Tracking 2014 draft position & prospects (Fmr race for #1)

[Baseball is Life]

I have some alternative titles for this thread.

1) "If you don't know crap about competition, post here"

2) "Heeellloooo. You play to win the games."

3) "Losertalk. Just losertalk."

[HalfSmokes]

I have some alternative titles for this thread.

1) "If you don't know crap about competition, post here"

2) "Heeellloooo. You play to win the games."

3) "Losertalk. Just losertalk."

yep, nats are in the driver's seat for the division, just ignore the actual game results and they're sitting pretty 

[varoadking]

I thinks this team has what it takes to land a protected pick- just the right combination of suck and quit with a layer of inept management

So...don't fire Davey...just continue as they have all year?

[Smithian]

Happily, the Nats aren't bad enough to be in discussion for this.

[Baseball is Life]

yep, nats are in the driver's seat for the division, just ignore the actual game results and they're sitting pretty 

There's a difference between not winning the division and looking forward to having the worst record in MLB. Just a thought...

[varoadking]

There's a difference between not winning the division and looking forward to having the worst record in MLB. Just a thought...

Gotta look forward to something...what else ya got?

[Baseball is Life]

Gotta look forward to something...what else ya got?

Not quitting and playing with pride. Seeing what players the team should keep for next year. Checking out the talent on a hot summer day with a beer in hand.

[varoadking]

Not quitting and playing with pride. Seeing what players the team should keep for next year. Checking out the talent on a hot summer day with a beer in hand.

If that is all I wanted to do, I may as well go sit thru a Futbol game for 90 minutes...like that's gonna happen

Except those people seem to resort to violence...win or lose...

[sportsfan882]

Update 7/31/13. Still in 15th but we are within 2 games of 7th place.

1. Houston (35-70, .333)
2. Miami
3. CHW
4. Milwaukee
5. Minnesota
6. SF
7. CHC
8. LAA
9. SD
10. NYM
11. Toronto
12. Seattle
13. Philly
14. Colorado
15. Washington (52-56, .481) 19.5 games back

[varoadking]

Update 7/31/13. Still in 15th but we are within 2 games of 7th place.

1. Houston (35-70, .333)
2. Miami
3. CHW
4. Milwaukee
5. Minnesota
6. SF
7. CHC
8. LAA
9. SD
10. NYM
11. Toronto
12. Seattle
13. Philly
14. Colorado
15. Washington (52-56, .481) 19.5 games back

Big series in Chicago in mid-August...

...So who are the top 15 prospects...we need bats, not more pitchers.

[sportsfan882]

Here's a mock draft from Scout.com. Seems like a lot of really good college arms and then some HS bats. Obviously Trea Turner from NC St. would be nice but doubt we will suck enough to get him.

1. Miami Marlins — Tyler Beede, RHP, Vanderbilt

The 6’-4” right-hander is putting together one hell of a season for the top-ranked Commodores this year and is one of three finalists for the Golden Spikes award. Over 16 starts, he is 14-0 with a 2.20 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 101 K/60 BB over 98.1 innings, allowing just 57 hits. He has an effortless delivery and the ball jumps out of his hand. He features a classic three-pitch mix in a mid-90s plus fastball with great movement, a plus power curveball and a deceptive change-up that freezes hitters. The one knock on him is his control, which can get wild at times, but once he harnesses that, hitters will have no chance of getting on base. I feel with his size, stuff and fluid delivery, he has the most upside of any college pitcher in the 2014 MLB draft. He gets bonus points for his high character and was named a member of Collegiate Team USA.

2. Houston Astros — Carlos Rodon, LHP, North Carolina State

Rodon has pretty much everything you want in an ace. At 6’-2” and 230 pounds, the southpaw definitely has the size to carry the workload and his legs look like tree trunks. He has a five-pitch arsenal that includes a mid-90s heater, a power slider, a lethal cutter, an above-average curveball and a change-up with nice fade. He commands all of them well and is comfortable throwing any of them in any situation. Over 16 starts so far this year, he has a 3.19 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 161 K/40 BB over 110 innings. Opponents are hitting just .190 against him. His junior season should be full of ridiculousness. The only knock I have heard on him is his size and if he will be able to maintain that kind of velocity for the long haul. He also tends to get into control issues at times.

3. Milwaukee Brewers — Trea Tuner, SS, North Carolina State

Probably the most electric and exciting player in the 2014 MLB draft, the 6’-2” right-hander has shown the range, arm and instincts to stick at shortstop, including plays like this. Offensively, his speed is his best tool and he should be a major threat on the base paths at the next level. He also has a great approach at the plate and should hit for a high average, as well. He showed developing power this season and, if he continues to do so, Troy Tulowitzki comps will be coming. Hit .336 as a freshman and led the nation in stolen bases with 57. Over 51 injury shortened games this season, he hit .377 with 12 doubles, seven home runs, 27 stolen bases and drew 35 walks to 30 strikeouts for a .464 OBP/.578 SLG.

4. New York Mets — Touki Toussaint, RHP, Coral Springs (FL)

The 6’-2” right-hander has an electric fastball which can touch 97 mph with late life and there is still room for more as he fills out. He has a deceptive delivery which makes his plus, mid-70s, knee-buckling curveball even harder to react to. His change-up is still developing, but with two plus pitches already, he will be one of the most talked about prep pitchers next season. Never has a prep RHP gone first-overall in the draft. Touki could change that.

5. Chicago Cubs — Michael Cederoth, RHP, San Diego State

He is 6‘-6“, 210 pounds and can touch 100 mph with his fastball. Shall I go on? He also adds a mid-80’s slider, as well as a mid-80’s change-up that is more of an out pitch. His command can be shaky at times as he is still learning how to be a pitcher instead of just running his overpowering fastball. Over 15 starts this year, he had a 4.25 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 109 K/48 BB over 95.1 innings. If he works on his command the way Jonathan Gray did this year, as well as refine his off-speed stuff, he could challenge Beede and Rodon for the top pick.

6. Toronto Blue Jays — Alex Jackson, C, Rancho Bernardo HS (CA)

The 6’-2”, 210 pound right-hander will be one of the top power hitters in the 2014 MLB draft. Over 35 games as a junior, he hit .343 with 14 home runs and drew 29 walks for a .479 OBP/.806 SLG. Aside from the power potential, he also has a plus arm and is very athletic, making many believe he will stick at the premium position. Like Clint Frazier this year, Jackson may be the most talked about prep player next season. Committed to Oregon.

7. Kansas City Royals — Nicholas Gordon, SS/RHP, Olympia HS (FL)

The son of  Tom “Flash” Gordon, Nick also can sling it on the mound (92 mph) but may have a brighter future at shortstop, where his strong arm, range and instincts will make him one of the better defensive shortstops in the 2014 MLB draft. Offensively, he hits from the left side and projects to a top-of-the-order hitter with speed and a very good approach at the plate. Over 30 games as a junior, he hit .505 with 15 doubles, six triples, and stole 12 bases. Committed to Florida State.

8. Los Angeles Dodgers — Sean Newcomb, LHP, Hartford

The 6’-5”, 240 pound southpaw was among the leaders in K/9 with a 11.5 mark this season thanks to a fastball that can touch 95 mph. Over 13 starts, he had a 3.75 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 92 K/37 BB over 72 innings while holding hitters to a .213 batting average. With increased improvement on his command, as well as secondary stuff, he should be a big name to watch next year.

9. Los Angeles Angels — Jacob Gatewood, OF, Clovis HS (CA)

At 6’-4” and 200 pounds, the right-hander generates a ton of power due to his excellent bat speed and he also has a canon arm that has been clocked in the low/mid-90s. He plays shortstop now, but with his size, a move to the hot corner seems likely and his arm and bat would more than play well there. Not fast, he is a very good athlete and there is still a good amount of projection left. Committed to USC.

10. Seattle Mariners — Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina

The 6’-4”, 190 pound right-hander is a workhorse who could have a Jonathan Gray-like rise next season with continued development on his curveball and change-up, both of which are solid offering right now. His fastball is a plus pitch already and touches 97 mph. Over 15 starts this season, he had a 3.20 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 84 K/39 BB over 109.2 innings. His 7.3 innings-per-start show the kind of stamina he has and he maintains velocity deep in games.

Jack Flaherty is one of the better power bats in the 2014 MLB draft.
Jack Flaherty is one of the better power bats in the 2014 MLB draft.

11. Chicago White Sox — Jack Flaherty, 3B/RHP, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA)

Like Gatewood, Flaherty is a 6’-4”, 200 pound right-hander with massive power potential. The ball jumps off his bat and his plus bat speed suggests he should hit for a high average, as well. He doesn’t have quite the arm of Gatewood but he should be able to stick at third due to his range and instincts. He has decent speed but isn’t a guy who is going to steal many bases. Playing for a National powerhouse, he will get plenty of attention next year. Committed to North Carolina.

12. San Diego Padres — Kel Johnson, OF, Home School (GA)

A 6’-4”, 210 pound right-hander who has been a fixture on Perfect Game tournaments, Johnson is home schooled by his parents and plays for the East Cobb Braves — one of the premiere youth baseball operations in the country. Power would be his best tool right now as he generates a ton of it with his string wrists and bat speed. A player who you come to watch hit batting practice. Committed to Georgia Tech.

13. Minnesota Twins — Luke Weaver, RHP, Florida State

A 6’-2”, 180 pound right-hander, Weaver has enjoyed an outstanding season for the Seminoles this year. Over 15 starts, he has a 2.29 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 119 K/19 BB over 98.1 innings. His 10.9 K/9 and 6.3 K/BB ratios show the kind of power/command pitcher he is. His fastball sits in the low/mid-90s and he adds a change-up that shows plus potential. There is still room for projection and added velocity as he fills out.

14. Philadelphia Phillies — Braxton Davidson, OF, T C Roberson HS (NC)

The 6’-3”, 215 pound left-hander will be one of the best prep bats in the 2014 MLB draft due to his bat speed, advanced approach at the plate and raw power. He shows good pitch recognition and his strong wrists allow him to wait on any pitch. Over 31 games as a junior, he hit .403 with seven doubles, eight home runs, and drew 30 walks for a .600 OBP/.831 SLG. His strong arm would play well in a corner outfield spot.

15. Washington Nationals — Justin Smith, OF, Bartram Trail HS (FL)
The 6’-2”, 200 pound right-hander has all five tools, including a canon arm in the outfield (92 mph) and plus speed (6.69/60). He is still considered raw in some areas but his excellent bat speed, along with his frame, make for a huge upside. Many are expecting a huge senior season.

[Baseball is Life]

This thread is for losers. Anyone with any sense of pride would stay away from this loser talk.

[sportsfan882]

Why is it loser talk? Don't you want the team to get better? A top 10 pick would be pretty big for the franchise, especially after not having one in this past draft.

We shouldn't be in this position but here we are, it's August tomorrow and there is nothing left to play for except draft position.

[varoadking]

This thread is for losers. Anyone with any sense of pride would stay away from this loser talk.

Lets see...we have to pick someone...why is it loser talk to figure out who the best player may be?  Rizzo is supposed to do that 24/7/365.

[welch]

Slow down, folks. More than a few people on this board lived through the 2007-2010 Nats, and only the 1955 - 1958 Nats compare. Who would want anything like that?

Just win the next game.

...and who cares about "tools"? I watched young Daryl Strawberry be "young Daryl" until he was about 30, and everybody said, every year, wow, the kid has the speed tool, a plus-plus arm, the "hitting" tool, both an elegant swing and power. If I've forgotten a tool, mentally add it because Strawberry had them all. Strawberry was a talented lousy baseball player.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Well, sometimes a team with a lot of talent that happens to have an off year and dip into the top 10 can do well with that pick.  You don't lose a 1st rounder if you sign a free agent with a qualifying offer, you get very good talent with the pick, and you get a bigger bonus pool.  The Red Sox used it to their advantage this year and got a very highly regarded high school pitcher who is already the #95 prospect per MLB.com.

It's over the top to call this the race for the top pick, but draft position is a legit

[TigerFan]

It is loser talk to talk about getting the #1 pick.  It is smart and fun to look at where the Nats are currently slotted and project who they might be able to draft. 

[sportsfan882]

You weren't here back in the day. We used to have these threads every season to track our progress as we tried to get in position for Stras/Harper/etc.

No, we aren't getting the first pick but the idea is the same. I agree it is really embarrassing that it has come to this but it is the truth.

[TigerFan]

You weren't here back in the day. We used to have these threads every season to track our progress as we tried to get in position for Stras/Harper/etc.

No, we aren't getting the first pick but the idea is the same. I agree it is really embarrassing that it has come to this but it is the truth.

Back in the day they were legit contenders for the #1 pick.  This thread should be titled Where will the Nats draft or something.  Labeling it race for #1 is a condescending douchey thing to label it.  IMO

[Smithian]

Back in the day they were legit contenders for the #1 pick.  This thread should be titled Where will the Nats draft or something.  Labeling it race for #1 is a condescending douchey thing to label it.  IMO

You're a good poster.

[TigerFan]

You're a good poster.

 

[Baseball is Life]

This thread should be titled Where will the Nats draft or something.  Labeling it race for #1 is a condescending douchey thing to label it.  IMO

This. I couldn't put my finger on it but now I know why this thread gets under my skin. It's trolling of the highest magnitude and I fell for it.

[aspenbubba]

I have been wondering about the future of the Nats. Not next year necessarily but the years to follow. I look at JZimm and my gut feeling is that he walks. I can see Stras and Harper exiting because they want the big bucks and the  accoutrements that come with it. Werth came here for the money and to change the culture. Something happened during the off season besides the failure of the new acquisitions. We need to right this ship and guarantee our core players remain and we start winning. Right now we are in a death spiral. Maybe we need to re -sign some players like we did with RZ.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Changed the title to make it less troll-like

[Minty Fresh]

Back in the day they were legit contenders for the #1 pick.  This thread should be titled Where will the Nats draft or something.  Labeling it race for #1 is a condescending douchey thing to label it.  IMO

But the tripe churned out be the shiners isn't "condescendingly douchey?"