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Dude we get it. You hate the Giants.
2016 MLB thread. THE CUBS HAVE BROKEN THE CURSE! Chicago Cubs are your 2016 World Series champions
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by proshares,
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DeadsetAce
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I mean, its just ridiculous that he would make a post like this.....when three Giants fans listed their top 10 lists and there wasn't more than 2 Giants listed on any of the three.
Then there is a list like this from an A's fan:
And WE are the homers. SMH.
Newcomb emerges as elite prospect.
Keith Law Mock Draft 3.0.
Three heated draft debates.
Top 100 MLB draft prospects.
HARTFORD, Conn. -- Sean Newcomb says the pressure doesn't get to him. Pitching each weekend in front of dozens of scouts and executives -- including an occasional MLB general manager -- is just normal now. Fun, actually.
That's how it was for the Hartford left-hander's final home start of the year against UMBC. Despite the bleachers packed full of fans and a multitude of men holding radar guns behind home plate, the Hawks' ace threw nine scoreless innings while giving up just two hits and striking out nine batters. Newcomb's mid-90s fastball caused continuous swings and misses and he utilized a strong curveball and changeup throughout.
It was a performance that, once unheard of, is now typical for the 6-foot-4 Newcomb. And it's why he's projected as a likely mid-to-high first-round pick in Thursday's MLB draft. (In fact, Keith Law has him going to the New York Mets with the No. 10 pick in his most recent mock draft.)
"It's exciting and feels a little surreal," he said. "But I'm not going to get too caught up in [playing professionally] until it actually happens."
There's no need to rush the moment, Newcomb admits, because it wasn't supposed to happen in the first place.
Unlikely emergence
Coming out of Middleborough HS in Massachusetts, he had only one total scholarship offer: Hartford. It was actually the only official visit given to him at the time. Some bigger schools showed interest, but just the Hawks decided to take a gamble on Newcomb. He threw only a mid-80s fastball. He didn't have a strong secondary pitch. He had control issues. However, the size and potential were there.
Justin Blood saw Newcomb pitch at a Perfect Game showcase while an assistant at UConn. When he took over as Hartford head coach in 2011, he watched film to see the type of player he was getting in the big lefty.
"He definitely went under the radar, but I don't think anyone who saw him then would have said 'he's going to be a first-round draft pick,'" Blood said. "By the time he stepped on campus, he had already become a different animal."
2014 Draft Order
First round
1. Houston Astros
2. Miami Marlins
3. Chicago White Sox
4. Chicago Cubs
5. Minnesota Twins
6. Seattle Mariners
7. Philadelphia Phillies
8. Colorado Rockies
9. Toronto Blue Jays
10. New York Mets
11. Toronto Blue Jays*
12. Milwaukee Brewers
13. San Diego Padres
14. San Francisco Giants
15. Los Angeles Angels
16. Arizona Diamondbacks
17. Kansas City Royals
18. Washington Nationals
19. Cincinnati Reds
20. Tampa Bay Rays
21. Cleveland Indians
22. Los Angeles Dodgers
23. Detroit Tigers
24. Pittsburgh Pirates
25. Oakland Athletics
26. Boston Red Sox
27. St. Louis Cardinals
*Comp pick for failing to sign 2013 first-rounder Phil Bickford.
Much of that transformation, Blood says, is simply physical maturation. Newcomb started eating better -- and more. He also began his first serious weight training program. Soon his frame was filling out, and it led to more velocity. The Hartford coaching staff also helped Newcomb develop into a smarter and more effective pitcher by adding different weight-transfer drills to his routine.
Three years later, the hard work has paid off.
"He's a big, physical kid with a power arm," an NL scout said this week. "He has a decent feel to throw four pitches for strikes. The physical size and arm strength is appealing right away.
"Newcomb has been a consistent performer all spring, and the one thing that he's improved on is his control. He's throwing strikes more consistently and getting ahead of hitters more than he had in his first year. He's made the strides that you want to see guys make."
Newcomb's go-to pitch is clearly his fastball, which sits in the mid-90s. He also has a strong curveball, changeup and has been working on a "slider-cutter-type of pitch."
"You look at his stat line now and you look at him up close, you see a guy who has a feel for his fastball, can throw to both sides of the plate and has secondary pitches that are not just average," says Blood, who coached 2011 first-rounders George Springer and Matt Barnes at UConn. "They are above-average and he has the potential to have a really good three-pitch mix at the next level."
Small-school bias
But even with these strong attributes, Newcomb isn't without questions.
His command, while improved, still isn't exactly where he or evaluators want it to be, as he seemed to have some trouble harnessing his increased velocity. He walked 38 batters in 93 1/3 innings this year, though he balanced those free passes out to some degree with 106 strikeouts.
There's also some concern over his level of competition. Unlike the baseball hotbeds of the West Coast or Southeast, New England isn't known for churning out a ton of elite talent, and his 1.25 ERA in the America East Conference is not nearly as impressive as a similar mark in the SEC.
However, unlike in the NBA and NFL drafts, where you go to school has little significance if the talent is there. Just look at Chris Sale, the No. 13 pick in the 2010 draft out of Florida Gulf Coast, a school without much of a baseball tradition, who has become one of baseball's best pitchers. And according to evaluators, Newcomb is the kind of talent who transcends his school's lack of pedigree.
"I wouldn't say it's a worrisome thing," an AL scout said. "Obviously it's something you take to note of because it isn't the SEC and isn't the Pac-12. But at the end of the day, we're looking at the stuff.
"He's got to take care of business against the hitters he's going to face. He can't control who steps in the batter's box. He can only control what he's doing. You note it, but it's not the end all be all."
Blood added that summer leagues pit smaller school players against major conference players each year. Newcomb played in the Cape Cod League two different summers and thrived.
"Parity is at an all-time high right now," Blood said. "Kids have shown that it doesn't matter where you're playing. If you have the ability and can make adjustments and have a skill set, you'll be just fine."
That's how it was for the Hartford left-hander's final home start of the year against UMBC. Despite the bleachers packed full of fans and a multitude of men holding radar guns behind home plate, the Hawks' ace threw nine scoreless innings while giving up just two hits and striking out nine batters. Newcomb's mid-90s fastball caused continuous swings and misses and he utilized a strong curveball and changeup throughout.
It was a performance that, once unheard of, is now typical for the 6-foot-4 Newcomb. And it's why he's projected as a likely mid-to-high first-round pick in Thursday's MLB draft. (In fact, Keith Law has him going to the New York Mets with the No. 10 pick in his most recent mock draft.)
"It's exciting and feels a little surreal," he said. "But I'm not going to get too caught up in [playing professionally] until it actually happens."
There's no need to rush the moment, Newcomb admits, because it wasn't supposed to happen in the first place.
Unlikely emergence
Coming out of Middleborough HS in Massachusetts, he had only one total scholarship offer: Hartford. It was actually the only official visit given to him at the time. Some bigger schools showed interest, but just the Hawks decided to take a gamble on Newcomb. He threw only a mid-80s fastball. He didn't have a strong secondary pitch. He had control issues. However, the size and potential were there.
Justin Blood saw Newcomb pitch at a Perfect Game showcase while an assistant at UConn. When he took over as Hartford head coach in 2011, he watched film to see the type of player he was getting in the big lefty.
"He definitely went under the radar, but I don't think anyone who saw him then would have said 'he's going to be a first-round draft pick,'" Blood said. "By the time he stepped on campus, he had already become a different animal."
2014 Draft Order
First round
1. Houston Astros
2. Miami Marlins
3. Chicago White Sox
4. Chicago Cubs
5. Minnesota Twins
6. Seattle Mariners
7. Philadelphia Phillies
8. Colorado Rockies
9. Toronto Blue Jays
10. New York Mets
11. Toronto Blue Jays*
12. Milwaukee Brewers
13. San Diego Padres
14. San Francisco Giants
15. Los Angeles Angels
16. Arizona Diamondbacks
17. Kansas City Royals
18. Washington Nationals
19. Cincinnati Reds
20. Tampa Bay Rays
21. Cleveland Indians
22. Los Angeles Dodgers
23. Detroit Tigers
24. Pittsburgh Pirates
25. Oakland Athletics
26. Boston Red Sox
27. St. Louis Cardinals
*Comp pick for failing to sign 2013 first-rounder Phil Bickford.
Much of that transformation, Blood says, is simply physical maturation. Newcomb started eating better -- and more. He also began his first serious weight training program. Soon his frame was filling out, and it led to more velocity. The Hartford coaching staff also helped Newcomb develop into a smarter and more effective pitcher by adding different weight-transfer drills to his routine.
Three years later, the hard work has paid off.
"He's a big, physical kid with a power arm," an NL scout said this week. "He has a decent feel to throw four pitches for strikes. The physical size and arm strength is appealing right away.
"Newcomb has been a consistent performer all spring, and the one thing that he's improved on is his control. He's throwing strikes more consistently and getting ahead of hitters more than he had in his first year. He's made the strides that you want to see guys make."
Newcomb's go-to pitch is clearly his fastball, which sits in the mid-90s. He also has a strong curveball, changeup and has been working on a "slider-cutter-type of pitch."
"You look at his stat line now and you look at him up close, you see a guy who has a feel for his fastball, can throw to both sides of the plate and has secondary pitches that are not just average," says Blood, who coached 2011 first-rounders George Springer and Matt Barnes at UConn. "They are above-average and he has the potential to have a really good three-pitch mix at the next level."
Small-school bias
But even with these strong attributes, Newcomb isn't without questions.
His command, while improved, still isn't exactly where he or evaluators want it to be, as he seemed to have some trouble harnessing his increased velocity. He walked 38 batters in 93 1/3 innings this year, though he balanced those free passes out to some degree with 106 strikeouts.
There's also some concern over his level of competition. Unlike the baseball hotbeds of the West Coast or Southeast, New England isn't known for churning out a ton of elite talent, and his 1.25 ERA in the America East Conference is not nearly as impressive as a similar mark in the SEC.
However, unlike in the NBA and NFL drafts, where you go to school has little significance if the talent is there. Just look at Chris Sale, the No. 13 pick in the 2010 draft out of Florida Gulf Coast, a school without much of a baseball tradition, who has become one of baseball's best pitchers. And according to evaluators, Newcomb is the kind of talent who transcends his school's lack of pedigree.
"I wouldn't say it's a worrisome thing," an AL scout said. "Obviously it's something you take to note of because it isn't the SEC and isn't the Pac-12. But at the end of the day, we're looking at the stuff.
"He's got to take care of business against the hitters he's going to face. He can't control who steps in the batter's box. He can only control what he's doing. You note it, but it's not the end all be all."
Blood added that summer leagues pit smaller school players against major conference players each year. Newcomb played in the Cape Cod League two different summers and thrived.
"Parity is at an all-time high right now," Blood said. "Kids have shown that it doesn't matter where you're playing. If you have the ability and can make adjustments and have a skill set, you'll be just fine."
Keith Law Mock Draft 3.0.
The top of the draft hasn't changed much since my last first-round projection, but the back half has, mostly because teams drafting there are still trying to get a handle on who might be available and sorting out their internal "pref lists." I've included notes at the end on the three teams that don't have first-round picks but still draft on Day 1.
Please note that this covers only the first round, which is just 27 picks because the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles forfeited their first-round selections by signing free agents from teams that had received qualifying offers. (The Toronto Blue Jays have two first-round picks.)
For a look at my top 100 draft prospects, click here.
1Brady AikenSCHOOL: Cathedral Catholic HS (San Diego)HT: 6-4WT: 200POS: LHP
Analysis: The Astros' situation hasn't changed, and it's not likely to until late on Thursday. They are considering Aiken, Carlos Rodon and Alex Jackson. They are not considering Aaron Nola or Nick Gordon. The Astros will likely take the player who offers the best combination of talent and price, allowing them to spread money to later picks in a draft that's deep in high school arms but that doesn't have a Strasburg/Harper type at the top. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
2Carlos RodonSCHOOL: NC StateHT: 6-4WT: 235POS: LHP
Analysis: The Marlins' mix seems to be Rodon, Brady Aiken, Alex Jackson and Tyler Kolek, probably in that order (although I'm not quite sure on that). They sent Pirates GM Neal Huntington one of their extra picks, No. 39 overall, as a birthday gift this week, even though his birthday is in February. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
3Tyler KolekSCHOOL: Shepherd (Texas) HSHT: 6-5WT: 250POS: RHP
Analysis: They have been connected to Kolek for a while. The Sox also have interest in Brady Aiken, maybe Carlos Rodon and Aaron Nola. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
4Michael ConfortoSCHOOL: Oregon StateHT: 6-1WT: 215POS: OF
Analysis: If Brady Aiken or Carlos Rodon gets to them, that's whom they will take. I don't get the sense right now that they would take Nick Gordon or the injured Jeff Hoffman, and I think Max Pentecost is a severe long shot here. Kyle Freeland and Aaron Nola are possibilities.
The Cubs are also one of several teams hoping for California prep righty Jack Flaherty with a later pick.
PLAYER CARD
5Nick GordonSCHOOL: Olympia HS, Orlando, Fla.HT: 6-1WT: 170POS: SS
Analysis: They have been on Gordon all spring. Assuming the big three arms are gone, as I project here, I think they go with Gordon over their second choice, Aaron Nola. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
6Alex JacksonSCHOOL: Rancho Bernardo HS (San Diego)HT: 6-2WT: 210POS: C
Analysis: I believe Jackson would be their choice over Sean Newcomb, Aaron Nola or any of the prep arms they like. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
7Aaron NolaSCHOOL: LSUHT: 6-1WT: 180POS: RHP
Analysis: I've heard they want a college guy who will move fast to help the big league club, which would be Nola, who would be my pick for the first non-reliever from this draft to reach the majors (excluding any contractual side deals).
I know they also like Nick Gordon, and they are on Canadian outfielder Gareth Morgan for their next pick. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
8Kyle SchwarberSCHOOL: IndianaHT: 6-0WT: 240POS: 1B
Analysis: This is the first change from my last mock, based on some new intel on Monday; it wouldn't shock me given scouting director Bill Schmidt's history of taking power-hitting catchers who need a lot of work at the position, which didn't work with Pete O'Brien (who didn't sign in 2011) but looks good so far with Tom Murphy (third-round pick in 2012).
I'd previously heard them with Kyle Freeland, so apparently they like players named Kyle.
PLAYER CARD
9Touki ToussaintSCHOOL: Coral Springs (Fla.) Christian Acad.HT: 6-2WT: 195POS: RHP
Analysis: I've heard them with Toussaint, Jeff Hoffman, Trea Turner and Max Pentecost (whom special assistant Dana Brown left the draft room to see this weekend), although I was told that it's far from a lock that they take any specific player here or at No. 11. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
10Sean NewcombSCHOOL: HartfordHT: 6-4WT: 240POS: LHP
Analysis: This pick is probably Newcomb or Trea Turner, assuming someone like Michael Conforto or Alex Jackson doesn't slip. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
11Jeff HoffmanSCHOOL: East CarolinaHT: 6-3WT: 190POS: RHP
Analysis: This is a compensation pick for failing to sign 2013 first-rounder Phil Bickford.
If I were GM Alex Anthopoulos -- humo(u)r me for a moment while I inject my own opinion -- I'd take Hoffman and offer him half of the slot figure, $2,888,300, for this pick.
Hoffman has no alternative. He's out until roughly this time next year recovering from Tommy John surgery, so he can't go back to school and improve his draft stock because he won't pitch. He still gets seven figures and can rehab with a professional team that's invested in getting him healthy for the long haul, and the Jays get enough to grab at least one more first-round talent, maybe two, with later selections -- someone like Iowa prep righty Mitch Keller, whom I've heard them on in the second round. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
12Kyle FreelandSCHOOL: EvansvilleHT: 6-4WT: 185POS: LHP
Analysis: I've heard the Brewers with a ton of college names, including Freeland, Tyler Beede, Max Pentecost and Jeff Hoffman, plus high schoolers Jacob Gatewood and Derek Hill.
PLAYER CARD
13Trea TurnerSCHOOL: NC StateHT: 6-1WT: 171POS: SS
Analysis: I could see them taking Kyle Freeland if Turner isn't here or Max Pentecost if both guys are gone.
PLAYER CARD
14Grant HolmesSCHOOL: Conway (S.C.) HSHT: 6-2WT: 200POS: RHP
Analysis: Also hearing them connected to Northern California outfielders Bradley Zimmer (University of San Francisco) and Derek Hill (Sacramento-area HS), Jeff Hoffman and Luis Ortiz.
PLAYER CARD
15Tyler BeedeSCHOOL: VanderbiltHT: 6-4WT: 215POS: RHP
Analysis: Like most teams considering Beede, the Angels seem to have a split camp on him internally, but it helps that GM Jerry DiPoto saw one of his best outings, the mid-March matchup against Aaron Nola. They are also on Nick Burdi, Kyle Schwarber and Kyle Freeland. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
16Monte HarrisonSCHOOL: Lee's Summit (Mo.) West HSHT: 6-2WT: 200POS: OF
Analysis: The mandate seems to be power bats or polished college arms, as they are considering Harrison, Jacob Gatewood, Michael Chavis, Bradley Zimmer, Tyler Beede and Brandon Finnegan.
PLAYER CARD
17Brandon FinneganSCHOOL: TCUHT: 5-11WT: 190POS: LHP
Analysis: The Royals want someone who will move quickly, arm (Tyler Beede) or bat (Bradley Zimmer), and the whole world expects them to take Hawaii prep lefty Kodi Medeiros at 28.
They are also among the hottest suitors for Texas prep catcher/quarterback Michael Cantu, but probably not until the second round.
PLAYER CARD
18Erik FeddeSCHOOL: UNLVHT: 6-4WT: 165POS: RHP
Analysis: Same as last time. I think they would love to get Kyle Freeland down here.
PLAYER CARD
19Max PentecostSCHOOL: Kennesaw State UniversityHT: 6-1WT: 190POS: C
Analysis: I hear a lot of assumptions that they will take a toolsy prep guy, but scouting director Chris Buckley has taken numerous college guys in the first round, including Mike Leake, Yasmani Grandal and Phil Ervin.
They are also the team I've heard with the most interest in New Jersey prep righty Joey Gatto and Georgia prep righty Spencer Adams.
PLAYER CARD
20Casey GillaspieSCHOOL: Wichita StateHT: 6-4WT: 238POS: 1B
Analysis: I'm still hearing them on bats only, including Gillaspie, Kyle Schwarber and Braxton Davidson.
PLAYER CARD
21Luis OrtizSCHOOL: Sanger (Calif.) HSHT: 6-3WT: 220POS: RHP
Analysis: They are after ceiling, I think, including Jack Flaherty and Alex Verdugo, although I wouldn't be shocked if they took a college bat who fell, like Bradley Zimmer, even though I haven't heard them specifically linked to him.
They are also on one of my personal favorites for this range of the draft, Stanford third baseman Alex Blandino, but more likely for one of their sandwich round picks.
PLAYER CARD
22Derek FisherSCHOOL: VirginiaHT: 6-3WT: 215POS: OF
Analysis: I've heard team president Stan Kasten wants a college guy, whereas the scouting department would prefer to just take the best player available. You can guess which side I'm on.
If they go prep, I've heard them with Derek Hill, Alex Verdugo and Cole Tucker, but they're also open to the right college arm if one appears here. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
23Derek HillSCHOOL: Elk Grove (Calif.) HSHT: 6-2WT: 170POS: OF
Analysis: I've heard them strongly with Hill, who would be an unusual (but very good) pick for a team that rarely takes prep bats this high -- just twice in the first round in the past 20 drafts (Cameron Maybin in 2005 and Scott Moore in 2002).
Louisville closer Nick Burdi is a bit of an obvious fit, as they love power arms who can move fast, although one source told me he thought they could just as easily take a college reliever like Jacob Lindgren at No. 63 if one is still available.
PLAYER CARD
24Bradley ZimmerSCHOOL: San FranciscoHT: 6-5WT: 205POS: OF
Analysis: As I have in previous mocks, I'm assuming the Pirates, whom I haven't heard on anyone specific other than Braxton Davidson, will be opportunistic and take the best player who happens to slide to them.
They're a dark horse on Jacob Gatewood as well. Also, they did a great job getting an essentially free extra draft pick, 39th overall, in a trade with Miami, a selection that brings an extra $1,457,600 in bonus pool value with it, granting the Pirates a significant amount of added flexibility in this draft.
PLAYER CARD
25Ti'Quan ForbesSCHOOL: Columbia (Miss.) HSHT: 6-4WT: 175POS: SS
Analysis: They also like Monte Harrison and would take someone like Tyler Beede if he happened to slide here.
PLAYER CARD
26Alex BlandinoSCHOOL: StanfordHT: 6-0WT: 190POS: 3B
Analysis: I've heard they would like a college bat with this pick, with Blandino or A.J. Reed possibilities, but I don't think they would be thrilled in such a scenario. They are in heavy on Louisiana prep catcher Chase Vallot for pick No. 33.
PLAYER CARD
27Justus SheffieldSCHOOL: Tullahoma (Tenn.) HSHT: 6-0WT: 190POS: LHP
Analysis: I've heard they would like a college bat and a prep arm with their two picks here and at 34, if everything falls perfectly, which things never do so I'm not sure why we're even talking about that.
I had them with Alex Blandino in the last mock. They do like him but might be able to wait on him until their second pick, where they'd also consider A.J. Reed.
PLAYER CARD
Notes on teams without first-round picks
I've heard Texas, picking 30th, linked to lots of high-ceiling high school kids, including Michael Gettys, Alex Verdugo, Monte Harrison, Luis Ortiz and Ti'quan Forbes. I've heard Atlanta, picking 32nd, linked to Cole Tucker, Braxton Davidson and every Georgia prep prospect, including Spencer Adams. And I've heard the Yankees, picking 55th, linked to a bunch of prep catchers as well as Indiana first baseman Sam Travis. I haven't heard anyone linked to Baltimore because it doesn't pick on Day 1.
Please note that this covers only the first round, which is just 27 picks because the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles forfeited their first-round selections by signing free agents from teams that had received qualifying offers. (The Toronto Blue Jays have two first-round picks.)
For a look at my top 100 draft prospects, click here.
1Brady AikenSCHOOL: Cathedral Catholic HS (San Diego)HT: 6-4WT: 200POS: LHP
Analysis: The Astros' situation hasn't changed, and it's not likely to until late on Thursday. They are considering Aiken, Carlos Rodon and Alex Jackson. They are not considering Aaron Nola or Nick Gordon. The Astros will likely take the player who offers the best combination of talent and price, allowing them to spread money to later picks in a draft that's deep in high school arms but that doesn't have a Strasburg/Harper type at the top. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
2Carlos RodonSCHOOL: NC StateHT: 6-4WT: 235POS: LHP
Analysis: The Marlins' mix seems to be Rodon, Brady Aiken, Alex Jackson and Tyler Kolek, probably in that order (although I'm not quite sure on that). They sent Pirates GM Neal Huntington one of their extra picks, No. 39 overall, as a birthday gift this week, even though his birthday is in February. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
3Tyler KolekSCHOOL: Shepherd (Texas) HSHT: 6-5WT: 250POS: RHP
Analysis: They have been connected to Kolek for a while. The Sox also have interest in Brady Aiken, maybe Carlos Rodon and Aaron Nola. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
4Michael ConfortoSCHOOL: Oregon StateHT: 6-1WT: 215POS: OF
Analysis: If Brady Aiken or Carlos Rodon gets to them, that's whom they will take. I don't get the sense right now that they would take Nick Gordon or the injured Jeff Hoffman, and I think Max Pentecost is a severe long shot here. Kyle Freeland and Aaron Nola are possibilities.
The Cubs are also one of several teams hoping for California prep righty Jack Flaherty with a later pick.
PLAYER CARD
5Nick GordonSCHOOL: Olympia HS, Orlando, Fla.HT: 6-1WT: 170POS: SS
Analysis: They have been on Gordon all spring. Assuming the big three arms are gone, as I project here, I think they go with Gordon over their second choice, Aaron Nola. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
6Alex JacksonSCHOOL: Rancho Bernardo HS (San Diego)HT: 6-2WT: 210POS: C
Analysis: I believe Jackson would be their choice over Sean Newcomb, Aaron Nola or any of the prep arms they like. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
7Aaron NolaSCHOOL: LSUHT: 6-1WT: 180POS: RHP
Analysis: I've heard they want a college guy who will move fast to help the big league club, which would be Nola, who would be my pick for the first non-reliever from this draft to reach the majors (excluding any contractual side deals).
I know they also like Nick Gordon, and they are on Canadian outfielder Gareth Morgan for their next pick. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
8Kyle SchwarberSCHOOL: IndianaHT: 6-0WT: 240POS: 1B
Analysis: This is the first change from my last mock, based on some new intel on Monday; it wouldn't shock me given scouting director Bill Schmidt's history of taking power-hitting catchers who need a lot of work at the position, which didn't work with Pete O'Brien (who didn't sign in 2011) but looks good so far with Tom Murphy (third-round pick in 2012).
I'd previously heard them with Kyle Freeland, so apparently they like players named Kyle.
PLAYER CARD
9Touki ToussaintSCHOOL: Coral Springs (Fla.) Christian Acad.HT: 6-2WT: 195POS: RHP
Analysis: I've heard them with Toussaint, Jeff Hoffman, Trea Turner and Max Pentecost (whom special assistant Dana Brown left the draft room to see this weekend), although I was told that it's far from a lock that they take any specific player here or at No. 11. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
10Sean NewcombSCHOOL: HartfordHT: 6-4WT: 240POS: LHP
Analysis: This pick is probably Newcomb or Trea Turner, assuming someone like Michael Conforto or Alex Jackson doesn't slip. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
11Jeff HoffmanSCHOOL: East CarolinaHT: 6-3WT: 190POS: RHP
Analysis: This is a compensation pick for failing to sign 2013 first-rounder Phil Bickford.
If I were GM Alex Anthopoulos -- humo(u)r me for a moment while I inject my own opinion -- I'd take Hoffman and offer him half of the slot figure, $2,888,300, for this pick.
Hoffman has no alternative. He's out until roughly this time next year recovering from Tommy John surgery, so he can't go back to school and improve his draft stock because he won't pitch. He still gets seven figures and can rehab with a professional team that's invested in getting him healthy for the long haul, and the Jays get enough to grab at least one more first-round talent, maybe two, with later selections -- someone like Iowa prep righty Mitch Keller, whom I've heard them on in the second round. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
12Kyle FreelandSCHOOL: EvansvilleHT: 6-4WT: 185POS: LHP
Analysis: I've heard the Brewers with a ton of college names, including Freeland, Tyler Beede, Max Pentecost and Jeff Hoffman, plus high schoolers Jacob Gatewood and Derek Hill.
PLAYER CARD
13Trea TurnerSCHOOL: NC StateHT: 6-1WT: 171POS: SS
Analysis: I could see them taking Kyle Freeland if Turner isn't here or Max Pentecost if both guys are gone.
PLAYER CARD
14Grant HolmesSCHOOL: Conway (S.C.) HSHT: 6-2WT: 200POS: RHP
Analysis: Also hearing them connected to Northern California outfielders Bradley Zimmer (University of San Francisco) and Derek Hill (Sacramento-area HS), Jeff Hoffman and Luis Ortiz.
PLAYER CARD
15Tyler BeedeSCHOOL: VanderbiltHT: 6-4WT: 215POS: RHP
Analysis: Like most teams considering Beede, the Angels seem to have a split camp on him internally, but it helps that GM Jerry DiPoto saw one of his best outings, the mid-March matchup against Aaron Nola. They are also on Nick Burdi, Kyle Schwarber and Kyle Freeland. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
16Monte HarrisonSCHOOL: Lee's Summit (Mo.) West HSHT: 6-2WT: 200POS: OF
Analysis: The mandate seems to be power bats or polished college arms, as they are considering Harrison, Jacob Gatewood, Michael Chavis, Bradley Zimmer, Tyler Beede and Brandon Finnegan.
PLAYER CARD
17Brandon FinneganSCHOOL: TCUHT: 5-11WT: 190POS: LHP
Analysis: The Royals want someone who will move quickly, arm (Tyler Beede) or bat (Bradley Zimmer), and the whole world expects them to take Hawaii prep lefty Kodi Medeiros at 28.
They are also among the hottest suitors for Texas prep catcher/quarterback Michael Cantu, but probably not until the second round.
PLAYER CARD
18Erik FeddeSCHOOL: UNLVHT: 6-4WT: 165POS: RHP
Analysis: Same as last time. I think they would love to get Kyle Freeland down here.
PLAYER CARD
19Max PentecostSCHOOL: Kennesaw State UniversityHT: 6-1WT: 190POS: C
Analysis: I hear a lot of assumptions that they will take a toolsy prep guy, but scouting director Chris Buckley has taken numerous college guys in the first round, including Mike Leake, Yasmani Grandal and Phil Ervin.
They are also the team I've heard with the most interest in New Jersey prep righty Joey Gatto and Georgia prep righty Spencer Adams.
PLAYER CARD
20Casey GillaspieSCHOOL: Wichita StateHT: 6-4WT: 238POS: 1B
Analysis: I'm still hearing them on bats only, including Gillaspie, Kyle Schwarber and Braxton Davidson.
PLAYER CARD
21Luis OrtizSCHOOL: Sanger (Calif.) HSHT: 6-3WT: 220POS: RHP
Analysis: They are after ceiling, I think, including Jack Flaherty and Alex Verdugo, although I wouldn't be shocked if they took a college bat who fell, like Bradley Zimmer, even though I haven't heard them specifically linked to him.
They are also on one of my personal favorites for this range of the draft, Stanford third baseman Alex Blandino, but more likely for one of their sandwich round picks.
PLAYER CARD
22Derek FisherSCHOOL: VirginiaHT: 6-3WT: 215POS: OF
Analysis: I've heard team president Stan Kasten wants a college guy, whereas the scouting department would prefer to just take the best player available. You can guess which side I'm on.
If they go prep, I've heard them with Derek Hill, Alex Verdugo and Cole Tucker, but they're also open to the right college arm if one appears here. | Scouting video Video
PLAYER CARD
23Derek HillSCHOOL: Elk Grove (Calif.) HSHT: 6-2WT: 170POS: OF
Analysis: I've heard them strongly with Hill, who would be an unusual (but very good) pick for a team that rarely takes prep bats this high -- just twice in the first round in the past 20 drafts (Cameron Maybin in 2005 and Scott Moore in 2002).
Louisville closer Nick Burdi is a bit of an obvious fit, as they love power arms who can move fast, although one source told me he thought they could just as easily take a college reliever like Jacob Lindgren at No. 63 if one is still available.
PLAYER CARD
24Bradley ZimmerSCHOOL: San FranciscoHT: 6-5WT: 205POS: OF
Analysis: As I have in previous mocks, I'm assuming the Pirates, whom I haven't heard on anyone specific other than Braxton Davidson, will be opportunistic and take the best player who happens to slide to them.
They're a dark horse on Jacob Gatewood as well. Also, they did a great job getting an essentially free extra draft pick, 39th overall, in a trade with Miami, a selection that brings an extra $1,457,600 in bonus pool value with it, granting the Pirates a significant amount of added flexibility in this draft.
PLAYER CARD
25Ti'Quan ForbesSCHOOL: Columbia (Miss.) HSHT: 6-4WT: 175POS: SS
Analysis: They also like Monte Harrison and would take someone like Tyler Beede if he happened to slide here.
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26Alex BlandinoSCHOOL: StanfordHT: 6-0WT: 190POS: 3B
Analysis: I've heard they would like a college bat with this pick, with Blandino or A.J. Reed possibilities, but I don't think they would be thrilled in such a scenario. They are in heavy on Louisiana prep catcher Chase Vallot for pick No. 33.
PLAYER CARD
27Justus SheffieldSCHOOL: Tullahoma (Tenn.) HSHT: 6-0WT: 190POS: LHP
Analysis: I've heard they would like a college bat and a prep arm with their two picks here and at 34, if everything falls perfectly, which things never do so I'm not sure why we're even talking about that.
I had them with Alex Blandino in the last mock. They do like him but might be able to wait on him until their second pick, where they'd also consider A.J. Reed.
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Notes on teams without first-round picks
I've heard Texas, picking 30th, linked to lots of high-ceiling high school kids, including Michael Gettys, Alex Verdugo, Monte Harrison, Luis Ortiz and Ti'quan Forbes. I've heard Atlanta, picking 32nd, linked to Cole Tucker, Braxton Davidson and every Georgia prep prospect, including Spencer Adams. And I've heard the Yankees, picking 55th, linked to a bunch of prep catchers as well as Indiana first baseman Sam Travis. I haven't heard anyone linked to Baltimore because it doesn't pick on Day 1.
Three heated draft debates.
There are spirited debates going on within the walls of big league clubs, as the 2014 draft is just a day away. In my 25 years of draft experience, I’ve seen my share of drama and water bottles flung across the room. Quite frankly, it was one of my favorite times of the year. The baseball discussions among some of the game’s best evaluators are priceless. If a team would ever consent to a camera crew, it would make for great television.
The disagreements in the rooms from scouts, national crosscheckers and front office executives can get heated because one wrong placement of a player on the list can change the future of the franchise. And this year’s draft offers as much debate as there has been in years.
Let’s look at three of the most debated topics teams are dealing with right now.
Debate 1: Who’s the best position player on the board?
A majority of teams have two high school players –-- catcher/outfielder Alex Jackson from Rancho Bernardo HS (San Diego), and shortstop Nick Gordon from Olympia HS (Orlando, Fla.) -- as the top position players in this year’s draft.
Clubs normally don’t draft for positional need, especially with high school players because they change so much over the three to five years it takes to reach the major leagues. So they take the best player on the board. But is that Jackson or Gordon?
Jackson is the best right-handed power bat in the draft. Some clubs would draft him as an outfielder to get his bat to the big leagues quicker, other teams think he can stay behind the plate and can become an average catcher after he works on receiving and blocking balls.
On the other hand, Gordon has a more well-rounded game as a true shortstop with some speed and gap power. He has the major league instincts of his dad, Tom, and his brother, Dee. His makeup and character might be the best in the entire draft.
Jackson has the most usable power of all the position players in the draft. Gordon, however, has a better chance to succeed at the major league level because of his overall game and makeup. Jackson has more upside but more risk.
My pick: Jackson. I’m taking the middle-of the order impact bat, which is the rarer commodity. But this is the most difficult decision in this year’s draft, one that the Cubs could be dealing with at No. 4. However, because of their plethora of infield prospects, that will make it easier for them to pass on Gordon.
Debate 2. Who’s the best pitcher on the board after Brady Aiken and Carlos Rodon?
The majority of the 30 teams have left-handers -- San Diego prep standout Aiken and NC State star Rodon -- as the top two pitchers in the draft. Based on pure talent, they should be the first two players taken in this draft.
As for the next-best arm, several teams believe Tyler Kolek, a right-handed pitcher from Shepherd (Texas) HS, could go anywhere between Nos. 1 and 5 overall, and possibly to the Houston Astros, who own the No. 1 overall pick. However, other scouts are arguing that right-hander Touki Toussaint of Coral Springs (Fla.) Christian Academy belongs in the conversation with Kolek.
Kolek has one of the best fastballs in the draft, which regularly tickles triple digits. Toussaint might have the most upside of any high school pitcher in the class. He has a fastball in the 93-99 mph range but it’s his secondary pitches that separate him. He might be the best athlete among pitchers in the draft. But who’s the better pitcher?
The industry has had Kolek ranked significantly above Toussaint for quite some time. However, Toussaint has come on as of late. Kolek has the better fastball. Toussaint has much better secondary pitches. But will Toussaint’s command ever arrive?
My pick: Kolek. I’m taking the better fastball and command.
Debate 3: Who has the best bat in left field?
One of the more intriguing debates in the draft rooms has been centered around two future left-fields bats in Indiana catcher/first baseman/outfielder Kyle Schwarber and Oregon State outfielder Michael Conforto. Both lefty-hitting left fielders profile to hit .280 with 20-25 homers.
There is a little chance that Schwarber remains behind the dish, as he is below-average at framing pitches despite a strong arm. However, he’ll be drafted as a bat and most scouts think he’ll end up in left field or first base.
Conforto has above-average bat speed and great command of the strike zone. He has a smooth compact swing and a .504 OBP, which is fifth in Division I.
Both profile to be the same type of offensive players, with Conforto's hit tool slightly better and Schwarber's power slightly better.
My pick: Conforto. I value the hit tool more than power.
To illustrate my pick of Conforto, let’s look back at a similar debate I had as the GM of the Washington Nationals during the 2005 MLB draft. We had the fourth overall selection and were trying to choose between two third basemen: Nebraska’s Alex Gordon and Virginia’s Ryan Zimmerman.
That was a loaded draft class, arguably the best of all time, and because the team was being sold we were instructed by management to focus on an advance college player who could help soon, which is how we ended up focusing on Gordon and Zimmerman.
Zimmerman was a Gold Glove-caliber defender, while Gordon was a below-average defender who we thought might have to move to first base or left field. We projected Gordon as a 30-homer bat, Zimmerman as just a 15-20 home run guy.
We liked Gordon's arm over Zimmerman's. We liked Zimmerman’s hit tool slightly over Gordon’s because of his ability to go up the middle and the other way. With a few adjustments to his hands, Zimmerman had a chance to be a .290-.300 hitter.
But the room was embroiled in debate because some were enamored with Gordon's power. However, we finally ended up with Zimmerman above Gordon on our draft list because we liked his hit tool more.
In the end it was all academic as Gordon went second overall to the Kansas City Royals, while the Seattle Mariners took USC catcher Jeff Clement at No. 3. We didn't think Clement was going to hit, nor did we think he could catch, and we thought Seattle might take Zimmerman, so we did have to sweat that part out.
Zimmerman fell to us and he has gone on to earn All-Star honors, a Gold Glove and two Silver Slugger awards.
Bottom line, like Conforto this year, we went with the hit tool first, and it worked out well for us.
The disagreements in the rooms from scouts, national crosscheckers and front office executives can get heated because one wrong placement of a player on the list can change the future of the franchise. And this year’s draft offers as much debate as there has been in years.
Let’s look at three of the most debated topics teams are dealing with right now.
Debate 1: Who’s the best position player on the board?
A majority of teams have two high school players –-- catcher/outfielder Alex Jackson from Rancho Bernardo HS (San Diego), and shortstop Nick Gordon from Olympia HS (Orlando, Fla.) -- as the top position players in this year’s draft.
Clubs normally don’t draft for positional need, especially with high school players because they change so much over the three to five years it takes to reach the major leagues. So they take the best player on the board. But is that Jackson or Gordon?
Jackson is the best right-handed power bat in the draft. Some clubs would draft him as an outfielder to get his bat to the big leagues quicker, other teams think he can stay behind the plate and can become an average catcher after he works on receiving and blocking balls.
On the other hand, Gordon has a more well-rounded game as a true shortstop with some speed and gap power. He has the major league instincts of his dad, Tom, and his brother, Dee. His makeup and character might be the best in the entire draft.
Jackson has the most usable power of all the position players in the draft. Gordon, however, has a better chance to succeed at the major league level because of his overall game and makeup. Jackson has more upside but more risk.
My pick: Jackson. I’m taking the middle-of the order impact bat, which is the rarer commodity. But this is the most difficult decision in this year’s draft, one that the Cubs could be dealing with at No. 4. However, because of their plethora of infield prospects, that will make it easier for them to pass on Gordon.
Debate 2. Who’s the best pitcher on the board after Brady Aiken and Carlos Rodon?
The majority of the 30 teams have left-handers -- San Diego prep standout Aiken and NC State star Rodon -- as the top two pitchers in the draft. Based on pure talent, they should be the first two players taken in this draft.
As for the next-best arm, several teams believe Tyler Kolek, a right-handed pitcher from Shepherd (Texas) HS, could go anywhere between Nos. 1 and 5 overall, and possibly to the Houston Astros, who own the No. 1 overall pick. However, other scouts are arguing that right-hander Touki Toussaint of Coral Springs (Fla.) Christian Academy belongs in the conversation with Kolek.
Kolek has one of the best fastballs in the draft, which regularly tickles triple digits. Toussaint might have the most upside of any high school pitcher in the class. He has a fastball in the 93-99 mph range but it’s his secondary pitches that separate him. He might be the best athlete among pitchers in the draft. But who’s the better pitcher?
The industry has had Kolek ranked significantly above Toussaint for quite some time. However, Toussaint has come on as of late. Kolek has the better fastball. Toussaint has much better secondary pitches. But will Toussaint’s command ever arrive?
My pick: Kolek. I’m taking the better fastball and command.
Debate 3: Who has the best bat in left field?
One of the more intriguing debates in the draft rooms has been centered around two future left-fields bats in Indiana catcher/first baseman/outfielder Kyle Schwarber and Oregon State outfielder Michael Conforto. Both lefty-hitting left fielders profile to hit .280 with 20-25 homers.
There is a little chance that Schwarber remains behind the dish, as he is below-average at framing pitches despite a strong arm. However, he’ll be drafted as a bat and most scouts think he’ll end up in left field or first base.
Conforto has above-average bat speed and great command of the strike zone. He has a smooth compact swing and a .504 OBP, which is fifth in Division I.
Both profile to be the same type of offensive players, with Conforto's hit tool slightly better and Schwarber's power slightly better.
My pick: Conforto. I value the hit tool more than power.
To illustrate my pick of Conforto, let’s look back at a similar debate I had as the GM of the Washington Nationals during the 2005 MLB draft. We had the fourth overall selection and were trying to choose between two third basemen: Nebraska’s Alex Gordon and Virginia’s Ryan Zimmerman.
That was a loaded draft class, arguably the best of all time, and because the team was being sold we were instructed by management to focus on an advance college player who could help soon, which is how we ended up focusing on Gordon and Zimmerman.
Zimmerman was a Gold Glove-caliber defender, while Gordon was a below-average defender who we thought might have to move to first base or left field. We projected Gordon as a 30-homer bat, Zimmerman as just a 15-20 home run guy.
We liked Gordon's arm over Zimmerman's. We liked Zimmerman’s hit tool slightly over Gordon’s because of his ability to go up the middle and the other way. With a few adjustments to his hands, Zimmerman had a chance to be a .290-.300 hitter.
But the room was embroiled in debate because some were enamored with Gordon's power. However, we finally ended up with Zimmerman above Gordon on our draft list because we liked his hit tool more.
In the end it was all academic as Gordon went second overall to the Kansas City Royals, while the Seattle Mariners took USC catcher Jeff Clement at No. 3. We didn't think Clement was going to hit, nor did we think he could catch, and we thought Seattle might take Zimmerman, so we did have to sweat that part out.
Zimmerman fell to us and he has gone on to earn All-Star honors, a Gold Glove and two Silver Slugger awards.
Bottom line, like Conforto this year, we went with the hit tool first, and it worked out well for us.
Top 100 MLB draft prospects.
These rankings never feel final, and probably wouldn't stop changing if I wasn't forced to commit to one by the fact the draft is coming up in a matter of hours. I've had a few significant changes here based on two major variables -- pitchers getting healthy or hurt, and late reports from area scouts on players who finished strongly or whom I just plain underrated the last time around.
That means big moves up for Luis Ortiz, who's now healthy, and prep arms Trey Supak and Bryce Montes de Oca, whose deliveries are among my favorites in the draft. It also means drops for pitchers who've gotten hurt since the last ranking, including Erick Fedde (Tommy John surgery) and Brandon Finnegan (shoulder soreness).
As always, I use the 20-80 grading scale in these comments to avoid saying "average" and "above average" a thousand times across 100 player comments. On that scale, a grade of 50 equals major league average, 55 is above average, 60 is plus, 45 is fringy or below average and so on. Giancarlo Stanton has 80 raw power. David Ortiz has 20 speed. Carlos Gomez is an 80 defender. An average fastball for a right-hander is 90-92 mph, with 1-2 mph off for a lefty.
1Brady AikenSCHOOL: Cathedral Catholic HS (San Diego)HT: 6-4WT: 200POS: LHP
Analysis: A 17-year-old left-hander with a great body and delivery, a fastball up to 95 mph and feel for both a curveball and a changeup, Aiken is the best talent in this draft class and offers the team that drafts him a clean record of light usage on top of his tremendous potential.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 1 | PLAYER CARD
2Carlos RodonSCHOOL: NC StateHT: 6-4WT: 235POS: LHP
Analysis: The most famous name in the draft this year, Rodon has the class' best pitch in his mind-bending slider, which comes in up to 92 mph, and did have several outings in the second half of the season where he looked like the No. 1 pick many expected him to be.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 2 | PLAYER CARD
3Tyler KolekSCHOOL: Shepherd (Texas) HSHT: 6-5WT: 250POS: RHP
Analysis: A big Texas right-hander who throws 100 mph, Kolek gets compared to other Texas fireballers like Nolan Ryan and Kerry Wood. He needs work on his command and on developing a third pitch to go along with his fastball and slider.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 3 | PLAYER CARD
4Nick GordonSCHOOL: Olympia HS, Orlando, Fla.HT: 6-1WT: 170POS: SS
Analysis: The draft's best position-player prospect, Gordon is a no-doubt shortstop who can hit and has great instincts on both sides of the ball, lacking just the power tool even though he added about 10-15 pounds of muscle last winter to help him drive the ball the other way.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 4 | PLAYER CARD
5Alex JacksonSCHOOL: Rancho Bernardo HS (San Diego)HT: 6-2WT: 210POS: C
Analysis: Jackson finished strongly and pushed himself back into consideration for the top two picks in the draft. A solid right-handed hitter with big-time power potential, he's a star if he remains behind the dish, but has a lower ceiling if he's moved to third or right.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 6 | PLAYER CARD
6Grant HolmesSCHOOL: Conway (S.C.) HSHT: 6-2WT: 200POS: RHP
Analysis: The most polished high school pitcher in the class, Holmes has outstanding command and has hit 98 mph, although I think in pro ball he'll settle in at 92-94 and get hitters out by throwing strikes and changing speeds rather than just overpowering them.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 7 | PLAYER CARD
7Sean NewcombSCHOOL: HartfordHT: 6-4WT: 240POS: LHP
Analysis: A huge lefty who's consistently up to 96 mph, Newcomb showed better command and control down the stretch, mitigating some earlier concerns about his performance in a weak college conference.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 9 | PLAYER CARD
8Michael ConfortoSCHOOL: Oregon StateHT: 6-1WT: 215POS: OF
Analysis: Conforto racked up a .504 OBP this year thanks to a simple swing and outstanding plate discipline, making him a high-floor pick but without a huge ceiling because he's limited to left field.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 12 | PLAYER CARD
9Aaron NolaSCHOOL: LSUHT: 6-1WT: 180POS: RHP
Analysis: Nola is my pick for the first non-reliever in this class to reach the majors, boasting plus-plus command of a 91-93 mph fastball and feel for two other pitches.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 10 | PLAYER CARD
10Luis OrtizSCHOOL: Sanger (Calif.) HSHT: 6-3WT: 220POS: RHP
Analysis: Ortiz missed time earlier this spring with a forearm strain but came back very strong, with his pre-injury velocity intact, and might represent great value for someone in the back of the first round.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 21 | PLAYER CARD
11Derek HillSCHOOL: Elk Grove (Calif.) HSHT: 6-2WT: 170POS: OF
Analysis: One of the best pure athletes in the class, Hill's a plus runner and defender in center, with a short, compact swing. He's the cousin of Darryl Strawberry and his father played in Triple-A, so he has great bloodlines, as well.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 11 | PLAYER CARD
12Bradley ZimmerSCHOOL: San FranciscoHT: 6-5WT: 205POS: OF
Analysis: Zimmer looked like a top-10 pick earlier in the year when he was among the hottest hitters in Division I, but he cooled off in the second half and some teams are questioning his profile. I see a corner outfielder who hits for a high average with enough power to be an above-average regular.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 5 | PLAYER CARD
13Touki ToussaintSCHOOL: Coral Springs (Fla.) Christian Acad.HT: 6-2WT: 195POS: RHP
Analysis: In a draft loaded with high school right-handers, Touki might have the highest upside of all, an athletic, loose-armed pitcher with markedly improved command of his plus fastball/curveball combo.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 13 | PLAYER CARD
14Tyler BeedeSCHOOL: VanderbiltHT: 6-4WT: 215POS: RHP
Analysis: Beede bounced back from a poor SEC tournament showing with a strong outing (against Xavier, a weak opponent) in Vanderbilt's regional; he has top-five overall stuff, but has shown second-round command for the last two-thirds of the season.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 14 | PLAYER CARD
15Derek FisherSCHOOL: VirginiaHT: 6-3WT: 215POS: OF
Analysis: Fisher had a chance to be a top-10 pick as one of the toolsiest college position players in the draft, a plus runner with good bat speed and BP power, but a broken hamate bone led to a disappointing performance, with a .288/.349/.417 line through the weekend.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 17 | PLAYER CARD
16Braxton DavidsonSCHOOL: T.C. Roberson HS, Asheville, N.C.HT: 6-3WT: 215POS: OF
Analysis: Davidson has one of the best pure swings in the draft class and can hit for average and power, but teams view him as limited to first base only and the standard for a high school first baseman to go in the first round is very high.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 16 | PLAYER CARD
17Monte HarrisonSCHOOL: Lee's Summit (Mo.) West HSHT: 6-2WT: 200POS: OF
Analysis: Committed to Nebraska to play wide receiver, Harrison is likely to sign as a mid-first-rounder who appeals to teams with his mix of power and speed, but he's raw as a hitter and likely a long-term project at the plate.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 18 | PLAYER CARD
18Trea TurnerSCHOOL: NC StateHT: 6-1WT: 171POS: SS
Analysis: Turner had a miserable start to the year but finished as strongly as anyone in the draft, showing surprising power and playing better defense at short.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 22 | PLAYER CARD
19Kyle FreelandSCHOOL: EvansvilleHT: 6-4WT: 185POS: LHP
Analysis: A lefty with impeccable numbers who's occasionally (and unfairly) compared to Chris Sale, Freeland dominated throughout Evansville's regular season but had a poor outing on very short rest in the MWC tournament in front of some key MLB decision-makers.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 24 | PLAYER CARD
20Scott BlewettSCHOOL: Baker HS, Baldwinsville, NYHT: 6-6WT: 235POS: RHP
Analysis: He missed a start recently with a sore shoulder but came back and hit 95 mph in his final outing, throwing 71 pitches instead of a scheduled 25-30 (hey, thanks, coach). I could see him signing for an above-slot bonus as some team's second or third pick.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 20 | PLAYER CARD
21Justus SheffieldSCHOOL: Tullahoma (Tenn.) HSHT: 6-0WT: 190POS: LHP
Analysis: Sheffield's stock has risen steadily all spring as his velocity has improved, and scouts rave about his makeup and feel for pitching.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. NR | PLAYER CARD
22Max PentecostSCHOOL: Kennesaw State UniversityHT: 6-1WT: 190POS: C
Analysis: The draft's best pure catcher, Pentecost can catch, throw, run and hit for average. The biggest question facing him is how his unorthodox swing will handle wood bats and pro pitching.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 23 | PLAYER CARD
23Jacob GatewoodSCHOOL: Clovis (Calif.) HSHT: 6-4WT: 190POS: SS
Analysis: Gatewood still boasts some of the highest upside in the draft, with huge raw power but a below-average hit tool that has him sliding down draft boards, and possibly out of the first round, because he hasn't shown the ability to make adjustments at the plate.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 15 | PLAYER CARD
24Brandon FinneganSCHOOL: TCUHT: 5-11WT: 190POS: LHP
Analysis: Finnegan returned from a layoff due to a sore shoulder and threw reasonably well, but teams have differing views on his status after the injury, some very comfortable now that his stuff is back, others wishing they had better information on the injury itself.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 19 | PLAYER CARD
25Jeff HoffmanSCHOOL: East CarolinaHT: 6-3WT: 190POS: RHP
Analysis: Hoffman would likely be a top-four pick had he not blown out his elbow and required Tommy John surgery last month; he's still set to get a seven-figure bonus from a team comfortable with taking him and rehabbing him.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 25 | PLAYER CARD
Prospects Nos. 26-100
Click on each player's name for a full scouting report.
RANK PLAYER POSITION SCHOOL
26 Kyle Schwarber C/1B Indiana
27 Erick Fedde RHP UNLV
28 Michael Chavis 3B Sprayberry HS (Marietta, Ga.)
29 Jake Bukauskus RHP Stone Bridge (Va.) HS
30 Trey Supak RHP La Grange (Texas) HS
31 Marcus Wilson OF Junipero Serra HS (Los Angeles)
32 Bryce Montes De Oca RHP Lawrence (Kan.) HS
33 Chase Vallot C St. Thomas More (Youngsville, La.)
34 Foster Griffin LHP First Academy (Orlando)
35 Sean Reid-Foley RHP Sandalwood HS (Jacksonville, Fla.)
36 Zech Lemond RHP Rice
37 Spencer Adams RHP White County (Ga.) HS
38 Jakson Reetz C/OF Hickman (Neb.) HS
39 Alex Blandino 3B Stanford
40 Michael Kopech RHP Mount Pleasant (Texas) HS
41 Ti'Quan Forbes SS Columbia (Miss.) HS
42 A.J. Reed 1B Kentucky
43 Mike Papi OF Virginia
44 Gareth Morgan OF Blyth Academy (Toronto)
45 Michael Gettys OF/RHP Gainesville (Ga.) HS
46 Jack Flaherty RHP Harvard-Westlake HS (Studio City, Calif.)
47 Mac Marshall LHP Parkview (Ga.) HS
48 Dylan Cease RHP Milton (Ga.) HS
49 Grant Hockin RHP Damien HS (Pomona, Calif.)
50 Kodi Medeiros LHP Waiaka HS (Hilo, Hi.)
51 Jake Stinnett RHP Maryland
52 Casey Gillaspie 1B Wichita State
53 Spencer Turnbull RHP Alabama
54 Daniel Gossett RHP Clemson
55 Cameron Varga RHP Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy
56 Nick Burdi RHP Louisville
57 Sam Travis 1B Indiana
58 Matt Imhof LHP Cal-Poly
59 Brett Graves RHP Missouri
60 Matt Chapman 3B Cal-State Fullerton
61 Jeren Kendall OF Holmen (Wisc.) HS
62 Bobby Bradley 3B Harrison Central HS (Gulfport, Miss.)
63 Nick Howard RHP Virginia
64 Cole Tucker SS Mountain Pointe HS (Phoenix)
65 Mitch Keller RHP Xavier HS (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
66 Matthew Railey OF North Florida Christian Academy (Tallahassee)
67 Jacob Lindgren LHP Mississippi State
68 Alex Verdugo LHP Sahuaro HS (Tucson, Ariz.)
69 J.D. Davis 1B Cal-State Fullerton
70 David Peterson LHP Regis Jesuit (Denver)
71 Chad Sobotka RHP South Carolina Upstate
72 Taylor Sparks 3B UC-Irvine
73 J.J. Schwarz C Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.) HS
74 Jake Godfrey RHP Providence Catholic (New Lenox, Ill.)
75 Luke Weaver RHP Florida State
76 Forrest Wall 2B Orangewood (Fla.) Christian
77 Dylan Davis OF/RHP Oregon State
78 Garrett Fulenchek RHP Howe (Texas) HS
79 Grayson Greiner C South Carolina
80 Keaton McKinney RHP Ankenny (Iowa) Centennial HS
81 Justin Twine SS Falls City (Texas) HS
82 Keith Weisenberg RHP Osceola (Fla.) HS
83 James Norwood RHP St. Louis
84 Austin Slater OF Stanford
85 Carson Sands LHP North Florida Christian Academy (Tallahassee)
86 Milton Ramos SS American Heritage HS (Hileaea, Fla.)
87 Jacob Nix RHP Los Alamitos (Calif.) HS
88 Chris Ellis RHP Ole Miss
89 Trace Loehr SS Putnam HS (Milwaukie, Ore.)
90 Isan Diaz SS Springfield Central (Mass.) HS
91 Heath Fillmyer RHP Mercer Community College
92 Cody Reed LHP Ardmore HS (Athens, Ala.)
93 Wyatt Strahan RHP Southern California
94 Austin Byler OF Nevada
95 Jordan Luplow OF Fresno State
96 Michael Cantu C Carroll (Tex.) HS
97 Casey Soltis OF Granada HS (Livermore, Calif.)
98 Dillon Peters LHP Texas
99 Justin Steele LHP George County HS (Lucedale, Miss.)
100 Mitch Hart RHP Granite Bay (Calif.) HS
That means big moves up for Luis Ortiz, who's now healthy, and prep arms Trey Supak and Bryce Montes de Oca, whose deliveries are among my favorites in the draft. It also means drops for pitchers who've gotten hurt since the last ranking, including Erick Fedde (Tommy John surgery) and Brandon Finnegan (shoulder soreness).
As always, I use the 20-80 grading scale in these comments to avoid saying "average" and "above average" a thousand times across 100 player comments. On that scale, a grade of 50 equals major league average, 55 is above average, 60 is plus, 45 is fringy or below average and so on. Giancarlo Stanton has 80 raw power. David Ortiz has 20 speed. Carlos Gomez is an 80 defender. An average fastball for a right-hander is 90-92 mph, with 1-2 mph off for a lefty.
1Brady AikenSCHOOL: Cathedral Catholic HS (San Diego)HT: 6-4WT: 200POS: LHP
Analysis: A 17-year-old left-hander with a great body and delivery, a fastball up to 95 mph and feel for both a curveball and a changeup, Aiken is the best talent in this draft class and offers the team that drafts him a clean record of light usage on top of his tremendous potential.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 1 | PLAYER CARD
2Carlos RodonSCHOOL: NC StateHT: 6-4WT: 235POS: LHP
Analysis: The most famous name in the draft this year, Rodon has the class' best pitch in his mind-bending slider, which comes in up to 92 mph, and did have several outings in the second half of the season where he looked like the No. 1 pick many expected him to be.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 2 | PLAYER CARD
3Tyler KolekSCHOOL: Shepherd (Texas) HSHT: 6-5WT: 250POS: RHP
Analysis: A big Texas right-hander who throws 100 mph, Kolek gets compared to other Texas fireballers like Nolan Ryan and Kerry Wood. He needs work on his command and on developing a third pitch to go along with his fastball and slider.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 3 | PLAYER CARD
4Nick GordonSCHOOL: Olympia HS, Orlando, Fla.HT: 6-1WT: 170POS: SS
Analysis: The draft's best position-player prospect, Gordon is a no-doubt shortstop who can hit and has great instincts on both sides of the ball, lacking just the power tool even though he added about 10-15 pounds of muscle last winter to help him drive the ball the other way.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 4 | PLAYER CARD
5Alex JacksonSCHOOL: Rancho Bernardo HS (San Diego)HT: 6-2WT: 210POS: C
Analysis: Jackson finished strongly and pushed himself back into consideration for the top two picks in the draft. A solid right-handed hitter with big-time power potential, he's a star if he remains behind the dish, but has a lower ceiling if he's moved to third or right.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 6 | PLAYER CARD
6Grant HolmesSCHOOL: Conway (S.C.) HSHT: 6-2WT: 200POS: RHP
Analysis: The most polished high school pitcher in the class, Holmes has outstanding command and has hit 98 mph, although I think in pro ball he'll settle in at 92-94 and get hitters out by throwing strikes and changing speeds rather than just overpowering them.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 7 | PLAYER CARD
7Sean NewcombSCHOOL: HartfordHT: 6-4WT: 240POS: LHP
Analysis: A huge lefty who's consistently up to 96 mph, Newcomb showed better command and control down the stretch, mitigating some earlier concerns about his performance in a weak college conference.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 9 | PLAYER CARD
8Michael ConfortoSCHOOL: Oregon StateHT: 6-1WT: 215POS: OF
Analysis: Conforto racked up a .504 OBP this year thanks to a simple swing and outstanding plate discipline, making him a high-floor pick but without a huge ceiling because he's limited to left field.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 12 | PLAYER CARD
9Aaron NolaSCHOOL: LSUHT: 6-1WT: 180POS: RHP
Analysis: Nola is my pick for the first non-reliever in this class to reach the majors, boasting plus-plus command of a 91-93 mph fastball and feel for two other pitches.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 10 | PLAYER CARD
10Luis OrtizSCHOOL: Sanger (Calif.) HSHT: 6-3WT: 220POS: RHP
Analysis: Ortiz missed time earlier this spring with a forearm strain but came back very strong, with his pre-injury velocity intact, and might represent great value for someone in the back of the first round.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 21 | PLAYER CARD
11Derek HillSCHOOL: Elk Grove (Calif.) HSHT: 6-2WT: 170POS: OF
Analysis: One of the best pure athletes in the class, Hill's a plus runner and defender in center, with a short, compact swing. He's the cousin of Darryl Strawberry and his father played in Triple-A, so he has great bloodlines, as well.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 11 | PLAYER CARD
12Bradley ZimmerSCHOOL: San FranciscoHT: 6-5WT: 205POS: OF
Analysis: Zimmer looked like a top-10 pick earlier in the year when he was among the hottest hitters in Division I, but he cooled off in the second half and some teams are questioning his profile. I see a corner outfielder who hits for a high average with enough power to be an above-average regular.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 5 | PLAYER CARD
13Touki ToussaintSCHOOL: Coral Springs (Fla.) Christian Acad.HT: 6-2WT: 195POS: RHP
Analysis: In a draft loaded with high school right-handers, Touki might have the highest upside of all, an athletic, loose-armed pitcher with markedly improved command of his plus fastball/curveball combo.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 13 | PLAYER CARD
14Tyler BeedeSCHOOL: VanderbiltHT: 6-4WT: 215POS: RHP
Analysis: Beede bounced back from a poor SEC tournament showing with a strong outing (against Xavier, a weak opponent) in Vanderbilt's regional; he has top-five overall stuff, but has shown second-round command for the last two-thirds of the season.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 14 | PLAYER CARD
15Derek FisherSCHOOL: VirginiaHT: 6-3WT: 215POS: OF
Analysis: Fisher had a chance to be a top-10 pick as one of the toolsiest college position players in the draft, a plus runner with good bat speed and BP power, but a broken hamate bone led to a disappointing performance, with a .288/.349/.417 line through the weekend.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 17 | PLAYER CARD
16Braxton DavidsonSCHOOL: T.C. Roberson HS, Asheville, N.C.HT: 6-3WT: 215POS: OF
Analysis: Davidson has one of the best pure swings in the draft class and can hit for average and power, but teams view him as limited to first base only and the standard for a high school first baseman to go in the first round is very high.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 16 | PLAYER CARD
17Monte HarrisonSCHOOL: Lee's Summit (Mo.) West HSHT: 6-2WT: 200POS: OF
Analysis: Committed to Nebraska to play wide receiver, Harrison is likely to sign as a mid-first-rounder who appeals to teams with his mix of power and speed, but he's raw as a hitter and likely a long-term project at the plate.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 18 | PLAYER CARD
18Trea TurnerSCHOOL: NC StateHT: 6-1WT: 171POS: SS
Analysis: Turner had a miserable start to the year but finished as strongly as anyone in the draft, showing surprising power and playing better defense at short.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 22 | PLAYER CARD
19Kyle FreelandSCHOOL: EvansvilleHT: 6-4WT: 185POS: LHP
Analysis: A lefty with impeccable numbers who's occasionally (and unfairly) compared to Chris Sale, Freeland dominated throughout Evansville's regular season but had a poor outing on very short rest in the MWC tournament in front of some key MLB decision-makers.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 24 | PLAYER CARD
20Scott BlewettSCHOOL: Baker HS, Baldwinsville, NYHT: 6-6WT: 235POS: RHP
Analysis: He missed a start recently with a sore shoulder but came back and hit 95 mph in his final outing, throwing 71 pitches instead of a scheduled 25-30 (hey, thanks, coach). I could see him signing for an above-slot bonus as some team's second or third pick.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 20 | PLAYER CARD
21Justus SheffieldSCHOOL: Tullahoma (Tenn.) HSHT: 6-0WT: 190POS: LHP
Analysis: Sheffield's stock has risen steadily all spring as his velocity has improved, and scouts rave about his makeup and feel for pitching.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. NR | PLAYER CARD
22Max PentecostSCHOOL: Kennesaw State UniversityHT: 6-1WT: 190POS: C
Analysis: The draft's best pure catcher, Pentecost can catch, throw, run and hit for average. The biggest question facing him is how his unorthodox swing will handle wood bats and pro pitching.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 23 | PLAYER CARD
23Jacob GatewoodSCHOOL: Clovis (Calif.) HSHT: 6-4WT: 190POS: SS
Analysis: Gatewood still boasts some of the highest upside in the draft, with huge raw power but a below-average hit tool that has him sliding down draft boards, and possibly out of the first round, because he hasn't shown the ability to make adjustments at the plate.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 15 | PLAYER CARD
24Brandon FinneganSCHOOL: TCUHT: 5-11WT: 190POS: LHP
Analysis: Finnegan returned from a layoff due to a sore shoulder and threw reasonably well, but teams have differing views on his status after the injury, some very comfortable now that his stuff is back, others wishing they had better information on the injury itself.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 19 | PLAYER CARD
25Jeff HoffmanSCHOOL: East CarolinaHT: 6-3WT: 190POS: RHP
Analysis: Hoffman would likely be a top-four pick had he not blown out his elbow and required Tommy John surgery last month; he's still set to get a seven-figure bonus from a team comfortable with taking him and rehabbing him.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 25 | PLAYER CARD
Prospects Nos. 26-100
Click on each player's name for a full scouting report.
RANK PLAYER POSITION SCHOOL
26 Kyle Schwarber C/1B Indiana
27 Erick Fedde RHP UNLV
28 Michael Chavis 3B Sprayberry HS (Marietta, Ga.)
29 Jake Bukauskus RHP Stone Bridge (Va.) HS
30 Trey Supak RHP La Grange (Texas) HS
31 Marcus Wilson OF Junipero Serra HS (Los Angeles)
32 Bryce Montes De Oca RHP Lawrence (Kan.) HS
33 Chase Vallot C St. Thomas More (Youngsville, La.)
34 Foster Griffin LHP First Academy (Orlando)
35 Sean Reid-Foley RHP Sandalwood HS (Jacksonville, Fla.)
36 Zech Lemond RHP Rice
37 Spencer Adams RHP White County (Ga.) HS
38 Jakson Reetz C/OF Hickman (Neb.) HS
39 Alex Blandino 3B Stanford
40 Michael Kopech RHP Mount Pleasant (Texas) HS
41 Ti'Quan Forbes SS Columbia (Miss.) HS
42 A.J. Reed 1B Kentucky
43 Mike Papi OF Virginia
44 Gareth Morgan OF Blyth Academy (Toronto)
45 Michael Gettys OF/RHP Gainesville (Ga.) HS
46 Jack Flaherty RHP Harvard-Westlake HS (Studio City, Calif.)
47 Mac Marshall LHP Parkview (Ga.) HS
48 Dylan Cease RHP Milton (Ga.) HS
49 Grant Hockin RHP Damien HS (Pomona, Calif.)
50 Kodi Medeiros LHP Waiaka HS (Hilo, Hi.)
51 Jake Stinnett RHP Maryland
52 Casey Gillaspie 1B Wichita State
53 Spencer Turnbull RHP Alabama
54 Daniel Gossett RHP Clemson
55 Cameron Varga RHP Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy
56 Nick Burdi RHP Louisville
57 Sam Travis 1B Indiana
58 Matt Imhof LHP Cal-Poly
59 Brett Graves RHP Missouri
60 Matt Chapman 3B Cal-State Fullerton
61 Jeren Kendall OF Holmen (Wisc.) HS
62 Bobby Bradley 3B Harrison Central HS (Gulfport, Miss.)
63 Nick Howard RHP Virginia
64 Cole Tucker SS Mountain Pointe HS (Phoenix)
65 Mitch Keller RHP Xavier HS (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
66 Matthew Railey OF North Florida Christian Academy (Tallahassee)
67 Jacob Lindgren LHP Mississippi State
68 Alex Verdugo LHP Sahuaro HS (Tucson, Ariz.)
69 J.D. Davis 1B Cal-State Fullerton
70 David Peterson LHP Regis Jesuit (Denver)
71 Chad Sobotka RHP South Carolina Upstate
72 Taylor Sparks 3B UC-Irvine
73 J.J. Schwarz C Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.) HS
74 Jake Godfrey RHP Providence Catholic (New Lenox, Ill.)
75 Luke Weaver RHP Florida State
76 Forrest Wall 2B Orangewood (Fla.) Christian
77 Dylan Davis OF/RHP Oregon State
78 Garrett Fulenchek RHP Howe (Texas) HS
79 Grayson Greiner C South Carolina
80 Keaton McKinney RHP Ankenny (Iowa) Centennial HS
81 Justin Twine SS Falls City (Texas) HS
82 Keith Weisenberg RHP Osceola (Fla.) HS
83 James Norwood RHP St. Louis
84 Austin Slater OF Stanford
85 Carson Sands LHP North Florida Christian Academy (Tallahassee)
86 Milton Ramos SS American Heritage HS (Hileaea, Fla.)
87 Jacob Nix RHP Los Alamitos (Calif.) HS
88 Chris Ellis RHP Ole Miss
89 Trace Loehr SS Putnam HS (Milwaukie, Ore.)
90 Isan Diaz SS Springfield Central (Mass.) HS
91 Heath Fillmyer RHP Mercer Community College
92 Cody Reed LHP Ardmore HS (Athens, Ala.)
93 Wyatt Strahan RHP Southern California
94 Austin Byler OF Nevada
95 Jordan Luplow OF Fresno State
96 Michael Cantu C Carroll (Tex.) HS
97 Casey Soltis OF Granada HS (Livermore, Calif.)
98 Dillon Peters LHP Texas
99 Justin Steele LHP George County HS (Lucedale, Miss.)
100 Mitch Hart RHP Granite Bay (Calif.) HS
jumpmanfromdabay
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I mean, its just ridiculous that he would make a post like this.....when three Giants fans listed their top 10 lists and there wasn't more than 2 Giants listed on any of the three.
Then there is a list like this from an A's fan:
And WE are the homers. SMH.
I Cant believe Raj Davis & Kurt Suzuki made any list
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I like Touki long-term more than any other prospect in this class.
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I hope Alex Blandino goes to a team that develops him, and he has a good, long career. Coached against him many times when he was a bit younger and he is a great kid.
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1.Giancarlo
2.Puig
3.Miguel Cabrera
4.Trout
5. McCutchen
6. Harper
7. Kershaw
8. Felix
9. Darvish
10. Cueto
Honorable mentions: Matt Kemp (not giving up on him), Buster Posey, Adam Jones and Kyle Seager (homer pick)
2.Puig
3.Miguel Cabrera
4.Trout
5. McCutchen
6. Harper
7. Kershaw
8. Felix
9. Darvish
10. Cueto
Honorable mentions: Matt Kemp (not giving up on him), Buster Posey, Adam Jones and Kyle Seager (homer pick)
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Top-10:
Matty, Ells, J. Upton, Beckett, Darvish, Tanaka, J-Hey Kid, Archie Bradley, Kris Bryant, Wong.
Matty, Ells, J. Upton, Beckett, Darvish, Tanaka, J-Hey Kid, Archie Bradley, Kris Bryant, Wong.
GreenNGold89
formerly bbllplaya23
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Marlins nearly traded the 39th pick in the draft for Jim Johnson? That could have been a blessing...damn...
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Repped. Just goes to show you not everyone values talent when talking about their favorite players.
DeadsetAce
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Kolten Wong is one of my favorite players too 
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What bats are conceivably available come the trade deadline? Kemp or Ethier? What other team might be in the sell mode?
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I Cant believe Raj Davis & Kurt Suzuki made any list
Just my attempt at a joke/homer/funny list gents
but yea I got some homer in me
Oh but you cant deny Raj is a demon on the basepaths, A's caught that first hand the other day. And my boy Kurt Zook hitting (around) .300 so far
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I don't understand what you're getting at those are my favorite players and fans of all time.
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"Rival exec: #Athletics willing to pick up rest of Jim Johnson's salary, offering him around to multiple teams."
Per Rosenthal. Glad the A's aren't being difficult about their mistake.
Per Rosenthal. Glad the A's aren't being difficult about their mistake.
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Kolten Wong is one of my favorite players too
jumpmanfromdabay
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I Cant believe Raj Davis & Kurt Suzuki made any list
Just my attempt at a joke/homer/funny list gents
but yea I got some homer in me
Oh but you cant deny Raj is a demon on the basepaths, A's caught that first hand the other day. And my boy Kurt Zook hitting (around) .300 so far
I can understand Suzuki. He was a fan favorite but Raji Davis
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I know, I know. First career HR a grand salami though.Kolten Wong is one of my favorite players too
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Feel like that's a backhanded compliment, specifically directed at Matty.Repped. Just goes to show you not everyone values talent when talking about their favorite players.
I left out Ryu, Desmond, Tai, and Ventura.
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I may be considered a Kemp apologist but I feel he has a 30/30 season left in him. *Flamesuit On*
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Kemp more so than Either if/when there deficit reaches 10-12 games back I think they really start looking at offers.
No order
Dodgers
Cubs
Tampa Bay
Padres
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Nope. I actually like Kemp. Its specifically directed at Jason Heyward (the audacity of using that nickname too SMH)......as well as Justin Upton (one of the biggest underachievers in baseball).Feel like that's a backhanded compliment, specifically directed at Matty.Repped. Just goes to show you not everyone values talent when talking about their favorite players.
I left out Ryu, Desmond, Tai, and Ventura.
DeadsetAce
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