As the MLB world approaches for the midnight draft deadline, the Orioles will be trying to get some of their last couple picks signed and into the minors.
Not much is that hectic really for the Birds. Eight of the first 10 picks have already signed, including 1st rounder Matt Hobgood and 3rd rounder Tyler Townsend. The only two that have not signed are 2nd rounder Mychal Givens (offer withdrawn to him) and 8th rounder Devin Harris (is returning to ECU).
Among others the Orioles signed included Steven Bumbry from the 12th Round and Mike Flacco from the 31st Round.
But obviously what is happening down south may be more interesting. Whether or not 1st overall pick Stephen Strasburg will sign with the Nationals. The Nats offered him a record contract, and whatever it was (the offer is not public knowledge), Scott Boras rejected it.
The deadline doesn't bring much to the O's, but it is interesting what it might do to the Nats.
Showing posts with label MLB Draft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MLB Draft. Show all posts
Monday, August 17, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Free Kicks: Finals Edition
Hey, thanks to Windsor and Falco for their great MLB Draft coverage, and for Windsor for covering for me on the last Free Kicks. While it has little to do with our region, some attention must be paid to the NBA Finals and the surprisingly exciting Stanley Cup Finals. Let's line up for the kick...
There’s No Magic in Orlando
There is a pattern emerging with the Orlando Magic. In all of their heartbreaking losses- LeBron James’ clutch three, Big Baby Davis’ jumper, and Derek Fisher’s tying three pointer- the Magic have failed to guard the ball handler closely in the waning moments of the game. They have been lackadaisical when the game needed their resolve. Up by 5 with a little over a minute to go, they fail to hustle down the court, costing them scoring opportunities and allowing the Lakers to come back. And once it was in overtime, didn’t you just know that the Magic wouldn’t take this game? This is a team that has had so many thrilling ends to games simply because they don’t close out their opponents. Teams with inferior talent (as the Magic do to the Lakers) must take advantage of any opportunity to steal a game. Up by 12 at the half, the Magic sat back against the best team in the NBA and watch them turn the game into a dogfight. This series could easily have been 3-1 Magic, but I won’t be crying that they were jobbed. The better team has won these games because they knew how to close it out, and didn’t let up at the end of the game. I have been pulling for the Magic, but they won’t lose this series because they weren’t as good as the Lakers- they will lose it because they aren’t as mentally disciplined.
The Motor City takes on the Steel City in Game 7
I know many sports fans out there have had excuses for not watching the Stanley Cup Finals- the NBA Finals have conflicted with them, there is no Baltimore-area team in the finals, and well, people just don’t care about hockey. However, a Game 7 is always special in hockey. You can see more evidently than any other sport when the energy is ratcheted up, when the hits are harder, and when players are laying themselves out on the ice to make a play. Besides, do you really want Pittsburgh to take home another title at the expense of a city that has seen more than its share of hardship (even athletically, comparing the Super Bowl Champion Steelers and 0-16 Lions). As far as the game itself is concerned, the Red Wings and Penguins are both battered, but the Red Wings are older and more injured at this point in the season. They have been told for over a month that they are on their last legs, that the Penguins are on a roll- a team of destiny after going 15-2-3 towards the tail end of the season to go from out of the playoffs to the #4 seed in the East.
However, as far as the game is concerned, the Red Wings have two key advantages. They don’t look tired at home, where they last won 5-0 and have one of the wildest crowds in the NHL. They are also the more experienced team. Going down 2-0 in the 3rd period to the Penguins, Detroit didn’t get down and their coach didn’t panic. After scoring to make the game 2-1, the Wings nearly scored twice in the last 2 minutes to tie the game. They didn’t, but they also didn’t make unwise decisions or start throwing bodies all over the ice. These players know how to handle themselves in the playoffs. While the Penguins did beat the Ovechkin-led Capitals at Washington in a Game 7 on their way to the Finals, the Red Wings have a much better supporting cast than Washington did. In fact, they are a supporting cast; not led by the singular superstars that can go hot or cold at a moment’s notice. I trust teams, not superstars- give me the Red Wings to repeat.
There’s Something Unique about Baseball
Only in the MLB Draft do you see such camaraderie, such personal and familial ties when it comes to drafting players. It seems that all the sons, brothers, and friends of current and former greats find their way to that very same team. Two years ago Eric Perlozzo, son of former Oriole Manager Sam Perlozzo was selected in the 35th round of the draft by Baltimore. This season, the 12th round saw the selection of Steve Bumbry, son of Orioles legend Al Bumbry. The Virginia Tech grad doesn’t have the numbers of his father and will likely never make his way to the major league roster, but it is intriguing the way that baseball teams are so eager to hold onto their roots, even through generations.
It isn’t just the historic bonds that tie certain families to certain players. The selection of Joe Flacco’s brother, Mike Flacco, in the 31st round speaks to the regional and local bonds that make baseball towns so special. Football teams, basketball teams and the like may have a slight public relations pressure to sign the local kid, but only in baseball are there enough rounds and enough picks to sign players almost solely for that reason. It strengthens the family that forms around the team, and harkens back to the roots of the sport that made it such a locally oriented team and experience. Perhaps I am too nostalgic, but perhaps sports could use a bit more nostalgia.
There is a pattern emerging with the Orlando Magic. In all of their heartbreaking losses- LeBron James’ clutch three, Big Baby Davis’ jumper, and Derek Fisher’s tying three pointer- the Magic have failed to guard the ball handler closely in the waning moments of the game. They have been lackadaisical when the game needed their resolve. Up by 5 with a little over a minute to go, they fail to hustle down the court, costing them scoring opportunities and allowing the Lakers to come back. And once it was in overtime, didn’t you just know that the Magic wouldn’t take this game? This is a team that has had so many thrilling ends to games simply because they don’t close out their opponents. Teams with inferior talent (as the Magic do to the Lakers) must take advantage of any opportunity to steal a game. Up by 12 at the half, the Magic sat back against the best team in the NBA and watch them turn the game into a dogfight. This series could easily have been 3-1 Magic, but I won’t be crying that they were jobbed. The better team has won these games because they knew how to close it out, and didn’t let up at the end of the game. I have been pulling for the Magic, but they won’t lose this series because they weren’t as good as the Lakers- they will lose it because they aren’t as mentally disciplined.
The Motor City takes on the Steel City in Game 7I know many sports fans out there have had excuses for not watching the Stanley Cup Finals- the NBA Finals have conflicted with them, there is no Baltimore-area team in the finals, and well, people just don’t care about hockey. However, a Game 7 is always special in hockey. You can see more evidently than any other sport when the energy is ratcheted up, when the hits are harder, and when players are laying themselves out on the ice to make a play. Besides, do you really want Pittsburgh to take home another title at the expense of a city that has seen more than its share of hardship (even athletically, comparing the Super Bowl Champion Steelers and 0-16 Lions). As far as the game itself is concerned, the Red Wings and Penguins are both battered, but the Red Wings are older and more injured at this point in the season. They have been told for over a month that they are on their last legs, that the Penguins are on a roll- a team of destiny after going 15-2-3 towards the tail end of the season to go from out of the playoffs to the #4 seed in the East.
However, as far as the game is concerned, the Red Wings have two key advantages. They don’t look tired at home, where they last won 5-0 and have one of the wildest crowds in the NHL. They are also the more experienced team. Going down 2-0 in the 3rd period to the Penguins, Detroit didn’t get down and their coach didn’t panic. After scoring to make the game 2-1, the Wings nearly scored twice in the last 2 minutes to tie the game. They didn’t, but they also didn’t make unwise decisions or start throwing bodies all over the ice. These players know how to handle themselves in the playoffs. While the Penguins did beat the Ovechkin-led Capitals at Washington in a Game 7 on their way to the Finals, the Red Wings have a much better supporting cast than Washington did. In fact, they are a supporting cast; not led by the singular superstars that can go hot or cold at a moment’s notice. I trust teams, not superstars- give me the Red Wings to repeat.
There’s Something Unique about Baseball
Only in the MLB Draft do you see such camaraderie, such personal and familial ties when it comes to drafting players. It seems that all the sons, brothers, and friends of current and former greats find their way to that very same team. Two years ago Eric Perlozzo, son of former Oriole Manager Sam Perlozzo was selected in the 35th round of the draft by Baltimore. This season, the 12th round saw the selection of Steve Bumbry, son of Orioles legend Al Bumbry. The Virginia Tech grad doesn’t have the numbers of his father and will likely never make his way to the major league roster, but it is intriguing the way that baseball teams are so eager to hold onto their roots, even through generations.
It isn’t just the historic bonds that tie certain families to certain players. The selection of Joe Flacco’s brother, Mike Flacco, in the 31st round speaks to the regional and local bonds that make baseball towns so special. Football teams, basketball teams and the like may have a slight public relations pressure to sign the local kid, but only in baseball are there enough rounds and enough picks to sign players almost solely for that reason. It strengthens the family that forms around the team, and harkens back to the roots of the sport that made it such a locally oriented team and experience. Perhaps I am too nostalgic, but perhaps sports could use a bit more nostalgia.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Recapping the First Three Rounds
Well, it was a heck of a night for Orioles fans, with excitement both on and off the diamond. Before I get to offering my take on the first three picks by the Orioles in last night's draft, I do want to take a moment to comment on what was really the most encouraging thing about last night's game.
The Orioles had lost five games in a row, and it was not their veteran stars who pulled them out of it but their youth, with Nolan Reimold knocking in two runs and Bergesen pitching eight shutout innings in a 3-1 win over the Seattle Mariners. If you look at guys like Nolan Reimold and Brad Bergesen, they represent the hope that Orioles fans can have for the future in that not only are they rookies performing well, but they are not even considered the best young prospects this organization has. Nolan Reimold was an afterthought heading into this season, and Bergesen was a relative unknown across baseball. Nevertheless both have exploded onto the map, with Reimold leading all rookies in home runs and RBIs and Brad Bergesen settling into the surgical efficiency with which he pitched in the minors last season. Both players are looking like early contenders for AL Rookie of the Year, and both were drafted and brought up through this group by Joe Jordan and his staff. I profiled both of these players last season as prospects, and while I expected some success I'll be honest I did not see this immediate impact coming.
The success of these rookies in last night's game should give fans immense confidence in Joe Jordan and the scouts for this organization. Reimold and Bergesen are the first Jordan-drafted players to come to the majors, and based on recent successes (Billy Rowell aside) in the lower levels as well it is becoming apparent that he has earned the benefit of the doubt in the draft process. I'll have more of my thoughts on this year's rookie class in a later post, but I feel that in this draft time it's important to address the brains behind the picks. Now, onto the selections.
Round 1, Pick 5 -- Matthew Hobgood, RHP, Norco HS (CA)
A good number of people didn't like this selection, but I'll be honest I'm very happy with it. Falco did a good job profiling the young man yesterday, who wasn't even on the radar initially. But in examining the list of options out there I do believe that the O's made the correct selection in choosing the big right hander. He is a late riser, true, and oftentimes that can increase the bust factor significantly. This is a philosophy I hold very true in football, but I believe that the draft is a completely different animal in baseball and that Hobgood is deserving of his late rise. Not only does he have an ideal build for a workhorse pitcher, but he has the right mentality. Unlike other young phenoms, he has had to deal with hardship in his own life and takes a very aggressive blue-collar attitude to pitching. That sort of bulldog mentality is exactly what you want of a young pitcher who has great raw stuff with somewhat spotty command. Over time his command can be improved, and his below average changeup is a pitch that can be developed over time. What you can't teach -- the arm strength, the devastating curve ball, the mental makeup, the natural build -- is what this guy has in spades. Joe Jordan scouted this player heavily and took time in the decision, and I believe he made the right one.
Round 2, Pick 54 -- Mychal Givens, RHP/SS, H B Plant HS (Tampa, FL)
The Orioles again went to a young high schooler, this time going for a two-way player in Mychal Givens. The organization, based on Joe Jordan's comments to Roch Kubatko of MASN, seems to view Givens as a shortstop which certainly increases his value to the club. Standing at 6'1" and 190 pounds, Givens seems to fit better on the infield than on the mound, and although he has a high 90's fastball I believe that the right decision is being made by moving him to the infield. Not only do the Orioles desperately need infield help in their farm system, but Baseball America does have him listed as the third best shortstop in this year's draft. His rocket arm certainly increases his ceiling overall, and could end up with one of the superior arms across the majors from the shortstop position, not to mention his plus speed. He was known as an excellent defender in high school and does have the frame to potentially develop more power.
There is always heavy risk when drafting a high school position player, as there is immense guess work on where their body will mature and whether or not they can make adjustments to superior pitching. There are certainly a number of risks with this pick, but for the second round it's hard to find player with this high of ceiling so I think that fans should be more than happy with this pick. As with Hobgood, the Orioles see no need to draft a player who would be expected to contribute in the very near future. With the young talent coming along in the upper levels, there is no reason for impatience. Roch Kubatko posted a YouTube of Givens which can be found here.
Round 3, Pick 85 -- Tyler Townsend, 1B/OF, Florida International University
The Orioles went back to the college ranks for their third round pick, selecting the 6'3" power hitter from FIU. Unlike the previous two picks, Townsend not only fills a need but also looks to be able to contriubute sometime in the next few years. He batted well over .400 with 24 home runs this past season and was named an All-American. Best of all it seems is that the Delaware native is ecstatic about joining this particular organization, which is key not only for signing purposes but for clubhouse presence down the line. Though Townsend did play primarily in the outfield, there is little doubt that the Orioles will place him at first base and are looking for him to provide much needed help at that position. As it stands right now, the only legitimate prospect at the position is Brandon Snyder (and maybe Brandon Waring, though I'm not sold) and thus the organization could certainly use his bat in the near future. As of right now I don't have much information on this left-handed hitter, but seeing as he is expected to be in Aberdeen later this summer, I smell a Prospect Report coming on.
The Orioles had lost five games in a row, and it was not their veteran stars who pulled them out of it but their youth, with Nolan Reimold knocking in two runs and Bergesen pitching eight shutout innings in a 3-1 win over the Seattle Mariners. If you look at guys like Nolan Reimold and Brad Bergesen, they represent the hope that Orioles fans can have for the future in that not only are they rookies performing well, but they are not even considered the best young prospects this organization has. Nolan Reimold was an afterthought heading into this season, and Bergesen was a relative unknown across baseball. Nevertheless both have exploded onto the map, with Reimold leading all rookies in home runs and RBIs and Brad Bergesen settling into the surgical efficiency with which he pitched in the minors last season. Both players are looking like early contenders for AL Rookie of the Year, and both were drafted and brought up through this group by Joe Jordan and his staff. I profiled both of these players last season as prospects, and while I expected some success I'll be honest I did not see this immediate impact coming.
The success of these rookies in last night's game should give fans immense confidence in Joe Jordan and the scouts for this organization. Reimold and Bergesen are the first Jordan-drafted players to come to the majors, and based on recent successes (Billy Rowell aside) in the lower levels as well it is becoming apparent that he has earned the benefit of the doubt in the draft process. I'll have more of my thoughts on this year's rookie class in a later post, but I feel that in this draft time it's important to address the brains behind the picks. Now, onto the selections.
Round 1, Pick 5 -- Matthew Hobgood, RHP, Norco HS (CA)
A good number of people didn't like this selection, but I'll be honest I'm very happy with it. Falco did a good job profiling the young man yesterday, who wasn't even on the radar initially. But in examining the list of options out there I do believe that the O's made the correct selection in choosing the big right hander. He is a late riser, true, and oftentimes that can increase the bust factor significantly. This is a philosophy I hold very true in football, but I believe that the draft is a completely different animal in baseball and that Hobgood is deserving of his late rise. Not only does he have an ideal build for a workhorse pitcher, but he has the right mentality. Unlike other young phenoms, he has had to deal with hardship in his own life and takes a very aggressive blue-collar attitude to pitching. That sort of bulldog mentality is exactly what you want of a young pitcher who has great raw stuff with somewhat spotty command. Over time his command can be improved, and his below average changeup is a pitch that can be developed over time. What you can't teach -- the arm strength, the devastating curve ball, the mental makeup, the natural build -- is what this guy has in spades. Joe Jordan scouted this player heavily and took time in the decision, and I believe he made the right one.
Round 2, Pick 54 -- Mychal Givens, RHP/SS, H B Plant HS (Tampa, FL)
The Orioles again went to a young high schooler, this time going for a two-way player in Mychal Givens. The organization, based on Joe Jordan's comments to Roch Kubatko of MASN, seems to view Givens as a shortstop which certainly increases his value to the club. Standing at 6'1" and 190 pounds, Givens seems to fit better on the infield than on the mound, and although he has a high 90's fastball I believe that the right decision is being made by moving him to the infield. Not only do the Orioles desperately need infield help in their farm system, but Baseball America does have him listed as the third best shortstop in this year's draft. His rocket arm certainly increases his ceiling overall, and could end up with one of the superior arms across the majors from the shortstop position, not to mention his plus speed. He was known as an excellent defender in high school and does have the frame to potentially develop more power.
There is always heavy risk when drafting a high school position player, as there is immense guess work on where their body will mature and whether or not they can make adjustments to superior pitching. There are certainly a number of risks with this pick, but for the second round it's hard to find player with this high of ceiling so I think that fans should be more than happy with this pick. As with Hobgood, the Orioles see no need to draft a player who would be expected to contribute in the very near future. With the young talent coming along in the upper levels, there is no reason for impatience. Roch Kubatko posted a YouTube of Givens which can be found here.
Round 3, Pick 85 -- Tyler Townsend, 1B/OF, Florida International University
The Orioles went back to the college ranks for their third round pick, selecting the 6'3" power hitter from FIU. Unlike the previous two picks, Townsend not only fills a need but also looks to be able to contriubute sometime in the next few years. He batted well over .400 with 24 home runs this past season and was named an All-American. Best of all it seems is that the Delaware native is ecstatic about joining this particular organization, which is key not only for signing purposes but for clubhouse presence down the line. Though Townsend did play primarily in the outfield, there is little doubt that the Orioles will place him at first base and are looking for him to provide much needed help at that position. As it stands right now, the only legitimate prospect at the position is Brandon Snyder (and maybe Brandon Waring, though I'm not sold) and thus the organization could certainly use his bat in the near future. As of right now I don't have much information on this left-handed hitter, but seeing as he is expected to be in Aberdeen later this summer, I smell a Prospect Report coming on.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The Orioles Select......Matt Hobgood
The Orioles have made their selection, and it is Matt Hobgood, a RHP from Norco High School. He has a good fastball and very reliable offspeed pitches with a good attitude for pitching. He has some control issues according to the MLB Scouting Report on him. Harold Reynolds of the MLB Network compared him to a Joba Chamberlain-type pitcher. He is currently committed to Cal-State Fullerton.A bit of an eyeopener, considering some had Hobgood going much lower in the first round. Some may have expected Zach Wheeler or Tyler Matzuk at this spot. But the fact is that taking a high schooler in the first round is a risk in itself, and MacPhail probably took Hobgood due to the solid offspeed pitches. A player that will likely sign instead of heading to college and one that could be a good starter some day.
Although this is not the biggest need for the team, this is a good decision. The Orioles went for a solid pitcher in a pitching heavy draft and did not reach down for a need. The farm system gets another young arm, and Hobgood will be a project. He will probably start in the rookie leagues and perhaps we will see him by the mid-2010s.
Baltimore's next pick is the 54th selection.
(Photo credit: Stan Lim, the Press Enterprise)
Eyeing the 1st Pick on the MLB Draft
Today is the first day of the MLB Draft, and also for Andy MacPhail to work. Obviously a farm system is built through the draft, but most picks are important. The Orioles have the 5th pick in the draft.
Looking over the first round draft field: This is a very pitching heavy class, primarily from high schoolers. Only a few position players have a chance to break the top 15. Steven Strasburg is expected to be taken first overall by the Nationals, but their is plenty of solid arms behind him.
Possible position targets with the 1st pick:
Starting Pitcher: A farm system never has enough starting pitching, even the Orioles. The Orioles have had mixed success looking for a starter in the first round. Getting Brian Matusz seems to be working out, but getting Adam Loewen did not. Starters can go one of two ways in the draft, you could draft a high school player as a four-five year project, or a college player expecting to play in the majors within two or three seasons.
Possible targets for starting pitcher:
--Aaron Crow, RHP, Fort Worth Cats: A power pitcher with a big fastball and a deadly sinker, Crow refused to sign with the Nationals in last year's draft. Could be a wildcard due to this, but expected to go top-10, with many believing top-5.
--Tyler Matzek, LHP, Capistrano Valley HS: A solid starter with a good fastball and reliable off-speed pitches. Obvious risk going on a high school player, but Matzek is considered by many as the top high school pitcher in the draft, and should go top-10, possibly top-5.
--Tanner Scheppers, RHP, St. Paul Saints (formerly Fresno State): A strong fastball-changeup pitcher has great potential, but is coming off shoulder problems from last year and did not sign with the Pirates last year after being drafted in the second round. A high-risk player with high reward chances, and will probably go top-15.
--Zach Wheeler, RHP, East Paulding HS: A raw talent righty with an excellent fastball and potential in other areas. A number of possible risk factors, but with time could develop as a big starter. Will go top-10 most likely.
--Ben White, RHP, North Carolina: A starter with a wide array of pitches that make him a strikeout machine. He does have control issues and can be inconsistent, but his upsides are great. Was preseason top-5, but may have fallen to 6-15 range.
First baseman or other top position player: The main weakness of the Orioles farm system is its position players, primary at the infield corners.
Targets for position players:
--Dustin Ackley, 1B/OF, North Carolina: A very consistent player with great power and contact, plus can play outfield and first baseman. However, it is very likely he will not fall to #5, but the Orioles should take him if he does.
--Donovan Tate, OF, Centerville HS: A smart player with great speed and great defensive abilities. His bat will be the focal point, as there are questions with contact and potential power. Should go in the top-10, but where exactly is a question.
Shortstop: The Orioles do not have anyone in the farm system considered a long term solution at shortstop with the possible exception of Blake Davis. A good shortstop is very hard to come by, and as Baltimore knows very well, is a very important defensive position.
Targets at shortstop:
--Grant Green, SS, USC: A quick shortstop with very good contact and can place the ball well. Not much power and will need to work on defensive skills. Pre-season was top-10, but may have fallen to the 11-15 range, so the pick may be not be worth getting Green.
Prediction:
Because Ackley will be off the board by #5, I believe the Orioles will target a pitcher and take advantage of the big arms of the draft. Also because of the success of other pitchers in the farm system, it may be worth it to target a high schooler for the long term. I believe at #5 the best player to take will be Tyler Matzek, and let him grow into the system as a project. As Andy MacPhail has said, "Grow the arms, buy the bats."
Around the Harbor Prediction- Orioles 1st Round: Tyler Matzek
Looking over the first round draft field: This is a very pitching heavy class, primarily from high schoolers. Only a few position players have a chance to break the top 15. Steven Strasburg is expected to be taken first overall by the Nationals, but their is plenty of solid arms behind him.
Possible position targets with the 1st pick:
Starting Pitcher: A farm system never has enough starting pitching, even the Orioles. The Orioles have had mixed success looking for a starter in the first round. Getting Brian Matusz seems to be working out, but getting Adam Loewen did not. Starters can go one of two ways in the draft, you could draft a high school player as a four-five year project, or a college player expecting to play in the majors within two or three seasons.
Possible targets for starting pitcher:
--Aaron Crow, RHP, Fort Worth Cats: A power pitcher with a big fastball and a deadly sinker, Crow refused to sign with the Nationals in last year's draft. Could be a wildcard due to this, but expected to go top-10, with many believing top-5.
--Tyler Matzek, LHP, Capistrano Valley HS: A solid starter with a good fastball and reliable off-speed pitches. Obvious risk going on a high school player, but Matzek is considered by many as the top high school pitcher in the draft, and should go top-10, possibly top-5.
--Tanner Scheppers, RHP, St. Paul Saints (formerly Fresno State): A strong fastball-changeup pitcher has great potential, but is coming off shoulder problems from last year and did not sign with the Pirates last year after being drafted in the second round. A high-risk player with high reward chances, and will probably go top-15.
--Zach Wheeler, RHP, East Paulding HS: A raw talent righty with an excellent fastball and potential in other areas. A number of possible risk factors, but with time could develop as a big starter. Will go top-10 most likely.
--Ben White, RHP, North Carolina: A starter with a wide array of pitches that make him a strikeout machine. He does have control issues and can be inconsistent, but his upsides are great. Was preseason top-5, but may have fallen to 6-15 range.
First baseman or other top position player: The main weakness of the Orioles farm system is its position players, primary at the infield corners.
Targets for position players:
--Dustin Ackley, 1B/OF, North Carolina: A very consistent player with great power and contact, plus can play outfield and first baseman. However, it is very likely he will not fall to #5, but the Orioles should take him if he does.
--Donovan Tate, OF, Centerville HS: A smart player with great speed and great defensive abilities. His bat will be the focal point, as there are questions with contact and potential power. Should go in the top-10, but where exactly is a question.
Shortstop: The Orioles do not have anyone in the farm system considered a long term solution at shortstop with the possible exception of Blake Davis. A good shortstop is very hard to come by, and as Baltimore knows very well, is a very important defensive position.
Targets at shortstop:
--Grant Green, SS, USC: A quick shortstop with very good contact and can place the ball well. Not much power and will need to work on defensive skills. Pre-season was top-10, but may have fallen to the 11-15 range, so the pick may be not be worth getting Green.
Prediction:
Because Ackley will be off the board by #5, I believe the Orioles will target a pitcher and take advantage of the big arms of the draft. Also because of the success of other pitchers in the farm system, it may be worth it to target a high schooler for the long term. I believe at #5 the best player to take will be Tyler Matzek, and let him grow into the system as a project. As Andy MacPhail has said, "Grow the arms, buy the bats."
Around the Harbor Prediction- Orioles 1st Round: Tyler Matzek
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