ridiculously early look at the 2009 MLB Draft
by FluLikeSymptoms on Feb 20, 2009 3:21 PM PST
134 comments
The College Baseball season starts this weekend and with it ESPN.com has started a new draft blog, so this seems like a good time for a very early look at the 2009 draft. The Giants have the 6th pick and in order to continue the re-building process they will need to continue their recent run of good drafting. Keith Law from ESPN has his early top 32 list, and here are his top 6:
1. Stephen Strasburg, rhp, San Diego State
2. Alex White, rhp, North Carolina
3. Grant Green, ss, Southern California
4. Aaron Crow, rhp, Fort Worth Cats
5. Dustin Ackley, cf/1b, North Carolina
6. Kyle Gibson, rhp, Missouri
One obvious point is that while last year's draft was loaded with position players (15 of the top 18 picks were hitters) this year's draft is generally regarded as being very strong in college pitching. It seems to me that 6th is a good place to be as there are 2 college hitters in a teir of their own and there is a pretty solid consensus top 4 college pitchers (counting Aaron Crow as a college pitcher) with Tanner Scheppers a possibility to move into that group if he is healthy, followed by a drop off. The best High School player in the country, Donovan Tate, an OF from Georgia, is 8th on Law's list.
here are a couple of other mock drafts for the sake of comparison
Personally, I would be thrilled to have any of those 6 guys on Law's list. Grant Green would be my favorite but I would love to have any of the college pitchers. I am a "best player available" absolutist so I would prefer the Giants take one of the college pitchers if they feel they are the best player available rather than taking a hitter for reasons of organizational depth.
There is nothing that people around here and consistently more wrong about than the MLB draft, so I thought it might be fun to see what people think, if for no other reason than so we can mock it next June. Who do you think the Giants end up with, who do you hope they end up with (but please keep the wild scenarios of Strasburg falling to 6th because of signability to yourself). I'll go with I hope we get Grant Green, and I predict we get Kyle Gibson.
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.
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Tanner Scheppers
Read that both Scheppers and Aaron Crow will be pitching in the indy leagues in prep for the draft. If healthy and productive in indy league would take a look at Scheppers at the #6 pick.
by wilriv21 on Feb 20, 2009 3:29 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
agreed
if Scheppers proves to be healthy, he’s right up there with the rest of the college pitchers. Still amazing that Fresno St. won the College World Series last year without him.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Feb 20, 2009 3:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree also, and again, health is the big IF. Also, the Bulldogs had a bunch of GAMERZ
Giant Dirtbags: Brian Anderson, Todd Jennings, Steve Hammond, John Bowker
Don't F with the Affeldt
by Giant among Angels on Feb 20, 2009 9:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If the Nationals were too cheap to even sign Aaron Crow last year, will they really go for Strasburg this year?
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
by jcb9 on Feb 20, 2009 3:34 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I really think they will. Strasburg isn’t just your typical #1 pick, he is a phenomenal talent, I think they will pay whatever it takes for him.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Feb 20, 2009 3:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He certainly looks like a great pick. I just don’t want to underestimate the level of fail in the Nationals organization.
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
by jcb9 on Feb 20, 2009 3:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Even if they pass on Strasburg he won’t get past the Padres. As broke as they are, they’re picking and signing the local hero.
Brian Sabean's our GM: Not exactly the "silver bullet that's going to save the day"
by rxmeister on Feb 20, 2009 3:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Eh
Idk I can see Strasburg hooking up with Boras and falling a bit. Teams usually stay away from Boras clients unless they are truly willing to shell out the money. Wieters fell to #5 for crying out loud.
by Hobbes2d on Feb 20, 2009 3:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Man, I was soooooo hoping Wieters would fall all the way to us in that draft… though Mad Bum is looking like a very nice consolation prize at this point.
Idolizing Robb Nen since 2002...
by Smoke on the Water on Feb 21, 2009 1:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, yeah, I’m not expecting him to fall to #6 at all. I’m just skeptical about the Nationals. They’ll probably take him, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see them pull a Bryan Bullington.
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
by jcb9 on Feb 20, 2009 3:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe they’ll be scared he lied about his name.
by cheno on Feb 20, 2009 3:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
they’d be dumb not to. They really weren’t that far apart from where Crow was. But Crow wasn’t the big name.
They definitely won’t pass on him. I think they’d rather not get him and get a comp pick in 2010, than go with someone else and get ridiculed for passing on Strasburg.
Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal
by nostocksjustbonds on Feb 20, 2009 7:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think there is going to be a big buzz that builds around Strasburg throughout the college season and it will be almost impossible for them to pass on him.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Feb 20, 2009 7:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
San Diego State
Is going to have their game vs Southern on MLBNetwork tonight! I’m hoping Strasberg is the starting pitcher…
by Hobbes2d on Feb 21, 2009 1:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I hate being the bearer of bad news, but I think it’s San Diego and not San Diego State on MLBN tonight. Luckily San Diego is pretty loaded with prospects in their own right, so it should be a good one to watch all the same.
by roboz on Feb 21, 2009 1:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually
According to my guide the San Diego game was on first, and then SD State’s game is after. IIRC.
by Hobbes2d on Feb 21, 2009 2:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah there it is, good call – didn’t realize it was a doubleheader. Thanks for the heads up in the first place, by the way.
by roboz on Feb 21, 2009 2:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No problem. I just hope there’s not another useless A-Rod rumor that disrupts the coverage of the games and makes them air an emergency session of Hot Stove to discuss the latest….:(
by Hobbes2d on Feb 21, 2009 4:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No Chance the Nats fail on Strasburg
Not only is he a once a decade type pitcher, but I think because they failed to sign Crow last year it makes this signing all the more likely. They might go for signability at their number 9 pick to even things out, but no way Strasburg doesn’t get what he wants here.
by NeifiChicken on Feb 23, 2009 10:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Especially as they’re just taking one PR beating after another. Now their GM is about to run out of baseball by the Justice Dept. (which is, I suppose a perfectly DC way to implode your career). I agree, I don’t think they can afford to blow this pick over signability issues. Hell, they’ve still got all the Texiera cash laying around somewhere (in point of fact, the Lerner’s are pretty much richer than God, though no doubt less richer than God than they were a year ago).
A hot August weekday, before a small crowd, when the only thing at stake is the tissue-thin difference between a thing done well and a thing done ill. Insofar as the clutch hitter is not a sportswriter's myth, it is a vulgarity, like a writer who writes only for money.
by Roger on Feb 23, 2009 10:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What does being rich have anything to do with it?
If that were the case, the Royals and Twins would have a bigger payroll then just about anyone.
by Hobbes2d on Feb 23, 2009 12:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
There’s no doubt that’s true (and in fact they should have IMO). I guess I just said it because Ted has made a point of it at several times in his ownership process both in his own interviews and feeding it to Post writers like Boswell — he has money and he’s willing and eager to spend. Not that he’d be the first owner to make false promises and then go sit on his giant pile of money (hey there Mr. Moores, I’m looking at you), but it would be nice to see them follow through. They’ve been waiting nearly 40 years for professional baseball to return to DC and with the product they put on the field the last couple of years the wait isn’t over yet.
A hot August weekday, before a small crowd, when the only thing at stake is the tissue-thin difference between a thing done well and a thing done ill. Insofar as the clutch hitter is not a sportswriter's myth, it is a vulgarity, like a writer who writes only for money.
by Roger on Feb 24, 2009 7:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Personally
I would love to get Ackley, Green or Tate. Tate or Green especially.
I wouldn’t mind if we took a pitcher either, as BPA is always preferred. Then again it’s likely these names at the top of the board will be different come June.
by Hobbes2d on Feb 20, 2009 3:54 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Donovan Tate
Postition of need. Plus, he will be ready the same time all of our other position players are. How many pitchers can we possibly draft while ignoring other baseball needs. We need a center fielder, and Tate has 5 tools
by gimpsta7 on Feb 20, 2009 6:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
When you have a pick as high as ours, you don’t pick based on need, you pick the best player available. If the Giants deem Tate worthy of the pick and he’s around then they’ll take him. But if they prefer someone like Tyler Matzek, then they’ll go with him instead.
Proud adoptive parent of Tim Alderson.
by Anticon23 on Feb 20, 2009 9:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Donovan Tate
Absolutely. And especially to tweak the Braves, who draft right behind us and who would dearly love to pluck that Peach from their regional tree. Unless Strasburg falls, which you told us we couldn’t consider, I’d say Tate is our man.
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005.
by Lyle on Feb 21, 2009 7:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I would love to get Tate
as players from Georgia always seem to be really damn good baseball players.
by Hobbes2d on Feb 21, 2009 1:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone know much about Dustin Ackley? 1b/cf is an odd combo.
They say some players get out of bed hitting; Pablo Sandoval doesn't wait that long
by bgunn on Feb 20, 2009 3:55 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
kicker!
Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal
by nostocksjustbonds on Feb 20, 2009 7:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
punter!
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Feb 20, 2009 11:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but a punter who says things like...
“"I’ve been hit in the face before," he said. "It’s ”http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/6276937.html" >no big deal."
Disfrute Los Gigantes every day at www.leftymalo.com
by leftymalo on Feb 24, 2009 10:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
he is an outfielder
he only played 1B last year because he was hurt
by FluLikeSymptoms on Feb 20, 2009 7:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ryan Jackson
Anyone know where he is projected to go? He looked pretty impressive in the couple of Miami games I caught last year….Smooth defensively, and a pretty good bat.
by Hobbes2d on Feb 20, 2009 4:07 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
tate sounds intriguing, and i think the giants have a somewhat decreased need of position prospects that will allow them to be patient with a young hitter (maybe he and fairley can be BFFs). i don’t think there will be that same urgency to pick a can’t-miss prospect as there was last year, so it seems like it’s pretty wide open. i’d go with tate or scheppers, which is odd cos that’s what those two other mock drafts have also. weird.
by druncan on Feb 20, 2009 4:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Ackley.
Ackley? Ackley!
Also: Ackley.
I haven’t wanted the Giants to draft someone this bad since, well, ever.
by Grant on Feb 20, 2009 4:22 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
+1
Idolizing Robb Nen since 2002...
by Smoke on the Water on Feb 20, 2009 4:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Brad Wilkerson without the injuries? I’ve seen him play once but that’s the impression I got.
We're all basically Pedro Feliz.
by SF Pete on Feb 20, 2009 5:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yup
I was a big Lincecum booster coming into that draft (check the archives), but Ackley seems perfect -a guy who can hit and get on base, and it doesn’t really matter where. As a CF, he’s just gravy. Grant Green would be great, but I’d be shocked if he doesn’t go to Seattle at #2.
And while I support the best player available philosophy, I admit to rooting against the drafting of another pitcher.
Jonathan Sanchez. He's left-handed, like Barry Zito. His fastball breaks 80, unlike Zito.
by Aadik on Feb 20, 2009 7:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Personally, I would be thrilled to have any of those 6 guys on Law’s list.
Personally, I’ll be disappointed if the Giants are in position to pick any of those guys. I really think this year’s team should be somewhere closer to the middle 3rd than the bottom 3rd.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
by Goofus on Feb 20, 2009 4:28 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Joke?
If not, then I’ll remind you that it’s last year’s standing that determine the draft order, not this year’s.
..so allow me to present Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain as two sweet, sweet bottles of warming hooch.
by Cookyman on Feb 20, 2009 4:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Do’h! My bad. I thought we were look forward to the following year’s draft.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
by Goofus on Feb 21, 2009 7:12 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, so it’s really not that ridiculously early of a look at the draft.
Now, if we were talking about the 2012 draft, that would be……hmmm. No, actually I’d love to hear about that draft.
I heart draftgeek.
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005.
by Lyle on Feb 21, 2009 7:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
how about 2011?
the #1 pick in that draft is already decided. Bryce Harper, write it down.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Feb 21, 2009 8:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow! Great link
I’m sold. I hereby forfeit the 2010 season so we can have the #1 pick in 2011.
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005.
by Lyle on Feb 21, 2009 8:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He grew up a Giants fan, and he’s already talking about raising his demands so he’ll fall to us.
by Grant on Feb 21, 2009 2:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
=(
You raised my hopes and dashed them.
Barry Zito - Mildly half-OK! Sometimes.
by Revolution1 on Feb 21, 2009 7:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Jesus. That is ridiculous. And the kid is a sophomore in high school?
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Feb 22, 2009 6:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
IIRC
Keith Law said he’d take Harper #1 in this year’s class, over Strasburg. And John Manuel said this in a chat:
John Manuel: I’d go Harper 1-1, over Strasburg, and here’s why. He’s got an 80 arm; if not 80, then 70. He’s got 70 or 80 raw power. He’s a good receiver for his age as a catcher, and he’s physical. He’s frankly in the class of the Justin Uptons and Delmon Youngs as far as being a high school player who dominated older competition as a 14-year-old. Those kinds of guys go 1-1 in drafts, and on top of it, Harper is a catcher who bats lefthanded. He’s like Joe Mauer with power and less question about him being a catcher, because he’s not 6-foot-5. I don’t think he has Mauer’s makeup but he might have better tools, in fact he does have better tools, esp. power.
-Baseball America (subscription required)
Proud adoptive parent of Tim Alderson.
by Anticon23 on Feb 22, 2009 7:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
First impression...
…Boy, does that step look a LOT like Todd Linden’s. (The bat is much faster, however).
Interesting looking kid. The batspeed he’s got with the metal is ridiculous. How he’ll do with wood remains to be seen, but that’s a great start. The stance is solid and quiet, he doesn’t load (a big issue with high school kids who can wait for pitches), and the swing is solid throughout.
I’d like to see a fuller video. Pretty much all the swing we saw in that horribly over-produced video was derby swings…I’d like to see the game swing. If he does have that much uppercut, I’d want to see a ground ball percentage.
I wasn’t impressed with his defense. Again, we saw him doing drills (where he was obviously expecting to do a hop to his feet), and I’d like to see some game stuff. His pop is fast, and while I didn’t see the arm, I’ll trust the BA take on it, even if the throw looked like a long sidearm in warmups.
Big question for me at this point: plate recognition? Obviously, with a high school kid he hasn’t gotten challenged yet. He could end up with a hole in his swing like President David Palmer.
That said…a lot of promise on a kid that young. If he lived in a certain other country, he’d have $10M by now…but then, of course, he’d also have five different agents each getting a cut of it and have a team desperately trying to teach him not to eat at McDonalds.
SFDugout.com is BACK! See the Top 50 Giants Prospects!
by BruteSentiment on Feb 23, 2009 3:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Here’s another video of him during a game.
Proud adoptive parent of Tim Alderson.
by Anticon23 on Feb 23, 2009 8:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The toe twist to load the front side is … weird.
Fred Lewis can stand under my umbrella.
31 May 2007, 21:38 EST - the last time Matteh's career W-L wasn't below.500
We are at war with Los Angeles. We have always been at war with Los Angeles.
by S.F. Giangst on Feb 24, 2009 2:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Weird?
I call it classic!
A hot August weekday, before a small crowd, when the only thing at stake is the tissue-thin difference between a thing done well and a thing done ill. Insofar as the clutch hitter is not a sportswriter's myth, it is a vulgarity, like a writer who writes only for money.
by Roger on Feb 24, 2009 7:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree
Musial’s toe twist was out towards the pitcher to open the front side and build momentum for the swing.
The kid here is using it to close his stance and load the front hip (so he can uncoil with more force, I presume.)
Fred Lewis can stand under my umbrella.
31 May 2007, 21:38 EST - the last time Matteh's career W-L wasn't below.500
We are at war with Los Angeles. We have always been at war with Los Angeles.
by S.F. Giangst on Feb 24, 2009 11:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
consider yourself disappointed good sir...
Fairley odd parent to Wendell
by WTF on Feb 20, 2009 5:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m the author from the “here are” link, so you’d better believe a baseball dork like me is going to be up for draft talk. Because I’m a hacky writer, I’m going the quasi-bullet point/list route.
1. Strasburg
2. White
3. Green
4. Ackley
5. Gibson
6. Mike Minor – LHSP, Vanderbilt
High schoolers Donovan Tate (CF), Tyler Matzek (LHSP), and Matt Purke (LHSP) are all also in the mix, but, as of now, the college players stand out. Aaron Crow, Tanner Scheppers, and Andy Oliver (LHSP, Oklahoma State) are other college names that ought to be in consideration at pick six.
I’d bet a good chunk on my non-existent salary that Ackley can hack it in center. I’ve seen the guy glide under enough flyballs during pregame (sorry for the “name drop,” couldn’t resist) to doubt he can at least be a league average defender in CF. It’ll be interesting to see how his arm responds post-surgery, but I’ve been led to believe he’s been throwing well in workouts. His instincts are top notch, so I think he’ll be fine out there.
Cool to see some Tanner Scheppers love around here, it’s been nothing short of amazing how soon he seemed to be forgotten by the casual baseball draft/prospecting fan. Casual baseball draft/prospecting fan…seems like a bit of an oxymoron come to think of it. I think Scheppers dropping off the map a bit can be tied to three big factors – Fresno State’s run to the title without him, the mysterious nature of his shoulder injury diagnosis, and his goofy name. Assuming he has a healthy spring, his talent warrants a very close look within the first ten picks.
Ryan Jackson fascinates me. We’ve all seen the shift in relative defensive valuation in big league front offices this offseason, so it’s a pet theory of mine that the ‘09 Draft will continue the trend. Jackson’s defense is excellent, but I’m not a believer in his bat ever coming around. Should be interesting to see how a big defense, little offense player is valued this year.
If I were a Giants fan, I’d hope one of the top two bats (Grant Green or Dustin Ackley) fall to the six spot, but will stand by the prediction that it’ll Tate.
by roboz on Feb 20, 2009 5:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
and great site, I love the writeups.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Feb 20, 2009 7:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, it’s been a lot of fun for me so far and it’s a nice bonus knowing somebody out there is getting something out of it. It’s also a blast being able to come over to a site actually willing and able to talk draft this time of year. I’m not a Giants fan per se, but I still come here pretty much everyday because it’s such a knowledgeable, entertaining community of fans.
by roboz on Feb 20, 2009 8:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for your evaluations, and please post often! I completely agree on Tate at #6 for our Giants.
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005.
by Lyle on Feb 21, 2009 7:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I am in agreement
“If I were a Giants fan, I’d hope one of the top two bats (Grant Green or Dustin Ackley) fall to the six spot, but will stand by the prediction that it’ll Tate.”
Very fun to speculate but, of course, things can and will change once the amateurs go through their season. A couple of years ago, BA had Evan Longoria as the #10 prospect (the year we selected Bumgarner) and played himself all the way up to 3rd and Tampa Bay. And I think Crawford was considered top 10-20 overall last season, but fell all the way to us in Round 4.
Obviously, in a perfect world, we can get Green, a SS, but in a Giants world, we’ll probably either end up with a pitcher or a CF (though at least we need a top prospect there, we have no one good (so far) to follow in Rowand’s gamership in the farm system/
Adoptive parental unit of Kevin " 2007's 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
"Woo hoo" - Tim "The Kid" Lincecum
by obsessivegiantscompulsive on Feb 20, 2009 10:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i’m pretty sure longoria was drafted the year before… the lincecum year, 2006.
Idolizing Robb Nen since 2002...
by Smoke on the Water on Feb 21, 2009 1:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that’s correct.
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.
by baetown415 on Feb 21, 2009 7:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
oopsy
Thanks, been a tough week or two…
Adoptive parental unit of Kevin " 2007's 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
"Woo hoo" - Tim "The Kid" Lincecum
by obsessivegiantscompulsive on Feb 25, 2009 9:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Scheppers dropping off the map a bit can be tied to three big factors
For me, it’s shoulder injury, shoulder injury, and shoulder injury. There would have to be a huge dropoff between Scheppers and the next pitcher for me to draft Scheppers with a top-ten pick.
by Grant on Feb 20, 2009 10:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wait
So you’re saying you’re sure it’s not the funny sounding name? Personally, I’d have to have a lot of confidence in a guy’s skills before investing big money in a “Tanner,” but that’s probably just me.
Scheppers isn’t unusually talented enough to risk a top-ten pick on with other similarly talented players on the board, agreed. I’m still surprised the Pirates took a chance on him when they did last year.
by roboz on Feb 21, 2009 8:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Minor pitched at Stanford last night...
Looked VERY sharp in his first game of the season, really flummoxed Stanford’s offense while he was in there. He’s definitely got a live arm, I can say that for sure. The ball was really popping into the catcher’s glove for most of the night.
Also, semi-random note, Aaron Westlake, an OF from Redding, looked very good for the Commodores in his first collegiate game. He’s got a smooth, sweet swing and looked plenty athletic on the basepaths… didn’t get to see him defend because Vandy had him DH-ing.
Idolizing Robb Nen since 2002...
by Smoke on the Water on Feb 21, 2009 1:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s really cool, thanks for the first hand account. Interesting note about Westlake as well, he’s definitely a player to track.
by roboz on Feb 21, 2009 2:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
From Chat with BA Jim Callis
Jason (sacramento): With the # 6 pick the giants select?
SportsNation Jim Callis: Based on our preseason rankings, the No. 6 prospect in the draft is Aaron Crow. He’d be a fine pick, though I can see the Giants jumping on one of the premium position guys (Grant Green, Dustin Ackley, Donavan Tate) if he somehow got to them.
by wilriv21 on Feb 20, 2009 5:03 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Donovan Tate
Is it just me or does his name sound like he should be a heavyweight boxer?
Adoptive father to the All-Father. Does that make me the All-Grandfather?
by EliminateMe on Feb 20, 2009 5:18 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
he sounds like he should be an actor on the OC (don’t call it that)
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Feb 20, 2009 6:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually...
There is an actor named Tate Donovan: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tate_Donovan
And yes, he was on the OC. He was also Rachel Green’s boyfriend on Friends.
What I remembered seeing him in first was Partners with Jon “Ducky” Cryer. He was the voice of Hercules too, if you can believe that.
Adoptive parental unit of Kevin " 2007's 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
"Woo hoo" - Tim "The Kid" Lincecum
by obsessivegiantscompulsive on Feb 20, 2009 10:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure what the best way to respond to this is.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Feb 21, 2009 12:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ignoring it might have been best.
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005.
by Lyle on Feb 21, 2009 7:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey look
someone wrote gullible on the ceiling
Why does Sabean always look constipated?
by TexasRanger on Feb 23, 2009 9:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
“I’m afraid he may have obsessive-compulsive disorder, or The OC Disorder.”
“Don’t call it that.”
GROUGTHINK ALERT
by groug on Feb 20, 2009 10:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh boy! Draft season starting! The next best thing to baseball season starting!
Just some thoughts in response to the posts above:
I would love to see the Giants draft someone like Tate… he’s the kind of player the Dodgers or Braves draft and then develop into a superstar. Hopefully we can do the same. I can picture the Braves draft contingent wailing and tearing their clothes if the Giants select Tate one spot ahead of them.
But I would not be disappointed to see the Giants pick Ackley. His questionable power potential would not be a huge issue at AT&T Park and he could be a 45-50 doubles type of hitter. He is the type of steady high OBP hitter the Giants have lacked for a long time.
If the Giants are thinking of going with a pitcher, I would rather them go with a HS guy such as Purke or Matzek. White, Crow or Gibson are nice solid bets but the Purke and Matzek have more upside. The exception with regards to a college arm would be Scheppers, but the Giants would really have to be confident of his health.
Shortstop might be the biggest void in the Giants system but it is really unlikely that Green falls to them. I think Jackson at #6 would be a serious overdraft. Despite his good numbers, I have read reports questioning his offensive capabilities at higher levels. If the Giants want a good field no hit SS there will be plenty of those available later in the draft and Jackson may in fact still be around in the second round. SS DJ LeMahieu is also thought to be a possible second round talent who can stick at SS.
by baseballjunkie on Feb 20, 2009 5:40 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
It’ll be very interesting to see how Crow and Gibson stack up to Matzek and Purke as their respective seasons unfold. I personally think White has more upside than the usual solid bet college arm, but to each his own.
Great point on Ackley, he seems like he’d be an especially good for at AT&T.
Jackson at six would be downright comical. Heck, I’d be pretty surprised if he went top sixty. He’s still a nice middle infield option after the first few rounds go by, however, and I think that’s why his name came up in the first place.
by roboz on Feb 20, 2009 6:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I like White a lot
but don’t you think there is even less chance of him lasting to #6 than there is of Grant Green lasting to #6? I would be shocked if Seattle and San Diego both passed on him.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Feb 20, 2009 7:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
I’d be stunned if White made it to pick six and, yeah, you’re right in thinking there is probably a greater chance Green slips a bit. Maybe I’m nuts, but Green’s defense remains a worry for me. Maybe in prior drafts it wouldn’t be such a big deal, but I’m thinking the increased emphasis on good defenders may cause a team like, say, Seattle to take an extra hard look at him.
White’s season debut earlier today: 5 IP 8 H 3 ER 1 BB 9 K 5 GO 1 AO 90 total pitches
by roboz on Feb 20, 2009 8:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
non draft related question
how much ass do you think Gerrit Cole is going to kick for the Bruins this year?
by FluLikeSymptoms on Feb 20, 2009 8:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Cole
If he’s not the Freshman of the Year, something has gone horribly wrong. That UCLA pitching staff is absolutely stacked, it’s going to be a ton of fun watching them play this year. Cole, Brooks, Brewer, Rasmussen…love it.
Right now, Cole looks a lot like the number two prospect in the entire 2011 class. He’s one special talent and, by all accounts, a pretty interesting character. He’ll be fun to follow the next three college seasons – per usual, the Yankees loss is every other baseball fan’s gain.
by roboz on Feb 20, 2009 8:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
we have plenty of no hit shortstops already.
by giantdonkey on Feb 21, 2009 11:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hm, I’d like to see a mock draft with extra details on who has Boras or is likely to ask for large bonuses, as that could possibly allow talent to fall to our pick, especially this year.
Barry Zito - Mildly half-OK! Sometimes.
by Revolution1 on Feb 20, 2009 10:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Hmm, I like that idea a lot. It would probably be more meaningful to get it done closer to the draft, but it still sounds like a worthwhile endeavor. I’m working on a full amateur player database (mostly for comp purposes), but it seems like a natural fit to add agent/advisors to it.
by roboz on Feb 21, 2009 9:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I see us going after a pitcher to start restocking our starting arms. The only way I see us NOT taking an arm is if a position player we could really use has miraculously fallen to number 6. If that is not the case, i think we get a pitcher like Crow. Huzzah!
by Giant Voodoo on Feb 21, 2009 10:41 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I’d be thrilled with pretty much anyone in the Keith Law or Baseball America top 10.
by Dan from NM on Feb 21, 2009 11:27 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
TATE
He will be a stud someday and would ass to our already strong farm system
by ACgiant97 on Feb 21, 2009 11:39 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I haz a link
with some descriptions, videos, college stats, and links to other sites with more info n stuff. http://www.mlb-draft.com/Top-Prospects-2009.php
by boonitez on Feb 21, 2009 12:52 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Just because I dislike the whole "Oh, a 5-tool prospect with lots of potential" talk...
5 Reasons To Be Wary About Tate:
1. Football. As in, remember Marcus Sanders?
2. Reports have said he has problems with offspeed pitches (See boonitez’s link)
3. Signing Risk. Sure, we might get #7 overall in 2010 in return, but we’d also have no leverage to go after a guy with the talent to hang us over the toolshed to get his bonus.
4. Flaky. Said he was going to forgo football to concentrate on baseball, only to change his mind and do it anyway.
5. For every Jason Heyward, there’s a Wendell Fairley.
Don’t get me wrong, I definitely see the talent. Even if the power doesn’t develop (sorry, I’ve seen too many people get overexcited about the power potential of a kid who also has speed and it almost never pans out), he’s still a legitimate speed demon and seems to be a real center fielder (about time to see one who played safety in football). But the question is, if that bad-case scenario happens, will this kid have the plate discipline to be able to use it?
I’d really rather see what college pitchers would do to him than risk the pick, considering the level and depth of other players in this draft. After Strasburg and Green, there so far is little agreement on the rankings of the next six or so guys. Ackley would be great (and I would think most might take him over Tate), both Purke and Matzek sound awesome (Although, even I would love to see a Matusz-Matzek rotation for the Orioles for the fun of it), and White is a very well-rounded college pitcher who would move up fast. I just think a little too much that when it comes down to it, Tate would choose USC over us.
SFDugout.com is BACK! See the Top 50 Giants Prospects!
by BruteSentiment on Feb 23, 2009 3:48 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
a little early to rag on Wendell Fairley, no?
by NeifiChicken on Feb 23, 2009 11:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Less ragging on Fairley...
…More ragging on the very general but high expectations laden on many ‘toolsy high school outfielders.’
SFDugout.com is BACK! See the Top 50 Giants Prospects!
by BruteSentiment on Feb 23, 2009 3:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Not just early, but apples with oranges
This is comparing a prospect who was selected early in the first round with one in the back, there is double the odds of Heyward succeeding than Fairley, the talent level drops a lot by then, there are a lot more question marks even within the first round. It would be like comparing Posey with Jackson Williams, not a fair discussion.
Adoptive parental unit of Kevin " 2007's 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
"Woo hoo" - Tim "The Kid" Lincecum
by obsessivegiantscompulsive on Feb 25, 2009 10:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
All valid points indeed, but...
Football. In my mind, one of the biggest worries with a football player is the potential for serious injury, which may in fact be the reason you bring up Sander’s name, since I’m quite certain you are not comparing them in terms of talent.
Offspeed pitches. I would think this is a problem with many, if not most, young hitters.
Signing risk. With any high schooler this could be a risk, especially with the sleazeball agents, rather “advisors” out there. Of course with Tate, his aspirations to play football make him a greater signing risk.
Flaky. I’m not so sure it was his decision and his alone. I am always suspicious of the “advisor” angle or perhaps even family or friends trying to get him some extra leverage for future negotiations.
Wendell Fairly. Still a bit early to close the book on Wendell.
But I do agree with you that Tate is a high risk high reward pick and if the Giants are not completely sure about him they may be better off with Ackley (unlikely to be available) or a pitcher. But whether it is justified or not, I can’t stop hoping that the Giants can score on a HS OF like teams did in 2005, where Upton (#1), Maybin (#10), McCutcheon (#11), Bruce (#12) and Rasmus (#28) were all drafted. Looking back, only Upton was regarded as having more potential than Tate, with Maybin perhaps being a fair comp in terms of pre-draft evaluation. Interestingly, Maybin was expected to be difficult to sign as well and perhaps dropped a bit. But I’m sure some of the teams that drafted ahead of the Tigers regret not taking him now.
by baseballjunkie on Feb 23, 2009 11:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure where you’re pulling the comparisons of Tate vs. the 2005 crew, which was definitely a strong group.
Let me throw one more thing out there: Tate would almost certainly NOT be a part of our current rebuilding effort. With the news that many of the 2008 college draftees will be joining the 2007 high school draftees (minus toolsy high school outfielder Wendell Fairley) in San Jose, that wave is looked at as the real Giants of the future. Tate would be 3-4 years behind that group in all probability, based on reports I’ve heard about how raw he is, and how much development he’ll need.
I don’t think many of us would disagree that it wouldn’t be expected the Giants will have a Top 10 pick again for a few seasons (unless this year’s draftee doesn’t sign). So do we want this year’s #6 to be a part of what looks like a very talented group? Or do we want to start looking at the next wave, probably to be built around Rodriguez?
That is a question with no wrong answers. And one could effectively argue that if the only college options who might catch up with Posey & Company are pitchers, of whom the Giants have many, why not look to the more distant future.
I’m just saying, let’s not be overwhelmed again with the promise of the ultra-raw hitting prospect.
SFDugout.com is BACK! See the Top 50 Giants Prospects!
by BruteSentiment on Feb 23, 2009 3:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
there shouldn't be any concern about him getting injured playing football
his High School football season is over, and if he gets picked 6th overall and signs you can bet your life that contract will not allow him to play college football.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Feb 24, 2009 1:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Football players work out all spring, too.
SFDugout.com is BACK! See the Top 50 Giants Prospects!
by BruteSentiment on Feb 24, 2009 1:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
when?
He is going to be playing High School baseball from now until June. I’m not that concerned that he will be running a lot of full contact football drills between draft day and August 15th if he goes in the top of the MLB draft and has several million dollars waiting for him.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Feb 24, 2009 2:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Isn’t that how Fairley got injured?
..so allow me to present Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain as two sweet, sweet bottles of warming hooch.
by Cookyman on Feb 24, 2009 2:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Tate actually committed to the University of North Carolina and signed there on football’s national signing day. I think there is very little chance he ends up playing college football. This is an interesting philosophical question of how one feels about using a very high pick on a high risk/ high reward kind of guy.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Feb 23, 2009 12:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well
I guess that depends just how much Tate wants to play football. Butch Davis has turned UNC football program into a good one very quickly, and they’re only going to get better. Curious, what position was Tate recruited as for football?
by Hobbes2d on Feb 23, 2009 12:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
he was a QB and a safety in High School, but if he plays college football (which, again, I think he hasn’t the slightest intention of doing) he will be a safety.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Feb 23, 2009 12:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not just the football program he’s going for.
fa;lsf
The baseball program mike fox has down at UNC is definitely just as big of a draw for tate.
Mischievously implosive purple pitching staff.
by SloIsLonelyForTheOrange on Feb 24, 2009 9:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
UNC is arguably the top baseball program in the country right now. Yes, the football program is on the rise, but when a two-sport athlete picks UNC (rather than say USC, Georgia, LSU, etc.) it’s pretty clear to me that baseball is more important to them. Every highly touted High School baseball player commits to a college and they do so only intending to go to college if something goes wrong.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Feb 24, 2009 11:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Not only that but...
It’s leverage in contract negotiations.
by Hobbes2d on Feb 24, 2009 12:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That is almost the entire reason they do it
It’s 90% for leverage (and the leverage is even greater if you are a two sport guy because they have to basically buy you out of the 2nd sport) and 10% in case you get hurt or have an awful senior year and see your stock slip.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Feb 24, 2009 1:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
late addition
that comment was meant for Hobbes2d.
Mischievously implosive purple pitching staff.
by SloIsLonelyForTheOrange on Feb 25, 2009 10:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Donovan Tate or Mychal Givens
Hasheem "The Dream" Thabeet or Greg Monroe. A Warrior in 09.
With the 6th Pick in the 2009 MLB Draft, the SF Giants pick Donovan Tate.
Andre Smith in Silver & Black in 2009.
by ejdacanay on Feb 24, 2009 8:09 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
a high upside High School player fetishist eh?
Givens is an interesting thought, he can go in the top 10 if he has a great senior season or can go at the end of the first round if he has a not so good season.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Feb 24, 2009 11:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
best player available.
that is all.
Mischievously implosive purple pitching staff.
by SloIsLonelyForTheOrange on Feb 24, 2009 12:41 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
MLB DRAFT?
WHAT IS THIS MLB DRAFT OF WHICH YOU SPEAK? SURELY YOU MEAN NFL DRAFT. THAT IS ALL ANYONE CARES ABOUT. DID YOU KNOW THE COMBINE IS GOING ON AND YOU CAN WATCH PEOPLE RUN IN A LINE AND BENCH PRESS? ITS SO COOL. YOU SHOULD CHECK IT OUT
HAVE I TOLD YOU LATELY WHAT HAS HAPPENED WITH THE RED SOX/YANKESS/LAKERS? NO? LET ME TELL YOU AGAIN
by E S P N on Feb 24, 2009 10:18 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
CAPSLOCK
And flagged.
by walkoff baltimore chop on Feb 24, 2009 11:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Your theories are fascinating – where can I subscribe to your 24-hour cable channel?
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005.
by Lyle on Feb 25, 2009 1:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Cable
We’re the Worldwide Leader. ESPN and ESPN 2 are in HD…call your local cable or service provider
HAVE I TOLD YOU LATELY WHAT HAS HAPPENED WITH THE RED SOX/YANKESS/LAKERS? NO? LET ME TELL YOU AGAIN
by E S P N on Feb 25, 2009 9:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What about The Ocho
Giant Dirtbags: Brian Anderson, Todd Jennings, Steve Hammond, John Bowker
Don't F with the Affeldt
by Giant among Angels on Feb 25, 2009 9:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Evidently Self - Parodying Network
Fred Lewis can stand under my umbrella.
31 May 2007, 21:38 EST - the last time Matteh's career W-L wasn't below.500
We are at war with Los Angeles. We have always been at war with Los Angeles.
by S.F. Giangst on Feb 24, 2009 11:02 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
did some searching but couldn't find it -
WHEN is the 2009 MLB draft exactly?
"Those boos really motivate me to make something happen." - Bonds
by Persiflage on Feb 24, 2009 11:11 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Early June… not sure of the exact date though.. likely the first week.
by DividedByZero on Feb 24, 2009 11:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Early June seems about right, as it’s definitely before the CWS. Also, the CWS is an awesome time. I highly recommend. If you happen to attend while I’m in town, we can have a McCoven-in-Omaha get-together.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Feb 25, 2009 9:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
someday when UCLA makes it (which will be soon damnit!) I will make the trip.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Feb 25, 2009 2:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Did you look at the rankings this week? The rankings agree on N. Carolina and LSU but not much else. Bit these rankings lack Dirtbaginess.
Giant Dirtbags: Brian Anderson, Todd Jennings, Steve Hammond, John Bowker
Don't F with the Affeldt
by Giant among Angels on Feb 25, 2009 8:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
and with the 2nd round pick
I am hoping for Tommy Mendonca, 3B from Fresno St. (and a native of Turlock, CA, right next to the podunk town of Hughson where I spent a lot of time growing up). He was the Most Outstanding Player in the College World Series last year after Fresno State’s amazing run. He has massive power potential and is a great defensive 3B, but has some very serious problems making contact (he set an NCAA record for Ks in a season last year) and has shown a lot of inconsistency. He would be a good project for a pick around 53 or so.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Mar 3, 2009 5:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
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