The MLB amateur player draft is just a little more than two weeks away, taking place June 9-11th.

 

Figured this would be a good place for any discussion surrounding prospects and potential picks.

 

I'm very interested in seeing what the Reds do as they have 4 picks in the top 80 (#2, #35, #43, & #79). Could really be a big boost to the farm system, specifically the organization's young bats.

 

The draft pool is slightly weaker than normal this season, as there are no "can't miss" or potential "superstar" prospects, but a lot of guys that project to everyday guys.

 

The names associated with the Reds and the #2 pick the most are:

 

- Florida LHP A.J. Puk (seems the favorite to go #1 to Philly)

- Mercer OF Kyle Lewis (tons of power potential)

- Tennessee 3B/SS Nick Senzel (considered the most advanced college bat in the draft)

- CA HS OF Mickey Moniak (he's skyrocketing up the draft boards)

- Puerto Rican SS Delvin Perez (probably the most raw talent & potential in the draft).

 

Louisville OF Corey Ray is another guy on the fringe of the Reds radar, however he's had a pretty pedestrian season all things considered.

I'm pretty excited about the possibility of the Reds adding a few young, quality bats. I assume they'll take a bat with the #2 pick but there are some interesting pitching prospects there, too.

I'd love for the Reds to develop some bats in their farm system. Seems like it's been forever since a Really Good Hitter came from the farm system.

I'd love for the Reds to develop some bats in their farm system. Seems like it's been forever since a Really Good Hitter came from the farm system.

 

Was Votto really forever ago? :lol2:

I'm pretty excited about the possibility of the Reds adding a few young, quality bats. I assume they'll take a bat with the #2 pick but there are some interesting pitching prospects there, too.

 

My guess is they go Senzel, with Perez and to a lesser extent Lewis still in the mix.

 

If the Phillies go a different direction than Puk, I'm a bit nervous the Reds will take him, which is an outstanding get, unfortunately it does nothing to help the glaring lack of quality bats in the system.

Was Votto really forever ago? :lol2:

 

Seems like it, is it too much to hope for them to develop more than one bat per decade :lol2:

My guess is they go Senzel, with Perez and to a lesser extent Lewis still in the mix.

 

If the Phillies go a different direction than Puk, I'm a bit nervous the Reds will take him, which is an outstanding get, unfortunately it does nothing to help the glaring lack of quality bats in the system.

 

You're probably right - I'm hoping that they take a hitter, but if it's a can't miss type of pitching prospect, that works for me, too. Just need somebody that pans out either way.

Seems like it, is it too much to hope for them to develop more than one bat per decade :lol2:

 

While he's definitely had ups and downs, I'd consider Bruce a major success as well.

While he's definitely had ups and downs, I'd consider Bruce a major success as well.

 

Votto, Bruce & Mesoraco are all quality players that came up through the system. Obviously Meso's recent injuries have tarnished his reputation.

 

Yasmani Grandal and Yonder Alonso were both traded for MLB ready pitching. Both of them have been above-average with other clubs but I don't know that either one really fit in with the Reds anyway.

You're probably right - I'm hoping that they take a hitter, but if it's a can't miss type of pitching prospect, that works for me, too. Just need somebody that pans out either way.

 

I agree. I think the closest things to can't miss guys are the two HS arms, Groome and Pint. Both have multiple plus pitches, with average - above average command.

 

Puk is massive (6'7") and LH, which makes him very intriguing. Problem with him is he's been super inconsistent his entire collegiate career, and really has only one plus pitch (his FB) to go with spotty command.

While he's definitely had ups and downs, I'd consider Bruce a major success as well.

I never think of him as a Major Success...but looking at his numbers at 28 years old they are almost identical to Sammy Sosa's numbers at that age. Hopefully Jay can bump his average 20+ points in his 30's the way Sosa did.

I never think of him as a Major Success...but looking at his numbers at 28 years old they are almost identical to Sammy Sosa's numbers at that age. Hopefully Jay can bump his average 20+ points in his 30's the way Sosa did.

 

Preferably not in the manner which Sosa did.

Preferably not in the manner which Sosa did.

They didn't vacate any of those Cubs wins did they? #JustWinBaby

 

:lol2::lol2::lol2:

I never think of him as a Major Success...but looking at his numbers at 28 years old they are almost identical to Sammy Sosa's numbers at that age. Hopefully Jay can bump his average 20+ points in his 30's the way Sosa did.

 

I think anyone who stays an everyday regular as long as Bruce has, and compiles the #'s he's put up has to be viewed as a major success. Very few guys in each draft class put up better careers than what Bruce has done thus far.

I hope they draft a young arm.