MOD Astros #3

by byronlhsdrmr on Jun 4, 2009 3:11 PM EDT

This will be the final MOD for the Astros, in preparation for Saturday's mock.

First, pick 21, I have narrowed Bobby Heck's board to three players. One of which should be available. They are Rex Brothers LHP Lipscomb, Chad James LHP HS Oklahoma and Everett Williams OF HS Texas. Please vote on the pollin case two or more of these three are available. James and Brothers we have discussed before and determined as top choices, Williams is new to the list, but his upside certainly warrants the pick. He is one of the best athletes in the draft and has the best speed/power combo in the draft among the HS ranks. Other options, if all three are taken are: Tyler Skaggs, Matt Hobgood, Mike Trout, Jared Mitchell, Eric Arnett and James Paxton.

For picks 69, 100 and 111, I am looking to go with athletes and high upside arms. Much in the mold of Bobby Heck's 2008 draft, when he picked Lyles, Jay Austin and Ross Seaton. I will still look for a shortstop, but will not sacrifice better value for one. I would appreciate suggestions for players that fit the above mold and your thoughts on the players I've mentioned, either in this post or in the past.

Poll

If available who would you draft at 21?

Rex Brothers LHP Lipscomb

8 votes

Chad James LHP HS Oklahoma

9 votes

Everett Williams OF HS Texas

2 votes

19 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

You should probably put "Astros" in the title of your post to clarify

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Jun 4, 2009 3:13 PM EDT reply actions

I honestly think...

that Drew Storen should be the pick as he could help the Astros right now and would be the front-runner to replace Valverde if he’s traded this year or when he walks away in free agency. Storen is the top relief prospect in the upcoming draft and he served as Stanford’s closer this year with great results. He’ll be gone if they wait.

by Havok1517 on Jun 4, 2009 5:30 PM EDT reply actions

If I drafted Storen...

I would turn him into a starter because of his solid three pitch mix and there are better starters in the draft. Namely, Rex Brothers and Chad James.

by byronlhsdrmr on Jun 4, 2009 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions

best player available

From Bobby Heck:

“We need to add depth. We’re not in position to address needs yet. We need to stack up another class like we did last year.”

I don’t really like drafting relievers early, but we’re definitely not at a place where we need to use a 1st-round pick on a reliever, regardless of the situation at the MLB level. If you’re going to make a pick like that, you have to ask yourself this question: Is he ready right now to pitch at the MLB level?

If you’re going to pick him to take over as closer next year, he needs to at least get his feet wet by September. That means no time for development. His command has kept him from being a starter in college. Is his stuff that good that he can get away with it at the MLB level right now? I’d say no. That’s not saying his stuff isn’t good, but bad command will make it play down. Improving his command would make it play up, but we don’t have time to wait for that. We’d basically be drafting him because we felt the product we get right now is good enough to close at the MLB level. That’s too big of a risk for a guy who wouldn’t be the top reliever in a lot of drafts.

by astrosfan76 on Jun 5, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions

James

Though, I actually like the backups more than the three above. I’m not that big on Williams. He’s more speed than power, but doesn’t have elite speed. In MiLB’s draft report, they compare him to Bourn, with less speed and a little more pop, but with contact issues. He actually reminds me more of Jay Austin, in that regard. I’m not putting any kind of label on Austin, but I don’t think that’s the kind of player you stockpile.

by astrosfan76 on Jun 5, 2009 10:02 AM EDT reply actions

+1

I saw that report on Williams and I agree that that player we should not draft in the first round. However, elsewhere I have been made to believe that Williams is the best speed power combination among the HS ranks (I don’t know if he’s better than Trout, but that’s what I’ve read) and due to his geography I think he is more likely to be taken by the Astros than Trout.

by byronlhsdrmr on Jun 6, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions