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Most of us baseball diehards remain hopeful, yet skeptical that we'll actually have a 2020 MLB season. Even tho there remains questions, concerns, and doubts, one sure thing for this year will be the MLB draft. So WTF, we might as well get into the what ifs as to who the Sox might select.
In recent seasons, it was much easier to take an educated stab as to who the Sox would draft. When you're a bottom 3-5 team, the options are much more clear, as there is almost always an agreed-upon list of top 5,6 players in every draft. A couple of the numbers nested within can be interchangeable, but generally speaking there are few drastic surprises in those first half dozen picks. But with us drafting 11th next month, the easy gimmees are likely long gone and what remains is a bunch of variables. So unlike recent drafts where I went with a definitive selection, on this one I can only come up with some options, hoping that at least one of them is still on the board when it's our turn. I narrowed it down to five: two lefty pitchers, two lefty outfielders, and a RH shortstop. We're in dire need of a long term lefty starter, and we can always use a solid LH bat in the OF.
1. Reid Detmers, 20, LHP, Louisville
Prior to the start of the shortened '20 college season, Detmers was somewhere in the top 20 draft rankings, but his few strong outings prior to the shutdown has vaulted him into top 10 status. Not much of a power pitcher, control and durability are his strong suits. Doubt he'll still be on the board when we choose, but if by chance he is, I sure hope the Sox don't mess it up.
2. Garrett Crochet, 20, LHP, Tennessee
Almost the reverse of Detmers. Was a solid top 10 prior to his shortened season, but a shoulder injury put a damper on his brief year, and now he floats in the top 20. I could not find anything indicating it was a long term issue or requiring surgery, but it would still be a bit of a risk. One thing that's not risky is his power arm, which just about sneaks in at 100mph, along with a wicked slider. He's tall and lanky, kind of a Chris Sale redux. High risk/high reward, altho I'm not sure the Sox are wanting to take that route again.
Interesting note here, my remaining three picks are all high schoolers, which I know goes against normal Sox drafting logic. They haven't used a 1st pick on one since 2012. But I feel we have decent depth with our outfield and have the luxury of allowing for patient development. Of course it's always chancy taking a kid out of high school when so many of them opt to first give college a shot.
3. Zac Veen, 18, LH OF, Spruce Creek HS (signed with Florida)
Highest ranked HS player in the draft, but again like Detmers, it's likely this kid won't be around by the time we're on the clock. Still, teams that are drafting high often want an immediate ROI with their pick, so we can't rule it out that he could remain on the board at #11. Big strong player with a sweet swing, good hit, good power, can play all three OF spots, but scouts think he'll settle in at either LF or RF.
4. Austin Hendrick, 18, LH OF, West Allegheny HS (signed with Mississippi State)
At 6'/195lb, he's not your typically built slugger, but a number of scouts think he's the best all around HS player in the draft with surprising raw power, along with a good glove and arm. RF will be his position in the pros.
5. Ed Howard, 18, RH SS, Mount Carmel HS (signed with Oklahoma)
Local kid, maybe even a true Sox fan! Highest rated HS infielder in the draft and SS is where he rules. Great range, strong throwing arm, disciplined bat with some power potential. I figure he would just about be ready to take over if things didn't work out with Timmay when his contract is up.
OK, so if we have to take a college position player (and hopefully a LH bat at that) with our first pick:
6. Heston Kjerstad, 21, LH OF, Arkansas
Big feller, good power and bat speed, but not the most disciplined hitter out there. Capable defense with a strong arm, so RF would be the spot for him.
In recent seasons, it was much easier to take an educated stab as to who the Sox would draft. When you're a bottom 3-5 team, the options are much more clear, as there is almost always an agreed-upon list of top 5,6 players in every draft. A couple of the numbers nested within can be interchangeable, but generally speaking there are few drastic surprises in those first half dozen picks. But with us drafting 11th next month, the easy gimmees are likely long gone and what remains is a bunch of variables. So unlike recent drafts where I went with a definitive selection, on this one I can only come up with some options, hoping that at least one of them is still on the board when it's our turn. I narrowed it down to five: two lefty pitchers, two lefty outfielders, and a RH shortstop. We're in dire need of a long term lefty starter, and we can always use a solid LH bat in the OF.
1. Reid Detmers, 20, LHP, Louisville
Prior to the start of the shortened '20 college season, Detmers was somewhere in the top 20 draft rankings, but his few strong outings prior to the shutdown has vaulted him into top 10 status. Not much of a power pitcher, control and durability are his strong suits. Doubt he'll still be on the board when we choose, but if by chance he is, I sure hope the Sox don't mess it up.
2. Garrett Crochet, 20, LHP, Tennessee
Almost the reverse of Detmers. Was a solid top 10 prior to his shortened season, but a shoulder injury put a damper on his brief year, and now he floats in the top 20. I could not find anything indicating it was a long term issue or requiring surgery, but it would still be a bit of a risk. One thing that's not risky is his power arm, which just about sneaks in at 100mph, along with a wicked slider. He's tall and lanky, kind of a Chris Sale redux. High risk/high reward, altho I'm not sure the Sox are wanting to take that route again.
Interesting note here, my remaining three picks are all high schoolers, which I know goes against normal Sox drafting logic. They haven't used a 1st pick on one since 2012. But I feel we have decent depth with our outfield and have the luxury of allowing for patient development. Of course it's always chancy taking a kid out of high school when so many of them opt to first give college a shot.
3. Zac Veen, 18, LH OF, Spruce Creek HS (signed with Florida)
Highest ranked HS player in the draft, but again like Detmers, it's likely this kid won't be around by the time we're on the clock. Still, teams that are drafting high often want an immediate ROI with their pick, so we can't rule it out that he could remain on the board at #11. Big strong player with a sweet swing, good hit, good power, can play all three OF spots, but scouts think he'll settle in at either LF or RF.
4. Austin Hendrick, 18, LH OF, West Allegheny HS (signed with Mississippi State)
At 6'/195lb, he's not your typically built slugger, but a number of scouts think he's the best all around HS player in the draft with surprising raw power, along with a good glove and arm. RF will be his position in the pros.
5. Ed Howard, 18, RH SS, Mount Carmel HS (signed with Oklahoma)
Local kid, maybe even a true Sox fan! Highest rated HS infielder in the draft and SS is where he rules. Great range, strong throwing arm, disciplined bat with some power potential. I figure he would just about be ready to take over if things didn't work out with Timmay when his contract is up.
OK, so if we have to take a college position player (and hopefully a LH bat at that) with our first pick:
6. Heston Kjerstad, 21, LH OF, Arkansas
Big feller, good power and bat speed, but not the most disciplined hitter out there. Capable defense with a strong arm, so RF would be the spot for him.
