[ayaghmour2]

Sorry for no post yesterday, I was at a conference all day and when I got home my computer had to do a ton of updates. So without further adiue, the 2024 Amateur Draft!

The New York Yankees owned the #1 overall pick, and selected 3B Murdoch Greenan, one of the few players my scout actually likes for my #1 pick.

For some reason the Brewers used the #4 pick on RP Andy Hippler, who don't get me wrong, is a stud, but it's far too high for a pen guy.

I didn't like what was available for my pick, but I had to take the gamble:

1st Round, 22nd Overall: SP Chirs Bigsby (4.5): The first of two picks, he'd be almost perfect, but his third pitch, a change up, is barely a option. Granted, if he can improve his change, "Wimpy" will be a steal. The 18-year-old from Gloucester, MA has insane stamina, one of the best curveball's you'll ever see, and averages 93-95 with his fastball. He's working on his control, but worst case, he ends up like Ben Popkin.

1st Round, 23rd Overall: SP Jon Rothberg (3): Yes, the talent drops a lot, but don't count out the 17-year-old from Oregon. He's got solid stamina, an arsenal almost identical to Bigsby's, but with a change up that is better then just average. His stuff is filthy, and he throws from a 3/4th arm slot. He needes to work on his control, but he has a future in the rotation.

1st Round, 27th Overall: CF Luis Salcedo (3): The first of three supplemental picks, I'm pretty sure he's for the Jose Ramirez singing. He's got the range to stick in center, but the arm for right. He's got solid foot speed, but isn't much of a base stealing threat. He's got a great bat, one that will consistently produce extra bases, and if you leave a pitch over the plate, the 18-year-old can surprise you with a long ball.

1st Round, 33rd Overall: SP Josh Barrett (2.5): Pretty sure he's Jameson Taillon's pick. As you can tell, the talent is definitely falling off already. He's got solid stamina, a plus-plus fastball and curve, with a solid change up. He gets good movement, and can become an A.J. Puckett type pitcher. He's got a great personality, and plays 150% all the time.

1st Round, 36th Overall: CL Jamie Berenberg (3): He's the pick from Joe Jimenez. The 22-year-old is a closer who can hit 100 with his plus-plus fastball, or get a chase from same-hand hitters with his plus-plus slider. It doesn't have the best movement, but he's very deceptive with it. He's a safe pick, and one of the few good players who will sign.

2nd Round, 70th Overall: SP Mike Bookert (3): He says he won't sign, but I want him to. He's got great stamina, thre plus pitches, and pinpoint control. He walked just 17 hitters in 102.2 innings, and can throw in the mid 90s consistently with his fastball. He's got a high baseball IQ, and is a good bet to get better each season.

3rd Round, 99th Overall: C Maddox Northeast (2.5): Nicknamed "Swede" despite being American and Canadian, he's going to cost us a pretty penny. Luckily, he's a catcher who can rake, with a good eye and a solid bat. He might have to move to first base, but the Florida Native has a bright future.

3rd Round, 101st Overall: RP Sam Minniefield (2.5): Yes, it's that bad that I have to grab another college reliever early in the draft. Minniefield can eat a lot of innings in the pen, and can touch 100 with his plus-plus fastball. He's got a plus splitter as well, but needs to work on it's movement.

4th Round, 131st Overall: 1B C.J. Vick (3): Really hoping he'll sign, as the almost 19-year-old has monster power, even higher then last year's Rookie of the Year Seth Beer. Vick is an awful defender, but his advanced bat will carry him in his career.

5th Round, 161st Overall: SS Jon Miller (2): Yes, I'm taking a two star potential, but give him a chance. He won;t be a star, but he's got great versatility. He'll develop into a above average infielder and passable outfielder, with solid base stealing abilities. He's a light hitter with a good eye, but at least he can use a bat.

6th Round, 191st Overall: CF Omari Golatt (2.5): Says he won't sign, but the fleet footed outfielder is a lot like Luis Salcedo. Great range, great arm, great speed. He's got good power, but swings and misses a lot.

7th Round, 221st Overall: CF Esteban Casares (2): My guess he ends up in right, as he has an absolute cannon, although you can't discount his range. He's an extremely experienced outfielder, rated a 77-67-87 already. He's got great speed, good eye and power, but strikes out a lot.

8th Round, 251st Overall: SP Jamie Casady (1.5): He's got three plus pitches, but doesn't command them too well. His stamina is passable, but not where I prefer it. He doesn't throw too hard, but he gets batters out. Future spot starter or waiver guy.

9th Round, 281st Overall: 2B Andy Gibson (1.5): Won't sign. He can develop into a solid defender, but is a very balanced hitter. He needs to make better contact, but college will do him well.

10th Round, 311th Overall Pick: CF Aydan Legge (1.5): He'll probably end up in left, and isn't really the best defender. The Canadian teen has a nice, all-around bat that will help him stick. If he works hard enough, he can have great success. Well, for a 10th Rounder...

11th Round, 341st Overall: LF Josh Riemersa (1.5): He's got an excellent eye, and a solid enough bat. He's not the best outfielder, and is a bit slow, but he'll make the routine plays.

12th Round, 371st Overall: SS Rodolfo Silva (1.5): Won't sign. He's fast and has a solid bat. He's got great range and a strong arm, but makes a lot of stupid errors. He can end up at short, but I think third or second is more likely.

13th Round, 401st Overall: CF Steve Senior (1.5): Any Steve Junior? Senior won't sign, but I love his speed and pop. He's a solid defender, but left might be his spot.

14th, 431st Overall: RP Rob Aguilar (2): The Oklahoma grad has a nice fastball and has an interesting side arm delivery. He can eat innings in mop up, and can reach 96 with his fastball. He's a bit more then a filler pen arm.

15th Overall, 461st Overall: SS Izaac Pacheco (1.5): He might be the next Andrelton Simmons. He's got blinding speed and I don't think he's ever made an error. He turns double plays smooter then anyone else, and has an absolute cannon. He can't hit, but he can drop a bunt on you.

16th Overall, 491st Overall: CF Dan Leeser (1): He's listed as an outfielder, but I like him as a pitcher. He's got great stamina, an insane curveball, and is developing his second two pitches. With a bit more work, the slow throwing righty can force himself on a roster. He'll start as a two-way player.

17th Round, 521st Overall: C Brad Madeley (0.5): It's tool time! Madely has an absolute cannon behind the plate and calls a great game. He can't hit, but who cares?

18th Round, 551st Overall: CF Jeff McMaster (1): Won't sign. He's got a cannon and is fast. Rightfield will be his home, although he has great range. Not much of a hitter.

19th Round, 581st Overall: CF Ben Robinson (1): Won't sign. Not the best defender, and will probably end up in left. He's fast, but awful on the bases. He's got a solid eye.

20th Round, 611th Overall: SP Mike Maine (1): There are definitely worst options to start games. He's got solid stamina, a plus-plus curve with a solid cutter and change, but he throws slow. Just 18, the lefty from Philly can work on his velocity to at least pretend to be a big leaguer.

21st Round, 641st Overall: RF Josh Haase (1.5): He's got an absolute cannon, and will develop into a gold glover in the outfield. He's got solid speed, a great eye, and sneaky pop. He swings and misses a lot though.

22nd Round, 671th Overall: LF Jeff Cline (1.5): Solid defensive outfielder who is a switch hitter and part Dominican. Boston took him in the 2021 draft in the 38th round, but he decided to go to Pacific for three years.

23rd Round, 701st Overall: SP Luis Garza (0.5): Here's a guy that can pitch forever. He's got a perfect 100 stamina and has solid control. He tossed 4 below average pitches, but at least he changes it up on the hitter.

24th Round, 731st Overall: Luis Alderte (0.5): Won't sign. He's got intriguing stuff, including a nasty curveball. He's pretty smart, and will prosper in college.

25th Round, 761st Overall: 2B Winton Gillin (0.5): Two words: super fast.

26th Rounder, 791st Overall: 3B Josh Colich (0.5): I like him as a two way player. He's got good stamina and a nice change, as well as a nice eye at the plate. He's got a good arm for third too.

27th Rounder, 821st Overall: SP Shemar Cistrunk (0.5): He throws 93-95 consistently as a starter, and can pitch deep into games. He's got a passable arsenal, but could be an interesting guy to watch.

28th Round, 851st Overall: 2B Amari Grevious (0.5): His nickname should be "General Grevious" and he should be a legit 5* potential. Instead, no nickname, 0.5, but he's got solid range and a good eye. Won't sign.

29th Round, 881st Overall: SP Joe Zumwalt (0.5): Can't say I ever drafted a "Z" player. He won't sign, but isn't terrible. He's got injury problems, but is a Florida Native.

30th Round, 911th Overall: CF Danny Treen (0.5): Won't sign. Nice speed, nice range in the outfield, and an excellent eye. He also makes good contact, but strikes out a ton.

31st Round, 941st Overall: CF Luis Mercado (1.5): Don't let the overall fool you, he can't hit at all. It's all defense, which he'll be a great centerfielder. He's got good speed too, but is a career minor leaguer.

32nd Round, 971st Overall: SP Eric Peterson (0.5): We got ourselves a knuckleballer! His teammates look up to him, and all his pitches are offspeed. I'm really rooting for him.

33rd Round, 1,001st Overall: SP Dwain Lemay (0.5): A Canadian who throws a side arm screwball. That's something I never thought I'd ever right, but hey, that's what happens when there's very few options that are at least fun to pick.

34th Round, 1,031st Overall: SP Luis Barcenas (0.5): Honestly, he's not half bad. He won't sign, but he has the pitches to be a big league starer. But like his personality, he doesn't stand out.

35th Round, 1,061st Overall: CF Alfredo Garza (0.5): Didn't mean to draft him, but here we are. He won't sign since I won't sign him for $2.8 million, but does have a grea eye and solid speed. He strikes out a ton though.

36th Round, 1,091st Overall: C Ben Nebauer (0.5): Strikes out a ton, but has an interseting bat. Great contact and power for a catcher, but his defence is subpar.

37th Round, 1,121st Overall: CF Kevin Schmidt (0.5): Another guy who is just flat out fast.

38th Round, 1,151st Overall: SP Sincere Sturrup (0.5): Selected purely for his name. He won't sign, but actually has a great change and three of his four pitches are solid. He throws about as hard as an 8th grader though.

39th Round, 1,181st Overall: SP Teagan Squarebriggs (0.5): Another name pick. The Canadian has very little stamina, but 6 interesting pitches. No movement, but decent enough control.

40th Round, 1,211th Overall: SP Doug Baker (0.5): Officially my lowest ever pick, he throws 6 pitches including a forkball. Great stamina, throws relatively fast, but no movement on his pitches.

Thank God that's over...

If you're curious on our unsigned gusy from 2021:

13th Round: RF Jorge Arroyo (0.5): Selected in the 15th Round by Toronto
18th Round: 3B Erik Gregg (0.5): Selected in the 23rd Round by the Angels, then released
23rd Round: CF Savion Vilsaint (0.5): Selected by the Nationals in the 37th Round, then released
25th Round: SP Jon McKinley (0.5): Selected in the 22nd Round by the Indians, then released
26th Round: RF Phil Bromley (0.5): Selected in the 20th Round by the Breweres, then released
31st Round: C Chris Bell (0.5): Returned for Senior Season
34th Round: SP Ronnie Bourgeois (0.5): Selected by the Angels in the 34th Round, then released
35th Round: SP Radhakrish Masrani (0.5): Selected by the Brewers in the 39th Round
37th Round: CF Ben Anthony (0.5): Selected by the Orioles in the 28th Round, then released.
38th Round: 2B R.J. Price (0.5): Returned for his senior year
39th Round: SP Omari Hariot (0.5): Selected in the 40th Round by the Blue Jays.

Little draftee update, former 4th Rounder back in 2018 Jack Filby made his debut with the Indians. The utility man is hitting .120/.297/.220 in 50 at bats this year. I traded him in the Jose Ramirez trade back in 2022.

No one from the 2019 draft has debuted, but 1st Rounder Tyler Callihan is on the Phillies 40-man Roster, as is 2nd Rounder Jaheim Meggett, although in my organization. Even with the injury, Meggett is still rated a 1.5/3.

No one from 2020 has debuted either, although Josh Weske is on his way. It's too early to check on 2021-2023 yet, but there are players from those classes who have debuted.

2018 13th Rounder Gunnar Hoglund is in AAA, can can be called upon for RHP for the pen. Weske is there too, as well as Ernesto Estrella and Brett Conine. Estrella has had extended time this year.

2018 11th Rounder Jonathan Gettys, 2019 6th Rounder Keylan Killgore, 2021 1st Rounder LF/P Ken Adeniran, and 2020 2nd Rounder Joe Brewer are in AA. Killgore and Adeniran have both seen action in AAA, and could be called up soon.

My first ever pick, Ethan Hankins, who didn't sign, is in A+. He's now just a 1.5* pitcher, who missed out on a big bonus.

Up next, a duel in Washington against the surprsie best team in the league! They own a 2 game lead, but with a sweep, we'd take back the spot we deserve!