Baseball America top 200 Prospects

[paul253]

http://www.baseballameric...review/2011/2611794.html

 

The 10-15 prospects in order are

10 Taylor Guerrieri

11 George Springer

12 Sonny Gray

13 Matt Barnes

14 Jed Bradley

15 Josh Bell

 

Not that rankings ever have anything to do with how the draft turns out, but I am excited to see so many talented college pitchers that may be available. A couple of shortstops are listed in the top 22 (Lindor, Michael and Baez) but there seem to be questions as to whether or not Michael and Baez can stick at shortstop. I noticed that Baez is just killing it in HS (.771 average with 22 home runs) In the related chat someone asked Callis is Michael would be a reach for the Mets at 13 and he said it wouldn't be that much of a reach but he's not sure Michael can play SS. I hope the Brewers don't use a pick on someone like that.

[heresrobin]

I agree with your points paul253. Unless Lindor is there with the Brewers' picks, I'm just not comfortable taking any of these SS prospects (and expecting them to stick at SS).

 

One guy that I noticed was not on that baseballamerica list was Julius Gaines, a prep SS from a Georgia high school. I read about him on 5 Tool Talk in one of the Dandy Dozen submissions and I was very intrigued. Does anybody know what the deal is with Gaines?

[paul253]

I actually wouldn't mind Baez. He'd probably end up moving to third base, but third base is still a pretty premium position. I just hope they avoid taking an outfielder with one of those first two picks.

[battlekow]

I'm surprised the Brewers haven't been connected to Michael at all given his status as the best college shortstop and the Brewers' utter lack of players at that position. BA's scouting report on his glove:

He's been a reliable defender at all three spots, and scouts are warming up to the idea that he could stay at shortstop at the pro level...Defensively, he has good actions and enough arm strength for shortstop. The only concern is his range, but he'll get every chance to prove himself before potentially sliding to second base.

Maybe the Brewers disagree.

They've been connected to George Springer and Matt Barnes enough that they must be scouting UConn fairly heavily, so I wonder if they'd target Huskies shortstop Nick Ahmed somewhere in the top five rounds; BA has him #79 and says of his defense:

He's a good athlete, a plus runner and has a plus arm. There's nothing fluid about his actions at shortstop, but he has average range and makes every play.

[brewerguy71]

Barnes and Bell, there you go. Although I would take Swihart over Bell, but the Brewers arent going to be able to sign him, nor would they attempt it. I dont think Gray will be around at 12, and I dont want any part of Guerrieri.

[ListachRides]

I like Baez a ton. I've been hoping for a long time that he'd be an option at 15. I'd be wiling to take him there even if we somehow got Lindor at 12 because, as you said, he'll end up at 3b. Not sure he'll still be there though. KLaw just recently said the Indians were looking at him at 8 and the Mets were also considering him for the 13th pick.

 

What's everyone's opinion on Jed Bradley? A month ago it didn't sound like he'd be available, but all of the experts have recently been moving him down to the Brewers' range.

[CWSOmaha]

I'd be happy with any two of Bradley, Barnes, or Gray.

[narwhalattack]

I'd want a HS arm for 12th and a college player 15th (an arm, preferably). I hope the Brewers aren't gonna be too frugal in the draft. Because the farm system is pretty barren right now, I hope they start spending a lot on draft prospects

[paul253]

I think we need two high ceiling pitchers. We just don't seem to have any prospects in our system who are capable of that #1 starter status. I thought Peralta and Rogers could possibly be there but both seem to have taken a step back this year. I don't know if we can get a #1 potential with our picks but I definitely think we can get two #2s. Between Barners, Guerrieri. Gray, Bradley, and Jungmann I think you take two of them if possible. I'd be ok with Swihart though I don't think the Brewers will want to pay him. I'd be ok with Baez as well.

[narwhalattack]

Personally, I would want the draft to go like this: A. Bradley for 12th, and Barnes/Gray for 15th.

 

But I think that the Brewers are gonna pick 1 arm and 1 bat.