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Hrbowski

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Blog Entries posted by Hrbowski

  1. Hrbowski
    Mahtomedi’s senior left fielder Lincoln Rock came just shy of a home run in batting practice on Friday, which would have been a first of his high school career. Now he can spend the rest of his life telling stories about how Jack Schwietz and Weston Shelander hit the ball farther than he did, proving that pitchers rake.
     
    Another note from Mahtomedi: During legion ball, pinch runner Brandon Anderson was ejected for playing the game too hard. Farmington nearly came back to win what had been a 12-2 game, thanks to their number nine hitter’s great at bats. Fortunately, their team had nothing on Chuck B.
  2. Hrbowski
    http://www.the3rdmanin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2017-MLB-Draft.png
     
    #1 Minnesota Twins – Kyle Wright – rhp – Vanderbilt
    At this point the Twins have narrowed down their potential picks to a few players, with Wright being the favorite. The dark horse who could unseat him? J.B. Bukauskas.
     
    #2 Cincinnati Reds – Brendan McKay – lhp – Louisville
    McKay plays college ball close to Cincinnati, so their executives and scouts have had plenty of opportunities to see him. Hunter Greene could also be picked here.
     
    #3 San Diego Padres – Hunter Greene – rhp – California High School
    If Greene is available at #3 he will not fall past the Padres.
     
    #4 Tampa Bay Rays – J.B. Bukauskas – rhp – North Carolina
    The Rays have been watching the prep hitters closely this year, but I think that this is the year they pick a pitcher, and Bukauskas is the best available in the draft.
     
    #5 Atlanta Braves – MacKenzie Gore – lhp – North Carolina High School
    The Braves have been scouting Gore extensively this spring, and they like to draft high school pitchers.
     
    #6 Oakland Athletics – Pavin Smith – 1b – Virginia
    The A’s want Bukauskas, but Smith would be a good consolation prize for them.
     
    #7 Arizona Diamondbacks – Royce Lewis – ss – California High School
    Many people think that Lewis will go higher than this, but if the Rays pass he will probably fall into the hands of the Diamondbacks.
     
    #8 Philadelphia Phillies – Adam Haseley – of – Virginia
    Jeren Kendall or Alex Faedo could be picked here as well.
     
    #9 Milwaukee Brewers – Austin Beck – of – North Carolina High School
    My first change from last week’s mock is the #9 pick. The Brewers could very well pick Wisconsin native Jeren Kendall, but they also really like Austin Beck.
     
    #10 Los Angeles Angels – Jeren Kendall – of – Vanderbilt
    The Angels will probably pick a college player, but if they do not they will draft Jo Adell.
     
    #11 Chicago White Sox – Alex Faedo – rhp – Florida
    The White Sox almost always select college players, and Faedo would be the best available if this scenario plays out.
     
    #12 Pittsburgh Pirates – Keston Hiura – 2b – UC Irvine
    The Pirates have been secretive this year, but there are rumors that Hiura is their favorite.
     
    #13 Miami Marlins – D.L. Hall – lhp – Georgia High School
    Hall has been the Marlins pick in every mock I have done, and that is not changing.
     
    #14 Kansas City Royals – Trevor Rogers – lhp – New Mexico High School
    The Royals have been focused on prep players this spring, and many believe they will take Rogers.
     
    #15 Houston Astros – Shane Baz – rhp – Texas High School
     
    #16 New York Yankees – Jordan Adell – of – Kentucky High School
     
    #17 Seattle Mariners – Evan White – 1b – Kentucky
     
    #18 Detroit Tigers – Clarke Schmidt – rhp – South Carolina
     
    #19 San Francisco Giants – Nick Pratto – 1b – California
     
    #20 New York Mets – Jake Burger – 3b – Missouri State
     
    #21 Baltimore Orioles – Logan Warmoth – ss – North Carolina
     
    #22 Toronto Blue Jays – David Peterson – lhp – Oregon
     
    #23 Los Angeles Dodgers – Bubba Thompson – of – Alabama High School
     
    #24 Boston Red Sox – Seth Romero – lhp – No School
     
    #25 Washington Nationals – Alex Lange – rhp – LSU
     
    #26 Texas Rangers – Matt Sauer – rhp – California High School
     
    #27 Chicago Cubs – Griffin Canning – rhp – UCLA
     
    #28 Toronto Blue Jays – Nate Pearson – rhp – Florida JUCO
     
    #29 Texas Rangers – Tristan Lutz – of – Texas High School
     
    #30 Chicago Cubs – Nick Allen – ss – California High School
     
    #31 Tampa Bay Rays – Heliot Ramos – of – Puerto Rico
     
    #32 Cincinnati Reds – Quentin Holmes – of – New York High School
     
    #33 Oakland Athletics – Brian Miller – of – North Carolina
     
    #34 Milwaukee Brewers – Drew Waters – of – Georgia High School
     
    #35 Minnesota Twins – Tanner Houck – rhp – Missouri
     
    #36 Miami Marlins – Brendon Little – lhp – Florida JUCO
     
    #37 Minnesota Twins – Sam Carlson – rhp – Minnesota High School
  3. Hrbowski
    Image courtesy of Peter Aiken
     
    Kyle Wright is a right-handed pitcher for the Vanderbilt Commodores who is one of the top players available in the draft. Wright is 6’4” and weighs 220 pounds, with the prototypical build that scouts love in pitchers.
     
    Due to his strong commitment to Vanderbilt, he went undrafted as an Alabama high schooler and has since physically matured and added five miles per hour to his velocity. He got off to a slow start this spring, but he has turned that around in the last few weeks. Wright may have more momentum than any other college player and will be one of the first picks come June.
     
    Wright uses a four-pitch mix: fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup. His fastball sits in the 92-94 mph range, with occasional flashes into the upper nineties. His curveball should be above average, but early in the season he left it up in the zone too much, which got him into trouble. His slider is an above average pitch, yet there is some debate about whether it is a true slider or if it is more of a cutter. His fourth pitch is a changeup, and although it is behind his other pitches, it should develop into a usable big league offering.
     
    Wright uses a long stride in his delivery, but he may lose too much of the momentum he gets into the ground. His upper half also gets slightly behind his lower half during his pitching motion, which sometimes causes him to have inconsistent release points. Even though there are some concerns about his mechanics, he makes it look rather pretty, and his issues should be smoothed out in the development process quickly. Control is not a big issue for Wright, and it should be at least average in the majors.
     
    As the draft gets closer, Wright’s name has come up increasingly more often in talk involving the Twins. Teams selecting first in the draft tend to favor players with similar profiles to the Vandy right-hander, and the Twins have been watching him closely. If the Twins draft Wright, he should be in their rotation within the next two years, making him more appealing to a new front office than a player who is further away. College pitchers are not always a safe pick, with their careers often being derailed by injuries, but that is a risk you are taking with anyone. Regardless, when the Twins pick first next month, there is a good chance they will take Wright.
     
    Wright was a favorite of scouts entering the season, and he maintained that status through a rough stretch. If he can continue his recent turnaround, he will be a top five draft pick. He has one of the highest ceilings among players in this class, with top of the rotation potential, and he could also move quickly through a system, giving the team that drafts him someone who could pay big dividends soon. Regardless of where he goes in the draft, Wright has a bright future ahead of him.
  4. Hrbowski
    Hunter Greene is a right-handed pitcher who plays baseball for Notre Dame High School in California. Greene is listed at 6’3” and 195 pounds, with a raw, athletic body.
     
    Greene is committed to UCLA, but it is unlikely that he will attend college. He has received more hype than any other prospect in this year’s draft, although that is mostly due to marketing purposes. At the beginning of the year, he was considered the top prospect in the draft, but he has lost helium as the draft has gotten closer.
     
    Greene has three usable pitches in his repertoire: fastball, slider, and changeup. His fastball sits in the mid-nineties, usually topping out at 97 mph, but has gone higher. His slider will need a lot of work since it has little depth or bite, yet he throws it hard enough that it should be around average when he reaches the majors. His changeup is his worst pitch, but scouts believe that it will develop into an average offering since his fastball can be used to set it up. The heat that he throws is impressive, but his arsenal will need more fine tuning than the other top high school pitchers in the country.
     
    There are some concerns that his velocity will not play against higher competition since he tends to show the ball early and leave it up in the zone. Even his high school competition in California seems to have figured this out, as he has trouble fooling hitters into chasing pitches outside the strike zone. These issues should be correctable through a long development process, and once he learns to open his upper half later in his delivery, the strikeout numbers could climb.
     
    Greene’s control should not be a major problem, although it will never be above average. He is more of a thrower now than a pitcher, but his natural athletic talent should serve him well once he transitions full time to the mound.
     
    The Minnesota Twins are unlikely to make him the first right-handed high school pitcher to be taken number one overall, but there is still a possibility that they could draft him. The Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres have both been watching him closely as well, and he is unlikely to fall past the third pick.
     
    Overall, Greene may be the most recognizable player in the draft class, but one scout I talked to said that he is already at maximum velocity and that he will likely lose some by the time he reaches the majors, so when people see him on their television screens it may not be what was advertised by Sports Illustrated. Greene is one of the best prospects in the draft, but there is an unfair amount of pressure on him, and it could be many years before we see him in the big leagues, yet when he receives the call it will no doubt be exciting to watch.
  5. Hrbowski
    http://www.the3rdmanin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2017-MLB-Draft.png
     
     
    A lot has changed on the draft scene since my last mock. I will do a new version with notes next week.
     
     
    #1 Minnesota Twins – Kyle Wright – rhp - Vanderbilt
     
    #2 Cincinnati Reds – Brendan McKay – lhp - Louisville
     
    #3 San Diego Padres – Hunter Greene – rhp – CA High School
     
    #4 Tampa Bay Rays – J.B. Bukauskas – rhp – UNC
     
    #5 Atlanta Braves – MacKenzie Gore – lhp – NC High School
     
    #6 Oakland Athletics – Pavin Smith – 1b - Virginia
     
    #7 Arizona Diamondbacks – Royce Lewis – of – CA High School
     
    #8 Philadelphia Phillies – Adam Haseley – of - Virginia
     
    #9 Milwaukee Brewers – Jeren Kendall – of - Vanderbilt
     
    #10 Los Angeles Angels – Alex Faedo – rhp - Florida
     
    #11 Chicago White Sox – Sam Carlson – rhp – MN High School
     
    #12 Pittsburgh Pirates – Keston Hiura – 2b – UC Irvine
     
    #13 Miami Marlins – D.L. Hall – lhp – GA High School
     
    #14 Kansas City Royals – Jordan Adell – of – KY High School
     
    #15 Houston Astros – Evan White – 1b - Kentucky
     
    #16 New York Yankees – Nick Pratto – 1b – CA High School
     
    #17 Seattle Mariners – Shane Baz – rhp – TX High School
     
    #18 Detroit Tigers – Trevor Rogers – lhp – NM High School
     
    #19 San Francisco Giants – Austin Beck – of – NC High School
     
    #20 New York Mets – Jake Burger – 3b – Missouri State
     
    #21 Baltimore Orioles – Logan Warmoth – ss – North Carolina
     
    #22 Toronto Blue Jays – Blayne Enlow – rhp – LA High School
     
    #23 Los Angeles Dodgers – Bubba Thompson – of – AL High School
     
    #24 Boston Red Sox – Seth Romero – lhp – No School
     
    #25 Washington Nationals – Alex Lange – rhp - LSU
     
    #26 Texas Rangers – Tristan Lutz – of – TX High School
     
    #27 Chicago Cubs – Griffin Canning – rhp - UCLA
     
    #28 Toronto Blue Jays – David Peterson – lhp - Oregon
     
    #29 Texas Rangers – Corbin Martin – rhp – Texas A&M
     
    #30 Chicago Cubs – Wil Crowe – rhp – South Carolina
     
    #31 Tampa Bay Rays – Heliot Ramos – of – Puerto Rico
     
    #32 Cincinnati Reds – Quentin Holmes – of – NY High School
     
    #33 Oakland Athletics – Garrett Mitchell – of – CA High School
     
    #34 Milwaukee Brewers – Hans Crouse – rhp – CA High School
     
    #35 Minnesota Twins – Tanner Houck – rhp - Missouri
     
    #36 Miami Marlins – Brian Miller – of – North Carolina
     
    #37 Minnesota Twins – Hagen Danner – rhp – CA High School
  6. Hrbowski
    http://www.the3rdmanin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2017-MLB-Draft.png
     
    Sam Carlson is a right-handed pitcher out of Burnsville High School in Minnesota who is committed to the Florida Gators. Carlson is listed at 6’4” and 195 pounds, with a projectable body that will add a lot of strength as he gets older. Because his season started later than most, scouts have gotten a later look at him than some of the other top prep pitchers. Nevertheless, they have come away impressed with his calm presence on the mound and advanced feel for pitching. Carlson has risen swiftly up draft boards this spring, and after scouting him this comes as no surprise.
     
    Carlson’s pitching repertoire consists of three above average pitches that he can throw for strikes. He throws his fastball in the 92-94 mph range, which he commands down in the zone very well. His slider is good enough to be an out pitch, sitting in the low 80s with some bite to it. His changeup has good deception, and is one of the best among pitchers in this year’s draft class. His understanding of pitching elevates him over most high school pitchers across the country, and there are no concerns about him being just a thrower.
     
    Carlson has above average control, which can be attributed to clean pitching mechanics. There is not a whole lot of effort in his delivery, and he has nice arm action. The team that drafts him will likely have him use his lower half more, but that is a natural part of the development process and is not something he needs to worry about in high school. As he matures his velocity will get better, which paired with his secondary offerings makes him a likely middle of the rotation pitcher down the road with a ceiling of a number two starter. Pitching in a cold-weather state has caused him to fly under the radar, but when he reaches the professional level he could surprise many.
     
    Many teams have Carlson near the top of their board, including the Mariners, Giants, and Blue Jays. Teams that pick in the top ten that have interest are the Braves and Brewers, who both have histories of taking high school players. The Pirates have been keeping a close eye on him, and since people are having a tough time pegging their potential pick we could see a surprise there. As the draft approaches, more information will come out about which teams like him the most. You could speculate all day on who will draft Carlson, but I think that he could go higher than what most publications are predicting.
     
    Overall, Carlson should be in the conversation as the best prep pitcher in the class. Hunter Greene and Shane Baz receive more hype, but Carlson has better pitchability than either of them. The Florida commit is also a good hitter, so if he makes it to college he will be a two-way player. Since he will be chosen in the first round his chance to hit at a higher level will likely be in a National League ballpark, but that is a ways down the road. When Carlson hears his name called on June 12th, he will be one of the top picks from Minnesota in draft history.
  7. Hrbowski
    http://s3.amazonaws.com/media.dth/28424_0412_baseballvsncstate_gargan196p.jpg
     
    J.B. Bukauskas is a right-handed pitcher for the University of North Carolina who has the best pitching repertoire available in this year’s draft. Bukauskas is listed at 6’0” and 195 pounds, and with his delivery and pitch mix he reminds me of a smaller Matt Cain. A native of Virginia, Bukauskas played high school baseball for the Stone Bridge Bulldogs, where he quickly ascended draft boards during his senior year. In 2014, he was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 20th round after asking teams to not draft him, and he ultimately made the predictable decision to attend college. With his electric pitching style and presence on the mound, he has the potential to separate himself from all other players in this year’s class.
     
    Bukauskas’s repertoire consists of three pitches: Fastballs, sliders, and changeups, with all being above average or average. His fastball reaches the upper nineties, and he works with it on both sides of the plate. His slider is nothing short of nasty, and he can throw it at ninety miles per hour with the bottom falling out, making it nearly unhittable. His changeup will need the most improvement, but it should at least be an average major league offering. His command of his pitches has improved throughout his years at college, and will likely get even better.
     
    The main concerns that scouts have about Bukauskas are his violent delivery and small size, which leads some to conclude that he will end up in a bullpen. He has already diminished the effort he uses while pitching, but has still managed to maintain his velocity, and with the right development he could continue to do this. His control has also improved with the changes in his delivery, and his walk rates have gone down every year in college. His size should not be a big concern, since many other pitchers with similar builds have had a significant amount of success in the big leagues, including Tim Lincecum, Sonny Gray, and Marcus Stroman. Even if Bukauskas moves to a bullpen, he could be an elite reliever.
     
    Bukauskas could potentially be selected first in the draft, but the talk involving him and the Twins has subsided as the draft gets nearer. Right now, it looks as if the Twins will take a pitcher, and Bukauskas has a higher ceiling than any other college pitcher available. Most people think the Twins will take either a high upside player like Hunter Greene, or a potentially quick mover like Brendan McKay, but Bukauskas could be the perfect combination of the two, albeit a less physical one. Most right-handed pitchers who are selected first overall are much taller than Bukauskas, with recent examples being Kris Benson, Matt Anderson, Bryan Bullington, Luke Hochevar, Stephen Strasburg, Gerrit Cole, and Mark Appel. Few of them had big league success, making me wonder if height is the best way to separate hard throwing pitchers.
     
    Bukauskas has been overlooked by many so far, but that could quickly change in the future. His athleticism and competitive nature make him fun to watch, and he has performed consistently against some of the best college competition. Some teams think that the injury risk with Bukauskas is too great to select him, but injuries are something you can get with any pitcher. The team that roles the dice and decides to take the undersized righty could get a future number one starter. Regardless of risk, Bukauskas is the best player available.
  8. Hrbowski
    http://www.the3rdmanin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2017-MLB-Draft.png
    #1 - J.B. Bukauskas – rhp – North Carolina
    #2 - Pavin Smith – 1b - Virginia
    #3- MacKenzie Gore – lhp – North Carolina High School
    #4 - Kyle Wright – rhp - Vanderbilt
    #5 - Hunter Greene – rhp – California High School
    #6 - Sam Carlson – rhp – Minnesota High School
    #7 - Brendan McKay – lhp/1b - Louisville
    #8 - D.L. Hall – lhp – Georgia High School
    #9 - Jake Burger – 3b – Missouri State
    #10 - Nick Pratto – 1b – California High School
    #11 - Jeren Kendall – OF - Vanderbilt
    #12 - Austin Beck – OF – North Carolina High School
    #13 - Royce Lewis – OF – California High School
    #14 - Jacob Heatherly – lhp – Alabama High School
    #15 - Tanner Houck – rhp - Missouri
    #16 - Shane Baz – rhp – Texas High School
    #17 - Alex Faedo – rhp - Florida
    #18 - Keston Hiura – OF/2b – UC Irvine
    #19 - Griffin Canning – rhp - UCLA
    #20 - Nick Allen – ss – California High School
    #21 - Heliot Ramos – OF – Puerto Rico
    #22 - Hagen Danner – rhp – California High School
    #23 - Clarke Schmidt – rhp – South Carolina
    #24 - Tristan Beck – rhp - Stanford
    #25 - Greg Deichmann – 3b - LSU
  9. Hrbowski
    Brendan McKay is a left-handed pitcher and first baseman who plays college baseball for the Louisville Cardinals. McKay is listed at 6’2” and 220 pounds, and has a body and delivery that reminds some of Jon Lester. The Pennsylvania native was overlooked in the 2014 draft, due to his commitment to Louisville and getting less exposure than prep players from states with warmer weather. Three years ago, the San Diego Padres selected him as a pitcher in the 34th round. There is little doubt that he is one of the most intriguing players in this class.
     
    McKay’s improved performance as a hitter has been more surprising than his pitching, and he is one of the better hitters available. His load starts with his front foot, and since he only has average bat speed he could have trouble catching up to big league fastballs. He also lets his weight get to far forward towards the pitcher, and his swing is not made for deep flyballs. McKay will only hit for average power at best and is not a good defensive player, so teams might be afraid to select him as an everyday player. He has continued to improve throughout his college career, so some might be willing to take a gamble on him as a hitter.
     
    As a pitcher, McKay has dominated college level hitters, and is durable enough to pitch in a big league rotation. He does not have one pitch that will blow you away, but has command of his low nineties fastball along with his curveball, which is his best pitch. His changeup needs work, but some scouts think that he can improve it enough to make it big league average. McKay will likely end up in the middle of a rotation, and is viewed as having one of the highest floors in the draft. The consensus views him as a better pitcher than hitter, and that is where he will likely play in the majors.
     
    When the Twins have the first pick in June, McKay will be one of the players that they consider drafting. The industry believes that at the current moment he is their favorite player, although that could change quickly. If the Twins select McKay it could be either as a pitcher or hitter, but a pitcher is more likely to be their pick than a hitter. Advanced college players have a history of being selected first overall, and McKay is already close to his ceiling. His combination of being a two-way player and having had success in college could make it hard for the Twins to pass.
     
    Brendan McKay is truly an intriguing player, but he is not going to wow evaluators with tools or his pitching repertoire. He may be better suited for the National League, where he could both hit and pitch, but it would be unwise for a team to use him in both roles during the development process. Some view him as a low-risk player because he could move over to first if he does not develop as a pitcher, but that itself comes with a lot of risk. Taking McKay as a hitter would be a bigger gamble, since he is further behind there, and it would be harder for him to transition back to the mound if he cannot hit in the pros. The team that drafts McKay will get a player who could make it to the big leagues quickly.
  10. Hrbowski
    http://www.the3rdmanin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2017-MLB-Draft.png
     
     
    #1 – Minnesota Twins – J.B. Bukauskas – North Carolina, rhp
    The talk for the number one pick has been centered around Hunter Greene and Brendan McKay, but with Bukauskas the Twins would get someone who has upside and could help the big league team soon. The Twins could also take Pavin Smith, Kyle Wright, or Austin Beck, but at this point they are lower down on draft boards.
     
    #2 – Cincinnati Reds – Brendan McKay – Louisville, lhp
    The Reds like Hunter Greene, but I think that in the end they will take a college pitcher. McKay and Kyle Wright would be the two best remaining with Bukauskas off the board. If the Twins took Greene or McKay the Reds could take Bukauskas.
     
    #3 – San Diego Padres – Hunter Greene – California High School, rhp
    The Padres really want to take Greene, and I think that they have a good shot at achieving that. If Greene is off the board the Padres would likely stick with a prep player, with Royce Lewis or MacKenzie Gore being the two most likely to be picked.
     
    #4 – Tampa Bay Rays – Austin Beck – North Carolina High School, of
    It is no secret that the Rays love Beck, but they also like a few college pitchers. Kyle Wright and Alex Faedo would be the two best available.
     
    #5 – Atlanta Braves – Royce Lewis – California High School, of
    The Braves have a track record of taking high school players, and if this scenario played out it could be either Lewis or Gore.
     
    #6 – Oakland Athletics – Pavin Smith – Virginia, 1b
    Pavin Smith is having an excellent spring, and the Athletics frequently take college players. If the A’s go with a pitcher I think that they will take Kyle Wright.
     
    #7 – Arizona Diamondbacks – MacKenzie Gore – North Carolina High School, lhp
    MacKenzie Gore could end up going much higher than this, but I don’t think he will fall any further than the Diamondbacks.
     
    #8 – Philadelphia Phillies – Adam Haseley – Virginia, of
    I think that the Phillies will take a gamble on this pick and hope for the next Andrew Benintendi. Haseley’s ceiling is not as high as Benintendi’s, but he could become a very good pick.
     
    #9 – Milwaukee Brewers – Jeren Kendall – Vanderbilt, of
    Kendall played high school baseball right in the backyard of the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Brewers have gone the outfield route in recent drafts. Kendall’s teammate Kyle Wright is a potential pick here as well.
     
    #10 – LA Angels – Kyle Wright – Vanderbilt, rhp
    Wright could go anywhere from #1 to #10, but I do not think that he will fall outside of the top ten picks. The Angels need to rebuild their farm system, and Wright would be the player who could help them the soonest.
     
    #11 – Chicago White Sox – Alex Faedo – Florida, rhp
    The White Sox have a history of taking college pitchers who fall. They missed out on A.J. Puk last year, but I think that they will land Puk’s former teammate in 2017.
     
    #12 – Pittsburgh Pirates – Keston Hiura – UC/Irvine, of
    The talk surrounding the Pirates has been mostly about college hitters, and if they think that Hiura can play in the field they could settle for him.
     
    #13 – Miami Marlins – D.L. Hall – Georgia High School, rhp
    The Marlins got the best high school player in the class last year, and I think that they would like another prep player this year. Hall fits the bill, and could be a fast mover for a high schooler.
     
    #14 – Kansas City Royals – Nick Pratto – California High School, 1b
    The speculation is that the Royals will take a high school player, and Pratto is the best available at this point.
     
    #15 – Houston Astros – Seth Romero – Houston, lhp
    Romero has had issues during his college career that hurt his draft status, but his hometown team might be willing to take a chance on him.
     
    #16 – New York Yankees – Tanner Houck – Missouri, rhp
    The Yankees will likely take somebody who has fallen in the draft, and Houck or LSU’s Alex Lange could be taken with this pick.
     
    #17 – Seattle Mariners – Jake Burger – Missouri State, 3b
    Jake Burger is behind only Pavin Smith as a hitter in this draft, but others such as Haseley and Kendall rank higher on boards because of their athleticism, which Burger lacks. Burger could become a steal.
     
    #18 – Detroit Tigers – Shane Baz – Texas High School, rhp
    The Tigers love hard throwing righties, and the best one who could be available when the Tigers pick is Shane Baz.
     
    #19 – San Francisco Giants – Alex Lange- LSU, rhp
    Lange has moved down boards this spring, but the Giants like taking college righties.
     
    #20 – New York Mets – Jordan Adell – Kentucky High School, of
    Adell is the most athletic player getting first round consideration, and he is unlikely to fall further than the Mets.
     
    This far away from the draft it is hard to peg picks past the top twenty, so at this point most of my mock picks below are just guesses. I do have an idea of who the Twins want at numbers 35 and 37, so I will give an explanation of both of those picks.
     
    #21 – Baltimore Orioles – Logan Warmoth – North Carolina, ss
     
    #22 – Toronto Blue Jays – Brian Miller – North Carolina, of
     
    #23 – Los Angeles Dodgers – Mark Vientos – Florida High School, ss
     
    #24 – Boston Red Sox – Hans Crouse – California High School, rhp
     
    #25 – Washington Nationals – Clarke Schmidt – South Carolina, rhp
     
    #26 – Texas Rangers – Garrett Mitchell – California High School, of
     
    #27 – Chicago Cubs – Wil Crowe – South Carolina, rhp
     
    #28 – Toronto Blue Jays – David Peterson - Oregon, lhp
     
    #29 – Texas Rangers – Heliot Ramos – Puerto Rico, of
     
    #30 – Chicago Cubs – Griffin Canning – UCLA, rhp
     
    #31 – Tampa Bay Rays – Jacob Heatherly – Alabama High School, lhp
     
    #32 – Cincinnati Reds – Brendon Little – State JC of Florida, lhp
     
    #33 – Oakland Athletics – Michael Gigliotti – Lipscomb, of
     
    #34 Milwaukee Brewers – Trevor Rogers – New Mexico High School, lhp
     
    #35 Minnesota Twins – Hagen Danner – California High School, rhp
    Danner’s status is rising this spring, so he might not be around when the Twins pick again, but I do know that the Twins like him. The remaining scouts from the old regime have been following Danner for many years, and if he is still around at #35 the Twins will likely take him. If they think that Danner will not be available they could try to get a deal with Tanner Houck.
     
    #36 Miami Marlins – M.J. Melendez – Florida High School, C
     
    #37 Minnesota Twins – K.J. Harrison – Oregon State, 1b
    Harrison is another player who the Twins have been following for a time. Jacksonville righty Mike Baumann and LSU’s Greg Deichmann are also in the running to be taken here.
  11. Hrbowski
    http://files.shandymedia.com/styles/page_full/s3/images/photos/thefumble/ncaa-college-world-series-finale7.jpg
    Courtesy of Getty Images
     
    Pavin Smith is a first baseman for the Virginia Cavaliers who is the best college hitter available in the draft. Smith is 6’2” and weighs 210 pounds, with a sweet swing that brings Jay Bruce to mind. The Florida native played baseball at Palm Beach Gardens High School and was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 32nd round of the 2014 draft, but he did not sign. Smith is a left-handed hitter who is athletic enough to play the corner outfield, but he profiles better at first base. His draft status is rising this spring, and when examining him it is easy to see why.
     
    His greatest tool is his hit tool, which continues to get better with more experience. Smith has great control of the bat head, and scouts believe that he will be able to adjust to a wood bat well. He has only five strikeouts in his first 156 at bats, which is a result of his mature approach at the plate. Smith has a swing that is made for line drives, but since he uses a wide stance he may need to incorporate a higher leg kick to increase his exit velocity. He rotates his hips well and has a very strong body, so I would not be surprised if his swing works against professional pitching as it is.
     
    Smith has above average power that has started to show up in games this year. In his first two years of college he did not hit a lot of home runs, but he has already set a career high in 2017, which is even more impressive when you consider that he plays in an extreme pitchers’ park. Smith has hit well against the best pitching in this draft class, including Brendan McKay, but J.B. Bukauskas was able to accomplish the feat of striking him out. Also, he is an above average defender at first base, and if a team wants to move him to the outfield he has a strong enough arm to play right, which was evident in his high school days when he sat in the low nineties from the mound. Smith has a good makeup, and is regarded as having a good understanding of the game.
     
    The Twins have been linked to Smith this year, and he is under consideration to be taken with the first pick. If Minnesota takes Smith they could sign him for considerably less that slot value, which would allow them to get more creative with their other top picks. Taking the Cavaliers first baseman would be following the Cubs’ model of taking the best college hitter available, which has worked out well for them. Many in the industry are uncomfortable with taking a first baseman when you have the first pick, with it having been seventeen years since one was taken, when the Marlins took Adrian Gonzalez. Currently Smith is not the favorite to be taken with the first pick, but he has helium right now.
     
    After examining him, it is no surprise that he is viewed as the top hitter in the draft. Smith does have his doubters, with the number one complaint against him being that he will not be as valuable as someone who can play up the middle. I would like to remind these people that there are many great defensive players who’s chance to play in the major leagues are stunted by their bat, but there are few great hitters who are prevented from playing in the majors by their defense. Although I have nothing against the revolution of putting more emphasis on better defense, I believe that it is causing lineups to be ignored in the most important part of a position player’s game, offense. The team that drafts Pavin Smith will get plenty of it.
  12. Hrbowski
    http://www.the3rdmanin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2017-MLB-Draft.png
     
    Jeren Kendall is a centerfielder for the Vanderbilt Commodores who is regarded as the top outfielder available in the 2017 draft. Kendall is 5’10’’ and weighs 180 pounds, and is often referred to as a smaller version of Jacoby Ellsbury. The Commodores’ outfielder played prep baseball at Holmen High School in Wisconsin and was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 30th round, but chose to attend college. Kendall bats left and throws right, with natural athleticism adding to all areas of his game. To see what he offers as a prospect we will have to look at the basic areas of his game.
     
    The most important aspect of Kendall’s game is his hit tool, which has caused scouts a lot of concern. Jeren is a line drive hitter with a simple load, which is what you want from hitters. His lower half has become more synchronized with the rest of his swing since his high school days, but he will still occasionally get off balance with his back leg, causing him to have trouble hitting breaking balls. The main concern with him as a hitter is pitch recognition, and he admits that even when he is hitting well he cannot tell his teammates what pitches he is getting. As a result, there is a lot of swing and miss in his game, which has taken a toll on both his season and his draft status.
     
    Kendall has average power, and should be able to hit about 15 home runs on average when he reaches the big leagues. Offensively he profiles as a number two hitter in the order, with his plus speed giving him a chance to beat out routine grounders and steal bases. His speed and above average arm strength make him a great centerfielder, and now that Bryan Reynolds has left Vanderbilt for pro ball he has been given more chances to play at the premium spot. Because of Kendall’s defensive abilities, teams believe that Kendall will still be able to contribute in the majors even if his hitting never pans out. He is a good student and has a winning personality, and evaluators believe that he will work hard to make the needed adjustments.
     
    The Twins have the first pick in the draft, and they have been looking at Kendall this spring. There are other players who are currently higher on their board, but if his hitting picks up in the next six weeks he could make a case to be taken first in the draft. Some sources from the industry say that Kendall is the Twins favorite hitter in the draft class, and if they decide to go that route, he would be the favorite to be picked. Minnesota has a history of taking players brimming with athleticism, but with the new regime in the front office that could change. If the Twins are concerned about similar college players not having had success in the big leagues they may stay away, but Darin Erstad did have success after being taken first overall in the 1995 draft.
     
    Having looked at the basic areas of his game, it is easy to see why scouts like him, but it is also obvious that he will have a lot to work on once he gets drafted. Most people, like one Friday night starter in the SEC who I talked to, say others are better hitters, but that Kendall is one of the best all-around players in college. He will have to make progress as a hitter, since very few players get into major league lineups because of their defense, but he is talented enough to do that. Improving his pitch recognition and hitting to all fields would go a long way in advancing his career. Kendall would be a top five pick if the draft were held today, and when it is held in June he will likely be one of the first prospects to go.
  13. Hrbowski
    Photo courtesy of UNC Athletics
     
    Early 2017 draft board:
    #1 – J.B. Bukauskas – rhp – University of North Carolina
    Bukauskas has been on fire this spring, with a strikeout to walk ratio of 70/11 in 47 innings. Some scouts do not think he will be a starter because he is only 6’0”, but his pitching repertoire is better than any other in the draft class. Bukauskas’ upside is a top of the staff starter, and if he has to move into the bullpen he should become a great closer. If I were picking number one I would take him over any other player due to his combination of upside and a closer proximity to the majors than the other players in the class.
     
    I do not view his size as a concern because if there has been any variance in the success of shorter versus taller pitchers, it has favored the shorter ones. Most taller right handed pitchers who were taken at the top of the draft because scouts viewed them as future workhorse starters never had their careers come to fruition. Meanwhile, smaller pitchers such as Tim Lincecum, Marcus Stroman, and Sonny Gray developed faster than the larger pitchers taken in the years they were drafted. To draw this thought to a conclusion, I do not buy into the philosophy of taller pitchers being better than smaller ones, and there is no data to back up this idea when you look at any sample of pitchers who have been taken in the first round.
     
    #2 – D.L. Hall – lhp – Georgia High School
    Hunter Greene has received more hype than any other prep pitcher this year, but Hall has as much upside as every other high school player. Hall’s fastball and curveball are both well above average, and with development his control will become good enough for him to head a rotation. Like Bukauskas, Hall is only 6’0”, yet scouts have not voiced concerns about his size to the same extent as they have about Bukauskas; that is probably due to his being a lefty. Considering everything, taking Hall would probably be the wisest move for a team looking for high school talent.
     
    #3 – Alex Faedo – rhp – University of Florida
    Faedo is the prototypical favorite of scouts: College righty, tall, and putting up good numbers against SEC competition. Although there is a lot to like about Faedo there are drawbacks, such as having had lower body injuries in the past. Since Faedo has not had any arm injuries some scouts do not feel that his health will be anything detrimental long term, but it could be a sign of his big body breaking down early. Faedo has a high ceiling, and if teams are willing to overlook his injury history he will be one of the first players to be drafted.
     
    #4 - Jacob Heatherly – lhp – Alabama High School
    Heatherly has not gotten much attention, but this lefty from Alabama is the most polished high school pitcher in the draft. Heatherly has four above-average pitches and advanced command for a prep pitcher, but the reason he is not considered a top-five pick by most scouts is because he does not have one pitch that is overly dominant. Heatherly’s repertoire gives him tools to work with, and his ceiling of a number two starter is appealing enough that a team should be willing to take a flyer on him high in the draft. One pitcher who Heatherly reminds me of is fellow Alabaman Braxton Garrett, who some readers might remember as the player I was high on very early last year, even though he was not considered a top ten player at the time. As the spring progressed others recognized Garrett’s potential and he was eventually taken seventh overall by the Marlins. Heatherly does not have the brilliance of Garrett, but he shows a similarity in being a lefty with an advanced feel for pitching.
     
    #5 – Hunter Greene – rhp – California High School
    Greene has long been the favorite to go number one in this draft, and even though I think he is overrated he does have a ton of potential. Since there has been no shortage of praise for Greene I will start out by giving the reasons I dislike him. The first reason is because his curveball is the only secondary pitch that is workable in games, and even though he has a fastball that occasionally touches 98 miles per hour he will not be able to get outs in the big leagues with just two pitches. Greene is working on a changeup, but it has not yet shown a ton of promise, and his command could become an issue that will hinder his development. Greene does have a high ceiling, yet I believe that I should warn Twins fans who are incessantly calling for the team to take him that there is a long path ahead, and that with the amount of development that Greene needs before becoming a major league ready starter, he may never survive the vicissitudes of the minor leagues.
     
    #6 – Tanner Houck – rhp – University of Missouri
    The comparisons of Houck to Max Scherzer have been rampant, and some of that could have to do with them sharing an alma mater. Another similarity is that they both use unorthodox deliveries, which has also raised eyebrows in the scouting world. Houck may have to go further to prove himself than other college pitchers, but if he does, he could move to the top of draft boards. Houck has a superb fastball and a secondary combination of a slider and changeup, which are both solid pitches.
     
    #7 – Jeren Kendall – of – Vanderbilt
    Kendall is the top college hitter in this draft, but that does not say a whole lot since this year is a very weak class for hitting. Kendall has been compared to Jacoby Ellsbury, and although he does show a lot of similarities on the baserunning and fielding sides of the game, he struggles to make contact at times. I will soon be writing a player profile for Kendall where I will cover him more closely.
     
    The following players are a drop off from the previous ones, and they probably will not be getting a whole lot of attention from the teams picking first in the draft:
     
    Brendan McKay is a two-way player who could be picked as either a first baseman or lefthanded pitcher. The Louisville Cardinal is a favorite for the Golden Spikes Award. Most scouts prefer him as pitcher.
     
    Vanderbilt Commodore Kyle Wright got a lot of talk over the winter as a potential number one pick, but a rough spring has silenced that. Wright still has a ton of upside, and should go early in the draft.
     
    The top high school hitter is Royce Lewis, who does not yet have a defensive home, and has one of the longest swings I have ever seen. He does have a ton of athleticism, and, if developed properly, he could be very rewarding for the team that drafts him.
  14. Hrbowski
    http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Alex-Faedo-0199.jpg
    Alex Faedo (All rights to Andrew Woolley)
     
    Today I begin my coverage of the 2017 MLB Draft, which starts on June 12. I am going to provide some updates on the overall performance of the top players, prospect profiles, prospect rankings, and mock drafts, so have fun!
     
    Jeren Kendall is a player that scouts have been watching for some time, and now that he is draft eligible he will be getting even more attention this spring. Kendall’s first week has been interesting, with Jeren maintaining a high batting average, but also striking out as often as he gets a hit. When Kendall hits the ball it becomes must watch baseball, with his blazing speed making routine groundballs difficult plays for the infielders. When Kendall is on his game he can drive the ball into the gaps, but to become a consistent player he will need to make some adjustments. There have been no concerns about the Vanderbilt centerfielder’s fielding and base running skills.
     
    We move along to another Vanderbilt player, but this time a pitcher. Righty Kyle Wright’s first two games have been what you would expect from him, with decent starts in both outings. Wright will not miss a ton of bats, but he does have good control for a young pitcher. Wright is a natural athlete and will be a player to watch in the months leading up to the draft.
     
    The next player to look at is another big righty pitching in the SEC, but with even more dominating stuff. Alex Faedo is one of the leading candidates to be taken with the first pick of the draft, and if he shows he is healthy he could become a lock to be taken with the first pick, and although I have objections to that I will leave that to be explained in an upcoming blog post. Faedo has been missing bats this season, but he was also hit well for his standard on opening day. The Gator’s Friday night starter has been in the spotlight for his whole college career, and he will continue to be down the road.
     
    One player who has been utterly dominant over his first two starts is J.B. Bukauskas, with 21 strikeouts in 13 scoreless innings. Bukauskas is a small guy, but if you were reading the radar gun you would never guess that, with his dazzling fastball reaching the high nineties. Some scouts say that he uses too violent of a delivery to stick in the rotation, but some of the most successful small pitchers in the majors used a violent delivery. If Bukauskas continues to dominate his critics will get quiet.
     
    Brendan McKay is the top two-way player in the nation, and has dominated the competition at the college level. McKay’s ceiling is a middle of the rotation starter, but if he gets drafted as a hitter he will be limited to first base. Because of the Louisville Cardinal’s consistent playing he has made a name for himself, but he will have trouble when the competition gets tougher.
     
    We move back to big righties from the SEC, but this time with Mizzou’s Tanner Houck. Houck has been striking out batters this spring, but when he has not been doing that he has been getting hit, with 8 earned runs served up in 10 innings. Houck needs to stop running up his pitch count so quickly, which has limited him in the number of innings he has been able to throw this year. If Houck can lock in this season he will move into the area of the first overall pick.
     
    Alex Lange is the final player who I am covering with this post, and of course he is a big righty from the SEC. Lange has been sharp this spring, showing improvement in his command and keeping his pitch count low. Lange has a good fastball along with the best breaking ball in the draft class, so if he can stay in the zone this spring he should find his name being mentioned as a potential number one pick.
  15. Hrbowski
    Image courtesy of Jamie Squire/Getty Images
     
    Chris Devenski will become an ace.
    Chris Devenski is the most underrated player in baseball, and I am on a mission to let everybody know who he is. After his rookie year with the Houston Astros last year he was still largely ignored, so let me give you a briefing. Devenski has one of the best changeups in baseball, and it is no small stretch to say that he can rival the changeup of Kyle Hendricks, and having a signature pitch that is one of the best in the league gives him a jump start on the long list of pitchers waiting to become household names. He also has a sneaky fastball, and a slider that can get batters to chase. Keep an eye on the Astros righty this year.
     
    Sonny Gray will be a top 10 starting pitcher.
    Sonny Gray has become known as the undersized righty who once made it big in the majors, but his real claim to fame is getting exceptional horizontal movement on his pitches, and in doing so he outpaces all other right handed pitchers in the league. Gray has struggled with injuries in the past season, but if he is healthy he has the potential to be a top ten pitcher in wins above replacement, something he has never done before. Here is a not so bold prediction: Sonny Gray will be a hot commodity at the trade deadline.
     
    Brian Dozier will be the top second baseman in baseball.
    If you had told me in July of 2015 that in 2016 Brian Dozier would hit over 40 homers I would not have been surprised, but if you had told me that exactly one year later I would have been. That is how good Dozier’s second half was last year, which led some to say that his outburst was an unrepeatable fluke and that he will come back to earth this year. One thing that naysayers do not consider is that there were some legitimate changes to Dozier’s approach at the plate, and his torrid second half was the result of some hard work. If Dozier can bring the changes over to this year look for him to outperform Altuve, Murphy, and other star second basemen.
     
    Mac Williamson will be the Giants starting left fielder.
    Mac Williamson is another player whom you may not have heard of before, but the corner spot is up for grabs this spring and there is no clear favorite for the job, so even if he does not win the spot right out of camp he should still have a chance to steal it midseason. Williamson has raw power that he can tap into, and if he can start elevating the ball better in games he could collect thirty round trippers. The Giants are perennial contenders for the pennant, and if Williamson gets a starting role look for him to a force at the plate.
     
    Keon Broxton will be the first 30-30 player since 2012.
    Keon Broxton flew under the radar last year, but the center fielder for the Brewers will not be able to do that for much longer. His unique skill set will elevate him above the competition, and Broxton will be on the road to superstardom. Broxton has some concerns, and the fact that he strikes out at a ridiculous rate is one of them. If he can keep a high batting average on balls in play he will still be on base enough to worry pitchers.
     
    Freddie Freeman will be the top hitter in the National League.
    Freddie Freeman did not get enough attention last year because he played on a terrible team, so he was virtually ignored when it came to MVP talk. The Braves’ new ballpark dimensions are more favorable to a lefty hitter than Turner Field, so Freeman has an extra advantage this year, even though he does not need it. It may surprise you, but in recent years Freeman put up similar numbers compared to David Ortiz, and since Ortiz is now retired, baseball fans will need to find a new favorite lefty hitter. We cannot ignore Freeman for much longer.
     
    Trea Turner will be the best player on the Washington Nationals.
    Max Scherzer, Bryce Harper, and Daniel Murphy all play on the Nationals, but Trea Turner is really that good. Turner has blazing speed and surprising power, and with his return to his natural position of shortstop his fielding will no longer hurt his value. Something else that Turner has working for him is that he will get a chance at a full season, and in 73 games last year he hit 13 home runs and stole 33 bases. Another plus is that he will have Harper and Murphy hitting behind him, which is something almost all other hitters would covet.
     
    Andrew Miller will win the American League Cy Young.
    It is getting to the point where the great relievers in baseball can no longer be ignored, and Andrew Miller or the Orioles Zach Britton have the best chance to take home the coveted award. I am going with Miller over Britton because of Miller’s higher strikeout rates. If Miller takes home the award baseball writers will not only have to ignore the fact that Miller is not a starter, but also that he is not even a closer. I am guessing that if they lay aside one prejudice they can lay aside another.
     
    The Athletics will make the playoffs.
    It seems like the Oakland A’s are never projected to make the playoffs, but they are a team that can be put together in bits and pieces and come away with a championship caliber club. 2017 should be no exception, and even though the Athletics have already been projected to have a losing record, they quietly have a solid roster. The pitching staff will be the leading force for the A’s, with Sonny Gray and Sean Manaea being the headliners, and the lineup is solid, which makes the Athletics a legitimate contender.
     
    The Houston Astros will defeat the Washington Nationals in the World Series.
    The Washington Nationals are loaded with talent, but the Houston Astros are a very exciting bunch in 2017. With no mention of the Chicago Cubs or the Boston Red Sox this prediction may surprise some, but the best team in the regular season usually does not win the World Series, and last year’s Cubs were the exception to the rule. The Astros pitching staff is the biggest concern for them right now, but if Dallas Keuchel can get back to his 2015 form they will not need to worry, and I already have pegged Chris Devenski for a breakout year, which would be huge for this team. Overall, the Astros are a great team.
  16. Hrbowski
    Mickey Moniak
     
    Ask any questions in the comments, and I will be more than happy to answer!
     
    #1 Nick Senzel - 3b - Tennessee
    #2 Braxton Garrett - lhp - Alabama HS
    #3 Mickey Moniak - OF - California HS
    #4 Jay Groome - lhp - New Jersey HS
    #5 Kyle Lewis - OF - Mercer
    #6 Riley Pint - rhp - Kansas HS
    #7 Alex Kirilloff - OF - Pennsylvania HS
    #8 Delvin Perez - SS - Puerto Rico
    #9 A.J. Puk - lhp - Florida
    #10 Corey Ray - OF - Louisville
    #11 Forrest Whitley - rhp - Texas HS
    #12 Nolan Jones - SS - Pennsylvania HS
    #13 Zack Collins - 1b - Miami
    #14 Josh Lowe - 3b - Georgia HS
    #15 Dakota Hudson - rhp - Mississipi State
    #16 Ian Anderson - rhp - New York HS
    #17 Matt Manning - rhp - California HS
    #18 Eric Lauer - lhp - Kent State
    #19 Jordan Sheffield - rhp - Vanderbilt
    #20 Justin Dunn - rhp - Boston College
    #21 T.J. Zeuch - rhp - Pittsburgh
    #22 Will Craig - 3b - Wake Forest
    #23 Joey Wentz - lhp - Kansas HS
    #24 Logan Shore - rhp - Florida
    #25 Kyle Muller - lhp - Texas HS
    #26 Bryan Reynolds - OF - Vanderbilt
    #27 Zack Burdi - rhp - Louisville
    #28 Alex Speas - rhp - Georgia HS
    #29 Daulton Jefferies - rhp - California
    #30 Gavin Lux - SS - Wisconsin HS
    #31 Heath Quinn - OF - Samford
    #32 Chris Okey - C - Clemson
    #33 Cody Sedlock - rhp - Illinois
    #34 Joe Rizzo - 3b - Virginia HS
    #35 Matt Thaiss - 1b - Virginia
    #36 Corbin Burnes - rhp - St. Mary's
    #37 Cole Ragans - lhp - Florida HS
    #38 Braeden Ogle - lhp - Florida HS
    #39 Taylor Trammell - OF - Georgia HS
    #40 Robert Tyler - rhp - Georgia
    #41 Connor Jones - rhp - Virginia
    #42 Carter Kieboom - 3b - Georgia HS
    #43 Anthony Kay - lhp - Connecticut
    #44 Kevin Gowdy - rhp - California HS
    #45 Jameson Fisher - 1b - Southeastern Louisiana
    #46 Nick Banks - OF - Texas A&M
    #47 Ryan Boldt - OF - Nebraska
    #48 Cal Quantrill - rhp - Stanford
    #49 J.B. Woodman - OF - Mississippi
    #50 Nick Hanson - rhp - Minnesota HS
     
    EDIT: Slot Blake Rutherford in at #11, and bump everyone down one.
  17. Hrbowski
    http://image.nj.com/home/njo-media/width960/img/njcom_photos/photo/2016/04/05/-d159a8207ee47d08.JPG
    Image of Jay Groome courtesy of Andrew Mills
     
    #1 Nick Senzel - 3b - University of Tennessee
    #2 Jay Groome - lhp - New Jersey High School
    #3 Kyle Lewis - OF - Mercer
    #4 Braxton Garrett - lhp - Alabama High School
    #5 Mickey Moniak - CF - California High School
    #6 Delvin Perez - SS - Puerto Rico
    #7 Riley Pint - rhp - Kansas High School
    #8 AJ Puk - lhp - University of Florida
    #9 Corey Ray - OF - Louisville
    #10 Alex Kirilloff - OF - Pennsylvania High School
    #11 Blake Rutherford - OF - California High School
    #12 Forrest Whitley - rhp - Texas High School
    #13 Dakota Hudson - rhp - Mississipi State
    #14 Nolan Jones - IF - Pennsylvania High School
    #15 Zack Burdi - rhp - Louisville
    #16 Zack Collins - 1b - Miami
    #17 Matt Manning - rhp - California High School
    #18 Ian Anderson - rhp - New York High School
    #19 Joey Wentz - lhp - Kansas High School
    #20 Will Craig - 3b - Wake Forest
    #21 Connor Jones - rhp - University of Virginia
    #22 Jordan Sheffield - rhp - Vanderbilt
    #23 Eric Lauer - lhp - Kent State
    #24 Josh Lowe - 3b - Georgia High School
    #25 TJ Zeuch - rhp - Pittsburgh
  18. Hrbowski
    http://www.geeksandcleats.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/brian-cashman-geeksandcleats.jpg
     
    Throughout the offseason and up until July 31st of the regular season, Major League Baseball teams can freely trade any player who does not have a no trade clause in his contract, making trading an aspect that is very much focused upon. In the last decade, trades have had a huge effect on the baseball seasons, bringing key players to championship teams like the Kansas City Royals, or loosening payroll, which then allows teams like the Boston Red Sox to spend big during the offseason, enabling them to bring in star players. Trades involve professional players of all ages and capabilities, whether it is the San Francisco Giants trading for a veteran Marco Scutaro to help fuel a postseason run, or the Kansas City Royals trading their star pitcher Zack Greinke for prospects that will guide them to a World Series title five years down the road. Trades like these are a traditional part of baseball, and as long as they remain legal they will continue to be. Today I will look at the impact that two player trades have on a team’s value, including the Aaron Hicks for John Ryan Murphy trade, trades that do not have an effect on how many games you win, and swapping problems.
     
    The Minnesota Twins made headlines on November 11th, 2015, when they struck a deal with the New York Yankees, giving up center fielder Aaron Hicks in exchange for catcher John Ryan Murphy. At the time the trade did not bother me, yet looking back half a year later it makes me wonder why this trade ever happened, not because Aaron Hicks is having a breakout year for the Yankees, but because it did not add to or take away value from the team. Clearly both teams were well aware that it would not change their value, as the plan for both players was to have them spend the 2016 season on the bench, and they have essentially the same hitting skills. On the defensive side of the ball Hicks has a slight advantage, but the trade leveled out because of the Twins’ need for a young catcher, thanks in part to the trade of Wilson Ramos, who has not hit much, but has become one of the best defensive catchers in the game. As I mentioned earlier, Hicks and Murphy are pretty much the same kind of hitter; as can be seen in the graphs below, their batted ball and plate discipline numbers for the year 2015 are nearly identical.
     
    Hicks Batted Ball:

     
    Murphy Batted Ball:

     
    Hicks Plate Discipline:

     
    Murphy Plate Discipline:

     
    With these statistics in my mind, I started wondering why teams would trade two hitters who provided equal value with their bats because they could go out and grab a minor league player who would provide the same amount of value sitting on the bench that the player they were trading for had and still keep their original player. After expounding on this, I began wondering why teams would make trades that only involved two players as you would not be buying or selling; instead, you would only be making a trade that would have little effect on how many games you win. When teams are performing well enough to make a postseason run, they look at their weak spots and search for solutions to help upgrade, and when they make a trade to add immediate value, it is called buying. Meanwhile, when a team is performing poorly and is out of contention, they will look at their strong spots and try to trade away from them, helping them to accumulate value to dip into down the road. With this constant shifting of talent, we generally see waves of teams that will be good for a few years, bad for a few years, and then become competitive ball clubs again, but these changes in the standings are logical since there are thirty teams fighting for a trophy, yet it seems unreasonable to make trades that do not add immediate or future value.
     
    An analogy would be someone selling something they had and then buying an upgrade or a downgrade, whether it was a house, car, or even a lawn mower. A house, car, or lawn mower have significantly different value from each other, similar to Clayton Kershaw, Michael Wacha, and Tom Koehler. Also, there would be no point in selling something and then buying a replacement that had exactly the same value. Although you could be selling a house in Minnesota to get away from the cold and then buying a house with the same value in Florida, similar to the Twins trading a center fielder for a catcher that had approximately the same value, you would still end up with problems they have in Florida, which could be extreme heat, hurricanes, or sinkholes. The Twins and Yankees have had the same issues with the Hicks/Murphy trade, both ending up with hitters who have done relatively nothing at the plate so far this year, yet they do provide improvements in a few areas such as depth, but nothing you could not find elsewhere.
     
    To sum it up, trades that do not add either immediate or future value to a team are pointless because it does not matter which position is contributing to the team as long as you are benefiting equally. Some people will argue that trades involving two players that supposedly need a change of scenery would give both teams an upgrade over their previous roster, but even though you get rid of a problem, you just end up bringing in another one. Another common scenario is when a team has depth at one position yet is thin at another, they will trade from their depth to fill their need, but when you are still getting the same kind of production from your new player, it does not improve your team. Several of the trades the Twins have made would fall into this category, with the Carlos Gomez for JJ Hardy being the most famous, but also the Sam Fuld for Tommy Milone trade. These trades have no merit, and just end up with teams wondering why they chose hurricanes over blizzards.
  19. Hrbowski
    http://www.post-gazette.com/image/2016/03/23/ca0,0,2589,1726/20160323MWHkirilloffSports11-10.jpg
    Image courtesy of Michael Henninger
     
    Alex Kirilloff is a 6'2", 195 lb. outfielder from Plum High School in Pennsylvania who has helium in this draft. Kirilloff is a raw player who has a lot of talent, yet he has not gotten as many opportunities to show scouts what he has compared to Mickey Moniak and Blake Rutherford, both from California. Kirilloff's best tool is his power, but he has a strong enough arm to play right field, and the rest of his tools will profile well as a corner outfielder. Although there are some concerns that his swing will get out of control and he may not be able to hit for a very high average in the majors, he has performed well against the top prep arms in this year's class. Alex is committed to Liberty University, so if he falls there should not be any issues about signability. A native of the Pittsburgh area, Kirilloff has impressed scouts with his makeup both on and off the field. The Twins could have interest in Alex Kirilloff because he is a fairly athletic prep player, and that seems to be their focus in this year's draft.
  20. Hrbowski
    http://s3.amazonaws.com/vnn-aws-sites/8161/files/2015/08/7dbd9321d5e32c89-image-600x338.jpg
     
    Joshua Lowe is a 6'4", 190 lb. two way player who is committed to Florida State University. Lowe will likely be drafted as a position player because he will hit for power as he physically matures, is an above average runner, and plays good defense. Josh will play third if he is drafted as a position player, and his great arm and quickness makes him the best defensive third baseman at the top of this year's class. As a hitter he uses a slight open stance and short stroke that helps him barrel up the ball well, with most scouts believing he will be an average big league hitter. The Georgia native is also getting some consideration as a pitcher, but his inconsistent secondary offerings limit his ceiling. The right handed thrower sits in the 91-93 miles per hour range with his fastball and tops out at 95. The Minnesota Twins are big fans of Lowe, who has a high ceiling as an offensive player, yet if he does not work out as a hitter they can always move him to the mound.
  21. Hrbowski
    http://www.csnphilly.com/sites/csnphilly/files/ap-jason-groome.jpg
    Today is the first night of the NFL Draft, which means that it is time for us to start doing MLB Mock Drafts.
     
    Philadelphia Phillies - #1
    Delvin Perez - Shortstop - IBA (Puerto Rico)
    The Phillies have a history of going with toolsy high school players, and Perez fits the bill. One drawback is that the Phillies already have the #1 shortstop prospect in baseball. Jason Groome and Mickey Moniak should be in the running here as well.
     
    Cincinnati Reds - #2
    Nick Senzel - Third Base - University of Tennessee
    Senzel has shot up draft boards this spring and for now looks like a top five pick. Groome, Kyle Lewis, and Corey Ray could also happen right here.
     
    Atlanta Braves - #3
    Jason Groome - Left Handed Pitcher - Barnegat High School (New Jersey)
    Groome is considered by most to be the #1 prospect in the draft, and the Braves are unlikely to let him drop past them. Georgia native Kyle Lewis and Florida lefty AJ Puk should be in play for #3 overall.
     
    Colorado Rockies - #4
    Kyle Lewis - Outfielder - Mercer
    Lewis has been on fire this spring, and he will not fall out of the top six unless something unusual happens. Ray, Puk, Blake Rutherford, and Riley Pint will also be considered.
     
    Milwaukee Brewers - #5
    Riley Pint - Right Handed Pitcher - Saint Thomas Aquinas High Schol (Kansas)
    Lately the Brewers have been going with prep players with high ceilings, and Pint's ceiling is as high as they come. Rutherford or Moniak would also fit the bill.
     
    Oakland Athletics - #6
    Corey Ray - Outfield - Louisville
    Although it is a myth that the A's only draft college players, Ray is a solid college hitter who would interest the A's. Moniak or Miami catcher Zack Collins will also be of interest to the A's.
     
    Miami Marlins - #7
    Blake Rutherford - Outfield - Chaminade College Prep (California)
    The Marlins have had success with high school players, and if they think Rutherford can stick in center he would likely be the pick. Moniak, Puk, or Joey Wentz could be picked here as well.
     
    San Diego Padres - #8
    Mickey Moniak - Outfield - La Costa Canyon High School (California)
    The Padres could pick just about anyone here, but I am going with the South Cal kid.
     
    Detroit Tigers - #9
    Ian Anderson - Right Handed Pitcher - Shenendehowa High School (New York)
    Anderson is the kind of pitcher that the Tigers love. Forrest Whitley is another pitcher who the Tigers could take here.
     
    Chicago White Sox - #10
    AJ Puk - Left Handed Pitcher - University of Florida
    The White Sox almost always take the best college pitcher available, and they would love for Puk to fall to them.
     
    Seattle Mariners - #11
    Josh Lowe - Third Baseman - Pope High School (Georgia)
    There is debate about whether or not Lowe should be a pitcher or hitter, but I think the Mariners would prefer a hitter.
     
    Boston Red Sox - #12
    Dakota Hudson - Right Handed Pitcher - University of Mississippi
    As the draft gets thinner it gets much harder to predict, and a poor class this year makes it even more difficult, but Hudson seems like a pick that would fit well at #12. Collins, Wentz, or Connor Jones could also be taken here.
     
    Tampa Bay Rays - #13
    Joey Wentz - Left Handed Pitcher - Shawnee Mission East High School (Kansas)
    Wentz has come out of nowhere this spring, and is only behind Riley Pint from a very strong class in Kansas. Other players the Rays could take are Alex Kirilloff and Buddy Reed.
     
    Cleveland Indians - #14
    Buddy Reed - Outfielder - University of Florida
    The Indians have a history of going with college outfielders, and Buddy Reed is a player that will likely go in the middle of the first round. Bryan Reynolds could also be taken here.
     
    Minnesota Twins - #15
    Braxton Garrett - Left Handed Pitcher - Florence High School (Alabama)
    Garrett is a polished lefty who is very similar to what Clayton Kershaw was when he was in high school, and I would love to see them go with Garrett here. Nolan Jones, Will Benson, Zack Collins, Logan Shore, and Will Craig could be taken here as well.
     
    Los Angeles Angels - #16
    Connor Jones - Right Handed Pitcher - University of Virginia
    The Angels have not had many first round picks, so I am going with the best player available. Whitley, Matt Manning, or Kyle Muller could be taken here as well.
     
    Houston Astros - #17
    Nolan Jones - Shortstop - Holy Ghost Prep (Pennsylvania)
    It has been a while since the Astros have not had one of the top two picks, but they usually go with prep players with high ceilings. Whitley, Kirilloff, and Manning could go here as well.
     
    New York Yankees - #18
    Matt Manning - Right Handed Pitcher - Sheldon High School (California)
    The Yankees often go with pitchers, and Manning has moved up draft boards quickly this spring. If Cal Quantrill pitches well this spring he could go here.
     
    New York Mets - #19
    Alex Kirilloff - Outfield - Plum High School (Pennsylvania)
    Kirilloff is another late mover, and the Mets have a history of going with prep players.
     
    Los Angeles Dodgers - #20
    Cal Quantrill - Right Handed Pitcher - Stanford
    Last year the Dodgers selected two college righties who had fallen, and this seems like a mutually good fit.
     
    Toronto Blue Jays - #21
    Jordan Sheffield - Right Handed Pitcher - Vanderbilt
    The Blue Jays have been taking college righties who have fallen down boards like Jon Harris and Jeff Hoffman, and Sheffield seems like a good pick.
     
    St. Louis Cardinals - #22
    Robert Tyler - Right Handed Pitcher - University of Georgia
    Once again we have a team that takes college righties who have fallen, and Tyler should be a good pick right here.
  22. Hrbowski
    Below is my personal top 25 draft board along with a very brief synopsis of each player:
     
    #1 - Kyle Lewis - Mercer University - OF - 6'4", 195 lb.
    The best hitter in the class, but will likely move from center field to right as his career moves along.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDHjMtL91tU
     
    #2 - Delvin Perez - IBA (Puerto Rico) - SS - 6'3", 165 lb.
    A Gold Glove caliber shortstop who's hitting is improving.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtaJ6PNt3Bo
     
    #3 - Jason Groome - Barnegat (New Jersey) - LHP - 6'6", 220 lb.
    Being ineligible to play on his high school baseball team will not hurt his stock. He reminds me of a healthy Brady Aiken, who was his former teammate.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ2jz0OuTro
     
    #4 - Nick Senzel - University of Tennessee - 3B - 6'1", 205 lb.
    Senzel is a very polished hitter who has raised some questions about where his defensive home will be.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wj6s5UkiuB8
     
    #5 - Riley Pint - St. Thomas Aquinas (Kansas) - RHP - 6'4", 195 lb.
    The flame thrower from Kansas has the highest ceiling of any pitcher from this class, but there are concerns about his delivery.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coxD18F9M0w
     
    #6 - Corey Ray - Louisville - OF - 5'11", 185 lb.
    Ray is a smooth hitting center fielder who was not talked about very much coming out of an Illinois high school, but has broke at Louisville.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87MWG-5mV9k
     
    #7 - Blake Rutherford - Chaminade College Prep (California) - OF - 6'2", 190 lb.
    The top high school hitter from the United States has enough tools to be an all-star at the big league level.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Zr8UaFx4ng
     
    #8 - AJ Puk - University of Florida - LHP - 6'7", 230 lb.
    The big lefty has not pitched as well as people hoped he would, but he still has a high enough ceiling to be in the top ten.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBPIfADmcHU
     
    #9 - Josh Lowe - Pope (Georgia) - 3B/RHP - 6'4", 190 lb.
    The Georgian has enough potential to be a top ten pick as either a pitcher or an infielder.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjbS9R2AVEM
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsAes1cnLIM
     
    #10 - Connor Jones - University of Virginia - RHP - 6'2", 200 lb.
    Jones is a power pitcher who does not get a whole lot of strikeouts, but has still pitched well this spring.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RuepXaBGRY
     
    #11 - Logan Shore - University of Florida - RHP - 6'1", 210 lb.
    The Minnesota boy has the best pitchability in the draft.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_XsAbBow7w
     
    #12 - Ian Anderson - Shenendehowa (New York) - RHP - 6'3", 170 lb.
    Anderson has shot up draft boards this spring, but he could be a tough sign.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0CF1acgJnA
     
    #13 - Will Benson - The Westminster Schools (Georgia) - OF - 6'6", 220 lb.
    Another athletic Georgian who could pay big dividends to the team that drafts him.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4QE8b93Fow
     
    #14 - Daulton Jefferies - University of California - RHP - 6'0", 180 lb.
    Jefferies has the same kind of size and stuff that Logan Shore has.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2yWUM4rK7M
     
    #15 - Mickey Moniak - La Costa Canyon (California) - OF - 6'2", 190 lb.
    The center fielder from southern California is a solid hitter whose athleticism will be a plus.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx_mP-ZZuP0
     
    #16 - Kevin Gowdy - Santa Barbara (California) - RHP - 6'4", 170 lb.
    Gowdy is a slender righty from the baseball hotbed of southern California who has good pitchability.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvQkQv5KoUI
     
    #17 - Nolan Jones - Holy Ghost (Pennsylvania) - SS - 6'4", 185 lb.
    Jones probably will not stick at shortstop, but could instead become a great hitter who could play all over the diamond.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sszk0W9QGUE
     
    #18 - Alex Speas - McEachern (Georgia) - RHP - 6'4", 190 lb.
    The righty from Georgia has filthy stuff that could one day put him at the top of a rotation, but he has a relatively low floor.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC_FvLphEuk
     
    #19 - Chris Okey - Clemson - C - 5'11", 195 lb.
    Okey is the best catcher in the class and has hit well this spring.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_FOH8w_TwI
     
    #20 - Braxton Garrett - Florence (Alabama) - LHP - 6'3", 190 lb.
    Garrett has a terrific curve that he pairs with a solid fastball, which gives him some big upside.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzpL3zmwWYw
     
    #21 - Eric Lauer - Kent State - LHP - 6'3", 205 lb.
    The crafty lefty has pitched to the tune of microscopic ERA of 0.90 and 11.04 strikeouts per nine this spring.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvLFkqzuUqE
     
    #22 - Alec Hansen - Oklahoma University - RHP - 6'7", 235 lb.
    Hansen has been terrible this spring, but he still has a ton of upside.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyEukxrhB-0
     
    #23 - Dakota Hudson - Mississipi State - RHP - 6'5", 205 lb.
    The righty from Tennessee has thrown so well this spring that he is beginning to shoot up draft boards.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uO3eLZWCPA
     
    #24 - Bryan Reynolds - Vanderbilt - OF - 6'2", 210
    The best player from the baseball factory of Vanderbilt is an on base machine that should stick in centerfield.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HjuhIkDv2A
     
    #25 - Jordan Sheffield - Vanderbilt - RHP - 6'0", 185 lb.
    Sheffield comes from a baseball family that includes Gary and Justus Sheffield, but Jordan is making a name for himself at Vanderbilt where he has struck out 11.45 batters per nine.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md9qVReXfD8
  23. Hrbowski
    Below I will give a brief summary of who I consider to be hidden gems with solid MLB careers in front of them:
     
    http://cdn.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/LaMonte-Wade-2015-pg.gif
    (Photo by Paul Gierhart)
     
    LaMonte Wade - Wade had one of the best seasons for a non first round pick in his debut season, putting up good power numbers and a solid .302/.418/.486 line between Cedar Rapids and Elizabethton. Wade has above average speed and is a good defender from all the outfield spots, making me think that he has potential to be an everyday player, and at the very least a platoon/4th outfielder type.
     
    Cody Stashak - Stashak has potential to be a back of the rotation workhorse in the big leagues, putting up solid numbers in a hitter friendly Appalachian League, going 5-2 with 53 strikeouts in 44.2 innings, and a 1.12 WHIP. Stashak sits around 92 miles per hour to go with an average curveball and slider.
     
    Logan Lombano - Lombano has bat missing stuff with decent command and could fit into the back of a Major League bullpen in the next four years or so.
     
    Max Cordy - Cordy was the Twins last pick, with a high nineties fastball, but is very wild. Cordy put up good numbers in the Gulf Coast League, and if he can harness in his wildness he should be a JR Graham type.
     
    Daniel Kihle - Kihle is a toolsy 22 year old that should be able to become a solid fourth outfielder in the big leagues, or possibly even a starter if he can improve is strikeout rate.
     
    Andrew Vasquez - Vasquez had good numbers in his pro debut, and although he was pitching in the GCL at age 21, big lefties are a valuable asset in the big leagues.
     
    Brian Olson - Olson is my favorite for a big breakout next year, with solid defense behind the plate, a good hit tool, and power potential. Olson will likely be a backup catcher in the big leagues.
  24. Hrbowski

    Draft in Review

    By Hrbowski,

    Yesterday the Twins completed their 40 round draft, and picked up some promising players throughout the draft, but signablity could be an issue for some. Here is a review of the 40 picks:
     
    Tyler Jay - Left Handed Pitcher - Illinois
    Jay is a quick to the big leagues type reliever who will be converted to a starter next year, he has great stuff, and I considered him the second best pitcher in the class.
     
    http://twinsdaily.com/blog/531/entry-6569-tyler-jay-2015-mlb-draft/
     

     
    Kyle Cody - Right Handed Pitcher - Kentucky
    Cody is a huge pitcher who has great stuff, but battled command this year. He will be given the chance to start, and if he can harness his command he could be a huge steal, but if he can't he will move to the bullpen, where he could end up being a real good power arm.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiC9pvwi0xI
     
    Travis Blankenhorn - Third Base - PA High School
    Blankenhorn is a left handed hitter with a good approach who was a shortstop in high school, but will move to third or a corner outfield spot as a pro, he has been given Alex Gordon comps, and he should hit for both average and power at the next level.
     

     
    Trey Cabbage - Third Base - TN High School
    Cabbage was the second prep third basemen taken by the Twins, and he also is a a very good left handed hitter, although he is not as good of a defender as Blankenhorn, he has more power potential.
     

     
    Alex Robinson - Left Handed Pitcher - Maryland
    Robinson is a power arm out of the bullpen, who throws into the upper nineties, but has struggled with command.
     
    Chris Paul - Outfield - California
    Senior sign who played well in the Northwoods league last year, he also hit .313 during he senior year.
     
    Jovani Moran - Left Handed Pitcher - PR Academy
    Moran is a projectable lefty who sits 88-90 with a good changeup.
     

     
    Kolton Kendrick - First Base - LA High School
    Kendrick has some of the best power in the class, and has gotten comparisons to Mark McGwire, he will be limited to first, and has raised questions about his ability to hit, but he will always be a power threat.
     

     
    LaMonte Wade - Outfield - Maryland
    Wade is a solid hitter who can play a good center field, he has deceptive speed, and has a good throwing arm.
     

     
    Sean Miller - Shortstop - South Carolina - Aiken
    Miller was one of the better defensive shortstops in the class, and is a good runner, but he has a light bat.
     
    Kerby Camacho - Catcher - PR Academy
    Camacho is a switch hitting catcher who has both a good bat and fine receiving skills.
     

     
    Zander Wiel - First Base - Vanderbilt
    Wiel had a great year hitting cleanup for Vanderbilt, showing potential to hit for average and power, he can also run fairly well for a first baseman, stealing 13 bases, plus he should be able to play corner outfield.
     

     
    Cody Stashak - Right Handed Pitcher - St. Johns (NY)
     

     
    AJ Murray - Catcher - Georgia Tech
    Murray can hit, according to Deron Johnson, and he showed that during his senior year, hitting 15 home runs.
     

     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGPHyZpdzPQ
     
    Anthony McIver - Left Handed Pitcher - San Diego
    McIver spent his college career at three different colleges. He is a senior sign.
     
    Lean Marrero - Outfield - PR Academy
     
    Nate Gercken - Right Handed Pitcher - Academy of Arts University (CA)
    Gercken is a huge righty who throws a really good sinker. He is a senior sign.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvnJ3A9-DQ4
     
    Daniel Kihle - Outfield - Wichita State
    Kihle profiles as a center fielder, and can run the bases well.
     
    http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v147396783/draft-report-daniel-kihle
     
    Kyle Wilson - Right Handed Pitcher - MO High School
    Wilson throws a mid nineties fastball and a really good curve.
     
    http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v132092183/draft-report-kyle-wilson-hs-pitcher
     
    Colton Eastman - Right Handed Pitcher - CA High School
    Eastman may be a tough sign, but he has a three pitch mix, and it would be great if the Twins could sign him.
     
    http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v130722883
     
    Kamran Young - Outfield - Cal State - Dominguez Hills
    Young is a senior sign, he played well in his junior year after transferring from College of the Canyons.
     
    Blake Cederlind - Right Handed Pitcher - Merced College (CA)
    Cederlind did not have a good year, but hits 94, so the Twins decided to take a gamble.
     
    Alex Perez - Shortstop - Virginia Tech
    Another senior sign who had a solid college career.
     
    Jaylin Davis - Outfield - Appalachian State
    Davis is a junior who had limited playing time this year, but he is known for his speed.
     
    Logan Lombana - Right Handed Pitcher - Cal State - Long Beach
    Lombana is a reliever.
     
    Tyler Williams - Outfield - AZ High School
    Williams' dad is a Twins scout, and he is considered a potential five tool talent.
     
    http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v141615983/draft-report-tyler-williams
     
    Dalton Sawyer - Left Handed Pitcher - Minnesota
    Johnson said they plan on using Sawyer as a reliever.
     
    Jonathan Englemann - Outfield - CA High School
    Englemann is another potential five tool player, but he will be a tough sign.
     
    http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v132126083/draft-report-jonathan-engelmann-hs-outfielder
     
    Brad Hartong - Catcher - Indiana
    Hartong is a five year senior.
     
    Greg Popylisen - Outfield - El Paso Community College
    Popylisen can fly, and was drafted because of his speed.
     
    Tristan Pompey - Outfield - ON High School
    Pompey is the brother of Dalton Pompey, and some say he has more tools, but it is unlikely that he will sign.
     
    http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v150300983/draft-report-tristan-pompey
     
    Andrew Vazquez - Left Handed Pitcher - Westmont College (CA)
    Vazquez is a senior sign.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-X62A-Twwo
     
    Colin Theroux - Catcher - San Joaquin Delta College (CA)
     
    Brian Olson - Catcher - Seattle University
     
    Hector Lujan - Right Handed Pitcher - Westmont College (CA)
     
    Rich Condeelis - Right Handed Pitcher - University of Pittsburgh
     
    Jake Irvin - Right Handed Pitcher - MN High School
    The only Minnesota prep player taken in the draft, Irvin will likely attend college.
     
    Alex McKenna - Outfield - CA High School
     
    Daniel Tillo - Left Handed Pitcher - IA High School
     
    Max Cordy - Right Handed Pitcher - University of California Davis
  25. Hrbowski
    http://www.tigerrag.com/Images/Interior/baseball/bregman_batting.jpg
     
    Arizona Diamondbacks-#1
    Dansby Swanson - Shortstop - Vanderbilt
     
    I said on Friday that I wouldn’t change this, and I haven’t, but Tyler Stephenson could be in play here.
     
    Houston Astros-#2
    Alex Bregman - Shortstop - LSU
     
    Did not change, but if Swanson falls he would probably be the pick.
     
    Colorado Rockies-#3
    Brendan Rodgers - Shortstop - Florida High School
     
    Once again I’m sticking with my previous pick, but Tyler Jay or Andrew Benintendi might be options.
     
    Texas Rangers-#4
    Dillon Tate - Right Handed Pitcher - UC Santa Barbara
     
    Tate remains here, but if any of the shortstops fall they would get picked, or the Rangers could go with Daz Cameron or Trenton Clark.
     
    Houston Astros-#5
    Kyle Tucker - Outfield - Florida High School
     
    I think that the Astros will stick with the family connection and go with Tucker, but Benintendi could go here if they pick Rodgers at #2, or they might go with Daz Cameron.
     
    Minnesota Twins-#6
    Tyler Jay - Left Handed Pitcher - Illinois
     
    Daz Cameron would probably be the pick if they think that he would sign, or if any of the players above fell they would likely pick them. If they don’t think Tyler Jay will start they would take Trenton Clark.
     
    Boston Red Sox-#7
    Daz Cameron - Outfield - Georgia High School
     
    I think that the Cameron slide would end before Houston picks again, and this seems the
    most likely place for it to stop, but the Red Sox also like Benintendi and Carson Fulmer.
     
    Chicago White Sox-#8
    Carson Fulmer - Right Handed Pitcher - Vanderbilt
     
    The White Sox are said to like college pitchers, and Fulmer is best available.
     
    Chicago Cubs-#9
    Andrew Benintendi - Outfield - Arkansas
     
    The Cubs could take any of about 15 players, but they usually go with college hitters, so I think that they will go with Benintendi.
     
    Philadelphia Phillies-#10
    Tyler Stephenson - Catcher - Georgia High School
     
    I’m going with Stephenson here, but the Phillies could take just about anyone.
     
    Cincinnati Reds-#11
    Trenton Clark - Outfield - Texas High School
     
    Miami Marlins-#12
    Garrett Whitley - Outfield - New York High School
     
    Tampa Bay Rays-#13
    Walker Buehler - Right Handed Pitcher - Vanderbilt
     
    Atlanta Braves-#14
    Cornelius Randolph - Outfield - Georgia High School
     
    Milwaukee Brewers-#15
    Kyle Funkhouser - Right Handed Pitcher - Louisville
     
    New York Yankees-#16
    Jon Harris - Right Handed Pitcher - Missouri State
     
    Cleveland Indians-#17
    Kolby Allard - Left Handed Pitcher - California High School
     
    San Francisco Giants-#18
    Brady Aiken - Left Handed Pitcher - IGM Academy
     
    Pittsburgh Pirates-#19
    Mike Nikorak - Right Handed Pitcher - Pennsylvania High School
     
    Oakland Athletics-#20
    Ian Happ - Outfield - Cincinnati
     
    Kansas City Royals-#21
    James Kaprielian - Right Handed Pitcher - UCLA
     
    Detroit Tigers-#22
    Donny Everett - Right Handed Pitcher - Tennessee High School
     
    St. Louis Cardinals-#23
    Ashe Russell - Right Handed Pitcher - Indiana High School
     
    Los Angeles Dodgers-#24
    Phil Bickford - Right Handed Pitcher - CC of Southern Nevada
     
    Baltimore Orioles-#25
    Nick Plummer - Outfield - Michigan High School
     
    Los Angeles Angels-#26
    Blake Trahan - Shortstop - Louisiana Lafayette
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