MOD: Angels #2

Hello again, today I'm going to further flesh out my expectations for those magical first two picks of ours, #24 and #25.

I am still looking for a prep pitcher to fall to the slot, but I think we're getting a better idea of possible names.  I know a lot of people are high on Tyler Skaggs, but I think there might be better pitchers available at this point.

My top three "These guys won't make it past us" picks are:

1. Chad James, LHP
2. Rex Brothers, LHP
3. James Paxton, LHP

I love James' potential for two plus pitches with his FB and curve, and I have confidence in his control, as well.  As far as potential 4-pitch starters go in this draft, the fact that none of James' pitches appear to be significantly weak is a huge asset.

Brothers is obviously a riskier pick, since he really only has one developed pitch after his fastball (his already plus slider).  The lack of another pitch scares me, as do the numerous people saying he could wind up as a reliever.  Still, with all of the Angels' picks, I can see them taking a gamble on a guy with a ceiling as high as Brothers'.

Paxton is interesting.  If he's still on the board here, it's obviously because of signability concerns.  He has Boras as an agent, and that's scaring a lot of teams off.  But he's a really advanced pitcher already, and has as much pure stuff as any non-Strasburg pitcher in the draft.

My top three "These guys should be available, and I don't hate them" picks are:

1. Jared Mitchell, OF
2. Wil Myers, C/3B
3. Rich Poythress, 1B

I think the Angels have made mistakes in recent years by signing so many high-cost, aging outfielders, and they're realizing that now.  With Mitchell, my new regime would take a step to correct that by taking a toolsy outfielder that has a higher ceiling than current toolsy outfield prospect Peter Bourjos.  Mitchell will probably fit right around this spot anyway...  His stock has fallen quite a bit, and I'd be happy to get him here.

Myers would be a perfect fit here.  I love him as a catcher, but if he can't stick there, we could use a 3B prospect all the same.  He's a little raw, but I have faith in his bat, and he has a cannon for an arm.

It might not make absolute perfect sense, but I think Poythress could be a nice fit on the Angels.  I like his bat more than Trumbo's, and he's already an advanced hitter.  I could see us taking Poythress, and looking at Trumbo as more of a DH down the road.

So, there you have it.  6 names for 2 spots.  Let's discuss what else could be available, what you think of my analysis of our system, and whether you agree or disagree that these players should be taken by the Angels.  Any and all opinions are welcome!