5 Tool Talk - Features

Living the Dream

I am proud to announce that I will be joining Perfect Game on a full-time basis starting in mid-May. Because of that, I will not be posting further updates here on 5 Tool Talk, but will keep the site around for comments at least through the draft. Click the link to learn more.

Free Agent Draft Compensation

Updated: 2/2/11: According to reports, Felipe Lopez is going to sign a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, meaning the Red Sox would not receive a compensatory pick for Lopez even if he makes the Rays' big-league roster come opening day. Nice block by the Rays.

Mailbag 1-16-11

Representation always plays a big part in who goes where when it comes to the Major League Baseball June Free Agent Amateur Draft, with Scott Boras' name the most frequently mentioned in such discussions. In this mailbag feature, I tackle a question from a reader wondering where Gerrit Cole may land due to that affiliation.

Gray, Armstrong and Meyer on YouTube

Not a new story, but I've decided to pull a few videos I have taken on Vanderbilt rotation mates Sonny Gray and Jack Armstrong, as well as Kentucky starter Alex Meyer, from the 5 Tool Talk YouTube page to share here. Be sure to visit the 5 Tool Talk YouTube channel for larger versions of these and other videos I've taken in the last year.

Quarterback Competition

There are a pair of talented high school dual-sport athletes whose football talents will make them among the more interesting, and potentially difficult to sign, players eligible for the 2011 draft. Bubba Starling has already aligned himself with Scott Boras, as he and Archie Bradley may look to follow in Zach Lee's footsteps.

Dandy Dozen

SP	Andrew Gagnon	Well rounded RHP w/ good size, repertoire
SP	Erik Johnson	Big bodied RHP with good FB/CB combo
SP	Deshorn Lake	Live-armed RHP with sharp breaking ball
CL	Nick Maronde	Lived-armed LHP tough to catch up to
C	Nick Delmonico	May not be C long-term, big body, LH bat
1B	Zach Wilson	Aggressive hitter can put sting in ball
IF	Sean Trent	Well built hitter with pop, speed, arm
3B	Dante Bichette, Jr.	Clone of father with big build, power
SS	Austin Nola	Steady D' at shortstop, improving strength
OF	Nick Martini	Good all around player with patient eye
OF	Shon Carson	Shorter, well built 2-sport speedster
OF	Granden Goetzman	Fast riser w/ exciting power/speed combo

more