Regular Show

Is Ohtani trying to go for TJS #3? He can dial it back and still be very effective. I mean if you're going to throw this hard, at least save this effort (and velo) for the postseason.

I knew an MLB player was eventually going to do this after a bad call, but I'm surprised he tried to deny it. That wasn't a subtle gesture lol.

Good video on local rising prep lefty Jack Bauer. Seems pretty mature and well spoken. Probably does really well in private sessions when talking to scouts for MLB teams. He feels like a potential target for the Padres, Royals or Dodgers (they have 2 high picks now, one acquired in the Gavin Lux trade with the Reds).

Lots of interesting names on the list and not just at the top of the list. I'm very intrigued by RHP AJ Russell (ranked #55) and some prospect analysts think he could be this year's version of Cade Horton. He missed most of his sophomore year recovering from internal brace surgery. Hasn't thrown very much, but has a lot of interesting metrics, a low release point and good stuff that could get even better after getting drafted. I doubt the Cubs take him at #17, but he probably won't be available at their next pick in the 2nd round. ^This clip is from him pitching in 2024.

I'm still formulating my draft rankings and learning more about certain draft prospects, but I think the Cubs are taking a proven college talent just like in previous years. That strategy has worked out pretty well, and I think the draft model they use tends to push these advanced hitters higher up in their internal rankings. I don't think Wehiwa Aloy makes it to the Cubs' pick at 17 (I would be happy if he was still available). I think we should be monitoring Gavin Kilen, Marek Houston, and Brendan Summerhill. Maybe Andrew Fischer if the Cubs think he has a possibility of being average defensively at 3B (I don't think he will be and many scouts doubt it). Probably ends up being just a 1B prospect, but he has a good stroke and power. Reminds me of Michael Busch in college.

I really like Aiva Arquette, but I also highly doubt he gets selected with the top pick (I think the Rockies take Arquette). I agree with Jim Callis. I think Mike Rizzo and the Nationals take Ethan Holliday at #1, and I have like a 99% conviction in that.

The Cubs seemingly are relying more on data and their draft model these days, and you can't really argue with the results. The MLB Draft combine is more like the NBA combine than the NFL one (in terms of impact and improving draft stock). It doesn't really do that much, but it does allow teams to gain better information about the health of pitchers' arm/shoulder for the ones that agree to participate.

*^I'm pretty sure the video clip on the far right is suppose to say APR 2025, not APR 2024. I don't love the delivery and think he'll need to smooth out his mechanics/pitching motion either in college or after going pro. Definitely has room to get stronger and refine his secondary pitches. I would probably avoid a pitching prospect like this in the 1st round, but after that he becomes very intriguing (depending on how much he is looking for). His rise kinda reminds me of another Illinois prep lefty (Bryan Hudson) that the Cubs drafted in the 3rd round of the 2015 MLB Draft. It took him a while to reach MLB, but he did eventually make it as a lefty reliever (currently on the Brewers).