2009 MILB Cafe Draft- In Progress

[Big Pimpin]

Unless the Marlins draft this Purke here, maybe Yankees or Red Sox, Purke is going to college.

There's some talk that the M's have already agreed to a deal with Steven Baron (HS Catcher) whom they would select at #33. He would sign for way under slot, which would allow them to go above slot at #27. Purke would be a guy that they could potentially take with that pick if he slides.

[Steve-o]

With the 19th Pick of the 2009 Draft
St. Louis Cardinals select: Andrew Oliver, LHP
6'3" 212lbs, from Oklahoma State

Although they have deviated recently from drafting from the college ranks, the Cards still have a strong history of taking college pitchers. I think they stick with that history here and fill a need in the organization for a lefty. Andy Oliver is the high upside arm they are looking for. Velocity in the 92-97 mph range with good movement. He also has a good slider, but apparently lost his curveball this year. He's a Boras client, but if there was ever anyone looking to leave college, it's this guy.

[thomasps3]

With the 20th Pick of the 2009 Draft
Toronto Blue Jays select: Matt Purke, LHP, Klein H.S. TX

Rationale: The Blue jays are going to pop this elite, early 1st round here in hopes that he can team up with Bret Cecil and Halladay for a formidable 1-2-3 trio. Featuring a mid 90s plus fastball with good late life, Purke rates a bit lower for me because he throws with a bit more effort than Tyler Matzek. However, he makes up for it with a bulldog mentality and a two plane slider that also grades out as a average major league pitch and could eventually become a plus pitch. Additionally, his 6'3 180 lb. frame allows for some projectability, which could bump his velocity up to the mid to high 90s. One risk is that he could be a tough sign away from his commitment at Texas Christian. However, with the new rules in place, the Blue Jays feel that his talent outweighs the risk they won't be able to sign him away from his college commitment.

[Havok1517]

With the 20th Pick of the 2009 Draft
Toronto Blue Jays select: Matt Purke, LHP, Klein H.S. TX

Rationale: The Blue jays are going to pop this elite, early 1st round here in hopes that he can team up with Bret Cecil and Halladay for a formidable 1-2-3 trio. Featuring a mid 90s plus fastball with good late life, Purke rates a bit lower for me because he throws with a bit more effort than Tyler Matzek. However, he makes up for it with a bulldog mentality and a two plane slider that also grades out as a average major league pitch and could eventually become a plus pitch. Additionally, his 6'3 180 lb. frame allows for some projectability, which could bump his velocity up to the mid to high 90s. One risk is that he could be a tough sign away from his commitment at Texas Christian. However, with the new rules in place, the Blue Jays feel that his talent outweighs the risk they won't be able to sign him away from his college commitment.

I thought Toronto shied away from HS players early.

[Havok1517]

With the 21st Pick of the 2009 Draft
Houston Astros select: Drew Storen, CL, Stanford

Rationale: Storen should be the pick here as he could help the Astros right now and would be the front-runner to replace Valverde if he’s traded this year or when he walks away in free agency. Storen is the top relief prospect in the upcoming draft and he served as Stanford’s closer this year with great results. He’ll be gone if they wait.

[thomasps3]

With the 20th Pick of the 2009 Draft
Toronto Blue Jays select: Matt Purke, LHP, Klein H.S. TX

Rationale: The Blue jays are going to pop this elite, early 1st round here in hopes that he can team up with Bret Cecil and Halladay for a formidable 1-2-3 trio. Featuring a mid 90s plus fastball with good late life, Purke rates a bit lower for me because he throws with a bit more effort than Tyler Matzek. However, he makes up for it with a bulldog mentality and a two plane slider that also grades out as a average major league pitch and could eventually become a plus pitch. Additionally, his 6'3 180 lb. frame allows for some projectability, which could bump his velocity up to the mid to high 90s. One risk is that he could be a tough sign away from his commitment at Texas Christian. However, with the new rules in place, the Blue Jays feel that his talent outweighs the risk they won't be able to sign him away from his college commitment.

I thought Toronto shied away from HS players early.

Toronto actually has a mixed bag lately. Travis Snider immediately leaps to mind, as does Justin Jackson. Kenny Wilson in last years draft is anotehr guy they have high hopes for, and with the new rules in place, I anticipate them going after the most impact player they can get, as nothing is lost if they can't sign them....by replacing them in next year's draft with a similar talent...

[AEMRICH]

With the 22nd pick the Minnesota Twins pick
Chad Jenkins, Kennesaw State

rationale- Jenkins could go much higher in the draft and i couldn't pass him up here- he has two plus pitches and solid command. He has a big body 6-4 225 BA compare him to Joe Blanton with better command. He uses a 2 and 4 seam fastball that sits 90-94 but he can pull back and hit 96. He has an okay changeup but it needs some work he also has a hard slider that is an out pitch. With good command and 4 pitches i think he will move quickly through the systemh

[mac-unit]

With the 23rd pick of the 2009 Draft
The Chicago Whitesox select: Eric Arnett RHP, Indiana

Rationale: His junior year his fastball has constantly hit 91-93 and has touched 96. He has a slider that could be a great MLB pitch if he can make his delivery and release point more consistent. He currently has no change since the school had him add a split but he has thrown a straight change in the past so he could go back to it. He was a late riser so people may be weary of him and he may need a longer route to the minors(2.5/3 years) then other college pitchers since he does have come control issues.

[Steve-o]

With the 24rd pick of the 2009 Draft
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim select: Matt Davidson, 3B/1B
6'3" 210 lbs. Yucaipa High School (CA)

This pick makes a lot of sense for the Angels. It fills a position of need, the guy will probably sign for slot, and it's a guy that people have a lot of questions about (fitting the Angels bizarre drafting in years past). He's got great power potential, but will likely move over to first base because of his defensive ability. He's an average runner with an average arm, so it's possible he sticks at third. Some scouts are concerned about a long swing, but he can hit the ball pretty far.

[thomasps3]

With the 25rd pick of the 2009 Draft
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim select: Tim Wheeler, OF, Sacramento State

Rationale: The 6'4 185 lb. Wheeler is a product of the grinder type of program Sacramento State churns out seemingly every year. His bat is his best tool, and profiles as a plus tool at the mlb level. He can probably man CF earlier in his career, but as he matures, his average arm will probably force a move to LF. He also has decent speed, and brings a drive that is infectious along with a bulldog mentality. Having seen him twice last year on the Cape, I was very, very impressed with his ability to square up the ball on the barrel, and his hustle.