2009 MLB Pre-Draft Discussion

[Heads22]

MLB.com will offer live coverage and analysis of the entire First-Year Player Draft. MLB Network will broadcast the first round, beginning at 6 p.m. ET on June 9, with those 32 selections also being simulcast live on MLB.com. Beginning with the 33rd pick, up-to-the-minute on-air coverage from the remaining rounds will shift exclusively to MLB.com/Live. The Draft, and MLB.com's live coverage, will continue with the fourth through 30th rounds, via conference call from MLB Headquarters in New York, at noon on June 10. Rounds 31-50 will be on June 11, starting at 11:30 a.m.

[dasox24]

Little something on the catchers of this draft...

 

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20...sp&c_id=mlb

 

Promising class of catchers for '09

High schoolers figure prominently in group of backstops

 

By Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com

 

05/25/09 11:20 AM ET

 

Talk to any team's front office and there's bound to be talk about wanting to improve the organization. That means middle infielders, center fielders and, most importantly, catching.

 

Every team always needs more help behind the plate. As a result, just about every year catchers get over-drafted because of the scarcity of talent at the position.

 

In an ideal world, there would be plenty of advanced college backstops to choose from, guys a team could be certain would stay behind the plate. Unfortunately, that isn't the case in the Class of 2009. While there are a few college catchers, one of the strengths of the overall class is in the fairly large group of high school catchers. That can be a very positive thing.

 

"It's nice to see a bunch of high school kids that are getting better behind the plate," one scouting director said. "Some are even calling their own game. Some get hurt along the way and some won't stay behind the plate, but it is nice to see."

 

There are plenty of cautionary tales regarding high school catching and the Draft, of course. For every Joe Mauer (and there's not a player of that caliber in this group), there's a Ryan Christianson (11th pick overall 1999, zero big league games), Scott Heard (25th pick in 2000, never played above Class A Advanced ball), Bill Henderson (20th, out of baseball after the 1989 season), or even a guy like Tyler Houston (No. 2 overall in 1989), who did play 700 games in the big leagues, but most of them not behind the plate.

 

"That's a good position for scouts to disagree on," the scouting director said. "You'll historically see guys all over the board with high school catchers. A lot of mistakes have been made behind the plate."

 

MLB.com will offer live coverage and analysis of the entire First-Year Player Draft on June 9-11, on MLB.com/Live, where host Vinny Micucci will be joined by MLB.com Draft expert Jonathan Mayo and Major League Scouting Bureau director Frank Marcos. Coverage begins at 6 p.m. ET on June 9, noon on June 10 and 11:30 a.m. on June 11. Here are some catchers who's names you will hear about when you tune in.

 

Luke Bailey, Troup H.S., Ga.: Bailey was on his way to being the top high school catcher to go on Draft day until he went down with a right elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. Even with the surgery, there's a chance he'll go pretty high, with a Major League team deciding to bring the solid defender with power potential into the fold and letting him rehab in house, kind of like what the Angels did with Nick Adenhart in 2004.

 

Steven Baron, Ferguson H.S., Fla.: It's quite possible that Baron has the greatest all-around defensive package among all catchers in the class. He's got a strong arm, soft hands and moves like a shortstop behind the plate in terms of his agility. His offensive game lags behind his defense, but he's got bat speed and power potential to work with.

 

Cameron Garfield: A solid all-around defender, Garfield did not help his overall Draft status with a mediocre senior year. He was hindered by an ankle injury that kept him limited to DH duties for a while. With his season over, Garfield was impressing teams in workouts late in the spring, showing a strong arm and good agility behind the plate. He's got offensive potential, but does tend to overswing at times. The team that believes Garfield will hit is the one that will take him pretty early.

 

Tommy Joseph, Horizon H.S., Ariz.: There aren't many questions about the bat with Joseph. He can flat out punish the baseball, with power to spare. The questions come up around his defensive game. While Joseph does have a good arm, he lacks agility behind the plate and he hasn't caught all that much. His bat should play anywhere, but he'll go higher to a team that believes he can catch.

 

Wil Myers, Wesleyan Christian Academy, NC: Myers has played a number of positions in high school, but most feel his arm and agility would play very well behind the plate. He's an extremely good athlete who runs well and he's got some serious bat speed and hand strength at the plate, which should mean power down the road. Even if Myers has to move to another position, his offensive skill set is attractive enough for him to go off the board early.

 

Austin Maddox, Eagle's View Academy, Fla.: Maddox possesses two major tools -- raw power and a strong arm, maybe the best in the class. He can put on a display in batting practice with his power and he's been clocked in the mid-90s mph as a pitcher. He's very big and there's some concern that he won't be able to stay behind the plate, with a move to first in his future.

 

Josh Phegley, Indiana U.: A semifinalist for the Johnny Bench Award, given to the top college catcher each year, Phegley is more bat than anything else. He's hit for average and power over the past couple of years at Indiana, but without great bat speed, making some wonder if his success will translate to the Majors. Of more concern are his defensive skills. He does have a strong arm and a very good makeup, so if a team feels he can develop behind the plate, they'll be more than happy to take his bat.

 

Tony Sanchez, Boston College: Also a Bench semifinalist, Sanchez could be the first backstop to be drafted, and almost certainly will be the first college catcher to go off the board. He's a solid catch-and-throw type with solid offensive skills as well, making him an intriguing all-around package.

 

Max Stassi, Yuba City H.S., Calif.: A right shoulder injury forced Stassi out of catching action for a while, but he has shown scouts lately that his arm is fine. He comes from a baseball family and is a natural leader behind the plate. Stassi can hit, too, and while he's not a big power guy, he does have some strength. His skills, plus his instincts, could add up to him being the first prep catcher to be taken on Draft day.

 

Andrew Susac, Jesuit H.S., Calif.: Northern California has been a good place to see catching, with Stassi and Susac both in the area. Stassi gets more ink and will probably go higher, but Susac is no slouch. He's got some serious power at the plate and the potential to be a pretty good defender down the line.

[dasox24]

Here's a cool draft blog I found with a write-up of the Sox previous 4 drafts under Laumann, and a bit of a preview for this year's draft:

 

http://mlbbonusbaby.wordpress.com/2009/05/...cago-white-sox/

 

Here is the ninth part in my series, this time focusing on the Chicago White Sox and their scouting director Doug Laumann. The other parts, posted at Minor League Ball, are linked at the bottom.

 

Owner: Jerry Reinsdorf, bought club in 1981

General Manager: Ken Williams, first season was 2001

Scouting Director: Doug Laumann, first draft was 2001, reassigned after 2003 draft, rehired for 2008 draft

 

Looking Back

 

2001 Draft: Unknown Budget

 

1. Kris Honel, RHP, Providence Catholic HS (IL), #16 overall: Honel was projected to go somewhere in the middle of the first round in the 2001 draft, and the White Sox made a solid choice. A 6′5” righty, Honel had missed time due to injury that Spring, but came back strong. Following players selected: Dan Denham, Aaron Heilman, Mike Fontenot. Signing bonus: $1.5 million.

2. Wyatt Allen, RHP, Tennessee, #39 overall: This was a bit of an overdraft, as most considered Allen a mid-second round pick. However, at 6′4” with one of the strongest arms in the entire draft class, this pick wasn’t far off in terms of consensus. Following players selected: Richard Lewis, Todd Linden, Jon Skaggs. Signing bonus: $872,500.

3. Ryan Wing, LHP, Riverside CC (CA), #71 overall: This was right around where Wing was projected to go, though there was some variation involved. He was a skinny kid who was moderately tall at 6′2”, but was seen as more of a pitchability guy. Following players selected: Dan Haren, Cole Barthel, Jesse Foppert. Signing bonus: $575,000.

4. Jon Zeringue, C, E.D. White HS (LA), #103 overall: This is where things got dicey. Predicted to go as high as the supplemental first round, Zeringue fell due to signability issues, as his commitment to LSU was quite strong. However, Laumann called his name, and he didn’t sign. Following players selected: Joe Mather, Adam Stern, Julian Benavidez. DID NOT SIGN.

5. J.J. Mattox, OF, Conway HS (AR), #133 overall: Mattox was a huge athlete from the state of Arkansas who was projected to go somewhere in the sixth to tenth round. Not only did the White Sox draft him in the fourth, but failed to sign him. Oops. Following players selected: Josh Brey, Kyle Davies, Josh Cram. DID NOT SIGN.

Other Notable Selections: SS Andy Gonzalez (5th), Florida Air Academy; C Chris Stewart (12th), Riverside CC (CA), draft and follow; OF Chris Young (16th), Bellaire HS (TX); RHP Charlie Haeger (25th), Detroit Catholic Central HS (MI)

 

2002 Draft: Unknown Budget

 

1. Royce Ring, LHP, San Diego State, #18 overall: Projected as a late first rounder, this was a bit early for the college reliever. However, most didn’t question this pick too much, as Ring was undoubtedly the best college closer in the class and had good stuff. Following players selected: James Loney, Denard Span, Bobby Brownlie. Signing bonus: $1.6 million.

2. Jeremy Reed, OF, Long Beach State, #59 overall: Reed projected as a fourth outfielder type of prospect even back then. For that reason, it was quite shocking to see him taken so early. He had a decent career at Long Beach State, but nothing spectacular. Following players selected: Jonathan Broxton, Jesse Crain, Justin Jones. Signing bonus: $650,000.

3. Josh Rupe, RHP, Louisburg JC (NC), #90 overall: This was an overdraft by a couple of rounds, as Rupe was considered lucky if he made it into the first five or so rounds. There was a lot of criticism of his mechanics after transferring from Liberty. Following players selected: Mike Nixon, Mark Sauls, Billy Petrick. Signing bonus: $440,000.

4. Ryan Rodriguez, LHP, Keller HS (TX), #120 overall: Another overdraft by a few rounds, Rodriguez was a big prep lefty with a decent-enough fastball and curve. At 6′4”, he seemed to be in the category of projectable lefty. Following players selected: Delwyn Young, Alex Merricks, Alan Rick. Signing bonus: Unknown.

5. B.J. LaMura, RHP, Clemson, #150 overall: This was about two rounds higher than LaMura was expected to go. He had a good arm while at Clemson, but his command was below that of a normal college pitcher. Following players selected: Mike Megrew, Clete Thomas, Shawn Scobee. Signing bonus: Unknown.

Other Notable Selections: SS Chris Getz (6th), Grosse Point South HS (MI); RHP Sean Tracey (8th), UC Irvine; RHP Brandon McCarthy (17th), Lamar CC (CO); LHP Boone Logan (20th), Sandra Day O’Connor HS (TX); LHP Jay Marshall (25th), Jefferson College; RHP Fernando Hernandez (49th), Southwest HS (FL)

 

2003 Draft: $3.8 Million Budget

 

1. Brian Anderson, OF, Arizona, #15 overall: A toolsy college outfielder, a rarity on the college scene, Anderson improved from being way down draft boards entering the Spring to a mid first rounder. He was expected to go in the back half of the round. Following players selected: Jeff Allison, David Murphy, Brad Snyder. Signing bonus: $1.6 million.

2. Ryan Sweeney, OF, Xavier HS (IA), #52 overall: Sweeney was in consideration for the first round, but he fell here due to questions about his experience against good competition. This was a solid pick of a toolsy prep outfielder. Following players selected: Logan Kensing, Mickey Hall, Todd Jennings. Signing bonus: $785,000.

3. Clint King, OF, Southern Miss, #82 overall: This was a huge overdraft, as King wasn’t expected to go in the first five rounds. He had good results in college, but was a sophomore-eliglble and had plate discipline issues. Following players selected: Jonathan Fulton, Beau Vaughan, Tim Moss. Signing bonus: $440,000.

4. Robert Valido, SS, Coral Park HS (FL), #112 overall: This was right around whereValido was expected to go. He was mainly drafted on his ability at shortstop, but there were some questions about his bat. Following players selected: Jai Miller, Jonathan Papelbon, Michael Bourn. Signing bonus: $285,000.

5. Matt Nachreiner, RHP, Round Rock HS (TX), #142 overall: Nachreiner was expected to go in this area, if not a round higher. He had huge medical questions, as his knees were supposedly quite awful, but his stuff was undeniable. Following players selected: Cole Seifrig, Brian Marshall, Javon Moran. Signing bonus: $200,000.

Other Notable Picks: None.

 

2008 Draft: $4.7 Million Budget

 

1. Gordon Beckham, SS, Georgia, #8 overall: An excellent pick by Laumann in his return to the drafting chair. Beckham was being considered in the top five overall as a result of his hitting prowess, though he had questions about his glove. Following players selected: Aaron Crow, Jason Castro, Justin Smoak. Signing bonus: $2.6 million.

2. Brent Morel, 3B, Cal Poly, #86 overall: A big overdraft, Morel would have been lucky to slide into day one, which consisted of the first six rounds a year ago. Morel was just your average college third baseman with decent pop. Following players selected: Danny Espinosa, Chase Davidson, Tim Murphy. Signing bonus: $440,000.

3. Drew O’Neil, RHP, Penn State, #120 overall: A college closer, O’Neil was a sidearmer while at Penn State. He was expected to go somewhere late in the first day of the draft, making this a bearable, yet questionable, selection. Following players selected: Graham Hicks, TJ Steele, Joe Wieland. Signing bonus: $260,000.

4. Dan Hudson, RHP, Old Dominion, #150 overall: Hudson was a disappointment during his junior year, sliding him down draft boards. He was expected to go maybe a round or two later, as his command was sub-par. Following players selected: Adrian Nieto, David Duncan, Clark Murphy. Signing bonus: $180,000.

5. Kenny Williams, OF, Wichita State, #180 overall: This was a ridiculous pick, as Williams would have been lucky to be picked in the single digits by any other team. The son of the GM, Williams battled numerous issues keeping him off the field, only totaling a single unfinished college season. Following players selected: Paul Demny, JB Shuck, Richard Bleier. Signing bonus: $150,000.

Other Notable Selections: OF Jordan Danks (7th), Texas, $525K bonus (overslot); RHP Dexter Carter (13th), Old Dominion

 

These are the four drafts undertaken by Doug Laumann. Laumann’s tenure has been quite interesting, as he went from scouting director when Ken Williams was hired, to reassignment after three drafts, then back to scouting director when Duane Shaffer was fired just a couple weeks after the 2007 draft. What makes it more interesting is that Shaffer was the scouting director before Laumann, going all the way back to 1991. That’s two scouting directors over 18 drafts, but with each having been fired at least once before re-taking the reigns. That’s horrible personnel management folks. What it comes down to, however, is that Shaffer’s performance was so bad that he came under fire from Williams five months before the 2007 draft ever took place, and Laumann was there to pick up the pieces when Shaffer knew the door was going to hit him on the way out. Both Laumann and Shaffer assumed other roles in their stints after being replaced as scouting director. WHAT A FREAKING MESS! I don’t normally have that kind of reaction to personnel decisions, but Ken Williams and owner Jerry Reinsdorf have royally screwed up the workings of their scouting department. What has ensued is some bad drafting and development. Laumann himself has been an up-and-down type of director, going from overdrafting to getting great value to overdrafting again. In 2008, he was helped by having the #8 pick and Gordon Beckham landed on a plate for him, so that’s chalked up to luck. Overall, he’s gone for the higher-ceiling guys that Duane Shaffer avoided, and it’s paid off in general. Some of his decisions have been questionable, but there’s no question he likes the bigger-bodied, more athletic pitchers and position players. Laumann went heavily college last year, though I don’t think that’s an entire philosophy of his. He liked a number of prep players in the past, so it’s usually more about what he perceives the most talented player to be. I expect to see a fair mix in the future.

 

Financially, the White Sox have always underbudgeted for the draft process. They’ve generally had lower picks, so it’s been less of an issue than it would be for other clubs. Last year was the highest investment year since 2004, and $4.7 million is not a lot. Considered the fact that Gordon Beckham got well over 50% of that money, and you see that the White Sox generally care little about draft investment. The White Sox own the #23, 38, 61, 71, 102, and 133 picks, and pick every 30 picks after that. That’s an extra supplemental first rounder and an extra second rounder, so I expect a tad more investment this year. If they go slot across the board, expect them to pay in the neighborhood of $5 million total for their picks. I don’t expect more than one overslot pick, as that’s not their style at all. It takes a rare player to earn an overslot bonus from the White Sox, and that was Jordan Danks a year ago. If you notice, he was their first pick of the second day, so using that formula, we could see an overslot player picked in the fourth round this year, the first round of the second day. College talents that could fall could be sophomore-eligibles such as Kentrail Davis. He might require a significant amount overslot, so that might not be an option. On the whole, expect a fairly straight pattern of slot signings.

 

Looking at specific players, the White Sox may be able to land some nice players in their #23 slot. I have them going with Oklahoma State lefty Andy Oliver this week, but that’s not an option if he wants more than slot. However, being a Boras client doesn’t necessarily mean he wants more than a slot bonus. Other options could include LSU outfielder Jared Mitchell, Indiana starting pitcher Eric Arnett, Stanford’s Drew Storen, and Georgia first baseman Rich Poythress. There’s some good options out there. The supplemental first round pick could be any of Ben Tootle, Kyle Heckathorn, Chad Jenkins, Angelo Songco, and a few other names. I’m tying them more to college guys this year, as the athletic prep players just aren’t as prevalent, though there are some prep guys to keep an eye on.

 

All bonus information came from BA, and writeups on draft status going into the draft were a mixture of BA and PG. Go to their sites for draft coverage. They’re awesome.

 

What do you guys think? What do the White Sox do?

[ThunderBolt]

I'm a cheap bastard so i haven't bought ESPN insider (and won't) Anyone know who Keith Law drafted for us in his mock?

[SoxFan1]

Wow....the following 3 after Valido: Jai Miller, Jonathan Papelbon, Michael Bourn. Jeez.

[harfman77]

I'm a cheap bastard so i haven't bought ESPN insider (and won't) Anyone know who Keith Law drafted for us in his mock?

 

Mike Trout is who he has the Sox selecting, also does not have Donovan Tate being drafted in the first round. Keith Law is pretty clueless though, thats why he does this job instead of working in baseball still. I dont see the Sox taking a high school player in the first round unless it is someone like Tate where the talent level is elite.

 

I think the Sox will look at Brett Jackson from Cal, above average fielder, his speed is his top tool, projects as an average hitter in the majors.

 

Pollock going 16th to the D-backs and Brothers going 18th to the Marlins.

[BearSox]

Decided to take today off, and do some draft reports. Here are the guys I'm hoping to get done...

 

OF Jason Kipnis, Arizona St.

SP Kyle Heckathorn, Kennesaw St.

SP Chad Jenkins, Kennesaw St.

SP Brad Boxberger, Southern Cal

RP Joe Kelly, UC Riverside

RP Jason Stoffel, Arizona

 

Also, does anyone know if Brian Goodwin is a Boras client or not? I thought he was, but I can't find anything now to give me a definitive answer.

 

EDIT: Finally found the answer to my question, he is a Boras client, and a UNC commit, so there a legit chance Goodwin falls in the draft and goes to UNC (Boras said something like he really feels that Goodwin will go to UNC afterall). I'm likely not gonna do a draft report on him anymore.

 

And, I see Tate has been talked about as someone who is falling as well. UNC bringing in a damn good recruiting class if they can get those guys to come in.

Edited May 27, 2009 by BearSox

[Palehosefan]

Mike Trout is who he has the Sox selecting, also does not have Donovan Tate being drafted in the first round. Keith Law is pretty clueless though, thats why he does this job instead of working in baseball still. I dont see the Sox taking a high school player in the first round unless it is someone like Tate where the talent level is elite.

 

I think the Sox will look at Brett Jackson from Cal, above average fielder, his speed is his top tool, projects as an average hitter in the majors.

 

Pollock going 16th to the D-backs and Brothers going 18th to the Marlins.

 

Tate is questionable on being drafted really high because he's a Boras client and UNC football/baseball commit and Boras LOVES UNC, so Tate will be a pretty difficult sign. But he's an amazing talent in CF and as a safety.

[maggsmaggs]

Decided to take today off, and do some draft reports. Here are the guys I'm hoping to get done...

 

OF Jason Kipnis, Arizona St.

OF Brian Goodwin, HS North Carolina

SP Kyle Heckathorn, Kennesaw St.

SP Chad Jenkins, Kennesaw St.

SP Brad Boxberger, Southern Cal

RP Joe Kelly, UC Riverside

RP Jason Stoffel, Arizona

 

Also, does anyone know if Brian Goodwin is a Boras client or not? I thought he was, but I can't find anything now to give me a definitive answer.

Kipnis would make sense, a local product from Glenbrook North, as a comp pick. Also has had a great year, but I think he lacks a position right now.

[OilCan]

Guys, and gals...

 

I've said this player before as a possible guy the Sox could use...

 

1B Brandon Belt - Texas

Currently leading the team with a .342 BA, 8 HRs and 37 RBIs.

He was a good LHP coming out of high school but made the switch to the infield when his velocity dipped. Very sweet swing from the left side, closed stance.

 

Here's a writeup about him from today's Austin American-Statesman:

 

http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sp...528texbase.html

 

If someone will allow I can write a draft profile on him, I would be happy to do so and any other Longhorn player...

 

 

[fathom]

Brett Jackson scares me from California, as he's supposedly had a terrible season. I stand by my Mitchell prediction, especially after KW said he wants a speedy leadoff guy in this draft.

[Chisoxfn]

Guys, and gals...

 

I've said this player before as a possible guy the Sox could use...

 

1B Brandon Belt - Texas

Currently leading the team with a .342 BA, 8 HRs and 37 RBIs.

He was a good LHP coming out of high school but made the switch to the infield when his velocity dipped. Very sweet swing from the left side, closed stance.

 

Here's a writeup about him from today's Austin American-Statesman:

 

http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sp...528texbase.html

 

If someone will allow I can write a draft profile on him, I would be happy to do so and any other Longhorn player...

That would be awesome oilcan. Go for it

[BearSox]

Guys, and gals...

 

I've said this player before as a possible guy the Sox could use...

 

1B Brandon Belt - Texas

Currently leading the team with a .342 BA, 8 HRs and 37 RBIs.

He was a good LHP coming out of high school but made the switch to the infield when his velocity dipped. Very sweet swing from the left side, closed stance.

 

Here's a writeup about him from today's Austin American-Statesman:

 

http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sp...528texbase.html

 

If someone will allow I can write a draft profile on him, I would be happy to do so and any other Longhorn player...

Yeah, do all the player profiles you want. The more we get, the better.

 

You got any video of Belt? I'd like to see his swing.

[OilCan]

Yeah, do all the player profiles you want. The more we get, the better.

 

You got any video of Belt? I'd like to see his swing.

 

Sorry about the late note....just got home....my job description at work just changed for the good!

I'll see what I can find.

I saw Brandon on TV vs. Stanford way, way earlier this year. Sweet outside-stanced swing.

 

I've started to look through Google, YouTube, UT's multimedia...I'll keep looking but man, someone has to have video on this kid.

 

There are some other UT ballplayers that I want to write up too, and other Big 12 players that are draft - eligible.

 

Here's a good sign though...Belt was named to the Big 12 All-Tourney Team: (Crap, this was 2008!!! - I'll look for '09, jeez I'm tired...)

 

2008 PHILLIPS 66 BIG 12 BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

1B Brandon Belt, Texas

2B Jake Opitz, Nebraska

SS Drew Biery, Kansas State

3B Nate Tenbrink, Kansas State

C Luis Flores, Oklahoma State

OF Jacob Priday, Missouri

OF Jordan Danks, Texas

OF Russell Moldenhauer, Texas

DH Rebel Ridling, Oklahoma State

P Daniel Edwards, Kansas State

P Andrew Doyle, Oklahoma

 

MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER

1B Brandon Belt, Texas

 

Linky: http://www.ncaa.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/071708aat.html

 

I'll do a writeup tomorrow. I'm a little sleepy.........

Edited May 29, 2009 by OilCan

[Chisoxfn]

Belt is one of those guys that was a potential 1st round pick out of high school and he's a guy that has seen his stock drop the most between high school and college. His fastball velocity dropped and he moved to the offensive side fulltime and looks like a real nice looking offensive project. Seems like he could be a nice value pick in the 5th-12th rounds.

[OilCan]

Hell=to=the=yezz ChiSoxfn....If he's still around in rounds 4-8, I would definitely take him.

[fathom]

Newest BA mock draft has the Sox taking high school OF Everett Williams. I'd be thrilled with this, and then use 2 of the next 3 picks on college players.

[BearSox]

Here's BA's top 100 players (they are separated by hitters and pitchers)

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/draft...009/268178.html

Edited May 29, 2009 by BearSox

[Ozzie Ball]

Newest BA mock draft has the Sox taking high school OF Everett Williams. I'd be thrilled with this, and then use 2 of the next 3 picks on college players.

I don't like Williams at all, he looks like a future 4th outfielder to me.

[fathom]

I don't like Williams at all, he looks like a future 4th outfielder to me.

 

Why's that? I haven't seen any video on him, so you might know more than I do.

[BearSox]

Why's that? I haven't seen any video on him, so you might know more than I do.

 

From what I've seen and heard, he is a pull/home run happy type of hitter who K's a ton.

 

However, he is more polished than the usual extremely athletic, toolsy high school player.

Edited May 30, 2009 by BearSox

[BearSox]

If we go the leadoff hitter route, I'm looking at Tim Wheeler. Much more polished than Mitchell, but less upside. However, I'd rather get a solid leadoff hitter over the next Joey Gatright. Right now, if Brothers and Leake aren't around at 23, I want one of Pollack, Wheeler, or Sanchez.

[fathom]

The first time I read Tim Wheeler's scouting profile, I thought he'd be a good pick for the Sox. The recent mock draft has him falling to #32.

[bighurt4life]

The first time I read Tim Wheeler's scouting profile, I thought he'd be a good pick for the Sox. The recent mock draft has him falling to #32.

 

He has one of the uglier swings I've ever seen, all kinds of extra and unnecessary movement in it. I'd take him in the second round at the earliest.

[SoxAce]

He has one of the uglier swings I've ever seen, all kinds of extra and unnecessary movement in it. I'd take him in the second round at the earliest.

 

If that. Not a fan of his at all. But hey if it's the 4th round then by all means... take him. Here's hoping my boy (and beautox's boy) Brothers falls to us.