MN_ExPat

Um.... no, because that would be an overpay especially if taking on any salary.

Not that I disagree totally with the thought necessarily, but bear in mind that a LOT of Wallner's K's came earlier in the season (trying to look up his splits right now) when he stumbled a bit out of the gates. Since then... well it's been a completely different story. Also don't forget, he missed A LOT of game action last year (his first full season) with the hand injury. This has been his first unbroken stretch of play time as a pro. Looking at the big picture of play time (including college where he showed a very good eye at the plate), his numbers don't really pan out as the "three true outcome type". Not saying things couldn't change as teams adjust to him, but as of now.... this kid can play .

Stoopid rain ?

Povich - up to 9 or 10 Ks through 5 so far. Really hitting his spots, velo looks really good too.

Nice swing by Gordan there, and good heads up baserunning

Watching the Twins, Wichita and Kernals games as right now. Lots of offense going on down on the farm (in a good way ). Povich and Varland are shoving tonight as. CES just hammered a double in to the LF corner earlier as well. Really nice swing on that one.

True, I imagine it would seem to sort of defeat the purpose of the draft from that vantage point. Until the league can no longer draft HS kids, we will continue to see things like this play out. A top HS kid in the country has a huge amount of leverage going into the draft. At that point they have garnered (usually) a huge amount of interest from colleges and the pros. If they so choose, they can and often do leverage that to get the best deal they can. A LOT of kids coming out of HS really do want to go play in college though and to lure them away from that dream, it usually takes a bit more money (Enlow is a good example in that the Twins went over slot to lure him away from LSU). Another kid I know of who graduated ahead of my son from his HS had a good number of teams really interested in him as an outfielder (Cubs and Red Sox chief among them and they probably would have taken him in the Top 10 rounds). However, he had always wanted to play for UGA and really wanted to honor the offer they had given him. So his thought was, if you want to draft me and have me sign to give up my dream of playing in college, it has to be Top 4 rounds or the equivalent money. Note: I have the utmost respect for this young man and his family. They truly are amazing people. Plus if you watch any UGA games this fall you may see him playing WR this year for the football team (he was freakishly fast coming out of HS). So this (IMHO) is where you see the deals and agreements in place before the draft. Signability becomes a huge issue for both college (D1/Major JUCO) and Pro teams.

All joking aside, while Wallner is actually a very good athlete, just simply transitioning someone to catcher isn't as easy as it sounds. Firstly, I don't know if he's ever even played the position. It's hard enough to jump to it in HS, let alone in college and especially in professional ball. Second, would he even he a willing participant in the switch? I'm sure he would do it if he was told to, but would his heart be in it? Hard to say. You might add, "What about Bechtold? He's doing it?". While this is true (and please correct me if I'm wrong), I believe Bechtold volunteered and added that to his repertoire of positions to increase his chances of advancing and making it to the show.

That ignores the fact that the vast bulk of bases are stolen off the pitcher. Having spent a good bit of time around catchers, I can say with some certainty, Jeffers if just fine defensively. He may not be Pudge, but very few are.

While I agree with the sentiment... unless you're picking Adley Ruschman (spelling?) or Joe Mauer, you go with the best available talent. That just isn't catcher this year (at least at #8 overall).

I will go on record and happily eat crow if I am wrong and I'm not saying the kid doesn't have some potential... but, Lesko is overrated (having seen video of Lesko and Petty.... I would take Petty over Lesko every time). He comes from a Charter HS program that has a HUGE amount of money but plays in one of the weakest Regions (conferences) in Georgia. Yes, he did display his physical talents at various showcases and he passes the eyeball test (height/weight), but his "stats" at those were "good", not great, just good. Because of all of this, he's going to get A LOT of leash and chances to prove he can make it (and I don't begrudge him those chances). However, we should all take his "successes" to date with a grain of salt. A big fastball doesn't equate automatic future All-Star. Does this mean a team shouldn't draft him? No, he's got talent. Just not at as much as many think.

Yeah I was thinking the same thing myself. Something seems "off" with him, and I'm really hoping that it isn't some internal "demons" that he's battling in addition to any possible physical ails. Lord knows those can destroy a player's soul even faster than an injury. I for one will continue to say a prayer for him that he can find himself and stay healthy (mentally and physically) because he seems like a genuinely good kid.

"He consistently produced some of the most consistently high exit velocities in the country in 2022, a trend across recent Twins draft picks. Cross is virtually a lock to go in the first 12 picks on July 17th. If the Twins take him, they’ll be getting one of the most consistently evaluated players in the draft." So....... you're saying he's consistent??

Whoa.... I just realized that Povich pitched for the Savannah Bananas in 2020. Probably doesn't matter to most folks, but they are a college summer ball team that puts on a better show and product than most minor league teams. Not that anyone can get tickets (the waiting list for tickets is somewhere in the realm of 45 - 50K.... and yes that's thousands , they've sold out every single game since 2016), but if you ever get the chance to be in Savannah, GA. during the summer and score some tickets... it's an experience that simply must be seen to be believed. Had the chance to make it to two games, and they are awesome! Plus, all you can eat burgers and dogs and actually reasonably priced drinks help make it 100% worthwhile .

Pedroia, Altuve and Arraez are pretty "ok" comps I would guess . Kid seems like a legit athlete from video.

Why wouldn't it?

What's making his fastball "regress"... ?, is difficulty locating it consistently. Anyone who knows even the smallest minutia about baseball (and pitching specifically) can tell you that if you can't consistently locate your fastball, you're going to struggle. Right now it looks like Pagan is having a bit of a case of the "yips" with the heater. It's baseball, that happens. If he can reign that in, he'll be fine (mostly/probably ?‍♂️). If not, then the FO will have to make a decision before too long.

I think it's like Raindog just said, Blazer just doesn't "look" healthy. Something isn't right with that guy, and I have to wonder what's going on "under the hood" so to speak. He's got to much talent to be struggling like this.

Yes Sir. Still think this is the best way to approach it from this high of a pick (Top 10). At #8, while some of the "obvious" and "can't miss" prospects may be selected already with 1-7, it allows a team to have a pretty good chance to select a player they really like and who has lots of talent and potential upside (arm or bat).

Hey Jamie, just wanted to point out a small correction before continuing on reading the story . It's Ole Miss. NOT Mississippi. No one says that. Ever. Especially down here. This concludes your Southern Manners and Etiquette lesson for the week . "The dust has finally settled on the college baseball season. On Sunday, Mississippi wrapped up their first-ever NCAA Baseball National Championship"

What... Never get involved in a land war in Asia?

Trouble locating the fastball today

2nd pitch maybe?

You can add Terry Francona to that list as well. Shortly after Luis came up (I believe), someone asked Francona about Arraez, and his answer was simply that he was one of the best hitters he has ever seen play. Not to shabby of an endorsement either

Very true Good Sir, and trust me... we definitely know that.