2012 MLB Draft

dansaint · Jun 3, 2012, 11:59 PM

I doubt this will be highly viewed but since the draft starts tonight (6:00 on MLB Network and also on MLB.com)...thought I would start this thread. Here's a recent mock draft:

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/...mlb-mock-draft

6) Chicago Cubs: Mike Zunino, C, Florida
This is tough. Correa could slip to them and they would likely take him if he is there but I think Jed and company would take the solid Zunino if he is there.

19) St. Louis Cardinals: D.J. Davis, OF, Mississippi HS
Davis is flying up draft boards and I wouldn't be surprised to see the Cards take him here.

23) St. Louis Cardinals: Ty Hensley, P, Oklahoma HS
One of the better prep arms would be a good addition to the Cards system

IlliniSteve · Jun 4, 2012, 09:23 AM

Cubs really like Albert Almora, HS outfielder. Drawing projections to Shane Victorino. If Carlos Correa is there I'd definitely like to see us grab him.

They have picks at 43, 56 and 67 after their 1st pick and I'd imagine at least two of those will be pitchers.

Very excited about the draft, Theo's crew are some of the best in the business when it comes to drafting. Extremely crucial couple of days for those guys.

IntenselyOrange · Jun 4, 2012, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IlliniSteve

Cubs really like Albert Almora, HS outfielder. Drawing projections to Shane Victorino. If Carlos Correa is there I'd definitely like to see us grab him.

They have picks at 43, 56 and 67 after their 1st pick and I'd imagine at least two of those will be pitchers.

Very excited about the draft, Theo's crew are some of the best in the business when it comes to drafting. Extremely crucial couple of days for those guys.

Keith Law ranks the Red Sox system 18th. Not exactly Kenny Williams territory, but not great either. I'm not saying he's bad, I think he's good, but the results tell a slightly different story.

The two championships relied heavily on Manny, Ortiz, Damon, Beckett, Schilling, Youkliss, and others that were not home grown. They've brought up some of their own, no doubt, but I think Epstein's strength is in FA evaluation.

AHSIllini32 · Jun 4, 2012, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IntenselyOrange

Keith Law ranks the Red Sox system 18th. Not exactly Kenny Williams territory, but not great either. I'm not saying he's bad, I think he's good, but the results tell a slightly different story.

The two championships relied heavily on Manny, Ortiz, Damon, Beckett, Schilling, Youkliss, and others that were not home grown. They've brought up some of their own, no doubt, but I think Epstein's strength is in FA evaluation.

Don't forget they had hanram in their system at one point as well who was a no-doubt prospect that he used to get said WS by acquiring beckett.

Also, the Cubs have Tim Wilken who was ranked by his peers as one of, if not the, best scouting/draft man in the league.

IntenselyOrange · Jun 4, 2012, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AHSIllini32

Don't forget they had hanram in their system at one point as well who was a no-doubt prospect that he used to get said WS by acquiring beckett.

Also, the Cubs have Tim Wilken who was ranked by his peers as one of, if not the, best scouting/draft man in the league.

Sure. I just am not sure the draft is his strength. I think his strength is identifying the 1 or 2 players that will put a team over the top. When the Cubs get close to championship level, then you'll see him at his best.

KBLEE · Jun 4, 2012, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IntenselyOrange

Keith Law ranks the Red Sox system 18th. Not exactly Kenny Williams territory, but not great either. I'm not saying he's bad, I think he's good, but the results tell a slightly different story.

The two championships relied heavily on Manny, Ortiz, Damon, Beckett, Schilling, Youkliss, and others that were not home grown. They've brought up some of their own, no doubt, but I think Epstein's strength is in FA evaluation.

Theo's draft picks are just now shining w/ the Red Sox and teams that they've been traded to in recent years: Pedroia, Papelbon, Ellsbury, Buchholz, Masterson, etc. He might be better at FA evaluation, but he's no slouch at drafting either.

And Youk was home grown, just drafted before Theo got there.

DaFamousPurpleSuit · Jun 4, 2012, 10:15 AM

I think the fact that today the Red Sox system is rated #18 is partially due to the fact they traded a lot away for Adrian Gonzoles. If you look at what they have up right now, Ellsbury and Pedroia were home grown. Bard, Bucholz and Lester were all home grown.

dansaint · Jun 4, 2012, 11:14 AM

and don't forget Middlebrooks who looks like the real deal at 3B and is making the Sox think about dealing Youk

Here's a new draft by Baseball America. The best with college and high school scouting:

http://ht.ly/blw0B

IlliniSteve · Jun 4, 2012, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IntenselyOrange

Keith Law ranks the Red Sox system 18th. Not exactly Kenny Williams territory, but not great either. I'm not saying he's bad, I think he's good, but the results tell a slightly different story.

The two championships relied heavily on Manny, Ortiz, Damon, Beckett, Schilling, Youkliss, and others that were not home grown. They've brought up some of their own, no doubt, but I think Epstein's strength is in FA evaluation.

You should take a look at what Jed Hoyer did to San Diego's system in his short time there...

Theo's developed plenty of useful homegrown players as already stated.

IlliniSteve · Jun 4, 2012, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AHSIllini32

Also, the Cubs have Tim Wilken who was ranked by his peers as one of, if not the, best scouting/draft man in the league.

Yeah I'm pretty sure he was ranked #1 by his peers. Our draft last year was great, we need a couple more like that and we'll be good.

It's going to be interesting to see how much the new CBA rules effect our drafting. There won't be any more Dillon Maples type picks this year, which kind of sucks.

OlivetNaz · Jun 4, 2012, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IlliniSteve

Yeah I'm pretty sure he was ranked #1 by his peers. Our draft last year was great, we need a couple more like that and we'll be good.

It's going to be interesting to see how much the new CBA rules effect our drafting. There won't be any more Dillon Maples type picks this year, which kind of sucks.

As long as last year's/this year's draft doesn't bust like the one in 2002 (in which 6 top 100 picks never made an impact for the Cubs), I'll be happy.

As far as the new CBA rules, I like them. It's in the best interest of baseball as a whole to have parity across all 30 teams. The NFL has this to a great extent with their salary cap - some 27 or 28 NFL teams have all been playoff teams in the past 4 years, I think. However, for clubs like Pittsburgh and Kansas City that can't (or won't) spend the kind of money needed to get players like Pujols from the FA market, the draft is their only hope. This levels the playing field a bit more so that certain high profile picks won't sit out a year because they don't like the deal.

IntenselyOrange · Jun 4, 2012, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KBLEE

Theo's draft picks are just now shining w/ the Red Sox and teams that they've been traded to in recent years: Pedroia, Papelbon, Ellsbury, Buchholz, Masterson, etc. He might be better at FA evaluation, but he's no slouch at drafting either.

And Youk was home grown, just drafted before Theo got there.

Fair enough. I like Pedroia but am not enamored with the rest.

Listen Cubs fans, I'm not ripping your GM - I'm simply stating that I'm not sure this week is his strength. And I'd trade my GM, Paul Konerko and half my team to get him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IlliniSteve

You should take a look at what Jed Hoyer did to San Diego's system in his short time there...

Theo's developed plenty of useful homegrown players as already stated.

Hoyer is awesome. What he did in San Diego was amazing.

IntenselyOrange · Jun 4, 2012, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OlivetNaz

As long as last year's/this year's draft doesn't bust like the one in 2002 (in which 6 top 100 picks never made an impact for the Cubs), I'll be happy.

As far as the new CBA rules, I like them. It's in the best interest of baseball as a whole to have parity across all 30 teams. The NFL has this to a great extent with their salary cap - some 27 or 28 NFL teams have all been playoff teams in the past 4 years, I think. However, for clubs like Pittsburgh and Kansas City that can't (or won't) spend the kind of money needed to get players like Pujols from the FA market, the draft is their only hope. This levels the playing field a bit more so that certain high profile picks won't sit out a year because they don't like the deal.

Tampa Bay says hello.

Only 4-7 teams can survive long term without drafting and developing - Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers, Phillies and possibly the Angels and Mets. The rest of the teams all need the draft and more importantly, they need smart people developing their players.

KBLEE · Jun 4, 2012, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IntenselyOrange

Fair enough. I like Pedroia but am not enamored with the rest.

Jacoby Ellsbury? He is currently injured, but he hit .321 w/ 32 HR and 105 RBI last year. The Cubs would kill to have him roaming the OF at Wrigley.

Jonathan Papelbon? 234-263 in save opportunities for his career (89%) and 15-15 this season.

dansaint · Jun 4, 2012, 05:00 PM

watching the predraft show and they did an in depth with Albert Almora, a HS OF from Florida (and rumored to be going to the Cubs at #6). Very touching. Kind of had a tear in my eye. Talking about winning the PanAm medal in Columbia and then coming home to find out his grandmother and grandfather died while he as gone. He buried his gold medal with his grandfather.

dansaint · Jun 4, 2012, 05:37 PM

1. Astros: SS Carlos Correa-Puerto Rico
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?co...13154&c_id=mlb
High school middle infielders who have the tools to stay at shortstop long term aren't always easy to find. That's a big reason why Correa is so high on Draft lists at this point.Defensively, Correa is above average across the board -- range, arm and actions -- leaving no question about his ability to stay at short. He can swing the bat, too, with the potential to be an above-average hitter with outstanding power. He's a solid baserunner who is better underway and has off-the-charts work ethic and baseball instincts.Correa's swing can get a little long at times and he will occasionally get out of his game plan at the plate. But that's just nitpicking and the only thing that could keep Correa from being the highest draftee from the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy is his commitment to Miami.

2. Twins: OF Byron Buxton-Georgia High School
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?co...13154&c_id=mlb
There may not have been another player who helped his stock more over the summer than Buxton, the toolsy Georgia high school outfielder. Buxton performed well at a variety of showcases, particularly the East Coast Showcase, to put him firmly at the top of many prospect lists.Buxton's best present tool is his speed, which is plus, and should serve him very well both as a basestealer and an outfielder. He's not just a runner, though, showing some ability with the bat. He's got a line-drive stroke with gap power right now. The ball can jump off his bat at times. Defensively, he has the chance to be above-average across the board.Buxton is still more tools than polish, but the more he plays, the better he gets and many teams will gladly bring him into the fold and allow him to develop into an impact-type player.

3. Mariners: C Mike Zunino-University of Florida
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?co...13154&c_id=mlb
Zunino is no stranger to the Draft, taken out of the Florida high school ranks three years ago. His father, Greg, was a 1981 draft pick who played for two seasons in the Yankees system and has been a scout for the past quarter-century.Zunino is the best catcher in this Draft class and he has the potential to be a very good everyday big league backstop. While he does have a bit of a long swing and can struggle with offspeed stuff at times, he has bat speed and loft, meaning he should have plenty of future power. With some more consistency with his swing, he could be a middle of the order bat. Behind the plate, he's a natural leader who can run a pitching staff. Zunino has a very good and accurate arm, good hands and agility, giving him a a package of plus catch and throw skills.Zunino's dad currently scouts for the Cincinnati Reds. They have the 14th pick in the 2012 Draft and it's looking very unlikely the team will have the chance to unite father and son in one organization.

4. Orioles: P Kevin Gausman-LSU
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?co...13154&c_id=mlb
Coming out of Colorado as a high schooler, scouts liked Gausman's arm strength but an inconsistent spring and signability issues caused a slide until the sixth round, where Gausman reportedly turned down an above-slot offer from the Dodgers. Now he's back just two years later as a Draft-eligible sophomore.Gausman still has the electric stuff, this time with a little more polish. He'll run his fastball up to 94 mph and he's still projectable given there's plenty of room on his frame to add strength. The heater has plenty of life to it and gets on hitters quickly thanks to a loose and easy delivery. His breaking ball has the chance to be an average offering and he now throws a changeup that fades and sinks and could be an above-average pitch.The right-hander still struggles a bit with command, particularly with his breaking pitch and the delivery on his changeup doesn't always work. But with his size, mound presence and arm, he has all the makings of a frontline starter, one who shouldn't stay on Draft boards for very long if he has a productive sophomore season.

5. Royals: P Kyle Zimmer-University of San Francisco
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?co...13154&c_id=mlb
The University of San Francisco has had a fair share of pitching taken highly in the Draft in recent years, with Aaron Poreda (No. 25, 2008) standing out. Zimmer has the chance to potentially beat Poreda with a strong spring.Zimmer has the makings of four pitches that could be at least Major League average. Any talk about the strong, durable right-hander has to begin with his plus fastball that he can run up to 97 mph. He maintains velocity deep into his starts and he has pretty good run and sink to it. His curve is a power breaking pitch, one that could be an out pitch at the next level. He also throws a slider that's very effective when he throws it right. Zimmer doesn't throw his changeup much, but he does have one and it looks like it can be deceptive with sink if he starts throwing it more consistently. He is a very consistent strike thrower.Zimmer will pitch all year at age 20. With his size, stuff and pitchability, there's little question decision-makers will be flocking to Northern California to get multiple looks at him.

MikeThomas4Prez · Jun 4, 2012, 05:40 PM

Hoping the Cards can pick up Addison Russell. SS has been a virtual black hole for us. Virtually nothing in the minors and Furcal is almost done. Would be nice to have a guy that we could put there consistently years down the road.

dansaint · Jun 4, 2012, 05:47 PM

Russell or Checcini for SS would be fine with me. also would like to see Clint Coulter in the sandwich rounds. A Catcher with big power potential. A Mike Napoli comparison with better defensive tools and a laser arm.

dansaint · Jun 4, 2012, 05:48 PM

6. Cubs- OF Albert Almora-Florida High School
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?co...13154&c_id=mlb
Almora has played for USA Baseball as much as any player in history. He's played in big situations and shown natural leadership abilities over the years.He's also got many tools to get excited about. He should be an above-avearge hitter at the next level, with an ability to drive the ball to all fields. He'll have above-average power as well and shows it in games now, especially to the pull side. He's a solid average runner and knows what to do on the basepaths. Defensively, he's a plus center fielder with excellent arm strength and range.All of his tools play up because of his plus makeup and work ethic. That combination should have plenty of teams in the first round taking a long look at him

From now on I'll just post teams of local interest. So Cubs, Cards, White Sox.

dansaint · Jun 4, 2012, 06:20 PM

dang. Oakland took Addison Russell at #11. He's a guy I really wanted for the Cards. And the other SS i wanted...Gavin Checcini goes to the Mets at 12

dansaint · Jun 4, 2012, 06:34 PM

#13-White Sox: OF Courtney Hawkins-Texas High School
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?co...13154&c_id=mlb
The Texas high school product was shooting up draft boards as the 2012 spring season began, thanks to a very successful summer. While he pitches and will touch 90 mph, his future is in the outfield. He has some swing-and-miss to his game, but he does have power. He has shown the ability to hit any fastball and can show pop to all fields, though he needs to improve his approach at the plate, where his over-aggressiveness leads to those misses. An average to a tick-above-average runner, he'll play center field for his high school team, but with his size, strength, power profile and at-least-average arm, the University of Texas commit profiles best as a corner outfielder in the future.

MikeThomas4Prez · Jun 4, 2012, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dansaint

dang. Oakland took Addison Russell at #11. He's a guy I really wanted for the Cards. And the other SS i wanted...Gavin Checcini goes to the Mets at 12

What about Marrero out of Ariz St? I dont know much about him.

dansaint · Jun 4, 2012, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeThomas4Prez

What about Marrero out of Ariz St? I dont know much about him.

Great glove....really not sure about his bat. And the Cards already have a guy like that in Ryan Jackson.

dansaint · Jun 4, 2012, 07:11 PM

19- Cardinals: P Michael Wacha-P Texas A&M
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?co...13154&c_id=mlb
Wacha jumped on the prospect map very early into his Aggies career and while he's still the top college arm in Texas, he's not quite as high profile now as people thought he might be after the start of his college career.Wacha reminds some of Jon Garland because of his size. He has a live, quick arm that can produce a fastball up to 94 mph, sitting comfortably in the 92-93 mph range. There might be more there, pointing to a future plus fastball. He can spin a curve, though some think he'd be better off throwing a slider at the next level. He doesn't throw a changeup much, but it could be an average offering. He can throw his pitches for strikes and goes right after hitters.Even if he's not the elite college arm some thought he would be, he still has the chance to be a big, durable big league starter. And those don't grow on trees.

dansaint · Jun 4, 2012, 07:33 PM

23-Cardinals: Of James Ramsey-Florida State
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?co...13154&c_id=mlb
With the new Draft rules in place this year, many feel college seniors will get drafted early as teams find ways to be economically responsible. Ramsey could be the first such senior to test that theory. While power isn't a part of the outfielder's game, Ramsey does make consistent contact, spraying the ball all over the field. The left-handed hitter uses his plus speed well, on the move as he swings a la Ichiro, and not afraid to steal a base. His speed plays well in the outfield, as does his solid arm and outstanding instincts. What his ultimate role is at the big league level remains to be seen, but as a college hitter who's performed well, Ramsey is one college senior who should come off the board pretty quickly.

Jun 4, 2012, 05:37 PM	#16
dansaint Location: Middletown, IL Posts: 850	1. Astros: SS Carlos Correa-Puerto Rico http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?co...13154&c_id=mlb High school middle infielders who have the tools to stay at shortstop long term aren't always easy to find. That's a big reason why Correa is so high on Draft lists at this point.Defensively, Correa is above average across the board -- range, arm and actions -- leaving no question about his ability to stay at short. He can swing the bat, too, with the potential to be an above-average hitter with outstanding power. He's a solid baserunner who is better underway and has off-the-charts work ethic and baseball instincts.Correa's swing can get a little long at times and he will occasionally get out of his game plan at the plate. But that's just nitpicking and the only thing that could keep Correa from being the highest draftee from the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy is his commitment to Miami. 2. Twins: OF Byron Buxton-Georgia High School http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?co...13154&c_id=mlb There may not have been another player who helped his stock more over the summer than Buxton, the toolsy Georgia high school outfielder. Buxton performed well at a variety of showcases, particularly the East Coast Showcase, to put him firmly at the top of many prospect lists.Buxton's best present tool is his speed, which is plus, and should serve him very well both as a basestealer and an outfielder. He's not just a runner, though, showing some ability with the bat. He's got a line-drive stroke with gap power right now. The ball can jump off his bat at times. Defensively, he has the chance to be above-average across the board.Buxton is still more tools than polish, but the more he plays, the better he gets and many teams will gladly bring him into the fold and allow him to develop into an impact-type player. 3. Mariners: C Mike Zunino-University of Florida http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?co...13154&c_id=mlb Zunino is no stranger to the Draft, taken out of the Florida high school ranks three years ago. His father, Greg, was a 1981 draft pick who played for two seasons in the Yankees system and has been a scout for the past quarter-century.Zunino is the best catcher in this Draft class and he has the potential to be a very good everyday big league backstop. While he does have a bit of a long swing and can struggle with offspeed stuff at times, he has bat speed and loft, meaning he should have plenty of future power. With some more consistency with his swing, he could be a middle of the order bat. Behind the plate, he's a natural leader who can run a pitching staff. Zunino has a very good and accurate arm, good hands and agility, giving him a a package of plus catch and throw skills.Zunino's dad currently scouts for the Cincinnati Reds. They have the 14th pick in the 2012 Draft and it's looking very unlikely the team will have the chance to unite father and son in one organization. 4. Orioles: P Kevin Gausman-LSU http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?co...13154&c_id=mlb Coming out of Colorado as a high schooler, scouts liked Gausman's arm strength but an inconsistent spring and signability issues caused a slide until the sixth round, where Gausman reportedly turned down an above-slot offer from the Dodgers. Now he's back just two years later as a Draft-eligible sophomore.Gausman still has the electric stuff, this time with a little more polish. He'll run his fastball up to 94 mph and he's still projectable given there's plenty of room on his frame to add strength. The heater has plenty of life to it and gets on hitters quickly thanks to a loose and easy delivery. His breaking ball has the chance to be an average offering and he now throws a changeup that fades and sinks and could be an above-average pitch.The right-hander still struggles a bit with command, particularly with his breaking pitch and the delivery on his changeup doesn't always work. But with his size, mound presence and arm, he has all the makings of a frontline starter, one who shouldn't stay on Draft boards for very long if he has a productive sophomore season. 5. Royals: P Kyle Zimmer-University of San Francisco http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?co...13154&c_id=mlb The University of San Francisco has had a fair share of pitching taken highly in the Draft in recent years, with Aaron Poreda (No. 25, 2008) standing out. Zimmer has the chance to potentially beat Poreda with a strong spring.Zimmer has the makings of four pitches that could be at least Major League average. Any talk about the strong, durable right-hander has to begin with his plus fastball that he can run up to 97 mph. He maintains velocity deep into his starts and he has pretty good run and sink to it. His curve is a power breaking pitch, one that could be an out pitch at the next level. He also throws a slider that's very effective when he throws it right. Zimmer doesn't throw his changeup much, but he does have one and it looks like it can be deceptive with sink if he starts throwing it more consistently. He is a very consistent strike thrower.Zimmer will pitch all year at age 20. With his size, stuff and pitchability, there's little question decision-makers will be flocking to Northern California to get multiple looks at him. Last edited by dansaint; Jun 4, 2012 at 05:43 PM.

Jun 4, 2012, 05:48 PM	#19
dansaint Location: Middletown, IL Posts: 850	6. Cubs- OF Albert Almora-Florida High School http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?co...13154&c_id=mlb Almora has played for USA Baseball as much as any player in history. He's played in big situations and shown natural leadership abilities over the years.He's also got many tools to get excited about. He should be an above-avearge hitter at the next level, with an ability to drive the ball to all fields. He'll have above-average power as well and shows it in games now, especially to the pull side. He's a solid average runner and knows what to do on the basepaths. Defensively, he's a plus center fielder with excellent arm strength and range.All of his tools play up because of his plus makeup and work ethic. That combination should have plenty of teams in the first round taking a long look at him From now on I'll just post teams of local interest. So Cubs, Cards, White Sox. Last edited by dansaint; Jun 4, 2012 at 05:56 PM.

Jun 4, 2012, 06:20 PM	#20
dansaint Location: Middletown, IL Posts: 850	dang. Oakland took Addison Russell at #11. He's a guy I really wanted for the Cards. And the other SS i wanted...Gavin Checcini goes to the Mets at 12 Last edited by dansaint; Jun 4, 2012 at 06:26 PM.

Jun 3, 2012, 11:59 PM	#1
dansaint Location: Middletown, IL Posts: 850	I doubt this will be highly viewed but since the draft starts tonight (6:00 on MLB Network and also on MLB.com)...thought I would start this thread. Here's a recent mock draft: http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/...mlb-mock-draft 6) Chicago Cubs: Mike Zunino, C, Florida This is tough. Correa could slip to them and they would likely take him if he is there but I think Jed and company would take the solid Zunino if he is there. 19) St. Louis Cardinals: D.J. Davis, OF, Mississippi HS Davis is flying up draft boards and I wouldn't be surprised to see the Cards take him here. 23) St. Louis Cardinals: Ty Hensley, P, Oklahoma HS One of the better prep arms would be a good addition to the Cards system

Jun 4, 2012, 09:23 AM	#2
IlliniSteve Posts: 5,905	Cubs really like Albert Almora, HS outfielder. Drawing projections to Shane Victorino. If Carlos Correa is there I'd definitely like to see us grab him. They have picks at 43, 56 and 67 after their 1st pick and I'd imagine at least two of those will be pitchers. Very excited about the draft, Theo's crew are some of the best in the business when it comes to drafting. Extremely crucial couple of days for those guys.

Jun 4, 2012, 10:15 AM	#7
DaFamousPurpleSuit Location: Frederick, MD Posts: 123	I think the fact that today the Red Sox system is rated #18 is partially due to the fact they traded a lot away for Adrian Gonzoles. If you look at what they have up right now, Ellsbury and Pedroia were home grown. Bard, Bucholz and Lester were all home grown.

Jun 4, 2012, 11:14 AM	#8
dansaint Location: Middletown, IL Posts: 850	and don't forget Middlebrooks who looks like the real deal at 3B and is making the Sox think about dealing Youk Here's a new draft by Baseball America. The best with college and high school scouting: http://ht.ly/blw0B

Jun 4, 2012, 05:00 PM	#15
dansaint Location: Middletown, IL Posts: 850	watching the predraft show and they did an in depth with Albert Almora, a HS OF from Florida (and rumored to be going to the Cubs at #6). Very touching. Kind of had a tear in my eye. Talking about winning the PanAm medal in Columbia and then coming home to find out his grandmother and grandfather died while he as gone. He buried his gold medal with his grandfather.

Jun 4, 2012, 05:40 PM	#17
MikeThomas4Prez Location: Central Illinois Posts: 719	Hoping the Cards can pick up Addison Russell. SS has been a virtual black hole for us. Virtually nothing in the minors and Furcal is almost done. Would be nice to have a guy that we could put there consistently years down the road.

Jun 4, 2012, 05:47 PM	#18
dansaint Location: Middletown, IL Posts: 850	Russell or Checcini for SS would be fine with me. also would like to see Clint Coulter in the sandwich rounds. A Catcher with big power potential. A Mike Napoli comparison with better defensive tools and a laser arm.

Jun 4, 2012, 06:34 PM	#21
dansaint Location: Middletown, IL Posts: 850	#13-White Sox: OF Courtney Hawkins-Texas High School http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?co...13154&c_id=mlb The Texas high school product was shooting up draft boards as the 2012 spring season began, thanks to a very successful summer. While he pitches and will touch 90 mph, his future is in the outfield. He has some swing-and-miss to his game, but he does have power. He has shown the ability to hit any fastball and can show pop to all fields, though he needs to improve his approach at the plate, where his over-aggressiveness leads to those misses. An average to a tick-above-average runner, he'll play center field for his high school team, but with his size, strength, power profile and at-least-average arm, the University of Texas commit profiles best as a corner outfielder in the future.

Jun 4, 2012, 07:11 PM	#24
dansaint Location: Middletown, IL Posts: 850	19- Cardinals: P Michael Wacha-P Texas A&M http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?co...13154&c_id=mlb Wacha jumped on the prospect map very early into his Aggies career and while he's still the top college arm in Texas, he's not quite as high profile now as people thought he might be after the start of his college career.Wacha reminds some of Jon Garland because of his size. He has a live, quick arm that can produce a fastball up to 94 mph, sitting comfortably in the 92-93 mph range. There might be more there, pointing to a future plus fastball. He can spin a curve, though some think he'd be better off throwing a slider at the next level. He doesn't throw a changeup much, but it could be an average offering. He can throw his pitches for strikes and goes right after hitters.Even if he's not the elite college arm some thought he would be, he still has the chance to be a big, durable big league starter. And those don't grow on trees.

Jun 4, 2012, 07:33 PM	#25
dansaint Location: Middletown, IL Posts: 850	23-Cardinals: Of James Ramsey-Florida State http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?co...13154&c_id=mlb With the new Draft rules in place this year, many feel college seniors will get drafted early as teams find ways to be economically responsible. Ramsey could be the first such senior to test that theory. While power isn't a part of the outfielder's game, Ramsey does make consistent contact, spraying the ball all over the field. The left-handed hitter uses his plus speed well, on the move as he swings a la Ichiro, and not afraid to steal a base. His speed plays well in the outfield, as does his solid arm and outstanding instincts. What his ultimate role is at the big league level remains to be seen, but as a college hitter who's performed well, Ramsey is one college senior who should come off the board pretty quickly.