Community Mock Draft Commentary: AL West
LOS ANGELES ANGELS
1) Stetson Allie, RHP, St. Edward HS, Olmstead Falls, Ohio
1) Peter Tago, RHP, Dana Hills HS, Laguna Niguel, California
1) Brett Eibner, OF, University of Arkansas
1S) Aaron Sanchez, RHP, Barstow HS, California
1S) Ryan Stanek, RHP, Blue Valley HS, Overland Park, KS
2) Angelo Gumbs, OF, Torrance HS, California
3) Tyler Holt, OF, Florida State University
3S) Tony Thompson, 3B, University of Kansas
COMMENTARY: Multiple picks makes this a potentially huge draft. This class would provide a drool-worthy influx of high-upside pitching to the system. It would also be quite expensive, and of course high school pitching carries risks. Eibner is a potential bargain in the bottom of the first round, and with all the other arms it makes sense to let him play the outfield and see if his bat will work at higher levels. Tools outfielder Gumbs is a personal favorite. Holt and Thompson provide some college leavening to the class. Overall, I think this looks terrific, although it would also be a stress on the budget. It will be interesting to see if the Angels are this aggressive in real life.
OAKLAND ATHLETICS
1) Karsten Whitson, RHP, Chipley HS, Florida
2) Mel Rojas Jr, OF, Wabash Valley CC, Illinois
3) Christian Yelich, 1B, Westlake HS, Thousand Oaks, CA
COMMENTARY: Oakland hasn't looked much at high school pitching at the top of the draft lately, but I could see them being interested in Whitson, who is more polished than most. Rojas is a tools hound and rather raw, but they do take some upside tools risks at times. Yelich has one of the best high school bats available but might be a tough sign away from Miami in the third round. They did buy Max Stassi last year. I could see Oakland being interested in all of these guys under the right conditions.
SEATTLE MARINERS
1S) Jesse Hahn, RHP, Virginia Tech
2) Austin Wates, OF, Virginia Tech
3) Jordan Swagerty, RHP, Arizona State
COMMENTARY: Hahn would be a bargain in the supplemental round if he's healthy, so I like the pick from an upside perspective. Wates has some defensive questions but has an intriguing bat that could move quickly. Swagerty is a reliever who should also rocket through the system. The Mariners were college-heavy after the supplemental round last year, so from a historical point of view this draft looks logical.
TEXAS RANGERS
1) Michael Choice, OF, University of Texas-Arlington
1) Asher Wojchiechowski, RHP, The Citadel
1S) Jarrett Parker, OF, University of Virginia
1S) Chance Ruffin, RHP, University of Texas
2) Micah Gibbs, C, Louisiana State
3) Daniel Gibson, LHP, Tampa Jesuit HS, Tampa
COMMENTARY: This is college heavy but not low on upside. Choice is a fine pick with the unprotected first round slot, a local guy with big offensive potential. Woj has a lively arm and seems to fit what the Rangers look for in pitchers, with arm strength and athleticism. Parker is toolsy but not everyone thinks he'll hit. Ruffin is another local who doesn't have massive upside could move through the system quickly, likewise LSU defensive specialist Gibbs. Gibson is a projectable lefty with signability doubts, but I like him. All told, I think this is a logical use of multiple picks, mixing guys with upside and polish.
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