Prospect Insider - Draft Weekly: New Mock, Notes

Draft Weekly: New Mock, Notes

By Jason A. Churchill

By 05-19-2011

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The rage this past week or so has been centered around Keith Law's first-round mock draft that projects Pittsburgh to pass on both Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rendon, and for Seattle to tab Rendon at No. 2 overall.

In my last mock draft -- the second full-round version -- I projected Seattle to snag Florida prep shortstop Francisco Lindor. So, I'm betting there needs to be an explanation.

Subscribers can get that explanation as well as the latest mock draft by clicking here.

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Comments
The following 80 comment(s) for this article are shown below:

1. By: Adam T on 05-19-2011 19:01:48
Great stuff, Jason.

So I've got to ask - what separates Lindor from everybody else in your eyes?

2. By: Jason A. Churchill on 05-19-2011 19:31:40
Premium shortstop that switch hits and projects to have at the very least 50 power. Plus runner, triples and steals threat like Rollins and Reyes, but he's not a 5-9, 160 pounder. And he's just 17, 18 in Nov. He'll get a lot better, too.

3. By: Edman on 05-19-2011 19:41:01
Amazing how foggy the draft gets a few weeks prior.

First round is moderately interesting to me, but it's rounds 2-10 that I'm gonna be most interested in.

We'll all know soon enough.

4. By: brockfs1 on 05-19-2011 20:13:29
I really hope we take Lindor. Jason will you be doing a chat anytime soon?

5. By: Jason A. Churchill on 05-19-2011 20:38:20
Hopefully this week, brock, and hopefully each week through the end of draft week to recap the entire draft.

The next three or four will be subscriber only chats, so a smaller focus of readers can ask multiple questions.

6. By: Jon O on 05-19-2011 20:53:36
Jason - how would you compare Lindor to Manny Machado? Who would you rate higher?

7. By: Jason A. Churchill on 05-19-2011 20:55:50
Machado more power potential, but he also may have to move to third base. I'd lean Lindor.

8. By: rjfrik on 05-19-2011 20:58:09
We better grab Lindor and in fact I think the M's will. You just don't turn down the best talent in the draft. Can't believe the kid is only 17. Future All-Star.

I haven't read the actual article inside yet but I love the comment that scout you talked to made on your ESPN blog about Lindor. Essentially his swing right now is better then HOF's.

Um... yeah... draft the kid.

9. By: Jon O on 05-19-2011 21:15:52
Jason - 1. Had Rendon put up #' s like last year, would you favor him over Lindor? 2. Any chance Jason Esposito slips to round #2?

10. By: Jason A. Churchill on 05-19-2011 21:40:16
Jon O,

Yes. That would tell me that he's 1) not hurt or that the shoulder soreness isn't bothering him; 2) that the new bat regulations (aluminum that plays like wood) doesn't impact his power and that 3) he's a big-time performer. Had he been draft eligible a year ago, he would have been a top 3 pick, and nobody would have questioned it. So there's that, too.

11. By: Nats113437 on 05-19-2011 22:05:08
Wow. Strasburg and Cole? If they can fix him, that's a very scary combo. Interesting to see Meyer has moved up even farther.

Who would be 34? I hear C.J. Cron a lot, but the Nats have said they want to focus on pitching. Have you heard any other names? Would Osich or Chafin make sense there?

I was surprised to see your pick at #7. I would think that player would be expensive for an unprotected pick.

For whatever my opinion my be worth, I love Lindor. The videos I've seen and the stuff I've read. He still has a lot of growing left and is already showing power. He's also has world class character. He speaks English as a second language, but still spoke up and led his teammates, even though he's younger. I love the glove, the footwork, and the quick release.

12. By: davelee99 on 05-19-2011 22:21:49
Jason,

Understand your logic re the Mariners passing on Rendon, but why do you have Arizona taking him with the next pick? Assuming other clubs would have similar concerns, I would expect him to slide further...

13. By: Slack on 05-19-2011 23:06:08
Is it the consensus that Lindor can remain a shortstop? It seems most shortstops taken in the draft each year aren't expected to remain at that position. I haven't heard anything about Lindor not being able to stick at shortstop. Thats why I want the M's to take him. Plus offense from the shortstop position equals "yes please!"
As for Rendon, the shoulder equals "no thank you!"

14. By: baseballman on 05-19-2011 23:16:13
I am becoming a huge Lindor fan.

I'm getting ahead of myself here but what is the ETA on Lindor? Is he the type that can get fast tracked (for a HS kid) or is he too raw where he needs quite a bit of time in the minors?

If he does work quickly throughout the minors (now way ahead of myself) could there ever be a scenario where the Ms would need to chose between Lindor, Franklin or Littlewood at SS on a minor league team? Or should those guys stay clear of each other?

15. By: John_S on 05-20-2011 00:02:25
I would be ecstatic with lindor. A premium athlete at a premium position? Yes please! And you worry about where lindor, Franklin, triunfel and littlwood play later
if Franklin is producing then you can move him to second and Ackley to lf. Or u can use Franklin as a centerpiece to a trade.

Also there's a high probability that maybe one or two of the four pan out. I remember when the blue jays were stacked at ss in their farm system and none of them produced for the jays one of the players was Michael young.

16. By: Marco on 05-20-2011 06:44:31
What a surprise, suddenly everybody get off Rendon's ship. Where are now all those who told me I was crazy to be skeptical about a 21-year old amateur player who already suffered three major injuries ?

17. By: dawgncarolina on 05-20-2011 07:35:27
I still think you're crazy

18. By: acqb1424 on 05-20-2011 08:27:28
Jason,

If the medicals come back clear on Rendon (maybe like you mentioned he had an injury and is now recovering or recovered from it) does that change things? Or is his production still not enough this year to match up with Lindor's potential?

19. By: Galway on 05-20-2011 08:44:22
Glad Hultzman is getting more buzz. Gotten to know him and his family really well the past two years and beyond baseball the type of kid you just want to succeed. I still think he is actually underdevelopted a bit and will get better.
Lindor is a massive talent, I hope he does bring Reyes athleticism I've seen him have but not the Reyes mental issues.
Rendon hope his health comes together and its not another sad what could have been story for the kid so early in his career.

20. By: masonb on 05-20-2011 08:58:06
Does anybody know what lindor's floor is? Because I'd be willing to bet that it's much lower than rendon's but I could be wrong. I know the kid has Jose Reyes upside but if rendon was hurt this bad how is he still able to produce? Sure the homeruns are down, but that's the case with all of college baseball and he has very little protection in the lineup. I know that lindor is great, but I've seen him compared to Alcides Escobar and that's certainly not the type of player worthy of the #2 pick. Is there really that much doubt about rendon's career

21. By: sexymarinersfan on 05-20-2011 11:23:30
Bubba Starling has the highest ceiling and is a 5-tool player. I'd take the OF instead of Lindor. I'll admit, I've been a huge advocate for Rendon since the beginning of the season, but I've always known that could change. Hell, he was tops on everyone's list at the beginning of the year! I like the reports and what I'm hearing back from the Lindor camp. I'm gonna lean towards taking Starling although on this one. We really desperately need a big time Corner OF. Does Ryan Braun ring any bells? I'm not saying he'll be the next Braun, but Jack did draft him afterall.

22. By: sexymarinersfan on 05-20-2011 11:37:40
However I will not be sad if we select, Rendon, Lindor, or Cole. That just tells me that Z and his scouts have done there work. Because they know prospects better than anyone. Yes, including Jason Churchill. ;-)

23. By: rjfrik on 05-20-2011 11:45:03
Masonb, Lindor's floor is not Escobar. He has a MUCH better bat then that. Remember Lindor is only 17 and still growing into his frame. He is projected now as to have 20 HR potential in the bigs, but many scouts are now saying that could potentially get into the 30's. The one tool in question on the kid was his power and now that's turning out to be quite the tool as well.

Sexy, to me, he is a better prospect then Starling and should hit for better average then Starling. His swing path is much better then Starlings, who I think is going to need to adjust his swing considerably once he gets on an organization.

I think Lindor's floor is Barry Larkin and his ceiling is a notch under A-rod.

24. By: Jerry on 05-20-2011 11:47:50
Yeah, I agree with #22. The nice thing about this draft is that there isn't a lot of separation between #1 and #2 like last time we had this pick. The M's will be able to get an insanely good player with their pick.

The other thing that is nice is that we have a good group of people running the draft. I wouldn't be disappointed to see Rendon, Cole, or Lindor get picked. And if the M's grab someone like Bundy or Starling, I think I would just operate on the assumption that McNamara et al know what they are doing. That's a nice change since the last administration.

25. By: dawgncarolina on 05-20-2011 11:52:33
"The other thing that is nice is that we have a good group of people running the draft. I wouldn't be disappointed to see Rendon, Cole, or Lindor get picked. And if the M's grab someone like Bundy or Starling, I think I would just operate on the assumption that McNamara et al know what they are doing. That's a nice change since the last administration."

So very this

26. By: mazono on 05-20-2011 11:55:43
JAC~ If drafting Lindor what would that do for Nick Franklin, 4 years down the road? Slide to 3B or 2nd and Move Ackley to the OF

27. By: sexymarinersfan on 05-20-2011 12:08:39
Rjfrik, that makes really excited to hear if what you say is indeed true. I handn't heard anything about being a potential 30 HR SS. I don't think you could go wrong with either player, nor will I be sad if we select one or the other. Let's see off Z and his staff value Lindor just as much as you do.

I'm not so worried about what would happen to Franklin if Lindor were drafted. You raise both up to become big leaguers and if Lindor DOES end up supplanting Nick then you cross that bridge when you come to it.

28. By: masonb on 05-20-2011 12:09:26
Well if the kids floor is Barry Larkin then it sounds like a no brained to me. Thanks for the clarification. I hadn't known his power had developed like that

29. By: Edman on 05-20-2011 12:18:07
Marco, it may not be Rendon's injury that they're worried about. It may be the effect of transitioning to a new, less hitter friendly, bat that concerns them. Some players don't transition to wood bats very well. I wouldn't conclude that it's injury concerns that have changed his draft status. Certainly, it's a factor. But just how much a factor, isn't clear.

With Lindor, I think Seattle is just as well off as with Rendon, at least positionally. Potentially, Franklin and Lindor battle it out, and one moves to third. Not at all horrible for the organization.

30. By: CrustyJuggler on 05-20-2011 12:51:07
#23;
"a notch under ARod"? C'mon now. I can't see a Lindor/ARod comp being very good at all. If anyone thought Lindor had anywhere near ARod upside, he would be the no-doubt #1 pick. If he had Jimmy Rollins or Jose Reyes upside, that's enough for me to take him #2 but I think some people are getting a little over-excited.

If Rendon's medicals check out, I still hope we nab him over Lindor.

31. By: sexymarinersfan on 05-20-2011 12:58:18
If we're getting excited it's because there might be a lot less to worry about with selecting Starling or Lindor over a potentially oft-injured Rendon. I'm not saying I wouldn't draft the guy, but to some extent I like the fact that it sounds like we're weighing all of our options. Heck, Jack Z might value a pitcher over any of the position players, we just don't know.

32. By: vertigoman on 05-20-2011 13:13:20
If Rendon's stock is falling for any other reason than his shoulder injury then I for one (well two behind Crusty above) would love for Seattle to grab him at two.

-Basing his stock on sub par college numbers comes with the same caveat that above par numbers would. Small Sample Size, correct?

-If the bat type factor is in play, then it's in play for every college prospect and prep prospect alike. It seems that in light of the deflated college numbers some are favoring the "unknown" factor of prep players. I do mean that in a general sense.

-Even with the altered alum. bat, Rendon's numbers this year look surprisingly similar to Tulowitzki's last year at Long Beach State.

33. By: PositivePaul on 05-20-2011 13:55:18
""The other thing that is nice is that we have a good group of people running the draft. I wouldn't be disappointed to see Rendon, Cole, or Lindor get picked. And if the M's grab someone like Bundy or Starling, I think I would just operate on the assumption that McNamara et al know what they are doing. That's a nice change since the last administration."

So very this"

I'm going to third this comment. So there. Well done, Jerry! Probably your best comment ever on this site!

34. By: Edman on 05-20-2011 14:00:34
If they don't draft Rendon, barring his injury factor, for any other reason than his ability to translate his plate skills to the major league level, then they would be remiss.

If the scouting conscensus is that he has holes in his swing, then draft someone who likely won't. Stats be damned. Stats are just one tool in the bucket.

35. By: CyFelix on 05-20-2011 14:02:40
I think Lindor would be a reach honestly.

Yes he sticks at SS, that's almost guranteed, but I'm not buying that he has big time power. I think he's a great prospect, but not worthy of #2 IMO. I've heard from Law and Callis that his shoulder shouldn't be a worry in the future and I'd take a premier defensive 3B with .300, 25 HR power.

36. By: Galway on 05-20-2011 14:06:39
Edman stats are not the answers but they do provide questions. If the answers are deemed minor or short term then stick with your original thesis but if those answers are less than clear then you have to alter you thesis. So look at stats for questions not answers.

37. By: vertigoman on 05-20-2011 14:42:26
"I've heard from Law and Callis that his shoulder shouldn't be a worry in the future and I'd take a premier defensive 3B with .300, 25 HR power."

Any day of the week. He's probably 2 years closer (at least) to the bigs than Lindor is as well.
If Lindor out grows SS he'd need to learn another position. Sure SS to 3B or 2B is easier than Ackley's adjustment to 2B from the OF but it would add time it would seem.
If Lindor is hands down the better talent (which would be the first time I've heard this, maybe true but something new indeed) then you go with the vastly better talent regardless of proximity to the Majors. I guess it helps the Lindor camps cause that Rendon is going to be a Boras client.
But if the talent difference is debatable and the injury to Rendon isn't an issue going fwd. then I'd go with the college bat that is fixed at 3B even considering the Boras factor and handedness.

38. By: short on 05-20-2011 15:13:46
So, Rendon's been playing DH all season because of the shoulder. Right now I'd rather see Starling or Lindor. If the M's gamble on Rendon, they could fill a position of need sooner than those other two might be able to come up. But a guy with an injury history in college seems like a bigger risk to bust as well.

I think I might take Starling and plan for him to play Center Field in 2013. Guti can me moved to left or traded for his last year.

39. By: skyway park on 05-20-2011 15:26:17
6 months ago every poster on here would have given there left nut to be able to draft Rendon oh how things have changed.

I think he has had too many injuries over the last 2 years to draft that high even if they were freak injuries, it's still to much risk involved.

Starling kind of scares me since the one area he needs work on is the bat, kind of reminds me of the Tate guy San diego drafted like 2 years ago that is stil in low a ball last time I checked.

40. By: short on 05-20-2011 15:57:07
So for the M's I wonder what order these priorities are in:

Talent
Position of Need / Defensive Spectrum
Bust Risk
ETA
Signability / Cost

That's the order I'd put them in.

Talent's on top because you take the best player. This year there are a bunch of candidates for top talent and good arguments made for each so this can't be the deciding factor like two years ago.

Position is next because drafting a first baseman first would be retarded. After that, we really don't need a corner OF as much as a good shortstop or third baseman.

Bust Risk is next because the team has had too many crappy drafts to afford a bust with the #2. For so many reasons the team needs to draft a player that delivers value in WAR for not much money.

ETA is only behind Bust Risk because the team has so many good, young players. If they have to wait another year for this year's #2 to be ready they can afford to. But it's still much preferable for the player to be on the team sooner.

Finally, This team can't afford to go cheap and lose top talent. Not with the first pick at least.

41. By: Marco on 05-20-2011 16:11:46
JAC,
Rendon has been compared in the past to the best part of a mix among Wright/Zimmerman/Longoria. So the talent is there, it's very high and extremely rare for a 3B. Boras is a professional of the highest level and if the medical reports are not satisfying for leading to a big contract now what about another season at Rice ?

42. By: rhettfieldsted on 05-20-2011 17:05:14
Jason,

just an FYI...I am a subscriber (hence the post) and when I click to view the article it says login is successful then it won't let me enter

43. By: Jason A. Churchill on 05-20-2011 17:29:27
rhett,

email me -- churchill@prospectinsider.com -- and fill me in on the details. When you subscribed, what your username is...

davelee,

As you can see, I projected Arizona to tab him, but in my personal preference column, I have Rendon falling further.

Arizona is a different situation -- they have two top 10 picks. They are said to be leaning toward pitching or Starling, but I think that is because they do not expect Rendon to be there. I'm not convinced Cole doesn't go 3 if Pitt and Sea pass on him.

44. By: rjfrik on 05-20-2011 17:49:49
Crusty, I was referring to my opinion and mine alone on what Lindor's floor and ceiling could be. And I didn't say A-rod, I said a notch below A-rod. To me, with his swing he could be a tremendous 3 hole hitter who hits for average .300 + and hits 25-35 HR's at his ceiling.

The other thing you have to remember on this kid is he is 17. Let's take a look at him this time next year when he is 18 the same age A-rod was when he came out. Lindor will grow into his body, all of us grew into ours from 17 into adulthood. Shoot I went from a 5'10" 170 pound kid with a little muscle on my frame to 6'3" 215 adult by the time I was in my baseball prime (25). With the right diet and weight training regime (especially the one the M's have implemented) the kid should grow into a solid baseball body.

The thing to look at is his swing. It's a thing of beauty. Go watch some video on him and you should see the same thing and see why people are projecting him so high.

45. By: short on 05-20-2011 19:22:53
Another interesting point on Lindor is he says he wants to sign quick to get money to help his family. Some of the other potential top picks (I'm not sure about Rendon) are making sounds like they'll make signing them pretty tough. Lindor sounds like a good bet to get inked and working quickly.

46. By: davelee99 on 05-20-2011 20:43:06

Thanks Jason,

I didn't factor in your personal preference column.

I'd rather the Ms select Starling too - they could use some excitement/charisma to put butts in the bleachers.

47. By: VikingArthur on 05-21-2011 00:06:12
Lindor's "floor" is Barry Larkin? That is absolutely hilarious. Wow. I have seen some out of control hyperbole here but that is incredibly optimistic. The odds that Lindor even becomes Barry Larkin are long.. he would be fortunate to be Larkin. I haven't seen the kid play but comparing a 17 year old kid to a future Hall of Famer and saying his "floor" is Hall of Fame is absurd. And yes...Larkin will make the HOF.

48. By: Shawnuel on 05-21-2011 01:39:21
"Glad Hultzman is getting more buzz. Gotten to know him and his family really well the past two years"

Most unintentionally hilarious post of the entire thread of comments.

49. By: Jason A. Churchill on 05-21-2011 01:40:22
I have heard the M's are higher on Bundy than has been reported so far, too. But that seems unlikely.

As for Lindor... since he's 3-4 years from the bigs -- and I'd lean closer to 3 to 3.5 than 4+ -- the floor is quite low considering. That is the nature of the prep player, so much can happen while in his developmental years, such as he doesn't develop as expected.

Ceiling for Lindor? A switch-hitting Starlin Castro with Jimmy Rollins speed and 55-60 defense at SS?

Floor? The floor is that he's nothing. Ever.

Median? Erick Aybar.

50. By: dawgncarolina on 05-21-2011 01:44:24
Thank you for bringing some sanity to the Lindor comps, Jason. I tend to think we can do better than Erick Aybar median with the #2 pick in this draft, but that's just me.

51. By: Jason A. Churchill on 05-21-2011 01:48:59
Marco,

Rendon loses all of his leverage if he heads back to Rice. It might get him taken a bit higher (if he even falls this year) but it won't get him more dough. He will sign this year, even if he falls to 15.

52. By: Jason A. Churchill on 05-21-2011 01:49:50
Hultzman must be a late pop-up prospect.

Ha!

53. By: bodhizefa on 05-21-2011 07:24:23
Here's my only problem with a Lindor selection for the M's. He isn't going to help for at least another three years, and perhaps more. If we don't start winning before that, there's a decent chance Felix will be gone. I don't think anyone here wants that, but it's a reality we'll have to face if we don't start putting things together.

The crop of players available reminds me a lot of the '06 draft -- lots and lots of good arms with only a handful of good position prospects (and an even smaller crop of college position players). I'm not saying Rendon turns into Longoria, but I can't help but think about the parallels -- polished hitter without the appearance of superstar upside, good defense, ready to contribute quickly. It's a list of qualities I would think most M's fans would think love to have at third base.

I'm all for upside, and Lindor offers that aplenty. But Rendon is a guy who is going to slot into our line-up and help us become a contender again with Felix in tow. Lindor? Maybe he ends up being a great shortstop, but I bet Felix won't be around to see him make our team. And that's not something I'm interested in at all. With an infield of Ackley, Rendon, and Smoak, we'd be well on our way towards contending offensively. I think we owe it to ourselves to see this crop of players to fruition. Rendon helps and compliments what we already have. Lindor? We'd be in the middle of another turnover by the time he makes it.

Sign me up for Rendon if he's available. If not, I go with Cole. Lindor is too far away for my taste, and with distance comes unpredictability. I'm going with the college position player or arm at our pick, and I don't think it's that tough a choice given our current crop of talent's timetable.

54. By: Galway on 05-21-2011 08:52:06
Hope its just my bad typing thats funy. So many jerks in sports nice to see such a great kid get some sucess. Thats all, really a great kid having nothing to do with baseball.

55. By: Wes45 on 05-21-2011 10:06:22
The thing that is funny/ironic is that you say you've gotten to know them well but don't know their last name....which is not Hultzman.

56. By: Galway on 05-21-2011 10:21:32
I know I butcher all names and type everything wrong, I'm sure I've done it a hundred times and will do it again. Still great folks

57. By: Galway on 05-21-2011 10:22:47
Just glad I got Danny right as I called him Chris for two months. Its hard being this stupid.

58. By: Jason A. Churchill on 05-21-2011 12:50:04
bodhizefa,

It's far too shortsighted to allow the status of a player on the big league roster impact your draft board even a tiny bit.

If one of Starling, Bundy or Lindor is he best on the board after taking all things into consideration, then that player should be the pick

ETA should not be the deciding factor -- and that IS what you suggested whether you meant to or not.

59. By: Edman on 05-21-2011 14:02:23
Shannon Drayer interviewed Jack and they played it before the game. Jack made it clear that they will draft the best talent available on their board, regardless of position or when they'll be in Seattle. Mistakes can be made, if you reach. As he pointed out, you draft the best player, and it will work itself out. When drafting a first round talent, you draft for ceiling, not for ability to reach the majors the fastest.

I was impressed with the interview. It's clear that he and McNamara have a plan, and they are going to stick to it. They are not going to deviate, to try to fill an immediate need.

60. By: rjfrik on 05-21-2011 16:15:45
Jason and Edman hit the nail on the head.

You never never draft for need (either position or need for a player to reach the big league club the fastest) See Bill Bavasi Mariners drafts on why this does not work.

If 4 players all rate exactly the same then you can start weighing in those considerations. But you always go off your draft board.

61. By: vertigoman on 05-21-2011 18:54:14
Two days later...
I think my problem with Lindor is his frame more than anything. Really skinny with narrow shoulders. And he doesn't seem to be 5'11...unless all prep catchers are 6'3" and above.
After watching some clips, he has a nice easy swing and I guess trained eyes can see him developing power. Hopefully that's not all coming form a prep HR derby.
I also read one talking head describing him as a utility type, that he didn't buy the power potential and if he were to develop it he'd have out grown SS.

I know it's just opinions at this point.

As for Rendon's stock drop:
The bat issue bugs me JAC. If he hasn't performed with the new bat and now folks are jumping off the Rendon Power Potential boat, what does that say about all the talking head opinions on him last year? What does it say about their projections for prep power bats this year?
Rendon has drawn an ungodly number of walks this year and in an interview he stated he was constantly being pitched around (I don't think he was making excuses, just an answer to a leading question). 2/3 of Rice's starting lineup from last year was drafted or graduated, maybe he has no protection...at all. Couldn't this account for his power plunge as much as anything else?

62. By: jazon_24 on 05-21-2011 19:05:32
Jason - for most of this season, nearly everybody has rated Cole and Rendon as players 1(a) and 1(b). I understand why Rendon's stock has fallen (injuries, lack of power this year). Can you explain why Cole's stock has fallen?

63. By: Slack on 05-21-2011 19:05:37
Jason,
What do you think of Dylan Bundy's supposed bonus demands? I bet it scares off a lot of teams.

64. By: Jason A. Churchill on 05-21-2011 22:43:14
vertigoman,

Not to that extent, because he's swung through some fringy fastballs and simply not done anything with others. I would never expect him to hit 20-plus homers and 30 doubles again like last year -- bats and being pitched around -- but his average and slugging are pretty mediocre.

jazon,

Cole has been bad four of his past six starts and hasn't shown the plus change or breaking ball much. Some of that, however, could be the pitch selection, and that comes from the bench. It comes from the same head coach who is using Trevor Bauer for more than 130 pitches per start this season.

Slack,

I don't think Bundy's bonus demands are as big a deal as Bubba Starling's. From what I have heard it's mostly on being able to maintain the way he likes to train, which includes a lot of extreme long toss.

The teams that aren't believed to be willing to allow that, or haven't in the past via team philosophy, have apparently been asked not to draft Bundy.

FTR, I'm not sure Bundy isn't the best player in the class. He and Starling are my top two players right now.

65. By: safecochatter on 05-22-2011 11:52:39
Haven't heard or read anything on Guillermo Pimentel yet this spring. I'm assuming he's in Peoria. Possible he may show up at Everett in a few weeks? Maybe Marcus Littlewood in Everett too?

66. By: maqman on 05-22-2011 12:23:33
FTR I agree with you Jason on Bundy and Starling given Z's comments on draft priorities. They seem to have the two highest ceilings available and will probably command the largest signing bonuses. Of course things can change in between now and draft day. Bundy supposedly told Pittsburgh not to draft him because of their disapproval of his preferred long toss routine, which the M's do approve of. He also admitted the $30MM bonus demand was a ploy.

67. By: junglist215 on 05-22-2011 12:39:39
The reports of Bundy's posturing himself away from the Pirates and Royals due to his long toss workout regime were largely debunked by Mayo. His rep is quoted by Jeff Passan as having said they thought he'd look good in Royal blue. Why he mentioned the Royals and not the Pirates in particular is probably telling in and of itself. FWIW Mayo had the M's picking Bundy in his mock draft as well.

Re: Lindor's stature.
He definitely does not appear 5'11, but exaggerating a players height pre-draft is nothing new. Take a look at Rays SS Tim Beckham. At draft time, he was listed at 6'2, and now, three years later, he's shrunk an inch.

68. By: junglist215 on 05-22-2011 12:45:16
The reports of Bundy's posturing himself away from the Pirates and Royals due to his long toss workout regime were largely debunked by Mayo. His rep is quoted by Jeff Passan as having said they thought he'd look good in Royal blue. Why he mentioned the Royals and not the Pirates in particular is probably telling in and of itself. FWIW Mayo had the M's picking Bundy in his mock draft as well.

Re: Lindor's stature.
He definitely does not appear 5'11, but exaggerating a players height pre-draft is nothing new. Take a look at Rays SS Tim Beckham. At draft time, he was listed at 6'2, and now, three years later, he's shrunk an inch.

69. By: Jason A. Churchill on 05-22-2011 12:53:43
Lindor is at least 5-11, however. I've had scouts tell me he's probably 6 feet now, too.

70. By: Corey on 05-22-2011 13:53:54
How does Lindor compare to the first overall pick in the 2008 MLB draft, SS Tim Beckham?

71. By: sportsguy on 05-22-2011 14:39:38
Vertigoman, your name says it all...tunnel vision followed by bouts of dizziness.

Lindor is the real deal. He is now over 6'. All video you have seen is from when he was 16.

Oh, and you can check out his shoulders on the cover of Baseball America.

Also, no comp between beckham and Lindor in any facet of the game, on or off the field. The Rays were "De-Pantsed" with that silly pick.

Yes, he has big time power. 2nd deck at Petco last summer at 16 says it all...

72. By: Jason A. Churchill on 05-22-2011 17:49:49
Corey,

From what I can gather from scouts and other TEs, Lindor compares favorably pretty much in all areas to Beckham, but most of all upstairs and in all intangible areas.

The cerebral part of the game prevents athletes from developing. That isn't a tag Lindor has in the slightest. It's a big plus for him.

He's not just an athlete. He's a baseball player with mucho athleticism. I can tell you that clubs are agonizing over this kid because they either want him to fall to them, or they are worried about taking the "safer" pick and waking up in three or four years and wanting to the draw the nickel-plated pistol from their proverbial holster and pulling the trigger on their careers as scouting directors and general managers.

73. By: rjfrik on 05-22-2011 18:21:45
This is exactly why, in my opinion, you have to draft Lindor. You take the kid with the most upside. I do believe that when the dust settles in 4 years, this will be the best position player from the draft.

74. By: Jason A. Churchill on 05-22-2011 18:35:19
While I won't argue against taking Lindor, you can't ignore risk in the process. Simply taking the player with the most upside will rarely get you anywhere.

Probability has to play into it, but that is where the intangibles such as work ethic and true baseball athleticism and skill come into play, not just the ability to run and throw. Lindor comes with far less risk than most prep players in any draft class, and with Starling and Bundy in this class, that's saying something.

75. By: Blowgun7 on 05-22-2011 19:01:55
Should be a fun next couple weeks leading up to the draft.

Personally, I still favor Rendon, but am intrigued by Bundy and Starling.

I like both of those guys over Lindor, but if he's the pick I don't have an issue. His tool set with the plus plus makeup makes him less of a risk than your usual prep guy.

I know you never should draft based on ETA, but with Felix in the mix for 3.5 more seasons and Pineda.. I really can't pull myself away from the idea of Rendon joining the mix in 2013 and being able to put a legit offense on the field, and giving Felix a shot at postseason those last couple yrs

76. By: Jason A. Churchill on 05-22-2011 22:49:52
Blowgun,

Based on what? I would venture to say you haven't seen any of the three players extensively -- unless you're really a scouting director or secretly an analyst that has been hiding here for years --- I guess I read your post and think that you are simply deciding to trust certain written things over others.

So, which is it? Is it a "this written thing by so and so seems to jive with me more than this written thing," or "since these three have said this and only one has said otherwise..."

Not trying to pick on you, but it would lend some credence to your beliefs if we knew where they came from.

77. By: brockfs1 on 05-23-2011 00:27:20
Jason, what are the odds we take one of the 3 HS kids?

78. By: Jason A. Churchill on 05-23-2011 00:54:21
30-40 percent?

79. By: sexymarinersfan on 05-23-2011 11:15:56
I hope the pick is Anthony Rendon or Bubba Starling. Lindor sounds like a really good player but this team needs to select the best player at #2, whether that's a pitcher or anyone else. I'm just not sold that Lindor's stock has risen that high, yet.

80. By: baseballman on 05-23-2011 12:01:35
I highly doubt that Jack and Tom care about Lindor's media "stock." If they take him at #2, he is the best available.

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