2015 draft thread

[gunnarthor]

I'm going to restart this thread, the other one got a little long and a little off topic.  Brady Aiken, last year's #1 pick, might be availabe to the Twins at #6 this year.  (Keeping in mind that we still have a season of HS and college baseball left to play).  The Diamondbacks probably don't pick him to go #1 - Duke pitcher Micheal Matuella probably goes there.  Aiken won't go #2 or #5 b/c those are the Astros picks, and that bridge was burned.  So either Texas or Colorado would have nab him. 

 

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/107241074/what-are-the-options-for-2014-no-1-overall-draft-pick-brady-aiken

 

Callis' article suggests that Aiken and Nix may pitch together on ,IMG Academy, "a multisport training and education complex in Bradenton, Fla. IMG's high school team has spawned big leaguers Tyler Pastornicky and J.R. Murphy."  He also says that teams will get to look at his medical records prior to the draft.

[nytwinsfan]

I would be surprised if either Texas or Colorado, both of whom need pitching badly, don't take him. If they don't it is likely because of elbow concerns, in which case . . . That being said, assuming that Houston was exaggerating the elbow issues, I'd love to get him. The part about all teams seeing his medicals before the draft will be an interesting twist, but is probably as it should be. Right now it looks like one of the college arms (Buehler, Kirby, or Funkhouser) or this year's Aiken, prep lefty Kolby Allard, is more realistic for the Twins
 

I'm going to restart this thread, the other one got a little long and a little off topic.  Brady Aiken, last year's #1 pick, might be availabe to the Twins at #6 this year.  (Keeping in mind that we still have a season of HS and college baseball left to play).  The Diamondbacks probably don't pick him to go #1 - Duke pitcher Micheal Matuella probably goes there.  Aiken won't go #2 or #5 b/c those are the Astros picks, and that bridge was burned.  So either Texas or Colorado would have nab him. 

 

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/107241074/what-are-the-options-for-2014-no-1-overall-draft-pick-brady-aiken

 

Callis' article suggests that Aiken and Nix may pitch together on ,IMG Academy, "a multisport training and education complex in Bradenton, Fla. IMG's high school team has spawned big leaguers Tyler Pastornicky and J.R. Murphy."  He also says that teams will get to look at his medical records prior to the draft.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I'd love Aiken if he dropped to the Twins. You can never have enough potential aces in your system, and he's one of them.

[nater79a]

With the college baseball season kicking off today, here are some boxscore stat lines for a few players that may project to the Twins in the #6 slot of the 2015 MLB draft:

 

Carson Fulmer RHP Vanderbilt  5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 K

Nathan Kirby LHP Virginia  7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K

Kyle Funkhouser RHP Louisville 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 12 K

 

Dansby Swanson SS Vanderbilt 1 for 5, 3B, Run scored

[USAFChief]

With the college baseball season kicking off today, here are some boxscore stat lines for a few players that may project to the Twins in the #6 slot of the 2015 MLB draft:

 

Carson Fulmer RHP Vanderbilt 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 K

Nathan Kirby LHP Virginia 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K

Kyle Funkhouser RHP Louisville 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 12 K

 

Dansby Swanson SS Vanderbilt 1 for 5, 3B, Run scored

I know nothing of these, but I am already hoping for Funkhouser. I love the name, but what I really, really want is to hear Bert pronounce it.

[twinsfanstreif]

Funkhouser had an impressive day vs Alabama St, I still feel like he's more of a reliever long term but I could be wrong on that. I still love Kirby at our pick

[nicksaviking]

He was my pick for the Gray/Aiken move this year.

 

Plus, I mean come on, the name is way too sweet to pass up if he's there at number six!

[nater79a]

He was my pick for the Gray/Aiken move this year.

 

Plus, I mean come on, the name is way too sweet to pass up if he's there at number six!

 

Try saying that name 3 times real fast! Inevitably you'll slip up.

[nater79a]

Funkhouser had an impressive day vs Alabama St, I still feel like he's more of a reliever long term but I could be wrong on that. I still love Kirby at our pick

 

Can't say I know much about Alabama St, but chances are they're not that great. Thus, Funkhouser's numbers today.

 

Kirby is interesting. Probably would be a quicker route to the big leagues. Seen some projections where he's off the board by the time the Twins pick at 6.

[gunnarthor]

Obviously, it's a long way off yet but mlb.com's list is pretty nice for us.  There are some interesting pitchers who will certainly be available at #6.  I want Aiken but Funkhowser, Kirby, and Matuella are all pretty intriguing college arms.  It's unlikely that all 4 are gone when we pick and other guys like SS Swanson or Daz Cameron (#2 on my wish list after Aiken) could be taken if we go with a bat.  This looks like a deeper draft then last year's draft was (with the usual caveat that it's a long way off and some will fall and others will rise and injuries will knock a few out).

[nater79a]

Couple more boxscore lines from Friday's opening collegiate games:

 

Alex Bregman SS LSU 1 for 4, 1 SB, 4 assists

Mike Matuella RHP Duke 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K

[2wins87]

Anyone have any interesting guys that from further down the lists on their radar?

 

I've been intrigued by Alonzo Jones, by all reports the fastest guy in the draft.  He sounds like the kind of guy that could shoot up draft boards if he impresses this spring.  His short athletic build makes me think of a young Kirby Puckett.  Also, "toolsy Georgia prep hitter" sounds awfully like a Twins pick doesn't it?

[nytwinsfan]

Yeah Alonzo Jones sounds great on paper. Not sure why he hasn't gotten top 10 consideration by most scouts. Maybe the bat is unproven despite the tools?

[ashbury]

Yeah Alonzo Jones sounds great on paper. Not sure why he hasn't gotten top 10 consideration by most scouts. Maybe the bat is unproven despite the tools?

Yeah, the Hit tool is probably the one indispensable tool for getting more than a cup of coffee in the majors.  If the scouts aren't sold on his, that would be the explanation.

[maxisagod]

Some high school hitter will gain Helium and join Rodgers and Cameron in the top 10.  My personal favorites this year are Demi Orimoloye and Chris Betts. Both right now would be over drafts at 6 and won't be there when the Twins draft next, but it will be fun to see if their stock will rise or fall. 

[Seth Stohs]

Jeremy wrote about several options who could be available when the Twins pick. So much can change between now and June, but I'd think the Twins would happily take Aiken if he was still there. And they'd be happy to give him whatever slot value is.

[twinsfanstreif]

I've said it on here before but I still like Bickford. In all the videos I've seen his mechanics have improved since high school and he still has good stuff, from what I understand he has a good 4 pitch mix. I'm excited about the chance at a good college pitcher and there are several out there that look good. Aiken, Kirby, Funkhouser, Matuella, Bickford, and Beuhler would all be excellent picks. I'm still weary about Matuella though because his delivery is fairly violent and looks like it could lead to injury problems down the road. Throw in Cameron, Bregman, and others and it looks like we will have a solid group to pick from

[gunnarthor]

I've said it on here before but I still like Bickford. In all the videos I've seen his mechanics have improved since high school and he still has good stuff, from what I understand he has a good 4 pitch mix. I'm excited about the chance at a good college pitcher and there are several out there that look good. Aiken, Kirby, Funkhouser, Matuella, Bickford, and Beuhler would all be excellent picks. I'm still weary about Matuella though because his delivery is fairly violent and looks like it could lead to injury problems down the road. Throw in Cameron, Bregman, and others and it looks like we will have a solid group to pick from

I'm a little blah on Beuhler.  I don't want to read about another "too short" RHP.  Bickford certainly could jump into top 6 consideration.

[nater79a]

I'm a little blah on Beuhler.  I don't want to read about another "too short" RHP.  Bickford certainly could jump into top 6 consideration.

 

Not sure what the deal is with Bickford. At one point he was a top 3 consideration. Now I see him most often in the teens for various mock drafts. 

[nater79a]

I've said it on here before but I still like Bickford. In all the videos I've seen his mechanics have improved since high school and he still has good stuff, from what I understand he has a good 4 pitch mix. I'm excited about the chance at a good college pitcher and there are several out there that look good. Aiken, Kirby, Funkhouser, Matuella, Bickford, and Beuhler would all be excellent picks. I'm still weary about Matuella though because his delivery is fairly violent and looks like it could lead to injury problems down the road. Throw in Cameron, Bregman, and others and it looks like we will have a solid group to pick from

 

Even Kolby Allard would be a good pick if you like the prep hurlers. Scouts say he has Aiken type stuff, although he's smaller in stature. 

[the_youngster]

I would be fine with any of Aiken, Matuella, Kirby, or Funkhouser (although I'm guessing Funkhouser ends up as a good reliever unless he tones down his delivery), but I have been entirely sold on Allard. His delivery is so effortless and consistent. He already throws in the low to mid 90's and is one of the youngest players in the draft. He may be small compared to most starters, but with that delivery and his velocity thus far, I find it very reasonable to expect that he could end up sitting around 96-97 consistently once he develops physically. I like the kid and I hope he can be a part of a future Twins rotation that could feature the likes of Berrios, Stewart, and Thorpe (the draft always gets me dreaming up these kinds of things).

[nytwinsfan]

I would be fine with any of Aiken, Matuella, Kirby, or Funkhouser (although I'm guessing Funkhouser ends up as a good reliever unless he tones down his delivery), but I have been entirely sold on Allard. His delivery is so effortless and consistent. He already throws in the low to mid 90's and is one of the youngest players in the draft. He may be small compared to most starters, but with that delivery and his velocity thus far, I find it very reasonable to expect that he could end up sitting around 96-97 consistently once he develops physically. I like the kid and I hope he can be a part of a future Twins rotation that could feature the likes of Berrios, Stewart, and Thorpe (the draft always gets me dreaming up these kinds of things).

 

Also, I've read he's still 17 (or just turned 18), so he's on the younger side of his class, which might mean he is more likely to grow another inch or two still.

[Thrylos]

Matuella is on the head of the class in this draft as far as College pitchers go.  Funkhouser has a Jonathan Broxton body type, for whatever that is worth.  Kyle Cody (Kentucky) as a sophomore would be a great pick, but not at 6.  If here is there at 73, they should get him.  Really high ceiling he needs a third pitch and he is getting it.  Carson Fulmer from Vandy is another guy to watch; Berrios' size, he will drop, but already has 3 close to plus pitches.  I like all these righties ahead of Kirby who most consider the top lefty in this College draft.  Brett Lilek, Garrett Cleavinger, Cole Irvin (the last 2 from Oregon, which is a school you might want to watch play) might quickly gain ground.

 

I do like this College pitching class and I am sure that a couple more will appear from the woodwork during the season.  

 

Not all about Aiken and Cameron

[twinsfanstreif]

Just a note, I made it before but I'm not sure if anyone caught it. Cody Ponce Is this year's hot rising prospect name because of the infamous cape cod league dominance and small school designation. While the numbers are impressive and his stuff is pretty good his arm action is scary, I mean I was almost wincing at every pitch because it looks like he will blow his arm out at any moment. I'm sure scouts have caught on to that and he might fall to our 2nd round pick because of that but I'm not sure I'd take him. He could tone it down and save his arm a bit and he might just have a strong body but his ceiling might be like a Kerry Wood type, have a ton of injuries but still manage to have a long career as a reliever. What do I know though, has anyone else seen him and have any opinions?

[AlwaysinModeration]

The Twins are about to get their fourth consecutive top-6 pick, which will hopefully be the last for a long while. So far they have gone:

 

HS CF

HS SP

HS SS

 

What will the fourth in the cycle be? Another up the middle position player (C?), or another HS SP seem to fit the pattern.

[gunnarthor]

The Twins are about to get their fourth consecutive top-6 pick, which will hopefully be the last for a long while. So far they have gone:

 

HS CF

HS SP

HS SS

 

What will the fourth in the cycle be? Another up the middle position player (C?), or another HS SP seem to fit the pattern.

Just the way the talent seems to be in this draft, I think they'll probably grab a college pitcher.  But Cameron will be really enticing at #6 and if the pitchers they like aren't there, they could easily nab him.

[jimmer]

The Twins are about to get their fourth consecutive top-6 pick, which will hopefully be the last for a long while. 

We may hope that we won't be getting a top 6 pick next year (I know I hope we don't), but I wouldn't bet money on us not getting a top  pick again next year.

[nytwinsfan]

The Twins are about to get their fourth consecutive top-6 pick, which will hopefully be the last for a long while. So far they have gone:

 

HS CF

HS SP

HS SS

 

What will the fourth in the cycle be? Another up the middle position player (C?), or another HS SP seem to fit the pattern.

 

There aren't currently any catchers projected near the top 10, so that seems unlikely. Chris Betts, around number 15-20, is the closest. Unless he really heats up, that seems like a huge reach. This draft is stacked with college pitchers, so that is quite possible as well.

[cmb0252]

Every year top prospects rise and fall before the draft but this years crop of prospects feels different. At least to me it feels like this might be the hardest year to pin point who the Twins will target. Normally I have a personal draft board ready right after the draft but this year I have been struggling with it. Maybe that's just me.

 

Allard and Aiken are my current favorites. Ian Happ was a personal favorite even before his monster week (10-14, 2 2B, 2 Hr, 1 SB, 1 BB). He reminds me of one of my favorite prospects from last year, Kyle Zimmer. Solid all around package.

[Bob Sacamento]

I caught the top ranked college team in the country, Vanderbilt, play Indiana State in Port Charlotte due to Vandys series against Illinois-Chicago cancellation due to snow. Vanderbilt has three of the top prospects in the 2015 in SS Dansby Swanson, RHP Carson Fulmer, and RHP Walker Buerhler in addition to a few more prospects for the 2016 draft in RHP Phillp Phieffer, RHP Jordan Sheffield, LHP Joe Kilichowski and CF Bryan Reynolds. Fulmer started the Friday night game, he looked wicked at times with his fastball/slider combo yet he seemed all too hittable at times; still hitting 97 mph into the fifth. When times were tough he went to for the strikeout and he went to his explosive fastball. RHP Jordan Sheffield was extremely wild walking three in just an inning and a third and just seemed lost.  The best of the bunch, Walker Buerhler currently battling some elbow tendonitis thus did not pitch over the weekend.

 

Dansby Swanson is the real deal with the bat, he constantly takes pitches up the middle, has a nice compact stroke all while working counts and being a prime top of the order hitter. To show his respect, he was intentionally walked in the bottom of the 9th with the winning run on third base to load the bases before Wiseman knocked in the game winner. In the field, Dansby bobbled a ball to throwing side while showing an average arm at SS. If I was a betting man, I'd say he's a 2B professionally. On Saturday, LHP Joe Kilichowski started and was quite filthy thru the first few frames before running into trouble. On a side bar, Friday nights game was filled a who's who with Cy Young winner and Vandy alum David Price, alum Pedro Alvarez, alum Ryan Flaherty, and Pedro Martinez and his kid.