Scouting Report on Mets Mock Draft Pick at #11

An article by XtreemIcon

I hadn’t given it much thought until it became clear that the interest in free agent center fielder Michael Bourn was more than just passing. I don’t really think that Bourn’s price will drop into a range the Mets are comfortable with, and if it does, that would probably invite more teams to take a shot at him. There’s also the little matter of the draft pick. I’m torn between whether I think the league would cave or not. Normally I’d say no chance, but Uncle Bud has given the Mets more than plenty special dispensations in recent history. Maybe they would allow the Mets to keep their pick. I say it’s moot, however, because again, I don’t think the Mets have a legitimate shot at acquiring Bourn.

And that means they keep their pick. I’ve been adamant that the pick shouldn’t be what holds the Mets up in their pursuit of Bourn (the terms of the contract should be the only thing), and I’m on record here at MetsMerized saying that Bourn will be better for the Mets than whomever the Mets might draft. On the right deal, I stand by that. But the sentiment inspired me to look around the draft blogs to see who the mocks had the Mets drafting.

There are a lot of mocks.

I ignored any on Bleacher Report, any from team fan sites and any from websites I’ve never heard of. Selective as it may be, if I’ve never heard of them, I can’t vouch for them and wouldn’t feel comfortable taking their word. That left me with the mocks from www.minorleagueball.com and www.mymlbdraft.com. And as luck would have it, both drafts have the Mets taking Florida Gator Jonathan Crawford at #11.

You may remember seeing Crawford’s name after he tossed the seventh no-hitter in the history of the NCAA tournament this past June. He is a 21-year-old sophomore listed at 6’-1” and 205 pounds. I came across the scouting report on Crawford from ProScouting to see what they have to say about Crawford and liked what I saw.

Proscouring.com uses the 20-80 scale when evaluating talent and offers a number for both their current level and where the scouts envision them to peak as a major leaguer. These numbers are categorized as “current” and “OFP” (overall future performance/potential). The scale is defined as:

70+: MVP, Perennial All-Star – Frontline ace pitcher; superstar position player

60-69: Above average, All-Star caliber – #1 or #2 pitcher; position player among the best

55-59: Solid MLB player – #3 or #4 pitcher or top middle relief; solid starting position player

50-54: Average MLB player – Back end starter, average relief; position player that could start on most teams.

45-49: Backup – Spot starter, fair relief; utility/bench player

40-44: Fringe player – Up and down, could make the team for lower-tier club

30-39: AA or AAA – Emergency call-up

20-29: Low minors

For pitchers, ProScouting grades the fastball on velocity, movement and command. The offspeed grade combines all the offspeed pitches the pitcher offers. Finally, the peripherals accounts for smarts, control, deception, release point, arm action, physical maturity (is he filled out, or still growing?), injury history and intangibles.

ProScouting likes Crawford and here’s how he rates (Current/OFP) with some paraphrased comments:

Fastball (55/60): Four-seamer is the out pitch, touches 96-98, sits at 94 with plus movement and future command. Power stuff and arm projects well for a closer role if other aspects don’t pan out.

Offspeed (38/53): Hard slider with sharp break. Inconsistent command, but a plus pitch when in the zone. Basic feel for major league change. Good arm speed and deception. Throws for strikes.

Peripherals (45/57): Three potential plus pitches. Close to average control already, especially with fastball. Can be dominant if/when he masters slider and change. Plus deception with easy, clean delivery with plus arm speed. Ball jumps on hitter. Solid mechanics and delivery.

I should add that these mocks are obviously very early, since the 2013 college season hasn’t begun yet. Draft position will depend on this season and could slide in either direction. A great season for Crawford, especially if he shows improvement on his offspeed pitches, could move him up and off the board at #11. A poor season and he could drop.

So keep an eye out for Jonathon Crawford’s 2013 season. If that’s how it all shakes out, given his age and college experience, he could be ready to see major league action around the same time as Noah Syndergaard is expected to, but there’s a million things that can change between now and the draft.

About the Author: Jesse Elgarten

11 Comments + Add Comment

SheawasBetter86 January 30, 2013 at 12:31 pm

I’d really prefer the best outfield bat available.
MetsHype January 30, 2013 at 12:34 pm

I know its hard to predict power in a draft but I would have to think the Mets will be looking a a potential power OF bat. Are there any picks that fit that description? I know you must pick the best player available but that doesnt seem like SA and the GM clones draft strategy. ex Nimmo and Cecchini
- hotstreak January 30, 2013 at 1:38 pm
  
  Major demerit and one the Sandy haters have in their bag. Again I am neither a Sandy hater or lover.
Donal January 30, 2013 at 12:40 pm

I’m weary of big college program pitchers. Lots of miles on those arms before they are even drafted.
- Mitch Petanick January 30, 2013 at 10:11 pm
  
  Good point that is sometimes overlooked – these guys are not pitching to be developed into major leaguers like a team that drafts a high school pitcher, they are pitching to win conference championships and NCAA championships. While the experience is nice, it takes its toll.
  - Bayonne Mets Fan January 30, 2013 at 10:56 pm
    
    But Mitch, that’s how they get discovered, lol.
    
    Kids don’t go through his college career trying to conserve himself whenever he can because he “may” have a shot. And then suddenly turn it on if it’s important. Not only do they nor they should do that but it would be wrong to do that. Just play baseball. It’s always been that way. This is getting terrible.
    
    A College kid has miles on his arm before he gets to the majors? Ha! At the time they’re playing ball probably most of the time they don’t even know if they’ll ever be professional ballplayers so that just completely makes no sense at all. If I had a son i would NEVER tell him to approach a potential athletic career like that. Do your best every outing, never give an inch and if God willing the opportunity would ever come? They will tell you what to do.
    
    Before that? No way. Play HARD and play hard ALL THE TIME. You can rest between innings.
    
    And I would rather draft from college and a lot only a minimal amount of personnel to scout HS. That’s too risky because the star of the team can wind up driving a taxi or have completely different interests within a few years of graduation. Too young. I wouldn’t ignore them and I doubt anybody ever has but I wouldn’t prioritize it.
    - Mitch Petanick January 30, 2013 at 11:19 pm
      
      I hear ya, I was referring to a coach maybe riding his top dog too long when an important game is on the line, and in a minor league system they’re less likely to do that.
      
      I’m a strong believer in drafting mature college kids over high school kids unless there is a serious gap in talent.
Peter January 30, 2013 at 12:46 pm

I would think they get more pitching at that position.
hotstreak January 30, 2013 at 1:25 pm

Lets talk about 2nd round draft vs. first round.

In 2002 Mets forfeited their sound round 15th pick to cubs.
Brian McCann an 18year old was drafted in 2nd round at the 23rd position.
Brian McCann was ML rookie ready in 2005 when Piazza was just gone.

The first round Mets picked Scott Kazmir at 15th slot and Braves Jeff Francour at 23rd slot.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/index.cgi?draft_round=2&year_ID=2002&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round
Fonzie13 January 30, 2013 at 4:20 pm

For what it’s worth, mymlbdraft.com has correctly nailed the last 2 drafts for the Mets. They were the only site that had the Mets taking Nimmo well before the 2011 season began and they also had the Mets taking Cecchini last year although early last winter they had the Mets taking Max Fried, Walker Wieche, David Dahl and about 3 or 4 other guys. They update about once a week and sometimes every other week. They didn’t have Cecchini until about a week or 2 before the draft. They had Nimmo months before the draft though.
Matt Mosher January 30, 2013 at 8:12 pm

Justin Williams please.

I’m sure he’ll be there and they will instead select a high on-base second baseman.

NL East Standings

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB
Braves	25	18	.581	-
Nationals	23	21	.523	2.5
Phillies	21	23	.477	4.5
Mets	17	24	.415	7.0
Marlins	12	32	.273	13.5

Last updated: 05/19/2013

MMO Mets Chat

Need Tickets To The Mets Game?

Check Out These Great MLB Links!

For wholesale prices on New York Mets gifts and equipment, check these stores out!
Mets Autograph Signings
Mets Fan Apparel
Mets Autographed Baseballs
Baseball Card Supplies
Baseball Equipment

For the best seats and lowest MLB ticket prices, go to PurchaseSeats.com. Get your Mets Tickets now and follow them on the road with Yankees Tickets, Phillies Tickets, Nationals Tickets and Braves Tickets!