why the change, colby?

[DHonks]

In past years, I seem to recall you being almost as secretive as the Brew Crew's war room with your top picks. Or was that 2nd rounders? But this year it's been Romero from day 1, with a lot of "I like this guy" type comments

[colbyjack]

I hope you're kidding DHonks, because usually I'm quite vocal about whom I believe should be the pick. Last year it was Sowers, who I wanted since 2001, when I felt he could have been our first round pick despite his insistance on attending college. 2001 was also the year in which I stated if there was any possible way Casey Kotchman fell that we HAD to take him (at the time, there didn't seem to be any chance Kotchman would fall, and this is why you see so many Kotchman jokes pointed in my direction, which I thoroughly enjoy). Past Sowers, I really liked Chris Nelson, and I made my frustration in the Rogers pick pretty well known, as much as I like his promise.

 

2003 was a no-brainer. It came down to Weeks and Young, basically whomever the D-Rays didn't take, and so far it appears as though both are living up to their expectations. However, I among several others were very fond of Adam Loewen, a player that many preferred over both Young and Weeks at the time. While he's starting to get his career back on track, it's a good thing he signed with the O's as a DFE before the 2003 took place.

 

2002 was the year of Scott Moore, whom I believe would not only fill a need at 3B (although I felt he should be tried at SS for as long as possible), but also had a very good, polished bat. Thankfully, the Brewers made the right pick in Fielder, whom I initially opposed until seeing him in person at the pre-draft workout at Miller Park. I know almost the entire 2002 draft angered everyone that followed here and on the chat rooms.

 

As noted above, in 2001 I was all about Kotchman. I didn't expect him to fall, and with the Brewers seemingly in greater need for positional prospect, John VanBenschoten, Gabe Gross and Jake Gautreau were among my favorites. Another Southern 2B, Mike Wood, was rumored to be in the running for our pick, but I don't think many people were fond of that rumor.

 

In 2000 I was rooting for Nady if he fell (which he did, but most people, including myself, didn't understand the full Boras implications at the time, and Nady hasn't come close to fulfilling expectations), Rocco Baldelli (who went to the D-Rays 7th overall IIRC) or Aaron Heilman. While David Krynzel still hasn't made it up to stay (I don't see him sticking with his recent callup), he still looks to be the best pick at the time we took him. Although, the 2000 draft is probably one of the most disappointing in recent memory.

 

As for this year, while I have been a big fan of Romero, and liked him more than most even entering the season, I entered the season targeting Luke Hochevar and Tyler Greene with our first round pick. Hochevar's & Greene's affiliation with Scott Boras caused them to fall in my mind immediately upon finding out that they were indeed involved with the super-agent, while several players have emerged that I really like, including Romero, Ryan Zimmerman and Jay Bruce. I have always enjoyed Ryan Braun, although I still have some reservations about him. Hochevar had a great season, while Greene has slipped in the eyes of scouts a little bit.

 

On top of that, both Katuluu and xisxisxis have sworn me to keep my mouth shut about my favorite prospect, knowing I'll jink the pick anyway (which looking at my track record probably is a good thing). This year there are so many players that I like, because I think this is really a strong draft year filled with good to great positional prospects, that I haven't really had to target on that one player. To be honest, Romero isn't even my favorite of players that could be at our pick. If there was any chance Ryan Zimmerman could slip past the Nationals, he would be my #1 (knowing Upton & Gordon won't fall).

 

I haven't been more vocal about the pick recently because I know I'm going to be happy with it, unless the Brewers really surprise all of us. I have already written three stories for the three players that I feel are most likely to be selected by the Brewers, and have sent those stories to Brian who is poised to post one of those three stories when the pick is announced. So, I'll ask you, who do you think those three players are?

[DHonks]

On top of that, both Katuluu and xisxisxis have sworn me to keep my mouth shut about my favorite prospect, knowing I'll jink the pick anyway (which looking at my track record probably is a good thing)

 

I think this is what I was remembering. Maybe it was people always asking you about the 2nd rounder, and you vowing not to reveal your favorites so as not to jinx it.

 

Going back, I have to say that Weeks really disappointed me at the time. I saw him as a compete fluke, since it wasn't a top college school. Last year I was torn. I basically gave the nod to Rogers, Bailey, or Sowers, having liked their videos far more than the others.

 

And based on all the rumblings, I can assume one of the three is Maybin. That means that 2 of Gordon, Zimmerman, Tulo, Braun, and Romero get the nod. I would assume you went with Zimmerman and Braun. But I know you love Romero (I liked the video too, although I thought he seemed wild in it). So I guess my final answer is Maybin, Braun, and Romero.

[batman]

So, I'll ask you, who do you think those three players are?

 

Zimmerman, Braun, and Maybin?

 

As long as the list doesn't include Gordon, we can hold out hope that he'll fall "victim" to the Colbyjack jinx and fall to #5. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

 

~Bill

[colbyjack]

You're close DHonks, although it's not that hard to figure out. Despite rumors of the Brewers being interested in Romero, he's not one of the three I profiled. I think he's a lock for the Blue Jays at #6, but I doubt he goes before that.

 

Zimmerman isn't the 3rd player either, since as I've noted before, I think he's a lock to go to Washington.

 

Since we don't have a 2nd rounder, a couple of faves for the 3rd round pick include Rio Hondo JC RHP Kenny Maiques and California prep C Charlie Cutler. Jeremy Hellickson is as well if he somehow makes it to that selection, as is David Adams. Aaron Thompson, Trevor Bell, Ryan Mount, Reese Havens, Brian Matusz, Travis Wood and Jeff Lyman are a few other of my faves that could factor in rounds 3-5. All prep players, with the exception of Maiques.

[colbyjack]

I should add, that I already have a favorite for next year's draft, although I'm not sure if the Brewers will be in a position to take the guy since he could go very, very high. DHonks, I know you will, and probably already do, like the guy. Is that a big enough hint?

[DHonks]

DHonks, I know you will, and probably already do, like the guy. Is that a big enough hint?

 

well, there's one draft elligible for next year that I've asked about, so I'm assuming it's a certain pitcher that transfered schools before this year. Someone whom you were high on before the '03 draft. I believe you even had a conversation with him or his father at the Brewers' workouts. So that's my assumption.

[bjkrautk]

My guesses:

Tulowitzki, Braun, Maybin

 

 

Gordon & Upton aren't likely to fall to 5.

BA has rumored a pre-draft deal between the Nats and Zimmerman.

Plus, you've already ruled out Romero.

[brewersClone]

If Maybin is there and i think he will be, my guess would be that would be the pick.

[colbyjack]

There's one other player I've brought up specifically in conversation with you DHonks. Although I do like Jared Hughes, and I know both he and his father would be pleased to be involved with the Brewers.

 

bjkrautk nailed it.

[brettac1]

I'm really starting to think it's going to be Tulo. How well does he profile as a 3B, colby? I know you mention a possible move there in your bio of him, but how likely do you think that would be? If the Brewers di draft him, do you think it would be with that move in mind?

[colbyjack]

No need to move Tulo now. He would be a Gold Glove caliber 3B, and have the power potential, just like Bobby Crosby, to be a fine 3B. But again, why draft him as a 3B now when he has plenty of time before he reaches the big leagues?

[brettac1]

Gotcha. Thanks again.

[DHonks]

wow colby, I'm stumped on who else we've talked about. My first guess is that it's someone who you've compared to Sheets. I don't think it's anyone from Santa Clara (can't fathom they'd have a first rounder). The names just aren't jumping at me. I did bring up the Canadians once, so perhaps that's what you were referring to. And with this darn EZboard outage, I can't find all the threads (that's my excuse).

[colbyjack]

It's better that you don't think of it DHonks, I don't want to jinx the pick a year out.

 

I've wait long enough for BA's final projection to come out. It's off to bed for me.

[DHonks]

what about character? We know the Crew likes character. I learned first hand that the A's love high-character individuals. Huston Street and Jeremy Brown may know how to party, but they're also workaholics and great teammates. What do we know about the main candidates and their character issues?

[PeaveyFury]

I hope you're kidding DHonks, because usually I'm quite vocal about whom I believe should be the pick.

 

And truthfully, in the the five draft years that I and many of the others have read your stuff, you've only been wrong once (Moore) in regards to where they are now in terms of development and who we should have taken vs. who you wanted. Though Rogers is a bit early to call either way. You may not have gotten the picks right, but you've been correct in evaluating who we should have taken.

 

However, I among several others were very fond of Adam Loewen, a player that many preferred over both Young and Weeks at the time.

 

I liked Loewen for a while, and had hoped he'd fall to us in 2002, so I certainly can say that I'm glad we took Weeks and didn't have the temptation to take Loewen.

 

I know almost the entire 2002 draft angered everyone that followed here and on the chat rooms.

 

2002 is a draft that made us all look like bozos and shows why Jack Z. and the scouts get paid to do this. I wasn't high on Moore, but even I can't believe what a disaster he's been. And yes, the anger was insanely strong that day. The anti-Prince movement was widespread, and I don't think many at all were thrilled with the pick at all. The rest of that draft was rough, but we all forget that signing Manny Parra one week prior was like getting a second 1st rounder, and certainly factored into the 'cheap' selections in rounds 2-4.

[UWRyan428]

I'm hoping the pick tomorrow will be Cameron Maybin. It seems as if Gordon has a better chance of falling to us than Zimmerman, but that's just comparing a 2% chance to a 5% chance. I don't like the idea of Braun at #5 at all. Maybin just would be the perfect centerpiece for our next wave of prospects. The kid has goldenboy written all over him, if simply because of his high average against high school competition and the fact that he holds the state record for career homeruns. Also, Colby, I'm not sure if this is the player you're thinking of for next year but I've been completely enamored with Miller from UNC and Kennedy from USC. Miller would look to go higher, however, so that would be my hypothesis for your "mystery pick" of next year. Also, on a side note, with the secrecy of Jack Z., could all his talk about Clement being a 10-20 overall prospect in this draft be smokescreen? If the Mariners are giving Clement a decent look, you have to imagine so are the Brewers. This would only add to my intrigue for next year's draft in hopes of getting Kennedy to reform the famed battery that is ripping through the tourney. GO BREW and their eternal fascination with Trojan men!

[Katuluu]

On top of that, both Katuluu and xisxisxis have sworn me to keep my mouth shut about my favorite prospect, knowing I'll jink the pick anyway (which looking at my track record probably is a good thing).

 

I see you used your wife to slip one by us this year. We may have to include the whole family as part of the gag rule starting next year. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif

[JoeHova]

I have already written three stories for the three players that I feel are most likely to be selected by the Brewers, and have sent those stories to Brian who is poised to post one of those three stories when the pick is announced.

 

 

Hey Patrick, will you post the other two stories in one of these threads after the draft so your work doesn't go to waste? I always enjoy reading your reviews of players.