The MLB Draft begins at 6 pm central and is televised on MLB Network and probably on mlb.com as well. Baseball America’s final mock draft has the Cubs taking Bubba Starling. A few weeks ago I thought that absurd, but based on every scouting report I’ve read the Cubs would be lucky to get him.
If you don’t have a TV, you can follow the Draft Tracker which can be found here.
I’ll update this thread after each pick with brief scouting reports and links if possible until the Cubs pick. For those who are unaware, they pick 9th and if the recent past is any indication, will draft your next door neighbor. No, not the one who watches baseball. The other one.
The contest thread will be closed tomorrow morning so if you want an Obstructed View shirt, enter the contest now. You know you want one.
Draft picks below (Baseball America ranking in parantheses)
1. Pittsburgh Pirates – Geritt Cole (ranked 3rd)
This spring, he has consistently shown the best pure stuff of any pitcher in this draft, and he has pounded the strike zone, though he struggled to command the inner half during a rough three-outing stretch in April, leading to a fairly pedestrian 5-7, 3.27 mark for the season. At his best, Cole throws three pitches that rate 70 or better on the 20-80 scouting scale. His four-seam fastball sits in the 94-97 range and tops out at 99, and he shows a 92-93 two-seamer that scouts would like to see him use more. His power slider ranges from 86-90 mph with good depth, and he has developed his 85-87 changeup into a third plus to plus-plus pitch this year, though it had more tumbling action earlier than the year than it did down the stretch
2. Seattle Mariners – Danny Hultzen (4)
Considered a first-round prospect coming into 2011, Hultzen has pitched himself into consideration for the No. 1 pick, going 9-3, 1.49 with 131 strikeouts and 15 walks in 90 innings as UVa spent much of the season at No. 1. Hultzen has a strong frame at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds and offers two plus pitches and above-average command. After working mostly at 88-91 mph his first two college seasons, Hultzen now sits around 93 and touches 96. His changeup is his best secondary pitch, and he commands it well and gets good fade thanks to a low three-quarters arm slot. His slider also shows flashes of being an above-average pitch.
3. Arizona Diamondbacks – Trevor Bauer (5)
Like Lincecum, he generates premium velocity using extreme torque, and while some scouts worry about the head movement and recoil in his delivery, others say his arm action is loose and his mechanics add deception. Bauer has the deepest repertoire of any pitcher in the draft. On his worst days, he still holds 91-93 mph fastball velocity deep into games, and he often tops out at 95-96. He has exceptional feel for a sharp, downer curveball that rates as plus to plus-plus. His changeup is above-average, and he mixes in an occasional split-finger and flashes a slider. He also throws what he calls a “reverse slider,” which runs in on lefthanded hitters at 85-87 mph
4. Baltimore Orioles – Dylan Bundy (2)
Bundy has operated at 94-97 mph for much of the spring, reaching triple digits on multiple occasions. If hitters try to sit on his fastball, he can make them look foolish with an upper-70s curveball, a high-80s cutter or a mid-80s changeup. The curveball and cutter are plus pitches, and the changeup is already an average offering. Bundy’s feel for pitching is as impressive as his stuff. He has exceptional body control, allowing him to repeat his balanced, effortless delivery and locate his pitches with ease.
5. Kansas City Royals -Bubba Starling (6)
Starling missed nearly a month with a quad injury this spring, but that didn’t dent scouts’ enthusiasm, and he homered twice in his first game back. His strength, bat speed and the leverage in his righthanded swing give him above-average power. His swing got long at times on the showcase circuit, but Starling did a nice job of shortening it and making consistent hard contact later in the summer. His speed is as impressive as his power, making him a basestealing threat and giving him plenty of range in center field. He has the power and arm strength to profile as a star in right field as well.
6. Washington Nationals – Anthony Rendon (1)
Rendon entered the season as the draft’s top-rated prospect and still sits atop our rankings, but his season hasn’t gone as planned. After hitting a combined .391/.497/.750 with 46 homers as BA’s Freshman of the Year in 2009 and College Player of the Year in 2010, Rendon hit .323/.526/.516 with five homers in the regular season this spring. He strained his throwing shoulder in the second week of the season and has played little in the field. Rendon hadn’t given teams any medical information as of mid-May, leaving them in the dark about the severity of the injury. Though it has affected his swing and bat speed, he’s still the best all-around hitter in the draft.
7. Arizona Diamondbacks -Archie Bradley (9)
After showing a 92-95 mph fastball that touched 98 last summer, he wasn’t at his best at the start of the season but was back in peak form by the time the state playoffs began in May. He touched 101 mph on the scoreboard radar gun while striking out 14 and pitching a two-hit shutout in the Oklahoma 6-A state championship game against Owasso, then the nation’s No. 1-ranked team. Bradley’s hammer curveball can be just as devastating as his fastball, and he has some feel for a changeup.
8. Cleveland Indians – Francisco Lindor (7)
Lindor has tremendous work ethic to go with above-average tools, and he plays the game with ease and passion. He’s a switch-hitter with a line-drive stroke from both sides of the plate, and he has excellent hands that work both at the plate and in the field. He has the tools to play shortstop well at the highest level, with smooth actions, fluidity, instincts and good fundamentals. He’s a plus runner but not a burner.
9. Chicago Cubs – Javier Baez (18)
new post coming up soon
[quote name=2883]I mean I’m 27 have a bad knee and haven’t played organized baseball in 10 or so years, any chance I could be drafted?
I am a fast riser..[/quote]
Yes. You are exactly the kind of player the Cubs are looking to spend a first round pick on.
Let’s be honest, Starling probably isn’t slipping but if he does I’ll be happy
[quote name=mb21]Yes. You are exactly the kind of player the Cubs are looking to spend a first round pick on.[/quote]
I’m holding out for overslot, Simpson let the Cubs off the hook easy.
[quote name=2883]I’m holding out for overslot, Simpson let the Cubs off the hook easy.[/quote]You should hold out if they offer anything less than $15 million signing bonus.
I pre-draft news, Z apologized to Marmol and that will still not end the story.
Haugh and the NDB on Comcast with the Oompa Loompa for a Z bashing fest. Kap is actually defending Z. They showed Z making his remarks in the locker room yesterday and immediately after the Hobbit said, “The best part of that, I hadn’t seen the clip until right now and like right at the very end, when he’s looking over at Marmol’s locker to make sure that he’s listening and Marmol wasn’t there, obviously. But, he was really shouting at that point in the clubhouse, so that everyone could hear him. And, uh, It was quite a performance. Uh, Z, I mean, uh, you really outdid yourself buddy, good one. “
Sullivan just out right lied. They had just shown the clip and Z was clearly not shouting or even talking loudly. He was talking in a very measured and even tone. Gordon Wittenmyer even made the point this morning that it was not a rant or tirade. I don’t even think the NDB is trying to lie, I think he’s delusional and creates his own reality, it’s the only way it explains him watching the video showing he wasn’t yelling and yet claims he was in fact “shouting.” He is going to play his narrative in spite of the facts to the contrary. It’s ridiculous. He also claims this was one of Z’s “greatest outbursts.”
What time do you think the Cubs will pick? I need to go run some faget errands right now…
[quote name=melissa]Haugh and the NDB on Comcast with the Oompa Loompa for a Z bashing fest. Kap is actually defending Z. They showed Z making his remarks in the locker room yesterday and immediately after the Hobbit said, “The best part of that, I hadn’t seen the clip until right now and like right at the very end, when he’s looking over at Marmol’s locker to make sure that he’s listening and Marmol wasn’t there, obviously. But, he was really shouting at that point in the clubhouse, so that everyone could hear him. And, uh, It was quite a performance. Uh, Z, I mean, uh, you really outdid yourself buddy, good one. “
Sullivan just out right lied. They had just shown the clip and Z was clearly not shouting or even talking loudly. He was talking in a very measured and even tone. Gordon Wittenmyer even made the point this morning that it was not a rant or tirade. I don’t even think the NDB is trying to lie, I think he’s delusional and creates his own reality, it’s the only way it explains him watching the video showing he wasn’t yelling and yet claims he was in fact “shouting.” He is going to play his narrative in spite of the facts to the contrary. It’s ridiculous. He also claims this was one of Z’s “greatest outbursts.”[/quote]Sullivan is lying, cretinous sack of shit.
Where does Paul Sullivan sit at Wrigley Field when he covers games? Maybe next time Z is at-bat he should try to foul a line drive right at Sully’s balls.
If he has balls.
Melissa… that makes me skin crawl. Fuck him.
I too am glad it was melissa who had to watch that and not me.
Pirates are on the clock apparently.
There’s really something pathological in Sullivan’s writing.
[quote name=Suburban kid]Pirates are on the clock apparently.[/quote]Did not read that as “clock” at first, wondered just what SK was on about. (dying laughing)
[quote name=Mish]What time do you think the Cubs will pick? I need to go run some faget errands right now…[/quote]In about 45 minutes? It looks like they get five minutes each?
Although the Pirates got about six months and five minutes.
If the Cubs pick some no name, I won’t be surprised at all. In fact, I think fucking the draft is the only way to ensure they suck forever.
[quote name=ZappBrannigan]Melissa… that makes me skin crawl. Fuck him.[/quote]
Emphasis for what makes my skin crawl.
Altho on the other hand, I’m pretty excited because there are so many good players. I have read some, but I won’t pretend to know which pick would be the best for them at this time.
[quote name=melissa]Emphasis for what makes my skin crawl.[/quote]
Haha. Gross.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]There’s really something pathological in Sullivan’s writing.[/quote]
I agree with this after watching his demeanor and hearing what he said. He’s almost giddy with excitement that Z has done something he can mock and exaggerate. It’s bizarre. It’s as if he is like a little kid on Christmas morning, Z has given him fuel for his fire.
[quote name=Suburban kid]I too am glad it was melissa who had to watch that and not me.[/quote]
That’s just mean spirited. I’m a human being, you know.
I posted it this morning, but thought it was appropriate here…the Dr. Seuss part is the meat of it.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/world-series-dreaming/how-the-media-paints-zambrano/215945668438192
Pirates picking soon…
…Gerrit Cole it is.
Pittsburgh just picked Cole.
Damn, too slow.
Wow. That was the dullest announcement I’ve ever seen. If they keep trying to pump fake excitement into this I’m going to turn it off.
THe Cubs pre-game just showed Quade’s pre-game waffle. He totally waffled the “Z issue” away. Said exactly nothing in about 2000 words.
If the Cubs had done what they should have and stopped trying to win in September, they’d be picking 5th or 6th and have a better chance of getting Starling or Bundy
[quote name=Recalcitrant Blogger Nate]If the Cubs had done what they should have and stopped trying to win in September, they’d be picking 5th or 6th and have a better chance of getting Starling or Bundy[/quote]
You assume that the Cubs have smartness.
Updated the post with a scouting report on Cole.
Hultzen to Seattle. I like that for the Cubs
Updated again
aaannnnnddd.. the Mariners with somewhat of a surprise
[quote name=dylanj]Hultzen to Seattle. I like that for the Cubs[/quote]It sounds like if Starling falls past 5 or 6 he’s likely to be available. It’s even possible that Rendon is available from what I read earlier today and if he is, the Cubs take him apparently.
Did the Mariners just pull a Cub?
Dylan Bundy is the best pitcher in this draft imho. Then Bauer
I think the Cubs will take Archie though.
[quote name=Recalcitrant Blogger Nate]aaannnnnddd.. the Mariners with somewhat of a surprise[/quote]Hultzen was rumored to be the number 1 pick a few days ago. He was the 4th ranked prospect overall.
Hultzen really rose in the last few weeks.
Z’s comments ————————–> working
[quote name=mb21]Hultzen was rumored to be the number 1 pick a few days ago. He was the 4th ranked prospect overall.[/quote]
Ah, awesome. I didn’t see him on MLB.com’s top 50.
Bauer to Arizona
Baltimore will jump on Bundy
i think that is bad for the cubs…
Kinda needed hultzen to drop for us to do better
Rendon might slip to the 7/8 range.. The thing is that a lot of teams at the top have kind of locked in to certain guys… I see the Orioles sticking with Bundy but I could be wrong.
I love Bauer for his stuff. But his results are kind of shitty.
Rendon would be amazing.
We really might be able to get rendon…
Granted his shoulder is probabky fucked but still
[quote name=2883]Rendon might slip to the 7/8 range.. The thing is that a lot of teams at the top have kind of locked in to certain guys… I see the Orioles sticking with Bundy but I could be wrong.[/quote]I’m starting to think Bundy might have a chance to fall to 9th.
how on earth in a draft where you cant trade picks are clubs needing 5 minutes?
[quote name=dylanj]Rendon would be amazing.[/quote]Agreed. I’d be thrilled with that pick.
I’d love Bundy, Rendon, or Starling to fall to 9. I actually wouldn’t mind either of the Bradley’s either.
it would be almost too good for the most advanced hitter to land to us especially considering he is a 3B. Vitters might as well retire if we get him
[quote name=dylanj]how on earth in a draft where you cant trade picks are clubs needing 5 minutes?[/quote]They don’t. They do that for TV. When they first televised the draft online they gave them a minute between picks and that wasn’t enough for the announcers. Prior to the last 5 years, it was one pick after another.
I think we get him
I’m sorry if it’s been asked before, but why does MLB not allow trading of draft picks?
According to Mayo Rendon is sliding.
O’s dont draft Rendon.
Sweet
[quote name=Rice Cube]I’m sorry if it’s been asked before, but why does MLB not allow trading of draft picks?[/quote]Because they’re retarded? (dying laughing)
4- Orioles likely will take Bundy
5- Royals- Could take Starling or Rendon… big ?’s
6- Nats – Rendon? Maybe… tehy were hot on Bauer… Maybe Sonny Cole? or Jungmann?
7- Diamondbacks – Will likely go safe since it’s unprotected.
8- Indians
9- Cubs
im excited for the Royals to pick.
also being drafted by Balitmore would suck
[quote name=mb21]They don’t. They do that for TV. When they first televised the draft online they gave them a minute between picks and that wasn’t enough for the announcers. Prior to the last 5 years, it was one pick after another.[/quote]
Why aren’t they allowed to trade picks? I’ve always wondered that.
[quote name=Aisle424]Why aren’t they allowed to trade picks? I’ve always wondered that.[/quote]
Oh, they’re retarded. I should read the thread before posting.
[quote name=Aisle424]Oh, they’re retarded. I should read the thread before posting.[/quote]
That’s a very good reason. MLB often does retarded things.
[quote name=Aisle424]Oh, they’re retarded. I should read the thread before posting.[/quote](dying laughing)
[quote name=dylanj]im excited for the Royals to pick.[/quote]Starling?
My thinking is that Rendon sliding is a good sign for the Cubs if they want Starling because teams who would draft Starling would have to seriously consider taking the most advanced bat.
If Starling gets past WAS, watch out.
Nice K of Votto there by Garz.
Apparently, the Royals wanted a developed pitcher who would arrive in 2 years. Who knows if that’s what they’ll do tho…
[quote name=Mish]If Starling gets past WAS, watch out.[/quote]That’s what I read earlier today. I think KC takes him though.
local boy to KC
Damnit.
shit
Well shit.
Royals take Bubba Starling… Fuck.. he was the only one I wanted
No Bubba…
Now Rendon is going to washington, pretty simple
Okay Nats had Starling on the top of their list, I’m guessing Rendon goes here?
KC hid their interest in Starling. They kept talking about getting a guy who could join the MLB in 2 years because their core would be ready by then
[quote name=Mish]Okay Nats had Starling on the top of their list, I’m guessing Rendon goes here?[/quote]
I would think so. Sad for Cubs.
If Starling works out for the Royals, that’s just huge for the franchise. They have to sign him.
Washington was looking at Bauer but with Rendon falling into their lap are they going to take Rendon OR fall back into Jed Bradley or Archie Bradley
bubba to kansas city is not good for cubs…
i say rendon to washington lindor to arizona archie to cleveland
worst player ever at cubs at 9
Me? That would be awesome.
i dont think wash takes Rendon.
looks like the nationals are going to pop Rendon according to twitter. If archie Bradley is taken before us we are going to do something stupid i just know it
This saves the Cubs from having to explain why they passed on Bubba.
[quote name=Aisle424]This saves the Cubs from having to explain why they passed on Bubba.[/quote]
Because Quade went 24-13.
[quote name=Aisle424]This saves the Cubs from having to explain why they passed on Bubba.[/quote]Yeah, they would have passed, which would have pissed me off even though I knew it would have happened.
sonny gray could be our pick as well
there goes rendon
[quote name=dylanj]sonny gray could be our pick as well[/quote]I was reading some stuff that his future might be out of the bullpen…do not want if thats the case.
Rendon goes.
Rendon goes to the Nats…
The Nats must be doing cartwheels now.
Well i guess we can only hope Archie Bradley makes it to us
Rendon, Strasburg, Harper, Zimmerman, the other Zimmerman…. and $136 million on Werth.
Well, Cubs to take some guy who nobody has ever heard of. Pretty sure Wilken hasn’t heard of him either.
If the Nats can be good enough in 1-2 years with their current set of prospects (which I know is thin after the top), Rendon could make a huge trade chip.
[quote name=dylanj]sonny gray could be our pick as well[/quote]The Cubs did draft him a few years ago.
[quote name=mb21]Well, Cubs to take some guy who nobody has ever heard of. Pretty sure Wilken hasn’t heard of him either.[/quote]
He threw a dart at a map of the USA and just started knocking on doors in that area.
[quote name=mb21]Well, Cubs to take some guy who nobody has ever heard of. Pretty sure Wilken hasn’t heard of him either.[/quote]
Know who you draft…so mainstream.
[quote name=ACT]The Nats must be doing cartwheels now.[/quote]
The Nats are gonna be fucking good in a couple of years.
I know it’s unlikely, but I’m half expecting my phone to ring when the Cubs make their pick.
Callis just posted Archie Bradley will go to Arizona at 7.. Worst case scenario for cubs…
Hopefully we take Javier Baez if hes off the board
[quote name=Aisle424]I know it’s unlikely, but I’m half expecting my phone to ring when the Cubs make their pick.[/quote]I wouldn’t say it’s unlikely. I think there’s better than 2 to 1 odds of that happening.
[quote name=mb21]I wouldn’t say it’s unlikely. I think there’s better than 2 to 1 odds of that happening.[/quote]
I could use the money.
Well this probably went as badly as possible.. If seattle just took rendon it would have been a lot better i think
draft has gone poorly so far
[quote name=Aisle424]I could use the money.[/quote]You’re going to invest it in the new Obstructed View Triangle Building, right?
get ready for the LSU kid
Fuck.
My top 3 left:
RHP Taylor Jungmann
SS Francisco Lindor
RHP Sonny Gray
[quote name=dylanj]get ready for the LSU kid[/quote]
please no
Despite Rendon dropping, just about everyone who I hoped might fall to us has pretty much not.
[quote name=dylanj]get ready for the LSU kid[/quote]I personally like him… he’s a more poilshed Reggie Golden
Well fuck
[quote name=mb21]You’re going to invest it in the new Obstructed View
TriangleTriage Building, right?[/quote].
Maybe they’ll draft Ryan Theriot.
This is kind of funny, in a sad way.
/Unable to make sense due to feeling of growing doom
I really want Javier Baez..
Please lord say its not the LSU outfielder
[quote name=mb21]You’re going to invest it in the new Obstructed View Tria
ngle Building, right?[/quote]right[quote name=mb21]Maybe they’ll draft Ryan Theriot.[/quote]So they can get him back on the right side of the rivalry.
[quote name=Suburban kid]right[/quote]Sweet.
holy balls Hak Ju Lee is tearing up A+ ball
[quote name=Mish]Despite Rendon dropping, just about everyone who I hoped might fall to us has pretty much not.[/quote]
Great job, Quade!
[quote name=dylanj]holy balls Hak Ju Lee is tearing up A+ ball[/quote]
TB prison showered the Cubs on that trade
i still like Garza but Lee sure looks good
[quote name=dylanj]i still like Garza but Lee sure looks good[/quote]
That trade was awful on many levels.
[quote name=mb21]Maybe they’ll draft Ryan Theriot.[/quote]
Only to find out he can’t hit a fastball.
[quote name=dylanj]i still like Garza but Lee sure looks good[/quote]
I would have enjoyed him playing in left field.
Callis just said the Cubs are looking at Jungmann. I’d like that.
There goes the SS I wanted… Lindor…
I think the Cubs take Taylor Jungmann, Mikie Mahtook, or George Springer.
I am fully expecting to take Matt Barnes here and be infuriated.
I didn’t want Lindor so I’m glad he’s off the board.
[quote name=mb21]I didn’t want Lindor so I’m glad he’s off the board.[/quote]
Why didn’t you like Lindor? He was top 10 on my board…
I wish they had the MLB Draft every day at the same time the Cubs played.
I like Guerrieri or Jungmann
[quote name=2883]Why didn’t you like Lindor? He was top 10 on my board…[/quote]Too little in my opinion, hasn’t showed much power yet. The typical toolsy player the Cubs are known to fuck up.
Javier Baez please!!!!! or Josh Bell!!!!
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]I like Guerrieri or Jungmann[/quote]
yea, I think I’d like Guerrieri. Klaw thinks its Baez maybe.
[quote name=mb21]Too little in my opinion, hasn’t showed much power yet. The typical toolsy player the Cubs are known to fuck up.[/quote]
He’s real young… power develops… you could say the same thing about Castro… he doesn’t hit for power yet…
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Javier Baez please!!!!! or Josh Bell!!!![/quote]
Bell told teams not to pick him because he’s not signing…. I don’t want Bell.
[quote name=2883]Bell told teams not to pick him because he’s not signing…. I don’t want Bell.[/quote]Thus, Bell for the Cubs.
sigh. another MI
Baez it is
Cubs take Baez… and ruin his career.
Baez…I can live with that pick.
Wow! I’ve heard of him!
Bubbles is happy all things being equal
Callis:
#Cubs taking Baez here. Best bat speed in draft. Typical high-upside Tim Wilken pick. #mlbdraft
I mean that pick has the highest upside. My top 7 favorite guys were gone i like it
http://www.mockdraftmania.com/20110606-javier-baez-scouting-report/
(dying laughing)
at least it wasn’t the surly red-faced oklahoman high school pitcher or the goofy red-faced oklahoman high school pitcher.
I don’t worry too much about discipline at the HS level (most of these kids just rape the competition), but it’s disheartening to see that attached to nearly every Cubs draft pick.
[quote name=GW]
at least it wasn’t the surly red-faced oklahoman high school pitcher or the goofy red-faced oklahoman high school pitcher.[/quote]
(dying laughing)
new shit: http://www.obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/minor-leagues/cubs-pick-javier-baez-in-first-round.html