Some Day 3 Draft Thoughts

Some semi-random thoughts on a few of the players selected today:

Will Hurt, SS, Lexington (KY) Catholic HS – Committed to Coastal Carolina. Hurt is fast – and why wouldn’t he be, coming from the same high school as Ben Revere. As this point, I don’t think he’ll sign for 16^th round money, but that tune may change as the deadline approaches.

Zach Larson, CF, Lakewood (FL) Ranch HS – Though he was drafted in the 20^th round, Larson appears to be a high school guy that will sign. The 6-2, 185 lbs right-hander will probably debut in the GCL and develop as a corner outfielder.

Josh Graham, C, Roseburg (OR) HS – Committed to Oregon. Graham was one of many catchers drafted on Day 3. I think the Twins took a flier on a guy they haven’t been able to see much of (due to a broken hand), but they will continue to follow him as he plays for the Klamath Falls Gems summer league team. He’s another “doubtful sign” but could be the recipient of a nice bonus if there is extra money left a month from now.

Jose Favela, C, Franklin (TX) HS – Committed to Howard JC. Favela is a big dude: 6-4, 220. As I mentioned with Graham, the Twins took a lot of catchers today. While I don’t think Favela is a shoo-in to sign, I would guess there is a better chance he signs than Graham.

Justin Jones, P, California – Drafted in the 26^th round this year, Jones was drafted in the 7^th round out of high school. Jones would be well-suited to return to Cal for another year and try to improve his draft stock.

Jerad Grundy, P, Kentucky – I expect the Twins to sign Grundy simply because they love left-handed pitchers from the University of Kentucky.

Sean Hagan, P, St. John’s – Hagan will be pitching for the Red Storm this weekend in the Super Regionals. It is hard to predict whether he will sign or not, given his current situation.

Timmy Robinson, OF, Ocean View (CA) HS – Robinson is likely to honor his commitment to USC, though it wouldn’t be the first time the Twins gave a large bonus to a relative of a current Twin. (The Twins signed Michael Tonkin as a 30^th rounder out of high school. Tonkin’s sister, Blake, is former Twin Jason Kubel’s wife.)

Kaleb Merck, P, Texas Christian – Suffice it to say, Merck will not be signing. His Facebook status: “Horrible Day. Disappointed”

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I will post my signing projections in the next couple of days.

DJ Hicks will sign. I'm fairly certain the he just graduated and there is really no benefit in returning to college for his last year of eligibility. I would guess his bonus is well below the 100K threshold.

Merck is listed as a senior on MLB's draft tracker, but he redshirted last season (2011), so he still has a year of eligibility left. Obviously, he could realize he has an opportunity to play professional baseball and sign, but after seeing seniors fly off the board yesterday, he could return to school and go higher (though his bonus isn't going to be great either way).