May 19, 2042
The 2042 Amateur Draft is a wrap, and the Nashville Bluebirds clearly prioritized pitching prospects with their early picks in particular. Let's take a quick look at the picks:
Round 1, 23rd Overall: Martin Roman, RHP, Gillette (COL)
Roman has been a starting pitcher throughout his amateur career, but profiles as a power reliever in the pros. With a 94-96 mph fastball and a potentially elite curveball he has two pitches that should be dominant. He also throws a changeup that isn't particularly effective. He'll keep the ball on the ground, and is off the charts in work ethic and intelligence. The Bluebirds assigned him to High Point (AA) as an advanced college pitcher, and he should move to the majors quickly. ETA: 2043 All-Star Break
Round 2, 61st Overall: Edward Griffin, RHP, Amoco (COL)
Griffin was drafted on the back of a strong four pitch arsenal. He can throw his cut fastball up to 96 mph, counter it with a good changeup, decent slider, and average splitter. He, like Roman, is a groundballer and can pitch deep into games. The Bluebirds will pitch him in a starting role as he works his way through the minor leagues, starting at Springdale (A). Nashville is looking for results from Griffin, as his stat line didn't match his talent in the amateur ranks. ETA: 2044
Round 3, 117th Overall: Jorge Avila, RHP, Mt. Fuji (HS)
The Bluebirds take a flier on a high school arm here. Avila, 18 years old, is a hard throwing (98 mph) righty who has a chance to stick as a starter. His fastball and forkball have a chance to be plus pitches, while his changeup should be good enough to keep him in a starting role. His fourth pitch, a slider, is not projected to develop much. ETA: 2045
Round 4, 156th Overall: Robinson Valdez, RHP, U.S. Air Force (COL)
Valdez has an electric right arm, with a great 96-98 mph fastball and a devastating slider. That's a two pitch mix that screams bullpen arm. The Bluebirds will monitor Valdez's development to potentially try to teach him a changeup, but for now he's been put on the fast track with an aggressive assignment to High Point (AA). While he's dominant against righties, he is far more susceptible to left-handed batters. This could make or break his career. ETA: 2043
The Rest:
- Nashville's fifth round pick, RHP Miguel "Crabby" Hernandez, is asking for a signing bonus exceeding $3,000,000. It's unlikely the Bluebirds will sign him, and he'll likely move on to college ball.
- The same holds true for sixth rounder Pedro Ordonez, another high school RHP. He is asking for $2,800,000 to sign and Nashville seems unwilling to meet that number.
- Seventh rounder Gerald Hough is a high school second baseman with a decent enough bat to be groomed as a future utility player. He's in Lynchburg (R) currently learning third base, and he'll also be taught shortstop, first base and left field along his minor league journey.
- Nashville liked left-handed hitting college catcher Alberto Fernandez as a sleeper pick and nabbed him in the eighth round. He's in Lynchburg and is off to a hot start there.
- 9th round LHP Juan Banuelos projects as a future LOOGY as his floor, potentially more with development to his movement.
- 10th round high school RHP Juma Leghzaoui, a native of Kenya, is just the kind of mid range prospect the Bluebirds like to stockpile. While his base potentials of 5/4/5 may not pop, he has a three pitch arsenal that is intriguing (7 fastball, 10 slider, 5 change).
