colbyjack

The draft information that used to be found here can now be found at my new site, 5 Tool Talk: http://www.5tooltalk.com/

If you've ever seen Air Force One (and I recognize that they fly with an escort) you know that the President doesn't exactly fly discreetly. I don't think professional athletes have to worry about security reasons for having a pimped up paint job on their plane. And I too have seen the NBA charter planes parked at Mitchell.

Thanks TheCrew07. Workman is just a hunch, no insider info at this point in time with any of the picks (outside of Harper, who the Nats have been zeroing in on for a couple of months). I usually don't get much insider info from the Brewers, or anyone familiar with the Brewers, since they tend to work more quietly than most teams.

As promised, top 100 prospect list: 5 Tool Talk top 100 prospects

Updated Mock Draft up this evening. Also, a new Dandy Dozen is also up. I hope to get to the Top 100 prospect list as well before the end of the weekend.

Thanks for your interest sfl2hnq17. I need to update my top prospect rankings (which I hope to do this coming weekend or shortly thereafter, as well as an updated mock draft and Dandy Dozen), as Smelter probably isn't a candidate to go as high as #14 anymore. He's still throwing in the low-90s, but hasn't looked as good doing so as he did last summer. He still may be best in shorter stints, although I haven't heard a report on him in the last couple of weeks. Zack Cox would be a great pickup if he fell to #14, but I doubt he does. He's leading the SEC in hitting (.436) with 7 doubles and 6 homers, walking more than he has struck out (28:20). I've seen him play a couple of times the past few weeks and think more power will come at the next level. I think someone in the top 10 nabs him particularly given the lack of bats in this year's draft. We still need to see if Seid continues some trends he seemed to show last year, preferring college arms to high school ones, and bigger bodies at that. He also seemed to place a preference on positional players that showed an advanced knowledge of hitting, as shown in Kentrail Davis and Max Walla, overlooking other tools and their overall size. If he goes in the direction of a bigger, college pitcher, of which there are a lot to choose from, you can check out a list of such arms in this thread. Pomeranz, Ranaudo and Sale are unlikely to make it to #14, and I don't think McGuire does either. #14 is probably a little too high for Solis, Loux and Wojciechowski, and I doubt the Brewers get involved with Paxton. Blair has been rather unimpressive this spring, and likely falls out of the first round. That leaves /www.5tooltalk.com/collegenotes3-22-10.html">Workman, and pretty good trio of bigger, power arms. Harvey still has concerns about his delivery, Workman has a good fastball-curveball combo while the sky is the limit for Hahn who still is developing as a starter. Ohio State's Alex Wimmers could be in the mix as well, even if he's not as big as the pitchers listed above. He's not a prototypical frontline starter either, but has a really nice 3-pitch repertoire and could move very quickly through the minors and serve as the team's #3 starter by 2012. In my column last week at Perfect Game I touched on the top prep pitchers after Jameson Taillon. It seems unlikely that AJ Cole, Karsten Whitson or Dylan Covey falls to #14, but someone has to given the depth and talent in arms, and if one of them does, they may be too good to pass up. For bats, again, the top ones likely will be gone given the lack of good ones this year. That probably rules out Christian Colon and Manny Machado in addition to Cox. Josh Sale would likely be a good fit, since he's known first and foremost for his bat. He's a similar prospect to the Blue Jays Travis Snider, whom the Brewers supposedly were high on for the 2006 draft when they took Jeffress a few spots after Snider was taken off the board. Nick Castellanos, Michael Choice and Justin O'Conner may also be in their sights. Long story short, here is what I think could be their short list: 1. Brandon Workman 2. Jesse Hahn 3. Nick Castellanos 4. Josh Sale 5. Michael Choice As I noted, it will be interesting to see what Seid does in year two to see if any preferences can be identified. I also think money will be interesting to follow this year, since the Brewers have dropped quite a bit of coin in their picks the last two years given all of the compensatory selections they had, and they didn't go cheap with any of them (going over slot in a few cases, such as with Kentrail Davis). I'm not suggesting they're going to be poised to take someone like Ranaudo should he fall, but they could take a few surprise players in the early-ish rounds.

I'm very happy to see this move. Lucroy made it clear early that he deserved to be in Nashville.

MLB has made some efforts, but not the individual teams. They go out of their way to pour a lot of money into their Dominican and Venezuelan camps, but they don't spend nearly the same amount of money domestically on such facilities. They leave that up to the individual schools, legion programs and even scouting/showcase companies such as Perfect Game. You need to get to these kids when they're really young, as most ballplayers, in any sport, usually have been playing the game competitively for most of their lives. I'm not making an argument for one side or the other, just sharing some of the complaints that are out there. Domestically it is somewhat of a similar argument to people that refuse to buy a Toyota or a Honda (or whatever foreign-owned car company) and will only buy Chevy, Dodge, Ford, etc. I don't think the baseball draft is really screwed up, as I like it because it is so unique. The biggest part of it that is messed up is the free agent compensation in which the rich teams just keep getting richer for the most part. Every team has the opportunity to spend as much as they are willing and able to, and enough small market teams out there have proven that you can build a good organization the way things are currently set up. Look no further than the Twins, or the A's from a few years ago, or even the Brewers. Sure, the Yankees and Red Sox are at an unfair advantage, but that is true for any part of scouting and player development (not to mention free agency, trades, etc.) given their seemingly endless resources. And who is the last homegrown star the Yankees have procured from within? Chamberlain and Hughes I suppose, but even those two haven't lived up to the usual lofty billing Yankees prospects receive. I personally think the worldwide draft is a bad idea from the simple standpoint that it is a logistical nightmare for whomever that tries to make it work. If anything, try to put a hard cap on how much one team can spend on international free agents, possibly taking the average of what all 30 teams are currently spending. Make it a yearly average, so if the Reds sign Chapman to his $30 million dollar contract over X amount of years, that limits what they can spend during the length of that contract. If you put that into place along with a hard slotting system into the draft, you are directly managing how much each team is able to spend in an attempt to level the playing field.

Physically (and even facially) Garfield and Lopez are very similar. So often with catchers they're built differently than the other players on the field. They have a big head like Johnny Bench or are built somewhat pear-ish like Terry Steinbach and Jorge Posada. Or, they look like the Gregg Zauns and Henry Blancos of the world -- rather ordinary athletes relatively speaking. When I saw Garfield he instantly reminded me of Lopez because he looks like a good, well-proportioned athlete, a player that looks more like a corner outfielder than a catcher. He has a big swing and big power potential and also has a strong arm. And I'm talking about the Lopez that first came up for the Braves in the early to mid-90s, not the one that builked up (steroids?) and hit 40+ home runs one year. Just for comparison sake, Lopez played in the Midwest League at the same age (19) and hit .265 with a .398 SLG (17 2B, 11 HR) for Burlington in 1990.

That for sharing that link. It is a fascinating subject, and one of so many reasons why implementing a world-wide draft is so much harder than people think. I think tieing in Japan and other countries in Asia is going to pose a lot more difficulties than the Dominican. There are some interesting comments towards the end of that story that echo a lot of what I hear in covering baseball at the amateur level. There are a lot of people in the United States who are upset that there are so many Latin American players in minor league baseball, as they cite that this is taking jobs away from kids born and raised in the United States. This is also tied into the lack of African Americans playing the game, since so many teams invest so much money in scouring the Dominican Republic and Venezuela for talent, but there isn't much of an effort to build camps in the inner cities to try and draw kids to baseball. While it may seem as though the only thing you need to play is a glove, spikes and a few bats, it's not a cheap sport to play. Basketball to inner city kids in the states is similar to what baseball is to young Latin Americans. I don't blame the Dominicans from being upset about this. It is there one chance to hit it big, and it motivates them to work hard to try and make it as a player. Subjecting those players to the draft would take a lot of money out of the equation. As noted in the story, that motivation has been lost in Puerto Rico.

Melvin has said repeatedly there is a strong history of catching prospects being promoted directly from AA when discussing Lucroy's future. Zaun was signed by the Orioles a year ago to keep the position warm for Matt Wieters, and reportedly has a knack for breaking new catchers in. I don't think Kottaras is going to prevent anyone from being given a chance, although it may be Zaun that is sent away first to make room for Lucroy and/or Salome. I don't like having Lucroy at AA after he finished last year so strong, not only at AA, but also in the Arizona Fall League. Players that respond well to challenges should continue to be challenged. I realize it's tough getting two talented catchers playing time at one level, but I've suggested that Lucroy and Salome both play at AAA splitting time between catcher, DH and maybe even 1B. I would hold onto both of them. Like pitchers, catching depth is a luxury that more often than not will sort itself out. It's unlikely both players blossom as expected, and if they do, then try to figure out what to do with one of them 2-3 years down the road when their value is even greater. Catchers are known to get more value in trade than they should. I'll never forget the Einar Diaz for Travis Hafner trade the Indians pulled with the Rangers several years ago now. I agree that Garfield looks good. He reminds me of a young Javy Lopez.

Allow me to once again warn never to rely too much on the stadium gun. They are incredibly unreliable and there isn't really any rhyme or reason to how much they are consistently off by. Sometimes they're high, sometimes they're low. That said, I'm still concerned about Arnett's reported velocity in the game before last night's. I know he was pitching in the 88-91 range early in the college season for Indiana last year before he started to throw more consistently in the 92-94 range hitting 96 when the weather started to warm up around this time of year. I'm not sure if anyone else has tried to figure this out yet, but if the Wisconsin rotation holds (meaning no rain delays) fans should have the chance to see the Odorizzi/Krestalude tandem at Miller Park in a few weeks, and it would be Odorizzi's turn to start the game. I have my own Stalker these days, so if I'm able to make it to the game that day I will try to tote it along and see how hard the staff is throwing.

I DVR'd the Wisconsin game to watch it some other day, but caught the end of it. Nice to see Chad Robinson bringing heat. There was no radar gun, but there didn't need to be, you could see that he was pumping hard fastballs one after the other. He only three 2-3 curveballs, which lacked any kind of bite. While I always warn of making opinions after one game, Robinson's injury history is enough to lead one to believe that his future will remain in short relief. And then Andre Lamontagne came in when Robinson got into some trouble in the ninth. Both are big kids, and while Lamontagne doesn't throw as hard as Robinson, he appears to still throw hard enough. Plus, unlike Robinson, Lamontagne threw a pretty sharp slider. Nice to see the organization continue to develop some legitimate relief prospects in the lower levels without having to rely on failed starters. After a week of following the 2010 link report, I like how much Scooter Gennet's name has popped up in the local media. From bashing a snowman at home plate after the first game was delayed due to snow to drawing a line in the dirt to show the ump where a pitch actually traveled (which led to his ejection tonight), this kid's got some moxie.

Make use of the audio link above for Chris' call and turn down the TV volume. This is especially key if Bob Braneird still is part of the TV broadcasting team http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif.

Thanks for sharing those pics Point Beer Is Best. Those 'Sconnie jerseys are pretty sharp.

I think it's a legitimate concern. There are plenty of players to point to and be excited about, but how many have the potential to be true, impact hitters? There is nice positional depth, but I'm talking potential all-stars, or even potential perennial all-stars. And for as much OF depth the team has, we've felt the team has been loaded with OFers for several years now, and yet there doesn't seem to be a clear-cut option for CF or RF if Gomez doesn't develop and Hart doesn't get back on track. And of course, if Fielder leaves, what happens at 1B? I like the additions of Davis and Gennett in the draft last year, as they both were supposed to be drafted higher than where they were (Gennett more so than Davis) and have made their pro debut at full season ball. However, I wouldn't call either one an impact bat, a middle of the order hitter. Gindl has the most potential past Gamel and Lawrie in the system, and often gets overlooked despite hitting at every stop he's made. The Brewers have invested some serious $$$ in some Latin American outfielders the past year or two, but it's going to take a while before we figure out what the heck we have in those players (and so far, players like Hitaniel Arias haven't panned out as hoped). If there were an impact draft to take at #14 in this year's draft I would fully support it. However this year's draft is heavy with pitching, and it may be unwise not to take advantage of this depth.

2008 draftee Marcus Knecht is currently tearing it up at Connors State (OK) juco to the tune of .471/.543/1.029. He has 11 doubles and 15 home runs in 104 at-bats with 41 runs and 49 RBI in 31 games played. Those are Pete Incaviglia-type numbers. His success has caused him to rise to the 62nd best draft-eligible prospect in Perfect Game's most recent revision of their top 500 prospect list.

Are there any sort of under-the-radar bats that might make sense somewhere in rounds 2-5? There are always bats that can be had, as even down years offer hitters that people wonder how they fell in the years that follow. If you're looking for a pure power hitter that plays 1B, Arkansas' Andy Wilkins may be one of those prospects. Seid should really stick with BPA (I think that's what he basically does). If one of those hitters slip (a la Heyward), I really hope Seid pops him. There really isn't a bat that you could say would fall to #14, because that is roughly where the top bats will start to go off the board. Machado is probably the only hitter right now that should be gone before that, and as noted, only will fall if his Boras affiliation complicates his signing. There certainly isn't a Heyward type of hitter. Bryce Brentz of Middle Tennessee usually is talked about for the latter half of the first round could be a player that could go at #14. He projects better in RF than CF, but he put up Nintendo numbers a year ago. I'll have an interview up with him tomorrow. There are a couple of college catchers that project to go in the first, LSU's Micah Gibbs and Miami's Yasmani Grandal. Jacksonville State OF Todd Cunningham is more of a sandwich pick, but he hit very well in the Cape last summer and could also be taken higher given the lack of bats. Same goes for Virginia's Jarrett Parker and Virginia Tech's Austin Wates. Three prep bats that could gain momentum as the draft approaches are Stefan Sabol, Christian Yelich and Drew Vettleson. Sabol currently plays catcher but probably ends up on an OF corner, Yelich is a slick fielding, smooth swinging 1B and Vettleson is an interesting left-handed hitting, switch pitching OF/pitcher. One of my favorite college bats is Tulane's Rob Segedin, who could slide to the Brewers' second-round pick. He is a pure hitter that currently plays 3B but may have to move to an OF corner or 1B. There is some question about how much power he'll hit for, but he is currently leading the nation in doubles with 19, and hits the ball similar to Ryan Zimmerman with the Nationals (but doesn't have Zimmerman's glove).

I forgot to mention last night another big, college arm rising up draft boards and is receiving legit attention as a potential first-round pick, The Citadel's Asher Wojciechowski. Here's a writeup from my colleague Jeff Simpson: http://www.pgcrosschecker...rticle.aspx?article=2229

Not a big college pitcher, but Ohio State's Alex Wimmers may very be on the Brewers radar for their first-round pick, the 14th overall selection. He's far from fellow Big Ten pitcher, the towering Eric Arnett, from a year ago, but Wimmers was named the conference's pitcher of the year last season as a sophomore, not Arnett. Thomas Donovan recently took some video of Wimmers that I uploaded, and also provided a scouting report. Just to familiarize yourself with Donovan's efforts, be sure to check out http://www.5tooltalk.com/draftnotes3-30-10.html for his report on Illinois prep (Minooka) RHP Michael Foltynewicz (his nickname is Folty for those that don't wish to learn how to spell, or pronounce, his name). I personally think Folty makes a lot of sense for the Brewers at #14 (and yes, I do believe he could put his name in the conversation for their pick there come draft day) given some of the Brewers preferences. Obviously he's not a college pitcher, but he is extremely athletic (he is also a very good hitter), his arm is relatively fresh, he has great size, stuff and he continues to get better. He's a Texas recruit, and if he doesn't sign early he very well may be in the "big college pitcher" discussion three years from now.

Yeah, it's not a good year to nab a big bat early, that's been known about this class for quite some time. The pitching is deep, and there continue to be a few more that pop up from both the college and high school ranks every few weeks that continue to put more arms in consideration for the early rounds. As 'kow noted, Sale isn't a college bat, but he's a lot like Geoff Jenkins, although not the loose, rangy Jenkins the Brewers drafted out of USC. BA loves the guy, and while I like his bat, I'm not as big on him since he is really limited athletically. He's not Prince Fielder terrible body-wise, but more like a Jaff Decker or Travis Snider. That could be a good thing depending on how much you like those guys, but not so good if you like more well-rounded players. If you're looking for a college SS, Cal State Fullerton's Christian Colon is your guy. He's heating up after a slow start (and he broke his leg to close out last summer with Team USA), and while he's not the flashiest of shortstops, he does everything well. Boras-client warning. Big bats are harder to find. Arkansas' Zack Cox is probably the most notable. He's a 3B now, but probably plays 1B or a corner OF spot at the next level. That won't matter, as he's got a great LH swing and overall approach. The power is a little questionable, but he's hitting in the .430s the last time I checked with twice as many walks as Ks. Power isn't a problem for Auburn's Hunter Morris, probably the only true bopper from college that could sneak into the first round. Keep an eye on Texas-Arlington's Michael Choice. A RH batter, all he has done is hit, although his competition isn't as strong. His power is really up this year. Georgia Tech's Derek Dietrich is also on fire, although he doesn't project to hit for a ton of power nor does he project to stick at shortstop. If you want a 3B, Nick Castellanos is your man, although he's a high school hitter. Another prep hitter, shortstop Manny Machado, is as close to a proven 5-tool potential star this year's draft has to offer, although like Colon, he too is aligned with Boras.

Agreed. You'll get a much bigger thanks for your efforts at the end of the season, but a big thanks to Mass on day one of link report season. Thanks to battlekow as well! Very exciting that the first day of the season starts with a TW Cable Sports broadcast of the T-Rats game. I checked the schedule this morning and noticed Tuesday's game (4/13) is going to be televised as well. Assuming the rotation(s) holds as-is, we'll probably see Bucci and Howell again that day, although likely switching their piggy back roles. Seeing Scooter Gennett in action may very well be my highlight of the day.

There have been plenty of hints along the way that Braddock is in the bullpen because he keeps breaking down physically when used as a starter. The Brewers would love to keep him in the rotation as well, but they recognized that Braddock was more likely to stay on the field coming out of the bullpen. It's not about his repertoire, as he has three pitches even if he needs to polish up his changeup more.

Use priceline.com. It actually works. If not, I stayed at a La Quinta on the West side of the Denver area two summers ago for about $70-80/night. If that's not cheap enough for you, you may want to look into pitchleague's suggestions or possibly even a taking a tent and staying at a campground.

Just a reminder a player's placement does not reflect his eventual team standing. Mass, you probably have a better memory than most regarding this, but are the placements relatively accurate? How much do the players still participating with the big-league club/camp effect the eventual placements of the kids on the farm? Seeing Arnett, Heckathorn and Davis in the BC box scores is rather exciting, although not completely unexpected (although a bummer for T-Rats fans if this holds true). Same goes for Lawrie, as while he finished last year at AA, some of us have wondered if he open with BC. Or, do the rosters pretty much get blown apart once the official assignments are made?