Strummer Jones wrote: ↑13 Jul 2025 21:13 pm
I like the Franklin pick. That fastball is absolutely demonic.
yeah it is, Strummer. That one got me excited. Tennessee really worked with him to make him better in 2025, and it worked. Anxious to see what he has in the Pros. Could work really well with Bloom's R&D guys in the minors
“Franklin walked 21 percent of the hitters he faced in two seasons at Kennesaw State and continued to do so as an all-star last summer in the Cape Cod League. He has pounded the zone with power stuff this year after transferring to Tennessee, though he has a somewhat limited Draft ceiling as a two-pitch reliever. He still lacks consistency, showing the ability to overwhelm hitters but also getting hit surprisingly hard at times.
Franklin ranks among the NCAA Division I leaders in overall and in-zone swing-and-miss rate with his fastball, no real surprise considering it operates at 94-98 mph and reaches 102 with huge carry and some armside run. He also throws one of the hardest cutters in college baseball, averaging 90 mph with a peak of 93, though it doesn’t miss nearly as many bats as his heater. He focuses on his main two pitches, rarely showing a slider or changeup that both sit in the upper 80s.
craviduce wrote: ↑13 Jul 2025 21:17 pm
Cards with the #89 pick select ~ Jack Gurevitch, 1B, USD
BIG BAT
6'0"
The first true 1B taken in the draft.
And roughly 50 spots higher than projected.
Clearly they see something they like.
Interesting bet - and one that looks like it is an attempt to sign him below slot value.
Strummer Jones wrote: ↑13 Jul 2025 21:13 pm
I like the Franklin pick. That fastball is absolutely demonic.
yeah it is, Strummer. That one got me excited. Tennessee really worked with him to make him better in 2025, and it worked. Anxious to see what he has in the Pros. Could work really well with Bloom's R&D guys in the minors
“Franklin walked 21 percent of the hitters he faced in two seasons at Kennesaw State and continued to do so as an all-star last summer in the Cape Cod League. He has pounded the zone with power stuff this year after transferring to Tennessee, though he has a somewhat limited Draft ceiling as a two-pitch reliever. He still lacks consistency, showing the ability to overwhelm hitters but also getting hit surprisingly hard at times.
Franklin ranks among the NCAA Division I leaders in overall and in-zone swing-and-miss rate with his fastball, no real surprise considering it operates at 94-98 mph and reaches 102 with huge carry and some armside run. He also throws one of the hardest cutters in college baseball, averaging 90 mph with a peak of 93, though it doesn’t miss nearly as many bats as his heater. He focuses on his main two pitches, rarely showing a slider or changeup that both sit in the upper 80s.
The BA report posted a few pages back says he reduced his walk rate to 5.5% with Tennessee In 2025. The Cardinals are betting on that control gain.
craviduce wrote: ↑13 Jul 2025 21:17 pm
Cards with the #89 pick select ~ Jack Gurevitch, 1B, USD
BIG BAT
6'0"
The first true 1B taken in the draft.
And roughly 50 spots higher than projected.
Clearly they see something they like.
Interesting bet - and one that looks like it is an attempt to sign him below slot value.
BA had him at #90 on their rankings. The Cardinals took him at #89. So not a reach if the rankings matter now.
I wouldn't read that much into the rankings going forward. If the player is not even in the top 500 list for the next few rounds, that may be notable. What did the team see?
craviduce wrote: ↑13 Jul 2025 21:17 pm
Cards with the #89 pick select ~ Jack Gurevitch, 1B, USD
BIG BAT
6'0"
The first true 1B taken in the draft.
And roughly 50 spots higher than projected.
Clearly they see something they like.
Interesting bet - and one that looks like it is an attempt to sign him below slot value.
BA had him at #90 on their rankings. The Cardinals took him at #89. So not a reach if the rankings matter now.
I wouldn't read that much into the rankings going forward. If the player is not even in the top 500 list for the next few rounds, that may be notable. What did the team see?
craviduce wrote: ↑13 Jul 2025 21:17 pm
Cards with the #89 pick select ~ Jack Gurevitch, 1B, USD
BIG BAT
6'0"
Is it just me or does the Gurevitch pick remind anyone else of Burleson. I know Burleson also pitched some but was known for his hit tool.
I could see that. Wouldn't be mad at it.
Me neither. Burleson has his warts but as the old axiom goes “the bat plays”. Burleson has worked hard to make himself an adequate OF/1B. There’s always room for a guy who can hit.
craviduce wrote: ↑13 Jul 2025 21:20 pm
Long day.... some good picks. Quite a change from the recent previous Flores drafts. There's some Bloom feel to this, imo. Maybe I'm wrong.
I like day 1
Yea, it definitely has a different feel to it, at the least with the two pitchers. I think Doyle is safer than some are giving him credit for, but it's nice to see them drafting pitchers with swing and miss and big upside. I didn't think there was any way they'd take Doyle just based on some of the fiery stuff they keep showing.
