2013 MLB Draft

[daingean]

We just got done playing SF Elite Red in the 17U WWBA. This team was loaded with Div I commits including 2 players that have been projected to be mid 1st rounders next year (per mock drafts that I have seen).

Zach Collins C - he walked in all 3 AB - very strong arm behind home plate only throw was to try and pick off a kid at 3B. Looked pretty smooth at receiving balls a couple of nice blocks prevented runners from advancing. Most of the time he was courtesy ran for once on the bases but one time did run on his own and looked smooth. By and large our team pitched around him and he didn't chase balls out of the strike zone.

William Abreau DH - walked first AB. Singled to left (opposite field) on a bloop hit (went with pitch well but didn't drive it). Then struck out looking on a 1-2 looping curve ball. He's a lefty and was facing a righty (I think he shouldn't have been fooled but he was)

For the most part, we were throwing junk ball pitchers to keep them off balance. They ended up beating us 12-3.

The player I was most impressed with as SS Benito Santiago. He has maybe the quickest hands I've seen in a SS at this level. Santiago was a mid-game substitute but looked very good defensively.

[Rocky55]

I read in PG that next year is going to be loaded with HS catching prospects, including Collins, Jeremy Martinez, & Chris Okey from my HS Alma Mater's arch rival in Eustis Fl.

Some people believe that that category is the riskiest one to draft successfully but the write ups on some of these kids makes it awfully tempting.

[daingean]

I saw Collins' and Abreau's team again today. They surprisingly ended up tying another team.

Abreau with a solid line drive single to center and Collins (played 1b) drilled a liner to right. Collins also flew out to left with the bases loaded to end the game.

Santiago was catching and walked in his only appearance that I saw. Of note Santiago is a 2014 graduate.

Another player is 2014 1b/LHP Brian Gonzalez. In the game Friday night he drove an opposite field homer run well over 400 feet. It cleared the wall (25' high) at ECB's field #1 and carried over the trees and into the parking lot. I saw him pitch today and he was able to hit 91 mph on the gun.

[ohioteamz]

We had the Team Elite Black team down 5-0 in the 18U WWBA and they came back, tied in the bottom of the 7th and Clint Frazier the 2013 #1 PG prospect hit a walk-off homer. Tons of talent on that team, although I am not sure it came together all that well. We shall see how they do in the 17U. Rowdy Tellez was O-fer against us, but the lefty that hit after him smoked two doubles. Also the PG#6 Austin Meadows had a key hit. The big play that let back in, was Frazier had a 2 out triple in the bottom of the 5th where our RF got spun around near the warning track and the ball fell in. Would have been a nice win, but all for naught.

[JP_Frost]

Tomorrow the lottery will be held. (copied from minor league ball):

1) The basic premise is MLB is to give away (six) extra picks, lottery style, to six of the 13 smallest market/lowest revenue teams. These picks are at the end of the [first round comp picks]. Teams can win only one extra pick.

2) The losers in the first lottery, plus any team who receives revenue sharing (?) will re-enter for a chance for (six) extra [end of 2nd round comp] picks.

Teams eligible for the first draft include: A's, Brewers, Cardinals, D's, Indians, Marlins, O's, Padres, Pirates, Rays, Reds, Royals and Rockies.

[Tondo]

Wow, this sounds incredibly stupid

So 1 of those 13 won't get compensated? Who came up with this idea?

[Tondo]

From mlbtraderumors:

Baseball’s first Competitive Balance Lottery takes place today, when small-market and low-revenue teams will have the chance to win extra selections in next year’s amateur draft. The ten smallest-market teams and ten lowest-revenue teams will have the chance to win extra selections in 2013, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.

There’s overlap between small-market teams and low-revenue teams, so there are 13 clubs involved in the first-round lottery: the Diamondbacks, Orioles, Indians, Royals, Athletics, Pirates, Padres, Rays, Reds, Rockies, Marlins, Brewers and Cardinals. The first six selections will be made between the first and second rounds of next year’s draft. A second group of six picks will be available to the teams from the first group that didn’t get an early pick, plus the Tigers. The second group of selections will be made after the second round of the draft.

MLB teams can trade the draft picks they obtain in the Competitive Balance Lottery. The picks, which can only be traded once, cannot be sold or traded during the offseason. In theory, the draft picks could be involved in some of this summer’s deadline deals.

The lottery takes place today at 12:30pm CDT/1:30pm EDT in New York and the winners will be announced 75 minutes later. A team’s chances of winning depend on its winning percentage from the previous season.

[Hermie13]

Wow, this sounds incredibly stupid

So 1 of those 13 won't get compensated? Who came up with this idea?

Theoretically there sounds like there could be 20 teams in this draft (if all 10 of the smallest markets were outside the bottom 10 in revenue). Sounds like this year there are 13 teams eligible, next year could only be 10...or 13 again, or more. Going to be interesting to see how this draft does work. Fingers crossed on the Tribe coming out ahead in this lottery...maybe send Dan Gilbert's kid for good luck?

[dazindiansfanuk]

Tribe get the 2nd pick in the "B" round (i.e. after the 2nd round).

[OhioBaseball]

Indians miss out on the first supplemental round pick in the lottery, and get the 2nd pick in the 2nd supplemental round.

I guess it's better than missing out entirely, but I don't find the 90th to 100th pick to be all that much to get excited about. The extra pick will give more flexibility (more spending money) to get a big name that falls, but as we saw last June, there weren't many (if any) big name guys that fell to the 2nd round. They were all picked up in the first supplemental round.

[Rocky55]

WhyTF did they have a "lottery"??

Why have the picks separated by 6 after Rd 1 & 6 after RD 2. If they want to do this they should do them all after Rd 1 and use the WP to decide the order.

Plus, any "competitive balance" lottery that awards the poor, penniless, can't afford big name expensive FA's, Lousy Effing tigers with an extra pick is both mis-named & disgusting.

GD it, I'm tired of having the Tribe always getting the shitty end of the stick.

DAMMIT!!!

[JP_Frost]

I'm with you Rocky.

Even the Cardinals were in the second group. Luckily they didn't get a pick.

[Hermie13]

I'm with you Rocky.

Even the Cardinals were in the second group. Luckily they didn't get a pick.

St. Louis is one of the 10 smallest markets in baseball...so they will be in this lottery every year I'd think (along with Cleveland).

[Hermie13]

Indians miss out on the first supplemental round pick in the lottery, and get the 2nd pick in the 2nd supplemental round.

I guess it's better than missing out entirely, but I don't find the 90th to 100th pick to be all that much to get excited about. The extra pick will give more flexibility (more spending money) to get a big name that falls, but as we saw last June, there weren't many (if any) big name guys that fell to the 2nd round. They were all picked up in the first supplemental round.

Definitely better than missing out entirely. Along with the extra pick and extra draft pool money that will come with it, sounds like you can trade these lottery picks? Could give the Tribe some extra ammo if they are buyers at the deadline perhaps?

[JP_Frost]

I'm with you Rocky.

Even the Cardinals were in the second group. Luckily they didn't get a pick.

St. Louis is one of the 10 smallest markets in baseball...so they will be in this lottery every year I'd think (along with Cleveland).

Wow, never realized that. Given their payroll and fan support, you'd think it was a big market. Guess they are just very loyal to their team. Kudos.

Still, it's a bit strange to see one of the bigger spenders in baseball, just coming off a World Series win, enter this lottery.

[Hermie13]

I'm with you Rocky.

Even the Cardinals were in the second group. Luckily they didn't get a pick.

St. Louis is one of the 10 smallest markets in baseball...so they will be in this lottery every year I'd think (along with Cleveland).

Wow, never realized that. Given their payroll and fan support, you'd think it was a big market. Guess they are just very loyal to their team. Kudos.

Still, it's a bit strange to see one of the bigger spenders in baseball, just coming off a World Series win, enter this lottery.

Yeah, St. Louis is just a great baseball town. One would probably think the same thing about fan support and the Browns in Cleveland. Crazy but if you count Akron in the Cleveland market (like many sources do), Cleveland is actually larger than St. Louis (at least last I looked).

I do think maybe they'd be best served having fewer teams in this lottery and only having the one round added (6 picks). Maybe pick the bottom 5 markets and bottom 5 revenue teams. Or have some stipulation that excludes playoff teams from the previous year maybe?

[Tondo]

I just don't get why they split the comp into 1st supp and 2nd supp? If the 1st group drafts right after the 1st round at the top of the Suppp round then we're talking a 1mil budget difference

[Hermie13]

I guess it's better than missing out entirely, but I don't find the 90th to 100th pick to be all that much to get excited about. The extra pick will give more flexibility (more spending money) to get a big name that falls, but as we saw last June, there weren't many (if any) big name guys that fell to the 2nd round. They were all picked up in the first supplemental round.

One thing I forgot/overlooked (maybe you did too?) was that with the new CBA taking full effect this winter and the new arbitration rules, the supp round will be much smaller (or likely will be) than it has been in the past. No more comp picks for losing middle relievers (unless you want to offer him $12.5M in arby). Even the bets players (ie, a Cole Hamels if not traded) only will net 1 pick if they sign elsewhere (not 2 like before).

Plus, the team does NOT get the 1st round pick of the team signing the free agent like in the past. The team that signs the new free agent simply loses the pick and the 1st round is down a draft pick. For example, if Cole Hamels is not traded and signs with the Rangers, the Rangers don't get a 1st round pick taking the 1st round from 31 picks (due to the Pirates having a comp) to 30 picks. The Phillies then get a pick in the Supp round. The First Round/Supp Rounds really don't get any longer...only way I think a pick is added there is if the team signing a free agent offered arby is in the top 10 (those picks are protected).

Basically what this means is that pick the Tribe got yesterday could be in the late 70s/early 80s and not in just in the 90s/early 100s, which could be a big difference.

[daingean]

One thing I forgot/overlooked (maybe you did too?) was that with the new CBA taking full effect this winter and the new arbitration rules, the supp round will be much smaller (or likely will be) than it has been in the past. No more comp picks for losing middle relievers (unless you want to offer him $12.5M in arby). Even the bets players (ie, a Cole Hamels if not traded) only will net 1 pick if they sign elsewhere (not 2 like before).

Plus, the team does NOT get the 1st round pick of the team signing the free agent like in the past. The team that signs the new free agent simply loses the pick and the 1st round is down a draft pick. For example, if Cole Hamels is not traded and signs with the Rangers, the Rangers don't get a 1st round pick taking the 1st round from 31 picks (due to the Pirates having a comp) to 30 picks. The Phillies then get a pick in the Supp round. The First Round/Supp Rounds really don't get any longer...only way I think a pick is added there is if the team signing a free agent offered arby is in the top 10 (those picks are protected).

Basically what this means is that pick the Tribe got yesterday could be in the late 70s/early 80s and not in just in the 90s/early 100s, which could be a big difference.

Plus team acquiring a Type A FA at mid-season won't get a pick. Another option to add picks (I believe) is if say the Rangers sign 2 Type A FA's. They only lose 1 1st rounder but the teams losing both Type A's should both get supp picks.

[OhioBaseball]

I guess it's better than missing out entirely, but I don't find the 90th to 100th pick to be all that much to get excited about. The extra pick will give more flexibility (more spending money) to get a big name that falls, but as we saw last June, there weren't many (if any) big name guys that fell to the 2nd round. They were all picked up in the first supplemental round.

One thing I forgot/overlooked (maybe you did too?) was that with the new CBA taking full effect this winter and the new arbitration rules, the supp round will be much smaller (or likely will be) than it has been in the past. No more comp picks for losing middle relievers (unless you want to offer him $12.5M in arby). Even the bets players (ie, a Cole Hamels if not traded) only will net 1 pick if they sign elsewhere (not 2 like before).

Plus, the team does NOT get the 1st round pick of the team signing the free agent like in the past. The team that signs the new free agent simply loses the pick and the 1st round is down a draft pick. For example, if Cole Hamels is not traded and signs with the Rangers, the Rangers don't get a 1st round pick taking the 1st round from 31 picks (due to the Pirates having a comp) to 30 picks. The Phillies then get a pick in the Supp round. The First Round/Supp Rounds really don't get any longer...only way I think a pick is added there is if the team signing a free agent offered arby is in the top 10 (those picks are protected).

Basically what this means is that pick the Tribe got yesterday could be in the late 70s/early 80s and not in just in the 90s/early 100s, which could be a big difference.

OK, so take out the middle relievers and the guys that get traded -- I don't think that is that many less picks (maybe 10 at most?) The first round never got any larger -- extra picks were never created in the first round for compensation, they were simply transferred from the acquiring team to the team that lost the free agent, so the elimination of that has no effect on where the Indians will be picking with the comp pick. The sandwich round picks are the ones that are created, and while they will be less, I'm not so sure it'll be that substantial amount, and also...

Let's not forget the fact that we're also adding an extra 6 first supplemental picks (and 1 infront of the Indians in the 2nd comp round) from the competitive balance draft, so that is pushing the Indians pick back further. We'll see how things work out. I'd guess this pick will be 88th-90th or so.

I think the Indians ought to consider trading FOR one of these comp picks. I'm not very optimistic about this team's chances of making the playoffs, and I don't really think these picks have much trade value. I think they've got the most value to teams that have stable front offices like the Indians -- why would a GM want to trade for a pick next year and then wait for another 4-5 years for the guy to develop, which at that point the guy may be out of a job.

[homerawayfromhome]

I think it's safe to say the pk could be anywhere from pks 75 to 90. That could be another Mitch Brown type talent if the Tribe decides to use the same draft stragedy.
Either way I'll take it, and the added bonus pool money.
The added top 100 pk was free, and provides extra flexibility and adds more talent to the system. The fact that the Tribe could trade the pk gives them more ammo in the coming wks too.
Trading this pk could be a qk way to utilize the farm to add to the big league club and never touch the players already in the system.
I actually like the idea of making the pk, but having three potential top 100 pks and one free one at that, just think the Tribe won't have to lose a player to get this pk as would have been done in the past. The flexibility alone this pk adds could be tremendous. There are numerous ways that the Tribe can go and the club will get an additional 600k added into the draft pool.

[OhioBaseball]

Just a random comment, but the 2014 college class looks quite exciting to me. Carlos Rodon of NC State will be the big name (probably was the best college prospect in all of college last year), but I love Benton Moss of UNC-Chapel Hill. This guy is nasty, projectable and he can pitch. Excellent arm speed and plane on his pitches. Ton of fun to watch. I think Kent Emmanuel will be Friday night stater for UNC next year, but seeing an ACC Carlos Rodon-Benton Moss Friday night duel would be awesome (NC State's SS, Trae Turner will be a 1st rounder in 2014, too).

Benton Moss is my boy, though. The guy is legit. Just going on record.

[Hermie13]

I guess it's better than missing out entirely, but I don't find the 90th to 100th pick to be all that much to get excited about. The extra pick will give more flexibility (more spending money) to get a big name that falls, but as we saw last June, there weren't many (if any) big name guys that fell to the 2nd round. They were all picked up in the first supplemental round.

One thing I forgot/overlooked (maybe you did too?) was that with the new CBA taking full effect this winter and the new arbitration rules, the supp round will be much smaller (or likely will be) than it has been in the past. No more comp picks for losing middle relievers (unless you want to offer him $12.5M in arby). Even the bets players (ie, a Cole Hamels if not traded) only will net 1 pick if they sign elsewhere (not 2 like before).

Plus, the team does NOT get the 1st round pick of the team signing the free agent like in the past. The team that signs the new free agent simply loses the pick and the 1st round is down a draft pick. For example, if Cole Hamels is not traded and signs with the Rangers, the Rangers don't get a 1st round pick taking the 1st round from 31 picks (due to the Pirates having a comp) to 30 picks. The Phillies then get a pick in the Supp round. The First Round/Supp Rounds really don't get any longer...only way I think a pick is added there is if the team signing a free agent offered arby is in the top 10 (those picks are protected).

Basically what this means is that pick the Tribe got yesterday could be in the late 70s/early 80s and not in just in the 90s/early 100s, which could be a big difference.

OK, so take out the middle relievers and the guys that get traded -- I don't think that is that many less picks (maybe 10 at most?) The first round never got any larger -- extra picks were never created in the first round for compensation, they were simply transferred from the acquiring team to the team that lost the free agent, so the elimination of that has no effect on where the Indians will be picking with the comp pick. The sandwich round picks are the ones that are created, and while they will be less, I'm not so sure it'll be that substantial amount, and also...

Let's not forget the fact that we're also adding an extra 6 first supplemental picks (and 1 infront of the Indians in the 2nd comp round) from the competitive balance draft, so that is pushing the Indians pick back further. We'll see how things work out. I'd guess this pick will be 88th-90th or so.

I think the Indians ought to consider trading FOR one of these comp picks. I'm not very optimistic about this team's chances of making the playoffs, and I don't really think these picks have much trade value. I think they've got the most value to teams that have stable front offices like the Indians -- why would a GM want to trade for a pick next year and then wait for another 4-5 years for the guy to develop, which at that point the guy may be out of a job.

Correct the 1st round never got longer...but but it'll be getting shorter now (most likely, unless no teams in the 11-30 range sign a free agent offered arby). So yes, it does affect where the Tribe's comp pick (and every pick after the 1st round) is in the draft compared to previous years. As pointed out, teams only get 1 pick for any free agent, not 2 like they could get before. The 70s to early 80s number wasn't from what I came up with either originally (though have gone back and agree with it). Like I said I forgot about the new rules but saw it posted...want to say it was in an Olney article/writeup (but don't quote me on that). He could be wrong though (wouldn't be the first time).

You have the 62 picks in the first 2 rounds (30 by each team, plus 2 comp picks for failure to sign picks this year). The 6 supp picks for that first group....that's 68 picks....then maybe a team in the top 10 signs a guy offered arby (would increase the supp/1st round)...or maybe a team like NY or Texas signs multiple arby guys...but can't see the supp/1st round expanding by more than 12 picks with this new system this year....$12.5-$13M is a lot to give to a guy in arby unless he's really a star.

[Hermie13]

One thing I forgot/overlooked (maybe you did too?) was that with the new CBA taking full effect this winter and the new arbitration rules, the supp round will be much smaller (or likely will be) than it has been in the past. No more comp picks for losing middle relievers (unless you want to offer him $12.5M in arby). Even the bets players (ie, a Cole Hamels if not traded) only will net 1 pick if they sign elsewhere (not 2 like before).

Plus, the team does NOT get the 1st round pick of the team signing the free agent like in the past. The team that signs the new free agent simply loses the pick and the 1st round is down a draft pick. For example, if Cole Hamels is not traded and signs with the Rangers, the Rangers don't get a 1st round pick taking the 1st round from 31 picks (due to the Pirates having a comp) to 30 picks. The Phillies then get a pick in the Supp round. The First Round/Supp Rounds really don't get any longer...only way I think a pick is added there is if the team signing a free agent offered arby is in the top 10 (those picks are protected).

Basically what this means is that pick the Tribe got yesterday could be in the late 70s/early 80s and not in just in the 90s/early 100s, which could be a big difference.

Plus team acquiring a Type A FA at mid-season won't get a pick. Another option to add picks (I believe) is if say the Rangers sign 2 Type A FA's. They only lose 1 1st rounder but the teams losing both Type A's should both get supp picks.

Exactly...though I didn't think there was such a thing as Type A (or Type B) free agents anymore? Thought there were only the ones offered arbitration and those that weren't....

[Rocky55]

Based on recent play, lack of moves & just General Tribieness, I'm predicting we pick 5th in the '13 Draft.

[PEngle39]

Based on recent play, lack of moves & just General Tribieness, I'm predicting we pick 5th in the '13 Draft.

I'm going to guess 3rd just because there isn't a single pitcher that even gives the team a chance to win anymore and they seem beaten before they take the field. It's truly astounding how quickly they fell off the map. The lack of pitching depth has really doomed this organization when they're ready to compete with the bats. Shoot, i mean the best pitching prospects are pitching in the complex leagues right now. Didn't Shapiro and Antonetti say you develop the arms and buy the bats? Hmmmmmm.

[OhioBaseball]

Third or fifth overall, I know its early and guys will improve from now until next spring, but I don't see any "must get" kind of talents in this draft. I've seen a lot of the college class and will see more of the HS'ers in a couple weeks, but I'm not excited about a lot of the guys. Even the top HS guys aren't bullet proof. I've heard people talk up Austin Meadows, but he's got a LF'ers arm and the power is just not there yet, and his swing isn't the power kind of stroke. Other tools are great, but he's not a 5-tool outfielder.

Again this year, I don't really like the college class even though there are some sleepers. We're going to have to wait for 2014 to get a good college class. Some of my early favorites this class are LHP Stephen Gonsalves. He's really polished for a guy his age and there's some projection. I also really like Cavan Biggio -- he is a very good hitter and I think he's got the body type to get even stronger. Think he can be a hitter for average and power without much imagination, unlike Naquin where the power is a stretch. The problem unquestionably will be finding him a position b/c the run-throw tools aren't there which will preclude him from being a top 10 selection next year. I see an offensive-oriented 2b, but others will see differently. Really like him.

[Rocky55]

Shoot OB, if I could sign up to draft Kris Bryant today, I'd do it. Not that we could use extreme RH power or anything.

As a Sophomore at San Diego: 57 GP, .366 BA, 213 AB, 59 Runs, 78 Hits, 17-2B, 3-3B, 14 HR, 57 RBI, .483/.671/1.154, 9-12 SB/SBA.

May outgrow 3B but could easily move to 1B, has already played there in college ball. Athletic enough for LF also. Just as a bat I like him better than anyone in the '12 class.

Based on recent play, lack of moves & just General Tribieness, I'm predicting we pick 5th in the '13 Draft.

I'm going to guess 3rd just because there isn't a single pitcher that even gives the team a chance to win anymore and they seem beaten before they take the field. It's truly astounding how quickly they fell off the map. The lack of pitching depth has really doomed this organization when they're ready to compete with the bats. Shoot, i mean the best pitching prospects are pitching in the complex leagues right now. Didn't Shapiro and Antonetti say you develop the arms and buy the bats? Hmmmmmm.

After this last loss I can see maybe the 4th pick but can see no way we can "catch" Houston, Colorado, or the Cubs.

[PEngle39]

Third or fifth overall, I know its early and guys will improve from now until next spring, but I don't see any "must get" kind of talents in this draft. I've seen a lot of the college class and will see more of the HS'ers in a couple weeks, but I'm not excited about a lot of the guys. Even the top HS guys aren't bullet proof. I've heard people talk up Austin Meadows, but he's got a LF'ers arm and the power is just not there yet, and his swing isn't the power kind of stroke. Other tools are great, but he's not a 5-tool outfielder.

Again this year, I don't really like the college class even though there are some sleepers. We're going to have to wait for 2014 to get a good college class. Some of my early favorites this class are LHP Stephen Gonsalves. He's really polished for a guy his age and there's some projection. I also really like Cavan Biggio -- he is a very good hitter and I think he's got the body type to get even stronger. Think he can be a hitter for average and power without much imagination, unlike Naquin where the power is a stretch. The problem unquestionably will be finding him a position b/c the run-throw tools aren't there which will preclude him from being a top 10 selection next year. I see an offensive-oriented 2b, but others will see differently. Really like him.

The college arms at the top are pretty strong with Appel, Stanek, Wahl, Manaea, Crawford, and possibly even Whitson and a few others. Appel, Stanek, and Crawford have been well-publicized, for good reason, especially Crawford and his great performance with USA Baseball this summer. Manaea's stuff is absolutely electrifying in person; a la Chris Sale. Wahl's battling some shoulder issues so i'm not so high on him right now.

This organization has been great at developing back-end rotation and bully arms but nothing of the top or middle-rotation sort since Sabathia. Not saying any of those guys are going to be saviors or anything but the lack of even semi-impact pitching is the biggest culprit of the recent MLB struggles. I think they have to prioritize pitching in next years draft; but of course the Indians can't control who is taken ahead of them and whatnot.

[GeronimoSon]

Projecting the Indians to have one of the top three picks is silliness.. look for the Indians to pick in the second half of the top ten (probably 9th or 10th).. no earlier....

Regarding the players who may be available.. sure, this draft is considered pretty weak, but, IMHO, a player the Indians could focus on & draft would be Stanford's Austin Wilson (the Indians seem to have some kind of attraction to Stanford players) if the Indians don't go "pitching". What a specimen/player this guy could become.. here's a clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rkdtex_EkaM

A comp might be a right handed version of Jason Heyward.

[PEngle39]

Projecting the Indians to have one of the top three picks is silliness.. look for the Indians to pick in the second half of the top ten (probably 9th or 10th).. no earlier....

Regarding the players who may be available.. sure, this draft is considered pretty weak, but, IMHO, a player the Indians could focus on & draft would be Stanford's Austin Wilson (the Indians seem to have some kind of attraction to Stanford players) if the Indians don't go "pitching". What a specimen/player this guy could become.. here's a clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rkdtex_EkaM

A comp might be a right handed version of Jason Heyward.

If the season ended today, the Indians would be picking 10th. Agreed they won't "catch" the Cubs for 3rd but they are 5 games back from picking 4th and currently losing 10-1 to the Twins.

Yes, Austin Wilson was a stud in HS. Sadly, he's hardly reminiscent of the stud high schooler after two years with the Stanford batting butchers. Someone will take him late in round 1 and hope he can regain those massive tools he once had without the Stanford shackles.

[OhioBaseball]

Projecting the Indians to have one of the top three picks is silliness.. look for the Indians to pick in the second half of the top ten (probably 9th or 10th).. no earlier....

Regarding the players who may be available.. sure, this draft is considered pretty weak, but, IMHO, a player the Indians could focus on & draft would be Stanford's Austin Wilson (the Indians seem to have some kind of attraction to Stanford players) if the Indians don't go "pitching". What a specimen/player this guy could become.. here's a clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rkdtex_EkaM

A comp might be a right handed version of Jason Heyward.

If the season ended today, the Indians would be picking 10th. Agreed they won't "catch" the Cubs for 3rd but they are 5 games back from picking 4th and currently losing 10-1 to the Twins.

Yes, Austin Wilson was a stud in HS. Sadly, he's hardly reminiscent of the stud high schooler after two years with the Stanford batting butchers. Someone will take him late in round 1 and hope he can regain those massive tools he once had without the Stanford shackles.

Amen. If scouts thought Austin Wilson could actually hit good pitching, he'd very, very arguably go #1 in the draft. He's got Carlos Quentin-type brute strength and his arm is legit. More arm than Naquin. He's a beast of a ballplayer. He's got just phenomenal tools -- he's added strength and weight since his school, but he still runs quite well given his size. I agree about his batting approach -- I've just never seen him look like he's in control at the plate. Quite disappointing. It very well could be Stanford's instructions -- it works for some guys, just perhaps not for others?

I like Bryant, like Rocky, even though I admit to not seeing much of him. Seems to be a safer bet, but I can see him ending up at 1b and I'm not sure that he's going to be a great enough hitter for the position but we'll see how he does this spring.

I've never seen Manaea, but I'll get plenty of opportunities this spring. Like you, I'm not big on Wahl. I saw him last year and he didn't bring it. Looks like a 1st rounder, just not first half. I love the emergence of Crawford, but I worry about him ending up the back of the pen (I know its early to talk like that).

I wouldn't want the top pick in this year's draft, or even top 3. Just don't see the players you'd want there.

I know he's probably not at the top of the '14 class, but Benton Moss -- if he happened to be in this class, I'd take him over Stanek and Appel. I know for sure that's not going to be popular but he's nasty, projectable and can flat deal.

[Rocky55]

Well, Milwaukee & Minnesota(Duh) won, we have pulled even with Seattle. We have Miami, Philadelphia, & Milwaukee in our sights. Cubs are playing San Diego, Win/Win. Colorado is up on LA, Pomeranz is throwing a shut out. Go Drew.

This is almost(not really) like a Pennant Race!!!

[GeronimoSon]

Another guy that may be available for the Indians could be Kris Bryant, from San Diego State. He's a tall corner infielder/corner outfielder (think: Corey Hart, Milwaukee Brewers) that does a lot of things good, but one thing exceptional: power, especially to right center field. For a right handed hitter, he works at going the other way. His stroke is very natural, but not long or loopy. He has great hands and enough athleticism to play just about any corner spot as an everyday player. His coach, Rich Hill gave glowing praise for him as any coach would. Hill made a couple of comments that seemed to really stand out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suIvVSsqCcs

Character...
Bat Speed...
Dirtbag...

This kid is the big brother of Jason Kipnis being a DIRT BAG. The Indians seem to be getting more and more of these kinds of guys in their system & it's a good thing..

[Rocky55]

Shoot OB, if I could sign up to draft Kris Bryant today, I'd do it. Not that we could use extreme RH power or anything.

As a Sophomore at San Diego: 57 GP, .366 BA, 213 AB, 59 Runs, 78 Hits, 17-2B, 3-3B, 14 HR, 57 RBI, .483/.671/1.154, 9-12 SB/SBA.

May outgrow 3B but could easily move to 1B, has already played there in college ball. Athletic enough for LF also. Just as a bat I like him better than anyone in the '12 class.

Based on recent play, lack of moves & just General Tribieness, I'm predicting we pick 5th in the '13 Draft.

I'm going to guess 3rd just because there isn't a single pitcher that even gives the team a chance to win anymore and they seem beaten before they take the field. It's truly astounding how quickly they fell off the map. The lack of pitching depth has really doomed this organization when they're ready to compete with the bats. Shoot, i mean the best pitching prospects are pitching in the complex leagues right now. Didn't Shapiro and Antonetti say you develop the arms and buy the bats? Hmmmmmm.

After this last loss I can see maybe the 4th pick but can see no way we can "catch" Houston, Colorado, or the Cubs.

yeah.

[Rocky55]

Saw most of the PG All America Classic game last night. Was really impressed with the quality of play,except for some ill-advised diving catch attempts in the OF.

Really interested in 1B/RHP Derik Beauprez from Colorado. Big kid, 6'5" & 220 & quite athletic. The announcers claimed that he was relatively new to pitching but looked pretty polished. Threw his FB seemingly effortlessly @ 91-93 with good movement. The changeup was sweet. Really sweet. Other than a couple slips, the arm action was identical to the FB with nice, nice movement @ 78-80. Didn't see a breaking ball but if he can even spin the ball decently this kid has some huge upside.

Are you paying attention Brad Grant???

Anyone else see the game? If so, who impressed? I have a long list.

[GeronimoSon]

Saw most of the PG All America Classic game last night. Was really impressed with the quality of play,except for some ill-advised diving catch attempts in the OF.

Really interested in 1B/RHP Derik Beauprez from Colorado. Big kid, 6'5" & 220 & quite athletic. The announcers claimed that he was relatively new to pitching but looked pretty polished. Threw his FB seemingly effortlessly @ 91-93 with good movement. The changeup was sweet. Really sweet. Other than a couple slips, the arm action was identical to the FB with nice, nice movement @ 78-80. Didn't see a breaking ball but if he can even spin the ball decently this kid has some huge upside.

Are you paying attention Brad Grant???

Anyone else see the game? If so, who impressed? I have a long list.

I didn't see the game..but have some interest in a couple of the players who were supposed to be there..

-How did Clint Frazier really look?. was he still swinging hard in case he made contact or has he been able to calm his lower half allowing his his bat speed and power to be exhibited/legit?

-Oscar Mercado is the goods. He was in PG game and according to the box score, he seemed to be involved in every scoring chance.. Does he really have the superior hand eye coordination/bat speed combination along with the smooth defensive glove?

thoughts?...

[OhioBaseball]

I've seen Mercado and will see him again this Saturday. Dude needs to get A LOT stronger. It's very much an issue with him. He's projectable and will add strength, but will it be enough? I mean, even if he shows significant improvement he's still very weak by MLB standards. He makes Naquin look strong, and that's saying something.

[Rocky55]

Couple of other guys from the PG game the other night.

Reese McGuire really impressed with his catching skills. Blocked a couple of balls in the dirt, threw out a guy at 2B, moves around really well behind the dish. Really sound fundamentals, advanced for a HS catcher. Bat is behind but it would have to be or he'd be the #1 guy in his class. He looks like he has upside with the bat, decent bat speed, worked a BB, no hits. I'd bet he could handle the position defensively in major college program as a Freshman with no probs.

Jan Hernandez impressed more with the bat than anyone in the game. Played with Correa last year. Moved to 2B in deference to Correa last year. Didn't see him play SS but supposed to be equal to his team mate. Big, rangey, athletic & smooth. Excellent bat speed. Gonna be really good.

Frazier looks strong, albeit skinny. Max effort all of the time. Swings hard, short, fast swing, bat finds the ball. Runs hard but not as fast as I'd heard, not going to play CF but should be able to handle RF. Earns his prospect status, could develop into a Choo type player with 50% fewer SB's & a few more HR's. Stole a base on the pitcher. I'd love to see the Tribe get him.

Travis Demeritte looks smooth & polished in all aspects. Defense, bat speed, contact, throwing, running, it's all there. Kind of a line drive swing so not a big power threat IMO but potential to get stronger. I could see him going to college & getting drafted in the 1st Round in 3 yrs. I believe the announcers said he commited to South Carolina so I should see him play quite a bit. Like this kid a lot.

As a disclaimer I'd say that I've only seen these guys once so take it with a few grains of salt.

[PEngle39]

Another guy that may be available for the Indians could be Kris Bryant, from San Diego State. He's a tall corner infielder/corner outfielder (think: Corey Hart, Milwaukee Brewers) that does a lot of things good, but one thing exceptional: power, especially to right center field. For a right handed hitter, he works at going the other way. His stroke is very natural, but not long or loopy. He has great hands and enough athleticism to play just about any corner spot as an everyday player. His coach, Rich Hill gave glowing praise for him as any coach would. Hill made a couple of comments that seemed to really stand out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suIvVSsqCcs

Character...
Bat Speed...
Dirtbag...

This kid is the big brother of Jason Kipnis being a DIRT BAG. The Indians seem to be getting more and more of these kinds of guys in their system & it's a good thing..

Future 1st baseman, unfortunately.

[GeronimoSon]

Another guy that may be available for the Indians could be Kris Bryant, from San Diego State. He's a tall corner infielder/corner outfielder (think: Corey Hart, Milwaukee Brewers) that does a lot of things good, but one thing exceptional: power, especially to right center field. For a right handed hitter, he works at going the other way. His stroke is very natural, but not long or loopy. He has great hands and enough athleticism to play just about any corner spot as an everyday player. His coach, Rich Hill gave glowing praise for him as any coach would. Hill made a couple of comments that seemed to really stand out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suIvVSsqCcs

Character...
Bat Speed...
Dirtbag...

This kid is the big brother of Jason Kipnis being a DIRT BAG. The Indians seem to be getting more and more of these kinds of guys in their system & it's a good thing..

Future 1st baseman, unfortunately.

While I don't disagree with you that his best spot might be as a 1B, but he has the athleticism to be a corner IF'er / corner OF'er. The arm is legit. his bat will be ticket to the major leagues.. There is nothing unfortunate about a prospect/draftee becoming "only" a ML 1B..

[OhioBaseball]

Frazier looks strong, albeit skinny. Max effort all of the time. Swings hard, short, fast swing, bat finds the ball. Runs hard but not as fast as I'd heard, not going to play CF but should be able to handle RF. Earns his prospect status, could develop into a Choo type player with 50% fewer SB's & a few more HR's. Stole a base on the pitcher. I'd love to see the Tribe get him.

I had not seen Clint Frazier before today, but I think he's very impressive. If he wasn't 5'10" or whatever he actually is, I think he'd legitimately be talked about as the top prospect in this draft. He is an all around great baseball player. Rocky, I didn't see the PG game but today he ran very well and he made one hell of a throw from the outfield. His run-throw tools are plus at the MLB level, and that could be an understatement.

Justin Williams won the HR derby (he's got a lot of brute strength), but Frazier was the most impressive in the first round which is where the bulk of the swings take place. Frazier has excellent bat speed and surprising power for a guy that isn't big. I know Mike Trout is bigger (he's built like an NFL safety), but I think Frazier is very much that kind of player. Trout is going to hit 35 HR this year, which I really don't see with Frazier, but 20 HR's is easily within the realm of possibility. He's already showing good power, much of which is probably attributable to his bat speed. He is in excellent physical shape. You can tell the guy is a hard worker.

I can see Frazier as a .300 hitter, 20 HR, 40 SB guy with a big-time arm in CF at the major league level. I know scouts are going to dog on Frazier b/c he's smallish but I really don't see it as much of an issue b/c he's already showing good power. I'm quite familiar with Stanek and Appel and I'm not sure I'd take either over Frazier. Size is going to be an issue with most, but heck, if he's already showing good power who cares?? btw I'll take Frazier over Austin Meadows.

I'm leaning toward Frazier as my #1 this class. Stanek is a very good SP prospect, but Austin Meadows is big and runs just as well (if not better than) Frazier, but his arm is fringe average and I don't really like his swing (its a line-drive swing). I'm over Appel and never liked him too much to begin with. We'll see. I am possibly overrating Frazier, but outside of size, there isn't much that's not to like.


on another note, and i know he played terribly, but SS Lucas Tirado (a dominican guy) is an impressive talent. He was probably overwhelmed going from parks in the DR to Wrigley Field and only being 16 years old, but he's going to be one of the top guys in the next international signing class.

[ohioteamz]

I am sure I mentioned this but when we played Frazier's team at WWBA in East Cobb, he was damn impressive. I just looked up the throw on Game Changer in the top of the 6th his team down 5-4 and the quote is:
"Absolute cannon by Frazier almost on warning track. Throw on line no arch"

I've never seen a HS kid throw out a tagging runner from that deep it was just sick and our runner was not slow he's a guy we call steals for. Then of course he ends the game with a walk off homer. I was much more impressed with Frazier than Meadows, now having said that scouts seem to fall in love with projectability and perhaps Meadows similar speed on a taller lankier frame helps him out. No question which one performed better that day at least, and certainly which one looked better.

[Rocky55]

Frazier is the #1 ranked HSer in the draft class on PG's list. They have him throwing 98 from the OF. I didn't see him throw but with that clocking I assumed the arm is legit. He ran around the OF really well so hopefully he can stick in CF where his offense would make him All Star material. Maybe I'm downgrading his base stealing ability a bit but the one attempt I saw the pitcher virtually ignored him & the throw was still close. That play in my notes made me doubt that he's going to be a great base stealer(30+) in MLB, if he makes it. He looks skinny & wiry except in the arms/shoulders & I thought he was a bit taller, maybe 6'. I also thought that any added weight would slow him down a tad.

The bat is impressive. Such a nice, short, hard swing with hard contact & lift. The announcers said that in the HR Derby(in Petco) he had only one HR but they were impressed by the line drive that hit the 400' sign. Given health I'm assuming 30-35 HRS per year as a pro, plus plenty of doubles. Your basic middle of the order hitter. If he can do it in CF, that's in Trout's neighborhood.

The attitude was impressive. I've seen a few interviews & he invariably comes off as a bit cocky with a desire to improve himself & go all out all of the time. Type A personality, a natural leader & a guy who's going to leave it all out on the field. The kind of kid who comes of of the field with not just a dirty uniform, but one that's torn with some blood on it as well. You want him on YOUR team. Kipnis' red headed twin brother.

These are just impressions from one look & a few interviews but I was impressed enough to say that he earned his prospect ranking (#1) in a pretty good HS class. If he's my version of a 35HR, 20SB, GG RF with an elite arm or OB's .300, 20HR, 40-SB, CF with an elite arm, which would probably make him an All Star, even playing for Cleveland, you'd have to be on board for that, right? All of this may sound hyperbolic but the kid is that talented & those numbers are reachable.

A question for OB, daingean, & ohioteamz, or anyone else who's seen these kids play. What do you think of Josh Hart? He looked to me like he could reach Brantley's bat with Kenny Lofton defense. I'd prefer he had Kenny's bat also but he'd have a ways to go to do that. No doubt MLB CF(if he hits) with GG potential & with his speed, 40+ SB's easily. The arm is good & easily playable for CF. We couldn't get them both & right now I prefer Frazier but Hart has the potential to bring that Lofton-type disruptive, lots of hits, lots of SB's, HR robbing defense if he develops.

[GeronimoSon]

When watching Frazier the first time.. he didn't come across as a 'little" guy.. He's about the same height as Choo and has a cannon for an arm. He's pushing close to two bills and still has some filling out to do.. Before watching the Under Armour Game from Wrigley there was a bit of doubt in my mind that this kid is the goods, but not now. Perhaps it was the max effort swings that I watched that gave reason to pause.IDK. Anyway, he should be "there" when the Indians make their selection in the next Rule IV draft. We shall see..

[GeronimoSon]

Lucas Giolito, the FOR SP candidate that was available to the Indians with the 15th overall pick (was selected 16th by the Nats) made his professional debut and was promptly shut down after a recurrence of pain in his elbow. It is believed that he will undergo Tommy John ligament replacement surgery and will be lost for the next 12 to 18 months.

[OhioBaseball]

Regarding Frazier's size; when you stand him next to guys like Meadows and Williams, he's considerably smaller and there's a pretty substantial difference. He's not big and he's in peak physical condition. He'll add mass as he matures but not a ton more room for growth. He's got a smaller frame than Trout for sure. I don't think size is an issue, but when you're talking top 5 overall prospect there will be nit picking. His swing is surprisingly short, but he's able to drive the ball b/c of his bat speed and as Rocky said early, he seems to hit the ball square frequently. I don't think the swing is all that max effort -- I think he just generates a lot of bat speed. Great prospect that I hope the Indians are able to get, but I think the Indians will have to be selecting before 6th to get him but there's a long ways to go.

Regarding Giolito, it's not surprising. It may even be a good thing to get the surgery out of the way and get the elbow right. He turned 18 years old a month ago -- he's got plenty of time to develop even if he misses 18 months. Still a very valuable prospect.

One guy that I see pretty low on prospect lists is Dominic Smith. I really like this guy. He is a very good hitter and he's got the run-throw tools to potentially play RF, or LF in worst case scenario.

Rocky, I have always had a personal bias against speed oriented players like Hart. I just don't like them. I like offensive players that can drive the ball for extra base hits.

[GeronimoSon]

Regarding Josh Hart....

John Klima at Baseball prospect writes: Josh Hart. Here’s the guy you dream on. Easy plus runner – easy. I got the times to prove it. Baseball instincts – and that ball in the corner ought to tell you all you need to know. Left-handed hitter with a good swing. I thought a touch behind offensively from Frazier and Williams but not enough to scare me away. He's committed to attend Georgia Tech.. The rest of his evaluation can be seen at: http://www.bbprospectreport.com/2012/08 ... more-16627 .

Jeff Dahm at Moscato Baseball had this to offer from a PG scout regarding Josh Hart: “Slender live-bodied build, lots of room to get stronger. Polished leadoff-type hitter, very patient and will work walks. … Very good outfield range, playable arm strength, very accurate throws.”

The report also mentions that he is a “good student” as his high school GPA of 3.2 attests. His interest in schoolwork proved beneficial to Georgia Tech’s efforts to land him in Atlanta.

“That whole environment and they have a great baseball program,” Hart said. “Plus, I just love the whole site – the coaching staff they’re like family. And outside of baseball, I kind of want to get into business and marketing, and I’m pretty good at physics too, so I’m looking into that.”

Playing within the East Cobb Baseball organization, Hart is constantly surrounded by top-notch talent, including showcase events where East Cobb often sends entire team units. The PG 2-Texas Orange that Hart is playing with this week complements the PG 7-Texas Orange that features so many other East Cobb top prospects.

In a short, he's got the fast twitch reflexes and speed that Kenny Lofton possessed but not his strength.. that may come..

[Rocky55]

Regarding Frazier's size; when you stand him next to guys like Meadows and Williams, he's considerably smaller and there's a pretty substantial difference. He's not big and he's in peak physical condition. He'll add mass as he matures but not a ton more room for growth. He's got a smaller frame than Trout for sure. I don't think size is an issue, but when you're talking top 5 overall prospect there will be nit picking. His swing is surprisingly short, but he's able to drive the ball b/c of his bat speed and as Rocky said early, he seems to hit the ball square frequently. I don't think the swing is all that max effort -- I think he just generates a lot of bat speed. Great prospect that I hope the Indians are able to get, but I think the Indians will have to be selecting before 6th to get him but there's a long ways to go.

Regarding Giolito, it's not surprising. It may even be a good thing to get the surgery out of the way and get the elbow right. He turned 18 years old a month ago -- he's got plenty of time to develop even if he misses 18 months. Still a very valuable prospect.

One guy that I see pretty low on prospect lists is Dominic Smith. I really like this guy. He is a very good hitter and he's got the run-throw tools to potentially play RF, or LF in worst case scenario.

Rocky, I have always had a personal bias against speed oriented players like Hart. I just don't like them. I like offensive players that can drive the ball for extra base hits.

OB, was this a scouting report on Hart? Are you saying that he's an all speed guy who can't drive the ball? Just want to be sure. If so, I wouldn't be interested either.

If you're talking about a Brantley-type bat, maybe not worth a top 10 pick, unless you add a better arm, potential GG fielding, and better speed/base stealing ability. Plus, Brantley's maturing into the hitter he is now has made him a valuable bat. So if you're talking Brantley bat, Kenny defense/baserunning, I prefer Frazier still but if Frazier is gone & Jan Hernandez is gone & Stanek is gone, I'd consider Hart.

As a confession, other than the Immortal Rocky Himself, Kenny is my fave Tribesman all-time. I've convinced myself that if we could get Omar V-2 back, and he's currently playing in Lake County & has gained a little pop in his bat, plus get Kenny V-2 back, we'd be close to a return the old juggernaut teams. So I get hopeful when I see a kid with a swagger making the spectacular catches in CF, stealing bases with ease, and just making himself a nuisance to the opposing defense.

BTW, Frazier will now only have to drop to #5. I can now envision the #3 spot. Minnesota is kinda screwing around but we may be too crappy to be denied. Plus, Colorado has gained 5 games on us in their last 10. Houston is running away with the #1 pick & the Cubs are not cooperating at all. Jeez, we lost 7 in a row & "gained" 1 game on them.

Last thing: I can't think of a single red headed Tribe player. Drafting Frazier might fix our Karma in that respect.

[adaree]

I've seen a lot of positives in regards to the position players in this draft, how is the quality of the pitching up top? Are there any pitchers worth taking in the top 5 this year?