After the dust has settled, here are a few of my impressions from the Jays 2011 MLB Draft.
From a personal standpoint, I don’t feel there’s too much I can learn from a kids Edison, California high school stats. As with most seasons, I read the pluses & minuses of the top picks, scouts takes on tools and the occasional make-up characteristics. My personal preference leans towards toolsy arms, power bats and avoiding lower ceiling but quicker to the show college pitchers.
Note: For scouting reports I’d recommend checking out Baseball America’s Jays Draft scouting report rundown, which should open in a new window:
http://www.baseballamerica.com/draftdb/2011team.php?team=1022
I should learn to scroll
When the Jays initially drafted Tyler Beede I quickly scanned Baseball Prospectus’ Mock Draft, which didn’t contain Beede in their first 33 picks. Based upon this, I assumed Tyler was an Aaron Sanchez style cost savings pick. Had I read further down the page I would have realized that he was a classic over-slot value play.
Whether the Jays can get a deal done with Beede (and others such as Comer & Anderson) remains to be seen. With the MLB’s automatic protection/compensation for unsigned players within the first 3 rounds, I wouldn’t be shocked if a few prospects flew away.
Potential cost savings could be pushed towards the International Signing period, which begins in early July. Last season the Jays spent $4.18 million during this period, the 6th highest amount in the MLB.
Ratio of Picks
Within the first 25 rounds (and 30 overall picks), the Jays drafted 3 college pitchers vs 16 high school arms.
Of the remaining 11 positional picks, 4 via college (all four are SS), and 7 from high school.
This breakdown is infinitely more staggering than the overall number of 28 high school selections.
AA’s Version of Modern Warfare
The writing was on the proverbial wall with the off-season addition of a 7th minor league club, the Bluefield Bluejays (advanced rookie). This pointed towards a heavy high school/international focus, although I didn’t think it would be to this extent.
With the majority of top 30 picks being around or under Canadian drinking age, it will take years (from a production standpoint) for a true grading of the Jays 2011 MLB draft. But when looking at this draft from a philosophical standpoint, AA, Tinnish & crew are delivering on their promise of a long-term vision for sustainable competitiveness in the American League East
