I covered the draft all day, making a post for every single player the Orioles selected. I have a feeling there are going to be mixed opinions on this draft, and for me, whether or not we sign Connor Narron is going to make or break this draft.
Round 1 (#3) – Manny Machado, SS, Miami Brito HS
The Orioles did exactly what they were expected to do, which was take whoever the Pittsburgh Pirates did not draft between Machado and Jameson Taillon. They got the best player available and have what looks to be their future shortstop.
Round 3 (#85) – Dan Klein, RHP, UCLA
After making just 2 starts throughout his entire college career, Klein will get the chance to start at the next level. I like him, but would have preferred A.J. Cole, who was still available at the time. There’s still a chance he goes back to college because he’s a draft eligible sophomore.
Round 4 (#118) – Trent Mummey, OF, Auburn
I didn’t like this pick at first, but I don’t think it’s at bad as it looks. He’s not a high upside center fielder, but he’s a well rounded ball player. According to Andy Seiler, Mummey is one of best defensive center fielders in this draft class, with an average hit tool, average power, and does an excellent job getting on base. He’s expected to sign quickly.
Round 5 (#148) – Connor Narron, SS, Charles B. Aycock HS
I really, really like this pick. Andy Seiler believes Narron is unsignable, but others say he’s looking for a high six figure bonus, but we need to sign him. If we do sign him, 2 of our top 5 prospects would be shortstops, Machado and Narron. That would be some draft by the Orioles regardless of the other picks.
Round 6 (#178) – Dixon Anderson, RHP, California
Anderson made 1 start during his entire college career and struggled as a reliever. He has above-average stuff and potential to become a mid-rotation starter. It’s interesting that the Orioles drafted two college relievers early on that they plan to convert into starters.
Round 1 (#208) – Matt Bywater, LHP, Pepperdine
The Orioles were focused on drafting college pitchers early in Klein and Anderson, and Bywater is another example. However, he’s the first college pitcher the Orioles drafted that was a full time starter in college. He’s a lefty who should be a quick sign, and has the chance to move through the system fairly quickly.
What do you think of these picks?
Do you think Machado will be able to stay at shortstop, or do you see him moving over to third because of his size, similar to A-Rod?
I’ve seen mixed opinions, but I do believe he will be able to stay at shortstop. He has plus arm strength, which is what should allow him to play SS at the next level.
Bio says scouts see Narron eventually playing third. With Machado and Givens in system, if O’s sign him, do you see Narron playing at short or third from the beginning.
It’s hard to tell right now. I don’t expect him to debut this season, so he won’t get mixed up in the shuffle of SSs at Delmarva this year. Usually when you have to think about the true likelihood of him sticking at 3B. If they think there is little to no chance he sticks at SS, put him at third base immediately. If they think there’s a 50/50 chance he sticks at SS, than stick him at SS until he shows he can’t play there.
In this case, I think you are right in that there could be a fight for playing time at SS next year, so I guess we’ll have to wait and see what the Orioles do.
Man I agree on Narron. I saw what the picks were through Rd 12 and then had to go to work for the night and he’s the pick I kept thinking about all night. The O’s cant compete in the FA market when Yanks, Sox, etc are involved, so this is where they have to get an edge. They HAVE to do what it takes to get players like this signed each and every year
Exactly. They really need to open up their wallets and spend the money on the draft. We wasted $5 million on Garrett Atkins, that money could have gone towards the draft/in.t market. Oh well.
Who do you think are the overslot draftees after round 10 that the O’s need to sign in order to make this a successful draft? Btw. great webpage!
Thanks, Christian.
Austin Urban would be an excellent sign as a 27th round draft pick, I’ve talked to him briefly and he wants to get a deal done.
Jaime Esquivel is another guy that I’d really like to see them sign, he was our 28th rounder.
Going down the rounds here. . . Cameron Roth, our 29th rounder, is an interesting LHP that would be excellent value in the 29th.
Our 48, 49 and 50 round picks would all be excellent over slot signees, but there’s about a 1% chance that one of them signs.