Just putting this out there.... <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>BA has everything you need to get ready for the draft. Get one FREE month of access to BA's Premium Content. <a href="http://t.co/vGgSIMecUg" title="http://tinyurl.com/cb78zdq">tinyurl.com/cb78zdq</a></p>— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/BaseballAmerica/status/336879640721383424">May 21, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Sean Manaea was pulled from his start today due to injury. His draft status might be in free fall due to performance, ankle and hip issues, and signing demands. I wonder if there is a possibly he falls to #40.
Looking at the standings today, its clear two teams are separating themselves from the rest in terms of competing for the 2014 #1 draft pick. Astros 13-33 Marlins 13-33 NY Mets 17-26 LA Angels 18-27 Toronto 18-27 3 tied at 18-26 I know this is news to anyone, just condensing the facts. As I see it, the Marlins have the better pitching staff while the Astros have the better hitting staff. If history plays out as it normally does, better pitching usually trumps better hitting, so id say the Astros have the edge in this regard. But the Astros have more minor league call-ups capable of making an impact during the remainder of the season I think. Figures to be a close race. Lots can change. We have only played 28% of the season. I suppose if trends continue, we should start thinking about who the Marlins are likely to take 1-1 should they end up there.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Astros won't make final decision for 1.1 until scouts, front office convene in Houston. Very close between Gray, Appel right now.</p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronAstros) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronAstros/status/337298058335358976">May 22, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>If <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Astros">#Astros</a> decide neither Gray nor Appel are worth 1.1 asking money, will likely go with Bryant or Frazier. Gray/Appel main choices, though.</p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronAstros) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronAstros/status/337298245808189440">May 22, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
What.... <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Working on Mock Draft likely up on Monday. Big development since the last one is real momentum to UNC 3B Colin Moran going #1 overall to HOU</p>— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) <a href="https://twitter.com/kileymcd/status/337296870990831617">May 22, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Moneyball, for the win! Advanced stats + $$$ savings! Don't wonder if I'm being sarcastic or not. At this point, I can't even tell.
Kiley McDaniel ?@kileymcd 15m Doesn't sound like Appel/Gray are open to giving a big discount, so Moran looks like the target if HOU decides to replicate 2012 strategy. Kiley McDaniel ?@kileymcd 11m Keeps coming up. Great #'s too MT @AmosPosner Correa was one of 2012's youngest HS players. This year Moran is one of the youngest in NCAA. Kiley McDaniel ?@kileymcd 5m Yes. Yes. RT @teen_archer would they really pass on Bryant? is he a Boras guy as well? Kiley McDaniel ?@kileymcd 4m Not likely but its news with lack of buzz about HOU's preference on Appel/Gray MT @MattTrueblood What are the odds that actually happens?
Brian T. Smith (@ChronAstros): Nine days before #MLB amateur draft, #Houston #Astros still have six players on board for 1.1: Appel, Gray, Bryant, Moran, Frazier, Meadows.
Astros County (@AstrosCounty): According to Twins Daily: Appel, Bryant, Meadows and Moran are all advised by Boras http://t.co/DSMFmSBcXS
It looks like Colin Moran is projected much lower than Correa was though. For example I've seen him projected at #9 from Callis - http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/jim-callis-mock-draft-1-0/. Correa signed for around 4.5 million, and slot for Moran at #9 would be $3 million. So imo we would be overpaying if we gave him Correa money. http://ht.ly/k7AbT
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Worth watching: Gray's side has ties to <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Astros">#Astros</a>, open to negotiating. Could allow Astros to get 1.1 RHP, not overpay/be tied down.</p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronAstros) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronAstros/status/337299824418373632">May 22, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
A question from today's chat with Jim Callis: Stros Fan (Houston): If you are the Astros, and you had the option to sign Gray at the 2nd pick slot money or Bryant at the 3rd pick slot money, who would you go with and why? Jim Callis: I’d take Gray because frontline pitching is so hard to find.
Sweet, that was my question! Although, for the sake of full disclosure, I did take the idea from No Worries in the other thread. I think it's a very interesting cost/benefit analysis Luhnow and co. has to do. I think their main target might have been Gray all along, but they are doing a great job of increasing their leverage by making it well known that they would be very happy with either of the 6 "finalists," and therefore increasing the discount that Gray signs for. That's just my complete guess anyway, I'd love to hear these discussions in the front office.
Colin Moran has a great eye on the plate and he is projected to hit for a high average in the majors... If he bulks up he can hit for more power which can make him an intrigue pick... I think this is more about leverage though as I think Bryant is up there as well... Boras factor is very big for the Astros...
Does the Boras factor even matter anymore? We have a completely overhauled front office and new ownership since the Beltran fiasco.
