Discussing the rounds 3-10 of the draft as they happen.
The 2014 MLB draft continues today at 10:00 AM PT and will consist of rounds 3 through 10. Check here to get all the details on how to watch and/or follow the draft. The Padres will pick 12th in each of those rounds. The first two picks were the biggest keys to keeping the farm system stocked, but the next rounds are important as well. Hitting on just a couple of these picks could have a big impact on the future success of the Padres.
The Padres' first couple of selections, college SS Trea Turner and HS OF Michael Gettys, addressed the need for an advanced position player and a toolsy young position player. Both up-the-middle guys. This somewhat mirrors the strategyt from 2013 where the club went with a couple position players in the first two rounds and is also a throwback to 2010 when the club focused on athletic players. Now it would appear that in at least the next couple of rounds the Padres might be looking for some pitchers. This is about the time when a college pitcher with little signability concerns would be called for. A college 1B with some power prospects might also be a nice choice soon. But, I would also expect another athletic player or two.
We will update the Padres' picks here as they come in:
| Round | Pick # | Name | School | Pos | B/T | Class | Player Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 86 | Zech Lemond | Rice (TX) | RHP | R/R | JR | 6'4" 195lbs DOB: 10/09/92 | Scouting video Lemond set the Rice record for saves last year with 14, one more than future big leaguers David Aardsma and Tony Cingrani posted in their best seasons with the Owls. He began 2014 as Rice's closer once again, but when projected ace Jordan Stephens blew out his elbow, Lemond moved to the rotation in March. Because he pitched so well and didn't see any dropoff in stuff in much longer outings, Lemond put himself in position to go in the top 50 picks of the Draft. But because the Owls didn't exactly ease him into his new role, he was sidelined with elbow inflammation after five starts. Before he went out, Lemond operated with a 92-96 mph fastball with some arm-side run on a nice downward plane. His spike curveball can climb as high as 85 mph and makes batters look silly, though it also can be tough to command. He had no problem working his fading changeup into his mix and continued to throw strikes. |
| 4 | 117 | Nick Torres | Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo (CA) | RF | R/R | JR | 6'1" 220lbs DOB: 06/30/93 | Scouting video With the typical dearth of college bats, one who performs well is bound to move up boards. Do it while hitting third for one of the better college teams in the country, and you're bound to make even more noise. Torres has the kind of offensive profile teams like to see from a corner outfielder. Strong and durably built, Torres has the ability to make hard contact consistently from the right side of the plate. His strength plus ability to square up the ball gives him a good amount of raw power to tap into. While he doesn't have a gun, he has enough arm for right field, or he could be a solid left fielder at the next level. Cal Poly had an outstanding 2014 season, and Torres was at the heart of it. His performance and potential with the bat should get him drafted within the first four rounds. |
| 5 | 147 | Auston Bousfield | U Mississippi (MS) | CF | R/R | JR | 5'11" 190lbs DOB: 07/05/93 |
| 6 | 177 | Zach Risedorf | Northwestern Regional HS (CT) | C | R/R | HS | 5'11" 190lbs DOB: 03/11/96 |
| 7 | 207 | Ryan Butler | UNC Charlotte (NC) | RHP | R/R | SR | 6'5" 210lbs DOB: 02/23/92 | Scouting video |
| 8 | 237 | Mitch Watrous | Utah (UT) | RHP | R/R | JR | 6'0" 205lbs DOB: 12/31/92 |
| 9 | 267 | Nick Vilter | UC Riverside (CA) | SS | R/R | JR | 6'4" 220lbs DOB: 10/06/93 |
| 10 | 297 | Thomas Dorminy | Faulkner University (AL) | LHP | L/L | JR | 6'0" 195lbs DOB: 06/01/92 |
All player info comes from mlb.com.