2009 Draft
by Pino on Jun 2, 2009 8:11 PM PDT
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So the draft is coming up and I was wondering who AN thinks we should draft this year. I love the SS Grant Green out of USC and I found a cool write up about him that had me drooling a little.
http://ussmariner.com/2008/10/10/strasburg-alternative-no-1-grant-green/
However, this draft includes a lot of people that could go anywhere 5-13, and we all know how much the A's like to draft pitching, which this draft is full of. So with that in mind, who would you like to see the A's get?
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I don't know... but I'm surprised how little the draft is being talked about here.
We have a pretty decent pick.
"I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did." -Yogi Berra
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"I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did." -Yogi Berra
+3b
"You know, a long time ago being crazy meant something. Nowadays everybody's crazy."
-Charles Manson
This is a terrible idea.
There isn’t one 3b worthy of 1rst round consideration. We should be taking Green Wheeler Tate or one of the many good arms in this draft.
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 2, 2009 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions
grant greene
Grant Greene is a beast we should take him he can play SS or 3B. where set with our arms
Best player available, always
No use in drafting a 3B if he doesn’t get out of A ball.
The only 3B projected to go in the 1st round (Borchering) probably won’t stick at 3B (prob. moving to 1B/OF).
"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."
My choices
Would easily be Mike Leake from ASU, or Tim Wheeler from Sacramento State. If Matt Davidson keeps crawling up charts I’d advocate drafting him as well.
FIRE GEREN NOW
http://firegerennow.blogspot.com/
You wanna take a Leake?
Down the hall to your left.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
His contract terms will disallow any moped riding in the Coliseum
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
I'd like to see the A's get a guy like...
Mike Leake from ASU. He looks like a pretty solid pitcher that can drop to the A’s.
Jack "The Must, Just has no Rust, ain't no Bust, after him the ladies Lust, turns pitchers into Dust, likes his pizza with no Crust" Cust
I agree on Leake
If it wasn’t for some guy named Strassberg I think more people would notice how good a season Leake is putting together at Arizona State. He may drop to the A’s pick because he doesn’t have great velocity on his fastball and he is shorter than the ideal pitcher. He has great command of his pitches, almost like James Simmons with a breaking ball and he is a great athlete. I would be excited if the A’s were able to draft him at 13.
A's picked him coming out of high school too
as a sixth rounder, I believe.
by branch rickey on Jun 3, 2009 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions
I think that the A's are likely to take a pitcher with that first pick
but of course I want to see some third basemen with good bats. Also, it might be worth checking out good prospects who may be drafted at other positions but who could be converted to third basemen, such as catchers, for example.
my former teammate
josh phegley of indiana university would seem to fit the bill
"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball
Tommy Mendonca
from Fresno State! Local boy has power from the hot corner. Not necessarily saying he should go that high in the draft, but I would just be excited to see him stay close to home. He went to high school in Turlock, CA.
Wade Hines
He should be in consideration for their third round pick
some of the mocks ive seen have him lasting around till that time.
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 2, 2009 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions
He's apparently a helluva defensive 3B too.....
by CapgrasDelusion on Jun 7, 2009 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions
effing 0-Cab
grrrr.
Would also be pretty damn nice if picks were tradeable.
by AgitationStation on Jun 7, 2009 6:07 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm a Grant Green nut myself
And it’s possible he’ll be there at 13. Leake would be a nice little pick. Davidson seems like a bit of a reach but I wouldn’t be THAT disappointed with him. Borchering too. Poythress I would be very disappointed in.
The entire 11-15 (A’s are 13) on Andy Seiler’s draft blog is a nice little preview (Sickels rank in parentheses):
11. Colorado – Tim Wheeler, OF, Sacramento State (17)
12. Kansas City – Grant Green, SS, USC (11)
13. Oakland – Mike Leake, RHP, Arizona State (8)
14. Texas – Shelby Miller, RHP, Brownwood HS (TX) (14)
15. Cleveland – Alex White, RHP, North Carolina (7)
Some other names:
17. Arizona – Bobby Borchering, 3B, Bishop Verot HS (FL) (15)
34. Colorado – Rich Poythress, 1B, Georgia (47)
39. Milwaukee – Matt Davidson, 3B, Yucaipa HS (CA) (40)
If San Diego doesn’t take Tate, he could be available as well. Of course, he’ll probably cost more than any non-Boras pick PLUS Sano.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
Tate and Green
I have issues with taking them, Green has never shown that much power and Tate is really flaky on his commitment to baseball. He’s also making noise about attending UNC, so I dunno.
Leake/Wheeler = win.
FIRE GEREN NOW
http://firegerennow.blogspot.com/
Green...
flashed power in the Cape Cod league while using a wooden bat, i think he had something like 8hr’s, yes its true he didn’t flash power while in college, but his performance in the Cape proves he has power potential
it doesn’t matter though because he’s not going to be around for us to take him
I have an inkling the Giants are going to take Tate, he’s an absolute physical specimen, and could make it to the bigs on his raw ability, but yes he does need polishing offensively, but its his high ceiling that makes him a high top ten choice
When we played softball, I’d steal second base, feel guilty and go back.
- Woody Allen
by rhymeswithelephant on Jun 2, 2009 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Poythress/Tate - Do Not Want
1bman that started hot then cooled way way off. Would be a huge overdraft at the A’s 1st round pick and certainly wouldn’t be there in the third round.
Borchering from the BA scouting reports is a 3b in name only and will have to move to 1b because he doesn’t run well enough even for LF, though the bat sounds very legit. Would be a slight overdraft.
Davidson would be a huge overdraft at 13.
Tate has serious questions about his hit tool with front side drift preventing him from squaring up to balls like he should. According to Seiler :“Tate’s possibly asking for money in the $6 million range, with Scott Boras as his adviser, and he holds a commitment to UNC, as well.” He also might want to play football. I would rather take and sign Leake at slot and spend the other 4million on Sano than take Tate.
I think Green is going to bust. Not sure why but its a gut feeling, so feel free to ignore it as completely baseless like Nico’s scouting.
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 2, 2009 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Couple things...
From what I understand, $6 million buys Tate’s commitment to baseball. And you’re correct, there is some concern with his bat but scouts also say he does show some instinct to make adjustments. That ability to learn and adjust should ease some of the concern.
Word is Sano is going to get more than Ynoa did a year ago ($4.25 milion) and the Pirates are the front runners.
The monster at the end of this blog.
Damn Somali Pirates
A’s are in the running, though. I say 5MM+ Signing Bonus is definitely possible. I’d pay it!
re
Dejan Kovacevic (Pirates beat writer) wrote yesterday that the Pirates aren’t going to offer Sano Ynoa money, which they see as an “outlier” for Latin American prospects, and will more likely offer $2-3 million.
Whether it’s this kid or others, I just hope the A’s are going to stay committed to pursuing top Latin talent.
by AgitationStation on Jun 3, 2009 8:32 AM PDT up reply actions
I love Dejan Kovacevic... best beat writer in the bigs.
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 3, 2009 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions
Im not doubting that it doesn't buy his comitment
just that as a legit two sport player, he has a ton of leverage if the A’s don’t try to pay him 6-7m. I guess what I am suggesting is if you are going to pay a high school kid $6m+ you shouldn’t have questions about his bat… a la Hosmer from last year.
I believe slot for the A’s this year is something like $1.75m. Im just suggesting that you take the $4.25m and money saved by not having any supplemental or 2nd round picks and you put it toward Sano.
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 3, 2009 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah I'd rather spend it on guys like Dixon.
Same sort of athletic ability, but for much less money.
I don't think thats accurate.
There is a reason Dixon didn’t go in the first round or command the type of money that Ynoa did and Sano will. Everything I have read suggests that Sano will be a beast like Jesus Montenero at a premium defensive position.
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 3, 2009 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions
He signed for a rumoured $600k, way over slot for a
10th round pick. He was heavily recruited to play WR in college and many thought that’s where he’d end up.
I’m not saying Dixon is the same level of athlete as Tate, but he’s certainly comparable.
I wasn't comparing Tate and Dixon
but Dixon and Ynoa/Sano. Distributing your risk is generally a better idea when it comes to prospecting but there are reasons why Tate, Ynoa, Sano are all considered elite talents
I would also like to remind you that Dixon really hasn’t accomplished anything yet. I mean the dude has a tool shed but he also Ked in 40% of his abs.
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 3, 2009 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions
he's currently a shortstop
but FWIW I’ve been reading that some scouts believe because of his size he will eventually be an outfielder, and most likely a right fielder due to his strong arm.
Ive been reading 3rd base if he gets a lot bigger but has a chance at staying at SS.
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 3, 2009 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed on Poythress and Tate
Honestly, I could see Green slipping all the way to the later picks, where someone like the Yankees picks him up. There’s a major, major bust risk with him, especially since he struggled massively this season. Even if he ’s on the board at #13, he may not be the best player available at #13.
"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."
Borchering & Stock for me
A’s need a power bat at the hot corner. Last time they took a HS 3rd baseman in the 1st round he became a very productive player. Only issue is the A’s didn’t listen to themselves and resigned a player after his first 6 years. All in all Eric Chavez was a great pick. We got arms let’s gamble on that young stud 3rd baseman everyone on this board keep thinking they can get via trade.
Robert Stock is a 19yr old 3 yr college player. Never developed into the stud catcher but has found a nice niche on the mound and if offered the 2nd round $$ they didn’t spend he could be in Green and Gold. You get the best of both worlds a college player at a HS age without the wear and tear.
The problem is that Bochering isn't a third baseman.
Plus the logic here is deeply flawed. Because the A’s got lucky on a 3b pick they will again? Huh?
Stock would be great for consideration in the 4-5th round as a value pick there.
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 2, 2009 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Re Stock from BA's Draft Chat on the 28th
John Manuel: Stock’s one of the draft’s most fascinating players. He’s been up to 97 out of the pen, up to 95 as a starter, he’s performed very well as a starter thanks to a legit, average-to-plus changeup. It also sounds like he’d like to go back to college and try to catch and hit one more time. My gut tells me he gave up a shot at first-round money out of HS and won’t settle for less three years later, and if he doesn’t get first-round money, I think he’ll go back to college.
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 2, 2009 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions
i don't see how green...
would stay around for the A’s, he’s one of the best position players behind Ackley, if the A’s want to address their 3b problem there’s a prep hitter by the name of Bobby Borchering (power hitter, one of the best bats in the draft class), who i like, the only question is whether he’d stick at third, otherwise the A’s will for sure take an arm
it depends who picks who ahead of us, but i think best case is big rhp H.S’er Shelby Miller (great athlete, best FB out of all the H.S touched 96, already good mechanics and a terrific breaking ball
H.S. lhp Tyler Matzek (already throws low to mid 90’s, flashes plus curve, change)
or prep rhp Alex White (low to mid 90’s, great seconday stuff, lacks consistency)
these are guys i could see sticking around for the A’s, pitching is obviously the cream of this draft class and the A’s are renowned for developing pitchers
it would be nice if borchering could stick at third but he might become, in a sense, a poor man’s brett wallace
otherwise PITCHING PITCHING PITCHING and i can’t wait for draft day
When we played softball, I’d steal second base, feel guilty and go back.
- Woody Allen
by rhymeswithelephant on Jun 2, 2009 10:31 PM PDT reply actions
Matzek should be off the board by the time the A's pick
White might be there but I think Leake is a better pick if he is still around. Miller would be a fine pick if the A’s wanted to go the hs route.
Hate to harp on this but Borchering will not play 3rd in the majors.
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 2, 2009 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Shelby Miller it is then....
who would you want to see the A’s take?
When we played softball, I’d steal second base, feel guilty and go back.
- Woody Allen
by rhymeswithelephant on Jun 2, 2009 10:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Im still trying to figure that out.
Its a lot easier figuring out who not to take! lol. Part of it is tracking down legit scouting reports on HS kids is really hard if youre not shelling out for pg crosschecker or BA or Law (who im not sure I trust anyway). I have a group of players that I like and I think this is my board the number in front is Andy Seiler’s, who runs a great blog, draft board.
1. Stephen Strasburg, RHP, San Diego State
2. Dustin Ackley, OF, North Carolina
3. Tyler Matzek, LHP, Capistrano Valley HS (CA)
8. Mike Leake, RHP, Arizona State
5. Tanner Scheppers, RHP, St. Paul Saints
7. Aaron Crow, RHP, Ft. Worth Cats
4. Alex White, RHP, North Carolina
11. Zach Wheeler, RHP, East Paulding HS (GA)
16. Tim Wheeler, OF, Sacramento State
10. Jacob Turner, RHP, Westminster Christian Academy (MO)
9. Kyle Gibson, RHP, Missouri
15. Matt Purke, LHP, Klein HS (TX)
14. Shelby Miller, RHP, Brownwood HS (TX)
12. Grant Green, SS, USC
6. Donavan Tate, OF, Cartersville HS (GA)
13. Max Stassi, C, Yuba City HS (CA)
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 2, 2009 11:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Gibson has come down with some arm problems
So he should probably be dropped off the list and Borchering should be ahead of Stassi.
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 3, 2009 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions
Green might make it to the A's
Most mocks have Green lasting to the A’s or going one to two picks before. Going into the year, I would have said no way but now it’s possible. In fact, I would bet money Matzek will go before him. Miller or White would be fine picks.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
I know the A's need help on the left side of the infield
But I don’t think that should be, or is the A’s philosophy. There are a whole hell of a lot of good, power arms in the draft, and not a lot of offense. Whatever they do, stretching for a 3B or a SS would be a terrible idea. Always take the best player available.
Grant Green could fall to us, and he would fill an organizational need, but he’s disappointed a lot this year, and one must be wary of a tools-guy that has a lot of questions about every facet of his game.
Personally, if Leake is around when it’s the A’s turn, I hope they draft him, and also predict that they will. He’s the type of polished guy that the A’s love. He’ll help very soon, with 4 above average pitches and excellent control. Don’t let his size fool you, he should be a very good pitcher.
re
I have preferences, but I’d be happy with almost anybody who’s possible for the A’s. The two guys I hope the A’s pass on, though I have to admit either would be a solid pick, are Tim Wheeler and Kyle Gibson. You can’t argue with Wheeler’s performance this year, and CF is a spot that’s difficult to fill from outside the organization, but his other two college seasons were not impressive (no walks, no power, didn’t even hit for a great average). The scouting reports are still iffy on his power as well. As for Gibson, there have been persistent rumors about the condition of his arm for years and he was reportedly down to 83-87 in his last start (also forearm tightness). If he hadn’t had this late season dip in velocity and was available, I think the A’s would pounce. The A’s don’t need another injury risk though.
A guy who isn’t being talked up for the A’s who I would love to see them take is James Paxton. Paxton has a very high ERA because he’s given up a lot of home runs. He’s a 6’4 220 lb lefty who works in the low to mid 90s (touched 98). He has a good offspeed pitch (variously described as slider/curve/knucklecurve). Doesn’t throw his change very often. He’s Canadian, so he’s raw and underdeveloped. Also represented by Scott Boras, which is always a minus. What he does have though is swing and miss stuff, and he doesn’t walk batters. Excellent K/BB ratio. The big problem with him right now is that he catches too much of the plate. I could be wrong, but that seems a better problem than missing the plate entirely. He’s not like a Brothers and striking guys out with a slider that falls out of the zone. He’s throwing it right down the pipe and a lot of guys are still missing. This kid has the same upside as the high school kids, but he also has a track record of not hurting his arm (did have knee probs), and excellent k/bb in college. I just like him. At 13, I don’t think Boras could demand enough to make a big problem.
Leake I’m not so sure about. Not a great strikeout pitcher, though he was very solid in that department this year. If he loses a couple ticks off his fastball, which is pretty common, where does he end up? Taking a pitcher is a great idea for the A’s, but they don’t necessarily need a super polished guy who will be ready in less than two years. They have enough young pitching, that even if a couple guys fall off, there should be enough depth that things should be okay for a while. Ready made pitching is never a bad thing, but it isn’t an area of great need right now. I will say that if they take him, I really hope they don’t go the route they did with Simmons and push him so fast.
Shelby Miller is the other guy I’d be excited by. For one thing, it’d be fun to swoop on a guy the Rangers want. For another it’d just be cool for the A’s to get their hands on one of these big raw boned fireballing kids. Not the kind of pitcher the A’s usually have. Tanner Scheppers for the same reason (Law had him falling out of the first round in his latest mock.)
I said Poythress on the A’s MOD thread a few weeks ago. I’d still be cool with that, but I have to admit that when Mayo said scouts are comparing him to Ryan Shealy, Poythress suddenly didn’t seem nearly so much fun.
by AgitationStation on Jun 3, 2009 4:46 AM PDT reply actions
Paxton/Leake
I would stay away from Paxton. His poor performance added to the Scott Boras factor means that he would not be good value for our 13th pick.
Leake might not be a power pitcher like some of the other arms in the draft but it is not like he is a soft tosser getting results with smoke and mirrors. He tops out at 94, sitting around 91 with four pitches, all of them with the potential to be above average or plus. He has plus plus command and excellent poise and mound presence. He might not be my first choice but if other options were gone and we ended up with Leake I would not be too upset.
Alex White
What do you guys think of Alex White. Up until a few weeks ago, he was projected to go #2 or 3 in the draft. Now some have him falling to or past the A’s. From what I’ve read there are concerns about his delivery. I also know he’s been getting knocked around a bit lately. I think I heard on ESPNU that he might have a blister?
White
I think he would be a good choice if he fell to us. He has a bit inconsistent with his results but his stuff has always shown up, unlike Kyle Gibson. The one caveat is that he is represented by Scott Boras, although I haven’t read anything that has suggesting he is looking for anything significantly over slot.
I'm really starting to get intrigued by Borchering
He is not going to be a third baseman, but after reading the reports from the showcase down in Florida he sounds like the highest upside bat in the draft and he has a bit of polish.
I know some will say that the A’s don’t need a 1B/DH because of guys like Doolittle and Carter, but I don’t think a position is blocked untill your getting solid production at the major league level. We’ve all seen this team struggle to score runs the last couple years, a true all-star type bat in the middle of the order is one of the biggest needs the A’s have in my opinion. If you think a guy can be that bat I think he’s worth a look regardless of what position he plays.
Now, I’m not saying he should definitely be the pick . I’m not sure he would be my number one hope at the 13 spot but I think he is worth looking at.
I read the same thing from BA on his Florida showcase.
But he seems like a slight reach at 13 especially when a dominant arm will fall to us at the same spot. I would rather have Wheeler despite agitation stations’ warning as he can play a good cf and has a strong arm.
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 3, 2009 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe a slight reach
But I think he is a legitimate option in the middle of the first round. If you buy into the bat I think I would take the true power potential over the athleticism that Wheeler brings. I’m just a little concerned that Wheeler is a Cunningham type who is good all-around but doesn’t really excell at any one aspect. A good prospect but I would give the edge to someone who has the potential to be a real impact hitter.
Generally im not a fan of drafting 1bman.
They are easy enough to find cheaply enough. Id rather fill other positions and have players that out grow their other positions wind up there.
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 3, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't know about that
They are easy enough to find cheaply enough.
If that’s the case I wish the A’s weren’t running Giambi, Crosby, and Garciaparra out there this season. You can find an adequate first basemen for a reasonable price, but true impact bats who can hit in the middle of a good line-up are absolutely not easy or cheap to find. At some point you have to take a chance on that explosive bat and hope he can develop into a star.
Filling first base with guys who outgrew other positions seems like a recipe to have light hitting firstbasemen. Why not just grab the best bat regardless of position every once in a while?
Giambi cost what 5mill?
If you don’t like it promote Barton, Doolittle, or Carter. If you want to trade for Jake Fox or some other AAA masher. They are easy to find.
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 3, 2009 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Like I said
Mediocre first baseman are easy to find, you can pay 5 mil for a washed up Giambi or trade for AAA masher. But the only way the A’s are going to get an impact bat is to take a chance on high upside bat in the draft or trade for one like with Carter. It would be nice to get a real star hitter like a Howard or Cabrera even if they don’t have ideal athleticism.
Howard costs a fortune and isn't that good anyway
Cabrera was a third baseman and LFer before he had to be moved which is EXACTLY MY POINT!
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 3, 2009 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm not saying don't draft other positions
just that it might make sense to go for the best bat regardless of position. Don’t draft a lesser bat because he can play CF, if the highest upside bat plays first than the A’s should think about drafting him. Going for the athletic, well rounded players is a good strategy but why not go for the big bat once in a while.
The exact players I brought up aren’t important, its the idea that we shouldn’t ignore a great hitter just because he is limited to 1B. The A’s have a lot of needs and one of them is a dominant hitter. I don’t know why you would not consider taking a top bat just because he plays first.
There is a reason for positional adjustments
A lighter hitter that can play CF well is worth more than a good hitting 1bman, especially one you have to pay disproportionally to their value because they put up flashy stats.
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 3, 2009 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions
But I'd still rather have a .300/.400/.500 1B than a .200/.300/.350 CF
Don't believe in yourself.
Believe in Me who believes in You.
Yeah the problem is thats a crappy line even for CF
So of course i would rather have the 1b line. That reduces the argument to an absurd level and is a logical fallacy. Im not talking about drafting the future Rajai Davis with my 1rst round pick here. Wheeler did hit 18 hrs this year. While that is with a metal bat I think 15-20 hr power projection isn’t that outlandish of an expectation.
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 7, 2009 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions
I want them to take
Drew Storen (p) out of Stanford.
And Joey August (cf), out of Stanford in a later round.
Mainly because Drew is cool and Joey is my cousin.
Ha!
New drafting strategy! Best Player Jeffro Knows :-P
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 3, 2009 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions
And/or is related too!
Actually, Drew Storen is a stud. They guy struck out 66 batters in 42 innings. He was the closer at Stanford (and could be for two more years as a draft eligible Sophomore) but he has the pitch repertoire to start. I think he is number 20 on Sickles list… I could be wrong.
Joey, my “little” cousin, is a Senior and he was injured as a Junior so he didn’t get drafted (although plenty of teams called my Uncle to feel him out). He played well in Center this season and he would have to develop more power if he moved ot a corner slot. But he is a life long A’s fan and I can live vicariously through him if he got drafted by the A’s…
That would be AWESOME if Seattle drafted Green
Simply because he’s definitely NOT the best player available and if they draft Green, they aren’t drafting Ackley, Matzek, or Crow, and those are the guys Seattle should pick with the #2 pick.
"You end up with a name like ‘Outman,’" he said last week. "What else are you going to do? You’re going to get people out, man." ~ Dallas Braden
Has anyone seen the SI article
on Bryce Harper, he’s a prodigy and supposedly the next big thing, his numbers are very impressive and he might be reason alone to outsuck the natinals (pun intended) for the worst record
if anyone gets a chance look into the article and be prepared to be amazed by this 16 yr old who hits balls 500 plus feet
When we played softball, I’d steal second base, feel guilty and go back.
- Woody Allen
by rhymeswithelephant on Jun 3, 2009 3:31 PM PDT reply actions
There's a fanpost about it.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
A's draft
Ideally one of the top prep pitchers falls to us but Purke and Turner both look like they will come with big bonus demands, Wheeler seems unlikely to make it past the Braves at 7 and Maztek will probably not make it into double figures although with this draft it seems like anything could happen after Strasburg and Ackley. Shelby Miller could be a good option for us, and I have read recently that Purke’s demands are not Porcello like as previously reported so he would probably be my number 1 choice if he fell to us.
Failing that it is possible that someone like Alex White could fall to us. I am also really starting to come around to taking Mike Leake – he has been compared to Hudson mainly due to his size and athletic build, but by all accounts is stuff is a notch below, but he does have the same bulldog mentality and mound presence which is why we all loved Huddy so much. Plus it is not like he is a soft tosser – he throws between 88-94, sitting around 91 with plus plus command. I would be quite disappointed if we ended up with Mike Minor though.
This draft’s strength is obviously pitching and unless someone like Grant Green or Donavan Tate fell to us and we were willing to go over slot with Boras then I think it is likely that we end up with a pitcher. I think the one other hitter we could end up with is Sac State OF Tim Wheeler but he might be a slight overdraft (although it has been rumoured the Giants are in on him at 6).
I think this is going to be a very difficult draft to predict. The Pirates have been rumoured to be going cheap with the 4th pick to save money for Sano. The Nationals might also reach with their 10th pick to save money for Strasburg, and the Giants and Royals have been linked with non-consensus top 10-12 prospects like Wheeler and Sanchez. Added to that we have players potentially dropping because of bonus demands (Purke, Turner), poor performance (White) or both (Green). Plus Gibson topped out 87 in his last start leading to worries about an injury which could cause him to plummet. All in all I think it will be a very exciting draft next week. I will certainly be tuning in to follow it.
The Pirates rumor has been dismissed multiple times.
I think they get one of the better arms at #4
"You end up with a name like ‘Outman,’" he said last week. "What else are you going to do? You’re going to get people out, man." ~ Dallas Braden
Pirates
The Pirates have been seriously linked with Bochering, Myers and Sanchez in that spot. Those rumours don’t come out of nothing. Coonelly has said they will not go cheap but you have to take that with a pinch of salt. Even if they do take the best pitcher available the point is there are so many wildcards before the A’s pick to make this draft interesting that anything can happen.
I would be very happy with Leake or Wheeler, though Maztek sounds like a real prize.
Gibson’s velocity scare totally fucks up the mocks, but if the Gnats draft Wheeler it would totally throw the whole thing off.
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 4, 2009 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Grant Green
SS or 3B PLEASE
he seems to be the only bat worth taking in the first round at either position
im sick of not having a solid prospect at tw of the most important positions on the field.
If we get a pitcher we should at least trade some of our organizational pitching depth to strengthen these two positions
Fuck you Bob Geren
Draft BPA not for need.
If they determine that Green is the BPA then I’m all for it. I hope and pray somehow someway that Matzek or Tate fall to us but I highly doubt either gets past the first 10 picks. I like Leake but I’m afraid that he might lose a little velocity. I want to stay away from Scheppers because we’ve drafted too many injury risk type pitchers with Ross & Hunter already. I wouldn’t mind going the HS route and I really think Matzek will the the best LHP in this draft.
by AthleticsReign on Jun 4, 2009 3:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Keep it simple
Let’s draft a pitcher who can bring it, we got enough of these plate nibblers. Someone with ace potential who when it gets tight can throw their best stuff in the zone and make people miss. I’m with agitation station on this. We got time to develop, I want freaks on the team, a right fielder with a cannon and can hit the ball 500ft., a centerfielder with speed and .300 potential, a pitcher who can dominate. I want excitement! Raw talent. Think lincecum, upton, utley. I want one too.
third basemen
I think we need to get a thier basemen because we got cliff pennington at SS then we drafted jemile weeks with are 1st pick last at 2B. this year we need to get a 3B.
We do need a 3rd baseman but
I don’t want to overdraft to find one. If a pitchers the best player we are going to get at that spot, draft a pitcher its that simple. There are no highly rated 3rd baseman projected to stay at 3rd in the first round.
We need some high ceiling impact arms or bats. I love Tate and if all falls into place I can see him becoming another Grady Siezmore. I have my fingers crossed but doubt he’ll make it past the 9th pick.
by AthleticsReign on Jun 5, 2009 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions
remember, a lot of guys drafted at 3B
end up moving off the position, to either 1B or corner OF.
That’s why you don’t draft based on position.
"You end up with a name like ‘Outman,’" he said last week. "What else are you going to do? You’re going to get people out, man." ~ Dallas Braden
I read today in the Chronicle that Beane
is going to look at Leake.
How about fixing the leak at 3rd base that we have had for the last 800 years.
Leake is good
It would be a reach to be taking someone like Davidson, and I doubt we’ll be taking Borchering. Leake is one of the BPA, so I wouldn’t be upset at all with him.
The mock draft finished over at MinorLeagueBall.com btw.
A’s picks were
#13: Tate
#92: Stock
I loved the Stock pick, and Tate is plausible (A’s have been at every one of his games for the last week or so)
What does everyone think?
FIRE GEREN NOW
http://firegerennow.blogspot.com/
I'm not very prospect-savvy
but based only on what I read here, Leake sure sounds like the sort of guy the A’s would draft. And it sounds like he ranks just about right for the slot we’ve got, too.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
"Beane Takes Leake"
The potential headlines alone are worth it.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
After trying for Weeks!
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
LOL - nice
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
I loved your picks
Stock has a fresh arm and could be a nice project. I do think it will take late 1st round money to sign him tho. Tate has every physical tool out there. Now if he has the dedication to put it all together and focus he could really be something special. I still don’t think the A’s will be lucky enough to have everyone pass on him, but maybe we will get a little karma back from missing out on Smoak. In the later rounds I would draft a couple of projectable 3rd base prospects in the HS ranks and hopefully build from there. We can’t afford to overdraft and its important to take what the draft gives you.
I’m hoping we are active again in the international markets again and pick up some key pieces there. So if we don’t fill the void with the draft, there is still hope with the international signing period and the trade market. I think July will be the most important month of this organization of the year.
by AthleticsReign on Jun 6, 2009 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions
That makes me sad
2nd round pick > Orlando Cabrera
"A’s baseball….It’s almost better than a stick in the eye." ~ alox
by Gallagher's Watermelons on Jun 7, 2009 1:19 AM PDT up reply actions
Maybe not in this draft?
I wonder if that was part of the A’s thinking.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
I imagine they thought they'd just go over slot in the lower rounds
again and pick up talent that way. Giving up a 2nd round pick for a year of Cabrera (well the Cabrera we thought we were getting) is a really good trade off.
Disagree
Heartily
"A’s baseball….It’s almost better than a stick in the eye." ~ alox
by Gallagher's Watermelons on Jun 7, 2009 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions
Tate is plausible.
If he’s on the board at that time, I think the A’s get him. Unless someone like Matzek or Crow or Ackley slips down to 13 (veery unlikely), Tate’s probably BPA at 13.
"You end up with a name like ‘Outman,’" he said last week. "What else are you going to do? You’re going to get people out, man." ~ Dallas Braden
You don't pick for need
This isn’t football. That is how we end up with Weeks instead of Wallace.
No, it's not.
The A’s didn’t draft for need. They had Weeks rated ahead of Wallace. You can take issue with that evaluation – I think it’s still an open question – but it was what it was.
by Faust on Jun 7, 2009 7:49 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wallace is being hyped up to mythical levels by some A's fans.
He looks like a good hitter, but people are talking about him as if he’s the next Pujols.
by OldhamA on Jun 7, 2009 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly
Also a good hitter at 1b or DH is important but on the big scheme of things just not that valuable.
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 7, 2009 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions
Has anyone been paying attention
To what Weeks has been doing lately? He’s absolutely been raking! Granted he’s in high-A ball but that can be attributed to the injury he sustained. I predict by the minor league all star break if he keeps this up he’ll be up to AA. He could even get a look in the AAA playoffs if he pounds the ball like hes been doing. A leadoff hitter with 30sb speed with the tools to excel defensively is a whole lot more valuable then a rangeless 3rd baseman who within 1-2 seasons get regulated to 1B/DH duties. I didn’t like the Week’s pick at first but the more I look at it and the way he keeps hitting I don’t know why people around here are making his selection out to be the biggest travesty.
by AthleticsReign on Jun 7, 2009 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions
So sick of hearing about Wallace
Has anybody here considered that the Cards wouldn’t trade Brett Wallace if they actually thought he could play third base?
by AgitationStation on Jun 7, 2009 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Leake impressions
I was wondering if anyone saw Leake yesterday. I watched the game and he has a ton of movement. He gave up 4 runs but the first 2 were mainly from groundballs that found holes. He topped out at 91-92 but most of his FB were ~88 with movement. I don’t think he helped his case much yesterday with the 4ER, so maybe he lasts to the A’s pick.
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