Johnny Giavotella: Short on upside, Giavotella addresses a need of mine at 2b. I'm sure Prado wasn't his stats from last year, and Johnny has a bat that should carry him quickly without much more projection. He has the promise to be an average defender, and a top 10 offensive 2b in the future. Johnny didn't offer much in terms of upside, but he was the best/closest 2b left on the board, and I was praying he'd drop to where he did.
Tyler Sample: Knowing where I was drafting, I was hoping Tyler would slip as well. While having command issues, the ceiling on Sample is through the roof. He's 6'7" with no baby fat on him (compared physically to Clemens), has touched 96, and has a hammer curve that is a true pro swing and miss pitch. Command and changeup development are huge for Sample, but he won't be 20 until the middle of the 2009 season.
Jason Knapp: Too much in the stuff department to pass up here. Knapp is another huge (6'5") power arm (touches 97) that won't turn 19 until the end of the 2009 season. Jason also flashes two potential plus pitches in his slider and changeup, but needs to work on command and continued sharpening of the slider/changeup combo.
2008 Draft
Moderator: Yankees
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Thanks guys.
Emailed my buddy at the Jays for a scouting report on each:
Giavotella: "Think the B+ version of Pedroia's A+. He's a gamer-type who should translate to .300/.360 with 10/10 steals and homers per year. He has the desire to make himself at least average defensively. He is just really, really solid. You're not getting an Alfonso Soriano as a 2b here, but Johnny could start for just about any team in the MLB with another year or two in the minors."
Sample and Knapp: "Too similar, have to combine. Both guys are huge with premiere stuff. Each has the upside at the top of a rotation. Sample has two true 'ace' pitches, and they're both good enough for him to be a two pitch starter. If he gets command and a changeup, he could be unhittable. He's built like a brick shithouse too. Knapp does not have the ceiling Sample has, but he has an incredibly live arm for such a young kid. His command is better than Sample's, and if his off-speed stuff comes all the way around, he could be a great pitcher. Both are raw, and have a long way to go though, and it seems like, with young pitchers, anything that can go wrong does go wrong these days."
Emailed my buddy at the Jays for a scouting report on each:
Giavotella: "Think the B+ version of Pedroia's A+. He's a gamer-type who should translate to .300/.360 with 10/10 steals and homers per year. He has the desire to make himself at least average defensively. He is just really, really solid. You're not getting an Alfonso Soriano as a 2b here, but Johnny could start for just about any team in the MLB with another year or two in the minors."
Sample and Knapp: "Too similar, have to combine. Both guys are huge with premiere stuff. Each has the upside at the top of a rotation. Sample has two true 'ace' pitches, and they're both good enough for him to be a two pitch starter. If he gets command and a changeup, he could be unhittable. He's built like a brick shithouse too. Knapp does not have the ceiling Sample has, but he has an incredibly live arm for such a young kid. His command is better than Sample's, and if his off-speed stuff comes all the way around, he could be a great pitcher. Both are raw, and have a long way to go though, and it seems like, with young pitchers, anything that can go wrong does go wrong these days."
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Blake Tekotte: I was really hoping Devaris Gordon would fall, but Tekotte was my backup. With a good pedigree from Miami, and happy but not over the moon about Sweeney/Schumaker, Tekotte provides me with good CF depth. He has a great eye and bat control, top of the lineup speed, and will be at least an average CF. He reminds me a lot of a Brett Gardner type - and I thing Gardner's going to be a player yet...
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Isaac Galloway: I was the guy who took Desmond Jennings, and I see a lot of Jennings in Galloway. Both were premium athletes who have a pretty good baseball sense. Galloway was a potential 1st round pick going into his senior year, but pressed, and slipped. The Marlins snagged him in the 8th round, and he started to come around in the Fall. He has the potential to be a Carl Crawford type player.
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Yowill Espinal: Ok, now the truth: I was hoping Espinosa would fall for my Galloway pick, but Galloway was #2. Wanting to leave this draft with a SS, Espinal was next on my list. Only 17, Espinal played every day for the Royals' AZL team at SS, and demonstrated above average defense and excellent speed. The youngster also hit .289 in August, after struggling mightily to open the campaign. He's been compared to Alcides Escobar, and will have a lot of time to grow. Theriot isn't going anywhere for a while, so Espinal will have plenty of time.
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11. Tyler Sample, RHP
DOB: 6/27/89
Height/Weight: 6-7/245
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Signed: 3rd round, 2008, Mullen HS (CO)
2008 Stats: 9.00 ERA at Rookie-level (27-30-29-39)
Last Year's Ranking: N/A
Year in Review: A high-risk/high-ceiling draftee, Sample missed plenty of bats in his pro debut, while also missing the strike zone nearly as often.
The Good: Gifted with a massive frame and power arm, Sample's ceiling rates with anyone in the system; his velocity fluctuated in high school, but he was consistently getting up to 95 in last fall's instructional league. His hammer curve is a plus offering right now, and could become a real wipeout pitch with more refinement.
The Bad: Sample is exceptionally raw, as pitching in Colorado gave him few innings, and even fewer against top-flight competition. He has extreme problems controlling the strike zone, and would be better off with simplified mechanics, with one scout already suggesting a move to the bullpen so he can pitch out of the stretch.
Fun Fact: Left-handed batters facing Sample in the Arizona Fall League had a .556 on-base percentage, going 9-for-25 with ten walks.
Perfect World Projection: With his size and fastball/curve combination, some see Daryl Kile in him.
Glass Half Empty: With his size, power arsenal, and trouble throwing strikes, some see Jeff Juden.
Path to the Big Leagues: Long, and so, so far away.
Timetable: Sample is not ready for a full-season league, but the Royals can be conservative in their development at times, with three short-season teams to show for it. Sample will stay in Arizona this spring in extended spring training in preparation for a June assignment.
DOB: 6/27/89
Height/Weight: 6-7/245
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Signed: 3rd round, 2008, Mullen HS (CO)
2008 Stats: 9.00 ERA at Rookie-level (27-30-29-39)
Last Year's Ranking: N/A
Year in Review: A high-risk/high-ceiling draftee, Sample missed plenty of bats in his pro debut, while also missing the strike zone nearly as often.
The Good: Gifted with a massive frame and power arm, Sample's ceiling rates with anyone in the system; his velocity fluctuated in high school, but he was consistently getting up to 95 in last fall's instructional league. His hammer curve is a plus offering right now, and could become a real wipeout pitch with more refinement.
The Bad: Sample is exceptionally raw, as pitching in Colorado gave him few innings, and even fewer against top-flight competition. He has extreme problems controlling the strike zone, and would be better off with simplified mechanics, with one scout already suggesting a move to the bullpen so he can pitch out of the stretch.
Fun Fact: Left-handed batters facing Sample in the Arizona Fall League had a .556 on-base percentage, going 9-for-25 with ten walks.
Perfect World Projection: With his size and fastball/curve combination, some see Daryl Kile in him.
Glass Half Empty: With his size, power arsenal, and trouble throwing strikes, some see Jeff Juden.
Path to the Big Leagues: Long, and so, so far away.
Timetable: Sample is not ready for a full-season league, but the Royals can be conservative in their development at times, with three short-season teams to show for it. Sample will stay in Arizona this spring in extended spring training in preparation for a June assignment.
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10. Jason Knapp, RHP
DOB: 8/31/90
Height/Weight: 6-5/215
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2nd round, 2008, North Hunterdon HS (NJ)
2008 Stats: 2.61 ERA at Rookie-level (31-26-12-38)
Last Year's Ranking: N/A
Year in Review: One of the top high school arms in the Northeast this spring, he signed for nearly $600,000, and went on to shine brightly in his pro debut.
The Good: Knapp is a pure power pitcher with as much ceiling as anyone in the system. His fastball sits in the low to mid-90s, touching 96-97 mph consistently, and his big strong frame alludes to significant promise.
The Bad: Knapp lives off of his fastball right now; both his slider and his changeup are below-average pitches that need plenty of work. His arm action is clean, but his multi-part mechanics are hard to repeat and could use smoothing out.
Fun Fact: North Hunterdon High's most famous alumnus is Peter Ostrum, who played Charlie Buckett in the original Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.
Perfect World Projection: A teenager with a big body and a big fastball are the starting blocks for stardom.
Glass Half Empty: Too many aspects of his game are behind the curve, and he might profile best in a relief role.
Path to the Big Leagues: Right now, all the Phillies want to do is get him innings.
Timetable: Knapp's 2009 destination is undecided at this point. He may be best served by some instruction in extended spring training to try making him more comfortable with his secondary pitches.
DOB: 8/31/90
Height/Weight: 6-5/215
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2nd round, 2008, North Hunterdon HS (NJ)
2008 Stats: 2.61 ERA at Rookie-level (31-26-12-38)
Last Year's Ranking: N/A
Year in Review: One of the top high school arms in the Northeast this spring, he signed for nearly $600,000, and went on to shine brightly in his pro debut.
The Good: Knapp is a pure power pitcher with as much ceiling as anyone in the system. His fastball sits in the low to mid-90s, touching 96-97 mph consistently, and his big strong frame alludes to significant promise.
The Bad: Knapp lives off of his fastball right now; both his slider and his changeup are below-average pitches that need plenty of work. His arm action is clean, but his multi-part mechanics are hard to repeat and could use smoothing out.
Fun Fact: North Hunterdon High's most famous alumnus is Peter Ostrum, who played Charlie Buckett in the original Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.
Perfect World Projection: A teenager with a big body and a big fastball are the starting blocks for stardom.
Glass Half Empty: Too many aspects of his game are behind the curve, and he might profile best in a relief role.
Path to the Big Leagues: Right now, all the Phillies want to do is get him innings.
Timetable: Knapp's 2009 destination is undecided at this point. He may be best served by some instruction in extended spring training to try making him more comfortable with his secondary pitches.
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10. Yowill Espinal, ss/2b, Royals
B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-0 Wt.: 180 Age: 17 Signed: Dominican Republic '08
The Royals invested more heavily in the draft and the Latin American market this year than they have in the past. Espinal, who inked for $250,000 out of the Dominican Republic, was the best of their international signees.
Despite his less-than-impressive numbers at the plate, league managers loved Espinal. Brewers skipper Tony Diggs compared him to Alcides Escobar, who didn't hit much in the lower minors but has improved since reaching Double-A and has become one of the game's top shortstop prospects. Offensively, Espinal has good pop for a middle infielder and above-average speed, though developing better plate discipline will be critical. He walked just twice and struck out 42 times in 204 at-bats.
A solid defender, Espinal has at least average range, good hands and a plus arm. He played nearly every day for the Royals despite having just turned 17 in April. He showed improvement later in the summer, batting .289 in August after hitting .207 in the first two months.
AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG
204 21 49 4 3 4 19 2 42 13 2 .240 .248 .348
B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-0 Wt.: 180 Age: 17 Signed: Dominican Republic '08
The Royals invested more heavily in the draft and the Latin American market this year than they have in the past. Espinal, who inked for $250,000 out of the Dominican Republic, was the best of their international signees.
Despite his less-than-impressive numbers at the plate, league managers loved Espinal. Brewers skipper Tony Diggs compared him to Alcides Escobar, who didn't hit much in the lower minors but has improved since reaching Double-A and has become one of the game's top shortstop prospects. Offensively, Espinal has good pop for a middle infielder and above-average speed, though developing better plate discipline will be critical. He walked just twice and struck out 42 times in 204 at-bats.
A solid defender, Espinal has at least average range, good hands and a plus arm. He played nearly every day for the Royals despite having just turned 17 in April. He showed improvement later in the summer, batting .289 in August after hitting .207 in the first two months.
AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG
204 21 49 4 3 4 19 2 42 13 2 .240 .248 .348
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16. Isaac Galloway, of, Marlins
B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-2 Wt.: 190 Age: 18 Drafted: Marlins '08 (8)
Early in his high school career, Galloway emerged as a potential first-round pick for the 2008 draft. However, he slumped miserably as a senior and fell to the eighth round. After signing quickly for $245,000, he regained his stride.
"I think he was just pressing a little too much this spring," Marlins scouting director Stan Meek said. "We drafted him off of what he had done in the past, and when he got to the GCL, he stopped pressing and just let it fly."
Galloway displayed four potential plus tools in his pro debut. He has a quick bat and drives the ball into the gaps. He hit only one home run in 48 games but projects to have average power.
He's an above-average runner who will steal bases and cover a lot of ground in center field. He projects as a premium defender with a plus arm as well. He plays the game with uncommon ease and maturity for an 18-year-old.
AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG
199 29 57 13 5 1 23 4 33 4 2 .286 .303 .417
B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-2 Wt.: 190 Age: 18 Drafted: Marlins '08 (8)
Early in his high school career, Galloway emerged as a potential first-round pick for the 2008 draft. However, he slumped miserably as a senior and fell to the eighth round. After signing quickly for $245,000, he regained his stride.
"I think he was just pressing a little too much this spring," Marlins scouting director Stan Meek said. "We drafted him off of what he had done in the past, and when he got to the GCL, he stopped pressing and just let it fly."
Galloway displayed four potential plus tools in his pro debut. He has a quick bat and drives the ball into the gaps. He hit only one home run in 48 games but projects to have average power.
He's an above-average runner who will steal bases and cover a lot of ground in center field. He projects as a premium defender with a plus arm as well. He plays the game with uncommon ease and maturity for an 18-year-old.
AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG
199 29 57 13 5 1 23 4 33 4 2 .286 .303 .417
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#6 - Johnny Giavotella, 2B
Height: 5'-8" | Weight: 185
Bats: Right | Throws: Right
Acquired: Draft, 2008 - Round 2 (49)
Year Level Team AB 2B 3B HR BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS
2008 A BUR
278
18
2
4
25
34
10
7
.299
.355 .421 .776
The Story
It was draft day, and my nerdy self was sitting in front of the computer waiting to see who the Royals drafted in round two of the 2008 draft. The Rays had just taken a high school lefty I was hoping would fall to us, and the Pirates just shocked the world by taking a top-10 talent who was injured. There were plenty of high ceiling high school players left on the board, and the Royals took...a scrappy college second baseman. I won't lie, I was frustrated with the pick at first, and it seemed out of line with the draft strategy from the past couple drafts. Some other fans went as far as to use some four letter words to describe the draft pick, although that was clear overreaction.
I know this spot may seem high for Giavotella, but as I learned more about him the more I liked him as a prospect. It certainly helped that he hit well in an aggressive promotion to Burlington, then went on to rake in the playoffs to lead the Bees to a title.
The Scouting Report
With a quick glance at Giovatella's size, you'd wonder why he's even playing professional baseball, let alone being a top prospect. Of course, when you have "the largest forearms I have ever seen," that certainly helps your skills play up a little bit. He can really hit, both for average and even for some power. Not just gap power either like you'd think for a player his size, but some legitimate home run power. Not going to hit 20 home runs, but no one should be surprised if (or should I say, "when") he knocks 12 or 15 out of the park. Giavotella won't steal many bags, as he doesn't have great speed, but his instincts might allow him to swipe a few.
On defense, Giavotella grades out as about average or maybe slightly above. Let's just say he wasn't drafted for that though, it was the bat that got him drafted in the top 50 of this past year's draft.
Then there's the other things about Giavotella you can't really put a grade on. The guy is a dirt bag, and he'll run through a brick wall for you if asked. He's a hard worker and a leader on the field. In fact, he was named captain of the baseball team in his sophomore year at the University of New Orleans. Even though he was the smallest player on the field, everyone on that team looked up (down?) to him.
Prospects like Giavotella often get overlooked by prospect guru's, and while I do not consider myself a "guru," I will not overlook him. They like guys who have the boom or bust tool sets -- more than half of whom will not pan out as Major League players. They like the pitcher who throws 97 MPH, even if home plate is a foreign object to them. Then there are the prospects like Johnny Giavotella, who does everything well but nothing jumps out at you. The prospect who has a much greater chance at the good big league career, even if he won't be a superstar. I have little doubt Johnny is going to have a good career.
The Comparison
Offensively, Giavotella is strikingly similar to Royals outfielder David DeJesus. The scouting report matches -- nothing makes your jaw drop, but they both do everything well. From the contact rate, to the ability to take walks and hit for decent power. That alone would make him one of the better second baseman in baseball, and doesn't even include the intangibles. Yes stat heads, those do matter.
The Outlook
Giavotella will likely open up the season with the Wilmington Blue Rocks of the Carolina League. That said, with his polish, I have little doubt he will be promoted at some point during the middle of the season. It is not out of reach to say he will be one of the first players from the 2008 draft to have a full time Major League spot. ETA: Mid-2010
Height: 5'-8" | Weight: 185
Bats: Right | Throws: Right
Acquired: Draft, 2008 - Round 2 (49)
Year Level Team AB 2B 3B HR BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS
2008 A BUR
278
18
2
4
25
34
10
7
.299
.355 .421 .776
The Story
It was draft day, and my nerdy self was sitting in front of the computer waiting to see who the Royals drafted in round two of the 2008 draft. The Rays had just taken a high school lefty I was hoping would fall to us, and the Pirates just shocked the world by taking a top-10 talent who was injured. There were plenty of high ceiling high school players left on the board, and the Royals took...a scrappy college second baseman. I won't lie, I was frustrated with the pick at first, and it seemed out of line with the draft strategy from the past couple drafts. Some other fans went as far as to use some four letter words to describe the draft pick, although that was clear overreaction.
I know this spot may seem high for Giavotella, but as I learned more about him the more I liked him as a prospect. It certainly helped that he hit well in an aggressive promotion to Burlington, then went on to rake in the playoffs to lead the Bees to a title.
The Scouting Report
With a quick glance at Giovatella's size, you'd wonder why he's even playing professional baseball, let alone being a top prospect. Of course, when you have "the largest forearms I have ever seen," that certainly helps your skills play up a little bit. He can really hit, both for average and even for some power. Not just gap power either like you'd think for a player his size, but some legitimate home run power. Not going to hit 20 home runs, but no one should be surprised if (or should I say, "when") he knocks 12 or 15 out of the park. Giavotella won't steal many bags, as he doesn't have great speed, but his instincts might allow him to swipe a few.
On defense, Giavotella grades out as about average or maybe slightly above. Let's just say he wasn't drafted for that though, it was the bat that got him drafted in the top 50 of this past year's draft.
Then there's the other things about Giavotella you can't really put a grade on. The guy is a dirt bag, and he'll run through a brick wall for you if asked. He's a hard worker and a leader on the field. In fact, he was named captain of the baseball team in his sophomore year at the University of New Orleans. Even though he was the smallest player on the field, everyone on that team looked up (down?) to him.
Prospects like Giavotella often get overlooked by prospect guru's, and while I do not consider myself a "guru," I will not overlook him. They like guys who have the boom or bust tool sets -- more than half of whom will not pan out as Major League players. They like the pitcher who throws 97 MPH, even if home plate is a foreign object to them. Then there are the prospects like Johnny Giavotella, who does everything well but nothing jumps out at you. The prospect who has a much greater chance at the good big league career, even if he won't be a superstar. I have little doubt Johnny is going to have a good career.
The Comparison
Offensively, Giavotella is strikingly similar to Royals outfielder David DeJesus. The scouting report matches -- nothing makes your jaw drop, but they both do everything well. From the contact rate, to the ability to take walks and hit for decent power. That alone would make him one of the better second baseman in baseball, and doesn't even include the intangibles. Yes stat heads, those do matter.
The Outlook
Giavotella will likely open up the season with the Wilmington Blue Rocks of the Carolina League. That said, with his polish, I have little doubt he will be promoted at some point during the middle of the season. It is not out of reach to say he will be one of the first players from the 2008 draft to have a full time Major League spot. ETA: Mid-2010
