2021 MLB Draft Thread (Pre-Draft Discussion)

[nate82]

I wonder with Binelas having a bad start if he will drop like Turang did and allow the Brewers to pick him when he should be going in the top 10. Somewhat similar to Mitchell though he dropped for other reasons.

 

Ultimately I think the Brewers continue with drafting up the middle type of players so either another SS or CF type of a player in the 1st round.

 

This organization badly needs some prospects that can hit and hit with power especially at third base or they will continue to struggle offensively.

 

No, this organization just needs to continue drafting the best player available regardless what position that player plays. If they are a SS in college or high school that doesn't mean they are a SS no matter what Clancy says all kidding aside just because someone is drafted at a certain position that doesn't mean that is their only position they can play. The Brewers wanted to draft Tulo and play him at 3B they also wanted to do this with Hardy but both refused. Short stops can sometimes out grow their position and will instead become 2B or 3B or OF's. Even Yount went from SS to CF and there are many more that have moved from their original position to another. It is better to just draft the best player available regardless of what position they play as you could have your future 1B or future 3B when you draft a high school or even college SS.

[brewers888]

I wonder with Binelas having a bad start if he will drop like Turang did and allow the Brewers to pick him when he should be going in the top 10. Somewhat similar to Mitchell though he dropped for other reasons.

 

Ultimately I think the Brewers continue with drafting up the middle type of players so either another SS or CF type of a player in the 1st round.

 

This organization badly needs some prospects that can hit and hit with power especially at third base or they will continue to struggle offensively.

 

No, this organization just needs to continue drafting the best player available regardless what position that player plays. If they are a SS in college or high school that doesn't mean they are a SS no matter what Clancy says all kidding aside just because someone is drafted at a certain position that doesn't mean that is their only position they can play. The Brewers wanted to draft Tulo and play him at 3B they also wanted to do this with Hardy but both refused. Short stops can sometimes out grow their position and will instead become 2B or 3B or OF's. Even Yount went from SS to CF and there are many more that have moved from their original position to another. It is better to just draft the best player available regardless of what position they play as you could have your future 1B or future 3B when you draft a high school or even college SS.

 

The player has to have the bat to possibly move off of shortstop to third base. Turang for instance while being a fine draft pick will never have the bat to play third.

[DR28]

I know we all want a 3B prospect. One to watch for me is Zack Gelof from Virginia. Maybe a possibility with the Comp A pick, really like his power profile.

 

Hmm, he's committed 4 errors in 29 chances so far... Guessing he doesn't stay at 3B?

[Eye Black]

For those interested in updates on where some of the college players projected as possible 1st round talents have fared so far this is a good read from FanGraphs:

 

A Collection of Weekend Scouting Notes (3/9/2021)

[Austin Tatious]

Thanks for all the links, Eye Black. I read them all. This will be an interesting draft. Lot of ways it can go. I think right now House is my favorite but there is always more research.

[sveumrules]

Gunnar Hoglund could be someone to keep an eye on as an SEC pitcher with a track record of statistical success & a high spin heater.

 

Got a little blurb at FanGraphs today...

 

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/another-scouting-notes-10-pack-3-16-2021/

[sveumrules]

Another scouting notebook up at FanGraphs with someone who could be an intriguing possibility for the Brewers first rounder...

 

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/a-wednesday-scouting-notebook-3-31-2021/

 

Sam Bachman went nine up nine down nine strikeouts for Miami (OH) last Saturday with a 70 grade slider/high nineties heater combo.

 

Sounds like a reliever only profile with some injury/mechanics red flags & he pitches in a weaker conference, but could also have the upside of a quick to MLB multi inning impact bullpen arm.

[balsamlaker]

The switch to twenty rounds for the draft makes a lot of sense for the Brewers as over the last fifty years the team has Fiers, Breslow, and Suter to show for their hours spent drafting beyond the 20th round. Looking forward to seeing the Brewers add more talent to their farm system with the 10th-highest draft pool in 2021.

[patrickgpe]

I wonder with Binelas having a bad start if he will drop like Turang did and allow the Brewers to pick him when he should be going in the top 10. Somewhat similar to Mitchell though he dropped for other reasons.

 

Ultimately I think the Brewers continue with drafting up the middle type of players so either another SS or CF type of a player in the 1st round.

this strategy has caused a black hole at 1st since prince left and 3rd since ARAM was traded.

[balsamlaker]

...and the fact they have not had success over the last handful of years taking third basemen towards the top of the draft (they have taken a half dozen or so). They may be betting on a shortstop outgrowing the middle infield and/or an outfielder getting moved to first. It wouldn't surprise me to see the Brewers target college pitching in the first couple of rounds this year. I could see a draft similar to their 2019 draft.

[Jenkins5]

Just because I am a Ben Sheets homer, I'd like to note that his son Seaver Sheets, a High School SS and Auburn signee will be draft eligible this summer. Saw one site having him ranked in top 250 and 7th best player in Louisiana. Believe he is solid pitcher as well but will be probably be a middle IF.

[BallFour]

...and the fact they have not had success over the last handful of years taking third basemen towards the top of the draft (they have taken a half dozen or so). They may be betting on a shortstop outgrowing the middle infield and/or an outfielder getting moved to first. It wouldn't surprise me to see the Brewers target college pitching in the first couple of rounds this year. I could see a draft similar to their 2019 draft.

 

As I am desperate to find 3B options in the draft I came across Trey Sweeney out of Eastern Illinois. Plays shortstop for them but is 6'3". Obviously it is the Ohio Valley but he is showing good power and BB/K ratio and only has 3 errors at shortstop this season. He is probably going to have serious helium if he keeps it up, even though he plays in a small conference.

[CheezWizHed]

Just because I am a Ben Sheets homer, I'd like to note that his son Seaver Sheets, a High School SS and Auburn signee will be draft eligible this summer. Saw one site having him ranked in top 250 and 7th best player in Louisiana. Believe he is solid pitcher as well but will be probably be a middle IF.

 

Here's hoping his dad did NOT teach him to hit... or run. Hopefully, they just played catch.

[young guns]

Just because I am a Ben Sheets homer, I'd like to note that his son Seaver Sheets, a High School SS and Auburn signee will be draft eligible this summer. Saw one site having him ranked in top 250 and 7th best player in Louisiana. Believe he is solid pitcher as well but will be probably be a middle IF.

 

Here's hoping his dad did NOT teach him to hit... or run. Hopefully, they just played catch.

Now we need to draft and sign him so we can have the interviews where Ben claims to have taught him how to hit

[clancyphile]

Just because I am a Ben Sheets homer, I'd like to note that his son Seaver Sheets, a High School SS and Auburn signee will be draft eligible this summer. Saw one site having him ranked in top 250 and 7th best player in Louisiana. Believe he is solid pitcher as well but will be probably be a middle IF.

 

Hopefully, Sheets kept himself to throwing batting practice...

 

But it would be nice to see Seaver drafted by the Crew. Third round, maybe? Do they have a CB pick?

[patrickgpe]

...and the fact they have not had success over the last handful of years taking third basemen towards the top of the draft (they have taken a half dozen or so). They may be betting on a shortstop outgrowing the middle infield and/or an outfielder getting moved to first. It wouldn't surprise me to see the Brewers target college pitching in the first couple of rounds this year. I could see a draft similar to their 2019 draft.

i went back 5 years in 2017 they drafted 3B Nick Egnatuk in the 5th and in 16 they drafted 3B Lucas Erceg, which was the one i thought would hit. nothing since.

[balsamlaker]

I was going a little deeper and a little farther back including DeMuth, Iskenderian, Carroll, and big money for McClanahan in the 11th round. More than a handful of years, though, as I was going back to probably 2014.

[Madhawk23]

I see that Mayo/Callis just released a new article today where they rotate picks for the first 20: https://www.mlb.com/news/pipeline-podcast-makes-top-20-draft-picks?t=mlb-draft-coverage.

 

Looks like they have us selecting C: del Castillo out of Miami. Would be back to back years taking a U of Miami kid in 1st round if this played out.

 

Curious what everyone's thoughts are on this kid? Also, I see that they have the WI kid Binelas (Louisville) dropping out of the Top 20 now. Anyone know why his stock has fallen so much this year? Just other guys moving up over him, or is he having a down year?

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

I see that Mayo/Callis just released a new article today where they rotate picks for the first 20: https://www.mlb.com/news/pipeline-podcast-makes-top-20-draft-picks?t=mlb-draft-coverage.

 

Looks like they have us selecting C: del Castillo out of Miami. Would be back to back years taking a U of Miami kid in 1st round if this played out.

 

Curious what everyone's thoughts are on this kid? Also, I see that they have the WI kid Binelas (Louisville) dropping out of the Top 20 now. Anyone know why his stock has fallen so much this year? Just other guys moving up over him, or is he having a down year?

 

Binelas was hyped early on, and now has his average up to .259 with 10 HRs after starting the season ice cold. I would hope he'd be a consideration for the Brewers if he's there at #15. He's a LHH power bat and slick-fielding 3B that should be able to make a quick ascent to the majors.

[Madhawk23]

I see that Mayo/Callis just released a new article today where they rotate picks for the first 20: https://www.mlb.com/news/pipeline-podcast-makes-top-20-draft-picks?t=mlb-draft-coverage.

 

Looks like they have us selecting C: del Castillo out of Miami. Would be back to back years taking a U of Miami kid in 1st round if this played out.

 

Curious what everyone's thoughts are on this kid? Also, I see that they have the WI kid Binelas (Louisville) dropping out of the Top 20 now. Anyone know why his stock has fallen so much this year? Just other guys moving up over him, or is he having a down year?

 

Binelas was hyped early on, and now has his average up to .259 with 10 HRs after starting the season ice cold. I would hope he'd be a consideration for the Brewers if he's there at #15. He's a LHH power bat and slick-fielding 3B that should be able to make a quick ascent to the majors.

 

Yeah, was thinking the same thing. Seems like he would be a perfect fit for the Brewers at 15 if he falls there. We all know how badly we need 3B in our system, and this was a guy who was considered a Top 10 type pick before the season started. Doesn't hurt that he's a WI kid to boot. Would love to see him fall to us.

[Madhawk23]

Nevermind on Binelas. I just listened to the latest MLP Pipeline podcast where Callis and Mayo talk about their latest picks in the Top 20. They ended up talking about Bilelas at the very end of their discussion, and it sounds like he's moved from 3B to 1B now after really struggling at 3B. Sounds like he's not doing much better at 1B now either, so clearly not a good defensive player. He also got off to a really bad start this year, although the power has come back in recent weeks. They both seemed to think that he may have fallen all the way down to a 3rd round pick - 2nd round at best. So, maybe we'll get the opportunity to draft him with one of those picks if we do still like the bat?

[nate82]

The Brewers really haven't been afraid of a players defense when drafting players. Hiura being the most recent example of this. If they like the player overall I don't think defense will be a factor on why they don't draft a player.

 

Defense can be taught though the Brewers haven't really excelled at doing it.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Nevermind on Binelas. I just listened to the latest MLP Pipeline podcast where Callis and Mayo talk about their latest picks in the Top 20. They ended up talking about Bilelas at the very end of their discussion, and it sounds like he's moved from 3B to 1B now after really struggling at 3B. Sounds like he's not doing much better at 1B now either, so clearly not a good defensive player. He also got off to a really bad start this year, although the power has come back in recent weeks. They both seemed to think that he may have fallen all the way down to a 3rd round pick - 2nd round at best. So, maybe we'll get the opportunity to draft him with one of those picks if we do still like the bat?

 

Binelas was very good at 3B in 2019, when he first hit the prospect map. But Lucas Dunn has solidified himself as a top-flight defensive 3B after playing somewhat out of position in CF in the past due to Binelas's presence. It could very well be a case of playing Dunn at 3B and Binelas at 1B gives them the best defensive alignment, especially if 3B is Dunn's best defensive position

[CheezWizHed]

Defense can be taught though the Brewers haven't really excelled at doing it.

 

There is a pretty big caveat to that... Defense can be improved, but a person's physical attributes are the main driver to what they can do defensively. Rarely will drafting a bad defensive player in HS/college produce a gold glove player in the MLB.

 

The Brewers draft bat-first (Braun, Weeks, Hiura) was never because they figured they could fix their defense, but because they knew they'd find a spot to play for someone who can hit.

Braun was tried at 3B and it didn't work. They moved him to LF and he had a very nice career there. Weeks was adequate at 2B (at least early) and his defense wasn't that big of a hinderance. Hiura was moved to 1B - now hopefully his bat wakes up.

[BallFour]

I know this version of the Brewers scouting department has focused on college guys but a kid that peaks my interest and being a fit for the Brewers is Harry Ford. Versatility is always brought up in his scouting reports. If he can't stick behind the dish could probably play any position besides shortstop. That versatility along with a reported quick bat makes him really intriguing.