2014 Draft Discussion

[Guest]

Law mentioned in his chat today that any of Hoffman, Beede, Kolek, Jackson, Garewood, and Aiken could go prior to Rodon. He's really not been impressed with him so far.

 

Ron (Gym) Is Carlos Rodon overrated?

 

Klaw He hasn't pitched up to expectations - fastball has been average, command average or a tick below, and he's not missing bats. I thought a month ago he was the clear 1-1 pick, but now I don't see it.

 

Adam (Toronto) Is the top end of this year's draft stronger or weaker than last year's?

 

Klaw Top end weaker. Rest of the first round is stronger than it's been in ages. It's going to rival 2011 and 2005 as the best drafts during my time in the business.

 

Ben (Leland Grove) If Rodon is no longer the clear 1-1, has anyone moved ahead of him, in your opinion?

 

Klaw I'll have a ranking up some time next week. I don't think there's anyone who's clearly 1-1, but I think Rodon's been passed by a few guys. Could make a cogent argument for him to be behind any of Kolek, Gatewood, Jackson, Hoffman, Beede.

 

Klaw Oh, I forgot Brady Aiken - prep lefty who was 94-97 in an inning in an exhibition game vs Alex Jackson last Saturday, with a plus CB too.

 

Chad (STL) Just to be clear - You won't be shocked if in three months, Rodon is back to being the clear 1-1, right? It's early, and he's had a few sub-par starts.

 

Klaw I wouldn't be shocked, no, but your characterization isn't accurate. It's not about subpar performance; it's about lack of the tools, other than the slider, that would make him the 1-1 guy.

 

Byron (Portland) Weren't you pretty confident of Rodon as not just the obvious 1-1, but as one of the best prospects of the last few years? It's not like you're dropping him out of the 1st round, but do you remember anyone else falling so fast from such a height?

 

Klaw I thought he was the obvious 1-1, but argued that he wasn't Strasburg or Harper. He wasn't that kind of elite, but he was a lot better than he's been so far this year - and given that he's had some back trouble in the past and he doesn't offer physical projection, I can easily understand why scouts/execs are backing away from him.

 

JD (DC) Hoffman, Beede, Kolek: who has the highest ceiling and who has the highest probability?

 

Klaw Hoffman. Plus-plus athlete with easy velocity and the potential for a plus curveball. Always bet on great athletes. Beede is the safe guy of the three, probably pitches at 92-93 when he's every fifth day, while Kolek ... you can't exactly go wrong with a 6'7" monster who legitimately hits 100+.

 

Dave (Boston) Between Jacob Gatewood and Nick Gordon, who has the better hit tool? Heard rumblings Gatewood's hit tool might not be good enough for him to showcase his power in the higher levels.

 

Klaw That's changed this year - Gatewood is hitting better, using the whole field, showing a more mature overall approach. Love both guys but Gatewood seems like he's going in the top 5-6 at this point.

[Guest]

I'm back to being dead set on Alex Jackson.

 

Either he's a good hitting catcher, or he is a good enough hitter to play corner OF. I'm fine with either.

 

Sounds like Gatewood has passed Jackson as the top prep bat (or reclaimed the title).

 

And this isn't just based on Law's chat from earlier today.

[A New Era]

I'm back to being dead set on Alex Jackson.

 

Either he's a good hitting catcher, or he is a good enough hitter to play corner OF. I'm fine with either.

 

Sounds like Gatewood has passed Jackson as the top prep bat (or reclaimed the title).

 

And this isn't just based on Law's chat from earlier today.

 

They'll take the top power bat, whoever it is. If their pitcher isn't there.

[Guest]

I'm back to being dead set on Alex Jackson.

 

Either he's a good hitting catcher, or he is a good enough hitter to play corner OF. I'm fine with either.

 

Sounds like Gatewood has passed Jackson as the top prep bat (or reclaimed the title).

 

And this isn't just based on Law's chat from earlier today.

 

They'll take the top power bat, whoever it is. If their pitcher isn't there.

 

Great insight. Thanks for that.

[davell]

Law mentioned in his chat today that any of Hoffman, Beede, Kolek, Jackson, Garewood, and Aiken could go prior to Rodon. He's really not been impressed with him so far.

dream scenario: Rodon at 4

All that really needs to happen is for Houston to talk themselves into someone else. Counting on Florida and the WS to screw up their draft slots is almost a given.

Hahn isn't bad at all. They're not going cheap in this area anymore.

[Guest]

I'm back to being dead set on Alex Jackson.

 

Either he's a good hitting catcher, or he is a good enough hitter to play corner OF. I'm fine with either.

 

Sounds like Gatewood has passed Jackson as the top prep bat (or reclaimed the title).

 

And this isn't just based on Law's chat from earlier today.

 

They'll take the top power bat, whoever it is. If their pitcher isn't there.

Almora = Top power bat????

[Guest]

I'm back to being dead set on Alex Jackson.

 

Either he's a good hitting catcher, or he is a good enough hitter to play corner OF. I'm fine with either.

 

Sounds like Gatewood has passed Jackson as the top prep bat (or reclaimed the title).

 

And this isn't just based on Law's chat from earlier today.

 

They'll take the top power bat, whoever it is. If their pitcher isn't there.

Almora = Top power bat????

 

FWIW, I don't think he was talking about the 2012 draft.

[A New Era]

I'm back to being dead set on Alex Jackson.

 

Either he's a good hitting catcher, or he is a good enough hitter to play corner OF. I'm fine with either.

 

Sounds like Gatewood has passed Jackson as the top prep bat (or reclaimed the title).

 

And this isn't just based on Law's chat from earlier today.

 

They'll take the top power bat, whoever it is. If their pitcher isn't there.

 

Great insight. Thanks for that.

 

They have like one pitcher, maybe 2 at most on their board. I think if neither of those 2 are left they will take a bat, no matter how good people think the remaining pitcher still available is. What I'm saying is, our FO scouting is so good, there might only be 1 or 2 pitchers they absolutely love that they would be willing to buck their "bat first" mentality they've had since they got here. Better for you?

[A New Era]

I'm back to being dead set on Alex Jackson.

 

Either he's a good hitting catcher, or he is a good enough hitter to play corner OF. I'm fine with either.

 

Sounds like Gatewood has passed Jackson as the top prep bat (or reclaimed the title).

 

And this isn't just based on Law's chat from earlier today.

 

They'll take the top power bat, whoever it is. If their pitcher isn't there.

Almora = Top power bat????

 

FWIW, I don't think he was talking about the 2012 draft.

 

No, I just mean. We've seemed to have built up this core of high power guys. I think the idea of having a core of 4-5 guys in the line-up that can just outslug you is kind of nice. I actually think they'll take the most elite talent that is still on the board (like duh). But adding another crazy good bat like Gatewood or Jackson to Baez, Bryant, Olt, Rizzo, Soler, and heck even Almora (can't say he's not a great hitter with "decent" power potential). Would be pretty insane.

[Guest]

 

They'll take the top power bat, whoever it is. If their pitcher isn't there.

 

Great insight. Thanks for that.

 

They have like one pitcher, maybe 2 at most on their board. I think if neither of those 2 are left they will take a bat, no matter how good people think the remaining pitcher still available is. What I'm saying is, our FO scouting is so good, there might only be 1 or 2 pitchers they absolutely love that they would be willing to buck their "bat first" mentality they've had since they got here. Better for you?

 

Yes. I no longer demand a refund on your posting.

[A New Era]

 

They'll take the top power bat, whoever it is. If their pitcher isn't there.

 

Great insight. Thanks for that.

 

They have like one pitcher, maybe 2 at most on their board. I think if neither of those 2 are left they will take a bat, no matter how good people think the remaining pitcher still available is. What I'm saying is, our FO scouting is so good, there might only be 1 or 2 pitchers they absolutely love that they would be willing to buck their "bat first" mentality they've had since they got here. Better for you?

 

Yes. I no longer demand a refund on your posting.

 

I can sleep easy.

[Guest]

Rodon-Weaver will be on ESPN3 at the top of the hour.

[Guest]

Obviously all eyes on Rodon, Turner and Weaver but FSU CF DJ Stewart is a guy to watch if the Cubs have a top 10 pick in 2015 too.

 

LSU SS Alex Bregman is the sophomore to watch in the Beede-Nola battle.

[Guest]

@aaronfitt: Tulane leads ECU 2-0, M3. Jeff Hoffman sitting 93-94, and he's leaving a lot of fastballs over the middle, getting squared up a bit (4 hits)

 

@aaronfitt: Hoffman settling into a groove, has retired five straight, starting to show more velo - last 2 fastballs 95 & 97. Still 2-0 Tulane, M5.

 

@aaronfitt: Hoffman showed some moxie, jamming RHHs w/ 2-seam, threw some good right-on-right changeups. CB had less power than I heard it had in Cape.

 

Rodon with 6 Ks and 2 BB through 3. Weaver with 5 Ks through 4.

[Guest]

@NickJFaleris: Beede humming at 95 mph consistently in the 1st. #MLBDraft

 

@NickJFaleris: First Beede/Bregman matchup goes to Beede. 95/95/95, 02- F9. #MLBDraft

 

Bregman is probably the early favorite amongst college baseball players to go 1.1 in 2015.

 

@NickJFaleris: All 95s, kissed 96 in the first for Beede. Nola up next...

 

@NickJFaleris: Beede in 2nd, FB - 92-4 (95), couple 82 hammers to same side bat, CH - 80; good for F8, F7, F8.

 

@NickJFaleris: Bregman wins round two vs Beede -- linedrive single to center of 95 mph FB at the knees. #MLBDraft

 

@NickJFaleris: General thoughts, Beede commanding well, but not surgical. Working well up in zone w/FB. CB most effective vs same side. CH mostly buried.

 

@NickJFaleris: Beede still solid. Showcased impressive CH in 5th w/arm slot/speed deception 81-83. FB 91-94. #MLBDraft

 

@NickJFaleris: Clean frame for Beede in 6th; best pitch was a hard back foot breaker at 81, which he followed with a low-out breaker -- weak cuts on both.

 

@NickJFaleris: 3rd Bregman/Beede matchup to Beede-ish. Strong 8p AB; worked 3-2, fought off couple + close 2-strike take. F7 (6.54 hang), just missed it.

 

@NickJFaleris: Beede may be tiring. Trouble finishing CB and now CB and FB. BB Moore; 1 on 1 out, T8. 1-0 Vandy.

 

@NickJFaleris: And, Beede is done at 7.1 IP. Standing O from crowd. Leaves one on, exits w/line of 7.1 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 7 SO.

 

@NickJFaleris: Tyler Beede showed top ten, pot. top 5, overall stuff tonight. Some clean-up to be done, but it's legit top shelf power stuff. #MLBDraft

 

@NickJFaleris: 2 RBI single for Stevenson and just like that #LSU takes a 2-1 lead over #Vandy. Beede charged with those 2 unearned runs.

 

Nola:

 

@NickJFaleris: Corrected line:

6.2 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 2 BB, 12 SO, HBP.

 

@NickJFaleris: Start was sloppier than the line, particularly early, but really showed an ability to bear down and get to his stuff.

[Guest]

@FSU_Baseball: Rodon's final line - 6 2/3, 5 H, 2 R, 2ER, 4 BB, 12 K

 

@FPilierePG: All hail Carlos Rodon's slider. I might be known as the contrarian on him but oh my that pitch is beautiful to watch

[Guest]

So Tyler Kolek might have hit 102 tonight:

 

@DanMKirby: Tyler Kolek threw a baseball very hard today. May or may not have been 102 mph, but anywhere near that is silly.

 

Other well thought of prep arms:

 

@DanMKirby: Sean Reid-Foley -> RT @FTBMizuno: @DanMKirby 6IP 1Hit maybe 14Ks 92-95 pitched at 93-94 for most of the game. Tough luck 2-1 loss. #MLBDraft

 

@NathanRode: 2014 LHP Mac Marshall (Parkview HS, GA) getting warmed up for #NHSI14. 5 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 10 K tonight. #mlbdraft

[imb]

@NickJFaleris: Tyler Beede showed top ten, pot. top 5, overall stuff tonight. Some clean-up to be done, but it's legit top shelf power stuff. #MLBDraft

 

way to go out on a limb

[Guest]

@DanMKirby: Tyler Kolek with a no hitter yesterday. Now has 35 K/ 1 BB over 16 no hit innings. And he hit 102 mph. #MLBDraft

[Guest]

Reading stuff like that makes me want to go back on no pitchers and alex jackson things.

 

But I'm sure he'll be gone if he keeps this up anyway.

[Guest]

Is Kolek comparable to Gerrit Cole as a prospect?

[davell]

Is Kolek comparable to Gerrit Cole as a prospect?

 

If you're comparing Kolek to a 17 year old Cole, he's a better prospect.

[Guest]

Is Kolek comparable to Gerrit Cole as a prospect?

 

I assume you're asking about Cole in HS, not coming out of UCLA. Cole had better secondaries but *only* topped out at 98 in HS. Kolek is definitely rawer but has better arm strength.

[Guest]

Trea Turner doubled in game one and just hit a HR in game two. First HR of the year, second and third XBHs of the season.

[Guest]

10 HS players on the rise: http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-second-edition/41810