2016 Draft Pick Discussion, Rounds 1-5

[patrickgpe]

any guesses where Ray fits in on the MLB pipeline top 30, i'm thinking #5 right right before Clark?

[CheezWizHed]

MORE COLLEGE PITCHING

 

Zack Brown, RHP, Kentucky in the 5th.

 

Not sure if he has a band.

The rock and roll, and pop culture references keep coming...

 

It's a shame about Ray not having a good music reference

 

I don't see any

http://cdn.ideastations.org.s3.amazonaws.com/article-images/article-width/ray-charles.jpg?itok=CqeNf_ze

[reillymcshane]

MORE COLLEGE PITCHING

 

Zack Brown, RHP, Kentucky in the 5th.

 

Not sure if he has a band.

The rock and roll, and pop culture references keep coming...

 

It's a shame about Ray not having a good music reference

 

I don't see any

http://cdn.ideastations.org.s3.amazonaws.com/article-images/article-width/ray-charles.jpg?itok=CqeNf_ze

 

I was thinking this:

 

http://first-avenue.com/sites/default/files/images/events/the-lemonheads-its-a-shame-about-ray.jpg

[colbyjack]

Reports on Webb, Burnes and Brown (three pretty good arms for where the Brewers took them):

 

Braden Webb – RHP

 

Height/Weight: 6-2/195

Bats/Throws: R/R

Birthdate: April 25, 1995

College: South Carolina

Hometown: Owasso, Okla.

Projected Draft Round: 2-4

 

The route taken by Braden Webb to get to where he is today is a little different from his counterparts but he’s nonetheless here and a is major factor in the success that the South Carolina Gamecocks have enjoyed this spring. A rare draft-eligible freshman (just a couple quickly jump to mind in two Massachusetts natives, Johnny Magliozzi and Chris Dwyer) it’s worth noting that Webb would have been an age-eligible sophomore had he elected to enroll in school following his high school graduation in 2014.

 

Rather than going through the process of recovering from Tommy John surgery away from home, Webb elected to stay home in Oklahoma and do the rehab there. Nonetheless the Cleveland Indians took a waiver on him last June in the 38th round as he was a well-decorated prep power arm, though it appeared he would be going to Columbia and the Gamecocks coaches are glad he did.

 

After showing big velocity in the fall as part of his three-pitch mix, Webb was immediately thrusted into the weekend rotation from opening weekend and hasn’t looked back. Though he’s older than your typical freshman, it’s still his first season pitching in the SEC, a level of baseball that’s hard to rival throughout the country and certainly at a different level than the hitters he faced during his prep days in Oklahoma.

 

A good athlete with a tough and competitive come-at-you mentality – one that some scouts feel would be suited best in the bullpen at the next level – Webb will show two different pitches that he can miss bats with. The first is his fastball and it’s one that will sit 93-95 mph early in an outing while maintaining low-90s throughout the course of a game with sharp downhill and occasional running life. His arm action is very full coming through the back, and though it’s also plenty quick, it can occasionally drag or he’ll get under the ball which will cause some looseness to his overall fastball command. But when he’s on and everything is in sync he can spot the fastball to either side of the plate, evidenced by some of the numbers he’s put up this spring.

 

The second swing-and-miss pitch in his arsenal is his big 12-to-6 overhand curveball which he does a nice job of mimicking his arm action on, drawing hitters in to thinking it’s a fastball prior to the release. A mid- to upper-70s pitch with big depth that he shows equally impressive feel for, Webb won’t necessarily show the pitch on a regular basis but it makes the offering all the more effective. And to put the numbers into perspective and see just how good Webb’s been, prior to Wednesday’s SEC action the freshman led the league in strikeouts and batters struck out looking among several other categories in which he’s close to the top.

 

To round out the arsenal Webb will also show a mid-80s changeup with late diving life down in the zone with solid arm speed, eliciting empty swings from the opposing hitters. In all he has a power fastball as part of a solid three-pitch mix and he’s performed even better than expected, all numbers and traits scouts surely took notice of this spring.

 

 

Corbin Burnes – RHP

 

Height/Weight: 6-3/205

Bats/Throws: R/R

Birthdate: Oct. 22, 1994

College: Saint Mary's

Hometown: Bakersfield, Calif.

Projected Draft Round: 1-1S

 

As I wrote in Burnes’ report following his stint on the Cape last summer, there’s undoubtedly at least one college arm from a “smaller” conference who arrives somewhat under the radar on a national scene and uses the summer as a springboard into the first round. Last summer Burnes was that breakthrough arm and he now finds himself squarely in the first round talks and should be off the board by the conclusion of day one of the draft on June 9.

Undrafted out of Centennial High School back in 2013, Burnes wouldn’t be recognizable to most from his days as a prep as he’s grown roughly three inches and has added 25 pounds of strength when comparing his Perfect Game profile and current Saint Mary’s player page. Of course the pure stuff is also incredibly different otherwise Burnes would have been a high round draft out of high school and currently climbing up a team’s farm system.

 

After a rather unassuming freshman season in which he had a few turns in the rotation, though most of his innings came as a reliever, Burnes did a summer stint where he began transitioning into a starter as five of his six appearances in the Hamptons League were starts. Burnes showed impressive raw stuff but still struggled some with an ERA north of 5.00 before taking a sharp right turn as a sophomore when everything began to click. He began to thrive as a member of the Gaels' starting rotation and he also started to miss bats at a rather frequent rate before suiting up for the Orleans Firebirds last summer where he cemented his name on every prospect list.

 

Burnes didn’t necessarily blow his fastball past anybody on the Cape as he averaged less than a strikeout per inning (a clip he’ll well surpass this spring), but he did show some of his best pure stuff with reports coming of a fastball that touched upwards of 97 mph. And while he’s not consistently showing the big velocity in any given start, he is carrying a 92-94 mph fastball exceptionally well throughout a start showing a long and loose whip-like arm action through the back from which the ball absolutely explodes out of his hand.

 

His slider has been a swing-and-miss type offering this spring and it’s one that can work into the low-80s with short, late-tilting life down to the bottom of the zone. Maintaining his arm action and delivery, with a simple leg lift that appears similar to former Vanderbilt’s Carson Fulmer, but at a slowed down rate, Burnes throws his changeup with plenty of conviction and arm speed in the mid-80s with late fading life. Not only does he throw the pitch for strikes with sinking life, he shows the comfort to double or triple up on the pitch and can throw it to both righthanded and lefthanded hitters.

 

 

162. Zack Brown, rhp, Kentucky (JR)

R-R, 6-2/200, Seymour, Ind.

Previously Drafted: Cubs ’13 (38)

 

Prior to stepping foot on Kentucky’s campus Brown participated in the 18u WWBA National Championship, his only PG event, where he topped out at 92 mph and ultimately finished at No. 430 in the final edition of Perfect Game’s class rankings in 2013. Upon making it to campus Brown worked mostly out of the Wildcat bullpen before truly opening eyes the following summer in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League where he topped out at 96 mph and steadily worked in the low-90s with his heater. As a sophomore he leaped into the Friday night role where he performed well, though not without inconsistencies similar to what he’s shown this spring. This spring when everything is on for the 6-foot-2 righthander he has the ability to make scouts hone in, still showing a fastball that regularly works into the mid-90s deep into a pitch count with sinking action to the bottom of the zone. At its best the curveball is a true swing-and-miss offering with sharp biting life in the low-80s and at times will show plus, giving him two quality pitches, and he’ll show a third in his changeup. The biggest concern with Brown moving forward will be the command and consistency in terms of strikes, something that should he ironed out at the next level, which could make him a steal in the draft.

[Austin Tatious]

Thanks for all your reports, Colbyjack. They are a real treat.

 

Burnes sounds like a steal. Gotta be happy there.

 

Zack Brown - the front office sounds enamored with raw skills even if production doesn't warrant it. Not a pick I like. You're still in a range where you could get value there.

 

Webb - if it all works out, possible reliever. We will see. We draft guys like this every year. Maybe he can be a Thorny.

[1992casey]

Thanks again, Patrick.

[MrTPlush]

any guesses where Ray fits in on the MLB pipeline top 30, i'm thinking #5 right right before Clark?

 

I'd think so. If we were allowed to update everyone's ranking respectively he is probably #3 or #4. #1 Arcia #2 Hader #3 Phillips #4 Ray #5 Clark

[brewmann04]

Phillips and Ray as our cf prospects. Any intresting names for tomorrow?

[Mass Haas]

Burnes taken in fourth round by Milwaukee Brewers

By Trevor Horn, Bakersfield.com

 

The MLB Draft is more of a guessing game than any other first-year player draft in professional sports.

 

All are difficult to gauge when it comes to figuring out what executives, coaches and scouts really do think going in, but more perplexing is just trying to factor in all variables that go into the 40-round draft.

 

From an outsider’s perspective, it’s a head scratcher, but for someone involved, it’s life-altering.

 

As was the case for Corbin Burnes, a former Centennial standout and pitcher for St. Mary’s College in Moraga.

 

Burnes was the No. 39 of the Top 200 prospects going into the draft, but fell to the 11th pick in the fourth round to the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday afternoon.

 

Despite the wait, Burnes said he was happy to get the next chapter of his life moving forward.

 

“I was just waiting and enjoying the day with family and friends,” Burnes said from his parent’s home in Bakersfield. “I would like to have have gone on (in the first two rounds) Thursday, but that didn’t happen.”

 

Once the call did come in from the Brewers regional scout, Burnes was quick to accept the offer.

 

“It was a good feeling. First it was excitement,” Burnes said. “It’s a dream come true to have my named called. I was happy to get it out of the way and get back to baseball, what I like. Happy to get to work.”

 

Burnes heads to Milwaukee on Tuesday for a physical.

 

After he signs his contract, he will likely find out where he will be sent for the remainder of the season, likely to be either Wisconsin Timber Rattlers of the Class-A Midwest League in Appleton, Wis., or Brevard County Manatees in the Class-A Advanced Florida State League in Melbourne, Fla.

 

***

 

That last line would seem to be writer's speculation, likely not familiar with the rookie Helena squad yet to begin play...

[Mass Haas]

Cool video report on Corbin Burnes' draft experience, ending up as a Day Two selection. As noted above, he has agreed to join the Brewers since this report was filmed.

[Eye Black]

Cool video report on Corbin Burnes' draft experience, ending up as a Day Two selection. As noted above, he has agreed to join the Brewers since this report was filmed.

Neat video, but at the same time you have feel for him a little bit. To have all of your family, friends, and a news crew all gather while you watch 4-5 hours of draft coverage go by without being selected had to be tough. Glad it all worked out for him and that he is now a member of the Brewers organization!

[torts]

Having 3 CF in the of is nice, pirates have 3 with mccutch, matte and polanco, really fun watching them play

[torts]

Webb is in ESPN pitching right now, so filthy

[CheezWizHed]

I was thinking this:

 

http://first-avenue.com/sites/default/files/images/events/the-lemonheads-its-a-shame-about-ray.jpg

 

Given my age, your reference is more timely than mine. Yet "Lemonhead" still only means this to me:

 

http://www-assets.lemonhead.com/Carousel_Lemonhead_1.png

[3and2Fastball]

Is it possible the Brewers made a mistake not taking Kyle Lewis? His swing looks really really good!

 

https://twitter.com/Mariners/status/741783958522724352

[trwi7]

He's going to swing and miss a ton if he keeps up that ridiculous leg kick.

[MrTPlush]

Is it possible the Brewers made a mistake not taking Kyle Lewis? His swing looks really really good!

 

https://twitter.com/Mariners/status/741783958522724352

 

Yah nice batting practice swing...check out his in game swing. I like Lewis, but he has too busy of a swing for me and he comes of as a hacker. I honestly see a little bit of Carlos Gomez when I watch him. Not Gomez bad, but he swings hard every pitch.

 

I think there are some legitimate concerns with him that he couldn't really prove wrong against weaker competition. I am betting that is what lead the Brewers to take Ray over him along with the fact they believe Ray can stick in CF. However no knock on Lewis as he is a pretty good prospect himself with a high ceiling.

[3and2Fastball]

Is it possible the Brewers made a mistake not taking Kyle Lewis? His swing looks really really good!

 

https://twitter.com/Mariners/status/741783958522724352

 

Yah nice batting practice swing...check out his in game swing. I like Lewis, but he has too busy of a swing for me and he comes of as a hacker. I honestly see a little bit of Carlos Gomez when I watch him. Not Gomez bad, but he swings hard every pitch.

 

I think there are some legitimate concerns with him that he couldn't really prove wrong against weaker competition. I am betting that is what lead the Brewers to take Ray over him along with the fact they believe Ray can stick in CF. However no knock on Lewis as he is a pretty good prospect himself with a high ceiling.

 

 

Thanks, I appreciate the added perspective....

 

I'll be rooting for Ray

[MrTPlush]

He's going to swing and miss a ton if he keeps up that ridiculous leg kick.

 

Exactly what I thought along with his very hard swing. Not very contact oriented.

[beekay414]

Lewis is going to get eaten alive by big league off speed stuff. He's one hell of a dead red hitter but he's fooled easily by any quality breaking ball. He's worth the gamble at 11 like the Mariners did (and they got him at slot $$$) so I can't blame them but he's got a lot of work to do.

[reillymcshane]

Is it possible the Brewers made a mistake not taking Kyle Lewis? His swing looks really really good!

 

https://twitter.com/Mariners/status/741783958522724352

I asked about Lewis to a baseball writer I know, and here was his perspective:

 

- From reports he heard, Lewis wasn't that impressive in some of the pre-draft workouts.

- He played in the Southern Conference, which doesn't have that great of competition. So some of the numbers he put up have to be taken in context of the league he played in.

- There is concern about his strikeouts. He had a high strikeout rate, even against weaker competition, a red flag to some evaluators.

 

The writer said "the Victor Roache comparisons aren't that far off". Obviously, Lewis isn't coming off a broken leg, so the injury issue was huge for Roache. But the worry is that he's only an average athlete - not a great one - who will get eaten up against better competition.

 

I stress that this was more of a conversation about why we didn't pick him - so we focused on his faults. You don't get drafted in the top 10 without having lots of positives.

[wichmae]

I thought Roache had a wrist fracture not leg.

[reillymcshane]

I thought Roache had a wrist fracture not leg.

Yep. you are correct.

[JDBrewCrew]

Corbin Burnes ‏@Burnes16 2h2 hours ago

Milwaukee✈️!

 

Looks like Burnes is signing shortly.

[JDBrewCrew]

Lucas ‏@LucasErceg17 24s24 seconds ago

That moment when you realize you're off to bigger and better things #BrewCrew

 

Looks like he's close to signing.