Ryan Braun or Jeff Clement

by TRanger on Jun 22, 2005 6:26 PM EDT

I'm in a league which is currently drafting the members of this year's amateur draft and with the 10th pick Ryan Braun and Jeff Clement are still available. I don't really follow college ball so I don't know their history, but since they were taken at #3 and #5 in the real draft I figure either one of them would be a good draft pick. Anyway I was just wondering who would be the better pick for me?

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If this is a fantasy baseball league

I would've probably made Clement one of the top 3-4 picks, at least. Catcher eligibility makes him extremely valuable.

Braun is probably a pro ball outfielder, and that makes him decidedly less valuable.

by mrkupe on Jun 22, 2005 6:41 PM EDT reply actions

Risk vs Reward

I think it depends on what you're comfortable with. I think Braun is a very low risk guy, but as a pretty marginal defensive 3B, he looks like a guy who will have to make a living as a corner outfielder, like fellow former Hurricane corner infielders Aubrey Huff and Pat Burrell.

Clement's upside is higher as the best case scenario would be an average defensive catcher with power and plate discipline. As you know though, funny things happen with catchers. Some flame out with the bat, some move to 1B, some get hurt and are never the same.

I'd personally take Braun.

by JM Barten on Jun 22, 2005 7:06 PM EDT reply actions

Braun v. Clement

Let's not be quick to label Braun as an average or even below average 3B. Remember, he's only played one full season at the hot corner. I'm convinced that an athlete like Braun can easily be converted to any position. Given the proper time and coaching he can easily be a good defender at 3B. Cal Ripken and A-Rod made the transition, and an athlete like Braun will too.

As far as who to draft, its a tough call. They both have tremendous offensive upside and both play premium positions. As a Brewer fan, I'd take Braun. As a fantasy player, I'd probably lean towards Clement because there aren't very many good offensive catchers in the minors.

by andy 5 on Jun 23, 2005 1:34 AM EDT reply actions

If...

...Clement can stay at C, him. But with his questionable defense, I'm not sure he can. If he switches positions, Braun.

I've watched Ryan play many times and I can tell you that from what I observed, most of his mistakes at third came from a lack of experience rather than a lack of ability. It may take time, but he CAN learn to play third.

Come from where you hide, So I may unchain my tempest, None will stop my tide, And you will tremble at my unrest.

by fyug on Jun 23, 2005 1:52 AM EDT reply actions

Positions

From the scouting I've seen, Ryan probably does not have enough natural ability to stay at 3b. Clement supposedly has made major strides this year with his defense, which is why he shot up the draft board. A power hitting catcher in Safeco is too good to pass up IMO.

by slurve on Jun 23, 2005 7:54 AM EDT reply actions

Well, I don't agree...

...with those scouting reports. I've watched the kid frequently as I'm a student at UM. Is he good defensively right now? No. Does he have the ability to eventually play 3B in the majors? Yes, absolutely.

Come from where you hide, So I may unchain my tempest, None will stop my tide, And you will tremble at my unrest.

by fyug on Jun 26, 2005 11:37 AM EDT reply actions