MLB Draft Coverage

[colbyjack]

MLB has had very good draft coverage the past couple of years, and Johnathan Mayo kicks it off with a mock draft of his own:

 

MLB Mock Draft

 

MLB Draft Coverage

 

Some good sound bites to check out, including Q&A's with Mike Pelfrey, Justin Sellers, Kyle Hancock and Cameron Maybin. They do a good job keeping their info fresh, so be sure to check back daily, or at least a few times a week.

[SheetsCyYoung04]

Anyone know when or if the videos will be available this year? When were they available last year?

[EdgarDiazRocks]

Quote:

---

25. Twins: Justin Bristow, SS, Mills Godwin HS, Richmond, Va.

---

 

Man, I just can't see Bristow falling that far.

 

I think the Orioles at #13 is a better match.

[colbyjack]

SheetsCyYoung04, if you read MLB's draft preview story you'll see that the best we can offer is "within the next few weeks."

 

Today, Johnathan Mayo does a decent job covering the first-rounder draftees from a year ago (Townsend, Weaver, Drew) that could be first-rounders again this year:

 

mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/ne...&fext=.jsp

[jjtheglove]

As I said in a gordon post, a lot people are saying that KC will go cheap with their pick leaving Gordon to go later... Hopefully all the way to five...

[colbyjack]

Just a head's up, there is a very nice MLB.com piece on Jeff Clement of USC. There's not a whole lot of video of him playing, but he talks a little bit, as does Chad Kreuter who has been a volunteer assistant for the Trojans this year. Follow the link above to MLB's draft coverage.

[shelmark]

Very disappointed that mlb does not have video for prospects yet. It seems they had already had it active by this time last year.

[shelmark]

Video is up on MLB.com

[BMuch]

I just watched Kerry Wood's draft video from back in the day. If the readings from the gun were accurate, then Wood was only pitching in the low to mid 80's. I wasn't a draftnik back then, but I thought that Wood was regarded as a HS phenom.

 

Any ideas regarding the gun readings for Kerry Wood's draft video pitching performance?

[bjkrautk]

Note: is it just me, or is the video only available in 56k. for a number of players.

 

Random thoughts as I go through the videos:

 

- Could they have put together a less-intriguing tape than Jeff Clement's? On defense, most of his throws come with him breaking the crouch before the ball gets there (a side effect of the ball coming from 1b instead of the mound). He does show decent arm strength, but didn't have any footage of blocking balls in the dirt (like catchers usually have). Looks good in BP, and shows a very compact swing, but most of the game tape is him taking pitches. (I only counted about two good swings the whole time.)

 

- Like the footage on Nick Hundley. Decent option if he's there in the 4th round. He's fairly athletic (4.4 sec. to 1b, better than any other C I've seen thusfar), and seems to have a decent throwing arm. (Doesn't appear to be directly related to Todd & Randy Hundley, despite playing the same position....in case anyone was wondering.)

 

- I just don't like the setup from Paramore (HS Catcher); with his shinguards almost parallel to the ground, he couldn't snap a throw if necessary. (When he does throw on the tape, he gets into a more traditional position to receive the ball, so it's more a matter of focus than anything else.) Although he shows good balance to get into that position, I'm not sure he could move laterally to block a ball. While taking issue with his setup, I can't do the same for his throws: the kid's got a quick release, and the throws appears to have some velocity behind them.

 

- Teagarden looked fairly agile behind the dish....but I can't think of a player less likely to be a Brewer (that isn't a Scott Boras client). He's going in the first round....but not with the 5th pick.

 

I started with catchers, because it's the position I used to play. (I'm not saying that anything I did is directly comparable to these guys -- there's a reason I'm not playing & they still are -- just that I have a better understanding of the fundamentals there than at any other position.) I'll get to another position or two later (hopefully they'll have added video on Zimmerman by then!).

[colbyjack]

Wood was a very well known commodity back in HS. He was throwing mid to high-90s back then, which is why he was drafted so high in '95.

 

I noticed they only have videos for 56k available. I'll take it anyway I can get it though, it's a great feature, although I hope they had a lot more. It seemed like they had more video in past years, although they still may be in the process of adding more.

 

There has been more and more talk recently about a possible move to 1B for Parramore, which obviously has hurt his draft stock considerably. Just so you know, he started for the West team last summer as part of the Aflac All American Classic. Johnathan Egan started for the East squad, if you're interested in checking out other catchers (I didn't check if there was video available for him).

 

I've watched Teagarden play several times on TV, and I don't think he's going to hit much in the big leagues. He started off hot, but has cooled considerably since the first week or two of the season. There's no way I'm spending a first round pick on a player that projects to be a good defensive player if that player doesn't have a decent bat. That's how we ended up with Tony Gwynn Jr. in the early 2nd round (his name didn't hurt).

 

As far as I've heard, there is no relation between Nick Hundley and the other catching Hundley's. He was a 5th round pick out of HS, and he probably will go in the 2nd to 3rd round this year. Teams always overdraft for good all around catchers, and with his big season offensively this year, that probably is exactly what will happen.

 

And DHonks, don't forget to check out Ricky Romero http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

[DHonks]

Okay, checked out a few of the names mentioned in the thread.

 

-Romero--has great mechanics. Based on my memory, I said last year that I'd take either HS arm over the college arms, and Baker over the big 3. I would put Romero in that class, as he has very nice, patient mechanics. With the slow delivery, arms over head, and high leg kick it reminded me a bit of someone, and I can't remember who. Maybe Smoltz, maybe Clemens. From the side view, his mechanics look very repeatable. My concern is that it appeared he didn't throw many strikes. Is he just hitting the corners, or did others feel he seems wildly effective (stuff looks good to college hitters, pros won't swing at it all)?

 

-Parramore--as noted, he does things differently, apparently with nobody on base. It's almost like he sits on his heels. Other than that, not much I don't like

 

-Gordon--First observation was that he has a nice build for a 3b. He's not some towering presence that you know will be moved to 1b. Defensively, he likes getting infront of the ball. We've seen too much of Belliard, Valentin, Hall, and Spivey and their preference to backhand everything, so it's good to see someone in the Hardy mode of thought.

Why show him taking soft toss? His stance looks a bit like Brian Giles, but it's hard to tell from the side. A nice crouch, with a nice straight back. Nice calm hands at address, slight leg kick, nothing Jenkins-like. I do have a major concern though. The scouting videos make him appear to be a front-foot hitter. What I mean is that if you were to watch the side views of some of the game's greatest hitters, I would theorize their heads hardly move, if at all. However, the videos show Gordon swaying forward on nearly every pitch a good foot or so. I

 

McCormick--looks to me to be an injury waiting to happen. He just seems to never square up his front shoulder.

 

Hochevar--I really like the look of this kid out there. Free and easy, nice long stride. Reminds me a bit of my boy, Huston Street, and a bit of Matt Morris for the way the hands and legs look in the motion.

 

That's really it. I can't stand these 56k images. When blown up, they look terrible. And I really find it easier trying to look at the pitchers than the hitters. What's awkward is that of the names being mentioned, Maybin doesn't even have a video yet.

[shelmark]

Why is Romero allowed to balk every time in the stretch? He sets twice, which is a balk. I didn't like his video at all. Not as free and easy as I was led to believe. Very poor follow-through....not in good fielding position and looks like high effort guy. I doubt we'd take him so point is prolly moot, but just thought I would put in my 2 cents.

[maisel4me]

Jonathon Mayo held a mock draft with reporters from each of the teams (e.g. McCalvy for the Brewers) 1-15 at the following link:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.com

 

Link is at the top of the page (edit: I don't know why it isn't converting the link, it always has in the past- fixed, thanks toby).

 

For those who don't want to listen, here are their results, pretty much as has been discussed:

 

1) Arz - Upton

2) KC - Gordon

3) Sea - Tulowitzki

4) Was - Zimmerman

5) Mil - Maybin (would take Gordon or Zimmerman if there)

6) Tor - Romero

7) Col - Hochevar

http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/glasses.gif TB - Townsend

9) NYM - Hansen

10) Det - Pelfrey

11) Pit - McCutcheon

12) Cin - Ellsbury

13) Balt - Bruce

14) Clev - Braun

15) Chi(a) - Bogusevic

 

Edit by Toby: You have to put the in front of it to link.

[colbyjack]

I haven't seen too many different top 11 mock drafts. BA's is the same as MLB's as is the same of the MLB reporters. Of course, you just don't see many MLB mock drafts, as these are really the only three that are reputable. Seriously, I don't think I've seen one that was any different from 1 to 11. That is either really odd, or not as much news is leaking out this year. I think a lot of it hinges (obviously) on what the teams do at the top, as everyone expects the D-Backs to take Upton and the same wih the Royals and Gordon. Maybe this is the calm before the storm...http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

[bjkrautk]

Just to post a slightly different mock draft, this one came from BA's Jim Calis during his weekly ESPN chat:

1. Ari--Justin Upton

2. KC--Cameron Maybin

3. Sea--Alex Gordon

4. Was--Ryan Zimmerman

5. Mil--Ryan Braun

6. Tor--Ricky Romero

7. Col--Luke Hochevar

8. TB--Wade Townsend

9. NYM--Mike Pelfrey

10. Det--Jeff Clement.

 

That's a quick take based on the latest gossip. Long Beach State SS Troy Tulowitzki probably factors in there somewhere, but I'm not hearing him with a particular team other than Seattle, which may get the chance to pop Gordon.

 

....

 

[When asked directly about the Brewers:] The latest names we've heard are Upton, Gordon, Zimmerman, Braun. Doesn't sound like they'll go for a Scott Boras client, which would rule out Pelfrey and Hochevar, who would be nice fits.

 

 

Not sure how I feel about Braun over Tulo, but it's better than taking a HS pitcher. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif He did say later in the chat that he expected Braun to be drafted after Tulowitzki....which just leaves me confused.

 

I'd post a link to the chat, but it's on the pay side.

[950opsLHcatcher]

If for some reason Maybin, Gordon, and ZImmerman are all gone by 5, why would you take Braun over Romero or Townsend? From what I've read, Braun's alright, but why would you go for "alright" with the 5th pick in the draft?

[PeaveyFury]

1. Ari--Justin Upton

2. KC--Cameron Maybin

3. Sea--Alex Gordon

4. Was--Ryan Zimmerman

5. Mil--Ryan Braun

 

You know, the more predictions and mocks that I see, the more convinced I am that something weird is going to happen in picks 1-4 that lets Gordon fall to us somehow.

 

[When asked directly about the Brewers:] The latest names we've heard are Upton, Gordon, Zimmerman, Braun. Doesn't sound like they'll go for a Scott Boras client, which would rule out Pelfrey and Hochevar, who would be nice fits.

 

Maybin is curiously not mentioned, considering that he's been widely predicted to be our pick.

[colbyjack]

The latest names we've heard are Upton, Gordon, Zimmerman, Braun.

 

If this is true, they're wisely preparing themselves for one of Upton or Gordon if they fall, and if not, they really want that 3B of the future.

 

If for some reason Maybin, Gordon, and ZImmerman are all gone by 5, why would you take Braun over Romero or Townsend? From what I've read, Braun's alright, but why would you go for "alright" with the 5th pick in the draft?

 

Braun could have an impact bat, although there are some concerns about his swing and how it will translate with wood. He's hit ever since stepping on Miami's campus, and he has driven in a lot of runs while also scoring a lot of runs. I guess it comes down to how much a team likes him (obviously) and how much they think his bat is legit. If you think his bat is legit, he's probably a better prospect than Zimmerman and Tulowitzki.

[maisel4me]

If the Royals do pass on Gordon, which seems to be possible, the Mariners reporter seemed fairly convinced they would still take Tulowitzki. Whether this reporter had any inside information I don't know, but he is closer to it then most of us, so I guess it could happen, I am not counting on it though.

[UWRyan428]

The Brewers draft history is up as well...

mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/ne...&fext=.jsp

A few errors are contained within, however. The reasoning behind taking Rickie (Weeks v. Young) is explained as Weeks v. BJ Upton. But altogether, a decent read.

[filthyfrog]

Even if the Royals do pass on Gordon, and even if the Mariners take Tulo, doesn't it make sense that the Nationals would take Gordon? I just don't see anyone picking Zimmerman over Gordon. They're probably only associated with Zim because everyone's assuming Gordon will be gone.

 

I don't want to say it's not possible, but I would be absolutely shocked if Gordon fell to us at number 5. I'd love to be wrong...

[hyerbro1]

I found this on Jonathon Mayo's blog at MLB.com. I am not excited about Zimmerman although I am not into the draft as much as others here. When I hear about a great glove 3b with gap power I think of Burroughs, ugh. Can someone please tell me why this is not an accurate comparison? http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/eyes.gif

 

 

In a somewhat surprising move, it appears that high school outfield phenom Cameron Maybin wil be heading to Washington D.C. this weekend for a private workout for the Nationals. The surprise comes because it seems all but certain that the Nats will take Virginia's Ryan Zimmerman with their pick at No. 4 in the first round. I guess this could be a change of plans, but it's more likely that the Nationals are just covering all their bases. Just in case something goes awry with Zimmerman -- he gets picked earlier, an unofficial pre-draft deal blows up -- it's always good to have a strong Plan B. Just ask the Padres, who had to switch gears last second with their No. 1 pick in 2004 (some might say that Matt Bush was Plan C, but I digress). And there are far worse Plan B's to have than the five-tooled Maybin.

[batman]

The latest from McCalvy:

 

milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com...;fext=.jsp

 

~Bill

[bjkrautk]

When I hear about a great glove 3b with gap power I think of Burroughs, ugh. Can someone please tell me why this is not an accurate comparison?

 

Because Burroughs has more potential than he's tapped into as yet. This isn't to say that he necessarily will (that's a debate in and of itself), but it's wrong to think negatively about another player who has a similar profile. The scouting profile could just as easily describe Jeff Cirillo, who would seem much more respectable, IMO. (Considering he was a second rounder when the Phillies took him, I wouldn't be shocked if Scott Rolen had a similar profile as well.)

 

This is why I hate seeing HS players compared to All-Star / Hall of Fame - level players (e.g. Maybin and Griffey Jr.) While the athletic skills may be comparable, there's no guarantee that the prospect will produce at anywhere near the level of the "comparable" player. It's one thing to look at how their style of play and tools compare with current major leaguers, it's a completely different thing to compare their numbers.

 

Consider it a continuum: On the one end, he turns into a career minor leaguer (0%); on the other end, he's Ken Caminiti (without the switch hitting and the roids: 100%). Scattered in between are guys like Burroughs (40%), Jeff Cirillo (75%), Rolen (90%), etc.

 

[You can argue as to where they should be - I didn't exactly dig through the numbers - but the point is they could all have been slapped with that sort of profile coming out of HS / College.]

 

The job of Jack Z and the scouts is to project how high on that continuum they think Zimmerman (and Braun for that matter) will reach. And to be right, of course. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif