spot often. They could turn to a college arm like Madden if they change course.[/BLOCKQUOTE] https://www.mlb.com/news/mock-draft-who-will-be-selected-tonight?t=mlb-draft-coverage

MFS62 Jul 11 2021 08:25 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

It's tonight at 7 PM! And it takes place while the 4 PM games are finishing so well done MLB! Fangraphs' final mock has the Mets selecting Colson Montgomery, SS, Southridge HS (IN). https://blogs.fangraphs.com/mock-draft-3-0-the-morning-of/ Keith Law of The Athletic ranks Montgomery AT 56. The Mets have the 10th pick and 56 is much more than 10: [BLOCKQUOTE]Montgomery is a big kid, 6-4 and 200-odd pounds already, likely to move to third base but with a plus arm that should let him profile there. I like his left-handed swing and he's supposed to have a good approach, but scouts have questioned how he'll hit against better pitching, and he already turned 19 in February.[/BLOCKQUOTE] https://theathletic.com/2580901/2021/07/10/2021-mlb-draft-big-board-keith-law-ranks-the-top-100-draft-prospects/ MLB Pipeline has Montgomery at 25 which is closer but perhaps draft someone else, Zach. https://www.mlb.com/prospects/draft/ PLEASE not another lefty hitter. They already have Brett Baty who fits that description. It is very frustrating when they keep losing to mediocre lefties like the Tyler Andersons of the world. Howz about a righty hitter, Zach? And maybe one ranked higher? I'll climb down off my soapbox now. Later

Edgy MD Jul 11 2021 08:30 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Lefties, righties, and switchies are OK by me. I can't imagine drafting in response to what happened in yesterday's game. A high-schooler, no less. Personally, I'm rooting for Brady House to fall to #10, and if he's not available, I'll happily settle for Mash Tent or Partridge Bus.

ashie62 Jul 11 2021 10:45 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

They are talking about a CF from Boston College. Sal Frelich 5'9' 175 lbs He is not going to hit for power but is a top of the lineup guy. Boston College??

MFS62 Jul 11 2021 11:17 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

=ashie62 post_id=71025 time=1626021908 user_id=90] They are talking about a CF from Boston College. Sal Frelich 5'9' 175 lbs He is not going to hit for power but is a top of the lineup guy. Boston College??

They already have an outfielder from Boston College named Joe Suozzi who is hitting .292 in his first year of pro ball at St. Lucie.

He's from Glen Cove, NY and hits righty. He's 6'3" 215 pounds, so he might have some power.



Later

A Boy Named Seo Jul 11 2021 05:21 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Draft happening now, Manfred getting booed relentlessly. Pirates take Louisville catcher Henry Davis #1 and the Rangers take Al's kid #2.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 11 2021 05:56 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Been reading some mocks the last few days and they're kinda all over the place. 7 picks down and 3 of The Athletic's top 7 are still available, including Vandy right-hander Kumar Rocker and some highly regarded high school dudes. Should be someone pretty good left when the Mets go at 10. Edit: Royals just took a dude 7th that was ranked outside the top 30. Trying to save some buck$ according to the smart guys on TV.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 11 2021 05:58 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

I am actively rooting for Kumar to drop to 10 and the Mets to pounce.

bmfc1 Jul 11 2021 06:03 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

A Boy Named Seo wrote: I am actively rooting for Kumar to drop to 10 and the Mets to pounce. Absolutely!

A Boy Named Seo Jul 11 2021 06:03 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Rockies get high school outfielder Benny Montgomery. Angels on deck, Mets in the hole. Angels, don't you dare screw up my man-crush I've had for like 13 minutes.

Frayed Knot Jul 11 2021 06:07 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

A Boy Named Seo wrote: I am actively rooting for Kumar to drop to 10 and the Mets to pounce. Unless we find out he's a relative of John.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 11 2021 06:08 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Angels get some dude named Sam Bachman and now I say to the Mets MAKE MY MAN-CRUSH COME TRUE AND DRAFT KUMAR ROCKER 💙🧡

A Boy Named Seo Jul 11 2021 06:08 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Frayed Knot wrote: A Boy Named Seo wrote: I am actively rooting for Kumar to drop to 10 and the Mets to pounce. Unless we find out he's a relative of John. I think we're safe there

A Boy Named Seo Jul 11 2021 06:10 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

YESSSSSSS KUMAR ROCKER I THINK I LOVE HIM

bmfc1 Jul 11 2021 06:12 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Downside: rooting for a guy named "Rocker". Upside: EVERYTHING ELSE! Look at the first line of this thread. I never expected this and I bet that the Mets FO didn't either.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 11 2021 06:16 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Downside: rooting for a guy named "Rocker". Upside: EVERYTHING ELSE! Look at the first line of this thread. I never expected this and I bet that the Mets FO didn't either. I bet you're right. I suspect we'll find out the Mets had a few guys they would've been happy with but didn't expect Kumar to land in their lap.

Johnny Lunchbucket Jul 11 2021 06:21 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

I'm glad we got him and Kumar Disco

bmfc1 Jul 11 2021 06:22 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

[TWEET]https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1414377074735919110[/TWEET]

Willets Point Jul 11 2021 06:24 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

No relation to John, I hope?

Frayed Knot Jul 11 2021 06:28 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

So Al, do you realize that if you the foresight to have a lefthanded kid he'd likely have gone 1st overall. So do you feel bad about costing him so much bonus money?

G-Fafif Jul 11 2021 06:35 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

I don't know if the Wilpons will pony up to sign… Oh, wait.

Frayed Knot Jul 11 2021 06:49 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021 Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 11 2021 07:02 PM

Willets Point wrote: No relation to John, I hope? We suspect not, but are still waiting for all the DNA evidence to come back from the lab. [FIMG=250]https://www.newsindiatimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Kumar-Rocker.jpg[/FIMG] btw, this is Papa Rocker, a short-time NFL'er but a College FB HoF'er Mom's lineage is from India P.S. I've now got these draftees' parents younger than I am

A Boy Named Seo Jul 11 2021 06:57 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Ted Berg channeling my energy. [TWEET]https://twitter.com/ogtedberg/status/1414381398119620609[/TWEET] And who knows what kind of pro Kumar will end up being, but I'm glad this team drafted a player that everyone thinks is a great arm with a short path to the big leagues and they weren't afraid of “signability”.

Frayed Knot Jul 11 2021 07:33 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

One last bad joke about his name ... When asked why he stayed at home for the draft rather than go to the draft room all duded up in a fancy suit, Kumar said it's because he's not a mod, he's a rocker.

Edgy MD Jul 11 2021 08:12 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

I'm just hoping they pick a guy named Harold with their next selection. WHITE CASTLES FOR EVUHBODY!

bmfc1 Jul 11 2021 08:39 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

If the Mets hadn't lost the last meaningless game of last season to WSH then WSH would have picked 10th and Rocker would be with them.

LWFS Jul 11 2021 09:46 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Most strikeouts in Div. 1. Consistent college track record. Droolworthy, Pitching Ninja-lovable stuff. Former pro athlete as parent. What's not to f'ing like?

Edgy MD Jul 12 2021 06:10 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Neither of his parents are obscure-but-working actors? Didn't go to Harvard-Westlake? Doesn't have a hyphenated surname that wraps around his shoulders from hip to hip? WHAT'S TO LIKE?!?! Really, Kumar seems like a lovely pick, and one with the closest-to-the-big-leagues tag, but had the Nats gone first and grabbed him, I'd be plenty psyched about Brady House.

MFS62 Jul 12 2021 06:13 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

It seems like a good, safe pick. But I had one "uh-oh" moment when the talking heads were evaluating the pick. One of them said (I paraphrase) "sometimes his fastball isn't a swing and miss pitch". And his tone seemed cautionary. There was no explanation. Does that mean his fastball is straight (no movement)? Does that mean he loses velocity as he goes deeper into games? Does that mean he loses command of location? Is it something that can be corrected with coaching? I wish the person had explained it instead of just dropping it in there. Later

A Boy Named Seo Jul 12 2021 08:59 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

It seems like a good, safe pick. But I had one "uh-oh" moment when the talking heads were evaluating the pick. One of them said (I paraphrase) "sometimes his fastball isn't a swing and miss pitch". And his tone seemed cautionary. There was no explanation. Does that mean his fastball is straight (no movement)? Does that mean he loses velocity as he goes deeper into games? Does that mean he loses command of location? Is it something that can be corrected with coaching? I wish the person had explained it instead of just dropping it in there. Later I think they covered that last night, too. He's hit as high as 99 and dropped as low as 93. The colleges work these kids a lot and now that he's not free labor, I'm sure he'll be on strict work loads to keep him fresh and protect that arm.

ashie62 Jul 12 2021 09:36 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Rocker is big, almost of a fatbody concern. Not such a safe pick. Throws a great chase slider and not much else Grade C

A Boy Named Seo Jul 12 2021 10:04 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

=ashie62 post_id=71125 time=1626104211 user_id=90] Rocker is big, almost of a fatbody concern. Not such a safe pick. Throws a great chase slider and not much else Grade C

Real scouts tend to disagree.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 12 2021 11:07 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Round 2 starting NOW!!! with the Pirates at pick #37 overall. Mets next pick is at 46.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 12 2021 11:24 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021 Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 12 2021 11:26 AM

Mets draft Calvin Ziegler, the best prospect in all of Canada, eh. He's an 18-year old, right-handed fireballing hoser who has committed to Auburn. MLB had him ranked as the #123 best prospect, so maybe an under slot dude here? Edit: nice stirrups, kid. https://www.baseballamerica.com/media/dvvlqvy1/calvin_ziegler_alexisbrudnicki.jpg>

Johnny Lunchbucket Jul 12 2021 11:25 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

They don't even have footage of him, that's a good sign!

LWFS Jul 12 2021 11:28 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

That slot thing-- saving money to bowl over Rocker-- HAS to be it, right? With plenty of more visible prep talent and good college hitters out there-- South Carolina's Ethan Wilson, e.g.-- reaching for this Canuckleballer doesn't seem to make much sense, otherwise. i wonder if they'd have grabbed Jaden Hill (a scary, scary 6'4' who was a top-5 prospect this year before Tommy John) had he fallen a few more slots. EDIT: A work friend of mine who's plugged into area high school ball/scouting in the area just texted me to say we REALLY missed out not getting funky, funky NJ lefty Solameto (Bishop Eustace HS).

LWFS Jul 12 2021 11:39 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

To hear these MLBTV dudes talk, it's impressive how many "pure hitters" were seemingly bred in eugenics labs 18-21 years ago.

Edgy MD Jul 12 2021 12:10 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

=LWFS post_id=71147 time=1626110895 user_id=84]EDIT: A work friend of mine who's plugged into area high school ball/scouting in the area just texted me to say we REALLY missed out not getting funky, funky NJ lefty Solameto (Bishop Eustace HS).

Funk is fun, but I think it terrifies organizations in the early rounds.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 12 2021 12:35 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

At pick #81, the Mets picked up Dominic Hamel, a 22-year old right-hander who is the "darling of teams that favor analytics because his fastball, slider and curveball all have high spin rates." MLB had him ranked #96 so this seems in the right neighborhood for him. https://dbukjj6eu5tsf.cloudfront.net/sidearm.sites/dbupatriots.com/images/2021/6/28/Dominic_Hamel.JPG>

LWFS Jul 12 2021 12:49 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Coal-black Hamel, more than a little Lugo-ish

Edgy MD Jul 12 2021 12:54 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Three pitchers in three rounds, two of them at college graduation age.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 12 2021 01:06 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

He looks a little like Ron Darling.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 12 2021 01:39 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Wow, Kumar already inked for $6M. The extra dough likely explains the second round pick. [TWEET] https://twitter.com/samdykstramilb/status/1414665358758252554[/TWEET]

Edgy MD Jul 12 2021 01:41 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Fucka da slots.

bmfc1 Jul 12 2021 02:03 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

The Mets drafted HS players in Rounds 2 and 3 so perhaps that's how they plan on recouping the over-slot $ they paid to Rocker.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 12 2021 02:13 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Edgy MD wrote: Three pitchers in three rounds, two of them at college graduation age. Make that 3 out of 4, as the Mets get another big, college righty, this time a reliever. Christian Scott is 6'4" and K'd 51 in 54 innings for the Florida Gators. Um, he's below slot (sorry, Edgy) and that's all I got. https://s3media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/5/344/10344005.jpg>

smg58 Jul 12 2021 02:22 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Not that I'm complaining about how things worked out for the Mets, but what message are teams sending to their fans if they're too cheap to draft the best player available?

Edgy MD Jul 12 2021 02:37 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

It's far more interesting to me what message we send by allowing the league to get away with having a bonus pool limit at all. It's utter garbage.

Edgy MD Jul 12 2021 02:44 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

UCLA shortstop Kevin Kendall becomes the sixth four-year collegian in seven rounds selected by the Mets. No known relation to Jason. Admires Derek Jeter and Tom Brady. Conclusion: total fucking dork. [FIMG=700]https://dbukjj6eu5tsf.cloudfront.net/sidearm.sites/uclabruins.com/images/2019/4/5/Kendall_Kevin_1_012619_DL_71.jpg[/FIMG] Interesting in that the only other non-pitcher the team has selected so far is firstbaseman J.T. Schwartz, also from UCLA.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 12 2021 02:45 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Yeah the slot system is shitty. I'm the sure the Mets had "below slot" offers to all these college guys and told them if they didn't accept, they'd draft someone else. And latest giant, college righty to say yes is Carson Seymour from Kansas State. 6'6" and coming off a season where he posted a 6.19 ERA, I'm guessing he's "toolsy". If this baseball thing doesn't out, he looks like he could sell you a reliable insurance policy. https://d3a5n34dhi6aoo.cloudfront.net/images/2020/9/22/Seymour_Carson.jpg?width=300>

A Boy Named Seo Jul 12 2021 02:55 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

These rounds are flying, aren't they. The Mets draft... wait for it... a 6'6" junior righty Mike Vasil from Virginia. Seems like there's gonna be lots of older, less heralded, giant-sized prospects entering the system. https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2021/07/07/NPAL/bb5fa584-8b97-42f0-b750-599374e77561-Vasil_Mike-3.jpeg>

Edgy MD Jul 12 2021 03:02 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

2021 was JT Schwartz' redshirt sophomore season, and it was some kind of breakout year, slashing a .396 / .514 / .628 // 1.142 comet of a season. And he slashed that shit in the PAC-12 — one of the four conferences in Division I that is a league apart from the rest of the division. That batting average is seventh- and the on-base percentage second-best in Bruin history. Favorite athletes include Nolan Arenado, Chase Utley, and Kyrie Irving, which makes him a lot better than his ... wait a minute? Did he fucking say "Utley"? [FIMG=600]https://dbukjj6eu5tsf.cloudfront.net/sidearm.sites/uclabruins.com/images/2021/4/18/0057baseball_UTAH_21.jpg[/FIMG] Don't let that photo fool you. He bats lefty.

MFS62 Jul 12 2021 03:22 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Edgy MD wrote: Interesting in that the only other non-pitcher the team has selected so far is firstbaseman J.T. Schwartz, also from UCLA. Bingo! I really did laugh out loud at that. Later

nymr83 Jul 12 2021 08:06 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Willets Point wrote: No relation to John, I hope? This is the hilarious part of the MLB draft process. Unlike the NFL and NBA where guys like Trevor Lawrence and Zion Williamson were household names a year before they were pro players, nobody knows any of these guys. Kumar is not invited to John Rocker's white hooded family reunions.

nymr83 Jul 12 2021 08:11 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Not that I'm complaining about how things worked out for the Mets, but what message are teams sending to their fans if they're too cheap to draft the best player available? "that guy wanted too much money above slot and we'd rather have a different guy plus a better second, third, and fourth rounder rather than pay that guy and then have to make 'senior signs'" is pretty much the message.

nymr83 Jul 12 2021 08:13 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Edgy MD wrote: It's far more interesting to me what message we send by allowing the league to get away with having a bonus pool limit at all. It's utter garbage. management and the labor union have the same interests here so it will likely never change.

Edgy MD Jul 12 2021 08:19 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

No, they don't. Not really. Beyond that, there are other interests that matter, that count, and that have legal representation.

nymr83 Jul 12 2021 09:41 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Edgy MD wrote: No, they don't. Not really. Beyond that, there are other interests that matter, that count, and that have legal representation. Yes, they do. Even if its not dollar for dollar, which unless your owner is Freddie Coupon it probably isn't, money spent on amateurs is less money spent on union members. Unions in all walks of life negotiate the benefits of future members, but in most of these cases those future members become members on Day 1 of employment. Not so in baseball, where 75%+ of draftees never do and so are beholden to an agreement between management and a union they'll never be a part of. This is in contrast to say an auto-workers union that negotiates lower benefits for future workers - but those workers immediately gain a vote when they are hired and could look to overturn union management. The union has a clear conflict of interest. What other interests are you referring to that "have legal representation"? what recourse do you suggest high school kids being drafted have against a league with anti trust exemption?

Edgy MD Jul 12 2021 09:59 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

1) The players and union each have an interest in ripping off amateurs, but it is not the same interest. 2) "High-school kids" is not an accurate description of the draft pool. 3) The idea that the teams are at their maximum spending limit is baseless. If they were, they wouldn't have a draft or a bonus cap. They install these things not because they have to, but because they want to, so no, it isn't true at all that "money spent on amateurs is less money spent on union members." Scarce commodities drive up prices. 4) Draftees have solidarity on their side. 5) Minor league unionization has momentum. 6) Agents are another party that is being ripped off. They are savvy professionals. 7) The anti-trust exemption is not guaranteed into perpetuity. Another party that has an interest in removing artificial constraints on the labor market is America. 8) If you're going to play the "Freddie Coupon" card, I'm not sure what else to say.

nymr83 Jul 12 2021 10:35 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Edgy MD wrote: 8) If you're going to play the "Freddie Coupon" card, I'm not sure what else to say. my meaning there was that there is only a 1:1 link in spending if the cheap owner creates one. The Mets, by the way, drafted only 4th year college players in rounds 3-10, presumably to lowball them and pay Rocker

Edgy MD Jul 13 2021 05:29 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

I know. I noted that early. I guess my point is that I have a Milagro Beanfield War view of economics and justice. While exploitation is a constant in the macro, the individual mechanisms of exploitation in the micro are very much unsustainable and terminal.

MFS62 Jul 13 2021 05:51 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

In case you're wondering why they drafted so many pitchers, this might be a clue: Here are the scheduled starters for their minor league teams tonight: Syracuse: TBD Binghamton: Rennie 1-4 8.77 ERA Brooklyn: Vilera 1-5 9.36 ERA St. Lucie: Moreno 2-1 5.90 ERA Hold the fort down there guys. Help is on the way. Later

Frayed Knot Jul 13 2021 08:19 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

The current rotation in your minor league system is NOT a reason to draft pitchers.

MFS62 Jul 13 2021 09:22 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Frayed Knot wrote: The current rotation in your minor league system is NOT a reason to draft pitchers. I agree. A minor league team is just a life support system for your real prospects - giving them games in which to develop their skills. But an organization still should have some pitchers who will one day be able to help out the major league club. And this organization is lacking many of those. Not to beat up on them (I only used them as an example), but when the minors had more teams / leagues, I'm guessing the guys I mentioned would have been one (or two) levels lower, being given more time to develop whatever abilities they have. I was putting a positive spin on their draft selections. If you take what I wrote as something more than that, you could say it was an implied shot at BVW and his staff for leaving the organization in a situation where Rennie and Velera are in the starting rotation for their teams at their levels. This draft is the start of rectifying that problem. Later

Frayed Knot Jul 13 2021 10:17 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

But you also don't draft for immediate need at the major league level either and you keep making references to handedness and/or positions based on a snapshot of the ML club as it exists at the moment. But only a small percentage of these picks (all teams) are ever going to play in the majors and those who do are usually one to four seasons away when the makeup/mgmt/philosophy of the club could be very different the way it is now. Additionally, a good chunk of those who do make it will play only fleetingly and often for neither the organization that drafts them nor at the position they currently play. The best way to go about things it to take the best overall player available with your top pick then repeat that as often as possible. Any resulting issues will sort themselves out over time.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 13 2021 10:56 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Just going through the rest of the college boys the Mets drafted. Here's where we currently are: 9th round - Levi David - 6'5", 220 lbs, 4-year college senior Northwestern State U. https://dbukjj6eu5tsf.cloudfront.net/sidearm.sites/nsudemons.com/images/2021/4/13/001_NSU_40_Levi_David.jpg> 10th round - Keyshawn Askew - 6'4" 190 lbs. junior from Clemson. Described as: "Lefthander who has seen action as both a starter and reliever … has an unorthodox throwing motion". Keshawn gets two pictures cause his big, lefty leg kick and side-arm delivery remind me a little of D-Train. https://2cic.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/t/stories/19/baseball/askew_keyshawn_charlotte_800.jpg> https://pbr-affd.kxcdn.com/passets/photo/GA/4372698051-Keyshawn-Askew.jpg> 11th round - Rowdey Jordan - 5'10" 190 lbs, senior from Mississippi St. Fun fact: He is named after the character "Rowdey" from the movie Days of Thunder https://cdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/20210327_BB_vs_Arkansas_JordanR_AP_0853-copy-scaled.jpg> 12th round - Jack-Thomas Wold - just your average 5'10, 220 lbs, senior from UNLV https://www.oursportscentral.com/graphics/pictures/lg20180705-46359.jpg> 13th round - Matt Rudick - 5'9" 170 lbs. junior out of San Diego State. He may be kinda small, but he hit .410 and reached base in every game he appeared in so suck on that, haters https://dbukjj6eu5tsf.cloudfront.net/goaztecs.com/images/2020/2/23/20200223_baseball_sdsu_v_usc_dtuskan_00028.jpg>

Johnny Lunchbucket Jul 13 2021 11:05 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

I like that Clemson lefty. He's the kinda guy Omar would have drafted 1st and debuted the next week. Also digging Rowsdey's hot pants

A Boy Named Seo Jul 13 2021 11:07 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Round 14: Nathan Lavender - 6'2", 210 lbs junior out of Univ of Illinois - Champagne. Starting pitcher, but looks a little like Billy Wagner with his arm cocked like that. Needs to fix those floppy pant legs. You're a pro now, son. https://dbukjj6eu5tsf.cloudfront.net/sidearm.sites/fightingillini.com/images/2021/5/15/AW5_1587_1_.jpg>

Edgy MD Jul 13 2021 11:08 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

How are those two shots of Askew even the same pitcher? You see a big kick like that and you expect it to be coming from over the top, a la Gooden. Dontrelle had a massive kick, but he came from three quarters.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 13 2021 11:08 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Johnny Lunchbucket wrote: I like that Clemson lefty. He's the kinda guy Omar would have drafted 1st and debuted the next week. Also digging Rowsdey's hot pants Those above-the-knee pants Rowdey's rocking are kinda NFL looking?

dinosaur jesus Jul 13 2021 11:24 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

They're Hunter Pence pants.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 13 2021 11:24 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

15th round Wyatt Young 5'7" 160 lbs lefty, junior shortstop from Pepperdine. Dig these tequila sunrise jerseys yall https://pepperdine-graphic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ONLINE-4.jpg>

A Boy Named Seo Jul 13 2021 11:25 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

dinosaur jesus wrote: They're Hunter Pence pants. Pence pants. Good call.

Johnny Lunchbucket Jul 13 2021 11:35 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Was thinking Angus Young pants

A Boy Named Seo Jul 13 2021 11:41 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Round 16 Trey McLoughlin - 6'2" 210 lbs senior from Fairfield CT. Trey was expecting to get drafted last year in rounds 10-15 but had to go back to school when they cut the draft to 5 rounds. I wonder how many guys had to do the same and tanked this year and didn't get drafted. :'-( https://dbukjj6eu5tsf.cloudfront.net/sidearm.sites/fairfielduni.sidearmsports.com/images/2021/5/28/_SPI1799.JPG>

A Boy Named Seo Jul 13 2021 11:53 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Round 17 Nick Zwack - 6'3" 230 lbs lefty senior out of Xavier, OH. "I noticed there was only one set of footprints, Nick. Why did you bail on me, bro?" "I did not bail on you, bro. I just gave you a chill, lil piggy-back ride." https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1228079543359090688/VJvFHILQ_400x400.jpg>

Benjamin Grimm Jul 13 2021 11:58 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Nick Zwack paddywhack, give your dog a bone. This old man came rolling home. I thought the draft had been reduced to ten rounds? Or was that just a 2020 thing?

A Boy Named Seo Jul 13 2021 12:00 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

5 rounds last year. 20 this year.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 13 2021 12:06 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Round 18 Kolby Kubichek. His middle name thankfully doesn't start with a "K". 6'0" 180 lbs junior out of Texas. Congrats, fella. https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2021/04/12/NAHT/927b0ba6-e356-48f0-948a-42e08d7067ab-TXAUS-041221-texbase_11.JPG?width=660&height=1132&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp>

A Boy Named Seo Jul 13 2021 12:19 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Round 19 It's like the end of a fantasy draft and the Mets realize they still need a catcher. Enter Drake Osborn from the Univ of Louisiana - Lafayette. 5'10" 190 lbs and lead-off hitter for your Ragin' Cajuns. https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/ca/1cab6239-7698-59a4-b11c-b1c9cacfe487/60567521b0062.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C960>

A Boy Named Seo Jul 13 2021 12:39 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Round 20 The Mets go back to Fairfield to get their last guy, Justin Guerrera, a 5'9" 185 lb junior shortstop. How many HS kids did they take? 1? 2? Welp, that's all, folks. https://dbukjj6eu5tsf.cloudfront.net/sidearm.sites/fairfielduni.sidearmsports.com/images/2021/3/20/guerrera_swing.jpg>

A Boy Named Seo Jul 13 2021 12:40 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

One high school kid in the second round. here's the rundown: https://www.mlb.com/draft/tracker/2021/all/team/mets

Edgy MD Jul 14 2021 06:55 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Anaheim totally out-Metsed the Mets, going all-in and selecting pitchers in all 20 rounds.

Edgy MD Jul 24 2021 09:42 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Kumar Rocker and his people agreed to a bonus amount very shortly after the draft. But now the Mets have all but three of their picks signed*, but Rocker is one of them. Now some buzz out there is suggesting that Coobymar has a medical issue. [TWEET]https://twitter.com/jackramseymmo/status/1418667100206338053[/TWEET] *I take that back. All Mets draft picks but Rocker have signed.

nymr83 Jul 26 2021 08:57 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

So are they going to give him the RA Dickey treatment and reneg on the bonus they promised him?

MFS62 Jul 26 2021 09:07 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Very suspicious that they didn't (can't?) name the part of the body that has a medical problem. If it is the arm, maybe that is why he "slipped" to # 10. Does this fall on the Medical staff? I'm anticipating another LOL Mets moment. Later

Benjamin Grimm Jul 26 2021 09:28 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Maybe it's a body part that hasn't been named yet, because no other human has one. That's MY guess, anyway.

Edgy MD Jul 26 2021 10:22 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

=MFS62 post_id=72585 time=1627312033 user_id=60]Very suspicious that they didn't (can't?) name the part of the body that has a medical problem.

Or they simply have no business naming it (assuming there is something to name). He's not even a member of their organization.

bmfc1 Jul 27 2021 12:02 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

[TWEET]https://twitter.com/NBCSEdgeBB/status/1420080810091155456[/TWEET] Shouldn't they have known this? Did the teams that passed on Rocker know but not the Mets? The whole draft was built around that pick as they knew that they had to go over the slot for him which meant drafting other players that could be paid below-slot.

kcmets Jul 27 2021 12:28 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Yikes-a-roonies... https://nypost.com/2021/07/27/mets-agreement-with-kumar-rocker-suddenly-in-jeopardy/

Benjamin Grimm Jul 27 2021 01:01 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Our billionaire owner should roll the dice and give him the $6 million and hope whatever is wrong with the elbow heals or is repaired some time over the next few years.

Willets Point Jul 27 2021 01:23 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Could turn out like R.A. Dickey's missing UCL not being a problem.

ashie62 Jul 27 2021 05:06 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

They drafted him so sign him. It was a crap pick but they made it.

bmfc1 Aug 01 2021 10:35 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Today is the deadline to sign your draft picks and Jeff Passan says that as of now the Mets will NOT sign Rocker. I'll ass-ume that they checked his medicals so did they do a bad job? Did Boras try to hide something? The rest of the draft was based on picking Rocker with the knowledge that they had to pay above-slot for him which means that they drafted down elsewhere to get players below-slot. Theoretically, this means that they got worse players than they could have gotten because of the Rocker pick. If that's true, it hurts the farm system and we heard that the Mets had trouble making more trades this week because they didn't have enough second-level players to deal.

Edgy MD Aug 01 2021 10:43 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Well, trades this week wouldn't have involved players just drafted. But yes, they saved elsewhere to pay the bonus on Rocker. They'll get a compensaiton pick in the same spot in 2022, but whether that money can be invested elsewise, I can only hope.

bmfc1 Aug 01 2021 12:07 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Listen to Jon:[TWEET]https://twitter.com/jonstewart/status/1421885599519322114[/TWEET]

batmagadanleadoff Aug 01 2021 02:48 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

=bmfc1 post_id=73105 time=1627835728 user_id=73] Today is the deadline to sign your draft picks and Jeff Passan says that as of now the Mets will .... If that's true, it hurts the farm system and we heard that the Mets had trouble making more trades this week because they didn't have enough second-level players to deal.

Granted that the future s unknown and we don't know how this draft will ultimately turn out, but right now, this year's Mets draft is looking like an unmitigated disaster with bad ripple effects, like the one you mentioned, beyond not signing Rocker.



I wonder what the precise issue is with Rocker for the Mets not to sign him? Because money is no longer a Mets problem. We'll find out soon enough.

bmfc1 Aug 01 2021 03:05 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Maybe he'll turn out like Brady Aiken. Maybe the extra pick they get next year (at 11) will turn into a star. But for now, this is a disaster. From Scott Boras: [TWEET]https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/1421940221843845132[/TWEET]

seawolf17 Aug 01 2021 03:17 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

The Mets effing up this pick is so very Mets.

bmfc1 Aug 01 2021 03:30 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021 Edited 3 time(s), most recently on Aug 01 2021 04:42 PM

I'd like to know if the Mets drastically lowered their offer based on his medicals or if they withdrew their offer and closed the door. If they offered him 50 cents on the dollar and Boras declined that's his decision as Rocker is out of baseball and any $ for a year. Rocker didn't submit an MRI before the draft so the Mets drafted him based on what they knew which was not everything. I hope that the Mets are wrong and that Rocker is healthy but before everyone gets all "LOL Mets" we should consider that there is a scenario (which the Mets might not be able to talk about) where they were shocked at what they saw. [TWEET]https://twitter.com/djshort/status/1421957434541805573[/TWEET] [TWEET]https://twitter.com/StevenACohen2/status/1421962862377963521[/TWEET] Good information (at least to me) about the draft process here: https://www.mlb.com/mets/news/kumar-rocker-does-not-sign-with-mets

Benjamin Grimm Aug 01 2021 04:35 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Well, that was fun while it lasted. I guess.

Frayed Knot Aug 01 2021 04:48 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

"Baseball draft picks are worth up to 5x their slot value to clubs .I never shy away from investments that can make me that type of return." Not sure the owners are going to be happy with Uncle Steve going public with that sort of information.

bmfc1 Aug 01 2021 05:59 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

[BLOCKQUOTE]“The Mets made no offer, ever,” following the physical, a source said. The reasons for that might be speculated on elsewhere. They won't be here. Suffice to say that what has been rumored is either incomplete or inaccurate.[/BLOCKQUOTE] https://sny.tv/articles/sources-mets-kumar-rocker-deal-did-not-fall-apart-over-money

ashie62 Aug 01 2021 06:03 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

They get an extra pick in the 1st round next year. I don't see this as a real problem for the now. They can add that pick to the one they will get for Conforto.

Ceetar Aug 01 2021 06:13 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

well, they should extend Conforto. There's no reason to think a pick a year from now is going to help the Mets MORE than having Rocker now. It makes no sense, it is dumb and yet another example of how confused this front office is.

Frayed Knot Aug 01 2021 06:20 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

=Ceetar post_id=73139 time=1627863214 user_id=102] It makes no sense, it is dumb and yet another example of how confused this front office is.

It makes a whole lot of sense if they have reason to think he's damaged goods.

Ceetar Aug 01 2021 06:27 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Frayed Knot wrote: =Ceetar post_id=73139 time=1627863214 user_id=102] It makes no sense, it is dumb and yet another example of how confused this front office is. It makes a whole lot of sense if they have reason to think he's damaged goods.

He'd have to be basically immobile. They've have to be convinced he had zero chance to make the majors. And where did they discover this information in a scant few weeks? That just means they failed doing their research the first time.

batmagadanleadoff Aug 01 2021 06:28 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

They get an extra pick in the 1st round next year. I don't see this as a real problem for the now. Unless the Mets knowingly selected "lesser" players than what was available in subsequent rounds based on some budget that accounted for signing Rocker. They won't make that up and so it looks like they're now a year behind in prospect acquisition and development. Prospects are currency as much as currency is. Brett Baty is the only Mets #1 draft pick still in their minor league system - the Mets having traded 2018's Jared Kelenic and 2020's Pete Crow-Armstrong.

batmagadanleadoff Aug 01 2021 06:30 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

=Ceetar post_id=73142 time=1627864046 user_id=102]And where did they discover this information in a scant few weeks?

Medical records, natch. It does seem odd that with so many millions of dollars at stake for each player, that the players don't have to submit medical records that would go into a common pool for the teams to examine prior to the draft.

Ceetar Aug 01 2021 06:31 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

=batmagadanleadoff post_id=73144 time=1627864255 user_id=68] =Ceetar post_id=73142 time=1627864046 user_id=102]And where did they discover this information in a scant few weeks?

Medical records, natch. It does seem odd that with so many millions of dollars at stake for each player, that the players don't have to submit medical records that would go into a common pool for the teams to examine prior to the draft.


Boras disagrees. Maybe he's lying, but it doesn't seem like something he'd out and out lie about.

batmagadanleadoff Aug 01 2021 06:35 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

=Ceetar post_id=73145 time=1627864312 user_id=102] =batmagadanleadoff post_id=73144 time=1627864255 user_id=68] =Ceetar post_id=73142 time=1627864046 user_id=102]And where did they discover this information in a scant few weeks?

Medical records, natch. It does seem odd that with so many millions of dollars at stake for each player, that the players don't have to submit medical records that would go into a common pool for the teams to examine prior to the draft.


Boras disagrees. Maybe he's lying, but it doesn't seem like something he'd out and out lie about.


I don't know how truthful Boras is being but his response didn't surprise me in the least. In fact, I expected it. He's simply representing his client's interests (and by extension, Boras's own interests).

bmfc1 Aug 01 2021 06:37 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

A player doesn't have to submit to a pre-draft medical exam unless he wants to and if he does and is drafted the team that picks him must offer at least 40% of the slot value (even if they don't want to). Rocker did not consent so the Mets did not have all of the information pre-draft that they did post-draft. I suspect that Steve Cohen will only want to "invest" in players that allow for a pre-draft exam.

batmagadanleadoff Aug 01 2021 06:41 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

=bmfc1 post_id=73147 time=1627864648 user_id=73] A player doesn't have to submit to a pre-draft medical exam unless he wants to ....

Odd, isn't it?

batmagadanleadoff Aug 01 2021 06:43 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

I suspect that Steve Cohen will only want to "invest" in players that allow for a pre-draft exam. And maybe some other owners too after this Rocker saga.

Ceetar Aug 01 2021 06:46 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Rocker would start tomorrow somewhere if he was on a team. He'd take the ball and pitch. MAYBE the Mets read the medicals as him being a risk (but a sure failure? that's almost never how medicals work, and it's not like the Mets docs are 100% here) but they knew he didn't submit his info AND they knew he was asking for overslot, which seems unlikely if he was worried about something showing. But even if the Mets were all fine there, they still didn't hedge there bets with that information and have a few other draftees that they could use the (overslot) money earmarked for Rocker on perhaps a better prospect that wanted more money. i.e. some lower guy that would sign for 1.5 but not .5. If you lose that guy because Rocker signs, fine. Instead they pissed it away.

Frayed Knot Aug 01 2021 07:02 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

He'd have to be basically immobile. They've have to be convinced he had zero chance to make the majors. No, they just may have been convinced they could do better next year. A player doesn't have to be borderline crippled before you choose to take a different path. Remember the adage from MONEYBALL, it's easier to recover from the player you fail to sign than it is to recover from the one you sign at the wrong price. "And where did they discover this information in a scant few weeks?" Ummm, during a physical exam. "That just means they failed doing their research the first time." No, if means they had the exclusive ability to check him out medically, something that was denied to them prior to draft day.

Edgy MD Aug 01 2021 07:38 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

There's no reason to think a pick a year from now is going to help the Mets MORE than having Rocker now. It makes no sense, it is dumb and yet another example of how confused this front office is. There is no reason that you know of. The "he'd have to be basically immobile" argument isn't really serious, is it?

Fman99 Aug 01 2021 07:58 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

What a big shitty mess.

Ceetar Aug 01 2021 08:12 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Even if we ignore the "humans as commodities" thing and pretend that "Let's just draft someone else next year" isn't extremely subjective, they still pissed away the overcap money, meaning they drafted a guy without seeing his medicals WITHOUT a plan in place should they not like them. They clearly weren't prepared NOT to sign him. Being surprised about it is no excuse, that's their job. See also: Sandy's quote about being surprised what pitching went for at the traded deadline (this year, previous years, you pick, he says the same thing every time. He's a grouchy old man complaining about prices these days, and it shows) It's inarguable that they were unprepared.

Gwreck Aug 01 2021 10:51 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

=Ceetar post_id=73157 time=1627870371 user_id=102] they still pissed away the overcap money

Did they fail to sign other players they drafted? I suppose one could argue that their strategy as to picks 2, 3, 4, etc. could have been different if they thought they would have more money available. That seems awfully difficult to link conclusively, though.

they drafted a guy without seeing his medicals

As the articles have clearly stated, Rocker did not voluntarily disclose medicals prior to the draft.

WITHOUT a plan in place should they not like them.

Again, it's very clear that they had a plan in place should they not like the medicals, which is: don't sign him and take the additional first round pick next year.

It's inarguable that they were unprepared.

Drafting/building a draft strategy around a player whose medicals are unknown is surely a debateable (questionable?) strategy.



But, assuming the team wants to do that, how exactly would the team be better prepared for a situation in which their doctors say “the medicals are a problem?”



Serious question; I'm open to being convinced. Can you explain how they should be better prepared?

Ceetar Aug 02 2021 06:15 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

There are guys out there that might sign for 1.5 million that won't sign for .5. You're trying to convince these guys NOT to go to college, not to return to college, that sort of thing. You draft a rawer player in pick 4 or 5, okay if you lose him if Rocker signs, but if not you've got this other guy that maybe you can now entice away. Most teams can't sign a 5th rounder to a million over cap or whatever, but if you're punting your first pick that you budgeted that money to, you've got that opportunity. ALL their other picks were based on the budget and expectation of their bonus requests. Budgeting that money to Rocker means they targeted other guys more likely to sign for less, or with less negotiating power. MOST teams spent the maximum 105% of their cap money without penalty. The Mets were way under.

LWFS Aug 02 2021 10:11 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Even if we ignore the "humans as commodities" thing and pretend that "Let's just draft someone else next year" isn't extremely subjective, they still pissed away the overcap money, meaning they drafted a guy without seeing his medicals WITHOUT a plan in place should they not like them. They clearly weren't prepared NOT to sign him. Being surprised about it is no excuse, that's their job. See also: Sandy's quote about being surprised what pitching went for at the traded deadline (this year, previous years, you pick, he says the same thing every time. He's a grouchy old man complaining about prices these days, and it shows) It's inarguable that they were unprepared. Like when they picked Barco way late the year they picked Allan high, so as to provide a pivot option. VERY fair point. Drafting someone with options is ALWAYS s risk. You hedge that risk-- and any risk regarding unknown information-- by picking 1-2 "no WAY" talents late (underclassmen, or SERIOUSLY committed HS seniors). Then if overslot high pick passes/proves otherwise problematic, you shove his pile of money down the line, and test your backups' commitments to school.

Edgy MD Aug 04 2021 08:49 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

What really stinks here isn't so much the Mets behavior, but the draft itself. I'd certainly be happy to recommend different courses of action to navigate the system, but the system itself is so unjustly rigged that it feels dirty to advise teams how to best play it. The Mets don't like what they see and don't want to make an offer. That's their right. But the real tragedy is that Rocker can't just turn around offer his services to any number of other professional organizations who might feel differently. It's academic and speculative and largely missing the point to argue about how the Mets should have hedged their bets better. Fight the real enemy.

duan Aug 04 2021 10:07 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Edgy MD wrote: What really stinks here isn't so much the Mets behavior, but the draft itself. .... Fight the real enemy. This.

bmfc1 Aug 04 2021 10:52 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Edgy MD wrote: What really stinks here isn't so much the Mets behavior, but the draft itself. .... Fight the real enemy. This. Worthwhile opinion piece on an alternative that won't happen: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/corollary-damage-kumar-rocker-the-mlb-draft-and-a-better-way-forward/

Edgy MD Aug 04 2021 11:28 AM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

I refuse to be pessimistic. Unjust structures fall every day.

Methead May 16 2023 04:10 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Kumar Rocker to undergo Tommy John surgery later this week.

Gwreck May 16 2023 04:22 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

This will be the second surgery for Rocker since the 2021 draft (he also had shoulder surgery in September 2021).

nymr83 May 17 2023 04:27 PM Re: MLB Draft, 2021

Thank the Mets doctors - a very often maligned group - on this on!