June 5th 6pm: MLB Draft Game Thread

[bombdiggz]

Do folks have a sense of some appealing prospects that remain out there on day 3? Players that have slipped to bonus demands, injury, and the like?

 

[Bigpupp]

 
Tanner English was just taken by the Twins in the 11th round.

 

[Bigpupp]

Sox take former first round pick RHP Karsten Whitsen with their 11th round pick.

 

[The Gray Eagle]

Wow, Whitson was the 9th overall pick of the 2010 draft but turned down $2.1 million from the Padres to go to U of Florida.
 
He hurt his arm and missed the whole 2013 season. He's got high first round talent but arm injuries. Great gamble in the 11th round.
 
He seems to be no relation to former pitcher Ed "Dim" Whitson. 

 

[RedOctober3829]

Love, love, love the Whitson pick. He was top 10 out of HS and had a great freshman season before injuries derailed him. This season, he was showing signs of his tremendous talent especially towards the end of the year. This could have an Anthony Raunado-type effect on the organization.

 

[RedOctober3829]

Sox select Arkansas LHP Jalen Beeks in the 12th rd.

 

[mabrowndog]

Here's the Razorbacks profile for Jalen Beeks.
 
Another collegian in the 13th with Kentucky RHP Chandler Shepherd.
 
Then they go back to the Bluegrass State for another college kid in round 14: Northern Kentucky catcher Jordan Prosychen.

 

[snowmanny]

Is Whitson a senior or junior? I saw him called a junior but he was drafted last year by the Nationals.

 

[mabrowndog]

Is Whitson a senior or junior? I saw him called a junior but he was drafted last year by the Nationals.

 
He just finished his senior year. He was draft-eligible last year as a junior because he red-shirted for a season following shoulder surgery. This is a really smart pick for the Sox, because Whitson no longer has any "pay me more or I'm going back to school" leverage.

 

[mabrowndog]

Hard not to get excited over their 15th rounder: Trenton Kemp, CF, Buchanan HS (CA). Guess we'll have to see if he signs, but there seems to be a shitload of potential with this kid.
 
MLB profile:
 

 
A two-sport athlete in high school, Kemp is the quintessential high-risk, high-reward high school athlete, with some loud tools, but a long way to go. Kemp doubles as a wide receiver in the fall. His outsanding speed is apparent, and it helps him on both sides of the ball. He should be able to steal some bases, and he has the skills to stay in center field. He also has some raw power in his right-handed swing. His hitting is still quite raw, so the question remains how much it will come in order for him to be able to tap into that power and become a more complete baseball player. People complain that baseball doesn't always attract the best athletes, but whatever team takes Kemp will getting a good one -- one of best in the Draft class.

 
BA profile
 

 
Kemp is a workout fiend and could show well in pre-draft workouts thanks to his physicality and athleticism. He’s busted out 38-inch vertical leaps and breathtaking 60 times (6.4 seconds) in workouts, as well as 4.0-second times to first base in games. He’s also had trouble with hamstring injuries this spring, removing himself from games and not always running his best. Kemp has tape-measure raw power but inconsistent performance and effort this spring. He has shown aptitude with an improved swing, spreading out at the plate to achieve better balance. A Fresno State signee, Kemp carries significant risk but high reward.

 

[Bigpupp]

 
He just finished his senior year. He was draft-eligible last year as a junior because he red-shirted for a season following shoulder surgery. This is a really smart pick for the Sox, because Whitson no longer has any "pay me more or I'm going back to school" leverage.

He was drafted in 2010, so if he red-shirted a year he should be a red-shirt junior and able to go back for his senior year. 

 

[mabrowndog]

Back to the college ranks in the 16th round for Arkansas LHP Michael Gunn, another reliever.

 

[mabrowndog]

He was drafted in 2010, so if he red-shirted a year he should be a red-shirt junior and able to go back for his senior year. 

 
Yeah, I fucked that up. You've got it right, and he still has the leverage of returning to school. Which sucks. But hopefully the Sox can bump up the 11th round money (compared to the 37th-round slot the Nats were offering) and convince him to sign.

 

[RedOctober3829]

He was drafted in 2010, so if he red-shirted a year he should be a red-shirt junior and able to go back for his senior year. 

Yup he is a RS Jr. Missed all of last year

 

[Bigpupp]

Brewers just selected RHP Curtis Curtis.

 

[mabrowndog]

The Sox take switch-hitting shortstop Jeremy Rivera from El Paso CC in the 17th.
 
In the 18th they get Duke 3B Jordan Betts.
 
Their 19-rounder is CF Tyler Hill from Delaware Military Academy.
 
Also, I started a separate thread on Whitson.

 

[Fred not Lynn]

Then they go back to the Bluegrass State for another college kid in round 14: Northern Kentucky catcher Jordan Prosychen.

A Canadian, from Alberta's Okotoks Dawgs organization. Rice4HOF probably has more to add when he gets back from running around the city in his underwear...

 

[mabrowndog]

Sox nab another catcher in the 20th: Devon Fisher of Western Branch HS in Virginia. He's committed to UVA so they'll have to bust open the piggy bank.
 
MLB profile:
 

 
Amateur catchers who can stay behind the plate are often hard to come by. Fisher undoubtedly can, so it will be up to his bat to determine just how good he can be at the next level. The University of Virginia commit can really catch and throw, recording consistently impressive pop times. He's strong and built the way teams like to see catchers and has all the tools to be a very good all-around defender. His bat, however, is behind his defensive work. His strength does translate into raw power, but there are concerns with him hitting consistently enough to tap into it at the next level. If his bat can develop, he has the chance to be an everyday player behind the plate. At worst, his power bat/power arm profile could make him a very good backup, if a team can sign him away from Virginia.

 
BA profile:
 

 
It is a strong year for high school talent in Virginia, but it’s mostly on the mound, leaving Fisher as the top position player. His carrying tool is a plus arm that is one of the stronger arms in the class. He shows athleticism behind the plate with his receiving and blocking and has the attributes to remain at the position. His arm does not always play at plus in game action because he can push the ball from a lower arm slot, causing his throws to tail. His defense is ahead of his bat, and most scouts project him as a below-average hitter with average power. Fisher has a patient approach, some quickness to his stroke and feel for the bat, but he faces questions about the quality of his contact. The 6-foot, 206-pounder is naturally strong but offers almost no physical projection. He is a well below-average runner and is considered a tough sign because of his Virginia commitment.

 

[mabrowndog]

In the 21st the Sox take the Chipola JC teammate of their 6th-rounder, Danny Mars. With this pick they get RHH catcher Ian Rice.

 

[mabrowndog]

Another potential crapshoot in terms of signability with their 22nd-round pick, HS shortstop J.J. Matijevic out of North Huntingdon PA. He's committed to Arizona.
 
MLB profile
 

 
The Pittsburgh native has a very advanced bat, especially for a high schooler in a cold-weather climate. Matijevic has a solid approach at the plate and makes consistent, hard contact to all fields, though he does get into trouble at times when he tries to pull everything. He also has good present power and creates good leverage and loft with his swing. Defensively, he has a solid arm at third and has the quickness to stick there, but some scouts feel he may be best suited for first base long term. Even if Matijevic moves to first, his bat alone could make him a very interesting player to watch in the coming years.

 
BA profile
 

 
Matijevic, a staple on the showcase circuit, has risen up draft boards along with another Pittsburgh-area prep this spring, lefthander Brendan McKay, as a lefthanded power bat. The 6-foot, 211-pound Matijevic is a physical specimen with strength throughout his extra-large frame, and he has firmed up his body this spring. A high school shortstop, he’ll move off the position immediately to third base, where he can make the routine plays and has at least an average arm. But he’s a below-average runner and most scouts think his best long-term defensive fit is first base, where his bat could play. He has a strong stroke with bat speed and a chance to hit for average, with above-average raw power. He can tend to swing and miss when searching for power. 

 

[mabrowndog]

For round 23, the Sox select CF Derek Miller of Texas-Arlington.

 

[mabrowndog]

A slugging LHH first baseman is their 24th round pick: Cisco Tellez, 1B, Cal-Riverside
 
Hopefully this is his walk-up music:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvYODVTHC2I

 

[The Boomer]

Sox nab another catcher in the 20th: Devon Fisher of Western Branch HS in Virginia. He's committed to UVA so they'll have to bust open the piggy bank.
ind 
MLB profile:
 
 
BA profile:
 

 
I've chimed in about UVA players on and off since I live in Charlottesville.  I doubt that Fisher will forego UVA for several reasons.  If he cares at all about education, just the college credits are attractive.  The UVA program is tops in the country.  Unless they offer the same kind of bonus paid to tail end first rounders like Derek Fisher (from Pa. but maybe a relation) and Papi (who elevated their status after 3 years playing here), Devon Fisher will likely be a Wahoo.  More UVA players are better off in the draft after 3 years than they are after HS.  There are probably some injury exceptions but, unless he is worth in excess of $ 1 million to the Sox, college will win out.  Signing him for less than that will be a good deal for the Sox.

 

[mabrowndog]

With their 25th-round pick, the Sox get a big, big boy: Gabe Klobosits, a 6'7" 275-lb RHP out of Galveston College, a Texas juco.
 
A reliever, he worked 27.1 innings in 16 games this season with 17 H, 10 BB, 32 K and a 1.65 ERA. His stints were primarily 2 innings or less, but he had 3 IP in one game (when he allowed his only HR) and worked 6 scoreless innings in another (1 H, 1 BB, 5 K).
 

 

[mabrowndog]

The Sox use their 26th rounder on RHP Ryan Harris of Florida, yet another college reliever.
 
MLB profile
 

 
Harris has been one of Florida’s most reliable relievers during his college career. His fastball sits around 93 mph and he can reach back to some added velocity when he needs it. His slider is a solid second offering, though he’ll have to improve its consistency as a professional. He also occasionally throws a splitter that functions as a changeup. He is around the zone with all of his offerings, but pitches with more control than command. Harris’ effortful delivery earns comparisons to Kevin Appier and will ensure that he stays in the bullpen as a professional. He has good enough stuff to pitch in high-leverage situations and could move quickly through the Minor Leagues.

 
BA profile
 

 
Harris has been used exclusively out of the bullpen in three years at Florida and likely will stay in the pen in pro ball. He has an unconventional delivery that has similarities to longtime big leaguer Kevin Appier, with tilt in the back, length to his arm action and a high glove extension. His delivery has significant effort while offering some deception. Harris' fastball sits 91-94 mph and touches 96. He gets plus life with heavy sinking action to his arm side. His primary offspeed pitch is a slider that flashes above-average but is inconsistent. His seldom-used changeup/splitter plays as below-average and has flashed average. The athletic 6-foot-2, 205-pounder has more control than command and has walked 2.6 per nine for his career.

 

[Bigpupp]

Brewers just selected Johnny Manziel

 

[mabrowndog]

The Sox' 27th rounder is RHP Taylor Nunez of S. Mississippi. He missed all but one game of his 2013 season after an "arm injury" and pitched only 6 times this season (3 starts) with poor results (14.1 IP, 14 H, 6 BB, 9 HBP, 3 WP, 13 K). Of his 14 hits allowed, 7 were for extra bases (4 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR).

 

[soxhop411]

Brewers just selected Johnny Manziel

SD

 

[Bigpupp]

SD

To my credit, he has just as much of a chance of playing with SD as he does the Brewers...

 

[mabrowndog]

In round 28 the Sox select a 6'6" lefty, David Peterson out of Regis Jesuit HS in Colorado. He broke his leg this spring. An Oregon signee.
 
MLB profile
 

Left-handed pitchers who are 6-foot-6 don't grow on trees, so scouts were excited to see what Peterson would do during his senior year to take a step forward. A broken leg suffered shortly before he was going to pitch at USA Baseball's National High School Invitational put his stock in doubt, though he did return to pitch before season's end. Peterson can run his fastball up to 93 mph with a ton of movement. There's a lot of projection in his frame, with increased velocity one of the things scouts hoped to see this spring. His changeup is the better of his secondary offerings, with his slider very much a work in progress. The development of his offspeed stuff along with his overall command is the key to his future. The team that feels he eventually will be a big league starter is the one that will take a chance on a player they didn't get to see a lot of during the 2014 season.

 
BA profile
 

The next hurler in the strong lineage of tall, projectable pitchers from the state of Colorado, lefthander David Peterson showed the raw materials necessary to be a top-three round selection on the showcase circuit. But he fractured his right fibula shortly before the start of the regular season in early March and was not expected to pitch in game action again before the draft. A speedy recovery has brought Peterson back healthy for five appearances. The 6-foot-6, 205-pound Peterson has a lean, athletic physical with long levers that offers considerable physical projection. With loose arm action and an easy delivery, Peterson hides the ball well and produces above-average fastball movement with sink and heavy arm-side run into lefthanded hitters. Peterson, whose arsenal shows the ability to induce ground balls consistently, touched 93 mph last fall and sat in the high 80s over extended innings on the showcase circuit. His velocity has largely been 86-89, touching 90 mph upon his return. Given his physical projection and athleticism, Peterson’s velocity is expected to increase. His changeup shows the makings of an above-average offering at its best. His breaking ball lags behind his changeup, flashing average but consistently playing below-average. Peterson has feel for the strike zone and could develop at least average control. The Oregon commit’s injury and the limited looks teams have gotten since he returned put his draft stock into question, but he has the talent to be a top-three round pick.

 

[mabrowndog]

In the 29th, Boston selects RHP Josh Pennington out of Lower Cape May Regional HS in New Jersey.
 
BA profile
 

 
Pennington entered the spring as one of the top arms in the Northeast, especially after his electric outing at last summer's Metropolitan Baseball Classic, but then he had Tommy John surgery. He had shown a 91-93 mph fastball this spring from a high three-quarters arm slot. He gets extension out front and the ball jumps out of his hand. Wiry, flexible and athletic, Pennington has one of the quickest arms in the class. His breaking ball also flashes above-average potential, and his changeup flashed average. He is a live-bodied 6-foot, 173-pounder with some strength to his lower half and is committed to St. John's.

 

[mabrowndog]

Round 30 brings a Vandy recruit: CF Jeren Kendall from Holmen (WI) HS. He's the 914th overall pick, but BA had him ranked 88th. 
 
MLB profile
 

 
Kendall's best tool is his plus-plus speed. It serves him well on the bases and in center field, where he has a better arm than most at the position. The Vanderbilt recruit has a short left-handed stroke that allows him to make contact, though scouts would like to see him use his lower half more in his swing. He won't hit for a lot of power but does have more than might be expected from someone with his small frame. He'd be better served, however, by hitting more balls on the ground to take advantage of his wheels.

 
BA profile
 

 
The Badger State has produced just two high school position players drafted in the top 10 rounds of the modern draft era, and Kendall could top that list with a selection in the top three rounds. Kendall, the breakout star of the Area Code Games, has earned the nickname “Honey Badger” for his physical resemblance of the Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Matheiu. The speedy lefthanded hitter has the skill set of a classic leadoff hitter in center field. He has plus-plus speed that reaches top speed quickly and plays out of the box, on the bases and in center field, where he has plus range and could become a plus defender with at least an average arm. With a short, compact stroke, Kendall is a contact-oriented hitter with a line-drive swing and up-the-middle approach. At a lean, athletic and live-bodied 5-foot-9, 175-pounds, Kendall’s physique and swing path will likely limit him to 30 power—though he does show a surprising ability to drive the gaps for his size. After a superlative showing at the Area Code Games, Kendall swung and missed a considerable amount at the World Wood Bat Championships in Jupiter, Fla. The weather has limited scouts looks so far this spring, when he has faced subpar competition. Some scouts question his ability to impact the baseball, as his offensive profile depends upon him being a high-contact player. Kendall comes from a baseball family, as his father, Jeremy, was a speedy minor league outfielder who stole 62 bases in a season.

 

[mabrowndog]

In the 31st, the Sox nab 1B Alex McKeon from Texas A&M-International, an NCAA D-II program. Unfortunately he'll require conversion, since he's a New Yorker who grew up a Yankee fan.
 
Here's his PerfectGame.org profile from 2010:
 

 
Alex McKeon is a 2011 C/RHP with a 6-2 205 lb. frame from Hopewell Junction, NY who attends John Jay. McKeon has a big, thick build. He is a good defensively behind the dish, nice set-up behind the plate, good receiver, quick transfer and release, good actions, quick feet for his size. He has a good swing at the plate, aggressive hitter, good batspeed, extends through ball nicely, has a balanced swing, has raw power. Also pitched, overhand arm slot, online delivery, hides ball well, straight fastball, keeps ball down, solid break on 12/6 curveball. 

 

[mabrowndog]

In the 32nd, the Sox get RHP Case Rolen, a high schooler from Sherman TX. He's committed to Dallas Baptist.
 

 

[Rice4HOF]

..
Then they go back to the Bluegrass State for another college kid in round 14: Northern Kentucky catcher Jordan Prosychen.

Jordan is a local (Calgary) kid. I've seen him play many times and have umpired his games. I'm on phone right now, but can provide a fuller scouting report later. Hope they sign him.

 

[Rice4HOF]

A Canadian, from Alberta's Okotoks Dawgs organization. Rice4HOF probably has more to add when he gets back from running around the city in his underwear...

ha! Just saw this post. Yes, I will add more later.

 

[mabrowndog]

In round 33, the Sox select RF Luis Alvarado from the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy who played last year in Florida. Not sure if he's related to this former Sox shortstop (who was 8 inches shorter), but if so hopefully it sways him from his commitment to the Huskers.
 
BA profile
 

 
Alvarado is one of the youngest players in the draft class at 17 and a half years old on draft day. The Puerto Rico native attended Montverde Academy in Florida before returning home for his senior year. He aspires to be a position player and doesn’t show much interest in pitching, but most scouts prefer him on the mound. Alvarado wants to be a shortstop, but at 6-foot-5 he can't stay there, so right field is his best fit. His plus arm is an asset in right field, where his athleticism gives him the potential to be at least an average defender. He has average speed in the 60-yard dash, though it plays as below-average. He has struggled to hit against quality competition with a long, uphill swing. He projects as a below-average hitter with below-average power, though at his age he could improve with physical maturity. Scouts would love to see Alvarado get back on the mound. He offers tremendous physical projection and was up to 93 mph as an underclassman, though he was 85-88 mph last summer. He has a loose, slingy arm action and is committed to Nebraska.

 

[mabrowndog]

The Sox' 34th rounder is RHP Kuehl McEachern of Flagler College in Florida, another NCAA D-II school. He's 6'4" and 195 lbs, having put on 30 lbs since his senior year of HS. 

 

[mabrowndog]

In the 35th the Sox select 3B Ross Puskarich of Liberty HS in Bakersfield, CA.

 

[mabrowndog]

In the 36th round, the Sox pick Bradley Wilpon, RHP from The Brunswick School in Greenwich CT.

 

[Bigpupp]

In the 36th round, the Sox pick Bradley Wilpon, RHP from The Brunswick School in Greenwich CT.

Son of the Mets Jeff Wilpon

 

[mabrowndog]

Son of the Mets Jeff Wilpon

 
Yeah, meant to add that but I was in Belmont Stakes mode. The private school in Greenwich was a dead giveaway.

 

[mabrowndog]

With the 37th round pick, Boston nabs Oklahoma 2B Hector Lorenzana, who transferred to the Sooners prior to the 2013 season from Howard College (juco). 
 
A profile from a year ago by NewsOK.com's Jason Kersey

 

[mabrowndog]

Boston's 38th-round pick is RHP Brandon Show of the U. of San Diego. He transferred to the Torreros from Western Nevada College this spring for his junior season. He's a Las Vegas native, so I'm not sure if he's related to the late Eric Show, who pitched 10 years for the Padres.

 

[mabrowndog]

With their 39th round selection, the Sox take shortstop Mike Gretler from Bonney Lake (Washington) HS, about 40 miles south of Seattle.

 

[Bigpupp]

For those that were curious, Fenway Parks goes undrafted.

 

[mabrowndog]

Boston's 40th round pick and their final selection in the 2014 draft is Joe Winterburn, a catcher from the University of LaVerne about 35 miles east of Los Angeles. They're an NCAA D-III school, and he transferred there prior to last spring from Cal-Santa Barbara.

 

[Granite Sox]

Dog, thanks so much for all the Sox updates. I was in and out during the day, so it has been nice to see all the picks listed here.

Oh... And props for the War clip... Not often you see a harmonica and a clarinet in the rhythm section of a band, but those buys turned out a few baaaaaad hits.

 

[mabrowndog]

I've started a couple of new threads in the minor league forum.
 
* For discussing the Sox draft as a whole, including organizational strategy, positional distribution, handedness, college vs HS, defense vs offense, power vs OBP, reaches vs bargains etc. CLICK HERE.
 
* To check and/or contribute news & info on specific players with regard to signings, bonuses, medical stuff, school decisions etc. CLICK HERE.

 

[Buck Showalter]

In the 36th round, the Sox pick Bradley Wilpon, RHP from The Brunswick School in Greenwich CT.

Does anybody have a clue why Boston would do this?

He's clearly going to UPenn and is the son of the NY Mets COO.