Draft Chat - Rounds 1-5

[NCRaven]

If they don't like LaPorta, then I guess no one else does, either.

[ejf1025]

Sweet! Great to see a fellow Titan here - that makes three! : )

Here's more on our boy Davis:

http://fullertontitans.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/davis_blake00.html

He has two different color eyes?

That's freaky...

[Sports Guy]

I'd just rather not see a guy who's comp is Fahey picked ahead of a lot of other guys. Call me crazy, but I'm not the biggest on the .280/.330/.380 types.

I agree here....Always utility guys available at the drop of a hat.

Would have liked to have seen them go for more upside.

[Mackus]

At this point, theres probably no reason to take LaPorta. You have to think he'll probably go back to school and try to put up numebrs to get back in the first round. Unless you offer him at least second or third round money, he's probably not signing.

[justD]

I looked at his numbers, and it looked like Brob with less power, worse approach, and less speed. Maybe I'm wrong though...

"Led the Titans with 17 stolen bases (in 19 attempts), finishing just behind Cal Poly's Brandon Roberts (20) for the top conference spot"

(From that CSUF link posted above)

[markdublya]

Looks like we are stockpiling Middle Infielders again, to eventually trade to the Cubs...

[thrifty]

This guy Davis is going to be a good major league player. He is not Fahey. He has the potential to be a BRob. BRob didn't always show a lot of power. He developed it. Davis is a solid ballplayer.

[Sports Guy]

One thing that bears repeating is how dissapointed we were in the Olson and Reimold picks last year.

[TyCobb]

I hope the O's get players that will sign with the O's. I going to stay for this last round, hopefully we get a nice power hitting 1st baseman or catcher.

[snatch311]

Davis stole 14 bases in 21 attempts this year. He walked 21 times in 223 at bats. He hat 19 XBH in 223 at bats, and an iso slug of .128.

When Roberts was in college, he stole 60+ bases. He hit 12 or 13 home runs two of his seasons. I could probably guess that he walked more than once every 10 at bats also.

Fahey's last year at Texas, he stole 9 of 11 bases in only 142 at bats. He had 14 walks in 142 at bats. He had 13 XBH in 142 abs.

So, I stand corrected. You guys were right. More BRob than Fahey.

All of this of course with Davis being significantly older at the same point as both guys.

[ejf1025]

I do agree with this. I'm getting the impression that either LaPorta has told teams not to draft him unless it was in the first couple of rounds or he must really have some medical questions.

Here's what Sickels' had to say last week:

"The Tuesday Before Draft Day: Matt LaPorta

By John Sickels

Posted on Tue May 30, 2006 at 05:57:28 PM CST

Matt LaPorta, 1B, University of Florida

Was supposed to be a star college slugger this year and certain first round pick. But injuries and an early slump ruined his numbers: he hit just .259 in 158 at-bats. LaPorta did hit 14 homers and draw 28 walks, so he maintained his power and patience. But .259. . .that's an awfully low batting average for a talented college hitter, bad luck and injuries or not. At 6-1, 215 pounds, LaPorta is a powerful hitter from the right side of the plate, but will have to show that he can make contact against high-level breaking balls and changeups. His defense is not a major asset, so his bat will have to carry him. A Scott Boras client, LaPorta is a guy who could slide a lot farther than people expect, maybe even beyond the tenth round, if clubs think his bonus demands are unreasonable. Or he could still go in the first round, for a team willing to take a risk in exchange for a possible big power payoff."

[Sports Guy]

There you go...Boras client...Enough said.

[Mackus]

Here's what Sickels' had to say last week:

"The Tuesday Before Draft Day: Matt LaPorta

By John Sickels

Posted on Tue May 30, 2006 at 05:57:28 PM CST

Matt LaPorta, 1B, University of Florida

Was supposed to be a star college slugger this year and certain first round pick. But injuries and an early slump ruined his numbers: he hit just .259 in 158 at-bats. LaPorta did hit 14 homers and draw 28 walks, so he maintained his power and patience. But .259. . .that's an awfully low batting average for a talented college hitter, bad luck and injuries or not. At 6-1, 215 pounds, LaPorta is a powerful hitter from the right side of the plate, but will have to show that he can make contact against high-level breaking balls and changeups. His defense is not a major asset, so his bat will have to carry him. A Scott Boras client, LaPorta is a guy who could slide a lot farther than people expect, maybe even beyond the tenth round, if clubs think his bonus demands are unreasonable. Or he could still go in the first round, for a team willing to take a risk in exchange for a possible big power payoff."

I'd take a chance on LaPorta with a mid-late round pick, like 7th or 8th. This is generally a weak draft, so taking someone with first round potential even though its not likely he signs would be a good risk.

Despite not hitting that great this year, LaPorta still showed great patience and good power. He still had over a .400 OBP despite the low batting average. I think he's a guy we should look at late and see if we can get him to sign.

[markpolis]

With our 5th round pick we take: Bobby Hensen, SS, HS, OKl

[snatch311]

Another middle infielder.