Brains! 2061.4: Rest of the Draft

[aaronweiner]

With the rest of the draft, Jacksonville addressed their organizational depth, especially at outfield, highlighted by the addition of outfielder Pablo Mathis, who could easily have been the team's first round pick had they selected their own. Mathis is the keystone in that effort. Just 17 years old, Mathis already has good defensive skills and major league power, making him potentially an outfield starter at either corner or a superb fourth outfielder.

"Mathis could easily be a starter for us down the line," Weiner said. "Right now we're nicknaming him 'Black Hole' because he has more holes in his swing than swiss cheese, and he knows it, but when he makes contact the ball flies."

The team next drafted 1B Juan Palmer, who could compete for the first base job next year in an open competition if the Zombies do not sign a veteran. Palmer had a very tough junior year of college, but Jacksonville thinks they can turn him around.

"Juan's good at a lot of things, and we've elevated him pretty far, pretty fast," Weiner said. "We'll see if he can handle the pressure; he's a lottery ticket for us."

The Zombies next grabbed Alfredo Rodriguez, whose righty power bat is well regarded by scouts. Rodriguez was quickly sent to low-A Paraiso, as he was considered too advanced for Rookie League.

"Alfredo's a very fine young man, and he's just good at everything at the plate," Weiner said. "We're going to give him every chance to succeed in the minor leagues."

Jacksonville also selected outfielders Gabriel Fernandez and Jesus Whiting with their next two picks, two potential two-way outfielders. Fernandez projects as a platoon or fourth or fifth outfielder, while Whiting could be a potential low-end starter.

"Along with our investment in IFA this year, we wanted to make sure that we had an outfield of the future," Weiner said. "This draft should go a long way towards helping that goal."

[ae37jr]

I like Mathis and Fernandez. Once you switch their positions from CF to corner, I think their potential will bump 5 points automatically. Even though Mathis is a decent defender, I'd run him through the d-lab once or twice. I think he is already close to 8 range. If he could somehow get to 8/6/7, he is a bonafide all star... assuming he develops correctly.

[aaronweiner]

I like Mathis and Fernandez. Once you switch their positions from CF to corner, I think their potential will bump 5 points automatically. Even though Mathis is a decent defender, I'd run him through the d-lab once or twice. I think he is already close to 8 range. If he could somehow get to 8/6/7, he is a bonafide all star... assuming he develops correctly.

I have rationalized to wait a bit to do this and wait to see what natural development looks like a little first, then push later with players this young. But it'll happen.

[Trebro]

I clearly liked the Rodriguez pick.