2015 Draft Thread

[Nate Colbert]

Dansby, Dansby, Dansby...

Homers again tonight, 3rd in 2 games in the tournament.

Just added a double.

And he hit his 4th longball of the tourney in today's pounding of the Aggies.

[Nate Colbert]

Conference tournament performances and news plus some draft & injury history:

Potential Top 5 Picks

• Dillon Tate, UCSB RHP--held out this weekend so he would be fully rested when the regionals start up on Friday. Never drafted.
• Dansby Swanson, Vanderbilt SS--went 7-17 with 2 walks, a SB, 2 doubles and those 4 home runs in the first 4 games of the SEC tourney. Entered Sunday’s championship game at .352/.441/.661 for the year. 14 for 16 in SBs. 38 walks vs 39 strikeouts in 233 ABs. 38th round pick in 2012 out of HS.
• Alex Bregman, LSU SS--went 3-9 in 3 SEC tournament games with 1 BB and 3 SBs (giving him 32 steals in 41 attempts on the year). And he did a little bit of showing off in the field. Final slash line of .329/.417/.572. Just 20 strikeouts in 231 ABs. 29th round pick in 2012 out of HS.
• Kyle Funkhouser, Louisville RHP--an unimpressive showing versus Clemson in the ACC tourney (5 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 2 W, 3 K). 33 walks in 70. 2 IP in ACC play this season. Never drafted.
• Carson Fulmer, Vanderbilt RHP--as has been noted, worst game of the year in Thursday’s tourney game vs A&M: 5 IP, 6 H, 6 ER, 1 W, 4 K. Whiffed 136 in 100.2 IP this year with 38 BBs. 15th round selection in 2012 out of HS.
• Walker Buehler, Vanderbilt RHP--wasn’t much better than Fulmer in the tourney rematch against the Aggies (4/6/3/3/2/2). 76 hits and 24 walks allowed in 73.2 IP this season with 74 strikeouts. Missed several starts early and on restricted pitch count in several others due to elbow soreness. 14th round selection in 2012 out of HS.
• Ian Happ, Cincinnati INF/OF--the Bearcats went two and done in the AAC tournament (losses to the Coogs and Memphis), an unsurprising outcome for a team that went 15-41 on the year. The switch-hitting Happ did his part going 3-7 with a walk and a SB. Finished the year at .369/.492/.672. 49 walks and 49 strikeouts in 198 ABs. Just 12-20 in SBs. Possible 2B in pros but currently playing OF for the Bearcats. Never drafted.
• Tyler Jay, Illinois LHP--the Fighting Illini closer pitched twice in the B1G tournament, throwing a total of 2.2 scoreless frames while whiffing 3. K’d 65 in 56.2 innings in 2015 with just 6 walks. Listed at 6’1” 185 lbs. Never drafted.

[Mike S.]

David Rawnsley (Houston's former Assistant Scouting Director) with his latest mock draft:

http://www.si.com/mlb/2015/05/22/mlb-mock-draft-full-first-round-dansby-swanson-dillon-tate

[Nate Colbert]

BA profile of Daz Cameron.

[Nate Colbert]

With the draft about 10 or so days away, first in a series of posts recapping the more interesting guys who’s names are likely to be called. Some you will know, others I’ve already covered a bit in some earlier posts, while the remainder are more obscure. First up--

Those Who Will Fall (or Might Fall) Due to Injuries, Etc

• Mike Matuella, Duke RHP--out for season after TJS. Previously diagnosed with spondylolysis condition. Never drafted.
• Chris Shaw, Boston College 1B/OF--the 13th ranked prospect in the Cape Cod League (CCL) this past summer (per BA) and talked up as a potential late 1st rounder heading into 2015. The lefty swinger overall hacked to a .319/.411/.611 slash line with 20 walks and 26 strikeouts in 144 ABs. But a broken hamate caused him to miss 14 games. Returned for the final 8 games of the season where he went 6-26 with just one XBH. Probably not an issue long-term but might cause him to tick slightly lower in the draft. Played the outfield for the Eagles but a shift to 1B is likely at the next level. Listed at 6’3” 250 lbs. 26th round selection in 2012 out of HS.
• Joe McCarthy, Virginia OF--started all 60 games as a freshman in 2013 and was terrific (.336/.469/.453, 54 Ws vs 32 Ks) before slipping some in 2014 (.301/.417/.449, 35 Ws vs 34 Ks). Missed first 2 months of this season after undergoing back surgery and has been underperforming since (.208/.367/.236). 2nd/3rd rounder was the projection prior to the injury. The lefty hitter is listed at 6’3” 215 lbs. Never drafted.
• Gio Brusa, Pacific OF--a mammoth season was expected going into 2015 after being ranked by BA as the 4th-best prospect in the CCL last summer where he hit .322/.341/.545. But the resulting .291/.400/.527 numbers, while respectable, didn’t really match the hype. Those results came in just 30 games as a strained UCL in his right elbow shut down his season early. This was on top of a nagging injury of some sort that caused him to get off to a slow start. Moreover, there was a shoulder injury that supposedly caused his sophomore numbers to suffer (.257/.322/.406 in 2014). Late 1st/early 2nd rounder was the projection going in to the season but underperformance AND the injury issue likely drops him significantly. The switch-hitter is listed at 6’4” 205 lbs. 37th round pick in 2012 out of HS.
• Marc Brakeman, Stanford RHP--like Brusa, a terrific season in the Cape last summer was supposed to be a springboard for an outstanding junior year. BA rated him the 7th-best prospect in the CCL after he threw up 47 K/7 BB numbers in 33 IP with a FB touching 95. And the beginning of the year draft projections had him as 1S/2nd rounder. But what was reported as a shoulder injury caused him to be shut down after just 3 starts. He returned seven weeks later to make 6 more starts to end the season (on a limited pitch count in the first several of those). Overall the numbers in those 9 starts weren’t awful (35 K/11 B in 52.1 IP), just disappointing in the context of his Cape performance. So that plus lingering questions about his health have caused him to drop draft-wise. Listed at 6’1” 180 lbs. Never drafted.
• Mark Mathias, Cal Poly 2B--hit .386/.455/.490 as a sophomore and was selected over the summer to the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team. BA ranked him as the 13th-best prospect on the squad. Bigger things were expected of him coming in to his junior season. However, he missed 7 games at the beginning of 2015 as he worked his way back from offseason shoulder surgery and DH’d for a while when he first came back. As far as the offense, he “only” hit .352/.423/.435 with 23 walks and 17 strikeouts. Might have been capable of more if the shoulder had been fully healed at the start. Listed at 6’0” 200 lbs. 9 for 13 this year in steals. Never drafted.
• Tyler Ferguson, Vanderbilt RHP--considered perhaps as high as a 3rd-rounder coming into the year, 2015 for Mr. Ferguson has gone off the rails due to Steve Blass disease. Seeing limited action due to his problems, the junior has walked 34 in 19 IP. Has also uncorked 9 WPs and plunked 2 batters. Listed at 6’4” 225 lbs. 40th round pick in 2012 out of HS.
• A.J. Minter, Aggie LHP--got off to a terrific start this year (and saw his draft stock rise accordingly) before TJS bit him. Only 21 IP before that happened. And he was limited to just 37 innings in 2013 and 2014 in part due to thoracic outlet syndrome. Listed at 6’0” 210 lbs. 38th round pick in 2012 out of HS.
• Tyler Stubblefield, Aggie LHP--the draft-eligible sophomore missed nearly the entire year with a torn ACL until throwing ⅔ of an inning in a game at the end of the regular season and then 1⅓ frames in an SEC tourney game vs LSU. Listed at 6’5” 215 lbs. 36th round pick in 2013 out of Lufkin HS.
• Colin Poche, DBU LHP--the former Razorback pitcher and 5th-round pick of the Orioles in 2012 missed all of 2015 after undergoing TJS. Listed at 6’2” 215 lbs.
• Jake Lemoine, Coogs RHP--it was announced back in mid-March that the junior was going to miss 1-3 weeks with shoulder impingement. However, he hasn’t pitched since. Prior to the injury, allowed 24 hits in 24 IP over 5 starts with 4 BBs and 15 Ks. Unless teams are convinced that the shoulder is 100% healthy, his draft stock plummets. Listed at 6’5” 220 lbs. 21st round selection in 2012 out of HS.
• Jon Duplantier, Rice RHP--a draft-eligible sophomore who missed all of 2015 with a shoulder issue. Like Lemoine, there was talk prior to the season of him being a possible 1st-rounder. Similarly, teams are gonna be very cautious when it comes to any type of shoulder problem. Listed at 6’4” 210 lbs. Never been drafted.
• Trevor Megill, LMU RHP--he missed all of 2014 after undergoing TJS (and still got drafted as the 104th overall pick). His post-surgical recovery was rocky at the beginning of 2015 but things improved as the season was winding down. In his three most recent starts (two of which were against West Coast Conference leaders San Diego and LMU), he allowed just 3 earned runs on 14 hits over 21 IP while striking out 22 and walking 7. So the trend is a positive one even if some of his numbers overall for the year might not necessarily blow you away--65 hits and 37 walks allowed in 70 IP with 70 whiffs. Listed at 6’8” 245 lbs. The 3rd highest pick from 2014 to not sign (3rd round, Cardinals).
• Justin Garza,  CSF RHP--BA had him rated last summer as the 14th best prospect on the Team USA National Collegiate Team. Made 12 starts this spring for the Titans until it was announced in mid-May he would have to undergo TJS. The numbers for the junior this year (73 hits and 14 walks allowed in 65 innings with 53 strikeouts) were nowhere near as impressive as his freshman and sophomore seasons. Listed at 5’11” 180 lbs. 26th-rounder out of HS in 2012.
• Jameson Fisher, SE Louisiana C--a pretty decent sophomore season (.389/.481/.469) had him considered a top 5 round possibility. But a torn labrum put the kibosh on his 2015 season and likely means a return ticket to the Lions in 2016. Listed at 6’2” 200 lbs. 24th-rounder out of HS in 2012.

Others: Kolby Allard, San Clemente HS (CA) LHP (stress fracture--lower back); Kep Brown, Mt. Pleasant Wando HS (SC) OF (torn achilles); Brendon Davis, Lakewood HS (CA) 3B (fractured wrist)   

[astrosfan76]

I'm sure this will change multiple times before the draft, based on the nature of the beast, but (from Callis):

Following up on @rog61 ... My gut right now is @Dbacks take @LieutenantDans7 at No. 1 & @Astros take @ABREG_1 at No. 2. @MLBDraft

It could lead to a position change for Correa or Bregman down the road, with Bregman possibly going to the outfield.  But, I'd be okay with that pick.

[Reuben]

I'm sure this will change multiple times before the draft, based on the nature of the beast, but (from Callis):

It could lead to a position change for Correa or Bregman down the road, with Bregman possibly going to the outfield.  But, I'd be okay with that pick.

Kiley McDaniel had a new mock today (paste isn't working for some reason, or I'd paste the link). He has Swanson "80%" likely going #1 overall, with the Astros taking either Rodgers or possibly Bregman #2, and either Tucker or (if available) Bregman at #5.

[Nate Colbert]

Kiley McDaniel had a new mock today (paste isn't working for some reason, or I'd paste the link). He has Swanson "80%" likely going #1 overall, with the Astros taking either Rodgers or possibly Bregman #2, and either Tucker or (if available) Bregman at #5.

Link.

Some more of what McDaniel said:

Benintendi is a late riser that looks to be the choice behind Tucker, or if they want to save a little more money at this pick. Texas prep LF Trenton Clark has also been tied here, but he fits a little lower and college arms Tate, Fulmer and Jay have all been seen by Houston’s heavy hitters recently, but those seems like backup plans to Tucker and Bregman here.

Not the first time in the past several days I've seen the Astros linked (if you can call it that) to Tyler Jay but given the amount of helium he's had of late hardly surprising.

[toddthebod]

I want Swanson and Fulmer at 2 and 5.  Just sayin.

[Nate Colbert]

The 2nd in a series:

If Bloodlines Are Your Thing...

• Nick Shumpert, Highlands Ranch HS (CO) SS--listed at 6’0” 175 lbs. Son of Terry, cousin to Mookie Betts. Kentucky commit.
• Ke'Bryan Hayes, Tomball Concordia Lutheran 3B--listed at 6’2” 210 lbs. Son of Charlie. Tennessee commit.
• Tyler Nevin, Poway HS (CA) 3B--listed at 6’3” 200 lbs. Son of Phil. UCLA commit.
• Jose Vizcaino Jr, Santa Clara SS--had a nice spring and boosted his draft stock in the process. Final line was .335/.406/.588 and led the Broncos in deep flies with 9. 23 walks and 39 whiffs in 194 ABs. Just 10 of 17 in steals. Missed 5 games early in the season with a hand injury. 36th-rounder back in 2012 by the Dodgers (who his dad then and now works for).
• Mariano Rivera Jr, Iona RHP--like Viz Jr, his performance in 2015 has given him a bounce on the draft boards. K’d 113 in 85 innings while giving up 64 hits and 27 walks. Listed as a very slight 5’11” 155 lbs. Drafted in the 29th round by the Yankees in 2014 as a RS sophomore.
• Tate Matheny, Missouri State OF--enters NCAA tournament play batting .294/.419/.441 with 32 walks and 31 strikeouts in 211 ABs. Drafted out of HS by the Cardinals in the 23rd round in 2012. Mike’s son.
• Luke Wakamatsu, Keller HS INF--switch-hitter. Listed at 6’3” 185 lbs. Son of Don. Rice commit.
• Elih Marrero, Coral Gables HS (FLA) SS--switch-hitter. Listed at 5’10” 185 lbs. Son of Eli. Mississippi State commit.
• Cam Gibson, Michigan State OF--the junior hit .294/.378/.437 for the Spartans while stealing 17 of 21 bases. Listed at 6’2” 195 lbs. Drafted out of HS by the D-Backs in the 38th round in 2012. Son of Kirk.
• Kody Clemens, Houston Memorial HS INF--lefty hitter. Listed at 6’1” 170 lbs. Son of Roger. Longhorn commit.
• Scott Heineman, Oregon 1B/OF--hit at a .289/.373/.428 clip this spring with 19 walks and 28 strikeouts in 159 ABs. His season got off to a rough start after missing 12 games with a concussion. His 2014 season was washed out after undergoing shoulder surgery. Listed at 6’1” 215 lbs. Taken in the 19th round in 2014 as a draft-eligible sophomore. Brother of Astros AAA catcher Tyler.
• Hutton Moyer, Pepperdine 2B--the junior was hitting .280/.393/.543 going into regionals action and led the Waves with 13 home runs after hitting .306/.387/.444 as a sophomore. Lots of strikeouts though: 57 in 207 ABS this year. Listed at 6’1” 180 lbs. Son of Jamie.
• Tanner Donnels, Loyola Marymount 1B--senior who finished the season hitting .308/.401/.498. 31 strikeouts and 24 walks in 201 ABs. Listed at 6’2” 205 lbs. Son of Chris.
• Yomar Valentin, Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy HS (PR) SS--Auburn commit. Switch-hitter listed at 5’7” 155 lbs. Son of Jose.
• Giovanny Alfonzo, Tampa SS--senior who hit .359/.411/.598 for the Spartans with 17 strikeouts and 14 walks in 209 ABs. Listed at 5’11” 185 lbs. Nephew of Edgardo.
• J.C. Snyder, Angelo State INF/OF--senior who hit .344/.404/.552 for the Rams with 48 strikeouts and 18 walks in 221 ABs. Played at BYU prior to transferring to Angelo State. Listed at 6’2” 185 lbs. Taken in the 36th round of the 2013 draft. Son of Cory.

Others: Kyle Tucker, Daz Cameron

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I can only assume that Hutton Moyer is already 30.

[Lefty]

I'm sure this will change multiple times before the draft, based on the nature of the beast, but (from Callis):

It could lead to a position change for Correa or Bregman down the road, with Bregman possibly going to the outfield.  But, I'd be okay with that pick.

Not bitching at you at all, but seriously what fucking language is this?

"Following up on @rog61 ... My gut right now is @Dbacks take @LieutenantDans7 at No. 1 & @Astros take @ABREG_1 at No. 2. @MLBDraft"

[Nate Colbert]

The 3rd in a series:

Re-Draft Possibilities

• Mitchell Traver, TCU RHP--a superb season for the RS sophomore, particularly given the hurdles he encountered his first two seasons as a Horned Frog. Entering NCAA tourney play, just 41 hits and 19 walks surrendered in 62 IP while K’ing 60. Pitched just ⅓ of an inning in 2013 and 2014 due to thoracic outlet syndrome surgery and TJS. The Sugar Land native is listed at 6’7” 245 lbs. 39th round pick of Astros in 2012.
• C.J. Hinojosa, Longhorn SS--disappointing season for the ex-Klein Collins HSer. Although he put on a spurt towards the end (including 4 homers in a span of 3 games versus Baylor), overall his offense fell short at .244/.322/.410. While at the beginning of the year he was mentioned as perhaps going as high as the 4th round, that no longer seems to be in the cards. 26th round pick of the Astros in 2012.
• Joseph Shaw, DBU RHP--the Friday night starter for the Patriots whiffed 66 in 82 IP while allowing 74 hits and 23 walks. Listed at 6’5” 230 lbs. 39th round pick of Astros in 2012.
• Daniel Pinero, Virginia SS--entering the NCAA tournament hitting .311/.415/.440. 34 BBs/33 Ks in 209 ABs. A big boy at the position at a listed 6’6” and has made 18 errors in 55 games (had just 9 miscues all of last season). Reached 44 times on walks and HBPs in 2014 as a freshman even though his overall numbers weren’t impressive (.261/.372/.286). The fact that he came in to a top-level program like the Cavaliers and started all 68 games as a freshman is notable to say the least. 20th round pick of the Astros in 2013 and a draft-eligible sophomore this season.
• Michael Foster, Northeastern INF/OF--cooled off considerably after a scorching start (he hit .420/.476/.614 over the first 23 games), finishing the year at .347/.432/.495 with 9 SBs in 11 attempts. 25 BB/26 K in 190 ABs. Played 2B, SS and CF for the Huskies this season. Listed at 6’0” 190 lbs. RS junior who was selected by the Astros in the 38th round last year after a .299/.369/.394 season.
• Hunter Virant, UCLA LHP--Limited action in 2013 and 2014 in part due to stress fracture in back. And this season he just could not get things together and was used sparingly out of the bullpen. Although the Bruins season is not yet over, he currently sits at 11 walks and 21 hits allowed in 21 IP with just 10 strikeouts. I’m guessing another year in Westwood is in the cards. 11th round pick of Astros in 2012.
• A.J. Murray, Georgia Tech C/1B/DH--has some pop but not likely to make enough consistent contact to make it worthwhile. Finished his senior season at .279/.366/.582 with 54 strikeouts versus 26 walks in 208 ABs. 48th round selection by the Astros in 2011 out of HS.
• Gandy Stubblefield, West Alabama--spent his freshman and sophomore seasons in Aggieland before transferring to the DII school. 62 hits and 29 hits allowed this spring with 71 whiffs in 84 IP. Tyler’s brother. 14th round selection by the Astros in 2011 out of HS.
• Mac Marshall, Chipola LHP--missed 6 weeks with a broken thumb and then was removed from his last start due to a “minor nerve issue”. So he ended up throwing just 30 innings for the Indians this spring, whiffing 44 and walking 13. Like Jake Nix, reportedly changed advisors in the wake of last year’s debacle (going from Jet Sports to ACES). Like the rest of the guys on this re-draft list, must provide written consent in advance of the draft to allow the Astros to take him again. Unlike Nix, no one has yet to report whether he intends to do so or not. 21st round selection of Astros in 2014.

[astrosfan76]

Not bitching at you at all, but seriously what fucking language is this?

"Following up on @rog61 ... My gut right now is @Dbacks take @LieutenantDans7 at No. 1 & @Astros take @ABREG_1 at No. 2. @MLBDraft"

His gut feeling is that those two go #1 and #2?

[Nate Colbert]

Fixed to show the correct round on Joseph Shaw:

Re-Draft Possibilities

• Mitchell Traver, TCU RHP--a superb season for the RS sophomore, particularly given the hurdles he encountered his first two seasons as a Horned Frog. Entering NCAA tourney play, just 41 hits and 19 walks surrendered in 62 IP while K’ing 60. Pitched just ⅓ of an inning in 2013 and 2014 due to thoracic outlet syndrome surgery and TJS. The Sugar Land native is listed at 6’7” 245 lbs. 39th round pick of Astros in 2012.
• C.J. Hinojosa, Longhorn SS--disappointing season for the ex-Klein Collins HSer. Although he put on a spurt towards the end (including 4 homers in a span of 3 games versus Baylor), overall his offense fell short at .244/.322/.410. While at the beginning of the year he was mentioned as perhaps going as high as the 4th round, that no longer seems to be in the cards. 26th round pick of the Astros in 2012.
• Joseph Shaw, DBU RHP--the Friday night starter for the Patriots whiffed 66 in 82 IP while allowing 74 hits and 23 walks. Listed at 6’5” 230 lbs. 40th round pick of Astros in 2012.
• Daniel Pinero, Virginia SS--entering the NCAA tournament hitting .311/.415/.440. 34 BBs/33 Ks in 209 ABs. A big boy at the position at a listed 6’6” and has made 18 errors in 55 games (had just 9 miscues all of last season). Reached 44 times on walks and HBPs in 2014 as a freshman even though his overall numbers weren’t impressive (.261/.372/.286). The fact that he came in to a top-level program like the Cavaliers and started all 68 games as a freshman is notable to say the least. 20th round pick of the Astros in 2013 and a draft-eligible sophomore this season.
• Michael Foster, Northeastern INF/OF--cooled off considerably after a scorching start (he hit .420/.476/.614 over the first 23 games), finishing the year at .347/.432/.495 with 9 SBs in 11 attempts. 25 BB/26 K in 190 ABs. Played 2B, SS and CF for the Huskies this season. Listed at 6’0” 190 lbs. RS junior who was selected by the Astros in the 38th round last year after a .299/.369/.394 season.
• Hunter Virant, UCLA LHP--Limited action in 2013 and 2014 in part due to stress fracture in back. And this season he just could not get things together and was used sparingly out of the bullpen. Although the Bruins season is not yet over, he currently sits at 11 walks and 21 hits allowed in 21 IP with just 10 strikeouts. I’m guessing another year in Westwood is in the cards. 11th round pick of Astros in 2012.
• A.J. Murray, Georgia Tech C/1B/DH--has some pop but not likely to make enough consistent contact to make it worthwhile. Finished his senior season at .279/.366/.582 with 54 strikeouts versus 26 walks in 208 ABs. 48th round selection by the Astros in 2011 out of HS.
• Gandy Stubblefield, West Alabama--spent his freshman and sophomore seasons in Aggieland before transferring to the DII school. 62 hits and 29 hits allowed this spring with 71 whiffs in 84 IP. Tyler’s brother. 14th round selection by the Astros in 2011 out of HS.
• Mac Marshall, Chipola LHP--missed 6 weeks with a broken thumb and then was removed from his last start due to a “minor nerve issue”. So he ended up throwing just 30 innings for the Indians this spring, whiffing 44 and walking 13. Like Jake Nix, reportedly changed advisors in the wake of last year’s debacle (going from Jet Sports to ACES). Like the rest of the guys on this re-draft list, must provide written consent in advance of the draft to allow the Astros to take him again. Unlike Nix, no one has yet to report whether he intends to do so or not. 21st round selection of Astros in 2014.

[Nate Colbert]

4th in a series:

Senior Slot Signs

• Tanner Rainey, West Alabama RHP--a two-way player at the DII school, he’s apparently being valued by scouts for his mound talents. Used as a reliever so his innings are relatively sparse. 29 K/14 BB in 21 IP with 12 hits allowed. Listed at 6’3” 235 lbs. Never drafted.
• Kyle Martin, South Carolina 1B--don’t really hear much about this guy but one of the more intriguing college power bats available in the draft. His overall numbers for the season were impressive enough--.350/.455/.635 in 57 games with 39 BB/27 K in 203 AB. But in tough SEC conference play the lefty hitter kicked it up a notch--.393/.504/.794 in 30 games with 24 Ws versus just 12 Ks in 107 ABs. Those numbers were arguably better than those put up by SEC Player of the Year Andrew Benintendi. Of course, given his position the bat is the only thing Martin brings to the table. But a power bat is a power bat and add to that some really good plate discipline and I think you have the best college senior hitter available. Listed at 6’1” 240 lbs. Unsigned 20th rounder from 2014.
• Zack Zehner, Cal Poly OF--a slow start to the season but came on strong to post .304/.356/.509 numbers. A red flag is some fairly high strikeout numbers--52 in 214 ABs. Listed at 6’4” 210 lbs. The 5th highest pick from 2014 to not sign (7th round, Blue Jays).
• Austin Byler, Nevada 1B--finished the year at .328/.507/.652 although certainly a geographic component to some of those numbers. Finished 2nd in the nation to Florida State OF DJ Stewart in both walks (54) AND strikeouts (57). Listed at 6’3” 225 lbs. The 6th highest pick from 2014 to not sign (9th round, Nationals).
• Benton Moss, North Carolina RHP--started out the year in a terrific manner with (34:4 K/W in his first 21.2 IP) but it was somewhat downhill from there. He missed several weeks with a forearm strain. And the numbers afterwards weren’t as good: 32:13 K/W in 45.1 IP. FB allegedly has topped out at 95. Listed at 6’2” 180 lbs. Unsigned 15th rounder from 2014.
• Josh Tobias, Florida 3B--apparently went back to switch-hitting this season and saw a huge spike from last season’s numbers of .305/.376/.448. This year he entered NCAA tourney play batting a more robust .373/.441/.565 with 18 walks and 28 strikeouts in 193 ABs. And there’s no significant dropoff when you look at his stats only against SEC foes: .357/.425/.551. Listed at 5’10” 205 lbs. 31st round pick in 2011 out of HS.
• Blake Allemand, Aggies INF--couldn’t have asked for a better season from the 5’10” Bourne native who headed into regionals hitting .352/.434/.526 with 29 walks and just 17 strikeouts in 213 ABs. The switch-hitter had just as good or better numbers in conference play, batting .362/.462/.514. 6 of 7 in SBs. Never drafted.
• David Berg, UCLA RHP--the Bruins sidearming closer entered regionals having struck out 56 and walked just 7 in 61.2 frames. Holds the NCAA record for career appearances and is within a few saves of the career saves record. Listed at 6’0” 195 lbs. Unsigned 17th rounder from 2014.
• Colin Welmon, LMU RHP--the Friday night starter for the Lions all four seasons he’s been on campus. Whiffed 96 in 94 innings this year while walking 28. Low 90s FB. Listed at 6’3” 195 lbs. Unsigned 34th rounder from 2014.
• Garrett Mundell, Fresno State RHP--started out the year as the Sunday starter for the Bulldogs before moving to the bullpen which is where pitched as a junior. Went from 38 K/24 BB in 46 IP in 2014 to 53 K/21 BB in 61 IP in 2015. Listed at 6’7” 235 lbs. Taken in the 18th round by the D-Backs in 2014.
• Jordan Ramsey, UNCW RHP--a reliever for the Seahawks who headed off to the NCAA tournament with a fabulous 60 Ks to 10 Ws in 45 IP and only 31 hits allowed. Listed at 6’4” 200 lbs. Taken in the 32nd round by the Yankees in 2014.
• Dylan Moore, UCF INF--went .333/.417/.542 for the year with 28 Ws and 35 Ks in 240 ABs. 14 of 16 in steals. After transferring in from juco, he put up .315/.391/.414 numbers in his junior season for the Knights. Listed at 6’0” 190 lbs. Never drafted.
• Connor Barron, Southern Miss OF--A 3rd rounder in 2011 (102nd overall pick) out of HS, the potential five tool player never really put things together at the plate in his first three seasons with the Golden Eagles. However, things might finally have clicked for him last summer playing in the Texas Collegiate League where he batted .344/.418/.519, had 34 stolen bases in 37 attempts and BA named him the top prospect in that league. The success continued into his senior season where he was blazing thru the early part of the schedule before leveling off. Final numbers: .295/.393/.463 with 29 walks and 39 strikeouts in 190 ABs. 13 out of 17 in steals.
• Preston Morrison, TCU RHP--will be interesting to see how this soft-tosser’s stuff plays at the next level. 71 Ks in 96 IP. Listed at 6’2” 185 lbs. Never drafted.
• John Clay Reeves, Rice C--has a .324/.424/.484 slash line entering the NCAA tournament with 24 Ws and 29 Ks in 188 ABs. Hit .317/.370/.439 as a junior after spending his freshman year at Arkansas (where he started 19 games at catcher) and then transferring to Navarro College for his sophomore season. Listed at 6’0” 200 lbs. Never drafted.
• Bobby Poyner, Florida LHP--the Gators reliever entered the NCAA tourney with 50 strikeouts and just 6 walks in 52 IP while giving up 45 hits. Listed at 6’2” 205 lbs. Never drafted.
• Garrett Kennedy, Miami C/1B--threw up impressive numbers of .372/.459/.531 in ACC-only play with 17 BBs/13 Ks in 113 ABs. Listed at 6’2” 210 lbs. Never drafted.
• Tommy Williams, UCF 3B--trailed off after a very hot start this spring but his 2015 numbers overall were still pretty good at .315/.403/.536. His OPS progression in his college career? .611 in 2013 to .819 in 2014 to this year’s .939 so it looks like he’s kinda getting the hang of things. On the other hand, his 60 strikeouts in 222 ABs this season suggests he may have problems making consistent contact at the next level. Listed at 6’2” 190 lbs. 20th rounder in 2011 out of HS.
• Matt Beaty, Belmont 1B/3B--the Astros took Jamie Ritchie out of Belmont last year in the 13th round so maybe they’re taking a close look at this kid. Like Ritchie, has tremendous plate discipline. He entered 2015 having walked 80 times vs. just 57 whiffs in 517 ABs in his college career. This year he drew 32 BBs and struck out only 17 times in 238 ABs to go along with his .382/.469/.668 slash line. The lefty hitter is listed at 6’1” 200 lbs. 48th rounder in 2011 out of HS.
• David Kerian, Illinois 1B--entering regionals play the switch-hitter had posted .366/.452/.644 numbers with 31 BBs and 25 Ks in 192 ABs. Listed at 6’3” 195 lbs. 42nd rounder in 2011 out of HS.
• Kade Scivicque, LSU C--entered regionals hitting .353/.393/.517 for the year with just 20 strikeouts in 207 ABs in 51 games. His numbers in SEC play were fairly solid as well: .352/.400/.456 in 29 games. After transferring in from juco, hit .304/.377/.467 in 2014. Adequate receiving skills but needs refining seems to be the judgement of the scouting community as to his work behind the plate. Never drafted.
• Logan Ratledge, NC State INF--blossomed this year after a relatively lackluster junior campaign where he hit just .274/.367/.375. This year, entering regionals play he had a .330/.433/.539 slash line with 31 Ws and 30 Ks in 215 ABs. 11-14 in SB attempts. Played 2B for the Wolfpack previously until being shifted to SS this season after Trea Turner was taken in last year’s draft. Listed at 5’10” 190 lbs. Never drafted.
• Kyle Friedrichs, Long Beach State RHP--on a night with a lot of scouts in the house due to Dillon Tate being the mound opponent, absolutely shut down the Gauchos   (9 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 W, 13 K) in one of the best pitching performances of the 2015 college season. In that game UCSB managed just 1 FB off him. Had a pretty amazing 109 strikeouts and just 12 walks in 100 IP this season. Was the Dirtbag closer in 2012 (and a darned-good one) before going under the knife (TJS) and missing all of 2013. Pitched just 26 innings in a recovery season in 2014. Listed at 6’1” 190 lbs. Never drafted.
• Kevin Kaczmarski, Evansville OF--absolutely punished MVC (and other) pitchers to the tune of a .465/.543/.746 slash line with 28 BBs and 23 Ks in 185 ABs. That batting average led all of D1 ball by a substantial margin. Swiped 13 bags in 17 attempts. Listed at 6’0” 190 lbs. Never drafted.
• Chris Keck, UCLA 3B--headed off to the NCAA tournament batting .306/.395/.505 with 30 walks and 26 strikeouts in 216 ABs. That’s a pretty amazing turnaround for a guy who had career numbers of .220/.313/.303 entering the season. Listed at 6’2” 190 lbs. The lefty hitter missed the final six weeks of the 2014 season with a blood clot in his arm. Never drafted.
• Collin Ferguson, Saint Mary’s 1B--lefty hitter swung at a .337/.463/.577 clip for the Gaels with 43 walks and 47 strikeouts in 208 ABs. Listed at 6’3” 215 lbs. 23rd round selection of Oakland in 2014.
• Ryan Krill, Michigan State 1B--also a lefty hitter who after a really poor junior season (just .234/.322/.356) decided to spend less time in the weight room and make some mechanical adjustments at the plate. It paid off big time this season as he exploded to put up .351/.439/.615 numbers with 27 walks and 30 strikeouts in 205 ABs. Listed at 6’4” 230 lbs. 40th round selection in 2011 out of HS.
• Sarkis Ohanian, Duke RHP--the Blue Devil reliever had a 62/11 strikeout to walk ratio in 45.2 innings. Listed at 6’0” 185 lbs. Never drafted.
• Ryan Halstead, Indiana RHP--the Hoosier closer missed most of 2014 after blowing out a knee but rebounded this year to rack up a 51/5 strikeout to walk ratio in 40 IP. Listed at 6’5” 220 lbs. 26th round pick in 2013.
• Tucker Tubbs, Memphis 1B--slugged .305/.393/.601 with 17 longballs (6th in nation). 26 BBs/27 Ks in 223 Abs. Listed at 6’4” 205 lbs. Never drafted.

Others: Jon Perrin, Oklahoma State RHP (33rd rounder, 2014); Ashton Perritt, Liberty (17th rounder, 2014); Parker French, Longhorns RHP (19th rounder, 2014); Michael Freeman, Oklahoma State LHP (never drafted); Sikes Orvis, Ole Miss 1B (19th rounder, 2011); James McMahon, Southern Miss RHP (never drafted); Mitchell Nau, Texas A&M C/DH (never drafted); Jackson Glines, Michigan OF (never drafted); Reid Roper, Illinois 2B (29th rounder, 2010); Luke Harrison, Indiana RHP (never drafted); Tyler Peitzmeier, CSF LHP (never drafted); Billy Strode, Florida State LHP (never drafted)

These senior slot signs will generally fall in rounds 6-10 although some will go earlier.

[jbm]

So, I'm trying to see as many of the top guys as possible.  Saw some ABs from Bregman last night. The only thing I gathered from limited viewing is that he seems marginal as a runner. I didn't slow the recording to watch any plays as a fielder, but it got me wondering, can he really be a quality shortstop?  If he has to move to second, or third (I have no knowledge of his arm), does his bat really project that well? 

What's the opinion of those here who have seen him.

[Mr. Happy]

So, I'm trying to see as many of the top guys as possible.  Saw some ABs from Bregman last night. The only thing I gathered from limited viewing is that he seems marginal as a runner. I didn't slow the recording to watch any plays as a fielder, but it got me wondering, can he really be a quality shortstop?  If he has to move to second, or third (I have no knowledge of his arm), does his bat really project that well? 

What's the opinion of those here who have seen him.

I have seen Bregman play qute a bit. I think that he'll change positions in the pros to 2B, but he's got the arm to play SS. I guess that I'm having trouble seeing him as a top 5 pick. His freshman year was huge. He started very slowly last season.

[Reuben]

It feels like the draft buzz is extremely fickle this year. Tate had 1/1 or 2 buzz for most of the spring, then had a few not-great outings and suddenly he's projected in the 6-10 range. Funkhouser has dropped like a stone. Swanson and Bregman have played well as their teams roll into the CWS, and they have both shot up boards. Fulmer was the hot name for a week, then had one bad game and he's back in the 7-10 range supposedly.

I just wonder if teams are really changing their feelings about top guys that quickly, or if it's a bi-product of all the draft writers needing to churn out new content every 5 minutes.

I guess what I'm getting at is, a few weeks ago many here would've been ecstatic if told that the Astros had a legit shot at drafting both Rodgers and Tate. Now it appears that they could, but may even pass on both.

[Reuben]

Tate, by the way, had a pretty good outing Saturday. Gave up 4 runs in 8 IP but only 6 H, 1 BB, and 11 punchouts. Haven't seen any reports on his velo.

[astrosfan76]

It feels like the draft buzz is extremely fickle this year. Tate had 1/1 or 2 buzz for most of the spring, then had a few not-great outings and suddenly he's projected in the 6-10 range. Funkhouser has dropped like a stone. Swanson and Bregman have played well as their teams roll into the CWS, and they have both shot up boards. Fulmer was the hot name for a week, then had one bad game and he's back in the 7-10 range supposedly.

I just wonder if teams are really changing their feelings about top guys that quickly, or if it's a bi-product of all the draft writers needing to churn out new content every 5 minutes.

I guess what I'm getting at is, a few weeks ago many here would've been ecstatic if told that the Astros had a legit shot at drafting both Rodgers and Tate. Now it appears that they could, but may even pass on both.

Yes.  The guys that are dropping had question marks before, but were performing well despite them, or were performing like there wasn't an issue, at all.  For instance, Tate was holding his velocity and performing at a high level most of the season, then saw his velocity drop and favors his off-speed stuff.  So, now the lack-of-track-record questions (especially as a starter) begin to creep back in to play.  The fluctuation also speaks to the lack of separation between players, with plenty of debate even within scouting departments.  So, depending on who a writer talks to, they could come away with multiple opinions of who a club likes.  It doesn't hurt, from their standpoint, but I don't think it's entirely their creation.

[pots]

My money is still on Rodgers.  There is no way any real information has floated out of the Astros camp.  It's not like they are just in a situation where they take who Arizona doesn't, they have the 5th pick as well.  So they really can't even float a we are looking at these 6 players list. 

And for that matter, Colorado and the Rangers have to be super mum on who they like.  Because if the Astros have 2 guys they really want and 1 is likely to fall to 5 then they'd draft the other in hopes to get both.

Especially if Arizona is mudding the waters trying to draft cheap at 1-1 to land a great pick at 2-1.  Now you are in a situation where Rodgers may truly be the BPA, but neither the Astros, Rockies or Rangers are going to say a word about him hoping he comes to them.  And the Twins and on wouldn't even be talking about Rodgers since he's unlikely to be there at 6.

[Nate Colbert]

Recapping regionals performances plus the usual miscellaneous:

Potential Top 5 Picks

• Dillon Tate, UCSB RHP--against San Diego State, as previously noted he struck out 11 and walked just 1 with 6 hits allowed in 8 IP. Was tossing 94-96 in 1st inning (topping out at 98) and still throwing mid-90s in the 7th. Finished 2015 with 111 K/28 BB in 103 IP and 66 hits allowed. Never drafted.
• Dansby Swanson, Vanderbilt SS--went 3-10 with 4 walks, a double, a SB and a longball as Vandy advances to the super regionals against Illinois. Currently .348/.443/.656 for the year (.310/.417/.560 against SEC foes). 15 for 17 in SBs. 42 walks vs 43 strikeouts in 247 ABs. 38th round pick in 2012 out of HS.
• Alex Bregman, LSU SS--hitless in 3 games but he did have 3 walks and 3 SBs (also thrown out once). Current slash line of .318/.414/.548 (.298/.399/.492 in 29 SEC games). Just 20 strikeouts in 239 ABs. 35 out of 45 in steals. LSU takes on ULL in super regionals. 29th round pick in 2012 out of HS.
• Kyle Funkhouser, Louisville RHP--decent performance against Morehead State (7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 W, 6 K). 99 K/43 W in 105 IP this season. The Cardinals move on to play Cal State Fullerton in super regionals. Never drafted.
• Carson Fulmer, Vanderbilt RHP--had his usual steady if not spectacular performance with Lipscomb the victim in this case: 7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 W, 11 K. Whiffed 147 in 108 IP this year with 41 BBs. 15th round selection in 2012 out of HS.
• Walker Buehler, Vanderbilt RHP--put up 5/2/0/0/1/7 numbers in that 21-0 butt-kicking of Radford. 78 hits and 25 walks allowed in 79 IP this season with 81 strikeouts. Missed several starts early and on restricted pitch count in several others due to elbow soreness. 14th round selection in 2012 out of HS.
• Ian Happ, Cincinnati INF/OF--season over. Finished the year at .369/.492/.672. 49 walks and 49 strikeouts in 198 ABs. Just 12-20 in SBs. Possible 2B in pros but currently playing OF for the Bearcats. Never drafted.
• Tyler Jay, Illinois LHP--scouts wanted to see the Illini closer in an extended outing and they got it. Went 4 scoreless against Wright State, allowing just 1 hit and 1 walk while whiffing 5. 62 pitches/45 strikes. Currently has 70 Ks in 60 IP with just 7 walks and 30 hits surrendered as he and his team move on against the Dores next weekend. Never drafted.
• Andrew Benintendi, Arkansas OF--had a 4-11 weekend with 2 walks and a double as the Razorbacks advance to the super regionals against Missouri State. Currently at .390/.491/.723 with 18 homers. And a ridiculous .443/.527/.736 in 29 SEC games. 42 walks vs 30 strikeouts in 213 ABs. 22 out of 26 in SBs. Listed at 5’10” 180 lbs. The draft-eligible sophomore was a 31st round pick in 2013 out of HS. Does not turn 21 until July.

[Nate Colbert]

5th in a series:

Some Interesting 3rd thru 5th Round Possibilities

• Thomas Eshelman, CSF RHP--not a real hard thrower but has pinpoint command. Overall for the year, only 6 freakin’ walks in 123.1 innings. Whiffed 125. Just posted a terrific outing (9 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 0 W, 14 K) in the NCAA regionals against Arizona State. A 3rd round projection earlier in the year was reasonable but has been rapidly rising on draft boards of late and may well be gone by the time the Astros pick at #79. Listed at 6’3” 210 lbs. Never drafted.
• Kyle Cody, Kentucky RHP--was ranked as the #2 prospect by BA in the Cape Cod League (CCL) last summer with a FB that sat 95 and touched 98 and was considered a potential 1st-rounder coming into this spring. But boy did he have a up and down season for the Wildcats. Went from the expected Friday starter to the Sunday starter to the bullpen and back in the rotation at the tail end of the year. His last two starts were impressive--just one run allowed in 15 innings against Mizzou and Georgia with 13 Ks/2 BBs. Overall for the year he had a 4.91 ERA but the peripherals were much better with 63 strikeouts and 17 walks in 66 IP. Listed at 6’7” 245 lbs. 33rd-rounder out of HS in 2012.
• David Hill, San Diego RHP--perhaps the most consistent pitcher in college baseball this spring. 115 K/35 W in 100 IP with just 66 hits allowed. Some scouts have questioned his usage this spring, running up some high pitch counts on several occasions (including 147 pitches in one outing). Listed at 6’3” 205 lbs. 17th round pick of the Phillies out of HS in 2012.
• David Thompson, Miami 1B/LF--very nice blend of power and plate discipline. Currently hitting .339/.447/.678 (including 19 dongs) with 41 walks and 26 strikeouts in 230 at-bats. Some drop-off against ACC opponents but still an impressive .305/.388/.686 slash line. Surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome and the recovery therefrom resulted in a down year at the plate last year (no home runs) but he’s healthy now. He’s also had several surgeries on his right shoulder and consequently doesn’t have the greatest of throwing arms. Plays 3B for the Hurricanes but a 1B/LF in the pros. Listed at 6’2” 205 lbs. 38th rounder in 2012 out of HS.
• Taylor Ward, Fresno State C--this draft is really thin on catching and Ward is generally considered the best of the college bunch. Decent throwing arm and solid receiving skills. There are some questions about the bat although he did hit .304/.413/.486 this spring with 35 walks and 34 whiffs in 214 ABs. Listed at 5’11” 190 lbs. 31st round pick of the Rays out of HS in 2012.
• Kyle Holder, San Diego SS--nifty glove, the question is how the bat will hold up at the next level. His numbers, however, for the Toreros this season weren’t shabby at all: .348/.418/.482 with 19 walks and 19 strikeouts in 224 ABs. Listed at 6’1” 185 lbs. Never drafted.
• Harrison Bader, Florida OF--hit .337 as a sophomore so a pretty significant  decline in the BA this season offset by increased power (a combined 3 homers his first two years vs 14 longballs this year). Overall this spring he’s hitting .290/.393/.549 with 30 BBs/48 Ks in 223 ABs. A lot of that damage was done against non-conference foes, however, as he hit just .222/.313/.393 in SEC play. Has the ability to play CF. Listed at 6’0” 190 lbs. Never drafted.
• Christin Stewart, Tennessee OF--the slash line overall (.311/.443/.633) and in SEC play (.308/.429/.606) were both impressive. 28 walks and 38 strikeouts in 177 ABs. Not the most mobile guy and the best case scenario is LF. Listed at 6’0” 205 lbs. Never drafted.
• Ryan Burr, ASU RHP--the Sun Devils closer touches 97 on the FB but is as wild as the proverbial march hare. Whiffed 74 hitters in 46 frames but walked 25 (and yielded 44 hits) this year after walking 38 in 44 IP last year. Listed at 6’4” 215 lbs. 33rd round pick in 2012 out of HS.
• Josh Staumont, Azusa Pacific RHP--Wild Thing and his 100 mph fastball finished the year with 109 Ks in 68.2 IP. Of course with that came 54 walks, 12 wild pitches and 8 plunks. Listed at 6’0” 185 lbs. Never drafted.
• Jeff Degano, Indiana State LHP--a Canadian who spent two relatively undistinguished seasons at a juco before pitching 3 games in 2013 for the Sycamores and then missing the rest of the season and all of 2014 after TJS. So not an auspicious resume entering this spring. But a breakout year with 126 K/28 BB in 99 IP. Listed at 6’4” 200 lbs. Never drafted.
• Andrew Stevenson, LSU OF--brings speed and the ability to play CF to the table. The lefty swinger has posted .373/.425/.480 numbers thus far, including .368/.440/.453 in SEC play. 26 of 33 in steals. Listed at 6’0” 185 lbs. Never drafted.
• Brandon Koch, DBU RHP--mid 90s fastball and a great slider contributed to an outstanding season for the Patriots closer. Racked up 69 Ks in just 38 innings this season. However, he also walked 24. Listed at 6’0” 185 lbs. Never drafted.
• Rhett Wiseman, Vanderbilt OF--the lefty hitter has posted .310/.410/.557 numbers in 2015 including .279/.385/.566 against conference foes. Possible red flag is the high strikeout level--61 in 255 ABs. May have the arm to play RF. Listed at 6’1” 205 lbs. 25th round selection out of HS in 2012.
• Taylor Clarke, C of C RHP--eye-popping numbers with 143 K/14 W in 114 innings. Lower 90s FB with obvious exceptional command. Had TJS several years ago. Listed at 6’2” 180 lbs. Never drafted.
• Kal Simmons, Kennesaw State SS--The switch-hitter was ranked by BA as the 22nd best prospect in the CCL last summer. Known for his defensive abilities but deficient with the bat as suggested by the .269/.380/.443 line put up for the Owls this season. Listed at 6’0” 185 lbs. Never drafted.
• Brandon Lowe, Maryland 2B--lefty hitter and draft-eligible sophomore who had a sensational freshman season batting .348/.464/.464. Has again led the Terps to the super regionals this season, hitting .333/.438/.551 along the way. 36 walks vs 30 strikeouts in 243 ABs. Torn ACL caused him to miss the 2013 season. Listed at 5’10” 165 lbs. Does not turn 21 until July.  Never drafted.
• David Fletcher, LMU SS--a draft-eligible sophomore who had an outstanding freshman season (.329/.362/.374 with 17 steals in 21 attempts) for the Lions, starting and playing in all 56 games. He was batting .351/.438/.486 through the first half of this season but tailed off in the back half and ended up at .308/.385/.416 (better numbers than last season unless you want to fixate on the BA). Just 18 Ks in 221 ABs. 14 of 17 in SBs. Feeling of most is that he can stick at SS. Listed at 5’10” 175 lbs. Never drafted.
• Kevin Kramer, UCLA INF--the Bruins leadoff hitter had a very nice season increasing his draft stock in the process. Finished at .323/.423/.475 but like Fletcher slumped down the stretch after hitting .410/.512/.629 in the first half. 36 walks and 38 whiffs in 254 ABs. Just 7 SBs in 15 attempts. Likely utility guy at the next level. RS junior who missed all of the 2014 season after undergoing shoulder surgery. Listed at 6’1” 205 lbs. 25th round selection in 2011 draft out of HS.
• Paul DeJong, Illinois State 2B--pretty consistent the last two seasons, batting .349/.430/.596 in 2014 and .333/.427/.605 this season. Hammered 14 deep flies this year but also struck out 50 times. Had a big season in the Northwoods League last summer where he slammed 20 dongs. Has some positional flexibility having played SS, 3B, OF and C for the Redbirds along with 2B. Some thought he might move to catcher permanently in the pros but a history of knee injuries might not make that the best of ideas. Listed at 6’1” 195 lbs. Taken by the Pirates in the 38th round in 2014 as a draft-eligible sophomore.
• Grayson Long, Aggie RHP--the Houston area native doesn’t have a lot of oomph on the fastball but spots it well. Thus far has chalked up 104 Ks/38 BBs in 93 IP. Listed at 6’5” 215 lbs. 39th rounder in 2012 out of HS.
• Ben Johnson, Longhorn OF--a .383/.427/.600 first half morphed into a more subdued but still excellent .332/.393/.498 for the season. The former Westwood High QB drew 13 walks and 13 plunks while K’ing 39 times in 241 at-bats. Listed at 6’1” 185 lbs. 25th round selection in 2012 out of HS.
• Josh Sborz, Virginia--the Hoos closer enters the super regionals with a 0.93 WHIP and 50 Ks in 58 IP. Listed at 6’2” 225 lbs. Never drafted.
• Andrew Moore, Oregon State RHP--a shorter Thomas Eshelman with slightly lesser command. Still, an excellent 111 Ks/21 BBs in 122 innings. Listed at 6’0” 185 lbs. Never drafted.
• Edwin Rios, FIU 1B--the lefty swinger smoked 18 longballs (3rd in the nation) while hitting .314/.421/.592 with 39 BBs and 37 Ks. Had a tremendous freshman campaign for the Panthers at .332/.412/.548 before declining to .296/.341/.400 last year. Kissimmee area native. Listed at 6’3” 200 lbs. Never drafted.
• Alex Robinson, Maryland LHP--mid 90s velocity but difficulty harnessing it. Walked 20 in 27 IP while sitting down 32. Listed at 6’3” 220 lbs. Never drafted.
• Kevin Duchene, Illinois LHP--soft tossing southpaw who heads into the super regionals with 86 Ks/15 BBs in 98 IP with 82 hits surrendered. Listed at 6’2” 205 lbs. Never drafted.
• Jack Wynkoop, South Carolina LHP--profiles similar to Duchene. A very fine 86 whiffs and 14 walks in 105 innings and a not so fine 121 hits allowed. Listed at 6’5” 210 lbs. Never drafted.
• Justin Jacome, UCSB LHP--named the 25th-best prospect in the CCL this past summer by Baseball America, the lanky Gauchos hurler struck out 96 in 117 frames with a 1.16 WHIP. Listed at 6’6” 230 lbs. Never drafted.
• Garrett Cleavinger, Oregon LHP--the Ducks closer whiffed 66 in 40 IP this spring after striking out 29 in 13 IP in the CCL last summer. Listed at 6’0” 220 lbs. Never drafted.
• Carson Cross, UConn RHP--108 Ks/25 BBs in 106 IP this year with 80 hits surrendered. Missed all of 2014 due to shoulder surgery. Listed at 6’6” 205 lbs. 24th-rounder in 2013 as a draft-eligible sophomore.
• Gabe Klobosits, Galveston CC RHP--the former Katy Pope John XXIII HSer struck out 82 while walking 22 in 77 IP this season for the Whitecaps. The sophomore is an Auburn commit. 25th round pick by the Red Sox in 2014 after his freshman season.
• Isiah Gilliam, Chipola 1B/OF--finished the year at .362/.421/.548 with 17 walks and 33 whiffs in 188 ABs. Listed at 6’3” 215 lbs. Teammate of Mac Marshall in both HS (Parkview in Lilburn, GA) and now at Chipola. Unsigned 23rd rounder from 2014 out of HS.
• Justin Ellison, Western Oklahoma State College OF--evidently when Jim Stevenson says he likes a guy, Mike Elias’ ears perk up. Stevenson is the area scout for Arkansas, Kansas, North Texas and Oklahoma. He is of course the guy who recommended/signed Dallas Keuchel (prior to 2007 he was with the Brewers and recommended/signed Yovani Gallardo). Players from Oklahoma and Kansas jucos seem especially to be in his sights. The Astros drafted seven players in 2014 alone from those schools including two from Western Oklahoma (Tony Nunez in the 18th round and Josh James in the 34th round). And the Western Oklahoma connection doesn’t stop there--former Astros minor leaguers Ruben Sosa (2011 23rd-rounder), Jamaine Cotton (2010 15th-rounder) and Jose Carlos Thompson (2011 NDFA) all played for the Pioneers. Unfortunately, the Astros never drafted the most famous Western Oklahoma alum--Andrelton Simmons. So it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see them draw from that well again with the lefty-hitting Ellison. Listed at 6’2” 170 lbs, the Columbus, GA native hit .426/.529/.863 this spring as a sophomore with 43 Ws versus 30 Ks in 197 ABs. 21 out of 27 in steals. Never drafted.
• Garrett Benge, Cowley County CC 3B--a Kansas juco possibility. A freshman who put up absurd numbers this year: .502/.601/.946 with 19 HRs and 97 RBIs in 52 games. 51 BB/13 K in 205 ABs. Even stole 15 bags in 19 attempts. Listed at 6’0” 205. The Yukon, OK native is an Oklahoma State commit. Never drafted.
• Willie Calhoun, Yavapai JC INF/OF--Yavapai actually has quite a history of producing big league players. Notable past Roughrider players include Billy Hatcher, Charlie Kerfeld, Curt Schilling and Bob Milacki as well as current MLBers Kole Calhoun, Ken Giles, Kyle Blanks and Kirby Yates. Calhoun led his team to the JUCO World Series this season by setting a number of offensive records for the Roughriders while hitting .441/.523/.973 with 31 longballs (note the geography certainly lends a hand to those numbers). Vertically-challenged (just 5’8”) and perhaps defensively-challenged as well. Attended U of Arizona as a freshman before moving on to Yavapai to apparently avoid an 18-game suspension. His numbers while with the Wildcats (.247/.345/.301) weren’t bad for a first year player but certainly gave no hint of the power to come. The plate discipline was there with the Wildcats (19 BB/11 K in 146 AB) and this year at Yavapai (34 BB/11 K in 222 AB) was phenomenal. Calhoun (along with fellow Roughrider Luke Doyle) have both signed to transfer to Kansas State unless some MLB team drafts him and puts enough money in his pocket to do otherwise. And he has turned down that money once before--he was taken in the 17th round by the Rays out of HS in 2013.
• Austin Allen, Florida Tech C--hit .421/.473/.728 for the DII Panthers with 23 walks and 19 strikeouts in 195 ABs. Apparently has a lot of work to do to stay behind the dish so a move to 1B wouldn’t be unexpected. Listed at 6’4” 225 lbs. Never drafted.
• Justin Garcia, Nova Southeastern OF--the last time the Astros took a Sharks outfielder didn’t work out so bad (J.D. Martinez) so how about another? Garcia hit .385/.478/.906 this year which was his first at the DII school. Those totals included 26 homers, 5 of which were hit in one day during a doubleheader. Took a meandering path to Nova, not playing baseball his first year out of high school before playing the next year at an Illinois juco and the subsequent one at a Florida juco. The lefty swinger is listed at 6’3” and 235 lbs. 25 Ws and 35 Ks in 192 ABs. 9 out of 10 in steals. Never drafted.

Note: The 3rd through 5th round projection should be taken with a massive heaping of salt. Undoubtedly some of these guys will fall into later rounds.

[astrosfan76]

My money is still on Rodgers.  There is no way any real information has floated out of the Astros camp.  It's not like they are just in a situation where they take who Arizona doesn't, they have the 5th pick as well.  So they really can't even float a we are looking at these 6 players list. 

And for that matter, Colorado and the Rangers have to be super mum on who they like.  Because if the Astros have 2 guys they really want and 1 is likely to fall to 5 then they'd draft the other in hopes to get both.

Especially if Arizona is mudding the waters trying to draft cheap at 1-1 to land a great pick at 2-1.  Now you are in a situation where Rodgers may truly be the BPA, but neither the Astros, Rockies or Rangers are going to say a word about him hoping he comes to them.  And the Twins and on wouldn't even be talking about Rodgers since he's unlikely to be there at 6.

It doesn't have to be a press release saying who they are looking at, but writers do get a sense of who some teams are considering.  Two years ago, though they ultimately selected Appel, it came out before the draft that they were strongly considering Moran at 1/1  That was despite many pundits having him as the ~5th-7th best player in the draft; those rumblings have been reinforced since then.  So, the speculation could be from talking to scouts (that team's or another's), seeing the level of a team's presence at the player's games, etc.  Again, that doesn't mean that they get a definite "we're taking this guy" from a team's GM or Scouting Director, but they may get enough from various sources to make "educated" guesses.  Doesn't mean they're ultimately right, though.

As for this draft class, ultimately, I would still be surprised if Rodgers made it to the Astros second pick.  He doesn't have the ceiling of some recent prep shortstops and he has some holes in his game, but he's good enough in this class.  He didn't have a "great" spring, but didn't have a bad one, and he just seems like a guy who goes to a team's tryout and wows everyone.     

[MusicMan]

As for this draft class, ultimately, I would still be surprised if Rodgers made it to the Astros second pick. 
   

I'll quite happily take Swanson as the 2nd pick.

[Nate Colbert]

I'll quite happily take Swanson as the 2nd pick.

Ditto.

[Mr. Happy]

I'll quite happily take Swanson as the 2nd pick.

+1

[juliogotay]

+1

I saw a play he made in the hole in the CWS and the throw he made to get the hitter. Amazing.

[Reuben]

I'll quite happily take Swanson as the 2nd pick.

I think '76 meant Rodgers is unlikely to make it to the Astros' 2nd pick, ie. 5th overall. Based on all the draft gossip it sounds like the only way the Dbacks don't take Swanson is if they cut a deal with Jay or something weird like that.

It also sounds like the Rocks are a sure bet to take Rodgers 3rd overall if available.

[astrosfan76]

I think '76 meant Rodgers is unlikely to make it to the Astros' 2nd pick, ie. 5th overall. Based on all the draft gossip it sounds like the only way the Dbacks don't take Swanson is if they cut a deal with Jay or something weird like that.

It also sounds like the Rocks are a sure bet to take Rodgers 3rd overall if available.

Yep, our 2nd pick/#5. 

[Reuben]

Man, this is weird. Law has his draft prospect rankings up at espn, with Rodgers #1 - and AZ SS Kevin Newman 2nd. Haven't seen him talked about as an elite talent, at all. Both BA and MLB.com have him at #29, citing lack of power, speed, and fringy SS defense.

On the other hand, if you believe he's going to hit like Jose Altuve in the majors, maybe he is the 2nd-best player.

[pots]

I'll quite happily take Swanson as the 2nd pick.

Certain Swanson has Beltran'd his way to the top.

[pots]

It doesn't have to be a press release saying who they are looking at, but writers do get a sense of who some teams are considering.

I'd bet money that at least the Rockies and Rangers have extra scouted folks that they are less interested this year.   The Astros having the 2nd and 5th pick really muddies the situation.  Let's say the DBacks take Swanson and the Astros are pretty much in a toss up between Rodgers, Tate and Fulmer.  Worse case scenario they draft one and the Rockies and Rangers take the other 2.  But let's say the Rangers are just plain stupid and make it obvious they want either Tate and if not then Jay.  Well then you take Tate knowing you will get one of Rodgers or Fulmer with the 5th pick.

[Mike S.]

Man, this is weird. Law has his draft prospect rankings up at espn, with Rodgers #1 - and AZ SS Kevin Newman 2nd. Haven't seen him talked about as an elite talent, at all. Both BA and MLB.com have him at #29, citing lack of power, speed, and fringy SS defense.

On the other hand, if you believe he's going to hit like Jose Altuve in the majors, maybe he is the 2nd-best player.

He is the only player to ever win the Cape Cod League batting title twice and earlier this year when he was hitting well over .400, Newman was talked about as going in the first ten picks (apologies, can't remember who specifically off the top of my head).  Defensively, I agree that he's probably adequate at SS.  But, from what I've read he has great baseball IQ (for lack of a better phrase) and should be more than capable playing 2B as a professional.

[Nate Colbert]

Man, this is weird. Law has his draft prospect rankings up at espn, with Rodgers #1 - and AZ SS Kevin Newman 2nd. Haven't seen him talked about as an elite talent...

This is not the first time Law has Newman ranked that high and we've talked about it before on this thread--see reply #316 above.

[Reuben]

This is not the first time Law has Newman ranked that high and we've talked about it before on this thread--see reply #316 above.

Oh yeah, thanks for the memory jog. I'd be curious to see him compare Newman to Swanson and Bregman. All he says in the ranking (the free content ends after the Newman/#2 entry) is:

Newman is also a surefire shortstop with tremendous feel to hit; he's the second-toughest college hitter in the draft class to strike out, just a shade behind Donnie Dewees (No. 73), who did it against weaker competition. Newman is a plus runner with the hand strength to have power, but he'll need to narrow his stance to get to the 10-12 home run range in pro ball.

here's part of BA's scouting report:

...combination of hitting ability and middle-of-the-diamond profile could put him in the first 10 selections. Newman is a pure hitter who controls the strike zone, walking more than he strikes out, but doesn't yet hit for a lot of power. Scouts are convinced the bat will play in the pro game, primarily because his quick hands work so well that he's able to start the hands so far forward. He may add more gap power as he matures but his college track record is that of a singles hitter, with two career homers (one Cape, one with Arizona). He struggled in Pacific-12 Conference play when he was pitched hard inside, batting just .279/.328/.378 heading into the final two weeks of conference play. Scouts are mixed on his shortstop defense and even arm strength, with some grading it average and others above-average. He's not flashy but has good instincts that maximize his arm, range and footwork. He also maximizes his average to above-average speed, and Newman consistently runs and plays hard. He's earned comparisons from players from Adam Kennedy for those who see him moving to second to Chris Gomez and, on the high end, Alan Trammell.

Geez, that's quite a range. I'm guessing Law is more in the Trammell camp.

[Mike S.]

Hi-Corbett Field, the University of Arizona's home field, is where college home runs go to die.

(ETA: Hi-Corbett was also the home field of Houston's former AAA affiliate, the Tucson Toros, when I was growing up; still remember when the Toros won their first PCL championship in 1991)

[juliogotay]

Hi-Corbett Field, the University of Arizona's home field, is where college home runs go to die.

(ETA: Hi-Corbett was also the home field of Houston's former AAA affiliate, the Tucson Toros, when I was growing up; still remember when the Toros won their first PCL championship in 1991)

do you remember the better players from that Toros club?

[Mike S.]

Kenny Lofton is the name I most remember because he was a star basketball player at the UofA when I was in grade school.  I also remember Eric Anthony and Gerald Young pretty well, but thanks to a quick Baseball Reference search I had forgotten just how many other prominent names were a part of that team:

Curt Schilling
Calvin Schiraldi
Andujar Cedeno
Tony Eusebio
Scott Servais
Jeff Juden
Mark McLemore

Wow.  The '91 Toros were even better than I remember.

[Nate Colbert]

One of the best hitters I remember from that era Tucson club was Jose Tolentino. Classic AAAA guy who got some brief time in the bigs and in the NPB as well.

And a former Longhorn too.

[juliogotay]

Kenny Lofton is the name I most remember because he was a star basketball player at the UofA when I was in grade school.  I also remember Eric Anthony and Gerald Young pretty well, but thanks to a quick Baseball Reference search I had forgotten just how many other prominent names were a part of that team:

Curt Schilling
Calvin Schiraldi
Andujar Cedeno
Tony Eusebio
Scott Servais
Jeff Juden
Mark McLemore

Wow.  The '91 Toros were even better than I remember.

Are you sure about Schilling and Schiraldi? I thought Schilling went directly to the big club when acquired from Baltimore and I don't remember Schiraldi ever being in Astros organization.

[Nate Colbert]

Are you sure about Schilling and Schiraldi? I thought Schilling went directly to the big club when acquired from Baltimore and I don't remember Schiraldi ever being in Astros organization.

The '91 Toros.

[juliogotay]

The '91 Toros.

There were a lot of guys that played in the majors on that team. Several 1st round picks including pitchers Ryan Bowen, Jeff Juden, Brian Williams and Schiraldi.

[Nate Colbert]

6th in a series:

Some Interesting Names Possibly Available at #37 & #46

• DJ Stewart, FSU OF--aka “Squat God of Walks”. Not very original though it is accurate as to his batting stance and ability to get on base. As the Noles face off against in-state rival Gators this weekend, currently hitting .322/.509/.580 with 69 walks and 45 whiffs. Those BBs lead the nation by a considerable margin. The lefty hitter also had no problems against ACC foes as he swatted .324/.493/.529 in 30 conference games. Looks like a fullback and was in his prep days. Listed at 6’0” 230 lbs. 28th rounder of the Yankees in 2012 out of HS.
• Cody Ponce, Cal Poly Pomona RHP--top-rated DII guy who BA ranked as the 3rd best talent in the Cape Cod League last summer where he posted 32 K/11 W in 35 IP. For CPP this spring, he registered 67 Ks vs 14 Ws in 62 innings. Missed three starts early this season with shoulder fatigue and was on restricted pitch count in several others. Was back up to the 90+ pitch range last month and even threw a 122 pitch game on May 15. Whether or not that was a good thing remains to be seen. Listed at 6’5” 235 lbs. Never drafted.
• Alex Young, TCU LHP--the southpaw operated primarily out of the bullpen his first two years before moving into the rotation this season and has been outstanding. Whiffed 81 and walked just 19 in 83 innings as TCU enters super regionals play. Listed at 6’3’ 190 lbs. 32nd round pick of the Rangers out of HS in 2012.
• Riley Ferrell, TCU RHP--the Horned Frogs closer and former A&M Consolidated HSer with the mid to high 90s FB has struck out 45 in 28 IP this year while walking 18 and allowing 10 hits. Was even better as a sophomore when he had a 70/14 strikeout to walk ratio in 45 innings. Listed at 6’1” 200 lbs. Never drafted.
• Donnie Dewees, North Florida OF--lefty hitter first announced his presence in the Cape last summer where he hit .340/.410/.473 in 41 games. That was a prelude to this spring when Dewees exploded for a .422/.483/.749 season for the Ospreys with 18 deep flies and just 16 strikeouts versus 30 walks in 251 ABs. 23 of 26 in SBs. Might be able to play CF. Broke his right wrist in 2014 which kept him out for most of his sophomore season. Listed at 6’0” 180 lbs. Never drafted.
• Richie Martin, Florida SS--enters the weekend series with the Noles batting .291/404/.415 with 33 walks and 33 strikeouts in 234 at-bats. Those numbers fall to .276/.360/.397 in SEC games. 20 for 27 in SBs. Doesn’t turn 21 until December. Listed at 6’0” 190 lbs. 38th round pick by the Marlins in 2012 out of HS.
• Scott Kingery, Arizona 2B--aggressive hitter who put up .392/.423/.561 numbers. Drew only 9 walks but also struck out just 18 times in 237 ABs. Just 11 out of 17 in SBs. Listed at 5’10” 180 lbs. Never drafted.
• Mikey White, Alabama SS--finished at .339/.444/.537 with 31 Ws and 47 Ks in 218 ABs over 60 games. In 30 SEC games, he hit .319/.418/.471. 8 for 9 in swipes. Opinions mixed on his long-term position but may have to slide over to 2B. Listed at 6’1” 200 lbs. 34th round pick by the Mets in 2012 out of HS.
• Andrew Suarez, Miami LHP--entered super regionals having given up 73 hits and 18 walks in 74 frames while whiffing 70. Missed several starts early with a strained oblique and was on a limited pitch count in at least three other starts. Also had a torn labrum back in 2012 that caused him to miss almost his entire freshman year. The 2nd highest pick from 2014 to not sign (57th overall, Nationals). He was a draft-eligible sophomore that year.
• Blake Trahan, Louisiana Lafayette SS--currently hitting .324/.435/.418 as the Ragin’ Cajuns prepare to play LSU in the super regionals. As the numbers would indicate, not much sting in the bat although decent plate discipline with 38 walks and 30 strikeouts in 244 ABs. Like Mikey White, mixed opinions on his defense with 2B of course the fallback option. Listed at 5’9” 180 lbs. Never drafted.

Other possibilities (covered in previous lists):

• Ke'Bryan Hayes
• Chris Shaw
• Joe McCarthy
• Gio Brusa*
• Mitchell Traver*

*Brusa and Traver might be more likely 3rd-5th round candidates

[moriartp]

DJ Stewart, FSU OF--aka “Squat God of Walks”. Not very original though it is accurate as to his batting stance and ability to get on base. As the Noles face off against in-state rival Gators this weekend, currently hitting .322/.509/.580 with 69 walks and 45 whiffs. Those BBs lead the nation by a considerable margin. The lefty hitter also had no problems against ACC foes as he swatted .324/.493/.529 in 30 conference games. Looks like a fullback and was in his prep days. Listed at 6’0” 230 lbs. 28th rounder of the Yankees in 2012 out of HS.

Sounds good to me. Take him!

[NeilT]

Will there be a 2016 draft thread?

[jbm]

You anticipating the apocalypse now that the good guys are in first?

[NeilT]

Hadn't thought of it quite that way, I was just thinking that a 29th draft pick would be less interesting.

[jbm]

29th?  Pessimist. 

To your original point though, you are most likely correct: not many people will care about the draft when the club is picking late. 

[Nate Colbert]

See this post in the Road to Omaha thread for super regionals matchups beginning tomorrow and draft prospects to watch for on each team.

[jbm]

Dude, you freakin awesome!  That's exactly what I need.

[Nate Colbert]

Dude, you freakin awesome!  That's exactly what I need.

I saw your earlier comment. I thought you'd like that.

[Reuben]

I'm stating the blatantly obvious when I say that you've repeatedly and consistently posted high-quality, in-depth stuff on this draft. I wish it could all be incorporated into the front-page content, because it's a huge credit to what this site has to offer. Thanks again.

[Nate Colbert]

I'm stating the blatantly obvious when I say that you've repeatedly and consistently posted high-quality, in-depth stuff on this draft. I wish it could all be incorporated into the front-page content, because it's a huge credit to what this site has to offer. Thanks again.

Thanks, Reuben.

[Reuben]

29th?  Pessimist. 

To your original point though, you are most likely correct: not many people will care about the draft when the club is picking late.

Oh, we'll care, we just won't be quite so obsessed.

Plenty of talent still to be found in the bottom half of the first round and beyond.

[MusicMan]

Oh, we'll care, we just won't be quite so obsessed.

Plenty of talent still to be found in the bottom half of the first round and beyond.

Mike Trout agrees


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Nate Colbert]

Re-Draft Possibilities

• Mac Marshall, Chipola LHP--missed 6 weeks with a broken thumb and then was removed from his last start due to a “minor nerve issue”. So he ended up throwing just 30 innings for the Indians this spring, whiffing 44 and walking 13. Like Jake Nix, reportedly changed advisors in the wake of last year’s debacle (going from Jet Sports to ACES). Like the rest of the guys on this re-draft list, must provide written consent in advance of the draft to allow the Astros to take him again. Unlike Nix, no one has yet to report whether he intends to do so or not. 21st round selection of Astros in 2014.

Marshall responded via twitter today that he did sign the consent so that he can in fact be re-drafted by the Astros.

[astrosfan76]

Jim Callis ‏@jimcallisMLB 29m29 minutes ago

I'll have a mock @MLBDraft up at @MLBPipeline today. I present an interesting @Astros scenario where they could get Bregman, Fulmer, Cameron

I could live with that.  I'm guessing the thought process with Cameron is that his price tag may be scaring some teams and the Astros, obviously, have the most money.  Law's most recent draft had him slipping out of the first round for that reason (price tag):

One player I don't currently have going in the first round is Daz Cameron, which is not in any way a statement on his ability or the interest level in him. I believe there's concern about what it would cost to sign him, and that some teams that would otherwise love to take him -- I doubt he'd get out of the top 10 -- are vacillating. That probably won't be the case by Monday morning, but I'm not going to just stick him with a team for the sake of putting him somewhere on the mock. Stay tuned for Monday's update.

That would be a tremendous start to the draft, if it were to happen.

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/draft/mock/?season=2015&version=3&source=Keith-Law-Mock-Draft

[Reuben]

That would be pretty nice, and it's the logical goal in a "muddled-top" class like this, you'd think. Shoot, I bet they could still afford Cameron even with Rodgers taking only a slight discount at 1-2; add Fulmer or Bregman at a discount at 1-5 plus a couple cheapo Senior signs in the Top 10 rounds and you've probably got an extra $3-4 mil to add on to the 1-37 slot for Cameron.

But who knows, maybe they like Bregman better than Rodgers anyway. If he's really a SS-playing 2nd coming of Pedroia, I'd take that as the 2nd overall pick.

[astrosfan76]

Here's Callis' explanation:

Heading into the final weekend before the Draft starts, the biggest wild card -- at least among fully healthy players -- is Daz Cameron. Several teams have been told that the Eagle's Landing Christian Academy (McDonough, Ga.) outfielder has a price tag of $5 million, and it's unclear whether that's a firm number or who might pay it...

If the Astros believe Cameron might fall dramatically, they could gamble and potentially wind up with three of the first six players on MLBPipeline.com's Draft Top 200. They could take Louisiana State shortstop Alex Bregman at No. 2, grab a college pitcher such as Vanderbilt right-hander Carson Fulmer at No. 5 and land Cameron at No. 37. Houston could spend $15 million on those three players and more than $3 million in the second through 10th rounds without exceeding its pool by more than 5 percent and triggering the loss of a future first-round choice.

For the record, Rounds 2-10 carry a slot value of $4,011,800 and the team's total pool is $17,289,200.  5% of the pool comes out to $864,460, giving them $18,153,660 before they run over.  Giving $15M to the first three picks and going slot the rest of the way would put them at $19,011,800, $858,140 over their maximum.  That is a lot to trim, but not impossible.

For the record, he has the club taking Bregman at #2 and Tucker at #5 (Cameron goes #4 to the Rangers).

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/128740596/three-shortstops-land-atop-latest-mock-draft

[Reuben]

John Manuel at BA has his new mock up, with the following 1-5:

Stephenson (Fulmer, Swanson others in mix)
Swanson (Tate)
Jay (Rodgers)
Rodgers (Bregman, if Rodgers is gone)
Cameron (Bregman)

[Nate Colbert]

John Manuel at BA has his new mock up, with the following 1-5:

Stephenson (Fulmer, Swanson others in mix)
Swanson (Tate)
Jay (Rodgers)
Rodgers (Bregman, if Rodgers is gone)
Cameron (Bregman)

Link

[Nate Colbert]

Kiley McDaniel/FG has Bregman at #2 and Tucker at #5 for the Astros in his latest mock with these comments:

I’m still 50/50 split on this one. The buzz is that the Astros want two bats, one prep and one college, so this pick is seen as Rodgers and then Benintendi or Bregman and then Tucker. I don’t think they’ve decided yet, but if I had to pick which pair is most likely, I’d go Bregman/Tucker, but I still think Rodgers has a better chance of going here than people are giving him credit for.

I think Tucker will be the pick here, but Benintendi is still possible, especially to save a few dollars for a later pick and especially if they take Rodgers at #2.

So piggybacking what McDaniel has to say here with the Callis comments above quoted by '76, I think a Rodgers/Benintendi/Cameron at 2/5/37 would be very appealing. Of course I would find a Swanson/Benintendi/Cameron even more appealing but I still think it hard to believe that Arizona will pass on Swanson at #1.

[jbm]

Now that I am focusing on who I can see this late in the game, the Arky outfielder seems more intriguing than what I have seen or read on others in the mix.

I've only seen his home run yesterday, and is was certainly impressive, but in a class purported to be weak, it's hard for me to imagine that with two picks, the Astros wouldn't take a shot on him, unless he is gone of course.  I mean, he seems to offer what you want with a high pick, which is something that seems is lacking with many names mentioned: a package of athleticism, speed, power, contact ability and most importantly, the impression that he is still blossoming. 

[Fynn]

Watching the Illinois/Vanderbilt super regional game tonight-hoping to see Tyler Jay face Swanson.  Several people are calling  Jay a left handed version of Billy Wagner. 

Personally I would be happy if we picked Jay for the second pick.  Maybe he could be an elite closer, or could be turned into a starter.

[Reuben]

Watching the Illinois/Vanderbilt super regional game tonight-hoping to see Tyler Jay face Swanson.  Several people are calling  Jay a left handed version of Billy Wagner. 

Personally I would be happy if we picked Jay for the second pick.  Maybe he could be an elite closer, or could be turned into a starter.

I think a team would be happy to "maybe" get an elite closer towards the end of the first round. To me, you want to aim higher with the 2nd or 5th overall pick - either an All-Star everyday player, or a #1/2 starter.

[Fynn]

I think a team would be happy to "maybe" get an elite closer towards the end of the first round. To me, you want to aim higher with the 2nd or 5th overall pick - either an All-Star everyday player, or a #1/2 starter.

FWIW, John Manuel at BA thinks the Rockies will take Jay as the third pick...maybe they hope to convert him to a starter.  KLaw said that keeping Jay in the bullpen was the single stupidest managerial move he had ever seen. 

[Nate Colbert]

Several people are calling  Jay a left handed version of Billy Wagner. 

A lefty version of Wags??? Do the same folks talk in the same breath about southpaw versions of Koufax?

[Fynn]

A lefty version of Wags??? Do the same folks talk in the same breath about southpaw versions of Koufax?

Good catch...I read this from a cubs  article about Jay.  I seriously doubt they knew about Wagner being a natural right hander.  An incredible feat to change to southpaw with such dominance.

[Reuben]

FWIW, John Manuel at BA thinks the Rockies will take Jay as the third pick...maybe they hope to convert him to a starter.  KLaw said that keeping Jay in the bullpen was the single stupidest managerial move he had ever seen.

Yes, the "buzz" on Jay is that teams think he can start. I know the Rockies love him, but I still don't see how you take him that high unless your scouts are convinced that not only can he start, but he'll probably still dominate as a starter. Even then, it just seems too risky that high up, when you've got plenty of talented hitters to choose from, as well as Tate and Fulmer, the guys who actually did successfully convert from closer to dominant starter.

[Reuben]

I haven't seen this noted elsewhere: Heyman has a Draft column where he notes that Casey Close is the advisor for Swanson, Rodgers, and Tucker, among others. Hmmm...

[Nate Colbert]

Yes, the "buzz" on Jay is that teams think he can start. I know the Rockies love him, but I still don't see how you take him that high unless your scouts are convinced that not only can he start, but he'll probably still dominate as a starter.

Jay has not been used as your typical "one inning and out" closer this year. On 8 different occasions, he's gone 3 innings or more including outings of 4 innings (3 times), 5 innings and 6 innings. And he dominated in 7 out of 8 of those appearances. So there is some history there to believe he may successfully transition in the pros.

BTW, given that he wasn't used in yesterday's game (and hasn't been used since Monday) there is the possibility that he'll be used tonight for multiple innings in the win or go home game vs the Dores.

[Nate Colbert]

7th and final in a series:

Signability Issues, Late Movers, Late Rounders and Others

• Logan Landon, UTPA OF--wrote about him earlier but here’s a recap and an update. The Broncos senior outfielder was exclusively a pitcher in his three previous college seasons (one at Pan American, two at a Kansas JUCO). But he asked the coaches for a chance to play the outfield back in the fall and did well. Fast forward to this spring where he was one of the early leaders in batting average among D1 players. As expected, he didn’t keep up that pace but even so what he ended up doing was pretty remarkable. Wound up at .382/.476/.623 with 30 walks and 30 whiffs in 191 ABs. Did he do that against some pretty unremarkable pitchers? Sure, but UTPA also played 5 games this season against Texas A&M (twice), TCU (twice) and UT and Landon hit at an even better clip (.632) in those games. More specifically, against the #2 (Horned Frogs, 2.28), #25 (Aggies with a 3.07 ERA) and #31 (Longhorns, 3.22) ranked pitching staffs in the country this guy went 12-19 with a double, homer, 3 walks and 2 SBs. Looks like he’ll get drafted but what round is anybody’s guess. Here’s a quote from him last month in a feature on the UTPA website:

  "There have been about five or six teams that have contacted me," Landon said. "Two or three of them have been on me pretty hard the last couple of weeks. It is something cool. I have never been through that before. Coach Mantrana and coach Lopez have been really good about helping me decide what I am going to do, where I am going to do it, what to say and what not to say. These guys have been through it before. They have had guys drafted before, with the likes of Sam Street, Dusten Knight and Angel Ibanez. They know what to expect and they know what scouts are looking for and what they want to hear. It has been a cool experience for me."

  Listed at 6’2” 180 lbs. Never drafted previously.
• Beau Burrows, Weatherford HS RHP--allegedly touched 98 this spring. Kiley McDaniel of FG did suggest the possibility of an overslot deal for this guy so signability may be an issue. Possible 1st round supplemental pick. Listed at 6’2” 200 lbs. A&M commit.
• Luken Baker, Conroe Oak Ridge HS RHP--may have seen the news where this Gatorade Player of the Year wrote a letter to all 30 clubs telling them not to draft him as he was headed to college and wouldn’t sign for any amount of money (at the same time he, unlike Kyler Murray, has filed all necessary paperwork required to be drafted). Whether sincere or merely a ploy to make sure he gets drafted by a particular team in a pre-arranged deal remains to be seen. A projected 2nd-rounder. Listed at 6’4” 235 lbs. TCU commit.
• Cole McKay, Smithson Valley HS RHP--some guesswork here but probably an overslot deal would be necessary to lure him away from the SEC. Projected 2nd or 3rd rounder. Listed at 6’5” 215 lbs. LSU commit.
• Garrett Wolforth, Tomball Lutheran HS--a switch-hitter who has a cannon for an arm but there may be questions about the bat. Could be a signability issue. One of the younger players in the draft as he graduates from HS a year early. Listed at 6’2” 190 lbs. DBU commit.
• Justin Maese, El Paso Ysleta HS RHP--a kid who just recently “popped up” for scouts after hitting 96 on the gun this spring with an improved breaking ball. Also QB for the Indians. Listed at 6’3” 185 lbs. Texas Tech commit.
• Brandon Waddell, Virginia LHP--of the soft-tossing softpaw variety, is having  a disappointing season this year (4.15 ERA, 102 hits allowed in 91 innings) after a really solid sophomore season (2.45 ERA, just 98 hits allowed in 114 IP). Gave up 4 runs on 10 hits over 8 IP in the super regionals clincher vs Maryland yesterday. Houston area native out of Clear Lake HS. Listed at 6’3” 180 lbs. Never drafted.
• Diosdany Castillo, Cuban RHP--in addition to the two other types of Cuban players who have left the island (those who are true free agents and those subject to the international signing pools), this guy and the player following represent a third type: those who established residency in the U.S. and by doing so made themselves subject to the Rule 4 draft. The Marlins Jose Fernandez and Yunel Escobar of the Nationals were Cubans who went that route previously. Here is his BR page showing his statistics in the Serie Nacional. 27 years old and listed at 6’1” 220 lbs.
• Yoandy Fernandez, Cuban RHP--like Castillo, is 27 years old. A reliever in Cuba, here’s his BR page. Listed at 6’1” 170 lbs.
• Octavio Arroyo, Mexican RHP--interesting case of a kid who crossed the border to live with his grandparents and pitched for a San Diego HS, thereby making himself eligible for the Rule 4 draft. His grandparents are U.S. citizens as are three of their four children (the only exception being Octavio’s father). Originally projected to go in the first 20 rounds, a drafting club will have to work through the complications of securing a work visa for a guy who got deported. 18 years old and listed at 6’0” 180 lbs.

[astrosfan76]

@mlananna: Tyler Jay makes his second collegiate start and second this year. You have to go with your best arm. #MLBDraft  https://t.co/K7xFefQKed

[Nate Colbert]

Justin Hooper ‏@hooperbeballin  15 hours ago
Starting a new chapter in my life as I will be 100% honoring my commitment to Ucla. Can't wait to get down to Los Angeles in the fall.

Seen as a slam dunk 1st-rounder earlier (and possibly in the 1st 10 picks), a poor spring has seen him falling into 2nd round territory on draft boards. But his asking price supposedly remained extremely high. So perhaps he's now realized he's not gonna get what he's asking for and has resigned himself to being a Bruin. Perhaps.

[Nate Colbert]

That Illini/Dores game with Jay on the mound has been moved up to 5:00 from 8:00 on ESPNU.

[Reuben]

Callis/Mayo have an ongoing "draft buzz" column up now, wherein Mayo says the Astros could take Benintendi with a discount at #2 overall, in order to get Cameron at #37. Then again, he wrongly states that their 1/2 pick is "unprotected", so take it with a grain of salt. Might just be his speculation anyway.

[moriartp]

Then again, he wrongly states that their 1/2 pick is "unprotected", so take it with a grain of salt.

How do these guys keep getting this wrong? I think I saw Manuel say the same thing last week.

[Nate Colbert]

Phil Bickford caught tokin'.

[jbm]

Damn, that's a lot of strikeouts, even for Juco. 

[jbm]

Bregman must have done all his impressing earlier in the year, cause he doesn't look at all that good in the postseason.

Another great game going on in Baton Rouge.

[astrosfan76]

Callis/Mayo have an ongoing "draft buzz" column up now, wherein Mayo says the Astros could take Benintendi with a discount at #2 overall, in order to get Cameron at #37. Then again, he wrongly states that their 1/2 pick is "unprotected", so take it with a grain of salt. Might just be his speculation anyway.

It must have been Mayo, Callis noted on Twitter today that the pick is protected. Either way, I see nothing in the article now about the pick being protected or unprotected, so it must have been corrected.

[astrosfan76]

Bregman must have done all his impressing earlier in the year, cause he doesn't look at all that good in the postseason.

Another great game going on in Baton Rouge.

Came up with a big hit to break his 0-for post-season, hitting a 2 RBI single to put LSU up 3-0, then steals his 37th base of the season.

[jbm]

Well, it wasn't much of a hit, bouncing twice before it got out of the infield, but his ability to steal bases is impressive for a runner who doesn't look like he is base-stealing fast.  He probably does maximize his talents and that is impressive.

[pots]

I haven't seen this noted elsewhere: Heyman has a Draft column where he notes that Casey Close is the advisor for Swanson, Rodgers, and Tucker, among others. Hmmm...

If this made a damn bit of difference the players would have dropped him like a bad habit.  Who in their right mind wants an advisor who is at odds with the team picking second and fifth.

[Reuben]

If this made a damn bit of difference the players would have dropped him like a bad habit.  Who in their right mind wants an advisor who is at odds with the team picking second and fifth.

Well, there's been teams/GMs that were known to have less-than-smooth relationships with Bora$$, but he continues to represent scores of top amateur and pro players. I'm sure Close is good at convincing kids and their parents that they have nothing to worry about in this regard. But that doesn't mean it definitely won't make a damn but of difference.

To clarify, I'm not saying that the Astros would flat-out avoid a player because he's advised by Close. But if the bad blood and lack of trust between them prevents a pre-draft "agreement" from being nailed down, they might go with someone else.

[Jacksonian]

Well, there's been teams/GMs that were known to have less-than-smooth relationships with Bora$$, but he continues to represent scores of top amateur and pro players. I'm sure Close is good at convincing kids and their parents that they have nothing to worry about in this regard. But that doesn't mean it definitely won't make a damn but of difference.

To clarify, I'm not saying that the Astros would flat-out avoid a player because he's advised by Close. But if the bad blood and lack of trust between them prevents a pre-draft "agreement" from being nailed down, they might go with someone else.

I think this idea with Close is wildly overblown.

[Mr. Happy]

I think this idea with Close is wildly overblown.

+1 It's just business.

[Nate Colbert]

Our team ended up seeing him 5 times between regular and post season play.  He played SS against us and also pitched some.  He made some nice plays at SS but would be a better fit at 3rd or corner OF.  Word at the district tourney was that U of TN was looking at moving him to the outfield.  He has a very good bat.  He hit one out of pioneer park (Gville Astros home field) in their first district tourney game.  He hit it out to RF (LH Hitter) and it was a no doubter.  Word at the tourney was that if he is drafted in the higher rounds and got a good offer, he would sign and play pro ball.  I translate that to round doesn't matter as much as money does.

He also ran very well and showed good base running instincts as well. 

PS Son's team came out of the losers bracket and beat Grainger Co (Cabbage's team) twice to win the district championship.  The final game went to extra innings.  Cabbage showed class by walking over to our pitcher who threw a complete game and shaking his hand.  This happened after the hoopla had died down and most of his teammates had already left the field.

From the Knoxville newspaper:

"Cabbage should go round two or three and will most likely sign," a National League scout said on Sunday on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on prospects. "... There is zero chance, in my opinion, he goes to UT ... Trey Cabbage is the most draft-ready hitter in Tennessee."

"We feel very confident I could go in the top five (rounds)," said Cabbage, who bats left and throws right. "I'd like to go in the top three. We set a money range and a goal for the draft, and if that goal's not met, I'll end up at Tennessee. ... But this dream will be hard to pass up."

[astrosfan76]

Well, it wasn't much of a hit, bouncing twice before it got out of the infield, but his ability to steal bases is impressive for a runner who doesn't look like he is base-stealing fast.  He probably does maximize his talents and that is impressive.

Make up for some of the harder-hit balls that have gone for outs?

[astrosfan76]

MLB.com with another mock this morning. At #2, both Callis and Mayo have the club taking Bregman. They disagree on the pick at #5, with Callis going with Benintendi and Mayo going with Tate. Callis mentions the club wanting a HS bat, but if Cameron is still available, they could go with Benintendi here and wait for Cameron at #37. Mayo has the Rangers picking Cameron, so he concedes they could also pick Tucker with the #5 pick.

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/129269966/shortstops-remain-atop-latest-mock-draft

[ckutac]

Does Bergman have a strong enough arm to stay at SS?  I had not seem him before the Super Regional's.  And me and anouther guy both looked at each other right away wondering if he had a Pro arm to stick at SS long term after a few of his throws.

[Mr. Happy]

Does Bergman have a strong enough arm to stay at SS?  I had not seem him before the Super Regional's.  And me and anouther guy both looked at each other right away wondering if he had a Pro arm to stick at SS long term after a few of his throws.

I think that he does, but with that said, I see him shifting to either 3B or 2B.

[jbm]

Yeah, I've seen him enough to think he can stick at short.  I see Lowrie level: won't cover a lot of ground but will make the plays he gets to.  Other than that however, I'd be very disappointed if he is their pick at #2.  Sure, I've only seen about 10 ABs and that is certainly a short sample and I am no scout for sure, but in my experience, if you are going to be a first division regular, much less a potential all star, you will most likely look much better in those ABs against what is A ball arms.  If there is so much hype, I am undoubtedly missing something, but a top five pick??

[Mr. Happy]

Yeah, I've seen him enough to think he can stick at short.  I see Lowrie level: won't cover a lot of ground but will make the plays he gets to.  Other than that however, I'd be very disappointed if he is their pick at #2.  Sure, I've only seen about 10 ABs and that is certainly a short sample and I am no scout for sure, but in my experience, if you are going to be a first division regular, much less a potential all star, you will most likely look much better in those ABs against what is A ball arms.  If there is so much hype, I am undoubtedly missing something, but a top five pick??

For the record, I agree with you if we're talking about current Bregman. He looked much better as a freshman.

[roadrunner]

I saw on Twitter that Callis is speculating the Astros are discussing a deal with Daz Cameron at #2.

[pots]

For the record, I agree with you if we're talking about current Bregman. He looked much better as a freshman.

Bah, I dislike it when folks peak early.  Like to go after guys like Bryant and Nola where they improve year over year and you don't know where their limits might be.

[jbm]

Happy, thanks for the feedback.  Looking back, I see he hit about 40 points better as a freshman.  Any thoughts on why he hasn't been able to repeat that for the last two years?  Injury?  The effects of what coaches are wanting from him?  Him trying to slug more, and the average suffering?

[Nate Colbert]

I saw on Twitter that Callis is speculating the Astros are discussing a deal with Daz Cameron at #2.

Do you have a link to that? A review of Callis' own tweets and posts don't seem to support that.

[Mr. Happy]

Happy, thanks for the feedback.  Looking back, I see he hit about 40 points better as a freshman.  Any thoughts on why he hasn't been able to repeat that for the last two years?  Injury?  The effects of what coaches are wanting from him?  Him trying to slug more, and the average suffering?

He got off to a very slow start last season. A fair amount of it was that teams were pitching around him, and he was hitting the ball hard, but right at people. He was pretty consistent this season. He's a fine player, and we're glad to have him and on our way to Omaha.

[Duder]

ESPN article on whether Puerto Ricans belong in the stateside or potential international draft.

This article leads into a thought I had about undrafted free agents. It seems roughly ten players get drafted from Puerto Rico a year and not too many play at the collegiate level. I would contend there's a number of talented players who aren't getting opportunity to play pro or college ball. The Astros could sign some of these players as UDFAs (any bonus under 100k wouldn't count against the bonus pool.)

[Nate Colbert]

BA has an article out on the youngest players in the draft. A few of the more relevant or previously-mentioned guys:

• OF Andrew Benintendi is the 10th youngest college position player available in the draft.
• C Garrett Wolforth of Tomball Concordia Lutheran is the 4th youngest HS position player available.
• SS Richie Martin of the Gators is the youngest college position player available.

[pots]

Bah, I dislike it when folks peak early.  Like to go after guys like Bryant and Nola where they improve year over year and you don't know where their limits might be.

This being said, my wish list is Swanson and Fulmer.  Both have made big strides each year.  Benintendi would be a nice consolation prize.  Hopefully one of the big high school names falls to them at 37 

[juliogotay]

This being said, my wish list is Swanson and Fulmer.  Both have made big strides each year.

I would not be disappointed in Tucker just because I keep hearing he has a higher ceiling than Preston.

[pots]

I would not be disappointed in Tucker just because I keep hearing he has a higher ceiling than Preston.

Certainly wouldn't be a bad idea to gamble on a top high schooler.  Get one "safer" pick and one high risk/reward type.    Though they seemed poised to snag somebody good at 37.  Likely to be one high schooler that drops due to signability in a field that has a lot of mlb caliber players but no supersrtars (at least that is what I read)

[jbm]

Screw safe picks.  Those are guys you can eventually acquire in free agency. 

[moriartp]

New mock from Law has Bregman at 2, Benintendi at 5. Cameron falls out of rd 1 and they presumably pop him at 37.

[Nate Colbert]

Now klaw seems to subscribe to the Callis theory...

keithlaw ‏@keithlaw  8 minutes ago

Yes, that's a legitimate possibility.

             @keithlaw Are you guessing Astros get Cameron at #37?

[pots]

Screw safe picks.  Those are guys you can eventually acquire in free agency.

Just because one went to college and is more developed does not make them average players.  Some of these college guys could be allstars. 

[jbm]

I didn't say anything about college players, just safe picks.  I'm sure there are a lot of high upside, high risk picks in the college pool.

[pots]

I didn't say anything about college players, just safe picks.  I'm sure there are a lot of high upside, high risk picks in the college pool.

Ah, well I was only referring to college players being safer picks than high school players.  Their floor is easier to determine. 

[Knoxbanedoodle]

This being said, my wish list is Swanson and Fulmer.  Both have made big strides each year.  Benintendi would be a nice consolation prize.  Hopefully one of the big high school names falls to them at 37

I am hoping for Swanson/Rogers and Benintendi. Cameron at 37 would be a coup.

[toddthebod]

I'd love to see the Astros get Cameron at 37.  If he's really asking for $5 million, I don't think anyone else can afford to pay that amount.  But I keep hearing that he's not going to get past the Braves at 14.

[Noe]

I'd like the Astros to get Kyle Funkhouser at some point in the draft. Only because I think it would be cool to hear all the comments about "Funky's delivery". Okay, nevermind.

[juliogotay]

I'd like the Astros to get Kyle Funkhouser at some point in the draft. Only because I think it would be cool to hear all the comments about "Funky's delivery". Okay, nevermind.

He needs to go to the Braves so they can have Folty and Funky.

[Ebby Calvin]

Alright Bus Drivers, call your shots.

[jbm]

I'm calling Benintendi with the 2nd, some high schooler with the 5th, and at least 2 way over slot guys later.

[Jacksonian]

Alright Bus Drivers, call your shots.

This draft is wacko.  Everything depends on Arizona.  But my guess is, if he isn't taken at #1 then Rodgers is the guy at 2.  If Rodgers is gone at #1 then it's Swanson at 2.  At 5 I'm thinking either Tate or Benintendi or Fulmer.  37 will be a high ceiling high schooler.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Rodgers/Tate/Cameron.  But I'm an optimist.

[pots]

This draft is wacko.  Everything depends on Arizona.  But my guess is, if he isn't taken at #1 then Rodgers is the guy at 2.  If Rodgers is gone at #1 then it's Swanson at 2.  At 5 I'm thinking either Tate or Benintendi or Fulmer.  37 will be a high ceiling high schooler.

(Edit going bolder)
For a prediction, pretty much this ^^^
 - Rodgers at 2.
 - Tate at 5
 - Daz at #37

Want for me is #2 Swanson, #5 Fulmer, #37 Daz

[Reuben]

(Edit going bolder)
For a prediction, pretty much this ^^^
 - Rodgers at 2.
 - Tate at 5
 - Dez at #37

Want for me is #2 Swanson, #5 Fulmer, #37 Dez

It's Daz Cameron. You're thinking of the former Black Flag singer/guitarist, Dez Cadena.

I think for once the experts have the Astros pretty much nailed:
Bregman 2, Benintendi 5, Daz 37.

If the D'backs don't take Swanson, maybe the Astros take him and have to improvise a bit.

[pots]

It's Daz Cameron. You're thinking of the former Black Flag singer/guitarist, Dez Cadena.

I think for once the experts have the Astros pretty much nailed:
Bregman 2, Benintendi 5, Daz 37.

If the D'backs don't take Swanson, maybe the Astros take him and have to improvise a bit.

Actually I was thinking Dez Bryant.  Never heard of a Daz (till now)

[pots]

It's Daz Cameron. You're thinking of the former Black Flag singer/guitarist, Dez Cadena.

I think for once the experts have the Astros pretty much nailed:
Bregman 2, Benintendi 5, Daz 37.

If the D'backs don't take Swanson, maybe the Astros take him and have to improvise a bit.

FYI, the experts admit they have no idea in each mock.  The DBacks are on 4 guys, Swanson, Stephenson,  Jay and Fulmer.  The DBacks have chosen but they have been mum

[Reuben]

By the way, if Cameron could conceivably fall to #37, I wonder if Tucker could, if he was the Astros' preferred target? Granted, I've seen mocks where he went as low as #10 or 11, and there's been no "buzz" about him having a high price tag, like Cameron.

It's the Astros, so of course you have to wonder if some of this widely-reported stuff is a smokescreen.

[Reuben]

I assume someone's going to lock this thread and start a new one? That's how it's usually done, right?

Or, in light of the circumstances, we could have a combined Game Zone/Bus Ride thread for the night.

[pots]

(Edit going bolder)
For a prediction, pretty much this ^^^
 - Rodgers at 2.
 - Tate at 5
 - Daz at #37

Want for me is #2 Swanson, #5 Fulmer, #37 Daz

Oops not enough money for my picks.  Change #37 to Mateulla

[astrosfan76]

Rodgers
Benintendi
High-upside HS player

I'd like for that pick at #37 to be Cameron, but we'll see.

[OregonStrosFan]

I assume someone's going to lock this thread and start a new one? That's how it's usually done, right?

Or, in light of the circumstances, we could have a combined Game Zone/Bus Ride thread for the night.

Sure, here goes... 

[OregonStrosFan]

In order to keep separate pre- and draft/post-draft threads, this '2015 Draft thread' is now closed and the '2015 Draftees and Status' thread is now open.