I'll have a complete recap of draft thoughts after the whole shindig gets wrapped up later this week, but for now, I wanted to get something down about my top targets for the Cubs at #82 overall, the seventh selection in the third round today.
There are six targets of particular interest to me, so without wasting any time, here are the players:
1. RHP Michael Matuella (Duke)
Analysis: Matuella was a top-five talent at the beginning of 2015, but he followed some back and shoulder injuries with Tommy John surgery this spring, causing him to tumble down draft boards and, most likely, off of some boards entirely. That said, there aren't a lot of 6'6" starters with huge stuff available at this stage. Maybe Matuella has a <10% of working out, but the reward is massive. I'd have taken the plunge earlier; I'd definitely take it now.
2. RHP Cole Sands (High School (Florida))
Analysis: The younger brother of Cubs 2014 fourth-round-pick Carson Sands, Cole is actually much younger: whereas Carson was drafted two and a half months after his 19th birthday, Cole is still 17 on draft day. Cole already features a strong, tailing low-90s fastball and, as something of a rarity for a prep righty, a useful changeup. His slider doesn't have a ton of bite, but the other two offerings make him plenty attractive. His mechanics need to be smoothed out to improve his command profile as his follow-through takes him nearly off the mound toward first base, but mechanical improvement should help his slider pick up a little extra bend as well.
3. RHP Jacob Nix (Prep School (Florida))
Analysis: Nix famously got caught up in the Brady Aiken mess with the Astros last year, eventually settling with Houston for an amount far less than his agreed-upon bonus with the club. After a year at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Nix reentered the draft and he figures to be a very early pick on Day Two. The 6'4", 205 lbs. righty comes with a clean delivery featuring a high leg kick that enables him to pump out a huge, mid-90s fastball with regularity. Nix's slurvy breaking ball isn't terribly enticing and his changeup needs plenty of work as well, but Nix has the body and the raw stuff to be a legitimate starting pitcher in the Majors. It's tough to find those at this stage in the draft.
4. SS/CF Alonzo Jones (High School (Georgia))
Analysis: Jones would be a tremendous pickup at this stage in the draft. The switch-hitter is currently listed as a shortstop, but I'd want him as a centerfield prospect. Jones gets a true 80 grade for his speed from multiple sources, posting a sizzling 6.17 second 60-yard dash. His arm isn't enough for shortstop and his infield actions are underwhelming, but again, the speed should play extremely well in center. Offensively, Jones doesn't have the prettiest swing around with tons of pre-pitch hitches, particularly from the left side. I don't think he'll hit for any power from the right side - maybe 30 grade - and given his speed he may be asked to scrap switch-hitting entirely, but there's a chance for 40-45 power from the left side. That kind of player can be really useful. Unfortunately, Jones is committed to Vanderbilt and it is unlikely that he'll be willing to sign for third round money. Hopefully I'm wrong on that front.
5. RHP Riley Ferrell (TCU)
Analysis: Ferrell is a simple pick. He has a huge, upper-90s fastball and a wipeout slider. But that's it. And he appears to have no shot to start. No matter. Ferrell is a better prospect than Tony Zych, the last Cubs draftee to fit this profile. I'd be happy trying that again.
6. SS Jalen Miller (High School (Georgia))
Analysis: Whereas Jones above is a current shortstop who projects elsewhere, Miller has the defensive chops to stay at short even if he may end up at second base in the future. He's athletic enough to play capably anywhere on the diamond. His swing and frame don't figure to lead to big power, but there's enough power for an everyday role, particularly given that Miller's compact stroke should help his average hit tool adjust to professional pitching. I don't love Miller like I love the first four names on this list, but he'd be a viable pick with some upside.
*Note: LHP Justin Hooper (High School (California)) and RHP Donny Everett (High School (Tennessee)) would have made this list if I thought that the Cubs had any chance to sign either of them. I don't, so they'll have to enjoy a few years at UCLA and Vanderbilt, respectively, first.
No comments:
Post a Comment