Monday, June 4, 2012

Picks 25-31

With the twenty-fifth pick, the Rays chose Richie Shaffer, a right-handed third baseman from Clemson University.  Shaffer has fantastic power but questions exist about his contact ability.  He's expected to move to first or a corner outfield spot as he's blocked by Longoria at third.  Shaffer has a high upside and, if he can make the necessary contact while avoiding high strikeout numbers, could be an excellent addition for the Rays.  He fits a need and could come quickly, plus he's a bargain this late.
Grade: B+

The Diamondbacks used the twenty-sixth pick on left-handed catcher Stryker Trahan from Acadiana High School in Louisiana.  Many comps have suggested Brian McCann and that seems fitting, although he's probably a better defensive catcher now than McCann was at this point.  Arizona recently extended Miguel Montero, so it's unclear whether they will move Trahan from behind the plate to start with him there with the flexibility to move him.  Either way, the 6'1", 215-pound slugger should hit all the way through the minors and could be a relatively early contributor.  I like this pick a lot, depending on where Trahan ends up defensively.
Grade: A-

The Brewers chose right-handed catcher Clint Coulter from Union High School in Washington with the twenty-seventh overall pick. He's a power hitter all the way and could catch or play a corner outfield spot in the future.  Coulter is a big kid with some strikeout concerns, but is a good athlete who has plenty of growth left in his game.  Solid pick by the Brew Crew, albeit a little risky.
Grade: B

With back to back first round picks, the Brewer used the twenty-eighth overall pick on Victor Roach, a right-handed outfield from Georgia Southern University.  Despite a broken wrist in February, Roache managed to sneak into the first round.  He was considered a top ten prior to the injury and if he gets healthy, could be a total steal.  Roache possess excellent power and is an athletic player, although not an overwhelming one.  He profiles as a left fielder and he's a value at this point in the draft, provided he gets back to form.  Risky, but I like it.
Grade: B+

The Rangers chose Lewis Brinson with the twenty-ninth overall pick, a right-handed outfielder from Coral Springs High School.  He's considered a Cameron Maybin clone with more pop.  Brinson is a fantastic upside pick and his athleticism is very similar to Buxton's.  He's a project, make no doubt about it, but they can afford to move him slowly.  I think he can be a center fielder long term, adding to his value.  Nice pick here despite the fact that it won't likely pay off for several years.
Grade: B+

Pick number thirty was used by the Yankees to select right-handed pitcher Ty Hensley from Santa Fe High School in Oklahoma.  A great athlete, he's exactly what you're looking for in a pitcher at 6'4" and 220-pounds.  His fastball and curveball are advanced and if he can develop a feel for the changeup, he could move quickly.  This is a high-ceiling kid that the Yankees will either be able to hold onto for the future or trade for elite MLB talent as many teams would love to have this kid.  Nice pick here for the Yankees.
Grade: A-

With the last pick in the first round, the Boston Red Sox selected Brian Johnson, a left-handed pitcher from the University of Florida.  A former Team USA player, he's struggled this year for the Gators, especially in the SEC.  He has limited upside and only sits high 80's/low 90's with the fastball.  His breaking stuff is excellent, however, and he has the stuff to be a big-league contributor, probably in the form of a back-end starter or lefty reliever.  He's signable, but there were other options here that were much more compelling.  A safe pick, but not an exciting one.
Grade: C

Picks 18-24

The Cardinals selected right-handed pitcher Michael Wacha from Texas A&M University.  Wacha's drop on the draft board is the Cardinals' gain.  He's polished, has an ideal pitcher's frame (especially if he fills out a little) and knows how to pitch.  His ceiling isn't the highest, but he could be a two or three starter for the Cardinals in just a matter of years.  If Wacha develops effectiveness with the slider and/or curve, he could be excellent.
Grade: B+

With the twentieth pick overall, the Giants chose Chris Stratton, a right-handed pitcher from Mississippi State University.  Another polished arm without the highest ceiling in the world, Stratton should be a contributor for the Giants sooner rather than later.  He knows how to pitch and has a good feel for three pitches.  He sits low-to-mid 90's with the fastball while also having feel for the breaking ball and off-speed stuff.  Solid choice here for the Giants.
Grade: B

The Braves used the twenty-first pick of the draft to select right-handed Lucas Sims from Brookwood High School in Georgia.  With the pitching depth that the Braves have, I would have liked to have seen them select a position player.  With that said, Sims could have a very high ceiling as a starter.  His value really falls, in my opinion, if he gets moved to the bullpen.  He'll have every chance to stick as a starter, though, and the Braves have been known to develop a prospect or two.  Keep your eyes peeled on his progress.
Grade: B-

The Blue Jays used their second first-round pick, twenty-second overall, to select right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman from Duke University.  Stroman was falling fast, but is has the best stuff of any pitcher in this draft.   There are suggestions that if he signs quickly, he could be a big league contributor this fall.  Although he's only 5'9", Stroman possess great feel and has plenty of velocity to get big-league hitters out.  This very well may be the steal of the draft.  Fantastic pick at a great spot in the draft.
Grade: A

With the twenty-third pick overall, and their second of the first round, the Cardinals chose , a left-handed outfielder James Ramsey from Florida State University.  He had a huge senior year for the Seminoles and improved his draft stock big time.  He is a leader on the field and a solid player all around, but no part of his game really jumps out at you.  If he sticks in center field, his value increases big time.  If not, you may have to move him to second base since his bat doesn't profile with the power needed to play at a corner position.  The Cardinals just got a good baseball player, albeit not an elite prospect.
Grade: B

Pick number twenty-four belonged to the Red Sox and they used it to select Devin Marrero, a right-handed shortstop from Arizona State University.  I'm not sold on his bat in the least, but his glove is legit and he won't have to be an amazing hitter to have excellent value.  The Red Sox are clearly not sold on their other high-profile shortstops in their organization, and while Marrero has a high defensive ceiling, he may not have much in the way of offense.  Not a great pick, in my opinion, given the players in their system currently and Marrero's offensive question marks.
Grade: C


Picks 13-18

The White Sox used the thirteenth overall pick on Courtney Hawkins, a right-handed outfielder from Carrol High School in Texas.  A college arm was thought to go here, but Hawkins fell a little further than Chicago probably expected and the White Sox jumped at the opportunity.  He has fantastic batt speed and arm strength while being a fantastic athlete at 6'2", 210.  A future corner outfielder, he has a long ways to go but could be ready as soon as 2015.
Grade: A-

With the fourteenth selection, the Reds selected Nirck Travieso, right-handed pitcher from Archbishop McCarthy High School in Florida.  He's a full-bodied power pitcher that pitches aggressively.  There are some questions of whether he is a future starter or reliever, but it's probably too early to tell right now.  It's going to come down to how well he picks up the breaking ball and off-speed stuff.  Honestly, I think the Reds were really trying to save money with this pick and left some polished college arms on the shelf with this pick.
Grade: C+

The Indians used the fifteenth pick on left-handed outfielder Tyler Naquin from Texas A&M University.  He's a very good athlete with a fantastic arm.  Can he stick in centerfield?  I'm not sure.  His contact skills should carry him through the system while the power will be a question mark.  I'm very surprised that college pitchers haven't been more heavily pursued, but position players continue to be a hot commodity.
Grade: B-

The Nationals used the sixteenth selection of the draft on Lucas Giolito, a right-handed pitcher from Harvard-Westlake High School in California.  He was considered a much higher pick before the season, but an elbow injury dropped him from a likely top three selection to a mid first-rounder.  If he gets right, he could be the best player from this draft class.  His stuff is that incredible.  Comps are dangerous, but Verlander and Halladay are nice company.  The real question is whether or not he returns from injury as the power pitcher he has been in the past.  Boom or bust pick all the way.
Grade: B+

With the seventieth selection, the Blue Jays selected BJ Davis, outfielder from Stone High School in Mississippi.  he very well may be the fastest player in the draft and is a definite center fielder.  He has some pop considering his size, but his arm isn't spectacular.  Davis has solid contact skills and definite defensive ability as he covers a lot of ground.  Not my favorite pick, but it's what was expected of the Jays all along.  Another risk/reward player.
Grade: B-

Eighteenth overall, the Dodgers selected right-handed shortstop Corey Seager from Northwest Cabbarus High School in North Carolina.  Likely a third baseman at the next level, he can hit to all fields already and his power has come along in his senior year.  His brother Kyle is the starting third baseman for the Mariners right now, and Corey is considered much more physical with the potential to hit for more power than his impressive brother.  This was a good pick for the Dodgers, although I would have loved to see them take a player like Michael Wacha here.
Grade: B

Picks 9-12

The ninth pick belonged to the Marlins, who used it on Andrew Heaney, left-handed pitcher from Oklahoma State University.  He's been the ace of the Cowboys for three years and simply knows how to pitch.  He doesn't have the velocity of others in the draft, but should be able to come up quickly and contribute sooner rather than later.  I don't see him as a front of the rotation guy, but he will be ready to slot in as the Marlins' a number three starter in short order.
Grade: B

With the tenth pick, the Rockies selected left-handed outfielder David Dahl from Oak Mountain High School in Alabama.  He's a big kid with good speed, a solid bat and good contact skills.  If he can't stick in centerfield, he'll surely be able to make it work in right, but the bat profiles better in center.  Another high risk/high reward pick that should be a fun player to track through the minors.
Grade: B

The A's used their first pick, eleventh overall, to selected right-handed shortstop Addison Russel from Pace High School in Florida.  There are questions of whether he can stick at short because of his weight, but he has the power bat that profiles at the hot corner.  Russel is the first high schooler selected in the first round by the A's in the last five years, proving how much they like this kid.  He has excellent pop and solid contact skills meaning that he should be a quick mover if he can keep the strikeouts down while moving through the Athletics' system.  Risky pick, but high upside.
Grade: B-

The twelfth pick was used by the Mets to select right-handed shortstop Gavin Ceccini from Barbe High School in Louisiana.  I'm very high on this kid as he has the glove to stick at short long term.  He is a great athlete with excellent speed and contact skills.  Power is really the only knock on his game, but by sticking at short he won't be expected to hit bombs.  This is a very good pick as the Mets are thin on this type of talent.
Grade: A

Picks 4-8

The Orioles, owner of the fourth overall pick, selected college right-handed pitcher Kevin Gausman from Louisiana State University.  Yes, Mark Appel is still on the board, probably due to signability issues.  Gausman pitches with a solid downhill delivery and should be a solid big-league pitcher.  I see him as more of a number two or three starter down the road and isn't my top choice to develop into an ace, but he's advanced and ready to contribute in the very near future.
Grade: B-

With the fifth overall choice, the Royals have taken Kyle Zimmer, right-handed pitcher, from the University of San Francisco.  Another pass on Appel, but Zimmer very well may be the best pitching prospect in the draft.  He's not pitched for a long time, having committed to the Dons as a position player, but Kyle's picked it up quickly.  He's got a fantastic pitcher's frame (6'2", 220) and has four polished pitches right now.  His fastball sits in the mid to upper 90's with a chance to hit triple digits at times.  The Royals got a very good one here.
Grade: A

As expected, the Cubs took right-handed outfielder Albert Almora from Mater Academy of Florida in one of the worst-kept secrets of the draft.  They have been enamored with the Florida prep all along and for good reason.  He's expected to a 4 or 5-tool guy with a fantastic work ethic and solid leadership skills.  He isn't as athletic as the other prep bats that have been drafted thus far, but he's no slouch either.  He may or may not stick in centerfield long term, but I see him as a solid choice that should pay major league dividends.
Grade: B

The Padres took Max Fried, left-handed pitcher from Harvard-Westlake High School with the seventh pick.  The Mark Appel free-fall continues, but the Padres weren't likely a fit for him due to the cash needed to sign him.  Fried sports both a solid fastball and curve, a la Hamels and Kershaw.  I think he's quite a ways away yet, so San Diego will have to wait quite while to see this selection pay off.  Best-case scenario, he's an ace for the Friars in three to four years.  Worst-case scenario: he's a number three or four starter that is durable and productive in four to five years.  Good, traditional pick for the Padres.
Grade: B+

The eighth pick of the draft belonged to the Pirates and they chose Mark Appel, right-handed pitcher from Stanford University.  This is a surprise pick as the Pirates weren't thought to be willing to spend the cash to land the future ace.  Adding Appel to Jameson Taillon and Gerrit Cole is brilliant as Mark was clearly the best player available.  He's polished and ready to contribute.  Cole and Appel could be Opening Day contributors in 2013, if not sooner while Taillon continues to develop positively.  Great choice for a budding franchise.
Grade: A

Picks 1-3

With the first overall pick, the Houston Astros selected Carlos Correa, right-handed shortstop from the  from Puerto Rico Baseball Academy.  Honestly, this choice shocked nearly everyone.  The University of Miami commit was definitely in the discussion, but was more of a consideration to go top three, maybe top five.  He very well may be the best player available and a few writers have suggested it, but most of us thought that Houston would take Mark Appel of Stanford.  Correa is 6'4" and may not stick at shortstop, but he is expected to be able to slide over to third without a hitch and be a potential Gold Glove fielder there.  He's incredibly athletic and should be a project well worth undertaking for Houston.
Grade: B+

Next up, the Twins selected right-handed outfielder Byron Buxton.  That's no shock.  He can do it all, is incredibly athletic and scouts think his power will develop.  He's an upside kid who was projected to the Twins all along and many people thought he could potentially go number 1.  I feel like he's a bit risky, but his ceiling is extremely high.  Young guys with his type of height and length make me a bit nervous because their swings can get a little long (Jason Heyward).  Defensively, he' is a dead-ringer in centerfield and his progress will be fun to watch as he moves through the Minnesota system.
Grade: A

With the third pick, the Mariners chose right-handed catcher Mike Zunino from the University of Florida. He's a good fit for the club as Jesus Montero won't be an everyday catcher, plus he's pretty far along in terms of development.  Zunino is a great defensive catcher in the making, but his bat isn't as up to speed as his glove.  That said, he should hit for power at a premium position on the diamond.  The Mariners didn't really have any other direction to go when Buxton went to the Twins, so I think this was the right choice for them.
Grade: B+

Draft Updates

In case you're not watching, the MLB Draft is on MLB Network right now and about to kick off.  I'll give you my thoughts and feelings on each pick as it progresses.  For review, the Astros, Twins, Mariners, Orioles and Royals have the first five picks.  Here we go!