Jump to content
Twins Daily
  • Create Account

Hrbowski

Verified Member
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    2,860

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Profiles

News

Minnesota Twins Videos

2026 Minnesota Twins Top Prospects Ranking

2022 Minnesota Twins Draft Picks

Minnesota Twins Free Agent & Trade Rumors, Notes, & Tidbits

Guides & Resources

2023 Minnesota Twins Draft Picks

The Minnesota Twins Players Project

2024 Minnesota Twins Draft Picks

2025 Minnesota Twins Draft Pick Tracker

2026 Minnesota Twins Draft Tracker: Picks & Bonuses

Forums

Blogs

Events

Store

Downloads

Gallery

Blog Entries posted by Hrbowski

  1. Hrbowski
    http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/70e192a02b221e84a84e5485d108121a4c0e0c0a/c=0-14-3600-2722&r=x513&c=680x510/local/-/media/Nashville/Nashville/2014/05/17//1400368355000-NAS-SIG-VANDYBASEBALL0518-01.JPG
     
    Arizona Diamondbacks-#1
    Dansby Swanson - Shortstop - Vanderbilt
     
    Same pick as last week, and I’m not going to change this since there are so many rumors, and Swanson is the most reasonable one.
     
    Houston Astros-#2
    Alex Bregman - Shortstop - LSU
     
    Last week I had them take Fulmer, but this week I’m going to have them take Bregman, who they really like, but Fulmer is still in play here.
     
    Colorado Rockies-#3
    Brendan Rodgers - Shortstop - Florida High School
     
    Last week I had them take Benintendi, and I think that there is a good chance that he does get picked by them, but Rodgers has the highest ceiling, so I think he goes here, but Jay and Fulmer will be players to watch.
     
    Texas Rangers-#4
    Dillon Tate - Right Handed Pitcher - UC Santa Barbara
     
    With Bregman gone I think that the Rangers will take Tate, but Fulmer could be in play here as well, plus someone told me they like Buehler.
     
    Houston Astros-#5
    Kyle Tucker - Outfield - Florida High School
     
    I’m staying with my pick from last week, but Fulmer, Jay, or Cameron could be in play.
     
    Minnesota Twins-#6
    Brady Aiken - Left Handed Pitcher - IMG Academy (Florida)
     
    The Twins want Rodgers, but the rumors of him falling have become quiet, and with the top five players gone the Twins will roll the dice no matter who they take, whether it is Cameron and the shenanigans about him going to school, Kolby Allard, or potential relief pitchers in Fulmer or Jay. If I got to pick here I would probably take Fulmer, but I’m hearing that Aiken’s medical issues aren’t as bad as they were made out to be, and that he should go in the top ten, plus Aiken was at the top of the Twins board last year, so there is no reason not to take Aiken, given who else is on the board.
     
    Boston Red Sox-#7
    Carson Fulmer - Right Handed Pitcher - Vanderbilt
     
    The Red Sox drafted Fulmer out of high school, and they still like him, but they also like Benintendi.
     
    Chicago White Sox-#8
    Tyler Jay - Left Handed Pitcher - Illinois
     
    I think that this would be a lock if it plays out like this, but this class is unpredictable.
     
    Chicago Cubs-#9
    Andrew Benintendi - Outfield - Arkansas
     
    The Cubs like college hitters, and if Benintendi is available they might be tempted to take another one.
     
    Philadelphia Phillies-#10
    Daz Cameron - Outfield - Georgia High School
     
    Once again I’m gong BPA with the Phils, but this week it is Cameron.
     
    From #11 to #26 I’m only going to give the name, position, and school of who I think the teams will pick.
     
    Cincinnati Reds-#11
    Jon Harris - Right Handed Pitcher - Missouri State
     
    Miami Marlins-#12
    Garret Whitley - Outfield - New York High School
     
    Tampa Bay Rays-#13
    Walker Buehler - Right Handed Pitcher - Vanderbilt
     
    Atlanta Braves-#14
    Tyler Stephenson - Catcher - Georgia High School
     
    Milwaukee Brewers-#15
    Kolby Allard - Left Handed Pitcher - California High School
     
    New York Yankees-#16
    James Kaprielian - Right Handed Pitcher - UCLA
     
    Cleveland Indians-#17
    Ashe Russell - Right Handed Pitcher - Indiana High School
     
    San Francisco Giants-#18
    Mike Nikorak - Right Handed Pitcher - Pennsylvania High School
     
    Pittsburgh Pirates-#19
    Trenton Clark - Outfield - Texas High School
     
    Oakland Athletics-#20
    Ian Happ - Outfield - Cincinnati
     
    Kansas City Royals-#21
    Phil Bickford - Right Handed Pitcher - College of Southern Nevada
     
    Detroit Tigers-#22
    Kyle Funkhouser - Right Handed Pitcher - Louisville
     
    St. Louis Cardinals-#23
    Nathan Kirby - Left Handed Pitcher - Virginia
     
    Los Angles Dodgers-#24
    Michael Matuella - Right Handed Pitcher - Duke
     
    Baltimore Orioles-#25
    Cornelius Randolph - Third Base - Georgia High School
     
    Los Angeles Angels-#26
    Kevin Newman - Shortstop - Arizona
  2. Hrbowski
    http://images.maxpreps.com/site_images/editorial/article/7/9/b/79b0787d-b9f9-43b4-a6ad-f4d581a1243f/97be8374-e6de-e411-bef0-a0369f3c1b4c_original.jpg
     
    Arizona Diamondbacks-#1
    Dansby Swanson - Shortstop - Vanderbilt
    I think the Dbacks will go with Swanson or Bregman, and Swanson is more likely to stick at short, so I’ll have them pick Swanson here.
     
    Houston Astros-#2
    Carson Fulmer - Right Handed Pitcher - Vanderbilt
    After the Dbacks pick Swanson I’m going with another Commodore, and it is going to be Fulmer, who they like, and since he is unlikely to fall to #5 I think they take him here.
     
    Colorado Rockies-#3
    Andrew Benintendi - Center Field - Arkansas
    I’ve heard that the Rockies will go college bat if Fulmer is gone, and Benintendi is the favorite here, I could also see them picking Bregman, but they could go with Jay or Rodgers.
     
    Texas Rangers-#4
    Alex Bregman - Shortsop - LSU
    If Bregman falls the Rangers would be delighted, as one person said that Jon Daniels has handpicked him, but if he is gone Daz Cameron or Brendan Rodgers would be possibilities.
     
    Houston Astros-#5
    Kyle Tucker - Outfield - Plant HS (Florida)
    The Astros will likely pick between Cameron and Tucker here, and since they have a connection with the Tucker family, I think that they will go with the best hitter in the class, but Cameron is the more athletic of the two.
     
    Minnesota Twins-#6
    Brendan Rodgers - Shortstop - Lake Mary HS (Florida)
    The Twins love athletic high school hitters, and Rogers is the most complete player in the draft, but he could be gone by then. Other players to watch are Dillon Tate, Tucker, Bregman, Tyler Jay, and Cameron, and if they decide to go underslot James Kaprielian and Donnie Dewees will be players to watch.
     
    Boston Red Sox-#7
    Dillon Tate - Right Handed Pitcher - UC Santa Barbara
    With Fulmer, Benintendi, and Bregman gone, the Red Sox will go BPA and take Tate, who has slowed down some, but it is his first year starting, and he should be able to get back on track quickly, but the Sox could take someone like Cameron, Jay, or Jon Harris.
     
    Chicago White Sox-#8
    Tyler Jay - Left Handed Pitcher - Illinois
    If the draft falls out like this the White Sox will continue to do what they do and take a lefty with an electric arm, but Harris, Cameron, and Walker Buehler could be in play here.
     
    Chicago Cubs-#9
    Daz Cameron - Outfielder - ELC Academy (Georgia)
    I think the Cubs will go BPA, and Cameron would be that in this scenario, but the Cubs might want to strengthen pitching, and if they do Buehler, Harris, and Kyle Funkhouser would be options.
     
    Philadelphia Phillies-#10
    Jon Harris - Right Handed Pitcher - MSU
    Nobody knows what the Phillies are doing, including themselves, so I’m going BPA, but they like Buehler and Tyler Stephenson, but this is as good of a guess as any.
     
    Cincinnati Reds-#11
    Tyler Stephenson - Catcher -Kennesaw Mountain HS (Georgia)
    The Reds would love it if anybody above fell, but if they don’t Stephenson would likely be the choice, but Ian Happ, Trenton Clark, or Buehler could be options.
     
    Miami Marlins-#12
    Phil Bickford - Right Handed Pitcher - Southern Nevada JC
    There are rumors that Loria could dictate this pick, and some say he prefers college pitchers, and Bickford and Buehler would be the best available, but guys like Funkhouser or Brady Aiken could be options.
     
    Tampa Bay Rays-#13
    Walker Buehler - Right Handed Pitcher - Vanderbilt
    The Rays have had their big guys in to see Buehler recently, and he seems like a logical pick here, but Happ, Kolby Allard, and Mike Nikorak, and Garrett Whitley will be considered.
     
    Atlanta Braves-#14
    Cornelius Randolph - Third Base - Griffen HS (Georgia)
    The Braves want Stephenson, but in this scenario they decide to go with Best Georgian Available, and that would be Randolph, although I hear they like Allard a lot.
     
    Milwaukee Brewers-#15
    Trenton Clark - Outfielder - Richland HS (Texas)
    Clark could be gone by now, but if he isn’t I think the Brewers take him, but they could go with Allard or Kaprielian.
     
    New York Yankees-#16
    Ashe Russell - Right Handed Pitcher - Cathedral HS (Indiana)
    If it plays out to this the Yankees could go with Whitley, Kaprielian, Funkhouser, or Happ, but I think Russell has the most upside of them, so I’m having the Yankees go with Russell.
     
    Cleveland Indians-#17
    Garrett Whitley - Outfielder - Niskayuna HS (New York)
    The Indians want someone like Buehler to fall, but if he doesn’t I think they will go with Whitley, but someone like Funkhouser or Kaprielian would be a nice pickup for the tribe.
     
    San Francisco Giants-#18
    Kyle Funkhouser - Right Handed Pitcher - Louisville
    Last year the Giants picked Tyler Beede, and this year’s form of Beede is Funkhouser, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they go with him here, but Mike Nikorkak would also be in consideration.
     
    Pittsburgh Pirates-#19
    Mike Nikorak - Right Handed Pitcher - Stroudsburg HS (Pennsylvania)
    People say the Pirates don’t particularly like anyone, so I think the will go with highest upside in Nikorak, or local kid Ian Happ.
     
    Oakland Athletics-#20
    Ian Happ - Outfielder - Cincinnati
    I don’t think Happ will slide any further than this, but the A’s could go with someone like Cody Ponce.
     
    Kansas City Royals-#21
    James Kaprielian - Right Handed Pitcher - UCLA
    The Royals like a few different college pitchers, and if Kaprielian is available they will probably pick him, but they could go after an injured pitcher.
     
    Detroit Tigers-#22
    Donnie Everett - Right Handed Pitcher - Clarksville HS (Tennessee)
    The Tigers like Everett, and would probably take him if Funkhouser is gone, but they could go after Beau Burrows or Chris Betts.
     
    St. Louis Cardinals-#23
    Nathan Kirby - Left Handed Pitcher - Virginia
    The Cardinals like college pitchers who fall, and that is what Kirby is, but they could go with Allard or a college hitter.
     
    Los Angeles Dodgers-#24
    Kolby Allard - Left Handed Pitcher - San Clemente HS (California)
    The Dodgers would love Allard to fall this far, and if he does it would probably be enough for them to not pick Aiken or Michael Matuella.
     
    Baltimore Orioles-#25
    Kevin Newman - Shortstop - Arizona
    With Happ gone, I think the Orioles will go with the best college hitter on the board, but Donnie Dewees could be in play as well, as could Brady Aiken, but the O’s like clean medical records, and Aiken wouldn’t fit the bill.
     
    Los Angeles Angels-#26
    Blake Trahan - Shortstop - Louisiana Lafayette
    The Angels have been heavily linked to Trahan, and that seems like the pick here unless someone falls, but they could go with Richie Martin if this scenario plays out.
  3. Hrbowski
    http://images.maxpreps.com/site_images/editorial/article/9/1/c/91c84f44-5e39-4f05-af14-5fe0f1808e42/f4212637-a0f1-e311-b4d2-002655e6c45a_original.jpg
     
    Kyle Tucker is a 6'4", 175 pound outfielder out of Plant High School (Florida) who some consider to be the best hitter in the class. Tucker is obviously known for his hitting, getting comparisons to Cooperstown greats Wade Boggs and Ted Williams, and his swing definitely shows a resemblance, but of course that doesn't mean that he is going to put up numbers like them. My grading of Tucker's (future) tools are 70 hit, 60 power, 55 run, 45 field, and 60 arm, and I had him ranked 6th on my top 50 prospect list, but I plan on moving him up for my next update. Tucker should hit at any level, both for average and power to all fields, but he will likely have to move to a corner outfield spot. Tucker is committed to the Florida Gators, where his brother Preston played, and if he fell past the Twins I wouldn't be surprised if he chooses to attend college, due to the Gators strong team and recruiting class. Tucker has had one of the best springs of any prep player in this year's class, adding another bonus, but some teams wonder if he will fill out, which would add to his power, but I think that he could add at least 25 pounds to his frame. The Twins would love to have Tucker fall to them, but his brother's Astros pick twice before the Twins, and they are known to be looking at high school outfielders, but if he does fall the Twins would likely take him, unless someone like Dillon Tate was still available, and according to Darren Wolfson they are scheduled to have a private workout with him, but teams usually have workouts with several players leading up to the draft.
  4. Hrbowski
    http://a.espncdn.com/media/motion/2014/0605/dm_140605_Astros_Draft_Brady_Aiken_No_11437/dm_140605_Astros_Draft_Brady_Aiken_No_11437.jpg
     
    Brady Aiken is a 6'3", 210 pound left handed pitcher for IMG Academy (Florida) who was selected with the first pick of the 2014 MLB Draft, but couldn't work out a deal with the Astros, who claimed he had an abnormal UCL. Aiken has a three pitch mix, a fastball, a curveball, and a changeup, and all of them are above average. Aiken's delivery has some mechanical problems, but he should be able to smooth them out, and he uses his whole body well during his delivery, so his delivery shouldn't be a big issue. Aiken had Tommy John surgery in March, and his health is a big concern, due to what the Astros claim they saw, but notable doctors, including Dr. James Andrews said they think it is just a normal case of Tommy John, which many young pitchers have been effected by, but it is worrying to teams. Aiken's fastball usually sits 91-94, but can throw it as high as 97, and his curveball is probably the best breaking ball in the class, besides maybe Kolby Allard's, and he has a changeup that is also devastating, along with good command. Aiken is the biggest risk in the draft, but if healthy I would consider him a slam dunk 1.1, so he also has potentially the highest reward in this year's class. The Twins supposedly had him at the top of their board last year, and they still could, if his medicals check out, plus his high school teammate Stephen Gonsalves is in the orginization, but the Twins might not be willing to take Aiken at #6, who nobody really knows what is going on with him at this point.
  5. Hrbowski
    Feel free to ask any questions.
     
    I have been working on this for awhile, and here is my completed list, but this order should move around for the next two weeks:
     
    1. Brendan Rodgers, Lake Mary High School (Florida), SS
    2. Dansby Swanson, Vanderbilt, SS
    3. Dillon Tate, UC Santa Barbara, RHP
    4. Alex Bregman, Louisiana State, SS/2B
    5. Tyler Jay, Illinois, LHP
    6. Kyle Tucker, Plant High School (Florida), OF
    7. Brady Aiken, IGM Academy (Florida), LHP
    8. Daz Cameron, Eagle’s Landing Christian Academe (Georgia), OF
    9. Carson Fulmer, Vanderbilt, RHP
    10. Kolby Allard, San Clemente High School (California), LHP
    11. Jon Harris, Missouri State, RHP
    12. Walker Buehler, Vanderbilt, RHP
    13. Kyle Funkhouser, Louisville, RHP
    14. Mike Nikorak, Stroudsburg High School (Pennsylvania), RHP
    15. Michael Matuella, Duke, RHP
    16. Trenton Clark, Richland High School (Texas), OF
    17. Nick Plummer, Brother Rice High School (Michigan), OF
    18. Mitch Hansen, Plano High School (Texas), OF
    19. James Kaprielian, UCLA, RHP
    20. Justin Hooper, De La Salle High School (California), LHP
    21. Andrew Benintendi, Arkansas, OF
    22. Nathan Kirby, Virginia, LHP
    23. Kevin Newman, Arizona, SS
    24. Phil Bickford, CC of Southern Nevada, RHP
    25. Ashe Russell, Cathedral High School (Indiana), RHP
    26. Garrett Whitley, Niskayuna High School (New York), OF
    27. Cornelius Randolph, Griffen High School (Georgia), SS
    28. Donnie Everett, Clarksville High School (Tennessee), RHP
    29. Chris Betts, Wilson High School (California), C
    30. Cody Ponce, Cal Poly Pomona, RHP
    31. Ian Happ, Cincinnati, OF
    32. Jalen Miller, Riverwood International Charter School, OF
    33. DJ Stewart, Florida State, OF
    34. Richie Martin, Florida, SS
    35. Scott Kingery, Arizona, 2B
    36. Dakota Chalmers, North Forsyth High School (Georgia), RHP
    37. Ke’Bryan Hayes, Concordia Lutheran High School (Texas), 3B
    38. Beau Burrows, Weatherford High School (Texas), RHP
    39. Kyle Cody, Kentucky, RHP
    40. Eric Jenkins, West Columbus High School (North Carolina), OF
    41. Riley Ferrell, Texas Christian, RHP
    42. Tyler Stephenson, Kennesaw Mountain High School (Georgia), C
    43. Alonzo Jones, Columbus High School (Georgia), 2B
    44. Donnie Dewees, North Florida, OF
    45. Andrew Stevenson, Louisiana State, OF
    46. Cole McKay, Spring Branch High School (Texas), RHP
    47. Luken Baker, Oak Ridge High School (Texas), 1B/RHP
    48. Jacob Nix, IGM Academy (Florida), RHP
    49. Juan Hillman, Olympia High School (Florida), LHP
    50. Kyle Dean, Rancho Bernardo High School (California), OF
  6. Hrbowski
    http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/College+World+Series+Vanderbilt+v+Virginia+3IMhWWkMDVMl.jpg
     
    Carson Fulmer is a 5'11", 195 pound right-handed pitcher for the Vanderbilt Commodores who was drafted by the Red Sox in the 15th round of the 2012 amateur draft, but chose to attend college. Fulmer throws a fastball that can reach the high nineties, a nasty curveball, and a changeup. Fulmer has some effort in his delivery, but he is very athletic, so he can maintain velocity throughout his starts, making me think that he will start in the big leagues. A closer during his freshman year, Fulmer moved into the rotation during his sophomore year, and was absolutely nasty, recording a 1.98 ERA in 91 innings and allowing zero home runs. I believe he will stick in the rotation, due to his fastball that hits 97 mph, wipeout curve, and effective change, but his command is slightly below average, but pitchers like Tim Lincecum and Justin Verlander struggled with command in college, and ended up correcting the problem, so it isn't like his control issues are anything that won't go away. Fulmer is a fiery competitor, so if he does not start he should be able to fit right into a big league bullpen, and could soon be closing games, but his competitive nature should help him whether he is starting or closing for the team that drafts him. The Twins are likely keeping an eye on Fulmer, but there should still be players left on the board who the Twins are higher on at #6, but that doesn't mean that the Twins won't take Fulmer.
  7. Hrbowski
    http://web.usabaseball.com/assets/images/9/7/0/122694970/cuts/JayGSAMW_mtgh1xoi_l0cm9a6e.jpg
     
    Tyler Jay is a 6'1", 175 pound left-handed pitcher for the University of Illinois who went undrafted out of high school, but made a huge jump during his sophomore year. Jay has an electric arm, usually sitting around 95 mph, but can get it up to 98 frequently, and he also throws a slider, curve, and change. Although he is a power pitcher, he does not use a ton of effort in his delivery, using his athleticism and arm speed to throw in the high nineties, but some talent evaluators are concerned about his size. He closes for the Fighting Illini, and has only made one start this year, but he has the pitch mix and control to start, so the team that drafts him will likely make him a starter. He has the stuff to be a #1 starter, as his fastball has lots of movement and has got 70 ratings, and his curve and slider have received 60s, plus his change is average. Some teams don't think he can start, but many scouts didn't think that Tim Lincecum, Sonny Gray, or Marcus Stroman would start, but all of them ended up being starters in the majors, and even if he doesn't start he will be an above average reliever. The Twins are said to be high on Jay, who has similar stuff to Carlos Rodon, and even if he didn't start he would immediately become the top relief prospect in the organization, or they could take the route the White Sox have taken with Chris Sale and Rodon, and the Twins could take Jay to prevent the Sox from doing the same thing again, but I don’t think that would be their motive if they take him, but he certainly has the stuff to be the top pitcher to come out of this year’s class.
  8. Hrbowski
    http://collegebaseballcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Michael-Matuella-620x400.jpg
    Michael Matuella is a right handed pitcher for Duke University who was undrafted out of high school. He has a four pitch mix, including a 93-97 mph fastball, a curve, slider, and changeup. He has a good, repeatable delivery, and his 6'7" frame gives him a good plane and angle, making his delivery hard to get a good read on. Matuella would likely have been a top five pick, but he suffered from Tommy John early on, making a fall very likely, and he suffered from numerous injuries even before his TJ surgery, so teams might be scared away by that. If he can get healthy he has the stuff to be a good #2 starter, as his fastball has gotten 70 grades, his curve is above average, and his slider and change are decent, plus he has fairly good control. Most teams haven't seen Matuella enough to get a good feel for him, since he has averaged under 50 innings a year at Duke, but his injuries should likely be nothing longterm or recurring, so that won't stop him from being a first round pick. The Twins likely won't take Matuella, since they were not interested in Jeff Hoffman last year, who many scouts believe was the #1 prospect in last year's draft when healthy, but this year's class is not as good, so the Twins could decide to roll the dice and take Matuella, since he has the stuff to be the #1 prospect in the draft.
  9. Hrbowski
    This was just an idea that I thought that I would put forward. I am not saying that I agree with or promote all of these ideas.
     
    I have been thinking that if the Twins want Jonathan Lucroy they will need to trade Major League proven talent, but how do they do that and hang on to prospects when they don’t have much to offer? Today I will look at a way that they could do that.
    First, the Twins need to trade to the Brewers weaknesses, and one of the Brewers main needs is a third baseman since Aramis Ramirez is retiring after the season is over. The Twins have Trevor Plouffe, who alone could be half the package that the Brewers are looking for, and they also have Miguel Sano, but I believe that Plouffe would be more what the Brewers would be looking for, and he has been on their radar for awhile; according to rumors, but they don’t have much in their farm system to offer, so the Twins and Brewers could make a trade involving Plouffe and Lucroy, but there would need to be more pieces.
    If the Brewers decide to make Lucroy available they will likely have decided to rebuild, so they will ask for some young players too, and areas they are thing in for young players are the outfield and pitching, and they will also want some catching in return. As I said earlier they will likely want players that are close to the big leagues, and the Twins can trade to those weaknesses.
    So here is my proposal. The Twins will send Trevor Plouffe, Kurt Suzuki (short term replacement), Josmil Pinto (long term replacement), Aaron Hicks (still only 25 years old), and Trevor May to the Milwaukee Brewers for Jonathan Lucroy, and here is where it gets interesting, we would also get Ryan Braun and take his massive contract of their hands.
    The Twins could then call up Miguel Sano, Byron Buxton, Jose Berrios, and Alex Meyer while cutting Ricky Nolasco. Ryan Braun would immediately take over in left, and Torii Hunter and Oswaldo Arcia would platoon in right until the season is over and Hunter retires. This would be a win now and win in the future move for the Twins and this would also be a good rebuild move for the Brewers since they receive some young players that are ready, and they could unload their main contract, but both teams would have to have a lot of guts to make this trade.
  10. Hrbowski
    Yesterday I decided to take a look at Sean Hjelle, a local prep pitcher from Mahtomedi who was ranked the 28th best prep prospect in baseball by Prep Baseball Report. I took one look at him and thought, “This is the tallest pitcher I have ever seen,” but that isn’t surprising seeing he is an even seven feet tall. With that height some people might worry about his delivery, but he seemed to repeat it with ease, and threw 85-90 miles per hour into the eight inning. He showed a two-seamer, a four-seamer, a decent circle change, and a slider, throwing over the top consistently for strikes, with his height and over the top delivery he produces a lot of ground balls. Hjelle is committed to the Kentucky Wildcats to play baseball, although he was a two sport star in high school, so if a team drafts him they might have trouble convincing him to sign, but teams are looking at him, including the Twins, who had a scout there who was taking a look at him and also shortstop Grant Gibson.
  11. Hrbowski
    http://www.the3rdmanin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2017-MLB-Draft.png
     
    #1 Minnesota Twins – Brendan McKay – lhp – Louisville
    I have a suspicion that the Twins still prefer Wright, but if they take him I will be wrong with everybody else.
     
    #2 Cincinnati Reds – Hunter Greene – rhp – California High School
    The Reds will take McKay if he is available here.
     
    #3 San Diego Padres – MacKenzie Gore – lhp – North Carolina High School
     
    #4 Tampa Bay Rays – Royce Lewis – of – California High School
     
    #5 Atlanta Braves – Kyle Wright – rhp – Vanderbilt
     
    #6 Oakland Athletics – Austin Beck – of – North Carolina High School
     
    #7 Arizona Diamondbacks – Adam Haseley – of – Virginia
     
    #8 Philadelphia Phillies – Pavin Smith – 1b – Virginia
     
    #9 Milwaukee Brewers – Jordan Adell – of – Kentucky High School
     
    #10 Los Angeles Angels – Alex Faedo – rhp – Florida
     
    #11 Chicago White Sox – J.B. Bukauskas – rhp – North Carolina
     
    #12 Pittsburgh Pirates – Keston Hiura – 2b – UC Irvine
     
    #13 Miami Marlins – D.L. Hall – lhp – Georgia High School
     
    #14 Kansas City Royals – Trevor Rogers – lhp – New Mexico High School
     
    #15 Houston Astros – Evan White – 1b – Kentucky
     
    #16 New York Yankees – Nick Pratto – 1b – California High School
     
    #17 Seattle Mariners – Jeren Kendall – of – Vanderbilt
     
    #18 Detroit Tigers – Shane Baz – rhp – Texas High School
     
    #19 San Francisco Giants – Jake Burger – 3b – Missouri State
     
    #20 New York Mets – Tristan Lutz – of – Texas High School
     
    #21 Baltimore Orioles – Logan Warmoth – ss – North Carolina
     
    #22 Toronto Blue Jays – David Peterson – lhp – Oregon
     
    #23 Los Angeles Dodgers – Heliot Ramos – of – Puerto Rico
     
    #24 Boston Red Sox – Alex Lange – rhp – LSU
     
    #25 Washington Nationals – Seth Romero – lhp – Houston
     
    #26 Texas Rangers – Bubba Thompson – of – Alabama High School
     
    #27 Chicago Cubs – Nate Pearson – rhp – Florida JUCO
     
    #28 Toronto Blue Jays – Gavin Sheets – 1b – Wake Forest
     
    #29 Texas Rangers – Matt Sauer – rhp – California High School
     
    #30 Chicago Cubs – Nick Allen – ss – California High School
     
    #31 Tampa Bay Rays – Quentin Holmes – of – New York High School
     
    #32 Cincinnati Reds – Drew Waters – of – Georgia High School
     
    #33 Oakland Athletics – Stuart Fairchild – of – Wake Forest
     
    #34 Milwaukee Brewers – Tanner Burns – rhp – Alabama High School
     
    #35 Minnesota Twins – Sam Carlson – rhp – Minnesota High School
     
    #36 Miami Marlins – Jacob Heatherly – lhp – Alabama High School
     
    #37 Minnesota Twins – Tanner Houck – rhp – Missouri
     
    #76 Minnesota Twins – Mike Baumann – rhp – Jacksonville
     
    #106 Minnesota Twins – Matt Whatley – C – Oral Roberts
     
    #136 Minnesota Twins – Matt Shannon – rhp – Angelo State
     
    #166 Minnesota Twins – Justin Lewis – rhp – Kentucky
     
    #196 Minnesota Twins – Lucas Tancas – IF – Long Beach State
     
    #226 Minnesota Twins – Kade McClure – rhp – Louisville
     
    #256 Minnesota Twins – Brady Puckett – rhp – Lipscomb
     
    #286 Minnesota Twins – Brian Glowicki – rhp - Minnesota
  12. Hrbowski
    http://www.the3rdmanin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2017-MLB-Draft.png
    #1 Kyle Wright – rhp – Vanderbilt
    #2 J.B. Bukauskas – rhp – North Carolina
    #3 MacKenzie Gore – lhp – North Carolina High School
    #4 Pavin Smith – 1b – Virginia
    #5 Austin Beck – of – North Carolina High School
    #6 Brendan McKay – lhp – Louisville
    #7 Hunter Greene – rhp – California High School
    #8 Sam Carlson – rhp – Minnesota High School
    #9 Jake Burger – 1b – Missouri State
    #10 Alex Faedo – rhp – Florida
    #11 Royce Lewis – of – California High School
    #12 Adam Haseley – of – Virginia
    #13 Evan White – 1b – Kentucky
    #14 Nick Pratto – 1b – California High School
    #15 D.L. Hall – lhp – Georgia High School
    #16 Jeren Kendall – of – Vanderbilt
    #17 Tanner Houck – rhp – Missouri
    #18 Jacob Heatherly – lhp – Alabama High School
    #19 Shane Baz – rhp – Texas High School
    #20 Hagen Danner – rhp – California High School
    #21 Brian Miller – of – North Carolina
    #22 Alex Lange – rhp – LSU
    #23 David Peterson – lhp – Oregon
    #24 Greg Deichmann – 3b – LSU
    #25 Logan Warmoth – ss – North Carolina
    #26 Mike Baumann – rhp – Jacksonville
    #27 Blayne Enlow – rhp – Louisiana High School
    #28 Keston Hiura – 2b – UC Irvine
    #29 Griffin Canning – rhp – UCLA
    #30 Jordan Adell – of – Kentucky High School
    #31 Nate Pearson – rhp – Florida JUCO
    #32 Seth Romero – lhp – Houston
    #33 Clarke Schmidt – rhp – South Carolina
    #34 Nick Allen – ss – California High School
    #35 Stuart Fairchild – of – Wake Forest
    #36 Gavin Sheets – 1b – Wake Forest
    #37 Trevor Rogers – lhp – New Mexico High School
    #38 K.J. Harrison – 1b – Oregon State
    #39 Heliot Ramos – of – Puerto Rico
    #40 J.J. Matijevic – 1b – Arizona
    #41 Connor Uselton – of – Oklahoma High School
    #42 Ryan Vilade – 3b – Oklahoma High School
    #43 Bubba Thompson – of – Alabama High School
    #44 Wil Crowe – rhp – South Carolina
    #45 Daniel Tillo – lhp – Iowa CC
    #46 Mark Vientos – ss – Florida High School
    #47 Tristan Beck – rhp – Stanford
    #48 Brendon Little – lhp – Florida JUCO
    #49 Brent Rooker – 1b – Mississippi State
    #50 Riley Adams – c – San Diego
  13. Hrbowski
    http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/56/2561f1eb-f62a-58b8-85b3-1afa61473e6c/58dfc4e861e5d.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800
    Tanner Houck - Photo courtesy of Mizzou Athletics
     
    Alex Faedo – rhp – Florida
    Faedo entered the year as a potential #1 pick in the draft, but has fallen off considerably in his junior year. His plus slider and low nineties fastball are still good enough to get him drafted in the middle of the first round.
     
    Griffin Canning – rhp – UCLA
    Canning is a potential fast mover who will fit into the back of a big league rotation. He does not have overpowering stuff, but is polished enough that he will go in the back of the first round.
     
    David Peterson – lhp – Oregon
    Peterson is a lefty with a low nineties fastball and average slider who has pitched himself up draft boards this spring. Despite his dominant year for the Ducks, his lack of a great repertoire will cause him to become a bottom of the rotation pitcher or head to the bullpen.
     
    Tanner Houck – rhp – Missouri
    Houck was under consideration by the Twins as a potential #1 pick, but his stock has fallen and he is no longer in consideration to be one of the top ten picks. The big righty could end up being drafted by the Twins, albeit at the 35th pick.
     
    Seth Romero – lhp – Houston
    Romero has had an interesting spring. He got off to an exceptional start with Houston, but ended up getting suspended and then dropped from the team. There is uncertainty on where he will be drafted, but the Twins are unlikely to select him.
     
    Alex Lange – rhp – LSU
    Lange profiles as a late first round pick, where his mid-nineties fastball and plus curve will allow him to move quickly through an organization.
     
    Nate Pearson – rhp – Central Florida JC
    Pearson has electric stuff, but will be moved to the bullpen by the team that drafts him.
     
    Brendon Little – lhp – State JC of Florida, Manatee – Sarasota
    Little has a mid-nineties fastball and above average curve, but his changeup and control are below average. He will likely end up in a bullpen.
     
    Dan Tillo – lhp – Iowa Wester CC
    Tillo left Kentucky after one year, and is now committed to Arkansas. There is little chance he will ever pitch in the SEC again, due to being one of the top lefties available in the draft.
     
    Mike Baumann – rhp – Jacksonville
    Baumann played high school baseball for one of the top programs in the state of Minnesota, and was drafted by the Twins in the 34th round of the 2014 draft. I have heard comparisons to Lance Lynn, but teams are unsure if they want him to start or pitch out of the bullpen.
  14. Hrbowski
    http://www.the3rdmanin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2017-MLB-Draft.png
     
    I have already profiled Pavin Smith, Jeren Kendall, and Brendan McKay this year, but now it is time to take a brief look at the other top college hitters available in the 2017 MLB Draft.
     
    Jake Burger – Third Base – Missouri State
    Burger is one of the top hitters in the class, and he has put up monster numbers in the Missouri Valley Conference. He currently plays third, but will end up being a first base/designated hitter type as a professional.
     
    Keston Hiura – Second Base – UC Irvine
    Hiura has had his stock hurt by an elbow injury that could cause him to have Tommy John surgery, but his bat should not be underestimated because of this.
     
    Adam Haseley – Outfield – Virginia
    Haseley does not have any standout tool, but is well rounded enough to become an average big league leftfielder.
     
    Evan White – First Base – Kentucky
    White is the best pure hitter in college baseball’s best conference, and although he does not have the power associated with first base he is athletic enough to play the outfield.
     
    Logan Warmoth – Shortstop – North Carolina
    Warmoth is like Haseley and does not have one area of his game that wows you, but he should be a solid role player. He could reach the big leagues quickly, but some teams might have reservations because of some similarities to Levi Michael, who also starred as North Carolina’s shortstop, yet has not reached the majors in his six-year professional career.
     
    Brian Miller – Outfield – North Carolina
    Miller is another player from North Carolina who has drawn attention this spring, yet he has a higher ceiling than Warmoth. Miller will stick in centerfield as a professional, and his bat is good enough to get him to the big leagues. He has further to go than most of the other hitters on this list, but he could be very rewarding to the team that drafts him.
     
    Greg Deichmann – Third Base – LSU
    Deichmann was draft eligible last year, but fell to the Minnesota Twins in the 26th round because he planned to return to LSU for his junior year. His hitting has gotten even better this spring, and he is under strong consideration to be selected by the Twins with either the 35th or 37th overall pick.
     
    K.J. Harrison – First Base – Oregon State
    After Harrison’s fantastic start to his college career, evaluators considered him a potential number one pick, bit his bat has cooled and he is now viewed as a first baseman rather than a catcher.
     
    Brent Rooker – First Base – Mississippi State
    Rooker has been on fire this spring, with a .421 batting average and 21 home runs. He is not a great defensive player, and obviously, his numbers will be deflated when he reaches the professional level, but he profiles as an early second round pick.
  15. Hrbowski
    http://2080baseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/PlayerPic-Spring-2015-PukAJ-Tim-Casey-1050x700.jpeg
    Photo by Tim Casey
     
    #1 Philadelphia Phillies - AJ Puk - lhp - Florida
    Mickey Moniak is really the only other player who is getting a lot of talk right here.
     
    #2 Cincinnati Reds - Nick Senzel - 3b - Tennessee
    If Puk falls he will be taken here, with Kyle Lewis also in play.
     
    #3 Atlanta Braves - Kyle Lewis - OF - Mercer
    A prep pitcher could go here as well.
     
    #4 Colorado Rockies - Mickey Moniak - OF - California High School
    This pick will likely come down between Moniak and Riley Pint.
     
    #5 Milwaukee Brewers - Riley Pint - rhp - Kansas High School
    The Brewers have a history of going with prep players, so keep an eye on Pint and Jay Groome.
     
    #6 Oakland Athletics - Jay Groome - lhp - New Jersey High School
    Groome's makeup has made his stock take a huge hit, but the A's have been tied to him. Corey Ray or Gavin Lux could go here as well.
     
    #7 Miami Marlins - Braxton Garrett - lhp - Alabama High School
    The guy the Twins want will likely go here.
     
    #8 San Diego Padres - Matt Manning - rhp - California High School
    Cal Quantrill and Manning are the talk for the Padres right now.
     
    #9 Detroit Tigers - Ian Anderson - rhp - New York High School
    Anderson might have a deal with a team, but if he doesn't the Tigers will take him. Justin Dunn should be the pick here if Anderson won't sign with the Tigers.
     
    #10 Chicago White Sox - Corey Ray - OF - Louisville
     
    #11 Seattle Mariners - Zack Burdi - rhp - Louisville
     
    #12 Boston Red Sox - Justin Dunn - rhp - Boston
     
    #13 Tampa Bay Rays - Dakota Hudson - rhp - Mississippi State
     
    #14 Cleveland Indians - Zack Collins - C/1b - Miami
     
    #15 Minnesota Twins - Alex Kirilloff - OF - Pennsylvania High School
    Garrett is the one the Twins want, but guys like Forrest Whitley and Alex Kirilloff are others who the Twins are linked to.
     
    #16 Los Angeles Angels - TJ Zeuch - rhp - Pittsburgh
     
    #17 Houston Astros - Cody Sedlock - rhp - Illinois
     
    #18 New York Yankees - Bryan Reynolds - OF - Vanderbilt
     
    #19 New York Mets - Will Craig - 3b - Wake Forest
     
    #20 Los Angeles Dodgers - Jordan Sheffield - rhp - Vanderbilt
     
    #21 Toronto Blue Jays - Josh Lowe - 3b - Georgia High School
     
    #22 Pittsburgh Pirates - Nolan Jones - SS - Pennsylvania High School
     
    #23 St. Louis Cardinals - Blake Rutherford - OF - California High School
     
    #24 San Diego Padres - Cal Quantrill - rhp - Stanford
     
    #25 San Diego Padres - Delvin Perez - SS - Puerto Rico
     
    #26 Chicago White Sox - Gavin Lux - SS - Wisconsin High School
     
    #27 Baltimore Orioles - Buddy Reed - OF - Florida
     
    #28 Washington Nationals - Forrest Whitley - Texas High School
     
    #29 Washington Nationals - Kyle Funkhouser - Louisville
     
    #30 Texas Rangers - Taylor Trammell - Georgia High School
     
    #31 New York Mets - Eric Lauer - Kent State
     
    #32 Los Angeles Dodgers - Connor Jones - Virginia
     
    #33 St. Louis Cardinals - Matt Thaiss - Virginia
     
    #34 St. Louis Cardinals - Robert Tyler - Georgia
  16. Hrbowski
    http://image.cdnllnwnl.xosnetwork.com/pics33/800/QD/QDTZMERHGXBTJDM.20160225205201.jpg
    Dakota Hudson
     
    Dakota Hudson is 6'5", 205 lb. right handed pitcher for Mississippi State who was drafted in the 36th round by the Texas Rangers in 2013, but he decided to attend college. Hudson has a great fastball along with a very good slider, yet his not having mastered a third pitch and his fringe command leads to some thinking that he will end up in the bullpen. The righty's ceiling would be a Michael Wacha type workhorse in the middle of a rotation who will provide good value to his team. The Twins have been linked to Hudson, and if Braxton Garrett is gone they could use him as a fall back option.
     
    Justin Dunn is a 6'2", 170 lb. right handed pitcher for Boston College who was taken in the 37th round by the Dodgers in 2013. Dunn has a lively fastball that reaches 99 miles per hour, but he does not have an above average secondary offering. He was primarily a reliever until half way through the spring, when he got moved to the rotation, but the Marcus Stroman comp has got him shooting up boards, although he is five inches taller than Toronto's righty. The Twins might be tempted to take Dunn because of the success they have had so far with Tyler Jay, but this quick riser may be gone by the time they pick.
     
    I do not really like either of these pitchers, and there will be better players on the board when the Twins pick. If the Twins take one of them it will be because of the prep players they are interested in will not sign with them. Teams that are picking ahead of the Twins such as the Tigers and Red Sox have been linked to both players, so if they have already been selected the Twins probably will not take a college starter, although Cody Sedlock and Zack Burdi have been mentioned as players they are interested in. Tomorrow you can see who I think the Twins will draft in my final mock, and just a few hours later the Twins will make their actual pick.
  17. Hrbowski
    http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/46/57/16/10154889/11/1024x1024.jpg
    Image courtesy of Tom Reel
     
    Forrest Whitley is a 6'7", 225 lb. right handed pitcher from Alamo Heights High School in Texas. Whitley's repertoire consists of a fastball that reaches 97 miles per hour, a buckling curveball, an improved changeup, and an average slider. Forrest repeats his delivery well for someone of his size, and although there is some effort in it he should be able to hold up as a starter. If Whitley does have to make the move into the bullpen he could still become a power arm in the back of a big league pen, and then he would be able to subtract pitches from his arsenal. The vapor thrower from Texas is committed to Florida State University, but he has moved far enough up draft boards to make signability something that does not need to be worried about. Whitley has a similar pitching profile to the high school versions of Phil Hughes and Adam Wainwright, and scouts think he can develop into a top of the rotation pitcher. The Twins have been linked to Whitley this spring, and if they know he will sign at the fifteenth pick he could be their guy.
  18. Hrbowski
    http://image.al.com/home/bama-media/width620/img/sports_impact/photo/15362650-mmmain.jpg
    Image courtesy of Mike Kittrell
     
    Braxton Garrett is a 6'3", 190 lb. pitcher from Florence High School in Alabama who is the second best prep lefty in the class, behind only Jay Groome. Garrett sits in the 91-94 miles per hour range with his fastball, a curveball which is the best in this year's draft, and an above average changeup. Braxton has an advanced feel for pitching, and his control is better than most pitchers, making him one of the most polished arms available, even though he is only eighteen. His delivery is not full of effort, and he repeats it well, plus his strong body should hold up well as a starter. The Vanderbilt commit is represented by Scott Boras, so there are multiple reasons why he might be a tough sign, but teams that do not have small pools should be able to get a deal done. Lefties with Garrett's poise do not come around very often, and his pitching reminds scouts of Clayton Kershaw. The Twins have been linked to Garrett this spring, yet his high price tag could scare them away, but if he is still available at #15 they would be fools to pass.
  19. Hrbowski
    http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/lou/sports/m-basebl/auto_bsilarge/10896374.jpeg
     
    Zack Burdi is a 6'3", 210 lb. pitcher for the University of Louisville who was undrafted out of high school. Burdi's fastball usually sits in the 95-98 miles per hour range, but he can reach triple digits at times, and his slider and changeup are both very good pitches. The Cardinals' closer is being considered both as a reliever and a starter by teams this spring, and if a team believes he can start he is a likely first round pick. Zack puts a maximum effort into his delivery, and that could scare away some teams who might take him in the first round, but his arm action is relatively clean. If Burdi is a reliever he is a quick to the big leagues future closer, and this gives him the rare combination of both a high ceiling and floor. Burdi is one of the fastest rising college pitchers in this year's draft, and if he continues to rise he could be a top twenty pick on June 6th. The Twins drafted Burdi's brother Nick in the second round of the 2014 draft, and there is beginning to be a lot of talk about Zack being the pick at #15, so he is definitely a player to be watching.
  20. Hrbowski
    http://www.the3rdmanin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-25-at-8.44.20-AM.png
     
    Ian Anderson is a 6'3", 170 lb. right handed pitcher out of Shenendehowa High School in New York. Anderson has a repertoire of a mid nineties fastball, a slider that has potential as an out pitch, and a solid changeup. Ian can really pitch, as he is more than just a thrower, and his poise is very advanced for a prep player. His delivery is mechanically sound, and that will help his slight build hold up over the long season. The Vanderbilt commit could be a tough sign for the team that drafts him, but his athleticism and overall high ceiling are too much for teams to pass on him in the first round. Anderson has been compared to Walker Buehler because of their similar frames, but even if Ian stays healthy he will take a much longer time to develop than Buehler will. The Twins are a possible landing spot for Anderson, whom teams have not gotten much of a chance to see this spring because of an injury, but now that he is back on the mound he is moving up boards.
  21. Hrbowski
    Image courtesy of Steven Branscombe
     
    Zack Collins is a 6'3", 220 lb. catcher from the University of Miami who was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 27th round of the 2013 draft, but he chose not to sign. Collins can really hit, and his patience at the plate enhances the rest of his offensive performance, making him one of the top college bats available in this year's draft. Zack has good power that will allow him to hit around 25 home runs per year, and his hit tool is solid enough that he should be able to be a .275 hitter. Miami's catcher is limited behind the plate, and he will have to move to first as a professional, but he hits well enough to move through a system quickly. Collins has moved higher up boards more than any other college hitter this spring, and his draft stock could continue to rise leading up to the draft. Because of the Chicago Cubs' success, draft fanatics have been putting heavy emphasis on players with similar profiles to Collins, but there is also a long list of similar players who have not lived up to expectations, with Yonder Alonso, Justin Smoak, and Ike Davis being a few, yet Collins should still provide enough value to justify being a middle to late first round pick. The Twins will be looking to add more offense with this year's draft, and if they cannot meet the asking price of their favorite prep players they could use Collins as a fall back option.
  22. Hrbowski
    http://cdn.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Matt-Manning-2015-bm.jpg
    Image courtesy of Bill Mitchell
     
    Matt Manning is a 6'6", 185 lb. right handed pitcher from Sheldon High School in California. Manning was primarily throwing in the low nineties last year, but he shot out of the gates after a late start this spring, throwing up to 97 miles per hour. Matt's curveball is a good secondary offering that keeps getting better, and his changeup should be a big league average offering. The Loyola Marymount commit's height gives him good downward plane, and although his delivery has some effort he does repeat it well. Manning is very athletic, which is no surprise seeing that his father played in the NBA, and his natural talent as an athlete will be very useful on the mound. Manning will need to improve his control, but once he does he should be a Rick Porcello type pitcher in the middle of a rotation. The Twins have been scouting Manning this spring, with some believing he is their favorite, and if other players at the top of their board are gone they could very well select the California righty.
  23. Hrbowski
    http://wac.b63f.edgecastcdn.net/80B63F/images/sidearm.sites/gatorzone.com/images/2015/12/16/150301_SchwarzJJ_9983_TimCasey.jpg
    JJ Schwarz
     
    #1 Mark Vientos - Shortstop - Florida High School
    Elite prep player who is similar to Manny Machado, but will stick at short.
     
    #2 J.B. Bukauskas - RHP - North Carolina
    This righty has the makings of an ace.
     
    #3 Jeren Kendall - OF - Vanderbilt
    Five tool college player.
     
    #4 Jake Burger - 3B - Missouri State
    In my opinion he could be the next Kris Bryant.
     
    #5 J.J. Schwarz - C - Florida
    A future all star backstop.
     
    #6 Cole Turney - OF - Texas High School
    Terrific prep hitter.
     
    #7 Kyle Wright - RHP - Vanderbilt
    Advanced pitcher for a very good school.
     
    #8 Brendan McKay - LHP - Louisville
    McKay has the repertoire of an ace.
     
    #9 Alex Faedo - RHP - Florida
    Really good pitcher for the best school in the country.
     
    #10 K.J. Harrison - C - Oregon State
    Harrison can flat out hit.
     
    #11 Alejandro Toral - 1B - Florida High School
    There is some big pop in this bat.
     
    #12 Hagen Danner - RHP - California High School
    The best prep pitcher in the class.
     
    #13 Conner Uselton - OF - Oklahoma High School
    Five tool prep player who has a very high ceiling.
     
    #14 Jordon Adell - OF - Kentucky High School
    Big time talent for this five tool player.
     
    #15 D.L. Hall - LHP - Georgia High School
    Best prep lefty who really knows how to pitch.
     
    #16 Kyle Jacobsen - OF - Georgia High School
    Jacobsen continues the long line of really good Georgia outfielders.
     
    #17 Ryan Vilade - SS - Texas High School
    Vilade reminds me of a lesser version of Brendan Rodgers.
     
    #18 Hans Crouse - RHP - California High School
    More of a thrower than a pitcher, but he has a ton of potential.
     
    #19 Tristan Beck - RHP - Stanford
    Beck told teams not to draft him right before last year’s draft, and now is the top draft eligible sophomore in next year’s draft.
     
    http://www.stanforddaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Tristan-Beck_022016_BD_027.jpg
    Tristan Beck
     
    #20 Evan Skoug - C - TCU
    Skoug has tons of potential at the plate, but there are questions about whether or not he will remain behind it.
     
    #21 Carl Chester - OF - Miami
    Can hit for average and has good speed that will help him stick in center.
     
    #22 Alex Destino - OF - South Carolina
    Destino will likely move to right, where his arm and bat profile well.
     
    #23 Jayson Gonzalez - SS - California High School
    There are still questions about J-Gon, but he has tools you can dream on and is really smart.
     
    #24 Ricardo De La Torre - SS - Puerto Rico High School
    Athletic shortstops from Puerto Rico have a history of success in MLB, and De La Torre should be no exception.
     
    #25 - Alex Lange - RHP - LSU
    Lange positioned himself to be the #1 pick during his freshman year, but he has not performed well this spring.
     
    #26 - Tanner Houck - RHP - Missouri
    Houck is a tall righty who has good stuff.
     
    #27 - Pavin Smith - 1B - Virginia
    Some scouts think that his limited defensive value could hold him back, but he can really hit.
     
    #28 - Hunter Greene - RHP - California High School
    The UCLA commit is very athletic and has a good feel for pitching.
     
    #29 - Drew Rasmussen - RHP - Oregon State
    Rasmussen is out with Tommy John, but if he makes a good comeback next year he could go at the top of the draft.
     
    #30 - Je’Von Carrier-Ward - Outfield - California High School
    This kid has great tools and is very athletic for his 6’5”, 190 lb. frame.
     
    #31 - Michael Baumann - RHP - Jacksonville
    The Mahtomedi, Minnesota native is a big righty who should move quickly.
     
    #32 David Peterson - LHP - Oregon
    Peterson has missed time with injuries, but he is another guy who could move quickly.
     
    #33 Riley Adams - C - San Diego
    Even though Adams is 6’5” and 190 lb. he should stick behind the plate and hit well enough to be a regular starter.
     
    #34 Kyle Hurt - RHP - California High School
    Really good righty who has feel for pitching.
     
    #35 Shane Baz - RHP - Texas High School
    Texas fireballer who is young for his class.
     
    #36 Tanner Burns - RHP - Alabama High School
    Burns has good stuff and could really shoot up boards within the next year.
     
    #37 Nick Allen - SS - California High School
    Allen is a standout defensive player who can also hit.
     
    #38 Royce Lewis - IF/OF - California High School
    Lewis will likely end up in the infield, and his unusual batting stance works well for him.
     
    #39 Oraj Anu - OF - Florida Home School
    Anu is a switch hitter who has really good speed.
     
    #40 Dalton Guthrie - SS - Florida
    Guthrie is the son of former Twin Mark Guthrie, but Dalton is probably a better player than his dad.
     
    #41 Tristan Gray - SS - Rice
    Gray is a good shortstop who can also hit.
     
    #42 J.J. Matijevic - 1B - Arizona
    Matijevic has yet to stand out as a potential first round pick, but he should make big strides in the next year.
     
    #43 Francis Villaman - SS - Florida High School
    Although he is not as good as his predecessor at short for his high school (Nick Gordon) Villaman should stick at short and if teams believe he will hit enough he could be a first rounder.
     
    #44 Sam Carlson - RHP - Minnesota High School
    Carlson has some of the best pitchability in the draft, but the Florida recruit will probably go to college.
     
    http://www.d1baseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/BryceMontesDeOcaMissour700.jpg
    Bryce Montes de Oca
     
    #45 Bryce Montes de Oca - RHP - Missouri
    Bryce throws at 98 and could really move up boards in the next year.
     
    #46 Brady Puckett - RHP - Libscomb
    Puckett stands out as a 6’8”, 220 lb. righty.
     
    #47 Chris Mathewson - RHP - Long Beach State
    Mathewson is a guy who could move quickly, similar to Daulton Jefferies of this year’s class.
     
    #48 Clarke Schmidt - RHP - South Carolina
    Schmidt is having a breakout year in 2016, and if he repeats it during his junior year his stock will skyrocket.
     
    #49 Evan White - OF/1B - Kentucky
    White can flat out rake, but he will likely move to first as a pro.
     
    #50 - Austin Beck - OF - North Carolina High School
    Beck rounds out this list as another athletic prep player with a high ceiling.
     
    http://collegebaseballcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Kade-McClure.jpeg
    Kade McClure
     
    Others to keep an eye on:
    Adam Haseley (LHP/OF - Virginia)
    Garrett Benge (3B - Oklahoma)
    Glenn Otto (RHP - Rice)
    Griffin Canning (RHP - UCLA)
    Jesse Lepore (RHP - Miami)
    Matt Whatley (C - Oral Roberts)
    Mike Papierski (C - LSU)
    Stuart Fairchild (OF - Wake Forest)
    Kade McClure (RHP - Louisville)
    Keston Hiura (IF/OF - UC Irvine)
     
     
    http://collegebaseballcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Seth-Beer.jpg
    Seth Beer
     
    2018 college guys:
    Seth Beer (OF - Clemson)
    Luken Baker (1B/RHP - TCU)
    Chandler Day (RHP - Vanderbilt)
    Nick Madrigal (SS - Oregon State)
    Jackson Kowar (RHP - Florida)
    Tyler Ivey (RHP - Texas A&M)
    Sean Hjelle (RHP - Kentucky)
     
    2018 high school guys:
    Jarred Kelenic (OF - WI)
    Kumar Rocker (RHP - GA)
    Kendall Simmons (SS - GA)
    Brice Turang (SS - CA)
    Brandon Birdsell (RHP - TX)
    Alec Sanchez (SS - FL)
  24. Hrbowski
    William Benson is a 6'6", 220 lb. outfielder from The Westminster Schools in Georgia who will be seventeen at the time of the draft. Benson continues the long line of toolsy players from the Georgia prep ranks, and his athleticism is what stands out the most on a baseball field. Will has some of the best raw power in the class and he hits well on the inside part of the plate, but he needs to improve his coverage on the outer part of the plate. The Duke commit has a compact swing that works well for him, yet he can get caught up in the moment and start loosing control. He has fallen down boards somewhat as the spring has progressed, so if he is not taken in the first round signability could be an issue. Benson has a lot of natural baseball talent, and he plays good defense in the outfield and at first base, but his size will result in an eventual move to right field. The Twins are paying close attention to Benson, and if the players at the top of their board are gone it would be no surprise to see them take him.
  25. Hrbowski
    http://stmedia.startribune.com/images/FLORIDA_A_M_FLORIDA_BASEBALL_35034752.JPG
    Image courtesy of John Raoux
     
    Logan Shore is a 6'1", 210 lb. right handed pitcher out of the University of Florida who was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 29th round of the 2013 Rule 4 draft, but he honored his commitment to the Gators. Shore's fastball is good enough to be big league average, sitting in the low nineties, a slider that ranges anywhere from being his worst pitch to being a good out pitch, and a changeup, which is by far his best pitch and is probably the best changeup in this year's class. Logan repeats his delivery well and stays fairly loose, making him much more likely to stick in the rotation when he makes it to the big leagues, yet his tendency to snap his head hard as he delivers the ball could end up resulting in injuries. The righty has good control, walking only 1.46 per nine so far this season, plus he has improved his strikeout rate by 2.31 per nine this year. The Minnesotan has relatively few innings on his arm compared to a lot of pitchers from the south, and in this era of vast scrutiny of the health of pitchers it could help his draft stock. Contrary to popular belief, small pitchers have performed very well in the big leagues as their bodies do not breakdown as quickly compared to their larger counterparts, and Shore has a good build for a pitcher. The Twins will be keeping a close eye on Shore as the draft approaches, and they have drafted college pitchers who they drafted in high school, with Nick Burdi being an example.
×
×
  • Create New...