colbyjack

Please use this thread to share your thoughts on the Brewers picks on draft day from rounds 11 through 15. Please do not start separate threads to discuss the individual picks.

Please use this thread to share your thoughts on the Brewers picks on draft day from rounds 6 through 10. Please do not start separate threads to discuss the individual picks.

Please use this thread to share your thoughts on the Brewers picks on draft day from rounds 1 through 5. Please do not start separate threads to discuss the individual picks.

This thread will be used to post all draft picks in order of their selection, as well as page-by-page details of the picks, which we will slowly but surely add to in the coming days. Please do not post in this thread. Non-staff comments will be deleted. Myself, Toby or Jim will update the picks and player profiles. If you have comments/links about a player, please post them in the appropriate discussion thread. Bold indicates player has signed. 1. (16 overall): Jeremy Jeffress, RHP, Halifax County Senior HS (VA) 2. (60): Brent Brewer, SS, Sandy Creek HS (GA) 3. (92): Cole Gillespie, LF, Oregon St. University 4. (122): Evan Anundsen, RHP, Columbine HS (CO) 5. (152): Chris Errecart, LF, U.C. Berkeley 6. (182): Brae Wright, LHP, Oklahoma State University 7. (212): Andy Bouchie, C, Oral Roberts University 8. (242): Shane Hill, RHP, Florida Christian School (FL) 9. (272): Shawn Ferguson, RHP, Texas Christian University 10. (302): Mike McClendon, RHP, Seminole Community College 11. (332): Zach Clem, LF, University of Washington 12. (362): Chad Robinson, RHP, Silverado HS (NV) 13. (392): Chris Toneguzzi, RHP, Purdue University 14. (422): Hector Bernal, SS, El Paso Community College 15. (452): Brett Whiteside, C, Mesquite HS (AZ) 16. (482): R.J. Seidel, RHP, La Crosse Central HS (WI) 17. (512): Aaron Tullo, RHP, St. Petersburg HS (FL) 18. (542): Andrew Clark, 1B, New Palestine HS (IN) 19. (572): Lee Haydel, OF, Riverside HS (LA) 20. (602): Mehdi Djebbar, LHP, Ahuntsic College (Montreal, Quebec) 21. (632): Jesse D'Amico, C, Mohawk HS (PA) 22. (662): J.T. King, RHP, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M 23. (692): Scott Shuman, RHP, Tift County HS (GA) 24. (722): Travis Wendte, RHP, University of Missouri 25. (752): Mike Goetz, CF, UW-Milwaukee 26. (782): Marc Lewis, LHP, Creighton University (NE) 27. (812): T.J. Macy, RHP, Scottsdale CC (AZ) 28. (842): Terrell Alliman, RF, Bluevale Collegiate Institute (Waterloo, Ontario) 29. (872): David Newmann, LHP, Texas A&M 30. (902): Jordan Swaydan, C, San Diego State 31. (932): Robert Bryson, RHP, Williams Penn HS (DE) 32. (962): Nicholas Tyson, RHP, Timber Creek Regional HS (NJ) 33. (992): Eric Newton, 2B, Santa Clara University (CA) 34. (1022): Stuart Sutherland, RHP, Dallas Baptist University 35. (1052): Sanduan Dubose, 3B, Stillman College (MS) 36. (1082): Clay Jones, C, Bibb County HS (AL) 37. (1112): Wes Munson, SS, Fond du Lac HS (WI) 38. (1142): Todd Fitzgerald, LHP, San Jose CC (CA) 39. (1172): Chuckie Caufield, RF, University of Oklahoma 40. (1202): Alexander Koronis, RHP, Monsignor Pace HS (FL) 41. (1232): John Poulk, 3B, UNC Wilmington 42. (1262): Matt Peck, RHP, Cowley College (OK) 43. (1292): Dustin Lidyard, RHP, Lower Columbia College (WA) 44. (1322): Bryan Crosby, 3B, William Blount HS (TN) 45. (1352): Matthew Thompson, SS, Aztec HS (NM) 46. (1382): Aaron Johnson, C, Lethbridge CC (Alberta) 47. (1412): Matthew Coburn, RHP, San Jacinto College (TX) 48. (1442): Brandon Owens, RHP, Heritage HS (GA) 49. (1462): Nicholas Spears, SS, Poway HS (CA) 50. (1502): Ricky Alvernaz, 3B, Tamanawis HS (British Columbia)

I wanted to point out that only one team had more DFE signings than the Brewers, the Atlanta Braves, who signed seven of their candidates. The next closest were the Boston Red Sox with four. More proof that Jack Z. and the Brewers have used the DFE process more than most teams under his watch.

Huston Street was one closer that I would have been all for. This year, none of the closers are really first-round worthy anymore, and there seems to be a good chance that one of the top ones would be available for the team's 2nd round pick. Not for the first-round though, no matter how much they need help in the bullpen. The talent just isn't there this year.

Jim Callis has an updated mock draft up through the first 15 picks: www.baseballamerica.com/t...61615.html If the draft unfolds like this, who do you take at #16? The names we have heard associated with the Brewers that are still available: Jeremy Jeffress Hank Conger Daniel Bard Chris Perez Blair Erickson Jared Hughes Josh Butler Joba Chamberlain Brooks Brown Kasey Kiker

Sorry foamboy, I have no reason as to why Smith wasn't signed. I can tell you that the Brewers did sign the players they wanted, so for some reason, while Smith put up gaudy number (as did Jordan Lennerton), neither excited them enough to give them a deal. The same thing happened with Luke Cannon a few years ago, and I haven't seen or heard his name since.

Keep in mind it's a fan participant mock draft. And X is right, Bard isn't much like Sheets at all. He can hump up his fastball like Sheets does, but that is about where the comp ends.

Surprise, surprise, the Royals may be backing off Miller: www.baseballamerica.com/t...61611.html Listen to the excuses as much as you want to, it comes down to money, and if the Royals were smart, money wouldn't be an issue when it comes to the draft and the situation they're in. My dollar remains safe http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

I think Conger would be a good fit for the Brew Crew. Just like I think Kershaw would be a good fit for the Blue Crew I'm not saying Conger wouldn't be a good fit, and while I wouldn't be disappointed with the selection, it wouldn't be my favorite (assuming some other players would still be available). Colby, I'm assuming your favorite is someone we've discussed multiple times, in part because he attended my college for his freshman year as a highly touted recruit. He's someone the Brewers thought highly of out of high school, but made it known he wanted college or a $2 million bonus. I'll say his name: Jared Hughes. I haven't been shy about my fondness for Hughes, but I am actually not referring to him. I'm not trying to be tricky by keeping his name secretive, just protective knowing that my wishes and the Brewers wishes are never the same http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif . And thanks for the head's up on Kiker, RCWarrior. For your sake I hope Kiker is the Brewers' pick, because you will never find a site like this one to follow his progress. Of course, you would have to deal with jerks like us each time he has a bad outing...http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

24-14? Wow, I picked the wrong night to not be able to make it. How many innings was the game given the score? 3? 4? Tonight's game was against a team we expected to be really tough, correct? Good stuff, congrats fellas.

Since Gagne kind of alluded to Conger as being my favorite on a different thread, I wanted to point out here that Conger isn't necessarily my favorite, but who I believe is the most likely pick for the Brewers. As fas as prep catchers go, I would have a hard time taking Conger over Max Sapp. I like Hank for his first name. And I'm not so sure Conger or Sapp is the prep slugger I would take first. Travis Snider is arguably the top prep hitter/slugger a la Prince Fielder, and there are a few other players that I may "reach" for. I would like to see the Brewers take a college arm, and while I recognize that the Brewers have not taken a player that required being signed for greater than slot value, this is the perfect year to take someone like Hochevar (I don't think he will fall) of Scherzer (I think he will) given not only team needs, but the BPA theory. Both will cost a pretty penny, but either one could be up contributing with the team by the end of the '07 season. One person here has called me out on my favorite, but it's not a player listed in this particular post. I'll shutup now http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

Sorry foamboy, it's not Tim Smith, but the Brewers have signed 2B/3B Taylor Green to round out their '05/'06 DFE class.

I already let Jamie know earlier this week that I wouldn't be able to attend tonight, and next week is iffy too. All the more reason I was bummed about the 1st & 3rd games being postponed, as May was the only month that was clear for me. Good luck tonight fellas. I'm especially sorry that I'm going to miss Nicole's yummy & generous feast!

Thanks a lot parkside, I appreciate the incredibly detailed report.

Greg, I'll provide some links to stories I have written including both prep catchers, along with some important snippets taken from those links: PG Crack of the Bat: Aflac top tools Best Pure Hitter 1. Chris Parmelee 2. Chris Marrero 3. Nathan Bridges Parmelee may have not provided the big hit or slugged awe-inspiring home runs during the derby, but he had the smoothest stroke of all hitters in attendance. He has good power now, and I could see more developing given his swing and his knack for making contact. Fewer hit the ball with more authority than Marrero, while Nathan Bridges impressed me with his ability to squarely hit the ball consistently hard ever time he came up to the plate. Honorable mention to Max Sapp. Best Raw Power 1. Cody Johnson 2. Billy Rowell 3. Max Sapp Like Parmelee, Johnson's offensive prowess didn't result in a gaudy stat line on the field, but with his long, strong limbs and easy, uppercut swing, it's hard to pick anyone ahead of Johnson in any category where power is being discussed. No one hit the ball further in BP than Johnson with his natural ability to loft the ball. Rowell's tall and lanky yet strong frame gives him the second best power, as he also made hard, consistent contact, as he wasn't just a hacker. No one impressed me at the plate as much as Max Sapp, who absolutely smoked everything he saw. Hank Conger also hit the ball extremely hard, and has considerable power potential from both sides of the plate. Best Defender 1. Ryan Jackson 2. Torre Langley 3. Robbie Alcombrack Ryan Jackson was the smoothest defensive player, as he exhibited his natural grace on the infield to go along with a pretty good throwing arm time after time. Torre Langley is extremely active behind the plate, with quick reflexes and a confident approach to handling the pitching staff. Robbie Alcombrack edges out a few players including Max Sapp and Nathan Bridges for his take-charge approach on the field. All of the catchers in attendance were impressive, as I was particularly impressed with the way Max Sapp handled Matt Latos. Best Arm Defensively 1. Max Sapp 2. Nathan Bridges 3. Chris Parmelee Sapp wasn't afraid to show off his gun on pick-off throws to first base, in the game and during the scrimmage. His arm gives him an exciting power/power combo that is hard to match of any 2006 draft eligible high school player. Bridges has a cannon that will serve him well at the hot corner, while Parmelee's arm at first base gives him yet another polished tool. While Chris Marrero committed three errors in the Aflac game, his arm and overall defensive prowess is evident. Aflac Experience, Day 1 Aflac Experience, Day 2 Aflac Experience, Day 3 Pretty much I give them equally high praise from watching them in person last summer. Both hit the ball very hard in BP, during the scrimmages and the HR derby. What I was impressed with both of them was the fact that the balls they hit were screaming line drives. A few photographers and myself that were scattered on the field flinched when a few of the hit balls came our way despite being behind protective netting. I like Sapp's setup better, as he has a more calm, cool approach in the batter's box and let his swing path do the damage. Conger puts a little more effort into his swing, but the results are basically the same. Conger's a switch-hitter, which immediately gives him more value in the eyes of scouts. Defensively, I think Sapp has a better chance to stick behind the plate. As noted in my comments, he was very active behind the plate, showing off his arm and he handled East starter Matt Latos very well (he was removed from the game after taking a foul tip off his finger). Conger didn't look as natural, but I have heard that he has improved his defense this spring. Both have strong arms. Neither is a model for the ideal physical prototype, but given the way they hit the ball I really don't care. Sapp has worked hard to keep the baby fat off, but his frame is still on the stiff side. He's not the natural, fluid athlete scouts look for. Conger really isn't either, but he has better proportions than Sapp, but some reports from this spring have noted that he may have actually put on a little weight since last summer. If they had to move to another position, Conger could probably be tried at 3B or even LF before 1B, as he's a better natural athlete. Sapp would probably have to be moved to 1B. I compared Sapp to Daric Barton after seeing him in person, and I know one of my peers compared him to Jeff Clement. I've read on BA a few times that now Conger is drawing a few Barton comparisons, but I think the Cardinals knew when they drafted Barton his best position would be 1B. If the Brewers take Conger or Sapp it will likely be because they truly believe they can stick behind the plate. They really are almost the same prospect. Conger opened a lot of eyes this spring by hitting some towering blasts against some of the best competition in SoCal. While Conger hit .449 with 11 HRs, Sapp hit .582 with 9 bombs. Again, Sapp's probably a little better of a pure hitter while Conger has a tick more power and is a better overall athlete.

I finally had the chance to watch the Cal State Fullerton/Long Beach State game last night, at least the first several innings. Watching Wes Roemer face Andrew Carpenter was like watching Greg Maddux vs. Roger Clemens. Roemer pitches just like Maddux, relying more on movement and location than velocity. He neutralized left-handed batters with what looked to be a sinking fastball. The pitch starts in on the hands of a left-handed batter and drops down just below nipping the strike zone. It looks somewhat like a screwball. He also has a nice fading changeup, a decent slider and surprised a few batters when he uncorked his 4-seamer. Tim Stauffer was taken 4th overall in '03, garnering praise as a similar type of pitcher, and I could see Roemer being taken that early in '07. Carpenter definitely has modeled his game after Clemens. From the windup he faces the plate square, glove in front of his barrel-chest and his hat pulled tight down onto his head. He even has similar mannerisms as Clemens on the mound. He's also the same as Clemens from the stretch, and has a similar, thick build wih a strong lower half. He really likes to use his split-fingered fastball, but he'll need a good catcher at the pro level as he spikes a lot of balls in the dirt. His fastball has decent velocity, and his breaking ball is average. I could see Carpenter going in the supplemental first-round this year. Longoria is going to be a real good hitter at the next level, and should provide plenty of offense at 2B. I still would like to see him tried at SS, as he has the athleticism and rangy body to at least be given that chance.

If you haven't checked out BA's new regional coverage, you should. It's really more glitz than anything, but their flash map is a nice interactive graphic: www.baseballamerica.com/t...ftmap.html I should note that accessing the state-by-state regional coverage is for subscribers only. More harping on just how weak this year's draft is. Jim Callis covered Texas this year, and had this to say about Drew Stubbs: In last year's draft, which was much deeper in hitters, Stubbs would have lasted until the late first round. But with a scarcity of position players this year, he could go as high as No. 6 overall to the Tigers and probably won't get past the top 10 picks. I think that's going a little too far. Stubbs is getting knocked around a little with people questioning if he can hit, as I've taken a few swings at him myself given his high strikeout totals, but his athleticism is just so good that you take him hoping the bat comes around. And I still think he's going to hit for fair power while playing Gold Glove D' in CF, which is still worthy of a high pick. Last year, Stubbs still could have very well been a top-10 pick, and probably a lock to go in the first half of the first round. While many to most do have some questions about his bat, everyone I have talked to is absolutely in love with his pure talent. Not to take a stab at Callis, whom I have plenty of respect for, but I tire of the lengths some take to point out how weak this year's talent pool is.

Like I said, there may be one more signing, but as of right now, no, they have not signed Smith.

Every year we ponder whether or not the Brewers would get involved with a tough sign with their first round pick. Based on their history, they tend to stick with guys they can sign for slot value (that sign relatively quickly), so I don't think the Brewers taking Hochevar (or Scherzer) is likely. Last year I know people thought it might be possible since they didn't have a 2nd round pick, and therefore in theory they could "roll" that extra money into their first-rounder. Hochevar and Pelfrey were both there for the taking, even if the Brewers seemed intent on taking a 3B. This year the Brewers 16th pick will likely cost $1.6 million, and I don't think they will have an extra $800,000 to play with just because they're picking 16th instead of 5th. Ideally it would be very exciting for the reasons you listed.

Brewerfan.net has learned that the Brewers have signed DFE LHP Michael Ramlow, one of the more intriguing candidates this year. There may be one more DFE signing, but then that would be it. When and if the last one is announced (I'm assuming later today), I'll post a news story on the homepage.

I can never remember the deadline. I thought it was supposed to be last night at midnight, as that's really a week before the draft. Not sure on Beato. The JC guys are harder to keep tabs on. I obviously would tend to side with PGCC, but when you're hearing differing reports that usually means the pitch is somewhere in between a curve and a slider, or a slurve. And I would be surprised if the Mets don't sign him, and in a way that would put up a red flag for any other team interested in drafting him. The Mets aren't exactly cheap when it comes to signing players, so either he was asking for WAY too much and/or the Mets didn't feel he was worth even first-round money. I'm sure we'll learn more in the next few days, as info on DFEs is always slow to get out.

I wanted to chime in with some players I like for our second to fifth round (or later) picks. I should point out that historically I have been pretty bad predicting picks, and the players I like are rarely the players the Brewers like. 2001 was one of the few years in which there were a couple of players that I really liked taken early, JJ Hardy and Brad Nelson. Let's start with my favorite, the lefties... Ben Snyder-LHP-Ball State Brother of Ben Snyder an OF in the Indians organization. Ben is a lot like Doug Davis and Chris Capuano in that he doesn't really have that one knock-out pitch, but he knows how to pitch with that unteachable left-handed craftiness. Keith Weiser-LHP-Miami (OH) A lot like Snyder. Not as athletic, but almost the same type of pitcher. Zach Britton-LHP-Weatherford, TX (HS) Soaring up charts this spring with increased velocity on his fastball, now throwing in the low-90s. Maybe it's because Zach Duke mowed down the Brewers this evening, not to mention that his name is Zach (duh), but it may be an appropriate comparison. Jeff Locke-LHP-Kennett, NH (HS) Another savvy lefty, Locke has plenty of projectability to add onto his already low-90s fastball. Pitching in the northeast means his arm is fresh. Carmine Giardina-LHP-Durant, FL (HS) Giardina has been carving up prep hitters for a long time. He is a well known commodity in scouting circles, and has great success at showcase and tournament events. The repertoire is there, but he may have already reached his potential. Andy Oliver-LHP-Vermillion, OH (HS) Similar to Locke, Oliver has a projectable frame, good present stuff with the ability to get better and a knack for pitching. Ryan Morris-LHP-Charlotte, NC (HS) Morris has a low-3/4s delivery, a fastball that has touched 93 and a wicked slider. What's not to like? Dellin Betances-RHP-Grand Street, NY (HS) Betances shouldn't fall into the 2nd round, but if he does, take him Jack! Brandon Magge-RHP-Bradley A local product as a native of Sheboygan. Big righty (6'5", 190) with improving stuff (89-94 fastball). R.J. Seidel-RHP-La Crosse Central (HS) Another local product, and another big kid. Seidel is the one Wisconsin prep player that has legitimate top-five round talent, although Oak Creek LHP Tony Butler isn't far off. Zechery Zinicola-RHP-Arizona State How can you not like his name? Well known coming out of high school as a two-sport star with a power/power repertoire as a pitcher and as a hitter. A quirky player, barrel-chested and intimidating. Tailor-made for closer's role. Blair Erickson-RHP-UC Irvine Erickson's fastball velocity hasn't been as consistent this spring, but as X ellence noted on a different thread, the Brewers may be interested in a college closer with the intent of making him a starter. Erickson could be that guy, as many feel he'll be a starter as a pro anyway, with a solid 3-pitch repertoire. Charles Brewer-RHP-Chaparral, AZ (HS) With a name like Brewer, he deserves to be in our favorite organization. A tall and lanky, projectable righty that currently throws around 90 with a promising breaking ball with plenty of room to get better. Jeff Inman-RHP-Bakerfield, CA (HS) The Brewers took one Inman a year ago that instantly became a fan favorite. Although there is no relation, why not take another? Good stuff, but needs a lot of polish, and may be tough to pry away from Stanford. Sergio Perez-RHP-Tampa Good-sized fireballing righty that may profile perfectly as a closer (similar to Zinicola). His game needs polish, as does his breaking ball, but his fastball is hard to catch up with. Kyler Burke-OF-Chattanooga, TN (HS) Now in my top 30 prospects, Burke could fall a little due to his commitment to Vanderbilt. If he makes it to the Brewers 2nd round pick, use the money you saved from having the 16th overall pick instead of the 5th overall pick and get this guy into the system. A similar prospect to Ryan Sweeney in the White Sox organization. Drew Rundle-OF-Bend, OR (HS) Five-tool OF talent from the Pacific Northwest. Makes everything look easy. Would be a no-brainer first-rounder if he would have had a big spring. His talent is similar to a couple of other Pacific NW outfielder like Grady Sizemore and Dale Murphy. Jon Jay-OF-Miami Hit .400+ batting behind Braun last year. Solid baseball athlete that doesn't have off the chart tools, but does everything well and has some of the best plate discipline that I saw all spring at the college level. Not much power, but he'll draw walks, get base hits and swipe a few bags. Shane Robinson-OF-Florida State It's impossible not to like Robinson, who is 5'9", 165 pounds soaking wet and standing on his tip-toes without much room to get any bigger. He plays the game hard and is a difference maker. His upside is limited, but he's tough enough physically and mentally to overcome all obstacles. Riley Cooper-OF-Seminole, FL (HS) Such a good athlete that he may follow a football career, particularly after he missed most of his senior baseball season after putting his hand through a car window. That incident has his makeup in question, which may push him towards a two-sport career in college. If you do your homework and may a little over slot value you may have an exceptional talent in your system. Jared Mitchell-OF-New Iberia, LA (HS) Another two-sport star, as Mitchell could be an all-pro WR at LSU. He was an Aflac All-American last summer though, which shows his interest in baseball. His talents are undeniable, but he may not be around for the Brewers to pick unless they take him in round 1. I've compared him to Carl Crawford before. Cyle Hankerd-OF-USC An athletic, power hitting corner outfielder. Not the flashiest of prospects, but he's proven and solid all around. Josh Morris-1B-Georgia Morris burst onto the scene his freshman year, slumped a little his sophomore year and has bounced back this year. His only position really is 1B, but he has an incredibly powerful bat that will make up for his limited speed and overall versatility. Jordan Newton-C-Western Kentucky An athletic, offensive-minded catcher in the mold of Craig Biggio and Jason Kendall. He may be moved to CF or 2B at the pro level to take advantage of his athleticism, but he has proven to hit and steal bases, a rare combo for a catcher. Matt McBride-C-Lehigh More of a defensive-minded catcher that made strides at the plate this year showing good power potential. Has a strong arm behind the plate and could make the majors on his defense alone. Mike Murray-C-Westfield, NJ (HS) A prep catcher with a powerful left-handed stick and improving defensive skills. Keep an eye on Murray, *hint hint*. Chris Valaika-SS-UC Santa Barbara Athletic shortstop for UC Santa Barbara with very good power potential. Somewhat of an all or nothing type slugger, as he doesn't walk much and strikes out too much. Still, the offensive upside is there, but may move to 3B as a pro. Josh Rodriguez-IF-Rice Rodriguez entered the year as a SS, but shoulder problems limited him to a DH for most of the year. He has a very good approach to hitting, and his bat alone may carry him to the big leagues. Some power potential, but more doubles power than HR power. He reminds me of Felipe Lopez, although Rodriguez is a 3B or LF at the next level. Mark Sobolewski-SS-Sarasota, FL (HS) A solid all-around athlete and baseball player. His tools aren't off the charts, but he's good enough, and he shows he knows how to play the game. Stephen Englund-IF-Bellevue, WA (HS) A Jack Z. type of player with very good tools across the board, highlighted by exceptional bat speed. He's more about potential than production at this point in time, but his talent is too good to pass up. He may end up in the OF.

Adam McCalvy chimes in with his Brewers draft preview: milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com...;fext=.jsp Actually, there really isn't anything to take from this story, just talking about Jack Z's drafting style and his previous three first-round picks.