2017 MLB draft thread

[Willihammer]

And the D-1 leader in strikeouts through 4 weeks is... UConn Jr. Wills Montgomerie, with 46 (96 batters faced).

Found some video of his 13k start against TEX

[Mike Sixel]

Philip
1:05 How many players in this years upcoming draft do you consider 55+ FV right now? Green, Kendall, Faedo, Bukauskas, Wright maybe? Does Hall/Royce figure in?

 

Eric A Longenhagen
1:07 All of them have 55s+ right now, Wright the one of the group that on the fringe of it. Faedo has been just okay this year but it's still early, Bukauskas has been dominant and has moved up.
And then the pop-up name you all should know is Austin Beck, if you haven't yet heard the name.
1:08 plus or plus-plus runner, plus arm, big raw power, potential top 10 pick from NC high school.

[nytwinsfan]

 

Philip
1:05 How many players in this years upcoming draft do you consider 55+ FV right now? Green, Kendall, Faedo, Bukauskas, Wright maybe? Does Hall/Royce figure in?

 

Eric A Longenhagen
1:07 All of them have 55s+ right now, Wright the one of the group that on the fringe of it. Faedo has been just okay this year but it's still early, Bukauskas has been dominant and has moved up.
And then the pop-up name you all should know is Austin Beck, if you haven't yet heard the name.
1:08 plus or plus-plus runner, plus arm, big raw power, potential top 10 pick from NC high school.

Faedo's first start was "meh" but the last three have been lights out. Don't understand "just okay." Were they all really weak opponents or something?

[Mike Sixel]

 

Faedo's first start was "meh" but the last three have been lights out. Don't understand "just okay." Were they all really weak opponents or something?

 

I take most of the responses in chats as directionally correct, but not precise, since it all happens rather fast.

[nytwinsfan]

 

I take most of the responses in chats as directionally correct, but not precise, since it all happens rather fast.

What does that mean?

[Mike Sixel]

 

What does that mean?

 

it means that when I am reading a chat, that I assume the chatter is responding fast, and what I'm seeing is something off the top of her head, and not some well thought out, 4 day effort, to answer a question. So, it's usually an answer that is close to correct, if not exactly precise in the answer.

[nytwinsfan]

 

it means that when I am reading a chat, that I assume the chatter is responding fast, and what I'm seeing is something off the top of her head, and not some well thought out, 4 day effort, to answer a question. So, it's usually an answer that is close to correct, if not exactly precise in the answer.

Well, my whole point was I don't think it is even close to correct. 

[Mike Sixel]

 

Well, my whole point was I don't think it is even close to correct. 

 

I have no idea, I don't watch teh college or HS games. 

[Willihammer]

Pretty sure the level of competition has been easy for almost everybody to this point in the season.

 

Faedo has been pretty dominant (26.1 IP, 13 H, 4ER, 7BB, 30K, 1 HR) in 4 starts. Perhaps the prospect guy was thinking of someone else.

 

 

[Willihammer]

#10 on BA's top 100 college draft prospects (published in January) is Houston Jr Seth Romero (LH). So far he's #2 in strikeouts with 45 K's against 109 batters faced (41.3%). In 2016 he threw 94.1 IP in 15 games (13 starts), 60 hits, 24 ER, 28 BB, and 113 Ks against 371 batters (30.5%). Someone to keep an eye on.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

#10 on BA's top 100 college draft prospects (published in January) is Houston Jr Seth Romero (LH). So far he's #2 in strikeouts with 45 K's against 109 batters faced (41.3%). In 2016 he threw 94.1 IP in 15 games (13 starts), 60 hits, 24 ER, 28 BB, and 113 Ks against 371 batters (30.5%). Someone to keep an eye on.

 

Wonder if that could be the type of guy to convince he needs high demands and then grab at 35.  I think going after 2 college pitchers with first round potential would be very wise.

[prouster]

BA released a top-ten mock draft yesterday. They have the Twins taking Hunter Greene #1 overall. Interestingly, they have Atlanta taking North Carolina prep outfielder Austin Beck at #5. Admittedly, I'd never heard of him before reading about him ten minutes ago. According to BA, he flashes 70's in power, running, and defense (they mention a plus arm separately, so I think they mean range/decision making when they say defense). He was out all summer and fall with a torn ACL and is drawing increasing attention now that he's playing games again. Here is a rather impressive video of him taking BP:

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/austin-becks-stock-rise-torn-acl-heals/#6UM9pFrEDSJUR0vv#AK4zk55920z5qVVM.97

 

He definitely could be in play at 1-1 if he keeps it up.

[GP830]

 

BA released a top-ten mock draft yesterday. They have the Twins taking Hunter Greene #1 overall. Interestingly, they have Atlanta taking North Carolina prep outfielder Austin Beck at #5. Admittedly, I'd never heard of him before reading about him ten minutes ago. According to BA, he flashes 70's in power, running, and defense (they mention a plus arm separately, so I think they mean range/decision making when they say defense). He was out all summer and fall with a torn ACL and is drawing increasing attention now that he's playing games again. Here is a rather impressive video of him taking BP:

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/austin-becks-stock-rise-torn-acl-heals/#6UM9pFrEDSJUR0vv#AK4zk55920z5qVVM.97

 

He definitely could be in play at 1-1 if he keeps it up.

Is it just me or does his shirt in that video say "DIRTBAGS" on it? 

[prouster]

 

Is it just me or does his shirt in that video say "DIRTBAGS" on it? 

It's hard to tell. That bat speed is just so distracting.

[nicksaviking]

 

Is it just me or does his shirt in that video say "DIRTBAGS" on it? 

 

It might say "DRAFTMETWINS". Hard to tell.

[Bob Sacamento]

 

Is it just me or does his shirt in that video say "DIRTBAGS" on it? 

It does, that was his Travelball team.  Saw him play as a Junior in 2015 WWBA World Championship and was very impressed by his overall game.

[diehardtwinsfan]

J.B. Bukauskas  7.0,  3 hits, 4 runs 2 earned, 2 BB, 14 K!!!!!!!!

 

Wright - 7.0 1 run/er 4k

 

Kendal did not record a hit.

 

Lange did not pitch well, but his team scored 22 so the 8 runs he gave up kept them in the game.

 

Brendan McKay - 7 IP, 0 R, 1 BB, 12K.

 

Just when I thought I was leaning Faedo, he put up this line: 4.1 IP, 6 ER, 6 BB, 5K. 

[Mr. Brooks]

For now its down to either Greene or JB for me.

[prouster]

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20170317/notre-dame-baseball-sweeps-loyola-behind-hunter-greene-josh-perlmutter

 

"Greene was efficient on the mound, striking out six and allowing two hits in four shutout innings. He only threw 52 pitches and hit 100 mph with a fastball in the third."

 

A couple of things:

 

1. From my very limited vantage, Greene is starting to separate himself as the best available draft prospect. There's still a lot of time and several intriguing names, but none have been as consistent for as long with the tools Greene has shown.

 

2. Kudos to the coach for pulling his best player after 52 pitches. Not enough youth coaches are so careful with their talented players.

[diehardtwinsfan]

Nice write up on some unsung college guys that could be had in later rounds..  Wouldn't mind Bowman or Gardner...

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2017/3/17/14961844/a-few-under-the-radar-college-prospects-for-the-mlb-draft-outfielders

 

 

[nytwinsfan]

For me right now it is:

 

1. Greene

2-3. McKay/Bukauskas

4. R. Lewis

[Thrylos]

 

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20170317/notre-dame-baseball-sweeps-loyola-behind-hunter-greene-josh-perlmutter

 

"Greene was efficient on the mound, striking out six and allowing two hits in four shutout innings. He only threw 52 pitches and hit 100 mph with a fastball in the third."

 

A couple of things:

 

1. From my very limited vantage, Greene is starting to separate himself as the best available draft prospect. There's still a lot of time and several intriguing names, but none have been as consistent for as long with the tools Greene has shown.

 

2. Kudos to the coach for pulling his best player after 52 pitches. Not enough youth coaches are so careful with their talented players.

 

If anything, there are a few red flags in there.  He needed 52 pitches to get over 4 innings.  Way too many if he were that much ahead of his competition.   Comparison  point:  Phil Hughes (who I am not sure that he is ready) threw 57 pitches in 5 innings yesterday at Tampa.  "Only" 13 pitches an inning for a high schooler who aspires to be number 1 overall is big trouble.   And here is the kicker from that writeup:

 

"Prior to Greene’s outing, Carter Kessinger pitched a complete game in Wednesday’s win over Loyola."

 

So Greene throwing only 52 pitches and laboring to get over 4 innings, while his teammate was allowed to have a complete game the day before, puzzles me.

 

Just.too.risky.

[prouster]

If anything, there are a few red flags in there. He needed 52 pitches to get over 4 innings. Way too many if he were that much ahead of his competition. Comparison point: Phil Hughes (who I am not sure that he is ready) threw 57 pitches in 5 innings yesterday at Tampa. "Only" 13 pitches an inning for a high schooler who aspires to be number 1 overall is big trouble. And here is the kicker from that writeup:

 

"Prior to Greene’s outing, Carter Kessinger pitched a complete game in Wednesday’s win over Loyola."

 

So Greene throwing only 52 pitches and laboring to get over 4 innings, while his teammate was allowed to have a complete game the day before, puzzles me.

 

Just.too.risky.

I...what? Since when has 13 pitches per inning been problematic? How many should he be throwing? 3? 6? 10? Hypothetically, he could strike out the side every time out while throwing four balls among three batters. Obviously that isn't what happened, but the point is that 13 pitches per inning is efficient. If anything, it may indicate that he's working hitters instead of simply blowing his triple digit fastball past everybody. I honestly don't see how this could possibly indicate a problem.

 

Edit: Regarding his teammate's complete game, I think it's possible (even probable) that the coach is looking out for Greene's health. The kid is a stud playing for much more than his high school team.

[gunnarthor]

Yeah, I don't think 13 pitches/inning is anything to worry about.

[diehardtwinsfan]

Poche went 7, giving up 7 hits, an earned run, and striking out 5. Doesn't look like Montgomerie pitched this weekend.

[beckmt]

Still like Greene, stuff plays.

[mazeville]

 

If anything, there are a few red flags in there.  He needed 52 pitches to get over 4 innings.  Way too many if he were that much ahead of his competition.   Comparison  point:  Phil Hughes (who I am not sure that he is ready) threw 57 pitches in 5 innings yesterday at Tampa.  "Only" 13 pitches an inning for a high schooler who aspires to be number 1 overall is big trouble.   And here is the kicker from that writeup:

 

"Prior to Greene’s outing, Carter Kessinger pitched a complete game in Wednesday’s win over Loyola."

 

So Greene throwing only 52 pitches and laboring to get over 4 innings, while his teammate was allowed to have a complete game the day before, puzzles me.

 

Just.too.risky.

 

Wow.

 

I don't know enough about prospects to have an opinion whether Greene should be the top pick or not. But harping on 52 pitches over four innings as being "too risky" is an exaggeration. 

 

52 pitches is 13 pitches per inning. He faced 14 batters. That's an average of 3.7 pitches per batter. and he struck out six -- meaning that for six of his 14 batters he had to make at least three pitches apiece to get an out. And given that he throws 100 you can bet a lot of players go up there and wait for a few pitches. 

 

In other words, the 52 pitches doesn't tell you anything. It certainly doesn't tell you enough to say he's "risky."

[prouster]

 

52 pitches is 13 pitches per inning. He faced 14 batters. That's an average of 3.7 pitches per batter. and he struck out six -- meaning that for six of his 14 batters he had to make at least three pitches apiece to get an out. And given that he throws 100 you can bet a lot of players go up there and wait for a few pitches. 

 

I think that what's maybe most impressive about this (SSS caveat applies, although Greene has a well noted body of work at this point) is that he's doing this while throwing an 80-grade fastball as a teenager. Out of the guys who can even throw that hard at that age, most have a lot of difficulty with command. Maybe part of the story is that high school hitters aren't as selective and swing at more pitches out of the zone. Regardless, Greene is limiting base runners while pumping elite gas at an incredibly young age.

[Vanimal46]

 

I think that what's maybe most impressive about this (SSS caveat applies, although Greene has a well noted body of work at this point) is that he's doing this while throwing an 80-grade fastball as a teenager. Out of the guys who can even throw that hard at that age, most have a lot of difficulty with command. Maybe part of the story is that high school hitters aren't as selective and swing at more pitches out of the zone. Regardless, Greene is limiting base runners while pumping elite gas at an incredibly young age.

 

I'm not watching his games, clearly, and commenting just from how I'd approach it as a below average former HS player. I'd go up to the plate with the plan of not swinging the bat at all. Let's be honest, only by pure luck would we be able to catch up to a 100 MPH fastball. I'd do everything in my power to make him hit the strike zone so I could get on via a walk, or god forbid, getting hit by that pitch. 

[prouster]

 

I'm not watching his games, clearly, and commenting just from how I'd approach it as a below average former HS player. I'd go up to the plate with the plan of not swinging the bat at all. Let's be honest, only by pure luck would we be able to catch up to a 100 MPH fastball. I'd do everything in my power to make him hit the strike zone so I could get on via a walk, or god forbid, getting hit by that pitch. 

 

That's a good point. I haven't seen any games either, only highlights. Some very quick research tells me the calibre of opponent Greene faces is pretty good—there is at least one other UCLA commit on his team, and the team he pitched against last has a Michigan commit. I'm not sure beyond that.