Answering a Question

by John Sickels on Jun 1, 2025 6:58 PM EDT Comment 7 comments

A reader asked this in the radio thread, but I didn't get to it on the show, so I will answer it now.

"What do you see as a realistic payoff for unprotected first round picks?

In other words, can a team realistically draft and sign a prep player, or does the leverage given the player mean Drew Storen is the best case scenario?

I'm thinking of the Rangers' #15...some mocks have a college arm projected there, others have more higher-ceiling HS players. The HS kids just don't seem like a wise gamble...obviously this team got burned bad on the Purke pick."

I think you have to go conservative with an unprotected pick: it reduces the leverage of the team, and the agents certainly know this. I expect teams with picks like that will go with college players mostly, and wouldn't pick a high school guy unless they have a pre-arranged agreement or are absolutely certain they are signable. First round picks are not disposable, and I don't think we will see many gambles, especially for the Rangers with their possible financial limits this year.

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This got me thinking

In your opinion John, do you see the Dodgers, with Logan White, who loves young, projectable HS pitchers, taking a HS pitcher or a college player? If they do take a college player, do they go for a two way player(Blake Smith, Aaron Miller, etc) or just a pitcher?

Im quite interested in your opinion, and that of anyone else..

by lakersdodgersyankees4life on Jun 2, 2025 12:40 AM EDT reply actions

I am somewhat confused what exactly you are asking. Is this question in reference to the concerning financial situation that the Dodgers are believed to be in?

The selection at #28 looks like it will be a high school player considering the names I have seen the Dodgers associated with. Justin O’Connor, Mike Foltynewicz, Drew Vettleson, Tyrell Jenkins, Jesse Biddle and Cameron Bedrosian have been among the names I have heard associated with the Dodgers.

by IVIusashi on Jun 2, 2025 3:42 AM EDT up reply actions

basically

Does John or anyone else have an opinion on if the Dodgers will follow suit and go with the ‘safer’ college pitcher or follow Whites usual drafting style of HS pitchers in the 1st round? I guess you have to have the divorce in mind, but answer as if it won’t be the only factor on if they draft a guy

by lakersdodgersyankees4life on Jun 2, 2025 3:14 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

no idea

No idea. They will have to do their signability research certainly.

by John Sickels on Jun 2, 2025 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks John

Your response just got me thinking on whether they follow the league’s suit or their own.

Btw, sorry for the double comment… Not sure what happened

by lakersdodgersyankees4life on Jun 2, 2025 5:21 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

basically

by lakersdodgersyankees4life on Jun 2, 2025 5:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I'm assuming

They’ll stick to their usual methods. There are a number of good prospects that fit their preferences, and they’re not afraid to reach a little bit in order to get the guys that they like. Guessing that Aaron Sanchez, Tyrell Jenkins, Asher Woj are at the top of their list.

by mrkupe on Jun 3, 2025 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions