2014 Draft Discussion

[Guest]

Both Kiley McDaniel and Clint Longenecker (BA) had Aiken in the 87-91 range:

 

Kiley McDaniel[/url]"]Aiken's (UCLA commit) velo was also down just a bit, working 87-90 mph tonight but flashing an above average changeup and good feel for pitching that stymied the Royals (Northwest region).

 

Clint Longenecker[/url]"]On Tuesday, his heavy fastball, which has been up to 93 during in short stints during earlier summer events, sat 87-91 mph with gloveside run.

[Guest]

Perfect Game Showcase is on the MLB Network.

 

Grant Holmes and Brady Aiken are the starting pitchers.

[davell]

Good lord, it seems like every kid throwing is hitting 95. The prep arm class is [expletive] loaded.

[Guest]

Kolek hit 99, a Perfect Game record.

[davell]

Kodi Medeiros is going to be awfully intriguing. Side-armed lefty that hits 95 with "whiffle ball" movement according to Piliere.

[Guest]

Kodi Medeiros is going to be awfully intriguing. Side-armed lefty that hits 95 with "whiffle ball" movement according to Piliere.

 

His mechanics are problematic, though.

 

You know area scouts are super pumped to get to go to Hawaii for him.

[davell]

Kodi Medeiros is going to be awfully intriguing. Side-armed lefty that hits 95 with "whiffle ball" movement according to Piliere.

 

His mechanics are problematic, though.

 

You know area scouts are super pumped to get to go to Hawaii for him.

True. Hey, see if you can word a version of my question to Kiley better. I wonder where Stewart would rank in this years prep class.....

[CubsWin]

Is anyone else drooling over Alex Jackson as much as I am?

 

Jason Parks has a write up of him over at BP.

It was an honor to join Joe Hamrahi on stage this weekend as we presented Alex Jackson with the first annual Baseball Prospectus Prospect of the Year Award, at the Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego. Jackson is a dual threat talent, with an easy plus-plus arm behind the plate, near elite pop times, and big power from the right side. It's a similar profile to high-ceiling prospect Jorge Alfaro, which should give you some indication how special this player could be. Getting to watch the talent on the field opened my eyes to his physical abilities, but the way he carried himself off the field, the natural leadership qualities and maturity he possesses, opened my eyes to the type of makeup that can make his ceiling more than just an exaggerated fantasy. When physical talent and makeup join forces, the end result can change the fortunes of an organization, and Jackson looks like a player well on his way to that reality.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Is anyone else drooling over Alex Jackson as much as I am?

 

Jason McLeod is, reportedly.

[treebird]

Is anyone else drooling over Alex Jackson as much as I am?

 

Jason Parks has a write up of him over at BP.

It was an honor to join Joe Hamrahi on stage this weekend as we presented Alex Jackson with the first annual Baseball Prospectus Prospect of the Year Award, at the Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego. Jackson is a dual threat talent, with an easy plus-plus arm behind the plate, near elite pop times, and big power from the right side. It's a similar profile to high-ceiling prospect Jorge Alfaro, which should give you some indication how special this player could be. Getting to watch the talent on the field opened my eyes to his physical abilities, but the way he carried himself off the field, the natural leadership qualities and maturity he possesses, opened my eyes to the type of makeup that can make his ceiling more than just an exaggerated fantasy. When physical talent and makeup join forces, the end result can change the fortunes of an organization, and Jackson looks like a player well on his way to that reality.

 

maybe someday this guy will be as good as a guy who maybe someday will be good!

[imb]

whats funny about that statement is that alfaro isn't even a consensus #GUY

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

I could have sworn Parks said during all the Garza talk that Alfaro was probably going to end up a back-up catcher. Or maybe that was Badler.

[Rex Buckingham]

So, if the Cubs end up at 4 next year and Rodon/Hoffman/Kolek go 1-2-3 in some order, as things stand now, would you want them to go Turner or Jackson?

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

If Turner is a true plus-defender at SS, that would be my choice.

[Guest]

If Turner is a true plus-defender at SS, that would be my choice.

 

There are definitely varying reports on the quality of his defense (Keith Law isn't as high on Turner's defense). On the flip side, this past year was his first at SS and he does have the tools to be a plus defender, so maybe with more experience, even the more negative reviews will come around.

[Guest]

So, if the Cubs end up at 4 next year and Rodon/Hoffman/Kolek go 1-2-3 in some order, as things stand now, would you want them to go Turner or Jackson?

 

I think I'd go with Jackson.

 

As things stand right now, I'd prefer him to Kolek. I readily admit I might be too gunshy with pitchers.

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

So, if the Cubs end up at 4 next year and Rodon/Hoffman/Kolek go 1-2-3 in some order, as things stand now, would you want them to go Turner or Jackson?

 

I think I'd go with Jackson.

 

As things stand right now, I'd prefer him to Kolek. I readily admit I might be too gunshy with pitchers.

 

Especially HS.

[imb]

Someone give me a for real scouting report on jackson, since it sounds like he's mcleod's almora. I think it was badler or parks that was talking on twitter about seeing him live and being real disappointed.

[Guest]

Someone give me a for real scouting report on jackson, since it sounds like he's mcleod's almora. I think it was badler or parks that was talking on twitter about seeing him live and being real disappointed.

 

Like 5 posts up there's a verbal slooge job about him by Parks.

[imb]

Someone give me a for real scouting report on jackson, since it sounds like he's mcleod's almora. I think it was badler or parks that was talking on twitter about seeing him live and being real disappointed.

 

Like 5 posts up there's a verbal slooge job about him by Parks.

 

WELL WHATEVER

 

It's a similar profile to high-ceiling prospect Jorge Alfaro, which should give you some indication how special this player could be.

 

that truly special "in one top 100 list" kind of player.

Edited August 20, 2013 by Bunts Lick Butts

[Guest]

Kiley McDaniel[/url]"]Two California-based bats top my list and I haven't seen either of them in person yet, but have heard plenty and will see a lot on the showcase circuit this summer/fall: San Diego-area C Alex Jackson and Northern California SS Jacob Gatewood. Jackson comes from a historic power (Rancho Bernardo HS) that's produced a number of high draft picks (Cole Hamels and Hank Blalock among 14 draftees and 4 first rounders from 1999-2005) and Jackson has been getting considerable hype as an underclassmen that showed up the older kids at a few showcases last year. He did this as a catcher that showed the tools to possibly stick behind the plate including an easy plus arm, plus power potential, bat speed and some feel to hit. While he isn't the same kind of prospect, you can see why there were some whispers of him being the next Bryce Harper: a precocious underclassman catcher from a western high school power that flashed top five pick tools at a young age. Like Harper, there have already been rumors that with the ensuing circus after his showcase performances that he's getting advice to move away from catcher to save his knees, extend his career, keep healthy and maximize his ultimate payday(s).

 

Scouting Notes

Present/Future, using 20-80 scouting scale where 50 is MLB average, present hitting grade is peer grade

 

 

6'2/215, R/R, Draft Day Age: 18.45

 

Hit: 55/60

Power: 55/60

Speed: 50/50

Defense: 40/45 as C, 45/50 as RF

Arm: 60/60

Projection: Well above average regular, Top 5-10 overall pick

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-3RJ6xpgE-s

[imb]

so doesnt that sound like a .280/20 guy that will move off catcher? id rather aim higher in a loaded draft since we're in the top 5-ish picks.

[jersey cubs fan]

so doesnt that sound like a .280/20 guy that will move off catcher? id rather aim higher in a loaded draft since we're in the top 5-ish picks.

 

that is how it appears to me

[Guest]

Reading the other links about Jackson in this thread, I think the danger in him moving off catcher is if his bat is too special to risk the grind of catching.

 

Also, hitting .280 with a good approach and 20 HR at catcher makes you roughly 2013 Buster Posey, a 4-5 win player.

[TruffleShuffle]

yeah, that doesn't seem to make a lot of sense. if his hit tool and power have a ceiling of 60, then he shouldn't be moving off of catcher this early to play corner outfield. i would think that a corner outfielder who doesn't project to have plus defense or plus speed should at least have a 60 hit/60 power combo, if you're aspiring for him to be a first-division regular. you don't draft a guy in the top 5 of a strong draft with the hope that he turns into trot nixon if everything breaks right.