Hardcore Mariner Draft Speculation

By Stevil, June 5th, 2020.

 

We'll keep this short and to the point: We don't view the top draft prospects in the same manner as most sites. We don't see Seattle selecting a pitcher who looks more likely to be featured in a bullpen than a rotation or a high-floor arm that lacks front-line potential. We don't see Seattle worrying much about fielding positions, either.

With that out of the way, here are the 10 we would focus on if we were actually involved...

1. Austin Martin, INF, Vanderbilt

2. Spencer Torkelson, 1B, Arizona State
3. Emerson Hancock, RHP, Georgia
4. Zac Veen, OF, Spruce Creek HS, Florida
5. Asa Lacy, LHP, Texas A&M
6. Nick Gonzales, 2B, New Mexico State
7. Mick Abel, RHP, Jesuit HS, Oregon
8. Heston Kjerstad, RF/1B, Arkansas
9. Nick Bitsko, RHP, Central Bucks East HS, Pennsylvania 
10. Ed Howard, SS, Mount Carmel HS, Illinois  

We believe Martin's positional flexibility could be a huge asset, taking over at third, short, center, or even second. Torkelson may not seem like a fit because of White's presence, but we believe he could handle right field. Getting him PAs might mean rotating players, but that's hardly a negative.

Hancock might end up with four plus pitches in short-order which is exactly why we have him ranked higher than Lacy. There's real ace potential with Hancock, and even if he doesn't reach that status, he's more likely to stick in a rotation than some of his draft peers.

Virtually everyone else listed here has a high ceiling. There would certainly be risk involved, especially with the prep players, but we already know that Jerry is willing to assume a little more risk this year. He'll hold him to that.

Other players of note for rounds 2-5 would be any college arm with multiple plus or above average pitches and mid-90's heat, and fielders with signability concerns, such as Jordan Walker. Seattle has more financial flexibility than most teams, which could net them a first-round talent in the second. It's all about preventing kids from going to school this year. We're working on a slogan to promote this line of thinking. We'll get to work on a children's book shortly after.

Catcher is arguably the most pressing need in the organization and  a player like Michael Rothenberg might be of real interest, though Seattle will likely need to look at external options at some point, or try to ink interesting undrafted backstops from lesser-known schools with nowhere to go.

That's all we have for now and that's all we'll likely have before the draft. Feel free to weigh in.