Comments on: A Look at Recent Mock Draft Picks

By: nmstar

nmstar — Mon, 31 May 2010 14:53:13 +0000

@Vision: Naw, when I read of 100 mph straight fastballs I immediately think of Farnsworth (and home runs being hit 450 feet). It wasn't a temperament comparison. I've read Papelbon comps on Allie so that would be much better result. Still, I'd rather get a guy that profiles as a starter in the first round (200 innings vs. 60) unless it is the next Mariano. I'd like your choices in the supplemental round too. If we could get one of them and my personal fave Garin Cecchini I'd be quite pleased with day one. A week to go now!

By: Vision

Vision — Mon, 31 May 2010 13:38:20 +0000

@nmstar: Gotcha, that makes more sense now. Can Allie kick everyone's behind or something? I like Loux as well, I've kind of been on him since last year (I coached with an A & M alum). Stuff is there, needs a little refinement. Was really hoping he's make it to the supplemental round, but doubt it now. Hoping for Folty or Solis in the supplemental round.

By: nmstar

nmstar — Mon, 31 May 2010 05:44:36 +0000

@Vision: Vision, I was referring to the guys mentioned as potential Cards' picks from the mock drafts--not other guys mentioned in the comments. My statement should have been more clear, sorry. For the guys picked in the mocks above there is something I don't like in with each: Workman (not sold on his delivery but I wouldn't hate his selection), Allie (profiles as reliever and reminds me a bit of Kyle Farnsworth), and Colin (Not sure that he can stick at SS). Eibner intrigues me and I'd love for Austin Wilson to be there. Ranaudo is an interesting guy too. I'm thinking Boston goes strong after one of the top money guys at #20 so I'd guess they'd take one of them (and they supposedly like Vitek too). I also have interest in Justin O'Connor, Asher Wojciechowski, and Barret Loux at #25.

By: Karmaloop

Karmaloop — Mon, 31 May 2010 00:22:43 +0000

@Wade: IIRC, the upside was from his arm because he hadn’t really done a whole lot of pitching. He did fall because of his commitment to play football at UT and his preference to play shortstop.

By: Vision

Vision — Sun, 30 May 2010 22:52:49 +0000

Wouldn’t be upset Erik, as long as they go for some pitchers with upside (read: don’t profile as relievers in the big leagues), in the supplemental and second rounds. I have watched Brett Eibner in person twice, and he was the best player on the field both times I saw him (that includes Cox). He pitched a 7 inning shutout, and hit two solo HR’s in a 2-0 win for Arkansas over Missouri State, and then pitched (off memory), 5 shutout innings and hit another HR in a narrow win over Missouri State another time.

NMStar, who would you think would be a better pick than everyone mentioned, AND would be available at 25? I’m perplexed by that statement.

Anyone take the chance on Ranaudo if he is there? I would think about it long and hard. Even if he has an elbow problem, those have become science, and have a great comeback rate. High upside with that kid, but maybe a high bust as well.

By: erik

erik — Sun, 30 May 2010 21:32:34 +0000

@Vision: Luhnow has a little history w/SEC draft picks, too. Bittle, Lynn, Todd.

By: nmstar

nmstar — Sun, 30 May 2010 21:31:40 +0000

I’m hoping none of the names mentioned so far will be the pick. I think Luhnow can do better and hopefully he will.

By: erik

erik — Sun, 30 May 2010 21:28:20 +0000

@Vision: I can't get Eibner out of my head, either. Good call. I really like him a lot and I have a good feeling that the Cardinals take him. If they do, I'll be happy. I think I actually like him better as a hitter, but they could go the Casey Kelly route and let him try both for halves of seasons and decide there.

By: Vision

Vision — Sun, 30 May 2010 18:52:01 +0000

One thing I noticed when watching the video of Allie is that his chin is all over the place. Some pitches he keeps his chin up and off of his chest, and other pitches he really ducks it down and looks “max effort.” He tended to be pretty erratic on the pitches he was moving his head and chin around upon release, and looked a lot more free and easy when he was under control and kept his head on level.

He does look raw in that video from 2009, and he could probably use his legs a tad better and stop dragging his arm, but when he has his mechanics, he is smooth, and the ball really jumps. He has a long way to go to make the big leagues, and the bust/injury factor is definitely there for a high school right hander, but his talent is undeniable.

I’ve seen a few innings that looked better than this particular video did, as the kid I saw had a lot of work to do before he’d be anywhere near ready to face major league hitters. As a high school junior though, that’s to be expected. If that video was all I’d ever seen from Allie, I wouldn’t be as high on him as I am.

By: Vision

Vision — Sun, 30 May 2010 18:47:18 +0000

Stetson would be a great pick at 25, as he has an upside far higher than most players in the draft. If he makes it that far, I’d be thrilled to get him into the system. I’d say it’s a fair bet that they’re going to be drafting several college right handers who fared well in summer All-Star leagues, and against wood bats, so that balances out the risk somewhat.

I’d also love to look at Austin Wilson, should he make it that far, and Vitek would be a solid selection. Someone that I can’t get out of my mind as the type of player the Cards seem to like is Brett Eibner out of Arkansas. The Cards seem to love athletic prospects who both pitch and hit. He has massive power potential, and a great arm and athletic ability. He wants to hit, but he has a free and easy motion on the mound, with a fastball that gets good sink. He has a curveball that has the makings of a plus pitch, but obviously needs work due to not focusing on pitching full-time. He also plays in a power conference, and has been successful on the summer circuit.

He’s not the guy I’d take personally, but he’s definitely the type of kid the Cards like to take given their track record.