195 replies to this topic

[CantonJester]

45 Tanner Witt

RHP

TEXAS

DOB:

07-11-2002

HEIGHT:

6-5

WEIGHT:

215

Scouting Report

Bats: R, Throws: R

Witt returned to the mound for the Longhorns a few weeks ago, just a year off Tommy John, but hasn't been very effective or shown the same kind of stuff that made him a likely first-rounder before he got hurt, as he's been a lot of 89-92 mph with just an adequate breaking ball, and he's walked seven in 9.2 innings while allowing 10 runs (through the regionals). His delivery is fine and should allow him to have above-average control at some point, although he’s been erratic this spring. He really looks like a guy who’s just off Tommy John surgery and hasn’t gotten his full stuff or command back, rather than someone who’s never going to be the same player, and it might just be a matter of how fast he returned to competitive pitching. He could be a patient team’s second-pick overpay in the hopes that more time gets him back to where he was in 2021.

 

I would put the O’s chances of signing this kid at next to zero.

 

He’s going to continue to rehab his arm and hope to get back to being one of the top pitchers taken in the next draft.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

See who takes the late overslot money first. Certainly not enough pool money to get everyone signed youd think. Unless Bradfield is quite a bit cheaper than slot.

[JeremyStrain]

I actually think they got a bunch of guys with starters pitch mixes. Similar to the guys they’ve drafted and developed the past few years but with some high velocity thrown into the mix. They’ll stretch them out and develop them as starters at least until AAA and see which ones stick. The cupboard is now overflowing with pitchers with potential.

Starter or RP they take the same pic Mitch for both, but a couple of those college guys yesterday scream potential closer to me. Cant all make it as a starter and for some there’s more money the earlier they switch.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

Draft stuff instead of trying to teach it. To be fair the Os have done a fairly good job of improving stuff. Still youd think is easier to draft it. Of course a lot of times than can come with control/commamd issues.


Also should be noted that Ive heard Elais, Sig, or Ciolik say that in years past theyve had pitchers taken out from under them a pick or a few picks in front of them. Early picks. My thought on that was comp round through 3rd rounds. Also there were rumors they were interesred in Jack Leiter if he fell to them in '21

[BobPhelan]

I would put the O’s chances of signing this kid at next to zero.

He’s going to continue to rehab his arm and hope to get back to being one of the top pitchers taken in the next draft.

Curious if they consider paying him what he wants and losing their first round pick next year by going way over the draft pool. Basically trade the 26th pick or whatever for a potential top 10-20 talent if they like him enough.

[Mackus]

Curious if they consider paying him what he wants and losing their first round pick next year by going way over the draft pool. Basically trade the 26th pick or whatever for a potential top 10-20 talent if they like him enough.

Zero chance, IMO.

[BobPhelan]

Zero chance, IMO.

I tend to agree but they could also get an extra 1st round pick if Gunnar finishes top 2 in RoY. I don’t know why else you take him here unless you’re at least willing to consider it, he’s asking for ~$3 million.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

When is the deadline to sign?  Gunnar probably wont be a lock for a 1st rounder by then. Also, obviously if there is any chance we drop out of the playoffs and in the lottery you cant do it either. I dont know much about the guy.  Too much risk. Way too much risk. It would be one thing if he was guaranteed to regain his former stuff but he's not. On top of the other stuff above. I think its a flier and insurance should we not sign an earlyguy or two. In particular probably Baumaier. Then you could throw that money at him

[makoman]

If you don't sign a guy you lose that pool money. So that helps the budget, but doesn't help fitting a guy in.

[BobPhelan]

Whelp, that was quick. He’s going back to Texas haha.

[BaltBird 24]

Worth a shot in the 18th round.

[Steve55]

Worth a shot in the 18th round.

 

 

Walters last year's 18th rd pick who didn't sign was picked 62nd this yr.

[Steve55]

Nolan Mclean last yrs 3rd round pick who didn't sign was picked in the 3rd round again this time by the Mets. Guess he didn't improve his case.

[Nigel Tufnel]

From Keith Law's draft chat:

 

Mark C.

· 6h 22m ago

Did the Orioles change their draft strategy or is it happenstance? This draft was noticeably different and one could assume they took more pitching early because they’re lacking prospects?

 

Keith Law

· 3m ago

I think it would be more fair to say they opened up their draft strategy rather than changed it. There was a clear emphasis on position players over pitchers before this year. I also think they take a Bradfield Jr. now because they believe their system can help overhaul his swing. Maybe in 2019 they don't do that because they didn't have the same personnel and process in place. and process in place.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Michael R.

· 5h 27m ago

How would you rank the draft prospects from the last five drafts based on what you thought at the time they were drafted? Interested to see how guys like Adley Rutschman and Druw Jones stack up to the top 5 from this draft.

 

Keith Law

Rutschman would have been in the mix for 1 at this draft but I don't think Davis/Mayer or Holliday/Druw would have been. Holliday has turned out much better than I think anyone expected, probably including the Orioles.

[Mike B]

From Keith Law's draft chat:

 

Mark C.

· 6h 22m ago

Did the Orioles change their draft strategy or is it happenstance? This draft was noticeably different and one could assume they took more pitching early because they’re lacking prospects?

 

Keith Law

· 3m ago

I think it would be more fair to say they opened up their draft strategy rather than changed it. There was a clear emphasis on position players over pitchers before this year. I also think they take a Bradfield Jr. now because they believe their system can help overhaul his swing. Maybe in 2019 they don't do that because they didn't have the same personnel and process in place. and process in place.

I do think the Orioles realized they had to take more shots at pitching in this draft.  In part because I do not think we are deep in pitching prospects and also in part because they are loaded with position project.