2021 MLB Draft Thread (Pre-Draft Discussion)

[Never Outhustled]

If we select Ford, I hope it's as a 2B/3B. No need to ruin his speed, get him beat up, lengthen his time in the minors, and reduce his at bats per year by catching.

 

Charlie Green has continually turned cast offs into quality catchers. The Brewers need to start talking advantage of this by stop flushing high picks on catchers. That would allow more pucks on infielders.

[JackNicholson1974]

One would think putting more pucks on infielders would lead to developing MORE catchers…or at least goaltenders.

[Eye Black]

If we select Ford, I hope it's as a 2B/3B. No need to ruin his speed, get him beat up, lengthen his time in the minors, and reduce his at bats per year by catching.

I’ve heard it mentioned that Ford is also a candidate to move to centerfield which is a pretty unique skill set for someone that currently plays catcher.

[sveumrules]

Wouldn't be surprised at all if any of the pitchers mentioned here end up getting picked by the Brewers...

 

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/statistical-diamonds-in-the-rough-2/

[Eye Black]

FanGraphs Mock Draft 3.0 - Final version

 

15. Milwaukee Brewers

Pick: Gunnar Hoglund, RHP, Ole Miss

 

The Brewers have been focused on college arms, especially Hoglund and, less strongly, Kasnas State left-hander Jordan Wicks. Hoglund could go anywhere in the 11-20 range, depending on how teams view his medical following recent Tommy John surgery. Prior to the elbow going pop, he was seen as going somewhere between five and 10, so this really isn’t much of a fall for him. If they’re not thrilled will the remaining college arms, the Brewers could downshift to a cost-savings strategy that revolves around some of the high-performing college bats, beginning with Wright State infielder Tyler Black. The Black rumor was passed around a lot on Saturday. That would be for under-slot, but there’s lots of action on Black between here and the mid-20s.

 

 

33. Milwaukee Brewers

Pick: Ryan Cusick, RHP, Wake Forest

 

Cusick has big stuff, but not everyone is convinced he can remain a starter long-term.

 

At the end of this mock draft they linked other non-mocked players to teams and it includes mentioning Peyton Wilson, 2B, Alabama for the Brewers.

[PDCBalla]

Happy draft day everyone. Let's have a great night and Go Bucks!

[Eye Black]

Final MLB Pipeline Mock Draft

 

15. Brewers

Callis: Colton Cowser, OF, Sam Houston

The Brewers are looking at many of the same players as the Giants, along with Hoglund and Ford.

 

Mayo: Jordan Wicks, LHP, Kansas State

This is a spot where injured Ole Miss starter Gunnar Hoglund could come into play, but the nod goes to Wicks, the top college lefty in the class.

[Eye Black]

Thoughts on Cowser?

If Cowser is available at #15 I think he’d be one of my favorite possibilities for the Brewers. My gut is that he’ll go before the Brewers first selection.

[narwhalattack]

If I had to go with my gut feeling, I’d say that we’re gonna end up with Cowser

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

If I had to go with my gut feeling, I’d say that we’re gonna end up with Cowser

 

Cowser seems to have very similar body frame, measurables and offensive profile to Garrett Mitchell, albeit with more power. Appears that Mitchell is more of a natural centerfielder, though, while Cowser is decent enough out there, but may not stick long-term. Cowser also apparently has the ability to play 3B, which is interesting.

 

He really does seem like the type of player the Brewers would draft if given the opportunity. Very athletic dude with an elite bat.

[Austin Tatious]

If I had to go with my gut feeling, I’d say that we’re gonna end up with Cowser

 

Cowser seems to have very similar body frame, measurables and offensive profile to Garrett Mitchell, albeit with more power. Appears that Mitchell is more of a natural centerfielder, though, while Cowser is decent enough out there, but may not stick long-term. Cowser also apparently has the ability to play 3B, which is interesting.

 

He really does seem like the type of player the Brewers would draft if given the opportunity. Very athletic dude with an elite bat.

 

I hadn't heard that about Cowser (potential at 3b). But I like him. Very good hit tool, and a eft handed bat. With Mitchell, Perez, and Gray, would give us some top flight outfielder prospects. Somebody could potentially move to 1b if it helps.

[Eye Black]

Final Baseball America Mock Draft released.

 

15. Brewers

Matt McLain, UCLA, SS

 

Notes:

Milwaukee is another team that’s difficult to figure out. Wicks could make sense if he’s on the board, as could Bachman or any of the Frelick/Cowser/McLain trio if they are still available.

[narwhalattack]

If I had to go with my gut feeling, I’d say that we’re gonna end up with Cowser

 

Cowser seems to have very similar body frame, measurables and offensive profile to Garrett Mitchell, albeit with more power. Appears that Mitchell is more of a natural centerfielder, though, while Cowser is decent enough out there, but may not stick long-term. Cowser also apparently has the ability to play 3B, which is interesting.

 

He really does seem like the type of player the Brewers would draft if given the opportunity. Very athletic dude with an elite bat.

 

If you’re right about Cowser, I wouldn’t mind seeing him take a reverse Braun route. The more talent we accumulate at corner IF, the better.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

If I had to go with my gut feeling, I’d say that we’re gonna end up with Cowser

 

Cowser seems to have very similar body frame, measurables and offensive profile to Garrett Mitchell, albeit with more power. Appears that Mitchell is more of a natural centerfielder, though, while Cowser is decent enough out there, but may not stick long-term. Cowser also apparently has the ability to play 3B, which is interesting.

 

He really does seem like the type of player the Brewers would draft if given the opportunity. Very athletic dude with an elite bat.

 

If you’re right about Cowser, I wouldn’t mind seeing him take a reverse Braun route. The more talent we accumulate at corner IF, the better.

 

He played 20 games at 3B in 2019 for Sam Houston State. Doesn't necessarily mean he's got the defensive chops to play there as a pro, but might at least be worth looking into. He probably profiles long-term as a toolsy corner outfielder, though.

[brewers888]

All I ask is for the Brewers to pick whoever they think has the biggest upside. If that means picking a starting pitcher pick the guy with the upside of a top of the rotation guy and if its a position player pick the player with the biggest potential with the bat. I don't like the rumors of trying to cut an underslot deal with players ranked much lower.

[Oxy]

All I ask is for the Brewers to pick whoever they think has the biggest upside. If that means picking a starting pitcher pick the guy with the upside of a top of the rotation guy and if its a position player pick the player with the biggest potential with the bat. I don't like the rumors of trying to cut an underslot deal with players ranked much lower.

 

Well. If they have Tyler Black or Connor Norby or Trey Sweeney ranked just as high on their big board as Matt McLain then it makes sense to draft the guy who you like just as much but don't have to pay a lot in order for you to be able to draft a TRULY high upside high schooler in round 4 or 6 or 11 or 12 or whatever who has a high bonus slot number than where we pick him. Thus, that IS actually drafting for upside....

 

There are hundreds of high schoolers in this draft who have a higher upside than all but a few dozen college players...but they won't necessarily come play for you unless you pay them a bit more. The only way to pay them a bit more might be to do an underslot deal in round 1--PARTICULARLY if you don't feel lie you are missing out on some can't miss type guy. There won't be a can't miss type guy left at 15 with the exception of MAYBE Ty Madden if he falls or your opinion of Hoglund/BednarWicks.

[CheeseheadInQC]

All I ask is for the Brewers to pick whoever they think has the biggest upside. If that means picking a starting pitcher pick the guy with the upside of a top of the rotation guy and if its a position player pick the player with the biggest potential with the bat. I don't like the rumors of trying to cut an underslot deal with players ranked much lower.

It all depends on situation, though, doesn't it? If the top couple tiers of hitters are gone (No Ford, Cowser, McClain, etc.) and the team has the next tier of players being pretty broad, an underslot deal could yield more collective upside in the draft.

[LouisEly]

Thoughts on Cowser?

If Cowser is available at #15 I think he’d be one of my favorite possibilities for the Brewers. My gut is that he’ll go before the Brewers first selection.

Agreed. If he's available, I think he's the pick.

 

My #2 is Trey Sweeney. Not the level of competition of others (similar to Cowser though), but love that .522 OBP and 46:24 BB-to-K ratio. 6'4" LHH, will likely slide over to 3B. Then the college arms - Bednar, Wicks, Mikulski, Gavin Williams, Bachman. I could see Hoglund if he's willing to take a well-under-slot deal; if he's willing to take $2.9M (value of #23 pick), that gives the Brewers almost $1M to play with in later draft picks. Mikulski is my sleeper pick here; being 22 and a 4th-year senior he might be able to be had under-slot.

 

Five drafts since Stearns took the helm, five college players, four position players, three LHH. I don't see them deviating.

[DHonks]

Thoughts on Cowser?

If Cowser is available at #15 I think he’d be one of my favorite possibilities for the Brewers. My gut is that he’ll go before the Brewers first selection.

Five drafts since Stearns took the helm, five college players, four position players, three LHH. I don't see them deviating.

 

I think there's a couple of reasons. While they covet star talent, Stearns and co seem to view all players as assets. Drafting a college player may get them to AA/AAA a little faster, making them either a phone call away for us or trade bait to improve the big league club.

[Eye Black]

Baseball America reporting they are hearing today that Matt McLain is in play as a possibility to the Red Sox at #4 on an under-slot deal. McLain is who they mocked to the Brewers, so that would certainly change some things with their mock if it comes to fruition.

[brewers888]

Baseball America reporting they are hearing today that Matt McLain is in play as a possibility to the Red Sox at #4 on an under-slot deal. McLain is who they mocked to the Brewers, so that would certainly change some things with their mock if it comes to fruition.

 

Is there any chance whatsoever that Leiter somehow falls down to the Brewers pick due to signability concerns and would they actually pull the trigger. It was presumed that he was headed to Boston but if they cut a deal with McClain he could fall. Then again the Mets would surely pick him and we would almost defintely have no chance but weird things happen.

[narwhalattack]

Baseball America reporting they are hearing today that Matt McLain is in play as a possibility to the Red Sox at #4 on an under-slot deal. McLain is who they mocked to the Brewers, so that would certainly change some things with their mock if it comes to fruition.

 

Oh man, things potentially really shaking up early in the draft. I wonder what kind of chain reaction will occur from this, and who will fall further than expected as a result. If a Top 10 talent falls to 15, I reckon our FO will be antsy to pounce.

[Eye Black]

Baseball America reporting they are hearing today that Matt McLain is in play as a possibility to the Red Sox at #4 on an under-slot deal. McLain is who they mocked to the Brewers, so that would certainly change some things with their mock if it comes to fruition.

 

Is there any chance whatsoever that Leiter somehow falls down to the Brewers pick due to signability concerns and would they actually pull the trigger. It was presumed that he was headed to Boston but if they cut a deal with McClain he could fall. Then again the Mets would surely pick him and we would almost defintely have no chance but weird things happen.

If I’m reading their commentary correctly they seem to think it’s increasing likely Leiter doesn’t make it to the Red Sox pick which is why they think the rumors about McLain going #4 are now swirling.

[brewers888]

Baseball America reporting they are hearing today that Matt McLain is in play as a possibility to the Red Sox at #4 on an under-slot deal. McLain is who they mocked to the Brewers, so that would certainly change some things with their mock if it comes to fruition.

 

Is there any chance whatsoever that Leiter somehow falls down to the Brewers pick due to signability concerns and would they actually pull the trigger. It was presumed that he was headed to Boston but if they cut a deal with McClain he could fall. Then again the Mets would surely pick him and we would almost defintely have no chance but weird things happen.

If I’m reading their commentary correctly they seem to think it’s increasing likely Leiter doesn’t make it to the Red Sox pick which is why they think the rumors about McLain going #4 are now swirling.

 

Appreciate the updates.

[LouisEly]

I think there's a couple of reasons. While they covet star talent, Stearns and co seem to view all players as assets. Drafting a college player may get them to AA/AAA a little faster, making them either a phone call away for us or trade bait to improve the big league club.

I think it's from an analytical standpoint - college hitters are least likely to flame out at the lower levels of the minors. HS arms/bats are most risky. I also think they lean toward position players because of their pitching lab and the belief that they can develop pitching.