The Washington Nationals Select OFs Andrew Stevenson and Blake Perkins on Day 1 of the MLB Draft

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Monday in Round 2 of the 2015 MLB Draft, the Washington Nationals selected Louisiana State CF Andrew Stevenson and Arizona high school outfielder Blake Perkins. The Nationals forfeited their 1st round selection last winter when they signed free agent pitcher Max Scherzer. Conversely Washington did have an extra 2nd round pick due to their failure to sign Andrew Suarez in last June’s draft, giving them selections #58 (the Suarez pick) and #69 overall on Day 1 to attempt to replenish their farm system.

Their first choice #58 overall, Washington selected dynamic defensive centerfielder Andrew Stevenson. Possessing plus speed, excellent instincts and a fringe-average arm, Stevenson profiles as a potential gold glove caliber major league defensive centerfielder. Offensively Stevenson has a slightly awkward, mechanical left-handed swing with solid bat speed and quality contact skills, giving him a chance to hit for average in the future. He does not profile to hit for power, though some mechanical adjustments to allow him to unleash his lower half during the swing could allow him to develop occasional pull power. Stevenson possesses a high floor as a prospect due to his excellent defensive skills and positive value on the bases but his lack of home run power limits his ceiling.

Following the selection of Stevenson, next at number #69 the Nationals somewhat surprisingly again selected an outfielder, this time taking Arizona high school outfielder Blake Perkins. An Arizona State commit, Perkins is a raw, toolsy athlete with above-average to plus speed in his extremely projectable, 6-0 180lbs frame. Scouts project Perkins to potentially develop five average or better major league tools, as his excellent speed and solid arm allow him to profile well defensively in center field. At the plate, Perkins is extremely unrefined but possesses loose hands and noticeable bat speed in his right-handed swing. He will need significant development in the minors to refine his swing and develop his body, but Perkins is an intriguing athlete for Washington to cultivate.

Do not crush, split or break the tablet, super cialis cheap swallow it as a whole. Because of tight competition among the online medicine providers, you can conveniently save money. discount cialis What causes hypertension? Family history Obesity Excessive alcohol intake Inactive lifestyle/lack of exercise cialis online mastercard A high salt and/or high fat diet High intake of caffeine Smoking and stress. Ayurvedic cure to reverse erectile viagra pfizer 100mg dysfunction is recently gaining the highest popularity as maximum men facing erectile troubles are choosing the concerned option as the best way-out. Unfortunately Washington lacked a 1st round selection this year, which limited the club’s overall bonus pool and much of the possible upside for their draft class. However, the Nationals attempted to overcome this by strategically pairing an experienced, high floor collegiate prospect with a raw outfielder with a larger ceiling. By doing this the Nationals are attempting to protect their overall draft class by selecting a “likely” future big leaguer first, to give some positive future major league value to the team, then going for a (pun intended) home run if their athletic high school prospect develops into his impressive potential.

In general, I am a big fan of the Stevenson selection, but I am skeptical of the Perkins pick unless he signs for below slot value, as there were other names I preferred at #69. Both Stevenson and Perkins should sign for near or below slot, so expect Washington to be reasonably aggressive early in Rounds 3-5, perhaps attempting to take a few college pitchers and another high school project with their early Day 2 picks. Although I question the Perkins pick on first glance, I think the Nationals did well overall on Day 1 of the MLB Draft.

NatsGM Day 1 Grade ->    B-

*Please join me at 1pm today as I Live Blog Rounds 3-10 of the MLB Draft. *

THE 2015 MLB Draft Live Blog – Day 1

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Hip Hop Hooray everyone – My personal Christmas morning and last day of school wrapped into one has arrived, also known as the annual Major League Baseball Draft.  Tonight, the teams will complete the first 2 rounds and 70 picks of the 2015 MLB Draft, with Day 2 comprising Rounds 3-10 tomorrow and Day 3 finishes the Draft, with Rounds 11-40 on Wednesday.

Before we get started, I should do my predictions for tonight’s picks.  I will not do another full mock draft, but here is my predictions for the top-5 selections AND whom Baltimore and Washington will select this evening.

#1) Dansby Swanson #2) Alex Bregman #3) Brendan Rodgers #4) Dillon Tate #5) Kyle Tucker

Baltimore Orioles : #25 – Josh Naylor 1B Canadian HS   #36 –  Joe McCarthy OF UVA  #68 – Alex Robinson LHP University of Maryland

Washington Nationals :  #58 – Kep Brown OF South Carolina HS  #69 – Brandon Koch RHP Dallas Baptist

Please join me with questions, comments, jokes, beer recommendations and anything else in the Comment’s Section, on Facebook search NatsGM or on Twitter @NatsGMdotcom.  Also, come back tomorrow at 1pm as we Live Blog Rounds 3-10 and on Wednesday at Noon, as we complete Rounds 11-40.  Now, let’s get ready to Draft!

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6:59pm – We are LIVE from THE NatsGM Studios for Day 1 of the MLB Draft.  I am fired up like a old lawn mower right now ready to start counting down all 40 rounds of the draft – tonight, we cover the first 2 rounds and top-75 picks.  Buckle up, here we go!

7:08pm – Hoping Rob Manfred’s introductory speech is the low-light of the evening… #ZZzzzzz

Arizona Diamondbacks @ 1-1 Select Dansby Swanson SS Vanderbilt

“Samsonite, I was WAY Off!”

In seriousness, Swanson is a solid, expected choice, especially after his incredible streak of performance in the SEC Tournament and thus far in the NCAAs.  He has a solid floor of Yunel Escobar in the majors and could develop into a fringe All-Star player with a “6/6” bat and the ability to be an above-average defensive shortstop.

Houston Astros @ 1-1A (comp for Brady Aiken) Select Alex Bregman SS LSU

Two for two thus far – I won’t hurt myself patting my own back.

Questions exist if he is a long-term shortstop due to a non-elite athleticism or arm, but he is a consistent defender at shortstop but is probably a future second baseman.  That said, he would be a plus defender at the keystone, with the potential to hit both for average and some power, though more doubles and gap power than over the fence pop.  I would give Bregman a chance to stay at short and expect him to pair with Correa up the middle in 2017.

Colorado Rockies @ 1-3 Select Brendan Rodgers SS Florida HS

Steal!!!… As he was atop my board this year and Colorado swipes him here at pick #3.  He needs some time in the minor leagues, but this could be the eventual replacement for Troy Tulowitzki at short for Colorado.  Rodgers has a chance to have 20+ home run power along with a strong hit tool, giving him the ceiling as a perennial All-Star at shortstop.  He needs minor league refinement, but this is a terrific pick for the Rockies.

7:30pm – Proud to announce I just cracked my 1st beer of the 2015 MLB Draft, an Abita Strawberry Harvest Lager.  Very nice summer beer, plays up due to the crispness on the palate, easy “65”.

Texas Rangers @ 1-4 Select Dillon Tate RHP UC Santa Barbara

4 for 4, just saying… Not my favorite selection here for the Rangers, as I have concerned about Tate’s delivery and ability to remain a starter in the majors.  That said Tate has a mid-90s fastball, punishing high-80s slider and flashes of a decent slider, along with working as a starter this season.  He has a nice floor as a late-inning reliever but I am skeptical of his chances to remain a long-term starter.

Houston Astros @ 1-5 Select Kyle Tucker OF Florida HS

Brother of current Astros outfielder Preston Tucker, Kyle has an impressive, sweet left-handed swing with strong power to all fields.  He is a lean, projectable athlete who should move to a corner outfield position in a few years as he matures physically.  He is probably the best hitting outfielder in this high school class and I like this pick as a gamble on potential.

Minnesota Twins @ 1-6 Select Tyler Jay LHP University of Illinois

I thought Jay would go a few picks further but this pick makes a lot of sense, as the Twins have a tremendous amount of hitting prospects near major league ready, and Jay gives them an arm not far from the bigs.  Jay has only made a few starts in his entire career, but for Minnesota to use the 6th overall pick on him, they must envision him as a starter.  Jay has a floor as a dynamic, shutdown reliever with potential to be a mid-rotation starter.  I like Jay and I am curious to see if he ends up starting or in relief.

Boston Red Sox @ 1-7 Select Andrew Benintendi CF University of Arkansas

Red Sox fans are really going to like Benintendi, a draft-eligible sophomore who dominated the SEC conference this season.  He is not the biggest kid and does not have a large track record, but those are the only knocks on his game, as he plays a strong center field and has a chance to hit for power and average.  He is gritty and a “gamer”, and while there is some risk involved with him, he has a chance to be a terrific player in a few seasons.

Chicago White Sox @ 1-8 Select Carson Fulmer RHP Vanderbilt

Questions surround whether his eventual role is as a starter or as a reliever due to his high-energy pitching motion and smallish frame, but no one questions his massive mid-90s fastball and hammer curveball.  He has a fringy changeup as well, repeats his delivery well, and has tremendous physicality in his frame.  I don’t love the motion, but if he can make a few mechanical tweaks, this could be a tremendous selection for the White Sox.

7:59pm – Please bear with me, there is a ridiculous storm going on outside right now and the power is flickering like my dogs eyes after a big dinner.  Stand by!

Chicago Cubs @ 1-9 Select Ian Happ 2B/OF University of Cincinnati

Love this guy as a hitter, as he is a pure switch hitter with power and barrel ability from both sides of the plate.  I would expect the Cubs to try him at second base initially and is a better athlete than most believe at first glance, but could eventually move to a corner outfield spot.  But the Cubs are drafting his bat, and I think he will hit his way to a lengthy big league career.

8:02pm – Trenton Clark would be a true Phillies pick here at #10.

Philadelphia Phillies @ 1-10 Select Cornelius Randolph SS Georgia HS

Randolph has one of the best high school bats in this year’s class, as he has a beautiful, fast left-handed swing.  He’s a good, but not great athlete with a fringe arm, so he is unlikely to stay at shortstop long-term.  Probably a second baseman, the Phillies are buying his bat and will gamble that he will hit enough that his defensive position will be an afterthought.  I really like this pick for Philly and can only imagine how upset the Braves are he did not last to #14.

Cincinnati Reds @ 1-11 Select Tyler Stephenson Catcher Georgia HS

Stephenson has a cannon for an arm and plenty of power in his bat, but there are definite questions whether he will stay behind the dish due to his size and inexperience as a catcher.  He could develop into a power hitting catcher, but there is more risk in his profile than I would like at this pick, with others like Walker Buehler and Jon Harris still on the board.

8:13pm – Feels like a small college pitching run is about to occur, along with a few high school outfielders.

Miami Marlins @ 1-12 Select 1B Josh Naylor Canada HS

First true shock of the 1st round, as I had Naylor going to Baltimore at #25.  Naylor has legitimate power in his left-handed swing, but his body is large already and will be limited to first base or designated hitter as a professional.  His profile and questions about his swing-and-miss makes this feel like a reach at #12.

Tampa Bay Rays @ 1-13 Select Garrett Whitley OF New York HS

Whitley has not faced much competition playing in upstate New York, but he made quite a statement last summer on the showcase circuit flashing impressive tools at the plate and in the outfield.  He is expected to stay in center due to his plus speed and has a chance to hit for both average and power.  He looks the part and I like this pick a lot in the middle of round 1.

Atlanta Braves @ 1-14 Select Kolby Allard LHP California HS

Allard did not pitch much this spring due to a back injury and there are questions about if he will sign or attend UCLA in the fall.  However, Allard was the top high school arm coming into this spring and has a monster 3-pitch repertoire, making him a potential bargain here at #14.  If he was healthy, he goes inside the top-7, making this a solid risk verses reward selection for the Braves.

Milwaukee Brewers @ 1-15 Select Trenton Clark OF Texas HS

I really liked Clark when I watched him last summer in the AFLAC and Under Armour High School All-Star games, as his athleticism and left-handed swing are extremely impressive.  He has a unique swing but shows excellent barrel skills and should grow into some power as he matures physically.  High school outfielders are generally a risky group, but the Brewers have been showing an appetite for risk in the draft the past two years.

8:36pm – Do the Yankees dare pop Brady Aiken here at #16?

New York Yankees @ 1-16 Select James Kaprielian RHP UCLA

Big fan of this pick and this solid righty – Kaprielian has been the Friday starter for UCLA this season and lead the Bruins to the #1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.  He features a solid low-90s fastball, curveball and changeup, along with a quiet, repeatable delivery and projects as a strong #4 starter.  Kaprielian does not have a monster ceiling, but he has one of the highest floors in this year’s class.

Cleveland Indians @ 1-17 Select Brady Aiken LHP IMG Academy

WOW, good for the Indians taking Brady Aiken.  Those reading this likely know he was selected 1st overall last year and did not sign with the Astros, eventually enrolling at the IMG Academy.  He threw 1 inning there before undergoing Tommy John surgery in March.  However, this was the top player in last year’s draft, a perceived stronger crop of prospects, and the Indians have made a major Boom or Bust pick here at #17.  I lean toward great pick and I credit Cleveland for the gamble.

San Francisco Giants @ 1-18 Select Phil Bickford RHP CC of Southern Nevada

This is a really interesting pick by San Francisco – Bickford was selected in the 1st round two years ago but decided against signing, preferring to enroll at Cal State Fullerton.  He then dominated last summer on the Cape, which lead to his decision to transfer to junior college and make himself eligible for this year’s draft.  Bickford has a lean, large frame and a monster fastball and curveball, but has questions about his changeup and his ability to start in the future.  That said Bickford has an excellent arm and is a quality gamble in the second half of the 1st round.

Pittsburgh Pirates @ 1-19 Select Kevin Newman SS University of Arizona

A two-time batting champion in the Cape League, the first player to ever do that, Newman has shown the ability to hit well with wood bats against top competition.  He has a short, quick swing which should allow him to hit for average but does not project to hit for much power.  Defensively he makes the routine plays at shortstop but is not the usual athlete one expects there at the major league level.  Nonetheless, this is a quality pick for the Pirates, and could potentially solve the long-term hole Pittsburgh has had at shortstop in recent memory.

Oakland Athletics @ 1-20 Select Richie Martin SS University of Florida

Martin is a quality athlete who projects to stay at shortstop defensively as a professional.  Offensively he does not project to hit for much power, but he has a short swing and finished 2nd last summer in batting average in the Cape League.  He has a high floor due to his defensive skills and speed on the bases, and there is a chance he can be a productive contributor with the bat also.

Kansas City Royals @ 1-21 Select Ashe Russell RHP Indiana HS

High school arms are traditionally risky, but Russell was extremely impressive last summer in the Under Armour game, lighting up radar guns with a mid-90s fastball and a hammer curveball.  He is tall, lean and extremely projectable, possessing a flawless pitcher’s frame.  I like this gamble here at the back of Round 1.

Detroit Tigers @ 1-22 Select Beau Burrows RHP Texas HS

Big, physical right-handed Texan who can throw some legitimate cheese, Burrows has a punishing mid-90s fastball and a solid curveball.  He has some mechanical flaws in his motion and needs refinement to his arsenal, but the Tigers need pitching prospects and this is a promising arm if they allow him the time to properly develop.  He is immediately the #2 prospect in their system.

St. Louis Cardinals @ 1-23 Select Nick Plummer OF Michigan HS

Plummer is a raw athlete who has above-average but not elite speed and there are questions if he will stay in center long-term due to his fringy arm.  In addition the competition he has faced except for the showcase circuit is extremely poor, so he will need plenty of at-bats in the minors to improve his offensive game.  However, he has good potential with the bat and could stay in center field, so if everything comes together, he could be a special player in a few years.

Los Angeles Dodgers @ 1-24 Select Walker Buehler RHP Vanderbilt

Excellent pick, as I thought Buehler should go inside the top 10-15 picks in this draft.  Buehler is a projectable righty with 3 quality pitches including a low-90s fastball, changeup and curveball.  He needs some tweaks to his pitching motion, but this is a steal for the Dodgers and should allow them to take some risks with their picks later tonight.

Baltimore Orioles @ 1-25 Select DJ Stewart OF Florida State

Ugh, color me underwhelmed with this pick, as I do not like his body or his future defensive profile as a poor left fielder or first baseman.  That said Stewart has a sweet, left-handed swing with power and has consistently hit against top quality competition in the ACC.  I like the bat and think he will hit his way quickly through the minors, but I hope he works on his body to allow him to be a decent left fielder, which would allow his hitting skills to shine through.

Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim @ 1-26 Select Taylor Ward Catcher Fresno State

And we have now found the first player selected that I have not seen play and can only repeat scouting reports from others.  Catchers are often overdrafted on draft day and I must assume Mike Sciosia likes his potential behind the dish.

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Supplemental 1st Round

Colorado Rockies @ 1-27 Select Mike Nikorak RHP Pennsylvania HS

Terrific pick by the Rockies here in the Supplemental 1st Round, as Nikorak has a monster pitching frame accompanied by a mid-to-high 90s fastball and devastating breaking ball.  He is raw and will need development time, but I thought he would go in the late teens, so he’s a tremendous gamble at #27.

9:47pm – Think I was the first one to publicly announce the DJ Stewart to Baltimore pick… Can anyone confirm this for me?

Also, hearing North Florida OF Donnie Dewees to Baltimore at #36 if he is still available.

Atlanta Braves @ 1-28 Select Mike Soroka RHP Canadian HS

Another member of a deep Canadian draft class, Soroka has performed well on his junior national team and was a popular name in draft rumors the past few weeks.  Atlanta is looking to rebuild their organization with pitching prospects and have done well to add Allard and Soroka on Day 1 of this year’s draft.

Toronto Blue Jays @ 1-29 Select Jon Harris RHP Missouri State

Complete and utter steal as I expected Harris to be among the top-15 picks in the draft, as he has a lean, projectable pitcher’s frame and should stay as a starting pitcher long-term.  His motion has some flaws and needs to work on his command of the zone, but Harris looks like a long-term mid-rotation starter and could be quicker to the big leagues than many of the picks selected ahead of him.  Absolutely terrific pick for Toronto and another excellent arm to add to their organization.

New York Yankees @ 1-30 Select Kyle Holder SS University of San Diego

Solid, but slightly underwhelming pick for the Yankees here at #30 with Holder, perhaps the best defensive middle infielder in the entire class.  There are questions about his left-handed bat, especially how much power he will develop, but he should be a major league shortstop due to his defense.  I expected to see “riskier” picks from the Yankees than Kaprielian and Holder, but both are solid picks and should develop into major leaguers, barring injury.

San Francisco Giants @ 1-31 Select Chris Shaw 1B Boston College

A terrific left-handed hitter with some of the best power in this class, Shaw struggled with an injury this spring, which kept his production down this season.  Shaw showed well last summer on the Cape and he has true, real raw power.  He is most likely a first base profile due to his size, but he has a terrific swing and is a solid value in the Comp round.

Pittsburgh Pirates @ 1-32 Select Ka’Bryan Hayes 3B Texas HS

Blood flow is important because it is so much fun to watch video clip after video clip of funny, embarrassing, interesting and/or informative material. viagra vs cialis The second most important ingredient in energyhealingforeveryone.com cheapest viagra professional Plus is ginseng. Men can hold the set of causes responsible for male erection breakdown in the bed. viagra india price energyhealingforeveryone.com How can you spot POTS Syndrome? Stand up! cialis super active browse around this link When standing very still, patients with POTS experience a rapid heart rate. Son of former major leaguer Charlie Hayes, Ka”Bryan has legitimate home run power in his right-handed swing and the potential to stay at third base professionally.  He has lost weight since his junior year, allowing his natural athleticism to show up on the field and has good potential as a two-way third baseman.  This is a nice value for Pittsburgh, who has made two quality selections thus far in Hayes and Newman.

Kansas City Royals @ 1-33 Select Nolan Watson RHP Indiana HS

The second high school pitcher taken from Indiana tonight, Watson has a strong 4-pitch arsenal featuring a mid-90s fastball.  In addition he has quiet mechanics and repeats his delivery well.  The only real knock on him is a solid commit to Vanderbilt next fall, so getting him signed could be challenging, but this is a terrific pick if the Royals can get him signed.

Detroit Tigers @ 1-34 Select Christian Stewart OF University of Tennessee

A mediocre athlete who starred for a mediocre Tennessee team, Stewart has some legitimate raw power in his left-handed swing and can hit for a little bit of average, but he is likely a pure left field profile in the big leagues.  That said in a draft lacking quality bats with power, Stewart has a chance to hit 20+ homers annually without an embarrassing batting average.  This feels like a bit of a reach here at #34, but considering they took a tough-to-sign Beau Burrows a few picks back, perhaps they save some money with Stewart to insure they sign Burrows.

Los Angeles Dodgers @ 1-35 Select Kyle Funkhouser RHP University of Louisville

Terrific value pick again by the Dodgers, who have now taken two college righties projected to go in the top-15 picks two months ago.  Funkhouser struggled a bit during this season with a case of “draftitis” but he has a massive fastball curveball combination who could be a dynamic closer in the future.  I am not sure he is a starter, but this is an outstanding arm to add to the Dodgers’ farm system on Day 1 of the draft.

Baltimore Orioles @ 1-36 Select Ryan Mountcastle SS Florida HS

Big fan of this pick and the Orioles gambling on an intriguing high school bat with some legitimate raw bat speed.  I am not sure Mountcastle is a long-term shortstop due to his athleticism and movements, but he could develop into a useable third baseman or outfielder.  This is a risky pick but the Orioles could potentially sign him under slot and save a few dollars for other Day 2 players.

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And that’s the end of Round 1 and for the most part, I liked most of the picks.  That said, there is plenty of talent still available, particularly college middle infielders and pitchers.  So sit back, crack an adult beverage and let’s enjoy Round 2 of the MLB Draft!

Houston Astros @ 1-37 Select Daz Cameron OF Georgia HS

Son of epic MLB outfielder Mike Cameron, Daz is a talented, instinctual centerfielder much like his father.  Daz is a lean, projectable centerfielder with excellent baseball IQ and should develop some power as he matures physically.  He will be expensive to sign here in Round 2, but this is a steal if he is signed.

Colorado Rockies @ 1-38 Select Tyler Nevin 3B California HS

Son of former #1 pick Phil Nevin, Tyler has a good swing and some raw power in his right-handed swing.  Rumors have had Nevin landing here for a few days and this is a good pick in Round 2.

St. Louis Cardinals @ 1-39 Jake Woodford RHP Florida HS

Large high school righty with a big fastball, Woodford was thought to have a solid college commitment to Florida, but should sign after being selected so early tonight.

Milwaukee Brewers @ 1-40 Nathan Kirby LHP University of Virginia

Solid value pick here by the Brewers, though there are definite medical concerns with him, as he has not pitched much this spring.  Nevertheless, he had a chance to go top-10 preseason and represents a value here in Round 2.

Atlanta Braves @ 1-41 Austin Riley RHP Mississippi HS

Interesting two-way prospect who is likely to stay as a hitter, I remember being extremely impressed with his swing and raw power last summer when watching the Under Armour High School All-Star Game.

Cleveland Indians @ 1-42 Tristan McKenzie RHP Florida HS

Steal of Day 1 in my mind if they can sign him away from Vanderbilt… I fell in love with McKenzie in the Under Armour game last summer due to his projectable pitcher’s frame, extreme extension towards home plate, and quality 3-pitch arsenal.  He will be expensive to get away from Vandy, but he is a tremendous talent if Cleveland can secure his services.

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Arizona Diamondbacks @ 2-43 Select Alex Young LHP Texas Christian University

Solid pick for Arizona as Young is a lefty with a 3-pitch mix, though the changeup lags behind the fastball and breaking ball.  He might be a future reliever.

Colorado Rockies @ 2-44 Select Peter Lambert RHP California HS

Texas Rangers @ 2-45 Select Eric Jenkins OF North Carolina HS

A pure centerfielder due to his plus or better speed, this is a lean athlete who will need plenty of minor league time to refine his swing and develop his body.

Houston Astros @ 2-46 Select Thomas Eshelman RHP Cal State Fullerton

I saw Eshelman this spring against Maryland and immediately one must be impressed of his control and mastery of the strike zone.  He has a quality 3-pitch mix and while none of them are plus, his command of his fastball allows his stuff to play up.  He could move quickly through the minor leagues and projects as a back-end starting pitcher in a year or two.

Chicago Cubs @ 2-47 Select Donnie Dewees OF University of North Florida

Another hitter for the Cubs, and Dewees hit extremely well last summer in the Cape Cod League.  He has good speed but a terrible arm, so he might be a left fielder, but his ability to barrel the baseball and work the count gives him a strong chance to reach the majors.  I thought he would be Baltimore’s pick at #36.

Philadelphia Phillies @ 2-48 Select Scott Kingery 2B University of Arizona

Terrific value for the Phillies, who take a polish college hitter in Kingery who could project in center field as a professional.  But he can flat out hit, and I love this pick (unfortunately) for Philly here in Round 2.

Cincinnati Reds @ 2-49 Select Antonio Santillan RHP Texas HS

I do not know this player… I hope this statement looks dopey in 5-years when he’s an All-Star.

Miami Marlins @ 2-50 Select Brett Lilek LHP Arizona State

Good pick, solid lefty with a strong 3-pitch mix who suffered from “Draftitis” this spring.

San Diego Padres @ 2-51 Select Austin Smith RHP Florida HS

Tampa Bay Rays @ 2-52 Select Chris Betts Catcher Calfornia HS

Outstanding pick and possible steal of the round, as he was the top catcher available this spring a month ago, until questions surrounded the health of his arm.  If he is right, he has a cannon for an arm, good agility defensively and a quality bat.  Good gamble, especially if he is able to stay behind the dish rather than moving to first base.

New York Mets @ 2-53 Select Desmond Lindsay OF Florida HS

Atlanta Braves @ 2-54 Select Lucas Herbert Catcher California HS

The only thing I know about Herbert is he is/was the high school catcher of Braves’ 1st round pick Kolby Allard.

Milwaukee Brewers @ 2-55 Select Cody Ponce RHP Cal Poly Pomona

Great pick!  Massive pitcher’s frame and he has a chance to pitch as a workhorse at the back-end of a rotation.

Toronto Blue Jays @ 2-56 Select Brady Singer RHP Florida HS

New York Yankees @ 2-57 Select Jeff Degano LHP Indiana State

WASHINGTON NATIONALS @ 2-58 Select –>> Andrew Stevenson OF Louisiana State

One of the best true athletes in this class, Stevenson has legitimate plus or better speed and projects as a plus defensive centerfielder.  He has excellent bat-to-ball skills and should run into the occasional home run, but his value is going to lie with his speed and defense.  He profiles as a quality 4th outfielder, with the chance of a Denard Span-type ceiling.

Cleveland Indians @ 2-59 Select Juan Hillman LHP Florida HS

Seattle Mariners @ 2-60 Select Nick Neidert RHP Georgia HS

San Francisco Giants @ 2-61 Select Andrew Suarez LHP University of Miami

Remember him Nats fans?… I’d rather have Stevenson than Suarez even up, though that year of development would be nice to have back.

Pittsburgh Pirates @ 2-62 Select Kevin Kramer SS UCLA

If Kyle Holder is not the best defensive shortstop in this draft, Kramer would be his top competition.  He has a good arm, soft hands and a good feet, making him a strong chance to stay at short, and he has some hitting skills also. Nice pick by the Pirates.

Oakland Athletics @ 2-63 Select Mikey White SS/2B University of Alabama

Great pick!  A true gamer, I think he moves to the keystone as a professionally, but he has a chance to be a good, offensive second baseman.  I am a big fan of his and this pick-

Kansas City Royals @ 2-64 Select Josh Staumont RHP Azuza Pacific

Probably the second best Division 2 prospect available behind Cody Ponce, Staumont has a monster fastball in the upper-90s and projects as a late-inning reliever as a professional.

Detroit Tigers @ 2-65 Select Tyler Alexander LHP Texas Christian University

A draft-eligible sophomore and I know nothing more…

St.Louis Cardinals @ 2-66 Select Bryce Denton 3B Tennessee HS

Los Angeles Dodgers @ 2-67 Select Mitch Hansen OF Texas HS

Baltimore Orioles @ 2-68 Select Jonathan Hughes RHP Georgia HS

Plenty of great players still available, including my guy Kep Brown…

WASHINGTON NATIONALS @ 2-69 Select –>> Blake Perkins OF Arizona HS

I know he’s an athlete projected to stay in center field – I wish they had taken Blake Trahan instead of Perkins.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim @ 2-70 Select Jahmai Jones OF Georgia HS

Extremely fast, Jones impressed last summer at the Under Armour game.

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Cincinnati Reds @ 2-71 Select Tanner Rainey RHP West Alabama

Big arm from a Division 2 powerhouse, Rainey is a probable long-term reliever as a professional.

Seattle Mariners @ 2-72 Select Andrew Moore RHP Oregon State

Minnesota Twins @ 2-73 Select Kyle Cody RHP University of Kentucky

Outstanding pick and a prospect I was hoping would slip to Day 2, Cody is a monster righty who needs to develop a third pitch to stay as a starter.  I saw him a few times on film and I am a huge fan of his potential, but he needs development time in the minors.

Los Angeles Dodgers @ 2-74 Select Josh Sborz RHP University of Virginia

A lock-down reliever for UVA this season, Sborz projects as a late-inning reliever as a professional who could move quickly through the minors.

Atlanta Braves @ 2-75 Select A.J. Minter LHP Texas A&M

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And with that, Day 1 of the MLB Draft has concluded!  Thank you for joining me tonight either here, on Twitter or on Facebook.  I will return tomorrow morning with my analysis of the Nationals Day 1 picks and at 1pm to Live Blog Rounds 3-10 of the MLB Draft on Day 2.  Thanks again, #ByeForNow!

 

 

Introducing THE Top MLB Pitching Prospects

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Yesterday we examined some of the top hitting prospects available in this year’s MLB Draft – today we turn our attention to the mound and the top pitchers to be had in this class. One of the strengths of this draft is college pitching, with an excellent chance 8-10 prospects come off the board in the 1st round.  While I cannot highlight every elite name, these are several of the best arms available, each of whom should be selected on Day 1.

Dillon Tate RHP UC Santa Barbara

After pitching as a closer for UCSB last year and for Team USA last summer, Tate made the transition to Friday night starter this year and has been nothing short of outstanding. Tate features a 94-98mph fastball with life, along with a hard plus slider and a developing changeup. His delivery has a pronounced, high leg kick and plenty of moving parts, but he repeats the motion well and has exceptional arm speed. The only real knocks against Tate are his lack of a track record as a starter and his non-ideal delivery, but he has a chance to develop into a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher and should not escape the top-4 picks in the draft.

Tyler Jay LHP University of Illinois

Considered the top left-handed pitcher in this year’s class, Jay spent the 2015 season serving as the closer for Illinois, rather unusual for a lefty with mid-90s velocity, a monster slider, along with a quality curveball and changeup. While his detractors question if he can be a long-term starter primarily since he has pitched in relief, he should have a fresh arm and could move quickly if a team kept him in a bullpen role. He has a high floor of a dominant reliever, with a strong chance he develops into a #2/#3 starting pitcher.

Walker Buehler RHP Vanderbilt

Buehler entered this season with some consideration for a top-3 selection, after leading Vanderbilt to the NCAA championship last spring, then followed that up with an MVP award in the Cape Cod League playoffs, leading Y-D to the title. Buehler has a low-90s fastball, along with 3 quality offspeed offerings, along with some projection remaining in his lean physique. He has not quite lived up to the hype this season as a junior, though the recent outings have been better. Buehler should come off the board between #10-#20 to a team that prioritizes results and appreciates a projectable pitcher’s body.

These people do not do anything important over the internet, while they lowest priced tadalafil do gaming, watching porn, doing unnecessary activates etc. These delicious flavors helped ED patients to make their treatment more exciting and healthy. viagra professional 100mg In addition audiogram, in some cases, are necessary for imaging cialis usa online diagnostic, such as vascular Doppler, CT or magnetic resonance brain. Since the year when this medicine came in existence, the generic viagra tab medicine is relieving the problem and allowing individuals to love their sexual life. Carson Fulmer RHP Vanderbilt

A smallish but powerfully built right-handed pitcher, Fulmer possesses an impressive 3-pitch mix, featuring a mid-90s fastball with life, a plus curveball with bite and a fringy changeup. His fastball and curveball combination is as good as there is in this draft, but his delivery, physical stature and mediocre changeup lead scouts to question if his future is as a reliever. He throws strikes and repeats his delivery well, giving his supporters reason to believe he will stay in the starting rotation in the pros. Either way, Fulmer has a floor as a late-innings impact relief pitcher and a ceiling as a mid-rotation starting pitcher – He should not escape the top-15 picks next week.

Brady Aiken LHP IMG Academy Bradenton, FL

The number 1 overall selection in last year’s draft, Aiken and the Astros had a major falling out during negotiations, to the point where Aiken passed on signing and enrolled at the IMG Academy in Florida. Since then, Aiken threw one inning for IMG before leaving the mound and soon thereafter, underwent Tommy John surgery. Pre-surgery Aiken had a fastball in the upper-90s, along with three potentially above-average to plus offspeed pitches. Now questions exist which team will gamble on this high-risk/high-reward lefty, with rumors heavily linking him to the Dodgers at #24. However, do not be surprised if a team picks him before the 20s, as he was considered the top prospect in a perceived stronger draft last year.

James Kaprielian RHP UCLA

UCLA’s Friday night starter this season, Kaprielian starred for Team USA last summer and continued his excellence for the Bruins, leading them to an overall #1 national seed in the NCAA Tournament. Kaprielian has an impressive 3-pitch mix, consisting of a low-90s fastball, solid curveball and above-average changeup. Kaprielian may not have the greatest ceiling, but in a draft filled with High-Risk/High-Reward type prospects, his floor is one of the highest in this class. He figures to develop into a quality #4 starter in the major leagues.

Mike Matuella RHP Duke University

Perhaps the most controversial player in this draft, Matuella at this time last year was considered one of the favorites to be selected 1st overall, as his upper-90s velocity, 4-quality pitches, and monster pitching frame makes him an ideal starting pitching prospect. However, Matuella was diagnosed with a chronic back condition last fall and underwent Tommy John surgery this spring, causing many teams to take him completely off their draft boards due to his medicals. Conversely, most pitchers eventually break and when Matuella is healthy, he has some of the best pure stuff for a draft prospect in recent memory. He should be selected on Day 1 of the draft, but he could be selected anywhere from #10 through #70, depending on a team’s appetite for risk and confidence in signing him.

Introducing THE Top 2015 MLB Draft Hitting Prospects

Mere days before the 2015 MLB Draft, this felt like an ideal time to look at several of the top bats expected to be taken next Monday evening. Scouts each year lament the lack of impact hitters in that year’s draft class, and this year is no different. However, these complaints ignored, there are several college hitters, especially middle infielders, expected to be chosen early and a few high school bats that could develop into middle-of-the-order hitters down the road. Here is an introduction to a few of the top hitting prospects available this year, each of whom is expected to be selected on Day 1 of the MLB Draft.

Dansby Swanson SS Vanderbilt

Entering this season Swanson projected as a mid-1st round pick, as questions existed if he could play shortstop professionally after playing the keystone as a sophomore. This season Swanson has answered the critics, showing soft hands, good feet and a quality, accurate throwing arm at shortstop and figures to be above-average defensively long-term. At the plate Swanson has quality bat speed, a relatively compact right-handed swing and some pull side power. Now scouts profile him as a potential above-average to plus offensive and defensive shortstop. This, in addition to his recent offensive explosion in the SEC Tournament and the NCAAs, makes Swanson a near-lock to be drafted in the top-3 picks in the draft.

Alex Bregman SS/2B LSU

Naturally comparisons have been made between Swanson and Alex Bregman, as both are outstanding SEC shortstops projected to be top selections in the June draft with questions about their ability to stay at shortstop. And while Swanson has silenced the critics, Bregman still has his detractors who expect him to shift to second base professionally, due to his lack of elite athleticism and arm strength.

Conversely, most scouts are convinced Bregman is the best, most polished college hitter in this class, as his excellent bat speed, hand-eye coordination and track record of success at the highest levels gives him a strong chance of hitting as a professional. Questions about his eventual defensive position will have him chosen after Swanson, but Bregman should not escape the top-8 selections himself.

Daz Cameron OF Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy, Georgia

Son of long-time major league centerfielder Mike Cameron, Daz has long been on scouts’ radar due to his family lineage and his appearance as a sophomore in the Under Armour All-American Game two years ago. Cameron has solid, but not elite, speed and athleticism but his feel for the game and instincts allow him to profile as a strong defender in center field, similar to his father.

Questions exist about his skills at the plate, as scouts are mixed on how his power and contact ability will translate against better quality pitching. That said it feels like Cameron is suffering from a bit of prospect fatigue amongst the scouting community, and would be a tremendous value outside of the top-6 picks in June.
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Brendan Rodgers SS Lake Mary HS, Florida

Coming off a monster summer on the showcase circuit, Rodgers was considered the consensus top prospect in this draft class and entered this calendar year as the favorite to be selected 1st overall. Simply put, Rodgers has impact potential at the big league level, as he has the skills to be a 20+ home run hitter along with playing above-average defense at shortstop.

He does not have the speed one might ideally desire from a shortstop and already has a large frame, giving his critics thought he may not stay at shortstop for many years. Even so, if he outgrows shortstop and moves to the hot corner, Rodgers could be a plus defender there with 20+ home run power, a role “6” or fringe all-star caliber player. Rodgers two-way talent and all-star potential should have him selected in the top-5 picks, with a chance he goes 1-1.

Andrew Benintendi CF University of Arkansas

Only a draft-eligible sophomore, Benintendi has exploded this season, ranking in the top-10 in the NCAA in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, while competing in the SEC conference. Benintendi plays a quality center field and projects to remain there professionally due to his solid arm and excellent speed. Offensively he shows excellent bat-to-ball skills, an ability to barrel the baseball and has home run power, especially to the pull side. He is not very tall or physically large, and lacks a long track record of success as he has played two years in college and skipped summer baseball last year. Those knocks aside, Benintendi has a chance to be an above-average 2-way centerfielder and should not escape the top-12 picks.

Kevin Newman SS University of Arizona

Newman is not an elite athlete or particularly fast, but he has solid actions at shortstop with an average to above-average throwing arm. Offensively Newman does not flash much power currently, but he controls the strike zone well, has a mature approach and excellent barrel skills. A two-time Cape Cod League batting champion, Newman has proven his swing will translate with a wood bat. Newman will not play it flashy, but he should remain at shortstop as a professional and has a chance to contribute offensively.

Richie Martin SS University of Florida

Martin is an obvious, tremendous athlete with good speed and excellent lateral agility. Blessed with soft hands, good feet and a strong arm, there is little question Martin will stay at shortstop as a professional. Offensively Martin showed skills last summer in the Cape League, handling himself well with a wood bat, although there are questions about the impact he will have offensively. Nonetheless, Martin projects as an above-average to plus defensive shortstop with a chance to hit in the #2 spot in the lineup down the road.