Only two prep pitchers have ever been picked number 1 overall in draft history. Rizzo is known to be a bigger fan of the known quantity(i.e. college players). So yeah I realize the chances of us taking Taillon number one overall are not the highest in the world but it definitely is possible.
Before it became public that we were making a bid on Chapman everyone thought it would never happen. So someone in this FO with a lot of say odviously thinks we need some more high quality arms in the system. Thats exactly what Taillon is. Our new Assistant GM Roy Clark is known for taking prep talent with first round picks.
Scouting Director: Roy Clark (Drafts run: 2000-2006)
Best Player Produced: Brian McCann (2nd round, 2000)
Best Prospect in Minors (sort of): Jarrod Saltalamacchia (1st round, 2004)
Notable Steals: Adam LaRoche (29th round, 2000), Chuck James (20th round, 2002), Brandon Jones (24th round, 2003)
Five-Round Strategy: 53 total picks: 18.9% college, 71.7% high school, 7.5% junior college, 3.8% Latin.
Strategy in a Nutshell: John Schuerholz is a General Manager that demands much from his scouting director, since he needs prospects for trade as well as to stock the Braves. Clark has had a good run at the helm in Atlanta, taking high-risk, high-reward talents on an annual basis. Of his 15 first-round picks in seven drafts, 13 have been prep players...
So if Taillon is able to light it up this seaon and Harpers demands are too high I could definietly see us taking Taillon number 1 overall. Ranuando is having trouble with his elbow and his cieling is not high enough for the number 1 pick. None of the College Hitters are worthy either. There are a couple other college pitchers n consideration too but at this point I'd say these two are the main guys.
