2013 MLB Draft

[GeronimoSon]

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=43&f=1682&t=9942495

http://insidesocal.com/usc/archives/201 ... ransf.html

Looks like former 8th round pick in the 2011 draft Stephen Tarpley is transfering to a Community College so he can be in this years draft. I wanted the Indians to sign him in 2011 and thought they'd end up looking back on it and wishing they payed up back then.

I wonder if they still have a relationship with him and if there is a chance they draft him again this year.

Unless he's eaten lots more mashed taters or has added two or three or eight ticks in velo to his FB.. Tarpley is nothing special. His FB lacks the kind of pop that's needed... making him a soft tossing lefty. He has a marginal breaking ball (it shows flashes of bite, but not consistently) and a change up that can be seen coming from three pitches ago.. Is he worth drafting in the 8th round?. Sure, for a below average 8th round bonus... too..

[homerawayfromhome]

The Tribe has been known to redraft players, I think he's a possibility but he won't be a top 10 pk again unless they know his price. If anything it's Tarpley who lost out here, I wanted the Tribe to sign him but not over a $1M, I think he wanted more. He'd have to have a great spring to get picked in the top 5-10 rounds again.

[skydancing8]

It seems like he's never going to sniff the 800k range he reportedly turned down from the Indians. I wonder how much his stock could even rise pitching at a JUCO. If I'm Tarpley I'm feeling pretty silly for turning down the Tribes offer in 2011.

[A.Zajac]

Jim Callis ‏@jimcallisBA
Roughly $8.2 mil before, about $6.1 mil now, based on projected 6% increase. @chrismwebb: #Indians #mlbdraft pool now vs. if no picks lost?

[A.Zajac]

MLB Draft ‏@MLBDraft
.@Indians cede what's currently #69 for Bourn. Past 20 #69s: W.Mathisen, A.Houser, K.Sweeney, T.Bushue, J.Darnell, J.Fields, W.Hodges (1/2)

MLB Draft ‏@MLBDraft
J.Lansford, R.Liotta, L.Palmisano, J.Womack, N.Cotts, M.Schultz, B.King, A.Hart, E.Glaser, Y.Lachapelle, B.Arroyo, P.Failla, J.Roskos (2/2)

[PEngle39]

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=43&f=1682&t=9942495

http://insidesocal.com/usc/archives/201 ... ransf.html

Looks like former 8th round pick in the 2011 draft Stephen Tarpley is transfering to a Community College so he can be in this years draft. I wanted the Indians to sign him in 2011 and thought they'd end up looking back on it and wishing they payed up back then.

I wonder if they still have a relationship with him and if there is a chance they draft him again this year.

Unless he's eaten lots more mashed taters or has added two or three or eight ticks in velo to his FB.. Tarpley is nothing special. His FB lacks the kind of pop that's needed... making him a soft tossing lefty. He has a marginal breaking ball (it shows flashes of bite, but not consistently) and a change up that can be seen coming from three pitches ago.. Is he worth drafting in the 8th round?. Sure, for a below average 8th round bonus... too..

He's a pretty big prospect now, probably 2nd round. In his first start this year, his fastball was 91-94 with a sharp breaking ball with good depth; striking out 10 in 7.1 innings. I think you're being a little harsh with this kid; i've heard nothing but great things about his character....

[homerawayfromhome]

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=43&f=1682&t=9942495

http://insidesocal.com/usc/archives/201 ... ransf.html

Looks like former 8th round pick in the 2011 draft Stephen Tarpley is transfering to a Community College so he can be in this years draft. I wanted the Indians to sign him in 2011 and thought they'd end up looking back on it and wishing they payed up back then.

I wonder if they still have a relationship with him and if there is a chance they draft him again this year.

Unless he's eaten lots more mashed taters or has added two or three or eight ticks in velo to his FB.. Tarpley is nothing special. His FB lacks the kind of pop that's needed... making him a soft tossing lefty. He has a marginal breaking ball (it shows flashes of bite, but not consistently) and a change up that can be seen coming from three pitches ago.. Is he worth drafting in the 8th round?. Sure, for a below average 8th round bonus... too..

He's a pretty big prospect now, probably 2nd round. In his first start this year, his fastball was 91-94 with a sharp breaking ball with good depth; striking out 10 in 7.1 innings. I think you're being a little harsh with this kid; i've heard nothing but great things about his character....

Sorry, but I'm not seeing it. No I'm no major league scout but I follow baseball heavily and I don't see Tarpley as a guy that gets picked in the top five rounds, maybe 6-10 he has matured some but isn't a huge framed guy but being a LH certainly will benefit him. Then again, once spring hits and he hits the mound he could show he's ready to make a jump. He would certainly have upside; polish but not build. I think he's as big as he going to be, and may eventually get pushed to the pen as he progresses but that's probably 4 - 5 yrs down the line. Then there is the issue of signability, he would seem willing to sign making the jump back to junior college, was IMO an indication he wanted to re-enter the draft pool. Maybe he had some second thoughts after turning down the Tribe.

[OhioBaseball]

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=43&f=1682&t=9942495

http://insidesocal.com/usc/archives/201 ... ransf.html

Looks like former 8th round pick in the 2011 draft Stephen Tarpley is transfering to a Community College so he can be in this years draft. I wanted the Indians to sign him in 2011 and thought they'd end up looking back on it and wishing they payed up back then.

I wonder if they still have a relationship with him and if there is a chance they draft him again this year.

Unless he's eaten lots more mashed taters or has added two or three or eight ticks in velo to his FB.. Tarpley is nothing special. His FB lacks the kind of pop that's needed... making him a soft tossing lefty. He has a marginal breaking ball (it shows flashes of bite, but not consistently) and a change up that can be seen coming from three pitches ago.. Is he worth drafting in the 8th round?. Sure, for a below average 8th round bonus... too..

He's a pretty big prospect now, probably 2nd round. In his first start this year, his fastball was 91-94 with a sharp breaking ball with good depth; striking out 10 in 7.1 innings. I think you're being a little harsh with this kid; i've heard nothing but great things about his character....

Sorry, but I'm not seeing it. No I'm no major league scout but I follow baseball heavily and I don't see Tarpley as a guy that gets picked in the top five rounds, maybe 6-10 he has matured some but isn't a huge framed guy but being a LH certainly will benefit him. Then again, once spring hits and he hits the mound he could show he's ready to make a jump. He would certainly have upside; polish but not build. I think he's as big as he going to be, and may eventually get pushed to the pen as he progresses but that's probably 4 - 5 yrs down the line. Then there is the issue of signability, he would seem willing to sign making the jump back to junior college, was IMO an indication he wanted to re-enter the draft pool. Maybe he had some second thoughts after turning down the Tribe.

I agree with you. Tarpley surely has very good arm speed and is left handed, but he's got a small frame and may even end up in relief. If he really was offered $800k by the Indians, he got some really bad advice by turning it down. He might get that much this year if he has a really good season, but I think it's doubtful. I see him as a 4th to 5th round guy but that's just my opinion.

[homerawayfromhome]

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=43&f=1682&t=9942495

http://insidesocal.com/usc/archives/201 ... ransf.html

Looks like former 8th round pick in the 2011 draft Stephen Tarpley is transfering to a Community College so he can be in this years draft. I wanted the Indians to sign him in 2011 and thought they'd end up looking back on it and wishing they payed up back then.

I wonder if they still have a relationship with him and if there is a chance they draft him again this year.

Unless he's eaten lots more mashed taters or has added two or three or eight ticks in velo to his FB.. Tarpley is nothing special. His FB lacks the kind of pop that's needed... making him a soft tossing lefty. He has a marginal breaking ball (it shows flashes of bite, but not consistently) and a change up that can be seen coming from three pitches ago.. Is he worth drafting in the 8th round?. Sure, for a below average 8th round bonus... too..

He's a pretty big prospect now, probably 2nd round. In his first start this year, his fastball was 91-94 with a sharp breaking ball with good depth; striking out 10 in 7.1 innings. I think you're being a little harsh with this kid; i've heard nothing but great things about his character....

Sorry, but I'm not seeing it. No I'm no major league scout but I follow baseball heavily and I don't see Tarpley as a guy that gets picked in the top five rounds, maybe 6-10 he has matured some but isn't a huge framed guy but being a LH certainly will benefit him. Then again, once spring hits and he hits the mound he could show he's ready to make a jump. He would certainly have upside; polish but not build. I think he's as big as he going to be, and may eventually get pushed to the pen as he progresses but that's probably 4 - 5 yrs down the line. Then there is the issue of signability, he would seem willing to sign making the jump back to junior college, was IMO an indication he wanted to re-enter the draft pool. Maybe he had some second thoughts after turning down the Tribe.

I agree with you. Tarpley surely has very good arm speed and is left handed, but he's got a small frame and may even end up in relief. If he really was offered $800k by the Indians, he got some really bad advice by turning it down. He might get that much this year if he has a really good season, but I think it's doubtful. I see him as a 4th to 5th round guy but that's just my opinion.

Seems like we are pretty much saying the same thing. Our perception of Tarpley is very similar so right now I'd guess its a fair gauge of his potential value.

On to another thought, the Tribe likely won't have the flexibility to draft as aggressively as last yr. I think it could be offset however, by landing the BPA at 5. Adding a true top 5 talent and reasonable pks in the other slots is far superior to adding another Tyler Naquin, Mitch Brown, D'Vone McClure, Josh McAdams and Logan Vick, IMHO.

The Tribe could go the same route as the Blue Jays last yr and draft the BPA the first several rounds and then draft senior / "safe" signs rounds 6-10, using a large portion of that money for the 1-5 rd pks.

I also think its worth noting the Tribes picks are essentially better picks than last yr, with the elimination of the sand which round and dissolving of pks for FA. Last season the first two pks were at slots 15 and 79, this season the first two picks fall at 5 and 76 (? - I believe, not entirely sure here). Either way, the Tribe will essentially be facing a similar draft pool, it's weak like last yr. The key not to sound stupid, is simply hitting on the right players / pitchers.

[GeronimoSon]

BPA or BPA that gives the Indians the most flexibility to sign relatively better players later in the draft was the argument in the last draft. Specifically.. at # 15, Tyler Naquin?.. or Lucas Giolito one pick later. Well, we all know where that choice went. Is Naquin a good player.. sure.. Him & Ezequiel Carrera will be fine fourth outfielders in their prime..

Caution in the first round to avoid a mistake.. is a sin of cowardice that can never be forgiven. Sins of aggression, on the other hand are always forgiven.. TAKE BPA and be damned the signing pool. If the Indians exhaust their budget.. at least spend the money on guys who are going to be uber talented...

[homerawayfromhome]

Hardball Talk just reported that Karsten Whitson - RHSP will miss the season after having a shoulder procedure done. He was considered a first round talent. He could be a decent flier pick somewhere after the top 10 pks. Of course teams would be cautious, but he wouldn't be the first guy a team snagged late and was able to land.

Btw, anyone see any info. on the draft pools ($$$) yet?

[Rocky55]

Here's an article on Whitson's injury:

http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/Vie ... ticle=8038

[GoTribe028]

Sorry if this question has been addressed already, didn't quite have the patience to scroll through the whole thread.

What is the opinion of everyone here regarding how the Indians should go into the draft later this year? It's always a debate about the "best player available" but after surrendering the 2 picks for Swisher and Bourn (FWIW I'm perfectly happy with the signings) they will lose a good chunk of their draft pool.

Do the Indians simply go "best player available" and take a shot on a possible Lucas Giolito or do they "spread the wealth" and go for a Tyler Naquin?

Clearly the Indians have an opportunity to nab a pretty solid prospect so it probably isn't really even a question as to what they should do, I just wondered what everyone's opinions are.

[daingean]

Sorry if this question has been addressed already, didn't quite have the patience to scroll through the whole thread.

What is the opinion of everyone here regarding how the Indians should go into the draft later this year? It's always a debate about the "best player available" but after surrendering the 2 picks for Swisher and Bourn (FWIW I'm perfectly happy with the signings) they will lose a good chunk of their draft pool.

Do the Indians simply go "best player available" and take a shot on a possible Lucas Giolito or do they "spread the wealth" and go for a Tyler Naquin?

Clearly the Indians have an opportunity to nab a pretty solid prospect so it probably isn't really even a question as to what they should do, I just wondered what everyone's opinions are.

I would always go BPA and never take a lesser guy just because they are signable. Your 1st round pick should be a ML starter one day. Guys later in the draft are more projects which is why nobody else took them in the first round. Sometimes you get a Jim Thome later in the draft but most guys taken after the 3rd round will not make it past AA. So to take a B guy in round 1 just so you can get a C guy in the 4th round is backwards.

[homerawayfromhome]

Sorry if this question has been addressed already, didn't quite have the patience to scroll through the whole thread.

What is the opinion of everyone here regarding how the Indians should go into the draft later this year? It's always a debate about the "best player available" but after surrendering the 2 picks for Swisher and Bourn (FWIW I'm perfectly happy with the signings) they will lose a good chunk of their draft pool.

Do the Indians simply go "best player available" and take a shot on a possible Lucas Giolito or do they "spread the wealth" and go for a Tyler Naquin?

Clearly the Indians have an opportunity to nab a pretty solid prospect so it probably isn't really even a question as to what they should do, I just wondered what everyone's opinions are.

The Toronto Blue Jays used a different approach to the draft then the Tribe, I'd advocate this approach but simply don't think it will happen. The jays drafted aggressively in the top several rounds, then went with safe approach with later top 10 pks essentially pushing a large portion of their budget upwards to the first several pks. It should be noted they did go 400 K+ over their pool, but it's much cheaper to sign amateur talent, than to compete in FA. I'd advocate a similar approach. But the Tribe went safe with pk 15 for Naquin and then spread the wealth, essentially trying to land more chances of landing talent.
I think they will just try to get the best players this time, whomever it is with the pk even if it means over signing some of the early pks to get them done.

I've not seen the pool money allotments for this draft, I think the Tribe has something to the effect of $5.5 M this yr which is still more than it was last yr.

Also, noteworthy the IFA pool will start to disperse signing pools this June based identically to the draft. This pool money is based on W/L record and pool allotments are tradeable up to half of the whole pool. Obviously, the Tribe will have the fifth largest pool to spend on IFA.

[GeronimoSon]

Sorry if this question has been addressed already, didn't quite have the patience to scroll through the whole thread.

What is the opinion of everyone here regarding how the Indians should go into the draft later this year? It's always a debate about the "best player available" but after surrendering the 2 picks for Swisher and Bourn (FWIW I'm perfectly happy with the signings) they will lose a good chunk of their draft pool.

Do the Indians simply go "best player available" and take a shot on a possible Lucas Giolito or do they "spread the wealth" and go for a Tyler Naquin?

Clearly the Indians have an opportunity to nab a pretty solid prospect so it probably isn't really even a question as to what they should do, I just wondered what everyone's opinions are.

There is only one way to draft in the first few rounds of the June entry draft or Rule IV Draft: THE VERY BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE.. Fiscal logic, better utilization of later draft choice selection average values, & diminishing returns, etc cannot explain not taking a 19 year old kid with a thunderbolt for an arm in the first round. There aren't 50 guys in the first ten rounds of the draft that are going to become impact players in the major leagues, let alone 2 or 3 or 4 players for a single team that utilized bonus pool averaging for it's draft pool.. If the Indians go into the 2013 draft and get ONE kid, a FOR impact SP and he consumes a massive % of the draft pool and he's the only one who makes it to the major leagues, then it will have been a SPECTACULAR draft. One impact SP and a Utility back up that has a ML career would be nirvana.. When only 17 - 18 % of all first round picks make it the major leagues, then putting your bet on anyone but the most talented is a bad play at the craps table..

[homerawayfromhome]

Sorry if this question has been addressed already, didn't quite have the patience to scroll through the whole thread.

What is the opinion of everyone here regarding how the Indians should go into the draft later this year? It's always a debate about the "best player available" but after surrendering the 2 picks for Swisher and Bourn (FWIW I'm perfectly happy with the signings) they will lose a good chunk of their draft pool.

Do the Indians simply go "best player available" and take a shot on a possible Lucas Giolito or do they "spread the wealth" and go for a Tyler Naquin?

Clearly the Indians have an opportunity to nab a pretty solid prospect so it probably isn't really even a question as to what they should do, I just wondered what everyone's opinions are.

There is only one way to draft in the first few rounds of the June entry draft or Rule IV Draft: THE VERY BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE.. Fiscal logic, better utilization of later draft choice selection average values, & diminishing returns, etc cannot explain not taking a 19 year old kid with a thunderbolt for an arm in the first round. There aren't 50 guys in the first ten rounds of the draft that are going to become impact players in the major leagues, let alone 2 or 3 or 4 players for a single team that utilized bonus pool averaging for it's draft pool.. If the Indians go into the 2013 draft and get ONE kid, a FOR impact SP and he consumes a massive % of the draft pool and he's the only one who makes it to the major leagues, then it will have been a SPECTACULAR draft. One impact SP and a Utility back up that has a ML career would be nirvana.. When only 17 - 18 % of all first round picks make it the major leagues, then putting your bet on anyone but the most talented is a bad play at the craps table..

I get the Indians draft stragedy last yr, but I don't agree with it. I also get your call for Lucas Giolito. IF I recall correctly, I had hoped that they'd snag Michael Wacha, now of the St L org. The Tribe still could get him at some point in the future, but that's for another forum. I wasn't totally blown away by the pk of Naquin last yr, I had heard somewhere, but don't recall the person who said they liked Naquin. Had also heard Heaney, Stratton, and Dahl were of interest.

The majority of players that pan out are usually the higher picks, it just makes sense to target these guys. If anything the Tribe should be willing to go over their pool allotment to make sure they get the guys they want, it tremendously cheaper than spending $100 M + for FA, when you never know what you're going to get in production.

[GeronimoSon]

Sorry if this question has been addressed already, didn't quite have the patience to scroll through the whole thread.

What is the opinion of everyone here regarding how the Indians should go into the draft later this year? It's always a debate about the "best player available" but after surrendering the 2 picks for Swisher and Bourn (FWIW I'm perfectly happy with the signings) they will lose a good chunk of their draft pool.

Do the Indians simply go "best player available" and take a shot on a possible Lucas Giolito or do they "spread the wealth" and go for a Tyler Naquin?

Clearly the Indians have an opportunity to nab a pretty solid prospect so it probably isn't really even a question as to what they should do, I just wondered what everyone's opinions are.

There is only one way to draft in the first few rounds of the June entry draft or Rule IV Draft: THE VERY BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE.. Fiscal logic, better utilization of later draft choice selection average values, & diminishing returns, etc cannot explain not taking a 19 year old kid with a thunderbolt for an arm in the first round. There aren't 50 guys in the first ten rounds of the draft that are going to become impact players in the major leagues, let alone 2 or 3 or 4 players for a single team that utilized bonus pool averaging for it's draft pool.. If the Indians go into the 2013 draft and get ONE kid, a FOR impact SP and he consumes a massive % of the draft pool and he's the only one who makes it to the major leagues, then it will have been a SPECTACULAR draft. One impact SP and a Utility back up that has a ML career would be nirvana.. When only 17 - 18 % of all first round picks make it the major leagues, then putting your bet on anyone but the most talented is a bad play at the craps table..

I get the Indians draft stragedy last yr, but I don't agree with it. I also get your call for Lucas Giolito. IF I recall correctly, I had hoped that they'd snag Michael Wacha, now of the St L org. The Tribe still could get him at some point in the future, but that's for another forum. I wasn't totally blown away by the pk of Naquin last yr, I had heard somewhere, but don't recall the person who said they liked Naquin. Had also heard Heaney, Stratton, and Dahl were of interest.

The majority of players that pan out are usually the higher picks, it just makes sense to target these guys. If anything the Tribe should be willing to go over their pool allotment to make sure they get the guys they want, it tremendously cheaper than spending $100 M + for FA, when you never know what you're going to get in production.

If I recall..you liked Guasman and Lucas Sims as much as yo liked Wacha.. & yes, it's for another time....The BPA strategy wasn't followed with Naquin pick.. we both agree on that..

[homerawayfromhome]

Sorry if this question has been addressed already, didn't quite have the patience to scroll through the whole thread.

What is the opinion of everyone here regarding how the Indians should go into the draft later this year? It's always a debate about the "best player available" but after surrendering the 2 picks for Swisher and Bourn (FWIW I'm perfectly happy with the signings) they will lose a good chunk of their draft pool.

Do the Indians simply go "best player available" and take a shot on a possible Lucas Giolito or do they "spread the wealth" and go for a Tyler Naquin?

Clearly the Indians have an opportunity to nab a pretty solid prospect so it probably isn't really even a question as to what they should do, I just wondered what everyone's opinions are.

There is only one way to draft in the first few rounds of the June entry draft or Rule IV Draft: THE VERY BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE.. Fiscal logic, better utilization of later draft choice selection average values, & diminishing returns, etc cannot explain not taking a 19 year old kid with a thunderbolt for an arm in the first round. There aren't 50 guys in the first ten rounds of the draft that are going to become impact players in the major leagues, let alone 2 or 3 or 4 players for a single team that utilized bonus pool averaging for it's draft pool.. If the Indians go into the 2013 draft and get ONE kid, a FOR impact SP and he consumes a massive % of the draft pool and he's the only one who makes it to the major leagues, then it will have been a SPECTACULAR draft. One impact SP and a Utility back up that has a ML career would be nirvana.. When only 17 - 18 % of all first round picks make it the major leagues, then putting your bet on anyone but the most talented is a bad play at the craps table..

I get the Indians draft stragedy last yr, but I don't agree with it. I also get your call for Lucas Giolito. IF I recall correctly, I had hoped that they'd snag Michael Wacha, now of the St L org. The Tribe still could get him at some point in the future, but that's for another forum. I wasn't totally blown away by the pk of Naquin last yr, I had heard somewhere, but don't recall the person who said they liked Naquin. Had also heard Heaney, Stratton, and Dahl were of interest.

The majority of players that pan out are usually the higher picks, it just makes sense to target these guys. If anything the Tribe should be willing to go over their pool allotment to make sure they get the guys they want, it tremendously cheaper than spending $100 M + for FA, when you never know what you're going to get in production.

If I recall..you liked Guasman and Lucas Sims as much as yo liked Wacha.. & yes, it's for another time....The BPA strategy wasn't followed with Naquin pick.. we both agree on that..

I knew Gausman (O's) would be gone, and Sims (Braves) would be a bit of a reach at 15. I also liked McCullers (Astros) and Smoral (Jays) and a few positional guys in Shafer (Rays) and Piscotty (Cards).

[BrianM]

It may not be the worst year to punt the first pick. If we can't sign our first rounder, it just means we get a protected first round pick next year along with our original first round pick and our comp balance pick.

[homerawayfromhome]

It may not be the worst year to punt the first pick. If we can't sign our first rounder, it just means we get a protected first round pick next year along with our original first round pick and our comp balance pick.

In other yrs I may have tentatively agreed, particularly with the added comp pk but not this yr after the loss of two pks, essentially one bc of the add of the comp. balance pk. Not this yr, the loss of pks and cash makes it more necessary to land this pk. Truthfully, it could / would create a vacuum of potential incoming talent. Missing the first pk, then the second would be a huge loss of talent, this is not including the comp balance pk they lost. Picking that pk back up next yr would help but minimally, the Tribe needs talent now, developing now. I wouldn't advocate intentionally punting the 5th pk and pool money to be forced into a must sign position the next season.

Btw, the comp balance pk is not guaranteed. It is a lotto style system 12 pks dispersed between up to 15 teams, some one is going to lose out let's hope and pray its not the Tribe.

[GeronimoSon]

It may not be the worst year to punt the first pick. If we can't sign our first rounder, it just means we get a protected first round pick next year along with our original first round pick and our comp balance pick.

In other yrs I may have tentatively agreed, particularly with the added comp pk but not this yr after the loss of two pks, essentially one bc of the add of the comp. balance pk. Not this yr, the loss of pks and cash makes it more necessary to land this pk. Truthfully, it could / would create a vacuum of potential incoming talent. Missing the first pk, then the second would be a huge loss of talent, this is not including the comp balance pk they lost. Picking that pk back up next yr would help but minimally, the Tribe needs talent now, developing now. I wouldn't advocate intentionally punting the 5th pk and pool money to be forced into a must sign position the next season.

Btw, the comp balance pk is not guaranteed. It is a lotto style system 12 pks dispersed between up to 15 teams, some one is going to lose out let's hope and pray its not the Tribe.

When you have a top five pick in the ML first entry draft, you take it.. This year, there are at least six and possibly seven guys who might be considered the overall # 1 pick. That number may rise ! They are:

Ryne Stanek
Austin Meadows
Sean Manea
Mark Appel
Kris Bryant
Clint Frazier

The Indians will be more than thrilled to get any one of these six guys and shouldn't "punt" on any of them. The "least" desirable of the bunch might be Kris Bryant who possesses perhaps the best hit tool of any college level player. He's a big, strong fast, has a huge arm, hits for both power and average.. etc Best guess, if Mark Appel is there at # 5, & he's having his usual kind of season, that's who the Indians will go with if for no other reason than he's a senior and cannot return to school..

Btw....If the prognosticators are correct (and most of these are pre-2013 season), then Austin Meadows will be the first overall pick by the Astros..

[homerawayfromhome]

I wouldn't promote this but there are some who think Austin Wilson has 1 overall talent, but is limited by playing at Stanford. He's an impressive athlete and could be the type pk the Astros make...upside / near ready / potentially underslot pk.

[SwisherBuck11]

IMO i think the Pick will be Appel or Wilson, its clear the Tribe have set up a window to win of the next 4 years so they will take one of the close to MLB Ready college kids that could help a spot in the next 2-4 years (i dont think Reynolds re-ups so you can DH Wilson)

[homerawayfromhome]

IMO i think the Pick will be Appel or Wilson, its clear the Tribe have set up a window to win of the next 4 years so they will take one of the close to MLB Ready college kids that could help a spot in the next 2-4 years (i dont think Reynolds re-ups so you can DH Wilson)

First welcome to the boards...

I think the Tribe would snatch Appel up if he was on the board, well depending if Manaea and or Stanek are still on too. Wilson seems like he could be a qk mover but to expect him in the bigs next yr would almost certainly set him up for failure, IMO. He will have to adjust to minor league pitching, but should be a qk mover and has the tools to be a big time talent.

[GeronimoSon]

IMO i think the Pick will be Appel or Wilson, its clear the Tribe have set up a window to win of the next 4 years so they will take one of the close to MLB Ready college kids that could help a spot in the next 2-4 years (i dont think Reynolds re-ups so you can DH Wilson)

First welcome to the boards...

I think the Tribe would snatch Appel up if he was on the board, well depending if Manaea and or Stanek are still on too. Wilson seems like he could be a qk mover but to expect him in the bigs next yr would almost certainly set him up for failure, IMO. He will have to adjust to minor league pitching, but should be a qk mover and has the tools to be a big time talent.

Tend to agree with homer's limited projection of making it to the big leagues that quickly, but, Wilson will be a quick mover regardless of who selects him in the coming draft. There's a LOT to like about him. Austin Wilson is as intimidating as he is athletic.. He has shown the ability to hit for power as well as average. He does get fooled every so often, but he does track the ball very well. His batting quirks/stance at present has way too much movement. but is typical for a college player. With some coaching, the movement in his swing should be simplified and smoothed out. He does quite a few things exceptionally well with the bat.. the first is he sets his bat in the ready position early in his swing with minimal movement. He has a very small stride with a toe tap, no high leg kick and clears his left hip easily and fluidly. This, along with his immense athleticism and quick twitch hands that generate enormous bat speed portends great power potential. His other tools include surprising top end speed and an arm that has the ball coming out like howitzer. It wouldn't be a huge surprise if Austin Wilson's pure release velocity is higher than Mark Appel's. That's how strong his arm is.. If the Indians were to draft him.. It would be a due to some of the upper level pitchers having poor springs or injuries.. at the end of the Austin Wilson rainbow, there might be a pot of gold that resembles Giancarlo Stanton (as a comp)...

[SwisherBuck11]

a kid i really wanted to see the Tribe draft in the 3-4 Round Range was from my alma matter was Tyler Skulina from Kent

he had a rought time vs Va Tech giving up 7 Runs (3 ER) on 6 Hits and 4 Walks in only 5 innings (had 5 strikeouts)
he bounced back vs San Diego tonight going 8 innings only allowing 2 hits 2 Walks 6 Ks 0 Runs

Kent is off to an 0-5 start to the season but they've also had a very tough OOC (for Kent State anyways)

[GeronimoSon]

a kid i really wanted to see the Tribe draft in the 3-4 Round Range was from my alma matter was Tyler Skulina from Kent

he had a rought time vs Va Tech giving up 7 Runs (3 ER) on 6 Hits and 4 Walks in only 5 innings (had 5 strikeouts)
he bounced back vs San Diego tonight going 8 innings only allowing 2 hits 2 Walks 6 Ks 0 Runs

Kent is off to an 0-5 start to the season but they've also had a very tough OOC (for Kent State anyways)

A Golden Flash !!.. Ty Skulina clearly has a Major League arm..He can really dial it up too.. I think I saw him touch 96 a couple of times. He sits in the 93-94 range. He has three pitches (I'm not a fan of his change, btw) and very good control. What you like most about him is everything he throws.. goes down. He is a "tall and fall" pitcher that generates easy velocity and, for such a big guy (I think he's around 6'6") he throws down hill and repeats his delivery very well. He will probably be a mid round selection..

[OhioBaseball]

a kid i really wanted to see the Tribe draft in the 3-4 Round Range was from my alma matter was Tyler Skulina from Kent

he had a rought time vs Va Tech giving up 7 Runs (3 ER) on 6 Hits and 4 Walks in only 5 innings (had 5 strikeouts)
he bounced back vs San Diego tonight going 8 innings only allowing 2 hits 2 Walks 6 Ks 0 Runs

Kent is off to an 0-5 start to the season but they've also had a very tough OOC (for Kent State anyways)

He'd be a very good 3rd round selection, but I don't think he lasts that long. He's quite talented. He's got the arm and arm action that scouts look for, and he can spin a breaking ball well. He's got good velocity now and I think can throw harder with that nice, loose arm action. Still needs some refinement, but has potential to be solid MLB 3 starter. I see Skulina getting looks in the 1st round this year, but likely ends up going in the first supplemental round/very early 2nd round.

[OhioBaseball]

FYI on the draft, former first round pick Karsten Whitson is out for 2013 with a shoulder issue. I saw him last year and was not impressed and thought he hadn't improved any as a prospect, and now he's got some pretty serious health issues. He's not having surgery and could pitch this summer, but things just get worse for this guy. He could be an interesting speculative draft pick this June, but honestly, I don't think he looked good in 2012 and with this issue he looks like a 5th rounder and I doubt he's willing to take that kind of money. Also, Dylan Covey, another 1st round HS RHP that chose to go to college is struggling so far this year at San Diego, after struggles his first two years in college. The shine can fade fast for teenage pitchers. We just saw Dillon Howard look like a 5th round pick last year after giving him $1.85 million. Teenage pitching is a risky business, but every so often you get a tremendous asset.

[GeronimoSon]

Inre Karsten Whitson: Dr Andrews performed a 'procedure' on him that didn't include a full blown reconstruction of the shoulder area including the labrum. It's interesting to note that the labrum was specifically mentioned. The information further states that Whitson will be shut down for at least four months (from now) and will consider the MLB draft but is prepared to return to the Gators as a Red Shirt junior. Sounds like he's been given a choice.. surgery to fix or physcial therapy to overcome. FWIW, it looks like Whitson may be drafted, but, unless the situation is exactly right for him (and IDK what that is).. he'll return to college..

Inre Tyler Skulina.. Second or Third Round or lower would be the best guess & it's just a guess at this time.. He has a lot of things ML scouts like including a projectible his 6'6" 235 pound frame.. The Flashes aren't off to a great start this season. Perhaps they're still reading their news clippings from last season?.. and what a season is was...

[SwisherBuck11]

Wilson out for 6 weeks

[TheWord]

Sean Manaea touched 98 and struck out 10 over six one-hit innings in a victory over CofC on Saturday. Sat mostly 91-94 with a good slider.

Got to like this kid, looks like he's got some premium stuff.

[TheWord]

More on Austin Wilson...

"Stanford has acknowledged that Wilson’s seemingly minor injury is a stress reaction at the top of his elbow and his status has shifted from day-to-day to week-to-week. Two sources confirmed today that Wilson is expected to be out for six weeks and possibly as much as eight weeks."

http://sbb.scout.com/2/1269332.html

[OhioBaseball]

More on Austin Wilson...

"Stanford has acknowledged that Wilson’s seemingly minor injury is a stress reaction at the top of his elbow and his status has shifted from day-to-day to week-to-week. Two sources confirmed today that Wilson is expected to be out for six weeks and possibly as much as eight weeks."

http://sbb.scout.com/2/1269332.html

That's really not good for Wilson. I've been below consensus estimates on him b/c I've seen him at the plate in many games and he always looked vulnerable and now if he's out 6-8 weeks, he's really missing his opportunity to prove to those that don't think he can hit wrong. He may only get a month to show scouts what he's got, and it isn't easy to come out and light the world on fire hitting after you've been out for nearly two months.

I understand the intrigue on this guy. If you've never seen him play, it's easy to look at the measurables and his run/throw tools and strong pedigree of being a top prospect since high school, but he just doesn't look good at the plate and I wouldn't be willing to take the blind faith on him (he's never hit well before) if I had a top 10 or even top 15 pick. This isn't a Stanford approach issue thing, either. He's got some clear holes in his swing and his massive upper body is really atypical for good MLB hitters -- those are legit issues. I think he's still a good prospect and should go in the first round even if he doesnt show much when he comes back, but it's a speculative pick.

[TheWord]

Really intrigued with this guy if he freefalls a bit.

He's got such a boatload of talent but may not look comfortable at the plate because of Stanford's approach to hitting.

Getting this guy in the sandwich round, with his potential, because of some comfort issues is a risk I'm willing to take.

[Rocky55]

I've seen Wilson play 3 or 4 times also & I didn't like him much. He runs okay for a guy his size, his arm is strong but not exceptional. To his credit he was quite good with wood bats on the Cape for 2 yrs in a row. The thing is, he swings & misses a lot. Not wishing him ill but if the injury keeps him off of the Tribe's draft list, I'm happy.

[SwisherBuck11]

USD Kris Bryant off to a slow start batting .261 in 6 games only 1 HR and 2 Doubles.
Although his OBP is at .485

[SwisherBuck11]

Appel in 2 starts
1-1 1.93 ERA 14 IP 10 Hits .200 BAA 14 K 4 BB 1 XBH

[SwisherBuck11]

Stanek 2 Starts 3.86 ERA 7 IP 8 K 3 BB

Manaea 2 Starts .90 ERA 10 IP 16 Ks 5 BB

[Rocky55]

This was interesting. The Draft won't go this way but still worth reading.

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/2/2 ... -prospects

Note the guys available with our 2nd pick. Who's that Biggio guy, O.B.?

[GeronimoSon]

This was interesting. The Draft won't go this way but still worth reading.

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/2/2 ... -prospects

Note the guys available with our 2nd pick. Who's that Biggio guy, O.B.?

The Indians don't have a second round pick.. the competitive lottery pick is gone as well... The Indians first pick, # 5 overall, will be their best chance to impact the team in the future because it isn't until pick # 79 that the Indians get to go again..

Cavan Biggio is the son of the future HOF'er Craig Biggio.. good player.. a damn good player..

[SwisherBuck11]

a kid to watch later in the Draft with the 2 Ohio Teams will be Ronnie Dawson from Licking Heights, Committed to Ohio State, 6'1 220 OF Crushes the ball everytime he hits it, i think almost every other hit he had last year was an extra base hit

[Rocky55]

This was interesting. The Draft won't go this way but still worth reading.

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/2/2 ... -prospects

Note the guys available with our 2nd pick. Who's that Biggio guy, O.B.?

The Indians don't have a second round pick.. the competitive lottery pick is gone as well... The Indians first pick, # 5 overall, will be their best chance to impact the team in the future because it isn't until pick # 79 that the Indians get to go again..

Cavan Biggio is the son of the future HOF'er Craig Biggio.. good player.. a damn good player..

I realize we don't have a 2nd round pick. That's why I said 2nd pick. One of the players on the linked list that is ranked around our 2nd pick is Cavan Biggio. I "asked" OB who he was because OB has a huge man crush on Biggio. I was being a smartass. Shocking, right? If we were to pick up Biggio with our 2nd pick (impossible, he won't be there), OB would be ecstatic. I'd be happy too. Although, some of the pitchers available...J/K OB.

[daingean]

a kid to watch later in the Draft with the 2 Ohio Teams will be Ronnie Dawson from Licking Heights, Committed to Ohio State, 6'1 220 OF Crushes the ball everytime he hits it, i think almost every other hit he had last year was an extra base hit

I don't see this kid as having a PG profile which most likely means he didn't play in any of their tournies/showcases. I don't put much faith in HS stats or what they do there because quite simply most of the HS pitchers are not high quality. During summer ball, if a kid plays in the PG events or Connie Mack events, then they are facing better pitching on the whole. Guys with big holes in their swings can dominate 3/4 of HS pitchers.

[OhioBaseball]

This was interesting. The Draft won't go this way but still worth reading.

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/2/2 ... -prospects

Note the guys available with our 2nd pick. Who's that Biggio guy, O.B.?

The Indians don't have a second round pick.. the competitive lottery pick is gone as well... The Indians first pick, # 5 overall, will be their best chance to impact the team in the future because it isn't until pick # 79 that the Indians get to go again..

Cavan Biggio is the son of the future HOF'er Craig Biggio.. good player.. a damn good player..

I realize we don't have a 2nd round pick. That's why I said 2nd pick. One of the players on the linked list that is ranked around our 2nd pick is Cavan Biggio. I "asked" OB who he was because OB has a huge man crush on Biggio. I was being a smartass. Shocking, right? If we were to pick up Biggio with our 2nd pick (impossible, he won't be there), OB would be ecstatic. I'd be happy too. Although, some of the pitchers available...J/K OB.

Haha, yes, I like Cavan Biggio! Rocky has been perceptive in picking up on my bullish opinion on him. I think he's worth a million dollar signing bonus out of high school, and I can see him becoming a top 10 overall pick after 3 years in college. It's really got nothing to do with me liking Craig Biggio or anything -- the two are very different players. I think he's got a great swing plane (will drive the ball for extra bases), has a good approach at the plate and he's got a very projectable body frame. Defensively, I see limited value for sure but I'd work him at 2b from the start. Some HS guys are done growing and look like men at age 17-18. Biggio is physically immature and he still looks like I kid. Very projectable, offense-oriented 2b. Sign me up!

Rocky, regarding the Kilma analysis on Austin Wilson, I am in very strong agreement with virtually everything he said. I'd be disappointed if the Indians took him at 5 overall, unless he all of a sudden shows he can be authoritative and in-control at the plate, which I see as doubtful at this point.

[BrianM]

Hey OB,

Do you know anything about Jackson Lamb from Bedford Michigan? My father and I saw him play basketball and a good friend of ours told us that he was going to Michigan to play baseball. He says he could go in the first couple rounds of the draft this year. This guy tends to exaggerate, but we know he was also recruited to play big 10 basketball so he must be a pretty good baseball player to make the choice. This guy also says he expects him to sign once drafted and forego Michigan. Can you, or anybody else, give me some info?

[GeronimoSon]

Hey OB,

Do you know anything about Jackson Lamb from Bedford Michigan? My father and I saw him play basketball and a good friend of ours told us that he was going to Michigan to play baseball. He says he could go in the first couple rounds of the draft this year. This guy tends to exaggerate, but we know he was also recruited to play big 10 basketball so he must be a pretty good baseball player to make the choice. This guy also says he expects him to sign once drafted and forego Michigan. Can you, or anybody else, give me some info?

Here are some stories that might define who this youngster is:

http://www.freep.com/article/20130111/H ... sport-star

The reports are saying that at 6’7, he is extremely athletic. When he's playing the field, he'll remind you of Jason Werth. He has Werth's swing and mannerisms. A very compact and powerful stroke defines what he does with a bat in his hands. The conundrum will be, should he be an OF'er?. or should he be a pitcher?. His velocity sits in the upper 80's to low 90's on a fast ball that shows some arm side run. With him being as skinny as he is, he should fill out and be able to add at least a few ticks to that speed.. He has a long way to go as far as being a pitcher, but the tools are there. This Lamb could become a Lion given the right amount of raw meat to eat (along with lots of mashed taters). Projecting him in the top three or four rounds wouldn't be unheard of..

Good, question..btw..

[SwisherBuck11]

Kent State Pitching Skulina vs UofL today at 3 PM
the Cardinals are ranked 4th in the nation

[SwisherBuck11]

Skulina got rocked

2.2 IP 9 Hits 10 ER 3 Walks 2 Triple, 2 Doubles 0 Strikeouts