June 11, 2020
Well, it's a lot less work for us...
The MLB Draft continues today with Day 2, as rounds 2-through-5 will commence this afternoon starting at 5 p.m.
Typically, the draft meanders for an entire weekend, containing 40 rounds with thousands of players selected from the high school and college ranks put to work in the minor leagues.
With no minor league season, very limited scouting and no MLB season scheduled to begin yet, this year's event is a lot different. And it makes sense as to why.
The Phillies, who selected high school hurler Mick Abel with the 15th-overall pick have three more selections in the draft. They will not choose in the second round — that pick was surrender when they signed Zack Wheeler this offseason — but they will pick in the third, fourth and fifth rounds.
We'll keep tabs on the newest Phillies right here:
Round 3, Pick 15 (87th overall): Casey Martin
The Phils went the college route with their second pick, taking a second team All-SEC player. He has some power, as he's blasted 30 homers and 112 RBI over 143 collegiate games.
Click here for some highlights. Here's a scouting report:
In 2017 Casey Martin was rated as the best High School prospect in the state of Arkansas. However, he was not drafted because his bat was considered too raw. So Martin enrolled at the University of Arkansas. Now in his junior year as a Razorback Martin could be a first-round pick. MLB.COM currently has Martin ranked as the 30th best prospect.
The former Gatorade High School Player of the Year from Lonoke High School a mere 30 minutes from Little Rock certainly left his mark at Arkansas. Before the pandemic hit Martin was on the Golden Spikes Watch List and was named a 2020 Preseason All-American. At 5’11 and 175 pounds Martin who played shortstop the past two seasons certainly has the prototypical build for a middle infielder. Martin has been described as both a potential five-tool player or a potential first-round bust.
His coach at Arkansas has said he does expect Martin to sign professionally after the draft. But the door would always be open if Martin was to come back for his senior year. Martin is taking a different approach. “I’m just waiting to see how everything plays out, then whenever everything does play out the way it’s supposed to, that’s whenever I’ll sit down and decide, OK, what’s it going to take for me to go or come back.” [Lastwordonbaseball]
Round 4, Pick 15 (116th overall): Carson Ragsdale
Ragsdale is huge — 6-foot-8, and was a first team All-State player in high school. He was decent at South Florida, posting a 3.75 ERA in 50.1 innings over two-plus seasons. At 21, he is a project with high potential.
Here are some highlights, as well as a scouting report:
Carson Ragsdale is a 2016 RHP/1B with a 6-7 200 lb. frame from Wesley Chapel, FL who attends Bishop McLaughlin Catholic HS. Ragsdale has a large athletic projectable build. Has long limbs, effortless short arm action to a 3/4 slot. Stays online with delivery. Showed 12/6 curveball with tight spin and keeps arm speed up on straight change. Has high ceiling on mound. Hit from a square stance, has good barrel control and has power in swing. Makes solid contact. Defensively, accurate arm, moves quickly and efficiently around the base with smooth hands. Outstanding student. Named to Top Prospect List. [Perfectgame.org]
Round 5, Pick 15 (146th overall): Baron Radcliff
Radcliff has power, and was previously drafted in the 40th round by the Braves. His college stats are not impressive — he has hit .236 in three years at GT, but he was an impressive high school prospect.
Here are some highlights, and his scouting report out of high school back in 2017:
Baron Radcliff is a 2017 OF with a 6-4 212 lb. frame from Peachtree Corners, GA who attends Norcross HS. Outstanding high waisted athletic build, very strong with room to get stronger. Left handed hitter, straight stance, does a very nice job of keeping his swing short for his size, simple swing mechanics, quick hands with bat speed, hits the ball out front, gets huge carry when he squares it up, ability to time the ball was still developing but nothing in his swing or hitting rhythm is impacting it, just repetitions at present. High ceiling hitting potential. Very good runner for his size, 6.50 in the sixty, young outfield skills, developing arm strength, left field/first base profile on defense. Follow closely for his offensive potential. Good student. [Perfectgame.org]
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