My Board.
May 26, 2010 at 1:29 pm by Capitol Avenue Club under Atlanta Braves
Not that you asked, but here’s a list of the six players that have a chance to be available at 35 in the Rule IV Draft in a few weeks. They’re listed in my order of preference. I have no idea what the Braves are going to do, BTW, and would not be at all surprised if they passed on all six of these guys.
Anyway, here goes.
Austin Wilson — Apart from Bryce Harper, Wilson is probably the toolsiest player in the draft. He can run, he can throw, and he has big time power potential. He’ll need to develop quite a bit to reach the major leagues. He’s committed to Stanford and hasn’t chosen an agent, which leads to plenty of signability concerns that could make him available at 35.
Brett Eibner — A two-way star at Arkansas, the 6’4″, 210 pound right hander wants to hit as a pro. Excellent athleticism with a chance to stick as a center fielder and the arm to be a plus defender in right if he can’t. Huge power potential. The fact that about half the teams prefer him as a pitcher may cause him to slide out of the first round.
Dylan Covey — 6’2″, 200 LB high school right handed pitcher from Pasadena, California. He throws a mid-90′s fastball and three off speed pitches that have a chance to be plus offerings. His clean, smooth delivery leads to plus command and he’s got a lot of polish for a prep arm. A commitment to San Diego could drop him out of the first round.
James Paxton — The 6’4″ lefthander was drafted 37th overall out of Kentucky in 2009 but didn’t sign. He has potential to throw 3 plus pitches. He’s currently playing Indy ball. His stuff hasn’t been quite as good this year, and that plus injury concerns could push him out of the first round.
Anthony Ranaudo — LSU’s ace was getting #2 overall buzz before the season started, but the 6’7″, 230 LB right hander’s stock has fallen due to mechanical issues and injury concerns. There’s an outside shot he slips through the first round and he’s available at 35. He’s a Boras client.
Kyle Parker — A 6’1″ 200 LB outfielder that also happens to be Clemson’s quarterback. Power potential, hitability, athleticism, and an average arm. Could be an average defender at a corner with 30 homers. The fact that he’s a 2-sport athlete could lead to him slipping off of many teams’ draft boards almost entirely. He may be available at 35, he also might be available at 54 ot 70. Or completely unsignable.
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Pasadena Dude, Peter Hjort. Peter Hjort said: My "draft board" (including only six players) is up for the #35 overall pick. — http://bit.ly/awNUPt [...]
With a guy like Eibner, why are teams so set on “drafting him as . . .”? It would seem like they could make a compromise like Boston did last year (Casey Kelly?) and give them a shot both ways and then “show them the error of their ways.”
I am looking for high ceiling college hitters with some speed and athletic ability to help fill in the gaping holes in the position player situation. Once you get to #35, the “take the best player” kind of breaks down unless your #15 player is still on the board (who, obviously, you take). The big Braves question is what will they pay and will they go over slot. I hope Liberty is open to that.
Two names that they also might consider are RHP Cam Bedrosian and CF Dale Carey. Any thoughts on those guys.
Very interesting post! Truely!
Reggie Golden, OF, Alabama HS – A 5 tooler that has Mike Stanton type power but has more speed. He’s a RH bat as well which the Braves need more of and is sort of a local guy which could make him easier to sign.
Chavez Clarke, OF, Georgia HS – A switch-hitting speedster who has power potential. He’s been compared to Jimmy Rollins at the plate and he plays above average defense in CF. Another local kid which may be another easy guy to sign
Deandre Smelter, RHP, Georgia HS – A power pitcher who already hit mid 90s with the FB and has a good curve with a feel for a change. Scouts said he was working on a split which may have lead to some arm discomfort this year. Yet another local product so you should get the theme by now………he’s signable.
Jay,
I think there’s a better chance the Braves take one of the three guys you mentioned than one of the six I did.
Yeah the Braves love the local kids! Oh and love the site will visit more often but you know I love me some Talking Chop lol!
Yeah the Braves love the local kids! Oh and love the site will visit more often but you know I love me some Talking Chop as well lol!
Wish they could draft Kaleb Cowart of Cook High (Adel, GA) but it appears he’ll be selected too early.
Cowert will be long gone but now he could tell teams he’s set on going to college and he falls.
Wish they could draft Kaleb Cowart of Cook High (Adel, GA) but it appears he’ll be selected too early.
There is a 5-tool player from Jacksonville State in the draft this year who I saw play Cape Cod League Baseball named Todd Cunningham. He was the best hitter in the League with Kyle Roller runner up.
Everyone watch the College World Series.
I don’t know how high the braves are on OF/2B Delino DeSheilds, but he’s another local that should be in the 1st/sandwich round mix. Also, Ryan LaMarre would also be a good fit for atlanta.
Joe Stanislau/12,
Thanks for that, I’ll keep my eye open.