2015 Brewers' 1st-Rd. Pick Speculation

[Eye Black]

This figures, it's Harris' worst game of the season, and Benintendi took him deep.

Jon Harris final line: 5.2 IP, 9 H, 8 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

 

Really tough start to have three days before the draft, he has been consistently projected to go in the top half of the first round. Interested to see if the bad start raises enough questions to drop him somewhere towards the middle to back of the 1st round.

[colbyjack]

A player's draft stock never rises and falls that quickly based on one performance, at least not in one game at the end of the season. He was throwing darts at 91-94 and inducing really weak contact the first three innings before he started to leave the ball up in the zone. He still showed enough the rest of the season to be taken plenty early.

 

Who was the player pegged to be the Brewers' pick last year? I guess I'll be a little surprised if they take a college arm, more so because they rarely take the player most people project them to. However, just because you're rebuilding doesn't mean you don't take college arms. Funkhouser is still plenty good, as is Ponce.

[SRB]

Who was the player pegged to be the Brewers' pick last year? I guess I'll be a little surprised if they take a college arm, more so because they rarely take the player most people project them to. However, just because you're rebuilding doesn't mean you don't take college arms. Funkhouser is still plenty good, as is Ponce.

 

Looking at the five Baseball America mock drafts, we were at various times predicted to take: Aaron Nola (first mock), Tyler Beede (second and third mocks), Max Pentecost (fourth mock), and Sean Newcomb (fifth mock), and were linked in the blurb to Brandon Finnegan, Erick Fedde, Jeff Hoffman, Grant Holmes, and Michael Kopech. (bolded players were gone by our pick)

 

They also said that the Brewers were linked to college players and wouldn't want to take a risk on a high school pitcher:

 

Milwaukee would be waiting with open arms if Fedde, Finnegan or Hoffman falls. The Brewers haven’t had success with prep righties (Dylan Covey, Jeremy Jeffress, Mark Rogers) in the last decade and likely wouldn’t want to take on the risk of Toussaint, so their best-case scenario is that another team doesn’t grab Nola ahead of them.

 

But Milwaukee took a high school righty with its first pick last season and is said to be looking college this year, with Newcomb, Brandon Finnegan and Vanderbilt’s Tyler Beede the most likely targets.

 

Other clubs believe the Brewers are focused on college players such as Vanderbilt righthander Tyler Beede and Pentecost.

[narwhalattack]

Who was the player pegged to be the Brewers' pick last year? I guess I'll be a little surprised if they take a college arm, more so because they rarely take the player most people project them to. However, just because you're rebuilding doesn't mean you don't take college arms. Funkhouser is still plenty good, as is Ponce.

 

Looking at the five Baseball America mock drafts, we were at various times predicted to take: Aaron Nola (first mock), Tyler Beede (second and third mocks), Max Pentecost (fourth mock), and Sean Newcomb (fifth mock), and were linked in the blurb to Brandon Finnegan, Erick Fedde, Jeff Hoffman, Grant Holmes, and Michael Kopech. (bolded players were gone by our pick)

 

They also said that the Brewers were linked to college players and wouldn't want to take a risk on a high school pitcher:

 

Milwaukee would be waiting with open arms if Fedde, Finnegan or Hoffman falls. The Brewers haven’t had success with prep righties (Dylan Covey, Jeremy Jeffress, Mark Rogers) in the last decade and likely wouldn’t want to take on the risk of Toussaint, so their best-case scenario is that another team doesn’t grab Nola ahead of them.

 

But Milwaukee took a high school righty with its first pick last season and is said to be looking college this year, with Newcomb, Brandon Finnegan and Vanderbilt’s Tyler Beede the most likely targets.

 

Other clubs believe the Brewers are focused on college players such as Vanderbilt righthander Tyler Beede and Pentecost.

 

So the Brewers are pretty much a guarantee to get a HS player with their first pick, then.

[brewcrewdue80]

I just get the feeling the the "Experts" don't give much thought in to what Milwaukee does, they're going to grade the prospects poorly regardless. Because of the 2011 draft and Bradley/Jungmann along with Coulter/Roache then the Lohse signing. Just throw them any college player that has Worts. Latch on to whatever prospects they truly dislike and say Milwaukee will pick them. Were any of those players around for Milw to draft? Pentecost, Hoffman, Nola were gone. Beede/Newcombe were there but predraft it looks as if Control was below average for both. Finnegan has been the rushed as RP to Majors for KC story last year. Did Milw need a RP for a draft pick?

 

I almost think they just throw darts at a board amongst their predraft ranks and say that guy. Next franchise to mock, that really matters.

[brewcrewdue80]

Okay let me continue my amateur eye again of top 50....gotta get to work!

 

45 Chris Shaw OF/1b Boston College

Big Slugger. Doesn't profile the greatest as an OF defensively due to that. He suffered a broken Hamate bone so that's a negative. And I'm not a huge fan of his swing. Looks impatient, pull hitting type. I don't think the bat speed is there to accomodate hitting to the other fields watching him swing, and he's making up for that by swinging early. I'd fully pass on him as a pick anywhere.

44 David Hill rhp San Diego Calif.

Nope. Don't see it. Works out of control in games, would need to slow himself down. Arm slot is wider pitches are easy to pick up. Not sure why he's in top 50...bad sign personally so far for this draft in my opinion as so far I'd only consider 2 of the first 7 looked at.

43 Mitchell Hansen of Plano Senior (Texas) HS Texas

Arm strength? looks soft. Solid swing motion. but not much in way of power in it. Would be a gap hitter my guess. I'd draft him at the right value. Probably turn in to a solid 4th OF or maybe turn him in to 2nd base project? top 50? Not sure. 3rd round type to me. Seeing more video of his OF arm, without the power I don't like his OF potential at all. Strictly 2b stuff which would be a learning curve for him.

42 Eric Jenkins of West Columbus HS, Cerro Gordo N.C.

Uumph! Give me Hansen's Swing and Jenkins athletism/speed/arm in the OF and we'd be talking about a prospect. No bat with Jenkins. Long term project complete Pass.

41 Demi Orimoloye of St. Matthew HS,

Here's been a popular pick from others. Man, has the ML build appearance already so I get it. Arm looks sound in OF. The Bat. I wish I loved it from what I seen. There's just something wrong with his stance in his rear foot, that is sapping him of lower body. It sits too wide. Get it more underneath him in the stance and show me the video of how he's hitting then, and I may be on board here with him. But can you adjust a kid like that telling him so? The swing winds up too upper body/arms and gives off weaker contact due to this. I was excited to look at vids of him based on the chatter but he's not a top 2 pick of the Brewers to me imo. I'd take Lambert over him at this time.

[brewcrewdue80]

40 Scott Kingery 2b Arizona Ariz.

Looks like a Gamer. Definitely see a ML 2b future to him. This is the type of player I think if Hansen moved to 2b would likely become. Kingery's rear leg in his stance, is exactly the difference I'd try changing Demi O's to. For 2b, Kingery's power is sufficient, looks very confident in his fielding ability. Just overall like I said a gamer and for a 2b I'd be happy with that. Not high upside here, high floor we're talking. Safe pick couldn't argue against after first 2.

39 Justin Hooper lhp De La Salle HS, Concord, Calif. Calif.

What? 6'7" HS kid with mid to Upper 90s FB? Like his delivery motion, looks fluid. You likely always wonder on control at his height. But for a HS SP with that velocity on his frame? Should be a top 15 ranking from what I've seen thus far. Steal of the draft at this ranking. Yes. Yes. Please! Serious upside here.

38 Kyle Holder ss San Diego Calif.

Wide Base in stance as my hate on Tyrone Taylor's. Swinger for contact, not power. College age ML SS prospect...Pass give me the DR/Cuban 16yr olds as a draft pick to fill SS. Ridiculous that this guy is ranked ahead of Hooper from this list. Sorry Talking 6th-10th round College signing talent for hopefully some other team and not Milw.

37 Jacob Nix rhp IMG Academy, Bradenton Fla.

Has a big looking filled build. Wouldnt expect much more than what he has now. Seems mostly a FB type pitcher, didn't see much movement in pitches to think wow he should be ranked ahead of Hooper or Lambert for that matter. I'd pass, seems to me lower ceiling solid floor and not what I'd want in top 3 picks.

36 Cody Ponce rhp Cal Poly Pomona Calif.

Said this before. I worry about control with his pitching motion. Predict more of a swingman to RP based on that vs TOR. Like Lambert/Hooper more than Ponce. Ponce won't be a bad pick, looks ML probability. But I'd have to wonder how high his ceiling is. 3rd pick would be fine not top 2. College Pitcher, filled out frame. I don't see the future improving with him. high floor/low ceiling. But ML probability again compared to a bunch of these others at this point.

[brewcrewdue80]

35 Jalen Miller ss Riverwood International Charter, Sandy Springs Ga.

First thought. Jean Segura resemblance with the bat. Solid batting motion, I like. Not enough defensive video to rate for SS. I like him but my preference of DR/Cuban SS at 16 trumps him. He doesn't give me a wow factor to take as a SS prospect. Give me the 16yr old internationals to luckily produce with the same look as Miller.

34 Dakota Chalmers rhp North Forsyth HS, Cumming Ga.

Surprised he's 6'3" looks shorter. Lean frame at the moment so talking projectability upside. Has a variety of pitches to his aresenal to craft already. Like him a lot in upside to be TOR. I'd rank just below Hooper ahead of Lambert.

33 Beau Burrows rhp Weatherford (Texas) HS Texas

Flamethrower certainly. But not really seeing anything else to go with it positively. Rank him below Hooper/Chalmers/Lambert. Right with Ponce at a RP future.

32 Alex Young lhp Texas Christian Texas

Watching, not enthused for a Lefty. He wouldn't be on my board over the other pitchers I've got going to this point.

31 Richie Martin ss Florida Fla.

Can you predict what I'm about to say? College aged SS. Wide based stance, no power wow factor. He's certainly off my board pass!

[brewcrewdue80]

30 DJ Stewart of Florida State Fla.

Wide crouching stance. Has a serious bat speed ability. Swing is very solid through the zone. Listed as Corner OF. Won't be the worst pick in the world, but I doubt the upside for a Corner OF bat. 20HRs probably 30+doubles though. I'd rather wait on his selection than to do it early.

29 Kevin Newman ss Arizona Ariz.

Here we go College aged SS. No Power future. Contact type hitter with wide stance. Pass for me.

28 Chris Betts c Wilson HS, Long Beach Calif.

He's a Catcher so my feelings are either wow to be 1st rd or else 3rd round find. He appears to be 3rd find to me. I'm not enamored with his swing to begin with. Probably not on my board until 4th round or later. Arm strength isn't impressive to 2b either. upon further video. Complete Pass, not what I'd want to try drafting a team with at his Rank.

27 Phil Bickford rhp JC of Southern Nevada Nev.

I've liked him overall. The FB velocity ups/downs is a small concern at College age. Give Hooper/Chalmers the nod over to this point but Bickford ahead of Lambert.

26 Nathan Kirby lhp Virginia Va.

FB velocity concerns, may not be high enough for liking. Good looking curve. Lat injury doesn't help. Probably too much for me to consider until 3rd pick. He has the look of a SP but not TOR look/ability. Behind Bickford in ranking. Probaby even with Lambert

[Austin Tatious]

Interesting recent article on Brady Aiken with more current scuttlebutt about him. Cubs and Braves mentioned.

 

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/jun/05/brady-aiken-2015-mlb-draft/2/?#article-copy

[Eye Black]

Not 1st round speculation, but thought this John Sickels ARTICLE on draft eligible college third baseman was worth sharing. The capsules on each player includes stats, scouting, and estimated draft round. Seems the Brewers would be likely candidates to take a guy or two from this group.

 

The prize of the group, although he may not stick at 3B, is Miami's David Thompson.

 

David Thompson, 3B-1B, Miami-Florida: Junior, hits right, mashed to tune of .333/.445/.658 with 19 homers, 43/27 BB/K in 243 at-bats. Huge power to all fields, good strike zone judgment, good track record with wooden bats. This is a first-round bat but shoulder injuries have hampered his throwing and many scouts believe he’ll have to move to first base. He’s not a butcher, however, and in my opinion people are under-rating him. Target Territory: Compensation round/second round, although personally I’d consider him in the second half of the first round.

[SRB]

The prize of the group, although he may not stick at 3B, is Miami's David Thompson.

 

David Thompson, 3B-1B, Miami-Florida: Junior, hits right, mashed to tune of .333/.445/.658 with 19 homers, 43/27 BB/K in 243 at-bats. Huge power to all fields, good strike zone judgment, good track record with wooden bats. This is a first-round bat but shoulder injuries have hampered his throwing and many scouts believe he’ll have to move to first base. He’s not a butcher, however, and in my opinion people are under-rating him. Target Territory: Compensation round/second round, although personally I’d consider him in the second half of the first round.

 

Could be an interesting target for our second pick.

 

I know this shouldn't affect our first pick, but it's looking pretty likely that we'll have one of the top picks in the 2016 draft - which I believe is projected to be pitching-rich - so it might make sense to look for some hitters in the first few rounds this year.

[brewcrewdue80]

Last day to get these in Here we go!

25 Jon Harris rhp Missouri State Mo.

Motion certainly like a Big Leaguer. Puts a lot of torque on his elbow in some pitches. Would fear injury concerns there/longevity. Video's seen weren't plenty for whatever reason, hard to get a feel of his stuff. I'd take Hooper first. Probably tie him with Chalmers at the moment but lack of video is part to blame.

24 Ian Happ of Cincinnati Ohio

Info time. Switch Hitter. I like his swing from the Left Handed side more than the Right handed side. However the videos I watched he hit 2 HRs from the RH side. I'd question his power for corner OF. 2b sure. I'm coming away moderately less happy with him, I didn't know he was switch hitter. Lefty swing looks good for contact. Righty swing, I'm surprised at the power, because it doesn't look all that great. I see why he's in the 20s now. His batting stance lower body seems to change quite a bit, like he's always tweaking/messing with it indecisive?

23 Michael Matuella rhp Duke N.C.

Understanding from an ACC video he's yet to eclipse 50IP in a season? Pitching motion is fluid/nice follow through. Plant foot a little inconsistent so maybe control issues? He's on my list but I'll drop him in the lower hopefuls because of the injury and IP max meaning he's going to take long to get to the Majors.

22 Brady Aiken lhp IMG Academy, Bradenton Fla.

I loved this guy last season. We're talking Justin Hooper like. Can't rank him due to the UCL/TJ and health record sharing. He was 1st last season for a reason. The talent is there and he's a good pick based on that.

21 Donny Everett rhp Clarksville (Tenn.) HS Tenn.

Reminds me of Tyler Jay. Extra Torque on his elbow/effort. His frame is about built already 220. So added projection would likely be minimal, especially with his effort. He looks good, I'd fear a regression to him working 91-93 as a Starter when his effort is reduced or fear the injury.

 

 

I think reading this isn't rosey flowers for these guys, but they all are positive draftees just so you know. I don't see a bad pick in any of these 5, they have ML appearance to me. Nitpicking their worts. They all certainly fit in a grouping together so personal preference/money would be what separates them.

 

I'd go Aiken, Jay, Everett, Matuella, Happ. Everett gets the ranking above Matuella because I prefer HS aged to College aged when staring at equal talent appearance.

[wichmae]

Apparently Bickford tested positive for Marijuana.

[Eye Black]

Apparently Bickford tested positive for Marijuana.

Yep, here is the Baseball America Report.

[brewcrewdue80]

20 Cornelius Randolph ss Griffin (Ga.) HS Ga.

Wide base stance, leads to funky lower body in swing. Swing has uppercut to it. I'd question his ability to hit for BA. Slower speed, scout reads as him being a 3b future over Middle infielder status. Not impressed overall he's a project that someone may hit on with improve swing mechanics finding a power hitter...or just draft a prospect that fails never getting consistent BA. Pass for me.

19 James Kapriellian rhp UCLA Calif.

Unortodox lean in windup...hmm. Whoop. 89-91MPH FB. Next off my board. Shows how weak this draft must be if he's in the top 25.

18 Kolby Allard lhp San Clemente (Calif.) HS Calif.

Here we go. This is a wow factor I've been looking for. Great movement in breaking pitches and FBs are located low in the zone. And he's young, not even 18. Height is listed at 6'. He has a small stature. There is very real potential to find more projecting if he grows an inch or 2. Whoever gets him in this draft will have a very decent pitcher on their hands. I'd consider ranking him above Hooper...in fact I just did.

17 Ashe Russell rhp Cathedral Catholic HS, Indianapolis Ind.

Has a side armish follow through, but not a full on apparent side arm slot motion. Now I'm seeing game footage that follow through isn't apparent most of the time. That motion may give him some insane movement, but theres high concern on control. His misses are big. Not a 1st pick to me because screams project. Would be a good 2nd round pick depending on who's on the board. Yeah more video. Control is worrisome. He could be a HR pick TOR...or a Setup/closer type with poor control.

16 Mike Nikorak rhp Stroudsburg (Pa.) HS Pa.

Breaking pitches are impressive. Has fluid movement in pitching motion. FB location was working up, not keeping as low like Allard did. Nikorak was almost hit 3 times on linedrives right back at him in the short video watching. Take your pick between Allard's FB location or Nikorak's breaking movement. Allard gives me a little more wow dreaming on 1-2inches growth and 25lbs filled in to his frame.

[brewcrewdue80]

15 Tyler Stephenson c Kennesaw Mountain (Ga.) HS Ga.

So little video to go on not good for a C with my thoughts on them. Has a wide base stance like Im not thrilled with, but he does produce a high leg kick with his swing to get lower body power included in his swing. Swing is quick/powerful on a great plane. Better than Betts certainly, and likely not even close. But that's it, video hard to find so incomplete ranking for a 1st rd pick.

14 Kyle Funkhouser rhp Louisville Ky.

Doesn't do it for me. Goes in the line of RP over Rotation. And not TOR certainly which I want early. Long stride in delivery results in a body follow through towards 1b pretty hard. Certain control issues as balance is in question.

13 Tyler Jay lhp Illinois Ill.

Certainly possesses a hammer curve. FB though not in best of lower zone location oddly. It's like his CB is a better pitch than his FB. Not wowed with FB to go with the CB. Put him behind Bickford as SP.

12 Walker Buehler rhp Vanderbilt Tenn.

Fluid motion, clean delivery. There's good here. For whatever reason though it seems to come with the ball easily picked up by me. Maybe flat w/o downward plane? He'd fit in with Phil Bickford. Not an ace potential, in my estimation, but a 2 would be reasonable. Besides, Walker as a Pitcher name...hearing the cheers Let's go Walker...or Come on Walk! Counterintuitive no?

11 Nick Plummer of Brother Rice HS, Bloomfield Hills Mich.

Getting towards top 10 so as a bat I was hoping some impressive. Has the stature/build at the plate. Needs some tinkering in timing lower body use. Swing was solid speed, with shows of power to come. The small amount of video of Stephenson I seen, I'd rank him above Plummer though. Not a wow here but enough I'd pick him above the Bickford/Bueller types. His arm was a little soft. The upside with the bat is intriguing because I could see him lock in with some serious power display if he got it right. He had patience at the plate to take pitches as well.

[Eye Black]

There was some discussion in this thread back in February that the Astros may have some trouble working out agreements with top prospects advised by Casey Close (Excel Agency), who represented both Brady Aiken and Jacob Nix during their fallout with the Astros last year. This year Close and his agency represent several top ranked draft prospects, including Dansby Swanson and Brendan Rodgers, but according to Astros GM Jeff Luhnow in this ARTICLE, there will not be any hold up on working with Close and his clients. I have quoted the most relevant part of the article here:

 

“No, not at all,” Luhnow said when asked if the team’s relationship with Excel was harmed. “Excel has a lot of good players both in our system today as well as potentially in the draft. I’ve spent time with Casey, with his senior guys and so has Mike, and we understand that that didn’t go the way they wanted and the way we wanted. We’re back at it, ’cause we both are going to be in this industry for a while. So you learn to deal with situations like that and move on.”

[Eye Black]

Interesting TWEET from Fangraphs writer Kiley McDaniel...

 

@kileymcd: Teams making signability calls on backup/underslot options. I'm told Kevin Newman, Ke'Bryan Hayes & Trenton Clark could go in top 10 as such

[LouisEly]

24 Ian Happ of Cincinnati Ohio

Info time. Switch Hitter. I like his swing from the Left Handed side more than the Right handed side. However the videos I watched he hit 2 HRs from the RH side. I'd question his power for corner OF. 2b sure. I'm coming away moderately less happy with him, I didn't know he was switch hitter. Lefty swing looks good for contact. Righty swing, I'm surprised at the power, because it doesn't look all that great. I see why he's in the 20s now. His batting stance lower body seems to change quite a bit, like he's always tweaking/messing with it indecisive?

I'm not sure what to think of Happ. I understand why some people like him, and I like the fact that he's a switch hitter and had a very good OBP this year (.492), walking 49 times in 250 PAs. He also struck out 49 times; not terrible, but it's not good to strike out once every five PA's in college. On top of that, I'm not real big on drafting corner OFs that high unless they are head/shoulders above anyone at a premium position. You can move guys to corner OF (Braun, Coulter) who don't make it at more premium positions.

 

I don't know that he's head and shoulders above some of the pitchers or catchers that are projected to be there at #15.

[brewcrewdue80]

10 Trenton Clark of Richland HS, North Richland Hills Texas

This is some sort of joke? Only way I can think he's ranked this high is he's .2secs faster than Billy Hamilton is to 1st base. Grips up on bat and swing looks like a pitcher to me who can make 30...maybe 40% more contact than them. God this is awful to have come to for #10rank on this list I'm going off of. Thank you to whatever team makes the mistake of drafting him You'll get your .550OPS speedster.

9 Andrew Benintendi of Arkansas Ark.

Frustrating, I can't find any fielding video so no defense to look at. With the bat the swing is obviously there. He hit a HR from a swing where his knees touched the ground. Power impressive, patience to swing that way questioned? It showed a few times in his HS videos too to golf balls off his knees in motion in contact. Good thing for me is this bat is most likely gone before the Brewers pick so no worries on outlook for the Brewers.

8 Kyle Tucker of Plant HS, Tampa Fla.

OF arm strength is there. Lower body a little narrow, takes a bigger step to get in to swing so timing could be slightly off. Has some pull tendencies. But also has obvious power when swing is timed up. at 18 I see an ability to make a minor adjustment and he would take off. Again, so little chance he's around for Milw to pick but he's a solid choice above 15.

7 Garrett Whitley of Niskayuna (N.Y.) HS N.Y.

Wow factor alert. I'd say tops I've seen in bat speed...and power. This should be the #1 pick in the draft from what I've seen thus far. Why is this kid not getting the attention he deserves?

6 Carson Fulmer rhp Vanderbilt Tenn. Note 5'11"+ tall.

He about hit every number 80-95 on radar in what I seen. So talk about changing speeds....or an inability to maintain top velocity because of some effort to his delivery. Works low in the Zone consistently. Good motion in delivery. Movement on breaking pitches isn't wow but adequate. This will be the Fast Track pick of this draft from what I see.

[brewcrewdue80]

24 Ian Happ of Cincinnati Ohio

Info time. Switch Hitter. I like his swing from the Left Handed side more than the Right handed side. However the videos I watched he hit 2 HRs from the RH side. I'd question his power for corner OF. 2b sure. I'm coming away moderately less happy with him, I didn't know he was switch hitter. Lefty swing looks good for contact. Righty swing, I'm surprised at the power, because it doesn't look all that great. I see why he's in the 20s now. His batting stance lower body seems to change quite a bit, like he's always tweaking/messing with it indecisive?

I'm not sure what to think of Happ. I understand why some people like him, and I like the fact that he's a switch hitter and had a very good OBP this year (.492), walking 49 times in 250 PAs. He also struck out 49 times; not terrible, but it's not good to strike out once every five PA's in college. On top of that, I'm not real big on drafting corner OFs that high unless they are head/shoulders above anyone at a premium position. You can move guys to corner OF (Braun, Coulter) who don't make it at more premium positions.

 

I don't know that he's head and shoulders above some of the pitchers or catchers that are projected to be there at #15.

 

Exactly how I feel from what I seen. He's a 20s to competive balance pick in my opinion now.

 

As I'm searching for video I seen some more Demi O video of recent. His stance that I picked on narrowed a little giving him more lower body sync with his top. He's still not Wow, but when I'd have ranked him below the Happ MIFs contact types, Id probably consider him equal to them now with more power potential or a higher upside. It's like someone told him what I was seeing in earlier videos and he slightly corrected it. Immediately hitting more line drives vs grounders/foul balls.

[splitterpfj]

Interesting TWEET from Fangraphs writer Kiley McDaniel...

 

@kileymcd: Teams making signability calls on backup/underslot options. I'm told Kevin Newman, Ke'Bryan Hayes & Trenton Clark could go in top 10 as such

 

Exactly.

 

Do you see how loose and goofy baseball's draft system really is? The first pick should be the best player, etc, but this year we even have rumors of the top pick being a "signable" guy, allowing the Diamondbacks to spend more later. I hate the system - period.

 

It's what we have to work with, and I still love to follow the draft, so here we are. Last year the Brewers took a kid, "they" said was pick 25-35, maybe they'll do it again.

[splitterpfj]

24 Ian Happ of Cincinnati Ohio

Info time. Switch Hitter. I like his swing from the Left Handed side more than the Right handed side. However the videos I watched he hit 2 HRs from the RH side. I'd question his power for corner OF. 2b sure. I'm coming away moderately less happy with him, I didn't know he was switch hitter. Lefty swing looks good for contact. Righty swing, I'm surprised at the power, because it doesn't look all that great. I see why he's in the 20s now. His batting stance lower body seems to change quite a bit, like he's always tweaking/messing with it indecisive?

I'm not sure what to think of Happ. I understand why some people like him, and I like the fact that he's a switch hitter and had a very good OBP this year (.492), walking 49 times in 250 PAs. He also struck out 49 times; not terrible, but it's not good to strike out once every five PA's in college. On top of that, I'm not real big on drafting corner OFs that high unless they are head/shoulders above anyone at a premium position. You can move guys to corner OF (Braun, Coulter) who don't make it at more premium positions.

 

I don't know that he's head and shoulders above some of the pitchers or catchers that are projected to be there at #15.

 

 

 

Exactly how I feel from what I seen. He's a 20s to competive balance pick in my opinion now.

 

As I'm searching for video I seen some more Demi O video of recent. His stance that I picked on narrowed a little giving him more lower body sync with his top. He's still not Wow, but when I'd have ranked him below the Happ MIFs contact types, Id probably consider him equal to them now with more power potential or a higher upside. It's like someone told him what I was seeing in earlier videos and he slightly corrected it. Immediately hitting more line drives vs grounders/foul balls.

 

 

The "issue" for Happ is - what position will he play? I think, if teams knew he could handle second base, he'd go ahead of the Brewers' pick, but if he's an outfielder, does he have enough power for left field? I like him a lot, but if he slides, that will be why.

[brewcrewdue80]

5 Daz Cameron of Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy, McDonough Ga.

Bat is good. Won't be around for Milw to pick certainly.

4 Alex Bregman ss Louisiana State La.

Really? Talk about overhyping these MIF prospects. Scott Kingery looks every bit as good if not more upside with power. Why's he 40 and Bregman 4?

3 Dillon Tate rhp UC Santa Barbara Calif.

Has a snappy high leg kick but fully under control through the pitch. Looks like a good slider thrown with confidence. FBs are 93-96. Solid and gone before Milw picks.

2 Dansby Swanson ss Vanderbilt Tenn.

Fielding looks good. Bat shows more power than the other MIF solid contact hitters. So his ranking is at least deserved in upside. Gone before Milw picks. Not much lower kick but drives hips still to activate in unison with upper body in swing. I expect solid contact/AVG skills out of him due to his move.

1 Brendan Rodgers ss Lake Mary (Fla.) HS Fla.

Not wow. I like Swanson more. But he looks solid in the bat stance/motion that I could see growth above the other MIFs not named Swanson. He'll be gone when Milw picks anyway.

 

These guys are going to be gone before Milw picks on projection so I didn't put a lot of time in to going over them. I'd go Swanson, Cameron, Tate, Rodgers, and Bregman a distant last in ranking this 5.