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Eric Longenhagen Prospects Chat
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Eric A Longenhagen
12:18
Good morning, folks. Lots to squeeze in on my end today (I think I get Taylor Hearn and Tyler Beede in Scottsdale today) so we'll probably hold tight to an hour. Let's begin
Philip
12:19
Do you prefer austin Allen to Josh Naylor?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:19
Nope
Evan Longoria
12:19
Do you know much about Ronaldo Hernandez?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:20
Strong 19-year old Colombian catcher in Tampa's system. Has power, catching is a work-in-progress but that's fine because he's a converted infielder. He made Rays list last offseason.
Chris
12:21
How good will Florial, Abreu, and Estrada be?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:24
Abreu has been 94-97 with a plus changeup and at least average curveball. He doesn't repeat and his command is poor, so there's a chance he's a reliever. But he has huge stuff, arguably the bets here. Estrada is a fine defensive shortstop with enough stick that I think he could be somebody's second division regular there. Florial is very talented but has swing path and patience issues that compound to form an unstable strikeout-prone offensive profile
Sharp
12:24
Is there value in developing high drafted pitchers as clutch relievers?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:25
Not if they can start, but better to develop a reliever than a guy who isn't a big leaguer at all. I wouldn't draft a guy in the top 15-20 picks if I  thought he were a reliever.
Will Smith
12:25
Who has impressed you more this AFL so far, Fried or Sheffield, or both? Who has the higher ceiling?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:26
Sheffield. 92-96 with a plus slider and an idea of how to use it vs lefties and righties. Changeup is also effective as a way of generating weak contact. He looks great.
Dookie Howser, MD
12:26
Better looking mammal baby: Human vs. Great Panda
Eric A Longenhagen
12:27
This isn't even close enough to dignify an answer
Prospect hipster
12:27
Has Alzolay done enough to jump into your top 100?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:28
Yup. 93-95 with a plus slider.
Prospect hipster
12:28
Does Bote have a future as a big league utility guy?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:29
Not sure about that. I'd like my utility guy to be able to play multiple positions, Bote really isn't good anywhere. He has power, though.
JR
12:29
Is it easier to scout pitchers or hitters?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:29
Pitchers came first for me. You get so many reps, one right after the other.
The Dweez
12:30
I gotta say I love your prospect coverage btw.  Have you seen any of Wladamir Galindo, if so any ideas of grades for the hit/power tools?  Thanks!
Eric A Longenhagen
12:31
Yes. Has had issues with injury and strikeouts but has big raw power, he made more contact this year and looked better at third base than he did in 2016.
Mac
12:32
How were the AFL all-stars selected because of the SSS involved? Also, quickly looking at some of their stats it seems like some made it that haven't done particularly well in that span (for example Sandy Alcantara and Argenis Angulo). Is it based on full-season results, higher touted prospects? I know in the grand scheme of things that this selection means next to nothing if not literally nothing, but I was curious about this.
Eric A Longenhagen
12:34
I'm not sure how they're picked. I assume prospect status has a lot to do with it. I think the number of players that can participate from a single org is capped at three which is why some big names weren't included.
We also need enough pitchers for Friday's games, too.
Nick
12:35
How have DJ Peters and Yusniel Diaz looked in the AFL?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:36
Diaz looks the same: solid-average tools across the board. Peters hasn't played consistently (he's a taxi squad guy and can only play a couple times per week) which has probably compounded his strikeout issues here because he hasn't really had the chance to get comfortable.
Blackburn
12:36
What is Shane Baz's upside? Another Mitch Keller? #2?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:37
I actually think Baz has better stuff. Keller's fastball command is waaaay better, though.
Jeff
12:37
Who is your favorite 3B prospect for a First Year draft upcoming?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:37
Must I pick between De Sedas and Gorman?
Charlie
12:39
Who have been the guys you from the Fall League who will move up/down the most?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:40
Troy Montgomery from Anaheim, Andrew Knizner from St. Louis, Nicky Lopez from Kansas City,
12:41
Those guys are all up for me, Lopez and Knizner might be everyday guys
Solomon
12:41
If you had to pick one player right now to be a lock for the top 10 of the 2018 Draft, barring injury or signability, who would it be?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:41
Turang
Anthony
12:41
Max Povse a potential 3/4 type?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:41
More 4/5 for me
Nick S
12:41
Acuna, Riley and Jackson are all killing it in the AFL. Reason to get excited?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:42
Acuna is the best guy here and it isn't particularly close.
Jason
12:43
I am a massive Royce Lewis fan, I think the Twins nailed the draft. How quickly do you see him making the Majors? Do the twins push him with assignments or take it slow.
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