2011 Draft Discussion

[davell]

Here's my top 50. It'd be great if we somehow wound up with 2-3 of these guys.

 

Rendon 3B

Bundy HS RHP

Bauer RHP

Cole RHP

Hultzen LHP

Starling HS OF

A Bradley HS RHP

Purke(assuming health concerns aren't all that bad) LHP

Springer OF

Jungmann RHP

Barnes RHP

Cron 1B

Je Bradley LHP

Josh Bell HS OF

Norris HS LHP

Swihart HS C

Gray RHP

Mahtook OF

Derek Fisher HS OF

Guerrieri HS RHP

Owens HS LHP

Lindor HS SS

Susac C

Meyer RHP

Jackie Bradley OF

Dillon Howard HS RHP

Esposito SS/3B

Osich LHP

Meo RHP

Nimmo HS OF

Beede HS RHP

Wong 2B

Tyler Anderson LHP

Maples HS RHP

Greene HS OF

Joe Ross HS RHP

Goodwin OF

Vogelbach HS 1B

Hedges HS C

Garvin LHP

Conley LHP

Dickerson 1B/OF

Carson Smith RHP

Oropesa 1B/3B

Gaedele OF

Delmonico HS C

Capps RHP

O'Brien C

Gardeck RHP

Cave LHP/OF

 

I'll admit that this list has some guys who play on the corners that may not deserve THIS high of rankings, but I just don't think we need middle infielders, unless they're power bats, for the most part.

[Rob]

Callis' 2nd mock draft comes out today.

 

He has Archie Bradley falling to us.

[Guest]

Callis' 2nd mock draft comes out today.

 

He has Archie Bradley falling to us.

 

With Starling gone but Lindor still available; I would love that.

 

Non-Premium Mock Draft: http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/draft/mock-draft/2011/2611827.html

 

Premium: http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/draft/mock-draft/2011/2611826.html

 

9. CUBS: Chicago would love a shot at Bundy or Starling but likely will have to settle for the next high-ceiling high schooler in Archie Bradley. He showed the most explosive arm on the showcase circuit last summer and finished strong this spring, hitting 101 mph on the stadium scoreboard gun during the Oklahoma 6-A state championship game. Projected Pick: Archie Bradley.

[Outshined_One]

Callis' 2nd mock draft comes out today.

 

He has Archie Bradley falling to us.

 

With Starling gone but Lindor still available; I would love that.

 

Non-Premium Mock Draft: http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/draft/mock-draft/2011/2611827.html

 

Premium: http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/draft/mock-draft/2011/2611826.html

 

9. CUBS: Chicago would love a shot at Bundy or Starling but likely will have to settle for the next high-ceiling high schooler in Archie Bradley. He showed the most explosive arm on the showcase circuit last summer and finished strong this spring, hitting 101 mph on the stadium scoreboard gun during the Oklahoma 6-A state championship game. Projected Pick: Archie Bradley.

 

Video of Bradley

 

Love the mechanics, polish, and athleticism. I'm really warming up to Bradley.

[Guest]

I think I'd prefer him to Starling given the concerns over Bubba's ability to hit.

[Outshined_One]

I think I'd prefer him to Starling given the concerns over Bubba's ability to hit.

 

Tough call. The Donovan Tate comparisons have been persistent recently, but I think with a full-time commitment to baseball and better coaching, Starling's contact problems might not be as much of an issue. Given his excellent tools across the board, his ceiling is higher than Bradley's, imo. That kind of ceiling is really hard for me to ignore.

 

On the other hand, Bradley looks so much more polished to me. A guy with his stuff and mechanics could conceivably start next season in Daytona and move quickly, especially if his changeup develops as hoped. His fastball and curve are already good enough to make me think he could be a top-flight power reliever if he can't stick at starter for whatever reason.

 

Bradley's stock has been on the rise recently. Given how he, Bundy, and Starling have been doing on draft boards lately, I'm beginning to wonder if any of those three will be available when the Cubs pick. If the following scenario plays out, who should the Cubs pick?

 

1. Pirates - Rendon

2. Mariners - Cole

3. Dbacks - Hultzen

4. Orioles - Bundy

5. Royals - Starling

6. Nationals - A. Bradley

7. Dbacks Comp. Pick - Signability Pick du Jour

8. Indians - J. Bradley

 

I'm thinking the Cubs would go with Lindor there...which...egh. I'm sold on Lindor's ability to stick at SS, but there have been so many conflicting reports about his current power and power potential that I just can't buy into him as a quality selection for the Cubs at 9. Maybe Bauer or Gray?

[Guest]

I think I'd prefer him to Starling given the concerns over Bubba's ability to hit.

 

Tough call. The Donovan Tate comparisons have been persistent recently, but I think with a full-time commitment to baseball and better coaching, Starling's contact problems might not be as much of an issue. Given his excellent tools across the board, his ceiling is higher than Bradley's, imo. That kind of ceiling is really hard for me to ignore.

 

On the other hand, Bradley looks so much more polished to me. A guy with his stuff and mechanics could conceivably start next season in Daytona and move quickly, especially if his changeup develops as hoped. His fastball and curve are already good enough to make me think he could be a top-flight power reliever if he can't stick at starter for whatever reason.

 

Bradley's stock has been on the rise recently. Given how he, Bundy, and Starling have been doing on draft boards lately, I'm beginning to wonder if any of those three will be available when the Cubs pick. If the following scenario plays out, who should the Cubs pick?

 

1. Pirates - Rendon

2. Mariners - Cole

3. Dbacks - Hultzen

4. Orioles - Bundy

5. Royals - Starling

6. Nationals - A. Bradley

7. Dbacks Comp. Pick - Signability Pick du Jour

8. Indians - J. Bradley

 

I'm thinking the Cubs would go with Lindor there...which...egh. I'm sold on Lindor's ability to stick at SS, but there have been so many conflicting reports about his current power and power potential that I just can't buy into him as a quality selection for the Cubs at 9. Maybe Bauer or Gray?

 

I'd go Bauer for sure but I bet the Cubs are one of those teams who are thrown off by him. I think the Cubs go Gray over Lindor or Bauer. I don't believe Bauer makes it past Cleveland though.

 

And I can't see Archie Bradley or even Dylan Bundy starting next year at A+. I do agree Starling doesn't display the red flags that Donovan Tate did but the questions on the level of competition he faced and his ability to make contact are concerning.

[Tryptamine]

If Archie Bradley does fall, what can we expect as far as a bonus in comparison to Starling? I wouldn't be too upset if that frees up some more super slot money.

[Guest]

If Archie Bradley does fall, what can we expect as far as a bonus in comparison to Starling? I wouldn't be too upset if that frees up some more super slot money.

 

Bradley does have some big bonus demands, just like Starling and Bundy. But Archie is a high profile football recruit too (QB committed to Oklahoma) so he could be signed to a creative contract that spreads out his bonus like the Dodgers did with Zach Lee last year.

[javy knows my name]

I think I'd prefer him to Starling given the concerns over Bubba's ability to hit.

 

Tough call. The Donovan Tate comparisons have been persistent recently, but I think with a full-time commitment to baseball and better coaching, Starling's contact problems might not be as much of an issue. Given his excellent tools across the board, his ceiling is higher than Bradley's, imo. That kind of ceiling is really hard for me to ignore.

 

On the other hand, Bradley looks so much more polished to me. A guy with his stuff and mechanics could conceivably start next season in Daytona and move quickly, especially if his changeup develops as hoped. His fastball and curve are already good enough to make me think he could be a top-flight power reliever if he can't stick at starter for whatever reason.

 

Bradley's stock has been on the rise recently. Given how he, Bundy, and Starling have been doing on draft boards lately, I'm beginning to wonder if any of those three will be available when the Cubs pick. If the following scenario plays out, who should the Cubs pick?

 

1. Pirates - Rendon

2. Mariners - Cole

3. Dbacks - Hultzen

4. Orioles - Bundy

5. Royals - Starling

6. Nationals - A. Bradley

7. Dbacks Comp. Pick - Signability Pick du Jour

8. Indians - J. Bradley

 

I'm thinking the Cubs would go with Lindor there...which...egh. I'm sold on Lindor's ability to stick at SS, but there have been so many conflicting reports about his current power and power potential that I just can't buy into him as a quality selection for the Cubs at 9. Maybe Bauer or Gray?

 

I'd go Bauer for sure but I bet the Cubs are one of those teams who are thrown off by him. I think the Cubs go Gray over Lindor or Bauer. I don't believe Bauer makes it past Cleveland though.

 

And I can't see Archie Bradley or even Dylan Bundy starting next year at A+. I do agree Starling doesn't display the red flags that Donovan Tate did but the questions on the level of competition he faced and his ability to make contact are concerning.

 

Why don't you think we'd take Bauer there? I certainly would.

[Guest]

I think I'd prefer him to Starling given the concerns over Bubba's ability to hit.

 

Tough call. The Donovan Tate comparisons have been persistent recently, but I think with a full-time commitment to baseball and better coaching, Starling's contact problems might not be as much of an issue. Given his excellent tools across the board, his ceiling is higher than Bradley's, imo. That kind of ceiling is really hard for me to ignore.

 

On the other hand, Bradley looks so much more polished to me. A guy with his stuff and mechanics could conceivably start next season in Daytona and move quickly, especially if his changeup develops as hoped. His fastball and curve are already good enough to make me think he could be a top-flight power reliever if he can't stick at starter for whatever reason.

 

Bradley's stock has been on the rise recently. Given how he, Bundy, and Starling have been doing on draft boards lately, I'm beginning to wonder if any of those three will be available when the Cubs pick. If the following scenario plays out, who should the Cubs pick?

 

1. Pirates - Rendon

2. Mariners - Cole

3. Dbacks - Hultzen

4. Orioles - Bundy

5. Royals - Starling

6. Nationals - A. Bradley

7. Dbacks Comp. Pick - Signability Pick du Jour

8. Indians - J. Bradley

 

I'm thinking the Cubs would go with Lindor there...which...egh. I'm sold on Lindor's ability to stick at SS, but there have been so many conflicting reports about his current power and power potential that I just can't buy into him as a quality selection for the Cubs at 9. Maybe Bauer or Gray?

 

I'd go Bauer for sure but I bet the Cubs are one of those teams who are thrown off by him. I think the Cubs go Gray over Lindor or Bauer. I don't believe Bauer makes it past Cleveland though.

 

And I can't see Archie Bradley or even Dylan Bundy starting next year at A+. I do agree Starling doesn't display the red flags that Donovan Tate did but the questions on the level of competition he faced and his ability to make contact are concerning.

 

Why don't you think we'd take Bauer there? I certainly would.

 

He's a big long toss guy (we're talking 300 feet during his long toss sessions) and a fan of a few other techniques frowned upon by a lot of teams. And he's adamant that he doesn't want teams to tweak what his father and he came up with as it has worked very well for him. I'm not sure that's the type of guy the Cubs would like. I know the Royals want no part of him.

[Guest]

Cole hit 101 last night and had a few 100s. :-)

[davell]

John Stilson, a college righty who may or may not wind up as a closer tore his labrum. He was considered a potential first rounder. Josh Bell, possibly the best high school hitter in the draft(more advanced, but less upside than Bubba) sent letters out to all teams saying not to draft him, he's going to Texas in the fall.

 

It'd be phenomenal if we could take a pitcher in the 1st and then overslot the hell out of Bell to make him change his tune. Stilson could become a good latter round overslot as well at this stage.

[TruffleShuffle]

It'd be phenomenal if we could take a pitcher in the 1st and then overslot the hell out of Bell to make him change his tune. Stilson could become a good latter round overslot as well at this stage.

 

if you're drafting a guy like that it has to be outside the top 10 rounds. you don't spend an early pick on a guy who has a firm commitment unless you've got a good sense that you can buy him out of that commitment.

[davell]

It'd be phenomenal if we could take a pitcher in the 1st and then overslot the hell out of Bell to make him change his tune. Stilson could become a good latter round overslot as well at this stage.

 

if you're drafting a guy like that it has to be outside the top 10 rounds. you don't spend an early pick on a guy who has a firm commitment unless you've got a good sense that you can buy him out of that commitment.

 

 

Yeah, I agree. If I remember correctly, the Cards took Austin Wilson somewhere around the 10th round last year. They didn't get him, but evidently made a very serious run at least. We typically sign 9 of our top 10, so MAYBE you take a chance outside the first 5 rounds, but before the 10th? Depending on what other kind of talent is out there.

 

To me, the best case scenario and our best shot at pulling something off like this would be to draft Bradley, spread his bonus out over 5 years and then give Bell top 5-10 pick money as well, to try and entice him.

[Guest]

It'd be phenomenal if we could take a pitcher in the 1st and then overslot the hell out of Bell to make him change his tune. Stilson could become a good latter round overslot as well at this stage.

 

if you're drafting a guy like that it has to be outside the top 10 rounds. you don't spend an early pick on a guy who has a firm commitment unless you've got a good sense that you can buy him out of that commitment.

 

 

Yeah, I agree. If I remember correctly, the Cards took Austin Wilson somewhere around the 10th round last year. They didn't get him, but evidently made a very serious run at least. We typically sign 9 of our top 10, so MAYBE you take a chance outside the first 5 rounds, but before the 10th? Depending on what other kind of talent is out there.

 

To me, the best case scenario and our best shot at pulling something off like this would be to draft Bradley, spread his bonus out over 5 years and then give Bell top 5-10 pick money as well, to try and entice him.

 

I wouldn't waste a top 10 pick on Bell. The last player to write a letter to teams to ask them not to draft him was picked by the Cubs in the 27th round...Sonny Gray.

[Guest]

Cole hit 101 last night and had a few 100s. :-)

 

Now I'm hearing Cole's 101 was in the 8th inning. Unconfirmed reports that he hit 102. He had a half dozen pitches hit triple digits.

 

And Bauer struck out 14 last night. 8th straight complete game.

[Outshined_One]

I wouldn't waste a top 10 pick on Bell. The last player to write a letter to teams to ask them not to draft him was picked by the Cubs in the 27th round...Sonny Gray.

 

I thought Tim Melville was the last to do that? Royals got him with a 4th round pick and a $1.5m bonus.

[Guest]

I wouldn't waste a top 10 pick on Bell. The last player to write a letter to teams to ask them not to draft him was picked by the Cubs in the 27th round...Sonny Gray.

 

I thought Tim Melville was the last to do that? Royals got him with a 4th round pick and a $1.5m bonus.

 

If that's, the case, I stand corrected. I still would do my homework on Bell and probably wouldn't waste a top-10 round pick hopinhg he'd sign.

[TruffleShuffle]

I wouldn't waste a top 10 pick on Bell. The last player to write a letter to teams to ask them not to draft him was picked by the Cubs in the 27th round...Sonny Gray.

 

I thought Tim Melville was the last to do that? Royals got him with a 4th round pick and a $1.5m bonus.

 

i don't think that happened. the melville rumor was that he sent a letter to scouts giving them a dollar figure to get him signed. i'm not sure if that was true or not, but i found this from an article after he signed:

 

He admitted he was disappointed at first that he slid to the fourth round.

 

"But after draft day, I was happy. I came to realize that it always works out in the end," he said.

 

if he truly felt committed to college and sent every team a letter telling them not to draft him, i don't think he would've cared that his draft stock slipped. i can't think of a guy who flat-out said that he wouldn't sign with anyone and was actually signed, though it has probably happened.

[CubsWin]

Cole hit 101 last night and had a few 100s. :-)

 

Now I'm hearing Cole's 101 was in the 8th inning. Unconfirmed reports that he hit 102. He had a half dozen pitches hit triple digits.

 

And Bauer struck out 14 last night. 8th straight complete game.

I'm a big proponent of the Cubs taking a pitcher with the 9th pick. Bubba Starling has very rare upside, so I would be okay if he fell to them, but otherwise, I want them to take a pitcher. The Cubs lack a prospect who has a solid chance at being a future ace. There appear to be a few of them in this draft, and they should have a shot at least one of them. The only other position player I would take is Rendon, but he won't be there at 9. The Cubs have good depth at pitcher, several guys who project to be serviceable 3, 4 and 5 starters, but outside of McNutt, Simpson and maybe Whitenack (and they only have an outside chance), no one projects as an ace.

[seanhopper]

As the draft gets closer, the more and more I'm finding myself frustrated with the Cubs "inspired" play at the end of last year. If they played like the team was truly capable of then the Cubs would be drafting somewhere between the 4-6th pick in the draft. This draft is strong, but I would rather see them have a real shot at the top 4-5 players in this draft without the other clubs dictating who they take.

[Vinestal]

It seems like first round high school position picks never work out for us.

[davell]

If it somehow came down to Bubba or Bauer, who would you take? I think I'd be in the minority here, but I'd go with Bauer. In fact, I think at this point I'd take Bauer over everyone other than Rendon personally.

[Outshined_One]

Sickels' latest mock:

 

9) Cubs: Bubba Starling, OF, Kansas HS: Assuming that the Royals do pass on Starling, it is hard to see him falling much further than this. I had Francisco Lindor here last time and that would also make some sense.

 

Also, I'd take Starling over Bauer. I think Starling's contact issues are overblown, although he does have work left to do. Bauer just bothers the hell out of me for so many reasons. He very well could be the best pitcher to come out of this draft, but I really have to wonder about his durability.