Tyler's comments earlier in the Price Check post made me realize we really have only talked about Price in regards to our number one pick, and that's obviously not a lock, nor is it our only option.
Now it just so happens we landed an interview with Price and some out there may get the idea we're playing favorites or trying to push our hopes onto the entire fanbase by neglecting other options, well here's the post that ends that.
The Big Three
It just so happens that the three major players in this draft are all college players (somewhere Billy Beane rejoices) so we'll begin our 'Draft 2007' prospect preview with those three, and will largely focus on the three until we hear something (we have huge ears you know) that tells us different from this line of thinking.
David Price
You've all ready met him (literally), so the only thing to add is a scouting report, which comes way of Brewerfan.net, a great draft resource site.
Price of course is a lefty, which adds to his value. His natural athleticism allows him to repeat his smooth delivery very well, and his fastball sits in the 89-93 range and he can touch the 96-97 range without much extra effort. His slider is also considered a plus-pitch, and he's working on improving his solid changeup. On the mound, he offers a very cool and collected demeanor, and he doesn't get rattled easily. Some would like to see him be more aggressive at times, but that is a minor gripe
So basically as we've said here before, he's sort of a Mark Prior lite (remember the beer commercials never trust the 'ght') without the injuries or 'breed to be a pitcher' biographical story.
Andrew Brackman
Brackman is a giant from NC State, report please:
A towering presence on the mound, listed at 6'9", 235, but he reportedly may be as tall as 7' now. Brackman dazzled scouts on the Cape this past summer, with reports of a fastball as high as 101 mph. He works comfortably in the 93-95 range, and there's no reason to believe he wouldn't be able to sustain that velocity at the next level. He also throws a very good slider and a promising changeup. Brackman also played for the Wolfpack basketball team prior to this year, but recently has stated that he will be giving up hoops to focus on his baseball career. That is probably a wise move, as Brackman is poised to be taken in the top 3 to 5 picks in next June's draft, although he is reportedly advised by Scott Boras, which always can affect where a player is selected. Despite his towering size and two-sport status, Brackman does display a very good, natural pitching sense, and with his intimidating presence he is not shy about pitching inside. The biggest issue with him is obviously his size, which helps and hurts him. It helps him in that he is at a natural advantage facing hitters and pitching on a downward plan that makes his already hard fastball appear that much nastier. It hurts him in that you don't see too many super-tall pitchers in the big-leagues, as he will have to keep his mechanics in check to make sure his extra-long limbs don't lead to wasted movement and possible arm problems down the road
I'm not going to compare him to anyone since it wouldn't be fair to Brackman, but a tall flamethrower certainly brings one name in particular to mind...not you Hendrickson.
Matt Wieters
A switch hitting catcher / first baseman / designated hitter / closer Wieters is a tall switch hitter whom hits 96 on the radar gun, report:
He is a very good natural athlete with an imposing build. He has hit immediately upon stepping onto GT's campus, hitting for average and power, from both sides of the plate, while showing a very discplined eye. Not only does he walk, but he also doesn't strike out, somewhat surprising given his tall stature. Wieters has also proven to be able to hit with a wood bat, dating back to his success at the 2003 WWBA tournament in Jupiter, Florida, and he has further proven his prowess hitting with wood during the summer of 2006 while playing in the Cape Cod League, where he was named the league's best pro prospect by the scouting community. Defensively there is some question that he'll be able to stick behind the plate given his stature, but he shows very good quickness, a strong throwing arm and his natural leadership skills allow him to handle the pitching staff well. He also serves as GT's closer, and his fastball has been clocked as high as 98 mph. He could be considered a first-rounder as a pitcher as well, but his future lies behind the dish.
So who you would you want out of the big three?
