62 And The Notable Names

Wow, well that went … pretty much to plan. Right?

Okay we didn’t expect to wake up (good morning Maqman) and find Danny Hultzen as the newest (kind of) member of the Seattle Mariner organization. But it happened.

What really worked in the Mariners favor is what followed in the supplemental round. A lot of “off-the-board” picks, which in turn dropped quiet a few interesting batters and even a few pitchers.

Real quick reminder that we will have Day 2 draft chat starting with the second round at 12/11 CST.

But before then let’s take a look at some of the names that remain.

The most recognizable name is that of Josh Bell. The outfielder from Texas who is on his way to play for the University of Texas. For those unfamiliar with his situation he sent a letter to the scouting bureau asking not to be drafted. There are a few people that think that it was posturing while others believe it to be sincere. While I’m not sure either way his bat is very real.

A comparable talent to that of Josh Sale of last year. I think there are plenty of people that would be thrilled with this pick but I really am not sure he signs. I hold tight to the thought that he is this years Austin Wilson and I would avoid him.

The next name on our list is perhaps familiar because of how many times he was on mock draft boards. Andrew Susac named by many to be the best collegian catching talent available in this years draft has fallen down draft boards. I’m searched to find out why but I have yet to figure it out. The only thing I can come up with is maybe they were worried about the hamate bone in his left hand that he broke earlier this season. While he has since recovered (in only 5 weeks!) there are teams that are still nervous and with Susac being a sophmore he could choose to return to school and regain some of his value.

I said that there weren’t very many catchers that I would draft here at 62. Susac is without a doubt the one I wouldn’t mind using the 62 pick on. He has a tremendous hit tool and his bat plays for power. Not only that he has a canon for an arm and works very well with a pitching staff from all accounts. The only worries at this point would be his overall recieve skills which from what I’ve been told need work.

Daniel Norris is another high profile name that you may or may not be familar with. His huge bonus demand (in excess of 2 million dollars) have dropped him significantly. I wouldn’t be surprised to see another team snag him in the second round. I think it was John Hart that compared his situation similarly to Stetson Allie, whom you may or may not remember I was and still am extremely found of.

His 90+ mph heater, polish and off speed pitches made him the best left handed prep school pitcher in this draft. Though a few have gone in front of him, there are none that have the talent. You couldn’t make a case for Henry Owens, but I still like Norris best. He would be someone to take a long look at with the 62 pick.

Lastly, Matt Purke, many of whom thought the Mariners might lean towards with the 2nd overall pick back in February. Funny how a few months and some health issues change things. Purke throws in the mid-90s with his fastball and features a dazzling slider and change-up. He would be an interesting tab at this point and I’m pretty content to let him continue to drop. There are serious health concerns still and he is a sophomore so he most likely will head back to school to attempt to recover some of that value.

A few other bats of note:

Jason Esposito, 3B – Vanderbilt

Nick Delmonico, 3B – High School

Charles Tilson, OF – High School

Roman Quinn, OF – High School

Williams Jerez, OF – High School

Billy Flamion, OF – High School