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MLB Draft Review, Part II

The annual amateur draft has passed, with plenty of uncertainty and excitement trailing in its wake. Contract issues led to the demise of a couple presumed top picks, while a general lack of top talent caused the rest of the class to slide all across the mock drafts in the days leading up to the real deal.

Here’s a rundown of the second half of the first round, complete with pick listing and description:

16. Blue Jays: LHP David Purcey (University of Oklahoma)
Purcey was thought to be a bit of an overdraft by some scouts, who view his fastball as his only plus pitch. The Blue Jays had a different perspective, however; they view his curveball as a second solid offering, and think that he can develop his changeup into a workable third option. His command has been spotty at times, but his velocity helps overcome that flaw. If he’s able to become more consistent, Purcey could be a decent option somewhere down the line.

17. Dodgers: LHP Scott Elbert (Seneca High)
Elbert is one of the best upside picks in this draft, albeit a risky one as a high school pitcher. He has a solid fastball and change, and is quickly developing a slider. Elbert has a good understanding of the game and how to pitch, which obviously will work in his favor as he advances through the system. Elbert’s solid arsenal make him a nice value pick for the Dodgers.

18. White Sox: 3B Josh Fields (Oklahoma State University)
Fields is a two-sport star, with experience in both baseball and football, as a quarterback. His biggest weakness at this point is his defense; it’s possible that the White Sox will look to move Fields to another position, possibly first base. Either way, Fields’ bat will make-or-break his professional career. Fields hits for both average and power, and also possesses solid plate discipline. Fields is one of the best overall offensive talents in this year’s draft.

19. Cardinals: RHP Chris Lambert (Boston College)
Lambert appears to be best suited for a bullpen role, for a few reasons. First, his fastball velocity would likely make him a dominant option the first time around an opposing offense. Second, his command is inconsistent. Finally, he really only currently has two playable pitches, and it’s questionable as to whether or not he can develop his changeup into a decent offering. Lambert needs a lot of work; hopefully, the Cardinals can develop him into a solid major-leaguer.

20. Twins: SS Trevor Plouffe (Crespi High)
Plouffe could end up as either a shortstop or pitcher, but most scouts believe he’s best suited for a role in the field. He’s a very good defensive shortstop, with a good glove and excellent arm. He’s a solid hitter, possesses decent gap power, and has some speed. Plouffe will need some time to develop, but could be a good one.

21. Phillies: OF Greg Golson (John Connally High)
Golson is a five-tool talent, and is considered by many baseball executives as the best athlete in this year’s draft. Marlon Byrd better hope he can turn things around, because Golson looks like the real deal. He has amazing speed and projects to hit for both average and power. Golson covers tons of area in the field, and his arm is well above-average. Keep an eye on him as he advances through the system, as all the tools are present for a big career.

22. Twins: LHP Glen Perkins (University of Minnesota)
Perkins is a solid lefty pitching prospect. He throws three solid pitches, all of which rate as above-average. His fastball typically registers in the low-90s, and is complimented by a solid changeup and curve. His curve is regarded as his weakest pitch, but it should develop with time. Perkins has one noticeable weakness, his size.

23. Yankees: RHP Philip Hughes (Foothill High)
Hughes is a nice pick for the Yankees, a comment that most baseball fans don’t wish to hear. He throws a mid-90s fastball, decent slider, and deceptive changeup. Most scouts expect his control to develop down the line, and he’s well-polished for a high school pitcher. Sounds like potential future trade bait to me.

24. A’s: C Landon Powell (University of South Carolina)
Powell is the first of three consecutive picks that are considered somewhat of “reaches” to most insiders. Defensively, Powell has made strides over the past season. His arm strength and accuracy are now above-average, and he shows good discipline behind the plate. Powell displays good leadership skills and an ability to work with his staff to maximize their potential. Offensively, Powell projects to hit for power and shows solid plate discipline. His body is his biggest weakness, but Powell has trimmed off 40 pounds over the past year and the A’s never cared too much about their catcher’s physique, anyways.

25. Twins: RHP Steven Waldrop (Farragut High)
Waldrop was a bit of a reach at this pick, and is quite a bit of a risk. His body draws comparisons to Kevin Brown, although it’s obviously unreasonable to expect similar statistics out of Waldrop at any point in his career. The odds simply aren’t in his favor. Nonetheless, Waldrop possesses a high-80s fastball, plus curveball, and a developing changeup.

26. A’s: OF Richard Robnett (Fresno State University)
Robnett was the final in the stretch of “reaches,” yet has some potential and was impressive at Fresno State. His defense is a strength, with speed being one of the primary reasons for that designation. Robnett has all the tools, though none are overwhelmingly spectacular. His bat has improved, and he projects to hit for average and power. Robnett is a nice, typical Billy Beane pick.

27. Marlins: LHP Taylor Tankersley (University of Alabama)
Tankersley could fit in as either a starter or reliever, and he’ll be given every opportunity to start. His fastball typically runs in the low-90s, and he throws a decent slider. His changeup could use some work, and will likely determine his final role in the long run.

28. Dodgers: 2B/3B/SS Blake Dewitt (Sikeston High)
Dewitt can fit in as either a second baseman, shortstop, or third baseman. He’ll most likely be tried initially as a third baseman, as he’s not a pure shortstop and has a bat that could potentially fit at that spot. Dewitt displays the ability to hit for both average and power, and he’s steady defensively. Dewitt was originally slotted as a second- or third- round talent, but the Dodgers made a nice selection here.

29. Royals: LHP Matt Campbell (University of South Carolina)
Campbell is another pitcher that could fit as either a starter or reliever, but he will also be tried initially in the rotation. His biggest problem is a lack of velocity, as he typically throws his fastball in the mid- to upper- 90s. Campbell has a plus curveball, decent slider, and solid changeup. With such a diversified arsenal, Campbell should at least reach the majors, and he has a decent chance to stick around – the only question is the role that he’ll fill once he gets there.

30. Rangers: RHP Eric Hurley (Wolfson High)
Hurley was one of the top high school pitching prospects in this year’s draft, and is a very solid pick this late in the first round. Initially projected as a mid-first round pick, Hurley slipped a bit on draft day. His fastball is his strength, as it typically registers in the mid-90s. Hurley compliments his fastball with an average slider and changeup; with extra work, his deceptive slider could quickly develop into a second plus pitch.

Check back next week for more from the world of prospects...

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