2034-09: Talons Draft Recap

[jiminyhopkins]

Let's take a look at the early round draft selections for Phoenix this year:

1. CF Weaver Ripley - As everyone knows, the Talons love big power, and this 18 year old centerfielder looks to be one of the more powerful bats in the Brewster before long. But he can also play defense. How does a 12 rated outfield arm sound? Add that up with good speed and advanced baserunning instincts, and you have a guy worthy of a top 5 selection.

2. CL Kenan Olatunji - Left handed power pitchers are a rare commodity. But its clear already that Olatunji has all the tools to become an elite closer. As a 6'7", 210lb teenager, he will have to maintain his conditioning to prevent weight issues, and he has already had a bout of shoulder inflammation since being drafted. Time will tell if this early second round pick would have been better spent elsewhere.

3. 1B Morgan Hollinger - Another big power bat, Hollinger looked to fit right in with organizational philosophy. Initial communications with his agent went well, but upon being selected, Hollinger presented impossible demands and the desire for a $2+ million signing bonus. After one offer, the 18 year old broke off talks and walked away.

4. SP Julio Cuevas - One really doesn't expect a lot from the 104th overall pick, but the Talons scouts look to have goofed here. Cuevas' changeup is not big league material, and having only two effective pitches relegates him to the bullpen. His future was thrown into even more doubt when the youngster suffered a torn UCL in late May.

5. SP Alejandro Lopez - Lopez looks to be a good value pick here. He does have the look of a big league starter, even if it is at the back of a rotation. He projects to have three good pitches, but his average control will limit his success in the majors. Still a lot of room to grow for this 17 year old righty.

And on an unfortunate note, Talons 7th round pick Tabito Kimura recently got the worst news imaginable for an aspiring baseball player. On June 1st he was informed that his rotator cuff is shredded beyond repair, and that he will never pitch again.

[udlb58]

Weaver Ripley, Domenic Wyatt 2.0

EDIT: and I really like Cuevas and Lopez. If you can get rosterable players in the 4th and 5th round, you had yourself a good draft.

[felipe]

These great drafts got me worried;

Louisville already has enough talent for three major league teams

Where am I gonna put all these guys?

Oh yeah, Phoenix has some cute picks here