2021 MLB DRAFT Prospect Watch

[Sexymarinersfan]

Thanks for putting in all the effort to highlight these guys Big Sexy.

No problem. I think its more fun if everyone is a bit more educated come draft time. It makes for some good conversation.

[Sexymarinersfan]

May 15th Updated Mock Draft. This will be done in installments. Today will feature Draft Slots 1-3.

1. Pittsburgh Pirates

Jordan Lawlar, SS, Dallas Jesuit

While the presumptive Vandy Boys 1-2 Punch™ has been the public favorite at the top of the 2021 draft, we think the Pirates fancy Dallas Jesuit shortstop Jordan Lawlar with their first pick. Ben Cherington and Co. are famously tight-lipped about their plans in most drafts, so nothing is certain. Lawlar is a potential 5-tool player with exceptional ability across his scouting report and an up-the-middle profile. The hit tool projects plus with at least above average power in the stick, maybe plus. He’s shown a strong approach with the ability to handle pitches in all four quadrants. Lawlar uses all fields and is an inquisitive, cognitive hitter with an advanced baseball mind, often besting the opposition staying one step ahead of their plan on how to pitch him. If there are any warts in his offensive game, it’s that he’s had periods of trying to do too much, expanding the zone to get the big hit. Though even those issues have cleaned themselves up this spring. On defense, Lawlar has quick-twitch, athletic actions on the dirt and can make all the routine plays, as well as some extraordinary plays to his left and coming in on the ball. He’s a sure-bet to stick at shortstop where we think he projects favorably to a player like Xander Bogaerts.

2. Texas Rangers

Jack Leiter, RHP, Vanderbilt

Folks, Jack Leiter is human after all. After an unbelievable start to the season, Leiter has fallen back to earth the past three starts. In that three-game span, Leiter has failed to pitch past the fifth inning twice, giveng up eight home runs, and has walking ten batters in 15.1 innings. So, what’s the problem? First and foremost, Leiter’s command hasn’t been what it once was in this span. He’s left the fastball high in the zone at times, especially when he’s behind in the count, and he’s hung breaking balls in the heart, causing SEC hitters to do damage. He’s also reaching an innings mark he’s never explored. Last year, Leiter only threw 15.2 innings and only averaged ~60 innings in his junior and senior years at Delbarton. He was a late scratch against Alabama in May, Vanderbilt noting “workload management” as the reason. It’s an interesting development for the top arm in this draft, though the arsenal is still exemplary. The fastball is still electric, though velocity has been primarily 91-94 MPH recently. The curveball and slider still have potential for above-average or better, though the change-up needs refinement. All in all, I still like the chances Leiter is the first arm off the board.

3. Detroit Tigers

Marcelo Mayer, shortstop, Eastlake

The second of the “Big Two” prep shortstops in the 2021 class, Marcelo Mayer brings a different skillset to the dish than Lawlar, but represents a tantalizing antithesis to that of his counterpart. At 6-foot-3, Mayer has a longer frame with long levers that he uses profitably across his profile. At the plate, it’s a cut built for the modern game. There’s organic loft in Mayer’s swing with an all-fields approach. In fact, the Chula Vista product was a bit opposite-field-heavy in early 2020 but rebuilt his offensive game to include big pull-side pop. Some now project a plus hitter with plus power, a profile that can be awfully tough to find at shortstop. Mayer is still growing with a body begging for more muscle and mass. Once in a pro system and after adding 10-15 pounds of muscle and explosion, the offensive package could be truly substantial. On the dirt, most believe Mayer will stick at shortstop, though added weight does open the door for a move to third base. He has buttery hands and makes all the routine plays look like a breeze. One of the quieter defenders moving to his right in recent memory. Mayer’s long body glides about the dirt with fluidity. He may never be a standout plus defender, but he’s sure to bring peace of mind to the position for his future fanbase. The Tigers have been linked to Kumar Rocker as well, but keep an eye on Jackson Jobe here...there's no way I can see Mayer falling to Seattle at 12, but then again, crazier things have happened.

I'll post 4-6 later on tonight, and continue so on, by 3's. I will get to 50 scouting profiles this year DT. Mark my words!

[D-train]

This has us taking Colton Cowser. I hadn't heard of him. Note the reference to former Mariners Glen Wilson.

https://www.mlb.com/news/mock-mlb-draft-2021-may-5

[Sexymarinersfan]

I like Colton Cowser a lot, like I did with Henry Davis, before he began climbing out of our reach. Sadly I'm beginning to feel that may wind up happening with Cowser. He's looking more and more like a Top 10 guy.

[Bil522]

I am liking a HS catcher in Harry Ford. We are pretty set at OF for awhile. Looking for a middle infielder but we are picking too low for the top ones and too high for the 2nd tier. Ford seems to be an athletic beast who might just thrive in our system. Heck he might be better than our current catching duo.

[AT Funchal-Madeira]

My top choice is Marcello Mayer out of ChulaVista.... just hoping somehow he falls to the M's.

[Sexymarinersfan]

My top choice is Marcello Mayer out of ChulaVista.... just hoping somehow he falls to the M's.

He'll be long gone! But you and me both. That'd be my dream scenario!

[Sexymarinersfan]

I am liking a HS catcher in Harry Ford. We are pretty set at OF for awhile. Looking for a middle infielder but we are picking too low for the top ones and too high for the 2nd tier. Ford seems to be an athletic beast who might just thrive in our system. Heck he might be better than our current catching duo.

Don't spoil the surprise Juliooooo!! Shhhh!! Lol

I swear you and me think a lot alike when it comes to prospects.

[Bil522]

I am liking a HS catcher in Harry Ford. We are pretty set at OF for awhile. Looking for a middle infielder but we are picking too low for the top ones and too high for the 2nd tier. Ford seems to be an athletic beast who might just thrive in our system. Heck he might be better than our current catching duo.

Don't spoil the surprise Juliooooo!! Shhhh!! Lol

I swear you and me think a lot alike when it comes to prospects.

Ummm....I am not Juliooooo.....I am the one you don't like because I don't add anything substancial so you deem me irrelevant

[Sexymarinersfan]

I am liking a HS catcher in Harry Ford. We are pretty set at OF for awhile. Looking for a middle infielder but we are picking too low for the top ones and too high for the 2nd tier. Ford seems to be an athletic beast who might just thrive in our system. Heck he might be better than our current catching duo.

Don't spoil the surprise Juliooooo!! Shhhh!! Lol

I swear you and me think a lot alike when it comes to prospects.

Ummm....I am not Juliooooo.....I am the one you don't like because I don't add anything substancial so you deem me irrelevant

You're avatars look a lot alike. I did a quick glance when I posted. My bad. I blame being back to the daily grind at work's fault.