Jun 3, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; General view of Minute Maid Park before a game between the Houston Astros and the Baltimore Orioles. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
On Monday June 8, 2015, the Houston Astros draft 2015 edition will begin. The 2014 Astros draft, at least the first round, was disappointing as the Astros failed to come to terms with Brady Aiken. The good news is that because of that, the Astros have two picks in the first round this year. They get the second-overall pick due to the Aiken situation, and they receive the fifth-overall pick from having the fourth-worst record. The Astros are in a different position than the past three years because they don’t have the first-overall pick.
First guess would lead you to believe that the Astros would pick a pitcher with the second pick because they lost out on Aiken. However, with the success of Lance McCullers Jr along with the quantity of top pitching prospects in the Astros minor leagues, they may not see pitching as pressing. I could be wrong because Jeff Luhnow has been pretty unpredictable in his time with the Astros.
It might be better that Luhnow doesn’t have to pick first because he does not have to zero in on one draft prospect but has to look at least the top-20. He would have to do his homework prior to the draft, and might be able to pick out the
Jeff Luhnow also needs to know what the plan is prior to the draft as to how aggressive they will be dealing pitching prospects at the trade deadline. Would the Astros trade Vincent Velasquez, Josh Hader, Mark Appel, Daniel Mengden, or Michael Feliz if they don’t draft a pitching prospect in the first round.
The writers at CTH (with help from Jim at Nolan Writin), have done our MLB Mock draft of the first five picks of the 2015 draft. Each writer was appointed a team to represent as GM, make their selection, and then write a justification. Ladies and gentlemen, the Arizona Diamondbacks are on the clock.
Next: Arizona Diamondbacks Select...With First Pick
Arizona Diamondbacks Select…With First Pick
Jun 3, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks manager
(3) questions the umpires call in the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
First Pick-Arizona Diamondbacks: GM is Dave Stewart
With the first pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, the Arizona Diamondbacks select Brendan Rodgers, a shortstop out of Lake Mary High School in Florida.
Ten years ago the Dbacks took Justin Upton, then a shortstop, straight out of high school and in Rodgers they have the opportunity to allow history to repeat itself.
Rodgers will offer the Diamondbacks a two-way shortstop who has real potential to stick at the position in the majors. He currently has good size at 6’1″ and 195 lbs and possesses a strong arm. Further, there is good indication that he will be able to hit at the top level with an above average power to go with an above average bat.
Of some concern is his relatively pedestrian statistics from high school. In his senior year, he hit .360, with a .457 OBP and a slugging percentage of .786. These were all down slightly from his .397/.488/.823 junior statistics.
His fielding percentage improved from his junior to senior season, which is encouraging given the slight drop in his offensive production. Scouting reports are confident that Rodgers will be able to produce in the pros and point to his summer performances against the best prep pitchers in the country.
What does the Arizona Diamondback’s Fansided site @VenomStrikes think of CTH’s pick?
“Brendan Rodgers and Dansby Swanson could be closely linked for the rest of their careers. I’m a huge believer in Rodgers ability, but I’m more of a fan of Swanson’s accomplishments. A National Champion and the Most Outstanding Player of the 2014 College World Series, Swanson has proved that he may be closer to the majors at this point. Of course, it helps that I can see Swanson with my own eyes as he’s currently looking to return to Omaha. Swanson is my guy.” – Guillermo Salcido.
Editors Note: I agree with Guillermo Salcido that the Diamondbacks will take Dansby Swanson over Brendan Rodgers, but each GM has their own ideas…Eric @Eric_CTH
Next: Houston Astros Select...With Second Pick
Houston Astros Select…With Second Pick
Jun 3, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; General view of Minute Maid Park before a game between the Houston Astros and the Baltimore Orioles. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Second Pick-Houston Astros: GM is Jeff Luhnow
With the second pick, the Houston Astros select Dansby Swanson (SS, Vanderbilt University)
The Astros have Jose Altuve currently at second base, and Carlos Correa days away from making his Houston debut, the Houston Astros are stocked at second base and shortstop for years to come. Why do they need to draft another shortstop?
, the second and shortstop positions in the minors are weakish. There other players out there, but none with the potential impact of Dansby Swanson or Brendan Rodgers. As I mentioned in the slide before, I think the Diamondbacks will go with the readiest option of Swanson, over the highly touted future star.
Why Swanson if he is available? He has played second base and shortstop in college, so his position flexibility would be great for the team that drafts him. He doesn’t hit for much clearing the fence power, but can hit the ball to the gaps and run. Plus Vanderbilt has been a feeder college to the Astros in recent years with Conrad Gregor and Tony Kemp. Let’s look at his stats below.
What is there to like about Swanson? First, his numbers remind me of what Jose Altuve can offer at the plate. He can hit the balls in the gap for extra base hits, can steal a base or two in a game, and can hit an occasional home run. Speed could be an asset if Correa or Swanson moves to third base and Altuve, George Springer, and Jake Marisnick are still Astros.
But should the Diamondbacks take Swanson instead, I can see Brendan Rodgers be able to fit the same mold as Swanson, just not as soon with more power.
Editor Note: This writer is a great math teacher…Eric @Eric_CTH
Next: Colorado Rockies Select...With Third Pick
Colorado Rockies Select…With Third Pick
Apr 6, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; General view of the Colorado Rockies logo before the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Third Pick-Colorado Rockies: GM is Jeff Bridich
With the 3rd overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, the Colorado Rockies select Dillon Tate (SP- UC Santa Barbara).
It is no secret the Rockies covet starting pitching, as they are last in baseball in ERA, WHIP, and third to last in walks allowed. Dillon Tate would be the ideal choice for the Rockies in this situation.
Having a 10-6 career college record and a 2.16 ERA, he seems to possibly be the future ace they desperately need. Tate also averages over 10k/9 IP in his college career. He is who the Rockies need in this situation.
What the Rockies Fansided site@RoxPileFSthink of our pick, I asked their editor and his response is below?
“I’d love to see the Colorado Rockies select Dillon Tate this week. The Rox have had good luck with power pitchers from NCAA Division I programs; Eddie Butler (Radford University) and Chad Bettis (Texas Tech) are both in the rotation right now, with Jon Gray (University of Oklahoma) knocking on the door, and Tyler Anderson (Oregon University) and Kyle Freeland (University of Evansville) coming quickly. Tate is another in that mold of strong arms, touching 98 mph with a power slider, and his college closing experience make him an intriguing option to start or relieve at the professional level.” – Bobby DeMuro.
Editors Note: I do agree with both writers, I think that Tate will be going to the Rockies…Eric @Eric_CTH
Next: Texas Rangers Select...With Fourth Pick
Texas Rangers Select…With Fourth Pick
Sep 5, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of the Texas Rangers logo before the game between the Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Fourth Pick-Texas Rangers: GM is Jon Daniels
With the fourth overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, the Texas Rangers select Alex Bregman (SS- LSU).
Alex Bregman would fill several holes for the Texas Rangers starting with providing a solid strong hitting middle infielder. Middle infielders for the Rangers have hit just .215 this year with seven home runs and have scored 44 runs in 53 games. In his junior season, Bregman has hit .318/.414/.548 with nine home runs and 55 runs scored in just 61 games.
While Bregman has hit third throughout the season, his ability to get on base would allow him to settle in first or second in the Texas lineup, another spot where the Rangers has struggled. Rangers batting second this season have hit .213/.313/.299 so far this season and have tried seven different players in this slot.
Defensively, it is unknown whether Bregman will play shortstop or second, but his defense should allow him to step into whichever position presents a greater need. With the struggles to find a second baseman and the need for a solid hitter in the lineup, the Rangers could push Bregman through the system quickly.
Editors Note: It’s very unusual that three shortstops would go in the first five picks, but all these shortstops have great futures. The Rangers have had bad luck with injuries at shortstop, and Bregman could work his way up quickly…Eric @Eric_CTH
Next: Houston Astros Select...With Fifth Pick
Houston Astros Select…With Fifth Pick
May 2, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow waves to the crowd before a game against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Fifth Pick-Houston Astros: GM is Jeff Luhnow
With the fifth pick, the Houston Astros select Kyle Tucker (Of, Plant HS (Fla.))
Wow, the Astros better hope that they do get Swanson. Otherwise, they will have drafted two high school prospects in the first round. But then again, the Astros have the prospects who could help immediately in place, so Jeff Luhnow has the option of drafting the best player available versus the player they need the quickest.
, and Tony Kemp who might be forced to the outfield with Jose Altuve’s presence at second base. So I could see them going Carson Fulmer with this pick, but I’m going to stick with my gut feeling that it will be Tucker.
The Astros currently has a scout that knows Kyle Tucker very well; that’s his older brother Preston Tucker, who is the Astros’ leftfielder. Scouts say that Kyle is way better than Preston, who is pretty good at his own right. The Astros might keep it in the family and draft Kyle Tucker.
Tucker is currently ranked by Baseball-America as the second-best high school hitting prospect for the 2015 draft, behind Brendan Rodgers. Tucker is a better-ranked prospect than his brother was when he was drafted and has one of the purest swings in this year’s draft class. Preston was not drafted out of high school and told me in an interview that he wasn’t ready out of high school. The experts don’t think the same thing about Kyle because he is a more all-around player than his older brother when he was drafted.
Kyle Tucker has a tall and thin frame right now, but the experts believe he can fill out a little with more muscle. When he adds some muscle to him, he should be able to hit a for above-average batting average and gap power. The Astros will probably be choosing between Tucker and Daz Cameron with this pick, but most likely will go with Tucker because of his upside in the power department. (Picture Tucker as a Richie Sexton)
Jul 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) signs autographs for fans before a game against the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
I asked some fans via Twitter to use a Google form to do their own mock draft of the first five picks of the draft.
The fans agree with the Fansided website @VenomStrikes that the Arizona Diamondbacks should select Dansby Swanson with the first overall pick. The Diamondback organization is struggling to find the right pieces to put around star Paul Goldschmidt, so they need someone who could help sooner. Carson Fulmer and Tyler Jay also received votes.
Second Overall Pick by Fans
The fans agree with me that the Astros will end up taking Rodgers with the second overall pick, even though it was closer than the first pick. Take note how many LSU fans live in the Houston area, so Alex Bregman was able to receive some votes by 24% of the fans. Only 20% felt like Dansby Swanson will become an Astro player.
Third Overall Pick by Fans
The third pick by far has been the hardest to decide who goes to the Rockies. While Dillion Tate has 28% of the vote, Alex Bregman and Brendan Rodgers are still hanging around stealing votes. I think the Rockies do take Dillion Tate, because they need to keep trying to find someone to pitch at that ballpark.
Fourth Overall Pick by Fans
The fourth pick by the fans is a big surprise, as none of the writers had Daz Cameron going in the first five picks. It could be the bloodlines at work there, but Nolan Writtin’s choice Bregman did receive 24% of the vote.
Fifth Overall Pick by Fans
The fans did select Kyle Tucker for the Houston Astros. Will his brother Preston Tucker be around when Kyle makes his big league debut?
Based on the fan’s results, the Astros will draft two high school prospects in Brendan Rodgers and Kyle Tucker. This would be a bold move by the Houston Astros because these players will take longer to develop than a proven college player. However, the Astros are in the position of not needing a quick fix, but instead drafting a player that could have the most impact in the future.
The 2015 MLB Draft is at 6:00 Pm (CST) on Monday June 8th, 2015 on MLB Network.
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