Tough day today. Had to say goodbye to Terry, our beloved 12 1/2-year-old golden retriever. Don't think I'll ever know a dog as loyal & easy-going as Terry. He will be missed terribly. Here he is with our new puppy, Gus.
Paul Skenes hit 102 mph twice (on the scoreboard gun) in a scoreless first inning. Here's another battle of No. 1 overall picks, with Adley Rutschman taking 101 mph for a ball & then driving 99 mph to the warning track in RF.
No. 1 overall pick Paul Skenes signs w/
@Pirates
for $9.2 million (pick value = $9,721,000). Breaks
@MLBDraft
record of $8,416,300 (Torkelson, 2020).
@LSUbaseball
RHP, ranks w/Strasburg as best Draft pitching prospect ever. Fastball up to 102 mph, wipeout upper-80s slider.
No. 2 overall pick Dylan Crews signs w/
@Nationals
for $9,000,000 (pick value = $8,998,500). 2nd-highest bonus in
@MLBDraft
history behind Paul Skenes' $9.2 mil.
@LSUbaseball
OF, best offensive prospect in Draft, rare combo of bat speed & swing decisions, plus speed, solid arm.
1st-rder Drew Gilbert signs with
@Astros
for $2.5 million (slot 28 value = $2,621,700).
@Vol_Baseball
OF, aggressive hitter with excellent hand-eye coordination, solid to plus speed, very good instincts in center, fastball to 93 mph when he relieved in past.
@MLBDraft
1st-rder Kevin Parada signs with
@Mets
for $5,019,735. (slot 11 value = $4,780,700). Largest bonus outside top 10 picks in bonus-pool era.
@GTBaseball
C, feel for barrel, power, patience, school-record 26 HR this spring.
@MLBDraft
2nd-rder Ivan Melendez signs with
@Dbacks
for $1.4 million (slot 43 value = $1,818,500).
@TexasBaseball
1B,
@USAGoldenSpikes
winner, .387/.508/.863, led NCAA D-I in HR (a school-record 32), RBI (94), TB (214) and SLG, big right-handed power.
@MLBDraft
1st-rder Spencer Jones signs with
@Yankees
for $2,880,800 (full slot 25 value).
@VandyBoys
OF, very athletic for 6-7/225, bat speed & leverage produce high exit velos, could hit for average with solid power, RF profile.
@MLBDraft
1st-rder Wyatt Langford will officially sign w/
@Rangers
for $8 million tomorrow (pick 4 value = $7,698,000).
@GatorsBB
OF, best power in
@MLBDraft
, quality hitter too, batted .373/.498/.784 with 21 HR & 28 2B, athleticism to possibly play CF. Ties for 5th-highest bonus ever.
2nd-rder Blade Tidwell signs with
@Mets
for $1.85 million (slot 52 value = $1,475,100).
@Vol_Baseball
RHP, sure 1st-rder if not for shoulder issues earlier in year, 93-96 mph fastball to 99, low-80s slider to 88 with sweep and depth, promising sinking changeup as well.
@MLBDraft
3rd-rder Ben Joyce signs with
@Angels
for $1 million (slot 89 value = $702,100).
@Vol_Baseball
RHP, hardest thrower in
@MLBDraft
(averages 101 mph, touches 105), mid-80s slider gets a lot of chases, low-90s changeup shows promise.
@MLBDraft
No. 1 overall pick Spencer Torkelson signs with
@Tigers
for $8,416,300 (slot value = 8,415,300). New
@MLBDraft
bonus record, also first No. 1 overall pick to get or top slot value in bonus-pool era. Perhaps the best all-around offensive talent to come out of Draft in 20 years.
2nd-rder Jackson Ferris signs with
@Cubs
for $3,005,000 (slot 47 value = $1,661,200). Florida HS LHP, 1st-rd talent, three potential plus pitches in riding 92-95 mph fastball, downer curveball & fading changeup. Mississippi recruit.
@MLBDraft
3rd-rder Tre' Morgan signs w/
@Raysbaseball
for $783,800 (full pick 88 value).
@LSUBaseball
, CWS champion, best 1B defender & one of best overall defenders in
@MLBDraft
. Hit-over-power profile.
Supplemental 1st-rder Jordan Beck signs with
@Rockies
for $2.2 million (slot 38 value = $2,052,300).
@Vol_Baseball
OF, lots of Hunter Renfroe comps, 6-3/225 athlete with well above-average raw power & solid speed.
@MLBDraft
1st-rder Jace Jung signs with
@Tigers
for $4,590,300 (full slot 12 value).
@TTU_Baseball
2B, one of best all-around offensive players in
@MLBDraft
, career .328/.468/.647 hitter, hard contact to all fields, controls strike zone exceptionally well.
2nd-rder Cayden Wallace signs with
@Royals
for $1.7 million (slot 49 value = $1,584,900).
@RazorbackBSB
3B, big power & exit velocities, solid speed, well above-average arm.
@MLBDraft
7th-rder George Wolkow signs w/
@WhiteSox
for $1 million (pick 209 value = $248,300). Illinois HS OF, reclassified from 2024
@MLBDraft
, 6-7/239, huge power upside, athletic for size. South Carolina recruit.
No. 5 overall pick Walker Jenkins signs w/
@Twins
for $7,144,200 (pick value = $7,139,700). Best North Carolina prep prospect since Josh Hamilton in 1999, big lefty power to all fields, sweet swing, solid runner w/chance to play CF, great makeup. North Carolina recruit.
@MLBDraft
3rd-rder Trey Lipscomb signs w/
@Nationals
for $758,900 (full slot 84 value). Believe that's most for a 4th-yr college bat in last five drafts.
@Vol_Baseball
3B, led SEC w/84 RBI in 1st yr as starter, pop to all fields, good discipline, at least average D at hot corner.
@MLBDraft
1st-rder Brandon Barriera signs with
@BlueJays
for $3,597,500 (slot 23 value = $3,076,900). Florida HS LHP, consensus best prep southpaw in
@MLBDraft
, fastball, slider & changeup all could be plus pitches, some Ron Guidry comps(!). Vanderbilt recruit.
5th-rder Sonny DiChiara inks w/
@Angels
for $172,500 (slot 148 = $383,200). Will go straight to Double-A.
@AuburnBaseball
1B, SEC co-player of year, hit .383/.549/.777 w/22 HR, 2nd in NCAA D-I in OBP & walks (68), 5th in OPS (1.326). Power & patience are his strong suits
@MLBDraft
1st-rder Bryce Eldridge signs w/
@SFGiants
for $3,997,500 (pick 16 value = $4,326,600). Virginia HS, best two-way guy in
@MLBDraft
will try both as pro, most scouts prefer him as 1B w/power & feel to hit, also three-pitch RHP up to 96 w/fastball. Alabama recruit.
1st-rder Max Clark signs w/
@Tigers
for $7.7 million (pick 3 value = $8,341,700). Indiana HS OF, Gatorade national player of the year, perhaps best all-around tools in
@MLBDraft
with 60 hit & D, 65 arm, 70 speed & at least 50 power. Vanderbilt recruit.
@MLBDraft
17th-rder Carter Young signs with
@Orioles
for $1.325 million ($1.25 million counts vs pool).
@VandyBoys
SS, hit .207 with 7 HR this spring, switch-hitter with 20-HR potential, good instincts & solid defense. I did not see this one coming at all.
@MLBDraft
1st-rder Cade Horton signs with
@Cubs
for $4.45 million (slot 7 value = $5,711,000).
@OU_Baseball
RHP, huge postseason, fastball to 98 mph, wipeout slider to 90, athletic former two-way player & QB. Best college pitcher in
@MLBDraft
, enabled Cubs to steal Jackson Ferris in 2nd rd
4th-rder Silas Ardoin signs with
@Orioles
for $571,400 (full slot 107 value).
@TexasBaseball
C, one of best defensive backstops in
@MLBDraft
, improved bat & power this spring.
No. 1 overall pick Jackson Holiday agrees with
@Orioles
for $8.19 million, which will eclipse No. 2 overall pick Druw Jones' $8,189,400 from
@Dbacks
as the most ever for HS player in history of the
@MLBDraft
. Old mark was $7,787,400 by Bobby Witt Jr. from
@Royals
in 2019.
No. 1 overall pick Adley Rutschman signs with
@Orioles
for $8.1 mil (pick value = $8,415,300). New
@MLBDraft
bonus record, eclipsing Gerrit Cole's $8 mil as No. 1 overall in 2011. Oregon State, best catching prospect in recent
@MLBDraft
history, huge offensive & defensive upside.
Supplemental 2nd-rder Tucker Toman signs with
@BlueJays
for $2 million (slot 77 value = $846,900). South Carolina HS 3B, one of best prep hitters in 2022
@MLBDraft
, switch-hitter with advanced understanding of his craft, potential for plus power. LSU recruit.
Supplemental 1st-rder Landon Sims signs w/
@Dbacks
for $2,347,050 (slot 34 value = $2,258,300).
@HailStateBB
, closer on 2021 CWS champs, moved to rotation this year but TJ surgery in March, 94-98 mph fastball w/tough angle & carry, wipeout mid-80s slider, Kimbrel comps.
@MLBDraft
3rd-rder Cole Wilcox signs with
@Padres
for $3.3 million (slot 80 value = $767,800). Georgia RHP, fastball can reach 100 mph, power slider & fading changeup can flash plus. Sets
@MLBDraft
3rd-rd bonus record, eclipsing $3 mil SD gave Hudson Head last year.
4th-rder Jake Mangum signs with
@Mets
for $20k (pick 118 value = $487,900). Mississippi State OF, all-time SEC hits leaders, one of top senior signs in
@MLBDraft
, contact hitter with well above-average speed, good defender with plus arm in CF.
RIP, John. He was always very gracious with his time when he managed in the
@Official_CCBL
& I was working on prospect reports. Managed a still-raw Aaron Judge in 2012. "The sky's the limit for him," John said.
1st-rder Owen Murphy signs with
@Braves
for $2,556,900 (pick 20 slot = $3,409,200). Illinois HS RHP, low-90s fastball with good shape, mid-80s slider with depth, advanced feel. Also among national prep HR leaders with 18. Notre Dame recruit.
@MLBDraft
Source: 2020 No. 2 overall pick Heston Kjerstad has been cleared medically and will report to the
@Orioles
' alternate site in Bowie, Md., tomorrow. Will take a months-long buildup to return to game action after a long layoff to rest and treat myocarditis.
2nd-rder Peyton Pallette signs with
@WhiteSox
for $1.5 million (slot 62 value = $1,159,200).
@RazorbackBSB
RHP, missed season after Tommy John surgery, easy 1st-rder before that, best curveball in
@MLBDraft
, 93-95 mph fastball to 99, Walker Buehler comps for 6-ft-1 build & stuff.
1st-rder Reggie Crawford signs w/
@SFGiants
for $2,297,500 (slot 30 = $2,486,800).
@UConnBSB
LHP/1B, missed year w/Tommy John surgery, upper 1st-rd buzz before that, fastball to 100 mph & nasty mid-80s slider in limited mound time, lefty power too, will hit this summer.
@MLBDraft
1st-rder Kumar Rocker officially signs w/
@Rangers
for $5.2 mil (slot 3 value = $7,591,600). RHP celebrated career at Vanderbilt, failed physical w/
@Mets
after going 10th last year, shoulder surgery last Sept, flashed fastball to 99 & wipeout slider again in indy ball.
@MLBDraft
1st-rder Will Bednar signs w/
@SFGiants
for $3.65 million (pick 14 value = $4,036,800). Mississippi State RHP,
@NCAACWS
Most Outstanding Player, one of best combos of stuff & polish in
@MLBDraft
. Pair of plus pitches in mid-90s fastball & mid-80s slider.
2nd-rder Walker Martin signs w/
@SFGiants
for $2,997,500 (pick 52 value = $1,620,800). Colorado HS SS, led national prep players w/20 HR, also star QB with strong arm & solid speed. Arkansas recruit.
@MLBDraft
4th-rder Jimmy Crooks signs with
@Cardinals
for $470,300 (full slot 127 value).
@OU_Baseball
C, grinder has improved receiving, solid arm, draws walks, some lefty pop too. Area scout favorite.
@MLBDraft
6th-rder Jorel Ortega signs with
@Twins
for $250k (slot 174 value = $301,200).
@Vol_Baseball
2B, consistent hard contact, 18 HR in lone season as starter, solid arm.
@MLBDraft
All 18 non-playoff clubs will enter a lottery for the top six picks. The percentage chances of each team getting the No. 1 choice, in reverse order of winning percentages:
2nd-rder Nazzan Zanetello signs w/
@RedSox
for $3 million (pick 50 value = $1,698,000). Missouri HS SS, one of best athletes in
@MLBDraft
, potential five-tool player if he hits, makeup off the charts. Arkansas recruit.
No. 4 overall pick Marcelo Mayer signs w/
@RedSox
for $6,664,000 (full pick value). California HS SS, best prospect in
@MLBDraft
, best hitter & best defender too, 25-HR potential. Southern California recruit.
1st-rder Dillon Head signs w/
@Padres
for $2.8 million (pick 25 value = $3,165,400). Illinois HS OF, one of fastest players in
@MLBDraft
, speed & instincts to steal bases & lock down CF, has bat speed & some developing pull-side power. Clemson recruit.
5th-rder Brandon Birdsell signs w/
@Cubs
for $385k (slot 143 value = $402,400).
@TTU_Baseball
RHP, 94-96 mph fastball to 99, mid-80s slider misses bats, throws strikes. Big 12 pitcher of year, top-2-rds stuff, lasted until 5th b/c of medical history. Could be a steal.
@MLBDraft
Supplemental 1st-rder Colin Houck signs w/
@Mets
for $2.75 million (pick 32 value = $2,607,500). Georgia HS SS, expected to go mid-1st rd, equipped to hit for power & average, plus arm (3-star QB prospect). Mississippi State baseball recruit.
@MLBDraft
1st-rder Arjun Nimmala signs w/
@BlueJays
for $3 million (pick 20 value = $3,746,000). Florida HS SS, more power potential than most at his position, good actions & solid arm at shortstop. Could become first player of Indian descent to reach big lgs. Florida St recruit.
@MLBDraft
6th-rder Cooper Pratt signs w/
@Brewers
for $1.35 million (pick 182 value = $309,900). One of my favorite players & biggest steals of the
@MLBDraft
. Reminds some scouts of a righty-hitting Gunnar Henderson at same stage of their careers. Mississippi recruit.
#MNTwins
1st-round pick Trevor Larnach capped
@BeaverBaseball
's dramatic comeback with a two-run homer that forced a decisive Game 3 in the
@NCAACWS
:
3rd-rder Travis Sykora signs w/
@Nationals
for $2.6 million (pick 71 value = $1,021,300). Texas HS RHP, one of best prep arms in
@MLBDraft
, fastball to 101 mph, mid-80s slider & splitter. Texas recruit.
2nd-rder Peyton Graham signs with
@Tigers
for $1.8 million (slot 51 value = $1,510,600).
@OU_Baseball
SS, first NCAA D-I player with 20 HR & 30 SB in same season, solid power, plus speed, versatile defender with strong arm.
@MLBDraft
2nd-rder Spencer Schwellenbach signs w/
@Braves
for $1 mil (pick 59 value = $1,185,500). Nebraska RHP, mid-90s fastball, low-80s slider, mid-80s changeup w/power sink. Also SS w/high exit velos, had some 1st-rd buzz as pos player. John Olerud Award, Big Ten player of yr.
@MLBDraft
1st-rder Matt Shaw signs w/
@Cubs
for $4,848,500 (full pick 13 value).
@StanfordBSB
SS, one of best offensive packages in
@MLBDraft
, can hit for average & power & has plus speed,
@OfficialCCBL
MVP & batting champion last summer.
@MLBDraft
1B prospect Evan White (No. 58 on
@MLBPipeline
Top 100) is set to sign long-term deal with
@Mariners
. Guaranteed $24 mil over first six years, also includes three club options. Should be announced Monday. White hit .293/.350/.488 in Double-A this year, also outstanding defender.
2nd-rder Logan Tanner signs with
@Reds
for $1,030,500 (slot 55 = $1,374,000).
@HailStateBB
C, one of strongest arms in
@MLBDraft
, solid receiver, power potential as well. Big part of 2021 national championship club.
Matt Allan's deal with
@Mets
is official, $2.5 mil bonus is 3rd-highest ever for 3rd rd, behind Hudson Head ($3 mil, 2019) & Matt Purke ($2.75 mil, 2011). Florida HS RHP,
@MLBPipeline
's top-rated prep arm in
@MLBDraft
, 92-95 up to 97 mph w/fastball, power curve. Florida recruit.
1st-rder Aidan Miller signs w/
@Phillies
for $3.1 million (pick 27 value = $2,968,800). For talent vs where he went, one of the steals of the
@MLBDraft
. Florida HS 3B, tore up showcase circuit, hits for power & average. Arkansas recruit.
9th-rder Connor Noland signs with
@Cubs
for $200k (slot 263 = $164,600).
@RazorbackBSB
LHP, uses 88-91 mph fastball to set up solid curveball & slider, also played QB for Arkansas at beginning of college career.
@MLBDraft
1st-rder Kyle Teel signs w/
@RedSox
for $4 million (pick 14 value = $4,663,100).
@UVABaseball
C, consensus best catcher in
@MLBDraft
, monster .407/.465/.655 year, very athletic for position, strong arm.
Stupid for so many reasons. If they want to shorten extra-inning games and/or worry about the stress on arms in the Minors, just declare them ties after the 10th or 11th inning. Don't do gimmicky BS stuff that isn't baseball. What percentage of games go past 11 innings anyway?
I have to marvel at the efficiency of the
@Brewers
. They sign five interesting high schoolers on
@MLBDraft
deadline day for $2,050,600, stop $29 short of exceeding their bonus pool by more than 5%.
No. 2 overall pick Joey Bart signs with
@SFGiants
for $7.025 million. Largest upfront bonus for a position player in
@MLBDraft
history. Georgia Tech C, big power, solid defender with plus arm strength.
Are Mark Teixeira & Alex Rodriguez having a contest to see who can be more hypocritical & insufferable? Two guys who spent their entire careers trying to maximize their earning potential -- as was their right -- now spouting off about how players need to give in?
#WearAMask
11th-rder Jared Dickey signs w/
@Royals
for $572,500 ($422,500 counts vs pool). Largest bonus after 10th rd so far this year.
@Vol_Baseball
OF/C, one of better hitters in SEC, controls zone well.
@MLBDraft
3rd-rder Pete Hansen signs w/
@Cardinals
for $629,800 (full slot 97 value).
@TexasBaseball
LHP, some of best control in
@MLBDraft
, locates 88-92 mph fastball well, 78-82 mph slider with vertical & horizontal action is his best pitch. 22-4 with 2.67 ERA in three years w/Longhorns.
1st-rder Hurston Waldrep signs with
@Braves
for $2,997,500 (pick 24 value = $3,270,500).
@GatorsBB
RHP, upper-80s splitter rivaled Paul Skenes' slider as nastiest secondary pitch in
@MLBDraft
, also has upper-90s fastball & upper-80s slider.
Supplemental 2nd-rder Blake Burkhalter signs with
@Braves
for $647,500 (slot 76 = $860,100).
@AuburnBaseball
RHP, should be one of 1st guys from
@MLBDraft
to bigs. Reliever, second in NCAA D-I with 16 SV, three solid or better pitches (fastball to 98) & throws a ton of strikes.
1st-rder Zach Neto signs with
@Angels
for $3.5 million (pick 13 slot = $4,412,500).
@GoCamelsBSB
SS, first 1st-rder in Campbell history, career .403 hitter, outstanding bat-to-ball skills, strong arm (up to 93 mph as a reliever).
@MLBDraft
2nd-rder Cole Phillips signs with
@Braves
for $1,497,500 (slot 57 value = $1,307,300). Texas HS RHP, up to 100 mph this spring & also showed a power breaking ball before having Tommy John surgery. Arkansas recruit.
@MLBDraft
1st-rder Brock Wilken signs w/
@Brewers
for $3,150,000 (pick 18 value = $4,021,400).
@WakeBaseball
3B, some of best power in
@MLBDraft
, broke school record w/31 HR (2nd in NCAA D-I), also holds Wake & ACC marks with 71 career HR, improved approach & glove this spring.
@MLBDraft
No. 3 overall pick Andrew Vaughn signs with
@WhiteSox
for $7,221,200 (full pick value). California 1B, 2018 Golden Spikes winner, best all-around hitter in
@MLBDraft
.
No. 2 overall pick Bobby Witt Jr. signs with
@Royals
for $7,789,900, full pick value and the second-highest
@MLBDraft
bonus ever (Gerrit Cole, $8 mil in 2011). Texas HS SS, chance for plus tools across the board, top-of-the-scale baseball IQ & makeup too.
4th-rder Maui Ahuna signs w/
@SFGiants
for $500k (pick 117 value = $569,100).
@Vol_Baseball
SS, projected as possible mid-1st-rder before inconsistent season w/bat, one of best defensive SS in
@MLBDraft
, strong arm, well above-average speed.
6th-rder Dylan DeLucia signs with
@CleGuardians
for $275k (slot 181 = $284,200).
@OleMissBSB
RHP, will be a legend forever in Oxford after winning CWS Most Outstanding Player honors as Rebels won title, 89-95 mph fastball plays up, flashes solid slider, pounds zone.
@MLBDraft
Interesting
@MLBDraft
signing by
@Cubs
in 20th rd. California HS LHP Wilson Cunningham gets a $10k bonus but will attend U. of Chicago full-time w/Cubs team heavily assisting w/hefty tuition. Projectable 6-ft-8, currently mid-80s fastball, good aptitude.
2nd-rder Grant Taylor signs w/
@WhiteSox
for $1,659,800 (full pick 51 value).
@LSUbaseball
RHP was making push for 1st rd before missing season w/Tommy John surgery, mid-90s fastball to 99 mph, sharp cutter to low 90s, downer curve, tight slider.
@MLBDraft
No. 1 overall pick Henry Davis signs w/
@Pirates
for $6.5 million (pick value = $8,415,300). Louisville C, best college bat in
@MLBDraft
class, should hit for power & avg, plus-plus arm too.
11th-rder Rowdey Jordan signs w/
@Mets
for $125k. Mississippi State OF, heart & soul of
@NCAACWS
champs along with Tanner Allen. Switch-hitting leadoff man, controls zone, gets on bases, plays above average speed on bases and in CF.
@MLBDraft
Supplemental 1st-rder Kevin McGonigle signs w/
@Tigers
for $2.85 million (pick 37 value = $2,309,500). Pennsylvania HS SS, one of best prep hitters in
@MLBDraft
, high baseball IQ. Auburn recruit.
1st-rder Wyatt Langford will officially sign w/
@Rangers
for $8 million tomorrow (pick 4 value = $7,698,000).
@GatorsBB
OF, best power in
@MLBDraft
, quality hitter too, batted .373/.498/.784 with 21 HR & 28 2B, athleticism to possibly play CF. Ties for 5th-highest bonus ever.
1st-rder Gavin Cross signs with
@Royals
for $5,202,900 (full slot 9 value).
@HokiesBaseball
OF, highest pick in school history, one of the best combinations of hitting ability & power in
@MLBDraft
, some of the best exit velos too, profiles as RF with a chance to stick in CF.
11th-rder Ryan Clifford signs w/
@Astros
for $1,256,130 ($1,131,130 counts vs pool). North Carolina HS OF, one of better all-around hitters in HS class, arm for RF. Second-highest 11th-rd bonus ever behind $1,497,500
@Angels
paid Caden Dana this year. Vanderbilt recruit
@MLBDraft
1st-rder Dylan Lesko signs w/
@Padres
for $3.9 mil (slot 15 value = $4,085,000). Believed to be highest bonus ever for HS arm who had TJ surgery leading up to the
@MLBDraft
. Georgia HS RHP, super advanced, plus-plus changeup, fastball to 97 mph, solid curveball. Vanderbilt recruit