AL West Draft Review

Colorado House of Horrors

Picking #4, the HoH needed a good centerpiece and grabbed SP Ronald Higginson, an Indiana high-schooler.  I don't have projections on him, but he's starting with pretty good splits and pitches for an 18-yo.  He's not a dominating strikeout pitcher, but he keeps it low - important for Coors.  Control is never going to a strong point but will be OK with moderate development.  The question at #4 is, "Were there better choices available?"  Maybe - Buffalo's Farquhar at #5 is a better pitcher today tham Higginson - but I think they did OK here.  Grade: B

Oakland A's

Picking at #7, the A's go for an intriguing high school CF out of Thermal, CA by the name of Danry Javier.  He's the classic speedy, high-range, low power CF prospect.  His batting eye is his primary weapon and could conceivably reach the 90's.  If so, he'll get on base enough to at least claim a vR platooner CF job.  He's dreadful against lefties, though, and his strikeout totals will be aggravatingly high.  All-in-all a solid ML player.  Grade B+

Los Angeles Motley Crue

High-school IF Wendell Kapler was the Crue's pick at 16.  Kapler demonstrates why picking "shortstops" this high is usually risky business.  He has the hitting ratings (save for the batting eye) of a SS (meaning he won't hit enough to play anywhere except SS) and the defensive chops of a 3B.  Unless his glove somehow develops to the 85 range (not impossible but highly unlikely starting at 62) I think the best he can hope for is a little-used defensive backup.  Grade: C-

Las Vegas Mongeese

At 19, the 'geese take a closer prospect, New Mexico high-schooler Dion Whitman.  He's got the right STA/DUR for a 1-inning guy, but he's just on the cusp of having good enough stuff.  Can those pitches reach the 80's?  20% chance.  Can his splits get to the mid 60's?  That's the absolute top end.  So, yeah, probably a ML pitcher - not bad for 19 - but far from an impact-maker.  Grade:  B