2013 MLB Draft

[Hermie13]

Skulkina was a kid I really liked coming out of high school. Saw him pitch couple times. I think he could go 3rd or even later easily. Pitched well last year but transferred away from Virginia to Kent State. Some teams may be turned off by that.

[SwisherBuck11]

Skulkina was a kid I really liked coming out of high school. Saw him pitch couple times. I think he could go 3rd or even later easily. Pitched well last year but transferred away from Virginia to Kent State. Some teams may be turned off by that.

I dont see how a teams going to be turned off by a 18 year old leaving home for the first time being home sick and his mother being sick at the time .

[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?

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..

Thanks GSon. I heard he was definitely entering as a pitcher. Bedford is not to far from Toledo, so he is kinda a local. He'll be interesting to keep an eye on.

[Hermie13]

Skulkina was a kid I really liked coming out of high school. Saw him pitch couple times. I think he could go 3rd or even later easily. Pitched well last year but transferred away from Virginia to Kent State. Some teams may be turned off by that.

I dont see how a teams going to be turned off by a 18 year old leaving home for the first time being home sick and his mother being sick at the time .

Getting homesick is a turnoff. Plus that wasn't the only reason he transferred. Skulina went through a dead arm period late his senior year at Walsh, and it carried over to his time at Virginia. He admitted that it played on his mind and added to his desire to move home. Didn't seem to have the fire to want to push himself to play at a school like Virginia. Not that Kent is bad baseball school (clearly they are not after making the CWS), but teams will look at any little flaw when considering drafting a kid.

Another thing to remember with Skulina is he is only a sophomore as he redshirted a year while transferring. Gives him some more leverage during the draft and some teams may not want to hassle with it as funds aren't unlimited anymore in the draft.

[SwisherBuck11]

Skulkina was a kid I really liked coming out of high school. Saw him pitch couple times. I think he could go 3rd or even later easily. Pitched well last year but transferred away from Virginia to Kent State. Some teams may be turned off by that.

I dont see how a teams going to be turned off by a 18 year old leaving home for the first time being home sick and his mother being sick at the time .

Getting homesick is a turnoff. Plus that wasn't the only reason he transferred. Skulina went through a dead arm period late his senior year at Walsh, and it carried over to his time at Virginia. He admitted that it played on his mind and added to his desire to move home. Didn't seem to have the fire to want to push himself to play at a school like Virginia. Not that Kent is bad baseball school (clearly they are not after making the CWS), but teams will look at any little flaw when considering drafting a kid.

Another thing to remember with Skulina is he is only a sophomore as he redshirted a year while transferring. Gives him some more leverage during the draft and some teams may not want to hassle with it as funds aren't unlimited anymore in the draft.

to you maybe, to MLB teams, no its not and thats according to a good amount of our kids at the MV/Akron/LC teams that i've talked to over the past 3 years. In Skulinas case that wont even matter if the Indians are interested

[Hermie13]

Skulkina was a kid I really liked coming out of high school. Saw him pitch couple times. I think he could go 3rd or even later easily. Pitched well last year but transferred away from Virginia to Kent State. Some teams may be turned off by that.

I dont see how a teams going to be turned off by a 18 year old leaving home for the first time being home sick and his mother being sick at the time .

Getting homesick is a turnoff. Plus that wasn't the only reason he transferred. Skulina went through a dead arm period late his senior year at Walsh, and it carried over to his time at Virginia. He admitted that it played on his mind and added to his desire to move home. Didn't seem to have the fire to want to push himself to play at a school like Virginia. Not that Kent is bad baseball school (clearly they are not after making the CWS), but teams will look at any little flaw when considering drafting a kid.

Another thing to remember with Skulina is he is only a sophomore as he redshirted a year while transferring. Gives him some more leverage during the draft and some teams may not want to hassle with it as funds aren't unlimited anymore in the draft.

to you maybe, to MLB teams, no its not and thats according to a good amount of our kids at the MV/Akron/LC teams that i've talked to over the past 3 years. In Skulinas case that wont even matter if the Indians are interested

Yeah, getting homesick isn't a turnoff to MLB clubs (happens to everyone from time to time)...but getting so homesick you have to move home is (which is what I meant).

And while with Cleveland he'd be nearby for the most part, still will have to go through Carolina. Plus we were talking about Skulina going 3rd round or later. Other teams will have shots at him and they don't have farm teams near NEO. Sure some teams will look past that and just focus on his talent but when there's potentially millions at stake, teams will find flaws and reasons not to draft you.

He could go top 2 rounds still, but personally think he'll go later (at this juncture at least, we'll see how the season goes for him).

[GeronimoSon]

Skulkina was a kid I really liked coming out of high school. Saw him pitch couple times. I think he could go 3rd or even later easily. Pitched well last year but transferred away from Virginia to Kent State. Some teams may be turned off by that.

I dont see how a teams going to be turned off by a 18 year old leaving home for the first time being home sick and his mother being sick at the time .

Getting homesick is a turnoff. Plus that wasn't the only reason he transferred. Skulina went through a dead arm period late his senior year at Walsh, and it carried over to his time at Virginia. He admitted that it played on his mind and added to his desire to move home. Didn't seem to have the fire to want to push himself to play at a school like Virginia. Not that Kent is bad baseball school (clearly they are not after making the CWS), but teams will look at any little flaw when considering drafting a kid.

Another thing to remember with Skulina is he is only a sophomore as he redshirted a year while transferring. Gives him some more leverage during the draft and some teams may not want to hassle with it as funds aren't unlimited anymore in the draft.

to you maybe, to MLB teams, no its not and thats according to a good amount of our kids at the MV/Akron/LC teams that i've talked to over the past 3 years. In Skulinas case that wont even matter if the Indians are interested

Yeah, getting homesick isn't a turnoff to MLB clubs (happens to everyone from time to time)...but getting so homesick you have to move home is (which is what I meant).

And while with Cleveland he'd be nearby for the most part, still will have to go through Carolina. Plus we were talking about Skulina going 3rd round or later. Other teams will have shots at him and they don't have farm teams near NEO. Sure some teams will look past that and just focus on his talent but when there's potentially millions at stake, teams will find flaws and reasons not to draft you.

He could go top 2 rounds still, but personally think he'll go later (at this juncture at least, we'll see how the season goes for him).

Hermie.. you're pretty much spot on regarding the projected draft slot with him. Middle of the third round and onward. As far as his home sickness and talking to other guys and turn ons and turn offs and all that other nonsense.. who knows. It sure sounds good.. or not.. In short, it really doesn't have that much, if any, influence on the drafting team. They look at this "piece of meat" and determine if they have Filet Mignon?.. or Salisbury Steak.. Both taste good, both are filling.. both are if not seasoned and aged properly..

[SwisherBuck11]

Skulkina was a kid I really liked coming out of high school. Saw him pitch couple times. I think he could go 3rd or even later easily. Pitched well last year but transferred away from Virginia to Kent State. Some teams may be turned off by that.

I dont see how a teams going to be turned off by a 18 year old leaving home for the first time being home sick and his mother being sick at the time .

Getting homesick is a turnoff. Plus that wasn't the only reason he transferred. Skulina went through a dead arm period late his senior year at Walsh, and it carried over to his time at Virginia. He admitted that it played on his mind and added to his desire to move home. Didn't seem to have the fire to want to push himself to play at a school like Virginia. Not that Kent is bad baseball school (clearly they are not after making the CWS), but teams will look at any little flaw when considering drafting a kid.

Another thing to remember with Skulina is he is only a sophomore as he redshirted a year while transferring. Gives him some more leverage during the draft and some teams may not want to hassle with it as funds aren't unlimited anymore in the draft.

to you maybe, to MLB teams, no its not and thats according to a good amount of our kids at the MV/Akron/LC teams that i've talked to over the past 3 years. In Skulinas case that wont even matter if the Indians are interested

Yeah, getting homesick isn't a turnoff to MLB clubs (happens to everyone from time to time)...but getting so homesick you have to move home is (which is what I meant).

And while with Cleveland he'd be nearby for the most part, still will have to go through Carolina. Plus we were talking about Skulina going 3rd round or later. Other teams will have shots at him and they don't have farm teams near NEO. Sure some teams will look past that and just focus on his talent but when there's potentially millions at stake, teams will find flaws and reasons not to draft you.

He could go top 2 rounds still, but personally think he'll go later (at this juncture at least, we'll see how the season goes for him).

i dont think he'll go top 2 rounds, that one list of top 100 guys didnt even list him, unless i just missed it. i think he's a 3rd-4th rounder

[Rocky55]

What an impressive prospect:

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/3/1 ... -mlb-draft

It's almost not fair.

[SwisherBuck11]

What an impressive prospect:

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/3/1 ... -mlb-draft

It's almost not fair.

ill be stunned if he's not the #1 pick

[Hermie13]

What an impressive prospect:

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/3/1 ... -mlb-draft

It's almost not fair.

ill be stunned if he's not the #1 pick

With the new slotting system, nothing will shock me in the draft...

[Hermie13]

i dont think he'll go top 2 rounds, that one list of top 100 guys didnt even list him, unless i just missed it. i think he's a 3rd-4th rounder

I've seen him ranked top 80 some places. He does have the size scouts love and can run the fastball up there. With the new slotting system you could see a guy like him go early if a team thinks they could get him underslot and save money. Saw it done several times last year. Or you could see him drop really far as he has leverage and may be a very tough sign with a good year. Hard to say in March.

[homerawayfromhome]

Mark Appel had an impressive performance on Friday against Texas. Taking a no-hitter into the sixth, Apple finished with a line of...
9IP 3H 1Bb 14K on 110 pitches.

[homerawayfromhome]

What an impressive prospect:

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/3/1 ... -mlb-draft

It's almost not fair.

Those are video game numbers...

I think he's legit, Stros should snag him 1 overall.

[SwisherBuck11]

So whats the Upside to Drafting any of the college pitchers ?

[homerawayfromhome]

So whats the Upside to Drafting any of the college pitchers ?

Ideally, a college pitcher would move more qkly through a system and in a sense a team would be drafting a known commodity.

HS arms are further away, seemingly a higher risk of projection and potential injury could derail them from ever sniffing the bigs.

One HS arm that could be on the Tribes radar as high as 5 is Kohl Stewart the fireballing RH due to be Johnny Manziel's backup at TX a and m.

[TheWord]

Stewart, I believe, has an arm injury of some sort.

[SwisherBuck11]

So whats the Upside to Drafting any of the college pitchers ?

Ideally, a college pitcher would move more qkly through a system and in a sense a team would be drafting a known commodity.

HS arms are further away, seemingly a higher risk of projection and potential injury could derail them from ever sniffing the bigs.

One HS arm that could be on the Tribes radar as high as 5 is Kohl Stewart the fireballing RH due to be Johnny Manziel's backup at TX a and m.

but i mean what are we looking at getting between the 3 guys? i've heard Staneks got a pretty good chance of being just a closer due to secondary pitches or lack thereof

[homerawayfromhome]

Stewart, I believe, has an arm injury of some sort.

Hadn't heard anything about it, that would certainly raise red flags.

[criznit2009]

I know very little about the draft apparently seeing how Naquin was their guy last year, but I digress. From my perspective and what I know about this crop of draftees, I think Appel could be a fine fit if he is there. Fraizer would be another option. Those are are my top 2 right now, with Manea lurking in 3rd.

There will most likely be at least 1-2 of the top college arms available at #5. Appel, Stanek or Manea or ??? Given the recent major re-enforcement to the ML team, that should last for at least a couple seasons, I could see the tribe taking as polished a college arm they can in the hopes of an expedited trip to Cleveland.



Right now, I would be very surprised to see the indians take any HS player not named Fraizer.

[GeronimoSon]

I know very little about the draft apparently seeing how Naquin was their guy last year, but I digress. From my perspective and what I know about this crop of draftees, I think Appel could be a fine fit if he is there. Fraizer would be another option. Those are are my top 2 right now, with Manea lurking in 3rd.

There will most likely be at least 1-2 of the top college arms available at #5. Appel, Stanek or Manea or ??? Given the recent major re-enforcement to the ML team, that should last for at least a couple seasons, I could see the tribe taking as polished a college arm they can in the hopes of an expedited trip to Cleveland.



Right now, I would be very surprised to see the indians take any HS player not named Fraizer.

While many scouts agree that Clint Frazier is the goods (I do too), about ten minutes away from him across town is another outfielder that, imho, projects to be a better minor leaguer and a better major leaguer in the form of Austin Meadows. This little town in Georgia seems to be the fountain of outfielders. In other words.. if the Indians didn't go pitching (a mistake), then High Schooler, Austin Meadows would be a fine choice at # 5.

[SwisherBuck11]

I know very little about the draft apparently seeing how Naquin was their guy last year, but I digress. From my perspective and what I know about this crop of draftees, I think Appel could be a fine fit if he is there. Fraizer would be another option. Those are are my top 2 right now, with Manea lurking in 3rd.

There will most likely be at least 1-2 of the top college arms available at #5. Appel, Stanek or Manea or ??? Given the recent major re-enforcement to the ML team, that should last for at least a couple seasons, I could see the tribe taking as polished a college arm they can in the hopes of an expedited trip to Cleveland.



Right now, I would be very surprised to see the indians take any HS player not named Fraizer.

While many scouts agree that Clint Frazier is the goods (I do too), about ten minutes away from him across town is another outfielder that, imho, projects to be a better minor leaguer and a better major leaguer in the form of Austin Meadows. This little town in Georgia seems to be the fountain of outfielders. In other words.. if the Indians didn't go pitching (a mistake), then High Schooler, Austin Meadows would be a fine choice at # 5.

all ive seen is Meadows is dropping recentley due to his camp preformances not matching his regular season preformances

[daingean]

I know very little about the draft apparently seeing how Naquin was their guy last year, but I digress. From my perspective and what I know about this crop of draftees, I think Appel could be a fine fit if he is there. Fraizer would be another option. Those are are my top 2 right now, with Manea lurking in 3rd.

There will most likely be at least 1-2 of the top college arms available at #5. Appel, Stanek or Manea or ??? Given the recent major re-enforcement to the ML team, that should last for at least a couple seasons, I could see the tribe taking as polished a college arm they can in the hopes of an expedited trip to Cleveland.



Right now, I would be very surprised to see the indians take any HS player not named Fraizer.

While many scouts agree that Clint Frazier is the goods (I do too), about ten minutes away from him across town is another outfielder that, imho, projects to be a better minor leaguer and a better major leaguer in the form of Austin Meadows. This little town in Georgia seems to be the fountain of outfielders. In other words.. if the Indians didn't go pitching (a mistake), then High Schooler, Austin Meadows would be a fine choice at # 5.

That little town in Georgia is a suburb of Atlanta. While in Gwinnett, it's not far from the East Cobb Baseball Complex and the team he plays for Team Elite is a top team in the area. Players from across the USA show up to play at East Cobb on any given week in the summer. We played his summer team last year but I wasn't there and I haven't seen him play. Grayson was knocked out of the state playoffs last year by Lucas Simms and Brookwood. Plays in the same region as both the state champs and the runners up.

[criznit2009]

I know very little about the draft apparently seeing how Naquin was their guy last year, but I digress. From my perspective and what I know about this crop of draftees, I think Appel could be a fine fit if he is there. Fraizer would be another option. Those are are my top 2 right now, with Manea lurking in 3rd.

There will most likely be at least 1-2 of the top college arms available at #5. Appel, Stanek or Manea or ??? Given the recent major re-enforcement to the ML team, that should last for at least a couple seasons, I could see the tribe taking as polished a college arm they can in the hopes of an expedited trip to Cleveland.



Right now, I would be very surprised to see the indians take any HS player not named Fraizer.

While many scouts agree that Clint Frazier is the goods (I do too), about ten minutes away from him across town is another outfielder that, imho, projects to be a better minor leaguer and a better major leaguer in the form of Austin Meadows. This little town in Georgia seems to be the fountain of outfielders. In other words.. if the Indians didn't go pitching (a mistake), then High Schooler, Austin Meadows would be a fine choice at # 5.

That little town in Georgia is a suburb of Atlanta. While in Gwinnett, it's not far from the East Cobb Baseball Complex and the team he plays for Team Elite is a top team in the area. Players from across the USA show up to play at East Cobb on any given week in the summer. We played his summer team last year but I wasn't there and I haven't seen him play. Grayson was knocked out of the state playoffs last year by Lucas Simms and Brookwood. Plays in the same region as both the state champs and the runners up.

If Austin Meadows is there at 5 - its a possibilty. especially if Stanek, Appel and Manea are all out of pictured for some reason or another. Personally, I am not as high on Meadows as some and besides, didn't we draft a CFer with last years 1st round pick? If it came to a HS player, at this point I am only interested in Fraiser really. That could change,but in reality if the indians don't land a pitcher as you pointed out G'son, that would be a mistake.

[Hermie13]

I know very little about the draft apparently seeing how Naquin was their guy last year, but I digress. From my perspective and what I know about this crop of draftees, I think Appel could be a fine fit if he is there. Fraizer would be another option. Those are are my top 2 right now, with Manea lurking in 3rd.

There will most likely be at least 1-2 of the top college arms available at #5. Appel, Stanek or Manea or ??? Given the recent major re-enforcement to the ML team, that should last for at least a couple seasons, I could see the tribe taking as polished a college arm they can in the hopes of an expedited trip to Cleveland.



Right now, I would be very surprised to see the indians take any HS player not named Fraizer.

While many scouts agree that Clint Frazier is the goods (I do too), about ten minutes away from him across town is another outfielder that, imho, projects to be a better minor leaguer and a better major leaguer in the form of Austin Meadows. This little town in Georgia seems to be the fountain of outfielders. In other words.. if the Indians didn't go pitching (a mistake), then High Schooler, Austin Meadows would be a fine choice at # 5.

That little town in Georgia is a suburb of Atlanta. While in Gwinnett, it's not far from the East Cobb Baseball Complex and the team he plays for Team Elite is a top team in the area. Players from across the USA show up to play at East Cobb on any given week in the summer. We played his summer team last year but I wasn't there and I haven't seen him play. Grayson was knocked out of the state playoffs last year by Lucas Simms and Brookwood. Plays in the same region as both the state champs and the runners up.

If Austin Meadows is there at 5 - its a possibilty. especially if Stanek, Appel and Manea are all out of pictured for some reason or another. Personally, I am not as high on Meadows as some and besides, didn't we draft a CFer with last years 1st round pick? If it came to a HS player, at this point I am only interested in Fraiser really. That could change,but in reality if the indians don't land a pitcher as you pointed out G'son, that would be a mistake.

Personally don't think who we drafted last year should affect who you draft this year. Can't have too many CFers IMOmsame as you can't have too many SSs or pitchers. Can always move someone to a corner OF spot or use someone as trade bait.

[homerawayfromhome]

I think they have to take the best player regardless. Even if it is a SS, trades, injury and lack of production have a way of thinning the herd.

[daingean]

I think they have to take the best player regardless. Even if it is a SS, trades, injury and lack of production have a way of thinning the herd.

Middle of the diamond guys can always be moved out. I still really expect Naquin to be a RF.

[homerawayfromhome]

I think they have to take the best player regardless. Even if it is a SS, trades, injury and lack of production have a way of thinning the herd.

Middle of the diamond guys can always be moved out. I still really expect Naquin to be a RF.

Even with the lack of power? A fourth OF type? He's lacking that top line speed for CF but has the arm for RF easily and would be more palatable as a CF, or even LF IMHO.

[Rocky55]

I know very little about the draft apparently seeing how Naquin was their guy last year, but I digress. From my perspective and what I know about this crop of draftees, I think Appel could be a fine fit if he is there. Fraizer would be another option. Those are are my top 2 right now, with Manea lurking in 3rd.

There will most likely be at least 1-2 of the top college arms available at #5. Appel, Stanek or Manea or ??? Given the recent major re-enforcement to the ML team, that should last for at least a couple seasons, I could see the tribe taking as polished a college arm they can in the hopes of an expedited trip to Cleveland.



Right now, I would be very surprised to see the indians take any HS player not named Fraizer.

While many scouts agree that Clint Frazier is the goods (I do too), about ten minutes away from him across town is another outfielder that, imho, projects to be a better minor leaguer and a better major leaguer in the form of Austin Meadows. This little town in Georgia seems to be the fountain of outfielders. In other words.. if the Indians didn't go pitching (a mistake), then High Schooler, Austin Meadows would be a fine choice at # 5.

That little town in Georgia is a suburb of Atlanta. While in Gwinnett, it's not far from the East Cobb Baseball Complex and the team he plays for Team Elite is a top team in the area. Players from across the USA show up to play at East Cobb on any given week in the summer. We played his summer team last year but I wasn't there and I haven't seen him play. Grayson was knocked out of the state playoffs last year by Lucas Simms and Brookwood. Plays in the same region as both the state champs and the runners up.

If Austin Meadows is there at 5 - its a possibilty. especially if Stanek, Appel and Manea are all out of pictured for some reason or another. Personally, I am not as high on Meadows as some and besides, didn't we draft a CFer with last years 1st round pick? If it came to a HS player, at this point I am only interested in Fraiser really. That could change,but in reality if the indians don't land a pitcher as you pointed out G'son, that would be a mistake.

There are going to be late risers in the HS ranks because there always are. Lots of these kids are younger than Frazier, including Meadows who is 6 months younger. Six months is a big deal at this age, as is explained in links from the article below to Rany Jazayerli's studies. It may not matter as much to Meadows who is pretty mature physically even for a younger guy. Some of the more physically immature guys it will matter quite a bit. As O.B. frequently mentions in re Cavan Biggio (one of the younger guys), some of these guys, even as HSers, have quite a bit more upside than their older peers.

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

A guy who is rising pretty fast, for example, is Jonathan Denney. This is a kid who is very good defensively at catcher, is expected to stick there, and is compared to Will Myers with the bat. This is a taller kid with room to fill out more who has present power in his bat with good upside. This discussion, IMO, is getting bogged down on the same few guys. Denney is an example of a guy that I'd be comfortable taking at #5, with the proviso that he remains healthy.

http://www.perfectgame.org/Players/Play ... ?ID=284877

Jordan Sheffield is another guy rising fast and is one of the youngest guys on the linked list. Tons of upside with outstanding present stuff.

http://www.perfectgame.org/Players/Play ... ?ID=301870

The kid's grown 3" in the past year and turns 18 just before the draft. I'd take this kid over Kohl Stewart, the current board darling, right now. Only downside is a Vandy commit, which is notoriously hard to buy out.

[Hermie13]

I think they have to take the best player regardless. Even if it is a SS, trades, injury and lack of production have a way of thinning the herd.

Middle of the diamond guys can always be moved out. I still really expect Naquin to be a RF.

Even with the lack of power? A fourth OF type? He's lacking that top line speed for CF but has the arm for RF easily and would be more palatable as a CF, or even LF IMHO.

DeJesus played a lot of RF. Naquin's bat can play in RF if his OBP is high enough. Definitely agree though that CF is a better fit for his bat though. Don't see LF in the cards for him though. Bat really isn't any better there than RF and arm is fine for RF.

[homerawayfromhome]

I think they have to take the best player regardless. Even if it is a SS, trades, injury and lack of production have a way of thinning the herd.

Middle of the diamond guys can always be moved out. I still really expect Naquin to be a RF.

Even with the lack of power? A fourth OF type? He's lacking that top line speed for CF but has the arm for RF easily and would be more palatable as a CF, or even LF IMHO.

DeJesus played a lot of RF. Naquin's bat can play in RF if his OBP is high enough. Definitely agree though that CF is a better fit for his bat though. Don't see LF in the cards for him though. Bat really isn't any better there than RF and arm is fine for RF.

I tend to think of the LF as the worst OF, I know he's got a cannon of an arm, that was more of what I alluded to there, but if he's the best option for the spot that's where he belongs, assuming they he doesn't stay in CF.

You make a valid point, if his OBP is high he will be fine. He's got a good bat, but I struggle to see much more than 5 hrs from him, he's narrow framed but could bulk up a bit and add power but I don't see him getting much more.

[Rocky55]

Right on cue, Garrioch's take on Denney:

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/3/8 ... klahoma-hs

Getting psyched about this kid but if this keeps up he might not last to #5.

[OhioBaseball]

Last summer I saw Jonathan Gray of Oklahoma pitch an inning or two between rain delays in a super regional, and he looked really nasty showing two plus MLB pitches. I think I posted something on him, but may not have. I asked someone about him and he said he's been inconsistent and that's why he hadn't been considered a top prospect. The small sample size I saw him in, he looked like a 10th overall selection. 96 mph, tall slot, downward leverage, arm side run and a hard, snapping curveball. I realize Gray has a bit of a bad body BUT HE IS NASTY, NASTY, NASTY.

Call me crazy, but I think Gray is in the mix for the first overall pick. He's throwing even harder this spring, even if he's got a tendency to overthrow. Not saying it's going to happen, but he's in the discussion. Get your mock draft boards updated. He's throwing the piss out of the ball. Big time arm speed and he can spin a breaking ball very well. Sit back and watch the prospect media beginning their stories on him in the coming month. This guy is legit. Could *possibly* go #1.

[daingean]

I think they have to take the best player regardless. Even if it is a SS, trades, injury and lack of production have a way of thinning the herd.

Middle of the diamond guys can always be moved out. I still really expect Naquin to be a RF.

Even with the lack of power? A fourth OF type? He's lacking that top line speed for CF but has the arm for RF easily and would be more palatable as a CF, or even LF IMHO.

DeJesus played a lot of RF. Naquin's bat can play in RF if his OBP is high enough. Definitely agree though that CF is a better fit for his bat though. Don't see LF in the cards for him though. Bat really isn't any better there than RF and arm is fine for RF.

I tend to think of the LF as the worst OF, I know he's got a cannon of an arm, that was more of what I alluded to there, but if he's the best option for the spot that's where he belongs, assuming they he doesn't stay in CF.

You make a valid point, if his OBP is high he will be fine. He's got a good bat, but I struggle to see much more than 5 hrs from him, he's narrow framed but could bulk up a bit and add power but I don't see him getting much more.

As long as Naquin can hit a the ML level he'll be in RF or CF. I also see him as a #2 hitter at best. Advancing runners, playing hit-and-run, getting on base with better than average speed. That's the best. At best, I see him as a Michael Brantley with a better arm (or maybe a Mike Hargrove type offensively with better speed at the absolute ceiling).

[TheWord]

Frazier and Meadows put on quite the show tonight in GA.

Frazier looking more and more like a number one pick candidate.

Video of Frazier's bomb:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/dra ... -home-run/

@NathanRode Favorite quote tonight, from a highly respected baseball individual: "I've never seen anything like that. And I've seen a lot of (stuff)."

[OhioBaseball]

Frazier and Meadows put on quite the show tonight in GA.

Frazier looking more and more like a number one pick candidate.

Video of Frazier's bomb:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/dra ... -home-run/

@NathanRode Favorite quote tonight, from a highly respected baseball individual: "I've never seen anything like that. And I've seen a lot of (stuff)."

Frazier is an impressive prospect. He's got all of the tools and is an advanced hitter. The only real knock on him will be his size and limited capacity to improve physically (he's in peak physical condition), but I don't think it's an issue.

Someone posted a video of Jonathan Gray. The velocity readings are a little juiced up, but I think he's a hell of a pitching prospect. I'd be very content taking him at 5th overall. I don't think he's as good of a prospect as either of these guys were in college, but his stuff is right up there with Justin Verlander and Stephen Strasburg at comparable ages, and that is no exaggeration.

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

[Rocky55]

Frazier and Meadows put on quite the show tonight in GA.

Frazier looking more and more like a number one pick candidate.

Video of Frazier's bomb:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/dra ... -home-run/

@NathanRode Favorite quote tonight, from a highly respected baseball individual: "I've never seen anything like that. And I've seen a lot of (stuff)."

Frazier is an impressive prospect. He's got all of the tools and is an advanced hitter. The only real knock on him will be his size and limited capacity to improve physically (he's in peak physical condition), but I don't think it's an issue.

Someone posted a video of Jonathan Gray. The velocity readings are a little juiced up, but I think he's a hell of a pitching prospect. I'd be very content taking him at 5th overall. I don't think he's as good of a prospect as either of these guys were in college, but his stuff is right up there with Justin Verlander and Stephen Strasburg at comparable ages, and that is no exaggeration.

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

Thanks OB. Hadn't seen Gray before but he looks like an excellent prospect. Agree on the velo, think you can safely subtract 4-5 MPH from those readings. What he's throwing looks easy though. I think the FB needs a little work but he throws some breaking balls between 2:00 & 2:35 that would do credit to any ML pitcher. He belongs along side Stanek & Appel, for me a tick below Manaea as college SP specs. Should move through anyone's system quickly. Would look nice in the rotation with Carrasco & Bauer in a couple of years.

[TheWord]

Really like the late life on Gray's fastball. Very Verlander-esque

[Rocky55]

Tribe '10 draftee Ben Lively of UCF is having him a season. So far he's 3-1 in 4 starts with a 0.31 ERA.

His line: 29 IP/18H/6BB/31K's. He's given up only 4 XBH this season. His prob up to this season has been walks but he seems to have overcome it. He's got prototype size for a SP & the team liked him enough to draft him before. That said, I have no idea where he's projected to go in the draft.

[TheWord]

Stewart, I believe, has an arm injury of some sort.

Guess he's fine...

@keithlaw Kohl Stewart was absurd tonight, up to 96 with four pitches.

[adaree]

Frazier is an impressive prospect. He's got all of the tools and is an advanced hitter. The only real knock on him will be his size and limited capacity to improve physically (he's in peak physical condition), but I don't think it's an issue.

Someone posted a video of Jonathan Gray. The velocity readings are a little juiced up, but I think he's a hell of a pitching prospect. I'd be very content taking him at 5th overall. I don't think he's as good of a prospect as either of these guys were in college, but his stuff is right up there with Justin Verlander and Stephen Strasburg at comparable ages, and that is no exaggeration.

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

OB- Do you have a list of players you'd be happy to see us take at #5? Who are they?

[OhioBaseball]

Frazier is an impressive prospect. He's got all of the tools and is an advanced hitter. The only real knock on him will be his size and limited capacity to improve physically (he's in peak physical condition), but I don't think it's an issue.

Someone posted a video of Jonathan Gray. The velocity readings are a little juiced up, but I think he's a hell of a pitching prospect. I'd be very content taking him at 5th overall. I don't think he's as good of a prospect as either of these guys were in college, but his stuff is right up there with Justin Verlander and Stephen Strasburg at comparable ages, and that is no exaggeration.

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

OB- Do you have a list of players you'd be happy to see us take at #5? Who are they?

You'll probably find varying opinions of people on this board, but these are the guys I'd be happy with (in no particular order)

Frazier, Appel, Manaea, Gray.

I was on the fence on Manaea before. I've always had a bias against low arm slot pitchers, but the success of Bumgarner and Sale have had me open my mind a little. I still don't like it, but if a guy can show that he can get good downward plane break on his breaking ball I can get behind it.

One omission is Ryne Stanek. Last year he didn't perform down the stretch and he's not off to a good start this year. He's very talented, but he left some doubt in some scouts' minds after last year about whether he could actually deal and he's done nothing but qualify those concerns so far this spring. He could easily rectify his poor start, but he needs to get it in gear fast or else he'll lose some good $$.

People need to adjust their draft boards for Jonathan Gray. He hit 100 various times last night in another impressive outing. Law ranked him 8th and I'd be surprised if he lasted that long. In the mix for #1. He's got the best stuff in the draft.

[OhioBaseball]

I saw some of North Carolina/Miami this weekend. I've been a bit scared of Cleveland being interested in Colin Moran with the 5th overall pick, in the same way they over-drafted a marginal talent in Naquin last year. Moran has added some strength since last year, but I don't see him working out as a 3B in MLB and his bat won't play at 1B. I still think he's a Matt Carpenter-type player and no way do you use early 1st round picks on those guys.

I've talked up Benton Moss before -- I really like him as an underrated pitching prospect. He's Trevor Bauer-lite. He's only throwing 88-91 mph, so if he could be had next year in the 1st supplemental round I think it'd be a great selection.

Freshman OF Skye Bolt is a tremendous freshman prospect. He's a good athlete with very good agility, good extra base (and projectable) swing from both sides of the plate and he can run and throw very well. I wasn't pounding the table on the Indians taking him last year (I believe Rocky mentioned him), but I'd trade Tyler Naquin for him in a second. I think he's a top 10 overall pick in 2015. Very good prospect.

[homerawayfromhome]

Here's a link (and copy of the article) with a brief preview of some of the IFA for this summer...

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

July 2nd Rumors: Aybar, Devers, Zapata, Jimenez
By Tim Dierkes [March 27 at 1:00pm CST]
Kiley McDaniel of sbb.scout.com has a primer ( http://sbb.scout.com/2/1277773.html ) on the international signing period, which begins July 2nd every year. That's when 16-year-olds from countries such as the Dominican Republic and Venezuela can be signed by Major League teams. The latest from McDaniel:

There is no super elite prospect this year, writes McDaniel. He notes that under the new collective bargaining agreement, most teams will have budgets in the $1.5-4MM range, as determined by the 2012 MLB standings. The Astros could have north of $7MM to spend, however. McDaniel notes that teams can trade for up to 50% of their assigned cap.
In another article, ( http://sbb.scout.com/2/1277788.html ) McDaniel looks at particular players in this July 2nd class. Dominican shortstop Obispo Aybar could get a $1MM bonus, even though MLB is investigating his age and clubs believe he is 18 or 19.
Dominican third baseman Rafael Devers has been connected to the Red Sox, with a possible bonus over $1MM.
Right fielder Micker Zapata, born on the island of St. Thomas but trained in the Dominican in recent years, has drawn interest from the Phillies, Mariners, Twins, and INDIANS. McDaniel notes that Zapata "speaks perfect English from his upbringing in St. Thomas."
Dominican right fielder Eloy Jimenez has shown similar tools to Zapata with plus speed, a right field arm, and big raw power to his pull side. Jimenez has been rumored to be in line for a bonus that would likely top the class, ranging from $2.5MM-$3MM and is most often linked to the Astros.
Gleyber Torres is a Venezuelan shortstop who doesn’t offer a ton of projection but has the smoothness and skills to put him into the top group of talents in this class. The Cubs are said to like him and they could spend over $2MM on him.
Fellow Venezuelan shortstop Yeltsin Gudino is rumored to be in line for over $1MM with the A's and Mariners mentioned most often.
Dominican shortstop Franly Mallen is further along than Gudino and has caught the attention of a number of teams. Rumor has it that a couple of clubs have already offered him a bonus in the high six figures.
Dominican righties Mayky Perez and Marcos Diplan are the top two pitchers this year. Perez is 6’5, 205 pounds and shows three average or better pitches with a physical, projectable frame. Diplan, meanwhile, is skinny at 6’0, 160 pounds and boasts a 90-94 mph fastball with an above average breaking ball.

[Rocky55]

I saw Kubitza pitch & was pretty impressed. Swing & miss slider & a sinking FB that had Tulane beating the ball into the ground. You'd like him to throw harder as his slider & FB were close to the same speed (87-89) but he's a big kid who might have a few ticks left. I wouldn't take him at #5 but would rank him similar to Ziomek as a late 1st Round guy who looks like a ML pitcher. Nice prospect.

[homerawayfromhome]

Per baseball America... The Indians will have $6,188,800 (about $6.2 M) in their 2013 draft pool.

[GeronimoSon]

Interesting developments in the Mock Draft World... The latest mocks seem to be moving away from the "upside potential" pitchers to the more "assured" hitters.. The latest comprehensive / multiple site / consolidated (read pile of crap mixed into one hat and spit out) listing says

Houston Astros: Clint Frazier OF
Chicago Cubs: Mark Appel RHP
Colorado Rockies: Sean Manea LHP
Minnesota Twins: Kris Bryant 3B
Cleveland Indians: Jonathan Gray RHP

IDK... Gray was mentioned, I believe by Homer, a few weeks back..Seems as if Gray has become one of the two fastest rising draft prospects (Kevin Ziomek from Vanderbilt being the other one). The question that comes to mind.. what happened to/where are Ryne Stanek and the two Austins? (Meadows and Wilson)....

[homerawayfromhome]

Interesting developments in the Mock Draft World... The latest mocks seem to be moving away from the "upside potential" pitchers to the more "assured" hitters.. The latest comprehensive / multiple site / consolidated (read pile of crap mixed into one hat and spit out) listing says

Houston Astros: Clint Frazier OF
Chicago Cubs: Mark Appel RHP
Colorado Rockies: Sean Manea LHP
Minnesota Twins: Kris Bryant 3B
Cleveland Indians: Jonathan Gray RHP

IDK... Gray was mentioned, I believe by Homer, a few weeks back..Seems as if Gray has become one of the two fastest rising draft prospects (Kevin Ziomek from Vanderbilt being the other one). The question that comes to mind.. what happened to/where are Ryne Stanek and the two Austins? (Meadows and Wilson)....

Wasn't me, I think that was Ohio Baseball that mentioned Gray. I mentioned Kohl Stewart who I think has big time upside.

[Rocky55]

Interesting developments in the Mock Draft World... The latest mocks seem to be moving away from the "upside potential" pitchers to the more "assured" hitters.. The latest comprehensive / multiple site / consolidated (read pile of crap mixed into one hat and spit out) listing says

Houston Astros: Clint Frazier OF
Chicago Cubs: Mark Appel RHP
Colorado Rockies: Sean Manea LHP
Minnesota Twins: Kris Bryant 3B
Cleveland Indians: Jonathan Gray RHP

IDK... Gray was mentioned, I believe by Homer, a few weeks back..Seems as if Gray has become one of the two fastest rising draft prospects (Kevin Ziomek from Vanderbilt being the other one). The question that comes to mind.. what happened to/where are Ryne Stanek and the two Austins? (Meadows and Wilson)....

Wasn't me, I think that was Ohio Baseball that mentioned Gray. I mentioned Kohl Stewart who I think has big time upside.

Gray's OB's guy. I have to admit I'd like to have the draft turn out just like that but if the Twinks pick Bryant over Gray they're dumber than Bruce Drennen looks.

[OhioBaseball]

Interesting developments in the Mock Draft World... The latest mocks seem to be moving away from the "upside potential" pitchers to the more "assured" hitters.. The latest comprehensive / multiple site / consolidated (read pile of crap mixed into one hat and spit out) listing says

Houston Astros: Clint Frazier OF
Chicago Cubs: Mark Appel RHP
Colorado Rockies: Sean Manea LHP
Minnesota Twins: Kris Bryant 3B
Cleveland Indians: Jonathan Gray RHP

IDK... Gray was mentioned, I believe by Homer, a few weeks back..Seems as if Gray has become one of the two fastest rising draft prospects (Kevin Ziomek from Vanderbilt being the other one). The question that comes to mind.. what happened to/where are Ryne Stanek and the two Austins? (Meadows and Wilson)....

Wasn't me, I think that was Ohio Baseball that mentioned Gray. I mentioned Kohl Stewart who I think has big time upside.

Gray's OB's guy. I have to admit I'd like to have the draft turn out just like that but if the Twinks pick Bryant over Gray they're dumber than Bruce Drennen looks.

I agree on all accounts!

The three guys I'd like to see the Indians get are right now are Gray, Appel or Frazier. I never was that big on Appel last year when considering people talked about him as the #1 guy, but I saw one of his starts this year and his command of his pitches right now is very good. In my opinion, he's pitching at a level right now that would put him between AA and AAA, so I think it's feasible to see him starting in MLB next year (2014, but not necessarily to start the season). Athletically, I don't like him and think his delivery is a bit stiff, but he's big bodied, has good MLB stuff and is as close as anyone is in this draft to the majors. I can see him going #1 just due to his proximity to the majors and he has the requisite upside you'd like to see in an early pick.

People need to take Jonathan Gray seriously. He's got really nasty stuff, is a bit of a bulldog on the mound and he holds his velocity deep into games. His fastball is very comparable to Justin Verlander's, as another poster said earlier -- Very good velo, very good arm side run and very good downward tilt. I think there needs to be caution with Gray b/c there's been some inconsistencies with him in the past, but I'd love to take him at 5th overall. He's a legitimate front of the rotation prospect.

I pray the Indians aren't considering Colin Moran at 5th overall. I really worry about that after taking Naquin at 15 last year. Also, regarding Kevin Ziomek at Vanderbilt, he reminds me of JP Howell when he was at Texas (though a bit different deliveries). I hope the Indians don't go that route either, even though I've always liked Howell (great pitcher) but not much upside. Just my opinion.