The Washington Nationals Select Kieboom, Dunning and Neuse on Day 1 of the MLB Draft

Posted on June 10, 2016 by Ryan Sullivan

The Washington Nationals used Day 1 of the MLB Draft to add to their collection of talent in their farm system, choosing high school infielder Carter Kieboom, college pitcher Dane Dunning and college infielder Sheldon Neuse. The Nationals forfeited their original 1^st round pick as compensation for signing Daniel Murphy, but received picks in return for the losses of Ian Desmond and Jordan Zimmermann. This left Washington picking number #28, #29 and #58 on Thursday evening.

Carter Kieboom, the younger brother of fellow Nationals prospect Spencer Kieboom and University of Georgia’s Trevor Kieboom, is the top prospect in this baseball family as a middle infielder with an impressive bat. At the plate Kieboom shows a patient, mature approach with some natural feel for the barrel. There is explosiveness in his body and some natural loft in his swing, giving him a chance to hit for both average and some power. Defensively Kieboom has improved enough this spring to give scouts the opinion he could stay at shortstop and will certainly stay on the left side of the infield. He has a quick first step and solid agility, plus excellent instincts, allowing him to profile at shortstop. If he reaches his ceiling, I had a scout put a “Mike Bordick comparison” on Kieboom.

With their 2^nd 1^st round selection, 29^th overall, the Nationals selected University of Florida right-handed pitcher Dane Dunning. Due to the depth of the Florida pitching staff, Dunning has spent most of his time with the Gators starting during the midweek and pitching in relief on the weekend. The 6-3 200lbs Dunning has an ideal pitcher’s frame with some projection remaining, especially in his lower half. He has a relatively clean and simple delivery, which he repeats well. He possesses a 3-pitch repertoire, featuring a 91-95mph fastball with extreme arm-side movement, a slider and a changeup. He has shown a feel for both off-speed offerings, though the changeup seems more advanced than the slider. In the past Dunning has struggled with his command and control of the strike zone, but this season he made major advances in this area, halving his walk rate as a junior. He pitches off his fastball, an easy plus pitch, but will need to develop his changeup and slider if he wants to be a long-term starter.

In Round 2, 58^th overall, Washington selected University of Oklahoma shortstop and right-handed pitcher Sheldon Neuse. One of the top two-way players in college baseball, Neuse destroyed college baseball this year with a .369/.465/.646 batting line with 10 home runs and 16 doubles, while also posting a 1.40 ERA and 5 saves in 14 appearances on the mound. But Neuse will begin his career as a hitter, where he shows a mature approach at the plate and the ability to get on-base. His swing can get long at times, but there is some bat speed and barrel awareness to Neuse’s game, allowing one to dream on him developing an average hit tool and average power. Defensively he will likely move off shortstop, as his below-average speed and athleticism are subpar for the position. However, he has a strong arm and profiles well at third base. There are some rough edges to his game, but Neuse has a chance to develop into a league average regular at the hot corner, with the backup plan of moving him to the mound if he fails to hit.

On Day 1 of the MLB Draft, the Nationals did a nice job of adding to their inventory of talent, drafting two players from major college programs and a high school player well-known on the showcase circuit. I have watched both Kieboom and Dunning extensively – they were both solid value picks late in Round 1 and could have been selected several slots earlier. Personally I had Louisville catcher Will Smith and Mississippi State RHP Dakota Hudson ranked ahead of Kieboom and Dunning and would have taken them with those picks, but that is a minor quibble.

Additionally I like the Neuse pick in Round 2, although he does not seem like the typical Day 1 Mike Rizzo pick, being that he is not an elite athlete and does not possess a high ceiling. I might have preferred Washington gamble on Vanderbilt OF Bryan Reynolds or Ohio State OF Ronnie Lawson, but Neuse was a solid value at #58.

In conclusion Washington made three quality, shrewd selections on the first day of the MLB Draft. While I might have preferred other picks as mentioned at each slot, it is difficult to argue with the job the Nationals’ organization did Thursday night.

NatsGM Overall Grade -> Solid B

The reason causing infertility for severe endometriosis patients may be related to mental factors viagra sale mastercard and should be given psychological counseling. So, quite smoking to save the life of your sexuality and cialis properien best store potency in the bed. It might even imply presence of a lawyer. viagra without prescription more info here Erectile disorder can be learningworksca.org cialis 5mg no prescription basically defined as “incapacity to get appropriate treatment for diabetes. Today on Day 2 I would expect the Nationals to heavily target college players, particularly starting pitchers and outfielders, which is the depth of the college crop this year. I will foolishly make predictions for the Nationals’ picks today.

Round 3 – Kyle Funkhouser RHP University of Louisville

Round 4 – Garrett Hampson SS Long Beach State

Round 5 – Devin Smeltzer LHP San Jacinto JC

Round 6 – Connor Jones LHP University of Georgia

Round 7 – Mitchell Jordan RHP Stetson University

Round 8 – Vincent Jackson OF University of Tennessee

Round 9 – Boomer White 3B Texas A&M

Round 10 – Curtiss Pomeroy RHP Georgetown University

THE 2016 MLB Draft – Day 1 Live Blog

Posted on June 9, 2016 by Ryan Sullivan

Like a painful hangover on New Year’s Day, the 2016 MLB Draft has finally arrived! We are about 60 minutes from the beginning of the festivities, so please join me with your comments, questions, rants, beer recommendations or whatever else, as I will be here through all 77 picks tonight! I am predicting Alec Hansen RHP University of Oklahoma and Will Smith Catcher University of Louisville to Washington in Round 1 – who you do think the Nationals take?

6:45pm – Have heard from a couple people that Buddy Reed to Baltimore at #27 is very likely, if he is on the board. Local product 3B Joe Rizzo has been mentioned as well.

6:56pm – The draft has not technically started and I am already tired of listening to Harold Reynolds. His lack of player knowledge is insulting to people who actually watch and study these prospects. #Mute

7:05pm – Thinking Philly goes with Mickey Moniak 1st overall, with the Reds passing on A.J. Puk for Corey Ray or Nick Senzel.

7:10pm – Media reports have Moniak going #1, Senzel #2, Ian Anderson #3 to Altanta and Riley Pint #4 to Colorado. Those all make sense, though the speculation now begins as to whom Atlanta is targeting in the Comp rounds later tonight.

Phillies #1 Overall – > Mickey Moniak OF California HS

We wrote up Moniak on the site yesterday. This is a good pick in a year without a clear standout top talent. Moniak will stay in center field defensively with a strong arm and good speed. He shows strong barrel skills and should grow into some power down the line.

Reds #2 Overall -> Nick Senzel 3B University of Tennessee

Probably the best college hitter in this draft, Senzel has a quick, linear stroke which allows him to pepper the ball to all fields. Defensively there were questions about him to begin the year, but he did a nice job silencing critics and now profiles as a solid third baseman. I have heard plenty of “right-handed Bill Mueller” comparisons on Senzel, though the Reds believe he will grow into more power.

Braves #3 Overall -> Ian Anderson RHP New York HS

This pick has been rumored for several days, as the Braves apparently heavily scouted Anderson’s last start. Anderson had late helium as a northeast high schooler with a fresh arm and a fastball in the mid-90s. The Braves continue to collect high upside pitchers, and should have a good opportunity to add more talent later this evening as this projects to be a money-saving pick.

Rockies #4 Overall -> Riley Pint RHP Kansas HS

Pint has been heavily linked to Colorado for months. He possesses a mid-to-upper 90s fastball that has touched 100mph, along with a curveball and a changeup. There is big risk with high school pitchers with such incredible velocity, but that risk aside, Pint has a special arm and could develop into a #2/#3 starter in the future.

Brewers #5 Overall -> Corey Ray OF University of Louisville

If Senzel is not the most polished high school bat in this draft, then Ray is the choice. Ray has a short, compact left-handed swing which produces a quality hit tool and some surprising power. His arm is somewhat fringy, leading scouts to wonder if his future is in center or left field. Either way, his bat should profile at either position and he could move quickly through the minor leagues. Ray does not have a massive ceiling, but he has a very high floor.

7:40pm – Please excuse any typos or grammatical errors, I am typing extremely fast right now.

Athletics #6 Overall -> A.J. Puk LHP University of Florida

A physically imposing lefty who stands at 6-7 240lbs, Puk possesses a 93-97mph fastball with exceptional life, a powerful upper-80s slider with bend and a mid-to-upper-80s changeup. His mechanics are not the cleanest and he struggles with his command of the strike zone. However, when he is on, he has two plus-plus pitches and a solid-average changeup, allowing him to profile as #2 starter. That said his command issues could push him into a bullpen role if he cannot make the necessary adjustments.

Marlins #7 Overall -> Braxton Garrett LHP Alabama HS

Garrett to the Marlins has long been rumored, but those projections were often based on fellow HS LHP Jason Groome. Garrett has a low-90s fastball that can reach 95mph, along with perhaps the best curveball in the high school class.

Padres #8 Overall -> Cal Quantrill RHP Stanford

The son of former MLB pitcher Paul Quantrill, Cal was projected as the top pitcher in this class before an unfortunate elbow injury during his sophomore year, forcing him to undergo Tommy John surgery. He has not thrown a pitch in over a year, making this a very risky pick, but Quantrill has as much upside as anyone in this crop.

Tigers #9 Overall -> Matt Manning RHP California HS

An impressive two-sport athlete and a quality basketball player, Manning has a prototypical pitcher’s frame with projection remaining. In addition, he has a fastball that can touch 97mph and the potential for two average or better off-speed pitches. He supposedly has large bonus demands, which is something to watch when the Tigers begin negotiations.

White Sox #10 Overall -> Zack Collins Catcher University of Miami

Thought to be the fourth best college hitter behind Senzel, Ray and Kyle Lewis, scouts have few questions about his bat, as the left-handed hitter has raw power to all fields and a polished approach at the plate. Defensively there are questions about his ability to stay at catcher long-term, but he is a pure hitter.

Mariners #11 Overall -> Kyle Lewis OF Mercer University

After a standout season on Cape Cod last summer, Lewis built on that success this season for Mercer, destroying the Southern Conference. Lewis is a massively built, athletic looking kid who reminds of Jermaine Dye physically. He has good speed and a strong arm, allowing him to play a passable center field, but likely profiles in right field long-term. Offensively he has a long swing and some swing-and-miss, but Lewis has good power and has hit for average. Lewis has plenty of risk, but might have the highest ceiling in this class.

Red Sox #12 Overall -> Jason Groome LHP New Jersey HS

Perhaps the most talented prospect in this draft, Groome has slid down draft boards due to some concerns with his makeup and speculation of huge bonus demands. That said, Groome is a projectable 6-6 190lbs lefty with mid-90s velocity and a devastating curveball, plus a solid changeup. He will need development time in the minor leagues, but Groome could make the eleven teams ahead of Boston feel quick foolish in 5 years.

8:25pm -> My two favorite picks so far have been Corey Ray to the Brewers and Groome to the Red Sox. Also, we should see a nice run of college pitching here soon, with Dakota Hudson, Jordan Sheffield, Justin Dunn and others still available.

Rays #13 Overall -> Josh Lowe 3B Georgia HS

Lowe has an impressive physique at 6-4 190lbs and is an impressive two-way players as he was a legitimate prospect as a pitcher as well. But Lowe was drafted as a hitter and should be a quality third baseman, with a strong arm, good speed and some legitimate left-handed power. I am surprised he was picked over Blake Rutherford, but I really like Lowe’s long-term potential.

Indians #14 Overall -> Will Benson OF Georgia HS

Wow! I had heard Benson’s name quite frequently today, but it was more in the late teens to early twenties. Benson is a monster 6-6 220lbs frame with obvious athleticism, good speed and developing raw power from the left-side. He is quite raw, even for a high school hitter, but he has fantastic tools and could develop into an impact corner outfielder down the road.

Twins #15 Overall -> Alex Kirilloff OF Pennsylvania HS

Color me surprised by this pick, as I was fully expecting a college pitcher here to the Twins. That said I appreciate the Twins continuing to draft talent, especially high school athletes, and developing them slowly into big leaguers. Kirilloff has true raw power from the left side of the plate and has a cannon for an arm. He is raw and will need development time, but this is a intriguing prospect for the Twins to add to their organization.

Angels #16 Overall -> Matt Thaiss Catcher University of Virginia

I have written about Thaiss both yesterday and earlier today. He has a sweet left-handed swing with raw power to all fields and profiles to hit for average also. The questions to Thaiss’ game are his ability to block and receive the baseball, but has improved in his college career. He needs work defensively, but if he can develop those skills, he profiles as a quality starting catcher.

Astros #17 Overall -> Forest Whitley RHP Texas HS

A huge 6-7 220lbs righty, Whitley fits the profile of a first round Texas high school arm, possessing a massive fastball that can touch 97mph, the potential for a plus curveball and average changeup. He needs time to refine his mechanics and develop, but this is a big arm from Houston’s backyard.

Yankees #18 Overall -> Blake Rutherford OF California HS

Fantastic pick here by the Yankees, as they may have just picked the top high school hitter in this class. He has a sweet left-handed swing with barrel control and power. The questions with him are whether he may have to move to left field as he slows down and matures physically, but the bat should profile in a corner.

Mets #19 Overall -> Justin Dunn RHP Boston College

Started the season as a closer for the Eagles, Dunn had as much draft helium as any player after he shifted to the rotation as a starter. He was dominant down the stretch, with an electric mid-90s fastball and a powerful breaking ball. Dunn has a fresh arm as a northeast kid and the backup plan as a power reliever, but he has a chance to develop into a #3/#4 starter in the future. Good pick by the Mets.

Dodgers #20 Overall -> Gavin Lux SS Wisconsin HS

Lux has been rising steadily up draft boards in recent weeks, as he might be the best sure-fire shortstop in this draft crop. He is a quality athlete with a strong arm who profiles as a above-average to plus defender. In addition, he has some hit and power skills in his left-handed swing, profiling as perhaps an average hitter in the future.

Blue Jays #21 Overall -> T.J. Zeuch RHP University of Pittsburgh

Zeuch is a tall 6-7 projectable righty with a solid mid-90s fastball, curveball, changeup and slider. He is a bit more raw than the typical college pitcher and he is still growing into his frame, but Zeuch is a quality arm here at #21.

Pirates #22 Overall -> Will Craig RHP/3B Wake Forest University

Wow, I am surprised first and foremost that Craig was announced as a pitcher, as he was one of the top bats on the Cape last summer and performed well in the ACC this spring. That said he does have a monster arm and served as Wake’s closer this spring, with a fastball in the mid-90s. I do wonder if this is a mistake. (Edit – Yes, it was an error, he will be a third baseman).

Cardinals #23 Overall -> Delvin Perez SS Puerto Rico HS

This is truly a surprise, as Perez was recent busted for failing a drug test prior to the draft and was thought to be falling out of Day 1. On talent alone, he is the top middle infield prospect in this draft and should stay at shortstop as a professional. He is only 17-years-old and has plenty of projection remaining, but there is a chance he develops into an above-average two-way shortstop. The risk is large, but the upside reward is outstanding also.

Padres #24 Overall -> Hudson Sanchez SS Texas HS

Honestly have heard the name but this is the first player selected I have not seen play. Maybe this is a money saver pick for pick #8 or #25?

Padres #25 Overall -> Eric Lauer LHP Kent State University

Bummer, this is my personal cheeseball in this draft and was hoping Washington would select him. Lauer has an excellent 4-pitch repertoire highlighted by a fastball at 91-94mph with some cutting action, He is a quality athlete with a good frame built for pitching. He does not have a massive ceiling, but a high floor, making him a great value late in Round 1.

White Sox #26 Overall -> Zack Burdi RHP University of Louisville

The closer for Louisville this spring, Burdi has a fastball that can reach 100mph plus a nasty plus to plus-plus slider, along with the occasional changeup. He has some effort in his delivery, but not an excessive amount, and could be developed as a starter in the minors. He is most likely a closer long-term, but there is a chance he could start if the White Sox invest the development time in him.

Orioles #27 Overall -> Cody Sedlock RHP University of Illinois

A former closer for Illinois, Sedlock shifted to the rotation this season and watched his stock soar. He has a solid 4-pitch arsenal, featuring a 92-95mph fastball and an above-average slider, plus a fringy curveball and changeup. He will need to develop his ability to pitch deep into games and build up his innings count, but this is a strong pick for the Orioles.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS #28 Overall -> Carter Kieboom SS/3B Georgia HS

This pick should make plenty of Nationals’ fans happy, as his brother Spencer is a Double-A catcher for Washington. Kieboom has impressive bat speed and barrel control, allowing him to project for an above-average hit tool and average to above-average power in the future. There are questions as to his future defensive position, as he is unlikely to stay at shortstop. He has experience at third base and has seen time at catcher like his brother. This is an interesting project for Washington to develop.

Furthermore, I wrote up some scouting notes on Kieboom last summer -> http://natsgm.com/2015/08/27/armchair-evaluation-the-2015-under-armour-high-school-all-star-game/

WASHINGTON NATIONALS #29 Overall -> Dane Dunning RHP University of Florida

Dunning possesses a prototypical, projectable right-handed pitcher at 6-3 190lbs with a fastball that can reach the mid-90s, a mid-80s slider and the occasional changeup. He pitched extremely well in relief of A.J. Puk recently in front of dozens of scouts, giving him late helium in draft circles. I might have preferred Hudson to Dunning, but Dunning has a fresh, live arm with some upside remaining. This is a solid pick at the back of Round 1.

Rangers #30 Overall -> Cole Ragans LHP HS Florida HS

Ragans is a projectable high school lefty with a fastball that reaches the low-90s. He is a development project but has impressive tools to become a starting pitcher in several years.

Mets #31 Overall -> Anthony Kay LHP University of Connecticut

Big fan of Kay, a large left-handed pitcher who throws directly over the top and has a low-to-mid-90s fastball. Further, he has a changeup, curveball, and slider, and locates all these pitches well in the strike zone. He does not have a huge ceiling, but should pitch in the majors down the road.

Dodgers #32 Overall -> Will Smith Catcher University of Louisville

My prognostication for the Nationals at #29, Smith has skyrocketed up draft boards this spring, showing impressive defensive skills catching Louisville’s impressive pitching staff and some aptitude with the bat. He has a chance to become a average hitter and a above-average defender, making him a great value at #32.

Cardinals #33 Overall -> Dylan Carlson OF California HS

Carlson is a long, projectable switch-hitter with some raw power. I am surprised to see him picked here at #33 but there are a lot of tools involved with Carlson if you can develop him slowly.

Cardinals #34 Overall -> Dakota Hudson RHP Mississippi State University

Of course the Cardinals make the savvy pick to end Round 1 and select Hudson, one of my favorite players in this draft. Armed with a mid-90s fastball and a nasty plus upper-80s slider, Hudson also has a curveball and a changeup with some physical projection remaining. He possesses some below-average command, which will need refinement, but Hudson is a terrific value at #34.

Reds #35 Overall -> Taylor Trammell OF Georgia HS

Strong pick by the Reds here at #35, as there were rumors he could go in the teens. Trammell supposedly had large bonus demands, but with the Reds possessing the largest bonus pool, Trammell should sign with Cincinnati. This is a nice pick by Cincinnati.

Dodgers #36 Overall -> Jordan Sheffield RHP Vanderbilt University

Another quality pick by the Dodgers, who select an athletic college righty in Sheffield. He has below-average command and needs refinements to his delivery, but there is a chance he develops three above-average to plus pitches. He needs some development time, more than the average college arm, but he has good potential.

Athletics #37 Overall -> Daulton Jeffries RHP University of California Berkeley

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Rockies #38 Overall -> Robert Tyler RHP University of Georgia

A raw college pitcher with a fastball in the upper-90s, Tyler has a hard breaking ball and a decent changeup, leading some to believe his future is as a reliever. Either way, this is a good arm to add to the Rockies, who took Riley Pint earlier tonight.

Diamondbacks #39 Overall -> Anfernee Grier OF Auburn University

A personal favorite, Grier is a quality athlete who could stay in center field or move to shortstop in pro ball. He has excellent bat speed, outstanding raw pull power and has performed well in the SEC the past couple years, making him a terrific pick by the Dbacks.

Braves #40 Overall ->Joey Wentz LHP Kansas HS

The 2nd best high school pitcher in Kansas, behind Riley Pint, Wentz has a live arm and a quality 3-pitch mix. He repeats his delivery well and is more advanced than the typical high school pitcher.

Pirates #41 Overall -> Nick Lodolo LHP California HS

Lodolo is a tall projectable lefty who I remember watching last summer in one of the high school all-star games. He has a upper-80s to low-90s fastball and throws from a high three-quarters arm slot. He needs to add strength and some additional velocity, but the Pirates have a nice track record of developing high school arms.

Phillies #42 Overall -> Kevin Gowdy RHP California HS

Gowdy was impressive last summer in the PG National All-Star game classic and continued to perform well this spring. He is a projectable right-hander with a repeatable delivery and a fastball in the low-90s.

Reds #43 Overall -> Chris Okey Catcher Clemson University

Okey has been a three year starter for Clemson as a catcher and has been a productive two-way player for the Tigers. He is a solid catch-and-throw catcher with good defensive skills, and has some tools at the plate. He can make good contact, will take a walk and has some pull power.

Braves #44 Overall -> Kyle Muller LHP Texas HS

Muller is simply huge, sitting bigger than his listed 6-5 220lbs frame. He has a big fastball like all Texans and has some the makings of some off-speed offerings also. The Braves continue to collect projectable, talented, raw arms.

Rockies #45 Overall -> Ben Bowden LHP Vanderbilt University

Bowden has a big fastball and a tough slider, making him a natural fit in the bullpen. He has a solid, compact motion, but the lack of a changeup worries me about his future as a starter. I like his arm and think his future is as a quick-moving reliever.

Brewers #46 Overall -> Lucas Erceg 3B Menlo College

A well-known name in prospect circles, I have never seen him play, as he transferred from UC Berkeley to Menlo College last year.

Athletics #47 Overall -> Logan Shore RHP University of Florida

Oakland love polished college arms, and Shore is as polished as they come. Shore has a low-90s fastball which he locates for strikes, plus a curveball and a changeup. He does not have a huge ceiling, but he is a competitor who should develop into a #4/5 starter in the big leagues.

Padres #48 Overall -> Buddy Reed OF University of Florida

A terrific athlete, Reed entered the season atop many lists as the top available college hitter, but struggles making contact had him slide down boards to #48 overall. He has four strong, evident and loud tools, but there are real questions if he will hit. If he can hit .260-.275, he’s a major league starter in center field.

White Sox #49 Overall -> Alec Hansen RHP University of Oklahoma

I wrote about Hansen earlier today. Hansen began the year as one of the names competing to be selected 1-1, but a rough season for the Sooners caused him to slip into Round 2. There is plenty of risk and reward with this selection, but a nice gamble here at #49.

Mariners #50 Overall -> Joe Rizzo 3B Virginia HS

A local favorite, Rizzo is not the tallest player, but he has a sweet left-handed swing with excellent barrel skills and emerging power. He is not the best defender at third base, but he can develop into a passable defender with effort. I like the bat and think he will hit his way to the big leagues.

Red Sox #51 Overall -> C.J. Chatham SS Florida Atlantic

Chatham made an impression last summer on Cape Cod, continually sticking out on the games I would watch. He is bigger than the usual shortstop, but he has a strong arm and should be able to stay there in pro ball. He has some pull power, but does not project to be a great hitter.

Diamondbacks #52 Overall -> Andy Yerzy Catcher Canada HS

I recognize the name but do not know his game.

Rays #53 Overall -> Ryan Boldt CF University of Nebraska

I personally scouted him in April 2015 when Nebraska visited Maryland for a weekend series. Boldt has good speed and a strong arm, allowing him to profile as an above-average to plus defensive center fielder. Offensively he has hit for an average in college and last summer on the Cape, but has not shown the power he displays in batting practice. There is some risk in his profile, particularly offensively, but this is a nice value pick for Tampa Bay.

Orioles #54 Overall -> Keegan Akin LHP Western Michigan

Akin has been flying up boards this spring, especially after a strong performance in a head-to-head matchup against Eric Lauer this spring. There are questions if he is a starter or reliever long-term due to his size, but he has a legitimate mid-90s fastball, an average changeup and an inconsistent curveball. This is another solid pick for the Orioles on Day 1.

Indians #55 Overall -> Nolan Jones SS/3B Pennsylvania

This is a nice value pick by Cleveland, as many expected Jones to be picked closer to #25 overall. Jones is a quality athlete with a sweet left-handed swing with some electric bat speed. He will likely require an overslot bonus, but if Cleveland can sign him, they will be quite pleased to add him to their farm system.

Twins #56 Overall -> Ben Rortvedt Catcher Wisconsin HS

A favorite of former THE NatsGM Show guest Nick J. Faleris, Rortvedt has a great last name to match his equally sweet swing. He should stay behind the dish long-term and he has some hitting skills, making him a good pick for the Twins.

Blue Jays #57 Overall -> J.B. Woodman OF University of Mississippi

Woodman lead the SEC in home runs this season, quietly leading the Gamecocks to a National seed. There are questions if he will stay in center field or if he will need to shift to a corner outfield, but his left-handed bat and power should allow him to be a good 4th outfielder or fringe starting outfielder.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS #58 Overall -> Sheldon Neuse 3B University of Oklahoma

Neuse is a two-way player, who many scouts projected as a right-handed relief prospect due to his 95mph fastball and hard biting slider. However, Neuse is drafted as a third baseman after playing shortstop for Oklahoma, as he has below to fringe-average speed and a powerful arm, making him a natural profile at third base. Offensively his swing can get long, but he has solid barrel skills when he wants to and has some power. His struggles last summer on Cape Cod took some luster off his profile, but Neuse has a chance to be a solid regular at third base.

Giants #59 Overall -> Bryan Reynolds OF Vanderbilt University

A terrific player for the Commodores, Reynolds is a switch-hitter with power from both sides and a chance to stay in center field as a professional. He is not a great athlete, so he likely shifts to a corner, but the bat should get him to the majors.

Angels #60 Overall -> Brandon Marsh OF Georgia HS

Marsh has the reputation as an outstanding athlete and a raw baseball player.

Astros #61 Overall -> Ronnie Dawson OF/1B Ohio State

A left-handed hitter who punished pitching on the Cape last summer and the Big 10 this spring, Dawson has some legitimate raw power in his left-handed swing. He has a thick body but is a better athlete than you might immediately expect. He is probably fits best in left field, putting some pressure on his bat.

Yankees #62 Overall -> Nick Solak 2B University of Louisville

Solak is limited defensively to second base, but he is a pure hitter who has consistently produced both at Louisville and last summer on the Cape. The defensive profile limits his ceiling, but he can flat rake and remind a little of the “old” Daniel Murphy.

Rangers #63 Overall -> Alex Speas RHP Georgia HS

Speas performed well last summer on the prospect showcase and has a fastball that can reach the mid-90s. Like all high school arms, he needs development, but I really liked his arm when I watched him last year.

Mets #64 Overall -> Peter Alonso 1B/RHP University of Florida

Limited defensively to first base, Alonso has good power to all fields and has shown the ability to draw walks. There is some swing-and-miss in his profile, but his production in the SEC is hard to overlook.

Dodgers #65 Overall -> Mitchell White RHP Santa Clara

White has been gaining momentum this spring and climbing draft boards on the back of his success in the West Coast Conference. He has a fastball that can reach the mid-90s and has a projectable 6-4 body. White is raw but there is real upside of a mid-rotation starter if things come together with him.

Blue Jays #66 Overall -> Bo Bichette 3B Florida HS

The son of Dante Bichette, Bo is one of the top high school hitters in this crop, as he can flat out rake. He has a sweet right-handed swing with real raw power and an advanced approach at the plate. He might have to move to the outfield in the future, but if the bat develops as anticipated, he could be an above-average hitter with some power and speed as well.

Royals #67 Overall -> A.J. Puckett RHP Pepperdine University

Another in the tremendous class of WCC pitchers this year, Puckett performed well on the Cape last summer and continued that success this spring for Pepperdine. Puckett has good command of his fastball and changeup, without elite velocity or a plus breaking pitch. His ability to command the zone gives him the profile of a back-end starter.

Pirates #68 Overall -> Travis MacGregor RHP Florida HS

Once again, I recognize the name but do not know much about him. The Pirates like to develop high school arms and this is another to add to their stock.

Orioles #69 Overall -> Mathhias Dietz RHP Illinois Junior College

Dietz is probably the top JuCo prospect available this year, with a huge frame and a fastball that can touch the mid-90s. He is raw and could profile better in relief, but his prototypical size and velocity is a nice “starter kit” for the Orioles to develop.

Cardinals #70 Overall -> Connor Jones RHP University of Virginia

Tremendous pick and the Cardinals are officially crushing Day 1. Jones does not have a huge ceiling, but he has a solid 4-pitch arsenal and his above-average command allows those pitches to “play up”. He does not have elite velocity or a plus breaking ball, but his ability to throw strikes and compete make him a nice #4/#5 starting pitching prospect.

Padres #71 Overall -> Reggie Lawson RHP California HS

Lawson was quite impressive last summer in the Perfect Game All-American Game, showing off a projectable body, a low-90s fastball and the potential for a curveball and changeup. He was injured some this spring and is raw, but this is a nice arm for the Padres to pick late on Day 1.

Indians #72 Overall -> Logan Ice Catcher Oregon State

In the discussion for the top name in this draft, Ice is a switch-hitting catcher who is much leaner than the average catcher. He is athletic, but one would expect him to add mass to help his durability defensively. Ice does not profile to have much power, but he has a good hit tool and the ability to get on-base, making him a nice catching prospect.

Twins #73 Overall -> Jose Miranda SS Puerto Rico

I know precious little about him, except his bat is ahead of his glove.

Twins #74 Overall -> Akil Baddoo Georgia HS

Known for his package of tools, Baddon has the potential to be a five tool player if everything comes together. He is extremely raw and the swing is not the prettiest, but he has a power/speed combination difficult to find in the draft.

Brewers #75 Overall -> Mario Feliciano Catcher Puerto Rico

Feliciano has big raw pull power and a strong arm, along with surprising speed and athleticism for a catcher.

Braves #76 Overall -> Brett Cumberland Catcher University of California Berkeley

An extremely productive player this season for the Golden Bears, Cumberland has been climbing draft boards all spring. He has a good swing with a thick frame and could stay behind the plate, but scouts question if his long-term position is somewhere other than catcher.

Rays #77 Overall -> Jake Fraley OF Louisiana State University

Fraley stepped into the LSU starting lineup this season, taking over for the departed Andrew Stevenson, and helped the Tigers not miss a beat. He has a left-handed swing with good contact skills and probably profiles best as a 4th outfielder, rather than a regular in center. That said, he has performed well in the SEC this season and has a chance to outperform this draft position if he can remain in center field.

*** AND Day 1 of the MLB Draft is now complete! Thank you for joining me this evening. I will be back tomorrow morning with my analysis of the Nationals’ selections and at 12:30pm EST to Live Blog Day 2 of the MLB Draft. Bye for now! ***

Mocking The MLB Draft – Projecting the Washington Nationals 1st Round Picks

Posted on June 9, 2016 by Ryan Sullivan

Happy 2016 MLB Draft Day! The Washington Nationals select #28, #29 and #58 this evening and are poised to add significant talent to their already solid farm system. In lieu of writing another mock draft, today I will highlight several players who could be available to Washington when they are on the board in Round 1 and foolishly will predict whom the Nationals will select.

Names To Remember

Kyle Funkhouser RHP University of Louisville

A Scott Boras client, Funkhouser was drafted last summer by the Dodgers 35^th overall but failed to sign and returned to Louisville for his senior season, where he scuffled much of the year. When he is on, Funkhouser features a 92-95mph fastball with excellent life, along with an average curveball and slider, plus a fringy changeup. His stuff, as with his command, will waver during and between starts, making his inconsistency rather maddening.

His supporters see a relatively easy to sign senior with some remaining potential and a future back-end starter. Conversely his detractors see the poor command, “good” off-speed pitches and a likely future in the bullpen. While I am not confident projecting Funkhouser inside the top-30 picks, I feel safe predicting his floor is Washington’s 2^nd round pick, 58^th overall.

Eric Lauer LHP Kent State University

Lauer is a polished lefty with a quality 4-pitch repertoire, including a low-90s fastball, an average or above-average curveball and slider, plus a fringe-average changeup. He has a solid, physical build, with some projection remaining, allowing scouting to profile him as a workhorse capable of pitching 180+ innings per year. Lauer’s simple, repeatable motion allows him to consistently epper the strike zone. The lack of elite velocity or plus off-speed pitch limits his ceiling, but Lauer projects as a strong #4 starter.

Drew Mendoza SS/3B Florida HS

Another Scott Boras client, Mendoza has naturally been linked to the Nationals in many mock drafts. Mendoza possesses a sweet, compact left-handed swing with solid barrel skills and projects to develop power as he matures. He was a shortstop during high school, but because of his relatively large, thick frame, most assume he moves to third base as a professional. I have heard a “poor man’s Kyle Seagar” on Mendoza, which would make him an intriguing pick late in Round 1.

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The starting catcher for the University of Virginia, Thaiss possesses raw power to all fields in his left-handed swing and scouts also project him to hit for average in pro ball. The real question with Thaiss involves his defense – while his arm is strong and he can catch-and-throw reasonably well, his skills blocking pitches and receiving could use work. He has improved in his three years in college and has a strong work ethic, so teams believe he can stay behind the plate for the long-term. If not, however, Thaiss’ bat does not profile well at first base and I am not certain he is athletic enough to play the outfield. In a draft light on polished bats, Thaiss is an easy top-30 pick.

THE NatsGM Predictions ->

#28 Alec Hansen RHP University of Oklahoma

Hansen begin the year on the short list to go 1^st overall, as he possesses a prototypical pitcher’s frame, a mid-to-high-90s fastball and will show a plus slider, curveball, and changeup at times. Unfortunately he struggles with his command of the strike zone, and suffered through a difficult draft year, including being banished to the bullpen mid-year. He returned late in the season and performed well, giving scouts who want to believe in him a reason to continue liking his potential.

In addition Hansen does have some injury issues in his past as well, making Hansen a true boom-or-bust prospect. That said, it is nearly impossible to find a “starter kit” with this type of potential typically at #28, and his upside could be too much for Washington to pass on. I have not heard him linked at all to Washington, but this just feels like a Rizzo pick.

#29 Will Smith Catcher University of Louisville

Will Smith has begun flying up draft boards this spring, as Louisville has several top prospects and scouts have watched him handle the impressive Cardinals’ pitching staff. Smith is a former shortstop with good athleticism and a solid throwing arm, making him a quality athlete for a catcher. He is still a bit raw to the finer points of catching (blocking, receiving, calling a game) but scouts are sold he will remain behind the plate as a professional.

At the plate Smith shows good contact skills and the ability to draw a walk, as evidenced by his .500+ OBP this season and 7% strikeout rate for the year. He has a bit of power to his pull side, but he does not project to hit more than 7-12 homers at peak. He has the potential to be an average hitter and above-average defender, making him quite a value here at #29.

Who do you think Washington will select tonight? Leave your predictions in the comment’s section!

Scouting the MLB Draft – Spotlighting the Top Hitters

Posted on June 8, 2016 by Ryan Sullivan

The 2016 MLB Draft commences tomorrow night, which is like my birthday, Christmas and New Year’s Eve all rolled into one grand three day marathon. As a reminder, I will be Live Blogging all three days and 40 rounds of the draft, so PLEASE join me with your questions, comments and hot takes.

Yesterday we highlighted several of the top pitching prospects available in this year’s draft class – today we continue our draft coverage by examining some of the top hitters who will be selected early in Round 1.

Top Bats

Kyle Lewis OF Mercer University

Following an outstanding campaign last summer on Cape Cod, Lewis has continued to dominate the Southern Conference this spring. The right-handed hitting Lewis has massive raw power to all fields, and although there is swing-and-miss in his game, most scouts believe he will hit in pro ball. Lewis is not a blazing runner, leading to questions if he will stay in center field long-term. Most likely Lewis moves to right field, where he fringe-average speed and strong arm profile well. There are questions in Lewis’s game, particularly the level of competition he has faced, but he has the potential to be terrific major league outfielder in a few years.

Corey Ray OF University of Louisville

Ray has been a vital three-year starter for Louisville, acting as a major cog in their lineup. The left-handed hitting Ray has quick wrists and healthy bat speed, leading scouts to project him to hit for both average and power at the next level. The real question with Ray involves his future defensive position, as his fringe-average arm could push him to left field as a professional. Nevertheless, his track record of performance and skills at the plate should have him drafted in the top-8 picks.

Blake Rutherford OF California HS

Rutherford entered the year as the top prep hitter in this class, as he has excellent bat speed in his left-handed swing, showing the ability to barrel the baseball and hit for power. In an effort to hit for power this spring, Rutherford has not dominated the competition as expected, causing scouts to have some prospect fatigue with him. Defensively there are questions if the 6-2 200lbs Rutherford will stay in center field in the future, though rumors are he improved as a senior. His detractors see a 19-year-old with limited projection remaining and some defensive questions, while his fans see a polished hitter who plays a solid center field. The team that believes in him should draft him inside the top-15 picks on Thursday.

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The debate in California among scouts this spring has revolved around which outfielder they prefer, Blake Rutherford or Mickey Moniak. Moniak is a lithe, projectable athlete with above-average speed and is a sure-fire long-term center fielder. At the plate Moniak peppers the gaps with impressive barrel control and scouts believe he will generate power as he matures physically. His bat is not as polished as Rutherford’s and does not project for the same power, but his overall impressive assortment of tools and projectable body will have him drafted inside the top-12.

Nick Senzel 3B University of Tennessee

The MVP of the Cape Cod League last summer, Senzel is a joy to watch swing the bat. A right-handed hitter, Senzel has a quick, linear swing which produces plenty of hard contact and doubles in the gaps. Scouts question how much power he will hit for as a professional, though his displays in batting practice have some scouts projecting average power for him. Defensively he has silenced critics this spring, playing a solid third base for Tennessee and even moving to shortstop for several weeks during the season. A few baseball people have put a right-handed hitting Bill Mueller “comp” on Senzel.

Zack Collins Catcher University of Miami

The left-handed hitting Collins has easy plus power and displays it both in batting practice and during games. He works counts well, draws walks, and shows the ability to barrel the baseball. While he lacks his pure power, the comparisons with last year’s #4 pick Kyle Schwarber are evident.

Defensively Collins lags behind his bat, though he has shown marked improvement this spring. He has a solid arm, but struggles receiving the ball and with his footwork. Scouts like the improvements he has shown behind the plate, leading some teams to believe he can develop into a passable catcher with proper coaching.

Matt Thaiss Catcher University of Virginia

Similarly to Collins, questions surround Thaiss’ defensive ability behind the plate, as he is not as fluid blocking pitches or quiet receiving the baseball as one would generally like from their catcher. However, he has a strong arm and possesses an excellent work ethic, leading some to believe he can stay at catcher. That said, the strength of his left-handed bat is what will get him drafted in Round 1, as he has plus raw power to all fields and a keen batting eye. The team confident in developing and refining his catching skills will likely pick Thaiss in the 2^nd half of Round 1.

Others of Note: (College) Bryan Reynolds OF Vanderbilt, Buddy Reed OF University of Florida, Chris Okey Catcher Clemson, Will Craig 3B Wake Forest & Anfernee Grier OF Auburn – (High School) Delvin Perez SS, Taylor Trammell OF, Josh Lowe 3B, Nolan Jones SS/3B & Alex Kirilloff OF