Is that for this year? Because that's been VERY debatable in 2012-2014 with what you've suggested, Boo. Big time kool aid slurping going on.
You can't tell me at the time in 2012, Almora was 'BPA' ahead of Appel. I call bullshit.
2013 with picking Bryant came down to the wire if I recall. Before the pick, many fans were 50-50 on him and Gray.
2014 it was greatly thought that the Cubs picked Schwarber because they knew he'd be a low cost to sign, definitely not because he was the best on the board. He was not the best hitter available, or even Catcher available at the time (Max Pentecost.) He then chanced it on some 'may not sign' guys in later rounds and signed them.
There is a formula here. Epstein is taking the best hitting that's cost permitted based on his spending pool within balance of the top 10 picks; he spent more in 2013 because he could with his larger pool. He takes hitting talent then bulk drafts substandard, not TOR pitching talents. Except apparently an 18 year old with TJ this past year.
I'm saying that needs to change. Take a fucking chance. Draft TOR pitching that will be available at 9.
Didn't you say that McLeod runs the show? If so, are you doubting who he and his staff are looking at and drafting?
Sorry, but it doesn't make me feel any worse that Almora isn't cutting it right now, because Appel and Gray aren't exactly lights out either in the minors.
Bryant is up, and Schwarber is knocking on the door. If Kyle is anything remotely close to Bryant from the left side of the plate to go along with Rizzo, we will all be thanking the scouting department as the Cubs will have the best and most feared trio of hitters in the game.
We will see who their number one is this year, and I don't buy the theory on the Cubs necessarily going less in the first round, to have more money in other rounds. Yes it does happen and I am not saying it doesn't some times.
My thinking is, you don't screw up on your first round pick. It better be a rock solid one, especially that high.
Almora hasn't progressed like some had hoped including me, and hopefully, if nothing else, he at least brings the defense to the big leagues for us, or someone else via a trade.
They won't hit in the draft all of the time, but I will gladly take two out of three picks moving forward named Bryant and Schwarber, any day of the week.
