Draft Talk
Chad James
My posts have been sporadic to say the least but the blog has certainly been in great hands. I have been doing quite a bit of research concerning the draft.
Chad James is the name I keep hearing with the St. Louis Cardinals at number 19. When watching his video on MLB, it is obvious there is a lot to like. Projectable lefties that throw in the mid-nineties are a valuable commodity. I found this interview with the southpaw done this past March.
The Cardinals got to see him up close and personal this past October during the Wood Bat Tournament. The star-studded affair took place at Roger Dean Stadium and James pitched in a rotation with projected first rounders Tyler Matzek and Shelby Miller.
Remember, the Cardinals have strong ties in James’ native Oklahoma so don’t be surprised if the team pops another Okie prep like it did in 2007. Another video of James can be found here. And here.
Jonathan Mayo posted his mock draft earlier today. He has Grant Green falling to the Cardinals. Considered a top five pick coming into the season, Green, who has suffered with a bout of “draftitis” along with being a Boras client, has seen his stock fall. Even though he struggled, he finished the season with a line of .374/.435/.569. Baseball America rated him as the number 1 prospect in last summer’s Cape Cod League and we all know the Cardinals place in high regard players that have played on the Cape. Depending on his asking price, I think I could get really excited about Green being the choice. A potential left side of the infield of Green and Brett Wallace is something all Cardinal fans can get excited about.
Video of Grant Green
Another name to be familiar with is Chad Jenkins. A right-hander out of Kenesaw State, he seems to fit the mold the Cardinals look for. A big body pitcher with a heavy sinker. Think Lance Lynn.
Video of Kenesaw State’s Chad Jenkins (Double Click to see full-size)
Dustin Mattison
dustin@whiteyball.com
About the Author: 
Great stuff Dustin. I’d love to see someone (especially a shortstop) “fall” to the Cardinals for once, but they always seem to surprise with what most draft people consider (right or wrong) “a reach pick”.
I’m looking forward to seeing what they do.
Dustin, this is great! If the Cards are showing interest in Green, should he be there, does that mean Kozma is a dud? Any projections on him, how’s he doing this year?
I don’t think Kozma is a dud, he just doesn’t have the upside of a Grant Green. Koz could always slide over and play second.
He started out well at Palm Beach but got a quick promotion to Springfield. There he has really struggled. Luckily, according to the Springfield News-Leader’s Matt Baker, Kozma is staying upbeat and using this as a learning experience.
By the way, great job on the site redesign. It looks great.
[...] Whitey Ball認為Chad James可能會被我們選上。雖然是高中生，別忘了兩年前他的學長Pete Kozma就被我們選上。幹! [...]
I have mixed feelings about Green. The tools are said to be there, and after a slow start he hit for average again, but where did his power go? He’s not the most patient hitter, either. I think he has like a 7% walk rate.
I’ve also heard mixed reviews on his defense. I initially liked seeing Mayo have Green on his mock, but now I feel sort of iffy about him.
I just don’t see how Green could lose that much from his summer on the Cape to now. Yeah, he might not have been as productive, but I just have to believe the tools are still there.