Royals have the 7th pick.

2021 MLB draft prospect rankings: Vanderbilt’s Jack Leiter stays on top, Jordan Lawlar moves up Keith Law’s top 50

The draft class looks weaker today than it did six weeks ago. More players have underperformed or gotten hurt than have boosted their standing through performance, new tools, or new conditioning. The college right-hander class isn’t as good as it first looked, and the college position player crop is bad – we might not see an SEC position player drafted in the first round for the first time since 2014 and just the third time in 15 years. The high school crop is about average, maybe lighter on arms than usual, but that’s less of an issue as the industry has moved away from high school arms in the first round in the last two years. It’s a tough year to draft high, but it might be a good year to have extra picks and/or a large bonus pool.



1. Jack Leiter, RHP, Vanderbilt
2. Jordan Lawlar, SS, Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
3. Kumar Rocker, RHP, Vanderbilt
4. Henry Davis, C, Louisville
5. Sal Frelick, OF, Boston College
6. Gunnar Hoglund, RHP, Ole Miss
7. Marcelo Mayer, SS, Eastlake (CA) HS
8. Brady House, SS, Winder-Barrow (GA) HS
9. Ryan Cusick, RHP, Wake Forest
10. Kahlil Watson, SS, Wake Forest (NC) HS



Leiter would absolutely go 1-1 if the draft were today, but I think he might actually be getting too much hype after his recent run of a nine-inning no-hitter, a seven-inning no-hit start, and two almost-as-dominant outings since then where he allowed six hits in 13 innings with 25 strikeouts. He’s the best guy in the class, but I don’t think it’s fair to assume that because he’s the top prospect this year, he’s going to be Gerrit Cole or Stephen Strasburg – Leiter is different, and has less chance to become an ace than either of those guys did. But he’s still atop this board, and right now I don’t think it’s that close.

I do know scouts who think Lawlar is the best prospect in the draft, and with the paucity of bats at the college level, he’s probably going to go off the board in the first three picks. He’s one of the toolsiest kids in the draft, with plus speed, future plus defense at short, and great bat speed. He’ll turn 19 right before the draft, so he’s one of the older high school players, and doesn’t have the same advanced instincts and feel for the game as Bobby Witt, Jr. (another Metroplex-area high school shortstop who went second overall in 2019), but may have even more upside.

Rocker’s velocity has been down the last few outings, with a lot of 89-91 or 89-92 mph, although there’s no evidence that there’s something more serious here than just fatigue. He also hasn’t pitched that well with the lower velo, which is hardly surprising. If he doesn’t regain his usual velocity before the end of the college season, it might hurt his standing, but I’m not ready to say this is much more than a midseason slump in a year when a lot of college and high school pitchers are dealing with fatigue earlier in the season than usual. To be entirely fair to Rocker, he’s still struck out 39 guys in 25 innings in four SEC starts, so he’s not really “slumping.”

Davis has mashed all year, with huge power and a patient eye, and he’s got a plus arm and enough receiving skills to stay behind the plate. Joey Bart went second overall with less bat and more glove; I don’t think it’s a stretch to think Davis could be the first college position player taken.

And if it’s not Davis, it will probably be Frelick, who has taken to center field while walking more than he strikes out and already topping his career-best in home runs. He may not hit for the same kind of power in pro ball, but it’s very promising to see him make so much hard contact given his 5-foot-9 frame.

Before last weekend’s rough outing against Arkansas, where he walked five Hogs in 5 1/3 innings, Hoglund had been the most consistent starter in college baseball, allowing no more than three walks or three runs in any start, and punching out 10 or more in every start but one. He pitches with a lot of above-average stuff, but the curve could be a real out pitch if he uses it more. With his command and control, however, he’s going to go in the top 10 either way, and could even pass Rocker if the latter’s velocity doesn’t eventually pick up.

Mayer is a definite shortstop with feel to hit and average speed, probably not projecting to power but with sufficient strength to hit enough to profile as an above-average regular at short. Lawlar has bigger tools, and he’ll be first off the board among prep bats, but Mayer should be second.

House has some of the best exit velocities in the draft with unreal power in games this spring, and thanks to some small swing adjustments he’s showing that he can use the whole field better. He’s not going to stay at shortstop, and may have to work to become an average defender at third.

Cusick might have the draft’s best fastball, up to 100 mph with spin and elite extension, and he can really spin a breaking ball, although the pitch isn’t consistent. He’s punched out 39 percent of the batters he’s faced this year, and the Deacons’ defense hasn’t done him many favors (he’s allowed a .450 BABIP), but even improved control hasn’t gotten him to average yet.

Watson’s season won’t begin for another two weeks, but he showed enough last summer and fall to profile as a top-10 pick, with no below-average tools, potentially plus-plus defense at shortstop, and hard contact. He’s very strong for his size, although some teams will shy away from a 5-foot-9 high school player.

He took it like such a champ. He asked “you couldn’t have faked it for me?” after hitting that batter. Detest the Sox but was so impressed and happy for Rodon.

Benitendi finally got an XBH yesterday. Nice little soft-serve into shallow RF that he legged out. The crowd went wild

It's good to see him getting on his front foot and pulling the ball, but yeah, he isn't squaring up/barrelling as much as you'd like to see.

He might have permanently ruined himself with the bulk-up attempt.

Launch angle down from 15.5 first four years to 12.3. A bit of a bounce from last years dreadful 8.7. Small sample size but went from upper 25% to about leagegu avg on that. Coupled with weak exit velo and you get a punch + Judy slap hitter.


Btw Hosmer LA is -1.9! He was about 4.0 here, went to -1.5 his awful first year in SD. Bounced to 8.7 last season but old Eric is back.


Btw his 3yr Zips WAR projections: 0.3, 0.0, -0.3. Woof!

Noah Junis should be a pitching coach.

Fun team this year, folks!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Royals won seven of the first eleven this April. They won seven total in April 2019. Same in April 2018 and April 2017. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Royals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Royals</a></p>&mdash; Josh Vernier (@JoshVernier610) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshVernier610/status/1382898044882984968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Adam Eaton started a benches clearing brawl against the Indians. My God it’s easy to hate the White Sox!

Waking up to the Royals again in first place.

It’s just good for the soul.

Adam Eaton has always been a butthole.

Just like this one:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l-3vTjr-xlU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

https://theathletic.com/2522292/2021...ob-junis-more/

The Pitching Report (4/16): New pitches for Lance McCullers Jr., Jakob Junis and more
by
Eno Sarris

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Royals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Royals</a> have won 54 consecutive games when leading after 7 innings, the longest streak in <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLB</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherRoyal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherRoyal</a> <a href="https://t.co/Krn6SHeMvS">pic.twitter.com/Krn6SHeMvS</a></p>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1382899167832379394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

They tried their best to almost give it away last night . . . . . . . thank goodness for Scott Barlow.

So when could we possibly call up Bobby Witt and not lose out on an extra year due to service time?

What were the other 2? 03 and 15?

I'd assume it's the Dodgers.

I see what you are asking now.... :p

Those would be my best guess.

Late April/early May. A few more weeks.

I think they’re going to let him get his feet wet at AA first, though.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight&#39;s Royals/Blue Jays game has been banged. Doubleheader tomorrow at 1:10 p.m. &amp; 5:10 p.m. Fans who have tickets tonight can use them for tomorrow&#39;s second game. If they can&#39;t attend tomorrow, they may be eligible for a voucher for future games.</p>&mdash; Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) <a href="https://twitter.com/alec_lewis/status/1383145492930973696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Banged?

"Tell me you're a virgin without actually saying that you're a virgin."

He looks like famous movie nerd Eddie Deezen:

https://www.sbmania.net/images/cast/Eddie%20Deezen.jpg

Hey I just watched Critters 2 the other day and that dude was in it lol

Has anyon seen the carnage on DCs “big 3”?

6 starts. 0-4 with an 8 FIP. That’s freaking 80M per season in salaries for that trio.

Jake Junis: 2 starts, 1.50 FIP.

I guess Yankee fans are upset with their team. ROFL

How is it Tatis Jr. can dislocate his shoulder, go on the DL, and still come back before Mondesi makes his first appearance?

This is so perfect LMAO

No Padres fans are happy he's back.

Padres vs Dodgers on MLBN are playing a classic. Hosmer just knocked in the tying run in the bottom of the 9th.

Bonus baseball.

Yeah it's been a great game. Especially considering many people would consider these the two favorites in the NL.

I’m hoping the whole series will be on tv nationally. 2 excellent teams.

LMAO And now they're gonna fight in the 10th inning.

These teams really don’t like each other.

A welcome back moment for Tatis?

This might be the most bonkers game of the entire year. Back and forth, extra innings, benches cleared in the 10th, the Dodgers blowing it open in the 12th after a Tatis error... now the Padres have run out of pitchers, their 2B is pitching and one of their starting pitchers is playing LF, and actually caught a fly ball for an out on a David Price sac fly.

It's a great day for baseball.. Let's play two!

Just looked at the schedule for today, and Ervin Santana is starting the second game?!! (According to yahoo)

We traded for a pitcher?

The Royals announced today that they have acquired right-handed pitcher Eduardo Herrera from the Arizona Diamondbacks for outfielder Nick Heath, who was designated for assignment on Wednesday.

Herrera, 21, was signed by Arizona as an international free agent in 2016, and played as a catcher and infielder in the Dominican Summer League from 2017-18. He converted to a right-handed pitcher in 2019 and struck out 38 batters in 23.2 innings (14.5 K/9) across 22 relief appearances between the Arizona League and Class-A Hillsboro.

Long live the Herrera-Davis-Holland bullpen!!!!

After AB’s double went over Gurriel, Ryan and Rex said he was playing him like a “punch + Judy” hitter. ;)

Ryan and Rex lurk on ChiefsPlanet apparently.

When Rex tells Ryan to “die in an AIDS fire”, we’ll know for sure.

ROFL

He also had to explain what that meant too.

We here on the Royals thread have an understanding of this game that local yokels could only dream of having.

If we are ever rumored to be in on a guy who was released, Ryan may just blurt out the old “Have we signed this piece of shit yet?”

Yeah it’ll be entertaining the next time they sign off and Rex says:

“That’s all from Kansas City...eat ****pie queers!”

What a shit inning....

Whit doesn't score from 2nd on a single...
Salvy K's with Whit at 3rd with 0 outs...
Alberto flies out to shallow RF and Whit stays at 3rd...
Dozier swings at the first pitch with bases loaded and 2 out...

Royals score 0

Dozier is worthless.

LOL

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thought I was coming out to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Royals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Royals</a> game for baseball, not to hear Toronto pitcher Robbie Ray moan like he’s the pizza delivery guy in a low budget adult film with every pitch.</p>&mdash; Dave O (@daveo933) <a href="https://twitter.com/daveo933/status/1383851493787201536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Huge wasted inning.

And Dozier is doing jack shit.

Lot of life on Singer's stuff thus far today

Guy sounds like a female Euro tennis player

Although, Greinke was a heavy moaner on the mound as well

2 AB's that inning were frustrating..

on 3-0, Soler swung at ball 4 almost in the dirt. He did end up walking

Bases loaded, 2 out, Dozier swings at first pitch and grounds to 3rd. Doesn't make the struggling pitcher throw more or anything. Kid needs to go down for a bit, imo.

I thought Whit cost us that inning really. Being TOO careful. He had 2 chances to score though one would have been very close.

Good recovery there.

Singer dealing.....****ing offense needs to get their shit together this inning.

How in the **** do you send 6 to the plate in an inning and not score at least once?

That looked like a balk....

This dude’s grunting is hilarious

This is why I get pissed when guys swing at the 1st pitch like Dozier did. One thing if it's earlier in the inning but when you have bases loaded and 2 out and the pitcher is not dealing, make him throw more than one strike. He doesn't want to walk in a run so he will throw more than one.

That was a good AB by Whit there and what Dozier should be doing.

C'mon, Salvy!!!

If nothing else, this guy is throwing a ton of pitches. If his arm doesn’t give out soon, his vocal chords will.

C'mon Salvy!

Welp. Nada.

And again, swing at the 1st pitch with 2 outs and bases loaded....


JFC!!!!!

:banghead:

God dammit. Terrible “clutch” hitting.

The pitcher just walked the 2 guys in front of you...WTF DO YOU SWING AT THE FIRST ****ING PITCH!?!?!?!?!

Need to get Ned out of the deer stand to chew some ass.

Frustrating day so far.

That's 2 innings in a row with 2 shit AB's both the exact situation...bases loaded, 2 outs and swing at the first pitch for an out

I'd have an earful for them. That's just a bad approach. Again, the 2 guys in front of you just walked. As Frank White would say, "I'm not taking the bat off my shoulder until this guy throws a strike"

oof..Santana needs to let Whit get that and Whit made a high throw....great job by Singer covering though

Good job by Singer

If we leave the bases loaded again I'm going to scream.

Damn it, our Solar power is having some issues.

This is a frustrating game to say the least.....

8 runners in 3 innings LOB.....not going to win like that.....

8 LOB in 3 innings.

Damn!