Reds take Zack Stewart in rd 3

[starpower25]

A relief pitcher with a 05 mph fastball out of texas tech

[Lark11]

Man, we have 2 picks in the first 3 rounds and use one on a college closer?

I suppose it could work out, but I'm really questioning using such high round selections on pitchers who, even in the best case scenario, will only work ~65 innings a year.

[starpower25]

Ok I watched scouting video and here are the things I noticed.

Fastball 92-95 MPH with movment a plus pitch

Slider 83 mph with late life also a plus pitch.

Solid pitching frame and very smooth.

The way it works in most cases is relief ptichers are used as starters early in minor league career to work on all 3 pitches and later are moved into a relief role. This kid has very good stuff and should move fast and who knows maybe after the move into a starting role even just to learn the 3rd pitch maybe the Reds decide to keep him as a starter.

Solid pick in rd 3 because he is a safe bet to amke the show.

[Lark11]

I wish Cutter Dykstra had still been there, but the hated Brewers nabbed him in round 2.

[starpower25]

I am ok with the pick as like I said he is a safe bet to move fast and make it to the Reds. It will be something to see how we use him early. We used Watson early in a starting role and then moved him into a closers role. If he ptiches well as a starter maybe he sticks I bet they at least try it.

IN a weak draft class this was a solid pick. PLus you can never have enough power arms in the pen.

[Lark11]

Jun 5, 2008 18:11:37 GMT -5 starpower25 said:

I am ok with the pick as like I said he is a safe bet to move fast and make it to the Reds. It will be something to see how we use him early. We used Watson early in a starting role and then moved him into a closers role. If he ptiches well as a starter maybe he sticks I bet they at least try it.

IN a weak draft class this was a solid pick. PLus you can never have enough power arms in the pen.

I disagree with him being a safe pick. Not all of these college closers pan out, as evidenced by Ryan Wagner, etc.

This isn't the way I would've gone.

[starpower25]

Wagner's only issue IMO as the reason he did not make it is the Reds rushed him and tried to change him all at the same time. That caused arm issues. This kid looked very good and has smooth stuff not forced at all. It was not a bad pick.

I would have gone another way as well but it seems most Reds fans hate the Reds draft untill after its over then they see how they do and love it. The Reds have drafted well since 2004 IMO very well in fact.

[Lark11]

The Reds have been much better, still I would've gone the Brandon Crawford or Petey Paramore route. Or, Tim Murphy, who is a tough lefty out of UCLA with a very nice curveball.

[starpower25]

I forgot all about crawford man he is falling. Is he still out there if so maybe in rd 4

[Lark11]

He's still there.

He's a draft eligible junior, so I wonder how tough of a sign he'd be. He might prefer to head back to UCLA and rebuild his value. Still, if there is a good chance to sign him, I'd pull the trigger. He had a down year, but he's got skills and could easily get back on track.

[Lark11]

Another guy I might look for later on is Chris Hopkins, the centerfielder for Oregon State. Not a top of the draft guy, but he's got good defensive skills and nice on-base ability. He could be a steal later on.

[Lark11]

It'll be interesting to see what we do here.

[starpower25]

This is the last rd IMO to get a very solid prospect after that its all about luck IMO

[Lark11]

I want Crawford.

Pick him and give him well over slot. Bring him in and get him back on track. He was heavily predicted to be a top 15 guy prior to the 2007 season. He'd be a good value in round 4.

[Lark11]

Wow.

Tim Melville fell all the way to round 4?

Great pick by the Royals, as long as they can get him signed. Throw the big money at him. Melville and Hosmer is a good haul for KC.