Official 2012 Blue Jays MLB Draft Thread (June 4 - 6)

[-MetA4-]

When:
June 4th-6th

Blue Jays Top Selections (First 3 Rounds):
#17
#22 (compensation for failure to sign Tyler Beede)
#50 (compensation for Frank Francisco)
#58 (compensation for John Rauch)
#60 (compensation for Jose Molina)
#81
#112

Blue Jays Bonus-Pool for First 10 Rounds (14 selections):
$8,830,800

[SharoneWright]

Thanks for starting the thread, Met -- one of my favourite reads of the year.

Are all teams allotted the same bonus-pool total? I'd assume # compensatory picks matters.... what about standings?

[-MetA4-]

Thanks for starting the thread, Met -- one of my favourite reads of the year.

I'll start rolling some stuff out within the next day or two hopefully. Nothing tonight; have to get up early tomorrow. Once again we are looking at an exciting year for the Jays with a collection of top-end picks.

[rtcaino]

On of my faves as well!

I look forward to reading all the insights of our learned posters.

[rtcaino]

Are all teams allotted the same bonus-pool total? I'd assume # compensatory picks matters.... what about standings?

Each pick has an associated dollar figure. The first over-all pick has the largest $. Each extra increases a teams draft budget. The money is transferable for the first ten rounds: if you sign a guy for under slot, you can use the money on someone else.

From the tenth round on, each pick can be signed for as much as 100K. But this money is not transferable to other picks.

[Hamyltowne]

I'm already excited.

[Fairview4Life]

Compensation for John Rauch!

That just makes me smile.

[-MetA4-]

Are all teams allotted the same bonus-pool total? I'd assume # compensatory picks matters.... what about standings?

Each pick is allotted a decreasing dollar value (ie: #1 is allotted more than #5), and having more picks adds to your total bonus pool. We have the 5th highest bonus pool this year.

[satyr9]

Compensation for John Rauch!

That just makes me smile.

I don't know, I'm pretty sure we the fans earned that compensation.

[Indiana Jones]

i would love to be a baseball scout working for AA.

[Kaizen]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/2012/0 ... _released/

Interesting to see there are only 40 rounds this year. Had not heard that was happening. We had 17th the year we drafted Cooper and Lawrie went 16th. I wonder who we will lose by one pick this year.

[HangTime]

I wish the MLB could add a few rule rules:

1) All draftees can ONLY be drafted once. So the draftees have to really think about the right time to declare for the draft.
If the player ends up going to college, the MLB team will still retain his player rights.
-----------------
2) Lower the amount of rounds to 30.
----------------
3) No team should have to give up their own picks when they sign a FA.
-Add the following rounds:
1A (Type A, worst to best, receiving team's record)
1B (Type B, worst to best, receiving team's record)
2A (Type A, best to worst, receiving team's record),

-Type A compensation: 1A, 2A
-Type B compensation: 2B

Signing Bonus pool increases
------------------
4) Teams should be able to trade their draft picks, during season + offseason

Compensation picks cannot be traded until they have been determined, because a team may resign a player that they would have gotten compensation pick for.

[LittleOzzy]

Thanks for creating the thread.

I can't wait to read all the insight and information people have here on RealGM.

[flatjacket1]

I wish the MLB could add a few rule rules:

1) All draftees can ONLY be drafted once. So the draftees have to really think about the right time to declare for the draft.

2) Lower the amount of rounds to 30.

Try to pitch this to the players association. They were up in arms over the slotting that they added in the new CBA.

[Schad]

Looking forward to seeing what the Jays do here. We have unbelievable pitching depth in the low-minors, but that doesn't mean that we'll skew toward position players here...we will however likely go young again, because it's our MO, because it keeps the stagger going, and because we have three short-season teams and might as well use them.

[soulchild_07]

Old article, haven't seen it posted but a good read nonetheless with the way Anthopolous might target players this year. A lot of picks that AA has made that were considered over drafts at the time (ie. Syndergaard, Jacob Anderson, Musgrove) while still super early have looked really good so far.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/2012/0 ... blue_jays/

The Blue Jays, for instance, are currently projected to have a pool of $8,830,800 to sign their 14 choices in the first 10 rounds (their own 10 picks plus compensatory picks for failing to sign first-rounder Tyler Beede last summer and the free agent departures of Frank Francisco, Jon Rauch and Jose Molina).
...
One theory is that overdrafting players – choosing them ahead of more talented players because they will sign for less – may be more common in the first 10 rounds so teams can exceed slot with certain picks without going over their total.

That can make sense since a team’s bonus pool is based on the total value allocated to its picks, and the rules don’t specify how the money is to be dispersed (the only catch is a team must sign a pick to receive that allocation, so if a pick doesn’t sign, that slot total is removed from its bonus pool).

[Avenger]

I wish the MLB could add a few rule rules:

1) All draftees can ONLY be drafted once. So the draftees have to really think about the right time to declare for the draft.

2) Lower the amount of rounds to 30.

Try to pitch this to the players association. They were up in arms over the slotting that they added in the new CBA.

lol what? The PA happily gave up hard slots and draft spending caps in exchange for concessions that actually help the big leaguers like more super two's

MLBPA doesn't give a **** about future draftees or minor leaguers, you only matter to them once you're in the big leagues and paying your dues.

[Wally West]

Old article, haven't seen it posted but a good read nonetheless with the way Anthopolous might target players this year. A lot of picks that AA has made that were considered over drafts at the time (ie. Syndergaard, Jacob Anderson, Musgrove) while still super early have looked really good so far.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/2012/0 ... blue_jays/

The Blue Jays, for instance, are currently projected to have a pool of $8,830,800 to sign their 14 choices in the first 10 rounds (their own 10 picks plus compensatory picks for failing to sign first-rounder Tyler Beede last summer and the free agent departures of Frank Francisco, Jon Rauch and Jose Molina).
...
One theory is that overdrafting players – choosing them ahead of more talented players because they will sign for less – may be more common in the first 10 rounds so teams can exceed slot with certain picks without going over their total.

That can make sense since a team’s bonus pool is based on the total value allocated to its picks, and the rules don’t specify how the money is to be dispersed (the only catch is a team must sign a pick to receive that allocation, so if a pick doesn’t sign, that slot total is removed from its bonus pool).

So does this potentially mean that we'll see more over draft picks from us this year?

[flatjacket1]

MLBPA doesn't give a **** about future draftees or minor leaguers, you only matter to them once you're in the big leagues and paying your dues.

Owners achieved their goal of reining in spending on amateur players coming to the major leagues.

Major League Baseball and its players' union appear to be close to agreeing to a draft structure that will serve to restrain signing bonuses -- something commissioner Bud Selig has wanted

In return, the players would get this concession from the owners -- there will be no first-round pick draft compensation. In recent years, teams have become increasingly reluctant to sign free agents tied to first-round draft picks, which has impacted the market for those players.

The most contentious issue facing players and management in a new collective bargaining agreement for MLB is an issue near and dear to the hearts of Pirates fans -- slotting.

According to Hall of Fame baseball writer Murray Chass,``Having abandoned years of futile efforts to get what the other sports have – a payroll cap – Commissioner Bud Selig has set his sights on slotting. If he can’t restrict the salaries of major league players with a payroll cap, Selig is intent on restricting the size of signing bonuses for drafted players.''

The union, however, is opposed. Legendary baseball labor leader Marvin Miller summer up the philosophical differences union have with slotting: ``It’s outrageous that anything that resembles a salary cap would be acceptable.”

The bottom line is this: The amateur draft is a relatively minor issue, a roughly $250 million part of a $7 billion industry. Commissioner Bud Selig wants hard slotting, sources say, but not all clubs are as adamant. Some are fine with the current system, and some even are opposed to slotting, sources say.

On the players’ side, a superstar such as Derek Jeter might not strike on behalf of high school and college players. The union, however, views slotting as a precursor to a major league salary cap, and it has succeeded over the years in educating players about the broader implications of capping spending on picks.

The MLB labor union gave up the draft in return for no free agent compensation, to help protect veterans. You are both right and wrong. You are right that the MLB protected their vets but you are wrong in that they don't care. They fought a lot of years to keep the MLB away from changing the draft or instituting anything that rhymes with "cap".

[-MetA4-]

Baseball America's Mideason Top 60:

RK. PLAYER POS. SCHOOL PREV. RK.

1. Byron Buxton OF Appling County HS, Baxley, Ga. 3
Five-tool standout earns comparisons to a combination of the Upton brothers.
2. Mike Zunino C Florida 5
Baseball America's Midseason Most Outstanding Player fits the blueprint for what teams want in a catcher.
3. Kyle Zimmer RHP San Francisco 28
Athletic righthander has been up to 98 mph and has as much draft helium as anybody.
4. Mark Appel RHP Stanford 1
Fastball can get flat, so he hasn't dominated (3.32 ERA in 57 IP, 55 SO) like other frontline college arms.
5. Kevin Gausman RHP Louisiana State 6
Draft-eligible sophomore touches upper 90s, adds a plus changeup and two breaking balls.
6. Lucas Giolito RHP Harvard-Westlake HS, Studio City, Calif. 2
Touched 100 mph before being sidelined with a sprained elbow.
7. Michael Wacha RHP Texas A&M 23
A sleeper to go first overall, Wacha has excellent control and polish to go with loaded arsenal.
8. Carlos Correa SS Puerto Rico Baseball Academy, Gurabo, P.R. 17
May outgrow shortstop but has smooth actions and above-average power potential.
9. Marcus Stroman RHP Duke 22
Small but athletic with electric stuff, including a fastball up to 97 mph and the nastiest slider in the draft.
10. Max Fried LHP Harvard-Westlake HS, Studio City, Calif. 15
Projectable lefthander sits low-90s, maintains his velocity and features an above-average curveball and a good changeup.
11. Gavin Cecchini SS Barbe HS, Lake Charles, La. 16
One of the few sure-things at shortstop in this year's class and is choosing to hit with wood bats this spring.
12. Albert Almora OF Mater Academy, Hialeah Gardens, Fla. 14
USA Baseball poster boy plays above-average defense in center and is polished offensive player.
13. Deven Marrero SS Arizona State 4
Still a top-notch defender, but is not hitting this spring and has been criticized as being lackadaisical at times.
14. Victor Roache OF Georgia Southernx 9
After mashing 30 home runs last year, a broken left wrist sidelined him for most of this season.
15. David Dahl OF Oak Mountain HS, Birmingham 10
Polished at the plate, but there are questions about whether he's speedy enough for center or if he'll have enough power for a corner.
16. Zach Eflin RHP Hagerty HS, Oviedo, Fla. 65
Has the most helium of any high school player as his velocity climbed into the mid-90s this spring.
17. Stryker Trahan C Acadiana HS, Lafayette, La. 12
Has two things—lefthanded power and speed—that are rare for catchers.
18. Richie Shaffer 3B Clemson 26
Ultimate position will be a question, but provides one of the best college corner bats in a year thin in that regard.
19. Courtney Hawkins OF/RHP Carroll HS, Corpus Christi, Texas 38
Loaded with tools, Hawkins has above-average athleticism, arm strength and the most usable power in this year's high school class.
20. Stephen Piscotty 3B Stanford 18
The Cape Cod League's top hitter continues to hit for Stanford and may end the year with more doubles than strikeouts.
21. Tyler Naquin OF Texas A&M 30
Yet to be seen how well he can handle center field, but has plenty of tools including a smooth lefthanded stroke and an 80 arm.
22. Andrew Heaney LHP Oklahoma State 45
Fastball sits anywhere from 88-94 mph, slider has become his best secondary pitch and he's among the leaders in D-I strikeouts.
23. Addison Russell SS Pace (Fla.) HS 37
Improved his stock by slimming down and is playing a better shortstop than he did in the summer.
24. Brian Johnson LHP/1B Florida 8
Zunino's roommate doesn't have impact stuff, but has good durability, poise and command.
25. Walker Weickel RHP Olympia HS, Orlando 11
Delivery has gone backwards a little this spring, but still has good stuff and projection remaining in his frame.
26. Lance McCullers Jr. RHP Jesuit HS, Tampa 20
Hasn't allowed an earned run this spring, but scouts still see him as a closer in pro ball.
27. Chris Beck RHP Georgia Southern 7
Not showing the same power stuff this spring that he flashed in the Cape Cod League last summer.
28. Matt Smoral LHP Solon (Ohio) HS 13
Had surgery on his left foot after his first official outing this spring. The color of his cast? Carolina blue.
29. Ty Hensley RHP Santa Fe HS, Edmond, Okla. 41
Physical righthander with power stuff has grown up around the game with a dad who played pro ball and coached in college for 10 years.
30. Joey Gallo RHP/1B Bishop Gorman HS, Las Vegas 21
Too much swing-and-miss at the plate is leading many teams to prefer Gallo on the mound, where he's been up to 97 mph.
31. Luke Sims RHP Brookwood HS, Snellville, Ga. 32
Clemson recruit has athleticism to go along with an above-average fastball-curveball combination.
32. Ty Buttrey RHP Providence HS, Charlotte 87
Projectable righthander touched 96 early in the season, down to 90-93 later on.
33. Trey Williams 3B Valencia HS, Santa Clarita, Calif. 27
Son of 1983 first-rounder Eddie Williams recently broke Foothill League home run record with his 26th career blast.
34. Pierce Johnson RHP Missouri State NR
Had significant helium before being sidelined with a mild forearm strain.
35. James Ramsey OF/2B Florida State 69
Senior Seminole ranks among college baseball's leaders in on-base percentage, slugging and runs.
36. Peter O'Brien C Miami 90
After transferring to Miami as a senior, O'Brien has shown improved balance at the plate and impressive leadership.
37. Nick Williams OF Ball HS, Galveston, Texas 42
Loaded with tools but really lacking in baseball instincts.
38. Lewis Brinson OF Coral Springs (Fla.) HS 51
Has a body like Cameron Maybin with the intriguing power-speed profile to match.
39. D.J. Davis OF Stone HS, Wiggins, Miss. 82
Fastest player in the draft has serious helium as he's putting together quality at-bats this spring.
40. Travis Jankowski OF Stony Brook 24
Scouts are divided on Jankowski. Those that like him see him prototype center fielder/leadoff hitter; detractors doubt the bat.
41. Nolan Sanburn RHP Arkansas 43
Draft-eligible sophomore has moved to the Razorbacks' rotation, but scouts believe he'll wind up back in the bullpen as a pro.
42. Jesse Winker OF Olympia HS, Orlando 50
It's all about the bat for Winker, as he'll be limited to a corner outfield spot or first base—but the bat is very good.
43. Duane Underwood RHP Pope HS, Marietta, Ga. 33
A lot to like: He's athletic, young for his class and has already touched 95 mph, but scouts say he's been up and down this spring.
44. Hunter Virant LHP Camarillo (Calif.) HS 40
Scouts can dream on Virant, as the lefthander has only been pitching seriously for about a year.
45. Branden Kline RHP Virginia 35
Athletic, has feel for spin; consistency has wavered with move from Cavaliers bullpen to rotation this season.
46. Tanner Rahier SS Palm Desert (Calif.) HS 55
Energetic shortstop plays in the ABD Spring League instead of suiting up for his high school.
47. Nick Travieso RHP Archbishop McCarthy HS, Southwest Ranches, Fla. 53
Generated early buzz after touching 97 mph in March.
48. Carson Kelly 3B/RHP Westview HS, Portland 54
Oregon recruit has power potential to go with above-average arm strength and makeup.
49. Clint Coulter C Union HS, Camas, Wash. 56
Just over the Columbia River from Kelly, Coulter is strong as an ox.
50. Pat Light RHP Monmouth 58
One of the few standout talents in a down year for the Northeast.
51. Chris Stratton RHP Mississippi State NR
Has a good pitcher's build with an above-average fastball-slider combo, and has moved from bullpen to rotation.
52. Jake Barrett RHP Arizona State 19
Still has power stuff, but moved to the bullpen and scouts have concerns about the health of his arm.
53. Adam Brett Walker OF/1B Jacksonville 31
Having a good but not great year, and still has right-right corner-bat profile without sick power numbers.
54. C.J. Hinojosa SS Klein Collins HS, Spring, Texas 36
Things haven't gone as planned—didn't get into Texas early and will miss most of the season with a dislocated left shoulder.
55. Mitchell Traver RHP Houston Christian HS 52
Physical workhorse build with a heavy fastball and a power slider.
56. Jameis Winston OF Hueytown (Ala.) HS 64
Will be a tough sign, as he's also the top quarterback recruit in the country and wants to play both sports at Florida State.
57. Corey Seager 3B Northwest Cabarrus HS, Concord, N.C. 60
Kyle's little brother a more-typical third base profile but the South Carolina recruit is rumored to be nearly unsignable.
58. R.J. Alvarez RHP Florida Atlantic 47
Third-team preseason All-American has good numbers (0.73 ERA with five saves), but scouts worry about the consistency of his strikes.
59. J.T. Chargois RHP Rice 44
Has power stuff, but is a tough look for decision makers as he's only thrown 18 innings through the first eight weeks.
60. Barrett Barnes OF Texas Tech 97
Good power-speed combination but may not have quite enough wheels to stay in center field.