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Hello and happy Monday.
For the second straight year, the San Francisco Giants selected a player in the first round of the MLB Draft that they hadn’t been linked to in mock drafts — when players they had been linked to, at the same position, where still available.
In 2020, the Giants were frequently linked to local high school catcher Tyler Soderstrom, but opted for North Carolina State backstop Patrick Bailey instead (right now that decision looks awful, but it is extreme early days). This year the Giants selected Mississippi State pitcher Will Bednar, opting to pass over college pitchers Jordan Wicks and Ty Madden, who had both been linked to San Francisco a few times.
So how do you grade the selection?
There’s a lot to consider:
- Bednar, who just won the College World Series Most Outstanding Player, was projected to go a little lower by most draft people. He was the No. 17 prospect on ESPN’s big board, No. 32 on MLB’s, and No. 44 on Fangraphs’.
- Because of that, he’ll likely be able to go a little under slot, which could give the Giants more flexibility in today’s rounds.
- There were some intriguing names on the board when the Giants drafted, included players the Giants have been linked to (Madden, Wicks, Sal Frelick, Matt McClain, Colson Montgomery, etc.), and also prep shortstop Kahlil Watson, a consensus top-five talent in the draft, who would have required going over slot for.
- The Giants farm is lacking in pitchers, so if you’re the type to root for a well-rounded farm, this move helps.
So, how are we feeling?
Poll
Grade the Will Bednar selection
This poll is closed
-
10%
A+
(191 votes) -
27%
A
(503 votes) -
30%
B+
(567 votes) -
22%
B
(419 votes) -
4%
C+
(90 votes) -
2%
C
(42 votes) -
0%
D
(16 votes) -
1%
F
(21 votes)
Old, random MCC article for you to read
My other 2015 Hall of Fame ballot (Dec. 22, 2014 — Doug Bruzzone)
Giants links
- Kerry Crowley on how the Giants October dreams are beginning to feel real (Mercury News)
- Scott Ostler on how the Giants and A’s are putting on a show this season (SF Chronicle)
- Brian Witt on what we learned from the Giants sweep over the Nationals (NBC Sports Bay Area)
- Mark W. Sanchez on how Tyson and Joe Ross’s father used the Heimlich Maneuver at a Giants game this weekend to save a fan (KNBR)
- Jeff Young on if Alex Dickerson’s roster spot is in danger (Around the Foghorn)
What time are today’s festivities?
Day 2 of the MLB Draft, which is Rounds 2 through 10, as well as the Competitive Balance Round B, starts at 10:00 a.m. PT on MLB’s website.
The Home Run Derby is at 5:00 p.m. PT on ESPN and ESPN+.
Have a lovely Monday, all of you.