2017 Draft Pick Discussion, Rounds 1-5

[JosephC]

Just saw that Enlow is going to get $2M from the Twins. That's about $1.3M over slot. The Twins reportedly agreed to a deal with the top pick, Lewis, for $1M under the $7.7M slot - so that's where they got the extra cash.

 

http://m.twins.mlb.com/news/article/236268358/twins-expect-to-sign-blayne-enlow/

 

2 million falls between the slot values for picks #33 and #34 so he would have signed for pretty near slot value had the Brewers taken him at #34. I have no complaints over the Lutz pick but would have rather had Enlow at #34, especially considering the Brewers had already taken a bat at #9.

 

Some reports out today that Shane Baz has already signed with the Pirates and got a deal that he couldn't pass up. Slot value for the 12th pick is $4,032,000. Will be interesting to see if his bonus will be much more than that.

[Mass Haas]

AUDIO via WSSP 105.7 FM's Morning Show Tue. 6/13: "UC-Irvine Baseball Head Coach Mike Gillespie joined Chuck and Bart to talk about the Brewers first round pick Keston Hiura."

 

***

 

AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show Tue. 6/13: More with Mike Gillespie

[Mass Haas]

Meet the Milwaukee Brewers’ 5th Round Pick Nick Egnatuk

When Nick got his call, he was in the chair getting a tattoo

Brad Ford, BrewCrewBall.com

[Mass Haas]

Awesome first-hand account --

 

Mundelein pitcher Murphy drafted by Milwaukee Brewers

Patricia Babcock McGraw, DailyHerald.com (Suburban Chicago)

 

http://www.dailyherald.com/storyimage/DA/20170614/SPORTS/170619448/AR/0/AR-170619448.jpg&updated=201706141931&MaxW=800&maxH=800&noborder

 

So what does one do when dreams of epic proportions suddenly seemed dashed?

 

"Laundry," Brendan Murphy said. "I thought I better start doing some laundry, and start packing."

 

Murphy, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound hard-throwing left-hander who just finished his high school career at Mundelein, was hoping to get drafted in the first few rounds of this week's Major League Draft.

 

He had to wait a little longer than expected.

 

Nothing happened for Murphy on Monday and then on Tuesday the Baltimore Orioles called Murphy's adviser and made an offer that would make Murphy the 98th pick of the MLB draft.

 

"But the money was way too low," Murphy said. "I figured that was it for the draft. The money would just keep getting lower from there. I decided that I better start doing laundry so that I could start packing for Arizona State.

 

Murphy signed with Arizona State, and he would go there if the draft didn't work out.

 

But hold the phone -- and the washing machine. Murphy's phone rang again later Tuesday. Murphy's adviser told him that the Milwaukee Brewers were offering more money with the 114th pick than the Orioles did with the 98th pick. And the offer was well within the range of what Murphy and his adviser had decided was acceptable.

 

The Brewers selected Murphy in the middle of the fourth round of the 40-round MLB draft with the No. 114 pick. His name was called on the MLB Network, and a video of Murphy playing in high school was run on the big screen.

 

"It's crazy and kind of strange that it worked out like this because each pick has a slot in terms of how much money gets offered and the Orioles were basically underslotting and the Brewers were overslotting," Murphy said. "That (offer from the Brewers) kind of came out of nowhere. I was so excited. I couldn't stop smiling."

 

Murphy, with his phone "blowing up" with congratulatory calls and texts from friends and family as the draft news became official, certainly stopped doing his laundry.

 

Suddenly, he was making arrangements to travel to Milwaukee to meet team personnel and figure out when to sign.

 

"It's not 100 percent official that I'm going to sign right now because there are still a few things that need to be negotiated, (like money to compensate for his college scholarship)," Murphy said. "But I know I really do want to sign with them. I think we'll figure it all out."

 

The Brewers were sold on Murphy's potential and his physical attributes. Murphy has been wearing a size 16 shoe since he was a sophomore.

 

"They think that I really haven't grown into my body yet," Murphy said of the Milwaukee scouts. "They think when I finally fit into my frame that I'll be able to throw even harder and that I'll have a power fastball."

 

In the meantime, Murphy will likely go through an extended spring training regimen this summer with the Brewers organization in Glendale, Arizona. It's a chance for rookies to spend their first summer getting comfortable with their new organization, learning the ropes of life in the major leagues and lifting to improve their strength.

 

"I'm so excited," Murphy said. "When this all first happened, there was so much adrenaline pumping and I was shaking. This is a dream come true."

[CheezWizHed]

Nothing happened for Murphy on Monday and then on Tuesday the Baltimore Orioles called Murphy's adviser and made an offer that would make Murphy the 98th pick of the MLB draft.

 

"But the money was way too low," Murphy said. "I figured that was it for the draft. The money would just keep getting lower from there. I decided that I better start doing laundry so that I could start packing for Arizona State.

 

Murphy signed with Arizona State, and he would go there if the draft didn't work out.

 

But hold the phone -- and the washing machine. Murphy's phone rang again later Tuesday. Murphy's adviser told him that the Milwaukee Brewers were offering more money with the 114th pick than the Orioles did with the 98th pick. And the offer was well within the range of what Murphy and his adviser had decided was acceptable.

 

For all the various sign-ability concerns that people voiced during this draft, this is a very good behind-the-scenes view on what actually happens. Not only did Baltimore verify (and not draft him), but the Brewers verified before drafting him.

 

That also means that the both teams had a "budget plan" for each pick that they check live during the draft.

[FVBrewerFan]

I didn't want to start a new thread, but curious about general thoughts from our draft experts here. Lots of good info has been posted in various places, but interested if anyone would want to summarize. What stands out to you? Any trends, interesting picks, etc. Thoughts about the top picks, etc.

 

I guess this year I'm just having a problem getting my arms around this draft...

[madbad2000]

The Brewers continued their organizational philosophy of taking players up the middle. CF, SS, 2B. Others have mentioned it, the Brewers went for ceiling especially in the mid-late rounds. No playing it safe. It seemed to me that the Brewers wanted at least one top tool from their draftees. I did not see too many jack-of-all trades and masters of none. This year was very HS heavy compared to previous years. With such a deep farm system, the Brewers could afford to take these risks and avoid the typical roster filler that is common in the later rounds.

[And That]

I would expect the Brewers to sign fewer - perhaps many fewer - draft picks this year after signing 37 last year. I would expect the number of signings being closer to 30, if not 25.

 

With 19 high school picks, and with 7 of those picks occurring after the 20th round, you're probably looking at 6-10 of those guys not signing. A few of the college picks probably won't sign either, which brings that total of unsigned picks to 8-12. Splitting the difference, I would guess the Brewers won't sign about 10 guys, which makes 31 draft picks signed.

 

I suppose there's a possibility that the Brewers have pre-draft deals with most of the high school picks and they've figured out how to shoehorn all these guys in without going into draft pick penalty for their bonus pool. I was surprised at how many high school guys they inked last year - maybe they have a similar trick up their sleeves this year.

[82brewcrew82]

I would expect the Brewers to sign fewer - perhaps many fewer - draft picks this year after signing 37 last year. I would expect the number of signings being closer to 30, if not 25.

 

Do I remember from spring training that they had an unusually high number of kids that didn't get assigned to full season ball, or am I wrong on that? It also looks like they have five or six kids up from the DSL squad plus signings like Saint and Castaneda. Frankly, it doesn't seem like they have a ton of room for a full draft class even if they let a few folks go.

 

I think the number of high school picks is a direct reflection of that. They don't need a ton of guys knocking on the doors of the full season rosters right now.

[And That]

That's exactly right. They have a limited amount of roster space, even for the short season clubs. This is from the MiLB website somewhere - I had this copied and pasted into a workbook and I can't find the link offhand:

 

Advanced rookie clubs: 35 players. No more than 30 players may be used in a single game. As of July 1, the Active List must include at least 10 pitchers. No more than 12 players may be 21 years old or older, and no more than two players may be 23 years old or older. No player may have more than two years as a professional, and no player may have three or more years of minor-league service time.

 

Rookie clubs: 35 players. No more than 30 players may be used in a single game. As of July 1, the Active List must include at least 10 pitchers. No more than 8 players may be 20 years old or older, including two drafted players and four undrafted players who are at least 21 years old. No player may have more than two years of minor-league service time.

 

Currently the Brewers have 18 active players on the Helena roster and 32 (!) players on the Maryvale roster. (Assuming the aforementioned DSL guys are there, plus a few other signings that haven't been reflected on the MiLB.com roster yet.

 

There will be some DL assignments. Probably half a dozen or more for the AZL club. But even if DL-ing guys brings the AZL roster down to 25, there are only 27 open roster slots currently available in rookie ball for the Brewers.

 

So like I was saying, about 30 guys. Unless the Brewers all of the sudden decide to add a second AZL team, though I believe it's too close to the season to do that.

[clancyphile]

That's exactly right. They have a limited amount of roster space, even for the short season clubs. This is from the MiLB website somewhere - I had this copied and pasted into a workbook and I can't find the link offhand:

 

Advanced rookie clubs: 35 players. No more than 30 players may be used in a single game. As of July 1, the Active List must include at least 10 pitchers. No more than 12 players may be 21 years old or older, and no more than two players may be 23 years old or older. No player may have more than two years as a professional, and no player may have three or more years of minor-league service time.

 

Rookie clubs: 35 players. No more than 30 players may be used in a single game. As of July 1, the Active List must include at least 10 pitchers. No more than 8 players may be 20 years old or older, including two drafted players and four undrafted players who are at least 21 years old. No player may have more than two years of minor-league service time.

 

Currently the Brewers have 18 active players on the Helena roster and 32 (!) players on the Maryvale roster. (Assuming the aforementioned DSL guys are there, plus a few other signings that haven't been reflected on the MiLB.com roster yet.

 

There will be some DL assignments. Probably half a dozen or more for the AZL club. But even if DL-ing guys brings the AZL roster down to 25, there are only 27 open roster slots currently available in rookie ball for the Brewers.

 

So like I was saying, about 30 guys. Unless the Brewers all of the sudden decide to add a second AZL team, though I believe it's too close to the season to do that.

 

Hiura to Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, perhaps?

[madbad2000]

Or Hiura to the operating room for TJ surgery and start fresh next year.

[MilwaukeeBeers]

Or Hiura to the operating room for TJ surgery and start fresh next year.

Hypothetically couldn't he join the T-Rats and DH, and by the time the playoffs come round send him to the OR, so he's ready for spring. I like the idea of him getting his feet wet in pro ball this season, and depending on how he's doing he could jump to Carolina or stay in Appleton next year at 100%.

[Mass Haas]

Meet the Milwaukee Brewers’ 5th Round Pick Nick Egnatuk

When Nick got his call, he was in the chair getting a tattoo

Brad Ford, BrewCrewBall.com

 

Great job by Brad in the series for BCB!

 

Meet the Milwaukee Brewers’ 2nd Round Pick Caden Lemons

Lemons is ready to do whatever it takes to help the Brewers

Brad Ford, BrewCrewBall.com

 

***

 

Meet the Milwaukee Brewers’ 4th Round Pick Brendan Murphy

Murphy started packing for college, then he got the call from the Brewers

Brad Ford, BrewCrewBall.com

 

***

 

And as also posted in the Rounds 6-20 thread --

 

Meet the Milwaukee Brewers’ 7th Round Pick Bowden Francis

Francis' draft was an experience shared with his brother

Brad Ford, BrewCrewBall.com

[Mass Haas]

Brief post-draft VIDEO interview: 2nd round pick RHP Caden Lemons

[Never Outhustled]

Or Hiura to the operating room for TJ surgery and start fresh next year.

Hypothetically couldn't he join the T-Rats and DH, and by the time the playoffs come round send him to the OR, so he's ready for spring. I like the idea of him getting his feet wet in pro ball this season, and depending on how he's doing he could jump to Carolina or stay in Appleton next year at 100%.

 

Why are we performing TJ surgery on someone who doesn't need it? He only had a partial tear, those can and have heeled on their own. Tyler Thornburg had the same thing and didn't get TJ, and he's a pitcher.

[MrTPlush]

I'd assume Keston would go to Advanced-A. I mean he is considered quite advanced and they sent Corey Ray to Advanced-A so I don't see how he wouldn't end up there too.

[reillymcshane]

Or Hiura to the operating room for TJ surgery and start fresh next year.

Hypothetically couldn't he join the T-Rats and DH, and by the time the playoffs come round send him to the OR, so he's ready for spring. I like the idea of him getting his feet wet in pro ball this season, and depending on how he's doing he could jump to Carolina or stay in Appleton next year at 100%.

 

Why are we performing TJ surgery on someone who doesn't need it? He only had a partial tear, those can and have heeled on their own. Tyler Thornburg had the same thing and didn't get TJ, and he's a pitcher.

I don't think anyone knows if he needs surgery or not. Hiura had a platelet-rich plasma injection in April. He hasn't played in the field since, so I don't think anyone really knows how well his injured arm is doing. He said it doesn't bother him - but you never know what will happen until he gets into game action.

 

I'm guessing they will assess the arm once he signs, they will do an assessment and go from there.

 

Tommy John surgery recovery usually takes about 6 months for a position player. If they decide TJ is the best thing to do, and time frame is the estimate for Huira, you have the option to put off surgery until the minor league season is over - getting him a couple of months of action in 2017 - just playing DH.

 

You do the surgery, then Huira has six months (September-Feb.) to recover before spring training. Of course, that's cutting it close, and assumes no setbacks.

 

The other option is to do the surgery right away, and give him 8-9 months to recover - so he's ready to go without any issue come spring training.

[Jenkins5]

Good thing is with DH he could play all season & continue to heel arm if wanted. Then evaluate come September. Of course he is getting checked out now to see if it is something they need done for sure. If so, get it done now so he is good to start Spring next season.

[paul253]

If there's a question why not just get it done? He will be ready to start next season and you don't risk misdiagnosing him or having something happen that makes it worse (ala Taylor Williams). The last thing I want is for them treating him and "hoping" it works only to have it not work and all of a sudden he's going to surgery next June or July and missing half a season. It's my understanding he needs a lot of work defensively so having him DH doesn't really do him much good.

[MilwaukeeBeers]

2nd rounder Caden Lemons has reached a deal to sign with the Brewers

[JDBrewCrew]

Source on the Lemons signing.

 

http://vestaviavoice.com/sports/caden-lemons-decides-to-sign-with-brewers-061917/

[82brewcrew82]

Is it me or should we have heard about more signings by now.

[And That]

I wouldn't worry about. Unless an injury comes up, I'd be extreme surprised if the Brewers didn't sign all of their top 10, probably even top 12, picks.

 

On a related note, 5th rounder Nick Egnatuk has signed.

 

[StearnsFTW]

When will we know the dollar figures on these signings?