Nick Markakis

[950opsLHcatcher]

This name is new to me, as I saw it in the draft chat today at BA and then looked him up on the player profiles. Just curious, what round does he project to go in if he isn't signed by the Reds?

[biedergb]

BA reports he is likely to go in the first round, I've seen mid to late 1st round. But I've also read that Cincinnati is expected to sign him.

 

From BA:

 

"Lefthanders Adam Loewen and Nick Markakis are the two most significant draft-and-follows this year, and both are expected to be first-round picks if they are not signed by the Orioles and Reds, respectively, by the closed period."

 

Also of note, when BA handicapped the First Round, the following prediction was made,

 

"11/18. INDIANS. Allison, Lubanski and lefthander John Danks are at the top of Cleveland's wish list. If, as expected, the Indians go with a hitter first they'd be more inclined to look at a pitcher 18th, a compensation pick from the Phillies for the loss of free agent Jim Thome. If Cincinnati fails to sign Markakis before the draft, the Indians wouldn't hesitate to take him. Miller is another possibility in that spot.

PROJECTED PICKS: Chris Lubanski (11)/Nick Markakis (1http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/glasses.gif ."

[colbyjack]

Yeah, he's a mid-first-rounder. Even if he does slide past that, there seems to be pretty much zero chance he lasts until the Brewers 2nd round pick.

 

The Major League Scouting Bureau has his overall grade at 52, which is just above average for a Major-Leaguer. He fastball is good, but not great. He does have a nice curveball, but it's not outstanding. I guess his strongest aspect is his feel for the game, and the complete package. Everyone is looking for the next Barry Zito that just has that uncanny feel for pitching that causes guys like Markakis to be highly sought after, and for good reason.

 

I've heard several people say he's not quite the prospect Manny Parra is/was last year, although Markakis may be looking for more than the $1.55 million Parra received. Might be indicative of the draft pool this year, with more & more scouts calling it more & more weak everytime BA brings it up.

 

If I had to guess, I'd say the Reds won't sign him. They've been dirt cheap with their signings ever since taking Dane Sardinha, David Espinosa & Dustin Moseley with their first 3 picks back in 2000.

[biedergb]

Just noticed this from BA's Draft Tracker yesterday...

 

"16. Nick Markakis, lhp, Young Harris (Ga.) JC

 

Markakis appears to be willing to take his chances in the draft after turning down $1.5 million offer from the Reds on Friday; both sides have until the end of the signing period on Tuesday to change course"

 

And, I agree, if he happens to slide down the first round, I don't see him making it out of the Supplemental picks.