Thoughts on this years/next years draft
by boonitez on Jun 6, 2008 11:15 AM PDT
43 comments
So thinking back on the draft yesterday, I feel kinda bad cause I was swearing out Posey because I didn't think he was a worthwhile pick. Now that I think about it, it actually made a lot of sense to take him. And I also think it shows that the management was thinking ahead. Buster Posey is supposed to be an unusually good prospect in that he can both hit for average and some power and he can also actually play his position. And that position happens to be a very important defensive position. Apparently it's very unusual that there is a catcher in the draft that can both play catcher decently and hit. So if he works out like he should, he will be a premium hitter at a position where you usually don't give a shit how well they can hit.
So why not take him if there might not be another one next year? There will almost certainly be another Justin Smoak in next years draft. Talented 1st basemen aren't that unusual. There might even be a Pedro Alvarez and another Tim Beckham next year. And depending how bad we do the rest of this year, we could/should have first dibs at one of them, maybe 2nd or 3rd because the Padres are godawful right now and the Rockies and Royals are, too. But we can almost guarantee at least another 5th pick. And you can guess/hope that they would spend that next pick on another hitter to round out a potential future infield. I would hope they pick a 3rd baseman or a shortstop. I would prefer a 3rd baseman because that's a better hitting position, so we could get someone that makes a signifigant difference in the lineup.
So in the last three years we will have drafted 2 damn good pitching prospects in Alderson and Bumgarner, a good 2nd base prospect in Noonan, a catcher, and either a shortstop, thirdbaseman, or 1st baseman, although I doubt we'll be picking a 1st baseman if Villalona keeps up his work in Augusta. That means we will have almost built a new, extremely talented infield completely from scratch in just a few years. And if they all live up to their potential, along with our assload of worthwhile pitching, we will finally be competing with the Dodgers and Dbacks for the NL West again. Hooray for not sucking!
This FanPost is reader-generated, and it does not necessarily reflect the views of McCovey Chronicles. If the author uses filler to achieve the minimum word requirement, a moderator may edit the FanPost for his or her own amusement.
0 recs |
43 comments
Email
Print
Comments
For all our complaining, Keith Law just said in his chat that we had the best first day overall, so that’s something.
by Krukow on Jun 6, 2008 11:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
dayum
2 years in a row? We’re gettin better at this drafting thing.
by boonitez on Jun 6, 2008 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
All you need are picks early in the draft and suddenly you are a genius; get picks in the back of the first round by winning and you are dumber than a brick.
Adoptive parental unit of Kevin "Most Spectacular Pitcher" Pucetas.
"I'm a Giant now... I like watching the ball get up there" - Wendell Fairley
"I'm really proud to be on this team." - Nate Schierholtz
by obsessivegiantscompulsive on Jun 6, 2008 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, I forget
Where were Noonan and Gillaspie taken?
Alderson?
Fairley?
Nobody’s saying Tampa Bay’s had the great drafts because there is value to be found in the later part of the first round and we’re finding it. Which we should have been doing before.
If you like things that are funny, perhaps you will enjoy ChatterBalks Dot Com?
by groug on Jun 6, 2008 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alderson was 22nd, Fairley 29th, Noonan 32nd, and Gillaspie was 37th.
by boonitez on Jun 6, 2008 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you missed my point
If you like things that are funny, perhaps you will enjoy ChatterBalks Dot Com?
by groug on Jun 6, 2008 11:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha my bad I wasn't really paying close attention I thought it was an actual question
but I get your point. Yes we’re getting a lot better at handling our late first round picks, although I’m starting to think Fairley was a little questionable and I’m hearing Gillaspie isn’t that great.
by boonitez on Jun 7, 2008 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I agree about how they're turning out
But they were a huge part of the draft rankings even though they were taken with the same kind of picks that OGC is arguing are close to worthless.
If you like things that are funny, perhaps you will enjoy ChatterBalks Dot Com?
by groug on Jun 7, 2008 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
get picks in the back of the first round by winning and you are dumber than a brick.
Unless your the Braves, who’ve been winning for the last 15-some years and have always drafted well late in the 1st, even into picks in the 30’s.
by xanthan on Jun 6, 2008 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
True, but look who's been their #3 hitter that whole time...
Chipper Jones, #1 overall pick.
"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK
by Josh from Hollywood on Jun 6, 2008 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know, now that I think of it
I’m starting to get pretty damn pissed off about that crappy Jason Grilli pick—that’s been the source of all our trouble for lo these past 12 years!
My boy ain't fat, he's just big boned. Big bat, too.
by Roger on Jun 6, 2008 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I said it then, and I'll say it now...
The Giants should’ve used that pick to take a future Hall of Famer. But then, I’m a “think outside of the box” kinda guy.
"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK
by Josh from Hollywood on Jun 6, 2008 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Josh from Hollywood for next Giants GM!
by xanthan on Jun 6, 2008 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me Feel Bad Too
Sorry Buster. You were a great pick, probably better even than Smoak.
by Change Up on Jun 6, 2008 11:56 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I was in the Doctor’s office this morning, and happened to reada not too old Sporting News. They had a couple short articles based on the usual interviews with scouts and FO types. One topic was whether TB would go for need (Posey) or BPA (the SS). There was also a blurb within which one scout said he wasn’t completely confident Smoak would make it. Didn’t give reasons, just that scouts opinion.
Having done a fair amount of reading since this time yesterday, it really seems like Posey is the higher rated prospect by a significant amount. Hurray for us.
by allfrank on Jun 6, 2008 12:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I too have reconsidered
Especially about Posey. I think he was the pick to make there. Now, Gillaspie I really don’t know what to make of the guy, but will be patient about him. I am a little concerned about his defense, of all things. This guy has committed a ton of errors. Anyway, it is going to be a lot more fun following our minor leaguers now that the “vets around Bonds” days are over and we are starting to stock the shelves again. I am excited by the change in direction for the organization as a whole.
by out machine on Jun 6, 2008 12:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
conner
is an above average athlete. I think he just needs some time at the position to pick it up. Wont ever be a GGlover, but his d should be league level.
Cain is Able ...
by Norcalfan10 on Jun 6, 2008 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm still a Smoaker
I place a high value on slugging 1b, but I can’t say I’m disappointed with the Posey pick, it is a good pick. I’m just disappointed that it wasn’t Smoak.
Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal
by nostocksjustbonds on Jun 6, 2008 12:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
but there are Justin Smoak's in every draft
Talented hitters aren’t an every few years or so kind of thing. There’s always at least 2 or 3 players like that in the first round every year. Last year there was Matt LaPorta, Matt Wieters, Mike Moustakas, Josh Vitters, and Beau Mills. All of them have the potential to become impact hitters as good as Smoak could be. And again there’s no guarantee Smoak would succeed with us. But Posey seems to be a sure thing, and even if he doesn’t hit as well as he could, he’d still be almost a gold glove catcher, which is valuable enough.
by boonitez on Jun 6, 2008 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not really, it was LaPorta, then the rest. At least in terms of the bat. My personal opinion (absolute value of my opinion = shit) is that Smoak was in the same tier (his own) in this draft.
Neglectful father of David Quinowski
by marcello on Jun 6, 2008 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
no love for Heyward?
I really liked him then, and he’s done nothing but come through in low A. Yes, he’s not hitting like LaPorta, but he’s eighteen. He’s only a year older than Villalona, and he’s a top-five hitter in the SAL.
On Smoak, I like him lots, but I guess I don’t see him as another elite talent.
by wcw on Jun 6, 2008 6:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heyward did not, and does not, have the same upside with the bat as LaPorta. Heyward is a fantastic prospect, and projects as a star player, but I can’t see how you would project him to be a better HITTER than LaPorta last year at this time, or now.
As for Smoak, as I said, that was just my opinion/feeling.
Neglectful father of David Quinowski
by marcello on Jun 6, 2008 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
well, obviously 1/3 of MLB (10 teams) didn’t think he was in a tier of his own.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Jun 6, 2008 6:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not so obviously. I was just referring to his bat, not overall package, which is what teams are considering when they draft.
Neglectful father of David Quinowski
by marcello on Jun 6, 2008 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
but you don't know that because they haven't even played pro ball yet
And Matt Weiters is doing pretty damn good too for his first season.
by boonitez on Jun 6, 2008 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, Wieters is doing fantastic and looks like a future stud catcher, but he has an amazing bat for a catcher. LaPorta was and is the better hitter overall which was my point.
Neglectful father of David Quinowski
by marcello on Jun 6, 2008 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I give you guys credit for re-considering on Buster
I was one who was mocking all of the and and over-reaction at the time, so I give you some credit for thinking it through and calming down
by FluLikeSymptoms on Jun 6, 2008 1:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Very good points...
Thanks for bringing them up.
I had been almost half-hoping the Giants finish with the worst record in the majors so they would win the Stephen Strasburg Sweepstakes. But now that they have shown a renewed interest and good eye in drafting position players, it may not be so bad if they have something around #5 again next year.
by baseballjunkie on Jun 6, 2008 2:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Next Year
Giants will probably be picking 5th or 6th.
by seyheystretch on Jun 6, 2008 3:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
maybe 3rd or 4th if we can sell of any of the vets at the deadline
We could trade Bengie, and that would kill our lineup enough to make us that bad.
by boonitez on Jun 6, 2008 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
After the draft
MLB suggested teams draft by talent and not signability. The new compensation for team to receive a similar draft pick in the next draft if that player is not signed is a tool to assist teams to adhere to MLB’s sugestion. Teams will now negotiate with draftee agents and if no agreement is reached then the player will have turned down millions of dollars and the team will get a compensation like pick in next season’s draft. It will be quite interesting to see how this plays out. Does a college junior like Posey turn down a $7M offer from the Giants and return to college for a senior season where he must maintain his draft value yet lose his leverage?
by wilriv21 on Jun 6, 2008 3:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t see Posey going back to school at all. Pretty much nothing to gain and everything to lose. If he goes back and has another year like this year he goes #2 at best (if Strasburg stays healthy) and POSSIBLY gets more money, but like you said he has zero leverage. If he gets hurt or has a down year and drops in the draft, he gets screwed and loses a lot of cash. He’ll sign and it won’t be for $12 mllion.
by AngelWillSaveUs on Jun 6, 2008 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Posey really can’t have a better year than the one he had. He could drag this out, but it’s most likely in his best interest to find some middle ground and take a high seven-figure deal.
it's always noonan somewhere
by sectionop92 on Jun 6, 2008 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I smell
Best Player Available for us next year. If Posey, Gillaspie, Kieschnick, etc. prove to be the real deal, our farm system will be on the way up and finally have some sort of comfort level for the first time since the early 80’s.
it's always noonan somewhere
by sectionop92 on Jun 6, 2008 5:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Grant Green for next year?
Shortstop from USC. He will be one of the top hitting prospects. The starting pitching class next year will be a lot better than it was this year (with absolute studs Strasburg and Kyle Gibson most likely going 1st and 2nd) which could lead the Giants in that direction or could allow us to get one of the very best position players if the teams above us grab pitchers.
Obviously it is silly to speculate on this now, but what the hell. Cape Cod League starts next week.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Jun 6, 2008 6:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Imagine that...
A UCLA guy and a USC guy battling it out to be the Giants SS.
Another possibilty would be Dustin Ackley, a 1B who may project better as a LF, who is thought to have a pretty special bat. And it is guaranteed that there will be some fast rising position players who have received little attention thus far. Of course it is way early, but I’m sure the Giants have already started thinking about next year’s draft.
Maybe all those years of loading up on pitching has worked in the Giants advantage. While many other teams are lacking in that facet which is said to be “70% of the game” the Giants have a pretty good stockpile in that area. That could allow them to concentrate on elite hitters early in the draft again in 2009. In our keeper fantasy league some of us employed a similar strategy this season and it appears to have worked out so far.
by baseballjunkie on Jun 7, 2008 7:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah wouldn't that be great
and I’m a UCLA guy suggesting Green.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Jun 7, 2008 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
