This past week was the 2015 MLB Draft. More than 1200 players waited long and patiently until their name was finally called by the team they could start their career with. All the players hoping to fulfill their lifelong dream to become a professional baseball player. Let's take a look at some of the Phillies key draft picks.
The Phillies started off the draft very smart in picking Cornelius Randolph out of Griffin High School in Georgia. Randolph is a 5'11" 205 lb short stop known for hitting for average and power. Scouts have admired his excellent bat speed, strength, and patience. Randolph will also soon be moving to an easier position. He is not quite quick enough to play short stop and is suffering from bicep tendinitis which has taken a toll on his arm. My guess is he will be moving to first base and will be in the Phillies system as a permanent replacement for Ryan Howard.
Another standout pick was Arizona's Scott Kingery. Kingery is a 5'10" 180 lb second baseman. He led the NCAA in batting average this past spring and, while he can not hit for power, he is speedy and an on base machine. He has a short and quick stroke that hits line drives all over the field and an eye to watch for bad pitches. He bats from the right side which, for the Phillies, is a huge plus.
A surprising pick was Penn's Austin Bossart. Bossart is a 6'2" 225 lb catcher out of an Ivy League school. The Phillies took him in the 4th round 414th overall. He was the 2015 co-Ivy League Player of the Year. He hit .358 with 13 doubles, 4 home runs, and 27 RBIs this spring. He also had a slugging percentage of .540 and an on base percentage of .420 drawing 16 walks and being hit 6 times. As a catcher he had no errors and threw out 53% of runners attempting to steal on him. He will be a good replacement or even backup for either Chooch or Cameron Rupp in the coming years.
Not surprisingly the Phillies drafted the University of Tampa's Andrew Amaro. He is a 6'1" 195 lb outfielder. He also happens to be the son of our fearless leader, Ruben Amaro Jr. Not that he may not have the skills to be a professional player but is it really right to draft your own son? If I were a GM I definitely would not. Before the draft I had not even heard of Andrew but who knows, maybe he could be a good outfielder some day.
Finally the last player I would like to mention is Griffin Morandini. He is the son of former Phillies 2B Mickey Morandini. However, unlike his old man, Griffin plays center field. Griffin is fresh out of Garnet Valley High School in Glen Mills, PA. Garnet Valley is only about 30 minutes out of Philly, or about 21 miles. I have not heard much about Griffin, but being from the area, I know Garnet Valley has a good baseball program. I think it would be nice if Griffin could make a nice career right around where he grew up.
To conclude what I have stated, I think the Phillies draft this year was a success. We got players to fill key roles of our current aging and struggling players. The main players I am excited to see are Randolph, Kingery, and Bossart. Overall I would grade the Phillies a B.
How would you rate the draft? Comment your thoughts.
Thanks! Hope you enjoyed!
- Mike
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