One Stop Shop for the 2013 Draft.

[InfraRen]

Yeah, unless something wacky happens - Astros throwing a curve ball or Stewart getting hurt before the draft - I think he's the pick.

 

I admit I don't know that much about Stewart. Does anyone know if he's considered a potentially fast moving prospect like Berrios or does he need to learn control/command and still grow into his body?

 

He'll be slower than Berrios almost certainly. I've seen numerous times that right now, he's a "thrower" and needs to learn to pitch - but has the pitches/frame/skills to be every bit as good ceiling-wise as Appel/Gray.

 

With that said, he's further away obviously - needs to develop, but scouts encouraged by his build that he's not as much of a risk for an injury as some skinny high schoolers.

[Jeremy Nygaard]

Yeah, unless something wacky happens - Astros throwing a curve ball or Stewart getting hurt before the draft - I think he's the pick.

 

I admit I don't know that much about Stewart. Does anyone know if he's considered a potentially fast moving prospect like Berrios or does he need to learn control/command and still grow into his body?

 

Stewart is next in the draft preview series.

[fairweather]

No to Stewart. No to Mcguire

[fairweather]

Here's some things to know about Stewart, he's a cocky red neck Texan punk with diabetes. Ya the Twins should really risk their #4 overall pick on that!

[ashbury]

Here's some things to know about Stewart, he's a cocky red neck Texan punk with diabetes. Ya the Twins should really risk their #4 overall pick on that!

 

Give Nolan Ryan diabetes and I might still take a chance on him. I have no idea where Ryan resided on your neck-color spectrum at that age, however.

[Mike Sixel]

So he's a cross between Roger Clemens and Ty Cobb? Yuck.

[diehardtwinsfan]

Here's some things to know about Stewart, he's a cocky red neck Texan punk with diabetes. Ya the Twins should really risk their #4 overall pick on that!

 

Is this a new alias for Dankind?

 

In all seriousness, we get that you don't like Stewart. Can you provide somethign concrete other than that he's a red neck and cocky? That description fits most baseball players.

[Willihammer]

Give Nolan Ryan diabetes and I might still take a chance on him. I have no idea where Ryan resided on your neck-color spectrum at that age, however.

 

Reasonably red?

[ashbury]

So he's a cross between Roger Clemens and Ty Cobb? Yuck.

 

Yeah, those guys never won any pennants.

[InfraRen]

[cmb0252]

Interesting article from ESPN on the last time each AL team drafted an All-Star. Spoiler alert.... We have the second longest time since we drafted one....

 

Minnesota Twins: Evan Meek (2002)

Joe Mauer was drafted first overall in 2001 and since then has been a draft spell as cold as a Minnesota winter. That's how you go from six division titles in nine years to back-to-back seasons of 99 and 96 losses. That's also the price you pay when you spend a decade never drafting higher than 14th. Meek was actually released by the Twins before making the All-Star team as the Pirates' rep in 2010

 

Full article below:

http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/36350/last-time-each-al-team-drafted-an-all-star

[Mike Sixel]

So ESPN thinks maybe the drafting has something to do with being bad the last few years.....who would have gotten Meek correct in a trivia question? Not me.

[cmb0252]

Crawfish boxes ( Astros SB Nation blog) released an article named Where have past aces been drafted which made for an interesting read. While their definition of ace is very strict there were a few things I found interesting. One of their bloggers did a study, don't have a link to the study, but it says college bats have the best rate-on-return for 1st rounders. While that isn't really surprising what is though is this fact:

 

"my results actually showed that IF High School pitchers reached the major leagues, they were the most likely to perform at an elite level — even more likely than College Hitters, if I recall. The hang-up is that High School pitchers are the least likely to make the major leagues at all, and it’s not close." Chris Perry

Link below:

2013 MLB Draft: Where have past ace pitchers been drafted? - The Crawfish Boxes

[gunnarthor]

Crawfish boxes ( Astros SB Nation blog) released an article named Where have past aces been drafted which made for an interesting read. While their definition of ace is very strict there were a few things I found interesting. One of their bloggers did a study, don't have a link to the study, but it says college bats have the best rate-on-return for 1st rounders. While that isn't really surprising what is though is this fact:

 

"my results actually showed that IF High School pitchers reached the major leagues, they were the most likely to perform at an elite level — even more likely than College Hitters, if I recall. The hang-up is that High School pitchers are the least likely to make the major leagues at all, and it’s not close." Chris Perry

Link below:

2013 MLB Draft: Where have past ace pitchers been drafted? - The Crawfish Boxes

 

Thanks for posting that. I suppose the reason for that is that the elite HS arms can make a lot more money right away rather than going to school and risking their livelihood (with a few exceptions). So college arms wouldn't generally have the same ceiling.

[InfraRen]

On Ryan Boldt - the (him) is Radcliff I believe:

 

Darren Wolfson ‏@DarrenWolfson37s

@InfraRen @PBbboese Might be able to glean more after talking w/ him today. Best guess: Twins don't take him at No. 43 (if he's even there).

[Oxtung]

Crawfish boxes ( Astros SB Nation blog) released an article named Where have past aces been drafted which made for an interesting read. While their definition of ace is very strict there were a few things I found interesting. One of their bloggers did a study, don't have a link to the study, but it says college bats have the best rate-on-return for 1st rounders. While that isn't really surprising what is though is this fact:

 

"my results actually showed that IF High School pitchers reached the major leagues, they were the most likely to perform at an elite level — even more likely than College Hitters, if I recall. The hang-up is that High School pitchers are the least likely to make the major leagues at all, and it’s not close." Chris Perry

Link below:

2013 MLB Draft: Where have past ace pitchers been drafted? - The Crawfish Boxes

 

I'm not sure where that quote came from because it's not in the article that I could find, however it somewhat contradicts Matt Garrioch's study of drafts from '87-'01. Garrioch's study showed that HS LHP taken in the first round were extremely unlikely to be solid or better MLB players with only 20% attaining that level of competence while close to 60% never made the majors at all. On the other hand HS RHP were just as likely, actually slightly more likely, to be solid regulars or better than their 4yr college counter parts.

 

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-772wlhxPhPNjUyY2JiMmItYzJlYi00Yjk5LThlOTUtODkwN2IzMTU5ODIx/edit?hl=en_US

 

 

edit: Those stats are for 1st round draft choices only not including the supplemental round.

[cmb0252]

I'm not sure where that quote came from because it's not in the article that I could find, however it somewhat contradicts Matt Garrioch's study of drafts from '87-'01. Garrioch's study showed that HS LHP taken in the first round were extremely unlikely to be solid or better MLB players with only 20% attaining that level of competence while close to 60% never made the majors at all. On the other hand HS RHP were just as likely, actually slightly more likely, to be solid regulars or better than their 4yr college counter parts.

 

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-772wlhxPhPNjUyY2JiMmItYzJlYi00Yjk5LThlOTUtODkwN2IzMTU5ODIx/edit?hl=en_US

 

 

edit: Those stats are for 1st round draft choices only not including the supplemental round.

 

The quote comes from the comment section where the author of the study responds. Sorry about that, I should have made that clearer.

[cmb0252]

Christopher Crawford did a mini interview over at the U.S.S Mariner blog and here are a few of the interesting questions/answers.

 

How do you think this draft class stacks up with other recent years’? Last year, you mentioned that the 2012 class was a step behind 2011 and 2010′s…do you still think that’s the case? Overall, do you think talent evaluators are able to forecast this (draft class quality) reliably? Or is it something that can only be judged in hindsight?

It’s a case of quality or quantity. The top five prospects in this class are really good, with two future aces in Mark Appel and Jonathan Gray, a plus-plus power hitter in Kris Bryant who I think can play third base, a pitcher with two 70 pitches in Kohl Stewart and a very intriguing athlete in Meadows. After that, the quality wanes quite a bit, with very little available in terms of college bats and not a single left-handed starter who will go in the first round assuming Sean Manaea’s injuries push him out.As far as judging this class accurately, I think it’s an interesting question. This was the year of the pop-up; Gray was considered more of a second-third round guy when the year began, and names like Nevada right-hander Braden Shipley and Mississippi State’s Hunter Renfroe coming from no where to being possible top ten picks. Pop-up’s help increase the depth in the class, but also make scouting difficult as there isn’t the pedigree that some of the other top names have. Guys like Peterson, Renfroe and Reese McGuire have a ton of varying positions from the scouts and talent-evaluators I talk to, but there does seem to be a sort of consensus in this year’s draft compared to others.

 

From an outsider’s point of view, it looks like the draft class’ strongest position is at catcher, particularly the high school backstops. Local kid Reese McGuire heads up that group. The M’s could, conceivably, have their pick of McGuire, Ciuffo, or Denney. Of course, they just took Mike Zunino last year and they have some depth at the position, even despite Jesus Montero’s faceplant. If McGuire (or Ciuffo) is on the board, should the M’s take him? If not, why not?

It definitely is the strength of the class, though I wouldn’t take any of them in the first dozen picks. McGuire is one of — if not the — best defensive catchers I’ve ever seen, with the strongest arm of any backstop in the class. I just can’t take a hitter with a 40-45 hit grade that high, defensive star or not. There may be some local pressure — and the Mariners have seen him a ton — but I don’t think he’s going to be available anyway. Ciuffo’s got average tools across the board with the potential for maybe above-average power, but more of a late first-round talent, the same with Denney who probably will have to switch positions long-term.

Which players in the first round will be toughest to sign?

Manaea obviously is going to be a tough signing, and I can’t imagine him going to a team that doesn’t have multiple picks and extra allocation funds. Kohl Stewart could be a difficult signing with his commitment to play football at Texas A&M, and Frazier and Meadows will likely take to the last day, but I think they’ll all get done.

Years from now, this draft will be known for X? Or will it be forgettable?

I think this class will be made or broken by the top three, if Appel, Bryant and Gray are as good as I think they might be, then it’s a special top of the class. If Appel is more of a mid rotation guy and Gray burns out and Bryant can’t hit, then this will be a very forgettable class.

 

Most of the questions are Mariner related but here is the full article:

2013 MLB Draft Preview with Chris Crawford of MLB Draft Insider | U.S.S. Mariner

 

 

[InfraRen]

Darren Wolfson ‏@DarrenWolfson3h

We (@KSTP) caught up w/ OF Ryan Boldt. Off crutches in a week. Has thought about going #43 to the #MNTwins. Leans on Mitch Brown for advice.

[maxisagod]

According to Radcliff, The Twins currently have 4 guys they like for the top pick. We know Stewart is one and McGuire is another. But there are 3 guys consider the top of the class in Gray, Appel, and Byrant. So who out of these three do you think the Twins don't like at 4 and why?

 

The Scoops: Twins' scouting crew finalizing plans for upcoming draft | 1500 ESPN Twin Cities ? Minnesota Sports News & Opinion (Twins, Vikings, Wolves, Wild, Gophers) | Sportswire: Minnesota Twins

[InfraRen]

Jim Callis ‏@jimcallisBA14m

Enjoyed doing this. @jeremysickel: P2BNL chats @jimcallisBA about #mlbdraft, Wil Myers, Mark Appel & much more | http://po.st/cg0wVG

2013 MLB Draft Preview and Prospect Report | Podcast to Be Named Later

[ashbury]

According to Radcliff, The Twins currently have 4 guys they like for the top pick.

 

If you're picking at #4 then you need to.

[Boone]

According to Radcliff, The Twins currently have 4 guys they like for the top pick. We know Stewart is one and McGuire is another. But there are 3 guys consider the top of the class in Gray, Appel, and Byrant. So who out of these three do you think the Twins don't like at 4 and why?

 

The Scoops: Twins' scouting crew finalizing plans for upcoming draft | 1500 ESPN Twin Cities ? Minnesota Sports News & Opinion (Twins, Vikings, Wolves, Wild, Gophers) | Sportswire: Minnesota Twins

 

First of all, we don't know for a fact that Stewart or McGuire is in that group of 4. Assuming that they are, I would have to guess that Appel is the odd man out, just because he's a Boras client, which might scare the Twins off. That being said, it's possible that Bryant might be off of the list because of Sano.

[gunnarthor]

According to Radcliff, The Twins currently have 4 guys they like for the top pick. We know Stewart is one and McGuire is another. But there are 3 guys consider the top of the class in Gray, Appel, and Byrant. So who out of these three do you think the Twins don't like at 4 and why?

 

The Scoops: Twins' scouting crew finalizing plans for upcoming draft | 1500 ESPN Twin Cities ? Minnesota Sports News & Opinion (Twins, Vikings, Wolves, Wild, Gophers) | Sportswire: Minnesota Twins

 

You know, I read that as the Twins were considering 4 guys they like but left unsaid was that they weren't considering the 3 likely gone before hand. So I assumed they were considering Stewart, Shipley, McGuire and Frazier. But I might be wrong.

[cmb0252]

Bleacher Report has an amazing article comparing HS pitchers vs college pitchers in the first round. Must read article!

 

2013 MLB Draft: Are High School or College Arms the Better 1st-Round Risk? | Bleacher Report

[Pius Jefferson]

Is it wrong that a part of me would prefer the Big 3 go before the Twins have their pick. Making the decision to draft Stewart easier than having to decide between Stewart or Bryant and Gray?

[diehardtwinsfan]

Stewart V Bryant would be a tough choice.

 

Stewart V Gray is a no brianer, sorry Kohl.

[nicksaviking]

Assuming that they are, I would have to guess that Appel is the odd man out, just because he's a Boras client, which might scare the Twins off.

 

Bryant is also a Boras client. I don't think the Twins would rule one out for being a Boras client and not the other.

 

You know, I read that as the Twins were considering 4 guys they like but left unsaid was that they weren't considering the 3 likely gone before hand. So I assumed they were considering Stewart, Shipley, McGuire and Frazier. But I might be wrong.

 

As fans we often do that, but I'd bet the Twins are considering every player, even Appel, Gray and Bryant. You just never know if someone is going to drop. You have to do your homework on each of them and have proper evaluations on them in case they do. Similar to how the Vikings assumd Sharrif Floyd was going to be a top 10 pick, they weren't going to automatically cross him off their list due to assumption.

 

I'd be shocked if the 4 guys aren't Gray, Appel, Bryant and Stewart in that order. With all the talk (and criticism) I don't believe for a second the Twins are seriously considering a questionable hitting defensive catcher at the 4th pick.

[James]

First of all, we don't know for a fact that Stewart or McGuire is in that group of 4. Assuming that they are, I would have to guess that Appel is the odd man out, just because he's a Boras client, which might scare the Twins off. That being said, it's possible that Bryant might be off of the list because of Sano.

Having Sano in the system shouldn't, and won't, be a factor in deciding to draft Bryant if he's available. If he's there, I think the Twins will (and should) draft him. There are still questions on his (and Sano's) defense at 3rd, and you don't know if either will stick there.

 

To be clear, I think the chances of Bryant being around for the Twins is slim to none. It sounds like Colorado is pretty much set on drafting him, even if Houston mixes things up and drafts Moran instead of Gray or Appel.

[cmb0252]

Gray- 9 innings pitched, 9 hits, 2 ER, 11/1 K/BB ratio vs Coastal Carolina.

Hursh- 4.1 innings, 7 hits, 3 ER, 2/2 K/BB ratio vs Miami