2018 DRAFT LIST AND SIGNINGS

[rico43]

Names will be placed in bold type when a signing is reported.
x -- Will not sign
Round/Overall/Projected

x 1 8 5 Stewart, Carter Eau Gallie HS (FL) RHP R/R HS SR 6' 6 200lbs DOB: 11/02/99 $5M slot
2 49 58 Jenista, Greyson Wichita State (KS) 1B L/R 4YR JR 6' 4 210lbs DOB: 12/07/96 $1.2 M
4 112 35 Beck, Tristan Stanford (CA) RHP R/R 4YR JR 6' 4 165lbs DOB: 06/24/96 $900 K
5 142 76 Riley, Trey John A Logan Col RHS R/R JC J2 -- 6' 2 200lbs DOB: 04/21/98 $450 K
6 172 142 Moritz, Andrew UNC Greensboro (NC) CF L/R 4YR JR 5' 11 180lbs DOB: 12/22/96 $242.5 K
7 202 -- Wilson, Brooks Stetson University (FL) RHP L/R 4YR SR 6' 2 205lbs DOB: 03/15/96 $80 K
8 232 -- Graffanino, AJ Washington (WA) SS S/R 4YR JR 6' 2 170lbs DOB: 07/16/97 $300 K
9 262 -- Shetter, Ryan Texas Tech (Tv Lenoir-Rhyne U CF R/R 4YR JR -- 5' 8 180lbs DOB: 12/06/96 $135 K
10 292 -- Langhorne, Brett Carson-Newman College (TN) 3B L/R 4YR SR -- 6' 3 210lbs DOB: 06/14/96 $10 K
11 322 -- Higginbotham, Jake Clemson (SC) LHP L/L 4YR JR -- 5' 10 170lbs DOB: 01/11/96 $125 K
12 352 -- Kingham, Nolan Texas (TX) RHP R/R 4YR JR -- 6' 4 200lbs DOB: 08/18/96 $150 K
13 382 -- Venter, Brendan Auburn (AL) 1B R/R 4YR JR -- 6' 2 205lbs DOB: 09/26/96 $125 K
14 412 -- Vodnik, Victor Rialto HS (CA) RHP R/R HS SR 6' 0 190lbs DOB: 10/09/99 --
15 442 -- Cullen, Greg Niagara (NY) 2B L/R 4YR JR -- 5' 10 190lbs DOB: 11/13/96 $125 K
16 472 -- Harpenau, Ty Texas Tech (TX) RHP R/R 4YR JR -- 6' 1 175lbs DOB: 01/13/97 --
17 502 -- Dean, Justin Lenoir-Rhyne University (NC) CF R/R 4YR JR -- 5' 8 180lbs DOB: 12/06/96 $125 K
18 532 -- Kurz, Cameron UC San Diego (CA) RHR R/R 4YR SR -- 6' 0 200lbs DOB: 05/10/96 --
19 562 -- Daniels, Zach U Iowa P L/R 4YR JR -- 5' 11 160lbs DOB: 04/21/97 $125 K
20 592 -- Alexander, CJ State College of Florida Manatee - Sarasota (FL) 3B L/R JC J2 -- 6' 5 215lbs DOB: 07/17/96 $125 K
21 622 -- Lawson, Tanner St Edwards U P L/L 4YR JR -- 6' 1 186lbs DOB: 10/25/96 $125 K
22 652 -- Soderman, Ray U Oregon C R/R 4YR JR -- 6' 1 200lbs DOB: 05/23/97 $125 K
23 682 -- Woods, William Dyersburg State CC RHS R/R JC J1 -- 6' 3 190lbs DOB: 12/29/98 $125 K
24 712 -- Estrada, Rusber Faulkner U C R/R 4YR JR -- 6' 0 215lbs DOB: 06/05/95 $100 K
25 742 -- Mateja, Michael North Central Col 3B R/R 4YR JR -- 5' 11 190lbs DOB: 01/25/97 $100 K
26 772 -- Guth, Zach Harford CC LHS L/L JC J1 -- 6' 4 210lbs DOB: 04/04/97 $125 K
27 802 -- Seipel, Zach U Minnesota Crookston RHR R/R 4YR JR -- 6' 4 210lbs DOB: 10/17/96 $125 K
x 28 832 -- West, Derek Pittsburgh (PA) RHP R/R 4YR JR -- 6' 5 220lbs DOB: 12/02/96 --
29 862 -- Hernandez, Ray Alabama State University (NM) 3B R/R 4YR SR -- 6' 3 220lbs DOB: 08/19/96 $10 K
30 892 -- Stallings, Mitch Duke (NC) P L/L 4YR SR -- 6' 1 160lbs DOB: 06/30/95 $10 K
31 922 -- Rodriguez, Gabriel Miami Dade CC South (FL) OF L/L JC J1 -- 6' 1 193lbs DOB: 04/09/99 $100 K
32 952 -- Harris, Trey Missouri (MO) 2B R/R 4YR SR -- 5' 10 219lbs DOB: 01/15/96 $10 K
33 982 -- Berne, Mason UNC Wilmington (NC) 1B R/R 4YR SR -- 6' 3 225lbs DOB: 03/11/96 $10 K
x 34 1012 91 Hess, Zack LSU (LA) RHP R/R 4YR SO 6' 6 200lbs DOB: 02/25/97 --
35 1042 -- Brown, Logan University of Southern Indiana (IN) C L/R 4YR JR -- 6' 1 190lbs DOB: 09/14/96 $125 K
36 1072 -- Cavalieri, Victor Houghton Col (NY) LHS L/L 4YR SR -- 6' 1 180lbs DOB: 08/26/95 $10 K
37 1102 -- Camacho, Alex Vanguard University (CA) RHR R/R 4YR SR -- 6' 7 245lbs DOB: 07/29/96 $100 K
x 38 1132 -- Aleman, Franco Alonso HS (FL) RHP R/R HS SR 6' 6 215lbs DOB: 06/26/00 --
x 39 1162 -- Perkins, Jack Kokomo HS (IN) RHP R/R HS SR 6' 0 189lbs DOB: 12/26/99 --
x 40 1192 -- Mangan, Micky Pinecrest Academy (GA) C R/R HS SR -- 5' 11 175lbs DOB: 11/03/99

[BeanieAntics]

I really hope we know what we are doing in regards to our draft pool. I thought we definitely had enough money to sign Beck, but to pick up Riley AND Moritz? Can we definitely afford that? Could Stewart/Jenista be an underslot or something?

[CJ9]

I really hope we know what we are doing in regards to our draft pool. I thought we definitely had enough money to sign Beck, but to pick up Riley AND Moritz? Can we definitely afford that? Could Stewart/Jenista be an underslot or something?

Kiley speculated that Stewart was an underslot deal. Riley has already said he's in and will sign. Not sure there's any reason to believe that Moritz would be a tough sign.

The bottom line with all these picks in the top 10 rounds is that teams generally have numbers agreed to before picking players. It's very rare that guys in the top 10 rounds don't sign as long as their medicals are clear.

[50PoundHead]

Unless Beck wants the moon and stars, I think we're well set and may even have the resources to toss a hook shot from half court today on someone considered to be a tough sign. Wilson and Langhorne probably come it at $10,000 apiece and that would give us $300,000 right there. If Stewart is below slot by a significant amount (say up to $1 MM), there's money galore. I don't know enough about most of the guys who were drafted to make an accurate assessment on how we've done, but I will say that they "went through the front door" this year and appear to have drafted guys at or near slot (with a couple of seniors thrown in) so that we aren't being too cute by half and end up in a situation like we were with Josh Anthony. The thing I didn't like about Coppolella is that he thought he was so clever and engineered all these arcane deals that ended up doing him in personally and professionally.

[bravesfanMatt]

Unless Beck wants the moon and stars, I think we're well set and may even have the resources to toss a hook shot from half court today on someone considered to be a tough sign. Wilson and Langhorne probably come it at $10,000 apiece and that would give us $300,000 right there. If Stewart is below slot by a significant amount (say up to $1 MM), there's money galore. I don't know enough about most of the guys who were drafted to make an accurate assessment on how we've done, but I will say that they "went through the front door" this year and appear to have drafted guys at or near slot (with a couple of seniors thrown in) so that we aren't being too cute by half and end up in a situation like we were with Josh Anthony. The thing I didn't like about Coppolella is that he thought he was so clever and engineered all these arcane deals that ended up doing him in personally and professionally.

That is just waters under the table now. He should have known he couldn’t maitan this for long.

[nsacpi]

That is just waters under the table now. He should have known he couldn’t maitan this for long.

no use crying over spilt waters

[Southcack77]

Unless Beck wants the moon and stars, I think we're well set and may even have the resources to toss a hook shot from half court today on someone considered to be a tough sign. Wilson and Langhorne probably come it at $10,000 apiece and that would give us $300,000 right there. If Stewart is below slot by a significant amount (say up to $1 MM), there's money galore. I don't know enough about most of the guys who were drafted to make an accurate assessment on how we've done, but I will say that they "went through the front door" this year and appear to have drafted guys at or near slot (with a couple of seniors thrown in) so that we aren't being too cute by half and end up in a situation like we were with Josh Anthony. The thing I didn't like about Coppolella is that he thought he was so clever and engineered all these arcane deals that ended up doing him in personally and professionally.

The one piece of leverage Beck might have is that he might benefit from finishing his Stanford degree.

Baseball wise, coming back means he would be one of the oldest players in next year's draft and one with no leverage at all. His upside has largely evaporated and all he is now left with is someone thinking that maybe his recovery from injury was still holding back some velocity and command.

I am totally fine with the Braves grabbing him in the fourth round, but I think labeling him a first round type talent is a little questionable at this point. Maybe I'll read he put a huge price tag on himself and that's why teams didn't draft him, but I sort of doubt it.

[clvclv]

Unless Beck wants the moon and stars, I think we're well set and may even have the resources to toss a hook shot from half court today on someone considered to be a tough sign. Wilson and Langhorne probably come it at $10,000 apiece and that would give us $300,000 right there. If Stewart is below slot by a significant amount (say up to $1 MM), there's money galore. I don't know enough about most of the guys who were drafted to make an accurate assessment on how we've done, but I will say that they "went through the front door" this year and appear to have drafted guys at or near slot (with a couple of seniors thrown in) so that we aren't being too cute by half and end up in a situation like we were with Josh Anthony. The thing I didn't like about Coppolella is that he thought he was so clever and engineered all these arcane deals that ended up doing him in personally and professionally.

The scary thought (for others) is that if those numbers somehow happened to work out, we'd have ~ $1.5 million lying around to find out just how much of a hometown discount Wilcox or Rocker might be willing to take to stay home.

Not going to happen - but fun to think about nonetheless.

[WaitingFor2017]

39th Round Pick, Jack Perkins, has decided to honor his commitment to the University of Louisville.

[IslandBrave]

Jenista signed today!!

[Bravesfannchar]

10th rounder Langhorne signed.
26th rounder Guth signed.

[Jay212033]

Hess, Higginbotham, Kingham and Vodnik have all said they're gonna sign. This is going to be really interesting to see what Stewart and Jenista signed for!

[CJ9]

Hess, Higginbotham, Kingham and Vodnik have all said they're gonna sign. This is going to be really interesting to see what Stewart and Jenista signed for!

Where’d you see that Hess will sign? Not sure that’s correct.

[jpx7]

Interesting article here.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.ajc.com/sports/baseball/inside-braves-draft-team-likes-upside-2018-class/jbAv2OXOKgtOo9QJQMYJAM/amp.html

This article asserts Zach Daniels will also sign.

[Jay212033]

Where’d you see that Hess will sign? Not sure that’s correct.

AJC article had it. Someone posted it on another board.

[CJ9]

AJC article had it. Someone posted it on another board.

AJC article said the Braves have every intention of signing him, but if Hess was willing to sign, he would’ve gone in the top 3-5 rounds. Would be massively stunning if we signed him.

[BeanieAntics]

I we could somehow sign all of our top 5 picks PLUS Hess and some of the other higher upside guys, this would be an absolutely fantastic draft under the circumstances. I figured Hess was a throwaway pick.

[Jay212033]

Depends on how the early signings go but if he signs this class would be ridiculous on paper!

[Bravesfannchar]

32nd rounder Trey Harris signed.

[rico43]

Beck did a tremendous interview with Fox Inland Sports, making it clear than he was or is an easy sign and is full-on a Brave already. Also indicated that he is a a gifted saxophone player.

[50PoundHead]

rico, are the dollar amounts posted at the end of each player's line the slot value or what they signed for?

Slot. We will change to signed amount when we get it (as in the case of Moritz)

[IslandBrave]

CJ Alexander tweeted he will signed.

Cj Alexander jr.
@CAlexander_52
·
8h
Can’t wait to start my professional career with the @Braves !!
MLB

[CJ9]

CJ Alexander tweeted he will signed.

Cj Alexander jr.
@CAlexander_52
·
8h
Can’t wait to start my professional career with the @Braves !!
MLB

Wow that’s great news. Didn’t think we had a chance at him.

[zbhargrove]

Wow that’s great news. Didn’t think we had a chance at him.

We offered him a car

[bravesfanMatt]

We offered him a car

Shhh

[clvclv]

rico, are the dollar amounts posted at the end of each player's line the slot value or what they signed for?

Those are the slot values.

[50PoundHead]

Wow that’s great news. Didn’t think we had a chance at him.

He had an interesting college career. He played his freshman year at Ball State in Indiana and then transferred to State College of Florida JC. Sat out a year with an injury and then had a tremendous season this spring. Big kid with a lot of power potential. I found this scouting report on him: http://baseballcensus.com/2018/04/07/state-college-of-florida-cj-alexander-scouting-report/

[CJ9]

Jim Callis on Twitter:

6th-rder Andrew Moritz signs w/@Braves for $242,500 (pick 172=$280,400). UNC Greensboro CF, career .406 avg, three Southern Conf batting titles in three years -- can you tell he can hit? Solid runner too. @MLBDraft

[Southcack77]

He had an interesting college career. He played his freshman year at Ball State in Indiana and then transferred to State College of Florida JC. Sat out a year with an injury and then had a tremendous season this spring. Big kid with a lot of power potential. I found this scouting report on him: http://baseballcensus.com/2018/04/07/state-college-of-florida-cj-alexander-scouting-report/

He's one to keep an eye on.

Braves have been looking to run into a 1B with power and latter half of the draft last few times through. My guess is that is where this guy ends up.

[nsacpi]

It feels like we drafted more interesting players this year in the later rounds. Which imo is the way to go. They are all lottery tickets.

[50PoundHead]

It feels like we drafted more interesting players this year in the later rounds. Which imo is the way to go. They are all lottery tickets.

I think the process was also more straightforward this year.

Some very interesting guys throughout. Curious to see if these lottery tickets are Powerball or scratch-offs.

Zach Guth committed to Indiana as a high school junior, but never pitched there. Instead, he went to Maryland, where he pitched as a freshman. He ended up at Harford (MD) JC. 10-0 W/L this season with 65 Ks in 49 IP. .136 BAA, but walked a lot of guys.

Here's an article about him outlining his commitment to Indiana: https://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/PA/Zach-Guth-Commits-to-Indiana-2906435178

And here's a snippet about his time at Maryland: https://marylandbaseballnetwork.com/2017/01/16/preseason-countdown-zach-guth-32/

[clvclv]

Heyman tweeted that the Mutts have a deal in place with Kelenic for ~ $5 million.

Hopefully helps in Stewart negotiations.

[Orphan Black]

Rays got a deal on Liberatore

[Heyward]

Was hoping Braves could just sign Stewart, Beck, Riley, Moritz, and Jenista, anything else is gravy.

[IslandBrave]

Graffanino went 3-3 for last night in a win over Fullerton

[clvclv]

Yankees sign Siegler under slot value.

EDIT: Callis has it at exactly slot value.

[gamecock4braves]

Names will be placed in bold type when a signing is reported.
x -- Will not sign
Round/Overall/Projected

1 8 5 Stewart, Carter Eau Gallie HS (FL) RHP R/R HS SR 6' 6 200lbs DOB: 11/02/99 $5M slot
2 49 58 Jenista, Greyson Wichita State (KS) 1B L/R 4YR JR 6' 4 210lbs DOB: 12/07/96 $1.5M slot
4 112 35 Beck, Tristan Stanford (CA) RHP R/R 4YR JR 6' 4 165lbs DOB: 06/24/96 $497.8K slot
5 142 76 Riley, Trey John A Logan Col RHS R/R JC J2 -- 6' 2 200lbs DOB: 04/21/98 $371.9K slot
6 172 142 Moritz, Andrew UNC Greensboro (NC) CF L/R 4YR JR 5' 11 180lbs DOB: 12/22/96 $242.5 K
7 202 -- Wilson, Brooks Stetson University (FL) RHP L/R 4YR SR 6' 2 205lbs DOB: 03/15/96 $219.1K slot
8 232 -- Graffanino, AJ Washington (WA) SS S/R 4YR JR 6' 2 170lbs DOB: 07/16/97 $174.3K
9 262 -- Shetter, Ryan Texas Tech (Tv Lenoir-Rhyne U CF R/R 4YR JR -- 5' 8 180lbs DOB: 12/06/96 --
18 532 -- Kurz, Cameron UC San Diego RHR R/R 4YR SR -- 6' 0 200lbs DOB: 05/10/96 --
19 562 -- Daniels, Zach U Iowa P L/R 4YR JR -- 5' 11 160lbs DOB: 04/21/97 --
20 592 -- Alexander, CJ State College of Florida Manatee - Sarasota (FL) 3B L/R JC J2 -- 6' 5 215lbs DOB: 07/17/96 --
21 622 -- Lawson, Tanner St Edwards U P L/L 4YR JR -- 6' 1 186lbs DOB: 10/25/96 --
22 652 -- Soderman, Ray U Oregon C R/R 4YR JR -- 6' 1 200lbs DOB: 05/23/97 --
23 682 -- Woods, William Dyersburg State CC RHS R/R JC J1 -- 6' 3 190lbs DOB: 12/29/98 --
24 712 -- Estrada, Rusber Faulkner U C R/R 4YR JR -- 6' 0 215lbs DOB: 06/05/95 --
25 742 -- Mateja, Micha el North Central Col 3B R/R 4YR JR -- 5' 11 190lbs DOB: 01/25/97 --
26 772 -- Guth, Zach Harford CC LHS L/L JC J1 -- 6' 4 210lbs DOB: 04/04/97 --
27 802 -- Seipel, Zach U Minnesota Crookston RHR R/R 4YR JR -- 6' 4 210lbs DOB: 10/17/96 --
28 832 -- West, Derek Pittsburgh (PA) RHP R/R 4YR JR -- 6' 5 220lbs DOB: 12/02/96 --
29 862 -- Hernandez, Ray Alabama State University (NM) 3B R/R 4YR SR -- 6' 3 220lbs DOB: 08/19/96 --
30 892 -- Stallings, Mitch Duke (NC) P L/L 4YR SR -- 6' 1 160lbs DOB: 06/30/95 --
31 922 -- Rodriguez, Gabriel Miami Dade CC South (FL) OF L/L JC J1 -- 6' 1 193lbs DOB: 04/09/99 --
32 952 -- Harris, Trey Missouri (MO) 2B R/R 4YR SR -- 5' 10 219lbs DOB: 01/15/96 --
33 982 -- Berne, Mason UNC Wilmington (NC) 1B R/R 4YR SR -- 6' 3 225lbs DOB: 03/11/96 --
34 1012 91 Hess, Zack LSU (LA) RHP R/R 4YR SO 6' 6 200lbs DOB: 02/25/97 --
35 1042 -- Brown, Logan University of Southern Indiana (IN) C L/R 4YR JR -- 6' 1 190lbs DOB: 09/14/96 --
36 1072 -- Cavalieri, Victor Houghton Col (NY) LHS L/L 4YR SR -- 6' 1 180lbs DOB: 08/26/95 --
37 1102 -- Camacho, Alex Vanguard University (CA) RHR R/R 4YR SR -- 6' 7 245lbs DOB: 07/29/96 --
38 1132 -- Aleman, Franco Alonso HS (FL) RHP R/R HS SR 6' 6 215lbs DOB: 06/26/00 --
39 1162 -- Perkins, Jack Kokomo HS (IN) RHP R/R HS SR 6' 0 189lbs DOB: 12/26/99 --
40 1192 -- Mangan, Micky Pinecrest Academy (GA) C R/R HS SR -- 5' 11 175lbs DOB: 11/03/99

Why are the 10th through 17th round picks not listed?

[rico43]

Derek West (28th round pick, Pitt) is the Braves annual investment into a pitcher who has recovered from Tommy John surgery.

[rico43]

Why are the 10th through 17th round picks not listed?

Accidentally deleted. Should be complete now. Don't know how it happened

[rico43]

Was hoping Braves could just sign Stewart, Beck, Riley, Moritz, and Jenista, anything else is gravy.

Last two done, Beck and Riley are verbal at the moment; and you got to figure that a deal was in place for Stewart before the pick!

[50PoundHead]

I thought I read in an article somewhere (maybe mlb.com or milb.com) that Graffanino has indicated he will sign.

Anyway, glad to see the Braves signed their 33rd round pick so they can "feel the Berne."

[BeanieAntics]

How far underslot do we think we will be after signing our top 5 guys? Will we be underslot at all? How much do you think we need to save to go after some of those later round targets like Hess and whatnot?

[50PoundHead]

How far underslot do we think we will be after signing our top 5 guys? Will we be underslot at all? How much do you think we need to save to go after some of those later round targets like Hess and whatnot?

I doubt we will have enough to sign Hess. I could be wrong, but my guess is he would want somewhere in the neighborhood of $3 MM for a signing bonus and I don't think we can scare up that kind of money. I'm curious to see how much the guys between Round 11 and Round 20 will be wanting. My guess is that they will have to go over $100,000 to land some of those guys.

[CJ9]

Trey Riley was in Atlanta yesterday to sign: https://twitter.com/loganvolsbsbl/status/1005168499805876225?s=21

[CJ9]

5th-rder Trey Riley signs w/@Braves for $450k (pick 142 value = $371,900). John A. Logan (Ill.) CC RHP, 92-95 to 97 w/cutting action, mid-80s SL can be wipeout pitch, was committed to Missouri St. @MLBDraft

[rico43]

Clemson actually called a press conference to announce Jake Higginbotham was signing with Braves. He was redshirt sophomore, so he was no sure thing. (11th round)

[bravesfanMatt]

Thanks for keeping up with this Rico.

[rico43]

Justin Dean (17th round, Lenoir-Rhyne) has signed and is in Orlando, according to a tweet from his father

[clvclv]

Justin Dean (17th round, Lenoir-Rhyne) has signed and is in Orlando, according to a tweet from his father

Sweet - all the "local" NC kids are in.

[CJ9]

Anyone seen anything on stewart?

[Enscheff]

Anyone seen anything on stewart?

He will likely be one of the last picks signed so the Braves can give him every available penny remaining in their pool.

[CJ9]

Jim Callis:

2nd-rder Greyson Jenista signs w/@Braves for $1.2 million (pick 49 value = $1,450,500). Wichita State OF/1B, patient line-drive hitter w/raw power too, athletic for 6-4/220, Cape Cod Lg MVP. @MLBDraft

[IslandBrave]

Jim Callis:

2nd-rder Greyson Jenista signs w/@Braves for $1.2 million (pick 49 value = $1,450,500). Wichita State OF/1B, patient line-drive hitter w/raw power too, athletic for 6-4/220, Cape Cod Lg MVP. @MLBDraft

Nice. Saved $250k there.

[50PoundHead]

Nice. Saved $250k there.

Even after the above-slot bonus to Trey Riley, we are net "under" from what I have seen thus far. I'm curious to see who, if anyone, they make a late run at or if they just pool everything together for Stewart.

[nsacpi]

I'm guessing Victor Vodnik might be the one they splash so.e $$ on

[rico43]

Even though Beck has said publicly that it's time to begin the next chapter, I'm guessing that the number hasn't worked itself out.

[zbhargrove]

I'm guessing Victor Vodnik might be the one they splash so.e $$ on

I hope so... sounds a lot like a helium raw guy ala Tarnok

[Southcack77]

I hope so... sounds a lot like a helium raw guy ala Tarnok

i want to know more about the "self taught" slider.

[jpx7]

Even though Beck has said publicly that it's time to begin the next chapter, I'm guessing that the number hasn't worked itself out.

This may end up looking like a foolish take, in hindsight, but I still don’t see what’s so special or enthralling about Beck. For talent/round, he seems like a decent pick; but if he ends up costing significantly over slot, I think it starts to look substantially worse.

[50PoundHead]

This may end up looking like a foolish take, in hindsight, but I still don’t see what’s so special or enthralling about Beck. For talent/round, he seems like a decent pick; but if he ends up costing significantly over slot, I think it starts to look substantially worse.

I tend to agree. Beck's calling card seems to be pitchability over raw stuff, which is logical seeing he lasted until the fourth round. But I don't see anything that says we should go dramatically over slot for him.

[Southcack77]

This may end up looking like a foolish take, in hindsight, but I still don’t see what’s so special or enthralling about Beck. For talent/round, he seems like a decent pick; but if he ends up costing significantly over slot, I think it starts to look substantially worse.

It's just that every scouting service had a late first/early second grade on him and he slipped to the fourth round.

Not sure how paying him more money really changes anything.

[jpx7]

It's just that every scouting service had a late first/early second grade on him and he slipped to the fourth round.

Not sure how paying him more money really changes anything.

I would’ve liked for the Braves to grab a higher-upside guy in the fourth if he’s going to necessitate an over-slot bonus; conversely, if they’re going to pick a lower-ceiling/higher-floor pitchability righty in that range, I would’ve liked that guy to be underslot (or at least slot), to facilitate some lofty-ceiling overslot gambles in subsequent rounds.

But I also prefaced with a caveat that my protestations may very well look stupid, should Beck live up to those late-first projections from many publications; but from what I’ve read about his arsenal and profile, I just don’t see why he was projected thus.

[50PoundHead]

It's just that every scouting service had a late first/early second grade on him and he slipped to the fourth round.

Not sure how paying him more money really changes anything.

I think the question is were all these scouting services high on him because of his reputation over his tools. None of us really knows if that's true, but it would seem if he had that high a grade on him, someone else would have given themselves the resource space to draft him before the 4th round.

[nsacpi]

The reports on Beck are that he was very impressive early in the past season but his stuff took a step back as the season wore on. Sometimes when a player is coming back from a long layoff he isn't conditioned to last through a full season. It could be the Braves drafted him off of what he showed in those early season games.

[clvclv]

I would’ve liked for the Braves to grab a higher-upside guy in the fourth if he’s going to necessitate an over-slot bonus; conversely, if they’re going to pick a lower-ceiling/higher-floor pitchability righty in that range, I would’ve liked that guy to be underslot (or at least slot), to facilitate some lofty-ceiling overslot gambles in subsequent rounds.

But I also prefaced with a caveat that my protestations may very well look stupid, should Beck live up to those late-first projections from many publications; but from what I’ve read about his arsenal and profile, I just don’t see why he was projected thus.

Not that he's likely to make anyone look stupid - but it could be that Beck fit as one of the few high school arms they felt like they just might be able to fit under their cap since he may sign for a much less-exorbitant number than the other available choices. It's probably more likely that they saw enough upside there to hope they could unlock something if they bring him along slowly (like Tarnok if the actual plan is to eventually turn him into a starter). Given the rapid pace most of the arms ahead of him are developing and the amateur penalties yet to come, it's probably not such a bad idea to scoop up a couple kids that fall in the next couple drafts that they expect to need to take their time with since they're not going to have many of those types coming from the international side like in the recent past.

[Southcack77]

I think the question is were all these scouting services high on him because of his reputation over his tools. None of us really knows if that's true, but it would seem if he had that high a grade on him, someone else would have given themselves the resource space to draft him before the 4th round.


The way the Braves and Braves bloggers frame things sometimes is counter-productive.

If you don't worry about whether the pick was a great amazing coup in the fourth round, it looks like a solid fourth round pick.

He's a college sign that has been real solid in two Pac 12 seasons. He commands four pitches and sits 91-93 with maybe a few ticks more when he's going right. You can dream on a more upside based on his sitting out the year for injury if you want or you can just hope he does hone the pitches he has and makes a living with them.

Getting a back end rotation piece in the 4th round isn't bad.

He might well end up being Drew Harrington, but its not unreasonable to take guys like Drew Harrington here if you really like them. The Braves seem to really like this kid's personality and approach. They've tried to draft him three times.

[CJ9]

7th round pick Brooks Wilson from Stetson won the John Olerud Award, given to the best two-way player in college baseball. Looks like he’ll be reliever only once he signs.

[CJ9]

Also, Shanks interviewed Brian Bridges on Monday. Bridges said the Stewart signing should be done “in the next week” so hopefully it happens in the next couple days.

[clvclv]

Also, Shanks interviewed Brian Bridges on Monday. Bridges said the Stewart signing should be done “in the next week” so hopefully it happens in the next couple days.

Kelenic signs for $4.5 million - hopefully helps with that.

[Jay212033]

Kelenic signs for $4.5 million - hopefully helps with that.

Seems like all the 1st rd pks are signing underslot deals. Hopefully Stewart follows suit.

[50PoundHead]

Seems like all the 1st rd pks are signing underslot deals. Hopefully Stewart follows suit.

I'm very curious as to how much of the Round 1 through 10 pool is spent and how much spills over to the guys selected after Round 10. I have to think that Higgenbotham and Kingham are getting more than $100,000.

[CJ9]

Jonathan Mayo:

7th-rder Brooks Wilson signs w/@Braves for $80K (pick 202 value = $219.1K). Stetson closer up to 94 mph w/FB, good split and avg CB. 2-way guy in college, future bullpen arm @MLBDraft

[clvclv]

I'm very curious as to how much of the Round 1 through 10 pool is spent and how much spills over to the guys selected after Round 10. I have to think that Higgenbotham and Kingham are getting more than $100,000.

The Wilson underslot deal should take care of any concerns about covering our Round 1-10 picks at the VERY least - now have $6,708,165 left (including 5% overage) following the Jenista, Riley, Moritz, and Wilson reports.

If any of those other guys are below slot as well (Graffanino and Langhorne perhaps?) there should be plenty left to land Higginbotham, Kingham, AND (fingers crossed) Vodnik.

If Stewart happened to sign for around $1 million under, you start to wonder if they may just have enough to keep Hess from going back to LSU.

[50PoundHead]

The Wilson underslot deal should take care of any concerns about covering our Round 1-10 picks at the VERY least - now have $6,708,165 left (including 5% overage) following the Jenista, Riley, Moritz, and Wilson reports.

If any of those other guys are below slot as well (Graffanino and Langhorne perhaps?) there should be plenty left to land Higginbotham, Kingham, AND (fingers crossed) Vodnik.

If Stewart happened to sign for around $1 million under, you start to wonder if they may just have enough to keep Hess from going back to LSU.

My guess is Langhorne is going to come in below $50,000, perhaps even less than $20,000. That would free up some space as well.

[clvclv]

Pipeline reporting Higginbotham's bonus to be $125,000.

Nothing that appears worrisome at this point.

[clvclv]

Pipeline reporting Higginbotham's bonus to be $125,000.

Nothing that appears worrisome at this point.

Justin Dean and Zach Daniels at $125,000 each as well.

[BeanieAntics]

125k is the number that I believe you can go up to after round 10 without adding anything to your bonus pool. I used to think it was 100k, but I think I read the rules the other day and its actually 125.

[Jay212033]

Joey Bart just sign for less than slot. Hopefully this is a good sign for Stewart.

[CJ9]

13th-rder Brendan Venter signs w/@Braves for $125k. Auburn 1B/3B, 12 HR & .905 OPS this spring, power is his best tool. @MLBDraft

[Bravesfannchar]

Joey Bart just sign for less than slot. Hopefully this is a good sign for Stewart.

This is correct, however... he signed for the most upfront bonus a position player has ever gotten in Mlb history.

[Bravesfannchar]

125k is the number that I believe you can go up to after round 10 without adding anything to your bonus pool. I used to think it was 100k, but I think I read the rules the other day and its actually 125.

You’re correct. 125k equals 0 to the bonus pool. 130k equals 5k towards bonus pool.

[clvclv]

C. J. Alexander has signed and is on the GCL Braves' roster now - haven't seen any $$$ reports.

[zbhargrove]

C. J. Alexander has signed and is on the GCL Braves' roster now - haven't seen any $$$ reports.

This guy could be a under the radar get... most thought he was sure to go to central FL

[clvclv]

Washington about to be eliminated - hope to hear a Graffanino announcement soon.

[rico43]

Callis reported this morning that Auburn's Venters signed with the Braves for the slotted $125 K.

[Southcack77]

https://www.talkingchop.com/2018/6/19/17475300/scouting-report-on-atlanta-braves-3b-prospect-cj-alexander-gcl-braves?utm_campaign=talkingchop&utm_content=chorus&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

As always, seems pretty enthusiastic.

But definitely an interesting guy to get signed from the 20th round.

[CJ9]

https://www.talkingchop.com/2018/6/19/17475300/scouting-report-on-atlanta-braves-3b-prospect-cj-alexander-gcl-braves?utm_campaign=talkingchop&utm_content=chorus&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

As always, seems pretty enthusiastic.

But definitely an interesting guy to get signed from the 20th round.

Agreed it's enthusiastic. This guy cracks me up. He's putting scouting grades on guys he has only read about and seen other peoples' tweets about. All of his draft stuff at Talking Chop has been the same way.

[Enscheff]

https://www.talkingchop.com/2018/6/19/17475300/scouting-report-on-atlanta-braves-3b-prospect-cj-alexander-gcl-braves?utm_campaign=talkingchop&utm_content=chorus&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

As always, seems pretty enthusiastic.

But definitely an interesting guy to get signed from the 20th round.

No...just...no. Typical TC homer garbage from another Fat Ben clone trying to scout from his couch.

Assuming they are ranking his 45 hit, 70 power, 45 field and 70 arm as future values at 3B, that makes him Bohm/Gorman with a half grade less on the hit tool, or Eierman with a full grade more power.

That is completely absurd.

According to FG he was the lowest rated 1B on the board. TC needs to stick to content accumulation and leave the prospect musings to guys who actually know something about it.

[bravesfanMatt]

https://www.talkingchop.com/2018/6/19/17475300/scouting-report-on-atlanta-braves-3b-prospect-cj-alexander-gcl-braves?utm_campaign=talkingchop&utm_content=chorus&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

As always, seems pretty enthusiastic.

But definitely an interesting guy to get signed from the 20th round.


0-1 with B.B. so far. BUST!

[nsacpi]

0-1 with B.B. so far. BUST!

Pirates GCL team has Bae and little Acuna

[Southcack77]

0-1 with B.B. so far. BUST!

Cut him.

[Southcack77]

No...just...no. Typical TC homer garbage from another Fat Ben clone trying to scout from his couch.

Assuming they are ranking his 45 hit, 70 power, 45 field and 70 arm as future values at 3B, that makes him Bohm/Gorman with a half grade less on the hit tool, or Eierman with a full grade more power.

That is completely absurd.

According to FG he was the lowest rated 1B on the board. TC needs to stick to content accumulation and leave the prospect musings to guys who actually know something about it.


the 70 grades stood out as particularly enthusiastic.

[bravesfanMatt]

Cut him.

1-2. Triple. 2 rbis. 2 walks. Extent him.

[Southcack77]

1-2. Triple. 2 rbis. 2 walks. Extent him.

70 raw, but looks like the game power isn't quite there if he's only hitting triples.

[mqt]

https://www.talkingchop.com/2018/6/19/17475300/scouting-report-on-atlanta-braves-3b-prospect-cj-alexander-gcl-braves?utm_campaign=talkingchop&utm_content=chorus&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

As always, seems pretty enthusiastic.

But definitely an interesting guy to get signed from the 20th round.

Obviously the tool grades are absurd, but it’s at least interesting that he had him ranked so high on his list.

[CJ9]

Obviously the tool grades are absurd, but it’s at least interesting that he had him ranked so high on his list.

I'm having a hard time getting excited about random Talking Chop guy's draft rankings. I don't really care what self pronounced draft experts think when they aren't actually watching draft prospects for themselves.

[zbhargrove]

I'm having a hard time getting excited about random Talking Chop guy's draft rankings. I don't really care what self pronounced draft experts think when they aren't actually watching draft prospects for themselves.

Its a ridiculous grade, but he was pretty highly regarded and not many thought there was a chance he'd sign past the 5th round or so

[rico43]

Non-announced signings that have turned up on Danville's roster includer C Ray Soderman (22nd), RHP Tanner Lawson (21st) and Zach Seipel (27th) and 3B Michael Mateja (25th).

[clvclv]

Pipeline Reported Signings (as of 5 PM on 6/19)

2.) Jenista - $1,200,000
5.) Riley - $450,000
6.) Moritz - $240,000
7.) Wilson - $80,000
11.) Higginbotham - $125,000
13.) Venter - $125,000
15.) Cullen - $125,000
17.) Dean - $125,000
19.) Daniels - $125,000
20.) Alexander - $125,000
21.) Lawson - $125,000
23.) Woods - $125,000
24.) Estrada - $100,000
25.) Mateja - $100,000
26.) Guth - $125,000
27.) Seipel - $125,000
29.) Hernandez - $10,000
31.) Rodriguez - $100,000
32.) Harris - $10,000
33.) Berne - $10,000
35.) Brown - $125,000
36.) Cavilleiri - $10,000
37.) Camacho - $100,000
'

Awesome job AA!!!

[rico43]

Sgning of Duke's Mitch Stallings (30th round) announced by Braves.

[clvclv]

Guessing we should expect to hear Carter, Beck, and Graffanino announcements just about any time now with AA back from Toronto for the photo ops.

Complete guess, but I expect Shetter, Kingham, Vodnik, Harpenau, and Kurz all to sign and Hess (as expected) to return to Baton Rouge.

[CJ9]

Hess is with the Collegiate National Team this summer. He's not signing.

[clvclv]

Hess is with the Collegiate National Team this summer. He's not signing.

Yeah - that's why I figured any leftover money will go to Beck and Vodnik.

[jpx7]

Hess is with the Collegiate National Team this summer. He's not signing.

Boo Hess.

[jpx7]

Yeah - that's why I figured any leftover money will go to Beck and Vodnik.

If Beck is overslot I just don’t get the logic or appeal.

[clvclv]

If Beck is overslot I just don’t get the logic or appeal.

Don't expect it to be much, but I could see him getting a little extra given how closely he's been connected to the Braves for awhile - a bit of a "hey, here's all we have so don't go thinking we don't still really like you".

[Enscheff]

Don't expect it to be much, but I could see him getting a little extra given how closely he's been connected to the Braves for awhile - a bit of a "hey, here's all we have so don't go thinking we don't still really like you".

:facepalm:

[chop2chip]

Don't expect it to be much, but I could see him getting a little extra given how closely he's been connected to the Braves for awhile - a bit of a "hey, here's all we have so don't go thinking we don't still really like you".

I find the way you view how life works to be very endearing.

[mfree80]

Don't expect it to be much, but I could see him getting a little extra given how closely he's been connected to the Braves for awhile - a bit of a "hey, here's all we have so don't go thinking we don't still really like you".

I don't think they know what they have until Stewart is signed. The question is... which of those get "all they have left?"

[Enscheff]

I don't think they know what they have until Stewart is signed. The question is... which of those get "all they have left?"

You know the answer...Stewart.

[mfree80]

You know the answer...Stewart.

Obviously.... just making sure that it was as obvious to everyone.

[rico43]

A confirmation that Cameron Kurz signed two days ago, even though he announced he was a Brave almost immediately.

[Southcack77]

Obviously.... just making sure that it was as obvious to everyone.


Other than his not having signed yet, there isn't a great deal of reason to believe he would go over slot.

Course that could well be a good indicator.

[rico43]

Powers reports that Kingham and Vodnik have signed. No $$$ available. Also said Moritz did not sign until yesterday. Wonder about that, since he played last night.

[IslandBrave]

Powers reports that Kingham and Vodnik have signed. No $$$ available. Also said Moritz did not sign until yesterday. Wonder about that, since he played last night.

Moritz has been playing from day 1 with Danville.

[clvclv]

Moritz has been playing from day 1 with Danville.

Yeah - he was one of the first signings...this story was from last week -

https://www.milb.com/milb/news/underdog-atlanta-braves-draft-pick-andrew-moritz-ready-to-keep-raking-in-pro-ball/c-281115602

[clvclv]

Kurz has been added to the GCL roster - haven't seen anything about the other guys.

[Orphan Black]

Mize signed for 7.5 million...hope that bodes well for Stewart

[clvclv]

Mize signed for 7.5 million...hope that bodes well for Stewart

Given the fact that pretty much everyone else has signed, I do find it a little curious that we haven't heard anything about Stewart, Beck, and Graffanino yet - it's not like any of them had much of another option or Stewart was expecting to break the bank (particularly when we heard we could expect to hear something "soon" a week ago).

[CJ9]

Here we go --

Paul
12:56 Any concern on Carter Stewart signing?

Kiley McDaniel
12:56 That's another one with some rumors around it

[bravesfanMatt]

Kiley being vague.

[CJ9]

Kiley being vague.

Should've posted this with the last post, but this is what he said at the beginning of his chat:

"Lots of rumors flying around about unsigned prep picks. Suffice it to say we've heard somewhat reliable buzz about all of them possibly not signing, but it's likely almost all of them do...though the buzz is of varying seriousness. So can't really help you with the specific ones more than an inkling as to what happens right before the deadline."

[bravesfanMatt]

Not so worried about Stewart signing. If he is dumb enough to pass on life changing money to play college. Then so be it and we will have a stacked draft next year. Don’t bend over for a teenager who thinks he can hold a team hostage.

I am not saying that is what is going on. Just saying I am not so worried about it this year. Our other guys are pretty much around slot. So losing that bonus pool wouldn’t put us in pentalty.

[Hudson2]

Stewart not signing would suck big time. So worse case is we would get the 9th pick next year? I'd lot rather sign Carter.

[clvclv]

Here we go --

Paul
12:56 Any concern on Carter Stewart signing?

Kiley McDaniel
12:56 That's another one with some rumors around it

UGH!!!

[Enscheff]

Not so worried about Stewart signing. If he is dumb enough to pass on life changing money to play college. Then so be it and we will have a stacked draft next year. Don’t bend over for a teenager who thinks he can hold a team hostage.

I am not saying that is what is going on. Just saying I am not so worried about it this year. Our other guys are pretty much around slot. So losing that bonus pool wouldn’t put us in pentalty.

Every single pick that has signed so far in the Top 16 has been below slot, or right at it.

http://www.spotrac.com/mlb/draft/

Some of the unsigned are probably getting over slot deals.

Stewart will likely sign for $5M+.

If he has someone in his ear suggesting he should assume the risk of going to college with the potential upside being moving up a few slots in the draft, that adviser doesn't have Stewart's best interests in mind.

[CJ9]

Every single pick that has signed so far in the Top 16 has been below slot, or right at it.

http://www.spotrac.com/mlb/draft/

The ones unsigned are probably getting over slot deals.

Stewart will likely sign for $5M+.

If he has someone in his ear suggesting he should assume the risk of going to college with the potential upside being moving up a few slots in the draft, that adviser doesn't have Stewart's best interest in mind.

The weird part of potentially going to school is the coach he committed to got fired early in the year, and their interim HC/pitching coach didn't get the full-time job. So he'd be going to a school where I believe he'd know only one of their assistant coaches and have no familiarity with the head coach. Seems pretty clearly like this is just a negotiating ploy and he'll end up signing.

[bravesfanMatt]

Every single pick that has signed so far in the Top 16 has been below slot, or right at it.

http://www.spotrac.com/mlb/draft/

Some of the unsigned are probably getting over slot deals.

Stewart will likely sign for $5M+.

If he has someone in his ear suggesting he should assume the risk of going to college with the potential upside being moving up a few slots in the draft, that adviser doesn't have Stewart's best interest in mind.

No they don’t. I am sure the offer is fair. If Stewart wants to go to college for 2+ years in hopes he makes 2 million more then I honestly don’t want someone that dumb on my team.

[Southcack77]

The weird part of potentially going to school is the coach he committed to got fired early in the year, and their interim HC/pitching coach didn't get the full-time job. So he'd be going to a school where I believe he'd know only one of their assistant coaches and have no familiarity with the head coach. Seems pretty clearly like this is just a negotiating ploy and he'll end up signing.

Can't put a price on that Mississippi State education though.

[jpx7]

Can't put a price on that Mississippi State education though.

Looked it up (since you can put a price on it), and out-of-state is actually more than I expected.

[50PoundHead]

Not so worried about Stewart signing. If he is dumb enough to pass on life changing money to play college. Then so be it and we will have a stacked draft next year. Don’t bend over for a teenager who thinks he can hold a team hostage.

I am not saying that is what is going on. Just saying I am not so worried about it this year. Our other guys are pretty much around slot. So losing that bonus pool wouldn’t put us in pentalty.

The Braves didn't offer Josh Anthony life-changing money, but they did offer to basically go double the slot value for him and he went to Auburn. I wonder if he misses the cash.

As for Stewart, junior college is an alternate route. He would be eligible for the 2019 draft if he did that. But maybe Stewart should call Matt Harrington. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Harrington

[jpx7]

But maybe Stewart should call Matt Harrington. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Harrington

Costco, at least, offers its employees pretty good benefits, unlike minor league baseball.

[Enscheff]

The Braves didn't offer Josh Anthony life-changing money, but they did offer to basically go double the slot value for him and he went to Auburn. I wonder if he misses the cash.

As for Stewart, junior college is an alternate route. He would be eligible for the 2019 draft if he did that. But maybe Stewart should call Matt Harrington. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Harrington

Are there any instances of a guy going to college rather than taking Top 5-10 money and actually having a happy outcome?

If a kid comes from a family with assets in the $1M range, I can see the logic in turning down a few hundred thousand dollars. But to risk getting hurt as a pitcher by turning down $5M just to try to earn $7M later...all the while delaying your FA another 3 years when you can be making "F@ck You Money"?

Seems sub optimal, to say the least.

[Enscheff]

Costco, at least, offers its employees pretty good benefits, unlike minor league baseball.

But does Costco offer to pay college tuition for people unlikely to go to college and succeed?

If not, he should have went to work at Walmart, the official employer of the South.

[Jay212033]

Are there any instances of a guy going to college rather than taking Top 5-10 money and actually having a happy outcome?

If a kid comes from a family with assets in the $1M range, I can see the logic in turning down a few hundred thousand dollars. But to risk getting hurt as a pitcher by turning down $5M just to try to earn $7M later...all the while delaying your FA another 3 years when you can be making "F@ck You Money"?

Seems sub optimal, to say the least.

Agreed!

[50PoundHead]

Are there any instances of a guy going to college rather than taking Top 5-10 money and actually having a happy outcome?

If a kid comes from a family with assets in the $1M range, I can see the logic in turning down a few hundred thousand dollars. But to risk getting hurt as a pitcher by turning down $5M just to try to earn $7M later...all the while delaying your FA another 3 years when you can be making "F@ck You Money"?

Seems sub optimal, to say the least.

It's difficult to peg, but you are right. There are a few highly-ranked guys who went to college instead of signing, but most of them just told teams not to draft them and teams complied. Mike Mussina wasn't a top ten pick after his junior year in college (20th overall) and he likely would have fallen in the same window after high school instead of lasting until the 11th round. Alex Fernandez was drafted 24th overall out of high school, dropped his commitment to a four-year school (Miami if I'm not mistaken), went to JC and vaulted to the fourth overall pick the next year, but that's just about the only one I can remember off the top of my head for whom that happened.

[mfree80]

It's difficult to peg, but you are right. There are a few highly-ranked guys who went to college instead of signing, but most of them just told teams not to draft them and teams complied. Mike Mussina wasn't a top ten pick after his junior year in college (20th overall) and he likely would have fallen in the same window after high school instead of lasting until the 11th round. Alex Fernandez was drafted 24th overall out of high school, dropped his commitment to a four-year school (Miami if I'm not mistaken), went to JC and vaulted to the fourth overall pick the next year, but that's just about the only one I can remember off the top of my head for whom that happened.

What was Rondon's situation when the Braves drafted him originally and he didn't sign?

[Enscheff]

What was Rondon's situation when the Braves drafted him originally and he didn't sign?

Rendon was drafted in the 27th round, went to college, and was then drafted 6th overall.

That's not what I'm talking about.

I'm talking about guys who passed on Top 10 money, went to college, and got Top 5 money....or even close to Top 5 money.

[mfree80]

Rendon was drafted in the 27th round, went to college, and was then drafted 6th overall.

That's not what I'm talking about.

I'm talking about guys who passed on Top 10 money, went to college, and got Top 5 money....or even close to Top 5 money.

Got it. I couldn't remember the details... only that he didn't sign.

[50PoundHead]

What was Rondon's situation when the Braves drafted him originally and he didn't sign?

Rendon's? He wasn't that highly-ranked out of high school. Braves drafted him in the 27th or 28th round and threw some late money at him, but they couldn't sway him from his commitment to Rice. I think what enscheff is driving at is that guys drafted in the first round out of high school and don't take the money usually end up regretting it. Brady Aiken is the latest example. He dropped from 1st overall in 2014 to 17th overall in 2015 and now is out of baseball. Seeing he only dropped 16 slots, he's probably only a millionaire instead of a multi-millionaire, so I'm not crying for him. But he's another guy who overplayed his hand.

[mfree80]

Thanks. I went to a minor league game last weekend and watched Dustin Ackley as well as EY Jr. and Gordon Beckham. Couldn't help but think about guys who are hanging on hoping for another chance.

[mqt]

Rendon was drafted in the 27th round, went to college, and was then drafted 6th overall.

That's not what I'm talking about.

I'm talking about guys who passed on Top 10 money, went to college, and got Top 5 money....or even close to Top 5 money.

Closest I can think of would be Gerrit Cole, but that was later in the first round. Appel did it for a year.

[Horsehide Harry]

Can't put a price on that Mississippi State education though.

Well....if you use the peso..

[msstate7]

Can't put a price on that Mississippi State education though.

You really can't. I thank God everyday on my way to werk at Hardee's.

[Super]

Rendon's? He wasn't that highly-ranked out of high school. Braves drafted him in the 27th or 28th round and threw some late money at him, but they couldn't sway him from his commitment to Rice. I think what enscheff is driving at is that guys drafted in the first round out of high school and don't take the money usually end up regretting it. Brady Aiken is the latest example. He dropped from 1st overall in 2014 to 17th overall in 2015 and now is out of baseball. Seeing he only dropped 16 slots, he's probably only a millionaire instead of a multi-millionaire, so I'm not crying for him. But he's another guy who overplayed his hand.

apparently rendon didn't even want that much but we couldn't give it to him or something. shame.

[Tapate50]

The idea that Stewart won't come to an agreement is a long shot... The best thing he can do seeing as half the first rounders are signing under slot deals (seemingly) is to play hardball. In the end he likely signs I think. Probably some hard posturing on his part but ultimately does whats obviously in his best interests

[msstate7]

The idea that Stewart won't come to an agreement is a long shot... The best thing he can do seeing as half the first rounders are signing under slot deals (seemingly) is to play hardball. In the end he likely signs I think. Probably some hard posturing on his part but ultimately does whats obviously in his best interests

Yeah, he's not coming to state

[50PoundHead]

apparently rendon didn't even want that much but we couldn't give it to him or something. shame.

I am not sure how big the difference was, but someone close to the Braves told me that Roy Clark was really po'd that they couldn't get it done.

[Southcack77]

The idea that Stewart won't come to an agreement is a long shot... The best thing he can do seeing as half the first rounders are signing under slot deals (seemingly) is to play hardball. In the end he likely signs I think. Probably some hard posturing on his part but ultimately does whats obviously in his best interests

He surely presented himself as signable before the draft so it would be a surprise if he didn't sign.

Braves probably tried to go under slot with him and maybe he's holding out for slot or a bit above.

May well be about trying to reconcile him and whatever remaining negotiations are going on. I would wager heavily they will get him done at expense of whoever else is out there.

[rico43]

Yesterday's Lubbock newspaper stated that Shetter and Harpenau have "elected to sign" with the Braves. Holdup? Dunno.

[CJ9]

Donald
Regarding Carter Stewart, should Braves' fans be concerned that he might not sign?

Eric A Longenhagen
I wanna say they shouldn't be concerned, but a lot of prep arms (Beede, Singer, Bickford, etc) didn't sign when Anthopoulos was in Toronto and no other team has a track record of not singing players like he did there. I dug how aggressive their draft strategy was at that time and the system is different now, which could change how his teams operate, but it was definitely a thing.

[jpx7]

If the Braves go overslot on Beck, then fail to sign Stewart ...

But rn I’m not permitting myself to imagine that he doesn’t sign. Just too heinous of a blunder to consider it.

[Enscheff]

If the Braves go overslot on Beck, then fail to sign Stewart ...

But rn I’m not permitting myself to imagine that he doesn’t sign. Just too heinous of a blunder to consider it.

It would be the first major blunder by the AA FO.

I will be very surprised if Stewart doesn't sign.

[Jay212033]

It would be the first major blunder by the AA FO.

I will be very surprised if Stewart doesn't sign.

Would be very foolish of Stewart to gamble for an extra 2 mil.

[Enscheff]

Would be very foolish of Stewart to gamble for an extra 2 mil.

Agreed, but it's not my arm and I don't know enough about his overall situation to judge him too harshly.

The blunder by the Braves is not having this all worked out prior to the draft. What else were they doing? Certainly not scouting upgrades for the MLB roster.

[nsacpi]

Allard went down to the wire a few years. Considering the money involved I dont blame any of the parties for being hard-nosed negotiators. There is a deadline and deadlines tend to force an agreement in these kinds of bargaining situations.

[CJ9]

Graffanino and Kingham signed today. Graffanino got 300k, which is 100k+ overslot. Kind of surprised it took that for him to sign.

[CJ9]

Shetter also signed for 135k, slot was 151.

So the only unsigned picks in the top 15 rounds are Stewart, Beck and Vodnik.

[Enscheff]

Shetter also signed for 135k, slot was 151.

So the only unsigned picks in the top 15 rounds are Stewart, Beck and Vodnik.

Any idea how much money the Braves have left to work with?

[clvclv]

Posted above.

[Orphan Black]

Graffanino and Kingham signed today. Graffanino got 300k, which is 100k+ overslot. Kind of surprised it took that for him to sign.

Seems pretty steep for AJ.

[Enscheff]

https://www.mlb.com/draft/tracker/braves

The Braves have a total of $8,680,665 to spend on these draft picks without incurring a penalty that involves losing future picks.

So far they have spent $2,415,000, and have $6,265,665 left.

Assuming Stewart is going to command $5M+, and Beck is going to command ~$500k, they have about half a million left.

If the Braves are not going to use the 5% overage allowed without non-monetary penalties, they have almost nothing additional to spend.

I would be surprised if Stewart turns down $5M+, and I see no point in Beck going back to school only to be drafted as a college senior with zero leverage who will be lucky to get six figures.

[jpx7]

Graffanino and Kingham signed today. Graffanino got 300k, which is 100k+ overslot. Kind of surprised it took that for him to sign.

His defense better be pretty otherworldly.

[Orphan Black]

His defense better be pretty otherworldly.

They say he struggles with routine plays, and he can't hit or isn't a good hitter.

[CJ9]

Beck signed per Jim Callis:

4th-rder Tristan Beck signs w/@Braves for $900k (pick 112 = $497,800). Stanford RHP, advanced feel, plus changeup, potential solid fastball and curveball. Missed 2017 with stress fracture in back. @MLBDraft

[Oklahomabrave]

Beck just signed for 900k

[CJ9]

With Beck done, they can pretty much give Stewart their best offer now. Take it or leave it.

[rico43]

Beck must have a hell of an agent.

[mqt]

I cannot fathom Stewart turning down $5 million.

[nsacpi]

They say he struggles with routine plays, and he can't hit or isn't a good hitter.

but when he tries he's pretty good

[Southcack77]

They say he struggles with routine plays, and he can't hit or isn't a good hitter.

Who is they?

[Orphan Black]

Who is they?

Lindsay Meggs...his coach with the Huskies

https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/uw-huskies/washingtons-a-j-graffanino-hopes-to-follow-major-league-father-in-pursuit-of-baseball-dream/

[Hudson2]

A high schooler turning down 5 million would be pretty moronic. To much risk getting hurt to come back in 2 years and possibly get a little more.

[Southcack77]

Lindsay Meggs...his coach with the Huskies

https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/uw-huskies/washingtons-a-j-graffanino-hopes-to-follow-major-league-father-in-pursuit-of-baseball-dream/

Good article.

He’s probably not going to hit much but I’m not put off by the context there about his defense.

Thanks for the link.

[jpx7]

Beck must have a hell of an agent.

$400k over slot for a guy with questionable stuff and minimal leverage ...

I was hoping these final delays might reflect runs at a couple longshot late-rounders; looks like instead it was reflective of hardball by some guys who initially looked to be at-slot or under-slot values. I hope at least Vodnik is still in the cards.

[50PoundHead]

$400k over slot for a guy with questionable stuff and minimal leverage ...

I was hoping these final delays might reflect runs at a couple longshot late-rounders; looks like instead it was reflective of hardball by some guys who initially looked to be at-slot or under-slot values. I hope at least Vodnik is still in the cards.

I don't think there was anyone else left to throw money at. Hess is on the US summer team and it doesn't sound like Aleman is interested in signing. Didn't someone post that Vodnik had agreed to terms?

I agree that the bonuses for Beck and Graffanino seem pretty high.

[CJ9]

I don't think there was anyone else left to throw money at. Hess is on the US summer team and it doesn't sound like Aleman is interested in signing. Didn't someone post that Vodnik had agreed to terms?

I agree that the bonuses for Beck and Graffanino seem pretty high.

Still waiting on Vodnik. Him and Stewart are the last two in the top 15 rounds.

There was a reliever we took in the late teen rounds from Texas Tech who should still sign, but I’d guess those three are the only unsigned ones who still could/will sign.

[jpx7]

Still waiting on Vodnik. Him and Stewart are the last two in the top 15 rounds.

There was a reliever we took in the late teen rounds from Texas Tech who should still sign, but I’d guess those three are the only unsigned ones who still could/will sign.

Harpenau? I sort of figured he’d sign right around the time Shetter did.

Either way, he didn’t look too impressive pitching against Florida in the CWS.

[CJ9]

Harpenau? I sort of figured he’d sign right around the time Shetter did.

Either way, he didn’t look too impressive pitching against Florida in the CWS.

Yeah that’s the one. Believe a paper covering Texas Tech said both would sign. He very well might’ve signed already and it just wasn’t reported because he was a lower round.

[rico43]

I'm guilty of passing along an apparently premature report that Vodnik was signing. No confirmation that I've found.

[CJ9]

Jim Callis:

12th-rder Nolan Kingham signs w/@Braves for $150k ($25k counts vs pool). Texas RHP, flashed 1st-rd stuff (up to 97 w/fastball, nasty slider) at times in 2017, lot of 88-93 & average sliders this spring. @MLBDraft

[Enscheff]

Beck must have a hell of an agent.

That or the Braves REALLY wanted to show him "hey, we still like you".

[clvclv]

That or the Braves REALLY wanted to show him "hey, we still like you".

AWWWWWW...really hurts your feelings that I was right about Beck, doesn't it?

It'll all be OK...here's a cookie, now go play.

[Enscheff]

AWWWWWW...really hurts your feelings that I was right about Beck, doesn't it?

It'll all be OK...here's a cookie, now go play.

LOL...so dumb...

Several folks were mocking you for your "reasoning" behind Beck getting an over slot deal, not the fact the deal may be over slot.

As usual, you're simply too stupid to even understand why you're stupid.

[rico43]

Lubbock Sports Radio 1340 reported on June 27 that Harpenau tweeted that he accepted the Braves offer. The Lubbock paper also indicated as much in an article June 24. Guess that counts as a confirmation.

[Oklahomabrave]

1014000658645741569

[jpx7]

1014000658645741569

Not awesome, but at least explanatory.

[CJ9]

1014000658645741569

Going to be interesting. If it’s an injury, I wonder how much we are even offering him. Say he takes $3 million, we could have $2+ million to spread through our late picks.

Hopefully all this is wrong and he signs for slot with a healthy arm.

[CJ9]

From Pipeline:

https://www.mlb.com/news/2018-mlb-draft-signings-status-update/c-284018650?tid=151437456

Braves: Carter Stewart, RHP, Eau Gallie HS (Melbourne, Fla.)
No. 8 overall, pick value: $4,980,700

A wrist injury bothered Stewart toward the end of his high school season and has created concerns for the Braves after they viewed the results of his post-Draft physical. The two sides are believed to be the furthest apart of any of the first-round pairings, with Atlanta reportedly offering $4 million to the Mississippi State recruit. If the Braves can sign him for around that amount, they'll make a run at 34th-rounder Zack Hess.

[CJ9]

I love college baseball and am totally fine with kids going to school, but if he turns down $4 million as a HS pitcher, he is crazy.

[Southcack77]

From Pipeline:

https://www.mlb.com/news/2018-mlb-draft-signings-status-update/c-284018650?tid=151437456

Braves: Carter Stewart, RHP, Eau Gallie HS (Melbourne, Fla.)
No. 8 overall, pick value: $4,980,700

A wrist injury bothered Stewart toward the end of his high school season and has created concerns for the Braves after they viewed the results of his post-Draft physical. The two sides are believed to be the furthest apart of any of the first-round pairings, with Atlanta reportedly offering $4 million to the Mississippi State recruit. If the Braves can sign him for around that amount, they'll make a run at 34th-rounder Zack Hess.


There just isn't any reason for the Braves to play hardball here. In for a penny in for a pound.

Take your par and move on.

[Super]

There just isn't any reason for the Braves to play hardball here. In for a penny in for a pound.

Take your par and move on.

well if they can get him for $4M and sign hess then there's a reason...

[CJ9]

well if they can get him for $4M and sign hess then there's a reason...

I doubt the Braves' front office is making up the wrist concerns, but getting him and Hess would be pretty incredible.

There is somewhat of a history with Anthopoulos and this stuff. Toronto didn't sign Tyler Beede, Phil Bickford or Brady Singer when he was there after picking them early. They found a small concern on Singer's physical and offered him half slot value. UF people didn't think it was a concern at all, and he was a dominant college pitcher without any health issues until he has a hamstring injury late this season. Then he goes first round in the draft.

[Super]

I doubt the Braves' front office is making up the wrist concerns, but getting him and Hess would be pretty incredible.

There is somewhat of a history with Anthopoulos and this stuff. Toronto didn't sign Tyler Beede, Phil Bickford or Brady Singer when he was there after picking them early. They found a small concern on Singer's physical and offered him half slot value. UF people didn't think it was a concern at all, and he was a dominant college pitcher without any health issues until he has a hamstring injury late this season. Then he goes first round in the draft.

I would prefer AA not try that. sign your 1st round pick.

[Horsehide Harry]

I doubt the Braves' front office is making up the wrist concerns, but getting him and Hess would be pretty incredible.

There is somewhat of a history with Anthopoulos and this stuff. Toronto didn't sign Tyler Beede, Phil Bickford or Brady Singer when he was there after picking them early. They found a small concern on Singer's physical and offered him half slot value. UF people didn't think it was a concern at all, and he was a dominant college pitcher without any health issues until he has a hamstring injury late this season. Then he goes first round in the draft.

They absolutely cannot let Stewart not sign short of a fully legitimate, career threatening injury (which raises other questions). They already have lost a significant amount of potential future talent due to Coppy gate AND, now that they are playing better, will lose future draft position, plus face a J2 next year where they can sign no one for more than $10,000 THEN get their J2 pool cut in half the year after that.

If Stewart does have some kind of career ending type injury, then that may just be bad luck or potentially someone dropped the ball on the background side of scouting. But short of that, AA better get this thing done.

[thewupk]

They absolutely cannot let Stewart not sign short of a fully legitimate, career threatening injury (which raises other questions). They already have lost a significant amount of potential future talent due to Coppy gate AND, now that they are playing better, will lose future draft position, plus face a J2 next year where they can sign no one for more than $10,000 THEN get their J2 pool cut in half the year after that.

If Stewart does have some kind of career ending type injury, then that may just be bad luck or potentially someone dropped the ball on the background side of scouting. But short of that, AA better get this thing done.

If he doesn't sign don't they get that pick next year or did that change in a recent CBA?

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

If he doesn't sign don't they get that pick next year or did that change in a recent CBA?
Pretty sure they still do, it would just be one pick lower (so pick 9, I guess).

I don’t know enough about the injury or next year’s draft to say if it would be worth it not to sign him for the extra pick next year.

[CJ9]

Pretty sure they still do, it would just be one pick lower (so pick 9, I guess).

I don’t know enough about the injury or next year’s draft to say if it would be worth it not to sign him for the extra pick next year.

You're right, it would be the 9th pick. So the 9th pick and one in the late 20s. I'm still crossing my fingers that Markakis receives and turns down a qualifying offer, giving us another pick. But that's just the draft geek in me.

[msstate7]

You're right, it would be the 9th pick. So the 9th pick and one in the late 20s. I'm still crossing my fingers that Markakis receives and turns down a qualifying offer, giving us another pick. But that's just the draft geek in me.

Would the amount of money to sign them go up next year? If not, seems you'd just get a couple lesser prospects instead of a really good one

[CJ9]

Would the amount of money to sign them go up next year? If not, seems you'd just get a couple lesser prospects instead of a really good one

The slot values always stay around the same. So the slot value for #9 would be a little less than #8. The difference between the two picks this year was $219k. But if Stewart doesn't sign, we would definitely have a bigger bonus pool next year because that would mean two first-round picks (unless we lose ours signing a big free agent this year) PLUS we will likely have a third-round pick next year where we didn't for this draft.

[clvclv]

They absolutely cannot let Stewart not sign short of a fully legitimate, career threatening injury (which raises other questions). They already have lost a significant amount of potential future talent due to Coppy gate AND, now that they are playing better, will lose future draft position, plus face a J2 next year where they can sign no one for more than $10,000 THEN get their J2 pool cut in half the year after that.

If Stewart does have some kind of career ending type injury, then that may just be bad luck or potentially someone dropped the ball on the background side of scouting. But short of that, AA better get this thing done.

The Pipeline blurb clearly states that the concerns didn't arise until his POST-DRAFT physical. There's absolutely nothing they could have done that they didn't do. As things stand today, potential draftees aren't required to undergo a pre-draft physical for potential suitors. I'd imagine this will be something that's addressed in the bargaining over the next CBA.

Stewart's curve obviously gives him a high ceiling, but he doesn't come with any guarantees. If he's damaged goods (that may simply be a bump in the road) and is willing to take an offer that the organization is comfortable gambling with, great. If he's not willing to take what will still be life-altering money and understand the reason the organization is being careful, let him gamble on himself and go to school.

I'd imagine I speak for many when saying I'd rather have a healthy #9 pick in 2019 than the next Brady Aiken. There are no "got tos" in this situation. I hope he signs because I like his upside as much as everyone else does, but I'd rather have a healthy lottery ticket next year if he's crazy enough to turn down what the Braves are offering when there's clear evidence something's wrong and he may never get a shot at that money again.

[50PoundHead]

The downside may be that any expected savings resulting from Stewart being expected to sign for below slot may have already been absorbed, which could conceivably put us in penalty territory. I obviously can't say that because I don't know what everyone's signing bonus has been, but they went well above slot for Beck and slightly above for Graffanino (and maybe a couple of Post-Round 10 guys) so we are likely dancing on the edge.

[CJ9]

The downside may be that any expected savings resulting from Stewart being expected to sign for below slot may have already been absorbed, which could conceivably put us in penalty territory. I obviously can't say that because I don't know what everyone's signing bonus has been, but they went well above slot for Beck and slightly above for Graffanino (and maybe a couple of Post-Round 10 guys) so we are likely dancing on the edge.

We have a little over $5.3 million left to spend, and Stewart's slot is $4.98 million. So even if he doesn't sign and we lose that $4.98 million, we aren't in penalty territory and would have about 300k left to spend on guys taken after the first 10 rounds.

[clvclv]

We have a little over $5.3 million left to spend, and Stewart's slot is $4.98 million. So even if he doesn't sign and we lose that $4.98 million, we aren't in penalty territory and would have about 300k left to spend on guys taken after the first 10 rounds.

Yeah - we're safe no matter what happens with Stewart.

[CJ9]

So after he wrote that Carter-Atlanta are the furthest away than any other first-rounders, Jim Callis just tweeted this:

The three 1st-rders I'm on the fence about the most are Turang (@Brewers), Ginn (@Dodgers), McClanahan (@RaysBaseball). @MLBDraft

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

So after he wrote that Carter-Atlanta are the furthest away than any other first-rounders, Jim Callis just tweeted this:

The three 1st-rders I'm on the fence about the most are Turang (@Brewers), Ginn (@Dodgers), McClanahan (@RaysBaseball). @MLBDraft

it sure is easy to follow contract negotiations with how consistent callis is

[50PoundHead]

We have a little over $5.3 million left to spend, and Stewart's slot is $4.98 million. So even if he doesn't sign and we lose that $4.98 million, we aren't in penalty territory and would have about 300k left to spend on guys taken after the first 10 rounds.

Thanks for the update. Glad someone keeps track because I don't anymore.

[Southcack77]

Pretty sure they still do, it would just be one pick lower (so pick 9, I guess).

I don’t know enough about the injury or next year’s draft to say if it would be worth it not to sign him for the extra pick next year.

I think I know enough to know that if you are willing to pay someone 4 million dollars to play for you that you must not feel too bad about it.

[jpx7]

So after he wrote that Carter-Atlanta are the furthest away than any other first-rounders, Jim Callis just tweeted this:

The three 1st-rders I'm on the fence about the most are Turang (@Brewers), Ginn (@Dodgers), McClanahan (@RaysBaseball). @MLBDraft

Does he mean that in terms of signability? Without context, it reads like reflection on value/potential.

[ball4life32]

Does he mean that in terms of signability? Without context, it reads like reflection on value/potential.
Yes. This is what was asked.

“Do you thing Turang signs with the Brewers?”

“Unclear. The three 1st-rders I'm on the fence about the most are Turang (@Brewers), Ginn (@Dodgers), McClanahan (@RaysBaseball).”

[Hudson2]

If the Carter signing is basically held up by an injury then i'd think it would have to be elbow or shoulder related.

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

I think I know enough to know that if you are willing to pay someone 4 million dollars to play for you that you must not feel too bad about it.

Very true

[Southcack77]

Ethan Hankins ended up signing for 250k over slot at pick #35 for Cleveland. That's a pretty good get if the shoulder wasn't a thing.

[ball4life32]

If the Carter signing is basically held up by an injury then i'd think it would have to be elbow or shoulder related.

Believe it’s his wrist.

[Hudson2]

Believe it’s his wrist.

If it's just his wrist then i'm not worried. It's probably just a way of the Braves trying to save a little. It probably gets done on deadline day.

[50PoundHead]

If it's just his wrist then i'm not worried. It's probably just a way of the Braves trying to save a little. It probably gets done on deadline day.

I remember when I was Stewart's age and my wrist really hurt a lot.

[Horsehide Harry]

I remember when I was Stewart's age and my wrist really hurt a lot.

It puts the lotion in the basket

[buck75]

Sounds like the Braves will try to sign him for less than expected and throw some more to Hess (to try to sign both of them).

[Onlyonegoal]

Jon Heyman tweeted this:

"day before deadline, 6 1st rounders not completely done: No. 4 madrigal, chisox (agreed, $6.4M slot, just not signed), No. 20 larnach, twins (close to deal), No. 21 turang, brewers (optimism), No. 25, mclain, dbacks, No. 30 ginn, dodgers, No. 31 mcclanahan, rays (all: work to do)"

Not sure if he accidentally left off Stewart or if he knows something we don't.

[Hudson2]

It would really suck if we didn’t sign Carter.

[SJ24]

Where are you seeing this?

[nsacpi]

Where are you seeing this?

false alarm

[SJ24]

false alarm

Twitter trolls out in full force?

[ball4life32]

DOB just tweeted Stewart is expected to sign.

[Onlyonegoal]

Where are you seeing this?

He tweeted it... so I saw it on twitter.

But since he added this: "also yet to sign among first rounders is No. 8 overall pick Carter Stewart, a HS RHP from Melbourne, fla. slot is $4.98M."

As ball4life32 said tho, DOB tweeted that he's expected to sign.

[Tapate50]

DOB just tweeted Stewart is expected to sign.

WHEW

[Enscheff]

DOB just tweeted Stewart is expected to sign.

Wonder who blinked first?

Will it be $4M or $5M?

[Hudson2]

If it’s 4 million then I’d think a Hess or Vodnik signing wouldn’t be far behind.

[CJ9]

The Hess thing is so interesting to me. If Stewart signs for 4 million, I think the math is correct that we'd have around 1.2-1.3 million to offer Hess. Is that really enough for him? I'm skeptical.

I'd sell him on being our Joey Devine and giving him every shot to pitch in the big league bullpen this year. He was a dominant reliever at LSU in 2017 when he was a freshman. Absolutely lights out. Then this year, he moved into the rotation and was just ok. He pitched for the collegiate Team USA yesterday and touched 97 in a three-inning stint. I really think he can move fast as a reliever, and I'd sell the chance for him to be involved in a division race. Still not sure if that money would really be enough for him though.

[GeorgiaGirl]

The Hess thing is so interesting to me. If Stewart signs for 4 million, I think the math is correct that we'd have around 1.2-1.3 million to offer Hess. Is that really enough for him? I'm skeptical.

I'd sell him on being our Joey Devine and giving him every shot to pitch in the big league bullpen this year. He was a dominant reliever at LSU in 2017 when he was a freshman. Absolutely lights out. Then this year, he moved into the rotation and was just ok. He pitched for the collegiate Team USA yesterday and touched 97 in a three-inning stint. I really think he can move fast as a reliever, and I'd sell the chance for him to be involved in a division race. Still not sure if that money would really be enough for him though.

It'd take more than 600k based off what I know. 800k-1 million might do it.

[CJ9]

It'd take more than 600k based off what I know. 800k-1 million might do it.

The original report was we were trying to sign Stewart for $4 million and give the rest to Hess. If that happened, we would have around $1.2 million to give Hess.

[zbhargrove]

The Hess thing is so interesting to me. If Stewart signs for 4 million, I think the math is correct that we'd have around 1.2-1.3 million to offer Hess. Is that really enough for him? I'm skeptical.

I'd sell him on being our Joey Devine and giving him every shot to pitch in the big league bullpen this year. He was a dominant reliever at LSU in 2017 when he was a freshman. Absolutely lights out. Then this year, he moved into the rotation and was just ok. He pitched for the collegiate Team USA yesterday and touched 97 in a three-inning stint. I really think he can move fast as a reliever, and I'd sell the chance for him to be involved in a division race. Still not sure if that money would really be enough for him though.

I would think they'd be trying for him and Vodnik... the raw HS kid with electric stuff... kinda reminds me of Tarnok

[DirkPiggler]

The Hess thing is so interesting to me. If Stewart signs for 4 million, I think the math is correct that we'd have around 1.2-1.3 million to offer Hess. Is that really enough for him? I'm skeptical.

I'd sell him on being our Joey Devine and giving him every shot to pitch in the big league bullpen this year. He was a dominant reliever at LSU in 2017 when he was a freshman. Absolutely lights out. Then this year, he moved into the rotation and was just ok. He pitched for the collegiate Team USA yesterday and touched 97 in a three-inning stint. I really think he can move fast as a reliever, and I'd sell the chance for him to be involved in a division race. Still not sure if that money would really be enough for him though.

If Hess wouldn't sign for $1.2 million, he's probably too stupid to be useful as a major leaguer.

[ball4life32]

Matt Powers just tweeted

“With just over 24 hours to go before the signing deadline, I’m starting to feel less confident in the chances of the Braves signing Carter Stewart than I was earlier today. Two different reports have seemed to turn momentum the other way“

[zbhargrove]

Wow, this could turn an incredibly successful and exciting draft into a really crappy feeling.

[50PoundHead]

The Hess thing is so interesting to me. If Stewart signs for 4 million, I think the math is correct that we'd have around 1.2-1.3 million to offer Hess. Is that really enough for him? I'm skeptical.

I'd sell him on being our Joey Devine and giving him every shot to pitch in the big league bullpen this year. He was a dominant reliever at LSU in 2017 when he was a freshman. Absolutely lights out. Then this year, he moved into the rotation and was just ok. He pitched for the collegiate Team USA yesterday and touched 97 in a three-inning stint. I really think he can move fast as a reliever, and I'd sell the chance for him to be involved in a division race. Still not sure if that money would really be enough for him though.

Maybe he can give up a grand slam one of his first times out. I doubt Hess will sign for less than $2 MM. I could be wrong, but my guess is he believes he'll go in the first couple of rounds next year.

[Deester11]

Wow, this could turn an incredibly successful and exciting draft into a really crappy feeling.

Not really ZB. Carter not withstanding this draft had been pretty good too awesome depending on what we've already done. It goes to phenomenal with Hess and Vodnik or either one.

Oops. Saw the other posts...hmmm. Could be disappointing yes.

[Jay212033]

Maybe they should've taken Nolan Gorman smh!

[zbhargrove]

Not really ZB. Carter not withstanding this draft had been pretty good too awesome depending on what we've already done. It goes to phenomenal with Hess and Vodnik or either one.

Oops. Saw the other posts...hmmm. Could be disappointing yes.

I agree, it will still be a good draft... would just end on a real down note. Sucks not taking advantage of one of the few times we have such high picks

[CJ9]

Matt Powers just tweeted

“With just over 24 hours to go before the signing deadline, I’m starting to feel less confident in the chances of the Braves signing Carter Stewart than I was earlier today. Two different reports have seemed to turn momentum the other way“

He doesn’t know any more than those of us on this board do. Not saying Stewart will sign, but he’s not a source to listen to on this.

[thewupk]

So what top 10 player are we getting in the 2019 draft?

[clvclv]

So what top 10 player are we getting in the 2019 draft?

Rece Hinds.

[ball4life32]

He doesn’t know any more than those of us on this board do. Not saying Stewart will sign, but he’s not a source to listen to on this.
Yeah you’re right. Another guy thats seems to be connected with Miss St sports just tweeted this so hopefully he’s right.

“The deadline for 2018 MLB Draftees to sign is Friday at 4pm CT.
Carter Stewart SHOULD sign but his wrist injury is making things interesting.
LA may not have enough to sign JT Ginn. We'll see.
Would expect Hoglund has the best chance of the 3 to end up on campus in MS.”

[thewupk]

Yeah you’re right. Another guy thats seems to be connected with Miss St sports just tweeted this so hopefully he’s right.

“The deadline for 2018 MLB Draftees to sign is Friday at 4pm CT.
Carter Stewart SHOULD sign but his wrist injury is making things interesting.
LA may not have enough to sign JT Ginn. We'll see.
Would expect Hoglund has the best chance of the 3 to end up on campus in MS.”

I means the odds are with the Braves with him signing. Top 10 HS pitchers turning down that money to go college rarely work out in the players favor.

[msstate7]

Yeah you’re right. Another guy thats seems to be connected with Miss St sports just tweeted this so hopefully he’s right.

“The deadline for 2018 MLB Draftees to sign is Friday at 4pm CT.
Carter Stewart SHOULD sign but his wrist injury is making things interesting.
LA may not have enough to sign JT Ginn. We'll see.
Would expect Hoglund has the best chance of the 3 to end up on campus in MS.”

Who tweeted that?

[msstate7]

I means the odds are with the Braves with him signing. Top 10 HS pitchers turning down that money to go college rarely work out in the players favor.

I'll be shocked if he ends up at state

[CJ9]

I'll be shocked if he ends up at state

This is my thought, regardless if he signs with the Braves. Gotta think he goes to a juco at this point if he doesn’t sign.

[msstate7]

This is my thought, regardless if he signs with the Braves. Gotta think he goes to a juco at this point if he doesn’t sign.

Yep. Double whammy for me if that happens

[ball4life32]

Who tweeted that?

Robby Donoho III. Has 10.5k followers on twitter.

[Southcack77]

I means the odds are with the Braves with him signing. Top 10 HS pitchers turning down that money to go college rarely work out in the players favor.

Sort of a dumb thing to happen.

I would put it on the Braves if it doesn’t get done.