The MLB Draft, unlike its peers in the pro-sports world, just lacks pizzazz. As people who follow baseball year-round, we readily admit it and don't apologize for it.
There are a few reasons: The players don't make an immediate impact. The teams aren't investing in next season so much as they are three-to-five years from now. Heck, most of the time, even diehard fans don't know the players getting drafted. All that being said, there's always a level of intrigue in the MLB Draft. It's not Jameis Winston vs. Marcus Mariota. It's which lottery ticket is going to be a winner in a few years.
As we get ready for the draft — which has shifted this year to Monday (it airs at 6 p.m. ET on MLB Network) — The Stew is looking at some of the more intriguing names available. This includes the top-rated prospects, the question marks and the bloodlines you'll recognize (hello, Mariano Rivera Jr.).
The Arizona Diamondbacks have the No. 1 overall pick, but there's no sure-thing pick for them. There's no Bryce Harper or Stephen Strasburg waiting to be snatched up. Instead, there are a trio of shortstops that are being projected near the top of the draft. And the D-backs could pounce on any of them. There are a few notable pitchers available — most notably Dillon Tate — but teams aren't completely sold. It all makes this year's draft a bit more intriguing.
DILLON TATE
Some consider Dillon Tate, a high-upside hurler out of UC Santa Barbara, to be the best pitcher in the draft. However, he's viewed as a "project" of sorts, so not everyone is fawning over him. He does have a high-90s fastball and a plus-slider. At one point, Tate was thought of as a possible No. 1 draft pick, but in the last couple weeks, some experts have him slipping to the bottom half of the Top 10. Where does he land? We'll see. He has swing-and-miss stuff, but apparently some GMs are afraid he could be a whiff. (Mike Oz)
Some consider Dillon Tate, a high-upside hurler out of UC Santa Barbara, to be the best pitcher in the draft. However, he's viewed as a "project" of sorts, so not everyone is fawning over him. He does have a high-90s fastball and a plus-slider. At one point, Tate was thought of as a possible No. 1 draft pick, but in the last couple weeks, some experts have him slipping to the bottom half of the Top 10. Where does he land? We'll see. He has swing-and-miss stuff, but apparently some GMs are afraid he could be a whiff. (Mike Oz)
DANSBY SWANSON
In what is considered a weak draft class, Swanson is thought to be the top pick according to most mock drafts. That’s not set in stone. The Diamondbacks are still said to be eyeing other players, and Swanson’s bonus demands could lead them to go another direction. If they balk, Swanson should still be selected high. The shortstop is in the running for the Golden Spikes Award, and finished strong in the SEC Tournament, which separated him from other top prospects in his class. Swanson is considered more of a line drive hitter right now, but can surprise with power occasionally. It’s believed he’ll stay at short as he climbs the minor-league ladder. (Chris Cwik)
In what is considered a weak draft class, Swanson is thought to be the top pick according to most mock drafts. That’s not set in stone. The Diamondbacks are still said to be eyeing other players, and Swanson’s bonus demands could lead them to go another direction. If they balk, Swanson should still be selected high. The shortstop is in the running for the Golden Spikes Award, and finished strong in the SEC Tournament, which separated him from other top prospects in his class. Swanson is considered more of a line drive hitter right now, but can surprise with power occasionally. It’s believed he’ll stay at short as he climbs the minor-league ladder. (Chris Cwik)
BRENDAN RODGERSConsidered the top pure talent on the board, Rodgers doesn't figure to slip out of the top three picks. He'll definitely be the first prep player off the board, as scouts believe his skills are projectable and will someday develop into that of an impact major leaguer. Part of that appeal is the feeling he can remain at shortstop. Rodgers hit .360 with 23 RBIs, eight doubles and eight home runs during his senior season while only committing four errors. (Mark Townsend)
ALEX BREGMAN
Despite his lack of size — he's listed at 6-foot, though that's probably an inch or two generous — LSU middle infielder Alex Bregman enters the draft as a consensus top 10 pick. He's drawn comparisons to Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who at 5-foot-9 has won an MVP and paced two World Series champions. Perhaps the Red Sox saw that as well, drafting Bregman in the 29th round back in 2012. Coming off a strong junior season, Bregman is viewed as a leader and hard worker who could move through the minors quickly. (Mark Townsend)
Despite his lack of size — he's listed at 6-foot, though that's probably an inch or two generous — LSU middle infielder Alex Bregman enters the draft as a consensus top 10 pick. He's drawn comparisons to Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who at 5-foot-9 has won an MVP and paced two World Series champions. Perhaps the Red Sox saw that as well, drafting Bregman in the 29th round back in 2012. Coming off a strong junior season, Bregman is viewed as a leader and hard worker who could move through the minors quickly. (Mark Townsend)
CARSON FULMER
Like teammate Dansby Swanson, Fulmer is also a finalist for the Golden Spikes award. The pitcher has a strong track record, but some question his mechanics. For those reasons, he’s been linked to the White Sox. The club has had success with Chris Sale and Carlos Rodon recently, and both of those pitchers fit Fulmer’s mold. He can hit the mid to high 90s with his fastball, and also features a power curve and a changeup. The changeup needs work, but some believe it can become an above average offering in the future. He gets high marks from scouts for his work ethic. (Chris Cwik)
Like teammate Dansby Swanson, Fulmer is also a finalist for the Golden Spikes award. The pitcher has a strong track record, but some question his mechanics. For those reasons, he’s been linked to the White Sox. The club has had success with Chris Sale and Carlos Rodon recently, and both of those pitchers fit Fulmer’s mold. He can hit the mid to high 90s with his fastball, and also features a power curve and a changeup. The changeup needs work, but some believe it can become an above average offering in the future. He gets high marks from scouts for his work ethic. (Chris Cwik)
BRADY AIKENIf that name sounds familiar, it's because he was last year's No. 1 pick, chosen by the Houston Astros. He didn't come to terms with Houston after bungled negotiations and thus, he's back in the draft pool (and the Astros get the No. 2 overall pick as compensation). To make things even more complicated: Aiken had Tommy John surgery in March. He's still 18 and has No. 1 pick potential, so he'll get some looks. But it won't be as early. Most mock drafts have him going in the late first round. (Mike Oz)
KYLE TUCKER
Speaking of the Astros, they might be getting into the Tucker business twice. The Astros are one of the teams interested in Kyle Tucker, a Florida high-school outfielder with a big bat. He's projected as a top-10 pick, but many mock drafts have him going to the Astros at No. 5. That's especially interesting because he's the younger brother of Preston Tucker, the 24-year-old Astros rookie who torched Triple-A pitching at the start of the year and is hitting .294 with two homers in 23 games since being called up. (Mike Oz)
Speaking of the Astros, they might be getting into the Tucker business twice. The Astros are one of the teams interested in Kyle Tucker, a Florida high-school outfielder with a big bat. He's projected as a top-10 pick, but many mock drafts have him going to the Astros at No. 5. That's especially interesting because he's the younger brother of Preston Tucker, the 24-year-old Astros rookie who torched Triple-A pitching at the start of the year and is hitting .294 with two homers in 23 games since being called up. (Mike Oz)
MARIANO RIVERA JR.
If strong bloodlines were all that were required, Rivera Jr. might well be the top pick. That's not how it works though, and In this case wouldn't tell the whole story anyway as the son of baseball's all-time saves leader and New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera. Rivera Jr. possesses an entirely different arsenal and approach. Most notably, the 5-foot-11 right-hander doesn't even use the cutter, which is the pitch his father made famous. He relies more on mixing a splitter that doubles as his changeup with a curveball and slider. He's also been working as a starting pitcher at Iona, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll be projected in that role moving forward. The Yankees actually selected Rivera Jr. In the 29th round of the 2014 MLB draft at 872 overall. It's expected they'll target him again this season, though experts have him going 15-20 rounds earlier. (Mark Townsend)
If strong bloodlines were all that were required, Rivera Jr. might well be the top pick. That's not how it works though, and In this case wouldn't tell the whole story anyway as the son of baseball's all-time saves leader and New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera. Rivera Jr. possesses an entirely different arsenal and approach. Most notably, the 5-foot-11 right-hander doesn't even use the cutter, which is the pitch his father made famous. He relies more on mixing a splitter that doubles as his changeup with a curveball and slider. He's also been working as a starting pitcher at Iona, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll be projected in that role moving forward. The Yankees actually selected Rivera Jr. In the 29th round of the 2014 MLB draft at 872 overall. It's expected they'll target him again this season, though experts have him going 15-20 rounds earlier. (Mark Townsend)
DAZ CAMERONJust like his father, Mike, Cameron plays center field, and scouts believe he can stick there. Cameron isn’t just a famous name, either, he’s considered one of the top players in the draft. There are some questions about his demands, as he’s advised by Scott Boras. That could lead to him falling slightly, as team’s might want to save money to spend on later picks. Cameron can opt to go to college if he doesn’t get an offer he’s happy with, but few believe he’ll actually pass up a chance at starting his major-league career. There are some questions about his current approach at the plate, but he can be a true five-tool player if he can overcome those issues in the minors. (Chris Cwik)
TATE MATHENY
Tate is a junior outfielder out of Missouri State and also the son of St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny. If you're already thinking nepotism, don't. Matheny has said he doesn't want the Cardinals to draft him. Nothing against his son — close to a Top-100 prospect according to MLB.com — but Mike doesn't want Tate to have to be in his shadow. Interesting. But what happens if the Chicago Cubs pick him? (Mike Oz)
Tate is a junior outfielder out of Missouri State and also the son of St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny. If you're already thinking nepotism, don't. Matheny has said he doesn't want the Cardinals to draft him. Nothing against his son — close to a Top-100 prospect according to MLB.com — but Mike doesn't want Tate to have to be in his shadow. Interesting. But what happens if the Chicago Cubs pick him? (Mike Oz)
JACOB NIX
You may or may not remember Nix from the Astros/Aiken kerfuffle last year. The 19-year-old pitcher was drafted by Houston in the fifth round, passed his physical and was set to receive $1.5 million for signing with the club. After the Aiken deal blew up, Houston no longer had the money to pay Nix (due to draft slotting issues), which led to them pulling his deal off the table. Nix has reportedly told the Astros they do not have permission to draft him in 2015 … that’s a thing … but his story still makes him interesting. Nix worked this season to improve all the things scouts held against him last year. His secondary pitches took a step forward, and he showed better command. He should go higher than the fifth round, but probably won’t receive more than the $1.5 million he agreed to last year. (Chris Cwik)
You may or may not remember Nix from the Astros/Aiken kerfuffle last year. The 19-year-old pitcher was drafted by Houston in the fifth round, passed his physical and was set to receive $1.5 million for signing with the club. After the Aiken deal blew up, Houston no longer had the money to pay Nix (due to draft slotting issues), which led to them pulling his deal off the table. Nix has reportedly told the Astros they do not have permission to draft him in 2015 … that’s a thing … but his story still makes him interesting. Nix worked this season to improve all the things scouts held against him last year. His secondary pitches took a step forward, and he showed better command. He should go higher than the fifth round, but probably won’t receive more than the $1.5 million he agreed to last year. (Chris Cwik)
ANDREW BENINTENDI
As one of the fastest prospects in the draft, Andrew Benintendi may have played his way into a top 10 selection with an outstanding sophomore season at Arkansas. In fact Benintendi was recently named a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award, becoming only the second Arkansas player in school history to be nominated for college baseball's highest award. The Southeastern Conference Player of the Year hit .390 with 18 home runs and 22 steals this season. His upside might be a little tougher to project, as some scouts worry about the transition to wood bats at the pro level. However, it's his high performance level against tough SEC competition and the fact he can play center field that cement his early first round status. (Mark Townsend)
As one of the fastest prospects in the draft, Andrew Benintendi may have played his way into a top 10 selection with an outstanding sophomore season at Arkansas. In fact Benintendi was recently named a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award, becoming only the second Arkansas player in school history to be nominated for college baseball's highest award. The Southeastern Conference Player of the Year hit .390 with 18 home runs and 22 steals this season. His upside might be a little tougher to project, as some scouts worry about the transition to wood bats at the pro level. However, it's his high performance level against tough SEC competition and the fact he can play center field that cement his early first round status. (Mark Townsend)
KYLE FUNKHOUSERLouisville's Kyle Funkhouser — fantastic name aside — is another college pitcher who has lost some steam heading into the draft. He suffered three tough starts in a row, but pitched well in the NCAA Regionals. He's a big righty with a fastball that can top out at 96 mph. His ERA jumped from 1.94 in 2014 to 3.25, which isn't bad, but it was just enough to raise some eyebrows. He could still be a top-10 pick, but he could also fall a bit. (Mike Oz)
MICHAEL MATUELLA
Many thought Matuella was in the discussion for the best player in the draft before he underwent Tommy John surgery. Matuella has put up exceptional numbers when healthy, but has dealt with medical issues in the past. He missed time due to a chronic back issue a few years ago, and the whole Tommy John thing doesn’t help either. When he’s right, he’s flashed good velocity and four decent pitches. Players of his caliber have still been drafted in the first round while coming off Tommy John surgery, so he’ll be a big name to watch after the first 15 picks. (Chris Cwik)
Many thought Matuella was in the discussion for the best player in the draft before he underwent Tommy John surgery. Matuella has put up exceptional numbers when healthy, but has dealt with medical issues in the past. He missed time due to a chronic back issue a few years ago, and the whole Tommy John thing doesn’t help either. When he’s right, he’s flashed good velocity and four decent pitches. Players of his caliber have still been drafted in the first round while coming off Tommy John surgery, so he’ll be a big name to watch after the first 15 picks. (Chris Cwik)
No comments:
Post a Comment