Appel was the consensus best arm in the draft last year and he fell to #8 because of Boras. He doesn't have as much leverage this year. But neither did JD Drew, who elected to play independent ball and enter the draft a year later (a dumb move, imho). The presence of Boras might push Appel into the Twins laps. If so, should they take the chance? Personally, it would be tough for me to pass on him.

 

You'll have to explain why it was a "dumb move". Philadelphia offered Drew $2.6M in 1997, Boras said "no" and Drew went back in the draft in '98, signed for $7M with the Cardinals and was playing in the major leagues by September of that year.

You'll have to explain why it was a "dumb move". Philadelphia offered Drew $2.6M in 1997, Boras said "no" and Drew went back in the draft in '98, signed for $7M with the Cardinals and was playing in the major leagues by September of that year.

 

If he gets hurt playing independent ball he gets zero. For a kid just starting out in his career, I would call that a dumb move. Going back to college is another story, getting an education and paving the way for a non-baseball career is a smart move. But to turn down 2.6M, an amount of money many people will not earn over their entire working lives, seems to speak of a level of entitlement that rubs me the wrong way. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Drew and I'm glad it worked out for him. But dumb move.

According to Kiley McDaniel, Austin Meadows is NOT represented by Boras. He also truly believes the Twins prefer Frazier to Meadows and that the Twins will be taking whoever is available between Frazier and Bryant.

 

I'm not gonna disregard what he says - he gets paid to find stuff like this out - but I'm trying to confirm his reports.

 

Wow that is a development. While I personally prefer Frazier to Meadows, nothing in Johnson's draft history would lead me to believe they do. McDaniels is very creditable so I have no reason to doubt him.

I agree. A lot has to do with the trust they place in their area scouts. Luckily, the Twins have one of the best area scouts in the business in Georgia. The industry consensus might have been that Bard went too high last year, but the Twins trust Powell's conviction. If he grades either Frazier or Meadows high enough, either could be the guy at 4.

Actual advisors: Meadows with Excel (Victor Menocal).

Clint Frazier with ACES (Brandon O’Hearn).

 

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I don't see Colorado passing on Bryant.

I don't see Colorado passing on Bryant.

 

I agree. I think the only chance for the Twins to get one of the top 3 is if the Astros repeat last year taking Meadows/Frazier to reallocate 2M for later in the draft.