The ESSEC is full of potential - and unfortunately it's still full of actual EHCC-ready talent as well. With the likes of Andrew Benintendi, Juan Soto, Gleybar Torres, Walker Buehler, Rafael Devers, and Josh Hader wasting their talents in the kiddie pool, the EHCC is missing out on some really good baseball. At least Trevor Story, Ozzie Albies, and Rhys Hoskins got the call - event if took 3 extra years for Story and Albies and Hoskins have since been sent back down. It's all strategy right? Let's take a look at the next crop of talent that we probably won't see in the EHCC until 2023.
2018 Mock MiDraft - Round 1
By: Jim Fierkes, Baseball Tri-Weekly
As it stands as of press time, San Juan is on the clock. They have been pretty public about the pressure that comes with picking at the top. Will they buckle under it and ultimately trade down for more assets, or will they do some more scouting and take a chance on a top talent? We'll find out in the next two weeks, but for now we've got to assume they'll make the pick. With that being said....
Pick 1 - San Juan
Who they will pick: Forest Whitley, P, HOU
It may go back and forth internally for a while, but ultimately San Juan will settle on the consensus top prospect available. The fear of Whitley being treated like a few other Astros pitching prospects is real, and he could end up spending some time in the bullpen in 2018 or 2019. But ultimately he's just too good.
Who they should pick: Tim Tebow, OF, NYM
I mean, this a no brainer right? Plus, pitching prospects taken first overall haven''t typically panned out that well. Where as Outfielders taken 1st overall are a practical lock. Look it up. Plus, Tebow is an ALL-STAR now. True story.
Notable past successful picks at #1: Justin Upton (2006), Mike Trout (2010), Bryce Harper (2011) - All three picked by Weymouth, go figure
Notable past busts at #1: Adam Miller (2005), Clay Buchholz (2007), Justin Smoak (2009) - Ok, some of these guys had a good run here or there, but not top pick worthy. Also, fun note, Adam Miller is the only player to ever be selected in TWO separate MiDrafts (R1P1 in 2005 by QC and again at R2P5 in 2008 by Rakeville)
Pick 2 - Bridgewater
Who they will pick: Royce Lewis, SS, MIN
The last time Bridgewater had the second overall pick they picked up pitcher Jon Gray in 2014. This time around should be different, as they've held firm to the pick and we believe they have their eye on a big bat to pair with Didi and Judge. At the top of the draft you gotta go with your gut and ultimately the best available so that's why the Weasels will go with Lewis. Not because he needs a shortstop, but because his overall profile is just too good to pass up and would also likely make a strong trade chip if needed.
Who they should pick: Keston Hiura, 2B, MIL
Second base will be a need for Bridgewater moving forward - you don't really think Jed Lowrie is going to hold down that fort do you? Hiura has been raking and may very likely get the call up in 2019, giving him the ability to help a Weasel team in the very near future.
Notable past successful picks at #2: Jon Lester (2005), Clayton Kershaw (2007), Gerrit Cole (2012)- All the success stories taken with the 2nd pick have been pitchers, who turned into aces.
Notable past busts at #2: Alex Gordon (2006), Matt Weiters (2008), Brian Matusz (2009), Jurickson Profar (2011) - Remember when these picks looked like no-brainers?
Pick 3 - Dublin
Who they will pick: Brusdar Graterol, P, MIN
Since 2011, Dublin has made 17 Minor League picks. 2 shortstops, 5 outfielders, and a whopping 10 pitchers. Only 3 of those selections are currently on the Dublin EHCC active roster (Yelich, Russell, and Story), and none of the pitchers selected currently reside with the Irish. So, why stop now. It's not that Dublin thinks so highly of Brusdar to pick him third overall, it's more likely that Dublin representatives skip the draft all together and make their picks a day later and Brusdar may be the best pitcher still on the board.
Who they should pick: Jesus Luzardo, P, OAK
If they're going to stick with drafting pitchers, Luzardo is the way to go. Foreshadowing....
Notable past successful picks at #3: Mike Stanton (2009) - Oh, look, another power hitting outfielder picked in the top 3 by Weymouth. Yawn.
Notable past busts at #3: Homer Bailey (2006), Matt LaPorta (2008) - both made by Las Vegas.
Pick 4 - Rakeville
Who they will pick: Jesus Luzardo, P, OAK
The 2018 draft is so hitter heavy that when you see this strong of a pitching option it's hard to pass it up, especially when the options in the 2nd round may be pretty thin. The Rockets need pitching depth. They have the best non-producing offense in the EHCC. Luzardo could give that staff a shot in the arm as soon as 2019.
Who they should pick: Jesus Luzardo, P, OAK
Rakeville has only had two other top 3 picks in their team's history (2005 they picked Chad Billinglsey 3rd overall and in 2014 they selected Kris Bryant 1st overall). So, since they have the 4th pick here that piece of information really doesn't matter. Because of the need to the EHCC squad, Rakeville will make the right move here.
Notable past successful picks at #4: Buster Posey (2009)
Notable past busts at #4: Phillip Hughes (2006)
Pick 5 - San Fernando Valley
Who they will pick: MacKenzie Gore, P, SD
The pick is just too sexy to pass up for the Jets. Gore was the highest touted prospect from the MLB 2017 draft, he has an arsenal of pitches, and will be pitching in one of the best parks for pitchers.
Who they should pick: Luis Urias, 2B, SD
Let's be honest, San Fernando needs everything. But what they really need is a jolt now. Urias would be a perfect fit for that. He's got one of the better hit tools out there, he fills a positional need, and he'll be able to impact an EHCC line up perhaps by the end of this current season. If San Fernando ever wants to compete they've got to start thinking about next year, and not just about 3 years from now. Plus, pairing Urias with Tatis Jr would make for a solid infield core for years to come, both in real life for the Padres and in fantasy for the Jets.
Notable past successful picks at #5: Rick Porcello (2008), Aaron Nola (2015)
Notable past busts at #5: Joel Guzman (2005)
Pick 6 - Las Vegas
Who they will pick: Jo Adell, OF, LAA
The kid is mashing, it'll be pretty difficult to pass on him if he actually drops this far. Outfield isn't the Doggs' focus, and he's probably a year or two away, but that won't be enough to pass on the slugger.
Who they should pick: Peter Alonso, 1B, NYM
The Doggs have been vocal about their desire to fill the void left by trading away Joey Votto last year. Alonso is one of, if not the best first base prospect available. He'd be able to slot in to the Doggs' line up soon too - probably at some point in 2019. Bringing him up with Gleybar Torres and Vlad Jr would make for a pretty solid infield all around.
Notable past successful picks at #6: Madison Bumgarner (2008)
Notable past busts at #6: Jose Fernandez (2012) [RIP]
Pick 7 - Rio de Janeiro
Who they will pick: Luis Robert, OF, CWS
It just fits with their needs and their recent history of drafting international signees early in the draft (see Kevin Maitan). he also fits in with their overall timeline, as it's not expected to see Robert in the EHCC until at least 2020.
Who they should pick: Luis Robert, OF, CWS
Robert is a solid bat that fills out a need for Rio. They've already invested in the infield positions with Bichette, Rogers, Maitan, and Devers. Robert will pair nicely with recent acquisition Victor Robles in the Cristos' outfield.
Notable past successful picks at #7: Mike Moustakas (2008)
Notable past busts at #7: Brandon Wood (2005)
Pick 8 - San Fernando Valley
Who they will pick: Austin Riley, 3B, ATL
Really, this makes a lot of sense. Riley is looking to join the MLB club during the 2019 season and will look really nice surrounded by the other ATL bats, no matter where he hits in the line up. Even with Tatis Jr in the system, Riley will be too tempting to pass up here.
Who they should pick: Luis Urias, 2B, SD
See comments above.
Notable past successful picks at #8: Freddie Freeman (2009)
Notable past busts at #8: Nick Adenhart (2006) [RIP], Joba Chamberlain (2007), Mat Gamel (2008), Mike Olt (2012)
Pick 9 - Rio de Janeiro
Who they will pick: Luis Urias, 2B, SD
Ultimately, the kid can hit and fills the one infield spot Rio doesn't have sured up. Sure, Rogers will probably move to 2B as he's blocked by Story in Colorado, but Urias is a sure thing at the position and could easily just fill the IF position if needed.
Who they should pick: Keston Hiura, 2B, MIL
He's just a better overall player than Urias. Not sure how he hasn't been picked yet. Who's writing this mock draft anyway?
Notable past successful picks at #9: Rafael Devers (2015)
Notable past busts at #9: Jeff Clement (2006), Oscar Tavarez (2012) [RIP]
Pick 10 - Rio de Janeiro
Who they will pick: Keibert Ruiz, C, LAD
The team that hasn't even rostered a Catcher for the majority of the 2018 season should be first to grab the best C prospect on the board. What was once a big hole, and what is a big hole across the league, the catcher position should be sured up by Ruiz for the Cristos for a few years. Now the only question will be is whether or not they bother picking one up until he gets the call.
Who they should pick: Keibert Ruiz, C, LAD
It really just makes a lot of sense, and with the lack of depth at the position across the league Ruiz may not drop as far in the draft as many may think he could. Scarcity plays a big role here.
Notable past successful picks at #10: Aroldis Chapman (2010)
Notable past busts at #10: Reid Bridnac (2007), ________ (2009)
Pick 11 - Santo Domingo
Who they will pick: Hunter Greene, P, CIN
Santo Domingo has just got to be bored with picking up hitting prospects that rake at this point, they're going to try their luck with a fireballer. Acuna, Soto, Jiminez, and Bregman are giving Santo Domingo the confidence in their young line up for years to come. It's time to sure up that rotation the same way. Sixto Sanchez is looking like a good start, but look for the Factory to take one more step.
Who they should pick: Chris Paddack, P, SD
Sure, Santo Domingo will go pitching here, but Paddock is the better option. Greene is the bigger name and has the flashier fastball, but Paddack is simply better. Look it up.
Notable past successful picks at #11: Javier Baez (2013), Aaron Judge (2015)
Notable past busts at #11: Carlos Triunfel (2008)
Pick 12 - Weymouth
Who they will pick: Taylor Tramell, OF, CIN
Leave it to Weymouth to pick up a speedy outfielder with some pop this late in the draft. That's exactly what the rest of the league wants to see. With the Poo lacking a bit in stolen bases in general they may be tempted with Tramell's wheels, rather than focusing on their pitching needs.
Who they should pick: Chris Paddack, P, SD
It's hard to say you shouldn't pick Tramell here, but the one area that Weymouth needs down the line is pitching. Their lineup has the potential to be just fine for at least a few more years, now is the time to invest in their starting pitching, and Paddack will do just that.
Notable past successful picks at #12: Xander Bogearts (2012)
Notable past busts at #12: Chris Nelson (2005)
Jim Fierkes lives in his parent's basement, constantly looking for a reason to bust out his parachute pants, if for no other reason because how fly they look. He also writes for Baseball Tri-Weekly, sometimes.
