Sox 2007 Draft

[ORS]

Results of the '07 draft.......

 

55. Nick Hagadone, LHP, 6-5 230, University of Washington

 

BA

Hagadone was a big-bodied lefthander with a low- to mid-80s fastball and solid breaking ball his first two seasons at Washington, and he entered the 2007 season as the Huskies' Friday starter despite having made just five career starts. He has dramatically increased his arm strength and velocity, as his physical ability and improved mechanics came together perfectly. Coach Ken Knudson moved Hagadone back to the bullpen after two starts, and his velocity jumped, as did his performance (1.88 ERA, 10 saves). Hagadone was throwing in the 90-93 mph range and had several outings when he hit 94-95 mph repeatedly. He also features a power slider that's at least an average pitch. While his delivery isn't textbook and his fastball tends to flatten out, he's deceptive, keeps the ball down (one home run allowed) and has some feel for pitching. His changeup also has average potential, and Hagadone likely will be given a chance to start in pro ball.

 

62. Ryan Dent, R/R SS, 6-0 190, Woodrow Wilson HS

 

BA

With a strong but short body in the Rafael Furcal mold, Dent emerged on last year's showcase circuit as one of Southern California's top hitting prospects, helping the Reds scout team to the World Wood Bat Association championship in the fall. Teams that believe in Dent's hitting may be willing to spend a first-round pick on one of the draft's better runners (he gets from home to first in under 4.1 seconds from the right side) and athletes. He lashes line drives from gap to gap with a short, quick stroke and has sound hitting mechanics. His speed is in play from his first step out of the batter's box; he aggressively stretches singles into doubles. His aggressiveness works against him in his impatience at the plate. Dent doesn't have an obvious defensive home, and most scouts aren't sold on him at shortstop, as his actions, arm and range are just average. He's athletic enough to handle either second base or center field and profiles as a top-of-the-order hitter, especially if he can learn to take a walk as a pro.

 

 

84. Jeffrey Morris, L/R 3B, 6-2 200, Virgil I Grissom HS

 

BA

Morris has one of the best approaches among the high school draft class. But outside of his polish at the plate, his swing has holes and his defensive shortcomings are obvious. An Aflac All-American, he enjoyed a successful high school career as a four-year starter. In Grissom's state quarterfinals loss, Morris broke a bone in his right hand while taking a swing. He had surgery and was expected to be able to swing a bat a week before the draft. The injury isn't a major issue because Morris wasn't considered signable beyond the sandwich round, and he has second- to third-round value. He'll likely attend Auburn, where he could be a mainstay in the heart of its batting order. Morris is patient and powerful, and he feasts on fastballs over the plate, especially down in the zone. He broke the Alabama record for walks in a season with 59 this spring, eclipsing the 54 Athletics farmhand Jeremy Brown racked up in 2002. His swing is grooved and sweepy, and he struggles with pulling his hands inside the ball and keeping his stroke short, which could present difficulties against more experienced pitching. He's stiff defensively, with a below-average arm, meaning he's probably best suited for first base.

 

I'll post more when I can find some SR on the 114 and 144. Not picking Harvey still has me curious.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(to be editted as picks are made)

[riverside sluggers]

Scouting report?

 

The Sox have selected lefty pitcher Nick Hagadone from Washington

 

EDIT: Got this from boston.com

The skinny: MLB.com says: "After spending last year starting behind Tim Lincecum, Hagadone became Washington's Friday night starter to begin the year. He was moved to the bullpen after two starts because of team need and has been oustanding for the Huskies, showing the ability to save games and pitch multiple innings. With a chance to have a good three-pitch mix, some teams may want to move him back into a rotation once drafted, but worst-case, they'd have a pretty good lefty setup man on their hands."

 

At the University of Washington, Hagadone combined with Lincecum to pitch a no-hitter against the Santa Clara Broncos in 2006.

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/events/draft_report/y2007/tracker.jsp?mc=hagadone

[BoSox21]

With the 62nd overall pick, the Sox took Ryan Dent, a high school shortstop. He's got decent size at 6'0" and 190 pounds. He's said to have a good bat with the ability to spray hits everywhere but his true strength is his speed. Scouts say he has the potential to be an outfielder as well as a middle infielder.

 

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/events/draft_report/y2007/tracker.jsp?mc=dent

[jacksonianmarch]

Round 4- Chris Province SE Louisiana U.

 

No SR on him.

[example1]

You missed Pick #84 Jeffrey Morris, 3B/OF, 6'4/200 L/R, High School Alabama

and Pick #114 Brock Huntzinger, RHP HS Pitcher

[example1]

Dent is my favorite Sox pick so far, I think. 3/5 are from HS. Odd, but understandable. We likely won't be seeing anyone from this draft for a long time.

 

Is there reason to think that Hagadone is any better than, say, Masterson or Cox or Kris Johnson? This seems like a fairly weak draft, but, of course, the Sox have fewer top picks than they have the past few years.

[NateGrey]

..

.. Chris Province ..

 

Righthander Chris Province went undrafted as a junior in 2006 despite showing a plus fastball. Serving as Southeastern Louisiana's closer this year, he kicked his fastball up to 94-97 mph by the end of the season and will be one of the better senior signs in the draft. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Province also scrapped his curveball for a slider that improved tremendously in May, clocking at 86-88 mph in the last week of the regular season. He came on strong late in the spring and now could go in the second or third round, especially if a team is looking to save money with a college senior.

 

 

 

..

[jacksonianmarch]

Dent is my favorite Sox pick so far, I think. 3/5 are from HS. Odd, but understandable. We likely won't be seeing anyone from this draft for a long time.

 

Is there reason to think that Hagadone is any better than, say, Masterson or Cox or Kris Johnson? This seems like a fairly weak draft, but, of course, the Sox have fewer top picks than they have the past few years.

 

Just got a 2 way player in Middlebrooks. 94mph heater, but looks like he'll be a 3b for you guys. Another HS kid.

 

Why the hell has Chris Carpenter fallen so far?

[riverside sluggers]

Dent is my favorite Sox pick so far, I think. 3/5 are from HS. Odd, but understandable. We likely won't be seeing anyone from this draft for a long time.

 

Is there reason to think that Hagadone is any better than, say, Masterson or Cox or Kris Johnson? This seems like a fairly weak draft, but, of course, the Sox have fewer top picks than they have the past few years.

 

Agree, from what Ive read about him so far, he's def a prospect I'll be keeping my ears out for

 

roto

The Red Sox made high school shortstop Ryan Dent and University of Washington LHP Nicholas Hagadone their first two picks on Thursday.

 

It was thought the Red Sox might take any of the big names that dropped, but they passed on Matt Harvey. Hagadone, the 55th pick, may go the Jonathan Papelbon route, moving from the bullpen in college to the rotation in the minors. Dent, drafted 62nd, is a toolsy middle infielder who might end up at second base or in center field. He possesses terrific speed, and the Red Sox will hope he blossoms into a leadoff man.

[jacksonianmarch]

sounds like a mix of Pedroia and Ellsbury. Interesting they would go that route. Still baffled that Carpenter is still available.

[example1]

Just got a 2 way player in Middlebrooks. 94mph heater' date=' but looks like he'll be a 3b for you guys. Another HS kid. [/quote']

 

Not that it matters, but this is my 2nd favorite pick of the draft. A football quarterback and all-state punter, who can hit 94 and has the "power potential you'd hope to see from a 6-4 200 pounder". He could pitch, he could be a fielder.

 

"he hasn't done that much pitching. If he were to focus solely on pitching, he could take off in the future."

 

Haven't we seen similar reports about another certain Sox pitching prospect? I don't know what position they will have this guy play, but his resume makes him sound like a winner.

[jacksonianmarch]

it has been an interesting draft for the sox. Here's the breakdown

 

Rd 1A- Player Name: Nick Hagadone

Position: Starting Pitcher

School: University of Washington

School Type: Four-Year College

Academic Class: Junior

Birthdate: 01/01/86

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 230 lbs.

Bats: Left

Throws: Left

Report Date(s): 05/04/07

Game(s): Oregon State

 

Focus Area Comments

Fastball: Hagadone throws his fastball in the 90-93 mph range.

FB Movement: Hagadone has some nice arm side run on his fastball.

Slider: Hagadone has an above-average slider that gives left-handed hitters fits. It has good bite and depth to it.

Changeup: Hagadone has the makings of a change and it has the chance to be an average or better third pitch. When he's throwing it well, it has good fade.

Control: Hagadone has the ability to command all three pitches.

Poise: Clearly the leader of Washington's pitching staff, he has a quiet confidence and is known for a tremendous work ethic.

Physical Description: Hagadone is a big, strong lefty who has experience as a Friday night starter and closer.

Medical Update: Healthy.

Strengths: He has the chance to be a three-pitch guy. He's got plus makeup and leadership qualities. Even though he's closing now, he's much more than a one-inning guy.

Weaknesses: He needs to stay back more. His future role is unclear, with some thinking he should stay in the pen and others wanting him back as a starter.

Summary: After spending last year starting behind Tim Lincecum, Hagadone became Washington's Friday night starter to begin the year. He was moved to the bullpen after two starts because of team need and has been oustanding for the Huskies, showing the ability to save games and pitch multiple innings. With a chance to have a good three-pitch mix, some teams may want to move him back into a rotation once drafted, but worst-case, they'd have a pretty good lefty setup man on their hands.

 

Rd 1A- Player Name: Ryan Dent

Position: Shortstop/second base

School: Wilson HS, Long Beach, Calif.

School Type: High school

Academic Class: Senior

Birthdate: 03/15/89

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 180 lbs.

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

Report Date(s): 02/05/07

Game(s): Urban Academy Showcase

 

Focus Area Comments

Hitting Ability: Dent has some life in his bat and makes consistent contact.

Power: Though not his top tool, Dent does have some pop.

Running Speed: Dent may have been the fastest player at the Showcase, with one of the better 60 times at the event.

Base Running: Dent puts his speed to very good use on the basepaths.

Arm Strength: Dent has some arm strength, though there is some question over whether he'll be able to stay at shortstop.

Fielding: Dent can play the middle infield, with his speed being his best asset. He's also a good enough athlete to handle a move to the outfield if needed.

Range: Dent uses his plus speed to cover a decent amount of ground.

Physical Description: Dent is a small, speedy and very athletic middle infielder.

Medical Update: Dent was hurt last year, missing some of the summer showcases, but appeared healthy at the Urban Academy.

Strengths: Speed and bat. Dent profiles as a future leadoff-hitting type.

Weaknesses: Defense. There's debate over whether he'll be able to play shorstop long-term, with a move to second likely.

Summary: With a strong bat and even better speed, Dent will be a very intriguing prospect for many teams. Athletes like this don’t grow on trees and Dent has shown the ability to hit to all fields and use his speed to wreak havoc on the basepaths. He may not be a middle infielder long-term, but many feel he’s athletic enough to handle a move to the outfield if needed.

 

Rd 2- Player Name: Hunter Morris

Position: First base/Outfield

School: Grissom High School, Huntsville, AL

School Type: High School

Academic Class: Senior

Birthdate: 10/07/88

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 200 lbs.

Bats: Left

Throws: Right

Report Date(s): 04/19/07

Game(s): Cullman High School

 

Focus Area Comments

Hitting Ability: Morris has decent bat speed but his approach at the plate will need some adjusting.

Power: Morris has plus raw power from the left side of the plate.

Running Speed: Morris has below-average speed.

Base running: Despite below-average speed, Morris is an average base runner.

Fielding: Right now, Morris is a slightly below-average fielder but will improve.

Arm strength: He has a fringy average arm.

Range: His range is currently below-average.

Physical Description: The big, strong left-handed hitter has a body type similar to Nick Johnson.

Medical Update: Patterson missed a large chunk of the season with a broken hammate bone in his hand, but came back healthy at the end of the season.

Strengths: His plus raw power and average bat speed.

Weaknesses: His overall hitting approach needs an overhaul and his defense is below-average.

Summary: Morris has put up some ridiculous numbers as a high school outfielder and he does have some pretty legitimate raw power from the left side, a commodity often in high demand. The rest of his game is behind the pop, with his overall approach at the plate needing some work and his defense average at best. Some see him as a fourth outfielder at the next level, but someone is sure to take a chance on his power potential.

 

Rd 3- Brock Huntzinger

 

Rd 4- Christopher Province

 

Rd 5- Player Name: Will Middlebrooks

Position: Starting Pitcher/Infielder

School: Liberty-Eylau HS, Texarkana, TX

School Type: High School

Academic Class: Senior

Birthdate: Not available

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 200 lbs.

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

Report Date(s): 02/22/07

Game(s): Henderson

 

Focus Area Comments

Hitting Ability: Good bat with power potential; very athletic.

Power: Middlebrooks has the kind of power potential you'd hope to see in a 6-foot-4, 200-pounder.

Running Speed: Middlebrooks is a slightly below-average runner.

Arm Strength: As a pitching prospect as well, Middlebrooks has above-average arm strength.

Fielding: Middlebrooks is an average fielder with decent hands.

Range: He has average range, at best, and will likely move to third at the next level.

Physical Description: Big and athletic, Middlebrooks is a two-sport star who was the team's quarterback and was an all-state punter.

Medical Update: Healthy.

Strengths: Athleticism, makeup, arm strength, power potential.

Weaknesses: Running speed, range.

Summary: Middlebrooks is a legitimate two-way threat. Aside from running speed, he possesses the tools scouts like to see at the plate (and on the mound).

 

Focus Area Comments

Fastball: Middlebrooks' fastball topped out at 94 mph and he threw it between 88-94 mph in his outing.

Curve: He threw his curve in the 75-79 mph range and has the makings of an above-average power curve.

Changeup: Middlebrook's changeup grades out as average right now and he threw it in the 77-80 mph range.

Control: His overall command is a little below average right now.

Poise: Middlebrooks has terrific makeup and is extremely competitive on the mound.

Agrressiveness: Middlebrooks is very aggressive and went right after hitters.

Physical Description: Big and athletic, Middlebrooks is a two-sport star who was the team's quarterback and was an all-state punter.

Medical Update: Healthy.

Strengths: Athleticism, makeup, three-pitch mix.

Weaknesses: Command, particularly of his curve.

Summary: Middlebrooks opened some eyes with the start of his 2007 season. A two-sport star who is also a position player prospect, he hasn't done that much pitching. If he were to focus solely on pitching, he could take off in the future.

[jacksonianmarch]

3 HS players is strange for the sox, who have always had sort of a money ball feel since Theo took over. And I am surprised the sox used their first pick on a pitcher who has limited projectability when Harvey was available.

 

And their second pick is very baffling. Not a very good pick IMO when you have a guy like Pedroia and Ellsbury in the system. This kid sounds like he's destined for CF or 2b and both are far more advanced than this kid. I would have thought the sox would want to go power or even with more pitching in that spot.

[riverside sluggers]

Boston.com is reporting that Ryan Dent is committed to play for UCLA, Morris has been accepted to Auburn, and Huntzinger at Indian University. Its all about how the Sox approach these kids with signing bonuses to sway them

[jacksonianmarch]

but the 5th pick looks like a very solid pick. Tons of projectability on both ends. I am very surprised he fell so low with potential in both power hitting and power pitching.

[ORS]

A committment to a school means nothing until they step in a classroom.

[example1]

3 HS players is strange for the sox' date=' who have always had sort of a money ball feel since Theo took over. And I am surprised the sox used their first pick on a pitcher who has limited projectability when Harvey was available.[/quote']

 

Apparently they weren't the only ones who passed on Harvey. They must have disliked something about him.

 

How does this draft in terms of college vs. HS players. It is a pretty widely held opinion that the Moneyball approach of choosing college players is--as you likely know--seen as beneficial because 1) college players have a more thorough statistical track record against better competition (which is beneficial when trying to 'mine' statistics for high OBP/good plate control guys) and 2) they were undervalued.

 

I think 1) is still true. I think 2) is questionable as it trends the other direction. There are certain HS guys who truly better than some of their college counterparts but who would have been swept up for early-round money in years past. :dunno:

 

I don't think the college thing is as hard-and-fast as it is often portrayed, just like I don't think the moneyball thing is always about going extremely cheap or for OBP over every other stat. I think its about finding the undervalued-value wherever it may lay at the time.

[jacksonianmarch]

Boston.com is reporting that Ryan Dent is committed to play for UCLA' date=' Morris has been accepted to Auburn, and Huntzinger at Indian University. Its all about how the Sox approach these kids with signing bonuses to sway them[/quote']

 

again, surprising. Maybe the sox liked what was coming down the pike next yr? Isnt there a rule now that if a player doesnt sign, you get a pick right after the one you would have had the following yr?

[example1]

Boston.com is reporting that Ryan Dent is committed to play for UCLA' date=' Morris has been accepted to Auburn, and Huntzinger at Indian University. Its all about how the Sox approach these kids with signing bonuses to sway them[/quote']

 

Given their spending the past few years I see no reason to think they won't get their guys, or that they would pass on higher priced/higher reward guys if this was a serious risk.

[jacksonianmarch]

Apparently they weren't the only ones who passed on Harvey. They must have disliked something about him.

 

How does this draft in terms of college vs. HS players. It is a pretty widely held opinion that the Moneyball approach of choosing college players is--as you likely know--seen as beneficial because 1) college players have a more thorough statistical track record against better competition (which is beneficial when trying to 'mine' statistics for high OBP/good plate control guys) and 2) they were undervalued.

 

I think 1) is still true. I think 2) is questionable as it trends the other direction. There are certain HS guys who truly better than some of their college counterparts but who would have been swept up for early-round money in years past. :dunno:

 

I don't think the college thing is as hard-and-fast as it is often portrayed, just like I don't think the moneyball thing is always about going extremely cheap or for OBP over every other stat. I think its about finding the undervalued-value wherever it may lay at the time.

 

 

In terms of Harvey, the only thing that precluded him was the fact that he was a Boras client and he was asking for 8 mil and a MLB contract. I seriously thought the yankees or the sox could have met the monetary demands and kept him off the MLB contract.

[jacksonianmarch]

Well, it goes both ways. The best players in the game seem to be all HS draftees. But you bomb out more on HS kids. High risk, high reward it seems.

[example1]

Well' date=' it goes both ways. The best players in the game seem to be all HS draftees. But you bomb out more on HS kids. High risk, high reward it seems.[/quote']

 

Yes. ALL players who ever become anything are, at one time, high schoolers so the HS draft has all players of a certain age who will ever be major leaguers. The college draft pool will hold a smaller percentage of the same group, considerably more sorted out than it was going into the college ranks.

 

In other words, if you pick a Jr or Sr college player you have a much better idea of what you're getting. However, if you trust your scouts and think you can tell a David Wright when you see one, then you're foolish to pass on him simply because he's in HS.

[phillysoxfan115]

At first glance, I'd say this draft is meh at best, but as I think about it, I think it is pretty good given their picks. Yes they could have had Harvey, Crosby, and more players of that caliber, but they did get solid players. The one thing that is odd to me is the similarities to last year's draft besides the 1st round of course. Nick Hagadone is a lefty who is a relative unknown kinda similar to Kris Johnson. You got Hunter Morris who is very like Jon Still with the power but thats it. You got the senior signs in Chris Province and Bryce Cox. So, as I thought about it, right now it looks weak, but we can't tell until after MLB's slotting period (1-11 rounds), when the Sox can start to use their deep pockets and not piss of Bud Selig. However, if the draft continues this way for the entire draft, then I'd be less than thrilled, especially when it was speculated that the Roger Clemens $ was going into the draft.

[jacksonianmarch]

Rd 1A- Player Name: Nick Hagadone- this is a safe pick IMO. Limited projectability, limited ceiling, high probability of reaching it

 

Rd 1A- Player Name: Ryan Dent- I really dislike this pick for the sox. Pedroia and Ellsbury are essentially the same player and both are in or near the majors. He seems to have a limited ceiling, no power and fully reliant on his speed. Arm is meh and looks like he'll be a 2b or a CFer. The sox may be better suited to let this kid go and take the compensation pick they'll get if he doesnt sign.

 

Rd 2- Player Name: Hunter Morris- Kid sounds like a project. High ceiling, high risk. Good pick in the second round though

 

Rd 3- Brock Huntzinger- dont know enough about this guy

 

Rd 4- Christopher Province- dont know enough about this guy

 

Rd 5- Player Name: Will Middlebrooks- I like this pick because of versatility. If he is forced to pick one, he could seriously improve. AND, if he tries one and fails, he always has that second option to go to. future.

[mouthbreather]

*spam*

[jacksonianmarch]

*spam*

 

bansky?

[example1]

At first glance' date=' I'd say this draft is meh at best, but as I think about it, I think it is pretty good given their picks. Yes they could have had Harvey, Crosby, and more players of that caliber, but they did get solid players. The one thing that is odd to me is the similarities to last year's draft besides the 1st round of course. Nick Hagadone is a lefty who is a relative unknown kinda similar to Kris Johnson. You got Hunter Morris who is very like Jon Still with the power but thats it. You got the senior signs in Chris Province and Bryce Cox. So, as I thought about it, right now it looks weak, but we can't tell until after MLB's slotting period (1-11 rounds), when the Sox can start to use their deep pockets and not piss of Bud Selig. However, if the draft continues this way for the entire draft, then I'd be less than thrilled, especially when it was speculated that the Roger Clemens $ was going into the draft.[/quote']

 

Nice post phillysoxfan. I think those are all valid comparisons.

 

I don't know about the whole clemens money going into the draft thing though. I think the Sox spent something like 8 million on last years draft (feel free to correct me, I'm pretty sure it was between 6-9 m somewhere) which is easily affordable for the number of guys they get if they feel like their scouting has been positive.

 

Looking at this draft so far, the amazing thing is how fortunate we were the past few years, in retrospect. They went from 10 1st round picks over 2 years to 2, so we shouldn't expect them to get a top-tier draft, when a team like the Giants has 5 first round picks.

 

I have a really good feeling about Middlebrooks, simply from the description of him that I've read of him he sounds like a guy who will play in the bigs. He already has the size (6-4), toughness (star football player in Texas) and arm to find a place on a big league team in 5 years.

 

Also, I love how absurd high school statistics can be. Brock Huntzinger could be the next Koufax!!

 

7-0, 43 IP, 0.16 ERA, 88K

 

What does that even mean?

[schillingouttheks]

I really wish I knew as much about young guns as you guys seem to...

[jacksonianmarch]

chances are, though, his arm will be a complementary piece rather than the whole shabang. Sounds like he'll be a 3b instead of a SP.

[jacksonianmarch]

I really wish I knew as much about young guns as you guys seem to...

 

it doesnt take much. Look at the stuff, look at the numbers, see what the scouts say and go from there. Its pretty easy to ferrett out the BS when you do your own leg work.

 

Just like some NESPN idiots who like to change their opinions on a dime, you learn who you should and who you shouldnt trust. Sure, the NESPN morons are good to hammer home a point, but some have been VERY wrong on guys who arent even that much hidden.

 

Case in point. Keith Law is a moron. I have used him to add to my points and discredited him when he doesnt. I know, bad moves, but still. He has said many times that a guy like Alan Horne (Yankee AA pitcher) has a future as nothing more than a #5 or a mopup man because he tops out at 90mph and has no movement. Then, 2 weeks later, he says Horne has a future as a back end of the rotation pitcher and tops out at 92 with his 4 seamer and has a mid 80s 2 seamer. Fact is, you go through scout.com (Yankee section only) and every now and then, through BA, and you will get the actual scoop. BUT, the best is if you go see them for yourself. I've seen Horne in Trenton this yr. He tops out at 96 and sits at 92-94 with his 4 seamer and tops out at 92 with the 2 seamer (sat right behind a scout with a juggs gun too to confirm the scoreboard readings when I wasnt too busy filling my face with hot dogs and nachos).

 

So overall, it doesnt take a lot. Just simple paying attention and interest can get you all you need. And none of us are experts. I dont think anyone can actually call themselves that because an expert wouldnt be wrong 3/4 of the time, like so many of these so called experts are.