MLB Draft Report: Mock Draft 1.0
Today is our first of four scheduled mock drafts before the June MLB Draft. From my perspective, this is an exercise to play out scenarios on who could be available for the Chicago White Sox at the fourth pick. For this year’s draft, I’ll be selecting college players for the White Sox as that is what I believe the route they are taking. In my opinion, I don’t necessarily think that is the best option, but it’s hard to ignore the trend of the White Sox taking 18 college players out of 20 possible picks in the draft pool rounds (first ten rounds).
Joining me in conducting the first mock draft, and will be assisting in draft scouting reports on Sox Machine and will be an analyst on the Sox Machine Draft Show on June 4th is Jim Osborn, but we know him as Lil Jimmy around in these parts. Before we release our picks, a few thoughts we wanted to share.
MOCK DRAFT 1.0
1) Detroit Tigers
Jimmy: Casey Mize | Josh: Casey Mize
2) San Francisco Giants
Jimmy: Nick Madrigal | Josh: Matthew Liberatore
3) Philadelphia Phillies
Jimmy: Shane McClanahan | Josh: Nolan Gorman
4) Chicago White Sox
Jimmy: Logan Gilbert | Josh: Alec Bohm
Josh’s thought behind the pick: As I wrote previously, Bohm has emerged as one of the best college bats in this draft. Jake Burger already had some uncertainty if he could stay at third base, and with the Achilles injury, that future gets a bit hazier if the hot corner is his future home. By drafting Bohm, the White Sox add another power potential bat into their pipeline. They can let Burger and Bohm sort out who will play at the infield corners.
5) Cincinnati Reds
Jimmy: Brady Singer | Josh: Shane McClanahan
6) New York Mets
Jimmy: Nolan Gorman | Josh: Brady Singer
7) San Diego Padres
Jimmy: Matthew Liberatore | Josh: Nander De Sedas
8) Atlanta Braves
Jimmy: Alec Bohm | Josh: Ethan Hankins
9) Oakland Athletics
Jimmy: Brice Turang | Josh: Nick Madrigal
10) Pittsburgh Pirates
Jimmy: Ethan Hankins | Josh: Logan Gilbert
So feel free to educate me on the draft process. Why would you not draft exclusively pitchers with the exception of an exceptional bat? Then at a later date, trade potential pitchers for lower risk, nearly developed fielders and at points, split your trades two for one?
Because pitchers are fragile, and every team needs a good stock of them for their own use.
Typically, with your first round pick, a team wants that player for themselves. Not plan on selecting a player for the sole purpose to trade them later.
If you’re posting who you think the Sox will pick, any chance you could also divulge who you’d hope they pick?
I offered Gilbert because I believe he belongs in the conversation as a top ten pick. My hope would be Brice Turang. Who I think is the most gifted player in the draft.
I still like De Sedas over Turang.
I talked you into De Sedas, now you are obsessed.
Turang has certainly come alive the last 2 weeks at very important showcase tournaments. I’m also a huge fan. Repeated bat comps to Christian Yelich and can stick at SS. Sign me up.
Nander De Sedas would be my pie in the sky pick.
Do you think Nander sticks at SS?
I believe he will be given every chance to stick at SS
Jimmy. Does McClanahan’s height, control, delivery and injury history concern you?
Forget that question, Jimmy.
That velocity from the left side is what makes him stand out. Injury?,who knows?
McClanahan had Tommy John two years ago.
Jimmy and Josh, I was wondering how Florida’s 3rd baseman Jonathan India compares to Alec Bohm? Also, I feel that the Sox are light in their system at SS and 3rd. If they were to draft one of these top pitchers with their 1st pick, what 3rd baseman or short stops could they target with their 2nd pick?
India is red hot. Hard to say how high he goes. By light,you mean barren, right.
Xavier Edwards would be great value.
Cadyn Grenier ,Oregon, pushed Madrigal off SS, and was offered first round money by St. Louis out of High School.
Jeremiah Jackson is possible
I was going to mention Grenier. That would be a great pick in round 2.
A big change for India is power. If he continues this pace, I think he’ll be a Top 20 pick. Difference between Bohm and India is that Bohm is projected to hit more for power than India. But I’m glad you ask because in a month we could see India’s stock continue to rise as a first round lock.
Thank you both for your replies!
Sox call up one of the many Rondons to replace Minaya.
Don’t tell KP until the kid is packed.
Wow, Cleuluis really let himself go!
Bohm had another monster weekend. 5-12 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 SB, 2 BB, 1 K. Now .355/.474/.644 in 107 AB’s. 7.6% K rate.
This would radically change some teams draft boards
Kelenic has had plenty of buzz since I’ve been paying attention to this draft, but the idea of him going first overall never seemed to be credible. Hell, I don’t think I’d even seen the idea floated. I guess some teams just see something in some guys and fall in love. Or it’ll be an underslot deal. Either or. I’m sure San Fran and Philly would love to have Mize available when they pick, though.
Any draft buzz surrounding Bren Spillane? He seems to be lighting it up in what is admittedly a pretty small sample size thus far. Just wondering if he could potentially go in the lower rounds. Thanks.
Bren Spillane is this year’s Brent Rooker. Spillane is hitting so well that he could be a second-round pick. He’s posting video game numbers at the moment.
3 Bohm write-ups. Sickels at minorleagueball, 2080 sports and FanGraphs. Sickels piece has links to the other 2.
2080 offering their Top 125 today. They give a paragraph on each player and video on most.
Good reading.
Thanks for the heads-up! Can you explain the sudden rise of Kelenic? His season just started 2 weeks ago and he did not have a good showing at the NHSI. Is it all because of the Tigers interest?
I would not say all, but almostly all. If the team with the first pick thinks your pretty… Kinda like the quarterback asking you to Prom.
I think the same holds true for Swaggerty. He’s really cooled off, but is rising up prospect lists anyway after the reported interest from the Sox.
The Kiley McDaniel high School scouting report is up.