Community Positional Prospect #26 RUNOFF
by auclairkeithbc on Dec 6, 2025 8:43 PM EST
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PrintJosh Bell and Mike Olt will face off head to head to determine the 26th positional prospect.
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#01 - BRYCE HARPER - 59.2%
#02 - MIKE TROUT - 38.8% (In Poll #1)
#03 - JURICKSON PROFAR - 52.9%
#04 - MANNY MACHADO - 31.5% (55.1% In Runoff)
#05 - DEVIN MESORACO - 45.1%
#06 - WILL MYERS - 31.6% (51.4% In Runoff)
#07 - JESUS MONTERO - 61.3%
#08 - ANTHONY RENDON - 53.1%
#09 - TRAVIS D'ARNAUD - 46.6%
#10 - NOLAN ARENADO - 33.3%
#11 - MIGUEL SANO - 37.3%
#12 - YONDER ALONSO - 22.5% (45.3% In 3-Way Runoff)
#13 - FRANCISCO LINDOR - 26.1%
#14 - BUBBA STARLING - 33.8%
#15 - XANDER BOGAERTS - 25.0% (55.2% In 3-Way Runoff)
#16 - ANTHONY RIZZO - 27.8%
#17 - OSCAR TAVERAS - 40.3%
#18 - BRETT JACKSON - 20.3% (58.7% In Runoff)
#19 - YASMANI GRANDAL - 31.3%
#20 - JAKE MARISNICK - 27.3%
#21 - HAK-JU LEE - 28.0%
#22 - NICK FRANKLIN - 24.3%
#23 - CHESLOR CUTHBERT - 30.3%
#24 - CHRISTIAN YELICH - 27.1%
#25 - JONATHAN SINGLETON - 21.9% (53.8% In Runoff)
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care to elaborate?
j/k, you always seem to ask me that so i thought i would turn the tables.
by Los Gueros on Dec 6, 2025 9:07 PM EST up reply actions
I would assume
its due to Bell being a high-schooler
by Noah McKinnie Braun on Dec 7, 2025 12:50 AM EST up reply actions
I have in previous posts
But Bell is still a large unknown, and any ranking of him based on his power potential alone (no other real strong tool). Olt has proven himself in pro ball as someone who can hit for power, has good on base skills, and above average defense higher on the defensive spectrum than Bell projects to play (corner outfield).
by cookiedabookie on Dec 7, 2025 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
Yup, i’m surprised it’s Bell and not Gose competing here.
by The_Bunk on Dec 6, 2025 9:24 PM EST up reply actions
+1
"We did a lot of good things last year, and now we've got Julio ... That does nothing but improve the offense, and we expect to do better. That's our goal, to lead the NFL in everything. Every offensive category." -Roddy White
by Beachy Keen on Dec 6, 2025 8:59 PM EST up reply actions
+1
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+1
For in depth fantasy analysis be sure to visit the Hawk Fantasy Sports site @ www.HawkBall.com
by PHGold09 on Dec 6, 2025 9:08 PM EST up reply actions
+1
Just don't piss her off, otherwise she'll get all Dien Bien Phu up in your Boxer Rebellion - caknuck
btho Iowa State
by MonkeyEpoxy on Dec 6, 2025 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
+1
"When the going gets tough, the tough get going."
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+1
Da'Sean Butler - A Mountaineer Legend
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+1
Twitter
Mr. Hall, you WILL beat it!
by dbacks25 on Dec 6, 2025 11:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
+1
JD’s like, "you want some f*&#ing pitching? Here’s all the pitching you can stand. Now choke on it, b*#&hes;!"- RCCook
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by laxtonto on Dec 7, 2025 12:02 AM EST up reply actions
+1
http://bullpenbanter.com
RIP Randy "Macho Man" Savage
by gatling on Dec 7, 2025 12:51 AM EST up reply actions
Oops... Mike Olt officially +1
My 1st vote went above the 10th vote tally - it’s 6:57 AM
by Jersey Transplant on Dec 7, 2025 7:57 AM EST up reply actions
+1
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
by Ogre39666 on Dec 7, 2025 4:23 PM EST up reply actions
Just saw it's closed
my bad.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
by Ogre39666 on Dec 7, 2025 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
I don't understand
Why Bell is getting more love than Springer? I realize Bell has a higher offensive ceiling, but it isn’t like he’s all that much more likely to reach it. And Springer supposedly (i.e. by every.thing.i.read) is a potential gold glove caliber defender. Springer was better before the draft, and still is in my opinion. I like Gose better than Bell as well, but I’m not loving Gose’s offense. This is hardly relevant to this discussion, but still. I find it very curious.
by auclairkeithbc on Dec 6, 2025 9:53 PM EST up reply actions
Firstly, there were plenty of lists that had Bell above Springer. John’s, for example, had Bell below just Rendon and Starling among position players.
Secondly, Springer’s skill set would be a fair bit more compelling if he were a high-schooler. Questions about his swing being long and with a fair bit of swing-and-miss, and projections about him adding strength and power would fit better for with a prep bat, rather than a college bat. Also, his not-great foot speed leads me to question whether he will be able to stick in centre field, much less be a gold-glove caliber centre fielder.
by gabrielsyme on Dec 6, 2025 10:45 PM EST up reply actions
"Also, his not-great foot speed "
Springer has above-average speed not average to below-average. I remember them talking about him as a potential 30/30 guy his sophomore year. You don’t do that with poor speed.
From Baseball America “With his plus speed and arm strength…”
The Stirring Straw | @NickPugs97
by Pelferized on Dec 7, 2025 12:38 AM EST up reply actions
I could have been clearer, but I gather he runs a 6.8 60-yard dash. That’s good but not great in my books, and leads me to question why Springer is considered a lock to stay in CF and Marisnick and Yelich are likely to have to move to the corners.
by gabrielsyme on Dec 7, 2025 2:46 AM EST up reply actions
Well
I’ve read a 6.6 too, which is pretty different. Either way, you don’t have to be Billy Hamilton to be a gold glove CF.
by auclairkeithbc on Dec 7, 2025 9:39 AM EST up reply actions
Any source for that? I took a look around, saw 6.8 a couple times, nothing lower.
by gabrielsyme on Dec 7, 2025 1:36 PM EST up reply actions
http://baseballinstinct.com/2011/08/25/prospect-instinct-george-springer-of-houston-astros/
by auclairkeithbc on Dec 7, 2025 3:51 PM EST up reply actions
In the interest of facts
Christian Yelich isn’t really a CF now. He played less than 1/4 of his games there in the SAL in 2011 & nearly 70 percent of the time he was stationed in LF. Sure, he was part of an extremely gifted defensive grouping in Greensboro, but I’d think that if nurturing Yelich in CF was a priority for the Marlins, then he would have been afforded more time in center.
by Matt0330 on Dec 7, 2025 9:48 AM EST up reply actions
Hadn't heard that
Good to know, and I appreciate it. I think my point still stands wrt Marisnick.
by gabrielsyme on Dec 7, 2025 1:36 PM EST up reply actions
The point here is ...
… folks have a reason for voting bell over Springer, and over Olt as well We could be asking you why all the love for a 23 year old in high-A with a worrisome k-rate.
by Traindogger on Dec 7, 2025 7:12 AM EST up reply actions
Exactly
Bell is a switch hitter (since he was 5) and has power. Maybe people value that more than a CF. Especially in the post steroid era and with the changing bats etc..
by Cainyoudigit on Dec 7, 2025 9:00 AM EST up reply actions
Switch Hitter
Better than gold glove CF defense?
by auclairkeithbc on Dec 7, 2025 9:44 AM EST up reply actions
Its whatever you prefer. Plus neither of them are in the majors. Bell is not hitting homeruns from both sides and Springer is not playing gold glove caliber defense in CF. So it is simply a matter of opinion. Personally I think there are enough CFers who could play high caliber defense in the majors and not as many slugging outfielders who can hit from both sides of the plate. That is my reasoning.
by Cainyoudigit on Dec 7, 2025 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah but...
It isn’t like Springer is expected to be a defense only guy, like Bell might be an offense only guy. If we were comparing defense only to offense only, you might have a point. But we are debating 5 tool talent vs 1 tool talent. You prefer a 1 tool power hitter to a 5 tool player. That is fine I guess, especially for Pirates fans. But it isn’t a simple offense vs defensive debate. There is a VERY good chance that Springer ends up being the better offensive player as well.
by auclairkeithbc on Dec 7, 2025 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
You lose credibility ...
… when you say Springer is a 5-tool talent as though it is without question and claim Bell is only a 1-tool guy.
by Traindogger on Dec 7, 2025 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
Where does GG CF Defense become such a sure thing?
I have seen as many reports that project him in a corner …
by Traindogger on Dec 7, 2025 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
You asked for one ...
ESPN Insider:
http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/draft/player/_/id/19037/george-springer
relevant excerpt:
George Springer
If a hitting coach can clean him up, he has the potential to hit in the middle of a major-league lineup with plus defense in right field, but that’s a substantial and very open question.
by Traindogger on Dec 7, 2025 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
That is only talking about offense
Saying he could have the bat for RF with plus defense. But if he would be plus defense in RF, he would at least be average defensively in CF.
by cookiedabookie on Dec 7, 2025 11:52 AM EST up reply actions
Eh
I’d agree with Train that this is a RF projection for Springer. It is a rare exception. Where I’ve read more that 5 that say Gold Glove or plus defender in CF.
by auclairkeithbc on Dec 7, 2025 11:53 AM EST up reply actions
Law
Is VERY down on Springer in general though compared to everything else I’ve read. He probably has Springer outside his top 50 overall, maybe outside his top 75.
by auclairkeithbc on Dec 7, 2025 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
Also
He’s got an above average arm which makes some people think RF, just for that plus quality.
by auclairkeithbc on Dec 7, 2025 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
question:
higher floor springer or bell?
by DeathSpeculum on Dec 7, 2025 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
Springer has the higher floor for sure
And the higher ceiling. But you could argue somehow that Bell has the best chance of reaching some type of middle ground status, or maybe that Bell has a better chance of reaching his ceiling, as less needs to go right for him. But I just see it as a bit of a stretch I guess.
by auclairkeithbc on Dec 7, 2025 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
that’s actually really similar to how i feel. bell with a 40 hr ceiling and springer with a 30/30 ceiling. But to me springer is that classic boom or bust prospect. he’s either a AAAA type or matt kemp lite - little to no in between there. and though i guess springer’s floor has to be considered a little higher, it’s only because he’s in college and bell high school. but with bell’s switch hitting skills and natural talent, i think he’s a lot more likely to hit his ceiling and certainly some middle ground.
which is why i like him over springer. i can’t see bell busting completely and i could springer. plus 40 hr’s is increasingly more difficult to find and 40 hr’s is just sexy.
by DeathSpeculum on Dec 7, 2025 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah this seems to be the only argument for Bell
A “sexiness” argument.
by auclairkeithbc on Dec 7, 2025 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
Bullshit.
Look, you can only say so many times that you don’t understand how anyone could disagree with you rationally before someone calls you on it. There have been plenty of reasons given, feel free to evaluate differently, but don’t be so bloody disrespectful.
by gabrielsyme on Dec 7, 2025 4:07 PM EST up reply actions
Huh
I’m not being disrespectful. I’m saying people love the idea of 40 HR potential.
by auclairkeithbc on Dec 7, 2025 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
Sorry for the overreaction, but you did say a “sexiness” argument was the only argument for Bell. I and others have offered other, more substantial arguments, and it doesn’t do our disagreement justice to suppose they don’t exist.
by gabrielsyme on Dec 7, 2025 4:22 PM EST up reply actions
What argument did you make?
Are you referring to a different thread? Or just anti-Springer, anti-Olt type arguments to support a vote for Bell? I’m being sincere here.
by auclairkeithbc on Dec 7, 2025 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
I raised questions about:
1. Springer’s swing mechanics.
2. The projectability of Springer’s tools given his age/college status.
3. Springer’s speed (with differing reports, there’s uncertainty there) and ability to remain in CF.
By the way, “anti-Springer” arguments are de facto arguments for Bell in this context.
by gabrielsyme on Dec 7, 2025 4:38 PM EST up reply actions
I disagree with that.
Completely. They can both be outside your top 50. There might be good ant-Springer arguments, but there are plenty of pro-Springer arguments as well. The only argument I’ve seen for Bell is he might hit 40 HR if he hits his ceiling.
by auclairkeithbc on Dec 7, 2025 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
that’s huge though. you’re totally undervaluing the rarity that is a legit 40 hr prospect. still maintain there are only 3-4 of them out there.
by DeathSpeculum on Dec 7, 2025 4:58 PM EST up reply actions
I’m sorry, but if you hold one option constant, and the something else moves lower, one will be more likely to prefer the first option.
As for positive arguments for Bell, I did point out that he was ranked higher than Springer on a number of pre-draft boards. I could also point out that there aren’t major concerns about his swing, unlike Springer, and that he projects to be a better overall hitter than Springer. Others have made the point that being a power-hitting switch hitter is a fairly unusual attribute that should help Bell.
I could also point out that Springer’s college stats, while good, aren’t overwhelming, and perhaps more worringly, don’t show much progression from his freshman to his junior year.
by gabrielsyme on Dec 7, 2025 5:01 PM EST up reply actions
his K rate dropped
that is a very very good sign.
by auclairkeithbc on Dec 7, 2025 5:45 PM EST up reply actions
See I think Bell has a higher bust potential than Springer
I think Springer can make it as a 4th outfielder even if he doesn’t pan out…not sure Bell has the defense to do the same if he doesn’t pan out.
by cookiedabookie on Dec 7, 2025 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
Well
Like I said, the Springer/Bell thing doesn’t really play into the Olt/Bell thing, so it might be a bad-ish time to bring it up. I just found it surprising to see more than a handful of people preferring Bell to Springer (or thinking they were neck and neck). Bell is a B prospect to me. Springer is a better than average B+.
by auclairkeithbc on Dec 7, 2025 9:43 AM EST up reply actions
Look at it this way ...
Do you really see any GM trading Bell for Olt now that both are signed? I sure don’t.
by Traindogger on Dec 7, 2025 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
assuming a world with no trade restrictions on recent draft picks
i could see a lot of GM’s trading Bell for Olt
by blue bulldog on Dec 7, 2025 11:24 AM EST up reply actions
Yes, I assumed that obviously ...
… but really? Bell is four years younger. Here is what KLaw said about Oakland in his final mock:
- Oakland Athletics George Springer, OF, UConn
They’d like Josh Bell but probably won’t take him with his high price tag.
by Traindogger on Dec 7, 2025 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
cookied
makes the risk analysis point well enough at the bottom
the only thing i would add, is that i think people are overplaying Bell’s tools. if he really had tools that great (and i know i’m repeating this point from earlier), BA would have had him higher on the Top 200 board, than some of their college arms (guys like Jungmann and Bradley).
by blue bulldog on Dec 7, 2025 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
I could as well
It is all about risk vs. payoff. Olt is like buying a $1 lotto ticket with a 10% chance to win $10, Bell is a $1 lotto ticket with a 1% chance to win $100. Although the theoretic of the math here is probably off, I think the point is clear.
by cookiedabookie on Dec 7, 2025 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
So Olt has significantly lower risk?
How do we know this? Based on some 240 +/- AB’s at Hi-A where he had a troublesome k%?
by Traindogger on Dec 7, 2025 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
Absolutely
He has a professional track record, and he brings more to the table to than Bell. He plays higher on the defensive spectrum, and does it well - this is value that Bell can’t match. So you are betting that Bell will hit enough to overcome the positional and defensive value difference OIt has, without Bell actually ever swinging a wood bat in pro ball, and with the contact concerns Bell had pre-draft. Bell really has one tool, and it is awesome, but he needs to prove he can expand off that one tool, or be leaps and bounds above everyone else when it comes to that tool.
by cookiedabookie on Dec 7, 2025 12:29 PM EST up reply actions
Olt has fantastic plate discipline
I did some studies on what translates the best to MLB WAR, BB% and BB/K were tied for #1
by Bososx13 on Dec 7, 2025 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
I made this point above (after my vote)
Would be interested to see a fanpost from you on your study.
by cookiedabookie on Dec 7, 2025 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
I'm trying to find the data
Nothing was that reliable, but BB%, and BB/K were the most reliable, then plain wRC+. I did this before Bradley Woodrum’s SHh came out so I would like to see that, I don’t really have the time to do it again though.
by Bososx13 on Dec 7, 2025 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
Can we call it?
Olt is running away with it.
by gabrielsyme on Dec 7, 2025 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
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