Amateur Draft Grades: Round 1

Before the inaugural draft hangover was even over, everyone had to get right back to work with the first annual Championship Baseball Association Amateur Draft. This is where teams stock their farms with young players filled to the brim with talent, hoping they will find the next big thing or discover diamonds in the rough. Some will surprise, others will disappoint, but one thing is known: People like me will criticize the ever-living hell out of every single pick.

In order to be unique from James Austin’s inaugural draft grades, I will be using stars rather than letter grades to judge the selections. These range from 1 to 5 stars, in increments of 0.5. In addition, all of my analyses are based off of OSA scouting projections to keep my grades impartial. Since I know OSA is understaffed, I didn’t rely solely on their projections. I also based my decisions off of age, position, intangibles, position in the draft, value relative to other players, and my own better judgement, among other things. I am sure a fewof my grades will ruffle some feathers, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If you have a problem with I said, feel free to leave a note in my complaint box which I will totally take a look at. Without further ado, enjoy!

 

1. Mike Todoroff – LF (Bay Area Pandas)

Their obsession with young men aside, Bay Area was gleaming with excitement leading up to the first overall pick in the draft. After trading away every inaugural pick from here to the moon, it was finally time for the Pandas to capitalize on their daring decision to go all-in on the amateur draft. That being said, the selection of Todoroff has undoubtedly sent the Pandas in the right direction.

Nicknamed “Hulk”, Todoroff is far from it, standing at a modest athlete’s build of 6’2”, 195. However, just because he doesn’t grunt like Lou Ferrigno does not mean he won’t us with his bat. Todoroff projects to have elite contact with above-average power, coupled with a solid ability to draw walks and avoid the K. In addition to his hitting potential, he is lightning fast and has a strong arm suited for a corner outfield position. In his prime, he could emerge as a five-tool player that anchors the middle of the lineup. At 22 years old with an already highly developed skillset, we could see him making an impact in the Pandas ragtag lineup in the very near future.

5 Stars

 

2. Kenny Dewitt – SP (Los Angeles Chilis)

Drafting pitchers out of high school always comes with inherent risks, but it’s hard to look past a stud like Dewitt. When he was pitching for Brethran Christian in Huntington Beach, CA, his explosive stuff and jaw-dropping movement was apparent. The only real concern was his control, but he has plenty of time to work through those issues. Besides, if you can miss bats and throw hitters off balance as often as Dewitt can, it hardly matters where the ball ends up (which he will inevitably use as an excuse when he plunks a batter later in his career). However, the truly amazing aspect of Dewitt is his incredible repertoire of pitches. He has fanned countless high schoolers with his 93 MPH cutter and unhittable splitter, and he is continuing to develop a curveball and circle change. When the dust clears and he is sitting atop the Chili’s rotation, all of those pitches are expected to be plus-plus. As long as Dewitt can develop his control to a serviceable level, he will be a dangerous pitcher for years to come. Although, we say that about high school pitchers a lot, don’t we?

4.5 stars

 

3. Ernie Horton – SS (San Diego Skylarks)

The first thing that stands out about Horton is his intangibles. His fellow students at El Rancho High School praised him for his leadership ability and the true passion he had for his team and the game. Additionally, he has displayed incredible base running and fielding instincts that translate very well to a professional baseball diamond. His instincts have allowed him to excel at multiple different infield positions, giving the Skylarks a lot of future flexibility.

What is concerning, however, is his offense. While his baseball smarts allow him to fend off strikeouts like nobody else and extend singles into doubles on a regular basis, he only projects for above-average contact and a mediocre eye. This combination may lead to a low OBP, and without much long ball power to show, there are many questions about his offensive potential. However, due to his speed, fielding, and instincts, he is still a valuable player, especially if he can motivate and improve the guys around him. Not a bad pick, but there were better options available this early in the draft.

4 stars

 

4. Tyler Shinkle – SP (Bay Area Pandas)

Wait, wasn’t I just talking about Bay Area? Oh yeah, that’s right, they have every pick in the draft. Trying to build on their collection of frat boys and adolescents, the Pandas selected 21-year-old pitcher Tyler Shinkle out of Niagra College in Ontario. The Pandas must really see something in this kid, because OSA has very modest expectations for Shinkle that may be concerning for a fourth overall pick. His stuff wont wow you, his movement is okay, and he has a lot of work to do on locating his pitches. He does have a few solid pitches in a fastball (that can touch 95), splitter, and plus-plus changeup, and it doesn’t hurt that is he working to mix in a curveball. That being said, he is likely to be found lower in the rotation than higher.

There are some obvious reasons for Bay Area to make this pick, however. There is relatively low risk in selecting a college pitcher, and Shinkle spends hours a day working on his game. Moreover, maybe their scouts see something in him we don’t, because it seems OSA tells us there is a lot left to be desired. All in all, not too bad, Pandas.

4 stars

 

5. Justin Casey – SP (Arizona)

In a league that is projected to be very hitter-friendly, it is no surprise pitchers are getting snatched early and often in this draft. Casey, another pitcher out of high school, has the type of electric stuff we saw in Kenny Dewitt. He should be expected to rack up a bunch of K’s, keep the ball in the yard, and do a good job putting the ball where he wants it. His cutter is incredible, and his curveball and changeup are expected to develop into knee-buckling pitches as well. His stamina is a mild cause for concern, but if he doesn’t pan out as a starter, his stuff should allow him to translate smoothly into a flame throwing reliever. All the pitching skills are there for Casey, although he has never proven anything above the high school level. However, of what we know about Casey, he does not care to prove anything to anyone. He tends to keep to himself, and it is already expected that he’ll be running towards wherever the biggest bag of money is once his tenure is up in Arizona.

4.5 stars

 

6. Cameron Brasted – OF (Wichita Weasels)

At almost 24 years old, this guy could very well be my grandfather. However, it seems unlikely, because he can run faster than my grandfather can break a hipbone. A switch-hitting outfielder of out of Rice University, Brasted has a very promising skillset that is expected to translate into a solid professional career. He has exceptional range to complement his lightning-quick speed, a combination that should allow the corner outfielders to hit on women in the stands while he runs down balls. He projects to have above-average ability in every hitting trait outside of his eye, but his solid contact potential should help counteract that to lead to a decent OBP.

Brasted should be a 5-tool player with 20-20, maybe even 30-30 potential. Additionally, he is an absolute pleasure to have around a clubhouse, and he is the type of guy to pour over spray charts and scouting reports to ensure he is the best player he can be. We expect big things out of Cameron, and at his age, we should be seeing him very soon. That being said, OSA says there were better outfielders available, so this pick is not perfect.

4 stars

 

7. Pat Kenny – SP (Brooklyn Bulldogs)

Born in raised in Depew, New York, Kenny was undoubtedly excited to be drafted by a local team where he has the chance to be a hometown hero for years to come. Likewise, the Bulldogs should be thrilled to have him as well. Another pitcher projected to hive devastating stuff, Kenny could find a role towards the top of the rotation if all goes well. However, that hinges on him making improvements to his control and counteracting his proneness to letting up the long ball by getting swings and misses. Nevertheless, there is a lot to love about Kenny. He has already shown off his dominant cutter-curveball-changeup combo in his college days, and he has a decent splitter he can mix in the keep hitters guessing. Additionally, he can hit 97 mph with his cutter, which should worry hitters everywhere. This pick comes with a lot of promise.

5 stars

 

8. Dave Conklin – RP (Miami Warriors)

Yet another promising pitcher draft, but unlike all the others, Conklin will likely never find himself in a starting rotation. An extreme groundball sidearmer with a nasty sinker-slider combo, Conklin has whack job closer written all over him. The only concern in his game is his control, but he is already making improvements in keeping the ball in the bottom of the zone. Moreover, control is usually the last thing a relief pitcher has to worry about, and considering his filthy stuff, the Warriors shouldn’t be too concerned. Conklin also proved that he is calm and collected in high-pressure situations, so pitching in close games should only serve to enhance his skills. Plus, like Kenny, Conklin is a hometown kid, so he there is no reason he can’t thrive in his environment. I do really question choosing a reliever this early in the draft, however. Otherwise, everything about Conklin is solid.

3.5 stars

 

 

9. Danny Crews – CF (Dallas Devils)

This guy is very comparable to 6^th overall pick Cameron Brasted save for one aspect; he’s better. Also 23 years old, Crews is essentially the Pro version of Brasted. Not only does he project to have league-leading contact, he should be well above average in every hitting trait. If Brasted could reach 30-30 potential, look for Crews to toe the line of 40-40. He is extremely fast and remarkably fluid on the base paths, and he could be the Willie Mays of the CBA based on the way he plays center field. Oh, and he is a switch hitter, if that is something that matters to you. This kid is a natural athlete with superstar potential. Wichita, I hope we’re missing something with Brasted, because it seems like you missed an opportunity.

5 stars

 

10. Jesse Buchert – SP (Detroit Motors)

Wait, why is he holding the baseball like that? I don’t think that’s a very effective…oh, oh, it’s a knuckleball! There is one thing we can generally say about knuckleball pitchers: they aren’t going to be terrible. And if things go well, they can throw together a couple of great seasons along a career of average seasons. That is just about what you would expect from Buchert. He has never pitched past high school, but he has already exhibited solid knuckleball that dances and jerks its way to the plate. He has shown to be wild with it, but with that pitch, you are really just hucking it at the plate and hoping for the best. In addition, he pairs his knuckleball with a decent curve and he is developing a changeup, so batters will still have to be on their toes for pitches that may actually spin once or twice. I would certainly call this a conservative pick. Buchert will probably never rise to the level of elite, but there is a good chance he will eat a lot of innings for a long time. However, is that really what you’re looking for from the 10^th overall pick?

4 stars

 

11. Chris Colombo – SP (Bay Area Pandas)

Seriously, I think I need to see a doctor. Everywhere I go, I see “Bay Area Pandas”. It’s either a curse or I’m having a stroke. Regardless, on to the pick. From what OSA has seen, and from what other scouts in the league has muttered, Colombo does not project to be much more than a middle-of-the-rotation starter at best. While it is true that getting any major league starter at all is a blessing in an amateur draft, one would hope for more potential from the 11^th pick. As is common, Bay Area’s scouts probably have a different look on him then OSA does and expects more from him in the future. Because he suffers from major control issues is projected to have mediocre stuff going forward, Colombo will have to do a lot of work to get himself a mid-rotation spot. His five-pitch arsenal is enticing, and they all seem effective, but he has to work on the rest of his game to make those pitches worthwhile. All that being said, having pitching depth in the minors is always a plus, even if they only have high school experience. If Colombo can learn to find the strike zone, he is a nice guy to have in the system.

3.5 stars

 

12. William Stannard – SP (Florida Giants)

The pitching brigade continues with the selection of William Stannard. Coming right after the selection of Chris Colombo, OSA Scouts expect a little bit more from Stannard. I am always a fan of pitchers coming out of college, especially a southern athletic-focused school like Alabama. Stannard’s stuff isn’t going to wow you like we have come to expect from many previous pitchers in the draft, but the rest of his game looks solid. He uses a sinker-slider-changeup combo to generate a healthy supply of groundballs, something undoubtedly important in this hitter-heavy league. His extreme groundball tendency, along with his above-average projected movement and control, should help Stannard develop into a very serviceable pitcher, especially if he has a quality infield behind him.

4.5 stars

 

13. Eddie Rodriguez – SP (Sacramento Golden Bears)

Although he is just 20 years old, his exquisite mustache makes me think Rodriguez would be better suited in a different era. Aside from his good looks, Rodriguez looks to be an alright player. He is another pitcher who has struggled with his control, but unlike others, scouts don’t really expect him to fully work out those issues. He has a nice fastball and sinker, and he looks to be developing a lockdown slider, but he isn’t quite there yet. Like Stannard, Rodriguez relies on groundballs rather than strikeouts, but his stuff is so underdeveloped right now that it looks like he will be letting up contact on every at bat unless he can straighten things out in the Golden Bears system. Even though he has elite stamina, I would not be surprised if Rodriguez is eventually relegated to a bullpen spot. At best, he will probably be a 4 or 5 pitcher.

3 stars

 

14. Wayne Waring – RP (Miami Warriors)

I am not a huge fan of this pick. As I’ve said before, I don’t think relievers should be selected this early in the draft. Even though any team would love to have a young stud to anchor their rotation, teams should be waiting until later rounds to bet guys that are so hit or miss. And while some scouts project him to have elite strikeout potential with a knockout changeup, he hasn’t really proven that to be true at this point in his career. The only thing he has proven in high school so far is that he can put impressive spin on his curveball; everything else is just speculation. With so many other choices still available, Miami should have looked past a relief pitcher who still has to borrow dad’s car to bring his girlfriend to Red Robin.

2 stars

 

15. Andy Heavener – RP (Miami Warriors)

Back-to-back picks for the Warriors, back-to-back relief pitchers. I’m beginning to think that the former GM of the Warriors was Rollie Fingers in disguise, or he’s just really into back ends. Regardless, I actually like Heavener a lot more than Waring. He has already proven himself a solid pitcher at UNC Charlotte, and he seems on track to become a very well-rounded pitcher. He’s got a great fastball that can zoom by hitters at 100 that is paired with a nice curveball, and he is looking to develop a changeup to hide in his back pocket. In fact, if he wanted to, Heavener could dial down on his fastball and become a pretty solid starter with a 3 pitch repertoire if his changeup works out.

4 stars

 

16. Bubba Currie – 2B (Indianapolis Hawks)

It is good to know that hitting prospects aren’t actually extinct, as Currie is the first hitter since Danny Crews was selected ninth overall. Currie’s game is rather unimpressive overall, aside for his aptness for extra base hits. Otherwise, there really isn’t much to get excited about. He might hit for a decent average, but he won’t add a whole lot of walks. He is a fairly fast runner, but he won’t wow you on the base paths. In the field, he has quick hands but nothing else of note. Currie also seems to be lacking in overall personality and baseball smarts. Man, I am getting bored just talking about him.

2 stars

 

17. Matt Eldred – SP (DC Eagles)

Whew, that was close. I thought I was going to have to keep talking about hitters. Eldred is a high school pitcher who OSA says will be “average and useful enough for the big leagues.” I would say that is a fair assessment. What concerns me is nothing really stands out about him, and that’s usually what you want to see with someone so young. If there is not anything that he excels in, it makes it harder to believe that he will be able to figure out his weak points to become a solid professional pitcher. He has a couple of nice pitches along with a strong slider, and the kid is a grinder, but that might not be enough to bring him very far. However, with most top pitchers already gone, there was only so much for the eagles to do. But hey, on the bright side, Eldred doesn’t live too far from DC.

3 stars

 

18. Christian Hodge – SP (Bay Area Pandas)

Most players would be excited to be selected 18^th overall in the amateur draft, but I think Hodge is insulted he was selected one millionth overall by the Bay Area Pandas. Hodge is very similar to the Pandas last pick, Chris Colombo. He is a modest pitching prospect coming out of high school, and he projects to be a decent pitcher if he can get a hold of his control. His 3-pitch arsenal is already well developed, and they should all be effective pitches in the future. If all goes as expected, his changeup will be making hitters look like fools. His movement is cause for concern in this league, but he should be able to somewhat handle the long ball. Moreover, teammates have praised his passion for the game and his willingness to improve. He’s not incredible, but every pitcher and their cousin has been picked already, so this is a nice way to stock the system with pitching depth.

4 stars

 

19. Chris Kinsella – OF (Wichita Weasels)

Kinsella’s tools indicate that he has the ceiling of a below-average corner outfielder. He will hit a few more homeruns than the average guy, but it comes at the cost of mediocre contact, a limited amount, and a lot of swings and misses. His peripheral abilities are nothing to get excited about either. He runs like the base paths are quicksand, frequently runs himself into outs, and he won’t impress anyone with his glove. A like Kinsella isn’t the most ideal player to bet on, since he doesn’t have any other tools to fall back on if his power doesn’t end up developing. Even if he can display above average power, he really can’t contribute value anywhere else. I hope Wichita has a specific training regimen in mind for Chris, because he certainly needs it.

1.5 stars

 

20. John Faison – OF (Denver Wolves)

This guy must be Italian, because his arm is a noodle (thank you). But what he lacks in arm strength, he makes up for in home run power. Teammates at Cal State marveled at his bombs, and it looks to be a very important part of his game. Much like Kinsella, he does not project to get on base very often, and his offensive ability centers almost solely around the homerun. However, he has noteworthy range and skill in the outfield (outside of that arm), and he has shown some decent base running ability. Additionally, he seems to care more about improvement than Kinsella does, and how can you hate those nitty gritty guys? His age a bit of a concern, so he better get to work soon.

3 stars

 

21. Bob Hart – RP (Salt Lake City Snappers)

There isn’t much to say about Hart, affectionately nicknamed “Ramrod”. Another reliever drafted in the first round, OSA scouts like his potential. He is a groundball pitcher with a fastball-slider combo that have solid movement and strikeout potential, and he is expected to learn how to locate his pitches. If he does so, he fastball will be nearly untouchable, and his slider will send batters spinning. Also, according to scouts who have spent time around hart, he “leads by example and works as hard as anyone to improve.” As you already know, I’m not big on relievers being drafted in the first round, but Hart is far from a crapshoot. He is already succeeding at the college level, and his intangibles making him a hard pick to pass up. However, did I mention I’m not big on relievers being drafted in the first round?

3.5 stars

 

22. 22. Kevin Simmons – OF (Philadelphia Liberty)

He may be listed as an outfielder, but Simmons can do it all. He is the most defensively flexible player we have seen in the draft so far. However, his exceptional outfield instincts best suit him for center field. The kid can also run, but he needs to use his talent to his advantage. Rather than looking lost and clueless, Simmons needs to learn to leg out extra bases and throw fielders off guard. Although Simmons eye is so bad I question why he doesn’t wear contacts, he has quite a bit of potential as a hitter. He makes contact often, and he will collect his fair share of extra base hits and round trippers. There is a lot of raw talent here, and if he can capitalize on it, he could break out as a solid five-tool player

 4 stars

 

23. Soong-Yong Kim – OF (Portland Axemen)

Talk about keeping up with the Joneses. Portland saw Philadelphia’s Simmons and raide them a Kim. Much like Simmons, Kim doesn’t have much of an eye, but his potential as a hitter transcends all expectations of Simmons. Fully developed, OSA scouts project plus-plus power to go along with his above average contact. Kim will get on base often enough, and he could hit 40 homers and 40 doubles in a given year. He’s got wheels along with some decent base running instincts, so he should be keeping pitchers nervous on the mound. He’ll also flag down a whole lot of balls in center field. This guy seems to be a steal this late in the first round

5 stars

 

24. John Lawson – SP (Bay Area Pandas)

I’m starting to think this isn’t an inaugural draft but a Bay Area farm system meet and greet. The Pandas continue to add starting pitching depth to the farm with the selection of lefty John Lawson out of the heavily religious Pepperdine University. Lawson doesn’t need to pray for success though, he puts in all the work himself. He is a solid all-around pitcher, with the only flaw being his control, making him another one with the herd. None of his pitcher project to be elite, but he already has 4 pitches that he can mix in to hitters to stay fresh multiple times through the order. Making it multiple times through the order might be an issue, however, as Lawson doesn’t appear to have the endurance to pitch for particularly long periods of time. Improving his control will be imperative so that he can keep his pitch counts down. Otherwise, he might have to settle for a position as a long reliever. Still a nice pick with a lot of talent.

4 stars

 

25. Josh Ball – C (Mexico City Chupacabras)

As the first backstop to be selected in the draft, Ball appears to be a disappointment. We could chalk to up as lack of catching talent available. He expects to generate hardly any offense, with his only potential asset being league-average power. As you would expect from a catcher, he is just about as slow as a professional athlete can be. As you would also expect from a catcher, Ball’s main value lies in his defense. He has above-average ability behind the plate, and he will do a decent job getting to second base (sounds like me in high school). Nevertheless, even his defense could use some improvement if he ever wants to hold a starting job. Even though his mediocre offense, slow feet, and solid defense falls right into the stereotypical catcher mold, those guys come a dime a dozen, so well feel like this pick could have been more effectively used.

2 stars

 

26. Curt Benjamin – RP (Oklahoma City Mammoths)

High school relief pitchers have been shockingly popular in this draft. Granted, Benjamin looks to be one of those guys who could find himself in a starting role if he works at it. He has a nice fastball-slider combo, and he has been working on a changeup to mix in. If he can successful develop that pitch, he very could be a respectable back-end starter who throws five or six innings, if that is what the Mammoths want. What concerns me about Benjamin is how he is going to get outs. He doesn’t quite have the stuff to strike out a whole bunch of hitters, but he also doesn’t generate enough groundballs to counteract his lack of K’s. He does have control of the long ball, but it looks like every Curt Benjamin outing is going to be an invitation to the hit parade. Nevertheless, OSA projects Benjamin to have “above-average middle relief potential.” While relievers that were selected earlier in the round had potential to be lockdown stoppers, Benjamin is going to be one of those guys you’ve never heard of. I think more could have been done with this pick, but I do still like his starter potential.

2.5 stars

 

27. Justin Wright – RP (Miami Warriors)

A relief pitcher with a fastball-slider combo, who could turn into a starter if he develops his changeup. Wait, what…I think I’m Déjà vu. Oh never mind, these guys are in the same situation. The difference between Wright and Benjamin, however, is Wright has more promise. At age 23, he is quite a bit older, but he has already shown in college that he is not far away from being a competent big league reliever. His stuff is nasty, and his slider has sent countless college kids home crying. He already has decent grip in his control, and if he his changeup works out, I could see him as a guy who occasionally throws 8 innings and strikes out 10 for a big league team. If his changeup doesn’t work out, look for him to pitch his team out of jams every time he comes to the mound. Or, as a lefty, he could serve as a very effective specialist. Wright is essentially Benjamin on steroids, so this is a pretty nice pick by the Warriors.

4 stars

 

28. Mark Ferris – RP (DC Eagles)

A relief pitcher with a fastball-slider combo, who is developing a changeup and has a forkball! Wow! Something different! Difference is, Ferris will likely never make it as a starter. He doesn’t have the endurance to last enough innings, and his 98 mph fastball is better suited in the pen anyway. Even though he is putting together a 4-pitch repertoire, I am not sure how effective he can become in a professional setting. At age 24, he still frequently slings pitches over the umps head into the backstop, and he hasn’t shown much sign of improvement. So even though we love the way his pitches have looked, he really can’t do much with them. The kid is a hard worker so maybe things will turn around, but the clock is ticking on Ferris. He could be an okay bullpen piece in a couple of years, maybe.

1.5 stars

 

29. Alexander Martin – OF (Austin Outlaws)

Another popular player type in this draft; the 5-tool potential center fielder. And wait, what, he’s British? It’s a shame he didn’t slide down to the Moondogs pick, because now Houston GM Ben Rollo will have to watch one of his countrymen play against him. This 20-year-old cricketer, er, baseball player, has a lot of promise. He has slightly above average contact and home run potential, and he knows how to avoid the strikeout. He has all the making of consistent, albeit not incredible, hitter. Additionally, he’s very fast, knows how to compose himself on the bases, and his solid range in center field. We are concerned about his actual fielding ability and arm, but he is a talented kid who can work on those aspects of his game. This is not a bad pick so far down in the first round.

4.5 stars

 

30. Mike Homan – C (New York Roar)

Last but certainly not least, with the last pick of round one the Roar selected Villanova catcher Mike Homan. Homan’s decent contact and eye should lead to acceptable OBP potential, and he has enough power to slug a few out of the park every year. While is no Ricky Henderson on the base paths, he has surprising speed for a catcher and we will probably avoid running himself into too many outs. He has decent instincts behind the plate, and he should do a good job preventing runners from swiping second base. If he develops properly, he could certainly fulfill the role of starting catcher for the Roar a few years down the road. With the limited catching talent that we expect to have in this league, Homan is a comforting pick who should easily fit in with some of the better backstops in the league.

4.5 stars