Dylan Covey says his friends and family celebrated so much that the house started shaking when the Brewers drafted him tonight. Covey was excited to be chosen in the first round, but the 18-year-old right-hander admits he has a lot to learn about the team that selected him.
“I know they have a slide in the outfield and that’s about it,” he said. “I don’t even think I know how to spell Milwaukee.”
He does know that he wants to start his pro career soon. Covey sounds willing to sign, though he has a college scholarship offer.
“I’m not completely writing college off,” he said. “But there’s a pretty good chance – I would say a really good chance – that I’ll sign.”
Covey and Brewers GM Doug Melvin have until August 16th to work out a deal.
aap212
Beer, cheese, blonde girls, and a bronze statue of the Fonz (seriously). He’ll like what he learns.
losingfaithinmightymelvin
Don’t forget Summerfest. Though he’s got about 3 more years until he can truely enjoy it….legally that is.
magnushanso
Save the pick for next year…
2011 draft is loaded with talent.
Don’t sign him.
aap212
Covey’s a good prospect and next year’s pick wouldn’t be guaranteed. You might not be able to take one of the prospects you’re so excited about. Why run that risk?
magnushanso
Because the Brewers can get first round talent if they pay over slot with their second round pick, and maybe even their third too. Might as well spend the first round money in the second round and save the pick for what is shaping up to be an amazingly good draft in 2011.
aap212
Going over slot for a worthwhile prospect later in this draft is a nifty idea, as it always is. But that’s beside the point of punting Covey for the sake of an extra 2011 first round pick. Your logic on that idea is flawed for a few reasons:
1) Next year’s draft class looks far superior, but a lot can happen between now and then.
2) Next year’s draft class looks superior largely because it’s more like ten deep in elite talent, rather than three deep in elite talent. Covey isn’t necessarily much worse than who’s available and who they would take at 15 next year.
3) The pick next year would HAVE to be signed or they would get nothing for it. That means either they have to go with a really signable guy (so not one of the elite guys you’re lusting after–look at the Nationals last year or the Rangers this year grabbing guys projected to go a dozen picks lower) or be prepared to spend a boatload, because they have no leverage in negotiation–it’s sign the guy or get nothing at all.
4) You’d rather put a prospect in your system today than next year. Especially when there’s no guarantee of getting a better player.
magnushanso
I don’t think going over slot was “besides the point” here. The Brewers passed over a lot of guys who fell due to sign-ability concerns in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, I have to think they could have grabbed 2 top talents there and paid both over slot using the 1st round money and actually do better than just drafting and signing Covey.
BTW, the 2011 draft is about 10 deep in elite talent without even looking at HS players. Chances are pretty damn high the Brewers would be able to get some of this elite talent at pick 14, but you make a nice point about having no negotiating leverage with the pick.
Joshua
Agreed… Sign this kid.. His fastball tops out at 96mph and could get faster as he adds weight.. The kid is only 18 and has a few years yet to develop into a pro.. As he adds weight his velocity is sure to grow… Brewers need this kid.. I compliment the staff for drafting him
Sixto_Lezcano
His curve supposedly has the potential to be ridiculous. I like this pick as a Brewers fan, it would be great if they can sign him fast.
And to the guy a couple posts above who wants the Brewers to not sign him in order to get a pick next year: don’t worry, the Brewers are already trying their hardest to have the first overall pick in 2011.
Ichiroll
This kid played on the same highscool team as my younger cousin. Watched him play a couple months back, he’s pretty nasty.
Darren Heitner
Word is that Deglan signed with the Rangers for $1 million.