4 replies to this topic

[ChaosLex]

If memory serves, everyone last year called Bundy the best pitcher in the draft. If so, why then was Cole selected with the #1 pick by the Bucs? Was it because of his polish?

The reason I ask is because Appel is expected to go #1 or #2 in this year's draft, and there have been some people (Keith Law notably) who said that Gausman is the best pitcher in this year's draft.

I guess I'm just a bit confused about why the "best" pitchers in each draft are being passed over for other (albeit very good) pitchers. There's probably a simple explanation to this question. LOL

[RichardZ]

If memory serves, everyone last year called Bundy the best pitcher in the draft. If so, why then was Cole selected with the #1 pick by the Bucs? Was it because of his polish?

The reason I ask is because Appel is expected to go #1 or #2 in this year's draft, and there have been some people (Keith Law notably) who said that Gausman is the best pitcher in this year's draft.

I guess I'm just a bit confused about why the "best" pitchers in each draft are being passed over for other (albeit very good) pitchers. There's probably a simple explanation to this question. LOL

I think there's a bit of revisionist history going on with Dylan Bundy. He was not a clear cut better pick than Cole, Hultzen, or Bauer. In fact, there was some thought that Archie Bradley might be the O's pick and that he might be the better pitcher (in the future). Bundy was/is a very advanced HS pitcher. So much, that many thought he was on the same level as the college guys but that doesn't mean he was thought of as clearly better.

As for this year, it depends on who you talk to. Appel, Gausman, and Zimmer could be 1,2,3, or 3,2,1 or any other combination depending on who you talk to.

[JeremyStrain]

If memory serves, everyone last year called Bundy the best pitcher in the draft. If so, why then was Cole selected with the #1 pick by the Bucs? Was it because of his polish?

The reason I ask is because Appel is expected to go #1 or #2 in this year's draft, and there have been some people (Keith Law notably) who said that Gausman is the best pitcher in this year's draft.

I guess I'm just a bit confused about why the "best" pitchers in each draft are being passed over for other (albeit very good) pitchers. There's probably a simple explanation to this question. LOL

Like RZ said, everyone has a different opinion, ESPECIALLY this year. Bundy was thought to be the best HS pitcher, not the best pitcher, because he was in HS there is more projection involved than say with Cole who is already 3 years ahead of Bundy and still on track. Basically, all prospects start at 18 (or 17) and either you believe so strongly in the tools at that point, that you draft them then, or you let them go to college and see if they develop closer to that ceiling in college without falling apart.

Everyone has opinions. Stroman has the best collection of pitches in the draft, some people like Gausman, some people like Zimmer, some are Appel guys. It's a crapshoot this year, but generally every year the term "best pitcher" is just an opinion.

[RVAbird]

If memory serves, everyone last year called Bundy the best pitcher in the draft. If so, why then was Cole selected with the #1 pick by the Bucs? Was it because of his polish?

The reason I ask is because Appel is expected to go #1 or #2 in this year's draft, and there have been some people (Keith Law notably) who said that Gausman is the best pitcher in this year's draft.

I guess I'm just a bit confused about why the "best" pitchers in each draft are being passed over for other (albeit very good) pitchers. There's probably a simple explanation to this question. LOL

I think you might be misremembering. Cole was widely considered the best arm in the draft before the Spring. As the college season progressed and Cole had a someone disappointing/inconsistent year and Bauer and Hultzen dominated the competition, A good chunk transferred to the Bauer train and a handful leaned toward Hultzen. Bundy picked up steam late as he separated himself from the rest of the prep arms, but I only remember hearing "best pitcher" statements once or twice right around and after draft time.

Regardless of pre-draft performance, I believe the best arm in the draft went 1:1 last year. I think you could make a case for either Gausman or Appel as top college arm in 2012, and one of the two will probably be the first of the litter picked.

[Can_of_corn]

Bundy had a few other factors working against him as well.

No HS right handed pitcher has ever gone #1.
His size was less then ideal.
His workload in High School was a red flag for some.