Here are my predictions for the 2018 WNBA season.
1. Minnesota Lynx- The defending champions are my pick to finish with the best record in the league yet again. Maya Moore and reigning league MVP Sylvia Fowles. The rest of the starters in Lindsay Whalen, Seimone Augustus, and Rebekkah Brunson are all back as well as they have their eyes on a repeat. Whalen was just hired as her alma matter Minnesota's women's head coach so that could be a possible distraction. Although, they did trade for Danielle Robinson so she could be Whalen's replacement. Cheryl Reeves is the best coach in the sport and she has a loaded team.
2. Los Angeles Sparks- The Sparks are the biggest challenger to the Lynx to dethrone them for the title. Candance Parker and Nneka Ogwumike is the best front court in the league. Odyssey Sims was brought back and her and Chelsea Gray is a solid backcourt. There is some chatter that first round pick Maria Vadeeva could be the steal of the draft. Cappie Pondexter was added in free agency and I'm interested to see if she starts or comes off the bench. This is another loaded team that could steal the one seed.
3. Phoenix Mercury- The Mercury were a bit of a disappointment a season ago as they ended up as the five seed, although they did win two playoff games, but ended up getting swept in the Semifinals by the Sparks. Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi are still around although Kelsey Bone and Cayla George are gone. DeWanna Bonner is back after giving birth to twins a year ago. Briann January was brought in from an offseason trade with the Fever and signed Sancho Lyttle in free agency. Despite some changes, the Turasi and Griner duo will thrive as always.
4. Dallas Wings- The Wings are a team I expect to improve from a season ago. Skylar Diggins-Smith is one of the best players in the league and she was awesome last season after recovering from a torn ACL. Liz Cambage was brought in from Australia after the franchise originally drafted her 2nd overall back in 2011. Allisha Gray is entering her second season and she was great as a rookie. First round pick Azura Stevens will make an impact with her versatility. Lead by Diggins-Smith, expect the Wings to have homecourt advantage in the second round of the playoffs.
5. Connecticut Sun- The Sun are a team and franchise on the rise after being at the bottom the last few seasons before finishing fourth in the standings last season. Chiney Ogwumike is back from injuries and she'll be motivated to play on a good team. Reigning WNBA Most Improved Player Jonquel Jones has emerged as a great player in this league. Alyssa Thomas and Jasmine Thomas are coming off career years and it's interesting to see what they do to follow it up. Cayla George was a good trade acquisition. Rookies Lexie Brown and Leticia Romero will have impacts too. My worry for this team is that the Thomases could regress and Ogwumike may be rusty to start the season and that's why I don't have the Sun higher on this list.
6. Washington Mystics- The Mystics are a team that could surprise some this season and finish in the top four if things break right. Elena Delle Donne is entering her second year in DC and I expect her to be better this season and stay healthier. Kristi Toliver is an underrated player in this league. First round pick Ariel Atkins will make an impact. Monique Currie is back after leaving the Kystics for a few seasons. Tayler Hill will be back in June after tearing her ACL. Mike Thibault is a very good head coach and I won't be shocked if they finish higher than this.
7. Atlanta Dream- The Dream are a team I expect to be better than a season ago. That's mainly because Angel McCourty is back after sitting out a season. The team signed Renee Montgomery and Jessica Breland in free agency to improve their team. First round pick Monique Billings will make an impact after the pick was acquired by trading away Bria Holmes. Nicki Collen is the new head coach and I'm fascinated to see how she does.
8. New York Liberty- The Liberty are a team I expect to take a step back. Tina Charles is still around as she's one of the better bigs in the league. Epiphanny Prince, Sugar Rodgers, Kiah Stokes, and Brittany Boyd are all back as well. Rookies Kia Nurse and Mercedes Russell will make impacts as well. Katie Smith takes over for Bill Lambieer as the new head coach and they are also playing a majority of games in Westchester rather than at Madison Square Garden. With the ownership situation in flux and with Lambeer fleeting for Vegas, I fear a step back for the Liberty as many teams have passed them by in the league.
9. Seattle Storm- After making the postseason a season ago, I think they sit this one out. They have a new coach in Dan Hughes. Sue Bird is still around and still playing at a high level. Jewell Loyd has improved the past few seasons since she came into the league in 2015. Breanna Stewart is heading into her third season and she's a rising star in this league. Rookie Jordin Canada will make an impact as well. Natasha Howard was acquired and she'll help them as well. I won't be shocked if the Storm make the playoffs, but I think they barely miss out.
10. Las Vegas Aces- The Aces (formally the San Antonio Stars) had a very good offseason. Bill Lambeer was brought in as their new head coach. A'ja Wilson will be one of if not the best rookie this season. Kelsey Bone comes over in a trade from the Phoenix Mercury. Kayla McBride was brought back as well as Sydney Colson. Kelsey Plum is looking to improve on her inconsistent rookie season. Nia Coffey needs to grow as a player as well as Moriah Jefferson. Newcomers Carolyn Swords and Tamera Young will have an impact too. There are a lot of "if's" rather than "certain's" on this roster, but Lambeer can flat out coach.
11. Indiana Fever- The Fever are a team that is rebuilding. Kelsey Mitchell will be one of the better rookies in the league and rookies Victoria Vivians and Stephanie Mavunga will make impacts too. Erica Wheeler is one of the more underrated players in this league. Briann January was traded away and she'll be missed. Tiffany Mitchell is back after coming off a knee injury. Kayla Alexander comes over in a trade from Vegas. Veterans like Wheeler, Candice Dupree, and Shenise Johnson will help accelerate this rebuild as it could go quicker than people expect.
12. Chicago Sky- The Sky are another team that is rebuilding after trading Elena Delle-Donne away over a year ago. Courtney Vandersloot is a key cog as she's a good passer and scorer. Two lottery picks in Diamond DeShields and Gabby Williams will make impacts. After sitting her rookie season, Alaina Coats will make her league debut after coming off an ankle injury. The team did lose Cappie Pondexter and Jessica Breeland in free agency. With a lot of young players on their roster, expect a lot of growing pains this year in Chicago.
2018 WNBA Playoffs
- First Round
(8) New York Liberty vs (5) Connecticut Sun: With the Sun at full strength, they'll be at their stride and will win this game over the Liberty led by Jonquei Jones and Chiney Ogwumike.
Prediction: Sun
(7) Atlanta Dream vs (6) Washington Mystics: Two of the leagues best players go head to head in Angel McCoughtry and Elena Delle-Donne. Give me Della-Donne and the Mystics who are the better team with a coaching advantage.
Prediction: Mystics
- Second Round
(5) Connecticut Sun vs (4) Dallas Wings: Should be a very fun game, but the Sun will be the betters team come this time as they'll pull this out over Skylar Diggins-Smith and the Wings.
Prediction: Sun
(6) Washington Mystics vs (3) Phoenix Mercury: Stars abound here with Elena Della-Donne, Brittney Griner, and Diana Turasi here. The Mercury with homecourt advantage have two of the best three players on the court take this one despite the Mystics having a good team and coach.
Prediction: Mercury
- Semifinals (best of five)
(5) Connecticut Sun vs (1) Minnesota Lynx: An up and coming team against the reigning champions. Give me Mya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, and the Lynx to cruise in this series.
Prediction: Lynx in three games.
(3) Phoenix Mercury vs (2) Los Angeles Sparks: This is a star studded series well with Griner, Turasi, Candace Parker, and Nneka Ogwumike. The Sparks are the better team as they set up a rematch with the Lynx.
Prediction: Sparks in four games.
- WNBA Finals
(2) Los Angeles Sparks vs (1) Minnesota Lynx: These are the clear cut best two teams in the sport as they fight for league supremacy as well as the league title. Parker and Ogwumike along with Moore and Fowles highlight the star power here. Give me Cheryl Reeve and the Lynx to repeat as league champions.
Prediction: Lynx in five games.
2018 WNBA Awards
MVP: Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx
Rookie of the Year: A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Defensive Player of the Year: Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury
Sixth Woman of the Year: Sugar Rodgers, New York Liberty
Most Improved Player: Kelsey Plum, Las Vegas Aces
Coach of the Year: Fred Williams, Dallas Wings
Executive of the Year: Penny Toler, Los Angeles Sparks
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
2018 NBA Mock Draft: Third Edition
Here is the third edition of my 2018 NBA Mock Draft. Now that we know how the lottery played out, we know the draft order.
1. Phoenix Suns- Luka Doncic, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Real Madrid: Doncic will be the most proven player in the draft due to his success overseas. He is an ideal fit for the perimeter-oriented league and should have a long, productive NBA career. Him and Devin Booker together would be a lot of fun and don't forget the Suns hired Igor Kokoskov, who was Doncic's coach overseas.
2. Sacramento Kings- DeAndre Ayton, Center, Arizona: Ayton is perhaps the drafts best prospect due to his size, soft touch at the rim, and his promising jump shot. He's drawn comparisons to Joel Embiid and Patrick Ewing and the Kings, despite having a surplus of big men with Willie Caulie-Stein and Skal Labissiere, won't pass on Ayton.
3. Atlanta Hawks- Marvin Bagley, Power Forward/Center, Duke: Bagley could very well end up the best player from this draft class. He has great athleticism and can shoot it from three and he and John Collins would be a nice front court pairing.
4. Memphis Grizzlies- Jaren Jackson Jr, Power Forward/Center, Michigan State: Jackson is a bit of a wild card in this lottery portion of the draft considering he exceeded expectations as a freshman in college and played his way to this position. Although he struggled in the Big Dance, his rim protecting as well as his perimeter game were excellent. He could eventually replace Marc Gasol.
5. Dallas Mavericks- Mohamed Bomba, Center, Texas: Bomba doesn't have much of an offensive game, but his defensive presence with his height and shot blocking should appeal to any team. Bomba would learn from Dirk Nowitzki for at least one if not seasons and Rick Carlisle would love someone like Bomba.
6. Orlando Magic- Trae Young, Point Guard, Oklahoma: This maybe a reach, but the Magic have a need at point guard after the trading of Elfrid Payton and they already have a lot of bigs on their roster. Young is very polarizing because of how his season went and how defenses started figuring him out in conference play. That said, he has a Steph Curry type of ceiling and the Magic wouldn't pass on it.
7. Chicago Bulls- Michael Porter Jr, Small Forward/Power Forward, Missouri: Although Porter barely played college basketball, he's still worth picking here at 7. Porter has great offensive-skill sets and a good three-point range, but questions range about his mobility. The Bulls can use someone like Porter, who has versatility and have a need for versatile forwards.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Brooklyn Nets via Boston Celtics)- Wendel Carter Jr, Power Forward/Center, Duke: The Cavs can go multiple directions with this pick, but lets slate Carter in this spot. Carter is very overshadowed on the Blue Devils due to his teammates, but his defense is excellent and he provides spacing on the floor. Carter could possibly replace Kevin Love if they decide to move on from him.
9. New York Knicks- Mikal Bridges, Small Forward, Villanova: Bridges took a massive leap this year for the Wildcats. Due to his three-and-D capability, Birdges is one of the drafts safest bets. The Knicks pretty much have needs everywhere on their roster and Bridges would be a nice fit with Kristaps Porzingis once he comes back from his ACL surgery.
10. Philadelphia 76ers (from Los Angeles Lakers via Boston Celtics)- Lonnie Walker, Shooting Guard, Miami: Walker didn't have the greatest freshman season due to coming off his meniscus tear, which provides an interesting case for him to return to Miami for his sophomore season. That said, Walker is worth taking in this spot due to his pure talent and potential.
11. Charlotte Hornets- Miles Bridges, Small Forward, Michigan State: Although, Bridges might end up becoming a small ball power forward in the future due to his average ball handling, he is a great shooter on the wing and provides great athleticism. Bridges would be a nice fit on this rebuilding Hornet team as they can view him as a building block.
12. Los Angeles Clippers (from Detroit Pistons)- Collin Sexton, Point Guard, Alabama: Sexton at this spot would be a steal for the Clippers. He is super-fast, super-quick and forever aggressive -- all of which are great qualities for anybody entering the NBA. He puts pressure on the defense basically every possession.
13. Los Angeles Clippers- Robert Williams, Power Forward/Center, Texas A&M: Williams could have been a lottery pick last year, but decided to come back to school for one more season. Williams isn't known for his offense, but he's great at rebounding and defending the rim. He could be a poor mans D'Andre Jordan.
14. Denver Nuggets- Kevin Knox, Small Forward, Hornets: Knox hasn't been as consistent as a shooter as the Wildcats hoped, but he still projects as a solid defender and can rebound very well. If he develops a shot, he could end up as the small forward of the future for the Nuggets.
15. Washington Wizards- Mitchell Robinson, Center, Chalmette High School (LA): This pick would be considered a reach. Robinson had a year off from competitive basketball and has no experience beyond high school. Robinson provides athleticism and shot-blocking, which will intrigue teams although there are questions about what else he can provide.
16. Phoenix Suns (from Miami Heat)- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Kentucky: Gilgeous-Alexander's stock is trending up after he had a great season for the Wildcats. He has great size and finishing craft, defensive versatility, and maybe even quickness. Gilgeous-Alexander would be a nice piece for the Suns off the bench.
17. Milwaukee Bucks- Troy Brown, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Oregon: Brown is an interesting prospect considering that he had a solid season at Oregon, but has a reputation of disappearing in games. Brown's size and ball-handling ability is what makes him worth a selection at this spot.
18. San Antonio Spurs- Zhaire Smith, Shooting Guard, Texas Tech: Smith went from a three-star recruit to a likely first-round pick thanks to elite athleticism and ultra aggressive two-way play at Texas Tech. His freshman season was full of highlight reel plays, with tip-dunks and chasedown blocks becoming nightly occurrences.
19. Atlanta Hawks (from Minnesota Timberwolves)- Dzanan Musa, Small Forward, Cedevita: Musa is an intriguing international prospect that is motivated to play in the NBA. Musa is a great scorer on the wing and his play making skills are improving. The Spurs love international prospects so this pick makes a lot of sense.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Oklahoma City Thunder)- Kieta Bates-Diop, Power Forward, Ohio State: Bates-Diop had an outstanding junior collegiate season. What hurts Bates-Diop is his lack of athleticism, but his season cannot be ignored due to his outstanding shooting and providing match-up problems for the opposition.
21. Utah Jazz- Khyri Thomas, Shooting Guard, Creighton: Thomas is interesting because he doesn't have much upside. What Thomas does have though, is a two-way presence with is great shooting and perimeter defending. This pick would be a solid one for the Jazz and Thomas would be a good bench piece for them.
22. Chicago Bulls (from New Orleans Pelicans)- Jacob Evans, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Cincinnati: Evans's upside is limited though because he's an erratic shooter and isn't aggressive at the rim. His defense is his strength and he can guard both wing positions very well.
23. Indiana Pacers- Anfernee Simons, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, IMG Academy: Simons is a bit undersized for a shooting guard, which makes him a bit of a project, but he can attack the basket and has a decent shot, but must develop on the defensive end. Darren Collison isn't the long term answer at point guard so the Pacers take a chance here with Simons.
24. Portland Trail Blazers- Chandler Hutchinson, Small Forward, Boise State: Hutchinson is one of my sleepers in this draft class. Hutchinson isn't a great shooter, but has a nice all-around game with his ability to attack the rim, rebounding, and he's a solid off the ball defender.
25. Los Angeles Lakers (from Cleveland Cavaliers)- Jontay Porter, Center, Missouri: Porter quietly bursted on to the scene as a freshman in light of his brother and his bride college career. Porter is great all around with his rebounding and passing and can shoot it from three. Could be a poor mans Nikola Jokic.
26. Philadelphia 76ers- De'Anthony Melton, Shooting Guard, USC: Melton was held out the entire season by USC following the program’s role in the FBI investigation. What the Trojans missed was a bulldog defender and a skilled passer who found ways to impact the game even without a dependable jump shot. He has a Swiss Army Knife-type of skill set that would fit well on any bench.
27. Boston Celtics- Jacob Evans, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Cincinnati: Evans's upside is limited though because he's an erratic shooter and isn't aggressive at the rim. His defense is his strength and he can guard both wing positions very well.
28. Golden State Warriors- Bruce Brown, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Miami: Brown could be a steal at this spot considering he missed most of the season with a foot injury. Brown has great athleticism, size, and has a good defensive-mind.
29. Brooklyn Nets (from Toronto Raptors)- Jermone Robinson, Shooting Gaurd, Boston College: Robinson could be a steal in this spot. Robinson is a great scorer and is great at creating his own shot off the dribble, but he's not an upper-tear athlete.
30. Atlanta Hawks (from Houston Rockets)- Aaron Holiday, Point Guard, UCLA: Holiday is another one of my sleepers. Holiday is a great scorer and shooter (especially from distance), can hold his own defensively, but he isn't great at getting in the paint. He would be a nice backup point guard on the right team.
1. Phoenix Suns- Luka Doncic, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Real Madrid: Doncic will be the most proven player in the draft due to his success overseas. He is an ideal fit for the perimeter-oriented league and should have a long, productive NBA career. Him and Devin Booker together would be a lot of fun and don't forget the Suns hired Igor Kokoskov, who was Doncic's coach overseas.
2. Sacramento Kings- DeAndre Ayton, Center, Arizona: Ayton is perhaps the drafts best prospect due to his size, soft touch at the rim, and his promising jump shot. He's drawn comparisons to Joel Embiid and Patrick Ewing and the Kings, despite having a surplus of big men with Willie Caulie-Stein and Skal Labissiere, won't pass on Ayton.
3. Atlanta Hawks- Marvin Bagley, Power Forward/Center, Duke: Bagley could very well end up the best player from this draft class. He has great athleticism and can shoot it from three and he and John Collins would be a nice front court pairing.
4. Memphis Grizzlies- Jaren Jackson Jr, Power Forward/Center, Michigan State: Jackson is a bit of a wild card in this lottery portion of the draft considering he exceeded expectations as a freshman in college and played his way to this position. Although he struggled in the Big Dance, his rim protecting as well as his perimeter game were excellent. He could eventually replace Marc Gasol.
5. Dallas Mavericks- Mohamed Bomba, Center, Texas: Bomba doesn't have much of an offensive game, but his defensive presence with his height and shot blocking should appeal to any team. Bomba would learn from Dirk Nowitzki for at least one if not seasons and Rick Carlisle would love someone like Bomba.
6. Orlando Magic- Trae Young, Point Guard, Oklahoma: This maybe a reach, but the Magic have a need at point guard after the trading of Elfrid Payton and they already have a lot of bigs on their roster. Young is very polarizing because of how his season went and how defenses started figuring him out in conference play. That said, he has a Steph Curry type of ceiling and the Magic wouldn't pass on it.
7. Chicago Bulls- Michael Porter Jr, Small Forward/Power Forward, Missouri: Although Porter barely played college basketball, he's still worth picking here at 7. Porter has great offensive-skill sets and a good three-point range, but questions range about his mobility. The Bulls can use someone like Porter, who has versatility and have a need for versatile forwards.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Brooklyn Nets via Boston Celtics)- Wendel Carter Jr, Power Forward/Center, Duke: The Cavs can go multiple directions with this pick, but lets slate Carter in this spot. Carter is very overshadowed on the Blue Devils due to his teammates, but his defense is excellent and he provides spacing on the floor. Carter could possibly replace Kevin Love if they decide to move on from him.
9. New York Knicks- Mikal Bridges, Small Forward, Villanova: Bridges took a massive leap this year for the Wildcats. Due to his three-and-D capability, Birdges is one of the drafts safest bets. The Knicks pretty much have needs everywhere on their roster and Bridges would be a nice fit with Kristaps Porzingis once he comes back from his ACL surgery.
10. Philadelphia 76ers (from Los Angeles Lakers via Boston Celtics)- Lonnie Walker, Shooting Guard, Miami: Walker didn't have the greatest freshman season due to coming off his meniscus tear, which provides an interesting case for him to return to Miami for his sophomore season. That said, Walker is worth taking in this spot due to his pure talent and potential.
11. Charlotte Hornets- Miles Bridges, Small Forward, Michigan State: Although, Bridges might end up becoming a small ball power forward in the future due to his average ball handling, he is a great shooter on the wing and provides great athleticism. Bridges would be a nice fit on this rebuilding Hornet team as they can view him as a building block.
12. Los Angeles Clippers (from Detroit Pistons)- Collin Sexton, Point Guard, Alabama: Sexton at this spot would be a steal for the Clippers. He is super-fast, super-quick and forever aggressive -- all of which are great qualities for anybody entering the NBA. He puts pressure on the defense basically every possession.
13. Los Angeles Clippers- Robert Williams, Power Forward/Center, Texas A&M: Williams could have been a lottery pick last year, but decided to come back to school for one more season. Williams isn't known for his offense, but he's great at rebounding and defending the rim. He could be a poor mans D'Andre Jordan.
14. Denver Nuggets- Kevin Knox, Small Forward, Hornets: Knox hasn't been as consistent as a shooter as the Wildcats hoped, but he still projects as a solid defender and can rebound very well. If he develops a shot, he could end up as the small forward of the future for the Nuggets.
15. Washington Wizards- Mitchell Robinson, Center, Chalmette High School (LA): This pick would be considered a reach. Robinson had a year off from competitive basketball and has no experience beyond high school. Robinson provides athleticism and shot-blocking, which will intrigue teams although there are questions about what else he can provide.
16. Phoenix Suns (from Miami Heat)- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Kentucky: Gilgeous-Alexander's stock is trending up after he had a great season for the Wildcats. He has great size and finishing craft, defensive versatility, and maybe even quickness. Gilgeous-Alexander would be a nice piece for the Suns off the bench.
17. Milwaukee Bucks- Troy Brown, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Oregon: Brown is an interesting prospect considering that he had a solid season at Oregon, but has a reputation of disappearing in games. Brown's size and ball-handling ability is what makes him worth a selection at this spot.
18. San Antonio Spurs- Zhaire Smith, Shooting Guard, Texas Tech: Smith went from a three-star recruit to a likely first-round pick thanks to elite athleticism and ultra aggressive two-way play at Texas Tech. His freshman season was full of highlight reel plays, with tip-dunks and chasedown blocks becoming nightly occurrences.
19. Atlanta Hawks (from Minnesota Timberwolves)- Dzanan Musa, Small Forward, Cedevita: Musa is an intriguing international prospect that is motivated to play in the NBA. Musa is a great scorer on the wing and his play making skills are improving. The Spurs love international prospects so this pick makes a lot of sense.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Oklahoma City Thunder)- Kieta Bates-Diop, Power Forward, Ohio State: Bates-Diop had an outstanding junior collegiate season. What hurts Bates-Diop is his lack of athleticism, but his season cannot be ignored due to his outstanding shooting and providing match-up problems for the opposition.
21. Utah Jazz- Khyri Thomas, Shooting Guard, Creighton: Thomas is interesting because he doesn't have much upside. What Thomas does have though, is a two-way presence with is great shooting and perimeter defending. This pick would be a solid one for the Jazz and Thomas would be a good bench piece for them.
22. Chicago Bulls (from New Orleans Pelicans)- Jacob Evans, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Cincinnati: Evans's upside is limited though because he's an erratic shooter and isn't aggressive at the rim. His defense is his strength and he can guard both wing positions very well.
23. Indiana Pacers- Anfernee Simons, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, IMG Academy: Simons is a bit undersized for a shooting guard, which makes him a bit of a project, but he can attack the basket and has a decent shot, but must develop on the defensive end. Darren Collison isn't the long term answer at point guard so the Pacers take a chance here with Simons.
24. Portland Trail Blazers- Chandler Hutchinson, Small Forward, Boise State: Hutchinson is one of my sleepers in this draft class. Hutchinson isn't a great shooter, but has a nice all-around game with his ability to attack the rim, rebounding, and he's a solid off the ball defender.
25. Los Angeles Lakers (from Cleveland Cavaliers)- Jontay Porter, Center, Missouri: Porter quietly bursted on to the scene as a freshman in light of his brother and his bride college career. Porter is great all around with his rebounding and passing and can shoot it from three. Could be a poor mans Nikola Jokic.
26. Philadelphia 76ers- De'Anthony Melton, Shooting Guard, USC: Melton was held out the entire season by USC following the program’s role in the FBI investigation. What the Trojans missed was a bulldog defender and a skilled passer who found ways to impact the game even without a dependable jump shot. He has a Swiss Army Knife-type of skill set that would fit well on any bench.
27. Boston Celtics- Jacob Evans, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Cincinnati: Evans's upside is limited though because he's an erratic shooter and isn't aggressive at the rim. His defense is his strength and he can guard both wing positions very well.
28. Golden State Warriors- Bruce Brown, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Miami: Brown could be a steal at this spot considering he missed most of the season with a foot injury. Brown has great athleticism, size, and has a good defensive-mind.
29. Brooklyn Nets (from Toronto Raptors)- Jermone Robinson, Shooting Gaurd, Boston College: Robinson could be a steal in this spot. Robinson is a great scorer and is great at creating his own shot off the dribble, but he's not an upper-tear athlete.
30. Atlanta Hawks (from Houston Rockets)- Aaron Holiday, Point Guard, UCLA: Holiday is another one of my sleepers. Holiday is a great scorer and shooter (especially from distance), can hold his own defensively, but he isn't great at getting in the paint. He would be a nice backup point guard on the right team.
Monday, May 14, 2018
2018 NBA Playoffs: Conference Finals Predictions
Here are my predictions for the Conference Finals for the 2018 NBA Playoffs.
Eastern Conference
(2) Boston Celtics vs (4) Cleveland Cavaliers: The Celtics are coming off an impressive five game series win over the Philadelphia 76ers. The Cavaliers are coming off a four game sweep over the Toronto Raptors. There is perhaps going to a lot of offensive rebounds in this series in terms of the starts with Al Horford and Marcus Morris starting up front for Boston and Kevin Love at center and LeBron James at the four. The Cavs have JR Smith and Kyle Korver on the wings and they have to start get going for three to help LeBron out and George Hill has to be better too. The wing duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have been tremendous in this Celtics run as well as Terry Rozier, who has been brilliant filling in for the injured Kyrie Irving. The Celtics bench has played well in these playoffs although the Cavs bench needs to play well in this series. That said, the Cavs have the best player in the series with LeBron as the Cavs will reach their fourth straight finals although I won't be surprised if this goes seven or if the Celtics pull off this miraculous upset.
Prediction: Cavaliers in six games.
Western Conference
(1) Houston Rockets vs (2) Golden State Warriors: The Rockets are coming off a five game series win over the Utah Jazz. The Warriors are coming off a five game series win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Rockets starting five is great with the dynamic backcourt of James Harden and Chris Paul, PJ Tucker and Trevor Ariza on the wing shooting threes, and Clint Capela protecting the rim. The Warriors starting five features there best five guys with their dynamic backcourt of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, Andre Igoudala and Kevin Durant on the wing, and Draymond Green starting at center. The Rockets have the bench advantage with Eric Gordon, Luc Mbah a Moute, Ryan Anderson, and Gerald Green who can all shoot it from three. The Warriors bench isn't terrible and it has the likes of David West, Kevin Looney, Jordan Bell, and Shaun Livingston. That said, the Warriors "death lineup" which is now their starting five, in which the Rockets haven't seen the five together on the court will be the difference as they make their fourth straight finals setting yet another rematch with the Cavs, although I do give the Rockets a chance here with home court advantage.
Prediction: Warriors in six games.
Eastern Conference
(2) Boston Celtics vs (4) Cleveland Cavaliers: The Celtics are coming off an impressive five game series win over the Philadelphia 76ers. The Cavaliers are coming off a four game sweep over the Toronto Raptors. There is perhaps going to a lot of offensive rebounds in this series in terms of the starts with Al Horford and Marcus Morris starting up front for Boston and Kevin Love at center and LeBron James at the four. The Cavs have JR Smith and Kyle Korver on the wings and they have to start get going for three to help LeBron out and George Hill has to be better too. The wing duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have been tremendous in this Celtics run as well as Terry Rozier, who has been brilliant filling in for the injured Kyrie Irving. The Celtics bench has played well in these playoffs although the Cavs bench needs to play well in this series. That said, the Cavs have the best player in the series with LeBron as the Cavs will reach their fourth straight finals although I won't be surprised if this goes seven or if the Celtics pull off this miraculous upset.
Prediction: Cavaliers in six games.
Western Conference
(1) Houston Rockets vs (2) Golden State Warriors: The Rockets are coming off a five game series win over the Utah Jazz. The Warriors are coming off a five game series win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Rockets starting five is great with the dynamic backcourt of James Harden and Chris Paul, PJ Tucker and Trevor Ariza on the wing shooting threes, and Clint Capela protecting the rim. The Warriors starting five features there best five guys with their dynamic backcourt of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, Andre Igoudala and Kevin Durant on the wing, and Draymond Green starting at center. The Rockets have the bench advantage with Eric Gordon, Luc Mbah a Moute, Ryan Anderson, and Gerald Green who can all shoot it from three. The Warriors bench isn't terrible and it has the likes of David West, Kevin Looney, Jordan Bell, and Shaun Livingston. That said, the Warriors "death lineup" which is now their starting five, in which the Rockets haven't seen the five together on the court will be the difference as they make their fourth straight finals setting yet another rematch with the Cavs, although I do give the Rockets a chance here with home court advantage.
Prediction: Warriors in six games.
2018 MLB Mock Draft: Second Edition
Here is the second edition of my 2018 MLB Mock Draft.
1. Detroit Tigers- Casey Mize, RHP, Auburn: Mize is pretty much thought out to be the slam dunk consensus number one pick. Mize has always had the stuff, with three plus pitches, including a double plus split-finger, but health has held back his projection. Showing consistent health in 2018 has kept him #1 and should keep him here as a projection as a future #1/2 rotation piece with an impressive competitive streak.
2. San Francisco Giants- Brady Singer, RHP, Florida: In many places, Singer was the preseason top overall player in the draft class, and like A.J. Puk a few years ago, he had a rough opening to his season, but he’s really worked well in recent weeks, and a strong finish should keep him in the top 10 and make his drafting team very happy. I won't be shocked if Singer goes second, if not first.
3. Philadelphia Phillies- Nick Madrigal, Second Baseman, Oregon State: While there could be a legit argument that Madrigal is the best overall player in the draft, a player listed at a generous 5’7″ tall and weighing in at a generous 160 pounds isn’t going to be the type of guy who would go 1-1, even without Mize. As much progress as scouting has made to look beyond just body type to the player, that much bias still exists, much like the “no HS RHP will go 1-1” bias.
4. Chicago White Sox- Matthew Liberatore, LHP, Mountain Ridge HS (ARI): Really the one top high school arm coming into the spring that has held his spot all spring, Liberatore was the definite top of a shallow left-handed high school crop at the end of last summer, and he’s shown well enough that he has even led many to argue him as high as #2 overall. Liberatore does not bring any one double-plus pitch to the mix, but he throws four above-average pitches with impressive command for a high school arm, and he’s already showing the ability to manipulate his mix on the second time around to keep hitters off base.
5. Cincinnati Reds- Carter Stewart, RHP, Eau Gallie HS (FLA): Stewart had a strong summer and then came out this spring even better, with a couple ticks more velocity, allowing his fastball to grade out as a plus-plus pitch. He has a good frame at 6’6″ and already filled in to 200-210 pounds, and he pairs his incredible fastball with a curve that when it’s on will flash double-plus as well.
6. New York Mets- Joey Bart, Catcher, Georgia Tech: Bart opened the season as an elite defensive catcher with definite plus skills behind the plate, a plus arm, and highly-regarded coachability in his receiving skills with some raw ability with the bat in his hand. His hitting this spring has him in such a spot that the Mets would gladly scoop him up, especially that they have a long term need at the position.
7. San Diego Padres- Shane McClanahan, LHP, South Florida: McClanahan has had a bit of an up and down season as about the only college arm that’s had peaks as high as Mize, but he’s shown some wear as the season’s gone on, and, unless he turns around to the performances we were seeing in the early spring season, he’ll likely hold to a top 10 spot, but likely lower in the top 10, which will make whomever grabs him a very happy team.
8. Atlanta Braves- Ethan Hawkins, RHP, Forsyth Central HS (GA): Hawkins had a rough spring and an injury have put some questions on Hankins – enough to drop him out of the top 10 for sure, but does have top ten talent. After that point, it could require a fairly significant bonus to get Hankins away from his Vanderbilt commitment, which could see Hankins slide to the back of the first round and especially to the comp round possibly.
9. Oakland Athletics- Travis Swaggerty, Outfielder, South Alabama: Swaggerty has plus speed at the least along with above-average power, a fringe-plus hit tool, and above-average outfield defense at all three outfield spots. He takes plenty of walks and could be an elite leadoff man that offered 15+ home run pop or better at his best or develop into a middle of the lineup guy who has an impressive OBP.
10. Pittsburgh Pirates- Jarred Kelenic, Outfielder, Waukesha West HS (WI): One of the biggest climbers in the spring is really just getting his season truly underway as fields in Wisconsin are finally being cleared of snow for Kelenic to launch balls out of them. Kelenic would make a reasonable selection starting at #2, but the Pirates will be lucky to get him here at 10.
11. Baltimore Orioles- Nolan Gorman, Third Baseman, O'Connor HS (AZ): Gorman put on shows at summer showcases, making home run derby competitions his highlight reels all summer, but now that he’s working in the spring, some have whispered about his hit tool being messed up from a focus on showing out in those derby performances, seeing his swing elongate and even hitch. Gorman’s also added some muscle that he did not work into his body along with flexibility, so he’s become stronger, but more rigid, leading many to wonder about his future at third, though he’s definitely got the arm.
12. Toronto Blue Jays- Ryan Rolison, LHP, Ole Miss: Rolison is not likely going to be a guy to go early in the draft, but he could move quickly with polish and high raw grades on at least one of his breaking pitches. Rolison spins a curve that flashes 70-75 grade break, but his balance of pitches allow him to keep hitters honest and not let them sit on it, which allows his raw stuff to play up.
13. Miami Marlins- Jackson Kowar, RHP, Florida: Kowar has a nasty fastball that is one of the toughest to square up in college this spring, and he pairs it with a plus change that he locates very well. He’s worked to locate his curveball better this spring, though he still struggles a bit with consistency in the pitch’s break. He should move quickly through the Marlins’ system.
14. Seattle Mariners- Jonathan India, Third Baseman, Florida: Most assumed India would be a later rounds pick that might have to come back for his senior year when the year opened in Gainesville. Instead, he’s hitting as well or better than any college hitter this year, showing tremendous polish in his swing, adjustments within game, and maintaining his above-average defense and speed that he’s always had.
15. Texas Rangers- Cole Winn, RHP, Orange Lutheran HS (CA): Winn had good frame and three pitches that would project plus as a prep from Colorado. He transferred to one of the biggest schools in California for baseball to get more exposure, and he’s certainly done that, with plenty of scouts seeing him throw weekly.
16. Tampa Bay Rays- Brice Turang, Shortstop, Santiago HS (CA): One of the more divisive prospects among scouts, there is one thing everyone is in agreement on – Turang can flat-out field the ball. A certain above-average shortstop, and arguably a plus one, Turang is a hard worker and has natural leadership skills that have many comparing him on the field to former top overall selection Dansby Swanson of the Atlanta Braves.
17. Los Angeles Angels- Kumar Rocker, RHP, North Oconee HS (GA): An extremely mature body for a high school player, Rocker impressed summer showcases with his double-plus fastball and plus slider that has wicked break when it’s on. Some scouts worry about a bit of “bad weight”, but Rocker is athletic off the mound and repeats well, just working to be more consistent in his grips on pitches at this point.
18. Kansas City Royals- Logan Gilbert, RHP, Stetson: With aces like Jacob deGom and Corey Kluber hailing from Stetson, the history of arms from the school developing well as pros could help push Gilbert as well. He doesn’t offer an elite fastball or a plus offspeed pitch, but he has above-average control of all of his pitches, and flashes plus with all four pitches with a great frame to project.
19. St. Louis Cardinals- Greyson Jenista, First Baseman/Outfielder, Wichita State: The Cardinals could go in multiple directions with this selection. Jenista is the choice here, who impressed scouts with his tools last summer and is rising up people's mock boards. He's a good athlete despite the fact he's a hulking slugger.
20. Minnesota Twins- Alec Bohm, Third Baseman, Wichita State: Bohm could end up going second or even first with the talent he has. He has the offensive profile for third base, has shown a tick up in his defense, and he’s a hard worker at the position, which should serve him very well as a pro. The bat is special, however, with plus contact and raw double-plus power abilities that could allow him to be a future home run champion.
21. Milwaukee Brewers- Ryan Weathers, LHP, Lorretto HS (TN): Weathers has the pedigree, with a father who pitched for nearly 20 years, and the balance of pitches, with three above-average pitches and plus control, to be a high schooler who could move fast yet also factor at the front of a rotation. He was an excellent basketball player as well in high school, and the athleticism shows in his repeatable delivery and quick adaption to learning new pitches and new nuances to the game.
22. Colorado Rockies- Grayson Rodriguez, RHP, Central Heights HS (TX): Rodriguez, a prototype Texas arm that has jumped forward in his senior year, flashing a double plus fastball, but also showing much more than just a fastball, as he does have four pitches that he can control with excellent downhill plane as he stays tall in his delivery from a 6’5″ frame.
23. New York Yankees- Tristan Beck, RHP, Stanford: Beck has the frame and loose arm to project additional velocity, and he already shows great feel for a change and control of all three of his pitches. After being drafted originally last year, he decided to go back to school and is better because of that decision.
24. Chicago Cubs- Sean Hjelle, RHP, Kentucky: The Dodgers always tend to take players (pitchers in particular) that provide untapped potential and that applies here. Hjelle has impressed all season at Kentucky, with the elite downward plane from his 6’11” frame allowing his low-90s fastball with a loose, easy delivery that has generated more velocity and could have more in the tank with pro coaching.
25. Arizona Diamondbacks- Steele Walker, Outfielder, Oklahoma: Walker's best tool is his bat and to go along with his outstanding instincts and makeup that allow his tools to play up. He's also one of the better offensive performers in college this year and that could appeal to the D-Backs.
26. Boston Red Sox- Jeremy Eierman, Shortstop, Missouri State: Eierman would be an excellent understudy with excellent across the board tools, led by a tremendous feel for the game. Eierman could play short for many teams, and he could do that in Boston, or he could move someone else to second base and play on the left side of the infield with his double-plus arm.
27. Washington Nationals- Tristian Casas, First/Third Baseman, American Heritage HS (FL): One of the most impressive power hitters in the high school class of the 2018 MLB draft, Casas generates double plus raw power in cage and already shows above-average power in game situation in Team USA competitions. While the bat is special, Casas offers very little defensively and could use some work on trimming down his body.
28. Houston Astros- Connor Scott, Outfielder, Plant HS (FL): Not many have the run tool that Scott does in the 2018 MLB draft class, and he also flashes raw power that could be at least average, if not a tick above. Scott has a plus to double-plus arm on defense that just adds to his impressive range, though he could use some refinement in his jumps off the bat.
29. Cleveland Indians- Noah Naylor, Catcher/Third Baseman, St. Joan of Arc Catholic HS (Ontario): Naylor's lefthanded bat and very high-level of athleticism have plenty of scouts speculating about whether the top Canadian prospect in the class might be better off starting his career at third base to maximize those two talent areas.
30. Los Angeles Dodgers- Will Banfield, Catcher, Brookwood HS (GA): The team that picks Banfield will be the one that thinks he can evolve into an average big league hitter after surviving the gauntlet that is being a minor league catcher starting at the lowest level. His defense should guarantee a solid chance of at least becoming a big league back up by itself.
1. Detroit Tigers- Casey Mize, RHP, Auburn: Mize is pretty much thought out to be the slam dunk consensus number one pick. Mize has always had the stuff, with three plus pitches, including a double plus split-finger, but health has held back his projection. Showing consistent health in 2018 has kept him #1 and should keep him here as a projection as a future #1/2 rotation piece with an impressive competitive streak.
2. San Francisco Giants- Brady Singer, RHP, Florida: In many places, Singer was the preseason top overall player in the draft class, and like A.J. Puk a few years ago, he had a rough opening to his season, but he’s really worked well in recent weeks, and a strong finish should keep him in the top 10 and make his drafting team very happy. I won't be shocked if Singer goes second, if not first.
3. Philadelphia Phillies- Nick Madrigal, Second Baseman, Oregon State: While there could be a legit argument that Madrigal is the best overall player in the draft, a player listed at a generous 5’7″ tall and weighing in at a generous 160 pounds isn’t going to be the type of guy who would go 1-1, even without Mize. As much progress as scouting has made to look beyond just body type to the player, that much bias still exists, much like the “no HS RHP will go 1-1” bias.
4. Chicago White Sox- Matthew Liberatore, LHP, Mountain Ridge HS (ARI): Really the one top high school arm coming into the spring that has held his spot all spring, Liberatore was the definite top of a shallow left-handed high school crop at the end of last summer, and he’s shown well enough that he has even led many to argue him as high as #2 overall. Liberatore does not bring any one double-plus pitch to the mix, but he throws four above-average pitches with impressive command for a high school arm, and he’s already showing the ability to manipulate his mix on the second time around to keep hitters off base.
5. Cincinnati Reds- Carter Stewart, RHP, Eau Gallie HS (FLA): Stewart had a strong summer and then came out this spring even better, with a couple ticks more velocity, allowing his fastball to grade out as a plus-plus pitch. He has a good frame at 6’6″ and already filled in to 200-210 pounds, and he pairs his incredible fastball with a curve that when it’s on will flash double-plus as well.
6. New York Mets- Joey Bart, Catcher, Georgia Tech: Bart opened the season as an elite defensive catcher with definite plus skills behind the plate, a plus arm, and highly-regarded coachability in his receiving skills with some raw ability with the bat in his hand. His hitting this spring has him in such a spot that the Mets would gladly scoop him up, especially that they have a long term need at the position.
7. San Diego Padres- Shane McClanahan, LHP, South Florida: McClanahan has had a bit of an up and down season as about the only college arm that’s had peaks as high as Mize, but he’s shown some wear as the season’s gone on, and, unless he turns around to the performances we were seeing in the early spring season, he’ll likely hold to a top 10 spot, but likely lower in the top 10, which will make whomever grabs him a very happy team.
8. Atlanta Braves- Ethan Hawkins, RHP, Forsyth Central HS (GA): Hawkins had a rough spring and an injury have put some questions on Hankins – enough to drop him out of the top 10 for sure, but does have top ten talent. After that point, it could require a fairly significant bonus to get Hankins away from his Vanderbilt commitment, which could see Hankins slide to the back of the first round and especially to the comp round possibly.
9. Oakland Athletics- Travis Swaggerty, Outfielder, South Alabama: Swaggerty has plus speed at the least along with above-average power, a fringe-plus hit tool, and above-average outfield defense at all three outfield spots. He takes plenty of walks and could be an elite leadoff man that offered 15+ home run pop or better at his best or develop into a middle of the lineup guy who has an impressive OBP.
10. Pittsburgh Pirates- Jarred Kelenic, Outfielder, Waukesha West HS (WI): One of the biggest climbers in the spring is really just getting his season truly underway as fields in Wisconsin are finally being cleared of snow for Kelenic to launch balls out of them. Kelenic would make a reasonable selection starting at #2, but the Pirates will be lucky to get him here at 10.
11. Baltimore Orioles- Nolan Gorman, Third Baseman, O'Connor HS (AZ): Gorman put on shows at summer showcases, making home run derby competitions his highlight reels all summer, but now that he’s working in the spring, some have whispered about his hit tool being messed up from a focus on showing out in those derby performances, seeing his swing elongate and even hitch. Gorman’s also added some muscle that he did not work into his body along with flexibility, so he’s become stronger, but more rigid, leading many to wonder about his future at third, though he’s definitely got the arm.
12. Toronto Blue Jays- Ryan Rolison, LHP, Ole Miss: Rolison is not likely going to be a guy to go early in the draft, but he could move quickly with polish and high raw grades on at least one of his breaking pitches. Rolison spins a curve that flashes 70-75 grade break, but his balance of pitches allow him to keep hitters honest and not let them sit on it, which allows his raw stuff to play up.
13. Miami Marlins- Jackson Kowar, RHP, Florida: Kowar has a nasty fastball that is one of the toughest to square up in college this spring, and he pairs it with a plus change that he locates very well. He’s worked to locate his curveball better this spring, though he still struggles a bit with consistency in the pitch’s break. He should move quickly through the Marlins’ system.
14. Seattle Mariners- Jonathan India, Third Baseman, Florida: Most assumed India would be a later rounds pick that might have to come back for his senior year when the year opened in Gainesville. Instead, he’s hitting as well or better than any college hitter this year, showing tremendous polish in his swing, adjustments within game, and maintaining his above-average defense and speed that he’s always had.
15. Texas Rangers- Cole Winn, RHP, Orange Lutheran HS (CA): Winn had good frame and three pitches that would project plus as a prep from Colorado. He transferred to one of the biggest schools in California for baseball to get more exposure, and he’s certainly done that, with plenty of scouts seeing him throw weekly.
16. Tampa Bay Rays- Brice Turang, Shortstop, Santiago HS (CA): One of the more divisive prospects among scouts, there is one thing everyone is in agreement on – Turang can flat-out field the ball. A certain above-average shortstop, and arguably a plus one, Turang is a hard worker and has natural leadership skills that have many comparing him on the field to former top overall selection Dansby Swanson of the Atlanta Braves.
17. Los Angeles Angels- Kumar Rocker, RHP, North Oconee HS (GA): An extremely mature body for a high school player, Rocker impressed summer showcases with his double-plus fastball and plus slider that has wicked break when it’s on. Some scouts worry about a bit of “bad weight”, but Rocker is athletic off the mound and repeats well, just working to be more consistent in his grips on pitches at this point.
18. Kansas City Royals- Logan Gilbert, RHP, Stetson: With aces like Jacob deGom and Corey Kluber hailing from Stetson, the history of arms from the school developing well as pros could help push Gilbert as well. He doesn’t offer an elite fastball or a plus offspeed pitch, but he has above-average control of all of his pitches, and flashes plus with all four pitches with a great frame to project.
19. St. Louis Cardinals- Greyson Jenista, First Baseman/Outfielder, Wichita State: The Cardinals could go in multiple directions with this selection. Jenista is the choice here, who impressed scouts with his tools last summer and is rising up people's mock boards. He's a good athlete despite the fact he's a hulking slugger.
20. Minnesota Twins- Alec Bohm, Third Baseman, Wichita State: Bohm could end up going second or even first with the talent he has. He has the offensive profile for third base, has shown a tick up in his defense, and he’s a hard worker at the position, which should serve him very well as a pro. The bat is special, however, with plus contact and raw double-plus power abilities that could allow him to be a future home run champion.
21. Milwaukee Brewers- Ryan Weathers, LHP, Lorretto HS (TN): Weathers has the pedigree, with a father who pitched for nearly 20 years, and the balance of pitches, with three above-average pitches and plus control, to be a high schooler who could move fast yet also factor at the front of a rotation. He was an excellent basketball player as well in high school, and the athleticism shows in his repeatable delivery and quick adaption to learning new pitches and new nuances to the game.
22. Colorado Rockies- Grayson Rodriguez, RHP, Central Heights HS (TX): Rodriguez, a prototype Texas arm that has jumped forward in his senior year, flashing a double plus fastball, but also showing much more than just a fastball, as he does have four pitches that he can control with excellent downhill plane as he stays tall in his delivery from a 6’5″ frame.
23. New York Yankees- Tristan Beck, RHP, Stanford: Beck has the frame and loose arm to project additional velocity, and he already shows great feel for a change and control of all three of his pitches. After being drafted originally last year, he decided to go back to school and is better because of that decision.
24. Chicago Cubs- Sean Hjelle, RHP, Kentucky: The Dodgers always tend to take players (pitchers in particular) that provide untapped potential and that applies here. Hjelle has impressed all season at Kentucky, with the elite downward plane from his 6’11” frame allowing his low-90s fastball with a loose, easy delivery that has generated more velocity and could have more in the tank with pro coaching.
25. Arizona Diamondbacks- Steele Walker, Outfielder, Oklahoma: Walker's best tool is his bat and to go along with his outstanding instincts and makeup that allow his tools to play up. He's also one of the better offensive performers in college this year and that could appeal to the D-Backs.
26. Boston Red Sox- Jeremy Eierman, Shortstop, Missouri State: Eierman would be an excellent understudy with excellent across the board tools, led by a tremendous feel for the game. Eierman could play short for many teams, and he could do that in Boston, or he could move someone else to second base and play on the left side of the infield with his double-plus arm.
27. Washington Nationals- Tristian Casas, First/Third Baseman, American Heritage HS (FL): One of the most impressive power hitters in the high school class of the 2018 MLB draft, Casas generates double plus raw power in cage and already shows above-average power in game situation in Team USA competitions. While the bat is special, Casas offers very little defensively and could use some work on trimming down his body.
28. Houston Astros- Connor Scott, Outfielder, Plant HS (FL): Not many have the run tool that Scott does in the 2018 MLB draft class, and he also flashes raw power that could be at least average, if not a tick above. Scott has a plus to double-plus arm on defense that just adds to his impressive range, though he could use some refinement in his jumps off the bat.
29. Cleveland Indians- Noah Naylor, Catcher/Third Baseman, St. Joan of Arc Catholic HS (Ontario): Naylor's lefthanded bat and very high-level of athleticism have plenty of scouts speculating about whether the top Canadian prospect in the class might be better off starting his career at third base to maximize those two talent areas.
30. Los Angeles Dodgers- Will Banfield, Catcher, Brookwood HS (GA): The team that picks Banfield will be the one that thinks he can evolve into an average big league hitter after surviving the gauntlet that is being a minor league catcher starting at the lowest level. His defense should guarantee a solid chance of at least becoming a big league back up by itself.
Friday, May 11, 2018
2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Conference Final Predictions
Here are my predictions for the Conference Final of the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Eastern Conference
(A1) Tampa Bay Lightning vs (M1) Washington Capitals: This is going to be an interesting series to say the least. The Lightning are coming off an impressive five game series win over the Boston Bruins. The Capitald are coming off a six game series win over the Pittsburgh Penguins and Alex Ovechkin is finally in a conference final. The Bolts are in their third conference final in four seasons and the forwards core is really good with Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Tyler Johnson, and Brayden Point. The Caps forwards core is led by Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, TJ Oshie, and Evgeny Kuznestov. The Bolts have a slim edge defensively with Victor Hedman, Anton Stralman, Ryan McDonagh, and Mikael Sergachev. The Caps are solid defensively with John Carlson, Dmitry Orlov, Matt Niskanen, and Brooks Orpik. Andre Vasilesky has been brilliant in net thus far in the playoffs for the Bolts as well as Braden Holtby for the Caps. This series should be fun, but the Bolts are just a little bit deeper as the Bolts will advance to their second Stanley Cup final in four seasons.
Prediction: Lightning in six games.
Western Conference
(C2) Winnipeg Jets vs (P1) Vegas Golden Knights: This should be a fun series as well. The Jets are coming off an impressive seven game series win over the Nashville Predators. The Knights are coming off a six game series win over the San Jose Sharks. The Jets are great offensively led by Patrick Laine, Blake Wheeler, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Mark Scheifele. The Golden Knights are solid offensively led by William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchessault, David Perron, and Reilly Smith. The Jets defense is better than given credit for led by Dustin Byfuglien, Jacob Trouba, Tyler Myers, and Josh Morrisey. The Golden Knights defense is really good led by Nate Schmidt, Shea Theodore, Colin Miller, and Brayden McNabb. Connor Hellebuyck has been mostly good in these playoffs and Marc-Andre Fleury has been spectacular throughout the playoffs as he's become the favorite for the Conn Smythe Trophy at this point. With home ice advantage, I really like the Jets to advance to their first Stanley Cup Final in franchise history.
Prediction: Jets in six games.
Eastern Conference
(A1) Tampa Bay Lightning vs (M1) Washington Capitals: This is going to be an interesting series to say the least. The Lightning are coming off an impressive five game series win over the Boston Bruins. The Capitald are coming off a six game series win over the Pittsburgh Penguins and Alex Ovechkin is finally in a conference final. The Bolts are in their third conference final in four seasons and the forwards core is really good with Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Tyler Johnson, and Brayden Point. The Caps forwards core is led by Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, TJ Oshie, and Evgeny Kuznestov. The Bolts have a slim edge defensively with Victor Hedman, Anton Stralman, Ryan McDonagh, and Mikael Sergachev. The Caps are solid defensively with John Carlson, Dmitry Orlov, Matt Niskanen, and Brooks Orpik. Andre Vasilesky has been brilliant in net thus far in the playoffs for the Bolts as well as Braden Holtby for the Caps. This series should be fun, but the Bolts are just a little bit deeper as the Bolts will advance to their second Stanley Cup final in four seasons.
Prediction: Lightning in six games.
Western Conference
(C2) Winnipeg Jets vs (P1) Vegas Golden Knights: This should be a fun series as well. The Jets are coming off an impressive seven game series win over the Nashville Predators. The Knights are coming off a six game series win over the San Jose Sharks. The Jets are great offensively led by Patrick Laine, Blake Wheeler, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Mark Scheifele. The Golden Knights are solid offensively led by William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchessault, David Perron, and Reilly Smith. The Jets defense is better than given credit for led by Dustin Byfuglien, Jacob Trouba, Tyler Myers, and Josh Morrisey. The Golden Knights defense is really good led by Nate Schmidt, Shea Theodore, Colin Miller, and Brayden McNabb. Connor Hellebuyck has been mostly good in these playoffs and Marc-Andre Fleury has been spectacular throughout the playoffs as he's become the favorite for the Conn Smythe Trophy at this point. With home ice advantage, I really like the Jets to advance to their first Stanley Cup Final in franchise history.
Prediction: Jets in six games.
2018 NHL Mock Draft: First Edition
Here is the first edition of my 2018 NHL Mock Draft.
1. Buffalo Sabres- Rasmus Dahlin, Defenseman, Frolunda (SHL): Dahlin is the consensus best player in this draft class and Dahlin gets the chance to go to a young team that needs more transcendent talent other than Jack Eichel. He will pair on the top pair with Rasmus Ristolainen for the foreseeable future.
2. Carolina Hurricanes- Andrei Scechnikov, Wing, Barrie (OHL): The Canes have an up and coming defense, so here they address their biggest need which is scoring. He has elite scoring touch but can also play a power forward game.
3. Montreal Canadiens- Filip Zadina, Wing, Halifax (QMJHL): The Canadiens are a team that is in dire need of young talent and Zadina would be a nice start. He is a pure shooter and his talented shot can be used from anywhere in the offensive zone.
4. Ottawa Senators- Oliver Wahlstrom, Central/Wing, USNTDP: The Sens have a ton of needs regardless of what they do with Eric Karlsson. He has off-the-chart levels of creativity mixed with a high end shot and vision.
5. Arizona Coyotes- Adam Boqvist, Defenseman, Brynas IF J20 (SHL): The Coyotes have a need on defense and Boqvist would be a nice fit. He is an elite puck-moving forward who will likely be the second defenseman off the board.
6. Detroit Red Wings- Brady Tkachuk, Wing, Boston University (NCAA): The Red Wings have a lot of needs although they do have some promising young players. Tkachuk has a lot of offensive talent and has greatly improved his skating as the year went on.
7. Vancouver Canucks- Quinn Hughes, Defenseman, Michigan (NCAA): Many mocks have the Canucks taking a forward here, but I feel that they have a bigger need on defense. Hughes is a top puck mover and can skate like the wind.
8. Chicago Blackhawks- Evan Bouchard Defenseman, London (OHL): The Blackhawks are a team that is aging, especially on the blue line with Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook aging. Enter Bouchard, who is one of the smartest defensemen in the draft and his passing ability allows him to generate offense from all three zones of the ice while staying in great position.
9. New York Rangers- Noah Dobson, Defenseman, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL): After the Rangers traded Ryan McDonagh away and got rid of Dan Girardi last summer, they need to rebuild their defensive depth. Dobson had a tremendous second half of the season and climbed up draft boards everywhere.
10. Edmonton Oilers- Ty Smith, Defenseman, Spokane (WHL): The Oilers have a major need on defense and Smith fits the bill. He is more known for his offensive game rather than his defensive game and is slightly undersized but as the game continues to evolve that is less and less of an issue as long as the talent is there to back it up.
11. New York Islanders- Joe Voleno, Center/Wing, Drummondville (QMJHL): The Islanders could very well lose John Tavares this summer in free agency so it's a good thing they have two picks and here they take the versatile Voleno. He is a smart center who is just as effective defensively as he is offensively.
12. New York Islanders (from Calgary Flames)- Bode Wilde, Defenseman, USNDT: The Islanders use their second lottery pick on a defenseman and Wilde would be a nice fit. He is a complete defenseman who is talented in both ends of the ice and has a pro level shot and close to pro level skating at the age of 18.
13. Dallas Stars- Ryan Merkley, Defenseman, Guelph (OHL): The Stars are another team that has a need at defense. Merkley is a boom-or-bust prospect with the most offensive upside of all defensemen in the draft.
14. Philadelphia Flyers (from St. Louis Blues)- Joel Farabee, Wing, USNDT: The Flyers really don't have any needs with a lot of young talent up and coming. Farabee possesses an elite shot for his age and is also a gifted skater and he knows how to use it to benefit himself.
15. Florida Panthers- Ryan McLeod, Center, Mississauga (OHL): The Panthers don't really have any big needs, but I like the fit of McLeod here. He can create chances everywhere on the ice with his elite skating ability. McLeod can stickhandle through anyone on the ice at any time.
16. Colorado Avalanche- Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Center, Assat (FHL): As expected for a 17-year-old Korkaniemi needs to grow and develop. He is a very good skater and offensive player but he needs to grow his defensive positioning.
17. New Jersey Devils- Barrett Hayton, Center, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL): People out there think Hayton is the best two way center in this draft. The one thing holding Hayton back is his production. He has all of the tools to be successful and an elite player, but his numbers just didn’t show it.
18. Columbus Blue Jackets- Vitali Kravstov, Wing, Traktor (KHL): For Kravstov's age and the level of competition, he plays at he is a good defender. He needs to continue to grow but he has talent and uses his speed to get himself into a good position, cause turnovers and generate offense.
19. Philadelphia Flyers- Isac Lundestrom, Center/Wing, Lulea (SHL): Lundestrom won’t blow past anyone with blinding speed, but he is a talented skater. He has versatility and powerful strides that make him hard to knock off of the puck.
20. Los Angeles Kings- Rasmus Sandin, Defenseman, Woo (WHL): What makes Sandin great is his ability to play in all situations. It does not matter if it is on the powerplay, penalty kill or even strength Sandin thrives in all of them.
21. San Jose Sharks- Jet Woo, Defenseman, Moose Jaw (WHL): Woo is an above average defenseman when he has the puck on his stick and seems to get better the more freedom he is given in the offensive zone. His vision is great but his hockey IQ is even better.
22. Ottawa Senators (from Pittsburgh Penguins)- K'Andre Miller, Defenseman, USNTD: Miller will be a little bit of a project but a project that will be well worth the wait. A lot of young defensemen struggle with defensive responsibility. Not K’Andre Miller, his best attribute is his defensive play. As he continues to develop his game he will only get better.
23. Anaheim Ducks- Akil Thomas, Center, Niagara (OHL): Thomas is a center who can put up points in bunches. One of his best attributes is his work ethic with and without the puck and is responsible in all three zones and never takes a shift off.
24. Minnesota Wild- Benoit-Olivier Groulx, Center, Halifax (QMJHL): Groulx is not a bad skater but he needs to work on his acceleration. He has a tremendous shot that is both powerful and accurate and has a strong understanding of his defensive responsibilities as well.
25. Toronto Maple Leafs- Mattias Samuelsson, Defenseman, USNDT: There are plenty of talented offensive defensemen in this year’s draft, but Samuelsson is not nearly as flashy or talented offensively. His game is taking care of the puck in his own end and shutting down opponents.
26. New York Rangers (from Boston Bruins)- Filip Hallander, Center/Wing, Sundsvall (SHL): Hallander is one of the most offensively intriguing prospects in the first round of the draft this season. He has all of the talent and all of the tools, but he needs a lot of development. He can change a game at any moment with his elite speed and amazing talent.
27. St. Louis Blues (from Winnipeg Jets)- Serron Noel, Wing, Oshawa (OHL): Noel is one of the elite wingers this year in terms of projected first round prospects. He is really strong offensively featuring good hands, and a great shot and because of his size and good hands, he can score a lot of his goals from in tight.
28. Washington Capitals- Calen Addison, Defenseman, Lethbridge (WHL): Addison will probably be a late round steal and could be a very nice consolation prize for a team that picks late in the first round (or early in the second). He’s a promising young player with a ton of potential and a high ceiling if he can continue to add to his offensive repertoire.
29. Detroit Red Wings (from Vegas Golden Knights)- Jack McBain, Center, Boston College (NCAA): McBain is physically gifted and successful at using his great size to create space in the offensive zone. When the puck is in the offensive zones at times he can be unstoppable.
30. New York Rangers (from Tampa Bay Lightning)- Ty Dellandrea, Center, Flint (OHL): Dellandrea is versatile and his best attribute is his skating with the puck on his stick. Some players his age have great speed but can struggle to handle the puck he is the opposite and actually gets better with the puck on his stick.
31. Chicago Blackhawks (from Nashville Predators)- Jared McIssac, Defenseman, Halifax (QMJHL): Due to his great skating talent, McIssac is able to carry the puck out of his zone and start the offense. He is also able to quickly recover when necessary and does well to get back into position.
1. Buffalo Sabres- Rasmus Dahlin, Defenseman, Frolunda (SHL): Dahlin is the consensus best player in this draft class and Dahlin gets the chance to go to a young team that needs more transcendent talent other than Jack Eichel. He will pair on the top pair with Rasmus Ristolainen for the foreseeable future.
2. Carolina Hurricanes- Andrei Scechnikov, Wing, Barrie (OHL): The Canes have an up and coming defense, so here they address their biggest need which is scoring. He has elite scoring touch but can also play a power forward game.
3. Montreal Canadiens- Filip Zadina, Wing, Halifax (QMJHL): The Canadiens are a team that is in dire need of young talent and Zadina would be a nice start. He is a pure shooter and his talented shot can be used from anywhere in the offensive zone.
4. Ottawa Senators- Oliver Wahlstrom, Central/Wing, USNTDP: The Sens have a ton of needs regardless of what they do with Eric Karlsson. He has off-the-chart levels of creativity mixed with a high end shot and vision.
5. Arizona Coyotes- Adam Boqvist, Defenseman, Brynas IF J20 (SHL): The Coyotes have a need on defense and Boqvist would be a nice fit. He is an elite puck-moving forward who will likely be the second defenseman off the board.
6. Detroit Red Wings- Brady Tkachuk, Wing, Boston University (NCAA): The Red Wings have a lot of needs although they do have some promising young players. Tkachuk has a lot of offensive talent and has greatly improved his skating as the year went on.
7. Vancouver Canucks- Quinn Hughes, Defenseman, Michigan (NCAA): Many mocks have the Canucks taking a forward here, but I feel that they have a bigger need on defense. Hughes is a top puck mover and can skate like the wind.
8. Chicago Blackhawks- Evan Bouchard Defenseman, London (OHL): The Blackhawks are a team that is aging, especially on the blue line with Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook aging. Enter Bouchard, who is one of the smartest defensemen in the draft and his passing ability allows him to generate offense from all three zones of the ice while staying in great position.
9. New York Rangers- Noah Dobson, Defenseman, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL): After the Rangers traded Ryan McDonagh away and got rid of Dan Girardi last summer, they need to rebuild their defensive depth. Dobson had a tremendous second half of the season and climbed up draft boards everywhere.
10. Edmonton Oilers- Ty Smith, Defenseman, Spokane (WHL): The Oilers have a major need on defense and Smith fits the bill. He is more known for his offensive game rather than his defensive game and is slightly undersized but as the game continues to evolve that is less and less of an issue as long as the talent is there to back it up.
11. New York Islanders- Joe Voleno, Center/Wing, Drummondville (QMJHL): The Islanders could very well lose John Tavares this summer in free agency so it's a good thing they have two picks and here they take the versatile Voleno. He is a smart center who is just as effective defensively as he is offensively.
12. New York Islanders (from Calgary Flames)- Bode Wilde, Defenseman, USNDT: The Islanders use their second lottery pick on a defenseman and Wilde would be a nice fit. He is a complete defenseman who is talented in both ends of the ice and has a pro level shot and close to pro level skating at the age of 18.
13. Dallas Stars- Ryan Merkley, Defenseman, Guelph (OHL): The Stars are another team that has a need at defense. Merkley is a boom-or-bust prospect with the most offensive upside of all defensemen in the draft.
14. Philadelphia Flyers (from St. Louis Blues)- Joel Farabee, Wing, USNDT: The Flyers really don't have any needs with a lot of young talent up and coming. Farabee possesses an elite shot for his age and is also a gifted skater and he knows how to use it to benefit himself.
15. Florida Panthers- Ryan McLeod, Center, Mississauga (OHL): The Panthers don't really have any big needs, but I like the fit of McLeod here. He can create chances everywhere on the ice with his elite skating ability. McLeod can stickhandle through anyone on the ice at any time.
16. Colorado Avalanche- Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Center, Assat (FHL): As expected for a 17-year-old Korkaniemi needs to grow and develop. He is a very good skater and offensive player but he needs to grow his defensive positioning.
17. New Jersey Devils- Barrett Hayton, Center, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL): People out there think Hayton is the best two way center in this draft. The one thing holding Hayton back is his production. He has all of the tools to be successful and an elite player, but his numbers just didn’t show it.
18. Columbus Blue Jackets- Vitali Kravstov, Wing, Traktor (KHL): For Kravstov's age and the level of competition, he plays at he is a good defender. He needs to continue to grow but he has talent and uses his speed to get himself into a good position, cause turnovers and generate offense.
19. Philadelphia Flyers- Isac Lundestrom, Center/Wing, Lulea (SHL): Lundestrom won’t blow past anyone with blinding speed, but he is a talented skater. He has versatility and powerful strides that make him hard to knock off of the puck.
20. Los Angeles Kings- Rasmus Sandin, Defenseman, Woo (WHL): What makes Sandin great is his ability to play in all situations. It does not matter if it is on the powerplay, penalty kill or even strength Sandin thrives in all of them.
21. San Jose Sharks- Jet Woo, Defenseman, Moose Jaw (WHL): Woo is an above average defenseman when he has the puck on his stick and seems to get better the more freedom he is given in the offensive zone. His vision is great but his hockey IQ is even better.
22. Ottawa Senators (from Pittsburgh Penguins)- K'Andre Miller, Defenseman, USNTD: Miller will be a little bit of a project but a project that will be well worth the wait. A lot of young defensemen struggle with defensive responsibility. Not K’Andre Miller, his best attribute is his defensive play. As he continues to develop his game he will only get better.
23. Anaheim Ducks- Akil Thomas, Center, Niagara (OHL): Thomas is a center who can put up points in bunches. One of his best attributes is his work ethic with and without the puck and is responsible in all three zones and never takes a shift off.
24. Minnesota Wild- Benoit-Olivier Groulx, Center, Halifax (QMJHL): Groulx is not a bad skater but he needs to work on his acceleration. He has a tremendous shot that is both powerful and accurate and has a strong understanding of his defensive responsibilities as well.
25. Toronto Maple Leafs- Mattias Samuelsson, Defenseman, USNDT: There are plenty of talented offensive defensemen in this year’s draft, but Samuelsson is not nearly as flashy or talented offensively. His game is taking care of the puck in his own end and shutting down opponents.
26. New York Rangers (from Boston Bruins)- Filip Hallander, Center/Wing, Sundsvall (SHL): Hallander is one of the most offensively intriguing prospects in the first round of the draft this season. He has all of the talent and all of the tools, but he needs a lot of development. He can change a game at any moment with his elite speed and amazing talent.
27. St. Louis Blues (from Winnipeg Jets)- Serron Noel, Wing, Oshawa (OHL): Noel is one of the elite wingers this year in terms of projected first round prospects. He is really strong offensively featuring good hands, and a great shot and because of his size and good hands, he can score a lot of his goals from in tight.
28. Washington Capitals- Calen Addison, Defenseman, Lethbridge (WHL): Addison will probably be a late round steal and could be a very nice consolation prize for a team that picks late in the first round (or early in the second). He’s a promising young player with a ton of potential and a high ceiling if he can continue to add to his offensive repertoire.
29. Detroit Red Wings (from Vegas Golden Knights)- Jack McBain, Center, Boston College (NCAA): McBain is physically gifted and successful at using his great size to create space in the offensive zone. When the puck is in the offensive zones at times he can be unstoppable.
30. New York Rangers (from Tampa Bay Lightning)- Ty Dellandrea, Center, Flint (OHL): Dellandrea is versatile and his best attribute is his skating with the puck on his stick. Some players his age have great speed but can struggle to handle the puck he is the opposite and actually gets better with the puck on his stick.
31. Chicago Blackhawks (from Nashville Predators)- Jared McIssac, Defenseman, Halifax (QMJHL): Due to his great skating talent, McIssac is able to carry the puck out of his zone and start the offense. He is also able to quickly recover when necessary and does well to get back into position.
Friday, May 4, 2018
2018 MLB Mock Draft: First Edition
Here is the first edition of my 2018 MLB Mock Draft.
1. Detroit Tigers- Casey Mize, RHP, Auburn: Mize is pretty much thought out to be the slam dunk consensus number one pick. Mize has always had the stuff, with three plus pitches, including a double plus split-finger, but health has held back his projection. Showing consistent health in 2018 has kept him #1 and should keep him here as a projection as a future #1/2 rotation piece with an impressive competitive streak.
2. San Francisco Giants- Carter Stewart, RHP, Eau Gallie HS (FLA): Stewart had a strong summer and then came out this spring even better, with a couple ticks more velocity, allowing his fastball to grade out as a plus-plus pitch. He has a good frame at 6’6″ and already filled in to 200-210 pounds, and he pairs his incredible fastball with a curve that when it’s on will flash double-plus as well.
3. Philadelphia Phillies- Brady Singer, RHP, Florida: In many places, Singer was the preseason top overall player in the draft class, and like A.J. Puk a few years ago, he had a rough opening to his season, but he’s really worked well in recent weeks, and a strong finish should keep him in the top 10 and make his drafting team very happy. I won't be shocked if Singer goes second, if not first.
4. Chicago White Sox- Matthew Liberatore, LHP, Mountain Ridge HS (ARI): Really the one top high school arm coming into the spring that has held his spot all spring, Liberatore was the definite top of a shallow left-handed high school crop at the end of last summer, and he’s shown well enough that he has even led many to argue him as high as #2 overall. Liberatore does not bring any one double-plus pitch to the mix, but he throws four above-average pitches with impressive command for a high school arm, and he’s already showing the ability to manipulate his mix on the second time around to keep hitters off base.
5. Cincinnati Reds- Shane McClanahan, LHP, South Florida: McClanahan has had a bit of an up and down season as about the only college arm that’s had peaks as high as Mize, but he’s shown some wear as the season’s gone on, and, unless he turns around to the performances we were seeing in the early spring season, he’ll likely hold to a top 10 spot, but likely lower in the top 10, which will make whomever grabs him a very happy team.
6. New York Mets- Nick Madrigal, Second Baseman, Oregon State: While there could be a legit argument that Madrigal is the best overall player in the draft, a player listed at a generous 5’7″ tall and weighing in at a generous 160 pounds isn’t going to be the type of guy who would go 1-1, even without Mize. As much progress as scouting has made to look beyond just body type to the player, that much bias still exists, much like the “no HS RHP will go 1-1” bias.
7. San Diego Padres- Travis Swaggerty, Outfielder, South Alabama: Swaggerty has plus speed at the least along with above-average power, a fringe-plus hit tool, and above-average outfield defense at all three outfield spots. He takes plenty of walks and could be an elite leadoff man that offered 15+ home run pop or better at his best or develop into a middle of the lineup guy who has an impressive OBP.
8. Atlanta Braves- Jarred Kelenic, Outfielder, Waukesha West HS (WI): One of the biggest climbers in the spring is really just getting his season truly underway as fields in Wisconsin are finally being cleared of snow for Kelenic to launch balls out of them. Kelenic would make a reasonable selection starting at #2, but the Braves will be lucky to get him here at 8.
9. Oakland Athletics- Joey Bart, Catcher, Georgia Tech: Bart opened the season as an elite defensive catcher with definite plus skills behind the plate, a plus arm, and highly-regarded coachability in his receiving skills with some raw ability with the bat in his hand. His hitting this spring has him in such a spot that the A's would gladly scoop him up.
10. Pittsburgh Pirates- Ryan Rolison, LHP, Ole Miss: Rolison is not likely going to be a guy to go early in the draft, but he could move quickly with polish and high raw grades on at least one of his breaking pitches. Rolison spins a curve that flashes 70-75 grade break, but his balance of pitches allow him to keep hitters honest and not let them sit on it, which allows his raw stuff to play up.
11. Baltimore Orioles- Jackson Kowar, RHP, Florida: Kowar has a nasty fastball that is one of the toughest to square up in college this spring, and he pairs it with a plus change that he locates very well. He’s worked to locate his curveball better this spring, though he still struggles a bit with consistency in the pitch’s break. He should move quickly through the Orioles’ system.
12. Toronto Blue Jays- Kumar Rocker, RHP, North Oconee HS (GA): An extremely mature body for a high school player, Rocker impressed summer showcases with his double-plus fastball and plus slider that has wicked break when it’s on. Some scouts worry about a bit of “bad weight”, but Rocker is athletic off the mound and repeats well, just working to be more consistent in his grips on pitches at this point.
13. Miami Marlins- Cole Winn, RHP, Orange Lutheran HS (CA): Winn had good frame and three pitches that would project plus as a prep from Colorado. He transferred to one of the biggest schools in California for baseball to get more exposure, and he’s certainly done that, with plenty of scouts seeing him throw weekly.
14. Seattle Mariners- Jonathan India, Third Baseman, Florida: Most assumed India would be a later rounds pick that might have to come back for his senior year when the year opened in Gainesville. Instead, he’s hitting as well or better than any college hitter this year, showing tremendous polish in his swing, adjustments within game, and maintaining his above-average defense and speed that he’s always had.
15. Texas Rangers- Alec Bohm, Third Baseman, Wichita State: Bohm could end up going second or even first with the talent he has. He has the offensive profile for third base, has shown a tick up in his defense, and he’s a hard worker at the position, which should serve him very well as a pro. The bat is special, however, with plus contact and raw double-plus power abilities that could allow him to be a future home run champion.
16. Tampa Bay Rays- Ryan Weathers, LHP, Lorretto HS (TN): Weathers has the pedigree, with a father who pitched for nearly 20 years, and the balance of pitches, with three above-average pitches and plus control, to be a high schooler who could move fast yet also factor at the front of a rotation. He was an excellent basketball player as well in high school, and the athleticism shows in his repeatable delivery and quick adaption to learning new pitches and new nuances to the game.
17. Los Angeles Angels- Ethan Hawkins, RHP, Forsyth Central HS (GA): Hawkins had a rough spring and an injury have put some questions on Hankins – enough to drop him out of the top 10 for sure. After that point, it could require a fairly significant bonus to get Hankins away from his Vanderbilt commitment, which could see Hankins slide to the back of the first round and especially to the comp round possibly.
18. Kansas City Royals- Nolan Gorman, Third Baseman, O'Connor HS (AZ): Gorman put on shows at summer showcases, making home run derby competitions his highlight reels all summer, but now that he’s working in the spring, some have whispered about his hit tool being messed up from a focus on showing out in those derby performances, seeing his swing elongate and even hitch. Gorman’s also added some muscle that he did not work into his body along with flexibility, so he’s become stronger, but more rigid, leading many to wonder about his future at third, though he’s definitely got the arm.
19. St. Louis Cardinals- Connor Scott, Outfielder, Plant HS (FL): Not many have the run tool that Scott does in the 2018 MLB draft class, and he also flashes raw power that could be at least average, if not a tick above. Scott has a plus to double-plus arm on defense that just adds to his impressive range, though he could use some refinement in his jumps off the bat.
20. Minnesota Twins- Brice Turang, Shortstop, Santiago HS (CA): One of the more divisive prospects among scouts, there is one thing everyone is in agreement on – Turang can flat-out field the ball. A certain above-average shortstop, and arguably a plus one, Turang is a hard worker and has natural leadership skills that have many comparing him on the field to former top overall selection Dansby Swanson of the Atlanta Braves.
21. Milwaukee Brewers- Mason Denaburg, RHP/Catcher, Merritt Island HS (FL): Denaburg would have been a top ten sure thing if he was fully healthy. He is a very good kicker and punter in football, and he could play for Florida as well as playing both ways. When healthy, he has good feel for a hard curve and can reach upper 90s. There’s going to be some development time with Denaburg, but there’s legit frontline potential.
22. Colorado Rockies- Mike Vasil, RHP, Boston College HS (MA): Vasil was a guy to watch this spring as he had an impressive pitch mix during the Tournament of Stars with USA Baseball. He has a definite plus fastball that can reach 97 with decent movement. He has above-average breaking pitches, but he’s still working to repeat his delivery, something many thought could be that launching step for a Northeast pitcher to jump into the top half of the first round.
23. New York Yankees- Logan Gilbert, RHP, Stetson: With aces like Jacob deGom and Corey Kluber hailing from Stetson, the history of arms from the school developing well as pros could help push Gilbert as well. He doesn’t offer an elite fastball or a plus offspeed pitch, but he has above-average control of all of his pitches, and flashes plus with all four pitches with a great frame to project.
24. Chicago Cubs- Tristan Beck, RHP, Stanford: Beck has the frame and loose arm to project additional velocity, and he already shows great feel for a change and control of all three of his pitches. After being drafted originally last year, he decided to go back to school and is better because of that decision.
25. Arizona Diamondbacks- Trevor Larnach, Outfielder, Oregon State: Larnach showed out big-time in the early spring and has cooled off some, but after a big summer in the Cape Cod, he’s not going to fall off too far. Larnach is a guy with corner outfield skills offensively and defensively, with more hit over power right now, but there’s certainly plenty of raw power there that would allow him to grow into a dominant hitter
26. Boston Red Sox- Jeremy Eierman, Shortstop, Missouri State: Eierman would be an excellent understudy with excellent across the board tools, led by a tremendous feel for the game. Eierman could play short for many teams, and he could do that in Boston, or he could move someone else to second base and play on the left side of the infield with his double-plus arm.
27. Washington Nationals- Grayson Rodriguez, RHP, Central Heights HS (TX): Rodriguez, a prototype Texas arm that has jumped forward in his senior year, flashing a double plus fastball, but also showing much more than just a fastball, as he does have four pitches that he can control with excellent downhill plane as he stays tall in his delivery from a 6’5″ frame.
28. Houston Astros- Jordan Groshas, Third Baseman, Magnolia HS (TX): Groshas is the type of guy that really will grow on teams the more they see him as he doesn’t explode off of film when you watch him, without any standout tool that jumps off the page, but he’s got average to above-average present tools across the board with raw plus tools in his fielding and power. He’s played short in high school, but his physical body and range works at third, so once he gets reps there, he should jump forward in his defensive ability and could be a very valuable late first round selection.
29. Cleveland Indians- Tristian Casas, First/Third Baseman, American Heritage HS (FL): One of the most impressive power hitters in the high school class of the 2018 MLB draft, Casas generates double plus raw power in cage and already shows above-average power in game situation in Team USA competitions. While the bat is special, Casas offers very little defensively and could use some work on trimming down his body.
30. Los Angeles Dodgers- Sean Hjelle, RHP, Kentucky: The Dodgers always tend to take players (pitchers in particular) that provide untapped potential and that applies here. Hjelle has impressed all season at Kentucky, with the elite downward plane from his 6’11” frame allowing his low-90s fastball with a loose, easy delivery that has generated more velocity and could have more in the tank with pro coaching.
1. Detroit Tigers- Casey Mize, RHP, Auburn: Mize is pretty much thought out to be the slam dunk consensus number one pick. Mize has always had the stuff, with three plus pitches, including a double plus split-finger, but health has held back his projection. Showing consistent health in 2018 has kept him #1 and should keep him here as a projection as a future #1/2 rotation piece with an impressive competitive streak.
2. San Francisco Giants- Carter Stewart, RHP, Eau Gallie HS (FLA): Stewart had a strong summer and then came out this spring even better, with a couple ticks more velocity, allowing his fastball to grade out as a plus-plus pitch. He has a good frame at 6’6″ and already filled in to 200-210 pounds, and he pairs his incredible fastball with a curve that when it’s on will flash double-plus as well.
3. Philadelphia Phillies- Brady Singer, RHP, Florida: In many places, Singer was the preseason top overall player in the draft class, and like A.J. Puk a few years ago, he had a rough opening to his season, but he’s really worked well in recent weeks, and a strong finish should keep him in the top 10 and make his drafting team very happy. I won't be shocked if Singer goes second, if not first.
4. Chicago White Sox- Matthew Liberatore, LHP, Mountain Ridge HS (ARI): Really the one top high school arm coming into the spring that has held his spot all spring, Liberatore was the definite top of a shallow left-handed high school crop at the end of last summer, and he’s shown well enough that he has even led many to argue him as high as #2 overall. Liberatore does not bring any one double-plus pitch to the mix, but he throws four above-average pitches with impressive command for a high school arm, and he’s already showing the ability to manipulate his mix on the second time around to keep hitters off base.
5. Cincinnati Reds- Shane McClanahan, LHP, South Florida: McClanahan has had a bit of an up and down season as about the only college arm that’s had peaks as high as Mize, but he’s shown some wear as the season’s gone on, and, unless he turns around to the performances we were seeing in the early spring season, he’ll likely hold to a top 10 spot, but likely lower in the top 10, which will make whomever grabs him a very happy team.
6. New York Mets- Nick Madrigal, Second Baseman, Oregon State: While there could be a legit argument that Madrigal is the best overall player in the draft, a player listed at a generous 5’7″ tall and weighing in at a generous 160 pounds isn’t going to be the type of guy who would go 1-1, even without Mize. As much progress as scouting has made to look beyond just body type to the player, that much bias still exists, much like the “no HS RHP will go 1-1” bias.
7. San Diego Padres- Travis Swaggerty, Outfielder, South Alabama: Swaggerty has plus speed at the least along with above-average power, a fringe-plus hit tool, and above-average outfield defense at all three outfield spots. He takes plenty of walks and could be an elite leadoff man that offered 15+ home run pop or better at his best or develop into a middle of the lineup guy who has an impressive OBP.
8. Atlanta Braves- Jarred Kelenic, Outfielder, Waukesha West HS (WI): One of the biggest climbers in the spring is really just getting his season truly underway as fields in Wisconsin are finally being cleared of snow for Kelenic to launch balls out of them. Kelenic would make a reasonable selection starting at #2, but the Braves will be lucky to get him here at 8.
9. Oakland Athletics- Joey Bart, Catcher, Georgia Tech: Bart opened the season as an elite defensive catcher with definite plus skills behind the plate, a plus arm, and highly-regarded coachability in his receiving skills with some raw ability with the bat in his hand. His hitting this spring has him in such a spot that the A's would gladly scoop him up.
10. Pittsburgh Pirates- Ryan Rolison, LHP, Ole Miss: Rolison is not likely going to be a guy to go early in the draft, but he could move quickly with polish and high raw grades on at least one of his breaking pitches. Rolison spins a curve that flashes 70-75 grade break, but his balance of pitches allow him to keep hitters honest and not let them sit on it, which allows his raw stuff to play up.
11. Baltimore Orioles- Jackson Kowar, RHP, Florida: Kowar has a nasty fastball that is one of the toughest to square up in college this spring, and he pairs it with a plus change that he locates very well. He’s worked to locate his curveball better this spring, though he still struggles a bit with consistency in the pitch’s break. He should move quickly through the Orioles’ system.
12. Toronto Blue Jays- Kumar Rocker, RHP, North Oconee HS (GA): An extremely mature body for a high school player, Rocker impressed summer showcases with his double-plus fastball and plus slider that has wicked break when it’s on. Some scouts worry about a bit of “bad weight”, but Rocker is athletic off the mound and repeats well, just working to be more consistent in his grips on pitches at this point.
13. Miami Marlins- Cole Winn, RHP, Orange Lutheran HS (CA): Winn had good frame and three pitches that would project plus as a prep from Colorado. He transferred to one of the biggest schools in California for baseball to get more exposure, and he’s certainly done that, with plenty of scouts seeing him throw weekly.
14. Seattle Mariners- Jonathan India, Third Baseman, Florida: Most assumed India would be a later rounds pick that might have to come back for his senior year when the year opened in Gainesville. Instead, he’s hitting as well or better than any college hitter this year, showing tremendous polish in his swing, adjustments within game, and maintaining his above-average defense and speed that he’s always had.
15. Texas Rangers- Alec Bohm, Third Baseman, Wichita State: Bohm could end up going second or even first with the talent he has. He has the offensive profile for third base, has shown a tick up in his defense, and he’s a hard worker at the position, which should serve him very well as a pro. The bat is special, however, with plus contact and raw double-plus power abilities that could allow him to be a future home run champion.
16. Tampa Bay Rays- Ryan Weathers, LHP, Lorretto HS (TN): Weathers has the pedigree, with a father who pitched for nearly 20 years, and the balance of pitches, with three above-average pitches and plus control, to be a high schooler who could move fast yet also factor at the front of a rotation. He was an excellent basketball player as well in high school, and the athleticism shows in his repeatable delivery and quick adaption to learning new pitches and new nuances to the game.
17. Los Angeles Angels- Ethan Hawkins, RHP, Forsyth Central HS (GA): Hawkins had a rough spring and an injury have put some questions on Hankins – enough to drop him out of the top 10 for sure. After that point, it could require a fairly significant bonus to get Hankins away from his Vanderbilt commitment, which could see Hankins slide to the back of the first round and especially to the comp round possibly.
18. Kansas City Royals- Nolan Gorman, Third Baseman, O'Connor HS (AZ): Gorman put on shows at summer showcases, making home run derby competitions his highlight reels all summer, but now that he’s working in the spring, some have whispered about his hit tool being messed up from a focus on showing out in those derby performances, seeing his swing elongate and even hitch. Gorman’s also added some muscle that he did not work into his body along with flexibility, so he’s become stronger, but more rigid, leading many to wonder about his future at third, though he’s definitely got the arm.
19. St. Louis Cardinals- Connor Scott, Outfielder, Plant HS (FL): Not many have the run tool that Scott does in the 2018 MLB draft class, and he also flashes raw power that could be at least average, if not a tick above. Scott has a plus to double-plus arm on defense that just adds to his impressive range, though he could use some refinement in his jumps off the bat.
20. Minnesota Twins- Brice Turang, Shortstop, Santiago HS (CA): One of the more divisive prospects among scouts, there is one thing everyone is in agreement on – Turang can flat-out field the ball. A certain above-average shortstop, and arguably a plus one, Turang is a hard worker and has natural leadership skills that have many comparing him on the field to former top overall selection Dansby Swanson of the Atlanta Braves.
21. Milwaukee Brewers- Mason Denaburg, RHP/Catcher, Merritt Island HS (FL): Denaburg would have been a top ten sure thing if he was fully healthy. He is a very good kicker and punter in football, and he could play for Florida as well as playing both ways. When healthy, he has good feel for a hard curve and can reach upper 90s. There’s going to be some development time with Denaburg, but there’s legit frontline potential.
22. Colorado Rockies- Mike Vasil, RHP, Boston College HS (MA): Vasil was a guy to watch this spring as he had an impressive pitch mix during the Tournament of Stars with USA Baseball. He has a definite plus fastball that can reach 97 with decent movement. He has above-average breaking pitches, but he’s still working to repeat his delivery, something many thought could be that launching step for a Northeast pitcher to jump into the top half of the first round.
23. New York Yankees- Logan Gilbert, RHP, Stetson: With aces like Jacob deGom and Corey Kluber hailing from Stetson, the history of arms from the school developing well as pros could help push Gilbert as well. He doesn’t offer an elite fastball or a plus offspeed pitch, but he has above-average control of all of his pitches, and flashes plus with all four pitches with a great frame to project.
24. Chicago Cubs- Tristan Beck, RHP, Stanford: Beck has the frame and loose arm to project additional velocity, and he already shows great feel for a change and control of all three of his pitches. After being drafted originally last year, he decided to go back to school and is better because of that decision.
25. Arizona Diamondbacks- Trevor Larnach, Outfielder, Oregon State: Larnach showed out big-time in the early spring and has cooled off some, but after a big summer in the Cape Cod, he’s not going to fall off too far. Larnach is a guy with corner outfield skills offensively and defensively, with more hit over power right now, but there’s certainly plenty of raw power there that would allow him to grow into a dominant hitter
26. Boston Red Sox- Jeremy Eierman, Shortstop, Missouri State: Eierman would be an excellent understudy with excellent across the board tools, led by a tremendous feel for the game. Eierman could play short for many teams, and he could do that in Boston, or he could move someone else to second base and play on the left side of the infield with his double-plus arm.
27. Washington Nationals- Grayson Rodriguez, RHP, Central Heights HS (TX): Rodriguez, a prototype Texas arm that has jumped forward in his senior year, flashing a double plus fastball, but also showing much more than just a fastball, as he does have four pitches that he can control with excellent downhill plane as he stays tall in his delivery from a 6’5″ frame.
28. Houston Astros- Jordan Groshas, Third Baseman, Magnolia HS (TX): Groshas is the type of guy that really will grow on teams the more they see him as he doesn’t explode off of film when you watch him, without any standout tool that jumps off the page, but he’s got average to above-average present tools across the board with raw plus tools in his fielding and power. He’s played short in high school, but his physical body and range works at third, so once he gets reps there, he should jump forward in his defensive ability and could be a very valuable late first round selection.
29. Cleveland Indians- Tristian Casas, First/Third Baseman, American Heritage HS (FL): One of the most impressive power hitters in the high school class of the 2018 MLB draft, Casas generates double plus raw power in cage and already shows above-average power in game situation in Team USA competitions. While the bat is special, Casas offers very little defensively and could use some work on trimming down his body.
30. Los Angeles Dodgers- Sean Hjelle, RHP, Kentucky: The Dodgers always tend to take players (pitchers in particular) that provide untapped potential and that applies here. Hjelle has impressed all season at Kentucky, with the elite downward plane from his 6’11” frame allowing his low-90s fastball with a loose, easy delivery that has generated more velocity and could have more in the tank with pro coaching.
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