Royals Draft Followup

I think for the first 6ish rounds, it is all about drafting the best available player. I think they have a big board and when it is time for a pick, they choose the player who is at the top of their board. I think later in the draft (I don’t know where exactly the break is), they start looking to fill organizational need. This is, by the way, conventional draft wisdom. And I think it is hard to argue that the Royals should take a player they think is worse (particularly in the earlier rounds) just because we’re hungry for bats.

I don’t think they have a strong preference or aversion towards HS or college players. They might prefer HS pitchers over college pitchers. I would guess that the theory is that with a HS player, you can draft a guy with some good tools and a projectable body and then teach, train and mold him into the pitcher you want him to be by refining his mechanics, improving his control and improving pitches or teaching him pitches.

Do I have this right?

Hosmer – HOSE-mer
Giavotella – GEE-uh-voh-TELL-uh (this guy needs a nickname, and fast)
Llanos – YAWN-ohs

and there is nothing odd about matt stairs love. It should be mandatory.

WTF, NY, are we having another “who’s going to stay up later posting” contest?

in the first draft thread i mentioned my dorky Hosmer thing… now this, while looking for stuff on Lamb

blank”>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lamb(general)

John Lamb (1735-1800) was an American solider, politician, and Anti-Federalist organizer.

I’m a big anti-federalist guy myself

It’s a handy reminder that they are lefties. Lamb, Lumsden, Ledezma, Lee, Lilly, Logan, etc.

Walkoff HBP in SD

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore;_ylt=Apfr4upk10d_gfMQA_56A7YRvLYF?gid=280605125

Huber was not involved, at least not directly.

You can’t measure his clubhouse contributions though

why did he fall so far?

that has arguable the top HS hitting prospect and pitching prospect.

Not too mention the couple other guys we got. Great stuff.

We got Tyler Sample and the multiple high school pitching prospects. We took more pitching than hitting, and took only one college bat.

Normally, this would have upset me. But, it’s hard not to be happy with this draft. The pitchers we drafted, by all accounts, are awesome, and were drafted much later than expected, which indicates they may be a steal of sorts. Hosmer could be a great player at some point. And the college bat we did draft actually plays at a position of need and shows both power and patience, not another Adrian Ortiz/Derrick Robinson/Joey Gathright clone.

The only question I have is on Alex Llanos. I know nothing about him, and can’t find anything about him. Anyone know if he can hit, or did we just draft another Andres Blanco? If it’s the former, I’d say we just had a brilliant day one, despite doing essentially the opposite of what I would have wanted them to do.

If Moore goes college hitter-heavy the rest of the draft, I will be thrilled.

””It’s been nerve-racking,” he said. “It was unpredictable. It’s a little bit disappointing because I know I’m better than the guys going before me. It’s just a number. It’s just a draft number. I think it’s more dependent on the team. We like Kansas City. … I felt the most comfortable with them.”

“We’re feeling awesome,” said Tim’s mother, Valerie Melville. “The Royals were a team he got to know and was comfortable with. … We are thrilled.”

“We’ll see what they put on the table and we’ll negotiate with it,” Melville said. “If it feels like a good amount, we’ll take it. If not, I’m excited to go to UNC.”

I missed this, but this is from a poster at Royals Corner:

During the game tonight, Splitt took a potshot at Hosmer…

Said that the Royals tried to set up a press conference with Hosmer and the media this afternoon, but, Hosmer refused….said he was too busy.

Splitt & Ryan didn’t like it…thought it was a poor way for Hosmer to start out a relationship with his potential new employer. Ryan said that he was sure that Boras was behind it.

10:00 a.m. this morning

The comparisons are a little freaky:

-Round 1: Best HS power bat in the draft (Moose/Hose)
-Second pick: Possible overreaching on a H.S. pitcher where there are others more highly regarded still available (Runion/Montgomery)
-Mid-Day 1: Snagging higher-rated H.S. pitcher who fell from higher projection (Duffy/Melville).
-Round 6: The above mentioned Puerto Rican connection.
One random extra position player (Ortiz/Giavotella)
—From the second pick on, a discernable preference for H.S. pitching. (Runion-Duffy-Nielsen/Montgomery-Sample-Melville-Lamb).

If there is any philosophy that can be gleaned, look today for a couple more H.S. arms who may or may not sign (Matt Mitchell, 2007 #9 Zach Kenyon), a mix of H.S., juco, and college junior position players with some tools who might be projectible or who fill need positions (2007—Patrick Norris, Hilton Richardson, C Ryan Eigsti, C Sean McCauley), and a college arm or two (Greg Holland, Casey Fiekert), and then, come the 20’s, a turn to a lot of college guys to fill Idaho Falls and Burlington rosters.

If there is any other lesson to learn from last year, its that we can expect to sign a lot of these guys—35 of 50 picks were signed last year (although we did have to fill a new minor league roster from scratch last year).

Royals take 3B Jason Esposito – CT HS player of the Year. Committed to Vanderbilt:

Scouting Report:
Esposito is a well-framed, athletic corner man with a massive arm. He stands 6-2, 185 and throws 90 off the hill, according to Perfect Game, which rated Esposito a 10 of 10, indicating high draft round talent. Esposito joins recruits Sonny Gray, Matt Marquis, Will Clinard, Grayson Garvin, Corey Williams, Ryan WestmorelandNavery Moore and transfer Dylan Pratt in a class that seems poised to surpass the Alvarez-Flaherty led 2005 class rated #1 by Baseball America.

From Perfect Game:
Jason Esposito is a 2008 3B/SS/P with a 6’2’’, 185 lb. frame from Bethany, CT who attends Amity HS. Good frame, developing strength. 5-tool/2-way type of prospect. Advanced hitter, line drive/gap to gap swing, bat speed, right on the ball. Quick actions, powerful 3B arm strength, high level defender. Also 89 mph off the mound with a sharp CB. Knows how to play!

Whew! He knows how to play baseball. I hate when we have to waste our time teaching draft picks the rules of the game.

RHP Malcom Culver, Palmdale HS, Calif.

http://www.avpress.com/n/05/0605_s10.hts

Former teammate and friend, Malcom Culver has also been on the radar all season. Culver is slated as No. 49 among California prospects. Culver belted six home runs and knocked in 30 RBI to go along with a .500 average.

“I am going to stay away from the TV and not focus on it,” Culver said. “I am going to leave it up to my advisor.”

Culver is a sought-after football prospect as well.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/varsitytimesinsider/2007/12/working-copy-11.html

Culver opened plenty of eyes with his play during the postseason and NCAA Division I scouts appear to be particularly interested. Visits to San Diego St. and San Jose St. are in the works for the near future. Fresno St. and Utah are also in the mix. Helping matters is the versatility of the 6-foot-2, 190 pound senior, who not only excelled at receiver, but was an above average defensive back and return specialist this season.

If KC is gonna have to commit so much money to Melville, Montgomery, Sample and Hosmer why aren’t they going college in the later rounds? Guys that can play and you wouldn’t have to commit large sums of money to sign with the club. Unless Glass doesn’t care and he’s ready to play with the big boys.

SS John Alfaro – Grayson County College

"The thing about J.D., is he is the best practice player on our team," Grayson coach Dusty Hart said. "He likes to put on a show, even at practice. He will be diving and trying make great plays and you just don’t see too many guys do that. The guy just loves playing baseball."

Alfaro has been just as much of a performer during this year’s Alpine Bank Junior College World Series — so much so that he earned the Preston Walker Memorial Most Valuable Player Award during Friday night’s championship game….

As solid as Alfaro was at the plate, he probably earned his reward in the field. He committed no errors in this year’s tournament and had 15 assists and five putouts

"Alfaro is a plus defender at shortstop and he just makes good plays," Hart said. "He wants the ball and he wants to be the guy to make the play."

Alfaro says he wants to make his name with defense.

"I go out there every day and work my hardest on defense," Alfaro said. "If I happen to go 0 for 4, I have to make sure I have no errors."

C Mauricio Matos, Dewitt HS, New York

George Washington, which defeated Clinton, 2-1, Friday in Game 1, punctuated the victory Sunday with a three-run home run by Vioserge Rosa with two out in the top of the seventh. Clinton scored three more runs in the bottom of the seventh, but the Governors were hurt by the absence of senior catcher Mauricio Matos, who attended a predraft workout at Kansas City Sunday morning rather than play in the semifinal.

According to Clinton’s assistant coach, Felix Villalon, Matos wanted to play in the semifinal but was persuaded to skip it by his father and caught a 6:45 a.m. flight Sunday morning to Kansas City.

“His father felt he was doing what was best for his future,” Villalon said.

Two George Washingtonplayers expect to be selected in the two-day draft on Thursday and Friday. Right fielder Fernando Frias and catcher Jean Carlos Rodriguez chose to play in the semifinal with Frias driving to Washington, D.C., after the game to participate in a predraft Nationals workout after the game and Rodriguez opting to skip the exercise in K.C., according to Mandl.

“They wanted to be here,” Mandle said.

OF Malcolm Brunson – Jasper HS, Texas

Another two-sport athlete, committed to play CB at McNeese State

http://youtube.com/watch?v=HC3fJgADCeQ

With an uncle who played eight seasons in the National Football League and an Olympian among several cousins who played professional baseball and football, the happy-go-lucky Bronson should never have doubted his athletic ability.

But he did.

“He did at one time doubt his ability because he didn’t get to play that much in baseball,” said Bronson’s father, Michael. “And he didn’t get to play much in football, but we believed in him.”

The 6-foot, 185-pound Bronson is a third-year varsity baseball player who had few chances to swing the bat before this season. As a sophomore, the speedy Bronson was used mainly as a replacement base-runner. As a junior, he swung so infrequently that he got tagged with the nickname “Bunting Bronson.”

Trey will love this guy!

OF Allen Caldwell – Spartanburg Methodist College

As a freshman at SMC Caldwell hit .407 with 90 RBI and 30 doubles and 12 home runs. Allen played in the Coastal Plain League for the Columbia Blowfish in 2007 where he hit .322 with five home runs and 31 RBI. Caldwell will transfer to Clemson after this academic year where he will play for the Tigers in 2009.

LHP John Flanagan, Southwestern Illinois College

6’5’’ – another tall pitcher

2008 numbers:
85 IP, 85 K, 21 BB

5-5, 2.43 ERA

Kid is from St. Louis. Kinda sad, but his mom has breast cancer, and he needs money, so he might sign quickly.

RHP Chase Hentges – Shakopee HS, Minnesota

Perfect Game:
Chase Hentges is a 2008 RHP with a 6’5’’, 200 lb. frame from Shakopee, MN who attends Shakopee HS. Pro look projectable build, loose actions. Deceptive delivery, extended 3/4’s release, plus arm speed/plus extension. FB topped at 92, velo projects huge. Off speed developing, short CB break, some change up feel. Limited pitching background. Very high ceiling. Signed with Iowa Western CC, going to be followed very closely for the draft.

C/1B Tito Espinosa – Broward Junior College

Age: 21 6’0’’ 220 R/R

http://www.broward.edu/athletics/Teams/MensBaseball/page19535.html

2007: Started 37 of 42 games played…Finished 38th in the FCCAA in hitting with a .359 average (47-131)…Tallied 13 doubles, two triples, two home runs, 10 base-on-balls, four hit-by-pitches, 19 runs and 29 RBI…Recorded a .534 slugging percentage and a .412 on-base percentage…Posted a .985 fielding percentage…Swiped one base in two attempts.

I hope he fields my Costa question

LHP Derrick Saito – U. of Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo

Age: 20 5’9’’ 155

A walk-on who attended Cal Poly for the engineering program, Saito has opened a lot of eyes and left a lot of scouts scratching their heads. To say he’s undersized is an understatement, but he’s got a huge arm and the ability to throw four pitches for strikes. Someone will have to take a risk to take him, but they could have a top-notch lefty specialist if they do. He threw a cut fastball for strikes in the 88-90 mph range, plus curve, plus change-up.

RHP Jake Kuebler – Lincoln Southeast, HS, Nebraska

Age: 18 6’5’ 190

Cousin of Royals 3B Alex Gordon. 3.7 GPA. Committed to Nebraska.

86-90 mph fastball. Kuebler has been a three-year starter at Lincoln Southeast, hitting .429 with three homers and 25 RBI’s in his junior year. He struck out 29 in 27 2/3 innings and had a 1.52 ERA in his junior year.

OF Carlos Testa – Belmont University

Age: 21 6’3’’ 218

Hit .387 with 3 HR 48 BI in 58 games. 37 BB 33 K 26/33 SB. 5-3 5.22 ERA in 79 IP as a pitcher.

Belmont University Profile: Carlos Testa

C Miguel Moctezuma – Central Oklahoma University

Age: 21 5’10’’ 190

Hit .434/.496/.667 with 10 HR 58 RBI in 58 games. 31 BB 24 K 7/8 SB.

Central Oklahoma Profile: Miguel Moctezuma

Junior catcher and arguably one of the best receivers in NCAA Division II baseball . . . Steady and reliable defender who exhibits a powerful arm capable to thwarting any potential base stealing threats . . . Owns tremendous blocking instincts behind the plate and rarely allows a ball past him . . . Prime offensive threat who will hit for power and average

OF Shawn Griffin – University of Tennessee

Age: 21 6’3’’ 200

Hit .314/.397/.586 12 HR 35 BI in 52 games. 23 BB 32 K.

Like me, he is a poli sci major.

Their roster is overflowing with good arms.

(just giving a late response to something i heard on ESPN yesterday)

RHP Jacob Theis – Mountlake Terrace HS, Washington

Age: 18 6’6’’ 220

Committed to Washington State.

Theis was 7-1 on the mound for coach Andrew Watters and earned First Team Wesco South 4A honors as a pitcher. He also earned the league defensive player of the year award.

LHP Blaine Hardy – Lewis & Clark College

Age: 21 6’2’’ 195

8-1 2.48 ERA 22 G 8 GS 76.1 IP 78 H 28 R 21 ER 12 BB 65 K

Played for the National Champion Warriors. WARRIORS COME OUT TO PLAY!!!

Is an only child. Lists his hobbies as sports, video games, card games, snowboarding, and skiing. Is majoring in Business Administration.

RHP Dale DeSchepper – Mt. San Jacinto Junior College

Age: 21 6’2’’ 175

I got nothing. He was All-Conference.

3B Jason Morales – University of North Carolina-Pembroke

Age: 22 5’11’’ 200

A “Recreation” major. Finally, a field of study to tell me how to relax!

Hit .370/.427/.652 15 HR 78 BI in 56 games. 23 BB 22 K 11/13 SB. Played SS his sophomore year.

I saw Tom Gordon’s son got taken yesterday, and Luke Greinke was drafted today by the Yankees.

RHP Carson Bryant – Azusa Pacific University

Age: 22 (his birthday is today!) 6’3’’ 195

Taken in the 48th round by San Diego in 2005 out of College of Southern Idaho. There are no stats for him 2008 at Azusa.

Whats up everybody. my name is carson, im 21 yrs. old from bakersfield, Ca… First off baseball is my life and always will be… I was drafted by the Padres a couple of years ago in 2005 in the 48th round,also workin out a lot getting ready for this years draft…I love my friends and family they are the only one that really believe in me and my dreams to become a professional baseball player… I listen to all kinds of music. u can say i love music i cant do anything without listening to music. i am also a master at the acoustic guitar….... Well sort of not really…i love getting to know people old and new… i am a guy that knows what he wants and isnt afraid to let you know what is on my mind… want to know more just ask i love meeting new people…

The Royals get a two-way standout from Belmont with their 18th-round pick as they select Carlo Testa at 535. Testa is a lefthanded pitcher and outfielder and leads his team in both batting average and wins. Most teams like him as an outfielder and the Royals announced him as a center fielder. Kansas City is getting an athlete and this is a good pick.

RHP Ryan Morgan – Rockhurst College (Kansas City, MO!)

Age: 21 6’1’’ 190

From St. Louis.

RHP Greg Billo – Carl Sandburg HS, Illinois

Age: 17 6’4’’’

Providing a pitcher the caliber of Sandburg’s Greg Billo with a three-run lead is arguably the greatest security blanket in high school baseball this season.

The senior right-hander has allowed more than three runs in a game on just one occasion, and he boasted an 11-1 record and 1.11 ERA heading into Saturday’s much-anticipated St. Rita Sectional title game against Brother Rice.

of K-State fame is drafted by the M’s in the 7th round. Now another K-stater got drafted in the 22nd, but I can’t remember him if my life depend on it.

1B Beau Brett – Joel Ferris HS, Washington

Age: 18 6’3’’ 185

George’s nephew. Committed to USC, rated 175 by Baseball America.

Beau Brett, 1B, 6-3 170 (Spokane, Wash./Ferris HS) -- Brett is rated No. 175 in the nation by Baseball America as well as being rated as the No. 8 prospect in the state of Washington by baseballnorthwest.com. His father, Bobby, is the managing partner for the Spokane Indians of the Northwest League and also involved with the High Desert Mavericks (California League) and the Tri-City Dust Devils (Northwest League). Two uncles, Hall of Famer George Brett and the late Ken Brett, both played in the major leagues.

Kreuter on Brett: “Beau is a three-sport star in Washington. He is a lean, dangerous left-handed hitter with better than average power. He comes from a rich baseball lineage, ready to come out and make a name for himself. Beau’s athleticism will allow him to battle for immediate playing time at several positions. Look for Beau to carve out some history of his own at USC.”

During his first two All-GSL seasons, Beau hit eight doubles and had 16 runs batted in as a sophomore, and last year hit nine home runs, drove in 38 runs and batted .433.

“He has an excellent work ethic, one of the hardest-working kids I’ve had,” said Ferris coach John Thacker. “I think his future is bright because he’s still filling out and I don’t think he’s quite reached his potential.”

LHP Rick Dodridge – Ogemaw Heights HS, Michigan

Age: 18 6’5’’ 215

We’re going to field one heck of a basketball team.

Pinconning, Ogemaw Heights split in conference showdown

But Dodridge was the story in the opener, flashing the form that carried him to a 21-3 record while leading the Falcons to back-to-back league championships. The Central Michigan University-bound ace was clocked at 85 mph while taking a shutout into the seventh inning.

CF Ryan Curl – St. Frances DeSales HS, Ohio

Age: 17 6’2’’ 190

Committed to Miami (OH).

Ryan Curl is a 2008 OF/P with a 6’2’’, 190 lb. frame from Gahanna, OH who attends St Francis DeSales HS. Loose arm on mound, 3/4 release, curveball has good spin, big raw arm strength in outfield, raw tools, big upside, live body, open stance, no lower half in swing, medium swing with good batspeed, good balance and extension, serious athleticism, quiet approach, 97 off bat, aggressive on bases, big time speed.

A long limbed, lean, athletic player with loads of raw talent. Run and throw skills stand out most at this point. His right handed stroke is highlighted by bat speed and whip through the hitting zone. His arm works well on the mound also, though it would appear that his athletic ability and upside potential are too much to pass up as a position player.

32 players drafted so far

17 HS
15 college
2 JC

basic trend was HS early, big run of college players with a few HS sprikled in, then all HS since

RHP Reynaldo Cotilla – Miami Dade Community College

Age: 19 6’4’’ 195

92 mph fastball. Drafted in the 14th round by Pittsburgh last year.

Nice job RoyalRetro, you really did study your flashcards for this test, didn’t you?

RHP Eric Swegman – Young Harris College

Age: 19 6’6’’ 215

Young Harris grads include Nick Markakis and former Royals prospect Billy Buckner.

3-0 3.76 ERA 10 G 26.1 IP 31 H 19 R 11 ER 8 BB 25 K

Swegman is a 6’6” big righty that throws low to mid 90’s. Eric shoud be
good draft this June. Swegman should be the best JC Freshman pitcher in Georgia and may make some noise this June on draft day.

I fully expect the Royals to draft Manute Bol next round.

Sorry, but that just cracks me up. Good one RR.

RHP Brett Richardson – Wenatchee Valley Community College

Age: 20 6’3’’ 195

Um….yea.

RHP Chris Balcom-Miller – West Valley College

Age: 19 6’2’’ 190

Standout HS football player.

Ass-kissers!