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NFT: Yankees Draft Review

Dunedin81 : 6/12/2020 4:55 pm
My draft review usually runs to seven or eight pages. I don’t have 7-8 pages of material his year because they have three picks. On the whole they did as well as can be expected, so long as they sign the three of them. I’ll add to it when they sign some UDFAs, a few of whom could absolutely be draftable players.

1. Austin Wells, C/?, LHH, U of Arizona, 6’2” 220

Wells is an advanced college bat, among the top 4-5 college bats available in this draft. He slashed .357/.476/.560 in a season and a half at Arizona and .308/.389/.526 with 7 HRs with wood bats on the Cape. He’s not a speed demon but he swiped 7 bags at Arizona and 8 on the Cape without a caught stealing. His BB:K at Arizona was 63:57 in 351 PAs; on the Cape he had more swing and miss (22:46 BB:K in 180 PAs) but he was hitting for significantly more power. He has a sweet lefty swing that sprays to all fields but with pull power that can make the most of the short porch at YS. His exit velos and hard contact rate are elite. He has a mature approach and doesn’t give ABs away. He draws some comparisons to Kyle Schwarber at a similar age. He enters the system as probably the most mature bat of consequence.

But. Wells’s defense is far less mature and its progression far less certain. To my knowledge, we don’t have CS stats for Arizona, but he threw out just 21% of would-be base-stealers on the Cape. Wells had an elbow injury in high school that necessitated a PRP injection, and arm grades that were borderline plus in high school are much more mixed now. He has the speed and agility to handle the transfer piece well, but even if his arm is at full strength he’ll need reps. He has earned solid grades for framing – both from coaches and from Trackman – but he still struggles with blocking (7 PBs in 22 games behind the dish on the Cape.

Wells gets extremely high grades for his makeup. His coaches glow about his intelligence and his competitiveness. He was a 4.0 student at Arizona. His coaches rave about his gameday preparation and his weight room work. The draft night video of his family celebrating was proof of that. I heard saw whispers NYY expects him to be a long-term left fielder, but smart money has them letting him work on catching with new catching guru Tanner Swanson, a highly regarded position coach whom they swiped from the Twins to coach at the big-league level and manage their MILB catching development. I certainly could see some measure of injury or defensive stagnation or even just the bat moving much faster than the glove convincing NYY to move him off the position in a year or two. It’s a stacked position in the low minors. They have three prospects in whom they’ve invested high draft picks (Breaux and Seigler) and money (Antonio Gomez) so reps might be at a bit of a premium.


2. Trevor Hauver, 2B/?, LHH, Arizona State, 6’0” 205 LBs

Hauver played LF for ASU because Drew Swift and Alika Williams constituted a top 3 or 4 DP combination in all of D1 ball. He wasn’t a great defender there and would have to really hit for the bat to play, plus he was a HS SS, so it’s easy to project he’ll play somewhere in the dirt. Refsnyder and Solak were expressly drafted as 2Bs and Josh Smith seems likely to excel there (though he can play a decent SS) so this fits in with their recent past of drafting bat-first guys they hope can fake the funk at 2B. If nothing else they tend to build trade value. Hauver was ranked a little lower than he was drafted so there’s a good chance he’s slot or below.

Whatever his defensive shortcomings, the bat is legit. He hit third in a stacked ASU lineup that included #1 overall pick Spencer Torkelson and Hauver is an exit velo stud, up to a reported 109 MPH. I saw a Daniel Murphy comp, but that’d be a best-case scenario. He slashed .339/.494/.695 with 5 HR in 17 games this spring and .339/.433/.574 with 13 HRs last year for Arizona State. His BB:K improved from 39:53 to 20:15 (albeit early, before the beginning of conference play). His OPS on the Cape improved from .700 to .760 and his BB:K improved from 10:23 to 29:28. He’s not a base-stealing threat, going 0/5 at ASU and 1/3 on the Cape. He is said to have some natural loft in his swing, and he has some swing and miss.


3. Beck Way, RHSP, NW Florida St (JUCO), 6’4” 190 LBs

Way might have been the top JUCO prospect in this year’s draft. He is an LSU commit so he may require an overslot. His performance for his JUCO this year was dominant, 58:9 BB:K over 40 IP with just 3 ER allowed. On the Cape last year he went 18:11 over 13.2 IP. He features a three-pitch arsenal, headlined by a FB that touches 96-98 but sits more comfortably at 92-94. He is a slight kid so there’s a good chance that the pitching development folks and the strength and conditioning program could see him add a few MPH as he puts on muscle. His FB has late arm-side run (a relatively high spin rate) so it’s tough to barrel up. His best secondary right now is a plus changeup that he throws with the same arm slot as his FB, said to have great tumbling action. He throws a slurvy mid-80’s breaking ball that is the weakest of the three. His BB rate suggests he has good command, but JUCO hitters can be a little more aggressive so he might have some adjustment to pro ball. He reminds me a bit of the Nick Nelson pick a few years back; he’s got a big ceiling. If the breaking pitch comes along he could really impress. With the new pitching development personnel headlined by Sam Briend, he will make an interesting test case.
Thanks for Doing This  
Jim in Tampa : 6/12/2020 4:59 pm : link
I look forward to your writeups but now I'm missing baseball even more :(
Thank you.  
Mike from SI : 6/12/2020 5:02 pm : link
Thank you thank you thank you. As always, extremely informative.

Are there any undrafted FA guys you are particularly keen on, for the Yanks or otherwise?
I love Andrew Abbott from Virginia...  
Dunedin81 : 6/12/2020 5:05 pm : link
but it's gotta be at least even money he goes back to school at this point.
RE: I love Andrew Abbott from Virginia...  
Mike from SI : 6/12/2020 5:44 pm : link
In comment 14918757 Dunedin81 said:
Quote:
but it's gotta be at least even money he goes back to school at this point.


I assume your UVA love is only slightly informing that analysis?
It is, to an extent...  
Dunedin81 : 6/12/2020 5:50 pm : link
But he’s a legit prospect as a left-handed hitter with an above average to plus FB and a plus curve. He’s short, but so what?
Twins took Aaron Sabato 1st Basebman UNC  
M.S. : 6/12/2020 6:00 pm : link

One pick before the Yankees.

He's from my hometown and been watching this young man play since his high school days.

I'll just say one thing: He is an absolute beast at the plate and he just rakes to all fields. The Twins just got themselves another HR monster who will hit for average.
I liked Sabato...  
Dunedin81 : 6/12/2020 6:07 pm : link
Would have been a nice pick for NYY, should thrive at Target.
DO on their picks  
Dunedin81 : 6/12/2020 8:06 pm : link
...
Link - ( New Window )
Thanks  
Bill2 : 6/12/2020 9:22 pm : link
Dunedin.

Hope you and family are well
Thank you Dunedin 81  
dune69 : 6/12/2020 10:00 pm : link
As always, your input is fantastic and it's great to always get you POV on Yankees and all other topics.
Thanks Dunedin81  
TheMick7 : 6/13/2020 11:31 am : link
Great recap as always. Let's hope they strike gold with signings on Sunday!
Beck Way  
Jay in Toronto : 6/13/2020 11:40 am : link
I believe it was Lindsay Adler The Athletic who reported that a scout opined that the Yankee Pitching coaches will love to get their hands on him.
what happens  
RasputinPrime : 6/13/2020 1:18 pm : link
to all the eligible kids that weren't drafted?
Apparently they can be signed for  
Jay in Toronto : 6/13/2020 1:24 pm : link
Up to $20k but not clear re processes, team limits etc.

Would love some clarification.
Echo the crowd, thanks Dunedin, always enjoy reading  
mfsd : 6/13/2020 5:10 pm : link
your write ups. Sounds like the Yanks targeted a certain type in rounds 1-2...big time exit velo lefty bat, sort out position later
I wish the Knicks did this.  
yatqb : 6/13/2020 5:17 pm : link
Hitting is #1 for position players.

Shooting is #1 for almost all basketball players.
Read a Q&A with Beck Way on a subscriber site  
Dunedin81 : 6/14/2020 9:11 am : link
Likely to sign. Trying to throw a cutter after watching Mo's how-to.
Beck Way  
Carson53 : 6/14/2020 10:18 am : link
Interesting name right there. From what I have read about
Wells, he could wind up at 1B down the road. That lefty bat, hopefully will play well at the Stadium.
Thanks Dunedin.
RE: Apparently they can be signed for  
Carson53 : 6/14/2020 10:24 am : link
In comment 14918989 Jay in Toronto said:
Quote:
Up to $20k but not clear re processes, team limits etc.

Would love some clarification.
.

I don't know what the team limits are on players, per team.
I am sure the Yanks will pursue the limits, whatever they are. Teams are getting them dirt cheap,
unusual circumstances this year.
Yanks sign Carson Coleman RHP Kentucky  
TheMick7 : 6/14/2020 10:48 am : link
Was used as a closer
RE: RE: Apparently they can be signed for  
Jay in Toronto : 6/14/2020 11:27 am : link
In comment 14919221 Carson53 said:
Quote:
In comment 14918989 Jay in Toronto said:


Quote:


Up to $20k but not clear re processes, team limits etc.

Would love some clarification.

.

I don't know what the team limits are on players, per team.
I am sure the Yanks will pursue the limits, whatever they are. Teams are getting them dirt cheap,
unusual circumstances this year.


funny this isn't really covered
No limits...  
Dunedin81 : 6/14/2020 11:49 am : link
Can sign as many as they want. What is unclear is whether they can offer college tuition along with $20K. Remember though, rosters are likely to contract next year as they get rid of entire MILB levels. I’d expect 12-20 signings
I think the tuition thing is to help teams sign juniors and DES player  
Phil in LA : 6/14/2020 12:13 pm : link
who would be giving up scholarships. Also, with their new focus on biomechanics EST may grow quite a bit, as they might want to keep the players in Tampa for that work.
RE: Yanks sign Carson Coleman RHP Kentucky  
Mike in NY : 6/14/2020 2:22 pm : link
In comment 14919236 TheMick7 said:
Quote:
Was used as a closer


Yanks also signed Trevor Holloway, a RHP from UCF and a favorite of Matt Collier (stat analyst with too much time on his hands if you follow his Twitter feed).
And a third signing,Jarrod Lessar RHP BYU  
TheMick7 : 6/14/2020 2:31 pm : link
.
saw allot of Wells and Hauver  
capone : 6/14/2020 3:15 pm : link
small chance wells sticks at catcher, Wells has ++ makeup and both he and Hauver can rake....

Looking back at watching ASU vs Cal on the day of the 2019 season there were 5 first round draft picks + a comp pick and 2 other high picks ..

one of my Favorite guys Jared Horn through a complete game other than a Torkelson Rocket he shut them down ,even pitched the 2 innings after a 45 rain delay ....it was 3-2 final, 5 hitter ....

Andrew Vaughn , Corey Lee, Hunter Bishop, Alec March, Spencer Torkelson, Alika Williams + Trevor Hauver and Gage Workman and other guys that went later in 2019 and 2020 a total of 14 draft picks with 8-9 guys that have a real shot at MLB.

Jared Horn has quite a story if you google him - I hope he makes it , I think he will


One of the other UDFA signs..  
Dunedin81 : 6/14/2020 6:44 pm : link
BYU RHP Jarod Lessar had similar stat lines in 2019 & abbreviated 2020. K/9 just over 8, BB/9 just over 3, ERA right around 4.40 at altitude. Primarily a starter this year, swingman last year. 6'4" and around 220, played CFB at around 270, older bc of LDS mission
Current UDFAs  
mavric : 6/17/2020 8:51 am : link
Very nice write-up Dune...  
Tesla : 6/17/2020 10:22 am : link
Your contributions here are always top notch and appreciated.
Pellerin is a legit get..  
Dunedin81 : 6/17/2020 7:25 pm : link
And they just signed Elijah Dunham, who could easily have been drafted (BA has him at 186). He’s a LHH OF from Indiana, hit .390 on the shortened season, he’s a little overage for a junior at 22 but he does everything well offensively and he may hit for power long-term.
Two more free agents signed  
mavric : 6/18/2020 9:26 am : link
Another LH hitter, Elijah Dunham L/L OF Indiana (ranked 186, figured to be drafted between 3rd and 6th rd)

Aaron Palensky R/R OF University of Nebraska (can't find much info on him)

Seems the Yanks are loading up on LH hitters this year. Probably a smart move.
Elijah Dunham - ( New Window )
RE: Two more free agents signed  
Mike in NY : 6/18/2020 10:05 am : link
In comment 14921257 mavric said:
Quote:
Another LH hitter, Elijah Dunham L/L OF Indiana (ranked 186, figured to be drafted between 3rd and 6th rd)

Aaron Palensky R/R OF University of Nebraska (can't find much info on him)

Seems the Yanks are loading up on LH hitters this year. Probably a smart move. Elijah Dunham - ( New Window )


Dunham hit in the NECBL, but that is probably the 3rd tier of summer wood bat leagues (behind Cape Cod and Northwoods Leagues). Palensky showed increased pop early on as a Junior (5 2B and 4 HR in 70 AB along with 15/9 BB/K ratio) and plays RF.
Dunham was drafted by the Pirates last year  
Phil in LA : 6/18/2020 11:25 am : link
as a DES, but they couldn't get a deal done. That's why he's a 22 year old junior. Another nice patience and pop type.
LHP Clay Aguilar agrees to sign with Yankees  
mavric : 6/19/2020 7:42 am : link
In three seasons as a member of the University of Houston’s baseball program, the lefty went 8-4 with a 2.49 ERA and 107 strikeouts over a total of 105 innings pitched.

Aguilar told Fox 26 Houston that signing with the Yankees is “a dream come true,” but that leaving the University was “one of the toughest decisions” he’s had to make in large part because of the program that head coach Todd Whitting has built.

Yanks add RHP Blane Abeyta  
mavric : 6/20/2020 1:27 pm : link
6-1, RHP for the Nevada Wolf Pack. Used as a closer. Throws in the mid-90s with a decent off-speed slider and change-up
BA liked their UDFAs  
Dunedin81 : 6/22/2020 3:33 pm : link
Not quite the Royals but they did well
Wells got just over slot, within the 5% leeway...  
Dunedin81 : 6/28/2020 7:25 pm : link
I’d guess Hauver gets a little under and Way gets every remaining dollar.
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