2015 MLB Draft

[ChiliIrishHammock24]

We now have another month to argue about who we take at #8. The league is close to pushing back the draft until July 1st, so protect those who play in the College World Series.

[LDF]

We now have another month to argue about who we take at #8. The league is close to pushing back the draft until July 1st, so protect those who play in the College World Series.

 

how is that suppose to protect those in the world series??

[Chisoxfn]

We now have another month to argue about who we take at #8. The league is close to pushing back the draft until July 1st, so protect those who play in the College World Series.

Why does it protect those who play in CWS? I would think if I were a player, i'd rather get drafted early before my arm gets blown out or a team gets more concerned, etc. At that point, I figure downside risk is more likely than upside risk. Not often are you going to shoot up draft boards because you got hot during the CWS (doesn't work quite the same as say march madness or a player getting hot in the playoffs ala Tim Thomas and than turning that into a massive contract).

[ChiliIrishHammock24]

how is that suppose to protect those in the world series??

 

 

Why does it protect those who play in CWS? I would think if I were a player, i'd rather get drafted early before my arm gets blown out or a team gets more concerned, etc. At that point, I figure downside risk is more likely than upside risk. Not often are you going to shoot up draft boards because you got hot during the CWS (doesn't work quite the same as say march madness or a player getting hot in the playoffs ala Tim Thomas and than turning that into a massive contract).

 

The idea is that you just drafted a guy, and you don't want him to be a liability because some coach overused him in the CWS. There have been stories in the past of teams being upset that certain programs will fully exhaust a pitcher in the CWS because they already know he got drafted and if he blows out his arm, who cares, he left the program already. Rodon had some of these issues being pushed 130+ pitches for a team his coach knew he would never play for again. And another reason could be that players may try harder if they are pushing to increase their draft stock, not saying "Well, I'm a millionaire already, f*** this team, get me out of here so I can start pro ball".

 

I get both points, they make sense for a team perspective. But from a fan perspective, it's annoying because I really enjoyed following which players the Sox drafted that are in the CWS. I promise you I would have never watched a Rice Owl baseball game if I didn't know the Sox had drafted Christian Stringer. But being able to watch guys like Gordon Beckham and Adam Engel and Jared Mitchell with rooting interest was actually fun. Now, I'll probably watch significantly less of the CWS this summer.

Edited January 22, 2015 by Chilihead90

[LDF]

The idea is that you just drafted a guy, and you don't want him to be a liability because some coach overused him in the CWS. There have been stories in the past of teams being upset that certain programs will fully exhaust a pitcher in the CWS because they already know he got drafted and if he blows out his arm, who cares, he left the program already. Rodon had some of these issues being pushed 130+ pitches for a team his coach knew he would never play for again. And another reason could be that players may try harder if they are pushing to increase their draft stock, not saying "Well, I'm a millionaire already, f*** this team, get me out of here so I can start pro ball".

 

I get both points, they make sense for a team perspective. But from a fan perspective, it's annoying because I really enjoyed following which players the Sox drafted that are in the CWS. I promise you I would have never watched a Rice Owl baseball game if I didn't know the Sox had drafted Christian Stringer. But being able to watch guys like Gordon Beckham and Adam Engel and Jared Mitchell with rooting interest was actually fun. Now, I'll probably watch significantly less of the CWS this summer.

 

pls do not take this the wrong way, but i don't know if you are editorializing

the statement made. either way, it is a great argument. a side i never really

thought about.

 

great post.

[NorthSideSox72]

Indications look like they are nowhere close to changing the draft date. It is in early discussions, the 7/1 date being right before Intl 7/2 signings is a huge problem, and this also causes major issues for rosters on short season league teams. Furthermore, this change has to be collectively bargained to include the union. Basically, there is probably only the slimmest chance this happens this year, and it may not happen at all (or may happen in a different way).

 

[Chisoxfn]

The idea is that you just drafted a guy, and you don't want him to be a liability because some coach overused him in the CWS. There have been stories in the past of teams being upset that certain programs will fully exhaust a pitcher in the CWS because they already know he got drafted and if he blows out his arm, who cares, he left the program already. Rodon had some of these issues being pushed 130+ pitches for a team his coach knew he would never play for again. And another reason could be that players may try harder if they are pushing to increase their draft stock, not saying "Well, I'm a millionaire already, f*** this team, get me out of here so I can start pro ball".

 

I get both points, they make sense for a team perspective. But from a fan perspective, it's annoying because I really enjoyed following which players the Sox drafted that are in the CWS. I promise you I would have never watched a Rice Owl baseball game if I didn't know the Sox had drafted Christian Stringer. But being able to watch guys like Gordon Beckham and Adam Engel and Jared Mitchell with rooting interest was actually fun. Now, I'll probably watch significantly less of the CWS this summer.

Eh, I see that point but I think the other point is just as valid. That sounds more like protecting the teams than protecting the players, to be frank. And if you look at college ball, plenty of guys who weren't drafted or aren't draft eligible throw a ton during the CWS. Part of it is the way the tourney is structured with the format almost ensuring that you have to go to your horses more often (just like you see ace pitchers used more often and on shorter rest during the playoffs).

[LDF]

Eh, I see that point but I think the other point is just as valid. That sounds more like protecting the teams than protecting the players, to be frank. And if you look at college ball, plenty of guys who weren't drafted or aren't draft eligible throw a ton during the CWS. Part of it is the way the tourney is structured with the format almost ensuring that you have to go to your horses more often (just like you see ace pitchers used more often and on shorter rest during the playoffs).

 

makes a valid point which i will say the same thing as i have in the past. remembering

Rodon this past CWS and his workload, there has to be a mandatory pitch count for

college pitchers, regardless if they are draft eligible or not.

[harfman77]

What I would like to see is one big event in July.

 

 

Thursday night - Draft first night

Friday - Draft mid rounds; celebrity softball

Friday night - HR derby

Saturday - Draft conclusion

Saturday night - All Star Game

Sunday - Futures game

 

 

I like the idea of moving the draft back to allow kids in the CWS to focus more on that experience than worry about negotiating their contracts.

 

You can push SS ball back to start mid to late July and run the season a little later than it currently runs.

[Balta1701]

What I would like to see is one big event in July.

 

 

Thursday night - Draft first night

Friday - Draft mid rounds; celebrity softball

Friday night - HR derby

Saturday - Draft conclusion

Saturday night - All Star Game

Sunday - Futures game

 

 

I like the idea of moving the draft back to allow kids in the CWS to focus more on that experience than worry about negotiating their contracts.

 

You can push SS ball back to start mid to late July and run the season a little later than it currently runs.

Aren't Friday and Saturday the lowest TV Viewership nights of any week?

[LDF]

What I would like to see is one big event in July.

 

 

Thursday night - Draft first night

Friday - Draft mid rounds; celebrity softball

Friday night - HR derby

Saturday - Draft conclusion

Saturday night - All Star Game

Sunday - Futures game

 

 

I like the idea of moving the draft back to allow kids in the CWS to focus more on that experience than worry about negotiating their contracts.

 

You can push SS ball back to start mid to late July and run the season a little later than it currently runs.

don't forget all the weekend festival in grant park during the summer.

 

[caulfield12]

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/103053582/20...ayo-call-top-10

 

Has anyone ever watched Dansby Swanson or Funkhouser?

 

 

Of course, there's always the caveat it's five months out and a million things will change between now and June.

 

he's a leadoff type who should stay at shortstop (and has a better chance to do so than Tim Anderson, Chicago's 2013 first-rounder).

Not loving that comment from Callis, but nothing that hasn't been noted as a concern previously.

 

 

http://www.dcprosportsreport.com/MLBMocks.htm

Database of all the released mock drafts. Looks like Cameron could fall into play for the White Sox as well. Sure we'll get a Phil Rogers story there with the White Sox connections. Aiken's getting listed around 4-5 in the first round now, assuming his elbow doesn't blow out this spring.

 

[LDF]

 

 

dc is where i get most of my mock draft updates. then i go and look at the major on i kept a link to.

 

this lack of info if killing me. i know it is their offseason and school and crap like that. but it is killing me. can't wait for spring training. the 1 thing that i failed in, not keeping up with my blackhawks or bulls. dang it, this was a great offseason in baseball, esp in sox baseball.

[BlackSox13]

The 2015 draft hype will get rolling in mid February when the college season begins. I'm looking forward to it myself.

 

Anyone know when the HS season begins? March? I've been out of HS for too long to remember.

[zenryan]

The 2015 draft hype will get rolling in mid February when the college season begins. I'm looking forward to it myself.

 

Anyone know when the HS season begins? March? I've been out of HS for too long to remember.

 

 

March sounds right but I'm in Florida so I dont know when the northern states started their season.

 

We always had our first game/tournament during Spring Break.

[caulfield12]

The 2015 draft hype will get rolling in mid February when the college season begins. I'm looking forward to it myself.

 

Anyone know when the HS season begins? March? I've been out of HS for too long to remember.

 

 

Depending on your region of the US I'm sure.

 

For soccer (spring sports), in Iowa we always started around the last week of February with tryouts/training/practices. Baseball was MUCH later, in May.

Edited January 26, 2015 by caulfield12

[BlackSox13]

March sounds right but I'm in Florida so I dont know when the northern states started their season.

 

We always had our first game/tournament during Spring Break.

That sounds about right since I remember it was still pretty chilly when the HS season began. Thanks Zen.

[LDF]

 

well, yesterday was the 2015 16-30 prospect list from FS.... now we got the first new yr mock draft

 

http://minorleaguemadhouse.com/2015/01/20/...-draft-results/

[BlackSox13]

I would be more than happy with Walker Buehler!

[LDF]

I would be more than happy with Walker Buehler!

 

so would i. but that is the problem with all this different mock draft, different writers see things differently. but then again, that is why i like to continue to read them, can pick up different opinions on their reasoning.

[harfman77]

so would i. but that is the problem with all this different mock draft, different writers see things differently. but then again, that is why i like to continue to read them, can pick up different opinions on their reasoning.

 

I am not a huge fan of that pick. If that is the way the draft board plays out I would rather either take Happ or work out an underslot deal with Bickford or Stewart and use the savings later in the draft to go over slot to replace the talent lost by not having a second or third round pick.

[LDF]

I am not a huge fan of that pick. If that is the way the draft board plays out I would rather either take Happ or work out an underslot deal with Bickford or Stewart and use the savings later in the draft to go over slot to replace the talent lost by not having a second or third round pick.

 

not a bad why to think. i really like Kirby out of all the pitchers. but there is things to consider. which won't play out till spring training.

 

i still like the players i originally posted about. but like i said, getting and developing all this info, new reason of many people to best gage the talent. in other words, make the best educated selection.

[GGajewski18]

Doing a little research on potential draft picks. I've always been a Carson Fulmer fan, but his size does scare me a little bit.

 

Phil Bickford is another guy that's growing on me that's now at community college. He's 0-1 3.48 ERA, 10.2 IP, 2 BBs, and 18 Ks so far this season.

 

As far as hitters, I don't know which I would prefer, a college bat, or HS bat. If it's a college bat, Swanson and Happ top that list. Although, it sounds like Happ would move to the OF and that his best position could be left field. Swanson seams destined for 2B.

 

HS bats, I like Daz Cameron who already has a pretty good frame that will only grow into. Another HS bat I like is Nick Plummer. He might have the most raw power and could be a great average hitter.

 

Outside the 1st round, there is one player I hope for. I'm a huge Illinois fan, so I would love to see the Sox nab LHP Kevin Duchene. The kid has dominated his first 2 seasons although he does not strike out a ton of guys. Decent frame at 6'2 210.

[Boopa1219]

Doing a little research on potential draft picks. I've always been a Carson Fulmer fan, but his size does scare me a little bit.

 

Phil Bickford is another guy that's growing on me that's now at community college. He's 0-1 3.48 ERA, 10.2 IP, 2 BBs, and 18 Ks so far this season.

 

As far as hitters, I don't know which I would prefer, a college bat, or HS bat. If it's a college bat, Swanson and Happ top that list. Although, it sounds like Happ would move to the OF and that his best position could be left field. Swanson seams destined for 2B.

 

HS bats, I like Daz Cameron who already has a pretty good frame that will only grow into. Another HS bat I like is Nick Plummer. He might have the most raw power and could be a great average hitter.

 

Outside the 1st round, there is one player I hope for. I'm a huge Illinois fan, so I would love to see the Sox nab LHP Kevin Duchene. The kid has dominated his first 2 seasons although he does not strike out a ton of guys. Decent frame at 6'2 210.

 

Guys I like for the Sox in the first round:

Michael Muetella, who I think will not be drafted in the top 5 of the draft.

 

Kyle Cody, the dude throws really, really hard and he has an ideal frame at 6'7 240lbs.

 

Ashe Russell, a high school Impact arm, the guy hits 95 consistently and has a nasty slider.

 

It would smart to go under slot and over spend in the later rounds.

Edited February 10, 2015 by Joshua Strong

[Chisoxfn]

For those high on Bickford...I've heard not so nice things about his makeup and how he handled himself during his year at Fullerton. Stuff is obviously very plus though.