Joe Jordan on the O's top five draft picks
Today we wrap up our two-part series taking a look at the Orioles' picks in the first ten rounds of last June's draft with scouting director Joe Jordan. Today we get Jordan's thoughts on the O's first five picks from last June.
All the quotes in the article are from Jordan.
Round one - Pitcher Matt Hobgood from Norco HS in Norco, California.
The right hander was the 5th pick of the draft. After signing, he pitched at Bluefield, going 1-2, 4.73 in eight starts. In 26 2/3 innings he gave up 32 hits with eight walks and 16 strikeouts.
Hobgood's velocity, which touched the mid 90's during his high school season, was off during Bluefield's campaign. Hobgood turned 19 on August 30th.
"He did okay, he didn't set the world afire there. We didn't send him to the Gulf Coast League, we decided to send him to Bluefield. We wanted him to play under the lights and be a part more of a team in that league and he did fine.
"The guys there didn't really see the stuff that we'd seen in the spring. Like most high school pitchers he threw more than he'd ever thrown. I thought he competed and am happy with what he did.
"He learned a lot this summer, it was pretty typical for a high school kid in that situation. I think he'll be in better shape next year," Jordan said.
Hobgood's velocity was off a bit at Bluefield, what is your take on that? "The stuff wasn't the same from the spring, his fastball was a couple of grades less. I don't worry about that, you see it every year.
"It's a different deal with the conditioning and throwing. It may take them a year, a year and a half to really get adjusted and built up enough to handle the different-type workload.
"When I go watch those guys, I just watch if they compete. He was fine, he did a good job with that. I was happy with what I saw and it was typical of what you see that first year out. There are no concerns over Matt."
Hobgood told me he wants to work this winter on reducing his body fat. Is that important for him? "Absolutely. I think he's going to be a part of the API program in Pasadena for a couple of months. That's really what he needs. Some core strengthening and he'll reshape himself. The proportion will be different. The kid will do what needs to be done."
Is it reasonable for him to start next year at Delmarva?
"I would think so. It depends on what kind of shape he comes in spring in. These guys will tell us what they are ready for. That decision will be made by David Stockstill and Dave Schmidt. My opinion is he'll do everything he can to win a job on that club."
Round two - SS Mychal Givens from Plant High in Tampa, Florida.
The right-handed hitter was taken with the 54th overall pick. He was signed just before the midnight deadline on August 17th.
A shortstop and pitcher in high school, the 19-year-old Givens didn't play for any O's affiliate this summer but did take part in instructional league workouts in September.
"He did well there at camp. Our staff said he was very strong on defense and showed well. Early in camp, he hadn't faced live pitching for awhile, and it took some adjusting then his last few weeks were good on offense. This gave the staff a chance to see him. He really impressed them, especially on defense."
What should be Givens' goal for winter? "Be in shape and be ready to go at spring training. It's one of those things where he didn't hit for two months this summer. The big key for him and Hobgood and all the young guys is work hard this winter and just come in and be yourself.
"I don't have expectations for him being on a full-season club. If he does that's great, he will have had a great spring. He just needs to get in and play."
Is the organization committed to him as a shortstop only right now? "Yes."
Round three - 1B Tyler Townsend from Florida International University.
A 21-year-old lefty hitter, who played at Cape Henlopen High in Lewes, Delaware, Townsend was the 85th overall selection.
For FIU in 2009, Townsend hit .426-24-77 and was a Louisville Slugger first-team All American. But he struggled in 31 games at Aberdeen, going .143-4-16 in 119 at bats. He missed a month with a wrist injury.
"I saw a guy that struggled at Aberdeen. He didn't sign right away, came in and pressed a little then he hurt his wrist. It wasn't until the very end that he was swinging the bat better.
"His instructional league was outstanding. The staff got to see the guy we felt like we drafted. Numbers-wise it wasn't a good summer. He's also going to API this winter and that will be good for him. He can focus on strengthening, but also quickness and agility and those things that he needs."
Why did he do better at instructional league? "Well, he had a couple of weeks off to kind of clear his mind more than anything. He's very excited to be a part of this organization, it's close to his home. I think he came in and pressed a bit and it snowballed. He was just a different guy in instructional league. He relaxed and whacked the ball around the park.
"His power is there. He brings us a strong left-handed bat with power, we need more of that in our organization. I like what we got in the third round. Next year will be a good solid year for him."
Round four - Pitcher Randy Henry from South Mountain Community College in Arizona.
The 19-year-old righty had Tommy John surgery and missed his senior season of high school in Arnett, Oklahoma. He pitched sparingly last season for South Mountain and did not pitch for an O's affiliate in 2009. He was the 116th overall pick.
"He didn't sign until late. We had to wait to sign him, he was going to be an over-slot sign. He played in the Jayhawk League (before the draft). He was about 15 months out of Tommy John surgery and came up with a sore elbow and shoulder.
"Once we signed him, we just got him in a throwing program and got him healthy. This was one of the better arms we drafted so we took it slow with him. He needs some rest and strengthening this winter. He'll really get going in spring."
What is the scouting report on Henry? "He was a shortstop and closer for South Mountain. I saw him close a game at 93 to 95 with an absolute hammer breaking ball. He was electric. Fourth-round was plenty good for him.
"He didn't throw a whole lot of innings. He wanted to pitch this summer for us, but we needed to slow him down. He had a physical when we signed him and everything checked out fine. We'll get him going in spring."
Will he be a starter next year? "Well, that will be up to Dave Schmidt. Just talking my opinion, he'll probably begin in the bullpen, maybe piggy back some. He's capable of starting. We'll just have to see what he looks like at camp."
Round five - Pitcher Ashur Tolliver from Oklahoma City University.
The lefty, who turned 21 in January, was the 146th pick. In college in 2009, he went 10-1, 3.74.
He pitched late in the year for Aberdeen, throwing eight scoreless innings over three appearances. He gave up six hits with two walks and seven strikeouts.
"He's a very athletic lefty pitcher. I saw him a couple of times. I like the talent even more than where we took him. It was a signability thing and he slipped maybe two rounds.
"This guy should have signed a month before he did. The money was close to what I was offering initially but we couldn't get that done. It was unfortunate he didn't get more innings.
"I've seen him throw 94, 95. I don't think that's what he'll be. With command, he'll probably be 92, 93 maybe. He's got a changeup, his breaking ball needs to improve.
"In talking with Dave Schmidt, they can work with the breaking ball. In the fifth round we got a really good athletic lefty with a good arm. He did well this summer. This is a guy that if he throws the ball over the plate, his pace could be pretty quick in the minors.
"I thought we had to take him in the fourth round. It was between he and Henry and I just liked Henry a little more. He was on the board still and it was directly due to the money they were asking. We took a shot in the fifth round and got it done. It just took a little longer than I would have liked."
 |
Categories (click for archive)Orioles News | Steve Melewski |
Was is it, while reading between the lines, that I walk away with the impression that Rounds 1-5 have the word "bust" written all over it? When history writes itself, I think we'll see that our #1 (#5 overall) was a golden opportunity wasted.
Steve,
Who are the O's instructors at the instructional league? Also, what is the time frame for the league? Do they play intra-squard games or play against other teams? Can you list the roster?
I know I am asking alot...
__________________________________________________________
Instructional Lg workouts are now over. They went for about three weeks starting around Sept 20th. The instructors are coaches and staff from the minor lg system. They had about 60 players, mostly low minor leaugers and some guys that missed time injured and needed more work. They do play some games but I think it's pretty informal, no stats or box scores kept. - Steve
I didn't see this mentioned in the comments, but did Joe give an indication where Townsend might start the year? Thanks for the updates, love this stuff.
_____________________________________________________
No. But if healthy I would guess Delmarva would be reasonable. Steve
We have drafted a lot of pitching over the last 3 years. While I'm not second-guessing that, do you think we'll look at more position players in next year's draft?
________________________________________________________
I have no way of knowing that, but all teams draft a lot of pitching. If the O's keep 12 pitchers on the Major Lg roster, that's nearly 50 percent of the roster. A lot of pitchers are needed and you have to account for losing some to injury. They will always draft what looks like a lot of pitchers. At the same time they know more power is needed in the system as well. - Steve
Steve,
Who do you like in the 2010 draft. Tallion or Cole or Ranaudo? Either way I think the O's are sitting in a good spot to pick a future impact player.
_________________________________________________________
Been too busy with all these other articles to even look at 2010 yet. - Steve
I really hope some of these guys pan out. It really seems that everyone we drafted has some sort of story with them and that makes me want to see them successed even more. Most of the players that signed on time and saw some action did fairly well. The O's certainly seem to be building a strong farm system.
I hope that JJ is right about Matt Hobgood. It is worrysome that he needs to make excuses for a player chosen number 5 in the draft. His comments about Hobgood are more apropos of a 4th or 5th rounder that the Os took a flyer on, hoping that the player will pan out once he gets in shape.
Thanks Steve, this has been a great series.
I almost hate to ask, but if there is any way that Jordan can give you information on the later round picks, particularly Coffey, Ohlman, and Brenden Webb, it would be greatly appreciated.
_____________________________________________
Wow, you guys are demanding. Just kidding. I expect to catch up with Joe on other picks later in the off-season. - Steve
Steve,
I've heard a lot of bad things about Givens as a hitter, but I hope that he turns into a solid one and can play good defense at short, we could really use someone there. Would you agree that this draft, unlike the last two, will take more time for the players to develop since we went with a high school player in the first round? I think 3-5 years down the road we could look at this as a very good draft if a few of these pitchers reach their potential. It would be nice to see Givens, Ohlman, or Townsend be successful someday as position players and a couple of the pitchers we selected come up someday and help out.
______________________________________________________
It will take time for the hi schoolers to develope, but players like Townsend, Dalles and Ryan Berry could move fast if they progress. If you get just a couple of players in the Majors from a draft, it's been a pretty good one. - Steve
Steve,
After reviewing the top 10 picks this year, who do you see making the biggest impact? I think it might not be Hobgood, but Ryan Berry or Mychal Givens. Thoughts?
_________________________________________________________
You may be right. Not saying you are, but a lot of people are suddenly down on Hobgood after 26 innings. He was the 5th pick in the draft so we should expect a lot from him, but it may take a couple of years for him to make his way up the ladder some. Have heard good things also on Ohlman and Coffey, players the O's gave a lot of money to. - Steve
Jordan comment on Randy Henry:
..."This was one of the better arms we drafted so we took it slow with him..."
_________________________
Yes, I admit I'm being cynical here, but a pitcher who missed a year with Tommy John surgery is one of the better arms he drafted? Yes, I also admit pitchers do recover from Tommy John surgery...just seems odd that Jordan says he's still one of the better arms. I wish the kid well.
I think people are being WAY premature in calling Hobgood a bust. Guy was the Gatorade player of the year for heaven's sake. Let's give him more than a few starts at the end of a long season before we call him a bust.
_________________________________________________________
Could not agree more. A bust after 26 IP - that's crazy talk......Steve
Wham is just one of Brummie/Jack's alter egos. Those comments can be ignored. Hobgood will be fine. He was the top high school player in the country. It will take time. The people scouting these players know more baseball than all of our knowledge put together. Givens looks to be an all defense little hitting player, but if he is like Omar Vizquel type, I will take it.
Give the kid a chance people he just turned 19 in late August. Think about it.....19. What were you people doing when you were that old? Whatever it was I'm sure you were considered a bust as well. Most likely some of you still are, you just don't realize it.
Hobgood continues to be a terrible pick. Leake would have been a far better choice. Instead we have a guy who couldn't get people out at Bluefield struggled with his fastball and has admitted he is not in the best shape.
One word: Signability
_____________________________________________________________
First of all the O's spent the 5th most in baseball on the draft so scrap that signability theory right now.
Second, no one, including you, me and and Joe Jordan, can predict Hobgood's future after just 26 innings. Had he been 6-0 with an ERA of 1.22 that wouldn't mean anything either. Nice try, though. - Steve
Brummie, you are the pits, even on Steve's blog. I know you like to make all these bold comments, but you just dont take the time to make them sound arguments. Chill out and keep quiet until you have something worthy of saying, something sound.
Sports Fans dont go WAY out of their way to nit-pick small issues with their OWN team. They have hope and optimism, especially towards super young players that have years and years ahead of them.
I have optimism that your new years resolution will to try and not be such a drag. Until then, you're the pits.
Brummie: Question, you hate Hobgood (prob entire draft), MacPhail(whole front office more than likely), Angelos, Pie, Wieters, Hendrickson, Roberts, Mora, Broadcast crew, and probably the grounds crew. Why do you follow the Orioles at all? You despise every move or attempt they do. You need the established big market approach, you would be much happier I think with the pinstripe brigade. They are lookig at Lackey, Bay, Holiday and probably 10 other guys (they communicate through the papers all the time, one of your hangups). Go ahead and embrace the dark side, your ideas and needs mesh with theirs exactly.
They say it takes three years before you can grade an NFL draft. How in the heck anyone call call this a bust after a few months of ball is ridiculous. If you can stand here and say that this draft is a bust then you are just plain obnoxious and ignorant to reality. And we already know there are two posters that fit that category. You know who you are.
Baseball drafts probably take 4-6 years to really grade them out and that's even a stretch because if an 18 year old drafty makes it to the majors by 23 that's good. It still took 5 years to make it and he's still a rookie who has proven nothing at the major league level.
I think everyone missed my point. Frankly, I hope Hobgood makes it. Seems to be a great kid - the kind of player to set an example.
However, JJ determined that the 5th best player in the ML draft was a out-of-shape 19 Y.O. kid with mid-80's fastball?
Like some of the other bloggers I sense,albeit masqued,concern re.Hobgood. He's a big kid,great arm,but has a lot of work to do. If he gets to Delmarva this would suggest that he has made significant progress. I'm most hopeful about Givens,who was touch and go,until the last minute. It is evident the O's are high on this youngster,and they proved by going over the slotted ceiling. Finally,great series,and look for more.
Brummie - For God's sake, stick to polluting Roch's blog, your negativity is not welcomed here. Calling Hobgood a terrible pick already makes you look idiotic.
Hobgood's velocity was down in his debut, like other pitchers have experienced in the past. Jordan explained that and expects it to return. I recall reading that Zach Britton's velocity was down at Delmarva in 2008, but came back this year, so no concerns. They knew what shape he was in when they scouted him and felt they could work with him. You may call him a "signability pick", but if so, then it allowed them to spend further down, which could produce a sleeper or two. I'm thinking that the last two drafts have spoiled a few O's fans. We drafted Wieters, Arrieta and Matusz, we may never see three great picks like that again in such a short span.
Just relax people and enjoy the ride. In a few years, we could see the O's roster littered with homegrown talent.
I have my fingers and toes crossed that Hobgood and the other members of the first 5 rounds work out. I am not negative, just worried.
Seriously guys. Does it matter?
The golden era of the 60's,70's and early 80's has faded away. Gone.
Even the teams of talent albeit not winners of the 90's will never be duplicated.
We are in pro sports hell. The American League Eastern Division. Hell.
58 years old here and have no illusions of ever seeing another pennant or world series in my hometown.
Life has changed.
I loved the days of being in the hunt with a great team.
When America was the world power.
When our freedom was not being encroached by its own govt.
So sad.
Wham! said,
However, JJ determined that the 5th best player in the ML draft was a out-of-shape 19 Y.O. kid with mid-80's fastball?
He did not say he had a mid-80's fastball, he said....
"Hobgood's velocity, which touched the mid 90's during his high school season, was off during Bluefield's campaign. The stuff wasn't the same from the spring, his fastball was a couple of grades less. I don't worry about that, you see it every year. Like most high school pitchers he threw more than he'd ever thrown. I thought he competed and am happy with what he did."
No one said he was out of shape either, they said he needs to be in better shape. Obviously you and your alter ego Brummie never played high school sports, they don't have the best conditioning programs for baseball. Another thing Brummie, Hobgood was sent to Bluefield out of high school, not the gulf coast league nor developmental league where most high school players are sent after first player draft. This hatred of Mr. MacPhail has something to do with something else, not the Orioles, it is personal with you. My guess is that your really a Cub or Twins fan and hate that he left for a better job, but your not an Oriole fan. Also please quit acting like you in Australia. You so full of B.S.
I'm sure it's quite a shock to the egos of these "phenom" high school pitchers when they get to the pros. That heater that blew everyone away from pee wee league on up all of a sudden is getting nailed all over the yard. How these kids handle that wake up call is what separates the good ones from the also rans. Good luck to Mr. Hobgood and here's hoping he quickly adapts from thrower to pitcher. Lord knows we're due for someone to finally figure it out.