2016 draft watch

[BrandonK]

Oof, another Mendoza line SS, eh?

[DPMOmaha]

Is Ryan Boldt showing up on mock drafts anywhere?

[zimm_da_kid]

Is Ryan Boldt showing up on mock drafts anywhere?

he'll go in the to 3 rounds

[zimm_da_kid]

Latest mlb.com mock:

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/177741112/kyle-lewis-at-no-1-in-latest-mlb-mock-draft?topicid=151437456

[houston-nat]

So that's two mock drafts that have us attached to HS 3B Drew Mendoza. And we've also been attached to HS LHP Jesus Luzardo, HS OF Alex Kirilloff (though MLB has him going at #16 while BA has him falling to us), and HS RHP Reggie Lawson.

I can't remember a time when the Rizzo administration went all-in on high school players before. This year could be really different.

[zimm_da_kid]

So that's two mock drafts that have us attached to HS 3B Drew Mendoza. And we've also been attached to HS LHP Jesus Luzardo, HS OF Alex Kirilloff (though MLB has him going at #16 while BA has him falling to us), and HS RHP Reggie Lawson.

I can't remember a time when the Rizzo administration went all-in on high school players before. This year could be really different.

Ive also seen some reports that we've been watching manning closely.

Kirillof and manning will likely be gone before we pick.  Luzardo might be available with our second round pick.  Mendoza will likely go around our 1st round range and I'm a fan

[BrandonK]

Top 151 prospects from Sickels some guy at MiLBall! http://www.minorleagueball.com/2016/5/16/11680682/2016-mlb-draft-top-151-prospects

[imref]

There's a local kid from Battlefield HS in Haymarket named Jake Agnos that has been downright dominating as a LH stater, his first start this year he struck out  17 in a no-hitter.  His fastball sits in the low-90's.  Last year he struck out 21 in a playoff game (and a total of 48 in 21 playoff innings).  He's committed to ECU, but he'll probably be a late round pick for someone.  It would be nice to see the Nats draft him.

Here's a profile of him and other local prospects:
http://www.nationalsarmrace.com/?p=10877

[BrandonK]

Mendoza here too: http://m.mlb.com/news/article/179142756/aj-puk-at-no-1-in-latest-mlb-mock-draft?topicid=167757330

[houston-nat]

Mendoza here too: http://m.mlb.com/news/article/179142756/aj-puk-at-no-1-in-latest-mlb-mock-draft?topicid=167757330

Let's steal that content!:

"Mendoza is the most unsignable first-round talent and it may take at least $3 million to divert him from his commitment to Florida State. He's a gifted hitter, however, and Washington has a track record of paying Boras Corp advisees."

Also in the mix: Kent State LHP Eric Lauer. "Lauer is a lefty who throws quality strikes with four different pitches and he leads NCAA Division I starting pitchers with a 0.76 ERA, making him a nice value at No. 29."

[BrandonK]

Bob Boone and Johnny DiPuglia are the team reps for the draft this year. http://m.mlb.com/news/article/179595994/baseball-luminaries-will-be-at-2016-mlb-draft?topicid=167757330

[BrandonK]

Latest BA mock. Robert Tyler, rhp, and Braxton Garrett, lhp
Read more at http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/mock-draft-4-0/#aCoaIbmWoBHmVDfH.99

[BrandonK]

Garrett's interesting. Sounds like he could go top-5 or slide out the first due to the $$$$

[tomterp]

"Mendoza is the most unsignable first-round talent and it may take at least $3 million to divert him from his commitment to Florida State. He's a gifted hitter, however, and Washington has a track record of paying Boras Corp advisees."

How much flexibility do they have to overpay for the given slot?  Hardly any, right?

[BrandonK]

How much flexibility do they have to overpay for the given slot?  Hardly any, right?

Can always go cheap with the other picks. Having 2 first rounders helps the bonus pool.

[Smithian]

Last couple drafts and international periods it's seemed we've loaded up on speed and defense up the middle. I hope the Nationals try on a couple power bats in this draft.

[BrandonK]

Last couple drafts and international periods it's seemed we've loaded up on speed and defense up the middle. I hope the Nationals try on a couple power bats in this draft.

I'm still a fan of taking the highest upside arm possible. If a power bat is on the board & highly rated, definitely grab one though.

[RD]

How much flexibility do they have to overpay for the given slot?  Hardly any, right?

There's maneuverability. 28 has a value of 2.065mill, and I think 29 has 2.035 mill. On the simplest terms for Mendoza, they could sign him for 3 mill and stroke a below slot deal at 29 for $1mill.  That's not how it'll happen, just saying that's one way. They'll shave some cash off a pick or two in the top 4 rounds, and maybe "punt" one or two picks in rounds 5-10, by taking a guy and giving him 5k or 10k.

With a pool somewhere around $7.5mill, we do have some flexibility to make things happen.

[RD]

By the sound of it, we're loading up on MI in this years international crop, so I don't think that's really a need in this drsft. Definitely like the idea of power arms and bats. I think we could use some more left handed pitching in the system, but bats are always a great add as well.

If I had one pick, I guess I'd hope Manning falls. Really can't see it happening though.

[zimm_da_kid]

I want a pitcher and a power hitter with or top two picks.  For pitchers, Kyle Muller and Joey Wentz are projectable 6'5" high school lefties who should be available in our pick range.  I'm also endnotes with Wil Benson who gets Heyward comps.  Jesus Luzardo could be a good 2nd round pick if he's available there after his recent tommy john

[houston-nat]

A freshman pitcher at Vanderbilt just drowned

[houston-nat]

A freshman pitcher at Vanderbilt just drowned

Apparently he had a 1.50 ERA and was scheduled to start the first game in the regionals. They might postpone the game.

[BrandonK]

Apparently he had a 1.50 ERA and was scheduled to start the first game in the regionals. They might postpone the game.

He was a first-round talent last year. #3 prep SP in the country. Damn shame, especially the way he died. Totally avoidable, but kids being kids. RIP

[DPMOmaha]

They're still planning to play tonight, it sounds like. Super sad. Terrible, awful thing for anyone to have to live with.

[BrandonK]

Another MLB.com mock: http://m.mlb.com/news/article/181759132/mlb-mock-draft-puk-senzel-lewis-are-top-3?topicid=167757330

28. Nationals: Drew Mendoza, 3B, Lake Minneola (Fla.) HS
Mendoza is going to be the toughest first-round talent to sign, as even $3 million might not be enough to divert him from Florida State. If any club makes a run at him, it could be Washington. Drew Mendoza is a doubles-type hitter who is more than agile enough to be a good defensive third baseman

29. Nationals: Bryan Reynolds, OF, Vanderbilt
There are some swing-and-miss concerns, but Reynolds is a switch-hitter with four average-or-better tools, a chance to play center field and the highest OPS (1.067) in the Southeastern Conference. He's not generating a ton of first-round buzz but belongs in here somewhere.