Rays Fifth-Round Pick, First Baseman Jeff Malm, Agrees to Deal; Awaits MLB Approval
by R.J. Anderson on Aug 13, 2009 2:59 PM EDT
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Local paper with the news:
Former Bishop Gorman High School first baseman/pitcher Jeff Malm said Thursday he has agreed in principle on a contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, who selected him in the fifth round of June’s draft. Malm said in a text message the Rays have reported the deal to the commissioner’s office and are waiting for approval before he can officially sign it, which "should happen within the next couple days."
Here's what BA said about the lefty:
The first thing out of everyone’s mouth when talking about Malm is some variation of: "That guy can hit." Few high school players in the draft have a better track record of performance than Malm, who does it from the left side. Everywhere he goes, he hits, whether it’s as the youngest player on the USA Baseball junior national team—where he saw more time at first base than Eric Hosmer—or as the only underclassman at the 2007 Cape Cod High School Classic. Playing for one of the nation’s top high school teams, Malm was leading the state of Nevada with 15 home runs heading into the playoffs. The question is whether he will be able to hit for the same power with a wood bat. At a soft-bodied 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, he’s limited to first base and will need to produce power. He has a good arm—sitting at 87-89 mph as a pitcher—but can’t play the outfield. As a lifelong Southern California fan with a long personal relationship with head coach Chad Kreuter, Malm’s commitment to the Trojans is strong.
The Rays have their first four picks remaining unsigned, the deadline is Monday at midnight.
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Is he just an abortion defensively?
Why is there a concern about how his power will translate to a wooden bat? Any ideas about what they’ll do with him now that he’s signed?
He has a good arm but his body doesn't really project anywhere else
I’m guessing the power concern is that he hit some flyballs that carried out because of the aluminum bat that wouldn’t with wood. If you read the LV R-J article, it says he hit .421 in 39 games with his summer team in what I’m pretty sure is a wood-bat league.
Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com
by Imperialism32 on Aug 13, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Why did he fall to the 5th?
He was playing over Hosmer, and Hosmer is a top 5 pick. Was he that big of a signability concern, or was he playing over Hosmer when he shouldn’t have been?
Signability plus Hosmer, at draft time, had a bigger power ceiling
After the way Hosmer’s played, who knows
Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com
by Imperialism32 on Aug 13, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
BA rated Malm the 59th overall prospect
So it was definitely a good value in round 5.
Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com
by Imperialism32 on Aug 13, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
LeVon is a given.
I’d say Bailey and Glaesmann sign. Not sure on Diekroeger, but I’d guess he or the other top 10 SS, Derek Dennis, will.
by R.J. Anderson on Aug 13, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I've very doubtful on Diekroeger
I can’t see a MD at a hedge fund not steering his kid towards Stanford.
Are you crazy?
The kid can always go to Stanford. He probably has been breathing down his kids neck his whole life about baseball.
We'll find out soon enough
I don’t think it is as simple as he can “always go to Stanford”, but granted he would have educational options if baseball doesn’t work out. He will also have baseball options if he goes to Stanford. A wealthy family isn’t going to jump at the first dollar available, is my primary logic. If the ultimate dream (or his Dad’s as you suggest) is to play in the MLB, playing at Stanford when you are 18 or 19 isn’t limiting that option.
Sure, but it lessens the chance.
Most of the top college draft picks this year(i.e. Strasburg), weren’t drafted before. Sean Black(Yankee’s 7th rounder), was drafted in the second round in ‘07, turning down money. His stock dropped, and that’s why he was drafted in the seventh, and took less money than he would have three years. if he goes to Stanford, he’s risking his chance at the majors, and losing more money.
If my kid was in that position, I’m telling him to take the money and run with it.
I didn't say I wasn't flawless, but I damn sho' don't tarnish!
Are you crazy?
What in the world do you know about Standford—where exactly did you go to school, if you went?
I support Mulva’s point—a parent can be a strong force.
Plus it’s Standford. More like, he can always play ball, but what are the chances that a ballplayer goes back to school. Unlikely.
And goes back to one of the best schools in the country...
It’s not like those offers are on the table indefinitely.
Certainly the best school if you consider the weather, and discount the earthquakes.
The Rays can offer to pay for his tuition if this baseball shit doesn't work out.
You know that, right?
I didn't say I wasn't flawless, but I damn sho' don't tarnish!
The point is it isn't about money
To a family that is worth millions. I understand if you would tell your kid to take the money. I absolutely agree that is the best decision for 90+% of these kids and their families. My whole point is his decision process will be different then the rest of the draft class.
I see your point.
But if we don’t sign him, I’ll be beyond pissed. You don’t waste a 2nd-round pick on a guy you know he more-than-likely won’t sign.
I didn't say I wasn't flawless, but I damn sho' don't tarnish!
If we don't sign him we get a compensatory pick next year.
Maybe I’m just an old fashioned BJ suck-off-er. (Good call Sandy)
by Lurch's Lobbyists on Aug 14, 2009 3:28 AM EDT up reply actions
God good stop calling it Standford
Maybe I’m just an old fashioned BJ suck-off-er. (Good call Sandy)
by Lurch's Lobbyists on Aug 14, 2009 3:27 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You have to.
Every HS signee has a clause in the contract that says if they don’t make the majors, the team that drafts him pays for college.
I didn't say I wasn't flawless, but I damn sho' don't tarnish!
The Rays do it for every HS kid.
They’ll pay for college if their career doesn’t work out and in the meanwhile you get paid to play baseball.
Signing with the Rays is a win/win proposition unless Diekroeger thinks he can be drafted in the top 10 or so in three years.
by R.J. Anderson on Aug 13, 2009 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Standford?
His Dad went to Stanford. His dad got his MBA there. He went to a good prep school in San Fran. He got good grades. He can always go to Stanford.
I went to college, yes.
I thought I read somewhere that Dennis already enrolled
in which case he can’t sign.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
Really, you can't sign when you've enrolled?
I read that Tate is already at UNC football practice but still plans to sign. Can someone start practice and not be enrolled?
Po Pimpin'
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Aug 14, 2009 8:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Unless they changed the rule
That’s why Townsend couldn’t sign – he enrolled in classes, then the Orioles weren’t allowed to further negotiate.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
You can be on campus but once you attend an actual class you're stuck
Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com
by Imperialism32 on Aug 14, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Bailey, LeVon, Glaesmann, Diekroeger, James, Johnson
Let’s get those six and call it a draft.
Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com
by Imperialism32 on Aug 13, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Keep bringing in Pena/Branyan types
Until he’s ready in 3-4 years.
www.draysbay.com
by Tommy Rancel on Aug 13, 2009 3:11 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
COunting on any 5th rounder may be wishful thinking
Brad Ziegler had a scoreless inning streak. Brad Ziegler had not met BJ Upton.
In an ideal world, but like Brady said, no one's making any future decisions based on him.
Tools Whore
I'd do this even if we didn't draft him
1B is a lot like the bullpen to me. There aren’t many elite 1B like Teixiera, who can hit/field. I don’t see the need to lock yourself or put a lot of money into the position.
www.draysbay.com
by Tommy Rancel on Aug 13, 2009 3:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I wasn't a bit fan of his but Rhyne Hughes is doing work in Durham
any chance he can fight for a roster spot next year.
Would Billy Butler make a good comparison?
I like his game.
I can't help that I make some things look easier than they really are.
I think of Todd Helton when i see the scouting reports on Malm.
Very advanced hitter, above-average D, above-average power.
I didn't say I wasn't flawless, but I damn sho' don't tarnish!
Unrealistic to think he would
I can't help that I make some things look easier than they really are.
by Sandy Kazmir on Aug 13, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I'll take 5/6
I can't help that I make some things look easier than they really are.
by Sandy Kazmir on Aug 13, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions
your hero is a high school senior?
"Doesn't Manny Ramirez look like the monster from Predator??" - Will Farrell as Harry Carey
by Gone Phishing on Aug 13, 2009 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I am very happy about this.
The guy I really want is Bailey. I think he was considered a first round talent but signability and an injury knocked him down. Of course, the others in the top 4 would be a great bonus.
OH MY GOD!!! OH MY GOD!!!
HELL YES! HELL YES!! HELL YES!!!
Now get LeVon, DK, Glaesy, Luke Skywalker, Kevin James the pitcher, and Pierce Johnson, Andrew!!!
I didn't say I wasn't flawless, but I damn sho' don't tarnish!
We're also close on 3 & 4
Topkin says we’re also nearing deals with No. 3 OF Todd Glaesmann, No. 4 C Luke Bailey, No. 5 1B Jeff Malm and No. 9 LHP Kevin James.
Nice
It’s funny how we thought LeVon would sign early, now he’ll sign late as hell and push a year of development back.
I didn't say I wasn't flawless, but I damn sho' don't tarnish!
Levon is injured anyway
Part of the reason the Rays wanted him to sign quickly was so he could rehab with the Rays medical staff.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
Win!
We definitely need either Diekroeger or Dennis to sign, both would be icing.
by Doug09 on Aug 13, 2009 6:35 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Fuck Dennis!
He wouldn’t sign my autograph!
I didn't say I wasn't flawless, but I damn sho' don't tarnish!
FWIW
Diekroeger set a record on the SPARQ test at least year’s Area Code games, and was named the Gatorade national high school player of the year. I’d be more disappointed if we don’t sign him than LeVon.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
Yep, and as I mentioned in another thread.
The guy has played like every sport at his highschool from what I have seen. Definitely a gamer.
That's why we need to pony up the fucking cash and sign his ass.
I didn't say I wasn't flawless, but I damn sho' don't tarnish!
Bailey might me my fav. pick
www.draysbay.com
by Tommy Rancel on Aug 13, 2009 6:57 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I like Bailey a whole lot. Love the idea of drafting high ceiling players that fall because
of injuries that are not career threatening.
Tools Whore
Yeah.
He’ll be able to play backstop by the time Minor League ST comes around, probably.
Bailey’s one of my favs too. A catcher that can do it all: Hit, Hit for Power, Glove, Arm, and even speed(6.8 60-time). Immediately becomes our best catching prospect, right?
I didn't say I wasn't flawless, but I damn sho' don't tarnish!
Jeffries is 'ok'
I wouldn’t start bailey there, but I might have him up there with a good A- showing.
Brad Ziegler had a scoreless inning streak. Brad Ziegler had not met BJ Upton.
Don't get me wrong: I like Jefferies A LOT,
but he’s seems like an average everday catcher/strong back-up to me. Bailey’s has the potential to be better than that.
I didn't say I wasn't flawless, but I damn sho' don't tarnish!
He's hurt right now, lets have him play
Brad Ziegler had a scoreless inning streak. Brad Ziegler had not met BJ Upton.
I would think so
Doesn’t seem like Jaso will make it as a catcher in the bigs. I like Jake Jefferies, but Bailey would’ve been 1st rd’er without injury. Like you said a 5 tool catcher.
www.draysbay.com
by Tommy Rancel on Aug 13, 2009 7:12 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
he better be able to stick as a catcher or he won't be a major leaguer
no way he hits well enough to be a 1B, COF, or DH
OT: Does anyone have a scouting report on Cody Rogers?
He seems like he has huge 5-tool potential. I love him already.
I didn't say I wasn't flawless, but I damn sho' don't tarnish!
BA
Outfielder Cody Rogers offers a nice combination of plus speed and solid pop. A 6-foot-2, 175-pound lefthanded hitter, he’ll need to curb a tendency to get pull-conscious. He has committed to Texas A&M.
by R.J. Anderson on Aug 13, 2009 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions
In WHAT?
What the hell we do to get that?
I didn't say I wasn't flawless, but I damn sho' don't tarnish!
haha...
they way they rank teams is kind of neat but (based on wOBA, tERA, defense, etc) they give the point that us being 10 games back kinda make this “pen and paper” stuff irrelevant. They rank a few metrics. Unfortunately it doesn’t get us very far in the post season, we still have to play them all
Question
Any word on whether he’ll report to HV or somewhere for the last couple weeks of the season, or if they’ll just let him play out the Legion World Series?
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
I wouldn't be surprised if part of the deal is that he gets to play out the World Series though
There aren’t that many opportunities to win actual world championships, and he’s the best player on the team.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
From TFA
The decision means Malm, the Louisville Slugger National Player of the Year, will not play with Gorman’s American Legion team in the World Series, which begins Friday in Fargo, N.D.
Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com
by Imperialism32 on Aug 13, 2009 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I was reading up a little on Malm
From a couple sites that I read he has ‘light tower power’ and he is a really good defensive 1B
Hopefully he can have a longer career than Dick Burns.
by Doug09 on Aug 13, 2009 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ha
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
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