Looking ahead to the 2018 draft

[andyb]

Part of Madrigal's value is also that he is a "high floor" prospect. The Aaron Nola draft-wise of middle infielders. He is just a good hitter that evaluators are pretty sure about. They tend to be wrong about this less with college prospects than HS prospects, especially ones that can be a major league average starter without developing things like significant power.

[flyers19rw]

Tigers draft watch: Nobody pushing aside Mize at No. 1

If so, it looks like Mize to Detroit; most gurus have Bart going to SF; so the Phillies will have Bohm if they want him.

[schooldoc]

It looks like they have fast-tracked the AAC tournament due to the weather forecast for the Clearwater area.
They played games as early as 9:00 am at the Complex.

So, Wichita State's season is likely over after they lost today at the Complex to USF. The Shockers had beaten Shane McClanahan and USF Wed. morning, but then lost to UConn in the afternoon to set up the elimination game this morning.

Alec Bohm went 6-13 in the 3 games, including a double and a HR. Also walked once and stole a base.

[phillychuck]

Guess it's not on Bohm then!

[schooldoc]

I didn't know this until a minute ago, so perhaps it's worth noting here that "Bohm" is pronounced like "bomb."
I guessed it rhymed with "foam" or "home."

[Austinfan]

Albies is 21, Madrigal is 21, one is hitting with power in the majors, starting when he was 20.
The other, who knows?
You can't say this small guy at 18 became a power hitter at 20, so this small college guy at 21 will become a power hitter at 23.

Madrigal might, but Moniak might fill out and develop power.

Yes, he has a high floor, like I said, Hernandez, a fast 2B who gets on base, Madrigal will probably hit for a higher average (though .294 the last two years ain't bad) but a lower BB%, so about the same OBP. Cesar has put up ,099 and .127 ISO the previous two years, can you expect better from Madrigal? Cesar .764 and .794 ISO. Can you expect better without significant power? Hernandez had a 3.9 WAR (prorated for 2017) both seasons. That's a solid ML starter.

Is Madrigal worth a 1st rd pick? Yes. #3?

[bigegypt0417]

Because professional at bats dont mean anything? Albies has been a pro for a while.

[allentown]

I'm sure the Phillies have focused on evaluating Madrigal's defensive ability. If he can be an average MLB defensive SS, then he is worth the 1.3. If his arm limits him to 2B, then he isn't worth more than about 1.8. Really -- there are too many good Latin American middle IFs for us to spend a 1.3 on a low-power, 2B-only guy. That (2B) is the consolation prize for a good LA IF who lacks an adequate arm

[Squire]

I have to admit that I'm really curious as to how the Phillies approach Rounds 4-10 without a 2nd and a 3rd). I don't get the sense they will be saving much money with the 1.3 pick

[zambonir]

Well, that's the question, isn't it? If they like two players just about equally is one willing to take #5 money? Or are the #3 to #8 guys just clumped together too tightly (in terms of both talent and leverage) to expect that?

[andyb]

My sense is that probably only have 1 or 2 HS picks in the top 10 after the top pick, so maybe we balance 2 overslot deals against 2-3 college senior picks in the 8-10 range.

It is usually our pattern to want a Jake Holmes type in the 11th round, but not sure we have as much cash available to do that this year unless we are really conservative with senior signings. And BTW Jake Holmes is on the short list of guys I can't wait to see next month: Holmes, Ben Pelletier, Luis Garcia, Francisco Morales, Brayan Gonzalez, Victor Vargas, and of course Carlos De La Cruz.

[Squire]

I think that is pretty much right. I am only expecting 2 HS guys between 4-10. And they are likely off ranking a bit (like Lindow or Falter)

I think I may have got to the point where I'll be disappointed if we don't get Bohm at 3. Though I guess I'd be good with Bart or Singer

[gmwannabe]

Johny Almaraz was just interviewed on the draft and he said they are focusing on college pitching. he said they have been pretty good with middle top ten rounders and mentioned irvin. Smokescreen? you never know, but what decent college pitching would be available in 4, 5, 6 & 7? hopefully 2 hs picks in the top 10. probably off the radar types like squire said.
gm

[allentown]

he said they have been pretty good with middle top ten rounders and mentioned irvin. Smokescreen?

Perhaps a bit disingenuous, at least. They paid double slot value for Irvin in the 5th round. Not sure where they get the $400K to do that this year.

[Squire]

The Twins just gave up their competitive balance pick to get the Padres to take Phil Hughes remaining contract.

[Squire]

I wish I had heard Almaraz spin his track record.

[gmwannabe]

Don't think it was mentioned. my wife was talking to me on the second part of the interview, but i don't think i heard anything mentioned about the last 3 1st rounders.

[Austinfan]

It may make sense to focus on college pitchers who are good candidates to convert to RPs.
If you can't pay overslot, that's probably where the value is, and if you get #3 and a couple RPs out of this draft, that's still pretty good.

[Squire]

I'm bored this morning. Working off the BA 500

1.3 - Alec Bohm, 3B, Wichita State Univeristy
4.107 - Brett Finnell, RHP, Woodcrest Christian HS, CA
5.137 - Austin Bergner, RHP, UNC
6.167 - Jackson Goddard, RHP, Kansas

[gmwannabe]

Finnell sounds interesting. Would he sign?