Draft Day / Off-Day Open Thread

by Jeff Sackmann on Jun 7, 2007 8:18 AM CDT in Milwaukee Brewers News

I've seen more mock drafts in the last two weeks than I can ever remember seeing in the last decade. Maybe I'm just more attuned to it, or maybe baseball fans are finally starting to pay attention to a bunch of high school pitchers who are going to get injured while pitching in A-ball.

Anyway, this is the official location for all draft chatter today. I'll update this thread as stuff happens. I'll be in and out, so anybody with keys can feel free to update it, as well.

Go Jack Zduriencik! Bring us Matt Wieters, please...

Update [2007-6-7 16:3:5 by Jeff]: Wieters was off the board before the Brewers picked, and Milwaukee threw a monster curveball with Matt LaPorta, a college first baseman with big power. It's odd for many reasons: plenty of folks think this is an overdraft (he was projected to go low in the first round), and as you might know, the Brewers have their long-term solution at first base.

It sounds like LaPorta will give left field a try as soon as he starts his pro career. That could be great, giving the lineup yet another big bat in another couple of years...or it could mean we'll have a Ryan Howard/Ryan Shealy like trading chip to support the 2008 pennant run. No picks until the 90s, so not much to talk about for a while.

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The trend continues

Mike Jones. . .Mark Rogers. . .Jeremy Jeffress.
All are HS pitchers.
So, I have a hunch they'll go to the well once more for Jarrod Parker, HS pitcher. (leopards don't change their spots, or something like that).
Signability is surely an issue, with Boras clients liberally mixed in at the top.
Parker looks to be signable.
And our next pick is in the 100's.
The success rate of HS pitchers reaching the show, however, is THE lowest of all categories (HS pitcher; College pitcher; HS position player; College position player).
Personally, I'd rather see them take a "safer", more projectable pick, and the org. need is for power hitting position players.

Bob Gibson threw 9 pitches: "two different fastballs, two sliders, a curve, a change-up, knockdown, brushback, and hit-batsman."

by tvnick5 on Jun 7, 2007 8:24 AM CDT reply actions

anyone in the mood for Greek?

I personally enjoy someone who has rewritten record books, and I feel that if he's there (and weiters is not), that I want Moustakas.

By the way, safer and more projectable are antonyms in my book. And I don't like safe picks, that gets you Kyle Peterson.

That's not the Chirizo, It's Enrico Polazzo!

by hyattff2003 on Jun 7, 2007 9:26 AM CDT reply actions

With all due respect

I'm referring to drafting a postion player. They're definitely more projectable and safer.
I've had enough of the Mike Jones/Mark Rogers. Too, too many hurdles to climb for young pitchers.

Bob Gibson threw 9 pitches: "two different fastballs, two sliders, a curve, a change-up, knockdown, brushback, and hit-batsman."

by tvnick5 on Jun 7, 2007 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions

I can see that

I'm pretty sure we are going to go bat this time around, since pitching is a crap shoot as it is. Jones/Parra/Rogers not working out just shows how fragile pitching is. But I'm more of a fan of getting the best player available. Worst case scenario at this point is that Parker is the only top 7 guy left (which is unlikely with the cubs and d-backs getting the directive not to go over slot, and Parker the only guy without huge demands) with Moustakas and Weiters gone.

That's not the Chirizo, It's Enrico Polazzo!

by hyattff2003 on Jun 7, 2007 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions

I wonder

I assume the minors are littered with HS pitching prospects with big potential. What about in the bigs? Are there a lot of solid starting pitchers on the ML level who were drafted out of high school? How about the superstars? (Was Prior drafted out of high school?)

"C'mon, boys, let's get 'em some RUNS!" --- Daron Sutton, pretty much every game of the 2005 season.

by roguejim on Jun 7, 2007 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions

A small sample size

Just looking at the 27 pitchers who were Major League All Stars last year here's a breakdown:

High School: 11
College: 10 - including Trevor Hoffman who was drafted and played a couple of seasons as a shortstop
Undrafted Free Agents: 6 (all latin players, Contreras, Liriano, Rivera, Santana, Pedro, and Zambrano)

by Infield Fly Rule on Jun 7, 2007 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions

Wow

I was expecting only a handful of HS players.

So I guess the MLB draft really is more of a crapshoot than that for the NFL and NBA, huh.

"C'mon, boys, let's get 'em some RUNS!" --- Daron Sutton, pretty much every game of the 2005 season.

by roguejim on Jun 7, 2007 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions

15 Years of First Round Draft Picks

Here's some quick numbers on the last 15 years of First Round Picks by the Brewers:

High School Pitchers: 5 picks, 1 made Majors (Jeffress, Rogers, Jones, Gold, D'Amico - 3 with organization)
High School Batters: 2 picks, 2 made Majors (Fielder, Krynzel - 1 with organization)
College Pitchers: 2 picks, 2 made Majors (Sheets, Kyle Peterson - 1 with organization)
College Batters: 6 picks, 4 made Majors (Braun, Weeks, Chad Green, Jenkins, Williamson, Ken Felder - 3 with organization)

by Infield Fly Rule on Jun 7, 2007 11:07 AM CDT reply actions

If you're wondering

The draft is 2pm Eastern, 1pm Central, on ESPN2 and mlb.com.

"C'mon, boys, let's get 'em some RUNS!" --- Daron Sutton, pretty much every game of the 2005 season.

by roguejim on Jun 7, 2007 11:10 AM CDT reply actions

On one hand

I'd prefer a safe pick, like a college OF bat, but on the other hand the starting pitching depth means the Crew has the time to develop a high schooler.

by grant76 on Jun 7, 2007 12:12 PM CDT reply actions

Judging from the mlb.com picture

I would have hated to be at the meeting where the teams decided who would sit where on the draft floor. It probably took 14 hours and something like 5 league caucuses to settle.

by TheJay on Jun 7, 2007 12:33 PM CDT reply actions

Also

Tell me the head shot of Selig in this picture doesn't look like something the Onion would use as the "author" of one of their editorials.

by TheJay on Jun 7, 2007 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions

HA!

by engbjm06 on Jun 7, 2007 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions

you also have to remember

That our best pitcher in the minor league was drafted out of highschool and will be in the majors before the year is out

by Bigdogg2002 on Jun 7, 2007 12:47 PM CDT reply actions

Tampa, you're on the clock!

"C'mon, boys, let's get 'em some RUNS!" --- Daron Sutton, pretty much every game of the 2005 season.

by roguejim on Jun 7, 2007 1:11 PM CDT reply actions

I don't think they should get 5m

I mean...what do they have to react to?

by Jeff Sackmann on Jun 7, 2007 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions

That's true

It's not like they're working trades in between picks, like in football.

"C'mon, boys, let's get 'em some RUNS!" --- Daron Sutton, pretty much every game of the 2005 season.

by roguejim on Jun 7, 2007 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree

I was really hoping teams would go up and pick in like 25 seconds and really mess with ESPN's timetable.

by TheJay on Jun 7, 2007 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions

just occured to me

maybe they are...but there is no f'ing with a tv schedule. I'll bet Selig waits until the clock runs out no matter what.

by Jeff Sackmann on Jun 7, 2007 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions

whoa!

moustakas goes #2! I don't think anybody was predicting that...maybe the Royals are going cheap this year.

by Jeff Sackmann on Jun 7, 2007 1:22 PM CDT reply actions

A lefthanded shortstop

I'm thinking he'll change positions. I think I heard the guy could be a pitcher too.

by grant76 on Jun 7, 2007 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Not so much on the Cheap

boras is his advisor, so there won't be much cheapness there

Alright so there goes my guy, go WEITERS!!!

That's not the Chirizo, It's Enrico Polazzo!

by hyattff2003 on Jun 7, 2007 1:23 PM CDT reply actions

indeed

I didn't realize that. Though maybe Boras won't try to go too far above slot, realizing that he was drafted above expectations.

by Jeff Sackmann on Jun 7, 2007 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions

according to Boras

Moustakas will be asking for a major league deal, looking something like the original A-rod contract. I may be seeing him in Fort worth in late August

That's not the Chirizo, It's Enrico Polazzo!

by hyattff2003 on Jun 7, 2007 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Johs Vitters 3B to the Cubbies

by grant76 on Jun 7, 2007 1:28 PM CDT reply actions

3 picks to go before us

2 catchers are out there (not that one drafts based on need, of course). My pick is Parker, because we seem to love HS pitching.

"C'mon, boys, let's get 'em some RUNS!" --- Daron Sutton, pretty much every game of the 2005 season.

by roguejim on Jun 7, 2007 1:31 PM CDT reply actions

I posted a poll

and 3 people think we will get Weiters.

I think that its optimistic to think we will get him. Anytime you can get a top tier catcher though....you gotta look at it. cough Surhoff cough

by grant76 on Jun 7, 2007 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Moskos!

Someone get Devin Mesoraco a brochure of the Milwaukee Art Museum.

"C'mon, boys, let's get 'em some RUNS!" --- Daron Sutton, pretty much every game of the 2005 season.

by roguejim on Jun 7, 2007 1:34 PM CDT reply actions

With all the problems they have

why would Pittsburgh go with Moskos? Is the bullpen help within the next year really going to help them that much? I think this is a bad pick for them

That's not the Chirizo, It's Enrico Polazzo!

by hyattff2003 on Jun 7, 2007 1:35 PM CDT reply actions

Wieters gone

But don't get too upset. The Brewers weren't drafting him anyways.

by BroadwayJoe22 on Jun 7, 2007 1:38 PM CDT reply actions

Wieters is gone, Mesoraco still lingers

"C'mon, boys, let's get 'em some RUNS!" --- Daron Sutton, pretty much every game of the 2005 season.

by roguejim on Jun 7, 2007 1:38 PM CDT reply actions

There goes Weiters

but Porcello and Detwiller keep falling!

That's not the Chirizo, It's Enrico Polazzo!

by hyattff2003 on Jun 7, 2007 1:38 PM CDT reply actions

Aside

While everyone's on the topic of organizational depth, does anyone else think the org. depth/stats feature on baseball-reference.com is cool?

I like seeing a list of all the position players the Brewers have this year and how they're doing so far.

by TheJay on Jun 7, 2007 1:40 PM CDT reply actions

Detwiller gone,

Porcello anyone?

by grant76 on Jun 7, 2007 1:43 PM CDT reply actions

There goes detwiler

Man do I want Porcello now

That's not the Chirizo, It's Enrico Polazzo!

by hyattff2003 on Jun 7, 2007 1:43 PM CDT reply actions

I bet it's Mesoraco or Parker

C'mon, Punxsutawney Devin!

"C'mon, boys, let's get 'em some RUNS!" --- Daron Sutton, pretty much every game of the 2005 season.

by roguejim on Jun 7, 2007 1:43 PM CDT reply actions

Get ready

For a surprise

by BroadwayJoe22 on Jun 7, 2007 1:44 PM CDT reply actions

Surprise!

As promised

by BroadwayJoe22 on Jun 7, 2007 1:48 PM CDT reply actions

Laporta???

wow. that is a surprise.

by Jeff Sackmann on Jun 7, 2007 1:48 PM CDT reply actions

laWho???

by grant76 on Jun 7, 2007 1:49 PM CDT reply actions

New Position

by BroadwayJoe22 on Jun 7, 2007 1:50 PM CDT reply actions

from Kevin Goldstein

The Yankees are playing the same game as the Tigers--sitting back and hoping one of the elite-yet-expensive talents falls to them. Hoping that would be Porcello, the Yankees might be forced to settle for Matt LaPorta, arguably the top pure hitter in college baseball. He's limited to first base defensively, but the Yankees do need one of those.

by Bill @ Brew Crew Ball on Jun 7, 2007 1:50 PM CDT reply actions

more from KG

15. Matt LaPorta, 1B, Florida
Pros: Arguably the best pure hitter in the college class, batting .402/.582/.817 with more home runs (20) in 169 at-bats than strikeouts (16); excellent approach at the plate: hits anything, anywhere.
Cons: Limited to first base defensively; slow, but not a total base-clogger

That's not the Chirizo, It's Enrico Polazzo!

by hyattff2003 on Jun 7, 2007 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions

Matt LaPorta

MATT LaPORTA
1B, Florida, 6-1, 215, Sr.
* After helping Gators to CWS championship series as a sophomore and leading country in HRs, LaPorta followed it with terrific summer for Team USA. Then, he injured his oblique muscle at start of junior year, struggled for most of season and slipped to 14th round of draft. Rebounded in big way this year when he opted to return to Florida. Finalist for Golden Spikes Award hit .402 with 20 HRs and 52 RBIs despite seeing few good pitches. Considered below average defensively, but bat could make him top-15 pick.

I guess I can't say I'm thrilled, but we seem to know what we're doing with drafting of late. (The review above is from Yahoo!.)

ESPN is reporting that he might be hard to sign, plus, like Prince, he might have a hard time playing elsewhere.

"C'mon, boys, let's get 'em some RUNS!" --- Daron Sutton, pretty much every game of the 2005 season.

by roguejim on Jun 7, 2007 1:51 PM CDT reply actions

thrilled

How can you not be thrilled with a guy who had more HRs than strikeouts and carried a 1.400 OPS?

He's the next Albert Pujols.

Bring Back The Old Logo!

by jacob on Jun 7, 2007 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions

(ssshhh...i wanted a catcher.)

"C'mon, boys, let's get 'em some RUNS!" --- Daron Sutton, pretty much every game of the 2005 season.

by roguejim on Jun 7, 2007 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Supposedly

can only play 1B or DH? I guess they think he can play LF though.

I know we shouldn't be drafting for need, but if we did, LF is one spot that will be available in a few years.

by grant76 on Jun 7, 2007 1:52 PM CDT reply actions

Reading between the lines in Callis' comments...

just now, I couldn't help but interpret "Boras client...slot money..." as

"the Brewers aren't gonna work too hard at signing him and will be happy to take pick #7a next year"

by Zeyes on Jun 7, 2007 1:52 PM CDT reply actions

I had the same thought

But hey, if they can sign him for not too much over slot money, it could end up well. If anything, he'd be a good fallback should Prince get hurt or the team wants to make a big trade or something.

by TheJay on Jun 7, 2007 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Actually

This guy has little leverage. He has no school to go back to since he is a senior.

That's not the Chirizo, It's Enrico Polazzo!

by hyattff2003 on Jun 7, 2007 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Plus

It looks like he's suffered a pretty big injury a while ago, so he might be more anxious than others to sign that contract,

"C'mon, boys, let's get 'em some RUNS!" --- Daron Sutton, pretty much every game of the 2005 season.

by roguejim on Jun 7, 2007 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions

But...

If he's not signed by August 15, what happens? Is he blackballed from baseball until the next draft, or does he become a free agent for all 30 teams to try and sign?

by TheJay on Jun 7, 2007 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions

good question

I would like to know that too

by Bigdogg2002 on Jun 8, 2007 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions

after further review...

I like this pick. We get a guy who has shown he can hit, with authority. Now if he can play a corner OF spot, even better

That's not the Chirizo, It's Enrico Polazzo!

by hyattff2003 on Jun 7, 2007 1:55 PM CDT reply actions

ESPN sez

first, that someone in the organization were warning of a "bombshell" with their pick in today's draft.

Also, that he'll be trade bait within 1-2 years, as opposed to a HS kid who will take 4, 5 years to develop.

Weird, but I guess it's going according to plan. I hope this will all be explained in the next day or two.

"C'mon, boys, let's get 'em some RUNS!" --- Daron Sutton, pretty much every game of the 2005 season.

by roguejim on Jun 7, 2007 1:56 PM CDT reply actions

probably not

if they think he can play LF, I'll guess we'll find out... but they'd never say we drafted this guy for trade bait, or to get pick 7a next year, and certainly not "We might not be able to sign Prince, Ricky, JJ, and Ryan in a few years... so now we have back up at 1B."

by keephopealive on Jun 7, 2007 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions

music to my ears on ESPN

I loved the idea that the Brewers might actually be in position to draft "the best available player" or someone with trade value for a pennant race next year or the year after... we've come a long way baby.

by keephopealive on Jun 7, 2007 1:57 PM CDT reply actions

I think I read somewhere

that we don't have much indication that he can play anything other than 1st or DH.

"C'mon, boys, let's get 'em some RUNS!" --- Daron Sutton, pretty much every game of the 2005 season.

by roguejim on Jun 7, 2007 1:58 PM CDT reply actions

Jeff...

You get paid somewhat to do this... Thoughts?

That's not the Chirizo, It's Enrico Polazzo!

by hyattff2003 on Jun 7, 2007 2:00 PM CDT reply actions

from Baseball America's live blog:

Shocker!

Posted Jun. 7, 2007 1:57 pm by John Manuel
Filed under: Draft Day: June 7

The Brewers go off the board and take Matt LaPorta, the Florida first baseman who dominated the Southeastern Conference this spring with a 1.399 OPS. LaPorta is the first college senior drafted and we'll check to find when the last time a college senior was picked that high.
The question is where the Brewers play him, and this is just a hunch, but with Prince Fielder on board at first in Milwaukee, I'm guessing the Brewers will try LaPorta as a catcher, the position he played when he came to Florida. Some scouts in the past have compared him to Matthew LeCroy, the former Clemson and Twins catcher/DH, and that's how LaPorta makes the most sense at No. 7 overall-if you view him as a catcher.

Up next-the Rockies.

by Bill @ Brew Crew Ball on Jun 7, 2007 2:00 PM CDT reply actions

THAT would make sense

I'm confused if he's a first baseman.

If he can be a FT catcher, though, it's a fantastic pick.

"C'mon, boys, let's get 'em some RUNS!" --- Daron Sutton, pretty much every game of the 2005 season.

by roguejim on Jun 7, 2007 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Nope

He will be tried in LF, not catcher.

by BroadwayJoe22 on Jun 7, 2007 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions

i'm not getting this on TV

so I can't tell whether you're sharing what they're saying or simply making a prediction of your own. Or do you have sources? ;)

by Bill @ Brew Crew Ball on Jun 7, 2007 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions

I know people

who know things.

by BroadwayJoe22 on Jun 7, 2007 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Haha

That reminds me of "Duffman says a lot of things; some of them are true." for some reason. But hey, you called the surprise pick right and it's logical to go to LF. Behind the plate again seemed like a stretch anyway, even if he did it in HS.

by TheJay on Jun 7, 2007 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions

He came into college as a catcher

I'm surprised they aren't making more of that. If he's going to play for the Brewers, he is going to have to move to left field or catcher, but fortunately those are two positions where they could have openings in coming years.

by Achilles17 on Jun 7, 2007 2:01 PM CDT reply actions

Philippe Aumont...

wait, there was a Canadian highschool pitcher available and we didn't take him? :)

by Zeyes on Jun 7, 2007 2:12 PM CDT reply actions

I wonder if we talked to him first

about possible switching positions, and seeing if (1) he could handle it, and (2) if he'd be OK with that.

"C'mon, boys, let's get 'em some RUNS!" --- Daron Sutton, pretty much every game of the 2005 season.

by roguejim on Jun 7, 2007 2:13 PM CDT reply actions

full scouting report

Biographical Data
Player Name: Matt LaPorta
Position: First base
School: University of Florida
School Type: Four-Year College
Academic Class: Senior
Birthdate: 01/08/85
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 215 lbs.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Report Date(s): 04/14/07
Game(s): Arkansas

Focus Area Comments
Hitting Ability: Simply put, LaPorta can flat out hit. Period. After a subpar junior year because of injury, he's back raking again at Florida with outstanding plate discpline to boot.

Power: LaPorta has as much power as any bat, especially from the college ranks, in this draft class. He's got power to all fields and can hit the ball out of any ballpark with any kind of bat.

Running Speed: He's not a runner as a former catcher, but that's not what people will want from him as a pro.

Arm Strength: As a former catcher, he's got decent arm strength for a first baseman.

Fielding: He may never win a gold glove, but he's been OK at first defensively this year.
Physical Description: LaPorta is a big, strong left-handed power-hitting first baseman.

Medical Update: He spent nearly all of his junior season struggling with an oblique injury, but he's clearly healthy now.
Strengths: He can hit and hit with plenty of power.

Weaknesses: Unless someone thinks he can play another position -- not a common belief -- LaPorta is limited to first base or DH duties in the future.

Summary: LaPorta has quickly erased a forgettable injury-riddled junior season with a monster senior campaign. With nothing to lose and healthy, he appears to be relaxed and enjoying the game again. It seems that his decision not to sign with the Red Sox after being drafted in the 14th round a year ago will be a good one for him.

That's not the Chirizo, It's Enrico Polazzo!

by hyattff2003 on Jun 7, 2007 2:31 PM CDT reply actions

Kinda old - January '06

LaPorta said third was his favorite position, though he's likely to spend more time at first this season. Some scouts like him in an outfield corner, while a small minority would like him to try catching as a pro.

by grant76 on Jun 7, 2007 2:35 PM CDT reply actions

quote!

oh my, what a quote:

"That's just monster raw juice."

Bring Back The Old Logo!

by jacob on Jun 7, 2007 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions

new nickname for laporta?

monster raw juice

Bring Back The Old Logo!

by jacob on Jun 7, 2007 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions

If the guy...

couldn't catch in college, there aint no way he's gonna catch in the Show. Give it up. That's like the Packers drafting a FB who'd never played any position other than LB before (oh wait, they did that with that Boise State guy...)

by balldeagle on Jun 7, 2007 3:35 PM CDT reply actions

Brian Jeroloman

Jerolman was the catcher who was already there and was apparently a great defensive catcher. In fact he was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 6th round last year despite hitting .244 as a college senior.

by grant76 on Jun 7, 2007 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions

LaPorta

Is this an insurance policy for Prince Fielder taking the big money to play for a big-market team? Are they trying to get him to play another position? Don't get me wrong, I go to UF myself, and I have seen this guy play, he has sick power and is a clubhouse leader. Either way, the Brew Crew has an excellent track record for drafting, so I will trust that they know something big that I don't.

by KegelExercise on Jun 7, 2007 4:23 PM CDT reply actions

Prince doesn't hit Arbitration for 2 years

I think this is more of a let's take the best bat available, and see where else he can play pick.

That's not the Chirizo, It's Enrico Polazzo!

by hyattff2003 on Jun 7, 2007 4:27 PM CDT reply actions

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