The Diamondbacks have deployed a very college heavy drafting strategy in recent years. Of the top 16 picks in the last four years, only 2 have been prep stars. 8 of the top 10 rounds last year were college players. Yet most of the mock drafts I have seen have the Dbacks selecting high school players for most of their picks. I don't think so.
The Dbacks have been one of my favorite teams ever since they selected Paul Goldschmidt in the 8th round of the 2009 draft. But most of their drafting history has not been very successful. Dansby Swanson the number 1 pick in 2015 was of course a good one, but soon traded away. Pavin Smith, selected 7th overall last year seems to have some traction. Beyond that it's pretty slim pickings...
First the basics. The Dbacks this year are 18th of 30 teams in available bonus allotment, at $7,658,700. They have one 1st round pick and one compensation round pick -- essentially 2 picks in round 1.
Round 1 pick 25
Comp round pick 39
Round 2 pick 64
Round 3 pick 99
Round 4 pick 129
The problem is that this year's draft is heavily weighted with high school players. It is tough to find good college players at the picks where Dbacks sit. While 8 of the top 10 picks are college players (using BA's latest rankings), only 7 of the next 20 picks are college players.
The Dbacks also tend to favor bats over arms in their drafting strategy, but will the humidor change this in the future? What do you think?
Here are the top college players between 16 and 30 in the BA500 rankings that I'm guessing will be among the possible picks at 25 and 39 when the Dbacks have their selection:
#16 Jackson Kowar RHP/Florida
#19 Logan Gilbert RHP/Stetson
#21 Ryan Rolison LHP/Mississippi
#26 Jeremy Eierman SS/Missouri State
#27 Trevor Larnach OF/Oregon state
#29 Greyson Jenista OF/1B/Wichita State
#30 Sean Hjelle RHP/Kentucky
Comments welcome. I'm also interested in any general draft resources that others have found on the web this year. I've had difficulties finding some of the usual resources. Anyone else have better luck?
