Chances are that one of those two (Towles or Castro), or possibly Quintero, are the answer in the mean time, but the Astros select No. 8 in the first round of June's First-year Player Draft, and could tab their future backstop then, too.
Miami's Yasmani Grandal and LSU's Micah Gibbs are among the top college backstops available this year, and Grandal could land in Houston's lap if they don't believe Castro is their guy.
I know it is here somewhere. I recall 3 picks in the top ? for the Astros. What draft slots do they have.
Whatever they are, I will remain extremely positive with Wade/Heck at the helm.
8, 19, and 33 to start. That's 3 of the Astros top 33 ranked amateurs this June.
Is there an eventual replacement for Berkman that may be a good pick for one of those slots? Seems to me a big hole in the organization.
Right now, I have the odd feeling that the Astros are going to go college player at 8, high school at 19, college at 33.You're thinking of specific guys, or just a concerted effort to get some polished guys who could be on the fast track (as opposed to last year, when they were very high-school/potential-heavy in the early going)?
You're thinking of specific guys, or just a concerted effort to get some polished guys who could be on the fast track (as opposed to last year, when they were very high-school/potential-heavy in the early going)?
Because there's no way the Astros will know who will be available when they pick, concerted effort. Getting young talent to the majors just as fast as possible, ala Castro.
MLB Bonus Baby has his 5th Mock draft up. LINK (http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/4/27/1446476/mock-draft-5-first-round)
(And yes, he does agree that it's too early to really know who the teams may pick but thinks the mocks are a fun exercise. I'd agree...)
8. Houston Astros - Zack Cox, 3B, Arkansas - I keep coming back to pairing Cox and the Astros together, and this is the third mock I've done so. It just makes a lot of sense from multiple standpoints. He should be pretty affordable for close to slot money for a team with a couple extra early picks, he fits a mold for solid hitting and power projection, and he also fills an organizational need at either third or second base. Previously: #10.
19. Houston Astros - Kaleb Cowart, RHP, Cook County HS (GA) - Though the feeling in the scouting community is still split on Cowart's long-term position, I see a team that values athleticism on the mound jumping on him early as a pitcher. The Astros love athletic arms with projectability and a decent pitch mix, and Cowart has both. Previously: #20.
Any thought of the Astros going after the Woodlands pitcher at #8?
With the lack of standout bats in the system, I wouldn't be surprised to see Heck go for a corner bat. Cox, Choice, and Brentz might all be in play. If Heck likes what he sees in prep bats Austin Wilson or Josh Sale, they're also possibilities. I'm not convinced they'll be looking specifically for college guys.
They definitely go after best player available. But, in the first 2 rounds especially that has been in the minds of the Astros brass up the middle guys. In the first 2 rounds the past 2 drafts they have taken 5 up the middle players with those 5 picks. Too, in the first 10 rounds the past 2 years the Astros have drafted 23 players. 18 of those have been up the middle guys. History says if they go for Cox, either he's a 3b to them and much higher on their board than anyone else or they see him as a 2b long-term. IMO though they won't just draft a bat without a premium position that high in the draft. They didn't take Smoak 2 years ago.
Seems to me that corner IFers and corner OFers are the systems' shortcomings these days. I guess this explains why that may be.
19. Houston Astros - Kaleb Cowart, RHP, Cook County HS (GA) - Though the feeling in the scouting community is still split on Cowart's long-term position, I see a team that values athleticism on the mound jumping on him early as a pitcher. The Astros love athletic arms with projectability and a decent pitch mix, and Cowart has both. Previously: #20.
It will be much tougher to sign Cowart as a pitcher. His preference is to play in the field.
What teenaged boy doesn't want to play the field?
Jesse Bidwell, 6'5" southpaw from Germantown Friends HS in PA is apparently getting a lot of looks from Astros scouts: LINK (http://www.philly.com/inquirer/breaking/sports_breaking/20100512_Biddle_draws_a_crowd_at_his_baseball_games.html) (h/t/ Astros County (http://www.astroscounty.com/2010/05/keep-eye-on-this-jesse-biddle.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AstrosCounty+(Astros+County)))
MiLB.com has a scouting report and video on the kid, as well (listed as Jesse Biddle).
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?topic_id=8080130
Jesse Biddle, 6'5" southpaw from Germantown Friends HS in PA is apparently getting a lot of looks from Astros scouts: LINK (http://www.philly.com/inquirer/breaking/sports_breaking/20100512_Biddle_draws_a_crowd_at_his_baseball_games.html) (h/t/ Astros County (http://www.astroscounty.com/2010/05/keep-eye-on-this-jesse-biddle.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AstrosCounty+(Astros+County)))
[And yes, I know that there a lot of players getting a lot of looks from Astros scouts. Still, it's draft buzz...]
It comes with the territory when you're a 6-foot-5, 235-pound lefthander equipped with a blazing fastball, recently clocked at an eye-popping 94 m.p.h., an effective 12-to-6 curveball, and an improving slider and change-up. The buzz, if signability is not an issue, is that Biddle could be selected between Rounds No. 2 and No. 4 of the first-year player draft a month from now. "He's a 6-5 lefthander," said one scout. "He's got the size everybody is looking for. " And his mechanics, questioned by some? "He's pretty solid," the scout said.
The regulars at games, Biddle said, are the Phillies, Astros, Angels and Yankees. "I think those teams are the most interested in me," he said.
After years of painfully conservative drafts and equally pained signabilities, the Astros have almost overreacted the past few years, going almost exclusively to high-school talent.
Would the Astros really consider going with Eibner?
Would the Astros really consider going with Eibner?
Perfect Game's 1st mock: LINK (http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=4742)
8. HOUSTON ASTROS
Zach Cox, 3b, University of Arkansas
After years of painfully conservative drafts and equally pained signabilities, the Astros have almost overreacted the past few years, going almost exclusively to high-school talent. Of course, the team’s lone high college pick, catcher Jason Castro (1st round, 2008) almost made the team this spring. The Astros desperately need an immediate influx of offensive talent and Cox’s path to being a successful big-league hitter should be a short one.
19. HOUSTON ASTROS (from Detroit for Jose Valverde)
Bryce Brentz, of, Middle Tennessee State University
It’s not often that advocating drafting for team needs is a prudent idea in the baseball draft, but the Astros need hitting. But if the Astros draft Zach Cox with their first pick (No. 8) and come back and get the power-hitting Brentz with this pick, they will look back at the end of the day and feel pretty darned good, I would expect. At least, the Astros and their fan base will know there are hitting prospects on the fast track to the big leagues.
I think Cox is wrong. Wade has professed a desire for speedy middle infielders. IIRC, that one reason he went after Matsui. If they project Cox as a 3b, then maybe. Though I still think they're hoping for a college arm.
Wade has professed a desire for speedy middle infielders. IIRC, that one reason he went after Matsui.
I think Cox is wrong. Wade has professed a desire for speedy middle infielders. IIRC, that one reason he went after Matsui. If they project Cox as a 3b, then maybe. Though I still think they're hoping for a college arm.
Presumably shelling out the 5mm+ it'd take to sign Taillon if he fell to Houston at 8.
Speaking of speedy middle infielders, Keith Law has apparently been saying for a while that the Astros are high on 2B/CF Delino DeShields Jr.
Franklin Piliere at MLB Fanhouse has posted his Mock Draft 1.0 (top 10). LINK (http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/05/19/mlb-mock-draft-1-0-the-top-10/)
8. Astros | Michael Choice (OF) | Texas-Arlington
No team in the top 10 has been as tight-lipped about its intentions as the Houston Astros. A college bat seems logical here; I don't see them grabbing a high school arm. If Cox is available I can see them going there. It's hard to see Choice sliding any further than this spot.
Piliere responds to some negative criticism of his mock at Astros County. LINK (https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=1430771998906051923&postID=1295306431916206291&pli=1)
Comment:
OremLK said... This mock draft is pretty bad. I don't think the Astros take Choice or Cox at 8. Neither guy fits the MO and frankly I'm not that high on either of them.
The Astros don't like high floor low ceiling guys under Heck unless they are fantastic defenders, which Cox and Choice are not. Heck's department prefers to focus on upside when it comes to offense and pitching.
Karsten Whitson is a great fit, if he's available. Josh Sale. Austin Wilson. Kaleb Cowart. Nick Castellanos. A.J. Cole. Manny Machado. Stetson Allie. Dylan Covey. These are names I would be focusing on at number 8. The Astros tend to surprise people, so I could be wrong, but right now I'm expecting one of those guys to be the pick.
Response:
Frankie said... You may not like it but they are on Michael Choice. Doesn't make the mock bad. And like I said, the Astros have been the most mysterious team in the top 10. I almost had Zack Cox at 8 but I was talked off of by a couple crosscheckers.
And, yes I am randomly defending my mock draft in the middle of the web. What can I say, I worked hard on it, gotta defend it and it didn't come from nowhere. All we can do is use our sources right now and hope for the best. The clubs haven't settled on guys yet so there's no way to be "right."
All good names you mentioned but no one in the industry seem to think it so I can't just put something that comes from nowhere.
Anyway, thanks for reading
Frankie Piliere
I have not heard anything, but the McGuire pick has some solid foundation to it. I too think Mayo may be on to something.Mayo isn't always right, but he does have good connections and isn't just a parrot of them. He tends to be one of the better quality guys out there to listen to, even though all of them are guessing alot at this point.
I have not heard anything, but the McGuire pick has some solid foundation to it. I too think Mayo may be on to something.
Heck and Wade scout hard on a guy they have questions about. They quietly keep an eye on guys they like and are sure of regarding where they slot them on the draft board. If they're watching hard on Choice then he's not likely to be the guy at 8, maybe 19. They did that with Castro. They weren't out on him in full force in the weeks leading up to the draft. No one had a clue they had Castro that high.
If the first 7 on Mayo's mock is right, regardless of the actual order of selection, then I agree that McGuire is the guy.
Heck and Wade scout hard on a guy they have questions about. They quietly keep an eye on guys they like and are sure of regarding where they slot them on the draft board. If they're watching hard on Choice then he's not likely to be the guy at 8, maybe 19. They did that with Castro. They weren't out on him in full force in the weeks leading up to the draft. No one had a clue they had Castro that high.mlb.com scouting report says polished guy with good control, probably not an ace but very good chance to be a solid #3... isn't that what they were saying about Mike Leake last year?
If the first 7 on Mayo's mock is right, regardless of the actual order of selection, then I agree that McGuire is the guy.
mlb.com scouting report says polished guy with good control, probably not an ace but very good chance to be a solid #3... isn't that what they were saying about Mike Leake last year?
8. Houston Astros - Zack Cox, 3B, Arkansas - This represents three in a row for me linking Cox to the Astros. It just makes sense. However, there are indications that the Astros will prefer a more athletic bat or even a pitcher in this slot, though I see them going after another bat to complement the cornerstones of Jason Castro and Jiovanni Mier, picked under the first two years of the new regime.
19. Houston Astros - Karsten Whitson, RHP, Chipley HS (FL) - Though I personally think that Whitson is still the best of the prep pitching bunch behind Taillon, that's by no means a reflection of the consensus in the scouting community. A late-season fade has worried a few teams, and that's all it takes for teams to pass over expensive prep arms for more affordable arms early. The Astros have to ask themselves if they're ready to spend some money in this draft.
Drayton's apparent change of direction (http://www.spikesnstars.com/forums/index.php?topic=110838.msg326570#msg326570) changes my view of the draft.
Keith Law has put up a mock draft (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/news/story?id=5214034) (behind the pay wall).
#8: Josh Sale, OF, Bishop Blanchet High School (Wash.)
The Astros have been all over Sale this spring, and they have nothing like him in their system. They also like Cox, but I don't see Sale going ahead of No. 8.
#19: Delino DeShields Jr., 2B, Woodward Park Academy (Ga.)
The DeShields/Astros connection has been running rampant for a month, and it's not out of the question that they might take him at No. 8 if Josh Sale is gone. I've also heard that the Astros could take Alabama outfielder Reggie Golden either here or with their first sandwich pick.
Law seems to put a lot of stock in a heavy scouting presence on a player, but as as been stated here, that may not exactly indicate that they're going to take him.
I would rather have a braying donkey's opinion than Law's.
What's the difference?
Levine sets out some of the preparation by Heck & Co leading up to the draft: LINK (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/7020638.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+houstonchronicle/spbb+(HoustonChronicle.com+--+Baseball))I'm actually getting to like Levine's approach. Not that I will actually frequent a chron-blog, mind you, but still ...
All in all right now, no one has a clue who the Astros are going to pick. The Astros like it that way.
IIRC, the Astros were not particularly linked to Castro in '08 until the actually picked him, and it wasn't until midday day of the 2009 draft until folks started saying they were going to take Jio. I'd agree that we really won't have a clue until Bagwell opines on the subject (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100524&content_id=10401448&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou).
I would rather have a braying donkey's opinion than Law's.
Not that i'm advocating Law is unbelievably credible in his predictions/opinions, but he had us taking Mier last year prior to the draft. Don't think any other writer guessed it right
IIRC it was Law, the day of the draft. Prior to that, no one seemed to have a clue.
Jim Bowden has the Astros taking Zach Cox too.
Jim Bowden has the Astros taking Zach Cox too. He has Deck McGuire going six to the Diamondbacks. And then he has the Astros taking Anthony Ranuado from LSU (the next Joba Chamberlain?) at number 19, although he does qualify that pick with the fact that Ranuado is a suspect with his velocity decreasing ("some scouts think he's hurt").
http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=2b4c8ce1-930d-44f0-9c6a-40f3e3d9eb43&from=foxsports_en-us_videocentral
Ranaudo was touching 95 in his first 2 innings last night, though he finished at 91-92 with no life. I'm not going to rule out a player, but if there are long-term concerns, coupled with having Boras as an agent, I don't know that he's a good fit.
IMO Ranaudo was looking at end of round 1/supp 1 before last night. He's clearly recovering and last night's performance moved him up to 19 consideration. I don't know how many more starts he'll get before the draft, but if they're this good he could go before 19.
BA's prospect chat also links the Astros to Chad Lewis. LINK (http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/draft/chat/2010/2610043.html)
Q: Any ideas as to which way Houston is leaning with thier multiple picks?
A (Dave Perkin - BA): I hear they like Chad Lewis a great deal.
BA had Lewis at 115 in their top 200. LINK (http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/draft/draft-preview/2010/2610039.html)
Chad Lewis, 3b, Marina HS, Huntington Beach, Calif.
Prototype third baseman who just needs to make some refinements at the plate.
It will be interesting to see if where they take a young man like this. He doesn't fit the clubs up the middle MO of the early early rounds, but rounds 4-5 could be interesting!
The took a corner position player in the 3rd round in 2008.
I am asking this because I have no idea.
How much information does the organization obtain in terms of medical records on the players. Is it like the NFL where the team docs examine darn near every player's records before the draft. This would seem to be quite a painstaking/costly process for something the size of the baseball draft. Does the organization simply rely on the statements of the player, his parents, handler/agent, and coach?
Also, the Astros take in the game and speak to one Robby Rowland, a 6'6 prep pitcher from Cali with a low 90's fastball. He also had a successfull basketball career. That would certainly fit the club's MO!
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100526/SPORTS/100529552/1010/sports?Title=Disappointing-end-to-phenomenal-prep-career&tc=ar
BA 5/28 mock (Callis): LINK (http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/draft/mock-draft/2010/2610063.html)
8. ASTROS. The Astros also don't have any power bats in their system, which makes Washington high school outfielder Josh Sale very enticing.
PROJECTED PICK: JOSH SALE.
This isn't true. They drafted a prep one last year in Telvin Nash. He didn't hit well but has big power. Additionally, Gaston, Martinez, and Hinze have power much less several other hitters.
BA 5/28 mock (Callis): LINK (http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/draft/mock-draft/2010/2610063.html)
8. ASTROS. Houston is pursuing several of the draft's top athletes, and may have to take high school outfielder Austin Wilson or Delino DeShields if it's dead-set on getting them. The Astros also don't have any power bats in their system, which makes Washington high school outfielder Josh Sale very enticing.
PROJECTED PICK: JOSH SALE.
19. ASTROS. The dream scenario for Houston is to have Wilson or DeShields waiting for them at No. 19. If that doesn't come to pass, they could take another athlete, such as Alabama prep outfielder Reggie Golden or two-way star Eibner, whom they failed to sign as a fourth-rounder in 2007. Vitek is another possibility.
PROJECTED PICK: DELINO DeSHIELDS JR.
BA 5/28 mock (Callis): LINK (http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/draft/mock-draft/2010/2610063.html)
8. ASTROS. Houston is pursuing several of the draft's top athletes, and may have to take high school outfielder Austin Wilson or Delino DeShields if it's dead-set on getting them. The Astros also don't have any power bats in their system, which makes Washington high school outfielder Josh Sale very enticing.
PROJECTED PICK: JOSH SALE.
19. ASTROS. The dream scenario for Houston is to have Wilson or DeShields waiting for them at No. 19. If that doesn't come to pass, they could take another athlete, such as Alabama prep outfielder Reggie Golden or two-way star Eibner, whom they failed to sign as a fourth-rounder in 2007. Vitek is another possibility.
PROJECTED PICK: DELINO DeSHIELDS JR.
Keith Law (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/draft2010/insider/news/story?id=5235926) (subscription required)
The fact that no one has a strong idea of what the Astros want to do is fueling a lot of rumors that didn't check out when I looked into them. One thing I did learn is that they can go over slot on the right player.
That's Callis and Law both suggesting the Astros might get in on a high-bonus player. Wilson certainly does sound enticing.
Here is the preview for the stated of Texas from BA:
http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/draft/draft-preview/2010/2610093.html
It origionally asked me for a membership (which I don't have), but I just clicked ok and it let me view it. Good luck while it lasts.
Here is the preview for the stated of Texas from BA:
http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/draft/draft-preview/2010/2610093.html
It origionally asked me for a membership (which I don't have), but I just clicked ok and it let me view it. Good luck while it lasts.
Callis sounds like he's going with Josh Sale (Sah-ley) and saying that it would not be wise to go with DeLino Deshields that early in the draft (*figures he'll be around for a later pick). He'd rather they go with a pitcher.
I would expect the Astros to go with Choice over Sale.
Of course they would, Pam would insist...
I've seen him compared to Spaz more than once which was enough for me to considering praying to Jobu that he was not still around when the Astros were picking. (And yes I am aware that comparisons generally because of the school, and the comment was probably made from some interweb couch-jokey that thought Oswalt for Millege straight up made sense. Still, once you hear someone the Astros are considering picking is comparable to Spaz doesn't it make your stomach churn just a little bit? I know, kinda cruel of me to pass it along, but I'm kinda just spiteful that way...).
He lets balls travel deep before unleashing his lightning bat speed and crushing them to all fields, though he can get pull-conscious and lengthen his righthanded swing at times. He racks up strikeouts but also draws walks
some scouts believe he may be able to stay in center field. Others think he lacks the jumps and instincts for center and fits better on a corner. He may have enough arm strength for right field, and he definitely has the power profile to fit in left.
Nah, this isn't Spaz...
On the other hand...
(shudder)
Nah, this isn't Spaz...
On the other hand...
(shudder)
It would be counter to everything the Astros have done under Wade/Heck to go with Sale at 8. He's not an overly athletic high schooler like Mier, Austin or Lyles. He doesn't play a premium defensive position, and his offensive game rests on one trick, power. I would expect the Astros to go with Choice over Sale.
It would be counter to everything the Astros have done under Wade/Heck to go with Sale at 8. He's not an overly athletic high schooler like Mier, Austin or Lyles. He doesn't play a premium defensive position, and his offensive game rests on one trick, power. I would expect the Astros to go with Choice over Sale.
Aren't there just so many above average speed and glove SS/CF types with pop but not a huge power upside you go after before you need to start considering taking the slow fat kid that looks like he'll hit 25-40 HRs a year?
[And before I get massacred for the question, a couple of things: I'm not calling Mier, Austin or Castro all glove type players; I understand the draw in projectable athletic pitchers like Lyles and Bushue; I remember the Astros signed Telvin Nash; and no I do not think I am, nor mean to act like I am, some kind of draft or prospect expert. I'm not, not even close, just informed enough to draw some (very probably wrong) conclusions about what I GUESS may occur... This may be (yet another) stupid question, but it is a serious one...].
It would be counter to everything the Astros have done under Wade/Heck to go with Sale at 8. He's not an overly athletic high schooler like Mier, Austin or Lyles. He doesn't play a premium defensive position, and his offensive game rests on one trick, power. I would expect the Astros to go with Choice over Sale.
Sale's father is Samoan and ranks among the best in the nation in drug-free powerlifting...With bat speed better than Travis Snider—one scout even called it the best bat speed he has ever seen from an amateur—Sale has raw power that approaches the top of the scouting scale...He has a high back elbow and sometimes strides too early, but the biggest concern is that he raises up out of his crouched stance, changing his eye level and leaving him susceptible to breaking balls. Most scouts believe the problems are fixable because he's coachable and works hard. He also has a great feel for the strike zone and a patient approach at the plate
They did that one year when they took Max Saap, who at one point looked strikingly just like the Stuff-Puff Marshmellow Man in a Legends uniform.
One other thing Callis said was that *next year*, the Astros or Royals will be salivating over drafting Anthony Rendon from Rice (next year's number 1 pick in a very deep draft). He said Rendon projects to be better than Harper this year. Has better power, will hit for better average, better defense, will remain an infielder, probably third baseman, great upside and almost certainly a fast track to the majors.
Better than Harper? That's mighty big talk against the hype, as Callis puts Harper as an outfielder eventually and not necessarily a right or center fielder either.
Harper is looking at four years of minor league ball if he catches, and perhaps half of that if he plays the outfield. Boras doesn't want him catching. "No baseball person in his right mind will have the guy catch," says Boras, who believes that catching puts a valuable hitter at too great a risk of wear and tear.
I haven't read Callis projecting Rendon as having better power, though I've read something along the lines of having better in-game power potential, based on his better hitting ability. On the positioning, Boras would agree with Callis:
Kind of gutsy by Boras, in my opinion. He'll go to the Nationals, either way. But, you'd have to figure his bat is worth a lot more on August 15th as a catcher than as an outfielder.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/tom_verducci/06/01/bryce-harper/index.html?eref=writers#ixzz0peCgpsDo
Seems everyone has this kid moving from third base to left field in his career. Here is a video of his power swing:
http://royalsprospects.com/?p=664
That, my friends, is a very lightning quick bat. It's ungodly actually. He looks way too bulked up, sort of a power lifter body and he could use a little less bulk and a lot more toning type of body, but then again, if worked for Baggy. I'm kind of wondering if this might not be a bad idea after all.
When you move Harper to left field (for instance), he better be the second coming of The Natural, because it's all about offense at that position. And the average should be just jaw dropping from that side of the field to justify the bonus baby number 1 pick. I think what really has scouts drooling over Harper is the legit five tools he displays. A sort of Josh Hamilton in the making. If that is Harper's ceiling in left, then that's not bad. But with Rendon, if he is legitimately a third sacker, he'll have a longer career (you can move him later in his career to left or second base) and if he develops a power game, he'll be a much better player. Will he outdo Harper? I dunno, nobody does. But he has better value if he can play defense and not be a left fielder right off the bat (pun intended).
Which raises another question. With Wade the GM, having hired his own draft/prospect guru in Heck, who in turn hired his own crosschecker, while at the same time the organization was shuffling up the scouting department... are there really any tendencies of the Purpura/Hun era drafts that could be imputed to the current Wade/Heck & Co.?
Sale's hit tool isn't bad, though and with some tinkering, is projected to be plus. A few tidbits from BA's scouting report on him:
A few other thoughts: While Heck has a preference toward athletic players, he's said that players come in all shapes and forms. He didn't make the final call, of course, but he was the East Coast Supervisor when the Brewers drafted Braun and Fielder. So, he does have some track record (at-least) recommending below-average fielders in the 1st round. Brett Lawrie was high on their board in '08, as well. I'm not guaranteeing Sale, but I do think it's possible.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/draft/draft-preview/2010/2610035.html (See above about circumventing subscriber block)
I'm not sure if a future Chase Utley is available in the draft that early on, but if he is that would be a very good pick to go after.
Aren't there just so many above average speed and glove SS/CF types with pop but not a huge power upside you go after before you need to start considering taking the slow fat kid that looks like he'll hit 25-40 HRs a year?
[And before I get massacred for the question, a couple of things: I'm not calling Mier, Austin or Castro all glove type players; I understand the draw in projectable athletic pitchers like Lyles and Bushue; I remember the Astros signed Telvin Nash; and no I do not think I am, nor mean to act like I am, some kind of draft or prospect expert. I'm not, not even close, just informed enough to draw some (very probably wrong) conclusions about what I GUESS may occur... This may be (yet another) stupid question, but it is a serious one...].
WTF is barrel awareness?
my google search revealed a gun video and this:
Barrel awareness (noun): the ability to consistently put the barrel of the bat on pitches, particularly in ways that put the ball in play to desired areas of the field.
They seem to be really reaching with these descriptors.
19. Houston Astros
Yordy Cabrera, SS, Lakeland HS (Fla.)
Cabrera has dropped over the past couple years but is still viewed as very talented. Fills a need at shortstop.
8. HOUSTON ASTROS
Kolbrin Vitek, 3b/of, Ball State
The more I learn about the previously unheralded Vitek, the more I like. He isn’t as strong physically as Choice, or a lefthanded hitter like Cox, but he seems to be more of a sure thing to combine both hitting ability with power at the big-league level. His combination of speed and arm strength is superior to either Choice or Cox, and scouts think he should become solid defensively, either in center field or third base. The Astros’ slot seems to be frequently associated with high-school bats like Josh Sale (Washington) or DeShields, but I struggle to find the rationale behind either of those players at this point in the draft.
19. HOUSTON ASTROS (from Tigers for Jose Valverde)
Josh Sale, of, Bishop Blanchet HS, Seattle
Astros scouting director Bobby Heck was with the Brewers, when they picked Prince Fielder in the first round (seventh overall) of the 2002 draft. While their physiques are different, one can imagine that the thought process shouldn’t be too different. Sale doesn’t offer much more than left-field potential athletically, but his power potential is huge and his path to the big leagues might be very short for a high-school hitter.
Scuttlebutt over at TCB is that in an interview with Matt Thomas, Wade said the draft budget will between $8.5 and $10MM...anyone over here hear that? IIRC, that's way more than previous years, assuming it's accurate. Makes me think they might actually take a run at some like Wilson...though my gut feeling is that a lot of that money will be used to take HS guys over slot in later rounds.
Scuttlebutt over at TCB is that in an interview with Matt Thomas, Wade said the draft budget will between $8.5 and $10MM...anyone over here hear that? IIRC, that's way more than previous years, assuming it's accurate. Makes me think they might actually take a run at some like Wilson...though my gut feeling is that a lot of that money will be used to take HS guys over slot in later rounds.
Good work, OSF. Callis tweeted yesterday that he's hearing slot will be above '09, but still under '08, so slot may come a little closer to $7M for the 1st 10 rounds. For reference, we spent $6.5M in '08 on the draft (though it would have been higher with Davidson). So, Heck does have some extra money to play with.
I don't follow drafting/signing that closely, is this apparent rigidity (setting a hard and fast budget predraft) normal operating procedure for most clubs? This seems like a good place to be flexible, not to earn a rep as a free spender to be exploited by agents, but to be flexible if the right guy is available.
Scuttlebutt over at TCB is that in an interview with Matt Thomas, Wade said the draft budget will between $8.5 and $10MM...anyone over here hear that? IIRC, that's way more than previous years, assuming it's accurate. Makes me think they might actually take a run at some like Wilson...though my gut feeling is that a lot of that money will be used to take HS guys over slot in later rounds.
And Sickels at Minor League Ball has posted his final mock: LINK (http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/6/4/1500248/final-mock-draft)
8) Astros: Zach Cox, 3B, University of Arkansas: Another pick in flux according to everything I have heard, but most scouts love Cox and he shouldn't fall much farther than this.
19) Astros: Josh Sale, OF, Bishop Blanchet HS, Seattle, Washington: Would pair nicely with Cox to provide the core of a future Houston lineup.
If what I've read about Cox's defense is true, the pick just doesn't make any sense. It's the Smoak scenario redux.
And Sickels at Minor League Ball has posted his final mock: LINK (http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/6/4/1500248/final-mock-draft)
8) Astros: Zach Cox, 3B, University of Arkansas: Another pick in flux according to everything I have heard, but most scouts love Cox and he shouldn't fall much farther than this.
19) Astros: Josh Sale, OF, Bishop Blanchet HS, Seattle, Washington: Would pair nicely with Cox to provide the core of a future Houston lineup.
I think there's still one good sized wild card with regard to the top 10. If Ranaudo goes out on Saturday and dominates with the stuff he showed last year, he could go top 10. That's not a scenario people are looking at right now though.
Mayo was asked that same question in a chat today. His response was "Don't see the Top 10 because of signability, though it's not completely out of the question. I think the signability plus the question marks stemming from his season will limit how much he moves up."
I think it would take a team that's done a lot of research on him over the season to pop him in the top 10. A lot of his value has been in his durability and high floor; with questions in those departments, will he accept a closer-to-slot deal? Is he willing to go back to school if he feels his value has dropped too much?
If what I've read about Cox's defense is true, the pick just doesn't make any sense. It's the Smoak scenario redux.
The reports (and projections) on his defense are mixed. He has a strong arm, but range has been limited. Leaving the offense aside for the moment, here are some of the comments regarding his defense that I've been able to find:
BA had some quotes from his coach: LINK (http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/college/?p=3045) (behind pay wall)
"People don't notice, but one of the things he's done is gotten a lot better defensively," Van Horn said. "He can make the routine play, he can make the off-balance throw on the slow roller. When he came in he was a little stiff and tight, and we had to get everything lined up right. He's lighter now, he's a lot more limber and flexible, and he's just quicker in the field.
BAs scouting report: LINK (http://) (behind pay wall, I think)
Six feet and 215 pounds, Cox is a decent athlete with fringy speed and range at third base. Not all scouts are sold on his defensive ability. He does have a strong arm—he threw in the low 90s as a reliever a year ago—and will put in the work to improve his reactions at third base. He also has seen time at second base, and one scout said his actions looked better there, but his athleticism is more suited for the hot corner.
PNR scouting report: LINK (http://pnrscouting.com/scoutingreports_2010_coxza.html) (lots of good info in the report as a whole)
Cox's defense at third base is solid and he is equipped with plenty of arm for the left side. He shows clean footwork and sets himself up well on his throws, adding accuracy to his plus arm grade. Cox handles the position well, showing a good understanding of his defensive game and capabilities, and projects as a steady defender at the pro ranks. He can be uncertain at times when charging, sacrificing some aggression and therefor "steps", but he should improve with experience. Cox has also logged time at second base this year, including April 24th at Florida. His actions are raw there, but there's something to work with and he made all the plays required of him (including balls to each side). His footwork is serviceable, but may be lacking (along with his range) for a middle-infield position at the next level.
Comments at MLB Bonus Baby: LINK (http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/5/1/1450102/saturday-all-questions-answered)
1. Cox’s defense is solid-average right now, and his best defensive asset is a plus arm. His range is somewhat fringy, but he’s actually improved it a bit this year, and if his second base experiment tells you anything, it’s that his coach believes in his glove and athletic ability. I give Cox a 75% chance or better to stick at third.
Some additional notes from MLB Bonus Baby from their scouting report (LINK n/a)
He’s a slightly below-average runner with fringe-average range at third base, but he still has a
plus arm that will serve him well if he ever has to move to right field at the next level. He has plenty of
tools to be an early first round pick, and should be off the board in the top fifteen picks where his status
as an age-eligible sophomore shouldn’t come into play in terms of his signability.
Project Prospect (who's evals I haven't particularly been sold on across the board, especially regarding Lyles and Castro, then again, what do I know about scouting prospects..) have been pretty hesitant about Cox across the board: LINK (http://projectprospect.com/article/2010/06/03/our-hesitation-with-zack-cox)
And then what you're also looking at with him is he's not a guy who's going to be able to play even below-average defense at second base. And perhaps average defense at third base...I think we've all been scratching our heads over the amount of hype he's been getting.
Those are actually very favorable reports on defense because you don't rate "speed and range" as huge factors for third any way. The list for defensive prowess at third (IMHO) should be as follows:
1. Quickness
2. Accurate Arm
3. Strong Arm
4. Good footwork.
|
|
|
|
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somwhere way down here should be "range" and/or "speed" for defense. BTW - much like a young Jeff Kent, a move to second base for such a kid can mean some serious offensive weapon at a relatively non-descreet defensive position on the field. Kent started off as a third baseman, so if this kid is legit, that is a projection that could pay huge dividends if he pans out.
good glove work/soft hands
Yes, good catch. Slot that in right behind #1.
For third base? Desired, but not really necessary.
Sounds like Wade is really proud that he got Drayton to sign off on going over slot.
Chad Bettis is the other failed pick from '05. Sounds like Wade is really proud that he got Drayton to sign off on going over slot.
I'd just prefer that he didn't announce it to all of the agents out there.
I'd just prefer that he didn't announce it to all of the agents out there.
8. ASTROS. Josh Sale, of, Bishop Blanchet HS. This is the toughest pick to call in the first 10. Houston has been on Sale for a while, but also loves Georgia prep outfielder Delino DeShields. If the Astros have to have DeShields, they may have to pop him here rather than waiting until pick No. 19.
I don't think I'll be available much tomorrow before the first round, so here are my official guesses out of my ass. Keep in mind the Astros are being very tight lipped.
8. Stetson Allie
19. either Eibner, DeShields, or Austin Wilson depending on availability.
33. Paxton or Solis.
Dickie Thon Jr was also at the workout at Minute Maid on Thursday.
I don't think I'll be available much tomorrow before the first round, so here are my official guesses out of my ass. Keep in mind the Astros are being very tight lipped.
8. Stetson Allie
19. either Eibner, DeShields, or Austin Wilson depending on availability.
33. Paxton or Solis.
I don't think I'll be available much tomorrow before the first round, so here are my official guesses out of my ass. Keep in mind the Astros are being very tight lipped.
8. Stetson Allie
19. either Eibner, DeShields, or Austin Wilson depending on availability.
33. Paxton or Solis.
5PM can't get here fast enough!
Mayo's final mock: LINK (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100607&content_id=10910172&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb)
8. Houston Astros: Michael Choice, OF, Texas-Arlington
Seemed like Houston was leaning college, rather than high school, bat here, with Choice the most likely ... choice.
19. Houston Astros: Delino DeShields Jr., OF, Woodward Park Academy
This has been the buzz all along. There's a chance the Astros reach to get him at No. 8 if they think he'll be gone.
but the knocks on his passion for the game/attitude contradict what has been said about taking someone who has a fire burning to play.
In other words, no one knows what the Astros are going to do.
The attention the draft is getting is amazing. OSF has done a great job of keeping on top of the stuff out there.
I am interested to see how close these mock drafts are. The reason they are called mock drafts is because you can make fun of them after the draft when they aren't even close. Right?
So would folks be happy with DeShields at 8? Seems early, but if they like the guy that much....
So would folks be happy with DeShields at 8? Seems early, but if they like the guy that much....
Tallying the 'final mocks' (sans MLB Bonus Baby, which will be added into the mix when it comes down')
Astros pick at #8:
John Sale - 4
Michael Choice - 1
Delino DeShields Jr. - 1
Astros pick at #19:
Reggie Golden - 2
Michael Kvasnicka - 1
Josh Sale - 1
Delino DeShields Jr - 1
Bobby Heck knows a lot more about this than we do. And note that his past "overdrafts" have worked out pretty well so far.
Bobby Heck knows a lot more about this than we do. And note that his past "overdrafts" have worked out pretty well so far.
Hey what about my mock of the first round!?
So would folks be happy with DeShields at 8? Seems early, but if they like the guy that much....
This is exactly how I feel. From everything I've read, Sale SEEMS like the better pick at #8. We have a lot of toolsy fast guys a ala DeShields already in the system, and lack of plus-plus power guys like Sale...so I'd rather see us take Sale.
That said, Heck has done well enough that I think he's earned the benefit of the doubt...if he thinks DeShields is the better man, then DeShields it is.
Crasnick reporting first "surprise" of the draft will be Colon at #4. Pomeranz is rumored to be dropping.
Glad to see I am not the only one sitting here watching this.
Watching it for now. If you don't hear from me shortly after the 19th pick PLEASE call the paramedics. I'm concerned that listening to Selig for that long may very well put me in my grave...
Watching it for now. If you don't hear from me shortly after the 19th pick PLEASE call the paramedics. I'm concerned that listening to Selig for that long may very well put me in my grave...
mayo saying astros likely to take deshields at 8
We don't need no stinkin' power bats! We got Koby! [/sarcasm]mets took matt harvey from UNC.
I couldn't take listening to Selig again this year, but ESPN seems stuck or the Mets are taking forever.
mets took matt harvey from UNC.
Here comes all the people bashing for a 'reach.'
I guess it's not a reach to me (completely uneducated), but I'd like someone who scares pitchers for a reason other than having to cover a drag bunt base hit.
Houston's got a lot of holes to fill. A good 2B is a nice start for the farm.
I suppose. Can I still pray for a guy with pop at 19?
Here comes all the people bashing for a 'reach.'
Maybe I'm just a ridiculous homer, but there's something about Bobby Heck making sure he gets the guy he wants that fills me with confidence.
I haven't read anything that hugely praises his defense or, for that matter, his hitting. He seems to have a lot of speed for his build, and everyone talks about his "athleticism."
And his swing is fugly. But three or four teams were prepared to take him in the top 20. What the hell's the deal?
Bud Selig is like some sort of Twilight Zone Ed Sullivan.
Bud Selig is like some sort of Twilight Zone Ed Sullivan.
I'm always amazed to see multimillionaires who have zero ability to project a good personal image. Selig stammers, coughs, slurs, has bad hair, slouches, clothes don't fit well and he has a whole lotta money.
Isn't that fucking amazing? I've often pondered the same fucking thing. It gives me tremendous hope for my own future.
I'd like to see Sale at 19
Will be interested to see what position they put him at.
I'd like to see Sale at 19
heck and Wade and drayton all suck. Anyone who has run the most pathetic fantasy team knows that YOU DO NOT reach like this. I guess drayton didn't want to go the extra mile to sign a real pick. Just the typical old boys nepotism bushneck lackey. I am done with this team. They do not respect me enough for ny patronage!!!
What pick is it? You guys are more up-to-date than mlb.com and I'm stuck in a meeting. Thanks.
What pick is it? You guys are more up-to-date than mlb.com and I'm stuck in a meeting. Thanks.
What pick is it? You guys are more up-to-date than mlb.com and I'm stuck in a meeting. Thanks.
...And ETA. Ill shut up now.
Okay, so you've got Bagwell and umpteen other frachise icon-types at the draft tonight and yet Bud Selig is calling out the names? Really? [/marketingfail]
Thanks, OSF. Hope you can hang in there.
You guys are right, OSF is The Man, consistently going above and beyond.
hmmm, Cox still alive. wonder what Heck think of him
Pam isnt interested
Pam isnt interested
cowart to the angels.
Pam isnt interested
yikes, that's going to be the most misspelled name
selig got that pronunciation right and he cant even say los angeles?
somebody fill me in on foltyniewicz
That name doesn't look familiar. Did any mock have this guy going to the Astros?
Here comes all the people bashing for a 'reach.'
That name doesn't look familiar. Did any mock have this guy going to the Astros?
selig got that pronunciation right and he cant even say los angeles?
somebody fill me in on foltyniewicz
not that i recall. somebody had the Astros making a splash at #19 and tkaing someboyd that nobody expected them to take....i think Foltynewicz qualifies.
i hope one day we see a rotation with Dydalewicz and Foltynewicz
Selig can say "THE Ohio State University," but would say The Woodlands for the 2nd pick.he called it the "woodland hills HS." just read it off the card.
Even though it had to say it on the card....
I know, picking on the retarded is not nice....
he called it the "woodland hills HS." just read it off the card.
Foltynewicz scouting video: LINK (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-vZe3B0O20)
He throws eggszactly like Tim Redding (drops his arm a bit).
Said Woodland Hills HS...from Woodlands, Texas..my fault. i figured the guy was from -the- Woodlands HS in the Woodlands, TX and that selig butchered even that.
Oh god, did you have to say that?
Sorry, besides, Redding's problem was what was lacking between the ears, not what was lacking in the right arm.
Cox to cards.
Thank goodness Astros have the first pick in the supplemental round. Don't think I can handle much more... [/BudSeligisKILLINGme]
Suck it up!! You can do it.
Dodgers take McKinney TX HS pitcher Zach Lee at #28. Has a scholarship to play QB (and baseball as well, I think) at LSU.
Seems like LSU had commitments from several guys mentioned as going in the first couple rounds. Could be a rough couple days for Tiger baseball fans.
Seems like LSU had commitments from several guys mentioned as going in the first couple rounds. Could be a rough couple days for Tiger baseball fans.
Ok, so who I'm I rooting to stay off the board?
LegsofEggs? Phillip? Those would be my top two choices for folks I hope stay off the board...
Wilson and Allie are still available, yes?
Wilson and Allie are still available, yes?
Bagwell at the podium (bricks the name)...
And with the 33rd overall pick the Astros take Michael Kvansnicka. C/3B. Switch hitter from Minnesota.
OK, now I KNOW they're fucking with Milo.
His name had come up some last week for the #19 pick, no?
You can actually watch this guy play tonight, as Minnesota is playing Fullerton in the regional final tonight on ESPNU.
Here comes all the people bashing for a 'reach.'
| LAW top 100 undrafted (LAW Top 100) (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/draft2010/insider/news/story?id=5239359) 17. Brandon Workman - RHP 21. James Paxton - LHP 22. Austin Wilson - OF 24. Austin Wates - OF 25. AJ Cole - RHP 27. Stetson Allie - RHP 29. Kris Bryant - SS/3B 35. Brett Eibner - RHP / CF 36. Jacob Petrika - RHP 37. Mel Rojas, Jr. - OF 38. Kevin Gausman - RHP 39. Marcus Littlewood - SS 40. Derek Dietrich - SS 41. Micah Gibbs - C 43. Yordy Cabrera - SS/RHP 46. Deandre Smelter - RHP 48. Jake Hernandez - C 50. Jesse Hahn - RHP 51. Justin Grimm - RHP 56. Kevin Munson - RHP 57. Kevin Plutka - RHP 58. Dave Filak - RHP 59. Jedd Gyorko - 2B 60. AJ Vanegas - RHP 61. Rob Rasmussen - LHP 62. Ryne Stanek - RHP 63. Robert Brantley - C 64. Chad Bettis - RHP 66. Cody Buckel - RHP 67. Jordan Swaggerty - RHP 68. Tyler Thornburg - RHP 69. Mike Kickham - LHP 70. Willie Swanner - C 72. Dan Klien - RHP 73. Griffin Murphy - LHP 74. Dixon Anderson - RHP 75. Ty Linton - OF 77. Jacoby Jones - SS/RHP 78. Jason Adam - RHP 79. Don Roach - RHP 80. Chris Hawkins - SS 81. Kellen Sweeney - OF 82. Leon Landry - OF 83. Chad Lewis - 3B 84. Jordan Shipers - LHP 85. Robbie Aviles - RHP 86. Drw Cisco - RHP 88. Garin Cecchini - IF 89. Smmy Solis - LHP 91. Levon Washington - OF 92. Sam Dyson - RHP 93. Scott Frazier - RHP 94. Tommy Kahnle - LHP 95. Gabriel Encines - RHP 96. Seth Rosin - RHP 97. Niko Goodrum - SS 98. Addison Reed - RHP 100. Drew Robinson - IF/OF | --------- | BonusBaby top 100 undrafted (MLBBB Best Available list) (http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/8/1506771/best-players-availble-for-day-two) 14. Stetson Allie, RHP 19. Brandon Workman, RHP 21. Brett Eibner, RHP/OF 23. A.J. Cole, RHP 25. Austin Wilson, OF 27. Jesse Hahn, RHP 30. Chad Bettis, RHP 31. Yordy Cabrera, SS 38. James Paxton, LHP 40. Jedd Gyorko, SS 41. Ryan LaMarre, OF 43. Austin Wates, OF 44. Dan Klein, RHP 45. Reggie Golden, OF 46. Jarrett Parker, OF 47. Sammy Solis, LHP 49. Ryne Stanek, RHP 51. Kevin Gausman, RHP 53. Jacob Petricka, RHP 54. Hunter Morris, 1B 55. Micah Gibbs, C 57. Robbie Aviles, RHP 59. A.J. Vanegas, RHP 61. Derek Dietrich, SS 62. Joe Leonard, 3B 63. Griffin Murphy, LHP 65. Garin Cecchini, SS 66. Kris Bryant, 3B 67. Jordan Swagerty, RHP 68. Todd Cunningham, OF 70. Burch Smith, RHP 71. Kyle Blair, RHP 72. Dave Filak, RHP 73. Tony Wolters, SS 74. DeAndre Smelter, RHP 75. Addison Reed, RHP 76. LeVon Washington, OF 77. Justin Grimm, RHP 78. Aaron Shipman, OF 79. Marcus Knecht, OF 81. Scott Frazier, RHP 82. Leon Landry, OF 84. Sam Dyson, RHP 85. Mel Rojas Jr., OF 86. Rob Rasmussen, LHP 88. Robby Rowland, RHP 89. Rob Segedin, 3B 90. Jason Adam, RHP 91. Drew Cisco, RHP 92. Gauntlett Eldemire 93. Austin Wood, RHP 94. Drew Smyly, LHP 95. Perci Garner, RHP 96. Marcus Littlewood, SS 97. Kevin Munson, RHP 98. Kevin Chapman, LHP 99. Stefan Sabol, C 100. Zach Cates, RHP | -------- | BA top 50 undrafted BA's Updated top 50 (http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/?p=2249) 15. Stetson Allie, rhp 20. Brandon Workman, rhp 23. Brett Eibner, rhp/of 25. A.J. Cole, rhp 28. Austin Wilson, of 31. Ryan LaMarre, of 33. Chad Bettis, rhp 35. Yordy Cabrera, ss/rhp 37. Jedd Gyorko, ss 38. Ryne Stanek, rhp, 45. A.J. Vanegas, rhp 46. Garin Cecchini, 3b 47. James Paxton, lhp 48. Sammy Solis, lhp 49. Jarrett Parker, of 50. Jesse Hahn, rhp |
Kvasnicka smokes a RBI double off the wall in his first AB tonight.
Though there is certain to be extensive contract negotiations with the Astros at present, all Foltynewicz knows is that it's time for him to get ready for the professional life.
"There's not much to think about. I think the signing bonus in that range has been somewhere around a mil or higher, but that has to be negotiated," he said.
And what about the scholarship offer to Texas?
"I don't want to close the door on anything, but I'll probably take my chances and play pro ball," Foltynewicz said. "I want to get started playing as soon as I can."
Vincent Velasquez, RHP from California
Footer: Once the Red Sox picked right before them, there was definitely elation in the room when they saw Valesquez was going to be available.
If someone can do better than I at digging up video of the kid pitching that would be just outSTANDing.
If someone can do better than I at digging up video of the kid pitching that would be just outSTANDing.
Astros Round 5 (#153): Ben Heath, C, Penn State
Astros round 6 (#183) Adam Plutko, RHP
Astros rd. 8 (#243): Jake Buchanan, RHP, 6' 220 lbs, North Carolina State U.
Astros rd. 9 (#273): Thomas Shirley, LHP 6'5" JR Xavier
Also from BA:
Tommy Shirley went 2-7, 7.60 in his first two seasons before emerging this spring as an intriguing lefthander in a draft short on quality southpaws. He throws a heavy 88-91 mph fastball that tops out at 93, using his 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame to leverage his heater down in the zone. He works both sides of the plate with his fastball and isn't afraid to challenge righthanders on the inner half. He has a rough finish to his delivery, landing on a stiff front leg, which costs him feel for his secondary pitches. He's trying to figure out a slider but is a one-pitch pitcher for now. His size and arm strength could get him into the first 10 rounds.
Rd 10 (#303): Evan Grills, 6'04" LHP, 06.13.1992
Rd 10 (#303): Evan Grills, 6'04" LHP, 06.13.1992
Rd 10 (#303): Evan Grills, 6'04" LHP, 06.13.1992
Rd 11, #333: Kyle Redinger, 3B, Cedar Crest HS, PA
Via Seiler at MLB Bonus Baby (paraphrased): Was widely considered the best Canadian prospect available in the draft, but had a rough spring and had shoulder issues late in the summer. Could be a mid-rotation started in time.
Speaking of Seiler, he put together a massive prospect guide for this draft and is selling it in PDF format at MLBBonusBaby.com. Upwards of 750 prospects for $9.95. Obviously not a ton of info on each prospect (usually 1/2 to 3/4 a page), but more info that I can find on a lot of these folks. Not a bad deal at all for $9.95 (and given the amount of work he did on this thing, I don't feel 'right' about cutting and pasting everything, but now that I've given him a plug will continue to paraphrase bits of his info...).
Third baseman Kyle Redinger, a Penn State signee, has a lanky 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame with plenty of power potential and athleticism, but scouts agreed that he needs to develop his overall game, which is raw. He could also help the Nittany Lions on the mound.
Rd 12, #363 RHP James Robinson, SR Georgia Tech
RD 13, #393: Davis Duran, 2B, JR, Oklahoma State.
I believe his real name may be Andrew Robinson
I hope Drayton never sells the team.
On a side note, I knew I was missing one other poster in my LOE, Philip retort yesterday...
Rd. 16, #483, Christopher Wallace, C, SR. U of H.
Ton of catcher picks in this years draft...
Cards are sparing no expenses this year: Cox and Austin Wilson could be looking for $10M combined. I read before the draft about Cox's agent throwing around Pedro Alvarez as a contract target ($6M+ MLB-deal) and Wilson has a high target to keep him away from Stanford. We'll see if they sign them both, or if Wilson was a "Why not?" pick, but that's some coin.
Rd. 18, #543 R/R CF (Footer tweeting 2B) Joshua Magee. Hoover HS, Hoover Alabama.
Jones has been quoted along the lines of saying he's going to LSU no matter what happens in the draft.
His coach has been quoted as saying he was under the impression that the Astros, as well as a couple other teams, would be willing to go over slot for him (via Astros County).
This is going to be some kind of draft recap someone is going to be writing. I hope they have started on it already.
Weekend, ma'am, weekend... Am going to be working on something new this year (in addition to Draftees and Status). Still behind on previous SnS commitments as it is...
On a side note, I knew I was missing one other poster in my LOE, Philip retort yesterday...
Entirely forgetabble.
Rd. 19, #573: R/R, SS, Jacoby Jones, Richton HS (Miss)
Isn't Hoover the football powerhouse?
Here is a great story on Chris Wallace, who almost had his career ended via the bean ball. Great kid and really good family. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/6365657.html
In retrospect, not sure that I didn't include him when I said LOE...
From reading posts, it seems like most are disappointed in our draft.
From reading posts, it seems like most are disappointed in our draft. I will reserve judgement, but like our strategy.
From reading posts, it seems like most are disappointed in our draft. I will reserve judgement, but like our strategy.
- Kvansnicka seems to have a good swing, but concerned that he can play 3B; may move to first
He's a catcher and right fielder.
Huh? I think you're mistaking the SnS for somewhere else.
He's a catcher and right fielder.
Exactly the kind of draft to expect from Wade/Heck. High school athleticism. College players later especially. Early college guys to fill needs.
More Lyles/Bushue type high school pitchers. Everyone should be very excited.
In a draft lacking "can't miss" prospects at the top, no one should be disappointed.
Last, OSF kicks all your asses.
Well, it doesn't sound like Jones will be an Astros based on this article:http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20100609/HSSPORTS/100608022
The dad sounds like he's been hypnotized by Boras. I get wanting the most for your kid, but he's making it sound like Jacoby is going off to war or at least indentured servitude.
Last, OSF kicks all your asses.
Well, it doesn't sound like Jones will be an Astros based on this article:http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20100609/HSSPORTS/100608022
The dad sounds like he's been hypnotized by Boras. I get wanting the most for your kid, but he's making it sound like Jacoby is going off to war or at least indentured servitude.
“We were advised to be prepared that he would drop in the draft because of that signability. It’s kind of a shame. Used to be they just drafted on talent; now it’s based on whether they can sign you.”
Yikes.
I expect Kvalphabet to be a quick mover, maybe even as fast as Castro has been. 3B is a big hole in the org below Johnson at AAA though Meyers at Lex is doing ok.Exactly what I was hoping to hear.
Kvalphabet
Callis says in chat that Foltynewicz has higher ceiling than Lyles.
A little late to the party today folks, sorry 'bout that...
Rd. 31, #933: L/L, LHP Travis Blankenship, SR U Kansas.
Rd. 32, #963: R/R, RHP, William Chrismon, Menchville HS, VA. MLB VIDEO (http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?topic_id=10018074&content_id=8643731)
Rd. 33, #993: R/R, RHP Michael Ness, SR, Duke. MLB Video (http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?topic_id=10018074&content_id=8692155)
Rd. 34, #1023: R/R, RHP Ryan Cole, SR St. Johns
Rd. 35, #1053: L/L, 1B Esteban Gomez, Bishop Ford Central HS, NY.
Rd. 36, #1083: L/R, RHP, Ryan Halstead, Los Osos HS, CA.
Rd. 37, #1113: R/R, RHP, Brian Streilein, SR, Villanova
Rd. 38, #1143: L/L, 1B, Ryan Ford, Plano West Sr. HS, TX. MLB scouting video (http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?topic_id=10018074&content_id=8645959)
Rd. 39, #1173: R/R, RHP, Krishawn Holley, Mid Carolina HS, SC
Rd. 40, #1203: L/L, LHP, Jeremiah Meiners, SR, Francis Marion U
"Jones declined to say exactly how much they were asking for, but said it was, “way above seven figures.” The Astros countered with an offer that was a little over $1 million"
Goodness. Just how much is way over? 5 mil? Got news for Mr. Jones. A bachelor's isn't worth very much these days. He'll have to improve to top 10 to catch the numbers he's looking for. Is the odds of that similar to him making it to the majors (which gaurantees a salary of 400k)?
If it was me, I'd get the Astros high enough to clear a cool million after taxes. Invest that into retirement. If baseball doesn't work out then at 30 you can retire.
First one's in the barn (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/7044029.html) - UH catcher Chris Wallace signed with the Astros.Let's see HS in Houston, College in Houston, MLB in Houston... talk about dream coming true. Good luck to him, and congrats on signing their first player before the draft is even over! THAT is a multi-tasking front office.
While I don't understand the thinking in turing down $1Mil, for it. I have a nephew who just completed his Soph year in HS and was part of this Texas team of all-stars in Ok City this past week. He even had a walk off 3-run HR that my sister said was pretty impressive. Anyway, I asked her about the draft and such since I know he has to have been scouted for as good as he supposedly is. Her response made it clear that SHE wants him to go to college, and then after a degree think about professional ball. Supposedly he wants to stay close to home in Houston, so my guess is the common goal of mom and son will be Rice, although she is a UofH grad, so you never know.
But I am interested to see if he is truly good enough to be offered something like a $1 Mil if my nephew will forego College for Minor League ball. And just for the record he does get good grades (at least to this point).
Not to argue, Heck was quoted as saying they like his versatility, viewed as a major plus. They will take a look at him at 3B, as they believe he has the athleticism to play infield. I think that's the comment he was responding to.
I'm curious how Boras will advise Jones in this instance. From a pure 'Boras is a money-grubbing slut' perspective, I'd think it would be 'play the school angle hard, I'll raise a stink about the Astros being cheap and then we'll take our best money on the eve of the signing deadline.' If he won't be a draft-eligible Sophomore (I'm too lazy to look it up right now) then. with the LSU commitment he won't be eligible for the draft until 2013. Given the way that Selig in beating the drums about a hard slotting system agreement in the next CBA(?) in 2012(?), I have to think it will be implemented by 2013. Then what is the kid going to do? Roll the dice, hope he is a top 5 pick and get $2.5M to $3.0M, or take $1.5M or so, an additional 'college fund' from the club (Houston has added college money to the deal for a number of younger draftees), and start his career now. Somehow (given the 'Boras is a money-grubbing slut' factor) I'm guessing (hoping) it will be the latter...Someone is turning into Noe...
Oh, okay. But seems odd to be projecting the kid this early. He hasn't even signed yet. I don't think anyone can say now if he'll even be tried at third until they actually take him to Florida for Instructionals. I believe he's going to start his rookie ball right where he plays right now.
Rd. 42, #1263: R/R, RHP, Paul Gerrish, SR, TCU
Oh, okay. But seems odd to be projecting the kid this early. He hasn't even signed yet. I don't think anyone can say now if he'll even be tried at third until they actually take him to Florida for Instructionals. I believe he's going to start his rookie ball right where he plays right now.Having had no life when drafts have rolled around previously I know that when players are drafted the team asked MLB to list them as <instert_position_name_here> which to me at least indicates where they plan to play them at first when they get them under club control. Obviously this is a bigger deal when a player could be either a pitcher or position player, but I believe it still holds true in cases like this too.
World Series, here we come.
Thanks a lot. I was hoping this would just quietly float on by.
Someone is turning into Noe...
So what you are saying is you hope the greed of Boras advises him to sign for as much as he can get now, cause the new CBA might make it difficult for him to sign for as much next time.
Ok... I hope so too.
Logan (Houston): What are the Astro's doing??? Why are they so cheap? Is Bobby Heck limited by their cheap ways? I'm worried that if we have a chance at Rendon next year, we'll be too cheap to take it! Please help us confused Astro's fans! Thanks!
Jim Callis: I don't think the Astros are trying to be cheap. I just think the Astros like who they like, differ from the consensus and don't care. They take the guys they want. Heck's first two drafts have pumped some life into a system that was on life support.
When I weighed out my options, the No. 1 thing was what I love more, what I would love to do more in my life," he said. "I chose football. It wasn't that hard of a decision. I know I made the right one."
If I had a kid who was top 10 round talent, I would take the money and run. Get them to pay for college in the deal. You can always go back to school but you can't always go back and play pro ball. Every year, there are kids who were drafted who pass up to improve their stock and it doesn't. That is a gamble I am not sure I want to take.
BTW the other LSU kid from a few years ago was Chad Jones. He was drafted in the 3rd round of the NFL draft by the NY Giants as a safety.
The Astros got rightfully skewered for the shitty 2007 draft, but one of the names most frequently used against them was Chad Jones. Not offering him what he wanted proved to be the right move in hindsight, but three years later none of the internet jagoffs can be bothered to grudgingly admit the Astros got that one right. If a kid isn't committed to baseball, you don't offer him a ton of money only to watch him give it up for a football career.
Three-year attention spans are in short supply nowadays.So are Three-minute attention spans.... Hey look at that shiny penny just sitting there...
So are Three-minute attention spans.... Hey look at that shiny penny just sitting there...
That's what they're going to do with DeShields. Give him time to acclimate to the pros. Don't burden him with a new position right away. Get him to his new position at fall instructs and then go from there.
While I don't understand the thinking in turing down $1Mil, for it. I have a nephew who just completed his Soph year in HS and was part of this Texas team of all-stars in Ok City this past week. He even had a walk off 3-run HR that my sister said was pretty impressive. Anyway, I asked her about the draft and such since I know he has to have been scouted for as good as he supposedly is. Her response made it clear that SHE wants him to go to college, and then after a degree think about professional ball. Supposedly he wants to stay close to home in Houston, so my guess is the common goal of mom and son will be Rice, although she is a UofH grad, so you never know.
But I am interested to see if he is truly good enough to be offered something like a $1 Mil if my nephew will forego College for Minor League ball. And just for the record he does get good grades (at least to this point).
Well, let's see our college grad option over a million signing bonus (after tax).
College is only going to pay your way through a Bachelor's. Not sure what a Bachelor's degree starting salary averages these days, but let's say 60k. Government takes 20k. Leaving him 40k. He finds a way to live on 30k a year and saves the rest. Putting away 10k each year. He is really smart, works the system incredibly well, and manages a 10k increase in salary every 5th year. Each time his salary increases, he puts the extra away for retirement.
After 30 years, out college grad has saved $1,050,000. No kids, no way he could afford those. Wife had a job that paid for herself and her retirement. He is 53. Wonder what he thinks about that piece of paper now?
If I had a kid who was top 10 round talent, I would take the money and run. Get them to pay for college in the deal. You can always go back to school but you can't always go back and play pro ball. Every year, there are kids who were drafted who pass up to improve their stock and it doesn't. That is a gamble I am not sure I want to take.
BTW the other LSU kid from a few years ago was Chad Jones. He was drafted in the 3rd round of the NFL draft by the NY Giants as a safety.
For those of you paying attention, we just promoted OSF to moderator. Cry for him.
Rd. 48, #1443: R/R, RHP, Thomas 'TJ' Pecoraro, Half Hallow Hills West HS, NY. MLB scouting video (http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?topic_id=10018074&content_id=8695333)
Yeah, that whole "move him to third" or "move him to second (in DeShield's case)" doesn't usually happen at rookie ball. It happens at instructs where they'll find out if that is a fit or not. Reminds me of the time they drafted Mitch Einertson (who was a CF) with the intent to move him to second base. They let him play outfield in rookie ball and they were really happy with his offense. Then the kid went to Instructs and washed out as a second baseman. He also allowed his demons to catch up with him at Instructs too.
Rd. 43, #1293: R/R, SS, DeMarcus Henderson, Wayne County HS, MS. MLB scouting video (http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?topic_id=10018074&content_id=8655173)
For those of you paying attention, we just promoted OSF to moderator. Cry for him.
His effective tax rate is no where near 33% on a 60k salary. Unless you're assuming the Obamas stay in office for a long time.
OSF, exactly, I was thinking the same thing, but Daddy is on cloud nine right now, that's probably the last thing on his mind.
2009 Federal Tax Bracket (filed single):
10% Bracket $0 – $8,375
15% Bracket $8,375 – $34,000
25% Bracket $34,000 – $82,400
28% Bracket $82,400 – $171,850
33% Bracket $171,850 – $373,650
35% Bracket $373,650+
NY State Tax Rate:
If your income range is $20,001 and over, your tax rate on every dollar of income earned is 6.85%.
Not to mention 8.25% Sales tax on non-food purchases
For those of you paying attention, we just promoted OSF to moderator. Cry for him.
Thrilled, but still waiting on my pointy-hat in the mail for post #5000. Who do I talk to about that?
Social Security and Medicare in those numbers or not?
Here it is (http://thegauntlet.ca/story/3636).
Bookmark that. You'll need it in a few hours
If I don't go on one of those droughts, stuck at HR #399 or some such...
Better make #5000 memorable. I know just the post you should make too...
Squirrel?
For those of you paying attention, we just promoted OSF to moderator. Cry for him.
If you can't figure out that Astros doesn't have an apostrophe, you shouldn't be able to comment.
Thanks Ron -- at long last found my signature for this site.
why are you making this decision?
You know something? There exists a former Astros General Manager that I happened to stumble across poring over Fundrace once upon a time who listed his profession as 'GENERAL MANAGER HOUSTON ASTRO'S BASEBELL TEAM.'
Apparently the caps lock key didn't work on his keyboard.
Anyway, he never posted here as far as I know so we're all safe.
Poor choice of words, it is is the kids decision. But we all know what good decisions we all made at 18. I would advise my kid and would have him talk to his adviser. I might even call my lawyer friend JimR to ask for input.
if you meant to say drafted anywhere in the top ten rounds, i think taking your kid's money and running may be a mistake.
and while i have your ear, it makes no difference what decisions you or anyone else made at 18. this is the kid's talent, the kid's money and the kid's decision. the parent should, of course, express an opinion and seek advice, but then should back the fuck away and let the kid decide what HE wants to do. i have seen far too many parents who wanted to play pro ball but were not good enough force a kid to sign so they can live vicariously through the kid.
That makes me think of JaCoby Jones' dad.
I know I'm too snarky for my own good. The inability to use the language correctly is one of my kneejerk prejudices even though I'm well aware that writing skills don't necessarily correlate to intelligence. I'm pretty sure that being comfortable around a book or a keyboard only qualifies me to be a smartass.
Just curious about drafting catchers and developing pitchers. You always hear MLB pitchers talk about how important the guy behind the plate is. How much, if any, does that factor into the minors?
Per MLBDraft via Twitter (http://twitter.com/MLBDraft/status/15871708535): Astros ink 9 #mlbdraft picks: Doran (4) Buchanan (8) Shirley (9) Redinger (11) Robinson (12) Wallace (16) Sogard (26) Cole (34) Lane (41)Now that you are a moderator, how about a sticky that is just a spreadsheet of the draftees and their status... I recall you had something similar that you put within a thread and updated it as info came out. Figure Sticky that noone can respond to might be easier on the site and you.
Will get the draftees and status thread as able.
Aren't there just so many above average speed and glove SS/CF types with pop but not a huge power upside you go after before you need to start considering taking the slow fat kid that looks like he'll hit 25-40 HRs a year?
[And before I get massacred for the question, a couple of things: I'm not calling Mier, Austin or Castro all glove type players; I understand the draw in projectable athletic pitchers like Lyles and Bushue; I remember the Astros signed Telvin Nash; and no I do not think I am, nor mean to act like I am, some kind of draft or prospect expert. I'm not, not even close, just informed enough to draw some (very probably wrong) conclusions about what I GUESS may occur... This may be (yet another) stupid question, but it is a serious one...].
Thought I'd dredge this one up and needle OSF and say, no.
Thought I'd dredge this one up and needle OSF and say, no.
Your point is valid. But I'm not sure the Astros have the volume of high level talent in the system to use their first pick on a guy like that. I could see it more likely at 19 and even more likely in 1S or 2 (keep an eye on the Auburn 1b).
Ben Heath seems like he could fit this bill.
Now that you are a moderator, how about a sticky that is just a spreadsheet of the draftees and their status... I recall you had something similar that you put within a thread and updated it as info came out. Figure Sticky that noone can respond to might be easier on the site and you.
Just a thought.
What He is: A burner with tools. Beyond his plus-plus speed, he generates surprising power with his whippy bat, and his game instincts are highly advanced thanks to his bloodlines. He's a very good defender at both second base and center field.
What He is Not: Arm strength is one of the few weaknesses in DeShields' game, and at 5-foot-9, he lacked the size for many teams to even consider him in the first round.
What He is: A big right-hander with upside. He is 6-foot-5 and athletically built. Foltynewicz consistently touched the mid-90s this spring, and his curveball was just as impressive for some.
What He is Not: Foltynewicz will need some development. There are a lot of moving parts to his delivery, leading to inconsistent release points and control issues. Like many high school arms in cold-weather states, he doesn't have much of a changeup.
What He is: Kvasnicka's multiple positions speak more to his athleticism than an inability to find a defensive home. He's a polished switch-hitter with at least average power, and his arm is a positive attribute anywhere on the field.
What He is Not: Kvasnicka's swing can get a bit long at times, and he's not much of a runner. Teams like the bat, but there are questions as to whether it will be good enough to profile at third base of an outfield corner.
Velasquez is an outstanding athlete who had legitimate pro potential as a shortstop, with teams wondering if his already above-average fastball would improve with a full-time commitment to the mound. Wates is an athletic, speedy player who can hit, but doesn't offer much power and still doesn't have a true defensive home.
Of Note Afterward: Fourth-rounder Bobby Doran is a big power righty with plus heat and a good curveball that projects as a solid innings-eater in the pros. Fifth-rounder Ben Heath has big-time power for a catcher, but needs to improve behind the dish.
With three picks on day one, the Astros looked to bring some life to a moribund system, and while some players look initially to be over-drafts, at least the club focused on athleticism and upside.