GagneCY03

Hey CJ, long time no post. Here's a question: will the free agent compensation system be adjusted due to the extra picks? Will it still be the top 15 picks that are protected or will it be 16 because of there being 33 picks?

Ah, thanks for clearing that up. He looks like he has good leverage in his swing. And I have read mixed reports on his defense, though I've never seen him play. It seems that he can make the exceptional play but flub on a routine one, which seems fairly common among good amateur shortstops. Hopefully his consistency will improve as he matures.

CJ, what do you think of Gordon Beckham? His incredible start makes it seem like he'll be a first rounder, but do you think he'll stick at SS and hit for power?

Fine, take Posey. See if I care. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/tongue.gif

I'd have a problem with taking Posey at #16. There's bound to be a much better talent on the board. I'd rather look at a catcher in the next few rounds than reach for one, especially in the first.

Blazer, do you think if Tonkin starts bending his landing leg more and getting more extension that he'll lose some movement on his fastball?

It really depends on the Brewers' budget and strategy. With Milwaukee being in contention, I could see the FO wanting some guys who could move fast and contribute. The Mets took Eddie Kunz and Brant Rustich in the first two rounds last year, so I'd say it'd be possible for the Brewers to follow suit.

I could see the Brewers going with a college closer at #16. Gagne is only signed for one year, so Milwaukee could see a guy like Ryan Perry as the closer of the future. This is Thinkblue from minorleagueball.com, btw http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

Watching Silverstein's video on BBWTV, his delivery grew on me. If he really is 6'6 now (listed at 6'3 on BBWTV.com) and in the mid 90s with his fastball, I'm sure he'll be in the discussion for the first round in the near future.

Well, ideally, the guy would be the closer the year after he's drafted (Street, Cordero). Again, this is why I dont like drafting closers, as they wont contribute much, if at all, the year they're drafted. So you'd have to find someone to fill in until they're ready. I mentioned Turnbow, but if management feels the same way about him as CJ, I doubt they'd have confidence in his closing abilities if even in a temporary role. Honestly, I'd think inviting a bunch of NRI's and converting some kids on the farm would be a better bet than spending a first round pick on a closer.

Well, that would definitely give the Brewers a reason to draft a college closer. Is Linebrink expected to re-sign?

I think a lot depends on whether or not the Brewers trust Turnbow to go back to closing. I dont think you draft to fill a need; you sacrifice too much in potential value. And I really cant see a reliever being move valuable than a 1st round position player / pitcher.

Didnt make it to the AFLAC game but I was able to watch it live. I'm definitely going to try to get to some games next year, though. I liked what I saw from Alex Meyer. Just a huge kid and his arm worked well. Hicks is a SoCal kid, so I'm hoping to see him play live prior to the draft. Blazer, you really think Skipworth has Mauer potential? Gotta say his HR was impressive. And Grossman was another guy I liked going into the game. Funny how he robbed my other favorite twice.

Great read, thanks CJ. I've already decided that Harold Martinez is my favorite prospect in the class. He has the perfect HS hitter's build and good bat speed. I was surprised to read that his defense is so good. I think he could be a special player if he can play SS as a pro. Have you chosen a favorite player or two yet?

CJ, did you catch the AFLAC game this year? If so, any prospects that stood out to you?