JotCast | 2020 MLB draft chat, Day 1: 06.10.20

2020 MLB draft chat, Day 1: 06.10.20

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GSMP

7:50

This has to be Gonzales?

Mike Persak

7:50

Good call, GSMP!

Ricky

7:53

What do you guys think of the pick?

Mike Persak

7:55

With the way it broke, the Pirates couldn't have gone wrong there, and they didn't! Gonzales' bat is really, really, really good. By Fangraphs' rankings, Gonzales will automatically be the Pirates' sixth-best prospect in their farm system. Conventional thought is that he'll eventually move over to 2nd base, but we'll see about that. His bat is what made him a top-10 pick, and they'll figure out a way to get him on the field and in the lineup wherever.

7:56

Lone concern on him is that he played for New Mexico State. Not great competition, compared to, say, the SEC. Those numbers are not a joke, though. .399 career average, 1.249 OPS, 37 home runs over three seasons. That's just elite.

Alan

8:13

Weakest position in entire org. is catcher...they could have had any catcher they wanted...of course draft a ss...things never change in this organization...

Deacon

8:13

Love the pick of Gonzales!!!

Jason Mackey

8:14

I do, too, Deacon. Hard to argue with it. Can't wait to see what the kid will become. A lot to like, especially with his attitude.

Mike Persak

8:15

I get this line of thinking, Alan, but you can't draft for position this high in the MLB Draft. Even if catcher is the biggest need, there are other ways to fill that hole, and there are far too many variables to simply draft a guy and bank on him making it to the majors one day. Way safer to take the best talent.

Trevor

8:16

Any chance a decent catcher will be available at pick 31 for the Pirates? I’ve heard there are about 4 highly ranked catchers in the draft. Thank you.

Mike Persak

8:18

The 4 best catchers are Patrick Bailey, Tyler Soderstrom, Dillon Dingler and Austin Wells. Think Dingler has a chance of still being there, and Wells definitely does too. Problem with Wells is they're not sure if he's going to end up at catcher or first base. If the Pirates want a catcher, think they should hope Dingler or one of the others falls, though Wells has a lot of power, so it's not like all is lost if they end up going with him and he becomes a first baseman.

WeatherMan

8:20

Given his potential, probably the best first round pick the Bucs have made in years?

Doyle37

8:20

Draft a new owner

Jason Mackey

8:20

I'm not quite sure that's how it works.

Mike Persak

8:21

I like this question. Obviously a lot can happen here, but I think that's a fair assumption to make. Part of it is simply that 7 is the highest the Pirates have drafted since 2011. Think you could make the case for Kevin Newman and Austin Meadows (sorry guys), but this is certainly a pick fans can get excited about.

alan

8:21

Not to beat a dead catcher..but how do you get a good catcher then? Stallings is 31 going on 32 and there are zero options in the system..Other than pitcher isn't catcher the next most important player on the field?

Mike Persak

8:23

Certainly, but you can trade for catcher prospects or go the international route. The point is more that if you want to help your club the most long-term, you take the best player, no matter the position — the player who you think has the best chance of making the big leagues and making a real impact at the big leagues, wherever he plays.

alan

8:23

So how has drafting best available worked for say the last 7 yeat?

Mike Persak

8:24

I mean, it's a lot easier said than done. I'm not saying you draft a player and then the rest takes care of itself. You've gotta scout well and develop well, too. Can't blame it all on drafting, specifically.

Pirates

8:25

Who are some names to look for at 31?

Mike Persak

9:58

Alright, Pirates. As promised, I'm back. I like Dillon Dingler, who could still be there at 31. Ohio State catcher who converted from centerfield and is crazy athletic. Not the best hitting catcher, and doesn't project to have the best power, but still can definitely play. I like Miami pitcher Slade Cecconi, too. Mid-90s fastball, really good slider when it's on, change and cutter that are pretty good too. Georgia's Cole Wilcox is a fireballer. Became a starter in 2020 and showed good control. Electric stuff. Question would be if he can continue to develop the off-speed stuff. At least two of those guys will be available at 31. Obviously they can go anywhere, and teams have been all over the board, so don't roast me if I'm wrong.

Mike Persak

8:28

I don't know, Pirates, why don't you tell me who you're drafting!?

8:41

I'm honestly not sure at this point, Pirates. I will come back to you when we get closer and tell you about some of the guys left on the board, but the draft picks have been a little nutty already. For now, I'll give you a few names that *should* be there. Catcher Austin Wells might be there. High school pitcher Nick Bitsko could too, the way this is shaking out. Bitsko is really fun. Ton of potential. Said earlier I like Miami shortstop Freddy Zamora, but he'll probably fall quite a bit, cuz he tore his ACL in the spring. (Maybe watch for him tomorrow). I'll give you some more thoughts when we get into the late 20s.

alan

9:01

Will next years draft order be based on a short season schedule if they play one this year? If so..good chance for the bucs to land the first pick? They easily could go say 25 and 55

Mike Persak

9:03

This is a good question, honestly. I assume that's how they'll do it. I don't really see how else they could. But it will actually be interesting to see how that pans out, because I think with a short season, a lot of teams that would normally be bad over 162 games, could more easily string together a couple of wins here and there and actually contend, and would-be good teams might fall on hard times and have no time to battle back. Draft order could be a little wonky as a result of that.

Guest

9:31

Will there be a trading deadline this year...if games are played.

Mike Persak

9:33

I don't believe they've said yet. I think it will come down to how long the season ends up being. If it's a 48-game season, like Manfred can make it, then I don't really know how there could be one. The sample size for deciding who to trade feels like it would just be way too small. If it's up around 80 games? I think they could do it. May have to push it back a month, though. Haven't heard anything concrete about it, though.

Trevor

10:22

Can you provide more info on the Buccos’ pick at #31...especially how to say his last name? Have fun pronouncing that name. It reminds me of Coach K.

Jason Mackey

10:24

I don't know how to pronounce his name, I'm sorry. I can tell you he's got an interesting story. Believe he broke his foot as a sophomore. Had some fingernail issues. Tore up the Cape. Has a terrific fastball but hasn't put everything together.

Yuri

11:03

If and when there is a baseball this year, do you anticipate a lot of trades being made with a shortened season ? Thanks.

Mike Persak

11:04

I would not, no. I think teams would be more likely to keep the pieces they have and ride it out. Hard to get a fair enough sample size to make those calls

John M.

11:04

Media sources are saying “Ma-gin-ski “ is the pronunciation for the last name of the 31st pick in response to Trevor’s question. It certainly is not pronounced the way it is spelled.

Mike Persak

11:04

It certainly isn't. I think Ma-Jin-ski is what we're riding with for now

Gregory P.

11:05

Jason.. is this a make or break season for me?

Mike Persak

11:05

Wow, it's late, great actor Gregory Peck. Gregory, I loved your portrayal of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. Hope all is well.

11:06

Alright, folks that'll do it for tonight. Thanks for participating. Signing off for Jason and me.

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