MLB Draft Thread (Zeuch-focused)

[Pittbaseball11]

Heading into the MLB Draft, here is where the most recent mocks have Zeuch going (hint: there seems to be a pretty consistent theme as of 6/7/2016). Will update as best I can during draft day, but there's kind of a big hockey game going on that night as well so attention will be split. As always, specifics should be taken with a grain of salt -- these are mostly useful just to see what range a guy's name comes up in.

Scout Mock Draft (Jeff Ellis) -- 6/9/2016:

22. Pittsburgh PIrates - TJ Zeuch, RHP

The Pirates have been on several prep players, but I think Zeuch is the guy they hope is still there at 22.

Keith Law Mock Draft 4.0 -- 6/9/2016 (it's behind a paywall, so no link):

27. Baltimore Orioles - TJ Zeuch, RHP

MLB.com Mock Drafts, Callis & Mayo -- 6/9/2016

Mayo: 17. Houston Astros - TJ Zeuch, RHP

Callis: 20. Los Angeles Dodgers - TJ Zeuch, RHP

Baseball America Mock Draft 5.2 -- 6/9/2016

20. Los Angeles Dodgers - TJ Zeuch, RHP

L.A. remains linked to college arms. Robert Tyler also is in play here.
Read more at http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/mock-draft-5-1-moniak-remains-top/#xQ18yr4oGMbzi5bR.99

Taylor Ward Scout.com Mock Draft -- 6/9/2016

20. Los Angeles Dodgers - TJ Zeuch, RHP

The Dodgers are linked to many college pitchers, and this could be a great spot to take another undersized Vanderbilt arm in Jordan Sheffield. However, the potential and helium is much higher and leaning towards Zeuch. The Dodgers could also make an attempt at Delvin Perez here.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Law has said that he is not sure if Zeuch's secondary pitches will be good enough to be a top major league starter. He thinks he may end up in the bullpen.

 

[Pittbaseball11]

That's probably about right. Most sites I've seen have a grade of 50 on him, which would be a solid 4th starter or a high leverage reliever.

 

[Pittbaseball11]

From Baseball Prospectus' "Notes from the Field" feature. It's a site whose scouts and writers tend to get hired into Major League Baseball so I generally find them to be credible:

T.J. Zeuch, RHP, University of Pittsburgh
Zeuch has been a pop-up guy this spring for many on the prospect scene. He has a large frame standing 6-foot-7, 225 pounds, with broad shoulders and lean limbs. Standing on the mound he reminds you of a young Roy Halladay, with similar mechanics to the former Blue Jays and Phillies starter. He throws from a high-three-quarters slot with no red flags on the back side but does feature significant hip blocking out front with a short stride.

In my viewing, he was 92-95 and touched 96 with arm-side run and the ability to locate the pitch to both sides of the plate. He showed the ability to hold his velocity deep into his start, sitting 92-93 in the seventh against a solid Notre Dame team. While his command wavered, especially early, he did show the ability to fight through it and wasn't afraid to challenge hitters inside.

Zeuch throws both a curveball and a slider, with the curveball sitting 74-78 with 11/5 shape and average rotation. He was reaching for the pitch early but found the release point later in the game and it flashed average when thrown with authority. His slider sits 83-88 with short break and tilt. He uses it mainly as a pitch starting on the plate, breaking off for a swinging strike. He shows enough separation between the two that he should be able to pitch with both breaking balls going forward. The changeup is an afterthought at present but does show limited fade in the zone. The arm speed will need work though.

Zeuch is a name that will go in the first round on Thursday and he deserves to do so with a solid four-pitch mix, ability to locate his fastball, and the size that scouts like to see.

 

[PA_Panther]

I think that Zeuch will go before the Pirates even get a chance to call his name. I can't see the Pirates drafting Burdi unless he would agree to sign under slot so they can draft some long shot signees later on. With the recent trend of the Pirates drafting strategy (Gap to Gap Power High Contact) I'm going to guess that they go with Buddy Reed or a young high school player that we aren't even thinking of.

 

[Pittbaseball11]

I think that Zeuch will go before the Pirates even get a chance to call his name. I can't see the Pirates drafting Burdi unless he would agree to sign under slot so they can draft some long shot signees later on. With the recent trend of the Pirates drafting strategy (Gap to Gap Power High Contact) I'm going to guess that they go with Buddy Reed or a young high school player that we aren't even thinking of.

I would LOVE for them to grab Delvin Perez if he falls to them. They have a farm system that can afford some risk.

 

[PA_Panther]

He's a very interesting case with his recent positive PED test. Up until then it looked like he was going to be one of the top shortstop taken. I wouldn't put it past the Pirates to taking him. I've personally loved their strategy of taking up the middle players the past two years and making it work. With them drafting Tucker, Newman and Kramer it would really create a gut of Middle Infielders in the system.

 

[PA_Panther]

I'll be curious as to where some of the guys in the PSAC will end up this year. Brandon Miller from Millersville could easily go very early along with Collin McKee from Mercyhurst.

 

[Pittbaseball11]

He's a very interesting case with his recent positive PED test. Up until then it looked like he was going to be one of the top shortstop taken. I wouldn't put it past the Pirates to taking him. I've personally loved their strategy of taking up the middle players the past two years and making it work. With them drafting Tucker, Newman and Kramer it would really create a gut of Middle Infielders in the system.

Nolan Jones seems to be the guy they're linked to right now. He's been all over the place. Some have had him up near the Top 10, others have had him totally out of the 1st round due to bonus demands. So, he'll be interesting.

Another rumor is that the Pirates LOVE Brandon Marsh, a toolsy outfielder from Georgia who they're throwing a ton of money in front of at #41 in order to entice him to say he's headed to college unless he gets a big bonus.

I updated the mocks above, and right now it seems like Zeuch to the Dodgers at #20 is the common theme. Stock seems to be pretty steady around #15-25 for him.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Plum High School outfielder Alex Kirilloff goes to the Twins with the 15th pick. I believe he is the first first round draft pick from the WPIAL since something like 1843.

 

[Piranha]

Plum High School outfielder Alex Kirilloff goes to the Twins with the 15th pick. I believe he is the first first round draft pick from the WPIAL since something like 1843.

Ha? Ever heard of Neil Walker?

 

[Pittbaseball11]

Jays pop Zeuch at #21. Lots of really intriguing names available for the Pirates.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Ha? Ever heard of Neil Walker?

Who?

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Pirates take Will Craig, third baseman from Wake Forest.

 

[Pittbaseball11]

Pirates take Will Craig. College performer, big power guy who is likely a 1B. Was mocked to the Pirates once, but since then has been mocked to the Mets at 19.

Adds a bit of fuel to the Brandon Marsh fire IMO.

 

[PA_Panther]

I'm guessing the Pirates today go with there classic mix of College Senior Hitters and Prep Arms

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Charles Leblanc was picked by the Rangers in the 4th round, 129 overall.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Three of Pitt's "not ACC level players" were drafted on the third day. Alex Kowalczyk went in the 12th round to the Rangers, Aaron Schnurbusch was picked by the White Sox in the 28th round and Nick Yarnell went in the 35th round to the Dodgers.

 

[PA_Panther]

Pennsylvania had a heck of a year of producing talent. The PSAC which is a D2 Conference produced 9 Draft picks. While only one went in the top 10 rounds, it's pretty impressive for a conference that features mainly kids from PA to produce that many draft picks.