Who do you want the Cubs to select with the #2 pick?

[A New Era]

Someone posted a list of College 3B that were picked over the last 12(ish?) years. And the list looks very positive for Bryant's future. Which is why I totally support him as a fallback to Appel. But I just made up my mind, I'm about to vote for Appel.

[craig]

Appel would be my top choice, as he's the safest choice. After that, I'd go with Bryant.....

 

Unfortunately it says something about the lack of safety with Bryant if we see him as even less safe than an injury-vulnereable pitcher.

[Guest]

Appel would be my top choice, as he's the safest choice. After that, I'd go with Bryant.....

 

Unfortunately it says something about the lack of safety with Bryant if we see him as even less safe than an injury-vulnereable pitcher.

 

If you think he can be in the majors making an impact in 2014, doesn't that mitigate a lot of the injury concern? (Obviously, the long term injury concern is still there, but the fact that he's so close has to be huge considering there's a substantially stronger possibility that Bryant doesn't even make it to the majors)

[CubsWin]

This is the same FO that in Boston looked the other way on Gagne when the proof was right there, plus a bunch of other suspects during their tenure there. I really don't think they care all that much.

This FO doesn't have to deal with Larry Lucchino telling them what to do.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

If you think he can be in the majors making an impact in 2014, doesn't that mitigate a lot of the injury concern? (Obviously, the long term injury concern is still there, but the fact that he's so close has to be huge considering there's a substantially stronger possibility that Bryant doesn't even make it to the majors)

 

That's what I like about Appel. He's already halfway through the injury nexus.

 

If you only give him a few token innings in 2013, then by the time he's ready to be a full-time professional, he's a few months shy of 23.

[Rob]

Marlin on PSD has ruled out the Cubs taking Gray.

 

Very interesting.

 

At this point I think I'd say Bryant if for no other reason than I think he'd be cheaper than Appel.

[davell]

Marlin on PSD has ruled out the Cubs taking Gray.

 

Very interesting.

 

At this point I think I'd say Bryant if for no other reason than I think he'd be cheaper than Appel.

 

Its still two Boras clients. It'll be interesting to see how things play out at 41 and 75. If we take guys we suspect will be huge overslots, that means we're getting 2 at a nice discount.

 

The other option is we could take a few guys after the 10th round(lesser quality though) that would be huge overslots. This should be done in case Boras holds us up til the deadline. Personally though, at 2, I really hope a deal is already in place for both of our top choices. Boras needs us moving forward, since we'll be more active in FA, so hopefully he lessens his stance a tad here. The sooner we have enough of a system to trade from easily, the sooner we'll need his FA to accentuate the team with.

 

I'll put the money at 2 like this(6.7 slot value) Appel-6 mill, Bryant 5 mill, Gray 4.5 mill......I know you guys will think this is light, but looking at last year, I truly think these will be close.

[Outshined_One]

For me:

 

Appel > Bryant > Gray

 

Appel's improved his stock from last season, which is actually fairly impressive considering there were numerous rumors flying around about the Astros taking him #1 overall last season in a stronger draft than this year. Part of the problem he's had is one of perception; because he spent another year in college, he was under a microscope. Everyone acknowledges his improvements, but Shiny New Toy Syndrome seems to have kicked in with Gray and Bryant compared to Appel. I'm still sold on him as a potential 2/3 with the chance to be an ace if everything goes right.

 

Bryant doesn't have the kind of potentially elite bat I'd want from the #2 pick. There's a lot to like about his upside, especially if he can stick at 3B, but if he ends up in the OF, he'd better end up being a really good hitter. On top of that, I always get nervous with big power guys for some reason; probably thanks to guys like Harvey and Dopirak. Bryant's hit tool is supposed to be average to above average, but still...egh. Tough call.

 

As for Gray, even before the stimulant problem came up, I still was leery. He was a known commodity coming into this season, but helium guys who hit 100 MPH tend to scare me. I know Gray has a ton of life on his FB and has a fantastic upside, but there have been way too many power arms that turn out to be fool's gold. I'm more comfortable with the somewhat risky hitter (Bryant) over the somewhat risky pitcher (Gray) for that reason.

 

However, if we can get Gray for $1m-$2m under slot, I'd be willing to listen.

[Guest]

always wanted appel, still want appel

[XZero771679666304]

always wanted appel, still want appel

 

 

Same with me, but if the Astros take him, I'd take Bryant over Gray. I just hope Houston takes the cheap route.

[toonsterwu]

My order still hasn't changed. If MLB teams aren't bothered about Adderall, a substance I have little knowledge on outside of background information, then I'm not concerned, provided that there isn't background information suggesting that he's an abuser or that he's a knucklehead. I can give a pass for a youthful mistake. Picking this high, I want upside, and Gray's fastball/slider combination is just that tick higher than Appel's. Are there concerns with Gray? Sure, but I buy the starting ability. I'm also a sucker for Ben Wells/Jon Gray type, physical workhorse frames.

 

I admittedly have never been huge on Appel, and it's easier for me to find reasons to not like him (his 2nd half wasn't exactly jaw-dropping). Still, he's very good, there's no doubt about that, and he's a safer pick than Gray, with almost as much upside. If they opted for Appel, I'd have zero problems with that.

 

Bryant's a distant third on my list. I just wonder how much average he's going to hit for. I saw a comp to Troy Glaus, and that actually seems like a fairly solid comp. I wouldn't complain about getting a Troy Glaus, I guess, but picking this high, with such an apparent need for high ceiling pitching, and with two very good college arms, I guess I would be a bit disappointed if we opted for Bryant (but disappointed doesn't mean I couldn't be excited about fitting Baez/Soler/Bryant together in some lineup ... for the future, and in AA at some point in 2014). I have wondered if the depth of pitching that is likely to around at 41 (and to an extent, 75) may put Bryant ahead.

 

Moran shouldn't be in the discussion. If it's not one of those top three, I'll be stunned. Personally, I would go something like Gray/Appel/Ball/Stewart/Bryant, but the prep guys simply aren't a likely option here. I'm sort of glad to read the reports about how they haven't over-analyzed the 2nd pick. While I wonder if the prep guys may be better long run, you simply have to take the college guys if the stuff is similar and there's a performance track record. There's enough video on the college guys, enough reports that I'm glad they are focusing on 41/75/108 (particularly since this draft has some nice depth in key areas).

[jersey cubs fan]

My order still hasn't changed. If MLB teams aren't bothered about Adderall, a substance I have little knowledge on outside of background information, then I'm not concerned, provided that there isn't background information suggesting that he's an abuser or that he's a knucklehead. I can give a pass for a youthful mistake. Picking this high, I want upside, and Gray's fastball/slider combination is just that tick higher than Appel's. Are there concerns with Gray? Sure, but I buy the starting ability. I'm also a sucker for Ben Wells/Jon Gray type, physical workhorse frames.

 

Why don't you think MLB teams are bothered by Gray's use of adderall? We don't know they aren't bothered. Even if some teams aren't bothered by it, there's just as good a chance, if not greater, that many teams are bothered by it.

[Guest]

I want to change my vote. Draft day is here and I've got my heart set on Appel.

[ctcf]

I want to change my vote. Draft day is here and I've got my heart set on Appel.

 

Haha kinda feeling that way as well. I'd say I'm

 

Appel

Bryant

Gray

[Guest]

Gray's news this week puts enough doubt in my mind to place him a half step behind the other two. I won't be upset with any of the three, but at the moment:

 

1a Appel

1b Bryant

2 Gray

 

The prospect of a fast moving pitching prospect is pretty exciting to me, especially considering our pitching depth above Kane County is a travesty.

[toonsterwu]

My order still hasn't changed. If MLB teams aren't bothered about Adderall, a substance I have little knowledge on outside of background information, then I'm not concerned, provided that there isn't background information suggesting that he's an abuser or that he's a knucklehead. I can give a pass for a youthful mistake. Picking this high, I want upside, and Gray's fastball/slider combination is just that tick higher than Appel's. Are there concerns with Gray? Sure, but I buy the starting ability. I'm also a sucker for Ben Wells/Jon Gray type, physical workhorse frames.

 

Why don't you think MLB teams are bothered by Gray's use of adderall? We don't know they aren't bothered. Even if some teams aren't bothered by it, there's just as good a chance, if not greater, that many teams are bothered by it.

 

Eh, can only base it on the reporting so far. My point is, if they Aren't concerned,. Then i'm not concerned. If they are, then sure, i'd be as well. So far, the reporting suggests the former.

[jersey cubs fan]

My order still hasn't changed. If MLB teams aren't bothered about Adderall, a substance I have little knowledge on outside of background information, then I'm not concerned, provided that there isn't background information suggesting that he's an abuser or that he's a knucklehead. I can give a pass for a youthful mistake. Picking this high, I want upside, and Gray's fastball/slider combination is just that tick higher than Appel's. Are there concerns with Gray? Sure, but I buy the starting ability. I'm also a sucker for Ben Wells/Jon Gray type, physical workhorse frames.

 

Why don't you think MLB teams are bothered by Gray's use of adderall? We don't know they aren't bothered. Even if some teams aren't bothered by it, there's just as good a chance, if not greater, that many teams are bothered by it.

 

Eh, can only base it on the reporting so far. My point is, if they Aren't concerned,. Then i'm not concerned. If they are, then sure, i'd be as well. So far, the reporting suggests the former.

 

Pre-draft "reporting" is only purposeful leaks.

[jersey cubs fan]

 

Which one is the guy with black shoes and black socks wearing shorts?

[Elrhino]

Going with Appel for the "safe" factor. Vizcaino's continuing arm issues and Maples getting off to a less than stellar start to his career leaves a huge hole in the Cubs system for potential TOR arms other than Pierce.

[toonsterwu]

My order still hasn't changed. If MLB teams aren't bothered about Adderall, a substance I have little knowledge on outside of background information, then I'm not concerned, provided that there isn't background information suggesting that he's an abuser or that he's a knucklehead. I can give a pass for a youthful mistake. Picking this high, I want upside, and Gray's fastball/slider combination is just that tick higher than Appel's. Are there concerns with Gray? Sure, but I buy the starting ability. I'm also a sucker for Ben Wells/Jon Gray type, physical workhorse frames.

 

Why don't you think MLB teams are bothered by Gray's use of adderall? We don't know they aren't bothered. Even if some teams aren't bothered by it, there's just as good a chance, if not greater, that many teams are bothered by it.

 

Eh, can only base it on the reporting so far. My point is, if they Aren't concerned,. Then i'm not concerned. If they are, then sure, i'd be as well. So far, the reporting suggests the former.

 

Pre-draft "reporting" is only purposeful leaks.

 

Sure, hence why I said, "so far".

[craig]

Sure, hence why I said, "so far".

 

I have no idea. But, if the Cubs take Gray, I'll be great with that.

 

I'll immediately conclude that they weren't worried about the Adderal; that they've done their research and due diligence, and that if they aren't worried about it I won't be worried either. In which case I'll be super thrilled at the idea of adding a control artist with a great slider, who happens to throw a 100-mph fastball as a second pitch. And who'll be willing to sign sub-slot to some degree, such that tomorrow should be a super fun day as well.

 

And if the Cubs don't take Gray, fine.

[Guest]

 

Which one is the guy with black shoes and black socks wearing shorts?

 

Is that Meadows?

 

I checked the list of who is attending the draft and identified everyone to the left of black socks and shorts (obviously don't need much help in identifying Judge or Frazier).

[jersey cubs fan]

 

Which one is the guy with black shoes and black socks wearing shorts?

 

Is that Meadows?

 

I checked the list of who is attending the draft and identified everyone to the left of black socks and shorts (obviously don't need much help in identifying Judge or Frazier).

 

Well whoever it is, I don't want him.

 

I like pink shirt with fancy socks guy though.

 

[Guest]

That's Dominic Smith.

[VVMattVV]

 

Which one is the guy with black shoes and black socks wearing shorts?

 

Is that Meadows?

 

I checked the list of who is attending the draft and identified everyone to the left of black socks and shorts (obviously don't need much help in identifying Judge or Frazier).

 

The high white socks/white shoes with shorts look is for weirdos.