The lack of clear front-line talent at the top of this year’s draft means there’s plenty of uncertainty, as John Manuel’s latest mock draft for Baseball America demonstrates. Manuel has the Diamondbacks choosing a new name with the top overall pick: that of Illinois lefty Tyler Jay. That would be a surprising selection, given that Jay is relatively small and a reliever, but many scouts believe he’s capable of starting, and one scouting director tells Manuel that Jay has terrific stuff and an easier delivery than Vanderbilt’s Carson Fulmer, another potential No. 1 overall pick. Here are more quick notes on the draft.
- Cubs president Theo Epstein watched UCLA righty James Kaprielian in Oregon last night, FanGraphs’ Kiley McDaniel tweets. The Cubs have the No. 9 overall pick. McDaniel notes that Kaprielian is attracting interest from other top-ten teams as well. MLB.com notes that Kaprielian throws a good changeup and likely projects as a mid-rotation type of pitcher.
- This year’s potential draftees includes Mariano Rivera, Jr., son of the great Yankees closer, Paul Casella of MLB.com writes. The Yankees took the younger Rivera in the 29th round last season, but he headed back to Iona for another season and became the MAAC Pitcher of the Year. He should be drafted significantly earlier in 2015. Several other draft prospects also have pro baseball bloodlines, including outfielder Kyle Tucker (the brother of Preston Tucker of the Astros), outfielder Daz Cameron (Mike Cameron’s son) and infielder Ke’Bryan Hayes (the son of Charlie Hayes).
This gotta be one of the most speculative drafts in recent memory. Fulmer was believed to be the first overall pick last week, and now he drops to 8th. Honestly, I hope the Red Sox draft him at 7 if he is available.
I read somewhere earlier this month saying Brendan Rodgers was the “obvious 1:1 pick.” Its a weak class. If Brady Aiken didn’t go down, he could have gone 1:1 again.
Does Mo Jr….throw the Cutter…….if so hope the Yank’s grab him….8th or 10th round….
No he doesn’t and he won’t be there in the 8th or 10th round.
Cubs need to find an outfielder who can play Left and hit bombs..
Two and a half more years of Montero probably makes that person Schwarber, unless Baez beats him up to the majors moving Bryant to the OF
We already have him. Kyle would look great in LF, and could be up later this year if he gives up on catching.