8-4-21 - the score -
The Major League Baseball draft is broken for many players preparing to enter the professional ranks.
Amateur players too often have little negotiating leverage. Many face paltry signing bonuses in addition to poverty-level minor-league salaries. Pro prospects and minor-league players are not represented by the MLB Players Association. It's not clear who, if anyone, will stand up for amateur players, but the draft system needs some common-sense improvements to aid the game's long-term health.
The most recent high-profile example of the system's imbalance occurred Sunday when the New York Mets were unable to reach an agreement with Vanderbilt star pitcher Kumar Rocker, whom they selected 10th overall. They had a tentative deal for a $6-million bonus, but it fell apart after Rocker's physical.
There's little deterrent for a club to walk away from a deal if they don't like the results of a medical exam. Teams receive compensatory selections in the following draft for any picks from the first three rounds who don't sign. For unsigned first- or second-round selections, clubs receive a compensatory pick that is one spot later in the draft. The Mets will get the 11th overall pick next year in addition to their customary first-rounder based upon their finish in the standings. (Because Rocker didn't release his medical records, the Mets weren't required to make him a qualifying offer to receive the draft-pick compensation.)
Mack's spin -
This game is so geared to the owners, not the players, and you would think that with all the money in this game, there would be a better compensation deal for the minor leaguers.
As for Rocker, I don't think we will ever know if Boras hid the medical reports from the Mets. As long as the owners rule the roost, don't look for the compensatory picks to go away.
8-4-21 - PG College Baseball @PGCollegeBall
Devereaux Harrison (2022 eligible) LB Dirtbags, Wareham Gatemen came on in the 9th Sunday, mixing three pitches FB, SL, CHG; good shape on all three pitches, slider is primary weapon, changeup and FB both miss bats. One of the few players that returned from CNT.
Joe Doyle JoeDoyleMiLB
If you're a data hound, keep track of Harrison. Hidden a bit at Long Beach State, but absolutely insane fastball traits.
Mack's spin -
Pretty impressive freshman year:
2021 Long Beach State stat line - 18-app, 3-1, 1.57, 34.1-IP, 42-K
I expect LBS to convert him to being a starter this season.
On watch alert.
7-27-21 - Prospect Love Top 100 2022 Prospects -
26 Gavin Cross OF Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech isn't the kind of school you would expect to produce a potential first round talent, but it's hard to ignore what Gavin Cross brings to the table. He's been a menace at the top of the Hokies lineup throughout his career, ending 2020 with a .369 batting average and following that up with another big 2021 campaign. He uses all fields at the plate with big bat speed and has shown some good power to all fields as well. In the field, he's manned right field for a majority of the season for the Hokies, where he's shown off a plus arm. He could find himself as the first Virginia Tech player drafted in the first round since Joe Saunders went 12th overall in 2002.
Mack's spin -
This is the first paper I have on him, though I have heard of his prowess from my VT contacts.
2021 - VT stat line - 51-G, 203-AB, .345/.415/.621/1.036, 11-HR, 48-K
Currently, my 19th OF on my board.
7-27-21 - Prospect Love Top 100 2022 Prospects -
19. Jared McKenzie
Outfield, Baylor
All McKenzie has done since arriving to Baylor is hit, hit and hit some more. The power really came on strong in 2021 as well. McKenzie doesn't draw a ton of walks, but he simply never strikes out either. He's got average speed and projects best into a corner. Some evaluators believe he may have the best pure hit tool in the class. Should McKenzie hope to continue climbing up boards, the power will need to continue to present itself in 2022. His performances in the Cape Cod League with a wood bat in 2021 have certainly continued to help his draft stock.
Mack's spin -
You always have to keep an eye on a sophomore that leads the team in batting.
2021 Baylor stat line - 51-G, 214-AB, team leading .383/.453/.626/1.079, 10-HR, 35-K
I have him as my 20th outfielder.
7-20-21 - TTF -
Jace Jung, 2B, Texas Tech
His last name rings a bell, I’m sure. His older brother Josh Jung was drafted by the Rangers in 2018. Jace Jung’s profile is comparable to Josh’s. He’s a thick, absolute masher whose maturity is starting to elevate at the dish. While he is a bat-first prospect, that’s all you really need to see out of this type of player.
Mack's spin -
2021 Texas Tech stat line - 56-G, 208-AB, 45-K, 49-BB, .337, 1.159-OPS, .462-OBP, .697-slug, 21-HR, 67-RBI
My top second baseman and a top 10 pick in the draft.
2 comments:
Every other team has been signing non-drafted free agents. Have the Mets signed any? Especially after not signing Rocker - they need to be all over this. If they lack the number of scouts to make this happen perhaps they should have built up the scouting department instead of the analytics department. Lots of guys were available after MLB teams shredded scouts last winter.
As best as I know, they haven"t
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