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The 2015 MLB Draft is just about six weeks away, and unlike most years, no one seems to have any idea what the first 10 or so picks are going to look like. It’s not just experts who are having an issue predicting the course of the draft, either. Teams are unsure of just who is going where or what kind of players they’ll even have to choose from when their number comes up. The draft class was weak to begin with, especially when it comes to potential high-end talent, but injury after injury has shaken an already weak foundation.
What is further confusing things is that some of these injured players might end up being selected early on in the draft anyway, simply because there is no talent of equal measure around to replace them. Last summer’s top overall pick, Brady Aiken, isn’t going to go first again after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but it’s entirely possible he doesn’t last past the top 10, if for even that long. The same goes for Duke’s Mike Matuella, who also underwent Tommy John surgery after he was designated as a potential first-overall pick.
It’s not just these two: as Jonathan Mayo mentioned for MLB.com, the top high school pitcher in the draft, Kolby Allard, has had a stress reaction in his back that has shelved him for almost the entire season. Nathan Kirby, the top collegiate lefty, strained his lat and won’t pitch again this season. Teams are going to end up drafting these players while they are hurt and recovering, and while that adds to the risk of the pick, what alternative is there when no comparable talents exist behind them?
- These are the best-case scenarios of the Josh Hamilton trade. For the Angels, “best-case” is relative, but the Rangers have it comparatively easy here.
- Major League Baseball’s lack of a universal designated hitter seems out of touch with the way the game has evolved, but it is hard to deny that there are many who still loathe the idea.
- Last year, there were questions about whether the Royals should designated Mike Moustakas for assignment. This time around, he’s mashing everything in sight, and may finally be delivering on his long ago promise.
- Dodgers pitcher Brandon McCarthy has a torn UCL and will likely undergo Tommy John surgery, and that news was quickly followed by the announcement of an elbow ligament strain for Reds starter Homer Bailey.
- The Dodgers will replace McCarthy from within for now. The Reds? Well, the Reds were already using Jason Marquis on purpose.
- The Cardinals also have a season-ending injury to contend with thanks to Adam Wainwright hurting himself at the plate, but they have the depth to deal with this. Remember, kids: there is no such thing as too much starting pitching.
- Sexy, graying Ichiro wants you to enjoy home plate with him. Go on, go thither.
- You know what’s not sexy for the Marlins? Their spelling of “Giancarlo Stanton.” Come on, Fish, he’s your cornerstone!
- The Blue Jays have placed Jose Reyes on the disabled list, but on the bright side, Jose Bautista returned to the lineup on Monday.
- Alex Rodriguez is making history for the Yankees, even if they don’t want him to. It’s pretty weird that the only people who truly benefit from A-Rod’s resurgence are the ones who are vehemently against it happening, huh?
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