Official Draft Day, Post-Draft Thread

[rico43]

2017 ATLANTA BRAVES DRAFT
(Signed players in BOLD; x will not sign)
1. (5) Kyle Wright, RHP, Vanderbilt
2. (41) Drew Waters, OF, Etowah (Ga.) HS
3. (80) Freddy Tarnok, RHP, Riverview (Fla.) HS
4. (110) Troy Bacon, RHP, Santa Fe CC
5. (140) Bruce Zimmerman, LHP Mt. Olive U.
6. (170) Jordan Rodgers, 3B, Tennessee
7. (200) Landon Hughes, RHP, Ga. Southern (Marietta Sprayberry)
8. (230) John Curtis, LHP, Lenoir-Rhyne U.
9. (260) Riley Delgado, SS, MTSU
10. (290) Jacob Belinda, RHP, Lock Haven U.
(rounds 5-10 are all college seniors)
11. (320) Drew Lugbauer, C, Michigan (Jr.)
12. (350) Hagen Owenby, C ETSU
13. (380) Connor Simmons, LHP, Ga. Southern
14. (410) Keith Weisenberg, RHP, Stanford
15. (440) Austin Bush, 1B, UCSB
16. (470) Gary Schwartz, OF, Grand Canyon U.
17. (500) Cutter Dyals, RHP, NC A&T
18. (530) Zack Soria, C, FIU (Sr.)
19. (560) Tanner Allison, LHP, W. Michigan
20. (590) Justin Smith, OF, St.John's River College
21. (620) Conner Johnstone, RHP, Wake Forest
22. (650) Justin Morhardt, C, Bryan College (Tenn.)
23. (680) Troy Conyers, LHP, U. San Diego (Sr.)
24. (710) Jackson Lourie, RHP, Rhodes (Sr.)
x 25. (740) Jake Taylor, C, Shawnee HS (Oklahoma State)
26. (770) Charlie Carpenter, C, S. Carolina-Upstate
x 27. (800) Randy Bednar, CF, Landon School (Maryland)
x 28. (830) Brett Brocoff, RHP, Desert Oasis HS (Utah)
29. (860) Cade Cavalli, RHP, Bixby HS (Oklahoma)
30. (890) Hayden Wynja, LHP, Heritage Christian HS (Purdue) (6-foot-8)
x 31. (920) Ryan Miller, RHP, Clemson
x 32. (950) Reid Detmers, LHP, Glenwood HS (Louisville)
x 33. (980) Chris McMahon, RHP, West Chester Rustin HS (Miami U.)
34. (1010) Ricky Negron, UTL, Tampa U.
x 35. (1040) Jason Rooks, OF, Walton HS (Georgia Tech)
36. (1070) Chase Blueberg, RHP, Feather River Col.
37. (1100) Dean Miller, OF, Riverside CC (Cal-Riverside)
38. (1130) Adam Groesbeck, OF, USAFA
39. (1160) Joe Sanchez, LHP, TERRA of Miami (FIU)
x 40. (1190) Baron Radcliff, OF, Norcross HS (Georgia Tech)

[bravesfanforlife88]

Really excited about tonight! Hope we go for offense

[rico43]

Actually drafted the best player available. Go figure. Wish they hadn't, but I doubt seriously I'll be obsessing about it a year later like some folks here.

[Tapate50]

Pretty fired up even if it wasn't offense... hard to ignore this guys current arsenal

[Enscheff]

Braves just added a Top 20 guy in all of baseball.

The draft couldn't have gone better at the top this year.

[Heyward]

Wanted a hitter but Wright has legit ace potential.

[Deester11]

Braves just added a Top 20 guy in all of baseball.

The draft couldn't have gone better at the top this year. I appreciate your positivity seriously. I wanted Beck or Wright...and to get him at 5...I'll take it

[Tapate50]

Braves just added a Top 20 guy in all of baseball.

The draft couldn't have gone better at the top this year.

I guess the brass appeased you enough not to be the Barves anymore

[Enscheff]

I appreciate your positivity seriously. I wanted Beck or Wright...and to get him at 5...I'll take it

I wanted BPA. Braves got a player that is better than #5. Wright fell into their laps and they didn't mess it up.

[Oklahomabrave]

I cannot believe we got Wright at five. I'd have taken him 1. This is amazing.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Dan O'Dowd's player comp for Wright was Gerrit Cole

[CrimsonCowboy]

874414456679346176

[jpack1]

It just fell into the Braves lap. Other teams over thought it. Especially at 1.

Outstanding pick

[Deester11]

First time in a long time I've felt that we couldn't mess it up and we didn't. I understood the strategy last year even if I didn't agree with it, but this draft is off to a great start and the last two have been phenomenal...I'll defer to Bridges who has nailed these drafts lately.

[Jay212033]

I'm still overwhelmingly stunned that they took Wright!!! Too stoked right now! The arms in this system man oh man!!!!!

[Deester11]

Just one week ago, there were a few draft evaluators thinking that Wright was going to be number 1. In any case, you love to see quotes like MLB.com's Jim Callis thinks the Twins will bypass those two talents (McKay and Greene), saying that Wright "has a higher ceiling than McKay and a higher floor than Greene."

[Enscheff]

Now let's hope some toolsy HS position player falls to them at 41.

[Jay212033]

Now let's hope some toolsy HS position player falls to them at 41.

Now that would be too perfect!

[praeceps93]

Now let's hope some toolsy HS position player falls to them at 41.

Keep an eye on Mason House.

[ixiXSolidXixi]

Still any chance of any last minute trades for the competitive picks?

[Enscheff]

Keep an eye on Mason House.

Good call.

I keep going back to Vientos as well. Tall, young, room to add power, could stick at 3B.

[Enscheff]

Maybe Cole Brannen

[Enscheff]

Nats tag Romero at 25. They may have struck gold.

[Oklahomabrave]

Nats tag Romero at 25. They may have struck gold.

Yeah that was a great gamble. Also really liked Dodgers grabbing Kendall.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Nats tag Romero at 25. They may have struck gold.

As long as he gets his act together

[praeceps93]

Good call.

I keep going back to Vientos as well. Tall, young, room to add power, could stick at 3B.

I would love both of them. Even Tristan Beck, though he's not a position player.

[Oklahomabrave]

Jesus does the in between time get shorter after 30?

[Tapate50]

Maybe Cole Brannen

Leave the GS commit alone. Tyvm

[smootness]

Good call.

I keep going back to Vientos as well. Tall, young, room to add power, could stick at 3B.

Vientos wouldn't be close to BPA at 41. Don't see how House would be, either. To me Waters is easily better than House.

[Enscheff]

Vientos wouldn't be close to BPA at 41.

FB has him at 34 as one of the last 45 FV guys. I want a toolsy HS player at 41. That Mason House kid looks interesting as well.

[CJ9]

Things are going pretty well through 27 picks. A lot of high upside HS bats still out there. Hopefully some will fall to us.

[Enscheff]

Vientos wouldn't be close to BPA at 41. Don't see how House would be, either. To me Waters is easily better than House.

Waters is intersting too. Would prefer a guy that projects to more power though.

[smootness]

Waters is intersting too. Would prefer a guy that projects to more power though.

But Waters is potentially plus with the D, arm, and speed. House may have a tick more power, but he's not as good anywhere else.

[zbhargrove]

FB has him at 34 as one of the last 45 FV guys. I want a toolsy HS player at 41. That Mason House kid looks interesting as well.

Yeah but if Waters falls, he's a HS 50 FV guy who is extremely toolsy

[msstate7]

When's our next pick?

[zbhargrove]

Waters is intersting too. Would prefer a guy that projects to more power though.

Right now Vientos and Waters have the same power projection. They have the same body type... Vientos is just 2 inches taller.

[smootness]

Right now Vientos and Waters have the same power projection. They have the same body type... Vientos is just 2 inches taller.

And infinitely slower.

[zbhargrove]

And infinitely slower.

That too... Waters is a clearly better prospect. Still doubt he falls anyways though.

[Heyward]

When's our next pick?

41

[CJ9]

Things are going pretty well through 27 picks. A lot of high upside HS bats still out there. Hopefully some will fall to us.

Still true through 30 picks.

[ixiXSolidXixi]

Second round tonight?

[zbhargrove]

Tristen Lutz looks interesting... won't make it likely.

Jeter Downs also could look nice.

Think I'd rather have Ryan Vilade than Vientos

[Heyward]

Second round tonight?

Yeah, shorter time so the 2nd round goes quicker.

[Enscheff]

Yeah but if Waters falls, he's a HS 50 FV guy who is extremely toolsy

MLBPipeline has 65 guys with 50 FV or higher. FG has 8. Obviously someone is over rating quite few guys.

[zbhargrove]

MLBPipeline has 65 guys with 50 FV or higher. FG has 8. Obviously someone is over rating quite few guys.

Well the more I read about Vientos... the less I am impressed.

[zbhargrove]

There goes Jeter Downs... great start for Cincy... Greene and Downs

[Enscheff]

Right now Vientos and Waters have the same power projection. They have the same body type... Vientos is just 2 inches taller.

You realize you are quoting a site that tabbed 65 kids as FV 50 guys? That is absurd

[Heyward]

there goes Lutz

[Enscheff]

Vientos is ranked higher than Waters on FG. I don't know enough about either to have strong feelings either way. I just want a toolsy HS position player at 41. Both fit the bill.

[zbhargrove]

You realize you are quoting a site that tabbed 65 kids as FV 50 guys? That is absurd

I've read about him on tons of sites... but thanks.

[SidSlid92]

Liked Rooker and Lutz at 41; just went back to back.

[msstate7]

My boy, rooker to the twins

[zbhargrove]

Vientos is ranked higher than Waters on FG. I don't know enough about either to have strong feelings either way. I just want a toolsy HS position player at 41. Both fit the bill.

Except for Vientos and his concrete feet

[Pugfan]

What about Ryan Vilade 3rd

[DaneHill]

874410876094337026

[mqt]

Except for Vientos and his concrete feet

I thought Vientos had a quad injury this year. Possible that his speed was hampered by this?

[smootness]

Vientos is ranked higher than Waters on FG. I don't know enough about either to have strong feelings either way. I just want a toolsy HS position player at 41. Both fit the bill.

Vientos' speed really limits his other tools. Far more to work with on Waters.

Would also love Quentin Holmes.

[zbhargrove]

What about Ryan Vilade 3rd

I like him better than Vientos... I think him or Waters are my favorites

[zbhargrove]

I thought Vientos had a quad injury this year. Possible that his speed was hampered by this?

I haven't read any scouting reports suggesting he will ever have even average speed

[zbhargrove]

Vientos' speed really limits his other tools. Far more to work with on Waters.

Would also love Quentin Holmes.

Holmes seems like a Billy Hamilton... if he can't hit, he's only got speed.

[Enscheff]

Except for Vientos and his concrete feet

I'm not going to defend these kids I know little about, just a name of a potential impact HS hitter.

Waters fits the mold of a GA kid the Braves should be all over.

[Enscheff]

Though how do you pass Canning if he's there? Be very careful with his usage this year

[smootness]

Holmes seems like a Billy Hamilton... if he can't hit, he's only got speed.

Well Hamilton can't really hit and is still valuable.

When you have that kind of speed, you automatically have a high ceiling. At 41, he would be tremendous value.

[zbhargrove]

Though how do you pass Canning if he's there? Be very careful with his usage this year

Wow... didn't realize Canning was still there... uggg... I would hate to go SP/SP... but you're right, that would be hard to pass on.

[zbhargrove]

Well Hamilton can't really hit and is still valuable.

When you have that kind of speed, you automatically have a high ceiling. At 41, he would be tremendous value.

I'm not opposed to is, just not excited.

[Enscheff]

What about Ryan Vilade 3rd

Vilade looks interesting too.

[Enscheff]

Wow... didn't realize Canning was still there... uggg... I would hate to go SP/SP... but you're right, that would be hard to pass on.

I read concerns on overuse, but does that explain the slide from a Top 25 pick projection?

[Tapate50]

Place to track it online worth a flip?

[zbhargrove]

Reds pick up Fairchild... that's 3 big upside guys for them.

[zbhargrove]

Well a number of great guys will be available... hope we get one of them and not someone out of left field... pun intended

[zbhargrove]

Braves on the clock... Waters, Vilade, Vientos, Holmes... all available...

[Enscheff]

Place to track it online worth a flip?

https://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/PBR/2017-MLB-Draft-Best-Available-8150326749

Just refresh over and over

[Enscheff]

Braves on the clock... Waters, Vilade, Vientos, Holmes... all available...

Let's get a nice prep bat!

Or Canning...

[zbhargrove]

YES! Drew Waters! What a perfect 1 and 2!!!

[Enscheff]

ZB called it!

Can't complain at all.

[Heyward]

Damn good start to the draft.

[Oklahomabrave]

This draft has been fantastic so far! Yes to Waters and Wright!

[jpack1]

Hell of start to this draft

[smootness]

Booooooom! Phenomenal top two picks.

[Deester11]

Close up shop! You don't get a better one two start.....I'm lit! Ha

[zbhargrove]

Just reading the scouting reports... I'm surprised he fell this far... switch hitter too

[CrimsonCowboy]

Really like that pick

[Jay212033]

Wow, wow, WOW!!! I wanted both guys and the Braves took them is this reality?! Plus the big league club is finally showing some fight tonight!

[zbhargrove]

Gonna be hard to have many negative attitudes toward these two picks.

[mqt]

Vientos was my binky, but it's really hard to argue with Waters there. Great first night.

[Enscheff]

I'm a Posi-2017Draft

[Russ2dollas]

We might be drafting college seniors rounds 4-12 but it's likely worth it

[WaitingFor2017]

Will Tristan Beck be around for Round 3?

[smootness]

We might be drafting college seniors rounds 4-12 but it's likely worth it

Doubt it. We likely will go over slot a bit on Waters, but shouldn't be too much. And Wright probably won't be over slot at all.

[zbhargrove]

I'm wondering if we go for one more high upside guy in round 3... there should be some deep guys still available. Will have to wait until tomorrow I guess.

[zbhargrove]

Will Tristan Beck be around for Round 3?

If he is, would be a slam dunk.

[Jay212033]

Will Tristan Beck be around for Round 3?

One could only wish!

[Enscheff]

Will Tristan Beck be around for Round 3?

Braves pick again at what? 75?

[Deester11]

I'm a Posi-2017Draft
We will take it if only for a moment.......ha

[msstate7]

What position is most likely for waters?

[rico43]

Now let's hope some toolsy HS position player falls to them at 41.

Very good sir!

[Enscheff]

What position is most likely for waters?

He's probably a lot like Acuna defensively. CF, but won't be legit there at the MLB level.

[smootness]

What position is most likely for waters?

He can play center well. I would guess we'll start him there and see what happens.

[zbhargrove]

What position is most likely for waters?

Sounds like he could be an average to above average center fielder or a very good right fielder

[Tapate50]

Rotoworld says we have had perhaps the best draft so far

[CJ9]

What a great night.

[zbhargrove]

Brian Bridges says he will be developed as a corner OFer

[zbhargrove]

Rotoworld says we have had perhaps the best draft so far

Its hard not to love it.... But I think the Reds have killed it. However, they also had 3 picks.

[Enscheff]

Rotoworld says we have had perhaps the best draft so far

Can't see how the Braves don't get an A for Day 1.

[smootness]

Brian Bridges says he will be developed as a corner OFer

Interesting. Tells me they believe in the bat. I'm good with that.

[Deester11]

I think he'll settle into right field. The most exciting part for me is that he had the best exit velocity amongst amateurs and can barrel fastballs easily. That's exciting!

[Pachoo]

A college pitching prospect with true ace potential and a switch hitting high school outfielder with among the best bat speed (MLB pipeline said he had the top exit velocity on the HS circuit last year) in this class and defensively can be a plus defender in CF? Hell of a top two so far.

We got the #2 and #23 ranked prospects on Baseball America's list. Not bad.

[bravesfanMatt]

I think the Reds have done well, but got to be giddy about what the Braves fell into today.

[Hudson2]

Wow at the draft so far! Never would of believed this time yesterday that Wright would of fell to 5 or Waters to 41. The farm system is insane!

[Russ2dollas]

Brian Bridges says he will be developed as a corner OFer

Interesting they move him already. Must really be projecting his body and his bat. I don't think I've read anything bad about his cf defense. I don't think he's a burner but he's still fast and athletic

[smootness]

Reds beat us on quantity, but I like Waters better than Downs or Fairchild.

[steveAKAslick]

Place to track it online worth a flip?

MLB app has a draft tracker with a write up of each player selected on a drop down

[SidSlid92]

Vientos to the Mets

[TheBravos]

Wow at the draft so far! Never would of believed this time yesterday that Wright would of fell to 5 or Waters to 41. The farm system is insane!

And we should add a few more via international, a few more trading vets...and we will have another decently high draft next year 🙌🏻

[mqt]

I love how 5 hours ago I was talking myself into Keston Hiura so that we could take a prep bat at 41.

[praeceps93]

How the hell is Tristan Beck still on the board?

[CJ9]

How the hell is Tristan Beck still on the board?

He could go back to school, have a healthy year and be a top-20 pick next year. He'd be a RS JR, so he'd still have leverage and would get paid.

[WaitingFor2017]

Tristan Beck is still out there for Round 3. Hopefully the Twins, Reds, Padres, and Rays pass on him.

[weso1]

I base draft success on names of those selected.

Kyle Wright - Not a bad name. Some good possible headlines with the name and it does have a bit of flow to it. I give that name a solid 50/50 chance to be successful. The biggest issue is that it's a bit too safe. I predict he'll be a decent #3 starter.

Drew Waters - I mean... guys... Future HOF.

[auyushu]

A college pitching prospect with true ace potential and a switch hitting high school outfielder with among the best bat speed (MLB pipeline said he had the top exit velocity on the HS circuit last year) in this class and defensively can be a plus defender in CF? Hell of a top two so far.

We got the #2 and #29 ranked prospects on Baseball America's list. Not bad.

Yep, this was about the best result we could have possibly hoped for with the top two rounds. Fantastic draft so far.

[Southcack77]

He could go back to school, have a healthy year and be a top-20 pick next year. He'd be a RS JR, so he'd still have leverage and would get paid.

Yeah he was projected as a top fine pick and has leverage this season or next. I'm sure he has a big number. Wouldn't think he is in play now.

[praeceps93]

He could go back to school, have a healthy year and be a top-20 pick next year. He'd be a RS JR, so he'd still have leverage and would get paid.

Oh, I thought he was already a RS JR. Starting to get to the point where I'd have signability concerns with him then. Still, we were connected to him recently, could be a shot there if we punt rounds 4-10.

[CJ9]

Oh, I thought he was already a RS JR. Starting to get to the point where I'd have signability concerns with him then. Still, we were connected to him recently, could be a shot there if we punt rounds 4-10.

Worth it, imp. All comes down to whatever his number is.

[Enscheff]

Interesting players still available:

Blayne Enlow - Highest measured spin rate in the class, something the Dodgers and Cubs love
Tristan Beck - probably won't sign at this point
Mason House - Big toolsy OFer, high risk

[mqt]

Tristan Beck is still out there for Round 3. Hopefully the Twins, Reds, Padres, and Rays pass on him.

I don't see the money being there for him.

[CJ9]

Baseball America has Waters as their #2 hit tool of all high school prospects, behind only Pratto: http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/2017-mlb-draft-class-best-tools-a/#eDxZUq05mzpuf5Yt.97

[praeceps93]

Interesting players still available:

Blayne Enlow - Highest measured spin rate in the class, something the Dodgers and Cubs love
Tristan Beck - probably won't sign at this point
Mason House - Big toolsy OFer, high risk

Other guys of interest:

Nick Allen: prep SS. Been on scouts radars forever. Smaller guy at 5'9, but projects to be a Gold Glove level SS according to a bunch of scouts. Good hit tool and speed, but basically no power. Think Nick Ahmed but better at the plate.

Jacob Heatherly: prep LHP with plus command and low effort, simple delivery. Fastball touches mid 90s. Questions about the quality of his offspeed depending on your source.

Riley Adams: catcher out of UCSD. Basically think Brett Cumberland 2.0.

Tanner Burns: prep RHP with 2 plus pitches in his fastball and slider. Sits mid 90s. Only 6'0 without much projection left, and the delivery is pretty high effort.

Evan Skoug: catcher out of TCU. Plenty of raw power and a good batting eye, with a medium chance to stick behind the plate. Some swing and miss to his game, and again could move off of C at the next level.

[Deester11]

Baseball America has Waters as their #2 hit tool of all high school prospects, behind only Pratto: http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/2017-mlb-draft-class-best-tools-a/#eDxZUq05mzpuf5Yt.97
Number 3 outfield arm also

Kyle Wright best college fastball, third best change up,

[auyushu]

Oh, I thought he was already a RS JR. Starting to get to the point where I'd have signability concerns with him then. Still, we were connected to him recently, could be a shot there if we punt rounds 4-10.

Just crunching the numbers really quick, if we punted rounds 4-10 (signed 6 guys for 25 k, 1 for 10k) we'd have just over 1.6 mil extra for our pool. With our 3rd pick being worth just over 700k, we'd be able to give him 2.3 mil total. So it would be fairly iffy probably, particularly if Waters is signing for slightly over slot. Guess we'll see tomorrow.

[Pachoo]

Garrett Mitchell is also available, Baseball America's #62 overall, high school OF.

I hope we can grab Enlow.

[cajunrevenge]

I always do my own shadow draft bit this time around I will post it to give Enscheff some more ammo. Can't watch the draft live but the only difference would be that I won't take pitchers drafted by a few teams like Royals, Rockies, and DBacks. Royals because their player development system is a joke and the other two because of their home park situation.


If I was drafting I would have taken....

#5 - P. Shane Baz - I would rank him behind only Greene/Lewis/Gore. Tons upside and I think a relatively high floor. Getting him on an underslot deal is a nice bonus.


#41 - 3B Mark Vientos - I get his stock has slipped but he is super young. He has #1 overall skill set. More than happy to roll the dice on his upside. Probably needs an overslot deal to sign him but we would have plenty from the first pick. Highly tempted to take Waters but Vientos's upside is hard to pass on.


Going forward I am hoping Nick Allen or Tanner Burns is there for our next pick.

[SJ24]

Nathan Rode @NathanRode
Scout told me this spring, "I think Drew Waters can be a star." Lots to like about this kid. Right in the #Braves backyard.

[50PoundHead]

How the hell is Tristan Beck still on the board?

Asking price.

Really glad the Braves went through the front door and didn't try to get too cute. Looks like we got two solid prospects. Never can tell of course, but I like what I've read about these guys.

[Tapate50]

https://www.perfectgame.org/players/playerprofile.aspx?ID=419036

[smootness]

Give me Garrett Mitchell or Mason House. Preferably Mitchell.

[thethe]

It would be real amusing if the draft that all Brave fans liked the most of the last 3 years ended up being the worst.

Such a crap shoot. I'm happy that we got highly regarded guys and I obviously always defer to the Braves scouts but the consensus is worrying me around here!

[smootness]

What time do things pick back up today?

[Carp]

I like Wright's teammate Will Toffey quite a bit too as a pick in the next couple of rounds. Very good defensive 3b with a pretty good hitting profile.

[smootness]

I like Wright's teammate Will Toffey quite a bit too as a pick in the next couple of rounds. Very good defensive 3b with a pretty good hitting profile.

Maybe in 5. 3 is definitely too early, and 4 may be as well. There are still guys with a much better overall tool package left.

[UNCBlue012]

I'm more excited for the draft to end so we can start compiling farm system rankings. I'm really intrigued to see where people rank Wright. I think he's probably after Albies, Acuna and Allard -- but that's me!

[bravesfanMatt]

https://www.perfectgame.org/players/playerprofile.aspx?ID=419036

Not bad

[50PoundHead]

It would be real amusing if the draft that all Brave fans liked the most of the last 3 years ended up being the worst.

Such a crap shoot. I'm happy that we got highly regarded guys and I obviously always defer to the Braves scouts but the consensus is worrying me around here!

Of course it's all a crap shoot. Wright's arm could fall off in a year and maybe Waters peaked in high school. One never knows about the development arcs of these guys and injuries can happen. But the guys they drafted are consensus top-drawer guys.

I was worried they were going to take Hiura and sign him well below slot and push those savings toward Tristan Beck in the second round. Maybe it's just me, but I don't really cotton to drafting a guy who will need surgery and a guy who has missed the entire season with back issues with one's first two picks.

I just read that Garrett Mitchell has Type 1 diabetes. I wonder if that scares a lot of teams.

[Jaw]

What a great start to the draft. I am stunned that Wright was still there at #5, and so glad the Braves didn't play the slot money game.

Now I hope some high ceiling hitters happen to be BPA when it's our turn the rest of the way.

[Hudson2]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2715312.amp.html

Draft grades. Braves are the only team to get an A+

[nsacpi]

They went for ceiling their first two picks. No complaints.

[Tapate50]

Anyone got a nice write up on Waters and his profile they could link? Thanks.

[striker42]

Love the Wright pick. He might not be here as soon as some college arms but the fact that he has some ceiling left is more than enough of a tradeoff. He'll still probably hit Atlanta before Anderson though he'll probably be a bit behind the crop of Allard and Soroka.

Waters I don't really know enough about. I've read only read a few scouting reports. The only concern I have (other than the inherent risk in prep players) is that the reports rank all of his tools as above average and none as really excellent. Sometimes guys like this end up as kind of tweeners. Their defense isn't good enough for center but their bats aren't good enough for a corner spot. But to put that kind of thing on him now is ridiculous. It's way too early. There are any number of ways he could develop.

[IslandBrave]

Anyone got a nice write up on Waters and his profile they could link? Thanks.

Bats: S
Class: HS
Height: 6'2"
Approx. Pick Value: $1.7M
Throws: R
DOB: 12/30/98
Weight: 185
Part of yet another deep crop of Georgia prep outfielders, Waters solidified his top-two-rounds candidacy with a strong performance on the high school showcase circuit. He started by showing some of the best exit velocity at the Perfect Game National in June, and he finished by making repeated loud contact at the WWBA World Championships in October. This spring, he won Gatorade's state player of the year award and led Etowah to the state class 7-A championship. A switch-hitter, Waters demonstrates more power from the left side of the plate. From the right side, he peppers the gaps with line drives. He has good feel for the barrel, has no problems handling quality fastballs and has the potential to hit for average and power. A good athlete, Waters has plus speed and uses it to steal bases and play a solid center field. He also has plus arm strength that would fit nicely in right field if he's needed there. He has committed to Georgia, where his older brother Zach pitched one season.

[Coach_Chris]

What time do things pick back up today?

12:30

[Tapate50]

12:30

Rds 3-10 today.

[TheBravos]

I HATE the slot money. It allows players to play the system. Instead of a slot assignment, it should be a capped amount. So a guy taken in the 5th round can't ask for big money. He can only get the max of what the cap allows for that pick.

How crazy of a system is it, for a guy to be taken in the top 10 and refuse to sign....and then enter the draft another year. That is NOT fair to teams.

Most other drafts...you go into the draft...that's it. You better sign, because you can't enter another year. That's fair and don't even get me into teams unable to trade their own picks. The MLB draft is so strange.

[bravesfanMatt]

I HATE the slot money. It allows players to play the system. Instead of a slot assignment, it should be a capped amount. So a guy taken in the 5th round can't ask for big money. He can only get the max of what the cap allows for that pick.

How crazy of a system is it, for a guy to be taken in the top 10 and refuse to sign....and then enter the draft another year. That is NOT fair to teams.

Most other drafts...you go into the draft...that's it. You better sign, because you can't enter another year. That's fair and don't even get me into teams unable to trade their own picks. The MLB draft is so strange.

Can't give the team to much power either. What is the difference though. Isn't NFL rules where the guy doesn't sign within a year he becomes a free agent. MLB at least protects the team by giving them that draft pick again the next year. Other drafts that team is just SOL

Edit. Looks like NFL that team controls you forever. Interesting. I know jack about other sports drafts. As you can see.

[Southcack77]

I HATE the slot money. It allows players to play the system. Instead of a slot assignment, it should be a capped amount. So a guy taken in the 5th round can't ask for big money. He can only get the max of what the cap allows for that pick.

How crazy of a system is it, for a guy to be taken in the top 10 and refuse to sign....and then enter the draft another year. That is NOT fair to teams.

Most other drafts...you go into the draft...that's it. You better sign, because you can't enter another year. That's fair and don't even get me into teams unable to trade their own picks. The MLB draft is so strange.

Don't often hear people say that drafts give too much power to players.

[Carp]

I HATE the slot money. It allows players to play the system. Instead of a slot assignment, it should be a capped amount. So a guy taken in the 5th round can't ask for big money. He can only get the max of what the cap allows for that pick.

How crazy of a system is it, for a guy to be taken in the top 10 and refuse to sign....and then enter the draft another year. That is NOT fair to teams.

Most other drafts...you go into the draft...that's it. You better sign, because you can't enter another year. That's fair and don't even get me into teams unable to trade their own picks. The MLB draft is so strange.

Most other leagues pay their draft picks significantly more than what the MLB allows. 90 percent of the guys drafted will get a signing bonus of like 25k or less and get paid about $500/week (or less) during the minor league season. No other league has more than like 7 rounds either.

The current system is so overwhelmingly in favor of the franchise.

[Jay212033]

It would be real amusing if the draft that all Brave fans liked the most of the last 3 years ended up being the worst.

Such a crap shoot. I'm happy that we got highly regarded guys and I obviously always defer to the Braves scouts but the consensus is worrying me around here!

Why are you turning into Enscheff all of a sudden? You're being pessimistic when you're normally a supreme optimist. What gives bro?

[thethe]

Why are you turning into Enscheff all of a sudden? You're being pessimistic when you're normally a supreme optimist. What gives bro?

I've already etched a HOF plaque for Wright. I'm posibrave till the day I die.

[Tapate50]

Per Bridges they are going right by their draft board... BPA is the strategy. Second time I've heard him say it

[Preacher]

Was out all last night, so still catching up.....

Love what the Braves did yesterday, even though I probably wasn't as high on Wright as some others, there's enough intelligent people who really like him that I'm sold there.

One of the reasons I was on the Hasley-Homer-Hype-Train, was his safety, I felt there was a very reasonable chance he would be at least a decent player. Wright offers that same type of safety (as safe as a pitcher can get anyway) as Hasely while also having a higher upside. This is a guy that's got a better chance than just about anybody in this draft of at least being a decent ML starter and if he's able to develop into a #3 or #4? That's a win, of course he could also be more than that.

Don't know a ton about Waters, but love the tools, switch hitter with power potential and defensive ability. Can't argue that at all! Baseball America had him at #23 on their big board.

Off the top of my head, I'd probably start Wright around #5 in our system and Waters ~12 (in the tier with Riley/Pache/TD)

I admit that might be low on Wright, but I love the top two of Albies/Acuna, Soroka is straight beasting in AA right now (8.27 K/9, 1.94 BB/9) and Allard is at least holding his own there, both 19 years old. I'm higher on Newk than a lot of other people.

Albies
Acuna
Soroka
Allard
Newcomb
Wright
Maitan
Wiegel
Gohara

[Preacher]

Is Waters a guy that's going to need much overslot at #41?

I'm assuming Wright will get most if not all his slot value.

[Russ2dollas]

Per Bridges they are going right by their draft board... BPA is the strategy. Second time I've heard him say it

They said that last year too. I don't know if that is true or not but they said it.

We know they will take a run on college seniors at some point so we know it will never truely be the BPA.

[clvclv]

Is Waters a guy that's going to need much overslot at #41?

I'm assuming Wright will get most if not all his slot value.

No reasoning for these projections other than hopeful speculation, but...


1.05 (5) Wright - $5,000,000
2.05 (41) Waters - $1,500,000
3.05 (80) Tristan Beck $2,300,000 (we can't pass on him if he's still there, can we???)
4.05 (110) C. J. Van Eyk $487,400
5.05 (140) Andrew Bechtold $350,000
6.05 (170) Je'Von Ward $300,000
7.05 (200) ??? $200,000
8.05 (230) ??? $100,000
9.05 (260) ??? $50,000
10.05 (290) ??? $20,000

[bravesfanMatt]

I was looking at some of the guys left by position.

For Catcher there is a guy named Connor Wong (112)...

We have to take him in the round 5 or later just so we can have Wright throwing to Wong.. PLEASE MAKE THIS HAPPEN BRAVES!!!!!

[Tapate50]

NM

[Tapate50]

NM

[CJ9]

A few of the best remaining per CBS:

RHP Jared Horn, Vintage HS (CA)

Few players have improved their stock this spring as much as Horn. He's throwing harder than ever before -- he now sits in the 93-95 mph range regularly -- and improved his curveball to the point where it is a consistent out pitch. Horn also throws a slider and a changeup, so he has a deep repertoire for a high schooler. He offers projection at 6-foot-3 and 190 lbs., and he's long drawn rave reviews for his competitiveness and bulldog mentality. Horn is committed to Cal.

3B Drew Mendoza, Lake Mineolla HS (FL)

A two-sport athlete, Mendoza has the makings of an intriguing prospect. Currently a shortstop, he's expected to change positions soon due to his size (he's listed at 6-foot-4) and lacking defensive skills. The good news is he has the arm to hang at third, and could become a solid defender there with time. The even better news is Mendoza's bat has the potential to make him an above-average hitter―particularly if his power improves from its current gap status.

Jesus Luzardo, LHP, Douglas HS (FL)


Someone might well be getting a huge steal here. The lanky, 6-foot-3 lefty was hitting 97 this spring while reportedly sitting in the low-90s with his fastball and flashing the ability to mix in some quality off-speed stuff. So why wasn't he taken yet? Luzardo had Tommy John surgery in the third week of March, that's why. Still, he was only a high school senior this year. There's plenty of time for recovery, and his upside is huge. There's risk, too, obviously, and if he falls even lower he might end up attending the University of Miami, where he had previously committed.

Here's video on Luzardo:



Your browser does not support iframes.
RHP Corbin Burnes, St. Mary's

A 6-foot-3 right-hander, Burnes was 9-1 with a 2.23 ERA with 112 strikeouts in 97 innings for the Gaels. Though some in the scouting community have questioned if he'll be able to stick as a starter in the pros, he flashes a low-to-mid-90s fastball with a curveball that has been called elite by Baseball America's Hudson Belinsky. There's also a very good changeup in the arsenal. A possible cause for concern? He hit 14 batters in his 97 innings.

Austin Hays, OF, Jacksonville

Hays started his collegiate career at Seminole State Juco and transferred to Jacksonville after one year. He had a decent sophomore campaign and then blew up in 2016. On the season, he hit .350/.406/.655 with 16 doubles, two triples, 16 homers and 15 steals in 54 games. The power-speed combo bodes well, particularly because he's said to be a prototypical right fielder. Also, the 32 strikeouts in 223 at-bats shows some contact skills at a young age.

Heath Quinn, OF, Samford

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, it's easy to see the allure here for this power-hitting corner outfielder. Quinn's been here before, kind of. He was drafted in the 12th round by the Indians out of high school, but he's significantly improved his draft stock in college. This past season, he hit .343 with 17 doubles, 21 homers and -- brace yourself -- 77 RBI in 61 games. He did strike out 55 times, but he also drew 44 walks.

Again, there are exponentially more players on the board for Friday. We'll see Rounds 3-10 drafted, beginning at 1 p.m. ET (it can be streamed on MLB.com). Then, on Saturday, Rounds 11-40 will take place to conclude the draft. It used to be 50 rounds and before that, it was unlimited. Forty seems like plenty.

That's from last year's draft.

[CJ9]

More from BA:

25. Jon Denney, c, Yukon (Okla.) HS
34. Connor Jones, rhp, Great Bridge HS, Chesapeake, Va.
35. Kyle Serrano, rhp, Farragut (Tenn.) HS
37. Bobby Wahl, rhp, Mississippi
42. Cord Sandberg, of, Manatee HS, Bradenton, Fla.
48. Rowdy Tellez, 1b, Elk Grove (Calif.) HS
49. Trey Masek RHP 4YR Texas Tech
50. Andrew Mitchell RHP 4YR Texas Christian
58. Ryan Boldt OF HS Red Wing (Minn.) HS
61. Kent Emanuel LHP 4YR North Carolina
63. Tyler O’Neill C HS Garibaldi SS, Maple Ridge, B.C.
65. Dom Nunez C HS Elk Grove (Calif.) HS
66. Garrett Williams LHP HS Calvary Baptist HS, Shreveport, La.
67. Cavan Biggio 2B HS St. Thomas HS, Houston
68. Jared King OF 4YR Kansas State
70. Chandler Eden RHP HS Yuba City (Calif.) HS
72. Chris Okey C HS Eustis, Fla., HS
73. Tyler Skulina RHP/1B 4YR Kent State
75. Jacoby Jones 2B 4YR Louisiana State
78. A.J. Vanegas RHP 4YR Stanford
79. Michael O’Neill OF 4YR Michigan
80. Jake Brentz LHP HS Parkway South HS, Manchester, Mo..
81. Trey Michalczewski 3B HS Jenks (Okla.) HS
84. Garrett Hampson SS HS Reno (Nev.) HS
85. A.J. Puk LHP HS Washington HS, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Read more at http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/best-available-after-first-day/#echru4YWUqVSDVbb.99

And this list is like 3-4 years old.

[CJ9]

I wish we knew what Wright/Waters were going to sign for. That'd make it a lot easier to know who we could realistically be going after.

[50PoundHead]

Is Waters a guy that's going to need much overslot at #41?

I'm assuming Wright will get most if not all his slot value.

I think they might have to go a bit overslot to sign Waters. Hopefully Waters has always wanted to be a Brave. They may go with a college senior or two early today to get some coin they can move.

[Tapate50]

That's from last year's draft.

TAPATE FAIL

:JSIDK:

[bravesfanMatt]

Damn it Tapate!!!

[Southcack77]

No reasoning for these projections other than hopeful speculation, but...


1.05 (5) Wright - $5,000,000
2.05 (41) Waters - $1,500,000
3.05 (80) Tristan Beck $2,300,000 (we can't pass on him if he's still there, can we???)
4.05 (110) C. J. Van Eyk $487,400
5.05 (140) Andrew Bechtold $350,000
6.05 (170) Je'Von Ward $300,000
7.05 (200) ??? $200,000
8.05 (230) ??? $100,000
9.05 (260) ??? $50,000
10.05 (290) ??? $20,000

Bottom of the round would figure to be college seniors on 10,000 deals.

[Tapate50]

And this list is like 3-4 years old.

TAPATE DOUBLE FAIL

:JSIDK: :JSIDK:

[bravesfanMatt]

Austin Hays and Heath Quinn are crushing the minors right now.. if that makes you feel better.

[Preacher]

Quote Originally Posted by Tapate50 View Post

More from BA:


85. A.J. Puk LHP HS Washington HS, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Read more at http://www.baseballamerica.com/colle...4YWUqVSDVbb.99

**************************************

Man I'd love to scoop up AJ Puk in the 3rd. Lets get him :)

[bravesfanMatt]

I haven't seen that Chipper Jones guy called yet.. do you think if we drafted him in round 3 he would still sign?

[clvclv]

Bottom of the round would figure to be college seniors on 10,000 deals.

No doubt - just trying to leave a little cushion in the hopes that we could move enough money around to land the guys I have listed in rounds 3-6. Assuming we took senior signs ($10,000 each) in the 8th through 10th rounds the money saved there could push Waters right up to slot value.

[SJ24]

Are we going to go BPA in round 3?

If so, I like Blayne Enlow or Tristan Beck.

[jpx7]

I HATE the slot money. It allows players to play the system. Instead of a slot assignment, it should be a capped amount. So a guy taken in the 5th round can't ask for big money. He can only get the max of what the cap allows for that pick.

How crazy of a system is it, for a guy to be taken in the top 10 and refuse to sign....and then enter the draft another year. That is NOT fair to teams.

Most other drafts...you go into the draft...that's it. You better sign, because you can't enter another year. That's fair and don't even get me into teams unable to trade their own picks. The MLB draft is so strange.

Those other drafts are less fair to players. Fairness to teams isn't the only consideration.

[CJ9]

Baseball America draft writer saying Nick Allen likely goes third in the third round to San Diego.

[Enscheff]

Wright and Waters are probably going to cost slot plus 10%. It would be awesome if they could get Wright for a little under slot, but the fact SD passed on him tells me he won't be cutting any deals...or they wouldn't have switched gears to Lewis.

Beck has tons of leverage to go back to school and improve his draft stock. A team will likely have to pony up close to 1st round money to sign him. The Braves will have to come up with an extra $1M-$1.5M to get him signed. I say, go for it, take BPA. Worst case scenario they get the #81 pick next year.

[SJ24]

Yeah, I really want us to swing for the fences. I'll be happy with Enlow or Beck at 80.

[Enscheff]

We know a few facts that can allow us to deduce what it will cost to sign Wright:

1. SD had him as their guy for a while.
2. SD wanted to go under slot with the #1 pick.
3. Lewis was slotted in around #5-#7, with slot values of $5M-$5.7M.
4. SD likely offered somewhere in the neighborhood of $5.7M to Lewis, McKay and Wright.
5. Lewis was the only one who agreed, so they drafted him.
6. SD will likely sign Lewis for under $6M.

If Wright wouldn't take ~$5.7M from SD as the #1 pick, it is highly unlikely he takes less than that from the Braves at #5. Wright will almost certainly require full slot, and probably the additional 10% teams are allowed to go over.

[ixiXSolidXixi]

Baseball America draft writer saying Nick Allen likely goes third in the third round to San Diego.
I was thinking maybe we can draft Nick Allen and move him to second base.

There is a huge chance that we will draft a pitcher with the 80 pick.

[chop2chip]

We know a few facts that can allow us to deduce what it will cost to sign Wright:

1. SD had him as their guy for a while.
2. SD wanted to go under slot with the #1 pick.
3. Lewis was slotted in around #5-#7, with slot values of $5M-$5.7M.
4. SD likely offered somewhere in the neighborhood of $5.7M to Lewis, McKay and Wright.
5. Lewis was the only one who agreed, so they drafted him.
6. SD will likely sign Lewis for under $6M.

If Wright wouldn't take ~$5.7M from SD as the #1 pick, it is highly unlikely he takes less than that from the Braves at #5. Wright will almost certainly require full slot, and probably the additional 10% teams are allowed to go over.
Players taken that high typically go under slot, no? I bet Wright comes in underslot. Not by a lot but nevertheless under.

Also I think you meant Minny, not SD.

[jpx7]

We know a few facts that can allow us to deduce what it will cost to sign Wright:

1. SD had him as their guy for a while.
2. SD wanted to go under slot with the #1 pick.
3. Lewis was slotted in around #5-#7, with slot values of $5M-$5.7M.
4. SD likely offered somewhere in the neighborhood of $5.7M to Lewis, McKay and Wright.
5. Lewis was the only one who agreed, so they drafted him.
6. SD will likely sign Lewis for under $6M.

If Wright wouldn't take ~$5.7M from SD as the #1 pick, it is highly unlikely he takes less than that from the Braves at #5. Wright will almost certainly require full slot, and probably the additional 10% teams are allowed to go over.

Are you using code? Didn't Minnesota draft Lewis?

[Enscheff]

Are you using code? Didn't Minnesota draft Lewis?

Indeed.

[bravesfanMatt]

Also, Bor-ass has already come out and said Lewis is the best talent in the draft and will seek to get paid that way. Not sure he is going to cut Minn. a deal for Lewis.

[mqt]

We know a few facts that can allow us to deduce what it will cost to sign Wright:

1. SD had him as their guy for a while.
2. SD wanted to go under slot with the #1 pick.
3. Lewis was slotted in around #5-#7, with slot values of $5M-$5.7M.
4. SD likely offered somewhere in the neighborhood of $5.7M to Lewis, McKay and Wright.
5. Lewis was the only one who agreed, so they drafted him.
6. SD will likely sign Lewis for under $6M.

If Wright wouldn't take ~$5.7M from SD as the #1 pick, it is highly unlikely he takes less than that from the Braves at #5. Wright will almost certainly require full slot, and probably the additional 10% teams are allowed to go over.

Keep in mind that it's not quite that simple. Players aren't going to just roll over for teams, so it's distinctly possible that Wright would be willing to take a deal from Atlanta he wouldn't from Minnesota, simply because he has less bargaining power with Atlanta than with Minnesota.

We ran into similarly flawed logic last year with Lewis. We looked at what he accepted from Seattle and then assumed we could have had him for the same amount at 3. Bonuses aren't negotiated in a vacuum.

[chop2chip]

Here are last years slots and signing values

1. PHI - Mickey Moniak, OF, La Costa Canyon HS (Calif.)
$6,100,000 (Pick value: $9,015,000)
Starting assignment: Rookie-level GCL Phillies
2. CIN - Nick Senzel, 3B, Tennessee
$6,200,000 (Pick value: $7,762,900)
Starting assignment: Rookie-level Billings
3. ATL - Ian Anderson, RHP, Shenendehowa HS (N.Y.)
$4,000,000 (Pick value: $6,510,800)
Starting assignment: Rookie-level GCL Braves
4. COL - Riley Pint, RHP, Saint Thomas Aquinas HS (Kan.)
$4,800,000 (Pick value: $5,258,700)
Starting assignment: Rookie-level Grand Junction
5. MIL - Corey Ray, OF, Louisville
$4,125,000 (Pick value: $4,382,200)
Starting assignment: Class A Advance Brevard County
6. OAK - A.J. Puk, LHP, Florida
$4,069,200 (Pick value: $4,069,200)
Starting assignment: Class A Short Season Vermont
7. MIA - Braxton Garrett, LHP, Florence HS (Ala.)
$4,145,900 (Pick value: $3,756,300)
Starting assignment: TBD
8. SD - Cal Quantrill, RHP, Stanford
$3,963,045 (Pick value: $3,630,900)
Starting assignment: Rookie-level AZL Padres
9. DET - Matt Manning, RHP, Sheldon HS (Calif.)
$3,505,800 (Pick value: $3,505,800)
Starting assignment: Rookie-level GCL Tigers
10. CWS - Zack Collins, C, Miami
$3,380,600 (Pick value: $3,380,600)
Starting assignment: Rookie-level AZL White Sox


I could see Wright being a slot signing a la Puk last year, but I think it is a reasonable possibility he could go underslot based off recent history.

[50PoundHead]

What time do they actually start drafting again?

[Enscheff]

Enlow to Twins

Those overslot guys are going to go quickly.

[DaneHill]

Right now. Twins pick Enlow.

[Enscheff]

SD gets Mason House.

Would have like to see the Braves grab him.

[Enscheff]

Beck is there if the Braves want to take a shot

[DaneHill]

Braves up next....

RHP Freddy Tarnok

[Enscheff]

Braves take Freddy Tarnok, HS RHP.

A kid new to pitching, already touching 96+.

[jpx7]

I know next to nothing about the amateur ranks, but considering I'd seen nobody mention this guy's name, and mlb.com lists him as unranked, I assume it's a bit of a left-field pick? Plus: more pitching.

[Jaw]

This is the part of the draft where I know nothing about anyone picked, so I just excited for position players.

[TheBravos]

Hmmmm

[Hudson2]

Tarnok is a HS righty that hits 97 and could hit triple digits if he fills out a little more. Big frame at 6'4.

[Russ2dollas]

Braves take Freddy Tarnok, HS RHP.

A kid new to pitching, already touching 96+.

Is it fair to say this is a Soroka type Braves drafting a pitcher they like a lot more than most people?

[TheBravos]

Why take a unranked player in the 3rd round...

[bravesfanMatt]

This might tell us what the Braves think of getting the first two picks at a bargain.

[CJ9]

Classic Braves profile of a guy who blew up down the stretch.

[chop2chip]

Why take a unranked player in the 3rd round...

BA had him at 150. PBR had him at 84.

At this point, there really isn't a consensus.

[50PoundHead]

My guess is this is where we save some slot money.

[TheBravos]

I guess they were afraid someone would snap him up.

[praeceps93]

Guessing Tarnok is an underslot type guy with only a D2 commit. Another pitcher that we took above consensus that we'll just have to wait and see; could be another Soroka type, or could be Anthony Guardado again. Either way we probably just didn't have the resources to go after one of the overslot guys left.

[Preacher]

#7 Freddy Tarnok – SS/RHP 2017
Projectable body, good athletic frame, clean delivery, FB: 91-92mph, good arm action, good whip, CH: 72mph, showed good depth with run, tall, balanced setup at the plate, quiet hands, relaxed approach, stays inside, quick to the ball, stays behind the ball and through it, pullside power, quick first step, good range, quick clean exchange, strong arm across the diamond

http://blog.teamonebaseball.com/tag/freddy-tarnok/

[UNCBlue012]

I could care the ef less right now. Our first two were so great.

[chop2chip]

If pressed to guess, I bet Wright signs for slot and Waters is an over slot sign, which means the next couple picks are going to be some money savers.

[CJ9]

https://twitter.com/dougfreemanpbr/status/874678339474251780

[50PoundHead]

Guessing Tarnok is an underslot type guy with only a D2 commit. Another pitcher that we took above consensus that we'll just have to wait and see; could be another Soroka type, or could be Anthony Guardado again. Either way we probably just didn't have the resources to go after one of the overslot guys left.

The comp I thought of immediately.

[Russ2dollas]

Nobody is perfect. But if there is one thing this group has earned a pass on it's drafting HS pitchers. Returns are EARLY. But early returns are good.

[bravesfanMatt]

https://twitter.com/dougfreemanpbr/status/874678339474251780

anyone want to summarize this for me.. twitter blocked at work.

[praeceps93]

The comp I thought of immediately.

Yep. If the scouts got it right, we get another Wilson/Soroka and everyone thinks they're geniuses. If they didn't get it right, everyone forgets for the most part and we try again next year.

[Enscheff]

Is it fair to say this is a Soroka type Braves drafting a pitcher they like a lot more than most people?

The Braves tend to extrapolate from current upticks in stuff more so than almost all other teams. If they see a guy hit 97 that usually sits 91-92, they assume his overall true talent is 97 and he will develop into that. It makes sense in a way...if a guy flashes 97 that means it's in there, just a matter of getting it to show up consistently.

At this point in the draft there is no consensus.

[The Chosen One]

Where does one watch this since MLB Networkm isn't airing

[50PoundHead]

Why take a unranked player in the 3rd round...

He's 170/500 on Baseball America's rankings.

[50PoundHead]

Is it fair to say this is a Soroka type Braves drafting a pitcher they like a lot more than most people?

Soroka was a Top 50 guy. I can never understand why people want to single him out as this terrible reach.

[CJ9]

D1baseball draft guy says he heard deGrom comps from scouts, which is obviously crazy but at least people like him. More from the same guy:

"More on #Braves pick Freddy Tarnok - he was 93-98 mph this spring with a plus hook. Can't say enough about this pick...outstanding"

[50PoundHead]

Where does one watch this since MLB Networkm isn't airing

Follow the Draft Tracker at the mlb website.

[Coach_Chris]

Where does one watch this since MLB Networkm isn't airing

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/210960834/v1469247783/live-mlb-draft-day-2

[SJ24]

Where does one watch this since MLB Networkm isn't airing

Here you go . . .

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/210960834/v1469247783/live-mlb-draft-day-2

[Russ2dollas]

The Braves tend to extrapolate from current upticks in stuff more so than almost all other teams. If they see a guy hit 97 that usually sits 91-92, they assume his overall true talent is 97 and he will develop into that. It makes sense in a way...if a guy flashes 97 that means it's in there, just a matter of getting it to show up consistently.

At this point in the draft there is no consensus.

Makes sense to me. Especially if he is an under slot guy. 97 is in there. Maybe he Soroka or Minor's his way up toward that as a starter. IF not maybe he's a RP and he can get to 95-97 for an inning.

[DaneHill]

For visual effect....

874678646417567745

[Russ2dollas]

Soroka was a Top 50 guy. I can never understand why people want to single him out as this terrible reach.

Didn't say terrible. But I think he was drafted high. All I recall is a collective "Who?" from the boards. Same thing with this guy...

Call it a frantic google search pick in the top 3 rounds.

[mqt]

Can't argue with the pick. Looks like an interesting pickup.


I wonder if we draft Josh Anthony again.

[Southcack77]

anyone want to summarize this for me.. twitter blocked at work.

Video of him sitting 92-94 at an all star game. Fellow says he is super projectable.

it sounds like like the Braves got a high school two way player with a big frame whose velocity is easily in the mid 90s.

Some sites had him in this round by ranking, others had him more of a fourth rounder.

You'd assume under slot is a possibility and the Braves likely thought enough of him to be afraid that he'd be off the board.

If the Braves cannot come up with decent starting pitching in the 2020s, it certainly won't be for want of effort.

[praeceps93]

Can't argue with the pick. Looks like an interesting pickup.


I wonder if we draft Josh Anthony again.

Is he eligible again?

[50PoundHead]

Didn't say terrible. But I think he was drafted high. All I recall is a collective "Who?" from the boards. Same thing with this guy...

Call it a frantic google search pick in the top 3 rounds.

I didn't think you were calling Soroka terrible. I'm just surprised people considered him this huge reach when drafted. He was rated in the Top 50 on most sites that grade prospects.

[50PoundHead]

Is he eligible again?

Yes. Just finished his junior season at Auburn. He is in Baseball America's Top 500 prospects, but did not have a particularly good season with the bat. I'm guessing he's drafted after the 10th round, but who really knows.

[Southcack77]

What happened to anthony Guardado? Is he still with the Braves?

[bravesfanMatt]

What happened to anthony Guardado? Is he still with the Braves?

I think we released him this year.. but going off memory and that is never a good thing.

[jpx7]

At least they gave us a juicy name at this spot.

[50PoundHead]

Looks like another money-saver.

[praeceps93]

I think we released him this year.. but going off memory and that is never a good thing.

Nah we still have him. On the GCL roster. Can't imagine his arm will allow us to stretch him out as a starter, but could be a RP.

[DaneHill]

The MLB guys appear to have never even heard of him. They were googling furiously to learn what they could. Awkward minute of near-silence.

[50PoundHead]

Troy Bacon's Sante Fe CC bio and stat page: http://www.santafesaints.com/sports/bsb/2015-16/bios/bacon_troy_ou0v

[CJ9]

Bacon was at UF during his freshman year but transferred out because he didn't pitch much. Went to Santa Fe right down the street.

Wright and Waters must be getting at or over slot with these two picks.

[bravesfanMatt]

our annual middle round reliever..

[Pachoo]

Why take a unranked player in the 3rd round...

Tarnok is hardly unranked. He is in many top 100 lists.

[cajunrevenge]

BA has him #170. Hope this was a pick to save money. Not a big fan but I will root for him nonetheless. Here is BA scouting report....


A two-way prospect, Tarnok began taking steps forward on the mound this spring. He has a projectable 6-foot-4 frame with coathanger-like shoulders and room to fill. Tarnok has a loose, easy arm action and he’s already capable of pitching in the low to mid-90s, touching as high as 96 mph. The pitch flashes late sink down in the strike zone. Tarnok flashes an upper 70s curveball as well that can generate sharp downward action. Tarnok has a long way to go to reach his ceiling on the mound, but he has the natural ingredients to develop into a starting pitching prospect. He’s committed to Division II Tampa.

[Enscheff]

Bacon was at UF during his freshman year but transferred out because he didn't pitch much. Went to Santa Fe right down the street.

Wright and Waters must be getting at or over slot with these two picks.

It was wishful posi-Brave thinking that Wright would give a hometown discount because he was a Braves fan haha.

[Southcack77]

Bacon was at UF during his freshman year but transferred out because he didn't pitch much. Went to Santa Fe right down the street.

Wright and Waters must be getting at or over slot with these two picks.

Longenhans said in chat, he's 92-97 with a four pitch mix as the closer for his Juco. supposedly a SS out of HS.

Combine his being at Florida behind great arms with the transfer and you may still have some projection as a starter.

[Pachoo]

Bacon looks like someone we hope to sign for $10k to $50k. Our two first picks are definitely going to cost us a big chunk of our budget.

Wright might sign for right at slot or a bit more. Waters will probably be over slot IMO. I doubt we sign Tarnok for much under budget for his slot. I'm guessing our picks from round 4 through 10 will be guys we never heard of, guys we can sign for under $100k.

[TheBravos]

Tarnok is hardly unranked. He is in many top 100 lists.

Was just looking at the MLB ticker...sorry.

[Enscheff]

Bacon looks like someone we hope to sign for $10k to $50k. Our two first picks are definitely going to cost us a big chunk of our budget.

But but but, clv just wrote up a piece claiming Wright and Waters would go under slot?

How can the editor of a Braves blog not know what he is talking about?

[Enscheff]

No reasoning for these projections other than hopeful speculation, but...


1.05 (5) Wright - $5,000,000
2.05 (41) Waters - $1,500,000
3.05 (80) Tristan Beck $2,300,000 (we can't pass on him if he's still there, can we???)
4.05 (110) C. J. Van Eyk $487,400
5.05 (140) Andrew Bechtold $350,000
6.05 (170) Je'Von Ward $300,000
7.05 (200) ??? $200,000
8.05 (230) ??? $100,000
9.05 (260) ??? $50,000
10.05 (290) ??? $20,000

Have you ever been right?

About anything?

[cajunrevenge]

Bacon unranked by BA. Theres under slot and then there is just wasting picks. Why not take Bacon much later in the draft? We already have an extra 900k in slot money for Wright/Waters because we can go 10% over the pool cap before any meaningful penalty.