steveno89

QUOTE (bmags @ Jun 13, 2017 -> 12:28 PM) He sounds like Alex Call to me. Our organizational position player depth continues to be bolstered with the additions of Robert, Burger, Sheets and now Gonzalez I'd like some arms added to the system in the next few picks though

QUOTE (hi8is @ Jun 13, 2017 -> 12:23 PM) There ya go guys. F*ck yes! Gonzalez is the guy we all wanted!

QUOTE (Two-Gun Pete @ Jun 13, 2017 -> 11:58 AM) I can't figure out why anyone would worry about Matt Davidson as having any sort of future @ 3b when complaining about this pick. Sure, Davidson's enjoying what will probably be his "career year." But, I also think as I typed this, he just struck out. Again. His 40% k rate and sub-.300 OBP means he's a placeholder, at best. I think Hostetler & Hahn know this, I that could be one reason why Burger was the pick here. Burger was the pick because the first ten selections did not break positively at all for the White Sox. Burger was probably the best remaining college bat on their board so they decided to roll with him. Hopefully he comes in underslot to save us some pool money, although I doubt it.

QUOTE (chitownsportsfan @ Jun 13, 2017 -> 11:52 AM) Seems like the Sox drafted partially for need, which I don't mind given that BPA seemed a crapshoot at the spot they were in. If they can get under slot a bit on the first two college sluggers and use it for a higher upside guy today that's great. If not I'm still OK with the picks, it really didn't seem like there was a "no doubt" choice available. Seems like a bit of a week draft from what I can tell. As for the "bad body" stuff it's either something he's going to clean up as soon as he becomes a pro or it will be something he struggles with his whole career IMO. It's fine playing at 20 lbs over weight as a 21 year old amateur but as a pro, one who needs to save the wear and tear on his body at 3B, he needs to drop the pudge ASAP. Hopefully he can do it. It is refreshing to see them drafting "baseball" players instead of just athletic specimens. For too long we overlooked guys that can hit, draw walks and get the job done. Burger and Sheets are solid depth for an organization that is pretty thin on position prospects. I consider Robert to essentially be part of our drafting effort this season, so if you think about the 2017 draft "class" being Robert, Burger and Sheets so far that is a very nice haul.

QUOTE (BlackSox13 @ Jun 13, 2017 -> 11:48 AM) Damn, is he expected to move that quick? 2019 is too optimistic in my opinion. I'd say 2020 ETA is realistic for Burger and/or Sheets.

QUOTE (soxfan2014 @ Jun 13, 2017 -> 11:06 AM) The difference between the overpay of the Cubs and Indians when the Yankees dealt away their 2 prized relievers. I expect Rizzo and Nats ownership to kick the tires on getting something done sooner instead of later. Robles is their in house replacement for Harper when he leaves after next season, so I don not think they plan on moving him. Fedde is nearly mlb ready and I do not think they move him either. The only prospects beyond those two that will realistically return impact help will be either Kieboom or Soto. Neuse and Stephenson are solid prospects, but Stephenson looks like a 4th OF at the mlb level due to the lack of power and Neuse is solid, if unspectacular.

QUOTE (soxfan2014 @ Jun 13, 2017 -> 10:47 AM) Robertson may end up being the cheapest available but I wouldn't expect significantly more than what was initially agreed upon. I don't think the Nationals will part with Robles or Fedde under pretty much any circumstances, Soto and/or Kieboom, Neuse, Luzardo, Marmolejos, etc. all could be in play if they are serious about getting any deal for impact relief help done. Sucks for them because their farm is far thinner than it was before the Eaton deal.

QUOTE (beautox @ Jun 13, 2017 -> 10:25 AM) 11 picks...crossing my fingers. Gonzalez seems to be a very good target for the White Sox in the third round. Hopefully he gets there. I'd also be interested in nabbing some prep players.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jun 13, 2017 -> 10:39 AM) Exactly right. Every GM in the League is watching this. Remember Rizzo's quote a month or so ago saying something to the effect of "these closers don't come cheap"? We heard every team is asking for Robles. These Mfers are like sharks in the water, circling for blood. Exactly. Teams are absolutely going to prey on the Nationals HUGE bullpen needs and keep a very steep price for a deadline deal. The Nationals will not be the only contender looking for bullpen help as the deadline nears either. Contenders almost always want to add a quality bullpen piece to bolster a playoff push. While guys like Hand and Colome might become availabe, Robertson and co. are definitely available via trade. That does not mean the price will be cheap, and if I am the White Sox the pricetag just tripled from what it was in the offseason.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 02:09 PM) K-town Intimidators‏Verified account @Intimidators 8m8 minutes ago ROSTER MOVE: @CHawkins10 transferred to @WSDashBaseball and Tyler Sullivan rejoins the roster prior to today’s game. https://www.milb.com/intimidators/news/first-rounder-hawkins-transferred-to-dash/c-235932504/t-196097270 …://https://www.milb.com/intimidators/n...4/t-196097270 …://https://www.milb.com/intimidators/n...4/t-196097270 … Might as well let Hawkins finish out this minor league season before cutting him loose. The power is there, he just does not make enough contact to make any use of it. AAA or MLB pitching would eat him alive

QUOTE (newbiesoxfan @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 02:49 PM) Yes sir!!! Hope Spence keeps it going. He's been solid the last 4 starts. Adams has started to turn the corner in his past four starts and still only recently turned 21 years old. There still may be some projection left in him and his control is already pretty solid. He could reward us for being patient with him if he continues to develop.

QUOTE (soxfan2014 @ Jun 13, 2017 -> 10:21 AM) It's not like they have to negotiate with one team. They have/will have other options. Herrera will be available, Colome may be available, Hand is available, and anyone else who is available we don't know about along with anyone else who will be available. They can trade for the lower priced reliever(s) and still improve their BP. It's not Robertson or bust. They can move on to another team if they don't like the price on Robertson. True, but teams know the situation the Nationals are in and will all be looking to exploit that. Robertson's contract only runs through next season, which does line up with their window of contention before Harper likely bolts in free agency. It's not like Colome or Hand would necessarily come cheaply either? Herrera has not been great this season and has given up 7 home runs in 25 innings and has a 5.08 FIP. Sox are certainly sellers, and Robertson very well is the best closer on the market, along with relievers like Kahnle and Swarzak.

QUOTE (beautox @ Jun 13, 2017 -> 10:09 AM) He surely does but honestly with how the sox develop pitching I'm ok moving in a different direction over this draft and last to see if we get better results that aren't just tools orientated from a position side. having said all that I think for a hot take on Burger's good/better/best scenario we're looking at Ty Wigginton | Todd Frazier | Troy Glaus Those are reasonable optimistic scenarios. Troy Glaus would be an absolute best case I think, as he was a stud. If Burger can keep himself in shape and play average defense at third base I think his bat and approach will be solid enough to produce for us down the line. He will likely needs 2-3 seasons in the minors, but he's a potential starter at 3B for us in the future.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jun 13, 2017 -> 09:36 AM) This isn't the first time he's said it, either. But DA, I thought that all was wonderful in Washington? Washington did this to itself, and now has to make the painful decision of going all in for 2017 and acquiring multiple bullpen pieces or leaving the team with a glaring weakness that will likely result in an early playoff exit. I certainly would continue to dangle Robertson and either Kahnle/Swarzak as the antidote to their problems. A Robertson and Kahnle bundle would be incredibly attractive to any contender.

QUOTE (OmarComing25 @ Jun 13, 2017 -> 09:23 AM) http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-making-of-tommy-kahnle/ New Fangraphs article on Kahnle. Wonder what he could fetch us at the deadline? Robertson, Swarzak, Kahnle should all very much be shopped

QUOTE (bmags @ Jun 13, 2017 -> 09:22 AM) Yes but for my purposes it fell off of a cliff after the top 9. Not crazy about Pavin Smith, but every other pick I'd have been drooling. Just needed one of htose teams to reach for a college pitcher or savings, none did. With the smaller pools perhaps it's over. This was not a draft with tons of impact talent beyond the top 8 or so picks (that we can tell right now). Sometimes it's best to grab a player you think can end up being a solid ballplayer instead of reaching for upside that may not be there. If Burger ends up being a decent mlb third baseman I think that is a very solid pick outside the top ten. The benefit of fully committing to tanking should be very apparent though. We need to lose a ton more games to position ourselves for a top three draft pick and the larger bonus pool that comes along with it.

QUOTE (bmags @ Jun 13, 2017 -> 08:19 AM) Yeah, I think people's BPA with the mlb draft is kind of overblown. But I think the tiers were influenced by trait needs in the whole farm system not major league team needs. Last year we began addressing obp, this year power. Also have a need of youth. Would guess we'll see a lot of protectable bodies today. I'd hope we take some shots on high school players in rounds three and four and look for upside. I know we need position prospects as well, but it is always important to stock up on arms.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jun 13, 2017 -> 05:20 AM) http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2715096...es-and-analysis First Round (No. 11 Overall): Jake Burger, 3B, Missouri State Jake Burger was one of the top college power bats in this year's draft following a stellar junior season at Missouri State. He hit .328/.443/.648 this spring and his 22 home runs marked the second year in a row that he's topped the 20-homer mark, while his on-base skills also took a significant step forward and he drew more walks (43) than strikeouts (38). There are some questions about his ability to stay at third base defensively and he's not the most athletic player by any means, but his bat will play and his power is legit. Grade: C-minus Burger should develop into a solid contributor, but if the White Sox preferred to go the college-bat route, I like Jeren Kendall or Evan White here instead. Second Round (No. 49 Overall): Gavin Sheets, 1B, Wake Forest Gavin Sheets was asked to fill the shoes of 2016 first-round pick Will Craig in the middle of the Wake Forest lineup and he didn't disappoint. He raised his OPS from .891 to 1.063 and slugged 20 home runs while driving in 81 runs and drawing more walks (44) than strikeouts (33) on his way to a .429 on-base percentage. The big 6'5", 235-pound slugger will be limited to first base and DH duties, so his bat will have to carry him. Grade: C This pick would have made a lot more sense if the White Sox had gone with a high-ceiling high school prospect in the first round. Note, that's actually what they did when the Sox signed Luis Robert, buddy. And Beck/Adell were already gone, so not sure what the argument is, that they should have taken Baz instead? A lot of teams passed on Kendall, but he and White will be the obvious comparisons throughout their respective careers...especially after being linked to him for so long. Giving out mlb amateur draft grades day of is a pretty ludicrous thing to do. With many of these players it will take 4-5 years before you know if the pick was a good one or not. Given the way the draft unfolded, I do not hate the Burger selection and think it made sense. I'm sure Evan White was a consideration as well, but the Sox clearly liked Burger's power. In the second round what was wrong with going high school arm like Carlson or Enlow? Sheets seems like a prototypical first baseman/dh which the organization did not have, but couldn't we go with higher upside in the prep ranks?

QUOTE (CWSpalehoseCWS @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 11:04 PM) Totally see your point, but I think they will be more desperate to shore up that bullpen sooner rather than later (doesn't mean it will come from the Sox). Not doing something sends a bad message to the fans too. This team won't go anywhere in the playoffs with out a dependable back end to their pen. Nationals really need several quality bullpen pieces in order to be ready to win in the playoffs. They need to go out and trade for a setup man and a closer.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 10:58 PM) I've been arguing with DA over this, and I understand the point, but I've got the be honest. This is getting real ugly. I just don't know that I would play with fire with my big league roster to try and protect myself from overpaying a bit to remedy this bullpen. You don't want this to continue much longer. I'm not sure the Nationals can let their bullpen woes continue until the deadline. 11 blown save and it's not even mid June yet. At this rate they are in store for another 3 to 5 blown save by the deadline in what could amount to important games.

QUOTE (Quinarvy @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 10:54 PM) And corned beef from Manny's Deli Potential everybody reaches their ceiling team in a few years... C Collins 3b burger Ss Anderson 2b moncada 1b sheets Of Robert Of Basabe Of Garcia DH abreu At ceiling that team would theoretically mash offensively

QUOTE (Quinarvy @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 10:34 PM) Soto, Kieboom, Luzardo for Robertson, Swarzak - do the Nats say yes? No way from the Nationals side. They are desperate for bullpen pitching, but they should be able to find help cheaper than Soto, kieboom and luzardo. Robertson and kahnle could be interesting to pair up in a trade?

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 10:31 PM) Scot Gregor‏ @scotgregor 34s35 seconds ago Hostetler on #WhiteSox drafting Burger, Sheets on first two rounds. "We need bats. We've needed bats a long time in this organization" Daryl Van Schouwen‏Verified account @CST_soxvan 2m2 minutes ago Hostetler said word has come from Hahn to draft guys who don't swing and miss. Makes sense to me. Not the sexy draft picks some might say, but burger and sheets both help to fill gaps that this organization currently did not have. Power hitting 3B prospect and a left handed dh/1b prospect with power. Both have seen the ability to draw walks and neither strikes or a ton (for now). In what appears to be a fairly weak draft these could become important depth for the organization at positions that were pretty barren.

QUOTE (hi8is @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 10:01 PM) What's the deal with this Sam Carlson kid? He must not be singable due to a strong college commitment or something? Very likely high bonus demands and signability issues. Carlson must have told teams not too select him.

QUOTE (GreenSox @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 09:40 PM) Flowers goes deep on Albers again! Wonder if another blown save by the bullpen starts to change Washington's mind about needing bullpen help. They have an awful pen.