2012 Draft Discussion

[imb]

Is McCullers better than Bundy?

 

Doubt it. Bundy's a bit bigger and has more gas.

[Guest]

What kind of prospect is RHP/1B Kayden Porter? Using an aluminum bat, he reached the finals of the home run derby in the AAA All-Star game with 14HR including one to dead center that went an estimated 545ft. He was a MaxPreps 1st team All-American as a pitcher his junior year, but the bat seems to have potential as well.

[Outshined_One]

What kind of prospect is RHP/1B Kayden Porter? Using an aluminum bat, he reached the finals of the home run derby in the AAA All-Star game with 14HR including one to dead center that went an estimated 545ft. He was a MaxPreps 1st team All-American as a pitcher his junior year, but the bat seems to have potential as well.

 

BA:

 

A draft prospect for 2012, Porter is one of the top prep players in the country. It's not only his bat, however, that earns him that distinction. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound righthander has been clocked at 96 mph off the mound and figures to be one of the best two-way players in next year's draft. He's committed to North Carolina.

[wvcubsfan]

I've read that McCullers has a chance to be the first HS RHP ever taken #1 overall. I'm not really sure if he is considered better than Bundy, Bradley, or Tallion at this same stage though.

 

Right. I have no idea but given this is a weak draft at the college ranks and Taillon/Bundy are considered 2 of the best HS RHP prospects ever, it seems like it could be a case of right place, right time for McCullers.

 

The 2013 draft is looking pretty good right now in the college ranks considering who went to college instead of going pro last year (RHPs Karsten Whitson, Dylan Covey, Ryne Stanek, Adam Plutko & AJ Vanegas, 3Bs Dominic Ficociello & Kris Bryant and OF Austin Wilson). This is how this years draft became so strong - tons of the top HS kids from 3 years ago went to college.

Both of these are at Arkansas right now, and IF Baxendale doesn't decide to sign after next years draft, there could very well be three first rounders in the 2013 draft out of U of A.

 

Also Ficociello has become a very good defensive first baseman this year.

[RammyFanny]

I was at the PG National a few days ago and got a first-hand look at the top prep talent that is going to be available for next year. McCullers hit 97 with his first 2 pitches, and 98 with his third. His fourth pitch was a true 87 mph curveball, which is just plain nasty. The only thing I could see with McCullers between now and next June is people questioning whether or not he is a starter or a closer, similar to how Gerrit Cole was questioned coming out of high school since everything he threw was so hard. That's a silly argument to me, as McCullers' arm truly is special (he threw 98 easily across the infield as part of the IF drills).

 

However, my #1 high school player is Trey Williams. He's the son of former MLB player Eddie Williams, and is built like an NFL running back. He is smooth on the field and has advanced hitting tools. As I wrote in my work for PG, he drove a high, outside pitch over the RCF wall as a RH hitter in game situations that left the park in a hurry, a hit that look liked something Albert Pujols would smash. Incredible bat speed and natural raw power.

 

Neither player should be anywhere near the Brewers pick.

http://brewersfandemonium.yuku.com/topic/25096/Is-it-too-early-to-ask-about-the-2012-draft?page=1

[Splendid Splinter]

I've read that McCullers has a chance to be the first HS RHP ever taken #1 overall. I'm not really sure if he is considered better than Bundy, Bradley, or Tallion at this same stage though.

 

Right. I have no idea but given this is a weak draft at the college ranks and Taillon/Bundy are considered 2 of the best HS RHP prospects ever, it seems like it could be a case of right place, right time for McCullers.

 

The 2013 draft is looking pretty good right now in the college ranks considering who went to college instead of going pro last year (RHPs Karsten Whitson, Dylan Covey, Ryne Stanek, Adam Plutko & AJ Vanegas, 3Bs Dominic Ficociello & Kris Bryant and OF Austin Wilson). This is how this years draft became so strong - tons of the top HS kids from 3 years ago went to college.

Both of these are at Arkansas right now, and IF Baxendale doesn't decide to sign after next years draft, there could very well be three first rounders in the 2013 draft out of U of A.

 

Also Ficociello has become a very good defensive first baseman this year.

 

Awesome... I'll be watching them then since I go to U of A now. I went to a couple games this past spring and can't wait for next season.

[StarlinOnYou]

The stuff I've read on Trey Williams is pretty exciting.

 

Talks about just crazy bat speed. Would love to add another bat like that to the system.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

The stuff I've read on Trey Williams is pretty exciting.

 

Talks about just crazy bat speed. Would love to add another bat like that to the system.

 

What sucks is no clips on the internet.

[Guest]

McCullers hit 100 at a showcase today.

[Hrubes20]

McCullers hit 100 at a showcase today.

 

Wow. I hope the kid gets to start this year. He throws upper 90's routinely, but it's always in relief. Nobody knows if that velocity will hold up or not.

 

Also, Mark Appel has been filthy in his 2 cape league appearances so far. 12 IP, 15 Ks, 1 BB and 7 H allowed. Apparently hitting 98 a bunch of times with a good slider and change.

[Guest]

Joe (The Moon): Who is the early favorite to go #1 overall next June?

 

John Manuel: Mark Appel, rhp, Stanford, though I think Devin Marrero, ss, Arizona State will be in that mix very strongly. After the signing deadline next week, we plan on putting together our first real look at 2012, waiting for (a) summer college stuff to get done, (b) showcases like East Coast, Area Codes and the two HS all-star games this weekend to conclude, and © the deadline to pass to know who's back for 2012 draft.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

Anyone have an opinion on how Appel stacks up against the recent top college pitching prospects? Just to throw out a name - Justin Verlander-esque?

[Guest]

Under Armour All-America Game is on now at Wrigley. Check out MLB Network.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

I read a Justin Verlander comp for Mark Appel in BA's latest issue (the tools one). Fingers crossed?

[RammyFanny]

Fecal League Standings update:

 

http://espn.go.com/mlb/standings/_/group/9

 

Cubs tied for the 5th pick, 1.5 back of the 4th pick, 3 games out of the 3rd pick, 4.5 back of the 2nd pick. No chance at #1.

[pitchcs]

Under Armour All-America Game is on now at Wrigley. Check out MLB Network.

 

Was thoroughly unimpressed with pretty much everyone I saw there this year.

[Splendid Splinter]

Fecal League Standings update:

 

http://espn.go.com/mlb/standings/_/group/9

 

Cubs tied for the 5th pick, 1.5 back of the 4th pick, 3 games out of the 3rd pick, 4.5 back of the 2nd pick. No chance at #1.

 

Not to mention 6 teams are within 5 games after Cubs/Mariners... Cubs could realistically go anywhere from 2nd to 12th pick for next year's draft... It's a good thing they got more away games left as they're worse on the road by a good margin (.464 win % at home- 12 games left vs .403 away- 19 games left) so that they can stay around that 5th/6th pick.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

Under Armour All-America Game is on now at Wrigley. Check out MLB Network.

 

Was thoroughly unimpressed with pretty much everyone I saw there this year.

 

Same here. Looks like we'll have to wait for spring to see if someone can step up. McCullers is supposedly the best of the bunch and I don't think he's a top 5 draft pick.

[Guest]

Under Armour All-America Game is on now at Wrigley. Check out MLB Network.

 

Was thoroughly unimpressed with pretty much everyone I saw there this year.

 

Same here. Looks like we'll have to wait for spring to see if someone can step up. McCullers is supposedly the best of the bunch and I don't think he's a top 5 draft pick.

 

The problem is that it's such a weak draft. Outside of Appel, the guy I like the most is Florida C Mike Zunino. I think Gausman is all set to have a monster season and I like him quite a bit too.

 

A new name to look for in the top 15 next year is South Carolina RHP Matt Price who surprisingly returned for his junior year and will slot into their starting rotation. I like him more than Virginia's Branden Kline who is also moving from the pen to the rotation and is getting quite a bit of hype.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

Under Armour All-America Game is on now at Wrigley. Check out MLB Network.

 

Was thoroughly unimpressed with pretty much everyone I saw there this year.

 

Same here. Looks like we'll have to wait for spring to see if someone can step up. McCullers is supposedly the best of the bunch and I don't think he's a top 5 draft pick.

 

The problem is that it's such a weak draft. Outside of Appel, the guy I like the most is Florida C Mike Zunino. I think Gausman is all set to have a monster season and I like him quite a bit too.

 

A new name to look for in the top 15 next year is South Carolina RHP Matt Price who surprisingly returned for his junior year and will slot into their starting rotation. I like him more than Virginia's Branden Kline who is also moving from the pen to the rotation and is getting quite a bit of hype.

 

I like Price a bit too. He reminds me of Matt Barnes from this year's draft, though he's a little less refined. That's saying something because Barnes was seen as more of a raw/upsidey college pitcher rather than a polished product. Not a huge fan of Kline.

 

Zunino looks like a pro. Good athleticism and a compact stroke...more than what I've seen from most of these guys. What do you think of Johnson and Maddox his Florida teammates? Two guys who're a little too stiff for me, but both are considered relatively big talents in next year's draft.

 

Gausman should make it to the top 10. I wouldn't be stunned if he passed Appel, but I like Appel's style of pitching a little more. Really, neither guy has set himself apart yet and we'll know alot more come spring time. I'd like to see more K's from Appel.

[toonsterwu]

I like Price a lot, but I do wonder if he's the type of guy who's stuff won't carry that well with him as a starter. He also needs to get a third pitch going, as I don't recall seeing much beyond fastball/breaking ball (that said, he hasn't really needed it). What I do like is that he throws strikes and attacks the zone. If his stuff carries well as a starter, I could easily see him as a top 10 pick.

 

Kline has different concerns from Price. He gets a bit wild at times, but I think his change up is a bit more advanced than Price right now, and he gets a lot better natural movement on the fastball. He also has to build up some arm strength, but the control is the big issue for Kline to make it as a starter.

[Guest]

I like Price a lot, but I do wonder if he's the type of guy who's stuff won't carry that well with him as a starter. He also needs to get a third pitch going, as I don't recall seeing much beyond fastball/breaking ball (that said, he hasn't really needed it). What I do like is that he throws strikes and attacks the zone. If his stuff carries well as a starter, I could easily see him as a top 10 pick.

 

Kline has different concerns from Price. He gets a bit wild at times, but I think his change up is a bit more advanced than Price right now, and he gets a lot better natural movement on the fastball. He also has to build up some arm strength, but the control is the big issue for Kline to make it as a starter.

 

As you said, Price really hasn't needed to flash a third pitch as a reliever but I believe he has a passable change.

 

I felt both pitcher's stuff carried well enough when they were pressed into that ridiculous game with ~100 pitch outings. You clearly know Kline far better than I do - I didn't see any of Virginia in the regular season this past year, just the tournament.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

I like Price a lot, but I do wonder if he's the type of guy who's stuff won't carry that well with him as a starter. He also needs to get a third pitch going, as I don't recall seeing much beyond fastball/breaking ball (that said, he hasn't really needed it). What I do like is that he throws strikes and attacks the zone. If his stuff carries well as a starter, I could easily see him as a top 10 pick.

 

Kline has different concerns from Price. He gets a bit wild at times, but I think his change up is a bit more advanced than Price right now, and he gets a lot better natural movement on the fastball. He also has to build up some arm strength, but the control is the big issue for Kline to make it as a starter.

 

I think Price's size and stuff will translate well enough next season. Both the fastball and curveball are above average pitches when he's on. Kline should be more productive this coming season because he's more polished than Price. He's better at doing stuff like cutting the ball, throwing a changeup, and spotting his fastball. The difference is that I think Price's stuff is a notch better and he's got better physically projection. If Kline's stuff jumps up even a slight notch, then that's adifferent story.

 

What're your thoughts on Appel?

[toonsterwu]

You think Price's stuff is better than Kline's? I actually like Price's overall package a touch better (due to his ability to attack the zone and throw strikes) if his stuff carries as a starter, but I tend to think Kline's stuff is a notch better than Price's. He doesn't have Price's 4-seam velo, but he gets nasty movement on the fastball, and I tend to think Kline's breaking ball is, overall, better than Price's. I'm not real sure that either guy has that much physical projection left.

 

I'll be honest, I'm biased to UVA guys, but there's times where I watch Kline and I think he's better off in the pen where his control concerns are covered up a bit better and he can just let his fastball run. Sort of akin to ... Archer .. in some respects. Of course, he has been in the pen, so maybe he can fine tune his control enough.

 

I probably haven't seen Appel as much as you guys. My general feeling is that I love his ability, but I'm not completely sold that he's an ace level arm. That said, it could be a measure of me not seeing him as much, as Appel seems to have the package needed to be a top of the rotation starter.

[Guest]

Under Armour All-America Game is on now at Wrigley. Check out MLB Network.

 

Was thoroughly unimpressed with pretty much everyone I saw there this year.

 

Same here. Looks like we'll have to wait for spring to see if someone can step up. McCullers is supposedly the best of the bunch and I don't think he's a top 5 draft pick.

 

The problem is that it's such a weak draft. Outside of Appel, the guy I like the most is Florida C Mike Zunino. I think Gausman is all set to have a monster season and I like him quite a bit too.

 

A new name to look for in the top 15 next year is South Carolina RHP Matt Price who surprisingly returned for his junior year and will slot into their starting rotation. I like him more than Virginia's Branden Kline who is also moving from the pen to the rotation and is getting quite a bit of hype.

 

I like Price a bit too. He reminds me of Matt Barnes from this year's draft, though he's a little less refined. That's saying something because Barnes was seen as more of a raw/upsidey college pitcher rather than a polished product. Not a huge fan of Kline.

 

Zunino looks like a pro. Good athleticism and a compact stroke...more than what I've seen from most of these guys. What do you think of Johnson and Maddox his Florida teammates? Two guys who're a little too stiff for me, but both are considered relatively big talents in next year's draft.

 

Gausman should make it to the top 10. I wouldn't be stunned if he passed Appel, but I like Appel's style of pitching a little more. Really, neither guy has set himself apart yet and we'll know alot more come spring time. I'd like to see more K's from Appel.

 

I'm not a big fan of Austin Maddox's approach at the plate (though he improved his strikeout rate this past season). I like Brian Johnson on the mound (have seen him way more there than at the plate) but it sounds like he really impressed as a two-way player at Team USA and teams are split on whether to make him a pro hitter or pitcher.

 

ETA: Reading BA's Team USA Top 20, more scouts prefer him as a hitter.