Draftin the Giants
by zeisenbe on May 13, 2009 10:38 PM PDT
Email
PrintIt's that time of year again where we get to try draft tomorrow's dodger killers. I'm representing the Giants in the minorleagueball mock draft so I thought I'd get the input of some other fans. Here's a little info on the draft and let me know what you think.
The last couple of years the Giants have invested more heavily in the draft and we should be seeing the fruits of that effort in the next couple years with players such as Buster Posey, Madison Bumgarner, Tim Alderson, Connor Gallespie, Brandon Crawford and Roger Kieschnik poised to move through the system quickly. In addition the org's willingness to spend big on Latin Talent (Angel Villalona and Rafael Rodriguez) and the rise of sleepers Hector Sanchez, Thomas Neal, Kevin Pucetas, and Scott Barnes, there is a lot in this system to be excited about.
Once again (and hopefully for the last time in a while) we have a top ten pick this year. If we can come anywhere close to replicating the success of the past few drafts I think there is a realistic chance that the Giants could have a top 2 or 3 system by the end of the year with Oakland, Texas, and Atlanta probably graduating many of their top prospects.
We have the #6, 55, and 86 picks to make it happen. I like to draft with the philosophy of BPA, so I would not give much credence to arguments made simply for positions rather than specific players. Sure it would be nice to have a power hitting third basemen but its obvious that with our first pick, nobody at that position really deserves to go that high. So sorry Matt Dominguez.
Now here's a writeup of some of this years potential players for our pick.
Grant Green (USC) - All year I've dreampt of this kid in a Giants uni. With scout's salivating over his tools, calling him a hybrid of Troy Tulowitzki and Evan Longoria, how could you not be excited? The only problem was he would be long gone before the sixth pick. The best ca scenario I thought would for him to go through a slump at the beginning of the year to create enough question marks about him that signability issues would push him to us. All was going according to plan: Scouts said he was pressing offensively, his defense was suspect, but he still showed flashes of his tremendous promise. The problem is that he never really got out of his slump. Now those question marks (defense, lack of power, lower walks than expected, high strikeout numbers) could push him to the mid or even late first round. Now that I have got my wish and he fell to us, I am no longer sure he's the best pick for us anymore.
Tyler Matzek - He's been the top prep pitcher in this year's class for quite a while now. He's been scrutinized for such a long time that some of the shine has worn off him, but he has done nothing to hurt his draft stock this year. He is a projectible lefty who has reached 97 on the gun and generally sits in the low to mid 90's this year. He also has a decent slider and a developing changeup, both could potentially be above average when its all said and done. Some scouts believe that fellow southpaw Matt Purke has better pure "stuff" but he hasn't shown the same level of pollish as Matzek this year. Other prep pitchers Shelby Miller, Zack Wheeler, and Matthew Purke could eventually raise their stock to this spot, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
Dustin Ackley (UNC) - Now this is more of a pipe dream than anything, especially in a mock draft where signability is hardly a consideration. He's probably the best bet to have success at the next level (Strasburg included). He hits over .400, shows budding power, walks, doesn't strike out, and is described as a pure hitter. He's been compared to Todd Helton and John Olerud. The only difference is he also has considerable speed and could potentially play center field in the show. He has only played a couple games in CF because he had Tommy John surgery a couple years ago which forced him to play 1b. If he was forced to stay there in the pro's he would still probably be a top 5 or 10 pick, but would be a lot less exciting. He won't be there for our pick in this draft, but he's someone to hope for in the MLB draft.
Tanner Scheppers (Saint Paul) - The pitcher from Fresno State went down with an injury last year, forcing him to watch his team win the College World Series from the bench. He was a sure fire top-ten pick in a draft which is considered a little deeper than this year's. He was drafted last year in the second round by the pirates but didn't sign and was thought to be a second or third round pick this year. However his bullpen sessions and impressive first outing in the independent league has catapulted his stock back to the top 10 and maybe even the top 5. He sports a mid to high 90's fastball with a power slider and a developing changeup. He could really go anywhere in the first round from 2-30 and is a good pitcher to keep an eye out for. Still, his second start in the Indi league was not as exciting as his first giving up 4 runs in 4 innings, but still hitting the mid 90's.
Aaron Crow - After an amazing Junior season which included a 43 inning scoreless streak Crow did not sign with the Nationals at the ninth pick. For a team that really could have used a little minor league help it seemed like a pretty bad move. He is a pitcher who sits in the low 90's while touching 97-98 on occasion. He already has a plus slider and a changeup he hasn't really had to use yet. I find that people tend to underrate him just because he is a known commodity but with his stuff/production there is nothing to be disappointed about. Many have expressed concerns about his delivery and being overworked at Missouri but he hasn't got injured yet so maybe that shouldn't stop us. He has pitched fairly well on a low pitch count in the Indi league so far and will probably go top 10 in the draft this year. Interestingly, the Nationals have said they would be willing to take him again this year with their tenth pick. The combination of Strasburg and Crow could prove a devastating duo for the Nationals should that happen
Donovan Tate - Well if you like tools, look no further. The son of former NFL running back Lars Tate, he is a top prospect in both baseball and football. He has committed to UNC where he would likely play both sports (Safety, OF). He runs a 4.44 40 time, has a strong arm, and great power potential. He is not extremely refined and has some holes in his swing, this may be the result of not focussing entirely on baseball. He compares favorably to toolsy prospect Cameron Maybin. Besides being a potential project (Fairley our last project has not been so great so far) he is also being advise by Boras. There are a lot of red flags with this guy but he may have the highest ceiling of any hitter in the draft.
Other potential picks: Kyle Gibson (Missouri) , Alex White (UNC), Purke, Wheeler
So what do you guys think? I am more inclined to draft a college player who could catch up with our top prospects and make it to the majors within a couple years. I like Tate but with our history of developing raw hitting prospects, maybe it would be better to pass for a surer bet. But I am willing to be swayed should you're argument prove persuasive.
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.
112 comments
|
3 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I figured this wasnt quite fanshot worthy. But Keith Law's top 100 (cut to 15)
1 Stephen Strasburg RHP San Diego State
2 Dustin Ackley CF/1B North Carolina
3 James Paxton LHP Kentucky
4 Tanner Scheppers RHP St. Paul Saints
5 Aaron Crow RHP Fort Worth Cats
6 Shelby Miller RHP Brownwood HS (Tex.)
7 Tyler Matzek LHP Capistrano Valley HS (Calif.)
8 Alex White RHP North Carolina
9 Kyle Gibson RHP Missouri
10 Jacob Turner RHP Westminster Christian Academy (Mo.)
11 Grant Green SS USC
12 Matt Purke LHP Klein HS (Tex.)
13 Zack Wheeler RHP East Paulding HS (Ga.)
14 Donovan Tate CF Cartersville HS (Ga.)
15 Matt Davidson 3B Yucaipa HS (Calif.
Not so proud adoptive parent of the set-up man.
This is definitely not Howry do it!
If Ackely is available (in either the real or mock drafts) I would pounce swoop on him. I know he has some shortcomings as a player (as any player we will get in this spot will) but he is an advanced college hitter who should move quickly and arrive with some of our current top prospects and seems a great bet to be a MLB leadoff hitter with good OBP skills and great speed. The real question is can he play the outfield in pro ball, if he has to play 1B I’m a lot less interested in him.
I like Crow a lot (I voted for him given your choices above), I agree with your assessment that people underrate him because he has been sort of overexposed. I think he has a lot of upside (people especially seem to underrate his upside) and is a good bet to make it the majors as a servicable starter at the very least.
On the High School pitchers I don’t pretend to know anything about any of them, but in the real draft I trust the Giants completely.
I am torn on Grant Green. Like you I was praying for him to be available coming into the season, but so many people have major questions about him that I’ve been scared off of him.
If it was me doing a mock draft I don’t know if I would have the stones to go with Tate but if the Giants draft him I will be happy we got such a high upside 5 tool guy. Obviously the risk is great.
by FluLikeSymptoms on May 13, 2009 11:21 PM PDT reply actions
Jennifer Aniston used to date Tate Donovan.
So if we had Donovan Tate, maybe she would, you know, drop by the ballpark. She tends to keep going back to exes. Just saying.
Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit... Maybe.
mock draft
The draft is pitching-heavy, so with the #6 pick I think a pitcher is the way to go. As you said, much as I would love Matt Dominguez, Bobby Borchering, or Rich Poythress, they don’t quite belong at #6.
My first choice would be Zach Wheeler, slightly over Tyler Matzek. Given AT&T Park, I have a slight RH-bias for both hitters and pitchers.
Do not want: Green (falling down lists for an excellent reason: he’s not that good) or Tate (I don’t trust his skill set to translate to ML playability).
After the first choice, it would be really nice to find a corner infielder with power. I hear that some other teams have that, and it sounds wonderful.
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005. And winner of the 2012 NL Fireman of the Year Award!
Given AT&T Park, I have a slight RH-bias for both hitters and pitchers.
Why pitchers?
Adoptive parent of Noah Lowry. Because he was awesome once, and, goddammit, he shall be awesome once again!
I hope.
For the same reason
The park penalizes LH hitters, but seems to play fair with RH hitters. Therefore, I want to induce the other teams to include as many LHH in their lineups as possible (by starting a righty), and turn switch-hitters into lefties.
And, on offense, I want more RHH in my lineup – particularly guys who can hit the ball out of the park. That’s not such a factor for guys like Gillaspie or Noonan, who hopefully project to be doubles hitters.
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005. And winner of the 2012 NL Fireman of the Year Award!
I’d like to see something out of Gillaspie that suggests he projects to be a singles hitter.
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.
Tanner Scheppers is such an awkward name.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
We could call him...
Doctor Schepper…s
Semi-proud adoptive father of Scott Barnes.
But TanSchep has no ring to it…
Hi, I am Johnny Disaster.
by Johnny Disaster on May 14, 2009 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions
You could try actually putting some thought into it and coming up with something creative, you know…
by Missing Barry on May 14, 2009 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions
Tanny 2? (Clayton Tanner would be Tanny 1.)
Meet my new son: Sundrendy Windster, coming soon to a minor league near you.
by EliminateMe on May 14, 2009 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions
fuck it. let’s just avoid the problem by not drafting him.
Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants
by nostocksjustbonds on May 14, 2009 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Strictly speaking, TanSchep is the analog of MadBum, so I went with that… I thought of using T-shizzle, but discarded it as embarrassing for a middle aged white guy.
Duane Kuiper: Hall Of Fame broadcaster.
by Johnny Disaster on May 14, 2009 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions
I imagine him to be the bratty scion of a family that got rich off of ginger ale.
Randy Winn is going to catch that. And he'll do it real classy-like too.
baby spicoli?
I wanted to adopt, but all the good looking babies were taken
by joeytothelimit on May 14, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions
TANNER!
Duane Kuiper: Hall Of Fame broadcaster.
by Johnny Disaster on May 14, 2009 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m leaning toward one of the top college pitchers for a couple of reasons. First, they seem to be the best bet, safest bet and have legitimate upside as #1/2 pitchers. Second, they can all get through the system quickly, which will allow us to trade away some of our ML pitching which will soon get expensive (Cain, Sanchez) in return for a legit bat. Third, the draft is deep in college pitching at the top, so there’s bound to be one you really like at #6.
But for some unknown reason, I have a good feeling about Zack Wheeler. I like what little I’ve seen of him, and what little I’ve read about him.
As for our second round pick and beyond, I’d probably lean toward HS pitchers, just because that’s where the draft is deepest.
Definitely spend our 4th rounder on someone projected as a first rounder who falls due to signability concerns. Last year the major run on these kinds of guys began in the 5th, so spending our 4th assures us of getting our choice of the bunch. I’d easily give up my chance of getting the next Kevin Correia for the chance to draft a first round talent that falls. Offer him mid-to-late first round money ($1-1.5M) and take a shot – I believe the draft is about adding premium talent to your system, not filler. Filler can be had easily in the later rounds (e.g. Frandsen, Pucetas), as can pitchers with live arms and no control who usually profile as relievers (e.g. Sanchez, Sadler, Hinshaw), and very good prospects with arm injuries (e.g. Brian Wilson).
Still the loving, adoptive father of Hector Sanchez. And who doesn't love switch-hitting catchers with power and patience?
Concise and logical thoughts. Did you forget where you were ? How do you do that this early ?
Coffee IV :-)
"One percent of ballplayers are leaders of men. The other ninety-nine percent are followers of women."-John McGraw, NY Giants Baseball Club
My adopted son Matt Downs . Ranked as the 24th best prospect in the Giants farm system by Baseball America !!
Oh man… concise and logical? There goes my street cred. Let me try again…
Ahem…
WE NEED GET A BAT SO WE SHUD DRAFT THE BEST HITTER IRRESPECIVEGARDLESS OF POSSITION GET R DONE SABES!!!
(The secret is insomnia…)
Still the loving, adoptive father of Hector Sanchez. And who doesn't love switch-hitting catchers with power and patience?
Personally i’d probably go with one of the high school pitchers at this point. I’m not sure which i’d like best at the moment but they’re the most intriguing options.
There’s very little on the position player front with Ackley probably gone, Greene with big question marks as to whether he’ll be a SS or hit & Tate as an all tools guy. I think Pitching will be the way to go in this draft, and whilst there’s some decent college pitchers, they don’t really stand out that much to me.
Proud parent of Waldis Joaquin!
do not believe the question is whether Green will hit or not but rather if he has the XBH gene. In 2008 and at Cape Cod Green hit with some power this season not so much. Someone is going to do well drafting this kid.
Well i was refering to hitting as a package but fair enough. Green’s one that’s difficult to peg as if you’d asked me a while back i’d have been skeptical of him dropping to us but would have loved it if he had. Now that he seems to have fallen & there’s a question marks about him that make him less attractive. I’d be fine with picking him if he had question marks about his power or defence, but question marks about both make me a little wary. I wouldn’t have an issue if they went that direction though.
Proud parent of Waldis Joaquin!
Just watch, when they draft a pitcher
all you’ll see on message boards are WTF A PITCHER FIRE SABEAN THOSE ARE NOT JUSTIN MORNEAU TYPE HITTERS
I’m already poised to throw myself down DrB’s stairs – should the need arise.
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005. And winner of the 2012 NL Fireman of the Year Award!
what ever happened the DrB? Did he never recover from that fall?
I wanted to adopt, but all the good looking babies were taken
by joeytothelimit on May 14, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions
While my gut wants nothing other then Ackley, I would be happy with most everyone mentioned except Scheppers and Tate. Scheppers because I think he lacks the high ceiling you want to use a top-10 pick on and Tate because I have no faith in the Giants organization to develop a hitter who does not already have some polish to his swing.
Green and Crow would probably be my realistic top choices, but I would take Ackley if he’s available.
Wisconsin: Famous for dairy, Ryan Rohlinger and not much else.
Would it be insane to suggest that we trade Wilson and convert Sanchez to closer?
Wisconsin: Famous for dairy, Ryan Rohlinger and not much else.
Yes, yes it would
The absentee father of Edwin "Cue Ball" Quirarte, now that he is doin well in the minors, its time to get back in his life, and in his checking account!
by TexasRanger on May 14, 2009 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions
lol thinking Sanchez can throw strikes consistently
GROUGTHINK ALERT
Chatterbalks dot com: Still with jokes. Now with updates.
Sanchez throws strikes consistently for about the first 2 1/3 innings each start
Wisconsin: Famous for dairy, Ryan Rohlinger and not much else.
That’s Correia-esque.
Joe Martinez: My fingers are crossed and my palms are together for you.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
Hey
I suggested we do this a few weeks ago, and all I got was a rant about the “current system of reliever usage”.
But I’d still wait until at least one of MadBum and Alderson are in the majors. By that time Wilson will also be more established, so he should get us more. Right now we have no one to replace Sanchez with.
Adoptive parent of Noah Lowry. Because he was awesome once, and, goddammit, he shall be awesome once again!
I hope.
You buried the lead. The sweet part of the deal is “Trade Proven Closer Shiny Shiny!”
But yeah, it’s too soon. I can see this possibly being a good idea in November, though.
I know I am of the opinion elite closers are over-rated, and so are so many others, but I’m curious to know what kind of talent people think other clubs would realistically be willing to give up for a guy like Wilson. What have teams given up for Closers of Wilson’s pedigree in recent years?
I wanted to adopt, but all the good looking babies were taken
by joeytothelimit on May 14, 2009 2:37 PM PDT up reply actions
I would think if Sanchez can pitch decently for a stretch he’d bring back significantly more than Wilson…
by Missing Barry on May 15, 2009 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions
he could, but it would just be the left-handed Wilson.
Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants
by nostocksjustbonds on May 14, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions
my knee jerk reaction when someone says "trade wilson"
is an auto-yes, but he’s been quite good this year.. Not as good as David Aaardsma, but good.
I would be eeeevil and convert Sanchez into a lights-out 2 inning set up man. Maximum value, minimum salary.
Of course, it would be great to seem him find the funny looking white thing and be a great starting pitcher too, but I think when this season is done and gone, we are going to have him converted back to a reliever.
FIRE BRIAN SABEAN... UNLESS HE KEEPS DRAFTING WELL. .. AND SIGNS UNDERRATED PLAYERS LIKE AFFELDT OR PHELPS. .. OR ALRIGHT WHO'S PLAYING WITH THE ALIEN MIND-SWITCHING RAY?
-------
PARPG- Indy post-apocalyptic roleplaying game currently in early planning stages.
Of the players likely to be available, I’d probably go with Matzek. But things could change a lot as we get to see Crow and Scheppers pitch more.
I’d been hoping for Grant Green, but he’s dropping like a rock for a reason, I suppose.
And that reason is scouts don’t think he can play SS, and he can’t hit well enough to be valuable anywhere else…
by Missing Barry on May 14, 2009 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Anyone willing to speculate who might be the considerations at #55?
It’s fun to research some of these guys.
"The dreams ain't broken down here now, they're walking with a limp" --TW
CAL!!!
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
Cal Turk! He sells peace of mind, but only to white people.
Joe Martinez: My fingers are crossed and my palms are together for you.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
would you like some milk?
"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on May 20, 2009 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions
I like the idea of Brett Jackson, an OF with tools, and I like the description of Robbie Shields (who I admittedly know very little about), it’s always good to have a middle infielder that can hit. Stay away from Ryan Jackson, he really can’t hit, and Trayce Thompson because nobody is buying him out of his UCLA committment!
by FluLikeSymptoms on May 14, 2009 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions
I like the high school pitchers (Matzek, Wheeler, Purke, Miller) and I would be pleased if the Giants took any of them… I trust them to take the best available. I’d also be okay with Tate or Green.
I’m also hoping that they stay away from Gibson. His fastball sounds like its meh and overall he just seems like he doesn’t have a very high ceiling. If we take a college arm, I’d prefer either Crow or Scheppers.
I haven’t heard much of anything about Paxton. Anyone have a scouting report?
Psycho killer, qu'est-ce que c'est?
I, too, am hoping they go back to the Cain/Bumgarner/Alderson well. I have a feeling that one of the HS pitchers projected to go in the first half of the first round makes Dick Tidrow moist. I’ll trust that moistness.
Craig Whitawhat? Never heard of him.
by Grant Brisbee on May 14, 2009 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions
I promote the High Upside High School Pitchers and Polished College Hitters draft strategy
I wanted to adopt, but all the good looking babies were taken
by joeytothelimit on May 14, 2009 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions
in the third round
I say go with Tommy Mendonca from Fresno St. He is a 3B with huge power who is a defensive wizard, the questions are can he make enough contact and hit for a high enough average to be a MLB regular. Since he’s such a well known player it’s likely that he will go way too high in the mock draft, but I’m hoping the Giants get him in the third round of the real draft.
by FluLikeSymptoms on May 14, 2009 1:04 PM PDT reply actions
he was the one playing with like a broken hand in the college world series last year right? I’d be on board for picking him up at some point.
I wanted to adopt, but all the good looking babies were taken
by joeytothelimit on May 14, 2009 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions
GAAAMER
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on May 14, 2009 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions
It sounds like he’s already playing for us under the name “David Maroul.”
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005. And winner of the 2012 NL Fireman of the Year Award!
I have never heard the words “David Maroul” and “Huge Power” in the same sentence.
SFDugout.com is BACK! See the Top 50 Giants Prospects!
by BruteSentiment on May 14, 2009 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Tommy Mendonca has more power in that broken finger than David Maroul has
by FluLikeSymptoms on May 14, 2009 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Joey Bergman
The San Francisco Giants: Where old men go to die.
by GrahamCrakalaka on May 14, 2009 1:16 PM PDT reply actions
This is not an easy question
I simply don’t like any (either) of the hitters likely to be available. Green is one of those guys that is Alex Rodriguez without a need for PED’s in his pre-draft hype, but is likely to be much closer to Cody Ransom in development. As for Tate…well, I don’t trust ‘toolsy’. Sure, they pay off big when they work out, but they don’t work out often enough.
I voted for Crow, but I wouldn’t mind Scheppers. However, I’m thinking we’ll actually take Wheeler. We’ve got confirmed serious interest in him, he’s a bit unorthodox, and he fits all the Giants’ profiles. That said, one difference between him and Lincecum or Alderson (other unorthodox pitchers)…at #6, he won’t have slid a bit to get to us, some might think he’s a reach for that talent even if he was orthodox. He’d be a bit risky.
Either way, this is a pitching draft, and I think drafting any other way, unless there’s some hitter I have no idea about, is crazy.
SFDugout.com is BACK! See the Top 50 Giants Prospects!
K -
Well, obviously I like your suggestion, because it agrees with mine. How would you compare/contrast Wheeler and Matzek (who would be my second choice)?
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005. And winner of the 2012 NL Fireman of the Year Award!
I would much rather see the Giants take a hitter.
We already have 24 year old Cain
25 year old Lincecum
20 year old Bumgarner
an 20 year old Alderson
(i might be a year off on some)
but i think we have a rotation set for a while
The San Francisco Giants: Where old men go to die.
by GrahamCrakalaka on May 14, 2009 10:23 PM PDT reply actions
You can never have enough pitching
Never. As good as the Giants starting pitching is this season, imagine if Cain pulls an oblique. The season is practically over.
You can NEVER have enough Pitching. ever. Look at this year’s Angels.
But seriously
Besides Ackley, I’m not sure any hitter is a safe bet at #6. There are even some questions as to whether or not Ackley is worth such a high pick given the doubts about his power and future position. But if he were to drop to the Giants they should take a chance on him.
That said, I have a strong feeling the Giants will go with a pitcher, and I think they will go with the pitcher with the highest upside available when they pick. That means it would probably be a high school pitcher, possibly Matzek, Miller, Wheeler or Purke. Given the Giants’ track record of late in drafting pitchers, I would trust them with whomever they choose.
by baseballjunkie on May 14, 2009 11:23 PM PDT reply actions
Okay
So it seems from the comments that most of us (?) lean towards a pitcher – so why is Grant Freaking Green winning the poll as of this writing????
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005. And winner of the 2012 NL Fireman of the Year Award!
The draft thread this year is going to suck. They’re going to take some pitcher, and we’re all going to shrug and say “Well, after Lincecum and Bumgarner, I guess I trust them.” Where’s the fun in that?
Evan
I’m too lazy to scroll through all this – who would you prefer the Giants take at #6?
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005. And winner of the 2012 NL Fireman of the Year Award!
Sabes in North Carolina
Per Keith Law’s Twitter feed, Sabean was at the UNC – BC game last night, presumably to see Ackley, Alex White and Sanchez from BC. Neal Huntington and Mike Rizzo were there, too, along with the scouting directors from a handful of other clubs.
Also, per KLAW, “not blown away by White.”
http://www.tarheelblue.com/sports/m-basebl/stats/2008-2009/nc53.html
Box score. White went 7 and struck out 6. Threw 120+ pitches.
Keith Law on Grant Green
from his chat on Wednesday (this is similar to what many scouts think of him)
SportsNation Keith Law: I don’t see Green as a good top ten pick. He’s not a shortstop, first and foremost, so if you’re thinking the Orioles should take him because they need a SS, he’s not your answer. Second, where does he go? At third base, he won’t have enough power. Jason and I both think he could work out in center, but that’s a big risk. If he has to go to an outfield corner, he’s probably not an everyday player. Don’t get me wrong – he’s not a zero, but there’s a significant risk with him.
by FluLikeSymptoms on May 15, 2009 11:22 AM PDT reply actions
well yeah but
not an every day corner OF == 4th best hitter on the Giants.,
FIRE BRIAN SABEAN... UNLESS HE KEEPS DRAFTING WELL. .. AND SIGNS UNDERRATED PLAYERS LIKE AFFELDT OR PHELPS. .. OR ALRIGHT WHO'S PLAYING WITH THE ALIEN MIND-SWITCHING RAY?
-------
PARPG- Indy post-apocalyptic roleplaying game currently in early planning stages.
Washington Nats
The Nats could conceivably draft Stephen Strasburg and Grant Green with their top two picks. Both Scotty Boras clients. Would be quite the haul.
there is no way the Nats draft Green 10th, they want to take somebody imminently signable, even if they are not a top 10 talent.
by FluLikeSymptoms on May 15, 2009 8:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Tony Torcato
The San Francisco Giants: Where old men go to die.
by GrahamCrakalaka on May 17, 2009 12:12 AM PDT reply actions
voted for Crow
but Paxton sounds really intriguing
Olmo Rosario; liking the cut of your jib since 2008
Free Angel Joseph from US immigration!
yeah he has
I like Crow for the pick based on talent but I also believe he represents a safer pick than many of the other pitching choices and if the choice isn’t clear on talent, go with the safer bet.
Olmo Rosario; liking the cut of your jib since 2008
Free Angel Joseph from US immigration!
FWIW, I saw Green play when USC came up to Oregon State
I was not really impressed with him at all. Hell, I had no idea that he was considered an elite prospect until now.
Tate looks interesting, but the real question is, does he have that 6th tool!??!?
Best of Senator Clay Davis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI4-QyAzY64&feature=related
Being a big fat huge homer
But keep an eye on San Jose State SS Kyle Bellows. He played in the Cape Cod League last year and gained some national recognition this season. Is a junior this year. BA said this about him in a chat in the summer of 2007:
He’s the No. 2 prospect in the NECBL and is a physical power hitter who probably will move to a corner spot down the line. We all like Kyle Bellows as a prospect
New England Collegiate Baseball League, as it were.
Maybe a later round sleeper pick? We can has power hitting 3B?
"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on May 20, 2009 9:25 AM PDT reply actions
Nice rundown
I voted for Maztek but agree with your philosophy of selecting a players based on BPA with closeness to reaching majors with our major prospects as a consideration.
The way it’s looking Green might fall to us in Round Two, much like how Crawford fell to us in Round Four, he was a Top 10 choice pre-season and fell horribly last year.
Thought I would throw out this thought for commentary: how good is the draft next season? I’m not too impressed with the group of players this season; if this were last season, we could have picked up a Smoak or the other Beckham.
My thought would be to select a Boras client and stick to slot for him, which would pretty much guarantee that he won’t sign with us. He won’t know anything is up because he doesn’t negotiate until the last day anyhow, ignoring all the team’s tries for communication. Then the Giants just send him slot and say it’s non-negotiable. That would be that.
That would give us the pick after the #6 pick (actual pick depends on how many teams ahead of us don’t sign their draftee, but odds are #7 overall), which would give us two picks in next year’s first round draft, probably in the first 15-20 picks. Of course, if the depth is worse next season, then this don’t work, but I thought it would be interesting as a thought exercise.
Adoptive parental unit of Ehire Adrianza.
Godfather of Travis Ishikawa.
"I'm really proud to be on this team." - Nate Schierholtz
"Woo hoo" - Tim "The Kid" Lincecum
"Let's go get them in 2009!" - The Kid
"He got his pitch; he did not miss it" - Cainer
"Kung Fu Panda don't get hurt" - Cainer
by obsessivegiantscompulsive on May 20, 2009 5:20 PM PDT reply actions
yes
grant green is not going to make it anywhere close to the second round. just because he has not met expectations does not mean hes playing bad. hes still hitting .370 or so with some power and hes severely cut down on his errors later in the season. also, he hit his first conference home run the other day so maybe hes back in the top 10.
Not a bad thought...
Although I can’t see any team drafting someone fully intending not to sign him, “punting” the first round pick this year might not be the worst thing that can happen. I recall reading on some draft site (sorry, can’t recall which) that one scout actually believes there is very good depth to the talent in the 2009 draft up through the fourth or fifth round. So perhaps the Giants and us fans need not get too worked up over the first round pick and instead hope for good picks in the 2nd through 5th rounds. A nice solid pick in round one whom we don’t need to overpay too much may be wise, followed by players who have dropped in rounds 2-5 might be the way to go.
by baseballjunkie on May 21, 2009 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- Photo: Padres fan regrets letting mother capture moment with Trevor Hoffman
- Marlins agree to unretire No. 5 for Logan Morrison, who will honor his father’s favorite player
- Weatherman Derek Holland does Dallas TV
- Ask Alex: Will Julio Teheran or Matt Moore win rookie of the year?
- Ku Klux Klan, umpires and bowling: Why the minor leagues tossed out Jim Evans academy
Certain photos copyright © 2012 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.
