My Thoughts on the 2017 MLB Draft

The MLB draft is tonight and while most individuals could care less I will be watching all three rounds. Most scouts would say the talent is not as good as previous years draft (see 2011) but I still am interested on where certain players will end up. This draft has a few two way players that I have been watching closely. Hopefully all the kids drafted sign sooner than later so an adequate sample size can be logged before Bowman Draft is released in December.

Taylor Trammell - Cincinatti Reds (OF) - Strong Buy

After a slow start to the season Taylor Trammell has started heat up. He currently has 11 doubles, 7 triples and 3 home runs on the season. The most impressive stat is that Trammell has 28 walks so far. For a two sport player that is a very good sign. The tools are there and I expect him to continue his success. I strongly recommend prospectors invest in a few auto's. He is a speedster with the power potential to hit 15-20 Hr's.

Taylor Trammell Stats

2017 Bowman Chrome Prospects You Should Buy

It has been over a month since the release of Bowman 2017 and prices have settled on the market. Here are a couple of prospects to consider.


Blake Rutherford - Nice prospect but prices are inflated due to him being a Yankee. Blake has some nice tools but he's a little too high for me.

Eloy Jimenez - Another Chicago Cub top prospect. Very talented player with some good tools and a great bat.

Nick Senzel - Senzel is an impressive prospect but I believe his auto cost is a little overvalued. I am watching closely to see if a price dip happens. A spike in power numbers will be a key thing to monitor.


The prospects above are considered high end talents and are well known to the prospecting community. Prices are pretty high so please keep your budget in mind and invest wisely.

TJ Friedl - STRONG BUY (Bargain Bin) - TJ was not drafted by any teams but he has my attention. He is putting together a solid season in A ball. I don't understand why auto's are under $10 for a player with 15 doubles, 4 triples and 4 homers. The investment is worth the risk based off the cost alone.

Triston McKenzie - I spoke about Triston in a previous post. He is a STRONG BUY. Triston will be brought through the system slowly and has a strong chance to remain a starter. One of the few pitching prospects I love.

Prospect to keep an eye on:

Yu-Cheng Chang - Chang has power potential but the K rate is too high to touch right now. Auto's are under $10. Keep a strong eye on him. Cleveland does a good job developing hitters.

Triston McKenzie - Cleveland Indians RHP - Strong Buy

Before I release my full breakdown of 2017 Bowman, I think it is crucial to mention Triston McKenzie as a pitching prospect to invest in. On May 10, 2017 he struck out 14 batters over 6 shutout innings. His wiry frame reminds me of CJ Edwards, a past favorite of the site. What makes me excited about this kid is that I think he will not move to the bullpen and has the stuff to be a No 2 starter. I rarely recommend pitchers but the talent and upside is too good to overlook. A base auto is selling for $15 and refactors are going for $30. I rate McKenzie as a STRONG BUY.

Triston McKenzie Stats

My Thoughts on The MILB Season So Far

The MILB season is underway and even though its early there are a few observations that I think will help everyone with their prospecting. Check out these quick hits.

Vladimir Guerrrero Jr. - Currently has more walks than strikeouts. He's pretty much his dad with bat control. Let that sink in.

Anthony Alford - Nice prospect that battled injuries and is finally coming around. His cards have already flown off Ebay.

Lewis Brinson - On fire in Triple A but the Milwaukee market always scares me. If he was still with the Rangers his prices would be insane.

AJ Puk - Off to a great start this season. Small sample size but I love the talent.


Ryan Mountcastle - Having a nice season so far with 4Hr and a decent BB/K ratio.

Alex Verdugo - Currently lighting up Triple A at age 21. My only concern is can he hit for power. I'm willing to wait and see. The payoff could be huge.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr Scouting Report - Toronto Blue Jays 3B,OF

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Profile:

Position: Third Baseman
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Height: 6' 1", Weight: 200lb.
Draft: Signed by the Toronto Blue Jays March 12, 2015
Born: 3/16/1999

Scouting Report:

Grades: Hit: 60. Power: 70. Speed: 50. Defense: 45. Arm: 55.
2016 Stats (Rookie Ball): .271 AVG/.359 OBP/.808 OPS,8 HR, 46 RBI, 32 Runs, 12 Doubles

The son of a future HOF, Guerrero Jr. has the hitting and power potential that makes you an instant fan immediately after you watch him at the plate. The top international prospect in 2015 had a very nice debut in rookie ball and looks to continue his development as one of the youngest rising stars in the top 100. His hitting ability and strike zone judgement has impressed scouts so far and there is no doubt the bat will play anywhere. Some worry about his defensive profile and his size being an issue but in prospecting offensive production drives prices. Reports have stated that the Blue Jays are putting all of their resources into developing Vladimir physically and mentally on and off the field.

I predict that when 2018 lists are released Guerrero Jr will be the top hitting prospect in the minors. He has trained with his uncle Wilton growing up in the Dominican Republic and we all know who his old man is. It's common for me to shy away from speaking about higher end prospects but I think Guerrero Jr will be special. The ability to hit for average and power can't be ignored and he has a strong support system fully backing him.

MILB.com Prospect Primers

MILB.com has provided full prospect primers for all 30 teams. These highly recommend and fun to read. I have learned some things and actually found a few new prospects to add to my list. Enjoy!


MLB Prospect Primers from MILB.Com

Buy LA Angels Jahmai Jones & Matt Thaiss

When you look across the industry, everyone is in clear agreement that the Los Angeles Angels have the worst system in the minors. Other than the promotion of Mike Trout to the majors, not much talent has come from their farm. Even though the system is dead last, there are two players that have the potential to provide a boost to the Angels that is desperately needed .

1B Matt Thaiss - Thaiss was drafted 16th overall out of Virginia. He will be 22 in May. I expect him to move quickly through the system and he will be a everyday player. He has one of the safest bats in the minors and should have a high OPS in the Majors. Aside from his age, he does not have the power that you would like for a typical first baseman. Some scouts see him being a 20HR type of guy. I still think he should be watched closely as the season starts due to his great ability to hit. Auto's are selling for $10-15. I rate Matt Thaiss as a BUY.

OF Jahmai Jones - I think Jones has the biggest potential in the system to really be special. He has the speed to steal bases and the raw power to hit plenty of doubles. I think the HR power will come as he develops. He should hit for a nice average (around .280) and play solid defense. Auto's are selling for $10-20.I rate Jones as a BUY.

Minnesota Twins OF Alex Kirilloff Out for The Season

Earlier this month it was announced that Alex Kiriloff will miss the entire season due to Tommy John surgery. If you read my earlier posts I recommended that prospectors wait to buy due to the base auto prices reaching the $30 dollar mark. If prices drop between $10 to $20, I would not hesitate to buy and hold. He is still a very promising prospect.

Andrew Benintendi Scouting Report - Boston Red Sox LF

Andrew Benintendi

Profile:

Position: Left Field
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Height: 5' 10", Weight: 170lb.
Draft: Drafted in the 1st round of the 2015 MLB draft by the Boston Red Sox
School: Arkansas
Born: 7/6/1994

Scouting Report:

Grades: Hit: 70. Power: 60. Speed: 55. Defense: 60. Arm: 50.
2016 Stats (AA and A Adv): .312/.378/.910 OPS, 9 HR, 76 RBI, 70 Runs, 31 Doubles
2016 Stats (MLB): .295/.359/.835 OPS, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 16 Runs, 11 Doubles

Andrew Benintendi is the best hitter in the minor leagues by a mile. He is my pick to be AL Rookie of the Year. Andrew has an above average bat and above average power. Combine the offensive talent with his above average defensive potential, you have a true asset on the diamond. The Red Sox are all in this season and Andrew will be a big part of the push to win the World Series. This kid is polished and I expect him to have a great strikeout to walk ratio in the bigs. The Red Sox front office has done it again.

Buy Andrew Benintendi Auto's Here