2014 Draft class

[Boopa1219]

What would you guys think of taking Jackson Reetz with our second pick if we took Kolek at #3?

 

Just because you draft a pitcher it doesn't mean that you need to draft a catcher, but with all that being said I am favor of them drafting Jakson Reetz. Reets is 6'1 and 190lbs and he will definitely be a catcher at the next level unlike Alex Jackson who will most likely switch a corner outfield spot. Reetz is a athletic backstop and he has a strong arm behind the plate, what separates him from other catching prospects is the fact that he can flat out hit. Some of the prospect blogs/magazines say that he compares favorably to Buster Posey.

[ILMOU]

Ok take Danks out of the projected starting rotation, it was just an example.

 

But outside of Johnson, what starting pitching prospects do we have that get you at all excited? I like Danish, but still feel his sidearm action and quick release still project better as a reliever long term.

 

Beck hasn't shown the upside to be anything more than a #4 or 5 starter at best in the show. Yes, he did look much better after getting promoted to AA, but this incredibly low strikeout rate at A ball has me concerned. He needs to show solid improvement this year to be considered legitimate in my eyes.

 

Outside of these two, who in our system even projects to make the major leagues as a starting pitcher, let alone excel?

 

While I'd be happy to draft Turner, this shows how much we need to stock up on quality arms in the farm system. I like Keaton McKinney later in the draft, he has a solid frame, the best changeup of all HS pitchers and great control.

 

Keep your eyes on Olacio, Ortiz, and Montas, possibly Jaye, Lopez (when he returns), and potentially several others. Beck could make a significant move forward this year.

 

The first few months of the MiLB season should tell us a lot. By that time, you'll LOOOVVVE Danish, imo. I'm also confident that either our first or 2nd pick in this year's draft will be a nice addition to this list.

Edited January 25, 2014 by Stan Bahnsen

[Y2Jimmy0]

Doug Padilla ‏@ESPNChiSox 8m

Hahn admits No. 3 draft pick in June probably will be spent on pitching. Four of top five guys available, as of now, are pitchers.

[flavum]

Doug Padilla ‏@ESPNChiSox 8m

Hahn admits No. 3 draft pick in June probably will be spent on pitching. Four of top five guys available, as of now, are pitchers.

 

That's fine. Stick with what you know.

 

Not sure what number pick the 2nd round pick is, but maybe that's where they take a high ceiling position player.

[Marty34]

Ok take Danks out of the projected starting rotation, it was just an example.

 

But outside of Johnson, what starting pitching prospects do we have that get you at all excited? I like Danish, but still feel his sidearm action and quick release still project better as a reliever long term.

 

Beck hasn't shown the upside to be anything more than a #4 or 5 starter at best in the show. Yes, he did look much better after getting promoted to AA, but this incredibly low strikeout rate at A ball has me concerned. He needs to show solid improvement this year to be considered legitimate in my eyes.

 

Outside of these two, who in our system even projects to make the major leagues as a starting pitcher, let alone excel?

 

While I'd be happy to draft Turner, this shows how much we need to stock up on quality arms in the farm system. I like Keaton McKinney later in the draft, he has a solid frame, the best changeup of all HS pitchers and great control.

 

The organization's SP depth is vastly overstated by many on this board.

[fathom]

Doug Padilla ‏@ESPNChiSox 8m

Hahn admits No. 3 draft pick in June probably will be spent on pitching. Four of top five guys available, as of now, are pitchers.

 

Rodon, Hoffman, Kolek, Beede, Turner seems to be the 5 he's referring to.

[DirtySox]

Rodon, Hoffman, Kolek, Beede, Turner seems to be the 5 he's referring to.

 

Yep. Beede is an interesting case. He's clearly not in the Rodon/Hoffman tier, but he certainly could be deemed worthy of the 3rd pick if he finally finds some command/control and some consistency with the secondaries. A snippet of a scouting report on Beede:

 

Hit/On-Base -- Beede was considered a projectable right-hander when he was taken by the Blue Jays in the first round of 2011, and he certainly has picked up a few miles on his fastball, sitting 90-93 and will occasionally touch 95.

 

Curve – This is the most inconsistent of Beede’s offerings, but I’ve seen it plus at times at 77-79 with good depth and downward plane. He sometimes struggles to stay on top of the pitch however and it has a tendency to become a spike curveball that is difficult to command.

 

Change – Another pitch that has flashed plus, but less often than the breaking ball. Beede’s change is usually in the 80-92 range with decent arm action and a tiny amount of fade, as well.

 

Command – Right now, Beede’s command isn’t where it needs to be for him to be a frontline starter. He puts too many batters on via walk right now, and struggles to hit his spots with his fastball and secondary offerings. Part of that could be due to his inability to repeat his delivery, which scouts tell me changes often.

[Marty34]

Both Lauman and Hahn have alluded to possibly taking a guy at #3 that would sign under slot and spreading out the money throughout the draft. I don't know what's going to be available at #3 right now but I'm not crazy about the idea I'm theory.

 

Agree that this would be a bad idea. Disappointing that they are even considering it.

[DirtySox]

Both Lauman and Hahn have alluded to possibly taking a guy at #3 that would sign under slot and spreading out the money throughout the draft. I don't know what's going to be available at #3 right now but I'm not crazy about the idea I'm theory.

 

I could go both ways on that. (Prefacing this: It's obviously still early and many things can and will change.) Unfortunately at this point in time, there is a clear top two tier of Rodon/Hoffman, then a drop off in talent level. There is no clear cut number 3 pick. You could make a feasible argument for MANY players at 3 right now. Kolek, Jackson, Turner, Gatewood, Gettys, Beede, Touissant, Holmes etc. If there is little distinction in who the Sox think the BPA is amongst the players available at 3, grab the cheaper guy and spread the savings on the premium tougher signs later. It helps stock the farm and creates depth for the apparent goal of having a more self sustained organization. The Royals did it last year by grabbing Hunter Dozier at 8, which enabled them the money to sign Sean Manaea later. The Astros did it in 2012, taking Carlos Correa 1st, allowing them to sign McCullers & Rio Ruiz with the savings.

 

It's an interesting option, but if for whatever reason the Marlins don't take Hoffman the Sox better pounce on that.

Edited January 25, 2014 by DirtySox

[Balta1701]

Agree that this would be a bad idea. Disappointing that they are even considering it.

Of course, considering the very concept blew your mind last year to the point you declared the draft a failure.

[Balta1701]

I could go both ways on that. (Prefacing this: It's obviously still early and many things can and will change.) Unfortunately at this point in time, there is a clear top two tier of Rodon/Hoffman, then a drop off in talent level. There is no clear cut number 3 pick. You could make a feasible argument for MANY players at 3 right now. Kolek, Jackson, Turner, Gatewood, Gettys, Beede, Touissant, Holmes etc. If there is little distinction in who the Sox think the BPA is amongst the players available at 3, grab the cheaper guy and spread the savings on the premium tougher signs later. It helps stock the farm and creates depth for the apparent goal of having a more self sustained organization. The Royals did it last year by grabbing Hunter Dozier at 8, which enabled them the money to sign Sean Manaea later. The Astros did it in 2012, taking Carlos Correa 1st, allowing them to sign McCullers & Rio Ruiz with the savings.

 

It's an interesting option, but if for whatever reason the Marlins don't take Hoffman the Sox better pounce on that.

Hell, the savings the White Sox got in their top few rounds last year allowed them the money it took to sign a guy like Trey Michalczewski later on, and they wound up having more than a couple guys who had 3rd round talent out of it.

[Quin]

That's fine. Stick with what you know.

 

Not sure what number pick the 2nd round pick is, but maybe that's where they take a high ceiling position player.

 

43rd pick, which is why I want Reetz there as he is an athletic catcher projected to go in that slot.

[ILMOU]

Agree that this would be a bad idea. Disappointing that they are even considering it.

We agree!

 

But, seriously, I wonder if, since it's supposedly such a deep class, that they like a few guys they figure to be available in Round 2 as much as the guys they could pick at 3. Doubt it, but maybe.

 

Still, don't care for it. #3 pick is rare, god willing, and we shouldn't pass up a chance to get someone who could dominate in a few years.

[Marty34]

Of course, considering the very concept blew your mind last year to the point you declared the draft a failure.

 

You still got Viciedo as the next Vlad, B?

[Balta1701]

You still got Viciedo as the next Vlad, B?

I was wrong on that one. Maybe, I'll start posting pithy one-liners.

 

[Marty34]

We agree!

 

But, seriously, I wonder if, since it's supposedly such a deep class, that they like a few guys they figure to be available in Round 2 as much as the guys they could pick at 3. Doubt it, but maybe.

 

Still, don't care for it. #3 pick is rare, god willing, and we shouldn't pass up a chance to get someone who could dominate in a few years.

 

We do agree, there must be something wrong with me.

 

If this is a cover not to take Kolek, I think it's a bad idea. Like you said the #3 pick is too rare not to take the BPA.

[Marty34]

Sorry for bringing up a sore subject, B. I thought you were over it.

[DirtySox]

43rd pick, which is why I want Reetz there as he is an athletic catcher projected to go in that slot.

 

As far as catching prospects go, I have this feeling that Max Pentecost is going to have major helium and turn into a top 10 pick. Going to keep a close eye on him. As far as catching prospects that could be around in the second round sign me up for Evan Skoug. I'm probably biased though since he's a local guy who plays for Libertyville which is right near where I grew up.

[ILMOU]

A ranking of the signability/guestimated costs for the top draftees, especially the pitchers, would be cool. If anyone here has that expertise, much appreciated.

 

 

[DirtySox]

We do agree, there must be something wrong with me.

 

If this is a cover not to take Kolek, I think it's a bad idea. Like you said the #3 pick is too rare not to take the BPA.

 

I really like Kolek too, but let's not pretend he's a slam dunk pick. There is considerable risk there, especially being a prep pitcher. He has a fantastic fastball but inconsistent secondaries. He also isn't all that polished for a prep arm. He's likely going to take some time to progress through the minors. I would have no problem taking him 3rd since he absolutely has a front-line SP ceiling, but there is a reason he isn't in the Rodon/Hoffman tier currently.

Edited January 25, 2014 by DirtySox

[Balta1701]

We do agree, there must be something wrong with me.

 

If this is a cover not to take Kolek, I think it's a bad idea. Like you said the #3 pick is too rare not to take the BPA.

From what everyone seems to be saying, there's 2 guys head and shoulders above the others as things stand now and then a number of guys who could distinguish themselves at 3. Is my assessment wrong in that?

 

If you could save $500k on your first pick by taking a guy who might otherwise go number 5 at #3...while not sacrificing a lot in talent, that's like adding an extra 3rd rounder to the draft.

 

The setup has to be right, you don't want to do that when the #3 pick is head and shoulders above the #4, but so far no one seems to be making a case that there's an obvious #3 guy in any of these threads.

[DirtySox]

A ranking of the signability/guestimated costs for the top draftees, especially the pitchers, would be cool. If anyone here has that expertise, much appreciated.

 

Too soon for that. Give it a month or two.

 

Edit: I'm talking signability here.

Edited January 25, 2014 by DirtySox

[Balta1701]

A ranking of the signability/guestimated costs for the top draftees, especially the pitchers, would be cool. If anyone here has that expertise, much appreciated.

It's not exactly what you asked for but here's the slotting amounts for last year.

[DirtySox]

From what everyone seems to be saying, there's 2 guys head and shoulders above the others as things stand now and then a number of guys who could distinguish themselves at 3. Is my assessment wrong in that?

 

As of right now, that is accurate.

[DirtySox]

For what it's worth, the Astros were able to save 2.4 million on Correa which was reallocated within the draft. Correa wasn't really seen as a reach at 1.1 either. Hunter Dozier for the Royals at 1.8 was seen as more of a reach and that pick allowed the Royals to save just near 1 million which was reallocated to Manaea. Just some context.