AL South
Wichita Rocks
Needs: CF, SP. Also, overall defensive ability at the skill positions could be upgraded
Draft Expectations: Very High. With 3 1st round picks and 8 picks in the first 5 rounds, Wichita should expect a solid influx of fresh talent into the system.
Draft Preparation: With so many picks at the top end you would think barjaz would have spent more heavily on scouting. On a more positive note, barjaz maximized his prospect budget to ensure he had the cash available to sign whomever he wanted.
Prospects
Round 1 Pick 18
2B Robin Shipley - high school standout with solid defensive ability, a strong bat, and blazing speed to combine with great baserunning instincts. Shipley is a prototypical 5 tool player. A steal at No. 18 overall, he will quickly ascend the minor league ladder and have a solid ML career. His outstanding range will make him a yearly contender for the 2B Gold Glove, and look for several all-star selections as well.
ML projection: 15-20 HR/.285 BA/50-60 SB
Round 1 Supp Pick 38
3B Achilles Hogan - Another high school star, Achilles is not the polished player Shipley is. His defense is mediocre at best for a 3B and may be better suited to RF. although he can run, at the ML level he needs to be selective or he could cost his team runs, and ultimately, some games. That being said, he is a solid hitter and should have no problem finding work on an ML team somewhere.
ML projection: 20-25 HR/.260-.270 BA/10-15 SB
Round 1 Supp Pick 49
SP Butch Cradle - A highly talented pitcher, Cradle would have gone much higher in the draft if not for his significant control problems. He was a legend in junior college for beaning the opposing team's mascot with wild pitches on 3 seperate occasions (New Yorkers do love their unusual sources of entertainment don't they?) At pick No. 49 he does present a worthwhile gamble.
ML projection: 10-12 W/3.80 ERA/150K/110BB/.220 OAV
Round 2 Pick 62
SS Charley Kimbrel - Miscast as a SS, Kimbel is much better suited for 3B, a position which he would be a defensive stud. He is not a basestealing threat, but does run the bases capably. Offensively, he consistently puts the bat on the ball, but only with a modicum of success. At best he can fill in at the ML level as a utility infielder as ML pitching will overwhelm him.
ML projection: spot duty
Round 2 Pick 75
CF Rob Vining - Outstanding defensive CF, Vining is a solid pickup at No. 75 overall. He can easily fill in at any OF position in a defensive role, plus his speed and baserunning make him a solid pinch running option.
ML projection: role player in close games
Round 3 Pick 107
LF Harry Romo - Not enough talent in any one area to warrant time in big leagues. May see a cup of coffee as an emergency replacement
Round 4 Pick 139
SS Marv Burke - Another outstanding find at No. 139 overall. Easily capable of filling in at any position defensively at the big league level. His uncanny ability to hit left-handed pitching will also earn him at-bats in that capacity as a pinch-hitter.
ML projection: role player in close games
Round 5 Pick 171
2B Clem Haren - Huge signability issues. Good luck on that 5.5 mil bonus there buddy!
Hidden Gems: RP Farmer Torres ?
Overall grade: A
Amazing how barjaz finds such solid top-end talent with such a low scouting budget.
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