2015 Draft Prospects: Brady Aiken, LHP, IMG Academy

[Jeremy Nygaard]

Brady Aiken, last year's #1 overall pick, will be enrolling at IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL according to the school.

 

Aiken is expected to throw one last bullpen today in California before flying out tomorrow. There is a decent chance that Aiken goes #1 again. From what I've heard Aiken and advisor Casey Close will "absolutely not" sign off on the Astros re-drafting him. 

 

Stay tuned...

[gunnarthor]

Part of me hopes he goes #1 so he makes more than the Astros offered him but another part of me wants him to fall to #6.

[Willihammer]

Q: Where would Aiken be ranked if he were right handed?

[nater79a]

Part of me hopes he goes #1 so he makes more than the Astros offered him but another part of me wants him to fall to #6.

 

I wish he'd fall to #6 too. Wishful thinking on our part, I presume.

[cmb0252]

If Close/Aiken dont sign off that would significantly increase our chances of landing Aiken. If Aiken doesn't fall to us there are two other solid LHPers in Allard and Kirby who might be options at #6.

[gunnarthor]

Q: Where would Aiken be ranked if he were right handed?

Probably about the same - Walker Buehler is a couple inches shorter and ranked #4 by mlb.com.

[diehardtwinsfan]

yeah, I was hoping he'd fall. I think HS pitching is probably the way to go in this draft.

[Jeremy Nygaard]

If Close/Aiken dont sign off that would significantly increase our chances of landing Aiken. If Aiken doesn't fall to us there are two other solid LHPers in Allard and Kirby who might be options at #6.

 

That's what I thought too... but when I asked if he'll sign the consent, I was told it "wouldn't matter", so the I think feeling around the industry is either a) Aiken goes first overall and gets his money or b ) the Astros keep him off of their board. 

 

I'll leave him at #1 on my board until there is reason not to.

 

Allard is my guy at #6 right now; pitched yesterday, was low 90s - not 96 he was late last summer - and wasn't throwing his full mix, but made his 8 Ks in three innings (I think it was three) "look easy".

[gunnarthor]

Allard is my guy at #6 right now; pitched yesterday, was low 90s - not 96 he was late last summer - and wasn't throwing his full mix, but made his 8 Ks in three innings (I think it was three) "look easy".

Interesting guy at 6.  I don't know enough to say anything one way or another but a short HS pitcher doesn't seem the Twins M.O.  I think if they go the HS route, they'd feel more comfortable with a guy like Cameron.

[nicksaviking]

Probably about the same - Walker Buehler is a couple inches shorter and ranked #4 by mlb.com.

 

Plus Aiken throws harder with good command.

 

Just realized that if you invert the W, Walker Buehler is an anagram for Le Mark Buehrle.  Surely the Twins are interested in Buehrle's French mirror image, just as they've always had interest in the original.  I hope they go another route.

[nytwinsfan]

Jeremy, I know its early yet, but I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on Dillon Tate. He seems to have great stuff and athleticism and is blowing up in 2015 draft discussions. Also, how can you not love those frames he wears?

[Mike Sixel]

Good luck to him. I hope he's a Twin (well, minor league version) next summer.

[Jeremy Nygaard]

Jeremy, I know its early yet, but I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on Dillon Tate. He seems to have great stuff and athleticism and is blowing up in 2015 draft discussions. Also, how can you not love those frames he wears?

 

There isn't a ton to go on. He just made his first collegiate start less than two weeks ago. Can he calm down his delivery enough to be a starter? He has a lot of bells he'll need to answer over the next three months. With that said, he's a guy you'd like to have.

[AlwaysinModeration]

I just read a bit about Tate. Sounds good, hope he does well as a starter (but not Top 5 well).

[Jeremy Nygaard]

Matuella made his start yesterday and was on a 30-pitch limit. Seems like his arm is fine and is scheduled to make his next start on Friday.

 

Kiley McDaniel ranked Matuella #4 in his chat late last week, behind Rodgers (1) and Tate and Aiken (T-2). 

 

Tate had an impressive start but took the loss over the weekend. Heard his stuff is as good anyone in the draft, but has been a full-time reliever so how he holds up over time is the big question.