2011 Baseball Draft Discussion: Intuitive Calls

by John Sickels on Jun 1, 2025 1:00 PM EDT

I stole this idea from MLBBonusBaby, but it is such a good discussion topic that I can't resist.

The idea here is to answer six questions about the upcoming draft, based on your "gut feeling" or intuition. You don't (necessarily) have to have logic or analysis behind this, though you can if you want, but I'm thinking more of intuition here. Here are the questions, and I will post my own answers below..

1-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a good gut feeling about ?

2-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a good gut feeling about?

3-Who do you think will be the biggest steal of the draft?

And of course there is the corollary

4-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a bad gut feeling about?

5-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a bad gut feeling about?

6-Who will be the biggest reach in the draft

1-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a good gut feeling about ?
Brandon Nimmo. I know he's going to be expensive, but I've had a good feeling about him since I first read about him. I like the tools, I like the unusual background, and he controls the strike zone. I also have unusually strong positive gut feelings about Trevor Bauer, Josh Bell, Andrew Susac, Mikie Mahtook, Trevor Story, Jorge Lopez (very much so), Joe Panik, Aaron Westlake, Connor Barron, and Jason Hager (maybe an early second day guy).

2-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a good gut feeling about?
Some second-day players who strike me as good intuitive picks are Canadian high school right-hander Tom Robson, Georgia Tech right-hander Mark Pope, Baylor right-hander Logan Verret, Florida high school catcher Tyler Marlette, Cal State Fullerton right-hander Noe Ramirez, Notre Dame right-hander Brian Dupra, Oklahoma third baseman Garrett Buechele, Arkansas catcher James McCann, and Central Arizona outfielder Keenan Walker. Also right-hander Quintavious Drains of Jackson State University has the coolest name ever and that has to count for something.

3-Who do you think will be the biggest steal of the draft?
Lopez among possible first-day picks, Pope or Buechele among second day picks.

4-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a bad gut feeling about?
I don't like Cory Spangenberg, Adam Conley, or Anthony Meo as much as some people do, not really for reasons I can pin down.

5-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a bad gut feeling about?
Larry Greene might go on the first day but he sounds like a big bust risk to me. I also don't think Zach Cone will hit.

6-Who will be the biggest reach in the draft
Green or Amir Garrett.

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Comments

-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a good gut feeling about ?
Andrew Susac. I have the Red Sox taking him and just have a good feeling.

2-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a good gut feeling about?
Nick Tropeano from Stony Brook. I like everything I read about him. He is a big pick who is projected to go in the at the start of the third round.

3-Who do you think will be the biggest steal of the draft?
Matt Purke. If he is healthy and taken in the late first or early second, this could bee a steal.

4-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a bad gut feeling about?
Alex Meyer. Control problems.

5-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a bad gut feeling about?
I’m gonna agree with John here and go with Green.

6-Who will be the biggest reach in the draft

someone is going to overvalue Meyer.

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by Marisa Ingemi on Jun 1, 2025 1:21 PM EDT reply actions

I'll give it a shot

1-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a good gut feeling about ?
Trevor Bauer - I think he is still being underrated and might be the best pitcher in the draft.
Derek Fisher - Love the bat. If he was a warm weather guy he would be so much higher on the draft boards.

2-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a good gut feeling about?
Grayson Gavin

3-Who do you think will be the biggest steal of the draft?
Matt Purke (if he signs) - I understand why he is falling just don’t completely agree with it. Otherwise I’ll go with Tyler Beede.

4-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a bad gut feeling about?
Francisco Lindor - Don’t think he will ever hit enough.
Javier Baez
Alex Meyer

5-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a bad gut feeling about?
Unsure. Maybe Shawon Dunston Jr.

6-Who will be the biggest reach in the draft
Alex Meyer easily

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by Pelferized on Jun 1, 2025 1:24 PM EDT reply actions

Meyer

reading all about his control issues I cant even believe how high he is projected.

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by Marisa Ingemi on Jun 1, 2025 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Have either of you seen him?

I watched him a few weeks ago and he didn’t have control problems at all, and most late season reports are actually writign him up with improved control and command. Not sure who/what you two are reading but it seems a bit behind the current.

by blackoutyears on Jun 1, 2025 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ve seen him twice on TV this year. Against LSU back about 5 weeks ago, and against Florida about 2 weeks ago. His control is much-improved this year, but it has come at the expense of the velocity and movement of his fastball. So, it’s a bit of a toss-up IMO, although an overall gain in the end.

My main issue with meyer is that his low armslot negates a ton of leverage and downward plane that he could have, and it will also make it very, very difficult to develop even an average changeup. That means that he’s basically going to be a FB/SL pitcher in the pros, and his slider will probably be too easily recognizable for it to be a plus pitch in the majors (like it has been for him in college).

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Keep an eye on my son, Jake "The Jacksonville Rifle" Dunning. From SS to the mound - exclusively toeing the rubber since March 2010.

by Fla-Giant on Jun 1, 2025 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions

This

is much more in line with my concerns. I’m much less worried about the control/command than I am the lack of a dependable third pitch. There have been recent reports of an improved change, but the ones I’ve seen have been completely useless.

If you saw the LSU game then you’ll remember that his velo started plus (93-96) and dropped to average 991/92) by the later innings, with his reaching back for 95 when he needed it. I actually think the velo is fine, though I was surprised to see him sitting avg by the 5th. His slider in that game was excellent, and his FB was commanded well enough that the slider played up, he just didn’t finish the FB as often as you’d like. Both pitches came from the same slot with the same speed. I don’t take much issue with the delivery except for the very aspect you point out: its effect on his change. I think he’s going to need to develop a different pitch than the one he’s currently using.

If he takes even a half step forward in FB command I can see him making it as a major league starter, because the slider is that good. In the LSU game he commanded it for strikes and also threw it out of the zone when necessary. I think that’s why he’s getting buzz and I think it’s justified. I’d like to see him one more time, but the LSU start and subsequent reports are promising. You’d have to really love him to take him in the top half of the first in this draft, but for an org that understands the development he requires he could be a great get in the second half.

by blackoutyears on Jun 2, 2025 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Where did I mention his control?

Cause I don’t think I did.

Meyer is a two pitch pitcher who hasn’t made shown enough improvements in three years of college for me to believe he will ever be able to reach his ceiling. In my opinion Tanner Scheppers has a better fastball/slider combo and he isn’t going to be a starter so taking a future bullpen arm as early as he will go is a reach to me.

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by Pelferized on Jun 1, 2025 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions

"Where did I mention his control?"

Marisa did, and it was in response to her. Where did I say you mentioned control? I asked if you’d seen him pitch.

by blackoutyears on Jun 2, 2025 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions

And I don't know about the other questions

but I’m officially picking Meyer as my answer to Question 1 just to balance things. lol

by blackoutyears on Jun 2, 2025 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Grayson Garvin*

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by Pelferized on Jun 1, 2025 1:26 PM EDT reply actions

my take

1-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a good gut feeling about ?
I would have said Josh Bell but it looks like he’s this season’s Austin Wilson, all school. Instead, I’ll go with Javier Baez. He’ll probably move over to 3rd and he has the bat to do it. I also like Trevor Story, maybe this year’s Lipka??

2-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a good gut feeling about? One guy I haven’t heard much on is Williams Jerez, OF, from Brooklyn. Good size and serious speed. Also put up some pretty good numbers this past season.

3-Who do you think will be the biggest steal of the draft?
Derek Fisher and Henry Owens, will probably drop further than he should.

4-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a bad gut feeling about?
several including: Lindor, Meyer, and Dillon Howard (his control needs mega-improvement, didn’t look good in his state championship game)

5-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a bad gut feeling about?
Preston Tucker: without a position and won’t hit enough

6-Who will be the biggest reach in the draft
Spangenberg, shouldn’t go in the first but probably will due to signability

by BlueVol03 on Jun 1, 2025 1:47 PM EDT reply actions

Answers

1-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a good gut feeling about ?

I really like the HS arms of Stephenson, Norris, Owens, Beede, Howard, & Fullmer. The more I look, the more I see the HS arms eclipsing the college arms in the mid to bottom 1st round and supplemental 1st round.

Also, any hitting SS, college or HS, 6’2/175 and above as they will likely see a move to 3B or play good enough defense at to be an offensive SS.

2-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a good gut feeling about?

Matt Skole, 3B, Georgia Tech - 1st RD if he could stay at 3B, bat will play in OF/1B
Dominic Jose, OF, Boca Raton HS, Baca Raton, Florida - Felix Jose’s son, projectable

3-Who do you think will be the biggest steal of the draft?
The 4 or 5 elite HS arms that will slip
Carter Capps, RHP, Mt. Olive - Small school but #2 rotation arm
Nathan Burns, OF, Howard - Big time projectable, great arm, power potential

4-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a bad gut feeling about?
Levi Michael, SS, North Carolina - (profiles as 2B/backup SS/Utility guy)
Sonny Gray, RHP, Vandy - Maybe as a reliver but not as a starter imo
Cory Spangenberg, 3b, Indian River (Fla.) JC - Lacks power potential needed
Dwight Smith Jr., of, McIntosh HS, Peachtree City, Ga. (don’t like short OFs)
Jackie Bradley, of, South Carolina (see Smith above)

5-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a bad gut feeling about?
Jason Coats, OF, TCU - Doens’t project enough in my mind to warrant a 4th or 5th rd pick

6-Who will be the biggest reach in the draft
Hawtin Buchanan, RHP, Biloxi HS, Biloxi, Mississippi - 6’8 and a big time project, he needs to go to school and pull and Alex Meyer

by Havok1517 on Jun 1, 2025 1:57 PM EDT reply actions

2nd Day guts

I really like Nick Burdi, rhp, Downers Grove (Ill.) South HS as well. Big, strong, projectable with room for added velocity.

by Havok1517 on Jun 1, 2025 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

It looks like we have a lot of the same gut feelings, John

Doing a cut-and-paste from my post over on Bonus Baby:

1. 1st day good gut: Brandon Nimmo - could easily end up being the best position player in the whole draft 5 years from now.

2. 2nd day good gut: Brad Miller - I’ve seen him play a ton this year. The bat is for real and he will stick at SS.

3. Biggest steal: Kyle Smith, RHP, Santaluces HS, Florida. Will probably go in the 3rd round, or later, but has big upside, low floor.

4. 1st day bad gut: Joe Ross - Starling is the obvious choice, but I don’t like Ross’s mechanics, or his upside.

5. 2nd day bad gut: Zach Cone - this guy has bust written all over him, but some team will fall in love with his tools.

6. Biggest reach: Cory Spangenberg - if he goes in the top 25 it will be a reach, but I’m seeing multiple reports of him going in the top 15 which would be an historically bad reach. This is a kid that will likely not be able to play average D at any position except LF.

"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner

Keep an eye on my son, Jake "The Jacksonville Rifle" Dunning. From SS to the mound - exclusively toeing the rubber since March 2010.

by Fla-Giant on Jun 1, 2025 2:00 PM EDT reply actions

Picks

My copy and paste from MLBBonusBaby as well. And in case I get asked I see Osich going in the 2nd Rd and I used my own personal projections on who is a 1st and 2nd Day pick.

1-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a good gut feeling about ?I will skip the obvious choices at the top of the draft board. I will say Josh Bell. I absolutely love his bat so as long as he can be an adequate corner OF then he will be a stud hitter. Funny I pick a hitter in a pitching heavy draft huh!

2-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a good gut feeling about?Not sure if he makes it to the 2nd Day but Adam Conley is a guy I am extremely high on. If he doesn’t make it then how about Jorge Lopez, Charles Tilson or Tyler Greene? I am sure at least one of these guys will be eligible.

3-Who do you think will be the biggest steal of the draft?
Tough one but sticking with the guys that will most likely go in the 1st 5 Rounds how about Jake Cave, Phillip Evans or Amir Garrett? Why not.

4-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a bad gut feeling about?
Hate to say it but Danny Hultzen. Just not a fan of his for some reason and he will certainly go in the Top 5.

5-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a bad gut feeling about?

Josh Osich – Moved way to fast up the boards and just feel if he actually makes it to the 2nd day (which I predict he will) he will be a bust

6-Who will be the biggest reach in the draft
Christian Lopes – For some reason I see someone snagging him in the 1S Rd and I see more of a 3rd or 4th Rdr. Maybe not the biggest reach but with so much talent in the 1S Rd if you reach for someone it will hurt even worse.

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by JDizzidy on Jun 1, 2025 2:16 PM EDT reply actions

1. The guy i have a gut feeling about going on day two that i really think is going to be special is Norris, this guy has great stuff and is still in HS this makes him a risk, but i see him doing good things.
2. A guy i see falling possibly till day two is Bradley JR, i really think this guy is going to be good and the team that takes the risk on this guy i beleive could be laughing in a couple years that he fell to them.
3. I think this one goes to Bradley again, he is going to fall acording to some. This guy really is a strage prospect i know some people having him in the top 10 and i know some people dont see him going till the later part of the second, i think with all this guys stuff he could really be a steal for the team that picks him up, depending on when he gets taken.
4. Alex Meyer: i know this guy has a huge frame and throws hard, but for some reason i have a gut feeling this guy just wont pan out and become a good major league.
5.Zack Cone: This guy looks good in certain parts, but this guy seems like a big risk, i dont think he will do very well, very badfeeling about this guy.
6.Alex Meyer: he trows hard and he is huge, dosent mean he will make it though, i think he will be a big reach.

by Jt Malley on Jun 1, 2025 2:43 PM EDT reply actions

No way Norris makes it to day two. Also, how can you not like Meyer? He must score extremely high on your RBTS meter.

by TwoEyesForAnEye on Jun 1, 2025 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions

i put norris for question one? question one was Who do you have a good gut feeling about that will go on day one.

Read the question before you talk back would ya,

by Jt Malley on Jun 1, 2025 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions

lol

by Jt Malley on Jun 1, 2025 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions

You said..

The guy i have a gut feeling about going on day two that i really think is going to be special is Norris

I said there is no way he makes it to day two.

by TwoEyesForAnEye on Jun 1, 2025 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions

awwshit well i dont know why i put it hahha sorry,

but yeawhat i meant was hgim being a good gut feelingfirstday guy.

by Jt Malley on Jun 1, 2025 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions

draft predictions

1. Day 1 good gut - Jackie Bradley Jr.
2. Day 2 good gut - Brad Miller
3. steal - George Springer
4. Day 1 bad gut - Taylor Jungmann
5. Day 2 bad gut - Chris Marlowe
6. reach - Levi Michael

by acerimusdux on Jun 1, 2025 2:43 PM EDT reply actions

1-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a good gut feeling about ?

I really like Derek Fisher, but i realize he may drop out of the first day consideration because of his commitment issues, so I will go with Robert Stephenson. Great mix of pitches, very strong arm and seems to have a good sense of himself on the mound.

2-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a good gut feeling about?

Bryan Brickhouse. Very projectable and very raw. I’d almost say I’d want him to go to school and get some reps in, but if he could go pro and put everything together while his body is maturing I think he’d be a very good pitcher.

Chris Marlowe is also someone I really like.

3-Who do you think will be the biggest steal of the draft?

Brad Miller. I think he will be a day one guy in the supplemental round by a team with a lot of picks like Tor,Tbay etc, but the guy can mash and at the very least he could play a very good secondbase.

4-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a bad gut feeling about?

Javier Baez. Players with big emotional issues are always worrisome because sometimes there heads will take away from the talent. Seems like a Slade Heathcott type.

5-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a bad gut feeling about?

Zach Cone. Seems like an athlete who will always show up but never put it all together.

6-Who will be the biggest reach in the draft

Tyler Marlette. Catchers are always drafted to high for their talent and from what I read it sounds like a lot of teams are in on him.

by Brando159 on Jun 1, 2025 2:48 PM EDT reply actions

Gut

1. Gut good 1st day: Kolten Wong. I’m a believer in the hit tool, and I think he could be a difference-maker at 2B.
2. Gut good 2nd day: Cody Kukuk. Two-way prep star, but I like him as an LHP, low-90s FB, really nice secondary offerings, 6’3", projectable. What’s not to like?
3. Gut steal: C.J. Cron. Even his detractors seem to concede he’s a potential middle-of-the-order bat.
4. Gut bad 1st day: George Springer.
5. Gut bad 2nd day: Zach Cone.
6. Biggest reach: Larry Greene. No way this guy should be getting hype as a top-15 pick.

by AndrewTorrez on Jun 1, 2025 3:07 PM EDT reply actions

Gut

Good feeling Day 1: Taylor Jungmann
Steal: George Springer
Bad feeling Day 1: Sonny Gray
Biggest Reach: Spangenberg

by Boozer10 on Jun 1, 2025 3:56 PM EDT reply actions

Oh I love gut calls:

1-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a good gut feeling about ?

First, Archie Bradley. Solid mechanics, very good stuff, and top competitor. I like this kid as much as Bundy, and on a random day I’d say I like him a little more.

Matt Barnes. Everything is prototypical about this guy, and the only thing missing in his college game is a top tier K rate. He’s a projectable 6’4 college trained RH who already throws 93-94 with a potential knockout curve.

I also like Sonny Gray quite a bit, though the comp I want to make (Ben Sheets) is probably off because of control. He pitches like Sheets though with that breaking ball of his…he’s more athletic.

2-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a good gut feeling about?

Grayson Garvin. I’m not sure he’ll make it to Day 2, but I find myself unsually high on Garvin. I don’t think he’ll do what Mike Minor did, but he’s a surprisingly projectable LHP with already decent stuff from a top notch college program for pitchers.

Brett Mooneyham kind of reminds me of Andy Oliver, but that might just be my mind playing games.

I like Henry Owens as much as I like Tyler Skaggs, though Skaggs was probably a slightly better HS prospect.

3-Who do you think will be the biggest steal of the draft?

Josh Bell if someone can convince him to sign. If not, then George Springer, who is getting underrated as heck now. He’s a 5 tool college OFer who should hit forpower and get on base…what’s not to like?

4-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a bad gut feeling about?

Used to be Jungmann, but intuitively I’ve never been a fan of Mahtook. I at least respect Jungmann’s ridiculous college efficiency. Throw in Alex Meyer for me too.

5-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a bad gut feeling about?

Going to have to go with Zach Cone also, but I can’t say I’m into either Dillon Maples or Dillon Howard. Howard reminds me of Jon Garland a little, so I guess that’s a plus.

6-Who will be the biggest reach in the draft?

I’m not a Brian Goodwin fan.

by SenorGato on Jun 1, 2025 6:05 PM EDT reply actions

Completely forgot about Tyler Anderson...

who, if I had remembered at all, would have been the first name I listed for #1. I think he’s going to be pretty awesome.

by SenorGato on Jun 1, 2025 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed with you on Tyler Anderson

but I don’t get why you think Springer is going to get on base, when that’s been his weakness in college.

by AndrewTorrez on Jun 1, 2025 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions

His OBP was .462 this year

and .491 his sophomore year. And .454 his freshman year. People assume because he K’s a lot he has bad plate discipline and that is not the case.

by Jimothy on Jun 2, 2025 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions

He's not really K'ing that much this year either

35 times in 219 ABs.

His problem isn’t really pitch recognition; it’s more he swings really hard and has a tendency to lose control. He seems to have done a better job with that this year.

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by Jeff Reese on Jun 2, 2025 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Forgot an overrated...

Dan Hultzen. I can’t help but think Jeremy Sowers/David Huff with him. I’m not a fan of his athleticism or his arm slot.

by SenorGato on Jun 2, 2025 3:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Questions

1-I feel very good about Jason Esposito and to a lesser extent Francisco Lindor, Mikie Mahtook, John Stilson, Trevor Bauer, Joe Ross, Josh Bell, Jorge Fernandez and CJ Cron.

2-I feel very good about Matt Skole, Mark Pope, Alex Dickerson, Dante Bichette Jr, and that Morris kid from NJ high school. Brett Mooneyham could be a steal.

3-I think the biggest steal will be Alex Dickerson, especially if it’s an AL team. This isn’t including guys like Stilson and Mooneyham falling for injury and Bell for his college commitment.

4-I’m a Georgia Tech fan but don’t believe in Jed Bradley. Also Bubba Starling and Alex Meyer

5-BA Vollmuth will struggle with wooden bats.

6-I think someone will reach on Zach Cone

by mattp31 on Jun 2, 2025 10:24 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

cone

Nobody seems to like Zach Cone, which means he’ll probably turn into a superstar, lol

by John Sickels on Jun 2, 2025 11:53 AM EDT reply actions

Exactly

I challenge a major league organization to draft Zach Cone, Alex Meyer and Larry Greene. Instant WS!!! lol

by blackoutyears on Jun 2, 2025 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm really not sure why no one likes him

To get those kind of tools on day 2? Even if it doesn’t work out, that’s still a good deal.

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by Jeff Reese on Jun 2, 2025 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

I can’t just write off that sophomore year like it didn’t happen. Definitely worth a flier.

by blackoutyears on Jun 2, 2025 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Thoughts

I’ll try to stay away from Alex Meyer and Zach Cone as bad gut and reach picks and avoid Rendon as good gut.

1: Day 1-Good Gut: Kolten Wong - The kid just hits everywhere he goes. Will be a .300, 10 HR hitting 2nd baseman in no time IMO.

2: Day 2-Good Gut: Nicky Delmonico - Great bloodlines, great looking bat, versatile defensively. I think he’ll be a great pick for some team.

3: Steal: Daniel Norris - He seems to be falling into the 20s in recent mock drafts. There must be some bonus demand issues because his overall package should have him close to the top 10.
Brandon Nimmo might be another steal if he falls into the supplemental 1st round. He looks like a fairly polished hitter and the 5 tools may all be there.

4: Day 1-Bad Gut: Austin Hedges - He won’t hit enough. He’s just Scott Heard part 2.

5: Day 2-Bad Gut: Connor Barron - Not a great swing. Like Hedges, he won’t hit enough. May stick around in a system for awhile as a solid defensive infielder that hits decent enough in his second tour of each league.

6: Reach: Larry Greene - Most seem to have him as a late supp 1st/2nd round guy(in the 60-100 range). I wouldn’t be surprised if he winds up going in the 20-35 range.

by UncleBuck44 on Jun 2, 2025 6:17 PM EDT reply actions

Delmonico

has generated really divergent opinions. I’m sticking with him too. I remember we discussed Hultzen a bit around his dead arm period last year and you were pretty down on him. How’s he grabbing you this year?

by blackoutyears on Jun 2, 2025 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Hultzen

His overall stuff has taken a jump up from last year to this year. His velocity has been better this whole season and more importantly his slider and changeup have looked much improved which has me liking him more.
I saw him in the middle of last season as well as in a late game against Matt Harvey and his stuff was nothing too special(89-92, average offspeed stuff).
I’m still not seeing top 5 but top 10 I do see.

by UncleBuck44 on Jun 3, 2025 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Hultzen's Improvement

Right after posting I went looking for info about Hultzen. The first thing I came across was this from PG(I guess Allan Simpson as he is mostly doing these 50 in 50 reports):
“But it wasn’t until this spring that Hultzen truly stamped himself as an elite prospect. He significantly enhanced his draft worth—from projected late first-round pick in the fall to early first-round pick—by jumping his fastball velocity consistently 3-4 mph into the mid-90s, while also improving the command of both his secondary pitches, a slider and changeup.”

Always nice to see scouting reports from respected draftniks match up with my eye. Haha.

by UncleBuck44 on Jun 3, 2025 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions

"His overall stuff has taken a jump up from last year to this year"

It has, but he’s essentially got the same pitchability as last year. Anyone who saw him in the post season was probably expecting this.

by blackoutyears on Jun 3, 2025 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Mine

1-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a good gut feeling about ?
Taylor Jungmann, UT

2-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a good gut feeling about?
Carson Smith, Texas State

3-Who do you think will be the biggest steal of the draft?
Jungmann. He will end up being one of the top three players in the draft but isn’t getting anywhere near that love.

4-Who is a player projected to go on the 1st day that you have a bad gut feeling about?
Rendon followed by Bauer.

5-Who is a player projected to go on the 2nd day that you have a bad gut feeling about?
Purke.

6-Who will be the biggest reach in the draft
Not sure.

by BlueEyes_Austin on Jun 3, 2025 12:28 AM EDT reply actions