The 2020 amateur draft kicked off Wednesday. We’ll keep track of the results from Round 1 and Competitive Balance Round A here…
1. Detroit Tigers: Spencer Torkelson, 3B/1B, Arizona State
2. Baltimore Orioles: Heston Kjerstad, OF, Arkansas
3. Miami Marlins: Max Meyer, RHP, Minnesota
4. Kansas City Royals: Asa Lacy, LHP, Texas A&M
5. Toronto Blue Jays: Austin Martin, INF/OF, Vanderbilt
6. Seattle Mariners: Emerson Hancock, RHP, Georgia
7. Pittsburgh Pirates: Nick Gonzales, SS/2B, New Mexico State
8. San Diego Padres: Robert Hassell III, OF, Independence HS (TN)
9. Colorado Rockies: Zac Veen, OF, Spruce Creek HS (FLA)
10. Los Angeles Angels: Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville
11. Chicago White Sox: Garrett Crochet, LHP, Tennessee
12. Cincinnati Reds: Austin Hendrick, OF, West Allegheny HS (PA)
13. San Francisco Giants: Patrick Bailey, C, North Carolina State
14. Texas Rangers: Justin Foscue, 2B, Mississippi State
15. Philadelphia Phillies: Mick Abel, RHP, Jesuit HS (OR)
16. Chicago Cubs: Ed Howard, SS, Mount Carmel HS (ILL)
17. Boston Red Sox: Nick Yorke, 2B, Archbishop Mitty HS (CA)
18. Arizona Diamondbacks: Bryce Jarvis, RHP, Duke
19. New York Mets: Pete Crow-Armstong, OF, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA)
20. Milwaukee Brewers: Garrett Mitchell, OF, UCLA
21. St. Louis Cardinals: Jordan Walker, 3B, Decatur HS (GA)
22. Washington Nationals: Cade Cavalli, RHP, Oklahoma
23. Cleveland Indians: Carson Tucker, SS, Mountain Pointe HS (AZ)
24. Tampa Bay Rays: Nick Bitsko, Central Bucks-East HS (PA)
25. Atlanta Braves: Jared Shuster, LHP, Wake Forest
26. Oakland Athletics: Tyler Soderstrom, C, Turlock HS (CA)
27. Minnesota Twins: Aaron Sabato, 1B, UCLA
28. New York Yankees: Austin Wells, C, Arizona
29. Los Angeles Dodgers: Bobby Miller, RHP, Louisville
Competitive Balance Round A:
30. Baltimore Orioles: Jordan Westburg, INF, Mississippi State
31. Pittsburgh Pirates: Carmen Mlodzinski, RHP, South Carolina
32. Kansas City Royals: Nick Loftin, SS, Baylor
33. Arizona Diamondbacks: Slade Cecconi, RHP, Miami
34. San Diego Padres: Justin Lange, RHP, Llano HS (TX)
35. Colorado Rockies: Drew Romo, C, The Woodlands HS (TX)
36. Cleveland Indians: Tanner Burns, RHP, Auburn
37. Tampa Bay Rays: Alika Williams, SS, Arizona State
golga333
Orioles saving money with their first pick. Hopefully for O’s fans they spend bigger on subsequent picks.
geg42
Smells like Chris Davis to me.
daveh873
Hopefully the 2012-2015 version
Altoidman
Wow, Meyer going #3! He was projected 8-10, good for him!
Brixton
Underslot pick is fun
Priggs89
Longenhagen doesn’t think it’s underslot…
BuddyBoy
He’s not underslot. Highest ceiling of starting pitchers in the draft
rightyspecialist
Geez, Dumbass Giants pick Bailey with their 1st pick . Really?
They passed on Abel , Crow-Armstrong , Mitchell and Soderstrom. Unbelievable
vtadave
Yeah I’m sure you know more than the front office. I’ll go ahead and trust smart guys like Zaidi.
realsox
With the draft now limited to 5 rounds, I’m wondering . . . Does anybody reading this know how many current MLB players were drafted after the fifth round? If so, are there any members of the Hall of Fame who were picked in later rounds? Mike Piazza comes to mind. Are there others?
BigFred
mlb.com/news/best-late-round-picks-in-draft-histor…
BuddyBoy
Nolan Ryan
BuddyBoy
Will be Albert Pujols I think
Orel Saxhiser
Lots. It is not all that uncommon. As a Dodger fan, I immediately think of Tony Gonsolin ()9th), Joc Pederson (11th), Matt Beaty(12th), Kenley Jansen (undrafted as a catcher), A difference today is that high school players who are drafted in lat rounds might elect to attend college to improve their slot. Beaty is an example (48th round, then 12th). Another is Max Muncy (41st, then 5th).
DarkSide830
lots an lots every year
goalieguy41
There is a ton of players
johnnydubz
Unfortunately the players and owners decided to join forces again on being POS in regards to the draft. I wonder which one they celebrate more screwing over future players or the fans. I lean towards the fans since between the steroids, Astros scandal and supporting Blake Snell telling the fans to drop dead it shows the players are nothing but pure evil just like the owners
mrkinsm
I can’t answer your question regarding current 40 man rosters, but I can tell you this much…since 1998 (when MLB expanded to a 30 club format) 4,888 players have made their major league debut. 3,616 of them were drafted – 1,102 were signed as International Free Agents – and 170 were initially signed as Non Drafted Free Agents. Of the 3,616 that were drafted 1,708 of them were taken in the first five rounds of their respective draft. So roughly 45% of all mlb debuts, over that time frame, who were draft eligible (i.e. not including IFA’s) came in the first five rounds.
hockeyjohn
Jim Thome was drafted in the 13th round.
dmarcus15
Albert was a 13 round pick.
ayrbhoy
Real Sox- countless
DarkSide830
Bold move Elias, lets see if it pays off
jjd002
He drafted Correa and he wasn’t considered the best player in the 2012 draft. He did end up being the best of that draft. I’d have faith in Elias.
brewscrew
My god…the 2012 draft was loaded. It’s got a few great players and a bunch of really good ones.
Correa, Gallo, Giolito, Stroman, Seager, and…Jamies Winston.
mrdave
Orioles gonna Orioles.
Paul Miller
Thank you Orioles!
-all Jays fans
goalieguy41
There’s our CF.
goalieguy41
MLB says Jays got the best player in the draft
Vladguerrerojr20
Yup, I’m pumped to have gotten Martin. As soon as Miami took Meyer I was pumped, I figured KC was going to take either Lacy or Martin and we would get whom ever they didn’t take, next. Worked out perfect, I didn’t think we had a chance at getting Austen Martin. Hope he signs though, he didn’t look thrilled.
jonesadoug
as a Royals fan I was thinking who do we take. best position player or best pitcher. either way was a win. surprised both were still available at 4
Afk711
I wonder what former Mariners late round unsigned high school pick the O’s will draft in the 1st round next year.
ayrbhoy
I wonder when we trade one of our Mariners draft picks to the Yankees for a bag of Doritos
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
I was thinking earlier today that the draft would have been a LOT more interesting to watch if, just for the draft days, MLB clubs could negotiate trades, but each trade had to have at least one draft pick included.
Priggs89
Interesting start. Think its safe to say every mock is busted already.
stretch123
Rather the fish have taken Martin. Wonder why Martin/Lacy are sliding.
Orel Saxhiser
Not much of a slide. Probably more about different scouting philosophies. Gotta think Toronto is pleased with Martin dropping in their lap.
Vladguerrerojr20
I figured Toronto would end up with Hancock, Gonzales or Veen. Austen Martin was a hell of a get.
Stevil
Even if he goes well over-slot, it was a great get.
boo rad
Imagine the faces on every person in the Blue Jays organization when it was their turn to pick….
kodion
boo rad
They were pissed KC took Lacy?
Padres458
Meyer is legit, two insane pitches
. Incredible athlete
DockEllisDee
man, following the draft real time is making things feel somewhat normal.
DockEllisDee
Al Leiter likes big guys that can use their body! F yeah, keep the hot takes coming!
ayrbhoy
It’s amazing how often those MLB tv guys said “he could be the steal of the draft!”
66TheNumberOfTheBest
I’ve read zero mock drafts and not followed this until this moment, but evidently Austin Hendrick is a Pittsburgh kid with power. Might be hard for the Pirates to pass up, even if he’s a reach.
retire21
West A!
Robertowannabe
Red now……..
Rexalint
They passed
stretch123
Don’t think Martin slides past Seattle.
goalieguy41
And he didn’t
Metsfan9
Everyone’s mocks getting blown up so far lol
bobtillman
Nah, I’m already 1 out of 5…..that ain’t bad…..
TheRickestRick
Just like the O’s to screw things up
Stevil
They got one of the best bats and should have more to spend on prep players because of it.
Not the worst thing they’ve done.
DarkSide830
Martin’s like “the heck did it take so long”
TheRickestRick
I hope this kid can play the OF
Mind u, Vlad Jr will be playing 1st with in a couple of years
bigdaddyt
Jays also have Groshans who’s the jays 2nd best prospect and could be ready to go at 3rd next season plus a couple of their other top fielding prospects might end up shifting to it cause they can’t handle 2nd or SS like Martinez. Maybe they think Martin can grade out to be a CF one day
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
He can definitely play center although he’s not the truest CF out there.
bigdaddyt
Considering Jays are considering Grich or Teo as their cf I’m okay with it. For anyone who doesn’t know Teoscar Hernandez is probably top 10 worst fielding outfielder in the league yet they have such little faith in the other outfielders they keep putting him out there
DarkSide830
i mean the bat can play, so he’ll make himself a spot.
Stevil
He could be playing third. He should advance faster than Groshans and Vlad is destined for first.
ayrbhoy
I always feel bad for a kid when mock draft and tv guys say “I’m not sure he should be going at number 2, I had him more as the 7th or 8th pick.” As though their Mock Drafts are scientific.
I have a couple young boys, I dunno, maybe I’m being overly sensitive, I just wonder how these 18-21 yr old kids handle the online scrutiny and examination of their faults.
bobtillman
I wonder if the Pirates can get Tyler Glassnow or Austin Meadows or Shane Baz in this draft……..oh……
bigdaddyt
Do the jays know they can have prospects that aren’t 3rd basemen
Paul Miller
You don’t pass on the best available player. Plus Martin played CF.
Gwynning
Plus he was announced as a shortstop.
racosun
Plus Vlad Jr. loves fast food.
Paul Miller
Crickets….
Orel Saxhiser
Exactly. MLB draft is different than other sports. You don’t draft for immediate needs because those can be filled in other ways. If I’m in the Jays FO, I’m grinning from ear to ear.
DarkSide830
its official – Jays and Mariners won the 1st round
Metsfan9
Agreed
jeterleader
yup totally agree
KingTiger
How can you possibly say anyone but the Tigers won the first round???
Al Avila didn’t screw it up…
dynamite drop in monty
Spencer, Emerson and Heston! Man times have changed.
ChazB322
Asa?
whynot 2
Your point being?
Metsfan9
Finally! I got 2 right with Hassell and Torkelson!
jeterleader
fiiiinnnnnaallllllyyyyy! a Seattle team makes a good pick!!
throwinched10
Gilbert two years ago was a solid move. Kirby and Williamson look promising as well.
Gilbert, Hancock, Kirby, Williamson, Gonzales, Dunn, Sheffield, Kikuchi as their long term SP options….SWEET!
Stevil
I really think Hancock has ace potential. This could change their approach to free agency this coming offseason. Given that Seattle is at least one more year away from contention (and more likely 2), perhaps now they’ll wait a year before investing in a front-line starter?
Hancock will very likely be fast-tracked. Even his curve was looking like a polished, plus pitch before things shut down. If he passes through the minors in two years or less, such as we’re seeing with Gilbert, Seattle could have one of the best rotations by 2023.
Worth noting, Noelvi Marte could be on the fast-track and debut in 2023. Williamson and Kirby should be in the mix by then as well.
They’ll probably add at least one more college arm and maybe a risk/reward infielder (think Coby Mayo) among their remaining selections.
Lot to like about the potential of the future Mariners.
Javia
2023 is still a long way away. I think you may be jumping the gun just a bit. If Seattle is lucky 1 of these guys will turn into an ACE and 1 more will be a solid major leaguer. Projecting greatness from guys who have only pitched in SS ball or others who have never thrown a proffesional pitch is unwise.
Metsfan9
Veen was a steal at 9th overall
hiflew
Hopefully. The Rox need a really good outfielder in the system.
Priggs89
Man, 9 and 10 were a kick to the bean bag for the Sox.
geg42
I’m going to Bailey?
Priggs89
Happier with Crochet than I would’ve been with Bailey. Don’t see the upside with Bailey. I liked some of the HS guys better, but Crochet certainly has upside (especially if he can develop his change-up) and should move quickly if he stays healthy.
palesox
Given his injury history (Another Burdi?) I think this is risky. If they wanted to roll the dice on pitchers with huge upside, would have preferred Jarvis or Bitsko. Sure he looks a lot like Sale (hoping lightning strikes twice?) but his injury “bad luck” with his delivery mechanics scare me
usernamesrboring
Orioles and Marlins are yet again proving they can screw up more things than humanly possible
Padres458
They didnt screw anything up, this is a legitmate strategy. This drafts top end just want there.
jjd002
Same thing was said in 2012 about the Astros when they drafted Correa. But they were able to get McCullers too. Just so happens Correa ended up being the best of that draft too
bluejays92
I was hoping to get either Lacy, Kjerstad or Gonzales at #5. Never did I think that Martin would still be available. Very happy with this result. I was sure that the top three picks were going to be Torkelson followed by some order of Martin/Lacy.
Vladguerrerojr20
Yea I thought maybe Meyer, Hancock, Veen or Gonzales. I figured no way we can get Lacy or Martin…. and then Marlins took Meyer.
njbirdsfan
Love how randos on the internet think they know more than professional evaluators…I’m sure they’re losing tons of sleep over your opinions.
Priggs89
You do realize that these professional evaluators are wrong almost all the time, right? They’re guessing to.
schellis 2
There are plenty of first round picks that had these professionals drooling that never make it past aa.
Just because you aren’t paid to do it doesn’t make your opinion less valid plenty here have likely watched just as much baseball as these professionals and can spot greatness just as easily.
dugmet
Bingo!
wild bill tetley
Says the political pundit out of Jersey. Keep up the stellar posting.
rememberthecoop
I love Austin Hendrick for the Reds.
DockEllisDee
he has the head and neck of a champion
BPrice's 77 F-Bombs
Think you’re right. Strong strong bat. at GABP. I like it.
DarkSide830
cmon Giants or Rangers take Bitsko. phillies wolnt be able to resist and dont need another HS OF.
James Midway
I like where the Halos went, good pick they need pitching.
13Morgs13
Mitchell would be a great pick at 15. If still on the board for phillies. Great set of tools to work with.
geg42
Giants either Fuscue or Bailey?
The Human Rain Delay
Interesting Sf takes a Catcher with Bart already
The Human Toilet
In baseball you never take the a position a of need, you take what you think is the best player avalible.
If both turn into star caliper players then you got an awesome trade chip or can move one to another positon.
The Human Rain Delay
Yea I agree in most all cases but this one still seems weird
Catcher is the 1 position I wouldn’t want to load up on especially if my top prospect is already one
JustCheckingIn
Why? Good catching prospects are some of the most Valuable assets in baseball… and some of the highest attrition rates.
You don’t just draft for need. You draft for track capital too
The Human Rain Delay
Hmm not saying your wrong but catching is at all time low levels in MLb today.
Stevil
There might be a DH in the NL by the time he’s ripe, so they could feasibly rotate between catching and dhing.
Paul Miller
who cares. So many prospects flame out so you always take the best available.
Besides, if they don’t flame out that’s a really good problem to have.
rightyspecialist
Unbelievable, How the hell did Zaidi pass on Mitchell , Abel , Soderstrom and Crow- Armstrong?
jdgoat
Take the best player available, unless the best player available is another catcher a couple of drafts after you drafted one second overall…
The Human Rain Delay
Head scratching , I viewed them keeping Posey as a 1b/bu catcher as well for the future if they can come to a reasonable contract for 2022
tedtheodorelogan
I’d agree with this take, especially when they haven’t developed a useful starting pitcher since Bumgarner and their track record on outfield signings is laughable. Bart looks like a sure thing for the next decade for a guy who hasn’t seen the bigs yet.
Metsfan9
Yes I got Ed Howard right!!! Was not expecting that!
ortsacnilrats
Honestly as a Chicago fan I was hoping they’d take him because he’s “local”. No idea if he’s a Cubs fan or not but would be sweet if he was and made the bigs for the team he grew up rooting for. Love seeing that as I’m pretty sure that’s every kids dream.
Priggs89
Grew up playing in the Sox inner city ACE program. If I had to guess, chances are he grew up a Sox fan. Either way, pretty cool for him.
ortsacnilrats
Agreed. I’m not the typical Cubs fan who hates the Sox. Either way his family is nearby and that’s awesome.
DarkSide830
so glad Phillies took a P instead of a position player, even if it was a High School guy. like what the draft guys are saying about him.
Orel Saxhiser
Phils drafted a high-character kid. Does lots of volunteer work with foster kids and children with disabilities. That suggests enormous maturity. As a Dodger fan living in the Philly area, I will be rooting hard for him to succeed.
13Morgs13
I like the pick but passing on Mitchell does surprise me some. Phillies don’t have a lot of toolsy bats in the system. Abel can pitch. But Has arms are tricky.
DarkSide830
Phillies litteraly pick a toolsy bat every year and few turn up being good. i like changing course here.
Orel Saxhiser
This isn’t about drafting for need. It’s about building a team for the future. If they need a bat, there are other ways to get one. For now, it’s all about later.
scarfish
Watched a lot of Abel vids since last summer. Phillies done good
PhilliePhan
Mick Abel baby!!!!! Nola, Wheeler, Howard and Abel!!!! It’s all coming together!!!! I’m ready to build the Brian Barber statue.
The Human Toilet
Mitchell keeps falling, ,little surprised.
Priggs89
Man, it’ll hurt if Howard ends up being really good for the Cubs. Grew up playing in the White Sox ACE program. Best of luck to him.
ReverieDays
Don’t worry, they’ll trade him for a #4 Starter before he ever wears a Cubs uniform.
BPrice's 77 F-Bombs
Can’t believe Eduardo Perez hasn’t been hired on as a manager. Dude is smart.
bobtillman
Gotta agree with O’Dowd on the Red Sox pick….we have a winner for “Which team is going to punt”……
richard dangler
Why is mlb supporting a racist terrorist organization?
NY_Yankee
This really aggravates me as well
Orel Saxhiser
Why does the idea of true equality aggravate you? Are you afraid that fairness for all means less for you?
richard dangler
There’s no such thing as oppression in the United States. I’m a 41 year old black man, I’ve never been a victim. I was taught I could be anything I wanted to. Work hard, be ambitious, stay driven and your dreams will come true. Today I own a real estate company and employee 30 people. No one is preventing anyone from succeeding. Stop believing the lie.
Orel Saxhiser
Isolated case. The overall situation isn’t different just because you and Ben Carson say so.
dynamite drop in monty
Seriously.
jdgoat
My god what a post
whynot 2
Good for you, but that’s no excuse to make such an ignorant comment.
LaBalaDePlata
There are only a few isolated cases of African-American success?
richard dangler
You sir are a complete fool. Please name me the person who is preventing you from succeeding?
Tiny
Black people aren’t from Africa….do your home work.
Marcus was already taken
Damn Richard. I’m glad you have found success man
LaBalaDePlata
“Oh the Pain” is already telling you that you are wrong. Maybe he knows more about black people than you!
Or maybe he just doesn’t understand the principle of hard work and making something of himself. I’ll go with the latter.
jhiphop
Why are you all feeding the troll? Just keep scrolling and let’s talk some baseball
Orel Saxhiser
Educate yourself and get on the right side of history.
Altoidman
…what am I missing?
Javia
Seriously? A bunch of white people here telling a black man to “educate himself” on the struggles of black people in America? Right. Make sure you talk down to the man. He will never learn the truth about racism if you don’t show him right here, right now. Right? He has his experiences, we have none. He can have whatever opinion he wants.
24TheKid
Are you really surprised by this?
Javia
I know that I shouldn’t be surprised 24. I mean these are people who spend all of their time here telling proffesional mlb GMs how to run their teams, pro pitchers how to fix their control problems and pro hitters how to improve their swings. I bet they also explain how menstruation works to their wives, daughters and girlfriends.
Phiilies2020
I’m kinda done taking about racism
Javia
Good. Your team got a huge prize tonight. I am just a little jealous. My team chose 7 places before yours and if we had taken a pitcher I would have wanted it to be Abel.
fox471 Dave
What do you mean?
Altoidman
What “racist terrorist organization” is MLB supporting?
bobbleheadguru
Hoping some Wolverines get drafted. They had an awesome run last year.
Metsfan9
Like Pete Crow-Armstrong for us
Orel Saxhiser
His demonstrative passion is tailor-made for the rabid fan bases and rivalries in the Northeast.
scarfish
BVW having two good drafts thus far
bobtillman
Brewers GM scores again…doesn’t do too many dumb things does Stearns……
DarkSide830
breaking news – Mets claim 20th overall pick in 2021 MLB draft
Rexalint
Pirates fans don’t get attached to Nick Gonzalez. He will be traded for some signed baseballs and bats in about 3-4 years right before he’s ready to make the leap to the majors
Robert Nutting will see how much it will cost to keep him and he will be traded first chance he gets. And Nutting will have Ben Cherington take the blame for it as always.
Hard to walk with four balls
nonsense.
DarkSide830
most sensible “nonesense” ive seen
kwolf68
Sadly, you are probably right. I am very high on Brennan Malone, one of the players they got for Marte,
Four4fore
Cardinals take a 3B how surprising.
WAH1447
Thought Carson Tucker went to the Indians not Wilcox?
Phiilies2020
Mick Abel is my favorite pitcher in this entire class I cannot believe the Phillies got him! Research this kid he’s amazing on and off the baseball field!!!!
dynamite drop in monty
It’s also what my Irish grandpa would exclaim when his HBO would turn to static.
Mmorton8888
Dynamite drop… it took me a second, but it was great once I got it
Orel Saxhiser
The off-field stuff is impressive. Well-rounded young man, well-rounded pitching prospect.
PhilliePhan
Exactly, he’s the next Verlander, only better. Surprising more people aren’t seeing this.
dynamite drop in monty
He’s going to be better than one of the greatest pitchers of this generation? Lofty claim.
PhilliePhan
I have to admit not being able to watch any live games in 3 months could be affecting me.
24TheKid
If he had gone to the Nats or Mets you would already be proclaiming him a bust.
whynot 2
You are really downing the kool aid tonight
DarkSide830
better than Verlander mightbe a reach. i like him but that is crazy right now.
Javia
Mick Abel is a huge talent and might have been my second or third favorite pitcher in this draft. He was a huge value at #15 but let’s be honest, comparing him to Verlander at this point is INCREDIBLY wishful thinking.
kwolf68
I still like the upside of Abel or even the kid Seattle got, but Abel has a really nice floor and should move fast to Philly.
HalosHeavenJJ
He’s already more mature than Verlander
madmanTX
Let’s see….Astros….Astros….Astros…oh, yeah.
bobtillman
They’re working the trash detail at the MLB network.
tigerdoc616
Two surprises in this draft. Austin Martin dropping as much as he has, and the number of HS kids drafted in the first round. L
Orel Saxhiser
Surprised about all the high-schoolers, but happy to see it. MLB is all about raw talent and player development. If you have a good setup with the latter, take the best talent available.
WAH1447
No professional teams from Georgia ever draft anybody from UGA in any sport. I really wanted the braves to get Wilcox instead we get some guy who hasn’t had an ERA below 5 in any season yet. I hate this pick
bobtillman
Twins first pick Sabato looks ten years older than Baldelli…….
Orel Saxhiser
Yankees with their DH of the future.
bobtillman
Nah, they’ll trade for five more.
throwinched10
They will trade for 5 more position players…that will end up DHing. There is a subtle difference.
herecomethephillies2018
Rays got an absolute steal with Bitsko at 24. Top 5 next year easily.
Rangers29
They can turn him into a beast. I’m excited.
TellItGoodbye
Serious question of something about the draft that is curious to me. 27% of MLB players are Latino, yet after 33 picks or so, it appears only 1 is Latino. Are Latinos just not playing HS & College in the U.S., or not excelling there?
johndietz
Most of the top Latin players in the majors come from outside the US
Rangers29
International free agency is your answer.
johndietz
I like the Angels pick. He might be the first in this class to make the big league club.
angelsfan4life
Watching his highlights, he reminds me of Joe Saunders with a better fastball. So I’m happy with the pick.
bravesfan
Horrible pick by my Braves… clear money move
Appalachian_Outlaw
I’m not real fond of it, either. He’s basically a two pitch guy, fastball and change. The change up he throws is really, really good- which is a plus. Still, it’s hard to stick in the Bigs as a SP without a quality 3rd offering. I can’t help but think the Braves made a pick with money in mind here, and drafted a future RP.
Rangers29
I hate the Foscue pick by the Rangers…. So disappointed… Bitsko, Kelley, Howard, (my dude) Bryce Jarvis, and one of my favs Aaron Sabato were all still on the board! Get one of them! When I watched some of Foscue’s footage I almost puke watching his swing… nothing of his hit tool will translate to higher levels. He is David Fletcher at ABSOLUTE best. Last year I was hyped that the Rangers got Jung. This is just sad. Foscue is a better hitter when he uses a bigger leg kick, and when he doesn’t, he might get a bloop hit. He doesn’t drive the ball that well. Finally, his defense isn’t helping him. Just a 2nd basemen… He won’t replace Odor, that’s Solak’s place. Maybe the Rangers can help him with his arm strength, and move him to short to replace Elvis when he leaves.
So sad… I hope we can pull off some good late picks, but not a good start…
Phiilies2020
Agree with you that Texas botched that pick
geg42
Who did the Astros take? Was it a steal?
vincent k. mcmahon
I don’t know if you’re being serious, dumb, or some word I can think of? I think they can’t pick anybody until round 3 tomorrow.
DarkSide830
looked pretty clearly sarcastic to me…
throwinched10
They picked the trash can in 2017.
Phiilies2020
Tanner Burns was a steal at #36
kwolf68
High floor, middling ceiling looks about right to me. I am not overly impressed with the players at the end of the first round, light hitting catchers, defense first infielders, and pitchers with command/control issues. I see a lot of relief pitchers and utility guys in this bunch. Lots of work in progress for most those guys. Not sure why people were saying this was such an amazing draft. I don’t see it any better as last year or the year before.
Polish Hammer
Hope you’re right, he was the 28th rated prospect in the draft and slid to 36.
Phiilies2020
I’m more bullish then most apparently but I think he has the cieling of a solid #3 with the floor of serviceable reliever
Phiilies2020
Cubs are going to have a nice little middle infield duo with Ed Howard at SS and Nico Hoerner at 2B in the future
trog
Congrats KC on Nick Loftin. I live in Waco and watched him play a ton of games for Baylor. Polished defender that will stick at SS, good contact and gap power. He will rise through the system quickly.
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
Cubs needed pitching and they drafted a SS. Cool that Ed Howard is a Chicago native but he’s also a white sox fan
johnrealtime
Fandom does not matter one bit when you become a pro baseball player. And you draft the best available not need, this isn’t football. Theos strategy has always been to draft bats and sign/trade for pitchers since bats are more sure things
Royalsfan12
Surprised we managed to grab Asa Lacy. Really happy with that pick. Hoping we can get a decent 1B prospect next round (i.e. Blaze Jordan) because we really need a first baseman of the future which we haven’t gotten yet.
kwolf68
As a White Sox fan not overly joyed KC is building up their arms, but I really like Lacy a ton, I think he was the no brainer top pitcher in the draft. I’ve seen him pitch. The stuff is there. If he can refine his command just a little he has a chance to push Singer for the top of the Royals rotation one day. I don’t quite see the upside in Singer or even Lacy that I see in our guys Kopech, Giolito and Cease at least not yet, but any number of these Royals arms could realize greater upside and Lacy is the one I am kinda betting on, though he’s not ready for KC just yet. That said passing on Austin Martin may come back to haunt a couple people.
Polish Hammer
Just what the Indians needed another SS. With only 8 in their top 30 prospects why not go for 9? SMH…
hockeyjohn
You draft SS because they are likely the best athletes on their teams and can easily shift to other positions. Jose Ramirez was a SS in the minor leagues and has played OF, 2B, and 3B for the Indians.
Polish Hammer
Nice try but he projects as only a SS, Ramirez has such a different body type he’s not a prototypical SS but his bat was going to get him in the lineup anywhere. Point is they have so many SSs your brand new shiny 1st round toy is only 10th in the organization at his position , there was better talent on the board and you have other depth holes to fill.
oscarone
Its a stupid pick. He would have been there in the second round. This smells like a money move. Not sure what the plan is.
Polish Hammer
And they followed that pick up by picking yet another SS in the 4th round…SMH
VegasSDfan
Padres drafted two high school players
WarkMohlers
The Shuster pick for the Braves is one I dont exactly agree with. The Braves must really believe in that change up and his recent showings to take that pick, of course I assume it’s going to be underslot since they have one of the lowest pools to sign draftees.
The inconsistency and the short sample size of showing improved control and velocity is worrying. But I guess a big lefty with a solid fastball and change can always be tied in the bullpen
chicagomarine0291
Cubs picking a South Sider is ironic, that kid’s my coworker’s son. South Side!
throwinched10
Torkelson was a given at number one. Orioles should have taken Austin. Jays got a gift. Marlins may have botched this one by taking Meyer over Lacy. Mariners got a stud with Hancock. Giants and Rangers first round pick were questionable.
pduryea4224
Why is Al Leiter yelling at me about every draft pick
loota.
Why didn’t the Brewers get a competitive balance pick for losing Grandal to free agency?
loota.
Compensation pick*