The Crawfish Boxes Day One Draft Thread
This is it, ladies and gentlemen. The draft is the time when great teams refurbish their farm systems, and re-tool for the future. Keep track of the names selected tonight, because (hopefully) some of them will be future Astros. Look at the Astros right now, and think about how many of them were once draft picks just trying to make their way through the system: Lance Berkman, Hunter Pence, Roy Oswalt, Chris Sampson, JR Towles. Last season's top pick Jason Castro has risen through Rookie Ball, the Hawaiian Winter League, Low A and High A Ball to AA Corpus Christi. This all in less than a year's time.
This season, teams have four minutes between selections. With the draft starting at 5 pm CDT, and the Astros first picking in the 21st slot, expect the Commissioner to read our choice around 6:45 PM. So come for news on the pick, and stick around for the game thread. Unfortunately, DQ is on a road trip this week and won't be here to add his perspective. I will do my best to be online around draft time, but if not, there should be someone here to weigh in on our selection. If I can't be here while the pick is being made, I will be on tonight to post as much analysis as I can must for our first round selection.
AstroAndy has really done a bang up job with his draft analysis, and here is his latest post. The MLB Draft is full of surprises so this should be a fun couple of days. TCB will do our best to give this event the attention it deserves, and we hope a lot of y'all will come by tonight and participate in the discussion, debate and excitement.
First Day Selections for the Houston Astros:
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | School |
| 1 | 21 | Jiovanni Mier | SS | Bonita HS (CA) |
| 2 | 69 | Tanner Bushue | RHP | South Central HS (IL) |
| 3 | 100 | Telvin Nash | LF | Griffin HS (GA) |
| Supp. 3 | 111 | Johnathan Meyer | 3B | Simi Valley HS (CA) |

2008 First Round Selection, Jason Castro
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Comments
Does anyone else think that MLB's attempt to make the draft
into a big deal is kind of lame?
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ehh idk
I love the NFL draft and i like the nba draft, its unfortunate the MLB draft is like this…i think if they wanna make it a big event, 2 things need to change…
A. Draft should happen in December
B. You should be allowed to trade picks…
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jun 9, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Why should the first few rounds of baseball’s draft be any less exciting or a big deal than the drafts of other sports?
I don't have a problem with it being exciting.
But that’s the problem. It’s not really all that exciting. The MLB draft is so speculative that, with the rare exceptions of guys like Strasburg and Kerry Wood, we’re not going to see any of these players for at least two years, and probably more like four. For the first round, only a little over half of the players will ever actually appear in a major-league game (and, of course, it’s much fewer for the later rounds).
And we know so very little about any of these players. We’ve never seen the vast majority of these kids play. It’s just tough to get excited about a draft that’s (1) a crapshoot and (2) involves players we know virtually nothing about. I’m excited to see what the Astros do, but I don’t care about much else.
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"with the rare exceptions of guys like Strasburg and Kerry Wood,"
I mean “…and Mark Prior.” I get my perpetually-injured former Cubs mixed up sometimes.
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because the draft order is determined by last season's standings.
And we were much better in 2008 than we were in 2007.
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This has been bugging me for a while
The Astros only played 161 games last season…there was one makeup game that we just didn’t play because it wouldn’t make a difference. But if we had gotten to play that game and lost it, we’d be picking ahead of the Cardinals.
There was much
about the end of last season that simply was not right.
by Xan on Jun 9, 2009 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions
That should say Mariners
followed by Padres on the clock
I’m trying to scale back my caffeine consumption and my brain is fighting it hardcore
"player evaluation:
graded on a scale of 2 to 7"
So, it’s graded like a tougher slam dunk contest.
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anyone know of...
somewhere on the internet i can watch the draft live…not a tracker but like legit mlb network on the comp?
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jun 9, 2009 5:26 PM CDT reply actions
#4 - Pirates - Tony Sanchez
This pick was apparently settled earlier in the day…
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jun 9, 2009 5:29 PM CDT reply actions
here
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/06/pirates-to-take-catcher-tony-sanchez.html
look at time posted: 3:29 PM CT
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jun 9, 2009 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions
#4 - Pirates - Tony Sanchez
Given that this guy was definitely projected to go after 21, this pushes players down the draft board for us
BPro:
Kevin Goldstein (3:34:55 PM PT): The Pirates go with their late decision of Tony Sanchez. This is not a good pick, but it’s too early to call this a bad draft, as they want to spend big internationally and look to slot bust later.
Of course, when the Astros did that last year, it was the end of the fucking world.
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Including our friends at Baseball Prospectus
Bryan Smith (3:35:45 PM PT): This reminds me what the Cubs did a few years ago when they drafted Tyler Colvin with the intention of spending money on Jeff Samardzija later in the draft. We hear the Pirates will be busy in the Dominican and in later rounds, but it’s certainly weird to see Sanchez’ name in the top five. Not more than a couple days ago, Kevin and I agreed that Jason Castro was a better prospect one year ago. And we know what we all thought about that Castro pick then.
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#5 - Orioles - Matt Hobgood
Apparently he flew up the board bcz of signability…
looks like the o’s future is guys like Matusz, Tillman, and Hobgood throwing to Wieters…nice staff in a few years
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jun 9, 2009 5:36 PM CDT reply actions
more from the BPro chat:
Kevin Goldstein (3:35:46 PM PT): Jon (SF): Do you get the feeling that the MLB Network coverage is just going to say that everyone is a good pick and not criticize teams for overdrafting because of money?
KG: Note how the main analyst guy is Marcos from the scouting bureau? He’s not going to criticize ONE SINGLE SOLITARY pick — I’ll bet a ton on that one.
You know, the draft doesn’t occur in a vacuum. If a team doesn’t think that the required money and the likelihood of production match up, then they shouldn’t draft that player. Why is that bad?
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that’s a good point—signability is usually interpreted as the baseball club being cheap, but it could just as easily be the players asking for way more than they are worth
see, I don't think it's really like players are asking for more than they're worth.
It’s that no one really knows what a player is “truly” worth. Players are making a bet (and they probably are adopting a more optimistic outlook on their production), just as clubs are making a bet. And when those bets don’t match up well, the player probably won’t be drafted.
At the same time, a “signability” pick might just really be that a team’s valuation process is different from BPro’s or Baseball America’s. That kind of pick will look like the same thing.
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i got a question
is donovan tate the brother of brandon tate from UNC?
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jun 9, 2009 5:41 PM CDT reply actions
the football player
drafted this past year into nfl
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jun 9, 2009 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
update
6 . Giants – Zach Wheeler RHP
7. Braves – Michael Minor LHP
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jun 9, 2009 5:46 PM CDT reply actions
that was an awful interview with Wheeler.
Let’s never do that again.
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8 - reds
Mike Leake RHP
apparently can play many positions
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jun 9, 2009 5:50 PM CDT reply actions
MLB Mock Draft
has Matt Purke of Klein HS dropping to #24. If he drops to us I hope like no other that we snag him.
With his rumored $7+mil asking price, I can’t imagine we take him, unless that price is a smoke screen to hold off all the teams except the one he wants to go to
id totally do that
to get to my team!
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jun 9, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions
hoping
that he woulda falled to us
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jun 9, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions
If the Rangers
take anyone besides Shelby Miller I’ll be surprised.
Alex White at 15
to the Indians. Great pick. Got him very late.
"Hey, Ian Stewart is from that area. Have you ever met him?"
“No, I haven’t….”
“…. Well alright then.”
Awesome.
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Introducing
your 2010 Houston Aastros!
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by Only_A_Lad on Jun 9, 2009 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'm actually feeling more confident
that Chad James could fall to us and that’d be HUGE!
Loved watching the bottom line and seeing...
“Last Astros 1st rounder to play in the bigs, Chris Burke, 2001.”
Borchering looks like he's high
in that photo.
Speaking of which, Bud Selig kinda seems like he’s got a few drinks in him, too.
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Pollock
was not supposed to go before us. GREAT THING!
Does anytone else think
that Tony Gwynn sounds like Gary Coleman? That’s why I loved him during the playoffs.
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I skip around to the Baseball Think Factory thread...
They have poll questions that keep popping up. For examples: Would Tony Gwynn eat a phone if it was dipped in gravy? I voted yes. On the poll question on how Selig would die someday….I voted autoerotic mishap.
Shelby Miller is
oh he sounds nice but I dont expect him to drop to us
Shelby Miller at 19
to the assholes of the universe!
if its 5/6 then his fastball gets a 5 out of 6
I think that’s what ur talking about. scouting thing
yeah, it's a scouting thing
but it always seems so totally arbitrary
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Chad Jenkins at 20
to the Blue Jays. OUR TURN!
Chad Jenkins has a face like a sphincter
c’mon Wade. Don’t fuck this up.
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I call Sheppers
Im guessing,,,,or that Heathcott guy
gotta like a guy with a name like "Slade."
That’s just badass.
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not sure what to think
was thinking if we took INF maybe itd be davidson…
anyway this kid looks very skinny
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jun 9, 2009 6:51 PM CDT reply actions
like last year
wen we shoulda went smoak but went castro instead…
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jun 9, 2009 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions
huh
I thought you weren’t suppose to draft based on need????
what evidence do you have that it's purely a "need-based" pick?
That Tejada’s going to be let go? Who cares? You could say that about any position but OF and 1B
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b/c he wasnt the best player available.
I just dont like the fact that this kids only premium skills are defense. if you cant hit then you arent getting to the big leagues.
The Astros look at more than just hit and field
They also take into account mental makeup, work ethic, and character, all of which are highly important in the development process.
From what I’ve read, Jiovanni has all of those things in spades.
yeah I guess I should just shut up
Wade and Heck know their stuff more than me obviously
they purely picked him because the SS position is thin this year
just the reason they took Castro. Castro is working out but I keep hearing Mier cant hit BUT WOW HE’S A GREAT DEFENSIVE PLAYER. u know what WE GOT RID OF ADAM EVERETT FOR A REASON!
Hey I liked Adam Everett,...he was a great player
If he could play defense like Everett he would be a tremendously good pick. I see some doubt that he is that good though.
thats what Im thinking.
Ive heard a couple questions about if his fielding really is that good so Im not sure if he’ll be that good and just the days of having an automatic 3 outs in a row with everett, ausmus, pitcher got to me. I’d like to have a semi productive SS. dont need a bomber but just a 10-15 HR guy with a few SBs
yea
i read that if he improves his power he can be a 10-15 HR….WTF hes not even a 10hr guy now???
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jun 9, 2009 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions
exactly y I dont like him
I liked Everett a little but I can’t deal with another Everett!
We would probably be in a better position right now had we kept Everett.
(And, well, had Everett stayed healthy). Move Tejada to 3rd, keep Everett at SS. Better team overall.
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BPro:
Kevin Goldstein (4:53:44 PM PT): Jio Mier has tools for sure, but I was expecting an outfielder. Still, it’s an up the middle player who is going to not only stay at shortstop, but play well there. I just worry that he hits 7th for you.
25. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: If there’s one other pattern for the Angels, it’s their affinity for young local talent, and Jiovanni Mier is the only high school shortstop on the board who looks like he can stay at the position and is worthy of a late first-round selection. Reviews are mixed on him however, as some see him as a front-line defender with a 70 arm, while others see him as a 45-50 runner with a good first step and merely solid arm strength. This is not a projection made with much intelligence, other than the fact that it just kind of makes sense.
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good news
we have another 50+picks this year!
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jun 9, 2009 6:58 PM CDT reply actions
Here are Mier's stats
Age 18 Average .413 ABs 63 Runs 33 Hits 26 2B 9 3B 1 HR 4 RBIs 17 SBs 16
wow just noticed what I just typed
17 RBIs. well ok lets cheer him on. Wade and Co. know 100 times more than I do
If you want to use BA, then you have to look a few picks above…Matt Hobgood, the 40th ranked kid went #5 overall, and people think that’s a great pick.
wait
you’re telling me that there are other player evaluations than just those from some shitty magazine?
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yeah I wanted Randal BAD!!!
didnt think he’d go first round. was hoping hed drop to us in the 2nd but wouldnt have minded had he been selected by us in the first. that kid has some serious power.
I'm not sure it is a need pick...as much as fitting....
Heck’s “up the middle” philosophy. He has said that he puts an emphasis on drafting up the middle, and that might make this a more predictable pick.
From the BBTF chat:
Dan Szymborski: The Astros will just pick Darin Erstad to guarantee he stays
I never really understood the hate for Erstad. Yeah, the FJM stuff was funny, and he’s been an overrated hitter throughout his career, but he’s THE FREAKING FOURTH OF! This is the equivalent of an airline food joke. No, wait. It’s worse.
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What are chances Astros will make Jio Mier a pitcher?
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jun 9, 2009 7:19 PM CDT reply actions
Probably slim
unless they find that they can’t fix his swing…it’s rare to find a HS SS whose defense will allow him to stick at the position in the majors
MLB.com summary
“Mier looks like a young Nomar Garciaparra on the field. He’s a free swinger that should generate a little pop as he matures. Defensively, he’s very smooth and makes up for below-average speed with excellent instincts that should allow him to remain at shortstop. He has a quiet confidence on the field and his intangibles are off the charts. He should be one of the better high school shortstops in this year’s Draft class.”
i must say
seeing that he had 17 sb’s makes me feel better about the pick…saw that he is below average in speed but goond on basepaths…like those sb numbers
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jun 9, 2009 7:22 PM CDT reply actions
how far do you all think tanner scheppers will fall?
this kid is great but with his shoulder issues it changes things. would be pretty sweet if he slips to the 2nd round allowing us to maybe take a flier on him.
Yea really
He didn’t sign last year cuz he wanted more money, this year he will be offered even less….lol
From a BA profile on Mier
Sports psychologists don’t have to look beyond La Verne, Calif., for a walking case study of how to perform well under pressure.
Mier’s considerable talents have made him a brand name in the scouting community, but it’s his maturity that will allow him to take the next step when the time comes. “People that know him speak very highly of him. He gets it in terms of what you want your kid to be like, and he’s a really well-rounded kid,” Knott said.
“I just think he’s a talented, young, center-of-the-diamond prospect,” one American League scout said. "A lot of people are drawing comparisons between him and Nomar Garciaparra at their stage of their careers as high school players.
The key will come in how he fulfills his offensive potential.Right now, Mier’s stride is a bit long and he has problems with the timing of his load. Once the mechanical shortcomings are solved, he has a chance for above-average power down the line, as scouts have seen good bat speed, leverage and loft to go along with a projectable frame.
Couldn't resist....
“he has problems with the timing of his load.”
Watch this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho5d3U9S0m0
his at-bat about 20 seconds in. He lifts his front leg and starts shifting his weight forward a little too early.
they mean that he's shifting his weight
in his swing too early or too late.
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Here's a Q&A with Jiovanni Mier
http://baseballbeginnings.com/2009/05/11/jiovanni-mier-qa/
I have to admit that I like the guy’s name. Possibly the best name in the first round.
Garciaparra?
Got a question. There are many comparisons to Nomar for this Mier kid who is excellent defensively. Isn’t Nomar knocked a lot for being a sub par defensive player or am I thinking about someone else? Nomars great offensively but if memory serves I’ve remembered him making quite a few errors from time to time. Has nothing to do with Mier except that’s a strange comparison is so.
Nomar was a good defensive shortstop early in his career.
Yes, he became a below average shortstop as age and injuries took their toll.
okay what I was thinking
thought the injuries took their toll on his D
The more I think about this the more I like it
I assume Mier will be brought into the Elite camps and will probably come by Minute Maid a couple times and be able to talk to Tejada and get some advice on how to improve offensively and this year in free agency we can grab a SS and give him a 2 or 3 year contract to let Mier mature and give him time to fill out his frame. Also even if it is Heck saying it the fact that it was stated that he think Mier is the best baseball player in the draft puts a smile on my face. His brother isn’t as talented in the Dodgers system but it looks like it’s good to know that he is aware of whats ahead of him.
Compensation round has started
picks are flying off the board rather quickly:
Steve Baron
Rex Brothers
Matt Davidson
Aaron Miller
James Paxton
Josh Phegley
More compensation
Brewers – Kentrail Davis
Angels – Tyler Skaggs (disappointed AstroAndy here, though I didn’t think he’d fall to us in the second round)
Arizona – Chris Owings
Angels – Garrett Richardson
Reds – Brad Boxberger
Rangers – Tanner Scheppers, 44th overall this year, 48th overall last year….Texas could have a steal on their hands with this pick
rangers
purke and scheppers???
nice
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jun 9, 2009 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions
this compensation round is stacked if u ask me.
The draft might be a little weak offensively but I think the pitching class this year is incredible. Especially the first few rounds
I saw that coming with the Rangers!
they were the only rich team that NEEDED to take a risk. they need pitching in case they do (I think they will) sink this year. The Angels have a stocked system therefore dont need to risk it and everyone else doesnt have the money
Twins – Mike Bashiore
Brewers – Kyle Heckathorn
Angels – Tyler Kehrer
Pirates – Victor Black
That’s the end of the compensation round
I went to college with Victor Black at Dallas Baptist
and I am not at all suprised to see him that early.
is Everett Williams from Austin still on the board?
I was looking at him as a 1st round pick for us. That’d be an amazing pick! At the same time though I’d like to see us take a pitcher but if we get a deal lets take it!
any
projected first rounders that we were supposed to take still on the board?
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jun 9, 2009 8:29 PM CDT reply actions
Second Round
Washington – Jeff Kobernus
Seattle – Rich Poythress
Padres – Everett Williams
Pirates – Brooks Pounders
Orioles – Mychal Givens
I know we're good at catcher BUT
all of the top catchers have dropped. some projected them as 1st round: Wil Myers and Max Stassi are great. Take one and be incredibly deep at catcher and use him as trade bait or use him. Castro cant catch everyday
Giants – Tommy Joseph, C
Dodgers – Blake Smith
Reds – Billy Hamilton, SS
Detroit Tigers – Andy Oliver (another favorite of mine, what with the name sharing)
Colorado – Nolan Arenado (sp?)
Arizona – Geez, they have a lot of picks – Eric Smith, probably the only guy from Rhode Island we sill see today.
I'm actually hoping we take Max Stassi
I never thought I’d say that but I’ve seen multiple people say he’s the best prep catcher in the draft. That’s a steal here
Astros up next
I think Zack Von Rosenberg could go here, and I’ve been holding my breath for the whole second round hoping he’d get here.
PG Crosschecker quote
David Rawnsley: Houston pick Tanner Bushue, a HS right hander from Illinois. The Illinois scouts who I regularly talk to just love this kid, say he’s a throwback type with a great make up and extraordinary projection.
BA
TANNER BUSHUE, RHP, SOUTH CENTRAL HS, FARINA
A sprained right knee that didn’t require surgery caused Bushue to miss most of his junior season and the summer showcase circuit in 2008, severely limiting his exposure. Now that he’s healthy again, he has vaulted past lefthanders Ian Krol (Neuqua Valley HS, Naperville) and Jerad Grundy (Johnsburg HS) as the best prep prospect—and perhaps the top draft pick—in Illinois this spring. An all-area basketball player who averaged 18.2 points per game as a senior, Bushue is just beginning to realize his potential on the diamond. An extremely athletic 6-foot-4, 180-pounder, he repeats his delivery well and throws with little effort. That allows him to maintain his 88-90 mph fastball into the late innings, and he can reach 93 mph with the promise of more to come. Bushue’s curveball is a solid-average pitch, though he needs to use it more often, and he also messes around with a slider. He hasn’t made much progress with a changeup, a pitch he’ll need to remain a starter at higher levels. He has signed with John A. Logan (Ill.) CC rather than a four-year school and should be signable in the first 10 rounds. A team that believes in his upside could pop Bushue as early as the fourth round.
as I've said before
HS stats are pretty much meaningless. But, yeah, that’s impressive.
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I'm only noting NL Central picks now and guys that I think the Astros would like or that I like
Brewers grab Cameron Garfield
I like this pick 0.62 ERA 140 Ks in 68.1 innings. That's amazing!
Boy Heck sure like to take 2 or 3 sport stars with our second pick doesnt he lol
Not a bad hitter either.
Here’s a link to his stats
http://cougarbaseball.com/id286.html
Hard to say
But HS catchers Max Stassi and Wil Myers could fall in that category…I’ve heard a lot today that high schoolers are asking for surprisingly large signing bonuses
I want Stassi!
He sounds phenomenal in all aspects and would make us the best team in the major in terms of young catching talent. Hey I’ll take 1st in something.
True
I’ve heard great things about him. Come on Drayton. Make the leap!
I bet Stassi gets taken soon
by a club panicing that they may lose out on a big catcher.
Lets get some random guesses...
what type of player will we go with next?
interesting...
this article is pre-draft, and it says he went to three tryouts (Nats, Rangers, and Astros), but he only talks about how impressed he was with the Astros’ tryout, seeing Carlos Lee hit a grand slam and getting to talk with Biggio for 45 minutes.
shoot we should have taken wil myers and we'd have every possible spelling close to that covered lol
Kevin Goldstein (7:52:37 PM PT): Day one of the draft wraps up with pick 111 to the Astros, who pick Jon Meyer, a solid switch-hitting 3B from Simi Valley HS.
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Thanks Lad
BA
Meyer is a versatile player whose draft stock has risen steadily as the season has progressed. A solidly built 6-foot-1 switch-hitter, Meyer has played shortstop and third base as well as catching. And as a pitcher, his fastball ranges from 87-91 mph, peaking at 92. Meyer’s curveball is serviceable and could develop into a plus pitch. But his future is likely as a position player. He has the frame and arm to be an outstanding catcher. Yet his hands and fielding actions have improved immensely over the past year, and he flashes the playmaking ability to be an average to plus defensive third baseman as well. Meyer probably does not have the speed or quickness to play short, but second base is also a possibility. He is a recent convert to switch-hitting, and while he shows promise he has more power—and is more comfortable—from the right side.
so,
four HS picks. Intriguing. The lesson to take from this, I suppose, is that Bobby Heck REALLY likes the younguns.
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well I truly dont know what to think about this draft thus far....
I mean I’m feeling alright to good about each pick but none have really been greatly acclaimed or nething. gonna be a wait and see thing. we’ve got mier and pretty much 3 jordan lyles and if they can play like jordan then great job Bobby!
I have to say Im disappointed we didnt take Von Rosenberg. I was really hoping for him.
maybe tomorrow?
It could happen
A guy who won 4 state championships for his high school probably doesn’t last this long unless he had some serious bonus demands

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