Here's the Draft Grades for the Mariner's first three picks:
First Round (No. 20 Overall): George Kirby, RHP, Elon
This spring, albeit against lesser competition at Elon, Kirby posted a 2.75 ERA with an absurd 107-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 88.1 innings. A 1.38 ERA with 24 strikeouts in 13 innings in the Cape Cod League last summer helps ease concerns about his ability to handle better hitters. He has a durable 6'3", 205-pound frame, four average-or-better pitches and terrific command. That should allow him to move as quickly as anyone in the class toward a ceiling as a middle-of-the-rotation starter.
Grade: A
Great pick. Kirby was the last of the top-tier college arms on the board, and this is further than any of them were expected to fall. He might not have a frontline ceiling, but he has an extremely high floor and should pair nicely with 2018 first-round pick Logan Gilbert.
Second Round (No. 59 Overall): Brandon Williamson, LHP, TCU
A JUCO transfer who slipped to the 36th round last June as a result of his high asking price, Williamson teased middle-of-the-rotation upside this spring but struggled with consistency. When everything is working, his fastball can touch 96 mph with good late life, and he also features a plus slider. When it's not, his pitches get flat, and he works in the low 90s with his fastball. There's projection left in his 6'5", 210-pound frame, and he's capable of overpowering hitters when things are clicking.
Grade: B
In a thin class for college lefties and given Williamson's considerable upside, this is a good risk-reward pick after taking one of the safest arms in the class at No. 20 overall.
Balance Round B (No. 76 Overall): Isaiah Campbell, RHP, Arkansas
Campbell sits in the mid-90s with his fastball and can reach back for 98 mph when he needs it. He backs it with a slider and a splitter that replaced his changeup this spring, and he has made significant strides with his offspeed stuff as a junior. With smooth mechanics and a strong 6'4", 225-pound frame, he has a middle-of-the-rotation profile with a chance for a bit more.
Grade: A+
Campbell could easily outpitch his draft position, and I had him as the 10th-best college pitcher on my board. The Mariners took a similar approach to the what the Royals did with their first three Day 1 picks last season, grabbing three quality college arms to help bolster a farm system on the rise.
To your health, skills and quick rise, gentlemen.
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/283 ... d-analysis
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