So now that we've decided on who the targets are, it's time to rank them!
1) Monte Harrison, OF
2) Derek Hill, OF
3) Forrest Wall, 2B
4) Michael Chavis, 3B
5)Ti’quan Forbes, SS
6) Derek Fisher, OF
7)Marcus Wilson, OF
8)Luke Weaver, RHP
9) Michael Gettys, OF
AN hitting guru Jerry Brewer has reservations about Forbes (who's been linked to the A's a lot so far in the early goings) swing, saying " if i had to describe his swing in a word, i would say raw....a lot (of) movements that need tightening up. relies on his arms too much"
For the full comment: http://www.athleticsnation.com/2014/5/15/5720894/as-acquire-kyle-blanks-from-padres-for-jake-goebbert-rumors-daric-barton#234488587
I still feel like Wall is an A's kind of pick even if he's not my first choice on the board: Advanced high school bat, could be pushed/rushed hard and still keep his head well above water. High floor and well above average upside to go along with it. The lazy comp I would do for Wall is Chase Utley with less power, but again, that's lazy because they both happen to be lefties who play second base.
Monte Harrison seems like he's refined enough at the plate despite not having been solely focused on baseball. With his speed he could probably stay in center but with his arm, he could move to right and still be fine.
Now for the mock drafts.
Scout.Com(Kiley McDaniel)-Ti'quan Forbes, with the note that the A's are in on Chavis, Harrison, and Matt Imhof (who I'm not that high on)
Keith Law - Ti'quan Forbes, with the note that Harrison would be their first choice if still on the board
MLB Pipeline (Mayo/Callis)- Michael Chavis, noting their recent history of taking high school position players
Baseball America - Michael Chavis, noting the A's are also in on Forrest Wall (Woohoo!), Harrison, and Forbes.
The A's bonus pool is the 4th smallest (yay new CBA which helps balance the playing field for small market teams!). As of right now, it stands at $4,778,300, with their first pick being worth $1,898,000.
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