Bob Sacamento

Scouting Report on Chris Paul: Golden Bears products such as Allen Craig and Josh Satin were good senior signs with somewhat similar profiles to that of Paul, who was Cal's toughest out in Pacific-12 Conference play. The Laguna Beach, Calif., prep product had his best season and has solid athleticism and good-enough (if below-average) speed for a move to left field. He’s a sure-handed defender at first with solid-average power who has learned to temper his aggressive offensive approach just enough.

In most cases that's what happens, a failed starter in the minors gets turned into a reliever the further he goes up the ladder for many different reasons. The logistics behind drafting relievers is the belief that you develop your own middle innings reliever or backend of the bullpen arms so that you don't "waste a 2-5M paycheck a year" on a reliever who will be volatile when you can put your own guy out there. Why draft a RP out of the gate rather than SP who might spin his wheels, gets more down to philosophy of drafting; but my guess is that they liked the "velocity".

This why many teams that are analytic based are drafting college bats, much easier and likely to develop. Then use that savings of developing your own homegrown positional players to go buy some MLB proven pitching on the free market or trade some of your positional depth.

worse case the Twins are putting together a heck of a pickup basketball team

Scouting Report on Alex Robinson: A native of Long Island, Alex Robinson has been on scouts' radar for quite some time. Throwing from a low arm slot, the lefthanded Robinson showed strong velocity out of high school while fighting his command due to a raw delivery. His projectability was obvious, but his commitment to Maryland made him a tough sign, and he ended up on campus. During his time at College Park, Robinson has grown into a physically imposing southpaw with an elite fastball. He battled command issues as an underclassman, but emerged in the New England Collegiate League last summer, showing mid-90s velocity and a sharp breaking ball. His command has been a little better this spring, but he has walked more than six batters per nine. When he's on, however, Robinson is among the toughest pitchers to hit in the country, worked 92-94 and touching as high as 96 or 97 with bat-breaking life on his fastball. His breaking ball is a short, late-breaking slider that shows the ability to compete in the strike zone. He will have to cut down his walks and be more consistent in the strike zone, but Robinson has late-inning potential at the highest level and could move quickly if he harnesses more control.

Scouting Report on Trey Cabbage: Cabbage starred in both baseball and basketball at Grainger High and made some noise on the hardwood this winter when he broke a rim with a putback dunk. But his future is on the diamond. Cabbage didn’t stand out last summer, but has gained significant momentum this spring and rivals Bryce Denton as the best prep hitter in the state. Listed 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, he has good strength and athleticism. Scouts believe his strength gives him a chance to hit for at least average power, though he hasn’t yet shown that kind of pop consistently. Cabbage, a Tennessee commit, has primarily played on the left side of the infield. He’s a below-average runner with average arm strength and will likely play third base or left field at the next level. He offers some projectability and upside, particularly now that he will only be playing baseball.

Travis Blankenhorn Scouting Report:: If not for his baseball prowess, Blankenhorn may have had a future on the hardwood. The 6-foot-2 infielder scored just under 1,600 points in his high school basketball career, used his size and strength to dominate in eastern Pennsylvania. On the diamond, Blankenhorn's tools are not explosive, but he has multiple weapons, both offensively and defensively. At the plate, Blankenhorn has a pretty lefthanded swing with minimal load and a short, downhill bat path. He has above-average bat speed and good feel for hitting. Scouts project Blankenhorn to develop above-average power as he grows into his body. Defensively, Blankenhorn lacks the footspeed to stay at shortstop, but has an above-average throwing arm and projects well at third base. Blankenhorn is committed to Kentucky, but there are some teams that like him as high as the second round, and he could come off the board early if things go right on draft day. Blankenhorn's ultimate ceiling will be dictated by how well his hit tool translates to the next level. Those who believe in him see him as a potential fifth or sixth hitter in the lineup with no significant weaknesses, though he is a slightly below-average runner who's better underway.

Pretty much what MLB.com has too: 23. Donny Everett, RHP, Clarksville HS (Tenn.) 28. Michael Matuella, RHP, Duke 31. Justin Hooper, LHP, De La Salle HS (Calif.) 33. Dakota Chalmers, RHP, North Forsyth HS (Ga.) 39. Jacob Nix, RHP, IMG Acadamy (Fla.) 41. Jalen Miller, SS, Riverwood International Charter School (Ga.) 45. Riley Ferrell, RHP, TCU 47. Blake Trahan, SS, Lousiana-Lafayette 54. Luken Baker, RHP/1B, Oak Ridge HS (Texas) 55. Cole Sands, RHP, North Florida Christian HS (Fla.)

From an outsider's perspective, it appears developing pitchers has been a problem for the Twins organization for a while. It seems to me it'd be time to overhaul the developmental pitching staff starting with Pitching Coordinator Eric Rasmussen and going from there. Rasmussen has been in charge of developing Twins pitchers and their program since 2008 and not too many things have gone too well since then. Just saying, but I know how loyal the Twins are, often to a fault and Rasmussen has been with the organization since 1991

BA Scouting Report on Kyle Cody: At 6-foot-7, 245 pounds, Cody has jumbo size and one of the biggest fastballs in the class. Last summer, his fastball sat around 95 mph, touching as high as 98, from an easy delivery and clean arm action. He threw strikes and pitched off his heater, with a 34-11 strikeout-walk ratio last summer. However, the spring season has been a disastrous one for Cody, who has lost the life on his fastball as well as his strike-throwing ability. He lost his weekend rotation spot early, getting hammered in early starts at UC Santa Barbara and then in SEC play against Mississippi State, and tried to regroup in mid-week starts and relief outings. He has gotten out of his routine and generally struggled to get back into a rhythm while struggling to handle adversity. Cody still throws hard but his fastball has straightened out and elevated this spring—SEC hitters were batting .324 with 21 extra-base hits, including seven home runs against him going into the final weekend of the regular season—and he’s behind too much to make his hard, plus curveball a factor. He doesn't land the curve frequently enough for a strike anyway. One or two solid outings late could convince a team they can get Cody back to his Cape Cod League form, but his chances of going out in the first round are gone.

Personally, I think Tate has a much more likelihood to be a RP than Jay based on his delivery. Here's the write up on Tate 9 months ago after Team USA gameplay: Some teams considered Tate a top-10-rounds talent out of high school when his BA 500 scouting report said he was “a classic projection for scouts”, adding that he “he pitches at 85-88 and could add velocity as he fills out his 6-foot-1, 167-pound frame.” The intelligent Tate, who threw three innings as a freshman, has worked extremely hard to capitalize on that projection, having gained 35 pounds of muscle since high school. Tate has become a physical specimen with a strapping, chiseled and athletic build featuring broad shoulders, a high waist and long extremities. Tate’s velocity has increased tremendously with his electric arm speed, sitting 95-97 and touching 99 at his best, though his velocity fell to 91-93, touching 95 during a three-inning stint. Tate hides the ball very well and it jumps out of his hand, offering plus life with arm-side run and sink that projects to produce groundballs at an above-average clip. His high-effort, herky-jerky delivery with a high leg kick and head movement offers deception. The 20-year-old’s top secondary pitch is a cutter/slider that flashes 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale at its best with sharp, late bite. But the offering will need to become more consistent, as he will mix in some below-average ones that are “cement mixers.” Although he has never started a game in school, Tate has a changeup with plus potential that features big tumble. His delivery produces more control than command. He has a starter’s repertoire from a relief pitcher’s delivery and some scouts wonder how his stuff would play with a toned-down delivery in the rotation. Tate has a history of missing bats in school—with 9.2 strikeouts per nine versus 3.7 walks in his career—but scouts wonder why he didn’t miss more bats this summer, as his 5.6 strikeouts per nine in 11 1/3 innings was the lowest of any qualified pitcher on the team. Tate positioned himself as arguably the top college reliever who threw this summer.

Well before you go poking fun at the Big 10 competition just remember Chris Sale played for FGCU (a small Ft. Myers, FL college in the not so challenging Atlantic Sun conference), so college competition isn't everything. Jay showcased his stuff in the Cape Cod League and for Team USA and drew rave reviews. Here's a little bit on him 9 months ago after the Team USA gameplay: Undrafted out of high school, Jay was one of the top breakout players of the summer after entering the summer with little national pedigree. The top lefthander on the team, Jay made more appearances than any pitcher on Team USA’s roster, appearing in 15 games out of the ’pen while striking out 11.3 per nine with a 3.5 strikeout-walk ratio and not allowing an earned run. Although Jay has never started a game at Illinois, he offers a starter’s repertoire and athleticism. Jay’s fastball sometimes sat 93-95, touching 97 at his best, and more frequently sat 90-93, touching 94. He has a loose, very quick arm from a three-quarters slot and very long stride. Jay pitches off a fastball that plays up as it jumps from his hand and offers varied life to both sides of the plate, with plane and sink when down in the zone. His breaking ball shows above-average potential, flashing plus at its best. Although his changeup was not used frequently in games, it shows at least above-average potential, and he has feel for it. He threw strikes this summer (3.2 walks per nine) and has in his career (3.3), striking out 9.7 per nine. Although the wiry, lean 6-foot-1, 170-pound Jay doesn’t have typical starter size, he was the best athlete of all the pitchers on the team, according to the coaching staff, and reportedly ran the 60-yard dash in 6.6 seconds at school. His role for the spring has not been determined yet, but scouts believe he could be one of the top college lefthanders in the country and go in the first-round if he maintains most of his stuff in the rotation. How the Twins stretch him out will be very interesting and key to his success in the future. The Illini head coach Dan Hartleb made the choice to use Jay as a RP instead of a SP because he thought it'd be more effective for the club for him to pitch multiple outings consecutively. Hartleb has took alot of criticism for it but I stand by it, and you all should thank him for "saving" Tyler Jay's arm. Hartleb has handed you the keys to a new Ferrari with 34 miles on the odometer; remember with great power comes great responsibility. All I know is your organization and many others have a strong belief that he's going to have the best chance between Tate, Fullmer and himself to become a starting pitcher.

Well for those who are worried about Jay for the rest of the season, I'll be watching him in the GCL (if he gets sent here) and Instructional League. It'll be interesting to see how they treat him and how and when they stretch him out.

It just worked out that he's a lefty but the Twins took him as they believed he was the best player available.

Baseball America's Scouting Report on Tyler Jay: Jay was a prep punter and punt returner in football and has a muscular, athletic 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame. He's has taken off as Illinois' closer during the Illini's storybook 2015 season, which included a 24-game win streak. Jay first emerged as the closer as a sophomore, earning a spot with USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team as the only lefthander in the bullpen. While he excels in a short-relief role, he's held firm stuff over extended outings, such as a five-inning early-season start against Lamar and a six-inning outing at Penn State. He ranked second in the nation in ERA and was overpowering hitters with a 92-96 mph fastball from a quick-armed, high-energy delivery with a long stride and deception. Scouts were mixed on whether or not Jay could start, but he'd maintained similar velocity when extended, and he's shown a four-pitch mix. His low 80s slider earns "wipeout" designation from scouts, while he locates both an average curveball and change. Jay was trending toward the top half of the first round and could be the first player from the draft class to reach the majors if he stays in a relief role.

DJ and the team believe he's going to stick in the rotation. I would have loved him to be there for the Cubs at 9 but knew that was slim as Chicago was going to take the best college bat period (and use those savings for HS arms in 4-10 rds). Twins might be able to get Jay at 300-500K below the full slot value (3.9M)

Twins are taking Jay

I wouldn't put much stock in HS hrs, alot of that depends on the competition and how they pitch him. On the showcase circuit (he took most of last year off, but was everywhere his SO/JR HS year), he showed plus power at times enough to impressive the scouts to see him growing into it.

He'll likely push signing back to the last day possible, and some team will end up giving him 4M or so. But you're right highly doubt he goes to college with that much money on the table and very little place to move up. He'd really have to bet on himself to improve his draft stock

DJ was talking in terms of the war room, and if there are differing opinions, Ryan has the final say. Let us not forget, Terry Ryan is in the Pro Scouting HoF.

Boras/Cameron have had it floating out there they are looking for Buxton money $6M (#2 overall). They can ask that all they want but truth is Cameron is not a hands down top 2 talent, he's arguably in the talks for top 5 talent. His wheels aren't like his dad's and there are questions of his swing

According to DJ they were rated high on their board despite being RP, just that the SPs they had rated higher were off the board at the time. Rather take talent you had graded highly then talent you don't believe in. Also, DJ doesn't believe the draft is a crapshoot, "you get outevaluated". He's also not a big fan of drafting TJS due to being burned in the past. DJ comes off as pretty old school when it comes to the draft.

Deron Johnson on record stating that the organization really has a lull of power arms, (that's why focus last year on Burdi, Cedaroth and Reed so high) but if they take a Pitcher with their first round pick they believe he can stay in the rotation.

Tidbits from Deron Johnson: - Terry Ryan has final say - Taking Aiken is "above his pay grade" due to medical reports - first 5 picks take best player available, then look at organization need after 5th Rd - if take pitcher early got to believe can stay in rotation - Twins worked out 40 players for the draft, 6 in Target Field, Georgia/California/Florida workouts as well - Twins have medical staff in place with protocol for last 4-5 years - Twins war room doesn't get too heated as many have worked together in organization for 20+ years - Says Buxton most athletic player he's seen in his lifetime with tremendous work ethic - Nick Gordon grew 1 1/2 inches and gained 15lb since being drafted - Doesn't matter if took a SS last year if the player they want is available they will take a SS - Says organization lacking power arms that's why went for Burdi, Cederoth, and Reed last year, it was also the draft's strength - they had starters rated higher but they went off the board - Says the organization uses the new Complex in Ft Myers to attract players when visiting them at their home (draft and international); 2-3 personal cooks on the premises to ensure proper nutrition, English speaking classes, player safety and curfew. - Deron will be touring the Cedar Rapids and Ft. Myers teams the second half of the season; he'll be in CR next week

The White Sox went to the max they could on Rodon without having to give up a pick in the 2015 draft. Current draft rules establish an overall signing budget for each team, based on the combined pick values for all of its selections in the first 10 rounds. Teams that exceed the budget pay a 75 percent tax on the overage, and if they go more than 5 percent over budget they lose a first-round pick in the next draft. In three drafts under the new rules (this year is the third), no team has shown a willingness to do that. (Teams that go 10 percent over also lose a second-round pick, and teams that go more than 15 percent over lose two second-round picks, but it does not appear that teams will ever flirt with those penalties.)