Sitcoms Explain The Nationals Draft Class

This week, Major League Baseball held its annual First-Year Player Draft, with more than 1,200 players selected over three days. Much like new television shows, most of these players will not be hits and being chosen on draft day will likely be their career highlight. But a few, like new YouTube show “Cobra Kai,” blossom into breakout performers. With May sweeps barely in the rearview mirror, I use my favorite sitcoms to help introduce the 2018 Nationals’ draft class.

“Head of the Class”: Rumors tied him to Washington for several days, and on Monday, the Nationals selected Mason Denaburg with their first-round pick, 27th overall. Denaburg is an extremely athletic 6-foot-3, 200-lb. righty with a college commitment to the University of Florida. He missed time this spring with biceps tendinitis, causing him to slide to the late first round. An impressive two-sport athlete and all-state punter, Denaburg has a mid-90s fastball with heavy sink, a late-breaking curveball and a developing changeup.

Denaburg has some delivery concerns and is raw, even for a high school pitcher, but scouts believe his athletic ability and a full-time focus on pitching will allow him to correct these flaws. The risk is elevated with him, even considering he is a high school right-hander, the position with historically the worst rate of return in the draft. However, the payoff could be worthwhile, as he has No. 3 starter ability.

In round 2, the Nationals selected Tim Cate, a 6-foot, 170-lb. lefty from the University of Connecticut. An impressive college starter with a three-pitch repertoire, Cate possesses a low-90s fastball, a plus curveball and a decent changeup. His curveball is one of the best in this draft class and a true swing-and-miss offering. Unfortunately, Cate had Tommy John surgery in high school and missed several starts this spring with elbow concerns, causing him to fall to the second round. His detractors think he is a future reliever due to his size and injury history, but assuming he is healthy, Cate profiles as either a back-end starter or impact reliever.

Round 3 saw Washington choose Vanderbilt University right-hander Reid Schaller, a draft-eligible freshman who underwent Tommy John surgery and missed all of 2017. He returned healthy this season, working in relief and overwhelming hitters with a powerful fastball and slider combination. Schaller’s fastball consistently sits 94-96 mph, touching higher on occasion, along with an impressive slider. He has the frame at 6-foot-3 and 210 lbs., to be a starter, but his delivery and injury past should make him a long-term reliever. Schaller has leverage to return to school, but it would be surprising to see a third-round pick spurn a professional contract.

“Curb Your Enthusiasm”: Zach Linginfelter (round 19) began the year with potential to be a top-three round selection based on his mid-90s velocity and hard breaking ball. He was inconsistent for Tennessee this season, causing a draft day tumble and now could prefer to return to school to improve his draft stock in 2019. Cole Wilcox (round 37) was a top-50 prospect based solely on talent, but fell due to bonus concerns and a strong college commitment to Georgia. He features a mid-90s fastball, a nasty slider and a decent changeup. He is extremely unlikely to sign and projects as a top-three round pick in three years.

“Family Matters”: The Nationals made several legacy picks this year, selecting Colin Morse (round 26), brother of Nationals prospect Phil Morse. Washington chose Tyler Baca (round 34), the son of Nationals’ assistant director of amateur scouting Mark Baca, and Michael Menhart (round 40), the son of Nationals pitching coordinator Paul Menhart.

“Community”:

* Breakdown: 33 college players, seven high school players

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* Best value pick: Tyler Cropley (round 8), a stellar defensive catcher and a developing bat

* Best fastball: Reid Schaller (round 3)

* Best off-speed pitch: Cate, curveball

* Best hitter: Gage Canning (round 5)

* Best defender: Cropley

* Best name: Onix Vega (round 20)

* Biggest sleeper: Chandler Day (round 7), good pure stuff, but results have never matched his talent

*Originally Published at MASNSports.com 6/8/18*

Introducing The Washington Nationals Day 3 Picks in the 2018 MLB Draft

Washington used the first two days of the 2018 MLB Draft to attempt to replenish their pitching depth, selecting 7 pitchers in the first 10 rounds.  I anticipate more of the same on Day 3, with Washington predominantly drafting college pitchers, along with a few college senior hitters to round out their lower level rosters.  In addition, I hope to see Washington select a few “difficult to sign” prospects, as they seemingly have avoided such prospects and could have surplus funds in their bonus pool.

11th Round -> Frankie Bartow RHP University of Miami

Bartow is listed as a 6-3 200lbs reliever who posted a 3.12 ERA this season with only 36 hits and 14 walks allowed in 40.1 innings pitched.  Only a junior, he does have the option to return to school, but being selected here means he should sign quickly.

12th Round -> Graham Lawson RHP University of South Carolina

Another junior, Lawson is listed at 6-1 223lbs and made 20 relief appearances for the Gamecocks this season, pitching 24.2 innings with 24 strikeouts against only 8 walks allowed.  Additionally, it looks like Lawson missed last fall and time this spring due to an elbow injury (noticing a theme?).  He should sign and perhaps develops into a future middle reliever.

13th Round -> Cody Wilson OF Florida Atlantic University

Wilson is a redshirt sophomore who performed well this season, batting .285/.358/.518 with 14 home runs and 19 stolen bases.  He has leverage to return to school and this type of offensive production warrants attention in Round 13.

14th Round -> Aaron Fletcher LHP University of Houston

Fletcher is a 6-0 220lbs redshirt junior who provided Houston with a 2.19 ERA in 94.1 innings this season and has a career 2.06 ERA in 170.1 college innings.  An injury essentially whipped out his 2016 season, as he made only 4 appearances.  Fletcher is the first potentially “difficult to sign” pick and it would be a major boost to this draft class if he signs.

15th Round -> Evan Lee LHP University of Arkansas

A draft-eligible sophomore, Lee will be another difficult player to sign.  Lee is a true two-way player, although Washington announced him as a starting pitcher.  On the mound Lee’s results this year were mixed, as he posted a 4-3 record with a 5.00 ERA over 18 innings, with 14 strikeouts against 9 walks.  He does possess a low-90s fastball and a slurvy breaking pitch, making him a potentially intriguing future left-handed reliever.

16th Round -> Carson Teel LHP Oklahoma State University

Teel is a 6-1 175lbs redshirt junior who threw 87 innings this season, with 91 strikeouts against 38 walks and 10 home runs allowed.  Teel does not have great stuff, topping out in the upper-80s, but gets by with excellent command.  He should sign quickly and work as a back-end starter or left-handed reliever.

17th Round -> Ridge Chapman RHP University of South Carolina

Chapman was selected by Boston in the 39th round last season after his sophomore season at Spartanburg Methodist College, but spurned the Red Sox to attend South Carolina.  The 6-0 228lbs Chapman pitched well for the Gamecocks, throwing 36.1 innings with a 4.95 ERA and 33 strikeouts and 24 walks.  As a junior, he could return to South Carolina but odds are he signs a professional contract.

18th Round -> Jacob Rhinesmith CF Western Kentucky University

The junior Rhinesmith spent his first two seasons at Indian Hills CC before transferring to Western Kentucky.  Rhinesmith was very productive this season, batting .306 with 14 home runs and was named 1st team All-Conference USA.  Rhinesmith could have an interesting dilemma, as he could return for his senior season and improve his draft position, but would lose his negotiating leverage.  Likely he signs a healthy bonus for an 18th round pick and becomes a professional.

19th Round -> Zach Lingerfelter RHP University of Tennessee

Linginfelter began the season as a potential early Day 2 pick as a draft-eligible sophomore, but he struggled through an inconsistent season, with moments of excellence and others filled with woe.  Linginfelter will flash a 92-96mph fastball and a decent breaking pitch at his best, a combination capable of overwhelming hitters.  But his poor command and control keeps him from reaching his potential.  He will be extremely difficult to sign, but this would be a major steal if Washington signs him.  This is a tremendous gamble.

20th Round -> Onix Vega Catcher Broward College

Vega is a 5-10 208lbs right-handed hitting and throwing sophomore originally from the Carlos Beltran baseball academy.  This season Vega hit .338 with 5 home runs and 9 stolen bases.  He is athletic for a catcher and has played multiple positions in the past.  If nothing else, he is the new leader for “Best Name in the Draft Class”.

*So far, that’s 7 college pitchers, 2 college outfielders and 1 college catcher through 10 picks today.*

21st Round -> Ryan Tapani RHP Creighton University

Washington leads off the 2nd half of the draft by selecting Ryan Tapani, son of former Minnesota Twins Kevin Tapani.  Ryan is a 6-0 190lbs senior who according to reports has a solid feel for pitching (surprise), along with an 88-91mph fastball.  Tapani was Creighton’s Friday starter and is a solid addition to Washington’s system.  Plus, now there’s a good chance I will meet Kevin behind the plate at a future game.

22nd Round -> Cole Daily SS University of Notre Dame

A junior listed at 6-0 187lbs, Daily has been a two-year starter for the Irish.  Daily was a quality contributor in 2018, batting batted .272/.340/.375 with 2 home runs and 14 stolen bases.  He is a solid athlete and could provide value as a versatile defender at several positions, including center field.

23rd Round -> Cole Hamilton Catcher Linn Benton CC

Hamilton is a freshman and listed at 5-10 190lbs.  Over 41 games played, Hamilton hit .292 with 8 extra base hits and 18 strikeouts against 3 walks.  Washington rarely selects players from the Pacific Northwest, so Hamilton must have really impressed someone in the scouting department this spring.

24th Round -> Kyle Marinconz SS Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Marinconz is a junior left-handed hitting shortstop listed at 5-10 180lbs.  This past season he hit .305/.395/.438 with 4 home runs and 3 stolen bases.  In addition he performed well last summer in the wood bat Northwoods League, batting .291 with 3 home runs.  Provided he signs, he should give Washington another versatile defender for their lower level affiliates.

25th Round -> Chris Vann LHP Mercer University

A senior left-hander, Vann is listed at 6-2 195lbs.  Vann made 21 appearances and 11 starts for Mercer this year, throwing 68.2 innings with 83 strikeouts against only 57 hits and 39 walks allowed.  As a lefty with a strong strikeout rate, Vann is an intriguing name here in Round 25.

You can make this a weekend or family events, you can bring your kids and your wife or girlfriend thinks of you now. viagra no prescription australia He or she will point out tadalafil uk cheap at these basic things: A trauma hospital should provide excellent facilities for fracture repair and its treatment. The viagra generic uk check this link now Central Nervous System is in communication with the gut to help control digestion through the action of hormones. Take the daveywavey.tv cipla sildenafil advice from doctor may be approaches. 26th Round -> Colin Morse RHP Shenandoah University

The younger brother of Nationals’ prospect Phil Morse, Colin is a 6-5 195lbs righty who performed well in 2018, striking out 89 hitters with a 3.08 ERA over 84.1 innings pitched.  Morse is another college arm Washington is adding to its prospect depth.

27th Round -> Pablo O’Connor 2B Azusa Pacific University

Another senior, O’Connor is listed as a right-handed hitting and throwing infielder standing 6-0 215lbs.  This season O’Connor put up some impressive numbers, hitting .337 with 17 home runs and 30 extra base hits in only 48 games.  That type of offensive production makes him an interesting selection on Day 3.

28th Round -> Blake Chisolm 1B Sam Houston State University

A large 6-5 230lbs senior, Chisolm also spent time on the mound in college.  This season Chisolm was a force, hitting .321/.429/.518 with 8 home runs and 33 runs batted in.  Chisolm is the only first baseman Washington has drafted thus far, giving him an obvious path to playing time.

29th Round -> Colton Pogue SS Pittsburg State University

Another senior infielder, the 6-1 195lbs Pogue hit .400 this past season with 10 home runs and 8 stolen bases over 54 games.  He should sign quickly and serve as infield depth at the lower affiliates this summer.

30th Round -> Trey Vickers SS Wichita State University

So when did Washington go from coveting college pitching to college senior infielders?  I kid but that is 5 in the past 8 picks.

Vickers is a senior 6-1 190lbs infielder who hit .287/.346/.385 with 2 home runs and 10 extra base hits this season for the Shockers.  Similar to Daily, Marinconz, O’Connor and Pogue, Vickers should sign quickly and compete for playing time this summer.

*Through 30 rounds, Washington has picked 17 pitchers, 16 of which are college arms, 4 outfielders, 3 catchers, 5 middle infielders and 1 first baseman.  They have selected 29 consecutive college players.*

31st Round -> Jonathan Quintana OF Barry University

A right-handed hitting and throwing outfielder, Quintana is listed as 6-1 210lbs.  He has been a productive 4-year player for Barry, hitting .317 for his career and .342 with 12 home runs in 2018.  Washington has taken only 5 outfielders so far, so there should be plenty of playing time available for him to compete for this season.

32nd Round -> Alec Maley RHP University of Kentucky

Maley is a senior right-handed pitcher listed on the team’s website at 6-1 185lbs.  Maley pitched for the Baltimore Redbirds in the Cal Ripken Summer League last summer, achieving all-star status.  He has a deceptively low arm-slot and features a high-80s to low-90s fastball.  This season Maley threw 18.2 innings, posting an 8.20 ERA with 15 strikeouts against 12 walks.  He should work as a right-handed reliever this summer.

33rd Round -> Jack Haney Catcher Cedartown HS, Georgia

The first high school player taken by Washington since their 1st round selection Mason Denaburg, Haney is a 5-9 178lbs catcher with a commitment to Chipola College.  Haney is old for this class at 19.5 years old, which when combined with a commitment to a junior college, could make him more likely to sign than the average 33rd round pick.

34th Round -> Tyler Baca CF The Linfield School, California

The first legacy pick of Washington’s 2018 MLB Draft, Tyler Baca is the son of Washington’s Mark Baca.  According to his high school website, Baca hit .409 with a .469 on-base percentage this season with 9 runs batted in and 25 runs scored.

35th Round -> Alex Binelas 1B Oak Creek HS, Wisconsin

Binelas is listed as a 6-2 210lbs left-handed hitting, right-handed throwing corner infielder with a college commitment to Louisville.  Binelas was a possible top-5 round prospect, but fell due to bonus demand concerns.  It is likely he will attend college, but there were thoughts he wanted to sign out of high school.

36th Round -> Bo Blessie RHP Robert E Lee HS, Texas

A University of Nebraska commit, Blessie is a skinny, projectable 6-3 155lbs right-handed pitcher.  Blessie has sound mechanics and an easy delivery, along with a traditional 3-pitch mix of a fastball, curveball and changeup.  Rumors have his fastball reaching 94mph and scouts believe he could reach higher as he matures.  He will be difficult to sign and is likely to reach Lincoln this fall.

37th Round -> Cole Wilcox RHP Heritage HS, Georgia

Rumored to go in Round 1, Wilcox tumbled down draft boards to Round 37 due to bonus concerns and a strong college commitment to Georgia.  On the mound, Wilcox features a mid-90s fastball, nasty slider and the makings of a solid mid-80s changeup.  There are questions about his delivery and arm action, but he is a top-40 pick based purely on talent.  He is extremely unlikely to sign and should be a top-3 round selection in 3 years.

38th Round -> Bobby Milacki RHP Arizona Christian University

Son of former Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Bob Milacki, Bobby is a 6-2 215lbs right-handed junior starting pitcher.  This season Milacki made 15 starts, pitching 82.1 innings with a 4.26 ERA and 87 strikeouts against 38 walks.  He may pass on signing and return to school to finish his degree, as his stated goal is to be a major league general manager.

39th Round -> Andrew Nardi LHP Moorpark College

Drafted in the 39th round last year by the Yankees, Nardi is a 21-year-old lefty with a college commitment to Radford University next fall.  Nardi is listed at 6-2 195lbs and reportedly features a 4-pitch arsenal keyed by a low-90s fastball.  I would expect him to attend school next year to attempt to improve his draft stock.

40th (and Final) Round -> Michael Menhart RHP Richmond Hill HS, Georgia

Michael Menhart is the son of Paul Menhart, the Washington Nationals pitching coordinator.  Menhart is a 6-0 175lbs right-handed pitcher, throwing 26.1 innings this spring with 29 strikeouts.

Thank you for reading.  If you have additional information about any of these players, please share in the comment’s section. 

Spotlighting The Washington Nationals MLB Draft Day 2 Selections

After choosing two pitchers on Day 1 of the 2018 MLB Draft, the Washington Nationals used their 8 picks on Day 2 to select 5 college right-handed pitchers and 3 hitters. The Nationals presently lack pitching depth in their minor league system and have prioritized replenishing their pitching depth in the 2017 and 2018 drafts.

Round 3 Washington selected Vanderbilt RHP Reid Schaller, a rare draft-eligible redshirt freshman. Schaller underwent Tommy John surgery and missed all of last season. He returned healthy this spring, working out of the bullpen and featuring a powerful 2-pitch arsenal. Schaller’s fastball sits consistently at 94-96mph, touching higher on occasion, along with an above-average slider. Scouts also mention he throws the occasional changeup, but he did not use it in relief this spring. He has the frame at 6-3 210lbs to be a starter, but his delivery should place him in the bullpen long-term.  Schaller has leverage to return to school as a freshman, but at 21-years-old and selected in Round 3, he should sign quickly.

Next Washington took another pitcher, University of Oklahoma RHP Jake Irvin. A huge man at 6-6 225lbs, Irvin has been a 3-year starter in college, utilizing a three-pitch mix of a fastball, slider and changeup. His fastball sits in the low-90s and will occasionally touch 94mph. Irvin’s slider will show potential to be above-average and the changeup has potential also. He throws strikes and has good plane and extension on his pitches. Irvin will begin his pro career as a starter and Washington hopes he develops into a back-end SP, with the fallback option being a move to the bullpen. This feels like a “typical” Nationals’ draft pick and Irvin is a nice value here in Round 4.

Round 5 found the Nationals finally selecting a hitter, choosing Arizona State OF Gage Canning. A left-handed hitting, right-handed throwing outfielder, Canning was a 3-year college starter who spent the first two seasons in right field before moving to center this season. Canning has a strong arm and average speed, allowing him to passably play in center field but fit better in a corner. Offensively the 5-11 180lbs Canning does not profile to hit for big power, as his swing produces line drives and doubles in the alleys. There are some questions about swing-and-miss and scouts profile him as a bit of a “tweener” – not strong enough defensively for center field and not enough offense for a corner spot. He projects as a backup outfielder similar to Nationals’ Brian Goodwin.

Washington reverted to form in Round 6 by choosing Florida State RHP Andrew Karp. Karp overcame a terrible car accident in 2014 to have a productive 3-year career for the Seminoles, including striking out 97 hitters in 81.2 innings this season. Karp has an intriguing 4-pitch arsenal, consisting of a low-90s fastball, above-average changeup, plus a curveball and slider. Karp has a sturdy pitcher’s frame at 6-2 225lbs. Karp is another productive college starting pitcher and adds to Washington’s minor league depth.

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Round 8 the Nationals drafted a catcher, selecting senior Tyler Cropley from the University of Iowa. Cropley is one of the best defensive catchers in this class, possessing excellent receiving skills and an above-average arm. Additionally the right-handed hitting Cropley shows promise offensively as well, hitting .342/.449/.578 with 9 home runs and more walks than strikeouts in 2018. His defensive prowess should give him a chance to carve out a career as a backup catcher. This is easily my favorite pick of Day 2.

Washington plucked Lamar RHP Tanner Driskill, in Round 9, the son of former major league pitcher Travis Driskill . According to reports, Driskill is 89-93mph with his fastball, along with a solid changeup and a breaking ball. He shows solid command, as evidenced by his 23 walks in 81 innings this season. Driskill is a senior who should sign quickly and provide additional depth at the lower levels.

To complete Day 2, in Round 10 Washington selected University of Arkansas 2B Carson Shaddy, an early favorite for “Favorite Name of the Draft Class”. A redshirt senior, the right-handed hitting Shaddy hit .331/.430/.620 with 11 home runs this season. Interestingly, Shaddy was a catcher before undergoing Tommy John surgery a few years ago – perhaps Washington will return him to catching professionally. Almost 24-years-old Shaddy is old for a prospect, but his power and defensive versatility make him an intriguing pick.

****

Through two days of the 2018 MLB Draft, the Nationals have done a nice job sticking with a game plan, capitalizing on a deep college pitching crop to address an organizational need.  Further, the three hitters Washington has chosen are all college players with a proven track record of success.  I am mildly surprised Washington ignored high school prospects, or did not select any “difficult to sign” type prospects on Day 2.  While I can quibble at a few of the picks, Washington did a solid job on Day 2 finding some intriguing and talented prospects to add to their organization.

Tough Roster Decisions Looming For Washington

The Double-A Harrisburg Senators’ Twitter account last Thursday announced that Nationals players Matt Grace, Brian Goodwin and Daniel Murphy would begin rehabilitation assignments last weekend. Adam Eaton starts his rehab at Harrisburg today. The healthy return of each player is a positive for the Nationals, but could lead to some difficult roster decisions for manager Davey Martinez. According to Martinez, Goodwin is expected to return first, followed by Grace, Murphy and finally Eaton, who cannot return from the 60-day disabled list until June 8.

Goodwin’s return should force Washington to option Andrew Stevenson to the minor leagues. Both are left-handed hitters capable of playing multiple outfield positions, making them somewhat redundant on the roster. Also, Stevenson could benefit from additional minor league seasoning and playing every day. Much like Stevenson, there does not appear to be much available playing time for Goodwin with Bryce Harper in right field, rookie sensation Juan Soto in left and defensive stalwart of Michael A. Taylor in center.

Grace represents a more difficult challenge, as he is out of minor league options and I doubt Washington wants to lose Grace on waivers, so he is likely to be added to the roster at someone else’s expense. Based on performance, Shawn Kelley is likely the odd man out, yet his guaranteed salary makes cutting him a difficult decision. Recent additions Tim Collins and Justin Miller would also need to clear waivers to return to the minors. In small sample sizes, they have both looked quite impressive and losing either veteran seems foolish. Therefore Wander Suero, who has pitched well in nine appearances but has minor league options remaining, is likely ticketed for an undeserved return to Triple-A.

You can also buy discount prescription antibiotics and cheap sildenafil many other prescription drugs. buy cialis uk http://www.learningworksca.org/dof1/ So it is important to avoid such a boring position. Besides, if the relation is sexually strong, it cannot have cialis price influence of troubles coming up in life. However, can it also boost testosterone levels in men? A number of clinical research studies have pointed out that the ingredient in online cialis mastercard http://www.learningworksca.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/theirwholelivesaheadofthem.pdf is stronger than ingredients like Tadalafil and Sildenafil. viagra is a wonder drug for ED and impotence related problems but there is such a strong stigma associated with it. After offseason microfracture surgery, Murphy’s return will be a tremendous jolt to Washington’s lineup, as he has been one of the top hitters in the National League over the past two years. Murphy is a fearsome hitter and provides further protection for Harper and Anthony Rendon.  Adrian Sanchez is likely ticketed for a demotion to make way for Murphy, with Wilmer Difo returning to a super utility role. The Nationals will miss Difo’s defense at second base and the spark he provides to the lineup.

Finally, Eaton’s return could provide the biggest conundrum for Washington. Eaton’s energy is infectious and his knack for getting on base will be welcome atop the lineup. Unfortunately, his return will bump either Juan Soto or Taylor from the starting lineup. Washington could return Soto to the minors for more experience, but he has been so productive that the Nationals may not be able to justify his demotion. Alternatively, Taylor has struggled offensively, but is the best option defensively in center by a wide margin. Assuming no other injuries occur, the odds are that Soto will return to the minors, although do not be surprised if Washington goes with seven relievers and keeps the rookie in Washington.

As I have attempted to illustrate, there will be repercussions to the looming roster decisions for the front office in the next 10 days. However, the Nationals are much stronger with these four players healthy and their return can be summarized by the famous Marlo Stanfield quote from “The Wire”: “Sound like one of them good problems.”

*Originally Published at MASNSports.com June 1st, 2018*