No need to play games with the top pick. Get him in and get him to work. If we were trying to squeeze out some money for a top talent, then maybe you play a little hard ball, but Tuck isn't that. The Astros had to know he was gonna want over slot when they picked him. So whether you agree with him getting over slot money, the Astros likely factored that in when they selected him.
Probably expected <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Forrest Whitley will start in Gulf Coast League. Hasn't pitched since state semifinal June 9. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a> expect him to pitch this summer.</p>— Angel Verdejo Jr. (@ahverdejo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ahverdejo/status/745665641433038848">June 22, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
They can go over by 10% without penalty, right? They should be fine, but Highly doubtful they have any money left for anyone else to go much over slot, which probably means no LaRue, Vines, Tuck, or Slaughter, and maybe jeopardizes Howard. Still, I predict they finish with Buffett, Howard, Britton, Handley, and Vandermeer and call it a day. Really wanted them to get LaRue and Tuck, but all in all a fine draft for picking 18th.
Why? Brady Aiken... I know, different scenarios. But I don't think you can fault an Astros fan for being nervous about his team singing a 1st round HS pitcher after that mess. Just the other day Luhnow said he was "cautiously optimistic," which doesn't exactly reassure me lol. Glad to have him on board!
Supposedly the Astros really wanted him and agreed to pay him over slot prior to the draft. There was a real worry that he wouldn't fall to the Astros, but he let it be known that he wasn't signing unless he got a certain amount of money. Hopefully it works out, the Astros scouting department is very good.
Forrest Whitley was rank #12 on MLB. Plus, he was improving rapidly. Has three plus pitches and a chance for a 4th. FB is around 94-97 with probably adding a little bit more velocity. His stuff is not only explosive and fast, but unlike Ken Giles, his stuff moves like a dart at a high velocity. Excellent pick up to their farm system.
But who? I'm not talking **** or anything, I am genuinely curious. Who saw him in person, why should I listen to that guy, etc....
According to Baseball America's draft database, Stijn van der Meer (34) has signed. Chad Donato (11) and Carmen Benedetti (12) both signed for $100,000. Post #66 has been updated.
Our College Series draftees are now free to sign ... Round 7, Pick 217: Tyler Buffett, RHP, Oklahoma State (JR) Round 17, Pick 517: Brian Howard, RHP, Texas Christian (JR) Round 28, Pick 847: Johnny Ruiz, 2B, Miami (JR) Round 29, Pick 877: Elliott Barzilli, 3B, Texas Christian (JR)
