That pitch count was for all the marbles. Worth it if you ask me. Once in a lifetime opportunity. But definitely against convention.
Not sure if he's eligible this year, but Chase Shores, LSU (he closed it out last night), has a ridiculous arm.
He's like 6'7", long and lean, bit of a funky ("gimmick" if you will, hat tip to Snake) delivery that hides the ball...and he's blasting 100mph with regularity He was the 3rd/4th most fun pitcher I saw in the CWS
If an organization doesn’t have a strong preference - then I think you go up the middle in the first round… however, the reality is a lot of teams go up the middle in round one, and some pretty good players are over looked. If the scouting department and GM like someone more that isn’t up the middle more, then they should take them. I don’t care if they are at first, LF or even a future DH. If the staff is confident he will hit big league pitching well, you draft them… it’s why the Astros were able to get someone like Yordan Alvarez and Lance Berkman in the past, and why someone like Cam Smith didn’t go top 10. If they are special with the bat, you make it work.
I have made the argument on more than one occasion that I would never be in favor of drafting a first baseman or a left fielder. I still would have a hard time coming up with a circumstance that would justify doing so. Drafting a center fielder who does not work out leaves you with the option of moving him to a corner. A short stop can always be moved to second or third. A catcher can usually also play at first base, and a starting pitcher can always always move down in the rotation or take one of many relief positions. A player drafted as a first baseman, left fielder or DH who does not make it is a wasted pick. No exceptions.
I don't see how you can never be in favor of drafting a first baseman or LF or DH. I get that the margin for error is small, but if the bat is legitimate - then they are going to find a place to play.
