[ayaghmour2]

With the first pick in the 2030 Amateur Draft, the Montreal Expos selected 21-year-old SS Ethan Turlington out of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Turlington was a 26th Round Pick by the Rangers out of High School, but he declined to sign and put up insane numbers on the best team in the Pac-12.

1st Round, 26th Overall: SP Kevin Dickerson (3.5): He's listed as a starter, but I'd be naive to expect him to stay one, with his change up a borderline, although currently passable, third pitch. Even if he ends up a reliever, he's by far the best available player. The 18-year-old from Juniata Valley HS in Alexandria, Pensylvania has plus-plus stuff with plus movement and control. He's got solid stamina and hits 93-95 consistently with his plus-plus fastball. He tosses an elite curveball and average change up, but has all the tools to become a top of the rotation starter. He's got a lot of filling in to do, and with every high school pick a lot of risk, but he's definitely a solid investment.

1st Round, 38th Overall: SS Jorge Trujillo (2.5): With the pickings already slim, I'm hoping to flip the first of four compensation picks for a pick next year. The switch hitting shortstop from Puerto Rico nicknamed "Sugar," Trujillo can play all around the diamond, although he'll never quite find a position he excells at, a Ben Zobrist type per say. He's got solid speed, but won't steal too many bases, and a solid, yet unspectactular bat. He's got extra base hit power, but none of his tools really jump out at you. College either stateside or in Puerto Rico should benefit the 19-year-old.

1st Round, 30th Overall: SP Trev Deal (3): "Spiderman" is another high school arm that my scout thinks can stick in the rotation. He's got elite stamina and stuff with plus control. He throws about 91-93 with his plus-plus fastball and he has a 95 rated slider that doesn't get too much movement. The righty has a lot of developing to do, but there's nothing saying he can't be a middle of the rotation arm.

1st Round, 31st Overall: SP Wander S. Holsapple (3): The picks keep coming, as next is a teammate of Ethan Turlington, UCLA ace Wander S. Holsapple. He's a borderline starter, but he's a lot closer to fully developed then most arms I take in the higher rounds. He's got plus-plus stuff, but with just average movement and control. Holsapple throws a 89 rated fastball and plus sinker at triple digits from a 3/4 armslot. He's got solid stamina and keeps the ball on the ground, but he's got to work on his change up. It's a slighty below average pitch, but he has a change to boost it up. He's a great example in the clubhouse, and his "veteran" presence in the lower levels should help himself and those around him.

1st Round, 32nd Overall: CF Danny Congleton (2.5): The last of our compensation picks and 4th in a row, Danny Congelton is a switch hitting outfielder from my school, the University of Central Florida. Origionally a 11th Round Pick by the Twins in 2027, Congelton is a great athlete. He's got elite speed, elite range in the outfield, and he'll catch every ball hit out to him. He's a great baserunner and even has a plus arm in the outfield. He can stick in center easily, and he can play a little infield too with expereince at second base. He doesn't have the best bat, he'll spray a lot of singles on the ground to all fields, but he does have a bit of extra base pop. He's got value with his defense, and his offense can develop enough to make him a regular at the top level.

2nd Round, 71st Overall: CF Stephon Struggs (2.5): Another pick I plan on rolling over, Struggs is a really good hitter from Dallas Texas. The high school senior has a solid bat with plus power and contact to go with plus speed. He's got the range for center and the arm for right, although neither tool is elite. He's a solid player that will have a successful college career before re-entering the draft.

3rd Round, 111th Overall: C Mike Bennett (2.5): He may end up at first base, but for now, Mike Bennett will be a solid backstop. He's got a good arm and players on the team look up to him. He's not the best hitter, but he has the "all-or-nothing" approach, with a plus eye, that'll lead to a lot of homers and a lot of big swings and misses. He doesn't strike out too much, but his lack of contact currently will start to lead to that. He's also the last 2.5* non-reliever, so the rest of this draft will liekly not be the best.

4th Round, 145th Overall: RP Jim Harris (3): A senior from Vanderbuilt, Harris is the last player in the pool that currently has more then 2* potential. As a college senior, he's near big league ready, and Harris makes his name with his elite fastball. He hits 94-96 consistently and he can throw a ton of pitches out of the pen. He also mixes in a plus curveball. He started in college, but with the lack of a third pitch, Harris will begin the transition to the pen.


5th Round, 179th Overall: SP Damani Bonton (2): Origionally a 10th Round Pick by the Diamondbacks in 2027, Damani Bonton spent the last three years at Rice boosting his draft stock. "Tag" throws 93-95 with his plus-plus fastball, and also features a plus curve and average change. He doesn't get the best movement on his pitches and his control isn't much better, but he's a dependable back of the rotation starter that doesn't have too much more developing left. He's a high floor, low ceiling "safe" pick to finish the bonus players.

6th Round, 213th Overall: SS Jonathan Moran (2): A former 25th Round Pick by the Orioles, the slick fielding Jonathan Moran attended the College of Charleston and put together a solid college career. He's one of the best defenders in the NCAA, with great range, soft hands, and he turned more double plays then anyone else in the nation. He doesn't have the strongest arm, but he'll develop into a Gold Glove caliber shortstop. He's got good speed on the basepaths, but he's not the best hitter. He's got average contact potential, but he strikes out a lot and doesn't have much power. He's more of an off the bench defender then everyday starter.

7th Round, 247th Overall: RF Jake Gilbert (2): Won't sign. He's got plus range and not much of an arm, so I'm shocked he played as much as he did in right. He's more of a left fielder in the future, but he's got the speed for center. He's also got plus pop, but he doesn't always make contact.

8th Round, 281st Overall: CF Josh Knecht (2): He's got elite range and can stick in center, and he also has a plus arm comprable to Congelton who was selected earlier. He's got a great eye and won't strike out too much, but he deoesn't offer much with the bat. He's a good baserunner, but nothing more then a 4th/5th outfielder.

9th Round, 315th Overall: SP Jerry Hudson (1.5): One of the few actual starting pitchers left, Hudson is a durable starter from Sunrise, Floria. He's got plus stamina, an intriguing three pitch arsenal, and he hits 95-97 with the hard stuff. The sidearmer features a plus fastball, plus-plus slider, and average change up. He has relatively good command of his pitches, and has a little upside as a prospect.

10th Round, 349th Overall: SS Ben Chivers (1.5): With Ethan Turlington at SS, Ben Chiver's Junior Season at UCLA (he was at JUCO his first two years) saw him spend more time at second, third, and right field then at short. A 20th Round Pick by the Nationals back in 2027, Chivers has plus speed, range, arm, error, and double play tools. He's a little outspoken, but with the bat, he's got a solid eye and won't chase too much. He's a fringe prospect, but with work, he can play everywhere except pitcher and catcher.

11th Round, 383rd Overall: RP Danny Lee (2): He may be listed as a reliever, but I think he could eventually start games. He doesn't have ideal stamina, but the Junior from Cal-State Fullerton tosses three pitches, including a plus-plus change up. He won't blow you away, throwing just 89-91 with his fastball and cutter, but he's got plus movement and control. More of a finesse pitcher then control artist, he's an interesting addition to either the pen or possibly the rotation.

12th Round, 417th Overall: SP Amari Frelix (1.5): Won't sign. He's got starter potential, but needs to work on going deeper into games and increasing his velocity. He throws just 86-88 with his fastball, but as he matures, that number could go up.

13th Round, 451st Overall: SS Josh Pollock (1.5): A versatile defender, Pollock can slot at second, third, short, left, and right, with the range for center. An extremely raw prospect, his value lies in his defensive ability, not his bat. He's a great depth piece, but doesn't currently profiles as a regular.

14th Round, 485th Overall: 3B Tim Blatcher (1.5): An gifted power hitter, Blatcher will end up on either corner due to his plus arm, but lack of range. He's got great speed and is a solid base runner, but he boasts an elite eye with plus-plus gap and homer power. He doesn't make a lot of contact and will strike out a lot, but he's an intriguing youngster.

15th Round, 519th Overall: SS Chris Holman (1.5): Won't sign. The San Francisco Native is a solid defender with an average all around back. He may not end up at short, but he has the range to stick in the middle infield. College should do him well.

16th Round, 553rd Overall: 1B Zach Skaggs (1.5): A Senior from Brown, he graduated with a legitimate degree from the prestigious university. He's a solid defender with plus power and a plus eye. He's a smart base runner despite his lack of speed, and he's extremely adaptable. He's also nearly fully developed, so what you see is what you'll get.

17th Round, 587th Overall: SP Eric Simons (1): A four pitch pitcher, Simons features a plus-plus change, average cutter and splitter, and below-average slider. He averages 89-91 with his cut-fastball. He's a durable right arm that can give you solid innings.

18th Round, 621st Overall: 3B Mike Levering (1.5): All bat, no glove, Mike Levering is an excellent hitter with a cannon of an arm. The only problem is almost everything gets past him, and even if it doesn't, it's likely not going to be fielded all too well. He's got plus contact and power, but screams DH.

19th Round, 655th Overall: C Tibor Rispan (1.5): He's got a great eye at the plate, but he doesn't make enough contact to avoid striking out. He'll spray doubles to each field as a switch hitter, and occasionally hit a long ball. He's not the best behind the plate, and may eventually shift to first base, but he prepares well and executes a strong gameplan for his pitchers.

20th Round, 689th Overall: RF Eric Reid (1): We're running out of players! And here's one who's set on College. Reid can play a little bit of everything, taking reps in left, right, and center as well as both corner infield spots. He's got good speed and great pop for a small guy. He just wants to get better, and could shoot up the draft boards in three years.

21st Round, 723rd Overall: SS Zach West (1.5): He's a solid defender in the infield with experience in center as well. He's got good speed and a good eye, but isn't much of a hitter. His value lies in his versatility, but he really doesn't stand out.

22nd Round, 757th Overall: CF Sergio Rivers (1): Won't sign. He's got the range for center, and is a very smart kid. He'll go to a good school and try to work on his bat. Right now, all he features is his strong eye.

23rd Round, 791st Overall: CF Deshawn Shingles (1): Honestly, really love the name. He's also got elite speed, a plus-plus arm, and plus range in the outfield. He's going to pile up steals, but he'll just have trouble getting on base to do it. He strikes out a ton, and really doesn't do much when the ball is put into play. He's a flyball hitter that would do better if he kept the ball on the ground.

24th Round, 825th Overall: SP Tim Welgarz (1): He throws three average pitches, but can hit 90-92 with his faastball and sinker. He's got starter stamina and average control. He was captain of his varsity team, and shows great leadership qualities.

25th Round, 859th Overall: SP Kevin Walton (0.5): A Florida Native, he's got plus-plus stuff and stamina. The durable right doesn't throw very hard, but he's got an elite curveball. He doesn't get much movement or have much command, and doesn't make many good decisions on and off the field, but not too many guys left have 74 stuff potential.

26th Round, 893rd Overall: SP Brad Alexander (0.5): Won't sign. He has 100 stamina, so something could come of that. The only problem, he throws just 84-86, so the 17-year-old has a long way to go.

27th Round, 927th Overall: CF Juan Maldonado (0.5): Won't sign. He has his intentions of coming to the states for college. He's an average defender with an okay bat, but he's got his work cut out for him.

28th Round, 961st Overall: SP Jim Wright (0.5): Won't sign. The lefty could be good if he works on his control. He gives up too many homers after he walks the bases loaded.

29th Round, 995th Overall: 3B Eric McDaniels (0.5): Won't sign. He's a third basemen who doesn't do anything expect throw well. He's got a developing bat.

30th Round, 1,029th Overall: SS Joe McDonald (1.5): Don't let the rating fool you, you have to really suck to be anything less then a 1.5* if you play short. The Miami naitve is really fast and a good defender, but he sometimes make the routine plays look hard. He's a light hitting switch hitter that was undrafted out of high school. He wasn't great at Miami Springs, but I like good defenders.

31st Round, 1,063rd Overall: C Ernesto Gaxiola (1): Another undrafted high schooler, Gaxiola went from Puerto Rico to Winner/Colome College where he did alright. Another light hitter, he's great at calling games and could be a plus defender behind the plate. Not Jackson Miller, but also not Pat Hughes. He does have a plus eye as well.

32nd Round, 1,097th Overall: 2B Ben Escobar (0.5): Won't sign. He's got a plus contact tool, but he lacks power. He doesn't play much defense either, as evident by his position as a high school senior.

33rd Round, 1,131st Overall: SS Tim Morales (1): More of a third basemen due to his cannon of an arm, Morales also boasts plus range in the infield. He plays a little second, third, short, center, and right. The switch hitter has great speed, but is an awful base stealer. He's got a passable bat, but there's a reason no one took him in high school and he attended Faith Lutheran in Las Vegas for College (no offense).

34th Round, 1,165th Overall: SS Luis Polanco (0.5): Won't sign. The Florida Native is very versatile, and will likely play all outfield positions average and excell in the infield. He isn't the fastest and can't really hit.

35th Round, 1,199th Overall: SP Dave D'Arrigo (0.5): Won't sign. He's got a ton of stamina, but he throws three garbage pitches. And not the good garbage.

36th Round, 1,233rd Overall: CF Jake Brown (0.5): There are worst picks out there. He's a plus runner with plus range, plus contact, and plus gap power. He hits the ball on the ground, and will likely never hit a non-inside the park homer.

37th Round, 1,267th Overall: C Kevin Snow (0.5): Won't sign. I actually wanted to sign him as a two-way player, as he has plus control, but he had other ideas. He's got a decent eye, and could be a solid catcher. He doesn look to improve all the time.

38th Round, 1,301st Overall: SP Mike O'Conner (0.5): I really hope this guy makes it. He's a sidearm flyball pitcher that throws mid 80s with a fastball, cutter, changeup, forkball, circle change, and screwball. And, he's a lefty! He has to be the coolest garbage pick and likes to be the center of attention, but I'm going to give him every tool he needs to succed.

39th Round, 1,335th Overall: SS Layne Valcour (0.5): Won't sign. Love the name though! The Mississauga Native has offers from the states to play in the NCAA. He's got good speed, is a solid defender, and isn't a terrible hitter.

40th Round, 1,369th Overall: CF Dave Harrell (0.5): An extremely fast runner, Dave Harrell shattered the stolen base record (and every other record) at American Christian Academy where he attended university for four years. He can play five positions, has an average eye, and plus range, but 98 speed. So yeah, I'll waste my 40th Round Pick on a speedy lefty with on-point facial hair.

A dissapointing class, perhaps, but maybe Mike O'Conner is the best pitcher to ever grace Out of the Park? Who knows with these scouts...

In honor of it's 10 Year Aniversarry, let's look at the success rate of my Mimai Marlins Amateur Class of 2020!

Considering I don't even vaguley remember (before checking) who my 1st Round Pick was, it was probably great!

Major League Experience:

1st Round: SP Josh Weske: How could I forget about him?!?!?! He was supposed to be the next big thing! He got a 7.2 big league audition in 2024 and he was amazing. So good I traded him, Adam Haseley, and Jimmie Sherfy to the Phillies for Isaac Nunez. In hindsight, absolute steal for me! Haseley and Weske were both effective, but Nunez was really good for me. Back to Weske though, he had three productive seasons with the Phillies from 2025-2027 where he ate up innings for the rebuilding club. He then took a few years off in the Majors before being selected in the 2028 Rule-5 Draft by the Rays. He spent all of 2029 getting humiliated with the Rays, walking a league leading 86 hitters in 108 innings. He had a 6.67 ERA and 1.84 WHIP and was worth -1.8 WAR, still better then Joe Kramer, before dissapearing to Durham this year.

Active, no Major League Experience:

13th Round: RP Andy Ackley: If he wasn't wrecked, he'd have played in the big leagues. Still clinging to a 1.5 overall rating, he's tossed 436.1 minor league innings, topping out in AA Jacksonville. After I finally let him file for minor league free agency, he pitched a little with Toronto, Detroit, San Francisco, Baltimore, and now Cleveland. He's currently in A+ Lynchburg,

Retired, with Major League Experience:

2nd Round: LF Joe Brewer: It may have been short, but Brewer appeared in 12 games with the Blue Jays in 2026, hitting .053/.122/.132 with a homer and 2 RBI's. He was part of the package that sent me Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in 2024 during the All-Star Break.

Retired, no Major League Experience:

3rd Round: 3B T.J. Paskert: He accumulated 1,052 minor league at bats in the GCL, with Batavia, Greensboro, and Jupiter from 2020-2026. And he wasn't any good...

9th Round: SP Doug Daniels: He tossed 30 innings out of the pen with Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, and Washington, going 3-1 with a 4.20 ERA and 1.50 WHIP. I traded him, Thomas Hatch, and Nicky Delmonico to the Brewers in 2021 for Keston Hiura. In 2025, he went to Pittsburgh via. waivers He was claimed off waivers by the Cards in the 2027 Preseason, then claimed 4 days later by Washington. He pitched a little with the Jays in the minors after, but retired last year.

5th Round: CF Frederico Soto: He wasn't any good either, and I released him in 2021 before he signed with the Brewers and then eventually with the Rays in 2028. He reached AA with Biloxi of the Brewers organization in 2027.

6th Round: RP Billy Burgess: He looked promising before he tore his rotator cuff. Tossed 251.2 innings in our system from 2020-2025 before retiring.

7th Round: 3B Juan Preciado: Spent one season in the GCL before getting released with Soto in 2021. He then retired in 2023 without playing again.

8th Round: 1B Nate Riley: Recorded 979 at bats in our organization from 2020-2026. He topped out in Greensboro.

10th Round: C Colt Schmitt: Recorded 1,108 at bats in our organization, topping out in Jupiter.

14th Round: CF Chad Shaw: Recorded 1,229 minor league at bats in cluding 5 in AA Richmond. Traded to the Mets in 2021, he spent time with them, the Angels, Rays, Pirates, Athletics, and Giants.

16th Round: 1B Mike Turgeon: Spent 45 games in the GCL in 2020 before being released Opening Day 2021. Retired without playing again.

17th Round: C Dave Raschke: Released after one year before signing with the Dodgers. He spent 2021-2025 with them before retiring in 2027.

18th Round: RP Chris Valdez: Tossed 29.1 innings with us between 2020-2021. Released in 2022 and retired in 2024.

19th Round: CF Jimmy Thompson: Traded to the Royals in 2021. Spent time with the Royals, Mets, White Sox, Astros, and Reds before retiring in 2025.

20th Round: CF Tyshawn Browley: Just retired last year. Was traded to the Rockies in 2021, and then later released and resigned with us. Traded again to the Rockies, with current Marlin Vidal Brujan, and he stuck until 2024. He then went to Tampa, Oakland, Boston, Tampa again, and Oaklan again. Boston was the only team he didn't do two tours with. Never got past Class A, but played almost 300 games.

23rd Round: RP Jake Carnes: Spent 2020-2022 in the GCL. Pitched 3 games with the Cubs A team in 2024. Retired in 2026.

25th Round: 2B Nate Herman: Traded to Atlanta in 2021. Spent 2021-2023 with their farm system before retiring in 2025.

27th Round: LF Bobby bin Fatin: Released before playing with us. Signed with Cleveland, and later played in the Detroit, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Houston organizations. Retired in 2026.

30th Round: RF Robby Mogle: Traded to the Royals in 2021, but released the day after. Bounced around system to system, but got just 2 at bats (both strikeouts) in 2022 before retiring in 2024.

33rd Round: LF Esteban Primero: Spent 2020 and 2021 with the GCL Marlins. Released in 2022 and retired in 2024.

35th Round: C Joe Huerta: Spent 2020 with the GCL Marlins and Batavia. Released in 2021, but spent it in the Indians organization where he appeared in 17 games with their AZL team. Retired in 2024.

36th Round: C Mike Knowls: Released before appearing with us. Spent time in Houston, Arizona, Los Angeles, New York, and Boston's organization before retiring in 2027. Appeared in just 18 games, but reached A+.

38th Round: RP Sam Confer: Tossed 11 innings in 2020 with the GCL Marlins. Released in 2021, retired in 2023.

39th Round: SS Tim Bernard: Spent 2020 with the GCL Marlins before being traded to the Braves. Released the next day. Spent time with Texas and Pittsburgh, including a 6 game stint with the GCL Pirates. Retired in 2024.


Well, 3 out of 25 players made their majors league debuts, with a possible 4th. Last year (2019), just 2 guys debuted. Granted Tyler Callihan is light years better then these guys, but maybe I'm getting better at drafting? Or not...

Only time will tell if I can draft as well as I make International signigns...