2023 1st Round Pick (#17): Enrique Bradfield Jr. - CF - (Jr) Vanderbilt University

[baltfan]

Just now, odogs101 said:

Doubt he's underslot if Elias is saying this...

 

Meh, they said similar about Cowser and Kjerstad. I am just a little concerned about his reaction on video.  He seems like a high energy guy on the field and was surprised he didn’t see, so thrilled. Probably nothing though. 

[Otter]

3 minutes ago, Moose Milligan said:

Wonder if they can work on that noodle arm some. I remember they were able to coax a little more out of Cedric. 

Yes, but then again they had no luck in improving Mountcastle's noodle arm...

[Alasdaire]

As we've seen with Mateo, truly elite speed is a game breaker. We all wish that Jorge could just get on at a league-average rate to utilize his speed to pair with his elite defense.

That's what you have to hope for with Bradfield. He might not ever drive the ball like the other guys in our system, but if he can learn the same patience and eye that all of them have, he doesn't need to in order to be disruptive thanks to his speed.

Top-end speed is one of the few skillsets that the system hasn't had, so that alone is something to be excited about.

[now]

MLB tools ranking had him as best speed AND best defender in the draft. 

https://www.mlb.com/news/best-tools-in-2023-mlb-draft?t=mlb-draft-coverage

[86this]

 

[Just Regular]

I will say, thinking of the Peak Adley Teams...there are a lot of ways this toolkit could shine as a bench weapon.

[oh-wee-ohs]

And have heard it said before, need 2 CFs at Camden nowadays. Fabian / Bradfield CF/LF with Cowser LF/RF and Kjerstad RF/1B. All the young guys are at least 2 position versatile which gets them to play that matchup game ie Sigbot in lots of ways.

[eddie83]

 

[Mooreisbetter27]

Just now, eddie83 said:

 

He’s been reading Corns posts. 

[eddie83]

Watching a team get on base is so much fun and so different. He walks a ton. 

[odogs101]

Looking at his ranking across most publications....don't expect much if any slot savings. And if he was the best guy on their board that's fine.

[ArtVanDelay]

11 minutes ago, baltfan said:

Because if you are choosing a guy in the first round for that role, you are leaving a ton of excess value on the table in other possible picks.  You also are putting him on the 40 much quicker than you need to. 

Well obviously that wouldn’t be his permanent role.  A guy with 80 grade speed can win you a playoff game with a key stolen base.  We’ve seen it many times before.

The 40 man doesn’t matter.  We have guys that can be DFA’d and Bradfield will have options.  He’s a college player.  He should be ready within those 3 option years. 

[Just Regular]

Also an on brand Orioles being Raysian pick.    A run prevented is as good as a run scored, and cheaper.

[Can_of_corn]

1 minute ago, ArtVanDelay said:

Well obviously that wouldn’t be his permanent role.  A guy with 80 grade speed can win you a playoff game with a key stolen base.  We’ve seen it many times before.

The 40 man doesn’t matter.  We have guys that can be DFA’d and Bradfield will have options.  He’s a college player.  He should be ready within those 3 option years. 

But they already have Mateo on the team.

[Alasdaire]

If you want an example of how speed in and of itself impacts the game, see Elly De La Cruz stealing THREE bases in one at bat yesterday.