Article: 2018 MLB Draft Day 2 Thread

[Andrew Thares]

The Twins opened the 2018 MLB Draft by selecting a couple of college hitters: outfielder Trevor Larnach of Oregon State and catcher Ryan Jeffers from UNC Wilmington. They’ll make seven more picks as the draft continues to roll along today.MLB.com will be carrying a live stream of the draft that starts with a pre-draft show at 11:30 am CT. It’ll be awhile before the Twins pick again, however, as they had to forfeit their third-round pick when they signed Lance Lynn.

 

From Yesterday

Twins Select Trevor Larnach in the First Round of the 2018 Draft

Twins Select Ryan Jeffers in the Second Round of the 2018 Draft

 

It'll be some time before we know the amount Larnach and Jeffers sign for, but it’d be a good bet the Twins will have at least carried over some money from those selections to disperse to players who drop on Day 2.

 

Here are the Twins selections for today and the bonus money attached to each pick:

 

4th Round: 124th Overall - $442,600

5th Round: 154th Overall - $330,400

6th Round: 184th Overall - $253,700

7th Round: 214th Overall - $198,700

8th Round: 244th Overall - $162,100

9th Round: 274th Overall - $146,500

10th Round: 304th Overall - $138,400

 

What do Scott Erickson, Eddie Rosario, Dave Goltz, Doug Mientkiewicz, Pat Neshek, LaTroy Hawkins, Mark Guthrie, Brad Radke, Brian Dozier, Steve Braun, Jeff Reboulet and Marty Cordova all have in common? The were all taken between rounds four and 10 of the draft. It’ll be exciting to see how things play out today.

 

Please join in on the conversation and keep checking back, as this article will be updated each time the Twins make a selection.

 

Draft Picks

 

4th Round: 124th Overall: DaShawn Keirsey, CF, Utah

 

The Twins trend of taking college bats continues today as they take University of Utah outfielder DaShawn Keirsey with their first pick of Day Two. Unlike their two Day One picks, Keirsey is a player who has some defensive upside along with an excellent bat.

In all three years of his college career Keirsey was selected to both the PAC-12 All-Conference team and the PAC-12 All-Defensive team. Additionally, Keirsey is an outfielder who has almost exclusively played center field with the Utes.

 

Offensively, Keirsey has done two things that you like to see from a college hitter. The first thing is he has always been a good hitter, having hit above .293 in each of his three seasons at Utah. The other thing Keirsey has done is improve each season.

 

In Keirsey’s freshman year he had an OPS of .707, which he followed up with a .849 OPS last year. This year Keirsey has elevated his game even further with a .386/.440/.609 slash line for an OPS of 1.049.

 

Keirsey dislocated his hip after crashing into the wall during his final game of the 2017 season. However, he came back this year and showed that he is healthy again. Hopefully this isn't an injury that has any lingering side effects for Keirsey down the road.

 

5th Round: 154th Overall: Cole Sands, RHP, Florida State

 

It may have come four rounds later than initially expected, but the Twins finally took a college pitcher with their fifth-round pick in Florida State starter Cole Sands. Sands is a three-year starter at one of the premier college baseball programs in the country.

Sands is a right-handed pitcher with a three pitch mix. His fastball will sit in the 90-93 mph range and is a pitch that Sands can control. Sands also features a slider and a changeup as his secondary offerings. Of the two his slider is the better pitch, but both pitches have potential to be at least average pitches at the next level.

 

The numbers at Florida State don’t exactly stand out for Sands. He has just a 4.73 ERA over 228 1/3 career innings pitched, and this year Sands’ ERA stood at 4.54 while pitching 75 1/3 innings. The thing that is encouraging is the improvement Sands has shown in both his strikeout rate and walk rate during each season in college. Since his freshman season, Sands has improved his strikeout rate from 16.1 percent up to 27.7 percent while his walk rate has reduced from 10.7 percent to 7.9 percent.

 

Sands has also had two quality showings in the Cape Cod League. Between his freshman and sophomore seasons Sands had a 1.29 ERA over 14 innings, and he backed that up with a 3.68 ERA over 22 innings last summer. In total Sands had 42 strikeouts and nine walks over 36 innings pitched in the Cod.

 

6th Round, 184th Overall: Charles Mack, SS/3B, Williamsville East HS (NY)

 

Mack is committed to Clemson, and by the sound of it came away really impressed with their program. He had offers from several other top colleges, including Vanderbilt, Virginia, Maryland, Mississippi State and Pittsburgh.

of him pitching back in April.

 

On the mound, Winder features a low 90’s fastball along with an above average slider. However, both pitches have shown some regression this year as his fastball was up near the mid-90’s last summer and his slider has taken a step back as well. This has caused Winder’s stock to take a drop this year after posting a 5.40 ERA this season.

 

Through their first two pitchers taken in the draft, it appears that the Twins are looking for college arms that have slipped due to either injury or poor performance. This isn’t a bad strategy for them as both Winder and Cole Sands have some relative upside for college pitchers taken at this point in the draft, and neither should be that expensive to sign compared to a high school arm with similar upside.

 

8th Round, 244th Overall: Chris Williams, C, Clemson

 

Much like Ryan Jeffers, Chris Williams is a power hitting college catcher, however, with Williams being a college senior he should come at a much cheaper price than Jeffers will. Williams also appears to be a better all-around athlete than Jeffers as he was a utility infielder before transitioning to catcher in 2017.

 

Williams played his first year of college baseball in the JUCO ranks at Golden West College where he was named conference MVP before transferring to Clemson between his freshman and sophomore campaigns.

 

In his three years at Clemson, Williams has belted 40 home runs including 18 this spring. Overall Williams had a slash line of .281/.401/.562, and led his team with 72 RBIs in just 63 games this year.

 

Prior to this season, Williams was never a player who was known for having a patient approach at the plate, despite his power potential with the bat. However, this year Williams has shown some improvement in this area with a walk rate of nearly 15 percent.

 

9th Round, 274th Overall: Willie Joe Garry Jr., OF, Pascagoula HS

 

The Twins went a little off the grid with their ninth-round pick in high school outfielder Willie Joe Garry Jr., as he didn’t even make the Baseball America Top 500 list.

 

Garry is a toolsy outfielder out of the Mississippi high school ranks who really came on strong last year when had some strong performances while playing for his Perfect Game travel ball team the East Coast Sox. Garry’s play was strong enough for him to earn a few all-tournament team awards on the Perfect Game circuit.

 

Garry has a wiry frame that is very projectable going forward with his value coming from his play in the outfield. He has plus speed and gets good reads off the bat. Offensively, Garry has good bat speed and could develop some power as he matures. If he can develop into a solid hitter, Garry has the potential to make it to have a successful big-league career.

 

10th Round, 304th Overall: Regi Grace, RHP, Madison Central HS

 

With their last pick on day two, the Twins took another high school player out of Mississippi, this time right-handed pitcher Regi Grace. At 6’1” and 215 pounds, Grace is a strong kid who uses his body to generate velocity.

 

Last fall, Grace had his fastball clocked in the low 90’s, but as a kid like this matures it’s entirely possible that he will continue to add more velocity. Grace also features an above-average slider that gives him a strong two-pitch mix.

 

As with most picks at this point, it is all about potential and Grace is a guy with that. If he wants to become a starter he will need to develop a third pitch, but if not he could have to stuff to make a strong bullpen piece.

 

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[Tom Froemming]

I think the hunch from the outside looking in is the Twins will be targeting high school pitchers today. Here are the top 15 who are still available per MLB.com with their overall rank listed:

 

19. Cole Wilcox, RHP 

 

Nope, scratch that. Just minutes ago on Twitter he announced he was headed to Georgia for college.

 

23. Kumar Rocker, RHP out of GA

 

He hasn't made any kind of announcement, but is committed to Vanderbilt, so it seems he'll likely be college bound unless some team goes way over slot.

 

43. Adam Kloffenstein, RHP out of TX

63. Slade Cecconi, RHP out of FL

78. Jaden Hill, RHP out of AR

81. Nicholas Northcut, RHP out of OH

92. Dominic Pipkin, RHP out of CA

94. Brett Hansen, LHP out of CA

95. Austin Becker, RHP out of OH

96. Garrett McDaniels, LHP out of SC

100. Garrett Wade, LHP out of AL

114. Mason Englert, RHP out of TX

115. Jonathan Childress, LHP out of TX

117. Landon Marceaux, RHP out of LA

119. Owen Sharts, RHP out of CA

 

Of course, this isn't the Twins list, and maybe they don't go for a high school pitcher right away in the fourth round, but I would suspect the Twins will go pitching heavy today. 

[gunnarthor]

Even with some modest savings, I suspect today will be pretty boring and include a few senior (cheap) signings. They don't have enough to nab a guy like Rocker but they might have enough banked to sign a few guys tomorrow in the 200-250k range. 

 

Anyone know who the top talents from Puerto Rico are? The Twins have taken a number of guys from there over the last few years.

[Cory Engelhardt]

Should be fun to follow. I'd imagine pitching will be the focus today, but I like that they took college bats in the first day who should at least be able to translate their offense to professional ball. If they were able to save a little money with the Jeffers pick and/or the Larnach pick, I'm curious to see how they will divvy up their slot money today.

[MangLitch]

College bats... the catcher I can see I guess as a guy with potential to be here in a couple years seems to be a good hedge. But I cant wrap my head around the OF pick. Wasn’t necessarily BPA, doesn’t really stand out in one area, not a CF prospect, and we seem to be in fairly good shape on outfield depth.

Am I missing something here. We didn’t check any of the boxes really, unless he really is that far under slot

[gunnarthor]

 

College bats... the catcher I can see I guess as a guy with potential to be here in a couple years seems to be a good hedge. But I can wrap my head around the OF pick. Wasn’t necessarily BPA, doesn’t really stand out in one area, not a CF prospect, and we seem to be in fairly good shape on outfield depth.

Am I missing something here. We didn’t check any of the boxes really, unless he really is that far under slot

Here's a write up on Larnach before the draft. Frankly, he could very well have been BPA at 20. 

 

https://www.minorleagueball.com/2018/5/23/17328850/2018-mlb-draft-trevor-larnach-of-oregon-state-university

[MangLitch]

 

Here's a write up on Larnach before the draft. Frankly, he could very well have been BPA at 20. 

 

https://www.minorleagueball.com/2018/5/23/17328850/2018-mlb-draft-trevor-larnach-of-oregon-state-university

 

Fair, they have more information than me. 

 

And power bats seems to all of the sudden be lacking in our system. So maybe they think this kid can come in and rake. Seems like him and Rooker are the mold they are trying to add to the system and get lucky that one of these guys will provide some pop for future 1b/DH/OF roles that are filled right now on 1-2 yr deals. 

 

I have no real beef, just like to complain I guess. So now I am bored, thanks for that

[gunnarthor]

 

Fair, they have more information than me. 

 

And power bats seems to all of the sudden be lacking in our system. So maybe they think this kid can come in and rake. Seems like him and Rooker are the mold they are trying to add to the system and get lucky that one of these guys will provide some pop for future 1b/DH/OF roles that are filled right now on 1-2 yr deals. 

 

I have no real beef, just like to complain I guess. So now I am bored, thanks for that

I'm not against the pick - he's a solid pick who has plus power. Great to have. But it was a boring pick. Someone like Rocker in our system would have instantly been more gratifying.  

[twinsfanstreif]

I wonder why Kowar and McClanahan dropped, maybe their demands were too high

[gunnarthor]

 

I wonder why Kowar and McClanahan dropped, maybe their demands were too high

I have to say, I really don't like that the Royals got both Singer and Kowar.

[slash129]

Terrin Vavra gets picked by the Rockies.  Good for him!

[Tom Froemming]

The third round is complete. Just four total high school players were taken, one of which was a pitcher, Kloffenstein.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I wonder why Kowar and McClanahan dropped, maybe their demands were too high

My guess is cap games. Teams like the Royals have a ton of picks and can work some underslot magic to get them.

[70charger]

DaShawn Keirsey in round 4. I hope there are some writeups because I know nothing about these guys.

[Thrylos]

Another LH OF.  Cannot make it up.

[Seth Stohs]

 

DaShawn Keirsey in round 4. I hope there are some writeups because I know nothing about these guys.

 

None of us do, but we're going to research like crazy and I know I hope to be talking to guys soon who know a lot more. 

[70charger]

 

None of us do, but we're going to research like crazy and I know I hope to be talking to guys soon who know a lot more. 

 

Really appreciate it. This is an exciting time, but the baseball draft is easily the most difficult to wrap your head around.

[Dman]

Looks like they are betting the injury is behind him.  A bit high risk, but solid approach at the plate appears to be the theme this year.  They want hitters who hit the ball hard and control the strike zone.  I guess the Lamonte Wade approach is rubbing off on the front office.

[jkcarew]

DaShawn Keirsey - he's a year-plus removed from a catastrophic injury sustained running into the center field wall.  Presumably would have fallen a bit as he didn't have normal summer experience/exposure last year.  Presumably healthy/fully recovered.  Toolsy.  Don't know about the prospects for power, though he has decent size.

[Tom Froemming]

Surprised they took another college hitter, but it sounds like DaShawn Keirsey will be able to stay in center and he may be a fun gamble. Sounds like that hip injury hurt his stock, could he regain some explosiveness as he gets further away from that recovery?

[markos]

 

DaShawn Keirsey - he's a year-plus removed from a catastrophic injury sustained running into the center field wall.  Presumably would have fallen a bit as he didn't have normal summer experience/exposure last year.  Presumably healthy/fully recovered.  Toolsy.  Don't know about the prospects for power, though he has decent size.

Seems like the exact kind of risk to take in the 4th round: someone with skills+performance to be drafted a round or so earlier but is recovering from injury. 

[nater79a]

With a guy like Keirsey it's gotta be all about spin rate, right?  Just in case he needs to take the mound late in a blowout game and mop up.

[RatherBeGolfing]

Man do we love "toolsy outfielders"

[Mike Sixel]

Fangraphs had him 110th.....here is the summary:

 

Athletic enigma who has dealt with injury issues, which may have masked his skills.

[rdehring]

Will Keirsey be difficult to sign?  Coming off the injury, he may feel he could go back to Utah and move up a couple rounds next year?  Otherwise like the pick of a guy who has upside, if healthy. 

[Andrew Thares]

 

Will Keirsey be difficult to sign?  Coming off the injury, he may feel he could go back to Utah and move up a couple rounds next year?  Otherwise like the pick of a guy who has upside, if healthy. 

Not really, he already proved that he is back from his injury after a big year this year, and next year he will be a college senior so he probably wouldn't get a better deal anyway.

[Tom Froemming]

 

Will Keirsey be difficult to sign?  Coming off the injury, he may feel he could go back to Utah and move up a couple rounds next year?  Otherwise like the pick of a guy who has upside, if healthy. 

I don't have any inside info, but I can't imagine that'll be an issue. Even if he went back and had a great year, he'll be a year older and would have zero leverage as a college senior. Was the No. 124 overall pick, there's a lot more opportunity to slide down from there than there is to climb up.

[Mike Sixel]

Also, at this point....they probably have close to an agreement in place......so I doubt he goes back to school.

[70charger]

Cole Sands is the next pick. Pitcher out of Florida State. Pick 154 and MLB has him ranked at 116. Seems promising.

[Monkeypaws]

Cole Sands out of Florida State - a real live pitcher in the 5th.