#1 Strasburg... then who?

by Dewey Finn on Dec 28, 2025 4:48 PM EST

It's a no-brainer that Strasburg will be selected #1 overall in next June's Draft. His filthy stuff and exceptional performance warrants his placement atop the 2009 draft class. However, after Strasburg, it gets very interesting in my opinion. Is there a consensus #2 or #3 guy? Likely Top 5? Where does last year's holdout Aaron Crow fit in?

I know its early, but I've decided to rank the Top 10 players for next June's Draft.

1. Stephen Strasburg (Nationals)

2. Aaron Crow (Mariners)

3. Grant Green (Padres)

4. Donovan Tate (Pirates)

5. Dustin Ackley (Orioles)

6. Tyler Matzek (Giants)

7. Mathew Purke (Braves)

8. Alex White (Reds)

9. Kyle Gibson (Tigers)

10. Mychel Givens (Nationals)

I would like to hear your thoughts on the 2009 Draft.

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Comments

Strasburg

Is it definite he gets picked #1? I know he’s the consensus best player, but I would say there’s always a chance his demands are too high and he falls a couple of spots.

by supermets on Dec 28, 2025 4:52 PM EST reply reply 0 recs

Well

That’s a good point. It is possible that the Nationals might not want to match Strasburg’s asking price. However, I also think it would be a mistake for the Nats not to take this extremely talented pitcher who seems to be the best talented arm out of the college ranks in awhile (since Prior).

Now raise your goblet of rock. It's a toast to those who rock!

by Dewey Finn on Dec 28, 2025 4:57 PM EST up reply reply 0 recs

Nats spending

I think the Nats are in a good place to pick strasburg and meet the price to get him. They showed a willingness to spend this offseason reportedly offering even more money than the yanks. Ultimately their reputation was their undoing. So they will have to continue to build internally just like Tampa Bay. So I believe the stars align and the Nats take Strasburg.

by PhillyPhanatic on Dec 28, 2025 8:41 PM EST up reply reply 0 recs

What about the second pick?

Does the fact that the Nats have another pick at the 10 spot affect their strategy? Will they go all out to sign the best player at #1 or do they save money for their other first roung pick?

by DiegoAsFan on Dec 29, 2025 1:14 AM EST up reply reply 0 recs

Crow...

if they are so willing to spend, why didn’t they sign their 1st rounder last season?

"My mom always taught me it's better to laugh at yourself than to laugh at others. She was so wrong. ;)" -Pedrophile

by Boxkutter on Dec 29, 2025 1:39 AM EST up reply reply 0 recs

RE:

As far as the Nats strategy regarding the 1st and 10th pick. I don’t know, i honestly didn’t consider that. That could very much effect the Nats decisions. As far as the Nats not spending on Crow possibly they didn’t feel like committing the amount of money he was asking for to a player they didn’t feel deserved it. Strausburg is the top prospect available in this draft and his stock will be much higher than Crow’s was. The Nationals spending philosophy could have also changed leading to the desire to spend this offseason. I just feel the Nats would spend to get a potential ace like Strausburg. But now considering they have 1 and 10 they might go in a completely different direction.

by PhillyPhanatic on Dec 29, 2025 3:01 AM EST up reply reply 0 recs

Please, God...

Let him fall to #15. I don’t ask for much, and as I Ranger fan, I certainly don’t get much. You owe me this!

I propose a 5-year moratorium on trading any young Ranger pitchers who throw over 90 mph.

by Ajax68 on Dec 28, 2025 5:19 PM EST up reply reply 0 recs

Smoak

already fell to you last year. Rangers have gotten enough.

by supermets on Dec 28, 2025 5:26 PM EST up reply reply 0 recs

You already got Smoak damnit

You got your fill of luck for the next 10 years.

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Dec 28, 2025 5:26 PM EST up reply reply 0 recs

Smoak doesn't pitch

When we finally get just one (that’s all I’m asking for…one) front line pitcher, then it’s enough.

I propose a 5-year moratorium on trading any young Ranger pitchers who throw over 90 mph.

by Ajax68 on Dec 28, 2025 11:22 PM EST up reply reply 0 recs

Holland and Feliz

aren’t good enough for you?

by supermets on Dec 28, 2025 11:54 PM EST up reply reply 0 recs

lmaoo..

The Rangers have the best system…

by schmosterballs92 on Dec 29, 2025 12:51 AM EST up reply reply 0 recs

I am suprised that no one has mentioned the concerns about Strasburg pitching mechanics

They are defiantly not the cleanest and will be by draft time a definite point of concern

by laxtonto on Dec 28, 2025 7:09 PM EST up reply reply 0 recs

I don't think Crow goes that high

but other than that list looks good.

by Bud Light on Dec 28, 2025 5:33 PM EST reply reply 0 recs

Thoughts

I would move Gibson up a few spots. Also, what does the community think about Austin Maddox?

"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
-Jonathan Swift

by King Billy Royal on Dec 28, 2025 6:09 PM EST reply reply 0 recs

Alex White

With another strong season he’ll likely cement himself as the #2 prospect available. I could see Green being the #2 guy, but White to me is #2 right now. Crow likely falls to the 4-5 range IMO.

by guru4u on Dec 28, 2025 6:14 PM EST reply reply 0 recs

Last seasons CWS

White was amazing in the CWS last season. His “stuff” was outstanding.

by nyy601 on Dec 28, 2025 7:52 PM EST up reply reply 0 recs

Agreed

Green or White w decent seasons go 2-3 depending on Mariners tastes. Although I think they grab White. Green falling to SD is there ideal scenario except Strasburg falling.

by Bud Light on Dec 28, 2025 6:22 PM EST reply reply 0 recs

im working on my top 50+ (draft eligible) college players list

I should have it finished sometime in January. It will be on several different websites.
but here are a few that should be top 10

Strasberg is without a doubt the top talent (that doesnt mean he FOR SURE goes #1)
Grant Green-SS/USC
Dustin Ackley-CF/UNC
Alex White-RHP/UNC
Aaron Crow
Kyle Gibson-RHP/Mizzou
Andy Oliver-LHP/Okie St.
Robbie Shileds-SS/Fla. Southern
Kendall Volz-RHP/Baylor
Josh Phegley-C/Indiana
Ben Tootle-RHP/Jax St. (closer)
Jason Stoffel-RHP/Arizona (closer)

Mix in some strong HSers
Matt Purke-LHP
Mychal Givens-SS
Donovan Tate-OF
Tyler Matzek-LHP

and possibly Tanner Scheppers depending on how he recovers in his independent league

by bkmhoxx on Dec 28, 2025 6:36 PM EST reply reply 0 recs

How is Gibson?

Do you know anything about him? Is he starter material, or is he going to end up in the bullpen?

by demondeaconsbaseball on Dec 28, 2025 7:40 PM EST up reply reply 0 recs

I'm a lazy bastard

http://www.saberscouting.com/2008/03/25/kylegibsonreport/

Found that on Saber Scouting… he looks interesting, but the complete absence of a changeup is a real concern. He sounds a bit like Jeremy Bonderman.

by demondeaconsbaseball on Dec 28, 2025 7:44 PM EST up reply reply 0 recs

Velo

Currently sits in the high 80s-low 90s, however, some believe he can had a few more mph as his body fills out.

Now raise your goblet of rock. It's a toast to those who rock!

by Dewey Finn on Dec 28, 2025 7:47 PM EST up reply reply 0 recs

oops, typo!

~~had~~ should be add

Now raise your goblet of rock. It's a toast to those who rock!

by Dewey Finn on Dec 28, 2025 7:48 PM EST up reply reply 0 recs

Gibson is nice

I got to scout Gibson and Crow last year.
I personally liked Gibson more than Crow (although i dont think he is quite as good)
Gibson throws in the 91-93range with good movement. Gibson has an amazing slider and a change in the 70’s. Gibson also has a very good pitchers body and is very projectable.

by bkmhoxx on Dec 28, 2025 8:01 PM EST up reply reply 0 recs

Donovan Tate

Tate has agreed to play football with Butch Davis at UNC. He could change his mind, but I doubt he does.

by Robinson Checo on Dec 28, 2025 6:43 PM EST reply reply 0 recs

Crow vs White

Would it be a $ issue for why Crow would be selected behind White?

As far as I know, Alex White is a fastball/slider guy. Crow’s FB/SL combo is better.

Now raise your goblet of rock. It's a toast to those who rock!

by Dewey Finn on Dec 28, 2025 7:26 PM EST reply reply 0 recs

where's P-Kendall Volz?

I would rate him awfully close to Crow….

by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Dec 28, 2025 7:42 PM EST reply reply 0 recs

also Fields

Yeah i would probably rank Crow just a tad bit ahead of White since he is a year older and ready for the show. BUT it will depend on what White shows this year too.
White thorws in the 94-97 range with a sinking FB and a killer slider. White is working on and develeoping his changeup. White also is a great athlete with an amazing arm.
Crow has all of those things, minus a little bit of athleticism, with an odd arm delivery that some think may lead to future injury. I could actually see White sneaking up to the #2 pick behind Strasburg by years end.

and lest we forget Josh Fields.
He is top 20 caliber since he could get outs in MLB right now.

by bkmhoxx on Dec 28, 2025 7:51 PM EST reply reply 0 recs

Fields

Seattle can still sign him. I’m not convinced that he’s not their best option for saves right now (absent any FA signings). If the Mariners do sign him in time (up to a month or so before the draft IIRC), he might get some action in the bigs in the second half of 09. I agree - he could get outs in MLB right now.

by guru4u on Dec 28, 2025 11:27 PM EST up reply reply 0 recs

Braves

I don’t think they let white pass if he’s there even though they are notorious for drafting high school guys.

I’m really, really hoping that Grant Green drops to the Braves though.

by Jay212033 on Dec 28, 2025 7:58 PM EST reply reply 0 recs

I'm convinced that

Tyler Matzek will go top 5.. He’s a big lefty with plus stuff, good command, and he knows how to pitch. I think he’s going to bust out in the spring and separate himself from the rest of the HS pitchers. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go to the mariners or pirates.

by spoondoggie on Dec 28, 2025 9:37 PM EST reply reply 0 recs

I hope that Alex Wite or Grant Green falls to the Orioles!

If not, then I would be happy with Donovan Tate or Tyler Matzek.

by Orioles77 on Dec 28, 2025 9:46 PM EST reply reply 0 recs

+1

Grant Green would fill that SS hole nicely

by Birdfan01 on Dec 28, 2025 10:35 PM EST up reply reply 0 recs

Anyone have a link to any list of the top college prospects?

It’d be greatly appreciated.

Never, Never, NEVER give up

by hero66 on Dec 28, 2025 10:48 PM EST reply reply 0 recs

CBB

this site isnt necessarily for prospecting but its still very helpful for such

http://thecollegebaseballblog.com/2009-season-coverage/top-50-players/

by bkmhoxx on Dec 28, 2025 11:16 PM EST up reply reply 0 recs

Mariners

new GM is big on college guys, so I think they’ll take the best hitter on the board in Green. If Ackley has a big spring I think he could leap frog Green.

by MightyMoose on Dec 28, 2025 11:07 PM EST reply reply 0 recs

Hoping...

that since Washington wasn’t able to sign Crow this past year, they will pick a player with slightly less demands and Seattle can take Strasburg #2… similar to what happened when Prior came out but Minnesota took Mauer #1 due to signability concerns.

If that can happen, and the Seahawks get a good player in April, it may partially make up for the worst season in Seattle Sports History.

"My mom always taught me it's better to laugh at yourself than to laugh at others. She was so wrong. ;)" -Pedrophile

by Boxkutter on Dec 29, 2025 1:38 AM EST up reply reply 0 recs

That's pretty weird to read

I understand the primary point you’re making is to have the top rated guy fall to your team, but given the concerns about Strasburg’s mechanics it’s fairly foreboding for you to want him to fall to your team so that you could get the “Mark Prior” player instead of the “Joe Mauer” player.

by jibs on Dec 29, 2025 9:23 AM EST up reply reply 0 recs