Article: 2014 Draft Board v.1.0

[maxisagod]

Catcher isn't my first choice--but I can't see why a guy can't develop his defense simultaneously with his offense. It seems to me that all position players are required to develop both offense and defense.

 

If the Twins were to draft him, I'm fine with him starting at Catcher like Will Myers did, if it's clear his catching skills can progress with him, keep him there; but if there is a time they'd think about not promoting him because of his defensive at catcher then move him off. Unless he never wants to be a catcher in the first place that is, I think he should have a say in his future as well.

[nicksaviking]

Catcher isn't my first choice--but I can't see why a guy can't develop his defense simultaneously with his offense. It seems to me that all position players are required to develop both offense and defense.

 

I'd agree but the terribly track record of HS catchers points to the difficulty of developing the position in the minors while maintaining offensive credibility. It might not make a lot of sense, but HS catchers just aren't developing into top end catchers any more.

[Vervehound]

You are way more optimistic about his stuff than I. Unless his change up magically becomes a 70+ pitch I just don't see it. Also, I could careless how fast he can get to the bigs. Wimmers and Danny Hultzen were both guys pegged to be safe quick to the bigs arms. An injury and mechanical issues have wiped away any value that is given because of "quick to the majors" status.

 

I do agree though that it is hard to believe weaver above Nola.

 

the thing that bugs me most about nola is his size. i love his stuff - you could peg him as 60/60/55 for his stuff and a 70/70 for command and control. unreal numbers. anytime you get a guy with pitchability llke that you have to be careful with the comps because his stuff will play up.

 

i don't place a lot of emphasis on how quickly a guy can get to the majors but in nola's case it's definitely an asset that he looks like could contribute by this September. if we drafted him, he might be our ace next season.

[kab21]

I'd agree but the terribly track record of HS catchers points to the difficulty of developing the position in the minors while maintaining offensive credibility. It might not make a lot of sense, but HS catchers just aren't developing into top end catchers any more.

 

To make this very clear you don't draft Jackson because he's a catcher. You draft Jackson for the bat and you move him if catching is showed to be a detriment in the development process. One of the big reasons that HS catchers fail is that they are drafted for a combination of their bat and potential ability to stick at the position. That means that their bat isn't on par with other hitters getting drafted around them. It shouldn't be a surprise that HS catchers have a poor track record.

 

As far as Beede goes he has the stuff but he needs to stop walking 5 guys per 9IP.

[Lonestar]

I like Turner as our SS of the future or Jackson as our C of the future and believe both will be available at 5. I view Kolek as an insurance ace, but can't see him getting past King Theo.

Theo hearts Beede. Edit: And the Cubs need pitching.

[shs_59]

I WANT THE BRADEN SHIPLEY of this draft.

 

SHipley fell to arizona d'backs last yr and was a FINE college JR. should of been a top 7 or 8 pick fell to low mid teens?

 

I want him, HEY Jeremy Nygaaard in you're opinion who do you think is the Shipley of this draft or a few names is fine?

 

Maaaybe Hoffman?

[Jeremy Nygaard]

I WANT THE BRADEN SHIPLEY of this draft.

 

SHipley fell to arizona d'backs last yr and was a FINE college JR. should of been a top 7 or 8 pick fell to low mid teens?

 

I want him, HEY Jeremy Nygaaard in you're opinion who do you think is the Shipley of this draft or a few names is fine?

 

Maaaybe Hoffman?

 

Shipley kinda spiked early and the leveled off later.

 

I would put Michael Cederoth, Nick Burdi and Brandon Finnegan in that group.