Prospect Insider - Draft Weekly: 4.30.11

Draft Weekly: 4.30.11

By Jason A. Churchill

By 04-29-2011

It's been a strange few weeks on the scouting trail as we finish up the month of April, but I do think we've learned a few things.

One of those things is that the depth in Pacific Northwest is strong, but it's lighter at the top than originally expected. Shorewood HS lefty Blake Snell and Redmond's Dylan Davis have not taken that big step forward into firm Day 1 consideration and the injury to OSU's Andrew Susac does nothing positive for his draft stock.

Around the country, there has been tons of movement and subscribers can check that out by clicking here.

If you are not a subscriber, click here to remedy such a problem and view the PNW Top 10, the initial first-round mock draft of the year and notes on top prospects.

draft-weekly:-4.30.11

Comments
The following 18 comment(s) for this article are shown below:

1. By: masonb on 04-29-2011 23:53:38
This might sound ridiculous, but do you think there's any chance Purke or Bradley fall to the Mariners with the second round pick, or do you think both of those guys return to school?

2. By: Jason A. Churchill on 04-29-2011 23:55:16
Jed Bradley return to school?

3. By: JD Kickastro on 04-30-2011 00:25:36
Jason,

The guy you mock at #11, you don't list in your top 33.. Accident or are you down on him?

4. By: Jason A. Churchill on 04-30-2011 00:43:55
I hate the delivery. He's a first rounder, but as I took it team-by-team, I couldn't find a fit.

5. By: Gustafson on 04-30-2011 10:07:17
It's disappointing that - other than Rendon - no college bats have jumped into the top-2 conversation. With Cole getting lit up (yet) again, I'm thinkibg the Bucs take Rendon 1-1 and the mariners either: 1) reach for a college bat; 2) take Cole, who is getting shelled in the PAC-10; or 3) take a high school bat, most likely years from the majors.

6. By: johnburkland on 04-30-2011 11:19:41
Any thoughts as to who the M's are looking at in the second round? Some names to be looking for at least?

7. By: Nats113437 on 04-30-2011 11:31:00
I'm new. I assume the guys on the left are who you think the teams will take and the guys on the right are who you would take if you were GM?

I was surprised by #6. That player doesn't fit the profile of what the Nats say they like. I personally like him though. Still hoping for Bubba or Bundy though.

Do you see Conley as a starter?

Thanks for all of the info. I've always enjoyed your work. I look forward to visiting this site often.

8. By: Jason A. Churchill on 04-30-2011 12:48:53
johnburkland,

There is no way to pin players to teams at this point, so going that deep -- 60+ picks in -- is impossible.

Nats,

The Nats haven't told anyone publicly what they like. we have to remember this is a team who has two no-brainers in a row in Harper and Strasburg and under the current SD have not been giving a chance to make any decisions that would develop a "kind of player."

Wash, however, appears to be hinting in all directions, depending on who you ask.

And yes, the columns are mock and who I'd take in those situations. Many are certain to change as the weeks go by.

And at this point Conley is a reliever -- no breaking ball.

9. By: Nats113437 on 04-30-2011 12:59:14
Thanks. I know both Clark(Braves) and Ladnier(Royals) have had success with prep players, so I'm crossing my fingers that its Bundy or Bubba.

I'm watching Jed Bradley. He looks good into the 3rd. Gun only says 86-89 on the FB, but I'm assuming that's slow since he's blowing guys away. Lots of weak contact. Nasty slider too.

10. By: Slack on 04-30-2011 13:49:06
Jason,
What do you make of Cole's recent struggles? Is it something to be concerned about?

11. By: masonb on 04-30-2011 17:28:58
Jason,

I was referring to Jackie Bradley in comment #1. With his injuries do you see him returning to school? And, do you see him dropping out of Round 1 or supplemental if he stays in?

12. By: Jason A. Churchill on 04-30-2011 17:56:19
Slack,

So far, no major concerns. Command has been off, catching the plate too much, according to scouts in attendance, and I was told he's throwing a ton of fastballs, making him a little bit more predictable and hittable.

masonb,

I don't think so. No value in returning to school. He'll still get drafted high enough.

13. By: shemberry on 04-30-2011 18:13:40
Jason,

As of today what is the % chance that the M's take someone other than Rendon/Cole barring an injury? Who would be most likely to move up to #2? Starling?

14. By: Jason A. Churchill on 04-30-2011 23:06:59
I'd say 10-15%... kind of a guess. Starling is such a wildcard, but so good.

15. By: Adam T on 05-01-2011 02:09:56
As a HUGE Nebraska fan, I have to say that I'm a bit conflicted on Starling. I'd be thrilled to have him in the Mariner org, but the thought of him beating Ohio State in the 2013 Big Ten Championship game is appealing.

In other news, Dustin Ackley had better watch it, or else he's going to develop a repuation as a slow starter. 3 for his last 31. Blech.

16. By: slick on 05-01-2011 05:29:44
Cleto looking really good in the FSL, in time this Ryan trade might come back to bite us.

17. By: Saltydawg05 on 05-02-2011 11:47:13
Hey Jason,
Has anything happened with Liddi's swing? He's hit 3 or 4 HR's since your article...did he just square up a couple of bad pitches or is he not as lost at the plate as he was a few weeks ago?

18. By: rbandre on 05-02-2011 23:04:43
Jason--
I'm not sure when you watched Blake Snell recently, but he certainly has been sitting 90-92 with his fastball. The cold weather and rain may have impacted his earlier performances, but he's had a couple of no-hitters and 19 strikeout games. Pretty dominant stuff. It may be worth another look for you.

You are not currently logged in. If you'd like to comment on this report, please log in.
Haven't created a Prospect Insider account yet? Sign up!