MLB Amateur Draft Open Thread
The Draft starts tonight at 5pm Central on the MLB Network and on-line at MLB.com. The Cubs have the 31st pick in the first round, so it's going to be a while before they get a turn.
It's amazing how fast the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft has grown over the past decade. Some of us can remember when picks after the first round were secret for at least a week. (That's why Bob Brenly's story about him calling the commissioner's office to see if he had been drafted isn't ridiculous at all.) The interest in the draft goes hand-in-hand with a much greater interest in amateur baseball, although I couldn't tell you which one was the chicken and which one was the egg.
To recap, this is an extremely difficult draft to predict after the Nationals select Stephen Strasburg. We prepared reports on nine players we think the Cubs might select, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the Cubs select none of those nine players. I'll also quote ESPN's Keith Law: "The Cubs like a lot of guys who aren't going to be on the board when they pick."
The final mock drafts were published this morning and three of the four agree that the Cubs are grabbing a collegiate center fielder, but they can't agree on which one:
Jim Callis at Baseball America projects Brett Jackson OF California
Kevin Goldstein at Baseball Prospectus projects Tim Wheeler OF Sacramento State
Jonathan Mayo at MLB.com projects AJ Pollock OF Notre Dame
Keith Law at ESPN.com projects Andy Oliver LHP Oklahoma State
So you can see how difficult our task was.
If you wish to review, here are the reports on AJ Pollock, Eric Arnett, and seven others. Matt and I feel pretty good that Pollock and Arnett are in the Cubs sights. Although I was last week when Matt wrote up the reports, I'm no longer confident that either will still be on the board at #31. None of the mock drafts issued this week have Arnett lasting to #31 and only Mayo has Pollock falling to us. That's how quickly the draft changes.
So having said that:
435 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Latest Insanity
Baseball America has the following Top 8:
1. Nationals: San Diego State righthander Stephen Strasburg.
2. Mariners: North Carolina first baseman Dustin Ackley.
3. Padres: Georgia HS outfielder Donavan Tate.
4. Pirates: Boston College catcher Tony Sanchez.
5. Orioles: California HS righthander Matt Hobgood.
6. Giants: Georgia HS righthander Zack Wheeler.
7. Braves: Vanderbilt lefthander Mike Minor.
8. Reds: North Carolina righhander Alex White.
It has been nuts!
so much movement. I love Hobgood, but number 5!?!?! Never saw that coming. Its’s been quite a day already and not even one pick has been made.
churchofbaseball.com
Sounds like
Pittsburgh is really firm on Sanchez, which is good news for us because I don’t think he goes in the first round if the Pirates don’t take him. Boston might grab him if Stassi wasn’t available.
They’re going cheapp here to spend all their money on Sano.
Now it's
1. Nationals: San Diego State righthander Stephen Strasburg.
2. Mariners: North Carolina first baseman Dustin Ackley.
3. Padres: Georgia HS outfielder Donavan Tate.
4. Pirates: Boston College catcher Tony Sanchez.
5. Orioles: California HS righthander Matt Hobgood.
6. Giants: Georgia HS righthander Zack Wheeler.
7. Braves: Vanderbilt lefthander Mike Minor.
8. Reds: North Carolina righhander Alex White.
9. Tigers: Picking from Matzek, Turner, Miller and Leake.
10. Nationals: Stanford righthander Drew Storen.
Nats grab Storen?
That’s real budget pick, although Storen probably could close for the Nats right now. Of course, you could probably close for the Nats right now.
That’s a good Top ten for us. Players are dropping.
Well
At least the Nats are going budget after grabbing Starburg. Pittsburgh going Sanchez is inexcusable. And Atlanta going Minor with White there is pretty bad (and of course Matzek, et al but Braves management won’t allow them to go over slot).
Pittsburgh's plan
is to grab Sanchez and then spend the big bucks on Sano and then take Gibson or Purke or someone else who slides out of the first round because of his contract demands and then pay him the big money.
It’s not the dumbest strategy in the world if it works, but if you want those sliders, why not just take them at #4?
Arnett
I went with Arnett, he has pretty good upside and looks to be a real durable guy who can throw 200 inning on a relatively consistent basis. His fastball and slider are both plus pitches. The difference for him will be if he can develop a changeup. If not, he may end up in the pen, but I am confident.
churchofbaseball.com
I have no confidence
that Arnett will still be available when we pick at #31. When you wrote the profile last week, I thought there was a good possibility, but now I don’t think he falls past the White Sox at #23 and could go a lot earlier.
Keep an eye on the HS pitchers
The Cubs have been linked to Jacob Turner, but we might see a free fall with guys like Tyler Matzek, Matt Purke, and Shelby Miller because of their bonus demands.
If the Tigers don’t take one of them, the Cubs could see one of those four fall into their laps.
Its crazy
seeing a dude from a rival school being the top high school arm available.
Zack Wheeler – East Paulding High School
Me – South Paulding High School.
Zach Wheeler
will go from 5-7. If Baltimore and the Giants pass, there is no way that Atlanta passes up the local kid.
But I bet he goes to Baltimore at #5.
Meh
I’m not gonna sit here and try to predict where people are gonna go. Not smart enough for that.
But you’re right I doubt he’ll get past 7
The Braves
try to grab as many high school players from GA and SC as they can. It’s been their MO for years and it works for them.
By the way
I responded to your question about Brett Jackson in the previous thread. A guy who knows Jackson and Cal told me his K problems are because he’s too selective and disagrees with college umps too much. He sent me a bunch of stats and videos too. (No, it wasn’t Brett himself.)
Knowing the quality of college umps, I find that at least partially believable. I can’t believe it explains all of it. But it could be a factor that could be corrected.
Bryce Harper story on NPR now
WBEZ 91.5 FM in Chicago, if you’re interested.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Anybody mind
giving the condensed version for those outside of the Chicago area?
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jun 9, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Being called "the chosen one" by Las Vegas Sun writer
“Refreshing attitude” and “five-tool player” were other highlights. Kid is getting his GED so he can go to junior college and be on the draft next year.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Is it basically just more of the same that we've heard?
About how he is the best prep athlete anybody has seen in a while and how he’s trying to enter the independent league to become draft eligible early?
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jun 9, 2009 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't know!!!
But MLB TV tells me it might be Mike Trout!
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Gotta be Strasburg...
Chicago Cubs > Milwaukee Brewers
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 9, 2009 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep. It's Strasburg.
Chicago Cubs > Milwaukee Brewers
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 9, 2009 5:16 PM CDT reply actions
Obvious Pick #2 coming up
Seattle Mariners, meet Dustin Ackley. Dustin Ackley, meet Seattle Mariners.
Hope you're not too fond of winning Dustin
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jun 9, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Sad but true
Do you know where the Seattle farm system ranks?
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jun 9, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Not off the top of my head
They were a top system, then they traded everyone to Baltimore for Bedard and have let Jeff Clement rot in the minors.
Middle of the pack, I guess.
Isn't it possible they become sellers this year though
I know I’ve heard Beltre’s name mentioned not sure who else could be available
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jun 9, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh yes
If they can get anything for Bedard or Beltre, they’ll deal them both. Washburn too, but I don’t think he’ll bring anything back.
Good call.
Chicago Cubs > Milwaukee Brewers
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 9, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Obvious pick is obvious.
He’s the best bat in the draft and the Mariners have been hard after him for awhile.
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions
True. And Seattle desperately needs an impact bat in their system.
Chicago Cubs > Milwaukee Brewers
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 9, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions
The Pads
If they don’t take Tate, they sure aren’t taking someone with signability concerns.
If they take someone like Minor or Leake, this draft will go flying out the window.
Good pick, IMO. So athletic.
Chicago Cubs > Milwaukee Brewers
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 9, 2009 5:25 PM CDT reply actions
What ever are you talking about????
Harold Reynolds said that the Padres are boring and Tate is exciting! He must be right!!
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions
the idiot sitting next to him
also thought Trout was in the mix for #2, and that Matzek threw in the upper-90’s
churchofbaseball.com
Tate to Padres
No surprises yet. And the Pirates will take Sanchez.
Everything is going per the board so far.
The TV/online broadcast is pathetic...
The broadcast of this draft is yet another embarrassment for MLB. The first round of the draft used to be done in about 5 minutes. This time-filling, three minutes a pick thing is just stupid. Some events are just not made for TV, and the MLB draft is one of them.
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
Then don't watch
I never got that argument. Yes, they’re filling time so they can sell commercials. But if you don’t like it, don’t watch.
That's not the point, Josh...
There is no reason that it needs to take so long. Three minutes per pick? Why? The NBA and NFL drafts are worth televising for two reasons:
1. The top picks might make an immediate impact on their team.
2. Teams can trade picks for players and move around in the draft, creating the potential for drama.
Baseball has neither of those things. These draftees will disappear for a year or three in the minors. There are no trades. There is no drama, just Mel Kuiper Jr.-esque babble. It is boring.
I am watching because I want to know who is picked (in part because I know a young man who might go in the first three rounds), but I feel like I being held hostage by marketing.
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
It may be boring
And I know it used to take half an hour. Yes, they’re trying to sell commercials. They’re a business.
But if you just want to know who gets picked and where, you can follow on line with the on-line draft tracker. It will just announce the players with no video.
Yes, and it would still take 3 minutes or more a pick...
That is the big problem. They don’t need all this time. So, yeah, I could be watching the draft tracker online and it would still take three hours to do what should take just a few minutes. 45 minutes in, they should be into the third round by now.
Look at the team official sitting in the room there. There is nothing for them to to do. This is a case of MLB trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
So I’ll ask you a question. Why is this format necessary? What does it add to the process?
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
well you could have
pretended the draft is tomorrow instead of today and scanned the list of all the players drafted in less than 10 minutes tomorrow
It can work...
But they need to copy the NBA/NFL formula. Get some compelling personalities on TV with a few guys who actually know what they’re talking about. Do it in front of a live studio audience. Invite a bunch of the picks and let some of the potential picks sit in the audience. Have an open bar for even more raucous fun.
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL. Agreed.
Chicago Cubs > Milwaukee Brewers
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 9, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh admit it
You’d take great joy in seeing the Mets fans getting excited for a certain player, and then watch them recoil in horror as the Mets take a guy who was rated as a 4th rounder. :)
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
a catcher? a CATCHER?
we needed a third baseman! gah!! (look of disgust)
Wasn't Vitters at the draft when he was selected?
I thought I remembered him walking up after his name was called at the Wide World of Sports
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jun 9, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I imagine it would have been tough this year
they would have invited the whole projected first round because nobody knows who will go where unlike most years
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jun 9, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions
The biggest problem
was that most of the top draft picks were playing in the Super Regionals of the CWS and couldn’t be there.
It should have worked this year
with the next games not being till Friday
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jun 9, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions
No Pollock!!
His ultimate upside is a Reed Johnson type!! That’s not worth a 1st round pick!! Please, no Pollock or Jackson!! Shoot for the moon and take a guy with a future, no more Tyler Colvins!!!
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
My co-worker has two kids who go to Norco HS...
… but they are band kids.
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
Doesn't Matzek have "signability issues?"
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 9, 2009 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep
Not as bad as some other guys in this draft, but he wants to get paid in a big way.
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Really?
Someone told me earlier that Purke and Turner wanted more money than Matzek.
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Isn't the slot system a joke anyway?
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 9, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions
What, look at the great insights!
“As each player is selected, a member of the A’s scouting staff takes their names off The Board.
OaklandAs.”
And then …
“Just to clarify, “The Board” is actually 7 big white boards which box in the tables…each with about 50 names of prospects."
Thank god for Twitter.
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
Really Harold, teams want guys who can pitch?
I thought they wanted guys who could sink a 15 foot J? I never would have guessed that!
I love when the guys say
“Forget the numbers, this guy can pitch/hit/field/play.” Um, no…it’s baseball. I’m not going to just forget the numbers.
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 9, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Haha
They said Minor pitches in the mid-90s.
He tops out at 91 and mostly throws in the upper 80s.
What did they say about Matzek?
He does operate 92-96 and hit 99 last week.
Here's a question:
In the MLB draft, should you draft “need” or “best available?”
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
Best available
with the caveat that he’s the best available who you can sign.
Love Leake
Al told me that “Deep Goat” said the Cubs were hot on Leake. I told Al that if Leake was still available when the Cubs picked at #31, I’d eat my shoes.
That sounds about right for Wilken
He doesn’t mind size for his pitchers. Tim Lincecum was #1 on his board in 2006. Jarrod Parker was #3 in 2007 (after Price and Vitters).
Sonny Gray last year
I know there was no chance he signed but he’s another small pitcher
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jun 9, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions
The Cubs would have loved to get Leake.
They knew that at #31, that was probably a pipedream. Good selection by the Reds.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
At least its a hitter's park.
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 9, 2009 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Jacob Turner to DET
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
Well
Might as well keep up hope on Matzek, Purke, or Miller.
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Purke probably will fall to us
But he’s not worth what he’s asking for. I suppose we could draft him and get another pick next year.
How exactly does that work?
Would the Cubs get the 31st pick next year, or is it a supplemental?
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 9, 2009 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually
It might be the 31st pick if the Cubs are the only team who doesn’t sign their pick out of this year’s draft. I could be mistaken on that, though.
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks everyone
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 9, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah my bad
didnt think about picks before us possibly not signing
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jun 9, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Argh!
That was one signability guy the Cubs were linked to.
Yep...but DET doesn't have that problem (see Porcello)
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 9, 2009 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, they do in a sense
Because Matzek rates better than Turner.
it is...good call
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 9, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Hate to say it but I hope they take Pollock
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jun 9, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Alex White
The Rockies loves them some college pitching.
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Tyler Matzek to the Rockies
They better be ready to pony up.
He had a couple of terrible starts
although his last one was great. Top that off with his salary demands and he’s dropping.
I wish they had limitations on the bonus demands...
1) It’s ridiculous that a guy who has never played a game is asking for multi millions;
2) It would make the whole draft much more interesting if any team could draft any guy based off of talent.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 9, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions
He has control problems
But no one has mentioned anything about bonus demands or injury problems.
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Also...
I hope MLB dispenses with these player interviews (or at least interviewing HS’s). Some of them have been painful…
I've discovered
that young baseball players are not usually the most articulate people in the world.
Yeah.
I’ve never been one of those people who takes pleasure in watching people struggle, so I’m sitting here cringing and hoping that the kid makes it throug without saying something embarressing.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 9, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions
After Hochevar
It’s not totally unexpected.
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Grant Green to OAK
Thoughts?
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
I love that they call him a 5-tool player
and then say he’s average in all 5 tools…
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
Well...
If he can go back to what made him a great player his sophomore year, the A’s would have a fantastic player on their hands.
However, I’m leery of hyped up guys who regress.
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions
It is pretty funny...
I think from now on I’ll refer to myself as a former 5-tool player.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 9, 2009 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Here, I'll say it again.
Grant Green to Oakland!
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Shelby Miller seems the obvious choice for TX
Despite heightened bonus demands.
The rate this is going
The Cubs game will be over when they get to pick
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
Good news
as the Indians were rumored to take Arnett. White falling to CLE increases our chances of getting him.
That was a strange comment by Matzek in that interview.
Asked if he would miss batting, since he was drafted as a pitcher by the Rockies, he said “Well, [the University of] Oregon has told me that I’ll get to play first base, so….[pause] we’ll see what Colorado has to say about it.”
I guess I get what he was trying to say, but….
I know what he was trying to say
“I like money.”
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions
if they give you a microphone
say what you want to say
Pollack is gone
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
I hope Shelby Miller doesn't make it to St Louis
Come on, Florida.
I think Jackson might be gone by #31
Since Purke is gone, I think the Yanks take Jackson
churchofbaseball.com
they won't take Renfroe in the 1st
Heathcott probably is the likely pick. Not a fan of Heathcott either. Big time mechanical issues
churchofbaseball.com
I liked him
Pretty good pick by the Marlins. They’re good at developing their prep pitchers.
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions
I was hoping he'd drop to the Cubs
But knew he’d go here. Classic Marlins pick.
Do the Cardinals finally grab Gibson?
If they don’t, I think he slides out of the first round—maybe we take him.
i'm sure the redbirds taking a hurt pitcher
would go over well on their board
Miller to the Cards
I think we’re going to have a shot at Gibson now. But did we do enough scouting on him to feel comfortable picking him? Until last week, I doubt the Cubs paid any attention to him, figuring he’d be long gone.
They'll have done their due diligence
They even checked out Starsburg.
I'm sure this has been mentioned somewhere...
but does anyone know what percentage of players drafted actually sign with their team? (As opposed to going to college, being a tool about money, etc.)
It depends
On the round they’re drafted. Lower round guys are less likely to sign obviously.
Are you talking overall or first round?
Most of the first round picks sign—usually one or two exceptions. Most of the guys taken later in the draft (like after the 35th round) don’t, depending on whether they have other options.
Makes sense.
Thanks. (I was mostly talking about the first couple rounds).
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 9, 2009 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks Shawon...
reminding us why the Cubs drafted you over Dwight Gooden…thanks for that.
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
nice...
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 9, 2009 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Why indeed, Shawon... why indeed....
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
Miller
Great ceiling, but holy heck is the guy raw. The Cardinals better be ready to be patient with him.
And the Astros
continue to stockpile their system with crap. Don’t think Mier will hit at all
churchofbaseball.com
Yeah
The Astros really don’t know what they’re doing.
Mier would have been a good second round pick.
Ooh
First out of the blue pick. I had heard some talk the Angels might take him. Mier goes to the Astros at #21.
Harold Reynolds
asked him how he felt on becoming a member of the tribe. “Member of the Tribe” is a slang term for being a Jew.
Oh...
Sorry I’m slow. I didn’t make the connectinon. :)
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 9, 2009 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Harold Reynolds is an embarassment...
The man needs a muzzle.
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
It really isn't pretty
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 9, 2009 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Kyle Gibson a Twin
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
Great pick
He’ll recover from his injury and be back to full strength next season.
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Well
Arnett, Scheppers, Wheeler and Mitchell are still available. Even some very intriguing HS bats (Everett Williams, Mike Trout).
Of course Brett Jackson is available too. :(
Any chance he'll get drafted in the NFL?
or is he all baseball?
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 9, 2009 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Scheppers with the other
Apparently their medical staff cleared him
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Why don't the cubs
have their ntural first round pick?
DEJESUS!!!
They do
It gets bumped back two spots because the Nats didn’t sign Crow and the Yankees didn’t sign Cole.
They do...they had the 2nd best record last year
hence the 2nd to last pick…
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 9, 2009 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Could somebody please tell Midwest Bud...
… that it is not pronounced “Los An-jel-leez”. God, what a hayseed.
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
Somebody who lives here, jackass.
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
Hilarious that you would take the time to rip me for ripping Small-market Bud...
… I know he and MLB don’t give a damn. After all, it is something that concerns a fan.
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
oooohhhhh
Skaggs is still available. I would LOVE for the Cubs to take him. Didn’t think he would get passed the Angels
churchofbaseball.com
The Brewers are one team
who could take Jackson. Then Yankees might too.
hope he's better than the last Jackson (Danny)
that played for the Cubs really badly…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Which of the CFers just started learning to switch-hit
I forgot who it was but I think it might have been Trout now that I think about it so this question is irrelevant
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jun 9, 2009 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions
1-0 Cubs! Fuku drives in Sori
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
Oh damn! Forgot the game was on! Thanks
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 9, 2009 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions
You didn't see...
Soriano’s double did you? My gameday says that he “doubled to shortstop Miguel Tejada”…he must really have been hauling :) Was wondering what happened.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 9, 2009 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Ugh
Hoping for Scheppers. Or maybe Wheeler, Gould or Everett Williams.
This just in
The Mariners selected a baseball player!!
If Wilken wants a LHP like he said
Rex Brothers will likely be available.
Brothers
Scares the daylights out of me. He’s had horrific control problems.
However, he has a fantastic arm. He’d be a risky pick, but a fascinating one.
Andy Oliver is still out there, too.
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd love Scheppers
but a voice in the back of my head is whispering “Bobby Brownlie, Bobby Brownlie.”
PERDICTIONS CALL IT OUT
im going with Wheeler from Sacramento state
by BelieveinBlue2314 on Jun 9, 2009 7:21 PM CDT reply actions
Andy Oliver
Been awhile since we’ve seen a Boras client.
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions
OOH
Fuentes had more helium under him for the past week. And the BoSox pass on Stassi.
Not that we would have taken either.
Franklin
Damn the Mariners. I will never drink a Starbucks again.
If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.
I want Brothers now
I never dreamed he’d still be here. Baseball America had him at #9 this morning.
His BB and HBP numbers are insane
I love his pure stuff, but a lefty with horrible control problems? Scary! Scary!
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Now that the Cubs are officially on the clock?
Who do you think they’ll take?
Who do you want them to take?
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
OK Josh, make the call...
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
The teams generally submit the position they want the player to be listed at...
… that said, it wouldn’t shock me that Bud was wrong.
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
Why do you dislike Jackson?
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 9, 2009 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 9, 2009 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Earl Cunningham, Ty Griffin, ... and...
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
Did the outfielder die?
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
Nice!
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 9, 2009 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions
if these moron's like the pick
then we should know its a bad one
churchofbaseball.com
by MJMars on Jun 9, 2009 7:37 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Hahaha...sigh.
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 9, 2009 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions
*Ducks from Interwebs explosion*
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
Why do we all hate him?
Besides the fact that Harold likes him?
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
Totally gutless
We must have no money to spend
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
I like the pick of Jackson
A college position player. Somebody maybe to keep Josh Vitters company as the only viable major league prospect in this system.
You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little messed up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?
Can you post the full blown analysis of Jackson?
You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little messed up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?
He hasn't hit...
There is a difference.
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
He hasn't hit with aluminum bats
That’s kind of important.
by Outshined_One on Jun 9, 2009 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Let me be the voice of (semi) reason...
He won’t be up until 2011 at the VERY earliest…let’s wait and see what happens either way.
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
Maybe that can be good for him
He will work harder to improve his game that many people don’t like right now.
"The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love." ~Bryant Gumbel
Kind of looks like a taller Sam Fuld.
Ladies and gentlemen! It's 1985 all over again, but this time the offense goes to hell!
Soriano
without the power
If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.
Jackson has good speed
He’s a leadoff hitter with high K and low BB, excellent arm, projected as a corner OF. Sori is a pretty decent comp.
If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.
Does Jim Callis like Jackson?
You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little messed up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?
So are we sayin' that this pick is shades of Wilken's reach pick of Tyler Colvin in 2006?
You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little messed up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?
Yep, another AA .250 hitter!
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
It's not a reach
as every team had him going late in the first round. But he could be Tyler Colvin, yes. But he’s the upside guy you wanted.
What I want is some major league projectable position players in this system
And yes, my bias is to go with collegiate players given the current status of the Cub organization and the win-now mode we are in. You can’t keep spending horrendous sums in free agency every year.
You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little messed up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?
The difference being
Jackson was considered a first round talent, but seem pretty damn similar to me
churchofbaseball.com
Yeah
JD Drew would sort of be the ceiling for Jackson. If he turns into Drew, that would be great. But the odds are long he becomes JD Drew.
Here's what Kevin Goldstein said
“Cubs take Brett Jackson from Cal, who seemed to be in the mix for every team in the 20s. He’s either a star or the next Tyler Colvin. That’s really the range here as a risk/upside college guy.”
colvin wasn't really considered a cf candidate
was he?
jackson could be, no?
All I know is that Colvin can be chalked up yet as yet another bust
You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little messed up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?
I only consider players busts when they are picked in the top 10
And they don’t pan out.
seems like
a .900+ OPS shouldn’t be considered “never hit”
by DartmouthCubsFan on Jun 9, 2009 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah
people are being too harsh. He’s not bad. But the number of Ks is worrisome. Other than that, he’s fine although hardly a potential superstar. But neither was Tim Wheeler who people around here wanted us to take.
so it sounds like
if he makes contact at a better rate, he’ll likely be a pretty decent player
he took walks which is something colvin never did, seems like a bit better player than colvin a bit less projection in terms of power though
by DartmouthCubsFan on Jun 9, 2009 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions
That's a big "if" though...
if he’s struggling with Ks in college, expecting better contact in the pros might be asking a LOT.
Agree with the rest of it though...
aside from the low contact rate (which is a concern), he does walk a more than Colvin, and appears to have similar (but slightly less) power. Similar speed?
Then again, perhaps comparing him to Colvin isn’t a great thing?
Not worried about power
Baseball is making the shift back to how the game was played in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Maybe it’s the post-steroid era taking hold. But all I know is that power isn’t the biggest consideration I would be looking at. Can the kid hit, and can hit execute with the bat. Those are the things of most concern. If he can do those things I could care less if he is 15 HR type player.
You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little messed up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?
it hasn't
but again i’d rather have a guy who struggles to make contact but has been productive than a guy who struggles to walk
by DartmouthCubsFan on Jun 9, 2009 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions
probably a little above
very few guys will sign for slot since MLB decreased them for this year, but he doesn’t have big bonus demands reported.
churchofbaseball.com
Does he sign?
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 9, 2009 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions
He signs
I’ve been told he’s wants to be a Cub really badly. He fell in love with Wrigley when he went to a game there when he was 18.
I actually like the pick
If we didn’t have a guy like Colvin, we’d be a lot more excited about this pick.
David Renfroe
During the long wait for pick #79, I have a question for those of you who pay far more attention to the draft and the available players. Is the hype surrounding Renfroe due to rumors that the Yankees would take him and pay him above slot (a/t the NY Post, he wants $3m) or is it because he is the son of (the real) Laddie Renfroe?
"I'd rather play baseball than eat." - Andy Pafko
Probably Laddie
He is very talented though. I would take him if I had a supp. pick. Prefer him as a SS actually and like him better than Mier.
churchofbaseball.com
Cubs take
LaMahieu, infielder from LSU.
Can’t play short, not great great at 2b. Long swing.
my anger continues
churchofbaseball.com
i guess i haffa watch the
college world series after all
this is
Tim Wilken’s mantra
he’ll draft 2B/SS/CF/C and SP’s, he rarely drafts Corner players
by DartmouthCubsFan on Jun 9, 2009 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions
What the hell happened to him?
I’m back after dinner. He hasn’t been drafted? I guess once he slid out of the first round, he wasn’t willing to sign for less.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 9, 2009 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Kevin Goldstein
says he has no clue why Stassi fell so far.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 9, 2009 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Just stopping in to say
Why take a CF when we all know how that works out for the Cubs?
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
Cubs 3rd Round Pick
LHP Austin Kirk
"The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love." ~Bryant Gumbel
LaMahieu
Given his size, I wonder if he can eventually grow power-wise into a 3B.
Top Available - per BA
30. Max Stassi, c, Yuba City (Calif.) HS
38. Sam Dyson, rhp, South Carolina
41. Zack Von Rosenbuerg, rhp, Zachary (La.) HS
43. Brody Colvin, rhp, More HS, Lafayette, La.
45. Madison Younginer, rhp, Mauldin (S.C.) HS
47. Keyvius Sampson, rhp, Forest HS, Ocala, Fla.
55. Chris Dwyer, lhp, Clemson
59. Jeff Malm, 1b, Bishop Gorman HS, Las Vegas
60. A.J. Morris, rhp, Kansas State
62. Jason Stoffel, rhp, Arizona
63. Kent Matthes, of, Alabama
64. Angelo Songco, of, Loyola Marymount
65. Brian Goodwin, of, Rocky Mount (N.C.) HS
68. Dane Williams, rhp, Archbishop McCarthy HS, SW Ranches, Fla.
74. Jacob Stewart, of, Rocky Moutain HS, Fort Collins, Colo.
80. Ryan Jackson, ss, Miami
81. Austin Maddox, c, Eagle’s View Academy, Jacksonville, Fla.
82. Brooks Raley, lhp/of, Texas A&M
83. Andrew Doyle, rhp, Oklahoma
90. Ryan Buch, rhp, Monmouth
92. Kendal Volz, rhp, Baylor
94. Matt den Dekker, of, Florida
96. Luke Bailey, c, Troup HS, LaGrange, Ga.
Surprised Stassi fell like this
Von Rosenberg is my favorite of that group. Three very strong pitches for a HS arm, surprised he didnt go in the 2nd
churchofbaseball.com
Anyone else notice
that Cubs first pick Brett Jackson was born the week the lights went on at Wrigley (he was born 8-2-88)?
I can’t guarantee this means he’ll end up being the best Cub of the modern era, but I can’t guarantee he won’t either.
DEJESUS!!!

by 



















