The 2020 draft was just 5 rounds due to the pandemic. I'm not sure why the pandemic shortened the draft but probably mostly to save money on signing bonuses. Anyway, we already saw how first round pick Patrick Bailey was arguably the best pick in the draft. How did the Giants do in the other 5 rounds? BTW, they had two extra picks at the end of round 2 due to losing Madison Bumgarner and Will Smith to free agency.
1. Patrick Bailey C, College.
As we have discussed extensively, Bailey was an excellent first round pick in an extremely weak draft, possibly the best player in the entire draft.
2. Casey Schmitt 3B, College.
We all know Casey's story too. He's at a crossroads in his career. He has shown flashes of star potential or at least a solid MLB regular. The main thing holding him back is a severe lack of plate discipline. He was noticeably better after a late season return to the active roster. Will he get a chance to show that wasn't a fluke in 2025?
2C. Nick Swiney LHP, College.
2024(AA): 4-2, 5.25, 72 IP, 9.88 K/9, 4.13 BB/9.
Those are not the kind of numbers to make you think Swiney is going to reach the big leagues anytime soon.
2C. Jimmy Glowenke 2B, College.
2024(AA): .199/.300/.309, 7 HR, 5 SB, 8.2 BB%, 22.4 K%, 392 PA.
Also not the kind of numbers to make you think he will reach the majors anytime soon.
3. Kyle Harrison LHP, HS.
2024: 7-7, 4.56, 124.1 IP, 8.54 K/9, 3.04 BB/9, 0.8 fWAR.
Pretty solid rooking campaign for Harrison. He seemed to tire in the second half or maybe the league got a book on him? Finished the season on the IL with "mild" shoulder inflammation. Many analysts were calling for him to be shut down for the season anyway. Strong candidate for a breakout in 2025 just due to normal development and added experience.
4. R. J. Dabovich RHP, College.
Hard throwing college Closer. Was on fast track to majors as a reliever but underwent hip surgery in 2023 and spend most of 2024 on the IL due to an undisclosed condition.
5. Ryan Murphy RHP, College.
2024(AA): 1-4, 3.35, 43 IP, 9.63 K/9, 2.93 BB/9.
Pitched well before going on IL after June 1. I was not able to find the nature or his injury. Google search for Ryan Murphy injury showed his name but description of injury clearly referring to Tom Murphy C. Ryan Murphy spent time on the IL in 2022 with elbow inflammation.
Summary:
FWIW, the White Sox are signing Forever Giant Austin Slater to a major league deal, reported in MLBTR.
ReplyDeleteAn unnecessary personal note, Slater was born in Jacksonville Florida and graduated high school there as did I, different school different time, and his family was close friends to friends of mine, often filling me in during the early years of Slater's career.
Farhan really whiffed with those extra picks from losing Bumgarner and Smith. Badly whiffed. Like the kind of whiff where your batting helmet falls off and the bat goes flying
ReplyDeleteFarhan babied Harrison too much in the minor leagues by giving him an extreme pitch count limit to prevent from injury. Farhan had no idea what he was doing with the minor leaguers. Harrison did not build up his arm strength, stamina and pitch count in the minors. So he’s all of a sudden on the majors and he’s unable to go long into games and into the season because his minor league career didn’t prepare him for any of that. And now he has mild inflammation. Anyone else not surprised?
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