Below is an analysis of the Boise Spuds selections in the 2039 BBA First-Year Player Draft. Scouting reports are compiled with information provided by industry sources, Baseball News Network writers, and observations by Will Bigby, lead baseball correspondent for Treasure Valley Sports.Round #1. Robin Cooper, LHP
Age: 18
Scouting grades: Slider: 8 | Sinker: 7 | Forkball: 6 | Stuff/Movement/Control: 5/10/5 | Overall: 65 |
Analysis: The 6'1, 165-pound lefty won't wow anyone with his velocity, but has an excellent heavy sinker that sits 89-91 and he commands well. Cooper also has a low-80s curveball with quality depth but can turn it into a hard slider with sharp break. He also demonstrates feel for a changeup with some tumble and a forkball that could develop into a plus-pitch. Cooper's biggest area of improvement will be working on building consistency in his release point which will help improve his ability to throw strikes consistently. Scouts feel that he has a clean arm action and he should be able to develop above average control. While a bit undersized for a pitcher, his skills and advanced make-up suggest he should mature into a future big leaguer.
BBA ETA: 2042
Round #2. Martin Román, RHP
Age: 18
Scouting grades: Curveball: 10 | Fastball: 8 | Changeup: 2 | Stuff/Movement/Control: 6/7/9 | Overall: 50 |
Analysis: Initially known for his hard work and mental make-up, the New Jersey-native has seen his physical skills take off as a member of the Samsung Lions. Román has above-average velocity (94-96 MPH) for a teenager, but his impeccable control and command of the strike zone is what impresses scouts the most (career 164 K to 24 BB). Moving forward, Román's 12-to-8 curveball will be his out pitch, both in generating swings and misses, as well as weak contact on the ground. Román has the look of a low-risk #3/#4 starter in the BBA.
BBA ETA: 2042
Round #3. Pat Alexander, C
Age: 18
Scouting grades: Contact: 5 | Power: 6 | Run: 8 | Arm: 7 | Field: 6 | Overall: 55
Analysis: Projected to go early in the 2nd round, Boise was thrilled to grab Alexander in the 3rd round. Alexander is a toolsy prospect that has shown an innate ability to impact the game in various ways. He has a short, strong swing and knows the strike zone well, with a natural ability to backspin the ball that leads to good power. Alexander has an aggressive approach but also shows a discerning eye, often fouling off tough pitches to prolong at-bats. Unlike most catchers, he has above-average wheels and a desire to contribute on the basepaths. Alexander's athleticism helps behind the plate and has plus catch-and-throw skills and has a bright future in the big leagues.
BBA ETA: 2041
Round #4. Dave Richards, 3B
Age: 18
Scouting grades: Contact: 7 | Power: 7 | Run: 6 | Arm: 9 | Field: 3 | Overall: 45
Analysis: Richards has been on teams' radars since being named an All-Star as a sophomore in 2037 after slugging .290/.346/.592. Richards high school career didn't take off from there but has matured into solid bat-first prospect at the hot corner. With a solid offensive profile, Richards doesn't have any glaring issues at the plate but will need to continue to improve defensively, as a move to the corner outfield could be in his future.
BBA ETA: 2043
Round #5. Jim Luby, 2B
Age: 18
Scouting grades: Contact: 5 | Power: 5 | Run: 11 | Arm: 5 | Field: 7 | Overall: 40
Analysis: While a bit undersized at 5'11 and 155 pounds, Luby stands out most for his speed, an easy plus-plus tool that can legitimately impact games. At the plate, Luby uses all fields well, and he owns decent knowledge of the strike zone. While he's not likely to be a home run threat, he could grow into his frame for more extra-base pop. The Dutchman has an excellent glove but will need to work on his footwork and range in the field. Luby's arm is average, so a move to shortstop is unlikely, but he's shown excellent make-up during his prep career to become a good fielder at second base.
BBA ETA: 2044
Round #6. Shannon Morrison, SS
Age: 18
Scouting grades: Contact: 4 | Power: 5 | Run: 9 | Arm: 12 | Field: 9 | Overall: 45
Analysis: Morrison, nicknamed "Buzz" for both his quickness as well as his electric arm that many scouts have raved over, is one of the younger players in the 2039 draft class. In the field, Morrison's quick first step and smooth actions give him plenty of range, and he has a plus-plus arm to make all of the necessary throws. His tools will allow him to play anywhere in the infield and serve as a utilityman if he doesn't hit enough to become an everyday player. He has excellent speed and an aggressive nature on the bases.
BBA ETA: 2044
Round #7. Francisco Acosta, RHP
Age: 21
Scouting grades: Curveball: 9 | Fastball: 8 | Changeup: 5 | Stuff/Movement/Control: 6/2/5 | Overall: 35 |
Analysis: The first college player selected by Boise in this year's draft, Acosta has seen his stock take off since moving from the starting rotation for the Zenith Zephyrs into the closer's role, where he leads the Mellon League in saves (17). Acosta's ability to locate his fastball and his power curveball has helped him succeed in shorter relief roles. He has a changeup, but it's well behind the other two as a viable weapon. Boise may give Acosta the chance to start during the Winter League but scouts believe in the bullpen is where his stuff plays up the most.
BBA ETA: 2041
Round #8. Júlio García, RHP
Age: 22
Scouting grades: Curveball: 10 | Fastball: 8 | Changeup: 9 | Stuff/Movement/Control: 7/1/4 | Overall: 25 |
Analysis: Most scouts didn't have García getting selected until the second-half of the draft, but Boise was enamored with the Venezuelan's advanced arsenal. Though he has three plus-pitches, look for the Spuds to convert García into a reliever due to his wiry frame and high-effort delivery. The organization believes he can be a valuable reliever for Boise as soon as next year.
BBA ETA: 2040
Round #9. John Warren, RHP
Age: 21
Scouting grades: Slider: 8 | Fastball: 7 | Splitter: 6 | Stuff/Movement/Control: 5/2/5 | Overall: 35 |
Analysis: Warren, no relation to Spuds closer Tom, has made headlines more for his off-the-field miscues than his playing achievements. Scouts have questioned Warren's make-up and personality after a social media spat between Warren and his teammates. While he is just 5'10, Warren still manages to get good downhill plane and induce ground balls. His fastball sits 92-94 MPH with the ability to reach back for more on occasion. Warren's slider can be a plus-pitch, with hard spin to it and his splitter gives him what should be a solid third option. Boise will hope they can nuture Warren into a back-end starter with the knowledge that his fastball-slider might play up out of the bullpen as a solid backup plan.
BBA ETA: 2041
Round #10. Keith Watkins, C
Age: 21
Scouting grades: Contact: 4 | Power: 5 | Run: 1 | Arm: 6 | Field: 9 | Overall: 40 |
Analysis: Watkins is the complete package defensively and he's been twice named college baseball top defensive catcher. From a physical standpoint, he receives and blocks extremely well, using his 6'4", 200 pound frame, and gets the most out of his strong arm (thrown out over 50% of runners in his four-year college career) by using a quick release and making accurate throws. He also draws praise for his ability to call a game, run a pitching staff and not let his offensive struggles affect his work behind the plate. Watkins certainly looks more like a defensive-minded backup than a regular in the big leagues, however he can hit the ball into the gaps but doesn't offer much in the way of walks or speed.
BBA ETA: 2042
Round #11. Marcus Hodgson, OF
Age: 22
Scouting grades: Contact: 4 | Power: 4 | Run: 3 | Arm: 11 | Field: 6 | Overall: 25 |
Analysis: After the 2039 Draft, Boise general manager Joe Lederer spoke highly of Hodgson, calling him a "diamond in the rough." Scouts have never labeled any of Hodgson's skills as remotely better than average, yet Hodgson has had a excellent college career (.291/.404/.510), twice named to the all-star team. The tall lefty is a solid defender with a cannon arm and flashes decent strike zone recognition but lacks in contact, power and speed. If his bat improves in the minors, Hodgson could carve out a 4th outfielder/defensive specialist role in the majors.
BBA ETA: 2042
Round #12. Ron Park, SS
Age: 21
Scouting grades: Contact: 3 | Power: 3 | Run: 8 | Arm: 8 | Field: 7 | Overall: 35 |
Analysis: There is no question Park can defend at the big league level, as he has the ability to make flashy plays consistently. He's certainly good enough to play shortstop, but he's also shown to be a plus-defender at 2B and 3B. Park's instincts and speed will be an asset as a baserunner as well but will need to improve his hitting in order to reach his ceiling as a glove-first utility player.
BBA ETA: 2043
Round #13. Eduardo Córdova, OF
Age: 18
Scouting grades: Contact: 3 | Power: 5 | Run: 6 | Arm: 11 | Field: 8 | Overall: 25 |
Analysis: Córdova shined as a 6'3" option-quarterback out of New Jersey, only playing high school baseball sparingly, so the Spuds are investing in his athleticism. Córdova's most attractive tool is his defensive ability, with enough range to handle centerfield and gifted with a rocket for an arm. He has decent bat speed and loft in his left-handed swing, however scouts believe he'd be better off trying to make better contact spraying the ball and using his speed.
BBA ETA: 2044
Round #14. Kenny Allison, RHP
Age: 18
Scouting grades: Slider: 7 | Curveball: 7 | Cutter: 6 | Stuff/Movement/Control: 4/3/4 | Overall: 35 |
Analysis: A year ago, Allison wasn't projected to be drafted but an improved senior year for the Intelligrated Tigers got the attention of Boise. The 6'3" righty has a cutter that reaches 92 mph that he uses to set-up his two above-average breaking balls. Allison will need to improve his ability to attack the strike zone at the next level.
BBA ETA: 2045
Round #15. Juan Castro, OF
Age: 22
Scouting grades: Contact: 4 | Power: 4 | Run: 10 | Arm: 7 | Field: 6 | Overall: 20 |
Analysis: Castro is a raw, athletic college outfielder who some scouts believe could handle playing in the infield in an emergency. With an above-average ability to avoid striking out and excellent speed and baserunning instincts, Castro could develop in the minors as left-handed pitch-hitter and super-sub utilityman.
BBA ETA: 2043
Round #16. Artie Rodríguez, RHP
Age: 22
Scouting grades: Fastball: 7 | Curveball: 6 | Forkball: 6 | Stuff/Movement/Control: 5/2/3 | Overall: 20 |
Analysis: Rodríguez has shined his senior year of college, setting personal records in virtually every category. Boise learned of the tall (6'4") right-handed from the area scout covering Rodríguez's team, as his coaches raved about the hard work he'd put in since his junior year. While he doesn't have overpowering stuff, he gets by with a mix of four above-average pitches. His best offering is a two-seam fastball with late life. He also throws a looping curveball, a hard cutter, and a heavy forkball. Rodríguez's upside is likely that of a often-used multi-inning option out of the bullpen.
BBA ETA: 2042
Round #17. Jesús López, 1B
Age: 22
Scouting grades: Contact: 4 | Power: 4 | Run: 1 | Arm: 4 | Field: 4 | Overall: 20 |
Analysis: Scouts and teammate like love López's make-up and leadership. During his sophomore year, he was suspended due to defending his older teammates during a bench clearing brawl. For the last two seasons, López has been named team captain. This year, López is having a breakout season at the plate, hitting .367/.404/.653 and Boise hopes this is just the start. Likely a DH, he will need to continue to improve as a hitter to make a mark with the organization.
BBA ETA: 2042
Round #18. Jake Taylor, C
Age: 23
Scouting grades: Contact: 3 | Power: 3 | Run: 1 | Arm: 4 | Field: 4 | Overall: 30 |
Analysis: Named after a fictional baseball player, also a catcher, from the 1989 film "Major League," Taylor was drafted by his hometown Spuds. Outside of drawing the occasional walk or laying down a sacrifice bunt, Taylor's likely career path is as a minor league back-up catcher for a few seasons before turning to coaching or working for the Boise organization.
BBA ETA: 2043
Round #19. Alonso Fuentes, OF
Age: 18
Scouting grades: Contact: 4 | Power: 4 | Run: 3 | Arm: 10 | Field: 4 | Overall: 30 |
Analysis: Fuentes dropped out of high school last year at age 17 and moved back home to Michigan, where he's been working days and playing adult baseball at nights and weekends. A member of the Boise front office discovered Fuentes from a YouTube clip of his amateur highlights and passed it onto general manager Lederer. Figuring what's to lose in the 19th round, Lederer decided to roll the dice and see what Fuentes can do in pro ball with a better structure. Fuentes will be brought along slowly, given opportunities at 1B, DH and the corner outfield.
BBA ETA: 2045
Round #20. Candra Djajadiningrat, RHP
Age: 23
Scouting grades: Fastball: 8 | Curveball: 8 | Changeup: 1 | Stuff/Movement/Control: 6/1/4 | Overall: 20 |
Analysis: Djajadiningrat grew up playing cricket in Papa New Guinea but took up baseball at age 15, so Boise hopes the righty has additional growth in his future. Blessed with a loose, rubber arm, Djajadiningrat can run his fastball up to 95 MPH along with a wicked biting curveball. If his changeup doesn't develop, Djajadiningrat has the ceiling of a two-pitch reliever that can make multiple appearances in a week without tiring.
BBA ETA: 2043
The front office of Lederer and assistant general manager Kyle Banks will immediately start discussing contract terms with players and their agents, hoping to get many to sign within two weeks before Short Season and Rookie Ball schedules begin.
