Top 20 Prospects: Oakland Athletics
1. Michael Choice, OF, B+
Choice was the A's first selection in the 2010 draft as a power-hitting outfielder from the Unviersity of Texas-Arlington. He easily handled the Cal League in his first pro season, but his power numbers have regressed mightily in AA this year. The potential is still there, however, and he still could be a middle of the order bat with a disciplined approach and some good speed.
2. Daniel Robertson, 3B, B
Robertson is a 2012 draftee that we at Coast2Coast really like. He has a very smooth, powerful swing at present. He's a long way away at this point, but he's got the tools to stick at third and solid potential with the bat.
3. AJ Cole, RHP, B
Cole was the centerpiece of the Gio Gonzalez deal and absolutely imploded in the Cal League for the Stockton Ports. He was sent down to Low-A for a few starts and has put up good numbers, but the early results are worrisome. Regardless, he's a big, projectable righty with some power stuff who is still young enough to be considered a top talent.
4. Sonny Gray, RHP, B
Gray was the A's first pick in 2011 out of Vanderbilt and was sent directly to AA Midland. He's a "short" righty at 6'0", but he's got a power arsenal and goes right after hitters. Many people see him as a reliever, and his stats so far this year haven't been great, but there's a lot of potential here.
5. Grant Green, 3B, B-
Green was a top-level prospect out of USC in 2009 as a shortstop. He's bounced around the field in Oakland's system and spent time as a CF before recently being moved to third base, where many figured he would end up anyway. Strikeouts hinder him at the plate, but he has hit for a high average at every level and shows potential for average power and the ability to steal a base.
6. Addison Russell, SS, B-
Russell was the A's first round selection in 2012 out of Pace HS in Florida. He's a strong, athletic infielder who generates well above-average bat speed at the plate, suggesting solid power potential. There's debate whether he will stick at short, and his bat would be much more valuable there. There's impact potential here, but Russell comes with a lot of risks.
7. Vicmal de la Cruz, OF, C+
De La Cruz signed for $800,000 out of the Dominican in 2011 and put up very impressive numbers as a 17 year-old in the Dominican summer league. He's all projection at this point, but shows a very good approach for his age to go along with good speed and average power potential.
8. Miles Head, 3B, C+
Head was part of the Andrew Bailey deal along with Josh Reddick and Raul Alcantara and he has been absolutely destroying the Cal League to the tune of a ludicrous .382/.433/.715 batting line with 18 HR's and 56 RBI in 67 games. The Cal League is notoriously a hitters paradise, but these numbers are notable anywhere and he could see a promotion to AA Midland soon.
9. Renato Nunez, 3B, C+
10. Max Stassi, C, C+
11. Nolan Sanburn, RHP, C+
12. Raul Alcantara, RHP, C+
13. BA Vollmuth, 3B C+
14. Stephen Parker, 3B, C+
15. Jermaine Mitchell, OF, C+
16. Sean Murphy, RHP, C+
17. Matt Olson, 1B, C+
18. Bruce Maxwell, C, C+
19. Michael Ynoa, RHP, C+
20. Drew Granier, RHP, C+
Choice was the A's first selection in the 2010 draft as a power-hitting outfielder from the Unviersity of Texas-Arlington. He easily handled the Cal League in his first pro season, but his power numbers have regressed mightily in AA this year. The potential is still there, however, and he still could be a middle of the order bat with a disciplined approach and some good speed.
2. Daniel Robertson, 3B, B
Robertson is a 2012 draftee that we at Coast2Coast really like. He has a very smooth, powerful swing at present. He's a long way away at this point, but he's got the tools to stick at third and solid potential with the bat.
3. AJ Cole, RHP, B
Cole was the centerpiece of the Gio Gonzalez deal and absolutely imploded in the Cal League for the Stockton Ports. He was sent down to Low-A for a few starts and has put up good numbers, but the early results are worrisome. Regardless, he's a big, projectable righty with some power stuff who is still young enough to be considered a top talent.
4. Sonny Gray, RHP, B
Gray was the A's first pick in 2011 out of Vanderbilt and was sent directly to AA Midland. He's a "short" righty at 6'0", but he's got a power arsenal and goes right after hitters. Many people see him as a reliever, and his stats so far this year haven't been great, but there's a lot of potential here.
5. Grant Green, 3B, B-
Green was a top-level prospect out of USC in 2009 as a shortstop. He's bounced around the field in Oakland's system and spent time as a CF before recently being moved to third base, where many figured he would end up anyway. Strikeouts hinder him at the plate, but he has hit for a high average at every level and shows potential for average power and the ability to steal a base.
6. Addison Russell, SS, B-
Russell was the A's first round selection in 2012 out of Pace HS in Florida. He's a strong, athletic infielder who generates well above-average bat speed at the plate, suggesting solid power potential. There's debate whether he will stick at short, and his bat would be much more valuable there. There's impact potential here, but Russell comes with a lot of risks.
7. Vicmal de la Cruz, OF, C+
De La Cruz signed for $800,000 out of the Dominican in 2011 and put up very impressive numbers as a 17 year-old in the Dominican summer league. He's all projection at this point, but shows a very good approach for his age to go along with good speed and average power potential.
8. Miles Head, 3B, C+
Head was part of the Andrew Bailey deal along with Josh Reddick and Raul Alcantara and he has been absolutely destroying the Cal League to the tune of a ludicrous .382/.433/.715 batting line with 18 HR's and 56 RBI in 67 games. The Cal League is notoriously a hitters paradise, but these numbers are notable anywhere and he could see a promotion to AA Midland soon.
9. Renato Nunez, 3B, C+
10. Max Stassi, C, C+
11. Nolan Sanburn, RHP, C+
12. Raul Alcantara, RHP, C+
13. BA Vollmuth, 3B C+
14. Stephen Parker, 3B, C+
15. Jermaine Mitchell, OF, C+
16. Sean Murphy, RHP, C+
17. Matt Olson, 1B, C+
18. Bruce Maxwell, C, C+
19. Michael Ynoa, RHP, C+
20. Drew Granier, RHP, C+
2012 Draft Review: Oakland Athletics
Overall Draft Grade: B/B+
The A's threw a curveball by selecting 3 straight high school hitters to start their draft, despite being a team that normally draws almost exclusively from the college pool. While they certainly added some potential impact bats to a system largely devoid of them, this was certainly not the route we expected the A's to take in 2012. They may have had a few overdrafts early, but we like both Daniel Robertson and Kyle Twomey as projectable guys to follow. The A's certainly stayed within their budget, and balanced out the tougher signs at the top with some signable college players in Maxwell, Sanburn and Muncy.
1st Round (11): Addison Russell, SS/3B, Pace HS (FL), 6'0", 210, R/R
While this may be a little high for Russell, his bat shows a lot of potential and will play up even more if he is able to stick at shortstop at the next level. He shows some good power potential and generates well above-average bat speed at the plate. In the field, he has reportedly lost 15 pounds in the past year in an attempt to stay at short, and his value would greatly increase if he can stay there full time. He does have a strong arm that will play at either position and he's an average runner.
The A's threw a curveball by selecting 3 straight high school hitters to start their draft, despite being a team that normally draws almost exclusively from the college pool. While they certainly added some potential impact bats to a system largely devoid of them, this was certainly not the route we expected the A's to take in 2012. They may have had a few overdrafts early, but we like both Daniel Robertson and Kyle Twomey as projectable guys to follow. The A's certainly stayed within their budget, and balanced out the tougher signs at the top with some signable college players in Maxwell, Sanburn and Muncy.
1st Round (11): Addison Russell, SS/3B, Pace HS (FL), 6'0", 210, R/R
While this may be a little high for Russell, his bat shows a lot of potential and will play up even more if he is able to stick at shortstop at the next level. He shows some good power potential and generates well above-average bat speed at the plate. In the field, he has reportedly lost 15 pounds in the past year in an attempt to stay at short, and his value would greatly increase if he can stay there full time. He does have a strong arm that will play at either position and he's an average runner.
Supplemental Round (34): Daniel Robertson, SS/3B, Upland HS (CA), 6'0", 190, R/R
We like Robertson a lot, and while this also may be a bit high for him, his bat is certainly intriguing regardless of when he was taken off the board. He swings hard with clean mechanics, generates good bat speed and swings on a solid line-drive plane from the right side. There's a little lift in his swing and he certainly projects to have some pop at the next level. Reports indicate that he will likely move to third base after being a shortstop in high school and he has the arm and actions to play an above-average 3rd base. He has a good approach to the game and is widely praised for his good makeup and mentality.
We like Robertson a lot, and while this also may be a bit high for him, his bat is certainly intriguing regardless of when he was taken off the board. He swings hard with clean mechanics, generates good bat speed and swings on a solid line-drive plane from the right side. There's a little lift in his swing and he certainly projects to have some pop at the next level. Reports indicate that he will likely move to third base after being a shortstop in high school and he has the arm and actions to play an above-average 3rd base. He has a good approach to the game and is widely praised for his good makeup and mentality.
Supplemental Round (47): Matt Olson, 1B, Parkview HS (GA), 6'4", 235, L/R
Again, we didn't have Olson projected to go this high, but the A's seemed to have the mindset that they were going to get their guys, regardless of their projected draft position. A big, physical presence, Olson was a two-way player in high school but will stick to hitting at the next level. He has sown the ability to consistently square the ball up from the left side and projects to hit for a good average with solid raw power as well. In the field, he will never be more than solid average at 1st base, but the A's are buying the bat here.
Again, we didn't have Olson projected to go this high, but the A's seemed to have the mindset that they were going to get their guys, regardless of their projected draft position. A big, physical presence, Olson was a two-way player in high school but will stick to hitting at the next level. He has sown the ability to consistently square the ball up from the left side and projects to hit for a good average with solid raw power as well. In the field, he will never be more than solid average at 1st base, but the A's are buying the bat here.
2nd Round (62): Bruce Maxwell, C, Birmingham Southern College (JR), 6'2", 235, L/R
This pick came out of nowhere, but it's easy to see why the A's like Maxwell. Widely regarded as one of the top Division 3 prospects in the nation, he put up exceptional hitting numbers in 2012. While he's more of a bat than a catcher, there's no doubting the results, even if they weren't against great competition. A signability pick, the money saved here will likely go toward Russell and Robertson.
2nd Round (74): Nolan Sanburn, RHP, Arkansas University (SO), 6'0", 190
Sanburn is a power arm that the Razorbacks could afford to use out of relief thanks to the plethora of talent in their rotation this year. His fastball sits in the mid 90s and has reportedly touched 99 at times and it projects to be a plus offering in the future. Like most guys with plus velocity, his secondary stuff lags behind but he shows a hard slurve-y breaking ball that is sharp at times. He will most likely be stretched out as a starter, but could see his eventual home at the back end of a bullpen.
3rd Round (106): Kyle Twomey, LHP, El Dorado HS (CA), 6'3", 165
Twomey is a very projectable lefty with plenty of room to mature physically. While his stuff won't blow you away, he shows an advanced feel for pitching for a high school lefty. His mechanics are smooth, clean and compact and he should add a few ticks of velocity down the road. Currently, his fastball sits in the 90-91 range and he will throw both a 4-seam and a 2-seam to go along with a recently developed cutter. He also features a big, overhand curve and change-up, though both offerings are behind the fastball. Twomey's projerctability is intriguing, and he's an arm we like, especially in the 3rd round.
This pick came out of nowhere, but it's easy to see why the A's like Maxwell. Widely regarded as one of the top Division 3 prospects in the nation, he put up exceptional hitting numbers in 2012. While he's more of a bat than a catcher, there's no doubting the results, even if they weren't against great competition. A signability pick, the money saved here will likely go toward Russell and Robertson.
2nd Round (74): Nolan Sanburn, RHP, Arkansas University (SO), 6'0", 190
Sanburn is a power arm that the Razorbacks could afford to use out of relief thanks to the plethora of talent in their rotation this year. His fastball sits in the mid 90s and has reportedly touched 99 at times and it projects to be a plus offering in the future. Like most guys with plus velocity, his secondary stuff lags behind but he shows a hard slurve-y breaking ball that is sharp at times. He will most likely be stretched out as a starter, but could see his eventual home at the back end of a bullpen.
3rd Round (106): Kyle Twomey, LHP, El Dorado HS (CA), 6'3", 165
Twomey is a very projectable lefty with plenty of room to mature physically. While his stuff won't blow you away, he shows an advanced feel for pitching for a high school lefty. His mechanics are smooth, clean and compact and he should add a few ticks of velocity down the road. Currently, his fastball sits in the 90-91 range and he will throw both a 4-seam and a 2-seam to go along with a recently developed cutter. He also features a big, overhand curve and change-up, though both offerings are behind the fastball. Twomey's projerctability is intriguing, and he's an arm we like, especially in the 3rd round.
4th Round (139): B.J. Boyd, OF, Palo Alto HS (CA), L/R
Boyd is a local talent for Oakland who spent his high school days splitting time between baseball and football. A very strong athlete, Boyd shows well above-average speed and some raw power at the plate. He has an average arm at best, but that tool, like all of his others, will likely grow stronger when commits full time to baseball at the next level.
5th Round (169): Max Muncy, 1B, Baylor University (JR), 5'11", 210, L/R
Muncy is an advanced college bat with surprising athleticism for a first baseman. He has a quick, compact swing that has generated some power over his three years at Baylor and he projects to hit for some average as well. He has above-average speed for his position, and some say that he could potentially move positions, perhaps to an outfield corner or third base, if necessary.
6th Round (199): Seth Streich, RHP, Ohio Univeristy (JR)
Streich is another power arm here for the A's. He's mainly a two pitch guy, fastball/slider, and he can run the heat up into the mid-90s. He was a starter at Ohio and the A's could try him there, but given his struggles with command and already plus stuff, a bullpen role could be in his near future.
7th Round (229): Cody Kurz, RHP, Oxnard College (JUCO), 6'4", 225
8th Round (259): Kris Hall, RHP, Lee University (JR), 6'3", 210
Lee has two tools that would interest any team, size and arm strength. He cranks the fastball up into the mid-90s and it has touched as high as 97 and he profiles very similarly to Streich from the 6th round. Both started against less than stellar competition, but have top-flight stuff and produced results. It wil lbe interesting to see where they end up at the next level.
9th Round (289): Dakota Bacus, RHP, Indiana State University (JR), 6'2", 190
A sleeper arm of ours, Bacus is a solid righty who produced results at Indiana State. He's not going to absolutely blow you away with his stuff, but he got results and looks to be a solid arm.
10th Round (319): Brett Vertigan, OF, University of California-Santa Barbara (SR), L/L
Notable Later Round Selections:
Round 16: Melvin Mercedes, SS, JC of Central Florida
An opponent of mine (East Coast) from the age of 12, through high school, Mercedes is a natural at SS with a strong arm.
Boyd is a local talent for Oakland who spent his high school days splitting time between baseball and football. A very strong athlete, Boyd shows well above-average speed and some raw power at the plate. He has an average arm at best, but that tool, like all of his others, will likely grow stronger when commits full time to baseball at the next level.
5th Round (169): Max Muncy, 1B, Baylor University (JR), 5'11", 210, L/R
Muncy is an advanced college bat with surprising athleticism for a first baseman. He has a quick, compact swing that has generated some power over his three years at Baylor and he projects to hit for some average as well. He has above-average speed for his position, and some say that he could potentially move positions, perhaps to an outfield corner or third base, if necessary.
6th Round (199): Seth Streich, RHP, Ohio Univeristy (JR)
Streich is another power arm here for the A's. He's mainly a two pitch guy, fastball/slider, and he can run the heat up into the mid-90s. He was a starter at Ohio and the A's could try him there, but given his struggles with command and already plus stuff, a bullpen role could be in his near future.
7th Round (229): Cody Kurz, RHP, Oxnard College (JUCO), 6'4", 225
8th Round (259): Kris Hall, RHP, Lee University (JR), 6'3", 210
Lee has two tools that would interest any team, size and arm strength. He cranks the fastball up into the mid-90s and it has touched as high as 97 and he profiles very similarly to Streich from the 6th round. Both started against less than stellar competition, but have top-flight stuff and produced results. It wil lbe interesting to see where they end up at the next level.
9th Round (289): Dakota Bacus, RHP, Indiana State University (JR), 6'2", 190
A sleeper arm of ours, Bacus is a solid righty who produced results at Indiana State. He's not going to absolutely blow you away with his stuff, but he got results and looks to be a solid arm.
10th Round (319): Brett Vertigan, OF, University of California-Santa Barbara (SR), L/L
Notable Later Round Selections:
Round 16: Melvin Mercedes, SS, JC of Central Florida
An opponent of mine (East Coast) from the age of 12, through high school, Mercedes is a natural at SS with a strong arm.
Athletics Draft Strategy: An Overview
Ever since Moneyball, the A’s draft strategy has been exhaustively well-documented. They take an overwhelming number of college players throughout the draft. At the top, they’ve recently targeted a highly-regarded college player who was fallen unexpectedly as evidenced by their selections of Sonny Gray, Michael Choice and Grant Green in the previous three years. This year, the A’s have $8.469 million to spend on 13 picks in the first 10 rounds. Due to their losses of Type A Free Agent Josh Willingham and Type B FA David DeJesus, the A’s have quite a few picks and the budget to back it up. Scouting Director Eric Kubota has been quoted recently saying that the A’s will be targeting the best player available at every slot and GM Billy Beane has publicly stated that the A’s may be taking more risks this draft thanks to their financial flexibility and frequent early selections. Don’t expect too much that diverges from the classic A’s draft: there will still be a lot of college talent, but they could easily take some risks with a few of their early selections.
Mock Draft Selections: Richie Shaffer, 3B, Clemson University, James Ramsey, OF, Florida State University, Daniel Robertson, 3B, Upland HS (CA)
Mock Draft Selections: Richie Shaffer, 3B, Clemson University, James Ramsey, OF, Florida State University, Daniel Robertson, 3B, Upland HS (CA)
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