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ayaghmour2 · 12-03-2023, 07:07 PM

8th Round, 125th Overall: CF Frank Falcao
School: Mishawaka Pilots
Commit School: Tallmadge State
1949: .434/.496/.761, 132 PA, 16 2B, 6 3B, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 23 SB
Career: .435/.500/.749, 243 PA, 29 2B, 9 3B, 6 HR, 60 RBI, 46 SB

I was hoping for a big season from Fireball Frank Falcao, but he thoroughly disappointed, putting together a near identical in year two. Despite that, Dixie Marsh remains fond of the 18-year-old switch hitter, commenting on his contact ability, plate discipline, defense, and speed. Falcao is a pick purely on upside and I expect he's going to be one of the least developed members of the new draft class. Another thing working against him is the work ethic, but our system tends to do well getting the most out of guys who aren't used to giving it 100%. I think we were lucky to get him this late, but with an abundance of talented outfielders I'm sure some teams didn't want to double dip. Right now he profiles more of an athletic fourth outfielder, but he's a strong kid who hits the ball hard. He has a great approach at the plate and he won't strike out too much. With a little power he could be a better Carlos Montes type hitter, as Falcao should be able to hit around .290. It's yet to be seen if he'll match up defensively, but he has the requisite speed and both Dixie and OSA are fond of his defense. He may not get to play too much this year, but Falcao has the chance to take a much bigger role next season as some of our younger outfielders begin to move up.

9th Round, 141st Overall: RHP Luke Wright
School: LaSalle Cavaliers
Commit School: Spokane State
1949: 8-2, 94.1 IP, 1.24 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 23 BB, 123 K
Career: 16-3, 189 IP, 1.52 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 58 BB, 261 K

We took back-to-back Chicago kids with Frank Falcao and Luke Wright, but both were picked on merit not birthplace. 18 in August, Wright is already hitting 90 with his fastball while his sinker comes in about a mile slower. Aside from the hard stuff, he has a reliable change, slider, and splitter, and Dixie Marsh explains that "when he's on he's unhittable." Of course that is followed by "susceptible to the long ball and wandering command." Unlike the first two pitchers we took, command is not one of Wright's strong suits, as it has a long ways to go if he never adds any velocity. And unlike his fellow Chicagoan, Wright is inquisitive and is always asking coaches ways to improve. I love that about him, and it makes me believe he'll develop into a pitcher who is much better then just an average emergency starter. The stuff is superb, and if he can even sit in the 91-93 range I think he's going to be almost unhittable. Without the velocity, he's going to need to sharpen up his command, but that can be something saved for after his velocity stabilizes. I'm curious to see how he does in limited innings post-draft, as I don't want his innings total to go too high in year one.

10th Round, 157th Overall: RF Delos Williams
School: Lincoln Tigers
Commit School: St. Dominic's
1949: .462/.505/.703, 106 PA, 11 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 11 SB
Career: .442/.496/.670, 450 PA, 43 2B, 7 3B, 11 HR, 116 RBI, 33 SB

Wrapping up the first of what will be many ten person human draft classes is Delos Williams, a 18-year-old from California. A four year starter, Williams saved the best for last, hitting a solid .462/.505/.703 with 11 doubles, 11 walks, and 11 steals. Like his freshman and junior season, he hit three home runs, and finished with fifteen extra base hits. An aggressive hitter, he hits the ball hard, and at 6'3'' you have to imagine he's going to be able to hit home runs. Williams is also a good presence in the clubhouse and he has the makings of a future captain. When he talks, people listen, and I hope he'll help keep players accountable. He's the type who's always in the weight room and gives his all on drills. Pair that with a solid bat, and he's giving off Hal Sharp vibes without the attitude. Like Falcao, playing time may be tough to come by in year one, but I have no doubts that Williams will develop into a big league quality hitter. How good he hits and how much value he can provide in the field.

12-03-2023, 07:07 PM	#1275
ayaghmour2 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 3,010	1949 Draft: Rounds 8-10 8th Round, 125th Overall: CF Frank Falcao School: Mishawaka Pilots Commit School: Tallmadge State 1949: .434/.496/.761, 132 PA, 16 2B, 6 3B, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 23 SB Career: .435/.500/.749, 243 PA, 29 2B, 9 3B, 6 HR, 60 RBI, 46 SB I was hoping for a big season from Fireball Frank Falcao, but he thoroughly disappointed, putting together a near identical in year two. Despite that, Dixie Marsh remains fond of the 18-year-old switch hitter, commenting on his contact ability, plate discipline, defense, and speed. Falcao is a pick purely on upside and I expect he's going to be one of the least developed members of the new draft class. Another thing working against him is the work ethic, but our system tends to do well getting the most out of guys who aren't used to giving it 100%. I think we were lucky to get him this late, but with an abundance of talented outfielders I'm sure some teams didn't want to double dip. Right now he profiles more of an athletic fourth outfielder, but he's a strong kid who hits the ball hard. He has a great approach at the plate and he won't strike out too much. With a little power he could be a better Carlos Montes type hitter, as Falcao should be able to hit around .290. It's yet to be seen if he'll match up defensively, but he has the requisite speed and both Dixie and OSA are fond of his defense. He may not get to play too much this year, but Falcao has the chance to take a much bigger role next season as some of our younger outfielders begin to move up. 9th Round, 141st Overall: RHP Luke Wright School: LaSalle Cavaliers Commit School: Spokane State 1949: 8-2, 94.1 IP, 1.24 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 23 BB, 123 K Career: 16-3, 189 IP, 1.52 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 58 BB, 261 K We took back-to-back Chicago kids with Frank Falcao and Luke Wright, but both were picked on merit not birthplace. 18 in August, Wright is already hitting 90 with his fastball while his sinker comes in about a mile slower. Aside from the hard stuff, he has a reliable change, slider, and splitter, and Dixie Marsh explains that "when he's on he's unhittable." Of course that is followed by "susceptible to the long ball and wandering command." Unlike the first two pitchers we took, command is not one of Wright's strong suits, as it has a long ways to go if he never adds any velocity. And unlike his fellow Chicagoan, Wright is inquisitive and is always asking coaches ways to improve. I love that about him, and it makes me believe he'll develop into a pitcher who is much better then just an average emergency starter. The stuff is superb, and if he can even sit in the 91-93 range I think he's going to be almost unhittable. Without the velocity, he's going to need to sharpen up his command, but that can be something saved for after his velocity stabilizes. I'm curious to see how he does in limited innings post-draft, as I don't want his innings total to go too high in year one. 10th Round, 157th Overall: RF Delos Williams School: Lincoln Tigers Commit School: St. Dominic's 1949: .462/.505/.703, 106 PA, 11 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 11 SB Career: .442/.496/.670, 450 PA, 43 2B, 7 3B, 11 HR, 116 RBI, 33 SB Wrapping up the first of what will be many ten person human draft classes is Delos Williams, a 18-year-old from California. A four year starter, Williams saved the best for last, hitting a solid .462/.505/.703 with 11 doubles, 11 walks, and 11 steals. Like his freshman and junior season, he hit three home runs, and finished with fifteen extra base hits. An aggressive hitter, he hits the ball hard, and at 6'3'' you have to imagine he's going to be able to hit home runs. Williams is also a good presence in the clubhouse and he has the makings of a future captain. When he talks, people listen, and I hope he'll help keep players accountable. He's the type who's always in the weight room and gives his all on drills. Pair that with a solid bat, and he's giving off Hal Sharp vibes without the attitude. Like Falcao, playing time may be tough to come by in year one, but I have no doubts that Williams will develop into a big league quality hitter. How good he hits and how much value he can provide in the field.