The 2009 first-year player draft kicks off today at 6 PM EST. The Giants have the #6 overall pick this year after picking at #5 in 2008. After a few years of uninspiring drafts, the Giants have been on a roll as of late. Recent drafts have netted the team Tim Lincecum, Madison Bumgarner, Tim Alderson, Buster Posey and many other interesting prospects.
I’ll be brief, here’s my draft day wants.
- Draft the best player available — Hitting would be nice, but unfortunately this draft is a little hitting thin once you get past Dustin Ackley who most think will go around pick #2. Take the best player available (even if he’s a pitcher) and be done with it.
- I’m not a draft expert but I really like LHP Tyler Matzek. He’s regarded as a top HS pitcher in this year’s draft. He throws low 90′s from the left-side with two potential breaking pitches that grade out at above-average. And plus, things have gone pretty well for the Giants the last time they drafted a HS lefty.
- Zack Wheeler intrigues me. I love funky deliveries and he’s definitely got one. Check out his MLB.com draft video to see what I’m talking about. He can run his heater into the mid-90′s and he flashes a plus breaking ball at times. He’s an arm with a lot of upside.
- OF Tim Wheeler from Sacramento State University has drawn some interest from the Giants but I’d rather the team not head in that direction. He had a fantastic 2009, flashing some power by hitting a career high 18 HR’s. But, with the #6 pick overall, Wheeler is a stretch. None of his tools are projected to grade out better than above-average. He should be a good pick for someone at the back-end of the draft, but at #6 I hope the Giants draft by BPA.
- Donovan Tate both terrifies and excites me.
Draft Day Links
- MLB.com’s Draft Central Page
- Baseball America’s Draft Rank Chart
- Minor League Ball: NL West Mock Draft
I’d add Jacob Turner. If the main concern is signability, I think thw Giants have shown they’ll pony up, and Turner’s stuff is electric. I’m also intrigued by Grant Green; he looks like a Brandon Crawford–a talented player who slumped a bit his junior year in college. I’m also not sure I agree with you on Tim Wheeler–he’s been an on-base machine in college, and that’s a huge Giants’ need. And he’s had some pop, albeit in a weak college conference. He may not have the tools of a Donavan Tate, but he looks like a more polished hitter, with a better approach.
It’s not that I don’t like Wheeler, I just think he’s a reach at #6. Though, the Von Hayes comparison is kinda cool.
I’d be stoked if we could get a hold of Tyler Matzek. Rich Lederer says he might be the best prep pitcher of them all.
I know we need hitters, but the “wow” factor with this kid is pretty high.
Awesome link Mark, thanks!
Great link, and great discussion. As for Wheeler, I agree he may be a reach at 6, but it’s also not like the Giants could trade down for more picks. He won’t be around for our second pick. If we want him, we’d need to make the call. Matzek looks terrific, and if he’s the pick, that’d be awesome. I’d just rather take a hitter. Have you seen the Youtube video of Tate? Good looking athlete, but I’m not wild about his hitting approach. I saw a guy who hit what looked like a whole lot of ground balls in batting practice. For the money he’ll cost, I’d rather see someone who you KNOW is gonna rake.
Another thing that makes me very excited about Matzek:
http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=4238898&type=blogEntry
The best prep slider, changeup, and control/command. And this is from a lefty that sits low 90′s and can hit mid 90′s. I really hope he lasts to us.
Mr. Funky Delivery is ours! G-men take Zack Wheeler as the #6 pick.
Here’s a link.
So, Zach Wheeler. Like his motion, little concerned about follow-through. Lands a little stiff, could lead to arm problems. I expect the Giants think they can work with that. Here’s the thing, though–I trust John Barr in ways I haven’t trusted Giants draft day brain trust in years past. Would have liked a hitter, but obviously the strategy is get the best talent available, and it’s a thin draft for hitters. So, okay, let’s get the kid signed.
Wheeler was my #2 guy behind Matzek (who just fell to the Rockies). I like his motion, aggressive and a little different. Remember, the Giants have shown in the past two drafts that different pitching motions (Tim Lincecum and Tim Alderson) don’t scare them off.
You’re right that it’s a thin draft regarding hitters. Nearly every pick to this point (A’s are on the clock) have been pitchers.