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Post by LA Angels GM on Jul 8, 2014 21:35:30 GMT -5
1.1- Brady Aiken
Of course, I considered Kolek with this pick, but Aiken is simply much more polished. Add to that that he's a lefty throwing mid-90's, and I couldn't pass him up. Unfortunately reports in the last few days are saying that he is having elbow trouble. Hoping it's nothing too serious...
1.3 - Alex Jackson
I felt that I needed another impact bat on my farm, and Jackson is better than anyone I would've gotten at 2.1 or 3.1. So when the opportunity came to trade those two picks for the opportunity to draft Jackson, I jumped. Wish he would've stayed at catchet, but with his arm and athletic ability, he has a chance to be a good rightfielder. Off to a solid start in rookie ball, as he's OPS'ing .928 in his first 10 games.
4.1 - Taylor Hill
With my last two picks, there were two things I wanted to accomplish: get a catcher and draft Taylor Hill. I wanted a little longer to waych the catchers, so I took Hill here. More of a sentimental pick, as I know the family. Obviously, I've followed him a long time. Baseball wise, he's turned himself into a prospect, getting better with each level he's pitched at. Made his ML debut earlier this year and didn't embarass himself. Will likely be in my pen in 2015.
4.9 - Grayson Greiner
After watching the catchers that I was following, I settled on Greiner. Yeah, his height worries me, but I think he'll find a spot somewhere. I also think the Tigers will do everything they can to keep him at catcher. Skipped rookie ball and went straight to A ball, where he's off to a hot start. He's having trouble throwing runners out (1 out of 14), but he's OPS'ing .971 in 12 games. Going to see his team play tomorrow night in Bowling Green. Really hoping he starts so I can get a look at him in person.
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Post by LA Angels GM on Jul 10, 2014 9:31:15 GMT -5
Saw Greiner play last night. He just looks like a ball player out there. Drew a bases loaded walk. Hit the hardest hit ball of the night... but it went foul.
Defensively, he did look a little awkward. Threw a guy out at second on a strong throw. That was the only time they challenged him. Just weird seeing such a tall guy back there.
Overall, it made me more excited that I drafted him!
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Post by Arizona on Jul 10, 2014 10:04:43 GMT -5
Any insight on my most recent draft pick, Willy Adames? He played SS and batted right in front of Grayson in that game.
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Post by LA Angels GM on Jul 10, 2014 10:13:16 GMT -5
None of his AB's stick out to me.
In the field, he made a nice play moving to his left, turned, and threw the guy out at first (barely). It was a nice play, but I couldn't help thinking that with where the ball was hit and with how softly it was hit, he should've had time to get in front of the ball. Not sure if that was due to his mobility, where he was positioned, or my three beers clouding my judgement.
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Post by Texas GM on Jul 10, 2014 10:30:34 GMT -5
I had to view this year's draft a little differently for a few reasons. First, my reserve roster is starting to get a good bit crunched and, until after the 2015 season, or after I move some pitchers off my 25 man roster, reserve spots are at a premium this year. That's not a complaint, because my strategy when I entered the league was to build my organization up with pitching. Second, I wasn't in a total rebuild, but certainly re-tooling for 2015 and beyond, so I was trying to tailor my picks with that in mind and make it part of the total process. In the off season, I dealt Taylor Jordan and pick 1:20 for Wandy Rodriquez and pick 1:05. I took Nick Gordon there and felt that I got my potential impact SS, but would have to wait until 2019 for him. I knew Tulo wasn't going to be here next year and I was going to be hunting (and likely overpaying) for a SS, so I dealt him for 4 years of control of Starlin Castro. That should bridge to Peraza / Gordon.
Next, I knew that if I was going to re-stock the system I would have to sell high on an impact player, so I dealt Scherzer for Tyler Skaggs, Robert Stephenson and a #1 draft pick. Two days later, I got back on my pursuit of SP and took, who I think might be the steal of the second round, Michael Lorenzen at pick 2.20. My plan is to have Skaggs take Scherzer's spot in the 2015 rotation. With knowing that Peavy, Beuhrle and Rodriguez are gone at the end of 2015, I will have cleared nearly $35M in cap space and have Robbie Ray, Tyler Skaggs, Luke Jackson, Tim Cooney, Robert Stephenson, Michael Lorenzen and Sean Nolin to fill open spots in the rotation.
I didn't have a third round pick, because I dealt it for Ike Davis. Time will tell about that one, but I needed a platoon partner for John Mayberry Jr. there.
In the 4th round, I had Jake deGrom targeted since day one, but he got taken right in front of me. I wanted a guy that could step in right away in 2015. I viewed Stolmy Pimentel as the same type of arm and my plan B. I love the stuff and think, if he stays healthy, he's a future MLB SP. For 2015, I plan to use him in the pen and a emergency SP.
After all these moves and re-tooling, I've got the winter draft, two firsts, a second and a third in 2015 that I'm going to have to make count. I know that it's just a plan, but I stuck to it hope I made the right choices. My team is somewhat competitive, but I may also have 5-6 of the top 100 prospects in the wings.........#fingerscrossed.
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Post by LA Angels GM on Jul 10, 2014 16:26:02 GMT -5
Is it mean of me to say that I hope that your plan fails miserably???
I definitely agree with building up through pitching. I began a complete rebuild a few years ago, and just felt comfortable with my pitching depth to begin drafting hitters again.
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Post by Arizona on Jul 10, 2014 20:49:05 GMT -5
A quick look at the Diamondbacks 2014 Summer draft class.
1.21 Nate Kirby, LHP, University of Virginia - Just finished his sophomore year at Virginia. Was the Friday night starter for one of the better teams in the country. 6'3", with clean mechanics and low/mid 90's stuff from the left side. Played all the way to the finals of the College World Series (and got rocked by Vanderbilt!). 112 IP. 113/33 K/BB ratio. Threw an 18 strikeout no-hitter this season. He will likely be a top-15 pick in the 2015 MLB draft, and could go with a solid junior season next spring.
2.21 Lewis Thorpe, LHP, Minnesota org. - VERY young. International sign from Australia from a couple years back. He threw 44 dominant innings in rookie ball as a 17 year old last year. This season, he stayed back at extended spring training, and I was expecting another short-season assignment for him. In early June, he went to Cedar Rapids in the Midwest League. He's been hit pretty hard, with only 1 good start out of 6, but I'll take comfort in the fact that there are a very small handful of 18 year olds playing in that league, so time is on his side.
4.12 Willy Adames, SS, Detroit org. - Also VERY young. He's one of the other 18 year olds in the Midwest League. After a couple pitchers, I wanted to take a shot at a young player with some patience and power. There's a ton of risk, obviously, but even a bad year or two and he would still reach AA by 21. Reports are generally pessimistic about him staying at SS, but I'm sure they'll keep him there as long as they can.
I'm happy with the picks. I knew I wanted to get 2 pitchers. I probably would've gotten a 3rd if Alec Asher hadn't been grabbed a few picks before my 3rd rounder. So I traded that pick for another one next year. There's a clear window for my major league roster. Hopefully, some of these guys will make some progress and be part of the next window in 5 years.
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Post by Texas GM on Jul 10, 2014 21:43:00 GMT -5
Is it mean of me to say that I hope that your plan fails miserably??? I definitely agree with building up through pitching. I began a complete rebuild a few years ago, and just felt comfortable with my pitching depth to begin drafting hitters again. You have a lot bigger problems than worrying about my rebuild. There's two big mashers siitting up there in the Pacific Northwest and a very young talented team over in the Bay Area. That was enough to convince me that now was the time to make some bold moves focused on getting younger and deeper and get a bunch of payroll flexibility after 2015.. In the short term, it's time for Seattle and Oakland to shine and represent the AL West. I'll just do my best to try to keep them honest. |
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Post by yankees on Jul 10, 2014 22:17:49 GMT -5
My goal was to get depth .. with position players this draft class
1st round AJ Reed started slow but is now coming around i figured it would but now he can focus on 1B 100% .. i figure he will be MLB by 2018
2nd round Monte Harrison OF .. this was a stretch pick .. but i feel will future OF .. over all great athlete
3rd Round Jose Rameriz 2B .. just needed to get some on to fill 2b for the next few years ..hopefully he is more than a utility .player
3rd round Matt Chapman 3B .. bichette jr .. is not turning it on so i need to add some more talent ..
3rd round Christian Walker 1B loosing howard in the off season .. need depth ... hopefully he keeps his
power
4th round Adam Brett walker II OF .. all power .. just needs to stop striking out as much and pick up a few hits to get his average up
4th round Tyler Marlette .C needed depth no true prospect at catcher
4th round Tyler Pike LHP hopefully he can get consistent ..like his ability ..
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Post by Elephanti! on Jul 11, 2014 9:40:46 GMT -5
1.09: Touki Toussaint, RHP, Coral Springs Christian Academy (FL)
Traded Sean Newcomb for this pick. I wasn't sold on Newcomb ever being able to command his arsenal, so I saw this as a chance to upgrade. Toussaint offers athleticism a big fastball, and a very sharp curve ball. This is a gamble on pure ceiling.
1.24: Luis Ortiz, RHP, Coral Springs Christian Academy
I really wanted to grab Nathan Kirby, Michael Matuella, or Grant Holmes here. I was sorely disappointed to not land Kirby in particular. I just couldn't pull the trigger on a 2015 draftee inside the top 10. Ortiz seemed like the next best thing and good value late in the first. He has good size, an advanced three pitch arsenal, and a pretty clean delivery.
2.24: Michael Taylor, OF, Washington Nationals
Sharing a name with another athletic outfielder probably kept him off of many boards. Washington's version has always had elite athleticism and loud tools, but his performance has been underwhelming. This year in Double-A he has put his tools to better use. If he can make enough contact, he's an everyday centerfielder with plus defense, speed, and power.
2.28: Kyle Funkhouser, RHP, University of Louisville
I missed out on the two top pitchers of the 2015 collegiate class, but Funkhouser is another high level arm. He has a lively mid 90s fastball which he compliments with a slider, change, and curve. How his command develops will likely determine how highly he's drafted next year.
4.28: Kyle Cody, RHP, University of Kentucky
With my final pick, I went back to the 2015 class. Kyle Cody is a giant (6'7 245) who throws an easy mid 90s fastball with a pair of above-average offspeeds (change & slider). He has a good claim to the title of best pitching prospect on the Cape.
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Post by BrewCrewGuru on Jul 11, 2014 12:16:38 GMT -5
So, I started a recap, and then closed my browser like a pro... here is version 2.lazy.
3.16 - Greg Bird - 1B - A guy that knows Greg's high school coach came into my shop. He says that Greg is still recovering from his injury and that he should be even better in the 2nd half. I've had terrible luck with power hitters and just felt like I needed to add a backup plan to the McMahon/Vogelbach/Tucker thing I got going.
4.16 - Kyle Hendricks - RHP - This is like a lot of my pitching picks in the past. He is a high floor guy that has shown significant improvement this year. The trade of Samardzija/Hammel really solidified the pick for me because Rich predicted that Hendricks would get the call up. Sure enough, he started yesterday for the Cubs.
4.23 - Yohander Mendez - LHP - He's injured, but I'm not certain that he would be available next year. He's tall, skinny, and has a good throwing motion. I believe that once he fills out and stops using just his arm to throw the ball, he'll be very good. It's just a high risk/high reward pick that I haven't been making over the last couple years. I hope I'm right about him, but I'm just glad to have a kid with his upside in my system right now.
4.24 - Alex Blandino - SS/3B - A very good polished hitter taken in the 2nd round of the real draft fell to me. I had some more "interesting" picks that I could have made, but I really like the idea of having another lefty bat with good plate discipline in my system. He's not really a SS and that could mean he ends up as a utility guy playing everywhere. He's really polished at the plate and shows some power. I think he's the best value in my entire draft and was definitely worth trading next year's 1st rounder to get these picks.
The trade was questionable, but I truly believe that both Mendez and Blandino had a chance to be taken in the Winter Draft before I could get them both. I've added some quality guys and have a bunch of names going into the Winter Draft that I'm following. I believe the only mistake I made was not taking James Kaprielian at 3.16 and going to my back-up plan if Bird was taken before 4.16. I did have 1 trade fall thru that I was really counting on, but I shouldn't have been so optimistic about that deal at the time.
Good job everyone. That is all.
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Whitesox
AAA
I'm just here for the free kool-aid
Posts: 773
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Post by Whitesox on Jul 11, 2014 18:16:39 GMT -5
3.25 - LHP. Justus Sheffield. Second year in a row making my first draft selection a lefty from college. Last year Rob Kaminsky this year Gary Sheffields son. IIf he can improve his breaking pitches I see a top of the rotation arm. Tremendous fastball and change up already. If his slider and curve improve, which both have shown shades of great, I see a lefty with 4 plus pitches who consistantly hits the zone.
4.14 - SS. Riley Unroe. This guy is very raw and far away, but I love his tools. Has a slick glove at SS despite average range at the position. Switch hitter with good plate control, could develop power, above average speed and instinctive on the bases.
4.28 - RHP. Nick Howard. Suprised that Howard fell this far, wasnt expecting to draft him. Cinci has a had a good recent track record converting relievers into starters suposedly. Howard has a good FB, with a solid change and a curve that flashes plus potential. How he can develop his command for all 3 pitches will be crucial to his evolution as a starter. If not he should be a good piece in the back of the bull pen.
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Post by LA Angels GM on Jul 11, 2014 21:46:28 GMT -5
Not that it matters, but Sheffield is a high schooler and Gary's nephew. Only reason I know this is because he's a local kid, so there's been a lot of press on him.
Good pick, though. I was going to consider him in thr 4th...
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2014 22:11:22 GMT -5
This year's draft was a little tricky for me. In my opinion, there was a lot of depth, but not a lot of high-end talent. Some of the people that went in the first and second rounds would have gone much lower if this was last year, or the year before. With that being said, these are my picks;
Pick 1.29 - Derek Hill - High school outfielder with a lot of speed. In my opinion, outfielders are overly easy to find. This is why I normally take a pitcher with my higher picks. Derek Hill was different. His defensive skills are off the charts compared to the rest of the players in his class. I don't see him being much of a power hitter, but his bat speed is a plus. After watching some videos of his swing, I knew I was going to take him with my first pick. He has a very mature approach at the plate. Also a lot of patience.
Pick 2.02 - Sean Reid-Foley - Foley was probably the best high school pitcher I was going to be able to get. He is very athletic, and shows a lot of consistency. He throws a pretty good slider, and hopefully will be at least a mid-rotation starter in time.
Pick 2.03 - Luiz Gohara - Great lefty pitcher. Needs time to mature though. I believe if he works on his consistency, he has the potential to be a number two starter. He has a mean fastball, and he strikes out a lot of batters. Only thing I am concerned about is he walks a lot of batters. I'm sure that with time and patience, he will be worth the wait.
Pick 3.19 - Dilson Herrera - Pretty good second baseman. Has some power now, but I don't see him having much as he moves up throughout the system. He makes consistent contact, which is why he caught my attention. I see him as being a future lead-off hitter. His BA and OBP has been great. He is only 20 and is in AA, and has shown his stuff there. He gets multiple hits per game. All around good player.
Pick 4.02 - Charlie Tilson - Good Center fielder. Another prospect that has the potential to be a lead-off hitter. Not much for power, but boy can he hit the ball to get on base. His OBP has always been good. He does have speed, and great defense. Needs more patience at the plate so he can hit more consistently. Other than that, I'm happy with him.
Overall, I think I made the most I could out of this draft. The whole summer draft has been pretty surprising. People getting picked higher than they are probably worth in my opinion, but everyone has different needs so GREAT JOB EVERYONE!!!
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Whitesox
AAA
I'm just here for the free kool-aid
Posts: 773
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Post by Whitesox on Jul 11, 2014 23:20:57 GMT -5
Not that it matters, but Sheffield is a high schooler and Gary's nephew. Only reason I know this is because he's a local kid, so there's been a lot of press on him. Good pick, though. I was going to consider him in thr 4th... whoops I meant to write high school instead of college on that! Kaminsky came out of HS last draft also. |
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Post by LA Angels GM on Jul 12, 2014 8:37:55 GMT -5
Not that it matters, but Sheffield is a high schooler and Gary's nephew. Only reason I know this is because he's a local kid, so there's been a lot of press on him. Good pick, though. I was going to consider him in thr 4th... whoops I meant to write high school instead of college on that! Kaminsky came out of HS last draft also. Yeah, that totally doesn't matter. Just me being anal. |
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Post by bluejaysgm on Jul 13, 2014 15:17:08 GMT -5
1.09 (acquired from MIL with R Mondesi as part of package for J Kelly/D Vogelbach/T May), traded to OAK for Sean Newcomb. He has lost some luster for Jeff but I’m very high on him. Love his easy delivery. Have high hopes of a #2/3 type SP for my staff.
1.14 Michael Chavis – SS – Sprayberry HS. I wanted G Holmes here but he went two picks earlier. Chavis was next on my list. I know it sounds like he might change positions but I’m holding out hope he can stick at SS for a few years. He is starting there now in the minors. Loved the video I saw and have high hopes for his bat.
2.01 (acquired from TB, originally LAA for picks 4.22 and 4.23) Christian Binford – RHP – KC. Love the performance so far. It was him or Reid-Foley at this pick and I was hoping Foley would make it to pick 2.10. Not so lucky. I have hopes of Binford being a solid #3 innings eater with decent K’s.
2.10 (acquired from CHA with 4.22, R Brantly and M Albers for B McCann, Romo, and others, originally SEA). Miguel Castro – RHP – Toronto Blue Jays. I was hoping to get Reid-Foley here but he went right after Binford. Next I was shooting for Severino or Barreto but the both went 2-3 picks before my turn. Finally it fell to my next chose and now I’m glad it worked this way. Not sure if he would have made it to 2.14 but I’m loving what Miguel Castro is showing. He looks like he has the chops to become an ace if all things work out right!
2.14 Forrest Wall – 2B – Orangewood Christian HS. Once I took Castro Wall was the plan for this pick. I’ve read where draftniks compared his bat to the group of SS’s that are in everyone’s top 10 list (Correa/Russell/Baez). The shoulder injury will keep him at 2B, where I look to be loaded but I’ll take a bat that is viewed that highly everyday and find a place to play him.
2.30 (acquired from WAS, part of Josh Hamilton deal where I also acquired H Pence), traded to MIN for picks 4.09 and MIN’s 2nd in 2015 draft
3.05 (acquired from STL with A Huff for cash), traded to NYN for 2013 4th rd pick, used on Kyle Smith (fairly happy with Smith.
3.14 Stephen Gonsalves – LHP – Minnesota Twins. Gonsalves was not tops on my list but after watching his video I liked what I saw. Then read up on why he dropped out of first rd last year and I’m hoping he took care of the off field issues. Love the size and that he is a lefty. A few years away but I have time with my current staff to wait and see if he develops they way I hope he can.
3.23 (acquired from CIN, part of trade for Greinke), traded to NYN in deal for 2013 4th rd pick, used on Jin-De Jhang (outlook not good on this deal).
4.08 (acquired from MIN w/ MIN’s 2nd in 2015 for pick 2.30). Chance Sisco – C – Baltimore Orioles. Sounds like he has a good chance to stick at C and everyone I read seems to love his bat. Should be ready about the time Salvy gets expensive.
4.14 traded to CHA as part of package for Johnny Cueto
4.21 (acquired from AZ w/ 4.16 in 2013 and M Folty for C Lee and cash). Richard Urena – SS – Toronto Blue Jays. Scouts love the bat (not as much as Barreto) and say he should stick at SS. Hopefully he will develop decent power (for a SS). He is a long ways away, but between him and Mondesi I’m hoping one turns into the future star SS I want.
4.22 (acquired from CHA with 2.10, R Brantly and M Albers for B McCann, Romo, and others, originally TB), traded to TB w/ pick 4.23 for pick 2.01
4.23 (acquired from CIN, part of trade for Greinke), traded to TB w/ pick 4.22 for pick 2.01
4.30 (acquired from WAS, part of J Hamilton deal), traded to NYA in packaged for Salvador Perez.
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Post by raysgm on Jul 16, 2014 2:39:22 GMT -5
2014 SUMMER DRAFT RECAP Round 1 - Pick 2 (#2 overall) – Tyler Kolek
RH Starting Pitcher - Shepherd High School (Texas) This was an easy pick, as I knew I was taking whichever of Aiken/Kolek that John passed on (although I think if both slipped to me, Aiken would have been the choice). Kolek has arguably the biggest arm in the minor leagues, and if he develops better command he profiles at the top of a major league rotation. If the command never improves, or his secondaries fail to develop, 102 MPH out of the back end of a bullpen is a nice fallback option. Round 1 - Pick 12 (#12 overall) – Grant Holmes
RH Starting Pitcher - Conway High School (South Carolina) Of the HS pitchers in this year's class, I think Holmes is arguably the most advanced of the group. Physically maxed out with a strong, sturdy frame, he projects as a potential #2 starter if his changeup can catch up to his fastball/curveball power combination. Round 1 - Pick 15 (#15 overall) – Michael Matuella
RH Starting Pitcher - Duke University Matuella is the far and away top guy on my 2015 board (with all due respect to Nate Kirby, Alex Bregman, and the rest). He combines great size with excellent velocity and good athleticism on the mound. His curveball and slider both profile as potential plus pitches, and he has a show-me changeup. If the changeup continues to develop and the command improves, he also profiles at the front of a big league rotation. Round 3 - Pick 1 (#60 overall) – Keegan Thompson
RH Starting Pitcher - Auburn University After popping my #1 player in the 2015 draft, I popped my #1 player in the 2016 draft. Similar to Holmes, Thompson doesn't have the physical projection as some of the other top arms. However, he does throw in the mid-90's with above average secondaries and a plus command profile. I envision Thompson as another potential #2 starter. Round 3 - Pick 23 (#81 overall) – Michael Feliz
RH Starting Pitcher - Houston Astros Michael Feliz has a big arm but is very raw and potentially may end up in the bullpen. He allowed a monster homerun in the Futures game to Joey Gallo, but did also manage to notch a couple of K's. The Astros are still keeping Feliz on a short leash, but he has been performing well in A-ball this year as a 20 year old. Round 4 - Pick 22 (#110 overall) – Marcus Wilson
Outfielder - Junipero Serra High School (California) Wilson is a great athlete, who, if all things break right, can profile with plus tools across the board. However, he's very far away as he is very raw, even for a HS player. His speed is his best tool, which helps his defensive ability. He needs to improve his bat to ball skills if he wants to be an impact player.
Overall, I'm happy with this draft. I wanted Touki Toussaint pretty badly, and would have preferred taking a couple more bats, but that's not the way the board lined up. Most importantly, the big league team has started to win, and a lot of that has to do with the pipeline of players coming through the system. The rebuild that I started when I took over the team seems to have finally started to pay off, and I couldn't be happier.
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Post by Pirates GM on Jul 16, 2014 16:09:49 GMT -5
I really wish we would look at changing the draft eligibility rules to make them more like real-life. It's not surprising to have 2015 guys plucked here and there, but when guys are getting taken that aren't even real-life eligible until 2016, that's pretty extreme.
JIm
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Post by LA Angels GM on Jul 16, 2014 16:43:45 GMT -5
I really wish we would look at changing the draft eligibility rules to make them more like real-life. It's not surprising to have 2015 guys plucked here and there, but when guys are getting taken that aren't even real-life eligible until 2016, that's pretty extreme. JIm Agreed. I was waiting for the draft to be over before posting this in the suggestions forum, but got too busy. It will be there, though... |
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