24 June 2057
Boise, Idaho
**********************************
by Po’Boigh King
Boise GM Ben Teague Announces Signing of Draft PicksNothing quite gets a fan base buzzing like the signing of draft picks. Having them announced is fun, but seeing who puts their name in ink is when the real debate about their possible future begins. Boise GM Ben Teague held a news conference today announcing the final signing from the 2057 draft. "I've always believed that when you're rebuilding and a few years away from charging up the standings, the best strategy is to take the best player remaining when your pick comes around. That's as opposed to drafting for near-term need. We feel that we succeeded on that point," said Teague. It is a very young draft class with 4 out of the first 5 picks being 16yo so it will be a long while until Boise fans can see where they fall on the results scale. It's also a long while to be available as a trade chips.
Round 1, Pick 25 (25th overall)
RH OF Roberto Mickelson
16yo; Anaheim, CA
$6.6m signing bonus
Though Teague was not aiming for immediate help, one can't be immune to being persuaded by current circumstances when evaluating what makes one player the "best remaining." In the case of Mickelson, it seems the Spuds lack of power put that trait near the top of the scale. They got power in Mickelson. The youngster was intending on taking his skills to college, but instead signed with Boise for $6.6m. He looks to be a powerful hitter as he develops with raw power near the top of the scale and the ability to put the bat on the ball, too. He's also got very good gap power and, unlike most sluggers, has patience and reads the ball well coming out of the pitcher's hand. Mickelson comes out of Ford Motors High School with a career slash of .347/.478/.620 with 21 doubles and 29 homeruns in 117 games. He doesn't possess superior fielding skills but he has quite a ways to go in his development.
Round 2, Pick 23 (61st overall)
RHP Lu-king '4A' Vein
16yo; Suzhou, ANH (China)
$790k
Vein was much more flexible in his intent to go the college route so negotiations with him didn't last as long as those with Mickelson. He carries a changeup that sets up his 99mph fastball. He definitely is not a "pitch to contact" hitter as he struck out 50 batters in 2 seasons at McDonald's. His development has a long way to go but he is an intelligent player who should keep up easily. He's a closer by nature and, if he develops as expected, will likely fill that role in his career. In fact, in 6 games at Rookie-league Mazatlán he has already delivered 4 saves.
Round 3, Pick 23 (97th overall)
LHP José Díaz
16yo; Greenfield, MA
$300k
If you'd have asked Teague before the draft whether he would prefer 2 closers he would have said "probably not." But, again, the goal was to draft the best player available. Díaz was eager to get the jump on his professional career. Another flamethrower with a fastball that sits at 98mph, he pairs that with a slider that will be the focus of his improvement over the coming seasons. Fortunately, Díaz putting the nose to the grindstone is right in his wheelhouse.
Round 4, Pick 23 (129th overall)
RHP Alfredo Morán
16yo; Manhattan, NY
$260k
If you'd have asked Teague before the draft whether he'd be happy with drafting 3 closers in a row he would have said, "Hell no." But shooting for the top talent landed Morán. He's more raw than Díaz (who is more raw than Vein) but he's got a different profile than the first two pitchers featuring a slider and cutter with a powerful arm. He struck out 20 while compiling 6 saves in 15 games his senior year of high school so he certainly uses more finesse than Vein or Díaz. He's another kid willing to put in the work to succeed and, if he develops the movement on his breaking balls, could have a bright future.
Round 5, Pick 23 (161st overall)
3B Vance Cooper
22yo; Streetsboro, OH
$190k
Teague finally got back to offense in the 5th round drafting 22yo Cooper. He comes out of 3M University with the profile of a patient hitter looking to drive the ball to the gaps and get on base any way possible. He is well developed for a draftee and that is probably a result of his penchant for hard work and extra training. As opposed to the other draft picks, his age slots him into Single-A Tulsa and he could be a valuable trade target immediately.