2014 Draft Discussion

[Guest]

MKPJ (chicago): You're not very high on Conforto's hit tool. Could you give me an eventual Avg/Obp/Slg that I should expect once he settles in as a regular Major Leaguer? Thanks

 

Draft Day Chat with Nick J. Faleris: He's in the range of a .260/.335/.475 guy to me, with some potential volatility in the OBP and SLG depending upon how effectively MLB arms can challenge him in the zone.

 

confused (chicago): Seems like there is a consensus top 3 but then from 4 to 8 or so it's all over the map. Is there a big talent drop from 3 to 4? Are the Cubs just in an unfortunate position for not having tanked a game or two?

 

Draft Day Chat with Nick J. Faleris: I don't think there is a consensus top 3. AIken/Rodon/Jackson are the top three for me, and I could listen to arguments slotting others ahead of Rodon and/or Jackson. The Cubs are in a very good place, though the broad range of options puts added pressure on the process, since you ultimate have to pick one route and go with it.

 

Myrick (Charleston, SC): Can you tell me about Nick Gordon's offensive potential?

 

Draft Day Chat with Nick J. Faleris: Potential plus hit tool, maybe better depending on how you view the added strength this spring, with a chance for average power if he gets a little more loft in the barrel. Could sacrifice some average for power, or pump the hit in exchange for closer to 40/45 pop on the 20-80 scale. Solid range of outcomes and has the feel for the game and make-up to take in instruction and reach that potential.

[sliceofpie]

A look a Kyle Schwarber.... http://nblo.gs/XsXsH

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/columnists/john-erardi/2014/06/04/kyle-schwarber-credits-middletown-upbringing/9968163/

 

 

Michael Conforto

 

 

http://www.amazinavenue.com/2014/5/30/5753404/2014-mlb-draft-profile-mets-michael-conforto

 

[Guest]

@kileymcd: The Carlos Rodon bonus demand hammer has dropped. I'm told its $6 million plus. Aiken heavy favorite to go 1-1 now.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

@kileymcd: The Carlos Rodon bonus demand hammer has dropped. I'm told its $6 million plus. Aiken heavy favorite to go 1-1 now.

 

My hatred of pitchers is conflicting with my love of overslots.

[Guest]

@kileymcd: The Carlos Rodon bonus demand hammer has dropped. I'm told its $6 million plus. Aiken heavy favorite to go 1-1 now.

 

Any idea what this means for Marlins & WSox regarding him?

[RammyFanny]

@kileymcd: The Carlos Rodon bonus demand hammer has dropped. I'm told its $6 million plus. Aiken heavy favorite to go 1-1 now.

 

Any idea what this means for Marlins & WSox regarding him?

Marlins slot is 6.8 million so I assume they still take him if they want him. Maybe it scares the Whitesox off though.

Edited June 5, 2014 by RammyFanny

[Cubswin11]

@kileymcd: The Carlos Rodon bonus demand hammer has dropped. I'm told its $6 million plus. Aiken heavy favorite to go 1-1 now.

 

Any idea what this means for Marlins & WSox regarding him?

Marlins have a lot of money, iirc

[Tryptamine]

If Rodon gets past the Astros and Marlins I wonder if he slides all the way to the Blue Jays

[Guest]

Mike (Virginia): Is there anyone in the BA top 50 that might slip all the way out of the top 10 rounds due to signability?

 

John Manuel: Jack Flaherty remains the most likely person to slip. Could go in the comp round in the right situation or early 2nd, but his price tag is rumored to be $2.5 million and if he doesn’t get that, he’s headed to North Carolina.

[Guest]

If Rodon gets past the Astros and Marlins I wonder if he slides all the way to the Blue Jays

 

Rodon could be trying to dictate where he gets drafted and the Cubs do like him. I think the Marlins will take him, though.

[davell]

God, I hope the Astros go off the wall.

[weis21]

From the PG chat:

 

Comment From Guest

If the Big 3 pitchers are all gone by #4, who do you think is the best option for the Cubs?

 

Patrick Ebert: We heard Nick Gordon connected to the Cubs a couple of days ago, and given some of the other names being thrown around (Schwarber, Pentecost, Conforto) I think Gordon offers the highest upside at a premium defensive position. Plus, fans can drool over a future lineup that includes Gordon, Baez and Bryant among others.

[Cubswin11]

@johnmanuelba Here's how volatile this #mlbdraft is: team in top 5 may switch gears in a big way, here 2 hours prior to start. Chaotic first round

[imb]

god this is gonna be interesting

[Guest]

Kiley posted his final mock:

 

Pick

1 LHP Brady AikenCathedral Catholic HS (CA)

Click for more details [+]

ANALYSIS: The Astros are still trying to get away from taking a HS arm, but the best prospect is the best prospect. Rodon's $6M+ demand likely eliminates him, with Alex Jackson the backup and Nick Gordon and Aaron Nola the extreme dark horses

Pick

2 LHP Carlos RodonNorth Carolina State

Click for more details [+]

ANALYSIS: The Kolek rumors are dying down and it sounds like meddling owner Jeff Loria's pick (Carlos Rodon, the Cuban-American lefty born in Miami) vs. the scouting staff's choice (Alex Jackson). The scouting staff wants Jackson but they know who signs their checks. Boras appears to know he's got the owner's guy and priced Rodon accordingly to get most of slot here, more than he'd likely get at the #1 pick.

Pick

3 RHP Tyler KolekShepherd HS (TX)

Click for more details [+]

ANALYSIS: A couple scenarios could play out here. If Jackson goes 2, Rodon goes here. There's also still a chance Nola is the pick over Kolek, but sticking with Kolek sounds like the most likely scenario.

Pick

4 LF Michael ConfortoOregon State

Click for more details [+]

ANALYSIS: This pick shouldn't be affected by what happens above them as the Cubs aren't on Kolek and it's hard to see Aiken or Rodon geting here; Rodon's price tag may cause the Cubs to pass, but they would take Aiken. Kolek isn't in play here and Nola also seems to have become a secondary option behind the three college bats the Cubs have zoomed in on: Michael Conforto, Kyle Schwarber and Max Pentecost. Pentecost sounds like the third option and Conforto is slightly more likely than Schwarber.

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

I'd really like to know why the Cubs don't want Jackson. Kiley didn't even mention his name in the blurb, like he's a complete afterthought.

[A New Era]

Well see ya guys in a few. I'm gonna go watch the draft pre-show. I'll pop back once the Cubs pick to either celebrate, or lament with you.

[A New Era]

I'd really like to know why the Cubs don't want Jackson. Kiley didn't even mention his name in the blurb, like he's a complete afterthought.

 

Yeah I don't get it. If not one of the top 3, I don't see why any team wouldn't be happy to have Gordon or Jackson. Both look like really good bats with that oh so sweet mystery elite upside.

[Guest]

draft coverage starts now!

[Guest]

Harold didn't wait long to begin the stupid.

[Guest]

John Hart throwing a Brian Giles comp on Schwarber. I likey.

[Guest]

MLB network pushing Gatewood hard.

[Tryptamine]

I'm surprised Gatewood would go to the draft. I think there's a very real chance he doesn't get taken in the 1st. I've heard some really bad things about his bat in game situations.

[Guest]

Grant Holmes...bad hair.

[Guest]

BA updated their mock - no changes in the top 4: http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/mock-draft-5-1-the-final-mock/

 

1. Aiken

2. Rodon

3. Kolek

4. Conforto