colbyjack

I'm not sure how any results in 79 AB can be used to say he sucked. He was injured most of the year. Did you miss the smiley face next to that comment? I think having him where he is now (16th) is actually very complimentary.

With all due respect, its easy to say that the team should draft aggressively. Who doesn't want their team to draft like the Boston Red Sox and drop a ton of money into players that drop further than they should? As X pointed out, just because teams, including the Brewers, don't do that, doesn't make them bad at what they do when it comes to the draft, as good talent can still be had. I don't think money really played a single part of not signing Covey this past year, and I wonder how much the team's re-opening their DR academy effective their signings from this year's draft class. However, and I would have to go back to confirm this, but it did seem that they signed most of their picks for more than what the recommended values were. That may not seem like much, but it does add up. I'm pretty excited about next year. I paid extra close attention to the '11 talent on hand in Regional, Super Regional and College World Series play in May/June, along with those that played on the Cape, the Northwoods League and other college summer leagues, as well the most prominent high school showcases and tournaments (PG National, East Coast Pro, Area Codes, UA All-America and Aflac), and think there is good reason to be excited about next year's draft pool.

He also really sucked last year. No one defended him then http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif. As Toby noted, he did enjoy a big bump in the P50 not only last month, but also this month. He needs to show more power to go up further than where he's at currently IMHO.

I know he's going to be a free agent, but his situation has more to do with the draft than anything else at this stage, and has already been discussed here: http://forum.brewerfan.net/viewtopic.php?t=23166

The latest and greatest Power 50 is now up. Come out of your caves to defend the likes of Lee Haydel, Sean Halton and Lucas Luetge! http://www.brewerfan.net/ViewPower50.do

(1/13/11): I am updating this thread to include links from pertinent conversations from last year's draft, including the 2010 draft resource thread, the official draft pick selection and signing thread as well as the individual discussion threads. Once the draft order is finalized, I will make a not of that as well, but feel free to use this thread for any and everything leading up to the draft in June. 2010 Official Draft Pick Selection & Signing Thread2010 General Draft Discussion2010 Official Draft Pick Discussion - Rounds 1-52010 Official Draft Pick Discussion - Rounds 6-202010 Official Draft Pick Discussion - Rounds 21-502010 Official Draft Resource Thread Now that the signing deadline has come and gone, with three unsigned first-rounders, here is how the draft would shake out if the season ended now. Tie-breakers awarded to the team with the worse record the previous season. 1. Pirates .339 2. Orioles .353 3. Mariners .387 4. D-Backs .395 5. Royals .415 6. Indians .415 7. D-Backs (Barret Loux) 8. Cubs .420 9. Nationals .432 10. Padres (Karsten Whitson) 11. Astros .436 12. Brewers .462 13. A's .487 14. Marlins .487 15. Brewers (Dylan Covey) 16. Tigers .492 17. Mets .500 18. Dodgers .504 19. Angels .504 20. Rockies .521 21. Blue Jays .534 22. White Sox .531 23. Cardinals .560 24. Giants .563 25. Red Sox .563 26. Phillies .564 27. Reds .568 28. Rangers .573 29. Twins .576 30. Braves .585 31. Padres .598 32. Rays .610 33. Yankees .610

I agree that Loux makes a lot of sense to pursue, as long as he checks out medically. He reportedly had a slight tear in his labrum and some elbow issues, which are huge red flags, but his profile fits what the Brewers supposedly like these days in pitchers (big and strong physique, good fastball velo/command and a promising breaking ball), and he reportedly was one of the college arms the Brewers were interested prior to the draft. I seem to remember the D-Backs signing him quickly for something like $1.6M before he failed his physical, and I'm guessing something like $400-500K would get it done. Again, all dependent on just how serious the arm issues are.

The Brewers compensation pick for not signing Covey will be considered 14a, which means it falls in place with any other players that don't sign ahead of the Brewers pick this past year. So far Barret Loux, the 6th overall pick, has failed his physical and reportedly won't sign with the D-Backs, while Karsten Whitson, the 9th overall pick has also decided to go to college. That means 14a as it stands right now would actually be the 17th overall pick. You don't get comp picks past the third round for unsigned players. To clarify, you get the pick right after the slot of unsigned first and second rounders. You get a supplemental third-round pick for unsigned third rounders. EDIT: My bad, the Brewers will get the 15th pick for Covey. The comp picks for unsigned players hold regardless of the unsigned players that may garner comp picks ahead of them. So, it's quite possible that the Brewers actual first-round pick could slip after the Covey comp pick (and last I looked a few days ago the Brewers would draft 10th based on record).

Zach Lee's deal was for $5.25. Yeah, I'd say that is in excess of $3M. Take some solace Brewers fans in the fact that the Padres were also unable to sign their first-round pick, the ninth overall selection, Karsten Whitson. Although that just bumps the Brewers comp pick for Covey, and probably what will end up being the team's actual first-round pick, down a spot. Regarded as the 2nd and 3rd best prep arms behind Jameson Taillon, it's crazy to think both Whitson and Covey are heading to college. And speaking of the comp picks, keep in mind that the sixth overall pick, Barret Loux, already failed his physical after reaching an agreement with the D-Backs. Deck McGuire (#11 overall) signed, so one less player to push the comp pick back. Manny Machado (#3 overall) has also signed. No word yet on Harper, Taillon, Pomeranz, Harvey and Grandal. And just to stir the pot a little, maybe the Brewers should have drafted this guy: http://www.baseballameric...ayers/cards/?pl_id=29476

I didn't mean to attack X ellence it just bugs when people talk about a serious thing and brush it off as nothing and no biggy. I honestly didn't take X's response to be a personal attack or even an insensitive apprecation of Covey's situation. Turning down $2M is also not something to brush off as nothing and no biggy. From purely a baseball perspective, not even taking Covey's health into consideration, turning town that kind of money is historically a bad decision. I respect the decision that he made and for the reasons he did so, but I really hope he doesn't painfully regret that decision 3 years from now. Again, from a baseball perspective, at least he's going to a program that has a knack of developing some pretty solid arms in recent years.

The Brewers aren't small-time, but they aren't the Red Sox either, and they also haven't shown the willingness to crack their wallets wide open the way the Royals and Pirates have lately. It does seem clear now that money truly wasn't an issue. A first in the history of the phrase "it wasn't about money." That said, the Brewers seemed to have a pretty conservative draft this year in a number of ways, including financially. They did budget well when they had comp picks a couple of years ago, signing all the players they did select to slot money, but they'll need an extra $1.7 million or so to accomplish that next year.

Is anyone else following the draft signings this evening? This really has been a crazy, crazy year. Nick Castellanos gets $3.45M as a sandwich pick? That's top 2-3 pick type cash. Drew Smyly gets over $1M. Stetson Allie got $2.25M as a 2nd rounder (if the Pirates get Taillon wrapped up, kudos to them). Marcus Littlewood, Dickie Thon, Jr. and Garin Cecchini all get 1st-round cash. And Zach Lee does end up signing with the Dodgers. Many felt that was kind of an empty pick given the Dodgers financial situation, almost conceding the pick for a comp pick next year, but obviously not the case. Reports are the deal is in excess of $3M, although the Dodgers can spread out whatever they gave him over 5 years since Lee was a talented FB recruit (LSU, and he reportedly already started camp for the Tigers).

This is a big surprise and an equally big disappointment. Yes, the Brewers get another premium pick next year, what looks to be a pretty strong year talent-wise. However, a few things need to happen for me to take any solace in this: 1. They sign Daniel Gibson -- or -- 2. They sign a prominent Latin American player -- and -- 3. They don't go cheap with those two premium picks next year -- and -- 4. Signing those two premium picks doesn't effect who else they take in the other early rounds And I agree, whenever someone says it wasn't about the money, it usually is. Covey's father was on record saying they wanted $2 million all along. Obviously things can change, and some young men really are intent on going to college, but I'm not convinced that's the case. The only thing I can think of is if Scott Boras got to this young man and convinced him a bigger payday awaited him after a college career (and historically it's usually not a good idea to turn down millions of dollars). Plus, while Seid says things ended amicably, you know there has to be some hard feelings if he was telling TH that he would have to get the story from the Covey family as to why Dylan didn't sign. He could have simply stated that he made a strong offer and Covey declined and left it at that. I don't blame him for that though, as I'd be pissed too, as I'm sure the Brewers made a strong offer to make this happen.

I agree with the comments about how undesirable it is to see MLB get involved with draft pick signings. Until they figure out a way to do hard slotting, they should back off and let teams sign the players for whatever they want to. I also agree that asking all of the teams to wait to not drive up the prices sounds a lot like collusion, although the players aren't subjected to the player's union so they get the shaft. I'm sure Covey will be signed by the end of the day. I just don't see the Brewers letting him get away.

I don't care for the Big Ten argument. Good players come from all over, and the Big Ten is plenty competitive. Illinois took two of three from eventual national champions LSU last year. Minnesota did the same against TCU. Michigan knocked David Price and Vanderbilt out of postseason play in '97. The conference from top to bottom may not be strong like it is in the Pac 10, SEC and ACC, but that doesn't mean the teams can't compete against the big boys. And if you had seen Arnett pitch last year you would understand why he was labeled a first-round pick. He was lights out for much of the spring, legitimately throwing 94-96 with one of the best sliders in the draft. I don't think it's fair to knock the Brewers scouting dep't. for Arnett's failure. He's struggling, and something obviously happened between last spring and this summer, whether it be mental, physical or some combination of factors.

AJ Cole and Sammy Solis have signed with the Nationals, and I would be surprised if they don't get a deal done with Bryce Harper. Throw in Rick Hague into that mix, and that is a very, very impressive draft haul for the Nats. If you would have told me prior to the draft that they, or any team, would walk away with Harper, Cole, Solis and Hague (not just having the opportunity to select them, but signing them too), I would have said you were nuts. http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/?p=2763

DHonks, I agree with your overall assessment, as Craig Counsell is another player that comes to mind that makes consistently accurate and strong throws to 2b. I don't even try to understand defensive metrics, as it seems to me that there's a stat out there to prove just about anything wrong http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif.

So I don't think there's much point debating Gamel vs. McGehee. I agree 100%, and I don't know why the argument comes up almost every single time either player is mentioned. I agree with homer as well, as McGehee is a proven and productive MLB hitter, even if his defense does stink. Gamel isn't, yet, and I say that because I believe in his improvement along the way and think he's going to make the necessary adjustments as long as he's given a chance. As for defense, keep in mind that McGehee was considered a strong defensive third baseman when the Brewers picked him up. Saying that Gamel is going to be better than McGehee at the hot corner, if he's even given a chance, is speculation, and not a fact. Finally, I'm surprised that so many people are quick to jump on McGehee. I know the numbers suggest that he's not a very good third baseman, but he was a very shrewd pickup by Melvin and a very productive offensive player.

Nice to see a pair of Brewers farmhands profiled by BA in one week. Jake Odorizzi is up today: http://www.baseballameric...lass-a/2010/2610488.html http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/jodorizzi10428309bm.jpg Key quotes:

Low-A is up today. Kyle Heckathorn the only T-Rat mentioned (Mike Trout mopped up on the awards), but pretty cool to see his changeup was rated the league's best. http://www.baseballameric...-tools/2010/2610519.html

Wily Peralta has morphed into an efficient, groundball inducing pitchability guy. I doubt I'd even recognize him on the mound now inspite of seeing him live several times last year when he was a high effort, hardthrowing strikeout guy who looked like a future reliever. He is seriously on the rise. His transformation shows us that he's not just a good arm, but he's got something upstairs too. Peralta's development certainly is encouraging, and exciting to think he's doing it at AA. Moving forward I'm most excited about who will be at the upper levels next year (Rivas/Rogers/Butler at AAA, possibly Jeffress/Peralta too, Peralta/Scarpetta at AA, possibly Heckthorn too, and possibly Odorizzi by midseason). However, we don't know (at least not that I've read) that his delivery is any less max effort than it was last year. Just because he's developed more as a pitcher doesn't necessarily translate to smoother mechanics. The O's had their work cut out for them in facing Helena starting pitcher Matt Miller, arguably the league's top hurler who began the evening 6-1 with a 2.16 ERA. This is pretty cool to read, as Miller's debut has also been exciting. I'm not sure if he will stick as a starter, but I'm happy to see the Brewers use him that way. He fits their profile as a bigger bodied, athletic guy with a plus fastball and plus breaking pitch, and could help form yet another encouraging rotation for the T-Rats next year with Nelson and Thornburg (among others). As for Gamel, it's great to see him hitting the ball so well. He has been so consistently good throughout his career, minus the hiccup from last year into early this year.

I don't think there is anything to infer about any of those players. They're all different than the team's middle-teen picks from a year ago that they got done at the last minute, Del Howell and Scooter Gennett. Both were much higher profile players. In the case of Gennett, he was an Aflac all-american the summer before, so he already had high draft aspirations, to go along with his commitment to Florida State. From what I have learned, that signing really came down to the wire, and it wasn't even as much about the Brewers giving him the money necessary to sign him as much as it was Gennett still debating what he should do (college vs. pro out of HS). The Brewers obviously like both Michael White (committed to Western Carolina) and Andrew Morris since they drafted both in previous years (2008 and '09 respectively). As noted previously, they also have a pretty good track record of signing most to all of their picks among the top 20. Chris Bates has committed to Richmond, not a huge baseball powerhouse, but he had originally committed to Tulane. I can't recall Wick's situation, but I also know that some Canadian prep players can return to high school after they are drafted. I'm not sure if that applies to him. It's hard to say what their intentions are since I don't have direct connections with any of them, and they don't have the high profile that Howell and Gennett carried a year ago (meaning less pub/interest). I would guess that at least two of them will sign before the deadline given the Brewers history, but that's not based on anything specific I know. Gibson was looking for early round (late 1st to 2nd?) money to buy him away from Florida. The Gators have done really well getting their commits on campus, and are building a very strong, young program that looks as though they'll be in contention for Super Regional/Omaha appearances for the next 2-3 years. That will be difficult to woo Gibson away from, and that was pretty much known as soon as the Brewers took him in the 26th round.

Hi-A is up today. Josh Prince was named the best baserunner (not the fastest) and Matt Cline the best defensive third baseman. Henderson Alvarez (Blue Jays) was incorrectly identified as playing for Brevard County for those that can access the subscriber-based link. http://www.baseballameric...-tools/2010/2610518.html

Jim Callis adds some words of wisdom in his most recent BA, emphasizing some of the points that have already been made here:

Rain in Helena suspends both games this evening. Monsoon halts Tropical Night, make-up date TBD The two-game series against the Billings Mustangs will have to be made up at a later date, if at all. In an attempt to finish Monday night's game and play a seven-inning game afterwards, rain poured down upon Kindrick Legion Field on Tuesday night and play was suspended with no make-up date in sight. The game was suspended with Billings leading 3-0 and coming to the plate in the top of the fifth inning. Ticket stubs to Tuesday's game will be honored at any remaining home game. Chamber of Commerce tickets will be good for Friday August 13 when the Brewers take on Missoula. If you were one of the first 100 adults whom received a Hawaiian lei, the Planet Beach raffle will be on Friday August 13.