This. It's exactly why I said last year that it wasn't a big deal that we didn't have more near the top because of their ages. We've seen Acuna and Gohara now fly up the ranking, we'll see Maitan do the same if he has success, and we'll see guys like Allard, Anderson, Pache, and Wentz do the same if they progress as well. Soroka is an interesting case, it looks like the scouting on him may prevent him from ever being ranked extremely high, but he should be able to climb further as well.
Last edited by smootness; 08-17-2017 at 01:43 PM.
The sheer volume of guys on this list is a big deal. Seeing Swanson and Newk immediately replaced by Wentz and Pache is a big deal. Seeing Acuna and Gohara shoot up the list is a big deal. Adding Wright as a Top 25 guy after being drafted #5 is a big deal.
Where Soroka is ranked compared to Gohara is probably not that big of a deal. The fact Acuna is a slot below Eloy isn't a big deal.
I think they've done a really good job drafting, even though I think they're focus on pitching has hurt them.
Ultimately, I liked the Allard pick (didn't like Soroka - clearly I was wrong)... and I liked the Wright pick.
But I HATE the Anderson pick. And yes, our system looks much better, IMO with Kyle Lewis parked in it (oh, and yes, I firmly believe we could have easily gotten Lewis and Wentz - so no need to re-hash that argument)
I think its a fair argument (Lewis vs Anderson). Still think you don't recognize how highly regarding Anderson is which doesn't necessarily make the pick a bad one or worth hating even if you wanted Lewis.
But this drafting goes way beyond the players you referenced:
Riley
Herbert
Minter
Weigel
Cumberland
Wilson
Walker
Watts
Clouse
Thats a lot of guys from 2 drafts that have performed well in the minors.
Natural Immunity Croc
In the grand scheme of things, all that really matters in the MLB draft is nailing the first 2-3 rounds.
I will forever be irrationally salty that the Braves didn't draft Lewis though. In the alternate universe where he is a Brave he likely doesn't blow up his knee and is ranked even higher than #41 by now. The prospect of an Acuna/Inciarte/Lewis OF would have been exciting.