2018 Draft Thread

[CaliforniaRaisin]

http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2018?list=draft

 

MLB Pipeline updated their top 100 and sadly, NSBB favorite Jonathan India is now at 10. Admittedly they have Alec Brohm at 11, which seems low.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

BA mock of the top 15: https://www.baseballamerica.com/rankings/mlb-mock-draft/?utm_source=180427_newsletter&utm_medium=email

[Regular Show]

http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2018?list=draft

 

MLB Pipeline updated their top 100 and sadly, NSBB favorite Jonathan India is now at 10. Admittedly they have Alec Brohm at 11, which seems low.

 

Dude, I'm not one to judge or criticize or be a grammar Nazi, but this is like the third time you've called Alec Bohm ... Alec Brohm.

 

Not a big deal, and I didn't say anything the first or second time but that's not how you spell his name lol.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2018?list=draft

 

MLB Pipeline updated their top 100 and sadly, NSBB favorite Jonathan India is now at 10. Admittedly they have Alec Brohm at 11, which seems low.

 

Dude, I'm not one to judge or criticize or be a grammar Nazi, but this is like the third time you've called Alec Bohm ... Alec Brohm.

 

Not a big deal, and I didn't say anything the first or second time but that's not how you spell his name lol.

 

Autocorrect clearly isn’t a fan of his name because I have been trying to type Bohm.

[Regular Show]

BA mock of the top 15: https://www.baseballamerica.com/rankings/mlb-mock-draft/?utm_source=180427_newsletter&utm_medium=email

 

So I don't have a subscription for BA. Do you think you could post the Top-5 in their mock draft?

 

I understand posting the whole thing would be wrong. Honestly, I just want to know where they have Carter Stewart, Alec Bohm and Kumar Rocker going.

[Denmaz]

BA mock of the top 15: https://www.baseballamerica.com/rankings/mlb-mock-draft/?utm_source=180427_newsletter&utm_medium=email

 

So I don't have a subscription for BA. Do you think you could post the Top-5 in their mock draft?

 

I understand posting the whole thing would be wrong. Honestly, I just want to know where they have Carter Stewart, Alec Bohm and Kumar Rocker going.

#1 Casey Mize

#2 Joey Bart

#3 Alec Bohm

#4 Madrigal

#5 Liberatore

#7 Carter Stewart

#8 Kumar Rocker

[Regular Show]

BA mock of the top 15: https://www.baseballamerica.com/rankings/mlb-mock-draft/?utm_source=180427_newsletter&utm_medium=email

 

So I don't have a subscription for BA. Do you think you could post the Top-5 in their mock draft?

 

I understand posting the whole thing would be wrong. Honestly, I just want to know where they have Carter Stewart, Alec Bohm and Kumar Rocker going.

#1 Casey Mize

#2 Joey Bart

#3 Alec Bohm

#4 Madrigal

#5 Liberatore

#7 Carter Stewart

#8 Kumar Rocker

 

Thanks!

 

Joey Bart going second is very surprising. Everyone else you listed is right where I thought they should go.

 

I can't wait till they do a full mock draft to see who they have the Cubs taking. I definitely think the Cubs are taking a pitcher.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

[CaliforniaRaisin]

It feels like every prep arm who isn’t hurt has helium.

 

 

I saw that Jonathan India stole the headlines from the Mize/Singer matchup Thursday by homering off Mize.

[Regular Show]

Some more draft info from Klaw Chat:

 

Adam D.: Any early buzz about who the Giants might take at #2? I would like to see an upside play like Stewart, but it seems like the general strength of the college players near the top, combined with their refusal to play the rebuilding game makes them likely to go that route. Thoughts?

Keith Law: The current buzz is that all or at least five of the top six picks will likely be college guys. I wouldn’t rule out Stewart – Dick Tidrow, whose opinion really matters in the Giants’ draft room, saw Stewart’s best outing – but I could see the picks going Mize (1), McClanahan, Bart, Bohm, Madrigal, India, or something similar to that. Bart could go anywhere from 2 to 9, Madrigal maybe 5-9, Bohm 3-6. Mize is atop just about everyone’s boards, even guys who don’t like the delivery.

 

MittyShorph: Keith, I’ve seen see talk about certain college programs that hurt player’s futures with their abuse of pitchers, odd philosophies, etc. If you were advising a high school senior who could go anywhere and play what programs would you suggest?

Keith Law: I do think the tide is shifting, gradually, as we see programs like Florida and Vanderbilt win with good pitching yet without overusing pitchers in general. They’ve recruited better, and built deep staffs relative to most schools. The reign of the College Coaching Axis of Evil – Graham, Marquess, and the late Garrido – is also coming to an end. But we do still see stupid stuff like UConn blowing out Anthony Kay two years ago. And HS coaches have less accountability. Two days before Mike Vasil walked off the mound holding his elbow, he threw an unscheduled, 20-pitch relief inning. How does that benefit him? It’s not like there were scouts there to see him.

 

Thomas: You mentioned in a recent draft blog that there just aren’t many players as small as Madrigal in the majors. Just curious – how does he compare to Nick Allen, who was thought as a first round talent but slipped due to concerns about his size? Do they have comparable skill sets?

Keith Law: Allen can play shortstop, and well, and I think he’s a better runner than Madrigal. Madrigal plays second, even now, but I know several directors & cross-checkers who think he has the best hit tool in this draft.

 

Mac: Have Madrigal and Kelenic moved up draft boards simply by not playing? How much recency bias occurs at the top of the draft?

Keith Law: I’ve joked about that – the best thing to do this spring has been to not play. Kelenic is playing now, though; his standing may be a function of last summer/fall, though, since the pitching he’s seeing this spring is not good.

 

GIO: Dustin Pedroia was another super small college infielder that some thought was too small for pro ball. How does Madrigal compare to him coming out of college? Similar skill sets?

Keith Law: That’s a bit of revisionism. Pedroia was a shortstop who couldn’t stay there, and who swung uphill to an extent that very few big leaguers then or now do. His size didn’t help him. He was also a 40 runner, and that didn’t help him. Hell, he was balding at 21, which probably didn’t help him. I never saw him as an amateur, but I know our scouts in Toronto were lukewarm, and we had him more in the fourth round than second (where Boston took him). Madrigal is tiny – he’s listed at 5’7″ and around my weight, which, well, look at me and tell me if I look like a big leaguer – but he’s not that unconventional.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Jonathan Mayo mock draft: https://www.mlb.com/news/projections-for-all-30-first-round-draft-picks/c-274577288?tid=151437456

 

24. Cubs: Sean Hjelle, RHP, Kentucky

 

The Cubs have targeted college players up top the last few years and took two pitchers in the first round a year ago. The 6-foot-11 Hjelle won SEC Pitcher of the Year honors as a sophomore and has turned in another solid season with Kentucky.

 

Not sure how good a mock is when it has Singer at #2 overall but anyways, here are some other names that have been mentioned around here: Triston Casas at 13, Jonathan India at 14, Cole Winn at 15, Ethan Hankins at 18, Trevor Larnach at 21, Ryan Weathers at 22, Kumar Rocker at 23, Noah Naylor at 25 and Connor Scott at 28.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

[Regular Show]

[tweet]

[/tweet]

 

Damn. I don't think the Cubs will have a chance at drafting Cole Winn now.

 

This draft is so loaded I'm not too worried about a really good player being available at #24, but I'm starting to make a preferred list in my mind.

 

Sidenote: This draft class is reminding me of the 2011 draft where the late Jose Fernandez went in the teens. He was arguably the most talented pitcher in that draft, and I feel like the same thing might happen in this draft. I think it's almost impossible to differentiate the top pitching prospects with the notable exception of Casey Mize. However, if Mize gets hurt or his stuff backs up even a little bit then you can make the case for another pitcher.

[Hrubes20]

Jonathan Mayo mock draft: https://www.mlb.com/news/projections-for-all-30-first-round-draft-picks/c-274577288?tid=151437456

 

24. Cubs: Sean Hjelle, RHP, Kentucky

 

The Cubs have targeted college players up top the last few years and took two pitchers in the first round a year ago. The 6-foot-11 Hjelle won SEC Pitcher of the Year honors as a sophomore and has turned in another solid season with Kentucky.

 

Not sure how good a mock is when it has Singer at #2 overall but anyways, here are some other names that have been mentioned around here: Triston Casas at 13, Jonathan India at 14, Cole Winn at 15, Ethan Hankins at 18, Trevor Larnach at 21, Ryan Weathers at 22, Kumar Rocker at 23, Noah Naylor at 25 and Connor Scott at 28.

 

Pass. I don't want anything to do with Hjelle in the 1st. Solid, but not great stuff. Solid, but not great collegiate production. He's absurdly tall so all sorts of things could happen to his mechanics (even though he repeats them fine right now). At this point I'm over taking college pitchers in the 1st round that need things to fall right just so they can be a BOR starter.

[Regular Show]

Jonathan Mayo mock draft: https://www.mlb.com/news/projections-for-all-30-first-round-draft-picks/c-274577288?tid=151437456

 

24. Cubs: Sean Hjelle, RHP, Kentucky

 

The Cubs have targeted college players up top the last few years and took two pitchers in the first round a year ago. The 6-foot-11 Hjelle won SEC Pitcher of the Year honors as a sophomore and has turned in another solid season with Kentucky.

 

Not sure how good a mock is when it has Singer at #2 overall but anyways, here are some other names that have been mentioned around here: Triston Casas at 13, Jonathan India at 14, Cole Winn at 15, Ethan Hankins at 18, Trevor Larnach at 21, Ryan Weathers at 22, Kumar Rocker at 23, Noah Naylor at 25 and Connor Scott at 28.

 

Pass. I don't want anything to do with Hjelle in the 1st. Solid, but not great stuff. Solid, but not great collegiate production. He's absurdly tall so all sorts of things could happen to his mechanics (even though he repeats them fine right now). At this point I'm over taking college pitchers in the 1st round that need things to fall right just so they can be a BOR starter.

 

I'm going to have to disagree respectfully. I know Hjelle isn't a sexy pick, but I think he has a really high floor and a significant upside if he adds more velocity. I'm no scout, but I think he can get stronger and throw a couple ticks harder than he is currently throwing. His command looks really good in every video and highlight and game I've seen -- I really doubt his mechanics will just fall apart.

 

I do believe there are HS pitching prospects with higher upsides and better stuff in this draft, and probably one of them will be available to the Cubs. I would probably want them to target someone with a really high upside over a safe college pitcher with a high floor, but I also really like Sean Hjelle. I understand where you're coming from...

 

I know if Hjelle threw harder there's no way he'd fall to the Cubs. I feel like this sometimes when debating the merits of Sean Hjelle:

 

[Hrubes20]

 

I'm going to have to disagree respectfully. I know Hjelle isn't a sexy pick, but I think he has a really high floor and a significant upside if he adds more velocity. I'm no scout, but I think he can get stronger and throw a couple ticks harder than he is currently throwing. His command looks really good in every video and highlight and game I've seen -- I really doubt his mechanics will just fall apart.

 

I do believe there are HS pitching prospects with higher upsides and better stuff in this draft, and probably one of them will be available to the Cubs. I would probably want them to target someone with a really high upside over a safe college pitcher with a high floor, but I also really like Sean Hjelle. I understand where you're coming from...

 

I know if Hjelle threw harder there's no way he'd fall to the Cubs. I feel like this sometimes when debating the merits of Sean Hjelle:

 

 

Just so we are on the same page, has there been an updated scouting report on Hjelle that has him gaining velocity? I've only seen 1 game of his and he was 90-92, and was around 90 much more frequently in the 4th and 5th. The reports I've read have him in that same range. I didn't see one plus secondary pitch, although I've seen reports that he has flashed a plus curve. The changeup is average. I will agree that the command is really good though. He's a strikethrower. But he doesn't miss any bats. K/9 under 8 this year in college is a huge red flag for me. It's a testament to his mediocre stuff if he can't even get collegiate players to swing and miss. You have to be 100% sure that Hjelle is going to be able to gain several ticks on the fastball and that he gets consistency with the curve and change. Just because a guy is tall and has a frame to add on to, doesn't mean the velo with increase. People always kept waiting for Chris Volstad, Jon Rauch and Mark Hendrickson to bump up their velos, but it never happened. Volstad is actually the guy that comes to mind when I see Hjelle. Maybe Chris Young on the high side. Neither are ideal, although early career Chris Young had a season or two that were solid.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

 

I'm going to have to disagree respectfully. I know Hjelle isn't a sexy pick, but I think he has a really high floor and a significant upside if he adds more velocity. I'm no scout, but I think he can get stronger and throw a couple ticks harder than he is currently throwing. His command looks really good in every video and highlight and game I've seen -- I really doubt his mechanics will just fall apart.

 

I do believe there are HS pitching prospects with higher upsides and better stuff in this draft, and probably one of them will be available to the Cubs. I would probably want them to target someone with a really high upside over a safe college pitcher with a high floor, but I also really like Sean Hjelle. I understand where you're coming from...

 

I know if Hjelle threw harder there's no way he'd fall to the Cubs. I feel like this sometimes when debating the merits of Sean Hjelle:

 

 

Just so we are on the same page, has there been an updated scouting report on Hjelle that has him gaining velocity? I've only seen 1 game of his and he was 90-92, and was around 90 much more frequently in the 4th and 5th. The reports I've read have him in that same range. I didn't see one plus secondary pitch, although I've seen reports that he has flashed a plus curve. The changeup is average. I will agree that the command is really good though. He's a strikethrower. But he doesn't miss any bats. K/9 under 8 this year in college is a huge red flag for me. It's a testament to his mediocre stuff if he can't even get collegiate players to swing and miss. You have to be 100% sure that Hjelle is going to be able to gain several ticks on the fastball and that he gets consistency with the curve and change. Just because a guy is tall and has a frame to add on to, doesn't mean the velo with increase. People always kept waiting for Chris Volstad, Jon Rauch and Mark Hendrickson to bump up their velos, but it never happened. Volstad is actually the guy that comes to mind when I see Hjelle. Maybe Chris Young on the high side. Neither are ideal, although early career Chris Young had a season or two that were solid.

 

That’s still the scouting report I’ve seen for Hjelle. He’s kind of disappointed this season.

 

I took the whole mock with a grain of salt after seeing Singer at 2 but I’m with you on picking another college arm with a 4/5 ceiling in the first.

[Regular Show]

 

I'm going to have to disagree respectfully. I know Hjelle isn't a sexy pick, but I think he has a really high floor and a significant upside if he adds more velocity. I'm no scout, but I think he can get stronger and throw a couple ticks harder than he is currently throwing. His command looks really good in every video and highlight and game I've seen -- I really doubt his mechanics will just fall apart.

 

I do believe there are HS pitching prospects with higher upsides and better stuff in this draft, and probably one of them will be available to the Cubs. I would probably want them to target someone with a really high upside over a safe college pitcher with a high floor, but I also really like Sean Hjelle. I understand where you're coming from...

 

I know if Hjelle threw harder there's no way he'd fall to the Cubs. I feel like this sometimes when debating the merits of Sean Hjelle:

 

 

Just so we are on the same page, has there been an updated scouting report on Hjelle that has him gaining velocity? I've only seen 1 game of his and he was 90-92, and was around 90 much more frequently in the 4th and 5th. The reports I've read have him in that same range. I didn't see one plus secondary pitch, although I've seen reports that he has flashed a plus curve. The changeup is average. I will agree that the command is really good though. He's a strikethrower. But he doesn't miss any bats. K/9 under 8 this year in college is a huge red flag for me. It's a testament to his mediocre stuff if he can't even get collegiate players to swing and miss. You have to be 100% sure that Hjelle is going to be able to gain several ticks on the fastball and that he gets consistency with the curve and change. Just because a guy is tall and has a frame to add on to, doesn't mean the velo with increase. People always kept waiting for Chris Volstad, Jon Rauch and Mark Hendrickson to bump up their velos, but it never happened. Volstad is actually the guy that comes to mind when I see Hjelle. Maybe Chris Young on the high side. Neither are ideal, although early career Chris Young had a season or two that were solid.

 

Keith Law mentioned how it's possible he could add some more velo down the road. Not a certainty by any means. The scouting reports are all the same, but the reports on the curveball vary. I think it's a plus pitch and I think the changeup is average right now. Chris Young is a good comp. I was thinking of Doug Fister myself.

 

I guess I'm the high guy on Hjelle. We'll see how he develops in the next couple years.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

2:38

Keith: Two Questions: Austin Bergner draft stock? Jordyn Adams steam?

2:39

Kiley McDaniel: Adams has some momentum into the 13-22 range as it sounds like multiple teams were targeting him in the comp round so some teams are looking to jump the line. Bergner I saw a month ago and it was just okay, average stuff. More 4th-5th.

[Denmaz]

KLaw's Mock

24. Chicago Cubs: Grayson Rodriguez, RHP

 

The Cubs seem likely to go for upside with this pick, with a young and relatively full major league roster but lacking potential stars in the system; Rodriguez has some of the best pure stuff in the draft class and is one of the very few pitchers you might project as a potential No. 2 starter or better.

[Hrubes20]

KLaw's Mock

24. Chicago Cubs: Grayson Rodriguez, RHP

 

The Cubs seem likely to go for upside with this pick, with a young and relatively full major league roster but lacking potential stars in the system; Rodriguez has some of the best pure stuff in the draft class and is one of the very few pitchers you might project as a potential No. 2 starter or better.

 

One of the pop up guys this year. I would prefer a hitter, but if they go pitcher, Rodriguez is the type of arm I want.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

KLaw's Mock

24. Chicago Cubs: Grayson Rodriguez, RHP

 

The Cubs seem likely to go for upside with this pick, with a young and relatively full major league roster but lacking potential stars in the system; Rodriguez has some of the best pure stuff in the draft class and is one of the very few pitchers you might project as a potential No. 2 starter or better.

 

I wholeheartedly agree with Law’s reasoning for going for a higher ceiling prospect, especially since there will likely be a dearth of safer college bats since they seem to be getting picked more frequently at the top of the draft.

[Regular Show]

KLaw's Mock

24. Chicago Cubs: Grayson Rodriguez, RHP

 

The Cubs seem likely to go for upside with this pick, with a young and relatively full major league roster but lacking potential stars in the system; Rodriguez has some of the best pure stuff in the draft class and is one of the very few pitchers you might project as a potential No. 2 starter or better.

 

Weird that Keith Law has Brady Singer going second.. I didn't think he was that highly thought of after his slow start. This mock draft is pretty good overall.

 

I'm surprised Cole Winn and Kumar Rocker went so low, but MLB teams want to minimize risk so I get why those talented HS arms fell. I also get why Ethan Hankins fell with his shoulder injury scaring some teams. J.T. Ginn is another super talented HS arm, but I'm surprised Keith Law has him going in the first round.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

KLaw's Mock

24. Chicago Cubs: Grayson Rodriguez, RHP

 

The Cubs seem likely to go for upside with this pick, with a young and relatively full major league roster but lacking potential stars in the system; Rodriguez has some of the best pure stuff in the draft class and is one of the very few pitchers you might project as a potential No. 2 starter or better.

 

Weird that Keith Law has Brady Singer going second.. I didn't think he was that highly thought of after his slow start. This mock draft is pretty good overall.

 

I'm surprised Cole Winn and Kumar Rocker went so low, but MLB teams want to minimize risk so I get why those talented HS arms fell. I also get why Ethan Hankins fell with his shoulder injury scaring some teams. J.T. Ginn is another super talented HS arm, but I'm surprised Keith Law has him going in the first round.

 

If you don’t mind, where did Winn and Rocker go? And Connor Scott, who is probably my favorite prep bat who might be around the Cubs pick?

[Regular Show]

KLaw's Mock

 

Weird that Keith Law has Brady Singer going second.. I didn't think he was that highly thought of after his slow start. This mock draft is pretty good overall.

 

I'm surprised Cole Winn and Kumar Rocker went so low, but MLB teams want to minimize risk so I get why those talented HS arms fell. I also get why Ethan Hankins fell with his shoulder injury scaring some teams. J.T. Ginn is another super talented HS arm, but I'm surprised Keith Law has him going in the first round.

 

If you don’t mind, where did Winn and Rocker go? And Connor Scott, who is probably my favorite prep bat who might be around the Cubs pick?

 

21. Brewers - Ethan Hankins

22. Rockies - Kumar Rocker

23. Yankees - Cole Winn

24. Cubs - Grayson Rodriguez (so three of my favorite pitchers went right before the Cubs pick in this mock draft :? )

 

29. Indians - Conner Scott (also interested in Thomas, according to Law) -- I like Conner Scott too and wouldn't mind the Cubs taking him.

30. Dodgers - Alek Thomas (also interested in Scott, according to Law)