[ayaghmour2]

Happy draft day! Today, I'm looking to select the next wave of young talent in the Marlins organization. The pool isn't the best, but I'll make due with what I have!

It started with the Cardinals, who selected CF Tim Dunbar #1 Overall. He's one of the better hitters according to my scout, and a 5* according to OSA.

1st Round, 29th Overall: Geoff Jalpa (3): He's a monster, with 83 contact potential and 93 gap power, but he said he won't sign. The worst part is, there are absolutely no good players available. He wants over $5 million, and I have just a bit more then #3 milllion to spend. He's a great hitter with a cannon, and I think after three years of college he'll be a great player, just not in my system.

1st Round, 38th Overall: SP Eric Richer (2.5): He's nothing more then a number 4 starter, but he's definitely promising. He's got 100 stamina, a plus fastball and sinker, plus stuff, and plus movement. He throws 91-93 from a 3/4 armslot. The southpaw from Philly isn't the best pitcher in the world, but compared to the rest of the draft class, he's a superstar.

2nd Round, 70th Overall: CF Andy White (3): He's versatile, can play five position, and has great speed. He's got the range for center, and can be a top defender there as well. Not Jhon Solarte level, but Daylen Lile level. He's got plus power and decent contact, and can develop into a solid hitter.

3rd Round, 100th Overall: C Jim Davis (3): He's a decent defender, but relies too much on his natural talent. He's got an elite eye, plus power, and decent contact abilities. Despite his great eye, he will strike out a little, but Davis still is an interesting prospect.

4th Round, 130th Overall: SP J.J. Lucas (2.5): He's a borderline starter, but I think he can develop his 44 rated change up enough to start. He's got 88 stamina, a plus-plus fastball and curve, and he can reach 96 with the fastball. His control needs some work, but the Florida native is an intriguing prospect.

5th Round, 160th Overall: CL Mike Reece (3): A closer from Cal-State Fullerton, Reece can toss a ton of innings out of the pen, and tossed two plus-plus pitches. His fastball isn't overpowering, but his curveball has nice break and great control. He's not too exciting, but neither is much of what is available.

6th Round, 190th Overall: 2B Kael Tillery (2.5): He's a verstaile player and a decent devensive infielder who turns the double play really well. He's got decent speed and is a great bunter. He's got a plus eye and plus gap power, and will be a solid offensive player.

7th Round, 220th Overall: RP Mike Butler (3): Another college pen arm, Butler can also toss multiple innings out of the pen. He's got a really nice cutter that averages 96-98 mph, and an average slider that will get it's share of whiffs. He's a durable pen guy who can bridge the gap from a starter who exits early to the back of the pen.

8th Round, 250th Overall: 3B Zach Kofard (2.5): Won't sign. All bat no glove, he likely ends up at first, although he does have a plus arm. He'll hit a ton of homers and extra base hits, and won't strike out too much either. He should do well in college and move up the draft boards.

9th Round, 280th Overall: CF Aydan Hattie (2.5): The Canadian high schooler will likely end up in right, but he could be a decent center fielder. He's got a cannon and will hit a bunch of home runs. He's got a great eye and won't strike out too much either, but he's very slow.

10th Round, 310th Overall: SP Mitch Sadler (2): He's got a ton of stamina, but likely tops out as a long man out of the pen. He's got a great fastball that can hit triple digits and an interesting forkball, but he doesn't excite too much. He's got average movement and control, but I like the young lefty from Dallas.

11th Round, 340th Overall: CF Joe Housand (2.5): Won't sign. He's got great speed and can stick in center, although left is likely his final destination. He's got a great eye, but won't get a ton of hits. He's got nice power as well.

12th Round, 370th Overall: CL Ted Woodley (2): He's got elite stuff, but absolutely no movement. He throws a straight fastball and a change that just doesn't really move much. He can hit 100, but prefers the 96-98 range.

13th Round, 400th Overall: CF Chris Feinerman (2): Already running out of talent, he's a decent and versatile player. He's got great speed, great range, and a cannon, but isn't much of a hitter. He does draw a lot of walks, but he'll realrey put it in play.

14th Round, 430th Overall: RP Josh Siegel (2): He can eat innings out of the pen and glance triple digits. He throws a plus-plus fastball and slider, but doesn't get that much movement with the slide. He just wins by overpowering hitters.

15th Round, 460th Overall: 3B Jamari Maith (1.5): Won't sign. He's got an elite eye, makes good contact, and can stick at the hot corner. College will help him refine his skills.

16th Round, 490th Overall: SP Gael Levann (1.5): He's got great stamina, but likely ends up in the pen. He's got a plus-plus curve, a plus slider, and an average change and fastball. He doesn't throw very hard, but has really good control.

17th Round, 520th Overall: SP Billy Kane (1.5): Another innings eater, Kane boast a plus-plus change up, plus cruve, and average cutter. He also has great control, and is clutch under pressure.

18th Round, 550th Overall: SP Juan Garza (1.5): The last starter worth taking, Garza features a plus change and curve with an average forkball and very hittable fastball. The Puerto Rican lefty tossed 90-92 conistently, but isn't the most intersting guy there is.

19th Round, 580th Overall: C Jeff Kisling (1.5): Won't sign. He's great at framing pitches and has a plus eye, but he has a weak arm. He doesn't hit much either, but has a little pop.

20th Round, 610th Overall: CF Danny Treen (2): I selected the speedy Treen in the 30th Round back in 2024, and took him again 10 rounds earlier. He's an average all around htiter who can develop into a decent outfielder.

21st Round, 640th Overall: CF Nate Waldon (3): Don't let the star rating fool you, he really isn't that good. He's fast and has good range, but will never be the best defender. He's got a great eye and good power, but the dreaded 9 contact.

22nd Round, 670th Overall: CF Kevin Penney (2): He can play all over the diamond, but doesn't really have the arm for third base. He's got great speed, but is a terrible base runner. He also doens't hit much, but has enough power to keep the defense back. He's a native of Crestview, Florida.

23rd Round, 700th Overall: SP A.J. Dailey (0.5): Won't sign. He's not too exciting, but I wanted to burn a pick. Decent stamina and a decent set of pitches.

24th Round, 730th Overall: SS Juan Tapanes (1.5): He's going to develop into a gold glove shortstop, but that will start in college not the minors. He's also got plus power.

25th Round, 760th Overall: CF Kevin Burton (2.5): Why not risk it on a lefty who has 22 gap power potential? He's a decent defender with average speed and an elite eye. He supposedly will have plus contact and power as well, and hits left handed.

26th Round, 790th Overall: 3B Lupe Morales (1.5): Won't sign. He's got plus power, a plus-plus arm, and a plus eye. The Jacksonville native should do well in college.

27th Round, 820th Overall: SS Eric Grone (2): Groan... He's an all glove no bat speedy shortstop. He's got an elite eye, but I don't think he'll ever hit the ball past the pitcher...

28th Round, 850th Overall: CF Josh Fonseca (0.5): I wanted to draft him as a pitcher, but he won't sign... He has intriguing stuff and could turn into a solid reliever.

29th Round, 880th Overall: C Mitch Gordon (0.5): I drafted him as a pitcher. He was selected in the 29th Round in 2024 by the Royals, but 858th instead of 880th. He's not too special, but has decent stamina and a decent curve.

30th Round, 910th Overall: SP Kasey Field (0.5): He's got great stamina, a great curveball, and decent control and can surprise the pundits. At just 17, he has a lot of room to grow, and could become somewhat alright.

31st Round, 940th Overall: RF Ezra Butcher (1.5): A Florida native, Butcher isn't much of a fielder, but has a great eye at the plate. He's got decent pop, but pulls the ball a lot to right field.

32nd Round, 970th Overall: SS Chris Strowd (1.5): A raw youngster, Strowd can develop into a solid defensive shortstop or third basemen. He's got plus eye and a decent contact tool, with decent base running abilities.

33rd Round, 1,000th Overall: 2B Trey Schroer (1.5): I love when I pick 1,000th! An offensive stud, Schroer is absolutley useless as a defender. He could hit 30 homers a year, however, and will make consistent enough contact.

34th Round, 1,030th Overall: SP Jorge de los Santos (0.5): Won't sign, and will liekly come stateside to play college ball. He doesn't have starter stamina, but he features a decent arsenal, including a plus circle change.

35th Round, 1,060th Overall: SS Ben Geigle (1.5): An elite defender, he can turn the double play better then everyone else, and has a really strong arm. Where he lacks in range, he makes up in foot speed. He's not the best hitter, but he's not an automatic out. And he's from Florida!

36th Round, 1,090th Overall: 2B Daniel Coulombe Jr. (0.5): His father played pro ball, so that's enough to get him selected. He's not too good, but everyone loves watching him compete, and he has baseall in his blood.

37th Round, 1,120th Overall: SP Mike Burrows (0.5): Selected by the White SOx in 2024 in the 26th Round, he dropped a bit after not inspriing in college. He does boast five average to plus pitches and throws 92-94 with his fastball, but doesn't have control or movement.

38th Round, 1,150th Overall: SP Jamie Small (0.5): He's got pinpoint control, a nice curveball, and an alright change, but barley has the stamina to start. He also throws like a slow pitch softball pitcher.

39th Round, 1,180th Overall: RF Dave Naulty (1.5): I drafted him in the 6th Round last year. And he fell to 39th? My scout had him as a 4.5*! What happen to this kid? Well, he still has lightning speed and a decent bat, so maybe I got a steal. Or maybe he just isn't good...

40th Round, 1,210th Overall: SP Jon Ross (0.5): A borderline starter with plus stuff, Ross can toss mop up innings in the minors. He's not the worst player I drafted, but he's far from the best. But who knows...

And that finishes an uninspiring 2027 class... Here's where my undrafted 2024 guys went:
2nd Round: SP Mike Bookert: Selected in the 12th Round by the Dodgers
6th Round: CF Omari Golatt: Selected in the 4th Round by the Rangers
9th Round: 2B Andy Gibson: Selected in the 4th Round by the Braves
12th Round: SS Rodolfo Silva: Selected in the 39th Round by the Mets, then released
18th Round: CF Jeff McMaster: Returned for his senior year
19th Round: CF Ben Robinson: Selected in the 10th Round by the Angels
28th Round: 2B Amari Grevious: Selected in the 38th Round by the Rangers, then released
29th Round: SP Joe Zumwalt: Returned for his senior year
35th Round: CF Alfredo Garza: Selected in the 36th Round by the Royals, then released
38th Round: SP Sincere Sturrup: Selected by the Braves in the 37th Round, then released

At least most of these guys are starting to get re-selected...

Anyways, I'll do a quick 5-year flashback of the 2022 class. Next year, I'll be able to do a 10 year and 5 year flashback

My first pick was Jonathan Carillo, who I took 25th overall. He's a decent prospect, although I shipped him with Nick Neidert to the Royals in a five team deal. He's in A+ Wilimington currently. Joe Kramer, who I took 36th Overall, looks like a bullpen stud and has already made his big league debut. He's having a rough year in AAA this season, but is rated a 2.5/4.5. 4th Rounder Whip Mifflen is another decent guy, who has starter potential and can become a 4th outfielder as well. I shipped him to the Braves in the big Mike Soroka trade, and they sent him to the Reds where he plays in A Dayton.

Pete Alder was my 2nd Round pick, and he's dissapointed. He's in Greensboro currently, but isn't really exciting at all. 3rd Rounder Jeff Hamrick was so bad that I released him in 2024. He spent a little time with Kansas City and Seattle in their farm system, but is currently a free agent.

That's all for the top 5 rounds, as I didn't sign my 5th rounder.

Other notables include 8th Rounder Greg Walston who is currently a 4* reliever. He pitched for me a bit before being traded to the Nationals in the Billy Williamson deadline deal. He's having a rough season, but is pitching in the pros. 7th Rounder Mike Seals has bounced around a bit, and was also in the Soroka deal, and is currently in R Ogden in the Dodgers organization. He's a decent starting spec of his own. 24th Rounder Billy Marshall has turned into a 3/3.5* reliever, and I might have let him get away. I released him in 2023, where he latched on with the Pirates. He's currently in A West Virginia, but he tossed 5.2 shutout innings in the big leauges this year with 10 strikeouts and a 0.35 WHIP. 29th Rounder Hunter Gaddis is in AAA New Orleans and has turned into a 2.5* reliever. He has a shot to get called up and despite being 29, could be a decent pen guy in the bigs.

More guys are still in the system, and a few retired, but those are the ones worth noting. Some notables around the league include:

Athletis 1st Rounder Steve Hayes (16-21, 4.65 ERA, 359 K)
Mariners 1st Rounder Luis Flores (14-13, 4.37 ERA, 71 K)
Angels 1st Rounder Sergio Ayala (.291/.355/.535, 32 HR, 120 RBI)
White Sox 1st Rounder Daylen Lile (.238/.308/.327, 8 HR, 64 RBI, 59 SB)
Rangers 1st Rounder Andy Norman (.268/.313/.509, 24 HR, 70 RBI)
Reds 2nd Rounder Jerrion Ealy (.262/.315/.398, 19 HR, 97 RBI, 41 SB)
Cubs 2nd Rounder Ben Henning (.273/.324/.547, 46 HR, 120 RBI, 26 SB)
Cardinals 3rd Rounder Joe Bernal (14-12, 3.15 ERA, 161 K)
Astros 3rd Rounder Brad Ford (7-7, 2.82 ERA, 159 K, 24 SV)
Reds 3rd Rounder Stephon Canada (.312/.374/.554, 25 HR, 107 RBI)
White Sox 5th Rounder Alfredo Ordorica (.295/.343/.498, 7 HR, 35 RBI)
Twins 7th Rounder Luis Pastrana (21-20, 3.82 ERA, 383 K)
Cardinals 8th Rounder Dana White (9-7, 3.59 ERA, 192 K, 22 SV)
White Sox 8th Rounder Jamie Priest (7-7, 3.72 ERA, 12K K, 37 SV)
Miami 8th Rounder Greg Walston (6-3, 2.99 ERA, 95 K, 18 SV)
Orioles 10th Rounder Gene Hall (13-17, 3.15 ERA, 277 K)
Twins 12th Rounder Chad Whye (5-6, 3.75 ERA, 146 K, 3 SV)
Reds 13th Rounder Mike Kuhns (11-4, 3.32 ERA, 205 K, 2 SV)
Tigers 19th Rounder Robby Steinmetz (5-4, 2.88 ERA, 120 K, 29 SV)

More baseball is coming up next!