16. Kevin Ahrens, 3B, Memorial HS, Texas
Ahrens played SS in high school, but will move to 3rd at the pro level. A good switch hitter with power, Ahrens has been compared to Chipper Jones. His less than average range is what could force a move to 3rd. He has a great approach at both sides of the plate, even though he is relatively new to switch hitting.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Pick #15- Cincinnati
15. Devin Mesoraco, C, Puxatawney HS, Pennsylvania
Probably the best player available who is also signable, Mesoraco shot up draft boards throughout the whole season. A good comp is Russell Martin. He did have Tommy John surgery last year and he has questions to answer.
Probably the best player available who is also signable, Mesoraco shot up draft boards throughout the whole season. A good comp is Russell Martin. He did have Tommy John surgery last year and he has questions to answer.
Pick #14- Atlanta
14. Jason Heyward, OF, Henry County HS, Georgia
The first high school outfielder taken, Heyward has a lot of upside. The Braves love taking kids right out of their backyard, such as Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann. Heyward joins a young system and could profile as a Cameron Maybin type.
The first high school outfielder taken, Heyward has a lot of upside. The Braves love taking kids right out of their backyard, such as Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann. Heyward joins a young system and could profile as a Cameron Maybin type.
Pick #13- Cleveland
13. Beau Mills, 3B/1B, Lewis and Clark State
The NAIA player of the year, Mills has a bunch of power, but zero defense. He could make a major league roster fairly quickly, but doesn't have many places to go after that.
The NAIA player of the year, Mills has a bunch of power, but zero defense. He could make a major league roster fairly quickly, but doesn't have many places to go after that.
Pick #12- Florida
12. Matt Dominguez, 3B, Chatsworth HS, California
A high school teammate of Mike Moustakas, Dominguez began the year as a top 10 talent. He is a smallish player, but he is very projectable who will develop into a power hitting third basemen. He pushed Moustakas off third with his gold glove defense at third base, and he has been compared to Nats 3B Ryan Zimmerman
A high school teammate of Mike Moustakas, Dominguez began the year as a top 10 talent. He is a smallish player, but he is very projectable who will develop into a power hitting third basemen. He pushed Moustakas off third with his gold glove defense at third base, and he has been compared to Nats 3B Ryan Zimmerman
Pick #11- Seattle
11. Phillipe Aumont, RHP, Ecole du Versant (Canada)
Some say Aumont could be the best pitcher of the 07 draft. Aumont didn't have many games to play, and he had to throw indoors a lot of times for scouts. Aumont could either end up being the best pitcher in the draft, or the most overrated.
Some say Aumont could be the best pitcher of the 07 draft. Aumont didn't have many games to play, and he had to throw indoors a lot of times for scouts. Aumont could either end up being the best pitcher in the draft, or the most overrated.
Pick #10- San Francisco
10. Madison Bumgartner, LHP, South Caldwell HS, North Carolina
Bumgartner is the 10th straight first round pitcher taken by the Giants, and has some big shoes to fill in Tim Lincecum. Upside wise he is fantastic, although his changeup could give them some troubles and he has some development issues.
Bumgartner is the 10th straight first round pitcher taken by the Giants, and has some big shoes to fill in Tim Lincecum. Upside wise he is fantastic, although his changeup could give them some troubles and he has some development issues.
9- Arizona
9. Jarrod Parker, RHP, Norwell High School, Indiana
The first high school pitcher taken, Parker is the only high schooler not to exhibit high bonus demands. Parker isn't as much of a high-ceiling guy as the other high schoolers.
The first high school pitcher taken, Parker is the only high schooler not to exhibit high bonus demands. Parker isn't as much of a high-ceiling guy as the other high schoolers.
PIck #8- Colorado
8. Casey Weathers, LHP, Vanderbilt
Weathers is the highest drafted college reliever ever. He is an easy sign, as he is a college senior. He throws pretty hard and he could be in the majors extremely quickly as the Rockies might trade Brian Fuentes
Weathers is the highest drafted college reliever ever. He is an easy sign, as he is a college senior. He throws pretty hard and he could be in the majors extremely quickly as the Rockies might trade Brian Fuentes
Pick #7- Milwaukee
7. Matt LaPorta, 1B, University of Florida
Probably the biggest shock so far in the draft, LaPorta is a pure slugger who doesn't seemingly have a place in the Brewers orginization. LaPorta was projected to go towards the lower half of the first round. A good bat, but this is probably the biggest suprise so far.
Probably the biggest shock so far in the draft, LaPorta is a pure slugger who doesn't seemingly have a place in the Brewers orginization. LaPorta was projected to go towards the lower half of the first round. A good bat, but this is probably the biggest suprise so far.
Pick #6- Washington
6. Ross Detwiler, LHP, Missouri State University
Detwiler throws pure gas, with a nice curve ball. However, there are some slight concerns about his arm. He may have arm trouble in his career, and there are slight concerns about the competition he faced in college as part of the Missouri Valley Conference.
Detwiler throws pure gas, with a nice curve ball. However, there are some slight concerns about his arm. He may have arm trouble in his career, and there are slight concerns about the competition he faced in college as part of the Missouri Valley Conference.
Pick #5- Baltimore
5. Matt Wieters, C, Georgia Tech
Wieters is rated as the best hitting prospect in the draft. a 6'5" catcher, Wieters has no doubt been compared to Joe Mauer. This could end up being the best pick value-wise in the draft, and the Orioles have the money to satisfy Scott Boras. Also, Wieters is great behind the plate with a fantastic arm, as he was the Yellow Jackets closer for part of the season.
Wieters is rated as the best hitting prospect in the draft. a 6'5" catcher, Wieters has no doubt been compared to Joe Mauer. This could end up being the best pick value-wise in the draft, and the Orioles have the money to satisfy Scott Boras. Also, Wieters is great behind the plate with a fantastic arm, as he was the Yellow Jackets closer for part of the season.
Pick #4- Pittsburgh
4. Daniel Moskos, LHP, Clemson University
The second college pitcher taken, Moskos is a polished guy who can get his fastball up to 97. Moskos hasn't had many high pitch counts in his college career, so he will have a fresher arm than your typical college pitcher. Moskos throws a lot of ground balls, and he could get to the majors quickly.
The second college pitcher taken, Moskos is a polished guy who can get his fastball up to 97. Moskos hasn't had many high pitch counts in his college career, so he will have a fresher arm than your typical college pitcher. Moskos throws a lot of ground balls, and he could get to the majors quickly.
Pick #3- Chicago (NL)
3. Josh Vitters, 3B, Cypress HS, California
This pick had been rumored for a while, as scouting director Tim Wilken has supposedly been infatuated with Vitters for awhile. Vitters has been called the best bat in the draft. Vitters could be on the fast track, and there's thoughts of a major league deal in the works.
This pick had been rumored for a while, as scouting director Tim Wilken has supposedly been infatuated with Vitters for awhile. Vitters has been called the best bat in the draft. Vitters could be on the fast track, and there's thoughts of a major league deal in the works.
Pick #2- Kansas City
2. Mike Moustakas- Chatsworth High School, Chatsworth, CA
This pick semi-puzzles me due to the Scott Boras factor. Moustakas is a fantastic high school bat who is extremely athletic and can touch 95 off a mound. But if the Royals were going to take a Boras client, why not Porcello or Wieters who may cost more but have greater upside.
This pick semi-puzzles me due to the Scott Boras factor. Moustakas is a fantastic high school bat who is extremely athletic and can touch 95 off a mound. But if the Royals were going to take a Boras client, why not Porcello or Wieters who may cost more but have greater upside.
Pick #1-Tampa Bay
1. David Price, LHP, Vanderbilt Univ.
Big yawn here. Price has been rumored to go #1 for months now. In a thin system pitching-wise, Price could be a September callup in 2008, or on the opening day roster in 09. Price is the national college player of the year, and only lost 1 game in 2007 as he struck out 175 batters.
Big yawn here. Price has been rumored to go #1 for months now. In a thin system pitching-wise, Price could be a September callup in 2008, or on the opening day roster in 09. Price is the national college player of the year, and only lost 1 game in 2007 as he struck out 175 batters.
MLB Draft
With the MLB Draft just 2 hours away, and the strong possibility that I won't have to go into work due to the typhoon outside, I will be posting each pick of the first round with a mini-comment on each. Obviously I'm not a big draft expert and this will be mostly from a fan's perspective, but if you want some real in-depth analysis head over to Baseball Prospectus or mlb.com
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Super Regional Preview
The field of 64 has been trimmed to 16. Some major upsets were in the works, as only 3 of the top 8 national seeds advanced to super regional play, and it's possible that we could have no national seeds in Omaha. We'll preview the left side of the bracket today and the other side either tomorrow or on Thursday.
Corvallis Super Regional
2. Michigan at 3. Oregon State
Corvallis Super Regional
2. Michigan at 3. Oregon State
How They Got Here- Oregon St. defeated Virginia today to advance to the Super Regional. This is their third straight year hosting a Super Regional. Michigan defeated suprise tourney team Memphis, along with #1 national seed Vanderbilt twice to earn the trip to Corvallis
Players to Watch- Michigan 2b/SP Zach Putnam is one of the best two way players in the entire nation. The defending national champs have some key players left over, including Mitch Canham, a junior catcher who's hitting .323/.454/.535. Canham was drafted in the 41st round by the St. Louis Cardinals last season as a draft eligible sophomore, and seemingly made the right decision to return to school.
Who Will Win- I think a lot of college baseball fans will root for Michigan due to the cinderella factor. This Super Regional will mean there will be at least one northern team in the CWS, which is great for expanding the game. But in the end I think Oregon St. has too much experience and will take this series in three games.
Fullerton Super Regional
2. UCLA at 2. Cal State Fullerton
How They Got Here: UCLA won the Long Beach regional, one of the toughest in the country, with Long Beach, and maybe the best three seed in the tournament in Pepperdine. In fact, Baseball America's Aaron Fitt picked Pepperdine to get all the way to Omaha. Fullerton, while not the Fullerton of old, defeated San Diego, who was maybe the best team out West this year.
Players to Watch: UCLA IF Brandon Crawford (.338/.410/.513 7 HR, 123 Total Bases)
Fullerton SP Wes Roemer
Who Will Win: As I said above, Fullerton isn't the Fullerton of old, so it's interesting that they got to host this Super Regional. They have a lot of talent, and I think their home ballpark will give them a win, but in the end UCLA will win this series in three games.
Tempe Super Regional
1. Ole Miss at 1. Arizona State (#5 National Seeed)
How They Got Here: Arizona State powered through their regional, scoring 33 runs with a pretty weak field in their way. The Sun Devils have the best offense in the nation, and they hit extremely well in their home ballpark, where they will be this weekend. Ole Miss won their regional in Oxford. Theirs was also a pretty weak region, with Troy in there who was probably the 63rd or 64th team in the field.
Players To Watch: Arizona St. 1b Brett Wallace (.420/.500/.712 15 HR, 74 RBI, 173 Total Bases)
Ole Miss IF Justin Henry (.385/.453/.504 21 SB)
Who Will Win: This is probably the most lopsided matchup, as Arizona St. has too much offense and will sweep this Super Regional
Wichita Super Regional
2. UC Irvine at 1. Wichita State
How They Got Here: A lot of people had Arizona as a mini upset pick, but Wichita St. breezed through their regional. UC Irvine won the Round Rock Regional and sent Texas home before Super Regional play for the second straight year.
Players to Watch: Wichita St IF/P Damon Sublett (.364/.470/.510 5 HR 45 RBI)
UC Irvine Taylor Holliday (.353/.415/.571 4 HR 41 RBI)
Who Will Win: In a pretty evenly matched series, I think UC Irvine will win the series in three games
Monday, June 4, 2007
Vandy Upset
Vanderbilt lefty David Price, who is expected to go #1 overall to the Devil Rays on Thursday, took his first loss of the season when the Commodores lost 4-3 to Michigan, the #2 seed in the Nashville Regional. Price (11-1) gave up a game winning homerun to Michigan pinch hitter Alan Oaks in the top of the 10th inning. Price had previously thrown in the Commodores' first game win over #4 seed Austin Peay. Price tied a career high with 17 strikeouts in that game.
This was the second time in the regional that Michigan defeated the Commodores. Michigan will now get the winner of the Charlottesville Regional, which features Virginia and defending national champion Oregon St. playing tomorrow in the championship game. If Virginia wins they will host the Super Regional, but it will be interesting to see what happens if Oregon St. wins. Michigan is the higher seed, but the Beavers are the defending national champions and they hosted Super Regionals in the past two seasons.
Now that Vanderbilt has been eliminated, Rice becomes the highest remaining seed, and they along with North Carolina, last year's national runner-up, become the favorites. #4 National Seed Texas failed to advance out of their regional for the second year in a row. Super Regionals begin this weekend, and we'll be back with a mini-preview for each. If you want more college baseball coverage, including podcasts, go to www.baseballamerica.com
This was the second time in the regional that Michigan defeated the Commodores. Michigan will now get the winner of the Charlottesville Regional, which features Virginia and defending national champion Oregon St. playing tomorrow in the championship game. If Virginia wins they will host the Super Regional, but it will be interesting to see what happens if Oregon St. wins. Michigan is the higher seed, but the Beavers are the defending national champions and they hosted Super Regionals in the past two seasons.
Now that Vanderbilt has been eliminated, Rice becomes the highest remaining seed, and they along with North Carolina, last year's national runner-up, become the favorites. #4 National Seed Texas failed to advance out of their regional for the second year in a row. Super Regionals begin this weekend, and we'll be back with a mini-preview for each. If you want more college baseball coverage, including podcasts, go to www.baseballamerica.com
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Top 25 Under 25 In 25: #18
18. Homer Bailey, SP, Cincinnati Reds
The 7th overall pick in 2004, Bailey seems poised for his MLB debut soon. The Reds have exausted reasons for not bringing Bailey up. They talked about Bailey's unusually low strikeout rates, but he has struck out 43 in 52.1 IP so far this season. He has also cut down his walks, for barely over a 1.00 WHIP. Bailey certainly can perform better than Eric Milton or Kyle Lohse over the long term, and with Kirk Saarloos recently being sent down, Bailey's arrival seems imminent.
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