2008 Draft

by John Sickels on Feb 27, 2008 2:06 PM EST in News Comment 77 comments

Extremely Early Thoughts on the 2008 Draft

I'm just starting to focus on the 2008 draft, but here are some preliminary thoughts. Note this is not intended to be any sort of comprehensive report, merely some early impressions and a way to get the discussion started.

It looks like a pretty deep class. On the high school side, I don't know enough to comment in any but the most general way at this point. Everyone seems to like Tim Beckham (SS, Griffin, Georgia) as the player with the best combination of tools and skills available. Another Georgia prep, Xavier Avery, is an outfielder with excellent speed and a cool name, but we'll need to see what kind of power he develops. There are all kinds of toolsy outfielders available. One guy I am intrigued with is Harold Martinez, a third baseman from Miami who is drawing kudos for a strong bat and potential gold glove defense.

On the high school pitching side, it's very early to say of course. The best current combination of stuff and command likely belongs to Tim Melville, out of Wentzville, Missouri. Gerrit Cole of Orange, California, throws harder but is not as polished. At this point I'm not at all focused on the high school pitching, as I expect that people are going to move up and down the list substantially this year. I think there is a lot of fluidity in this class.

On the college side speculations are on firmer ground, since I've actually seen many of these guys and we have some statistics to look at. There are some terrific bats. I agree with everyone that Vanderbilt's Pedro Alvarez is really, really good. He should be an excellent hitter. Justin Smoak of South Carolina has even more power than Alvarez but perhaps less overall polish. Miami's Yonder Alonso is the third elite corner infielder with an excellent bat. All these guys have good plate discipline and I think they will advance quickly. I tend to like bloodline players and for this reason I will track Jemile Weeks of Miami very closely.

The two University of Texas outfielders are intriguing. Kyle Russell has the big lefthanded power, but questions persist about his contact ability. Jordan Danks looks really good to me when I've seen him in person. Very fast, athletic, great glove, draws walks, and I think he has untapped power in his bat. He could move up the draft charts very rapidly with a good spring. Baseball America has him at number 40 on their college draft list, but it would not surprise me at all to see him in the middle of the first round if he can show more consistency.

On the pitching side, Aaron Crow of Missouri looks like the top guy to me, with excellent velocity and good command. Lefty Brian Matusz of San Diego is rated as the top guy by BA, but I like Crow a bit better right now. After that things thin out a bit, with a solid group of very good prospects who aren't quite as good as Crow and Matusz. Tanner Scheppers of Fresno State looks very interesting to me.

Thinking ahead to the 2008 Shadow Draft, the Twins pick 14th, 27th, and 31st, giving me a nice shot at adding additional talent to my fake farm system. My last three first round picks have been a college pitcher (Matt Torra), a high school first baseman (Lars Anderson) and a high school pitcher (Nevin Griffith). My Fake Twins Farm System is thin in outfielders and catchers in particular. While I don't particularly draft "for need" and prefer to take the best player available, it makes sense to me to add some depth at those positions. I don't see a particular reason to draft a first baseman early considering I have Morneau in the majors and Lars in the minors. I like to mix high school and college talent when possible as well. I'm assuming that the top guys like Tim Beckham and Alvarez will be gone by 14th. With that in mind, some guys I am keeping close track of for Shadow Draft consideration in the early rounds include (alphabetical by position):

Adrian Nieto, C, American Heritage HS, Plantation, Florida: Sounds interesting, switch-hitting catcher
Buster Posey, C, Florida State: Top college catcher available
Kyle Skipworth, C, Patriot HS, Riverside, California: top high school catcher
Jemile Weeks, 2B, Miami: Bloodlines
Harold Martinez, 3B, Braddock HS, Miami: Like the glove/bat combo
Gordan Beckham, SS, Georgia: Solid across the board
Jordan Danks, OF, Texas: Bloodlines, athleticism, speed, glove, walks
Dominic de la Osa, OF, Vanderbilt: possible senior bargain, have to consider costs drafting for the Twins
Luke Greinke, OF-RHP, Auburn: bloodlines
Roger Kieschnick, OF, Texas Tech: Interesting power bat
Dennis Raben, OF, Miami: Power bat probably available at 14
Brent Warren, OF, Xavier HS, Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Always track the Iowa guys close
Cody Adams, RHP, Southern Illinois: I like the Midwesterners
Brett DeVall, LHP, Niceville, Florida HS: power lefty with 6-4, 205 build
Tanner Scheppers, RHP, Fresno State: Just like this guy for some reason

It's February 27, all of this will change of course.

Who are your favorite '08 draft prospects?

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Comments

Paramore

Petey Paramore for ASU...I like his OBP upside as a catcher. Is he more of a supp round guy at this point, or maybe even round 2?

Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.

by doublestix on Feb 27, 2008 2:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

A couple questions

1.) Are there any Porcello-type players that are expected to fall a lot due to signability? Not his level, but guys that should be top 10 picks that fall to the end of the first round?

2.) What do people think of Dominic de la Osa and Zach Putnam? De la Osa raked last year, but people seem to have doubts over his ability to translate it to wood bats. Putnam hasnt really dominated in college, but has a great arm and I think he could really be a steal if he falls to the late first/early second round.

by grozzy on Feb 27, 2008 2:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Fallers

(1) Eric Hosmer and Gerrit Cole are Boras advisees. HS pitchers are risky to begin with, but with Cole presumably demanding a bigger contract with Boras as his agent, I think he is the most likely to fall. He also probably has the highest ceiling of all HS pitchers this year.

by CW on Feb 27, 2008 3:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice to see

Cody Adams get some pub. Hardest thrower and fastest player on a solid little SIU team

by nms on Feb 27, 2008 2:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I love the poise and stuff

of Jacob Thompson from UVA.

Alex Wilson from Winthrop/TAMU has been one of my favorites since before he ever struck it big in college, he will miss most of this year with TJ but might pitch a little towards the end of the year. 92-94 fastball that can get a little higher, great slider and he is a hell of a smart, humble and nice kid.

by nms on Feb 27, 2008 2:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

i love the approach of

UVA 2b David Adams, gap power, lots of contact and a high average.
And, to continue the UVA binge, SS Greg Miclat is my favorite non-prospect prospect. He is listed at 5-9 155 and has no power but isn't even that but he is such a ballplayer.

He makes excellent contat and nails frozen ropes up the middle off any pitcher, even against a flamethrower a foot taller than him hes not intimidated He is a smart and faster runner on the bases, not only is he an accomplished steal man he also knows how to take the extra base, bunt for a hit, ect.
And he knows how to use his lack of size to frustrate pitchers having control problems, not only can he draw walks he doesn't strike out and knows how to get himself in good counts.

Injuries are a question, he hurt his arm last year and had to play DH and, amusingly, 1b some as a result and was eventually shut down early.

If you are looking for your next Dustin Pedroia (note-Poor mans version.. Pedro was AMAZING to watch in college) this could be it.
I'm not saying he will be ANYWHERE near that good - he probably won't even make the majors - but he has some things that remind me of Pedro.

Also, with all the hype around Petey Paramore, don't forget about Az State's Kiel Roling. Big, country strong looking kid with legit power and he might be able to stay at catcher too.
BTW, Az State is being rocked with some controversy right now. Jason Jarvis got reinstated temporarily but there are some accusations being made my an ex-volunteer to the NCAA

by nms on Feb 27, 2008 2:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

fewgoodcards

has turned me on to scheppers as well.

lance lynn of ol miss is a big glass of water with a good fastball and a big curve. he's on my radar as well.

Future Redbirds

by erik on Feb 27, 2008 2:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

scheppers

yep, tanner scheppers is one of my guys. i also really like another guy john mentioned, harold martinez. if the cardinals can get either one of those guys at 13 i think i would be pretty happy.

by fewgoodcards on Feb 27, 2008 5:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ok St SS/RHP Jordy Mercer

This is one of those instinct picks, which is kind of silly considering I havn't even watched him play but a little bit, but he seems like such a good all-around athlete AND ballplayer.
He hasnt become a great hitter yet, but he is a good one, and he has great build, great arm, speed and it just seems like he knows how to play the game.

He played HS ball in a reallllly small town, so I think he is just starting to tap into his potential.

by nms on Feb 27, 2008 2:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Xavier Avery BTW

like last year's Israel Troupe (though Avery is a better baseball prospect) could be a very tough sign since he has signed a football offer from the University of Georgia

by nms on Feb 27, 2008 2:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Anyone know of the eligible sophomores

I thought it might be interesting to get a small last of those together. Its easy to look at a Soph and assume he would be class of 09 but a couple of these guys are actually class of 08.

I know Miami 3b Mark Sobolewski and Evansville RHP Wade Kapetyn are draft-eligible sophs.

by nms on Feb 27, 2008 3:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Draft eligible soph

Louisville's Chris Dominguez

by SBcaptain2 on Feb 27, 2008 3:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

duh

can't believe I forgot about him redshirting in 05

by nms on Feb 27, 2008 3:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Response

This draft may not have quite the high ceiling talent at the top as some recent drafts, but I agree it looks like it's quite deep.

A couple more toolsy OF's who could go mid-late first round are Aaron Hicks and Isaac Galloway.

If you miss out on the college boppers, Alvarez/Smoak/Alonso, you might get close to egual talent at the end of the first round or supplemental round in Allan Dykstra of Wake Forest or Brett Wallace of Arizona State.

It looks like there are a whole bunch of good hitting college middle infielders and catchers available from the second round on.

On a personal level, I am following Ricky Oropesa, BA's #95 ranked HS prospect. I work with his mother. Rickey plays for Etiwanda HS in the same league as Isaac Galloway. Power hitting first baseman who might be able to play 3B or LF due to a great throwing arm. Can reach 92 MPH on the mound. He's committed to USC. Unless his draft stock rises considerably, I expect him to go to college.

by DrBGiantsfan on Feb 27, 2008 4:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

oh

How could I forget Elon RHP Steven Hensley. Hensley has been called the best college prospect in North Carolina (sorry Allen Dykstra). A Nationals draftee out of HS he has a 92-94 FB that can go to 96, a great slider, good body and solid control

Also, Fuller and Chisenhall are eligible this draft. Catcher Dan Killian left Kentucky at winter break and is eligible for 08 now at Kellog (MI) CC.

by nms on Feb 27, 2008 4:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Alvarez injury

Slightly OT, but how much will Pedro Alvarez's broken hand likely impact his draft status? He'll be out until mid-April at least, and then his performance may still be affected by lingering injury effect. Have teams seen enough of him to take him #1 overall despite a reduced season?

by rlwhite on Feb 27, 2008 4:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

mock

for fun, how about a little mock action.

1. Rays-Pedro Alvarez
with the injury i about put a pitcher here, but would they really take a pitcher first overall again? they have solid pitching depth, but could really use another impact bat.

2. Pirates-Tim Beckham
the pirates aren't going to take another college pitcher in the first round, and beckham is a dynamic talent. this also gives them the opportunity to make up for passing on bj upton.

3. Royals-Aaron Crow
the royals need pitching, and there isn't much better in this draft than crow. he also gives them somewhat of a local connection.

4. Orioles-Brian Matusz
the orioles traded bedard, but they have the chance to add another top of the rotation lefty. like last year's pick matt wieters, matusz should move very quickly to help out a young team.

5. Giants-Justin Smoak
the giants need an impact hitter, and smoak may be the biggest bat in the draft. i know villalona is getting work at first, but they can figure that problem out later.

6. Marlins-Yonder Alonso
the marlins have a lot of local choices with eric hosmer, harold martinez, and alonso, but hosmer might cost too much and alonso will be ready a lot faster than martinez.

7. Reds-Tim Melville
the reds always need pitching, and melville is the complete package. you can't complain about grabbing the top high school pitcher in the country with the 7th pick in the draft.

8. White Sox-Eric Hosmer
the white sox need a big bat that can move quickly and would love to get someone like smoak or alonso, but both are gone. i think they will step up and pay the money (like the tigers are willing to do) to get the legit talent their system desparately needs.

9. Nationals-Kyle Skipworth
the nationals have been pretty high school heavy in recent years, and after going for a lot of pitchers early last year they grab the top high school catcher in the draft.

10. Astros-Christian Friedrich
the astros need pitchers, and they need pitchers that can move quickly. friedrich has a plus curve and the solid command that should allow him to move fast.

11. Rangers-Harold Martinez
the rangers grabbed several power high school arms in the first round last year, and this year they head back to the prep ranks for a 3rd baseman that is polished with the bat and the glove.

12. Athletics-Brett Hunter
hunter doesn't seem like a typical oakland pick, but after taking a polished pitcher in james simmons last year they go for the upside of hunter over the polish of jacob thompson.

13. Cardinals-Tanner Scheppers
the cardinals like college righties with power arms, and scheppers fits the mold.

14. Twins-Alex Meyer
the twins could use a future top of the rotation starter after trading santana, and meyer definitely has top of the rotation stuff.

15. Dodgers-Brett DeVall
everyone knows logan white likes high school pitchers in the first round, and devall has the combination of power stuff and smooth mechanics that get the dodgers excited.

by fewgoodcards on Feb 27, 2008 5:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

the convential wisdom is actually opposite of what

you said about the Rays. The thought is that the Rays already have Longoria so they would not be looking to add a 3b and would pass on Alvarez for Matsuz or Crow.
Who knows though, we will see.

I also don't really see Thompson as just being a "polish" guy. His raw stuff is pretty damn good. His FB velo varies but I've seen guns put him at 93 and he has a great frame. His breaker is outstanding as well

by nms on Feb 27, 2008 5:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

thompson

i guess i just have a bad opinion on thompson b/c the only time i have seen him is an archived game from this summer with team usa. in that game he was topping out at 91 and sitting at 88. he also didn't have near the control i thought he did, and while he snapped off a few very good curveballs, the pitch was very inconsistent and didn't have very good break most of the game. from what i had read, i was expecting a guy that could place his pitches wherever he wanted, but i came away pretty disappointed. now i know he was probably tired by then and had better stuff in the spring, but he is more of a back of the first round guy for me.

by fewgoodcards on Feb 27, 2008 6:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

I can see that. He, with Lance Lynn, left Team USA early due to fatigue. UVA leaned heavily on him, so I'm sure the combo of summer ball and the ACC and regionals wore him down
Hes also still pretty skinny, I could see him needed to fill out a little to better maintain his velo

by nms on Feb 27, 2008 6:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

KC

Needs a bat! Badly!

Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.

by doublestix on Feb 27, 2008 6:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

royals

you already have billy butler, alex gordon, and mike moustakas. where are you going to put another corner bat? if beckham is gone, there just isn't another non corner guy worth taking. also, i doubt the royals would turn down the chance to get a pitcher like crow or matusz, its not like their rotation is stacked.

by fewgoodcards on Feb 27, 2008 6:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

kc

Easy...

1B: Smoak/Alonso/Alvarez
3B: Gordon
DH: Butler

If Moose doesn't work out at SS or 2B, right field would be perfect for him. I wouldn't opposed to Crow/Matusz, but offense is a far worse need right now. According to BA, 8 of the top 10 spects in the system are pitchers.

My philosophy is take a bat in round 1, and then 3 or 4 pitchers with your next picks.

Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.

by doublestix on Feb 27, 2008 6:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

re

I honestly do not know how you can say offense is a bigger need. It dosent matter how many pitchers in the top 10 you have if they are all average (although I do like Cortes and Wood) but you get the point.
With the 3rd pick they should take Crow assuming Alvarez and Beckham are gone..if either of them drops, then I saw take one of them

by jsmall404 on Feb 27, 2008 7:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Pitching vs. Hitting

There are no meaningful prospects waiting in the wings other than Moustakas. Lubanski is no sure thing, and has tremendous inconsistency and now projects as a likely fourth outfielder, along with Costa, Huber, and Maier, who are becoming something of AAAA players (although, Huber, mind you, has not received significant MLB PT).

The MLB team finished either last or second to last in: OBP, SLG, HR, RS, and BB. (Thank you, Ken Williams!) The team gave up almost 200 fewer runs than in 2006!

Obviously, selecting the best talent should be of utmost importance, but I'm not sure why a pitcher would be such a pressing need for the Royals, especially for the reason doublestix mentioned and for the reason that we now have five projectable #3 (at least) pitchers in Greinke, Bannister, Meche, Soria, and Hochevar...to go along with projected #1-3's like Cortes, Duffy, Mitchell, Rosa, Pimentel, Johnson, and Wood.

Selecting a position player like Smoak or Alonso would make perfect sense for the Royals. I'm not even sure why Aaron Crow is getting such rave reviews anyway. Clearly, we are lacking on offensive depth/talent. Much more so than pitching depth/talent, IMO.

Become a member of Royals Nation!

by Royals Nation on Feb 27, 2008 7:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

To expand on Aaron Crow....

For a small-market team like the Royals, selecting the local kid might pay dividends in that it will (theoretically) allow the player to seriously consider re-signing with K.C. once they surpass their arb-years. However, food for thought:

3.59 ERA, 2.52 BB/9, 6.88 K/9, 8.34 H/9, 1.21 WHIP

Maybe scouts are absolutely convinced he can lower that ERA by a full run, and can post a 9+ K/9 and 4:1 K:BB after his junior year. Those are good numbers, but just not dazzling enough to be #3-overall quality, in my opinion.

If Crow repeats or even improves slightly upon his 2007 performance, I'll be disappointed if K.C. selects him, given the monster numbers posted by Justin Smoak over the last 2 years.

Become a member of Royals Nation!

by Royals Nation on Feb 27, 2008 7:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

you are placing

far too much stock in simple college statistics.
In general they simply are not that meaningful. Now sure if a guy is simply a bad college player or he is putting up some historic numbers that is one thing but those numbers for Crow are very good numbers for a sophomore ace in the big 12.

by nms on Feb 27, 2008 7:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

RE

i played with a guy at charleston southern who had 5+ ERA his junior and sophomore years...mets take him in 6th round and he hasnt even been above 4 since in pro ball..there is probably nothing more misleading than college stats. scouts hardly look at them.

by jsmall404 on Feb 27, 2008 10:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

crow vs. smoak

you blast aaron crow's strikeout rate, but don't say anything about smoak's batting average and even go on to say he has monster numbers? would i like to see crow strikeout more guy? yes. would i like to see a college slugger that is considered a top 5 pick to hit higher than .315? yes. neither guy has a flawless record when you just look at statistics.

by fewgoodcards on Feb 27, 2008 7:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Royals could use long term

help almost anywhere except probably 3b. Almost any team could stand to add pitching. Not all of those guys are going to pan out and there are 5 spots in a rotation. And you are smoking dee krack if you're calling Blake Wood, Brian Bannister or Blake Johnson a projected #1 or 3.

Crow and Matsuz are both considered better prospects than Smoak and Alonso.

And if youre not sure why Aaron Crow is getting rave reviews why not try to find out. I'll give you a hint.. he is a very good college pitcher with great stuff at a great program who dominated the Cape Cod League, the biggest draft showcase league

by nms on Feb 27, 2008 7:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

My Preference

My preference in the first round is almost always for hitters, especially well-rounded advanced, high ceiling bats like Alonzo and Smoak. If Crow and Matusz are better prospects, then Alonzo and Smoak, then that isn't reflected in the writings or rankings of BA, BP, or Keith Law. It may end up that way come June, but I don't see it now. My Personal top 3 is Smoak, Beckham, and Alonzo in that order and it's my preference as a Royals fan.

On the subject of what the Royals need, it bears mentioning that they have needs on both sides. But to humor the topic, the BIGGEST black holes on the roster are at shortstop and first base. Tony Pena Jr and Gload/Shealy are untenable situations, much more eggregious than the fact the idea of a Meche, Greinke, Bannister, Tomko, Hochevar rotation. And to add to the topic, since Dayton Moore came on board, the organization has been much more successful adding talented pitchers than they have been hitters. Meche, Bannister, Soria have been nice pickups and they stole some guys like Pimentel, Cortez, and Yabuta.

My overriding thought though is that you never, ever, ever, ever let need dictate who you draft in the first round, especially at the very top of the round. It's an outstanding way to end up with Brian Bullington rather than BJ Upton or for that matter Luke Hochevar instead of Evan Longoria (who they could trade for a pretty damned good pitcher if they didn't need him). If you think Crow or Matusz is the best available, then you take him. If you don't then you take the guy that you do think is best. I don't care if you've taken that same position in each of the last 8 years, you still take the guy and figure out what you do with him later.

It also bears mentioning that they have a pick in the supplemental first round and they can take a pitcher there if they're so inclined as well as their second round pick (which is a good one.)

Finally, on the subject of the Rays, I have a feeling they're going to take Tim Beckham. In fact if I had 10 bucks to bet on it, I would. He seems to me like he fits their recent draft preferences.

"Any sufficiently advanced incompetence is indistinguishable from malice." - Grey's Law

by JM Barten on Feb 28, 2008 5:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

see

That's what I was trying to say.

I would have liked Longoria...he was #1 on my board because like you...take a bat in round 1.

Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.

by doublestix on Feb 28, 2008 6:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Giants

I can't shake to feeling that the Giants are going to go pitching at #5. If Crow and Matusz are gone, Melville would fit their MO. I wouldn't be surprised to seen either Scheppers or a Cody Satterwhite, or even Lance Lynn move way up the board by draft time.

Typical Giants thinking would be to take the great arm at #5 and then get a hitter with close to the value of Alvarez/Smoak/Alonso at #34 with Dykstra or Wallace.

by DrBGiantsfan on Feb 27, 2008 6:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

What's that baseball adage?

You can never have too much pitching? Well the Giants may try to put that theory to the test.

Personally I am really hoping they go for a bat, but if they can't resist the urge to go for pitching I hope they at least go for a college pitcher.
They would have the makings of an awesome 1-5 if they could choose from Cain, Lincecum, Sosa, Alderson, Bumgarner, 2008 college draftee, and oh yeah, maybe that Zito guy. Anyone who doesn't crack the starting rotation would have the chance to set-up or close in the pen. Given the precarious nature of pitchers' careers, they don't have a huge window of opportunity to accummulate these pitchers while they are all effective and healthy.

by baseballjunkie on Feb 27, 2008 8:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

RE

I like it nice job.
However, I think the Piartes will get Alvarez. The Rays will take Tim Beckham if I had to bet..they are stacked with pitchers, and have a 3B. Brignac is good, but having two very good SS is huge if it comes to that.

I also dont see the Twins taking a high shcool pitcher when there are so many good college pitchers...Perry, Ross, Shooter Hunter...

by jsmall404 on Feb 27, 2008 6:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I've heard Crow...

is atop the Pirates drafting board. A lot certainly can change between now and then so take it for what you will. /me shrugs

by jfish26101 on Feb 28, 2008 1:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Giants / Royals

Royals will take a pitcher unless somehow Beckham falls to them I agree - They have a problem with Moustakas and Gordon at 3B..and Butler will DH if they took a guy like Smoak. But I do not see that happeneing.

It be shocked if the Giants went pitching when the have Lincecum, Cain, Sosa, Alderson, and Bumgarner. They need young hitters terribly. I think they take Smoak and worry about the 1B problem with Villalona later. Smoak could be quicker to the majors that him.
I could also see them target harold martinez is he plays really well.

by jsmall404 on Feb 27, 2008 6:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Giants

You don't know the Giants, or how their GM/scouting people think, very well. They might take Smoak or some other hitter at #5, but it will most definitely not be a shock if they take a pitcher. Same basic reasoning that you don't pass on Smoak just because you already have Villalona.

by DrBGiantsfan on Feb 27, 2008 6:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

RE

I do know the front office propensity to take pitchers, and I know their track record in developing hitters has been poor at best. But, you do not get a chance to draft hitters like this (especially polished college hitters)very often..I think they will realize that.

shocked wasnt a good word - extremley suprised is a better way to put it. When they drafted all those pitchers they NEEDED pitching...they did a great job in fixing that in last years draft

by jsmall404 on Feb 27, 2008 7:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Gordon Beckham

UGA SS. BA had him going in the first round..I like him alot - solid across the board, can stay at SS and can put up 15-20 HR. Led the cape in HRs with 9 and just went 2-3 against the braves so he can hit with wood looks like.

has anyone seen him play much?

by jsmall404 on Feb 27, 2008 6:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

beckham

he also had a very good weekend against a stacked arizona pitching staff. i believe he went something like 7-13 with a double and a homer. he is going to be a very solid pick somewhere in the 2nd half of the first round.

by fewgoodcards on Feb 27, 2008 7:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Good athlete

Can stay at short. Not a future gold glover but hes a good SS. His range and arm are both good. Strong build. Not a basestealer but his speed is above average

He is a 5-11 kid with a power hitters approach, so his contact isn't great and he isn't going to win any batting titles but his power is legit. It isn't a metal bat creation.

He wore down bad late in his freshman year, which is common, but he was fine last year and seems stronger. He seems like grinder, a tough kid.

I love him. Hes a stud, a real gamer. He was a starting shortstop, and middle of the lineup hitter, for a World Series team since day 1 of his freshman year.

He has athletic genes too. His dad started for two years at QB for South Carolina in the 70s.

His upside, if he makes it would be, say... .265-.280 15-20 HR shortstop? maybe a big year where he hits .295 with 28 homers or something?
But its real early to be seriously projecting that kind of stuff and that is just a guess.

I want to say he could be a guy who hits like some of Rich Aurilia's better years (but not like 2001) but with more athleticism and maybe a better glove but Aurilia was a late round pick out of college, unheralded and a late bloomer so the backgrounds don't completely match up.

by nms on Feb 27, 2008 7:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

RE

I like the projection: 265 - 280 with 20 or so HRs....His lack of BA in college worries me..becuase even power hitters usually hit 320 - 350...but, that is really beig nitpicky...I saw the game he had against Ryan Perry this past weekend.

If he hits 330, 17 or 18 HR this year in that conference, I wouldnt be suprised to see a team like Twins reach and grab him at 14th.

by jsmall404 on Feb 27, 2008 7:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Natural

I was on his little league team many, many years ago and its pretty cool to see concrete discussion and projections about what seemed so possible even and through high school.

by sunking1056 on Feb 28, 2008 12:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Dominic de la Osa

The senior OF from Vandy I believe he is one of the top College seniors out there in the OF department.

Anybody have any further/ interesting information, stories that they have gathered about this guy.

I heard that he was exposed to baseball his entire life starting at age 2. Its good that he isn't getting a lot of pub IMO.

The Twins WILL compete in 2008!!!

by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Feb 27, 2008 7:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

If I drafted de la Osa

I would probably give him a try at third again. He is a good hitter but I don't see him being some elite slugger that you leave at a position in the expectation that he rakes.

He apparently looked good in the IF a couple years ago and he has college experience there too - he just got blocked early in his career at SS and 3b by two great players in Alvarez and Flaherty. He is average or better in all 5 tools, and his arm is great.

He apparently has looked stiff in the IF before but it is worth a shot. His versatility, and all around skills, are some of his.

by nms on Feb 27, 2008 7:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

De La Osa

The Tigers drafted him as a shortstop last year.

by SBcaptain2 on Feb 27, 2008 8:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

cool

I "announced" him as an IF when I picked him in round 5 of this site's mock draft too

by nms on Feb 27, 2008 8:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Two kids from CA

Jarret Martin, LHP out of Centennial HS in Bakersfield. Models his delivery after Scott Kazmir's but Martin comes more over the top and is bigger with more projection. Needs to improve his command but he's been my early favorite to go to the Dodgers at #15.

Also like Anthony Gose as a CF (Bellflower HS). Smaller than guys like Hicks, Galloway, Aver, Hoes, etc but has some power potential to go along with plus speed and arm strength.

by Thinkblue on Feb 27, 2008 7:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Brandon Crawford

What are people's thoughts on the UCLA shortstop? His first two collegiate seasons have been very successful, but he's had two disappointing showings with the wood bat -- first with Team USA after his freshman year, then the Cape Cod League last summer. He's very athletic and has a super arm. If he can get over the hump with the wood bat, he seems to be a potential five-tool guy. Thoughts?

by jonk1982 on Feb 27, 2008 8:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

4-tool guy

to me he's a 4-tool guy. he has power, he has speed, he plays good defense, and he has a strong arm, but unfortunately he doesn't have the most important tool. this guy simply can't hit, and he is the next tyler greene.

by fewgoodcards on Feb 27, 2008 8:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re:

Why do you say he simply can't hit? I wonder if it's too early to say that. After all, the sample sizes for USA and Cape Code were small.

He also played in the Northwoods League the summer between high school and college, hitting .274 (40-for-146) in 41 games for Mankato.

With a .327 average and .392 on-base is his two seasons at UCLA, he can obviously hit at that level. On the other hand, though, he has raked up a lot of strikeouts as a Bruin -- he has an aggressive swing and tends to swing at too many pitches outside the zone.

Can he overcome this and prove that he has a decent enough bat to go with his four tools....or should his bat be written off like fewgoodcards has decided?

by jonk1982 on Feb 27, 2008 8:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

batting average

i don't pay too much attention to batting average in college. the strikeouts are the main thing i look at, and crawford strikes out a lot. just look at tyler greene, he hit .370 his junior year, but everyone could tell he was going to struggle to hit in pro ball b/c of his high strikeout totals. i said the same thing about drew stubbs b/c of his strikeout totals, and look how he has turned out.

by fewgoodcards on Feb 27, 2008 8:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

RE

the knock on crawford is he dosent make good contact..i think he ability to improve on that this year will determine where he is drafted

by jsmall404 on Feb 27, 2008 10:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

re

my knock on crawford is that he doesn't make enough contact.

by fewgoodcards on Feb 27, 2008 10:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

re

I've seen him and UCLA play my devils numerous times. I actually like Jermaine Curtis better than Crawford

by ScottAZ on Feb 28, 2008 9:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It will be interesting to see if Wash St

RHP/OF Jared Prince regains his old form when healthy

by nms on Feb 27, 2008 8:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

+1

Good call

Daddyboy

by Daddyboy on Feb 28, 2008 2:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Reese Havens

Not going to be an early 1st-rounder, but looks like he could push his way to the back of the 1st round if he keeps it up. He hit his 3rd HR tonight after hitting 5 last season. He's leading the Gamecocks with a .533 average and 9 RBI and has drawn 7 walks in 4 games against 0 K's. He had a solid Cape performance last summer, going .315 with 12 doubles and 5 HR.

by astrosfan76 on Feb 27, 2008 10:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

RE

for those of you who dont know:

the red sox offered Havens over $1 million out of high school, but he really wanted to go to USC. If he shows he can hit for a little power which it looks like he is, he seems like a perfect supp. round pick to me.

by jsmall404 on Feb 27, 2008 11:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I dunno what to make of Havens

He looks like a solid college SS defensively but apparently is more of a 3b, or even catcher as a pro. He looks solid, but not special, but hes been such an ordinary player for the first two years

by nms on Feb 27, 2008 11:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Catcher

I think Jim Callis mentioned a team could try him out at catcher...

I have not seen him play in person yet..going to go to the clemson/usc game this weekend while I am home for spring break.

Looking forward to see Smoak play as well

by jsmall404 on Feb 28, 2008 12:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

red sox

i remember that report where they said they were going to make him the 26th overall pick, but he turned it down. i wonder what would have happened though when hansen slipped and was there? i bet they would have still went with hansen and that makes you wonder if they would have passed over buchholz or lowrie to take havens in the sandwich round.

by fewgoodcards on Feb 27, 2008 11:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Brent Warren

How will Warren's health affect his draft position? What are your thoughts on another Iowa prep, BJ Hermsen?

by reddeer on Feb 28, 2008 11:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Hermsen

I saw him on TV in the AFLAC game in San Diego. I absolutely loved him! He was my favorite pitcher from that game. Big country looking kid who just rared back and threw hard. Looked like a bigger version of Matt Cain.

My favorite position player from that game was Kyle Skipworth.

by DrBGiantsfan on Feb 28, 2008 12:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Nothing could be Finer...

than two hitters from Carolina.

Despite the Giants' propensity for drafting pitchers I would love to see them draft impact hitters in 2008. Every mock draft I have seen has them picking Smoak at #5. It would be great if they could also pick up Smoak's teammate James Darnell, a 3rd team BA pre-season All-American third baseman, at #37. Darnell is a local kid so I doubt they will have trouble signing him. I don't know much about Darnell except that he is said to have a good bat, good glove, and good head on his shoulders. I haven't seen any mock drafts go past the 1st round so I don't know if this is a realistic pick or not.

Anyone out there have any thoughts on Darnell, or other possible picks at #37?

by baseballjunkie on Feb 28, 2008 2:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

LHP Kyle Long

What about Kyle Long, high school lefty. Ive read hes 6'8" 280 with a fastball that sits between 94-96. What round does this guy project? I know he plays football too but I have read hes committed to Florida State on a baseball scholarship and has said he only wants to play baseball. What round will this guy go and why is he not being talked about for top 15 pick?

by FishHead on Feb 28, 2008 5:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Video

Does anyone know of a place that posts videos on players? (besides youtube)

by the way, go to youtube and take a look at eric hosmer...gorgeous swing, and looks like he will be one of the first HS players taken.

I am very interested in video on beckham, smoak, and alonso if anyone has suggestions

by jsmall404 on Feb 28, 2008 5:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

mine

Scheppers is probably my favorite prospect. It would of been great had the O's signed him

I also like

Tim Federowicz
Logan Forsythe
De La Osa
Scott Gorgen
David Adams
Preston Guilmet
Cody Satterwhite
Ike Davis

Member: Coalition For The Advancement Of Greek Baseball Players

by fischbowl on Feb 28, 2008 9:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Fedex

is interesting

by nms on Feb 28, 2008 10:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

my guys are

-HS-
Ethan Martin/3B/power-hitting 3B
Walker Kelly/LHP/undersized but has awesome stuff
Ray Hanson/RHP/reminds me Tim Alderson of Giants
Vance Woodruff/RHP/unorthodox delivery
Eric Hosmer/1B/polished HS hitter with power
Sonny Gray/RHP/Another Jarrod Parker?
Nick Maronde/LHP/smooth delivery,pitcher's body
Alex Meyer/RHP/Big RHP with great stuff
Garrison Lassiter/SS/lefty bat,unorthodox mechanic
-College-
Aaron Luna/2B/second baseman with some power
Johnny Giavotella/2B-OF/undersized but has power
Beamer Weems/SS/switch-hitting ss with some pop
Greg Miclat/SS/can take the ball, has good speed
Allen Dykstra/1B/Huge 1B with premium bat
Yonder Alonso/1B/has decent eye, power bat

by moffydream on Feb 28, 2008 11:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Luna

isn't really a 2b. Rice gave up on that and moved him back to LF this year.

Also I don't see the Gray/Parker comp beyond their size. Parker was a kid with a great, live fastball whereas Gray is a curveball artist

by nms on Feb 28, 2008 11:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Gray

I've read from a few places that Sonny Gray also throws a mid-90s FB (the latest being BA's HS all-america team list yesterday). While this isn't yet the 97-98 that Parker threw last year, he certainly is on his way.

by CW on Feb 29, 2008 8:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

2007 and 2008 Draft combo

Let's combine all the eligible draftees from 2007 and 2008 for perhaps the deepest draft pool in history. What would the mock draft look like using the picking order for 2008?

I still say Price goes #1 to the Rays. The Pirates would reverse their terrible drafting history by picking Alvarez at #2.

Royals... Wieters
Orioles.. Porcello. This is a tricky one...they don't seem to shy away from the Boras guys.
Giants... Tim Beckham. Besides pitchers, they seem to like middle infielder types.
Marlins.. Moustakas. To replace Cabrera
Reds..... Crow.... Better than 2007 arms?
White Sox Matusz.. See #7
Nationals Heyward.. Hindsight is wonderful
Astros.. Vitters.. Could also go with Smoak if still in win now mode.

Any thoughts?

by baseballjunkie on Feb 29, 2008 2:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs