colbyjack

This past week I've seen two references mentioning the Brewers organizational weakness at catcher and 3B. McCalvy reported it earlier this week, and Haudricourt had it in his weekly notes column today in the paper. We also have rumblings of Doug Melvin hyping up Alcides Escobar, possibly to prep everyone for a future move of Hardy to the hot corner. And there's no rush there either since Bill Hall is signed for three more years (assuming the organization can find a way to make him happy this year). In today's MJS Haudricourt also talked about how Mat Gamel is going to get extra special attention at third base from Don Money, the AA manager, and roving instructor Garth Iorg. Both were tabbed by Ash as two of the game's best defensively during the eras they played in. Basically they were stating that if Gamel doesn't get it this year he's never going to. Anyway, I bring this up because I think it's a lock that we see a catcher drafted among one of the team's extra picks. This is the time of year they're setting up their spring-long plan of attack scouting-wise, so I'm sure that is why third base and catcher keep getting brought up. Buster Posey of FSU may just be the Brewers next first-round pick in their quest for an entirely homegrown lineup...

I wrote a feature story that is currently up on the hompage discussing the extra draft picks Jack Z. and his scouting staff get to look forward to this June, while also talking about the end of the DFE process: http://www.brewerfan.net/ViewArticle.do?articleId=273

Ramirez by far for me.

Feliz could be with Clinton, but I'm guessing Beltre stays in extended spring training and then is assigned to one of the team's short season clubs.

In college baseball, at least up to this point in time (meaning this will change for next year) players could transfer to other programs, as long as they had the blessing from their previous coaches, without needing to sit out a year before participating. So Clark will be playing for Louisville this year. And even if he did have to sit out, he would still be draft-eligible in 2009, as he technically would be a redshirt sophomore, and likely would be 21 years old within 45 days of the draft anyway.

I thought a separate thread dedicated to some of the more notable players that the Brewers have drafted but didn't sign might be appropriate, particularly since some of them are expected to make significant contributions to their teams this season. It has been brought to my attention that LHP Chad Bell has left Memphis and transferred to Walters State, a JC in Tennessee, joining 3B Cody Hawn, who was originally committed to Arkansas. Both were drafted by the Brewers last year and both are eligible for the draft again this year. Don't be surprised to see either one drafted again as somewhat of a pseudo-draft-and-follow, while big things are expected for the Walters State program this spring. Chase Reid, another unsigned prep player from a year ago, honored his commitment to Vanderbilt and is expected to start the year as the team's closer. Replacing the 8th overall pick from last year, Casey Weathers, will be no easy task. Unsigned OF Jonathan White is also back with Vandy, although he is expected to serve in more of a reserve role. Richard Hague is going to start his college career as Rice's starting SS. I currently have Rice as my #1 college team, as Hague should be polished, poised and mature enough to handle such a role while making an early impact. Stewart Ijames attended Louisville, and he too will be looked upon to make significant contributions early in his college career. He is joining fellow former Brewers draft picks Andrew Clark (who transferred from Ole Miss) and Alec Lowrey. Ben Feltner and Joe Scott are back with Texas A&M and Cal State Fullerton respectively. Alexander Koronis had TJ surgery and is going to miss the 2008 season for the Hurricanes. Jordan Lennerton and Chris Hopkins are expected to provide a lot of veteran leadership while starting everyday at first base and centerfield respectively for the defending national champion Oregon State Beavers. Other former unsigned DFEs include Matt Peck, who transferred to Oklahoma State from Cowley County, Todd Fitzgerald, now at Cal, Aaron Johnson, who continues the Canadian catcher pipeline at Illinois, and Matt Coburn, who transferred to TCU. Jemile Weeks should be fully healthy to open the season at Miami, while Ryan Babineau is expecting a big year at the plate for UCLA (who opens the season ranked as BA's #1 team in the country). Onto some former DFE candidates, Perfect Game Crosschecker recently ranked the top 200 juco players in the nation. Here's how they stand: #14 Aaron Tullo (St. Petersbug), #39 Chad Bell, #49 Cody Hawn, #115 Donald Jordat (Miami-Dade), #163 Mehdi Djebbar (Seminole State - OK). One other notable player mentioned among some of the top teams in the country but not ranked in the top 200 include Clay Jones of Shelton State (AL). Not entirely related to this conversation, since he wasn't drafted by the Brewers, but Neenah native Ben Ihde of Wabash Valley (IL) was also mentioned as one of the players expected to make significant contributions to one of the better jucos for this spring. Another former Brewers draftee with Wisconsin ties is Wes Munson, who is at UWM despite originally starting his career at Mizzou. Feel free to chime in on any other former Brewers draftees that are still playing at the college/juco level.

Beloit (Twins): OF Ben Revere, maybe C Danny Rams and OF Angel Morales. Cedar Rapids (Angels): SS Andrew Romine, RHP Jonathan Bachanov. Dayton (Reds): C Devin Mesoraco, SS Neftali Soto (maybe), 3B Brandon Waring (tore up Pioneer League last summer). Great Lakes (Dodgers): RHP Chris Withrow, 3B Pedro Baez (maybe on both). Lansing (Blue Jays): Depending on how the Blue Jays promote a bunch of their prep picks, they could have a loaded IF with 3B Kevin Ahrens, SS Justin Jackson and 2B John Tolisano as well as CF Eric Eiland. South Bend (D-Backs): RHP Jarrod Parker, SS Reynaldo Navarro (maybe), and depending on how and where they place a bunch of college pitchers from last year, RHPs Wes Roemer, Sean Morgan (former Brewers pick), Bryan Augenstein & LHP Scott Maine. C Ed Easley. West Michigan: RHP Rick Porcello, SS Cale Iorg, RHPs Brandon Hamilton & Luke Putkonen, LHP Casey Crosby (maybe). Burlington (Royals): SS, Mike Moustakas, possibly LHP Danny Duffy, RHPs Matt Mitchell and Sam Runion, OF Adrian Ortiz. Clinton (Rangers): Possibly RHPs Blake Beaven, Michael Main, Neil Ramirez, mostly likely CF Julio Borbon and RHP Tommy Hunter. Possibly IF Matt West. Probably OF Tim Smith (former Brewer DFE). Fort Wayne (Padres): RHP Matt Latos, SS Drew Cumberland, OF Kellen Kulbacki. Kane County (A's): Tough to say given the number of college picks they always take (they may be at high A to open '08). OF Corey Brown seems like a safe bet. Peoria (Cubs): 3B Josh Vitter, C Josh Donaldson. Quad Cities (Cardinals): SS Peter Kozma. Wisconsin (Mariners): RHP Phillippe Aumont (maybe), OF Denny Almonte (another maybe). Porcello, Vitters & Moustakas are the big names here, the 3 top prep players from the '07 draft. Parker, Aumont, Ahrens, Kozma & Mesoraco adds a few more, and it could be a lot more depending on a few initial placements to open the season. The MWL should be loaded with talent.

2008 isn't a great year for third basemen, at least not after Pedro Alvarez the #1 rated prospect for the 2008 draft. James Darnell of South Carolina is likely going to make some noise this spring, but he has some questions about his defense surrounding him and may be a better long-term fit in RF (Alvarez too has some questions about his D', although I don't think there's any reason for him to move off the position any time soon). Some of the best combos of hitting with fielding at the hot corner at the college level that could be candidates around the sandwich/second round include Jermaine Curtis of UCLA and Logan Forsythe of Arkansas, who are both more like Jeff Cirillo in that they handle the bat well and have some versatility to them but neither one is likely to hit for what is viewed as prototypical power for the hot corner. There are some other guys that could move to 3B, such as Gordon Beckham, a SS for Georgia, and David Adams, currently a 2B at Virginia, that project to hit for more power. Darnell is one of the better power hitters available in the draft, although as noted, I'm not sure if he sticks at 3B long-term. However, this conversation is probably best suited for the draft forum.

I do think that quote is pretty telling when it comes to Gamel. If Gamel's defense wasn't in question, I don't think anyone would consider third base to be an organizational weakness. Heether is more of a utility type at best (probably) and as Mass noted everyone else is 3-5 years away. Catcher is a weakness because who out of that group do you feel particularly comfortable with? I know Salome rated as the 5th best prospect in the Brewers system, but even then I don't get the sense that people are convinced he's the Brewers long-term answer behind the plate. Lucroy has a lot to prove, and Palmisano will need to step up significantly this season if he's considered more than a future backup. I don't think the Brewers have to worry about third base as much since Bill Hall could hold down the position for the next three years of his current contract. Catcher likely will be a year-to-year revolving door process. I personally think CF is an organizational weakness. The team is loaded at the corner OF positions, but after Cameron guys like Gwynn, Ford and Brantley, along with the guys way down at the lower levels, don't exactly make me feel comfortable with the position when looking ahead a year or two. That's definitely an interesting quote, and don't be surprised to see that translate to who they pick with some of their early picks in the draft this June.

Doesn't Munson also have big league experience at 3B and 1B? I could have sworn he came up through the minors as a hot-shot 3B prospect, and began to don the catching gear after having troubles sticking in the majors because of his offense. When the Tigers drafted Munson (late 90s) as the third overall pick out of USC as a catcher, they immediately moved him to 1B so that they could get his bat up to the big leagues as soon as possible. I think everyone (myself included) was surprised that Munson didn't hit anywhere near of what was expected of him. I do believe he has some experience playing both 3B and 1B, but as you noted his bat has hardly produced to a high enough level for him to stick in the majors as a backup catcher. I suppose he could fill in elsewhere, but I guess I don't feel that the Brewers feel the same way at this point in time. And I think Mass summed up the catching depth pretty accurately. Rivera's has had several opportunities to stick, and if he doesn't make it again he may be more inclined to give it a try somewhere else. Who knows, maybe Rivera beats Munson out, but I do think it will be Rottino and Palmisano at AAA. The PCL is generally known as hitter friendly. Of course there are exceptions to every rule, and the Sounds obviously do play half of their games in Nashville (to be honest, I don't know how that park skews). But I agree with TLB's point, Palmisano needs to find a way to improve offensively in 2008. His first half at Huntsville last year was pretty encouraging, and his numbers did improve significantly (aside from batting average) from 2006 to 2007, both spent at the AA level.

Aflac was mid-August.

I think the Brewers want Palmisano to get a taste of AAA before having him come to the big-leagues. While age is not on his side, I don't think age matters as much for a player that probably doesn't profile as much more than a backup. Plus, it's not uncommon for a catcher to start his big-league career relatively later. However, it isn't a far-fetched idea. It's certainly possible if he has a big camp, but I do think Munson's lefty bat gives him the advantage for the backup spot as you noted.

Gray may not have to fly up too far to get there. He already can tough 96, so another tick or two and he's right where Parker was a year ago. Parker is another guy Gray is often compared to. Thanks for the update on Silverstein Baseballfan3.

My wife and I took advantage of the MLK holiday yesterday to go see The Orphanage. Neither one of us is a big movie buff (we haven't seen a movie together since Fellowship of the Ring), but we both really liked Pan's Labyrinth, and wavered between seeing The Orphanage and No Country for Old Men. The Orphange isn't as good or as powerful of a movie as Pan's Labyrinth, but it still good in it's own right and was well worth the time and money. If you are planning on seeing it in the theater, do yourself a favor and don't watch the trailers, as there are a couple of parts in the trailer that somewhat spoiled it for me, as there is a scene I remember seeing that I kept waiting for in the movie, and as the movie progressed I knew pretty much what was going to happen because of that. I hope that's not a spoiler for anyone else. I look forward to read what other people thought of the movie.

One name that I think gets overlooked sometimes, by myself as much as anyone, is TN prep RHP Sonny Gray. With so much focus on character and work ethic, particularly after the suspension of Jeremy Jeffress, Sonny Gray would be a welcomed addition to the Brewers orgnaization. He has committed to Vanderbilt, so there may be some signability issues at hand, but I honestly don't know too many people that would turn down the money associated with the 16th overall pick (if he even makes it that far), unless he has chosen Scott Boras to be his advisor. He's shorter, so there isn't much projection, but this is a kid that doesn't throw less than 91-92 mph, and sits in the 95 range with an electric arm and a knockout low-80s curveball. DHonks always asks me who is the Ben Sheets of this year's draft, and I can't think of anyone else that profiles like Sheets more than Gray. He also has received some comparisons to Tim Lincecum and Kyle Drabek as a shorter RHP with filthy stuff. He is a great all-around athlete, leading his football team to two consecutive state championships as the QB, and he also hits in the #3 hole and plays SS when he's not pitching. Being from the Nashville area, he also would be a big draw when and if he were to play for the Nashville Sounds. Here's a nice video piece on him for those interested: http://www.wkrn.com/nashville/news/star-smyrna-pitcher-sonny-gray-chooses-vandy/96622.htm#top

I think Rice wants St. Clair to start this year. They are incredibly deep in pitching this year, but feel they are a better team with Berry on Friday's and St. Clair going on Saturday. We'll see, and that's part of the reason I have him so high, because I think he's going to have a huge year. I was surprised that he dropped so far in the draft as he did, as he finished last year very strong after returning from his injury and IMO, he's going to carry that success over to this year and not miss a beat. He's been dominant each and every year he's taken the ball, including the summer of 2006 with Team USA. I'm anxious to hear the early season reports on him. I hope to see Hunter at the Metrodome on Friday, February 29th as part of the DQ Classic. He should be facing Tulane's Shooter Hunt, which will be one of the better pitching matchups in all of college baseball all season long. As a related sidenote, I noticed the other day that ESPNU will be carrying the Friday game of the San Diego-Pepperdine series in May, so if you have ESPNU you will be able to watch a possible Matusz-Hunter matchup.

Tim Beckham is a good player, but he's not #1 overall worthy. That is more of a beef with Callis' projected top 5 at this point in time than anything else. I also disagree with his thought that Pedro Alvarez will be a 1B or LF by the time he reaches the big leagues. He's not a Gold Glover at the hot corner, but I really like his instincts and arm at the position. If Ryan Braun broke in as a 3B Alvarez should have no problem doing the same, and I predict Alvarez spends the first half of his career at the hot corner unless he's drafted by a team that already has a strong third baseman (like the Rays with Longoria). afewgoodcards, you did a nice job projecting the draft after Callis' top 5. I can't argue with Bubba Meyer at #16. I do agree with Gagne that there likely will be a college closer taken in the top 15, even if it is not the Brewers, and the only notable omission I see at this point in time is Cole St. Clair, although I admit I think him more than most at this point in time. I'm guessing you would be happy with Friedrich, who is one of my faves for the '08 draft. He's Zito-esque, and just to take the unfair comparison pressure off of him, he's David Huff-esque. Oh yeah, if Brett Hunter stays healthy he definitely will be taken among the top 15 picks. He's a guy I need to move up on my top 30, as he was consistently in the mid-90s in fall ball and could carry Pepperdine this spring.

Interesting idea. I still would prefer that the Brewers have a full Dominican summer camp, but this is a nice start, and hopefully will help prepare the young Latin players for their long season in Arizona and elsewhere.

Does anyone know how the turnout was for the Braun signing at the Home Builder's Expo today?

I too am curious to know how early is early. I have a picture of Braun holding my son in Nashville that I would love to get signed, but I can't really afford to take off work to wait in line just for the possibility of being one of the first 150 people. 150 doesn't seem like much, that's gotta go quick.

Silverstein has a loose arm, and it works well, so when you add that with his size and current stuff, which sits more in the 88-90 range currently, there is a lot to be excited about. Since he's touched the mid-90s, it's not hard to imagine him sitting in the 90s with more regularity as he matures his body and overall game. I've read a few comparisons to Madison Bumgarner given his easy arm action, delivery, size, etc., but really they're two completely opposite pitches. Silverstein impresses me in that he knows how to take off his fastball to cut and sink it, while also offering a potentially dominant curveball. He's not the overall athlete that Bumgarner is, but few are, but he could be a better all around pitcher, at the same stage of development and in the future. If he continues to add muscle onto his currently long and lanky frame he could resemble Andy Pettitte. As unfair of a comparison as that is, that is his upside, and as Gagne noted, it's not hard to imagine him becoming a legitimate first-round pick come June.

Thanks for the tip on Silverstein, who could definitely be in the picture given the Brewers extra picks, although I'm guessing he's met with almost every MLB team's area scout given his profile. I may be in the DC area in April and may try to see if I can swing down to see him and/or LJ Hoes.

If Teahen is that good then why has his name not come up at all from Doug? Melvin only responds to names that are presented to him from the members of the media (Haudricourt), he doesn't willingly throw out names that he's looking into. Trade rumors in general are just that, rumors, as the deals that actually happen usually aren't reported before the fact like sites like mlbtraderumors.com would lead you to believe. If you want to learn if Melvin may be looking into Teahen, may I suggest emailing Haudricourt or responding to one of his blogs?

How many times do we have to go over the scouting reports that clearly state Teahan is an outstanding defensive third baseman? The errors clearly are making too big of an impression on people's minds, as Kat has fought this battle before pointing out how Teahen had really good defensive metrics playing the hot corner. Teahen pretty much embodies the one player the Brewers would love to acquire (left-handed bat, good strike-zone judgement, relatively high BA, good D' at 3B, To give Toby some props, the hitch is still in Braun's swing, not as dramatic, but even then, Braun is such an amazing offensive player that he can get away with certain mechanical flaws that few others can.

I've been following this very closely and I don't recall one quote where Melvin said anything about "preferring" a 3B. I did read where he was somewhat frustrated that he couldn't find the OF bat he was looking for so he expanded his search to include the "possibility" of adding a 3B, and moving Braun to LF. I'm not talking about what Melvin has said, word-for-word, I'm talking about the direction he has taken this offseason. We have talked about every single available player, and if Melvin does indeed prefer a left-handed bat, OF is the way to go, as I don't buy that he couldn't find a good OF bat. From Kenny Lofton (who would be the easiest fix and a better option than Catalonotto IMO) to Randy Winn, Ryan Church, Cliff Floyd...etc. Several of these guys are outfielders you have brought up in addition to Cat. What's readily available from the 3B crop? Crede? Feliz? Inge? Ensberg? Rolen was for a little while there and Blalock seems to be a little ambitious. Iguchi isn't (nor will he be, at least not next year now) a 3B. When I said what I did about it being clear that Melvin was after a 3B it has to do with what is out there vs. what he has said vs. what the Brewers have. The defensive stats are out there and they all point to Ryan Braun being equally bad defensively, historically, just as good as he was offensively, historically, as plenty of others have already mentioned, and I'm sure Doug Melvin is well aware of these numbers. The interest in Iguchi alone may be proof enough that Melvin intends to address 3B first.