2018 Actual MLB Draft Day(s) Thread

[davell]

https://twitter.com/Savermetrics/status/1003535679278624768?s=19

 

https://twitter.com/Savermetrics/status/1003536012054654976?s=19

 

This obviously sounds promising.

[davell]

Eh, Wes just told me there's a PG guy and also his local beat writer that are questioning whether he was taken too late.

 

He might be a kid that hates school, but his parents have a number in mind and if he doesn't get it, they'll make him go to school any way.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

The Cubs take Tyler Ras in the 33rd round. Worked out for the Cubs before the draft.

 

MLB.com's 197th player.

 

A New Jersey high school right-hander hasn't been taken in the top five round since Joe Gatto was a second-rounder back in 2014, and Gatto was the first one since 2008 (Jason Knapp, second round). Ras, thanks to his arm strength and athleticism, has the chance to join a very select group. Ras is a two-way stand out at Middletown High School who has separated himself as a pitching prospect. He's projectable at 6-foot-4 and has been up to 93 mph with his fastball, with more in the tank as he fills out that frame. He's at his best when he stays on top and throws downhill, creating good life on that heater. His secondary stuff is behind his fastball, though his slurvy breaking ball and his changeup show glimpses of being solid offerings. Some scouts don't love his arm action and delivery, but with his athleticism, there's hope things could be corrected with instruction. There are teams that don't shy away from pitching projects, and Ras certainly would be one. He's committed to the University of Alabama, but it's easy to dream on what he can become once he's focusing only on the mound.

 

BA ranked him 188.

 

Tyler Ras HS RHP/OF

 

School: Middletown (N.J.) North HS

Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 195 | B-T: B-R | Commit/Drafted: Alabama

Scouting Report: A 6-foot-4, 195-pound righthander, Ras has a low-90s fastball that can touch 95 mph. His high-70s, low-80s changeup, which features late, arm-side fade, is his best offspeed offering. Ras struggles to spin both his slider and curveball, which seems to be a direct result of his elongated, unusually stiff arm action that coincides with an over-the-top release point. Regardless of the delivery, Ras has at least average control and does a good job of filling up the strike zone with both his fastball and changeup. Because of his arm action and struggle to consistently land one of his two breaking balls, there are some scouts who believe he would be better suited in a relief role. Ras is a solid athlete and if he ends up on campus at Alabama he has a chance to be a solid two-way player for the Crimson Tide. He is a switch-hitting outfielder and could do both at the collegiate level, even if his future as a pro is likely on the mound.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

The Cubs take Jacob Campbell, a prep catcher from Craig HS in Wisconsin, in the 36th round.

 

MLB.com's 154th prospect:

 

Projected first-round outfielder Jarred Kelenic (Waukesha West) isn't the only Wisconsin high school position player attracting scouts this spring. Campbell and third baseman Alex Binelas (Oak Creek) also would fit in the first five rounds on talent for some clubs, though they may not get popped early enough to divert from college. An Illinois recruit, Campbell is a better defender but has less power potential than Ben Rortvedt, a Badger State prep catcher whom the Twins drafted in the second round two years ago. Campbell has all the tools to succeed behind the plate. He receives and blocks well, and he makes accurate throws with solid arm strength. He plays with energy and has admirable leadership skills. Campbell has played through a hamate injury that has hampered him at the plate this spring. His strength stands out more than his bat speed, though his right-handed swing is quick enough. He currently employs a middle-away approach that's more conducive to hitting for average than power, though he could have more pop once he starts to turn on more pitches.

 

BA's 155th prospect:

 

Jacob Campbell HS C

 

School: Craig HS, Janesville, Wis.

Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 200 | B-T: R-R | Commit/Drafted: Illinois

Scouting Report: Campbell is one of several solid prospects who was hurt by the cold weather that delayed the start of baseball seasons in the upper Midwest. It’s a pity because scouts have long been impressed with his combination of a physical frame, solid receiving skills and an average arm. Campbell, an Illinois signee, is a good athlete and an average runner. At the plate, he has a line-drive approach that is more geared to singles and doubles than home runs, but his swing works and he stays balanced. Even with less time to evaluate him than many other prospects, Campbell could still be an early day two pick for a team that likes his well-rounded toolset.

[Agony and Ivy]

 

The Cubs don't need the bad publicity, but I wonder on a more societal level whether he should forever be barred based on a teenage mistake (his claims of innocence not withstanding). The move toward felons voting is picking up steam, and I think that's probably consistent with where our society is going. The Obama Administration was very committed to the idea of keeping the official records of teen offenders clean as not to hamper them later on (see Nikolas Cruz). I just wonder if Luke Hemlich is different because he might make millions of dollars.

Raping a kid is not a "mistake".

 

This isn't a guy that got caught stealing a 6-pack of beer.

 

My initial reaction was the same, but after reading up on the full story, I'm not as sure. I still don't think I'd draft him but there was enough other things going on with the story that is was not as clear cut as I first thought.

 

I read the part where he plead horsefeathering guilty for molesting his 6 year old niece. You probably read the same blog post every other Heimlich truther read which was written by a close family friend in order to try and get him drafted. There's no selling it to your fanbase that you took an admitted child molester and there's no chance that plays in a clubhouse full of athletes with children of their own.

 

The felon wanted to save his family and keep them together by sparing them a trial? GTFOH with that horsefeathers. First, this isn't some traffic violation where you wake up and say horsefeathers it I've got better things to do than go to court on this glorious Wednesday, I'll just admit guilt so I don't have to waste an entire day. If this was some made up charge I think I go down swinging instead of just accepting the deal that labels me a sex offender. Second, why the horsefeathers would you want to keep a family together if they're making up sexual assault claims against one another? Finally, children do not tend to lie about abuse, so just accepting his new innocence claims over the signed horsefeathering plea deal is asinine to me.

[javy knows my name]

Raping a kid is not a "mistake".

 

This isn't a guy that got caught stealing a 6-pack of beer.

 

My initial reaction was the same, but after reading up on the full story, I'm not as sure. I still don't think I'd draft him but there was enough other things going on with the story that is was not as clear cut as I first thought.

 

I read the part where he plead horsefeathering guilty for molesting his 6 year old niece. You probably read the same blog post every other Heimlich truther read which was written by a close family friend in order to try and get him drafted. There's no selling it to your fanbase that you took an admitted child molester and there's no chance that plays in a clubhouse full of athletes with children of their own.

 

The felon wanted to save his family and keep them together by sparing them a trial? GTFOH with that horsefeathers. First, this isn't some traffic violation where you wake up and say horsefeathers it I've got better things to do than go to court on this glorious Wednesday, I'll just admit guilt so I don't have to waste an entire day. If this was some made up charge I think I go down swinging instead of just accepting the deal that labels me a sex offender. Second, why the horsefeathers would you want to keep a family together if they're making up sexual assault claims against one another? Finally, children do not tend to lie about abuse, so just accepting his new innocence claims over the signed horsefeathering plea deal is asinine to me.

 

Yeah, most stories have two sides. This one does not

[ScrubMD]

Even if they can’t get him signed I like the Ras, Tyler pick. I just hope they’re also keeping an eye on his brother Ras Trent.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

The draft is over. The first post has been updated.

 

No one drafted Heimlich.

[philosophizer75]

I'm glad nobody drafted him. What kind of talent is he? If there was no external factors, where do you think he would've been drafted?

[UK]

The Cubs take Jacob Campbell, a prep catcher from Craig HS in Wisconsin, in the 36th round.

 

MLB.com's 154th prospect:

 

Projected first-round outfielder Jarred Kelenic (Waukesha West) isn't the only Wisconsin high school position player attracting scouts this spring. Campbell and third baseman Alex Binelas (Oak Creek) also would fit in the first five rounds on talent for some clubs, though they may not get popped early enough to divert from college. An Illinois recruit, Campbell is a better defender but has less power potential than Ben Rortvedt, a Badger State prep catcher whom the Twins drafted in the second round two years ago. Campbell has all the tools to succeed behind the plate. He receives and blocks well, and he makes accurate throws with solid arm strength. He plays with energy and has admirable leadership skills. Campbell has played through a hamate injury that has hampered him at the plate this spring. His strength stands out more than his bat speed, though his right-handed swing is quick enough. He currently employs a middle-away approach that's more conducive to hitting for average than power, though he could have more pop once he starts to turn on more pitches.

 

BA's 155th prospect:

 

Jacob Campbell HS C

 

School: Craig HS, Janesville, Wis.

Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 200 | B-T: R-R | Commit/Drafted: Illinois

Scouting Report: Campbell is one of several solid prospects who was hurt by the cold weather that delayed the start of baseball seasons in the upper Midwest. It’s a pity because scouts have long been impressed with his combination of a physical frame, solid receiving skills and an average arm. Campbell, an Illinois signee, is a good athlete and an average runner. At the plate, he has a line-drive approach that is more geared to singles and doubles than home runs, but his swing works and he stays balanced. Even with less time to evaluate him than many other prospects, Campbell could still be an early day two pick for a team that likes his well-rounded toolset.

 

I seen him last Summer, I gave him a 4-6 rd range.

 

My grade was 35/45 hit, 30/45 power, 45/45 runner, 40/50 defense, 45/50 arm.

 

Well built, well balanced swing, good agility and flexibility for size. Frames well, shows leadership qualities, mechanics in dropping down could be better on breaking balls. Consistent 1.9-1.95 pops, accurate. Level swing, consistent weight shift, gap to gap hitter in BP. Right hitting coach could get more loft.

 

Rumors have him being a tougher sign, have not spoken to him yet.

 

Similar to Skoug out of Libertyville in '14, better pure hitter with less bat speed, better receiver than Skoug.

[Agony and Ivy]

I'm glad nobody drafted him. What kind of talent is he? If there was no external factors, where do you think he would've been drafted?

 

He would've been drafted in the first round or comp round.

[ConstableRabbit]

He’s a registered sex offender, right? How would that even work? Would he be allowed to be around the bat kids outside of during the game? The kids running the bases on Sunday? Can’t visit schools for charity visits...

[davell]

I half assed read that SI article on this thing. I believe, not positive though, that he's either already completely free and clear, or will be soon, from having any limitations.

 

No idea why. I think they said he's a low risk offender or some horsefeathers.

 

Still, NO ONE would feel comfortable in a situation like that. And there's going to be protesters and stuff..... I couldn't fathom it actually being one of those things that after a few years, people forget about it.

 

I think he's done. At least, I horsefeathering hope so.

[OleMissCub]

I'm glad nobody drafted him. What kind of talent is he? If there was no external factors, where do you think he would've been drafted?

 

A legit talent. Last year as a junior pitching in the Pac-12 he gave up just 10 runs in 118 innings.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

https://twitter.com/savermetrics/status/1004576116642865152?s=21

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Eh, Wes just told me there's a PG guy and also his local beat writer that are questioning whether he was taken too late.

 

He might be a kid that hates school, but his parents have a number in mind and if he doesn't get it, they'll make him go to school any way.

 

Ditching Tennessee for a JC. He’s positioning himself to get drafted again next year:

 

[CaliforniaRaisin]

[cubfan]

Raping a kid is not a "mistake".

 

This isn't a guy that got caught stealing a 6-pack of beer.

 

My initial reaction was the same, but after reading up on the full story, I'm not as sure. I still don't think I'd draft him but there was enough other things going on with the story that is was not as clear cut as I first thought.

 

I read the part where he plead horsefeathering guilty for molesting his 6 year old niece. You probably read the same blog post every other Heimlich truther read which was written by a close family friend in order to try and get him drafted. There's no selling it to your fanbase that you took an admitted child molester and there's no chance that plays in a clubhouse full of athletes with children of their own.

 

The felon wanted to save his family and keep them together by sparing them a trial? GTFOH with that horsefeathers. First, this isn't some traffic violation where you wake up and say horsefeathers it I've got better things to do than go to court on this glorious Wednesday, I'll just admit guilt so I don't have to waste an entire day. If this was some made up charge I think I go down swinging instead of just accepting the deal that labels me a sex offender. Second, why the horsefeathers would you want to keep a family together if they're making up sexual assault claims against one another? Finally, children do not tend to lie about abuse, so just accepting his new innocence claims over the signed horsefeathering plea deal is asinine to me.

 

I read the SI article. The reason the article gave for the plea was that they didn't think they could win and the plea deal was pretty light compared to what would have happened if he lost. As I said before, reading it didn't change my mind but seems to be more complicated than what I first thought. After reading the article, I'm guessing that he did it, but managed to convenience himself that he didn't enabling him to pass a couple polygraph tests. I'm happy the Cubs didn't draft him but I'm not going to be surprised if he ends up signing with someone at some point.

[Agony and Ivy]

 

My initial reaction was the same, but after reading up on the full story, I'm not as sure. I still don't think I'd draft him but there was enough other things going on with the story that is was not as clear cut as I first thought.

 

I read the part where he plead horsefeathering guilty for molesting his 6 year old niece. You probably read the same blog post every other Heimlich truther read which was written by a close family friend in order to try and get him drafted. There's no selling it to your fanbase that you took an admitted child molester and there's no chance that plays in a clubhouse full of athletes with children of their own.

 

The felon wanted to save his family and keep them together by sparing them a trial? GTFOH with that horsefeathers. First, this isn't some traffic violation where you wake up and say horsefeathers it I've got better things to do than go to court on this glorious Wednesday, I'll just admit guilt so I don't have to waste an entire day. If this was some made up charge I think I go down swinging instead of just accepting the deal that labels me a sex offender. Second, why the horsefeathers would you want to keep a family together if they're making up sexual assault claims against one another? Finally, children do not tend to lie about abuse, so just accepting his new innocence claims over the signed horsefeathering plea deal is asinine to me.

 

I read the SI article. The reason the article gave for the plea was that they didn't think they could win and the plea deal was pretty light compared to what would have happened if he lost. As I said before, reading it didn't change my mind but seems to be more complicated than what I first thought. After reading the article, I'm guessing that he did it, but managed to convenience himself that he didn't enabling him to pass a couple polygraph tests. I'm happy the Cubs didn't draft him but I'm not going to be surprised if he ends up signing with someone at some point.

 

The SI article was a family driven PR stunt to try and get him drafted. When you’re charged with something like that and you’re innocent you don’t just say aw shucks I really don’t want to go through the hassle of not being labeled a child molester the rest of my life. You fight to try and not be labeled a child molester. Kids rarely lie about being abused.

 

He’s a scumbag or the biggest moron on the planet and his career is over once the Beavers season ends hopefully in some heartbreaking fashion. Nobody on an Indy ball team will want him in the clubhouse and nobody in affiliated ball with sisters and daughters will want him around. No org is going to take the chance of alienating a huge part of their fan base for a guy who has a 50/50 shot at actually helping them win. I know I would immediately cease being a Cubs fan if they signed him. If he plays somewhere I hope he suffers a debilitating injury and I mean that. Screw pitchers and really screw pitchers that molest little kids.

 

JFC I thought this would be the one thing the internet could agree on but here we are with Luke Heimlich truthers in every corner. There’s nothing whatsoever complicated about this. He was accused of a heinous crime and then admitted to the heinous crime. Read his “apology” after he was found out.

[toonsterwu]

On a wholly separate note,

 

Been catching up on the draft yesterday. Granted, a chunk of those Day 3 guys won't sign.

 

Still ... as lukewarm as I was to start off the draft this might be my favorite draft under Theo/Jed/Jason. It probably won't have the overall impact of some of the other drafts, but there's a depth and balance to this draft. Yeah, wasn't a huge fan of the run of OF's early, but I liked a lot of the Day 2 picks, there's some pitchers with upside, some pitchers with floor, there's some power bats, some speed, and some gambles on upside (namely, Davis, but a few others).

 

I'd be stunned if this draft didn't produce a few useful major leaguers. It might not produce stars, but that's okay.

[OleMissCub]

 

Pretty awesome loophole to pay a kid for his football services. Must be a Michigan booster in or connected to the Rangers FO. Patterson hasn’t played baseball since he was 14.

[jersey cubs fan]

He's in line for a sweet jersey and commemorative plaque

[OleMissCub]

He's in line for a sweet jersey and commemorative plaque

 

Quite certain they'll be more to it than that.

[jersey cubs fan]

He's in line for a sweet jersey and commemorative plaque

 

Quite certain they'll be more to it than that.

What do these ceremonial 40th round guys get beyond that. Every other story is about making some kids dream come true or something, yet your belief is that a michigan alum will funnel a significant sum of cash through the rangers to make this happen, and the rangers are happy to play along?

[OleMissCub]

He's in line for a sweet jersey and commemorative plaque

 

Quite certain they'll be more to it than that.

What do these ceremonial 40th round guys get beyond that. Every other story is about making some kids dream come true or something, yet your belief is that a michigan alum will funnel a significant sum of cash through the rangers to make this happen, and the rangers are happy to play along?

 

Who said significant sum of cash? It's probably 15k or something. If you can explain an honest reason why they would draft a guy who hasn't played baseball since he was 14 (and wasn't even that good at it) who isn't some freaky freak athlete like Michael Vick was, then lay it on me. This isn't like Russell Wilson being drafted, or when the Rangers drafted Jameis Winston (who was a good college player), or when the Cubs drafted Colin Kaepernick (a tremendous high school pitcher). It isn't some make a wish or dream come true story either; Patterson is very likely a future NFL quarterback.

 

There are so many loopholes being exploited right now in college football in efforts to pay players. Here's a fun one: Mississippi State boosters paid one of their linebackers, Leo Lewis, $11,000 in cash to sign with the school. Lewis admitted this to the NCAA. Why wasn't MS State punished? Because there is a loophole that says a parent of an active player on the team can give money to a recruit. So a local community college coach who makes $32,000 a year was able to hand Lewis $11,000 in cash in the parking lot of the MS State athletic complex because his son was a current player at MS State. NCAA was informed by Lewis himself and all they could do was shrug their shoulders.