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| Manaea |
LHP Ian Clarkin, Madison HS (CA)
My take: I’d be
OK with his selection. Clarkin is a lefty who has decent size (6’2, 190) with a
fastball in the 89-91 MPH range. With his frame, he has some projectability, so
adding velocity isn’t out of the question. He also has a curveball and
changeup.
LHP Matt Krook, St. Ignatius Prep HS (CA)
My take: Krook
has better size than Clarkin (6’4, 195) and has more helium. He’s shooting up
the draft boards. He has a low-90s fastball and a curveball.
RHP Phil Bickford, Oaks Christian HS (CA)
My take:
Committed to CSU Fullerton, Bickford is a big righty (6’4, 200) with a heavy
fastball that has touched 97 MPH. He has a slider that could be a plus pitch down
the road. He also mixes in a changeup. His arm talent is unquestioned.
LHP Sean Manaea, Indiana State
My take: Once
thought of as a surefire Top-5 selection, Manaea has fallen down draft boards
due to injury concerns and decreased velocity. McDaniel makes a good case for
the Dodgers popping Manaea. He’s likely going to take a lot of money to sign,
and the Dodgers have plenty of that (despite the limitations).
1B/OF Dominic Smith, Serra HS (CA)
My take: I’d be shocked
if Smith fell this far, as he’s a likely Top 12-15 pick at worst. If he did,
however, he’d be the best player available. In the MLB Draft, taking the BPA is
usually the best strategy.
OF Phillip Ervin, Samford
My take: This
pick makes the least sense of them all, but I might actually like it. While I say in the latest episode of "Dugout Blues" I wouldn't be opposed to the Dodgers
taking a guy like Fresno State outfielder Aaron Judge, the team really doesn't
need another outfield prospect. But, the scouting reports are favorable (good
hit tool, fast, athletic, strong arm), so his selection wouldn't be the worst
thing. But as a college hitter, he'd be on a faster track to the majors than a
high schooler. I may have talked myself into liking this potential pick.
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Photo credit: Courtesy of the Missouri Valley Conference
