2015 MLB Draft: Day Two Wrap Up

Given the excitement of Day One, it was pretty much expected that Day Two would carry significantly less excitement. College seniors, slot appropriate juniors. Maybe a high schooler.

Thats pretty much what happened.

3rd Round: Riley Ferrell, RHP, TCU (Jr.)

Wounds run deep in Texas. Our very own David Coleman had a 'HAWT Take' for this pick as he described how the Aggies tagged him for two runs the night before. He's a good Ag. I instantly reminded him of the Longhorn fans reaction to the Daniel Mengden pick last year. He's been a reliever and could have started this year, but the depth at TCU kept him in the pen. He possesses a 95-98 MPH fastball and mid-80's slider that he can dominate with. With the Astros tandem staffs he could be developed easier as a starter than other organizations, but he could move extremely quickly as a potential late-inning arm. If he is developed as a starter, look for him to spend time learning a changeup.

4th Round: Anthony Hermelyn, C, Oklahoma (Jr.)

The Astros have a habit of drafting players who have found success at a high level. Whether that is in a solid NCAA conference or a prodigious summer league, they are attracted. Hermelyn was a Cape Cod League All-Star and an All-Big 12 player. He played both 1B and catcher but the Astros feel strongly about him being a plus receiver, the arm to stick, and the bat to carry him. He also doesn't strike out (sub 10% k-rate).

5th Round: Trent Thornton, RHP, North Carolina (Jr.)

And the Astros go after a player that doesn't fit their profile. Thornton has been a spot starter at UNC but primarily has pitched out of the pen. He can strike guys out at a very high rate thanks to a low-90's fastball that he can get whiffs with and a plus curveball. He has an interesting windup that features a very high leg kick that causes him to collapse his drive leg and could be part of the reason behind his control problems. The Astros haven't decided how they'll develop him yet as he could be a starter or reliever.

6th Round: Nestor Muriel, CF, Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy (PR)

Here's that lone high school pick. He is likely to be the youngest player taken in this draft as he hasn't even turned 17 yet. It's almost like drafting an J2 IFA. He's very lanky and has a lot of room to fill out. There's a lot of upside here but there is so much work to be done. He has above-average speed, solid arm, and a projectable swing. He can square up and drive it. As his frame fills out we'll know just how much power he could have.

7th Round: Michael Freeman, LHP, Oklahoma State (5S)

Not just a senior. A fifth-year senior. So he might be the oldest player drafted at age 23. He was a starter at Ok-State and was dominant but there's just not enough time to develop him as such in the pros. He'll transition to the pen where the Astros will push him as quickly as he develops with his plus slider and solid velocity.

8th Round: Garrett Stubbs, C, USC (SR)

The Astros love good defensive catchers and Stubbs was one of three finalists for the Johnny Bench Award. So, you know he's held in pretty high regard. The evidence lies in the that he threw out over 50% base stealers this year. An absurd rate. Plus, he apparently has some speed as he stole twenty bases.

9th Round: Zac Person, LHP, LSU (SR)

Another senior with a track record of success. He pitched primarily as a set up man. He's likely a reliever and will probably be used as one this year before determining if he has a future as a starter.  He features a low-90s fastball and an above-average/plus curve.

10th Round: Scott Weathersby, RHP, Ole Miss (5S)

Another fifth-year senior. He was primarily a reliever but was put into the Friday night starter role for his last four appearances which allowed for him to get up to 55 innings. He features a good cutter that could transition well to the pro level.