2017 Draft Thread

[CaliforniaRaisin]

 

 

Wow. Levine is fairly plugged in, says we want pitching at BOTH 27 and 30. Names Lange, Romero, Sauer, and Rogers as guys of interest.

 

Romero is interesting. We know they tend to avoid off-field issues with amateur talent but this regime famously drafted Clay Buccholz (with disagreement between Theo and Jed) despite his off the field issues.

 

That's a good point. I personally don't want the Cubs to draft Romero (unless he falls to the later rounds) because on top of the poor makeup I've read conditioning and staying in shape are problems for him.

 

Everything I've read about this Cubs regime is how much they stress character and makeup. They value it and want their scouts to show examples of good character before drafting that player. I doubt they'd be willing to risk a high draft pick on a player kicked off his college team who also has a bad body/conditioning issues.

 

Scouting blurbs say he really improved his conditioning this year.

 

Obviously this regime and its scouts have a great reputation of doing their due dilligence when researching players. Part of the problem for outsiders like us is we don't know what he did but Google indicates he might have been kicked off the team for fighting a teammate, something I don't think regime will ignore.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Probably time to take another college lefty mocked around the Cubs' top two picks off the draft board: Luke Heimlich sex crime surfaces as Oregon State baseball nears College World Series

[Tryptamine]

Romero's in is that he also is one of the best performing pitchers in this draft, a power LH at that. This FO definitely values makeup, but they also value dominant performance and that there are extremely few guys who do it almost naturally. If a guy's good enough suddenly there's grays to being an horsefeathers. I have no idea what Romero's done off the field, haven't really paid attention, but a college LH with those kind of K/9, HR/9, and H/9 numbers is hard to find. Maybe he's an horsefeathers they can deal with?

 

While this FO does value make up, they went and signed Lackey who is a known ass hat. So at some point being super talented outweighs being a particularly amiable guy. It also doesn't hurt that he's basically the best or second best lefty in this mediocre draft(Gore).

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Makeup =/= being a friendly/amiable person

 

Lackey isn't a counterpoint to makeup being important/valued. Chapman was, but even then he was only a rental and his concerns were almost entirely unrelated to him relating to his teammates or his performance on the field.

[Hrubes20]

 

 

Wow. Levine is fairly plugged in, says we want pitching at BOTH 27 and 30. Names Lange, Romero, Sauer, and Rogers as guys of interest.

 

I don't doubt that the FO would want both Romero and Rogers, but that's not likely. Interesting to see them mentioned with Romero though.

[jersey cubs fan]

Probably time to take another college lefty mocked around the Cubs' top two picks off the draft board: Luke Heimlich sex crime surfaces as Oregon State baseball nears College World Series

 

 

 

that's one way to put it

[davell]

[davell]

https://twitter.com/Savermetrics/status/872947928674877440

 

140 on BA's list, 180 on MLB's. Clemson commit.

[davell]

Here's my list of guys I like. Granted, if we take zero of them, I'll be happy with whatever the FO does anyway. Still, my hope is 2 of my group at 27 and 30, 1 in the 2nd, and 2-3 more later on....

 

27 and 30

 

High School Bats

 

SS Nick Allen, OF Drew Waters, Jeter Downs, OF Heliot Ramos

(2 favorites are Allen and Waters)

 

College Bats

 

2B Keston Hiura, OF/1B Brent Rooker, SS Logan Warmoth

(Hiura is my favorite, by far)

 

High School Arms

 

RHP Sam Carlson, LHP Trevor Rogers, RHP Blayne Enlow

(Carlson is my favorite, by far)

 

College Arms

 

LHP Seth Romero, RHP Clarke Schmidt, RHP Nate Pearson, LHP Brendon Little, RHP Tanner Houck, Corbin Martin, Alex Lange

(Romero and Schmidt are my favorites)

 

2nd Round

 

High School Bats

 

3B Mark Vientos, OF Daniel Cabrera, OF Jacob Pearson

(Vientos is my favorite)

 

High School Arms

 

LHP Jacob Heatherly, RHP Michael Mercado, RHP Matt Tabor, RHP Caden Lemons, Kyle Hurt

(Mercado is my favorite)

 

College Bats

 

SS Kevin Merrell, OF Luis Gonzalez, OF Stuart Fairchild, C Riley Adams

(Gonzalez is my favorite)

 

College Arms

 

RHP Tristan Beck, RHP Will Gaddis, LHP Daniel Tillo

(Beck is my favorite)

 

Round 3+

 

High School Bats

 

C Steven Williams, OF Jevon Ward, OF Calvin Mitchell

(Williams is my favorite)

 

High School Arms

 

LHP Seth Corry, LHP Shane Drohan, RHP Landon Leach, RHP Jackson Rutledge, RHP Gavin Williams, RHP Carmen Mlodzinski, LHP Asa Lacy, RHP Tommy Mace, RHP Hunter Ruth, LHP Brendan Murphy, RHP Jack Conlon, RHP Spencer Strider, LHP Logan Allen, RHP Kevin Abel, RHP Sam Keating, RHP Chris McMahon, RHP Cade Cavalli

(Corry, Lacy, Ruth, Leach, and Mlodzinski are my favorites)

 

College Bats

 

SS Kevin Smith, SS Taylor Walls, C Connor Wong, OF Jared Oliva, 3B Will Toffey, SS Zach Rutherford, SS Jesse Berardi, C JJ Schwarz

(Walls, Toffey, and Rutherford are my favorites)

 

College Arms

 

RHP Jake Thompson, RHP Trevor Stephan, RHP Morgan Cooper, RHP Drew Rasmussen, RHP Spencer Howard, RHP Tony Dibrell, RHP Ryan Lillie, RHP Tim Kincanon, LHP Riley Widell, LHP Logan Salow, LHP Charlie Barnes, LHP Oliver Jaskie, RHP Jordan Spicer

(Thompson, Cooper, Dibrell, Kincanon, and Widell are my favorites)

 

My Cubs hopeful draft is this....

 

27) LHP Seth Romero(slot)

30) SS Nick Allen(slot)

67) CF Luis Gonzalez(slot)

105) LHP Asa Lacy HS (200k over slot)

135) RHP Tony Dibrell(slot)

165) RHP Hunter Ruth HS (250k over slot)

195) LHP Riley Widell (150k over slot)

225) C JJ Schwarz (slot)

255, 285, and 315 are Senior Signs, saving 350k

Round 11 RHP Ben Jordan HS (100k over slot)

Edited June 12, 2017 by davell

[davell]

And if you like names, as I do, then you want us to draft RHP Janson Junk, RHP D'Mond LaFond, OF Tyler Dearden, OF Brock Deatherage, OF Andrew Shaps, RHP Spencer Torkelson, LHP Sam Glick, OF Brewer Hicklen, or RHP Zach Pop.....

 

Junk and LaFond being the standouts to me.

[davell]

 

Has us taking Gary Varsho's kid, Daulton. He's a fast rising C. At 30, its got us taking Schmidt.

[jersey cubs fan]

10 years from now when somebody writes an article about Albert Almora playing in Schaumberg I can't imagine Theo will be quoted talking about how it was McCleod's pick.

 

 

[jersey cubs fan]

 

Has us taking Gary Varsho's kid, Daulton. He's a fast rising C. At 30, its got us taking Schmidt.

 

I would have thought Gary Varsho was much older than a guy who has a draft eligible player

[craig]

Copied from friend on another Cubs board, he didn't link source for this:

 

Jason McLeod on Cubs draft re. pitching:

 

"It's going to be a focal point," McLeod said. "We might be a little more focused on a particular type [of pitcher] rather than just casting a really wide net like we have the last couple of years. When you look up after Tuesday, and we've gone through a few rounds, you'll see a pretty good mix of pitching again."

McLeod said they have a specific wish list, although he wouldn't reveal the characteristics.

"I feel now we're going to look for something a little more specific -- body type, pitch type, how the arm works," he said. "A lot of that is learning what we've done since we got here."

[Hrubes20]

Copied from friend on another Cubs board, he didn't link source for this:

 

Jason McLeod on Cubs draft re. pitching:

 

"It's going to be a focal point," McLeod said. "We might be a little more focused on a particular type [of pitcher] rather than just casting a really wide net like we have the last couple of years. When you look up after Tuesday, and we've gone through a few rounds, you'll see a pretty good mix of pitching again."

McLeod said they have a specific wish list, although he wouldn't reveal the characteristics.

"I feel now we're going to look for something a little more specific -- body type, pitch type, how the arm works," he said. "A lot of that is learning what we've done since we got here."

 

That was from the Levine article a day or two ago.

 

Callis posted another mock draft as well. Has the Cubs taking Houck at 27 (and passing on Romero and Carlson) and Allen at 30.

 

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/235304580/round-1-forecast-mlb-draft-starts-monday/?topicid=151437456

[Hrubes20]

 

Has us taking Gary Varsho's kid, Daulton. He's a fast rising C. At 30, its got us taking Schmidt.

 

That would certainly be an underslot type pick at 27. He sounds like Zagunis, but with a bit more pop. Apparently doesn't have a strong enough arm to stick at C for many scouts.

[Tryptamine]

I can't believe BA's mock 4.0 doesn't even have Bukauskas going in the 1st round. If he were there for the Cubs at 27/30 and they didn't take him I would be profoundly disappointed.

[Hrubes20]

I can't believe BA's mock 4.0 doesn't even have Bukauskas going in the 1st round. If he were there for the Cubs at 27/30 and they didn't take him I would be profoundly disappointed.

 

He went 8th overall to the Phillies.

[Tryptamine]

I can't believe BA's mock 4.0 doesn't even have Bukauskas going in the 1st round. If he were there for the Cubs at 27/30 and they didn't take him I would be profoundly disappointed.

 

He went 8th overall to the Phillies.

 

Yeah, this is why you read things a second or third time. Oops :P.

[Tedward]

Cubs content from Keith Law's chat earlier today... sans comments on Addison Russell situation

 

 

Bret: How much does Nick Allen’s height concern you? It may be recency bias, but my instinct is that worrying about a player’s height tends to be a bit overblown?

Keith Law: It doesn’t. Dude can hit and can play short. He’s fine

 

Sam: Still thinking Nick Allen for the Cubs? Would they save any money for high-ceiling options at #30?

Keith Law: I didn’t have them with Allen in my last mock. I have heard they would like to pair up those picks (27 and 29), go over slot with one and under with the other, to try to nab a top 15 talent who fell due to bonus demands/college commitment

 

Ed: Are the Cubs still on Luis Gonzalez? Seems like a lot of risk – HS guy playing in altitude with limited upside. Any chance they look at pitching or do they continue to do what they’ve been good at – picking bats? Thanks!

Keith Law: Luis Gonzalez is at UNM. You’re (possibly) confusing him with Jacob Gonzalez, whose father Luis played for the Dbacks, who is an Arizona HS kid.

 

Ed: Is Pearson’s stock getting too high for him to fall to the Cubs?

Keith Law: I have heard Nate Pearson has a deal in the 21-26 range.

[davell]

Cubs content from Keith Law's chat earlier today... sans comments on Addison Russell situation

 

 

Bret: How much does Nick Allen’s height concern you? It may be recency bias, but my instinct is that worrying about a player’s height tends to be a bit overblown?

Keith Law: It doesn’t. Dude can hit and can play short. He’s fine

 

Sam: Still thinking Nick Allen for the Cubs? Would they save any money for high-ceiling options at #30?

Keith Law: I didn’t have them with Allen in my last mock. I have heard they would like to pair up those picks (27 and 29), go over slot with one and under with the other, to try to nab a top 15 talent who fell due to bonus demands/college commitment

 

Ed: Are the Cubs still on Luis Gonzalez? Seems like a lot of risk – HS guy playing in altitude with limited upside. Any chance they look at pitching or do they continue to do what they’ve been good at – picking bats? Thanks!

Keith Law: Luis Gonzalez is at UNM. You’re (possibly) confusing him with Jacob Gonzalez, whose father Luis played for the Dbacks, who is an Arizona HS kid.

 

Ed: Is Pearson’s stock getting too high for him to fall to the Cubs?

Keith Law: I have heard Nate Pearson has a deal in the 21-26 range.

 

The under slot one, over slot the other idea Law is talking about, explains Varsho, Rooker, Gonzalez, maybe even Melendez being mocked to us. Top 15 talent.....Baz a possibility? I'll guess not. Same with Hall. Leaves Carlson and Rogers, I'd guess.....

[Hrubes20]

Cubs content from Keith Law's chat earlier today... sans comments on Addison Russell situation

 

 

Bret: How much does Nick Allen’s height concern you? It may be recency bias, but my instinct is that worrying about a player’s height tends to be a bit overblown?

Keith Law: It doesn’t. Dude can hit and can play short. He’s fine

 

Sam: Still thinking Nick Allen for the Cubs? Would they save any money for high-ceiling options at #30?

Keith Law: I didn’t have them with Allen in my last mock. I have heard they would like to pair up those picks (27 and 29), go over slot with one and under with the other, to try to nab a top 15 talent who fell due to bonus demands/college commitment

 

Ed: Are the Cubs still on Luis Gonzalez? Seems like a lot of risk – HS guy playing in altitude with limited upside. Any chance they look at pitching or do they continue to do what they’ve been good at – picking bats? Thanks!

Keith Law: Luis Gonzalez is at UNM. You’re (possibly) confusing him with Jacob Gonzalez, whose father Luis played for the Dbacks, who is an Arizona HS kid.

 

Ed: Is Pearson’s stock getting too high for him to fall to the Cubs?

Keith Law: I have heard Nate Pearson has a deal in the 21-26 range.

 

The under slot one, over slot the other idea Law is talking about, explains Varsho, Rooker, Gonzalez, maybe even Melendez being mocked to us. Top 15 talent.....Baz a possibility? I'll guess not. Same with Hall. Leaves Carlson and Rogers, I'd guess.....

 

There first has to be a top 15 talent that drops. I haven't heard of any true tough signs yet, other than Brady McConnell and Mark Vientos in a blurb in one of the recent mocks. Has anybody else seen other names listed as tough signs?

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Cubs content from Keith Law's chat earlier today... sans comments on Addison Russell situation

 

 

Bret: How much does Nick Allen’s height concern you? It may be recency bias, but my instinct is that worrying about a player’s height tends to be a bit overblown?

Keith Law: It doesn’t. Dude can hit and can play short. He’s fine

 

Sam: Still thinking Nick Allen for the Cubs? Would they save any money for high-ceiling options at #30?

Keith Law: I didn’t have them with Allen in my last mock. I have heard they would like to pair up those picks (27 and 29), go over slot with one and under with the other, to try to nab a top 15 talent who fell due to bonus demands/college commitment

 

Ed: Are the Cubs still on Luis Gonzalez? Seems like a lot of risk – HS guy playing in altitude with limited upside. Any chance they look at pitching or do they continue to do what they’ve been good at – picking bats? Thanks!

Keith Law: Luis Gonzalez is at UNM. You’re (possibly) confusing him with Jacob Gonzalez, whose father Luis played for the Dbacks, who is an Arizona HS kid.

 

Ed: Is Pearson’s stock getting too high for him to fall to the Cubs?

Keith Law: I have heard Nate Pearson has a deal in the 21-26 range.

 

The under slot one, over slot the other idea Law is talking about, explains Varsho, Rooker, Gonzalez, maybe even Melendez being mocked to us. Top 15 talent.....Baz a possibility? I'll guess not. Same with Hall. Leaves Carlson and Rogers, I'd guess.....

 

Possibly guys who were top 15 talents betore injury like Clarke Schmidt or Tristan Beck?

[davell]

Cubs content from Keith Law's chat earlier today... sans comments on Addison Russell situation

 

 

Bret: How much does Nick Allen’s height concern you? It may be recency bias, but my instinct is that worrying about a player’s height tends to be a bit overblown?

Keith Law: It doesn’t. Dude can hit and can play short. He’s fine

 

Sam: Still thinking Nick Allen for the Cubs? Would they save any money for high-ceiling options at #30?

Keith Law: I didn’t have them with Allen in my last mock. I have heard they would like to pair up those picks (27 and 29), go over slot with one and under with the other, to try to nab a top 15 talent who fell due to bonus demands/college commitment

 

Ed: Are the Cubs still on Luis Gonzalez? Seems like a lot of risk – HS guy playing in altitude with limited upside. Any chance they look at pitching or do they continue to do what they’ve been good at – picking bats? Thanks!

Keith Law: Luis Gonzalez is at UNM. You’re (possibly) confusing him with Jacob Gonzalez, whose father Luis played for the Dbacks, who is an Arizona HS kid.

 

Ed: Is Pearson’s stock getting too high for him to fall to the Cubs?

Keith Law: I have heard Nate Pearson has a deal in the 21-26 range.

 

The under slot one, over slot the other idea Law is talking about, explains Varsho, Rooker, Gonzalez, maybe even Melendez being mocked to us. Top 15 talent.....Baz a possibility? I'll guess not. Same with Hall. Leaves Carlson and Rogers, I'd guess.....

 

There first has to be a top 15 talent that drops. I haven't heard of any true tough signs yet, other than Brady McConnell and Mark Vientos in a blurb in one of the recent mocks. Has anybody else seen other names listed as tough signs?

 

 

Baz has been rumored to have a high price tag. Even still, I can't see him falling. Carlson has shown up inside some top 20's, but has still been mocked lower, lending to at least wondering if he's got a high price tag. Rogers falls in that same boat.....

 

As far as other guys I'd guess that one whole list of guys in Law's chat.....Heatherly, Corry, Jennings, Hurt, Enlow, Jennings, he mentioned Carlson too. I'm going to assume if you're trying to cut a deal with a team to move down, you're getting significant over slot to do it, at least. Beck falls in there too. Estrada is supposedly really tough, Mercado too.

[davell]

Alex Scherff is a Boras guy, I'm guessing he's not cheap. Jake Eder is a Vandy guy, he's going to be tough.