Wednesday, April 8, 2020

2020 Prospect Draft Preview

2020 Prospect Draft Overview
The MLB Dynasty League 2020 Prospect Draft features a fairly high level of talent on the topside mainly consisting of Cuban imports and international signees.  This current draft includes all players not currently in the Yahoo database but have been signed or granted free agency via MLB.  Like all drafts this year, there continues to be a vacuum of pitchers available leaving some to take chances on unproven prospects with big skill levels.  

Beer and Brat Brigade Draft Preview
With the 1st overall selection, BBB will likely focus on the top offensive talent with the two most likely being Yoelkis Cespedes (FA-OF) or Pedro Leon (FA-OF).  Cespedes has the pedigree considering his brother has been a productive major leaguer when healthy while Leon might have the more rounded game.  Neither Cuban born player is an imposing figure though Cespedes is more muscular though Leon is a few inches taller and year younger.  While neither have signed with a team yet Cespedes has been linked to the Mets while Leon is a lock to sign in Houston giving him the park advantage.  BBB was the original owner of the elder Cespedes and will likely keep it in the family at this spot.  


Prediction 
RD 1: Yoelkis Cespedes (FA-OF) - See above
RD 2: Jaylan Palmer (NYM-3B) - Big power potential and frame but needs to cut down on Ks
RD 3: Heriberto Hernandez (Tex-C,1B,OF) - Keeper

Gotham City Knights Draft Preview
If BBB zags than GCK will zag and likely select Pedro Leon (FA-OF).  As previously mentioned, Leon is a bit taller and potentially a little faster than Cespedes leaving him a little more well-rounded and capable of playing all three outfield spots comfortably.  While he may not have the same power potential, playing Houston won't hurt if he indeed signs there. If GCK goes pitching than Norge Carlos Vera (ChW-SP) and his blazing fastball will be here. 

Prediction 
RD 1: Pedro Leon (FA-OF) - See above
RD 2: John Doxakis (TB-SP) - Tall polished lefty from Texas A&M with nice velocity
RD 3: Luis Garcia (Phi-2B,SS) - Keeper

Wildcard Blue Jays Draft Preview
If all goes well, WBJ will be here to scope up the best pitcher in the class in Norge Carlos Vera (ChW-SP).  With Vera 6'4 frame and 97 mph fastball he has the makings of an ace and at age 20 he could add a tick or two on the mph. WBJ is in dire need of pitching and would gladly welcome Vera with the 3rd overall pick. 

Prediction 
RD 1: Norge Carlos Vera (ChW-SP) - See above
RD 2: Drew Rom (Bal-SP) - While not imposing the lefty has an affinity for K's that is rare
RD 3: Garrett Frechette (SF-1B) - Sleeper prospects blessed with good frame and quick hands

Chevy Chase Coopers Draft Preview
One recent phenomenon is the idea of dual players capable of playing both offense and pitch.  Liu Chih-Jung (Bos-P,2B,SS) and his 98mph heater would be an interesting prospect here.  He's capable of playing the infield at a high level though the Red Sox like his arm more.  CCC needs arms and why not take a voucher on one so highly regarded?  

Prediction 
RD 1: Liu Chih-Jung (Bos-P,2B,SS) - See above
RD 2: Andy Pages (LAD-OF) - Projectable and can't help but think Manny Ramirez when you watch him

RD 3: Tahnaj Thomas (Pit-SP) - Keeper

Third Day Draft Preview
Wouldn't it be great to find a player that many believe would be a Top 5 draft pick that many compare to Carlos Correa or even Derek Jeter?  If Yiddi Cappe (FA-SS) falls to here than that would exactly the situation here.  Cappe possess a nice frame capable of producing power as he ages.  Slatted to sign with the Marlins he would be the next great shortstop and potentially be a big steal at this spot. By the time he is ready, TD could be getting a game changer. 

Prediction 
RD 1: Yiddi Cappe (FA-SS) - See above
RD 2: Gunnar Hoglund (Pit-SP) - Keeper
RD 3: Nick Sandlin (Cle-SS) - Keeper


Hair of the Dog Fred Draft Preview
Finding a quality pitcher in any draft has proven to be difficult though Justin Martinez (Ari-SP) would fit the mold.  Martinez is a late bloomer capable of hitting 100mph with his fastball.  He is fairly new to pitching so there might be some growing pains but he owns a cannon that can mow down hitters at will. 

Prediction 
RD 1: Justin Martinez (Ari-SP) - See above
RD 2: Darryl Collins (KC-OF) - Young projectable lefty bat with power potential and speed combo
RD 3: Mason Martin (Pit-1B) - Big time masher capable of lots of homers but stuck at 1B

Squeeze Play Draft Preview
Without doubt William Holmes (LAA-SP, Util) is one of the finest athletes in baseball at any level.  His ability to hit and throw 4 different pitches at the next level could separate him as the next best two-way player in baseball.  The Angels have some familiarity in this matter making all the more attractive at this spot.

Prediction 
RD 1: William Holmes (LAA-SP,Util) - See above
RD 2: Richard Gallardo (ChC-SP) - Big international bonus baby has too much talent to forget about at age 18
RD 3: Jose Rodriguez (ChW-SS) - Keeper

The Judgesicles Draft Preview
While not much is known about Roberto Campos (Det-OF), he does possess some of the physicality seen in fellow Cubans Eloy Jimenez or Luis Robert. Discovered by scouts when they came to look at his brother, Campos is still very young but if he tap into his power potential he could end of being the best player in this draft by a big degree. 

Prediction 
RD 1: Roberto Campos (Det-OF) - See above
RD 2: Bryce Ball (Atl-1B) - At 6'6 he has a lot of power potential and could be the heir to Freeman in Atlanta
RD 3: Gus Varland (Oak-SP) - Keeper

Slimedog Draft Preview
You can teach some things but you can't teach size and speed.  Well, maybe speed to some degree but size is god-given and Anthony Garcia possess that in his 6'6 frame.  Garcia is still bery young but if he can ever put it together you could be looking at an Aaron Judge clone. 

Prediction 
RD 1: Anthony Garcia (NYY-OF) - See above
RD 2: Joshua Meares (SD-OF) - Sleeper prospect with uber tools capable of being an impact player
RD 3: Michel Triana (Cin-1B) - Cuban slugger could be the heir to Votto in Cincinnati

Loveable Losers Draft Preview
LL has been successful in the past by investing in talented dual threat players with a nice combination of size, power and speed.  With that trend, look no further than Colorado's Brenton Doyle (Col-OF).  Doyle has proven doubters wrong and has risen from unheralded draft pick to legit prospect.  He would fit in well on this team at this point in the draft. 

Prediction 
RD 1: Brenton Doyle (Col-OF) - See above
RD 2: Brayan Medina (SD-SP) - International bonus baby with great stuff and capable of more as he matures
RD 3: Ronnier Quintero (ChC-C) - Probably one of the best catching prospects in baseball 

Tenth Man Out Draft Preview
Like most times, TMO will attempt to draft the best player available. The Braves Michael Harris (Atl-OF) encompasses many skills that this team typically looks for as he is well rounded.  Harris is a lefty and is capable of playing all outfield positions while batting near the top of the order.  

Prediction 
RD 1: Michael Harris (Atl-OF) - See above
RD 2: Alexis Ramirez (Mil-SP) - An improving arm with nice velocity in an improving organization
RD 3: Alex De Jesus (LAD-SS) - Nice power potential as he grows though he will likely need to move to 3B