From Sunday, May 27th, Dear Journal: Thoughts While Watching Yankees-Angels Game, MLB Draft/NBA Draft Notes, Cavs-Celtics
Garrett Richards Path from College to MLB
Getting the nod as the starting pitcher for the LA Angels on Sunday was veteran Garrett Richards. The right hander has become the veteran ace of the rebuilt Angels squad that features the face of baseball in Jersey Boy Mike Trout, slowly fading into the shadows superstar Albert Pujols, and the newest sensation in the game of baseball through Japanese import pitcher/hitter Shohei Ohtani.Richards has had to endure quite a bit during his career to get to the point of being the established veteran starter of a reinvigorated, talent-infused Angels squad with true playoff aspirations. If those dreams and aspirations were to come true it will largely be up to Richards to steer them in the right direction every fifth day.
He celebrated his birthday 30th birthday standing on the mound in front of a sold out crowd at Yankee Stadium in a matinee affair on the Sunday prior to Memorial Day. Despite being a first round pick of the Angels now nearly ten years ago, moving through their minor league system with relatively quick timing, the 6'3, 210-pound starting pitcher was far from a lights out performer when he entered to their organization.
Arriving from the University of Oklahoma where he played three seasons before being selected with the 42nd overall pick in the 2009 MLB Draft, Richards totaled an unsightly 6.21 ERA in 126 innings. Quite a high figure, even during that climate of college baseball where offense was at an elevated level of productivity than it's current landscape.
Apart of what made up that 6.21 ERA was 69 walks, 138 hits, and 20 home runs allowed. Still, equipped with an intriguing high 90's mph fastball he was able to strike out an impressive batter per inning (with 127), causing interest amongst various MLB organizations. Many pundits and analysts questioned the timing of where Richards was selected by virtue of his numbers and inability to keep runs off the board in college, but the Angels selected and helped develop Richards.
Sticking it out and remaining patient with him as he's dealt with more than a few injuries throughout his career which could've potentially derailed his career as a pitcher — including a torn patellar tendon which ended his season in 2014 and a torn ligament in his throwing arm causing him to miss the majority of 2016 and 2017.
If nothing else it's a testament to the true development and patience of an organization in MLB with a prospect that deserves some attention and is worth mentioning as the MLB Draft approaches, now less than two weeks away.
Gregorius/Simmons = Turang/McLain ?
Two stars shortstops from the Dutch Caribbean Island, Curacao, each started for the Angels and Yankees on Sunday in Andrelton Simmons and Didi Gregorius. Both born in 1989 and having grown up competing with and against one another in their native land both on the same youth team, playing the same position, it was Gregorius who often in deference to Simmons found himself at second base.
Despite that Greogorius was signed as international free agent in 2007 prior to Simmons being selected in the MLB Draft 2010, though both ended up making their Major League-debut in 2012. This year's draft class features a couple of shortstop prospects, both from America, that have competed on the national circuit, who may face each other in the future and be often thought of together as they rise through their respective careers.
Brice Turang has long been on scout's radars, having gain notoriety throughout consistent play on the national stage since a young teen. Yet, as of late his "draft stock" has been said to stall as his performance during the summer of 2017 and into the regular season of 2018 hasn't completely knocked off the socks of scouts and evaluators.
A 6'1, lefty swinging shortstop out of Santiago High in California, he remains one of the top prospects in the high school ranks and at the middle infield position, having pledged to Louisiana State University (LSU) of the elite Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Matt McLain is another high school shortstop prospect out of the Golden State, who'll likely receive some first round consideration. He wasn't on the forefront of scouts radar for the past few years like Turang, but has gained quite bit of momentum over the last 12 months with his play in the spring and summer of 2017, as well as in the 2018 season.
The UCLA-commit was named MVP of the Irvine all-city baseball team as a junior in 2017, batting .471 in 28 games, while totaling 33 runs scored, 12 doubles, three triples, two home runs, 15 stolen bases and 18 runs batted in.
Interesting it will be to see where each prospect is selected during the draft and how their career unfolds. Both have commitments to college baseball powers and may see their careers next step unfold at the ranks of the NCAA.
They may take different paths from the outset and experience varying levels of highs and lows, similar to Simmons and Gregorius. But don't be surprised if one day they are playing against each other on a Sunday before Memorial Day in an MLB Stadium. Maybe even in Yankee Stadium.
Stanton attracted offers from prestigious in-state programs in both USC and UCLA. Judge, also a native of California, received an offer from famous college and former pro football coach Jim Harbaugh when he was the head coach of the program at Stanford University. The now 6'7, 282-pound slugger also was a D-1 basketball prospect, having averaged 18 points a game, while putting up a double-double during his senior year of high school.
This year's edition of MLB Draft prospects also offers some multi-sport athletes who will receive high consideration to be selected with early round picks. Highly-touted prospects Jordyn Adams, Kyler Murray, Jawaun Harris, and Cole Wilcox all have starred in another sport at a high-level.
Adams is considered one of the top outfield prospects out of Green Hope High (NC) and is also a four-star wide receiver recruit set to play both football and baseball at UNC.
Murray, who began his career at Texas A&M, is now a dual-sport star at Oklahoma. Spending last season as the backup to Heisman Trophy winner and the number one overall pick in the NFL Draft, Baker Mayfield.
In addition to manning centerfield for the Scarlet Knights, Harris has started at both wide receiver and defensive back for the school that competes in the Big Ten Conference.
Wilcox is a high school pitcher out of the Peach State, and has competed on the gridiron and on the basketball court, similar to Judge and Stanton. The 6'5, 225 pounder was named Catoosa County Player of the Year for his efforts on the hardwood, averaging 17.6 points per game, to go along with 10.6 rebounds.
Despite that Greogorius was signed as international free agent in 2007 prior to Simmons being selected in the MLB Draft 2010, though both ended up making their Major League-debut in 2012. This year's draft class features a couple of shortstop prospects, both from America, that have competed on the national circuit, who may face each other in the future and be often thought of together as they rise through their respective careers.
Brice Turang has long been on scout's radars, having gain notoriety throughout consistent play on the national stage since a young teen. Yet, as of late his "draft stock" has been said to stall as his performance during the summer of 2017 and into the regular season of 2018 hasn't completely knocked off the socks of scouts and evaluators.
A 6'1, lefty swinging shortstop out of Santiago High in California, he remains one of the top prospects in the high school ranks and at the middle infield position, having pledged to Louisiana State University (LSU) of the elite Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Matt McLain is another high school shortstop prospect out of the Golden State, who'll likely receive some first round consideration. He wasn't on the forefront of scouts radar for the past few years like Turang, but has gained quite bit of momentum over the last 12 months with his play in the spring and summer of 2017, as well as in the 2018 season.
The UCLA-commit was named MVP of the Irvine all-city baseball team as a junior in 2017, batting .471 in 28 games, while totaling 33 runs scored, 12 doubles, three triples, two home runs, 15 stolen bases and 18 runs batted in.
Interesting it will be to see where each prospect is selected during the draft and how their career unfolds. Both have commitments to college baseball powers and may see their careers next step unfold at the ranks of the NCAA.
They may take different paths from the outset and experience varying levels of highs and lows, similar to Simmons and Gregorius. But don't be surprised if one day they are playing against each other on a Sunday before Memorial Day in an MLB Stadium. Maybe even in Yankee Stadium.
Multi-Sport Stars in MLB, Might Have More Company On The Way
On the field at Yankee Stadium on Sunday were more than a few of the game's biggest stars, including Yankees superstar outfielders Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge. Both players grew up as multi-sport athletes, each playing basketball and football while in high school, in addition to standing out on the baseball diamond. In fact, they each received scholarship offers for their play on the gridiron.Stanton attracted offers from prestigious in-state programs in both USC and UCLA. Judge, also a native of California, received an offer from famous college and former pro football coach Jim Harbaugh when he was the head coach of the program at Stanford University. The now 6'7, 282-pound slugger also was a D-1 basketball prospect, having averaged 18 points a game, while putting up a double-double during his senior year of high school.
This year's edition of MLB Draft prospects also offers some multi-sport athletes who will receive high consideration to be selected with early round picks. Highly-touted prospects Jordyn Adams, Kyler Murray, Jawaun Harris, and Cole Wilcox all have starred in another sport at a high-level.
Adams is considered one of the top outfield prospects out of Green Hope High (NC) and is also a four-star wide receiver recruit set to play both football and baseball at UNC.
Murray, who began his career at Texas A&M, is now a dual-sport star at Oklahoma. Spending last season as the backup to Heisman Trophy winner and the number one overall pick in the NFL Draft, Baker Mayfield.
In addition to manning centerfield for the Scarlet Knights, Harris has started at both wide receiver and defensive back for the school that competes in the Big Ten Conference.
Wilcox is a high school pitcher out of the Peach State, and has competed on the gridiron and on the basketball court, similar to Judge and Stanton. The 6'5, 225 pounder was named Catoosa County Player of the Year for his efforts on the hardwood, averaging 17.6 points per game, to go along with 10.6 rebounds.
Aaron Boone and NBA Coaches
In his first season as Yankees Manager Aaron Boone has done a pretty good job by all — the Yankees currently have the second best record in the American League at 33-16. Baring the task of heading a ultra-talented Yankees squad with World Series goals year in and year out, his job is both one of envy and responsibility.
In observing Boone as a manager thus far into his brief career, he has shown traits which lead me to believe he'll be successful one for the long haul. Some of those traits which I see in him I believe are shared by each of the four coaches who led their teams to the Conference Finals of the NBA.
Similar to Golden State Warriors Steve Kerr, Boone is a former professional player who was chosen to lead a talented team, who had experienced success under their previous coach, but was set to usher in an era where he could lead that young nucleus to a championship. Joe Girardi, similar to Mark Jackson, whom Kerr replaced, helped elevate the franchise and cultivated a culture within that created a highly-competitive team during it's phase of developing young prospects.
They were replaced by Boone and Kerr who share the language of being able to communicate with the front office in the language of analytics and are lauded for their ability to effectively communicate with their players as well — having both previously came from the broadcast booth with no previous coaching experience.
Boone shares with Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni in being outside the box with his thinking and adjusting to the his personnel, while also having both his father and brothers heavily involved in the game. D'Antoni was considered a pioneer of the new age brand of basketball with the way his Phoenix Suns teams played in the 2000s with Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, and Amare Stoudemire.
In a time where the overall landscape of the NBA largely resembles the style of play he created, he's shown the ability to be adaptable to a different style of play led by stars James Harden and Chris Paul with his time with the Houston Rockets.
Boone was one of the first to speak of analytics and advanced metrics on national television while an analyst at ESPN, helping usher in the way of data-driven, highly involved in analytics style of baseball to a new, large sector of fans. It's that which served as a large part of the reason for him receiving consideration, and ultimately being chosen to fill the Yankees managerial opening.
Still, in his short time as manager of the 27-time World Series Champions, he's shown to be mindful of his player's proficiencies in the process of developing his lineups and making certain managerial decisions.
Bouncing over to the Eastern Conference coaches set to face off against each other in Game 7: Ty Lue of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics.
Short and sweet, Boone and Lue share one memorable moment from their playing career which stand out in the minds of fans. Both occurred in the postseason, Boone's a walk-off, home run in none other than Game 7 of the American League Championship against the Boston Red Sox to send the New York Yankees to the 2003 World Series.
Lue's wasn't as enjoyable for him, as he's most remembered for having tripped in front of Basketball Hall of Famer Allen Iverson during the 2001 NBA Finals who knocked down a long-range jump shot off the dribble, before walking over Lue's body while glancing down at him.
As for he and Stevens, they each seem to have this calming, assured influence about themselves and their team that resonates while on the field of play and when addressing the media and representing their organization in the public eye.
Both have a plausible deep understanding of and feel for the game, showing a discernible knowledge for the practices and protocols of the game past and being both with and ahead of the times with his acumen in the advancements that the sport is currently undergoing.
Each has been tasked with the burden of leading one of the most iconic franchises in American sports —if not the World — to its next championship. Their roster encompass a core of young players and stars that are developing before the eyes of the of the world. Whom most expect and figure to only get better in time.
In observing Boone as a manager thus far into his brief career, he has shown traits which lead me to believe he'll be successful one for the long haul. Some of those traits which I see in him I believe are shared by each of the four coaches who led their teams to the Conference Finals of the NBA.
Similar to Golden State Warriors Steve Kerr, Boone is a former professional player who was chosen to lead a talented team, who had experienced success under their previous coach, but was set to usher in an era where he could lead that young nucleus to a championship. Joe Girardi, similar to Mark Jackson, whom Kerr replaced, helped elevate the franchise and cultivated a culture within that created a highly-competitive team during it's phase of developing young prospects.
They were replaced by Boone and Kerr who share the language of being able to communicate with the front office in the language of analytics and are lauded for their ability to effectively communicate with their players as well — having both previously came from the broadcast booth with no previous coaching experience.
Boone shares with Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni in being outside the box with his thinking and adjusting to the his personnel, while also having both his father and brothers heavily involved in the game. D'Antoni was considered a pioneer of the new age brand of basketball with the way his Phoenix Suns teams played in the 2000s with Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, and Amare Stoudemire.
In a time where the overall landscape of the NBA largely resembles the style of play he created, he's shown the ability to be adaptable to a different style of play led by stars James Harden and Chris Paul with his time with the Houston Rockets.
Boone was one of the first to speak of analytics and advanced metrics on national television while an analyst at ESPN, helping usher in the way of data-driven, highly involved in analytics style of baseball to a new, large sector of fans. It's that which served as a large part of the reason for him receiving consideration, and ultimately being chosen to fill the Yankees managerial opening.
Still, in his short time as manager of the 27-time World Series Champions, he's shown to be mindful of his player's proficiencies in the process of developing his lineups and making certain managerial decisions.
Bouncing over to the Eastern Conference coaches set to face off against each other in Game 7: Ty Lue of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics.
Short and sweet, Boone and Lue share one memorable moment from their playing career which stand out in the minds of fans. Both occurred in the postseason, Boone's a walk-off, home run in none other than Game 7 of the American League Championship against the Boston Red Sox to send the New York Yankees to the 2003 World Series.
Lue's wasn't as enjoyable for him, as he's most remembered for having tripped in front of Basketball Hall of Famer Allen Iverson during the 2001 NBA Finals who knocked down a long-range jump shot off the dribble, before walking over Lue's body while glancing down at him.
As for he and Stevens, they each seem to have this calming, assured influence about themselves and their team that resonates while on the field of play and when addressing the media and representing their organization in the public eye.
Both have a plausible deep understanding of and feel for the game, showing a discernible knowledge for the practices and protocols of the game past and being both with and ahead of the times with his acumen in the advancements that the sport is currently undergoing.
Each has been tasked with the burden of leading one of the most iconic franchises in American sports —if not the World — to its next championship. Their roster encompass a core of young players and stars that are developing before the eyes of the of the world. Whom most expect and figure to only get better in time.
NBA Draft Comp: Kyle Korver (Cleveland Cavaliers)/Kevin Huerter (University of Maryland)
I figured it be appropriate to give a comparison of a player playing entering into Game 7 Eastern Conference to a player who'll be soon entering the league as a prospect of the 2018 NBA Draft.
Kevin Hurter, a sophomore out of Maryland gives me a Kyle Korver type of vibe. Similar to Korver he's known as a deadly shooter, who's seen by many as a one dimensional player.
Nevertheless, Korver has carved out an excellent NBA career with both longevity and proficiency. Whereas he isn't known for his athletic ability, tremendous on-ball defense, or being able to create his shot off the dribble, he offers various characteristics which make him a true professional.
A player of high-awareness, Korver is an underrated defender who remains in-tuned on a possession-to-possession basis. He's a capable passer when called upon to make the right play, and has shown true professionalism throughout his career being able to adapt to various roles.
Starting all 80 games which he played with the Atlanta Hawks during the 2015-16 season and being counted upon as valued contributor in a reserve role for the Cleveland Cavaliers as he started only four of 73 regular season games this season, while still averaging a respectable 9.2 points per game in 21 minutes.
Huerter showed similar abilities to both a young version of Korver and a more current model of the noted veteran shooter. Entering the 2018 NBA Draft as an early entree, Huerter averaged 14.8 points on 10.1 field goal attempts per game while starting in all 32 contests last season for Maryland.
During his sophomore season Korver also received the starting nod in all 32 games he played in for Creighton, averaging near-exact figures in points (14.6) and field goal attempts (9.8). Also an underrated passer, Huerter and Korver also shared almost identical career assists percentage at the NCAA-level, with totals of 19.1 and 19.0, respectively.
It is likely Huerter will be viewed at the defensive end similar to how teams attack Korver as an on-ball and perimeter defender. While Korver has never been labeled a lock-down defender by any means, he's compiled a decent defensive rating of 107 points allowed per 100 possessions for his NBA career.
Though he isn't known for his defensive prowess, Huerter was a more than solid defender at the college level, averaging 101.1 points/100 possessions. Giving the perception that he can at least be a competent defender at the next level, in a similar mold as the Cavs shooter. Both measured 6'6.25" officially without shoes and are officially listed at 6'7 on their respective rosters.
Kevin Hurter, a sophomore out of Maryland gives me a Kyle Korver type of vibe. Similar to Korver he's known as a deadly shooter, who's seen by many as a one dimensional player.
Nevertheless, Korver has carved out an excellent NBA career with both longevity and proficiency. Whereas he isn't known for his athletic ability, tremendous on-ball defense, or being able to create his shot off the dribble, he offers various characteristics which make him a true professional.
A player of high-awareness, Korver is an underrated defender who remains in-tuned on a possession-to-possession basis. He's a capable passer when called upon to make the right play, and has shown true professionalism throughout his career being able to adapt to various roles.
Starting all 80 games which he played with the Atlanta Hawks during the 2015-16 season and being counted upon as valued contributor in a reserve role for the Cleveland Cavaliers as he started only four of 73 regular season games this season, while still averaging a respectable 9.2 points per game in 21 minutes.
Huerter showed similar abilities to both a young version of Korver and a more current model of the noted veteran shooter. Entering the 2018 NBA Draft as an early entree, Huerter averaged 14.8 points on 10.1 field goal attempts per game while starting in all 32 contests last season for Maryland.
During his sophomore season Korver also received the starting nod in all 32 games he played in for Creighton, averaging near-exact figures in points (14.6) and field goal attempts (9.8). Also an underrated passer, Huerter and Korver also shared almost identical career assists percentage at the NCAA-level, with totals of 19.1 and 19.0, respectively.
It is likely Huerter will be viewed at the defensive end similar to how teams attack Korver as an on-ball and perimeter defender. While Korver has never been labeled a lock-down defender by any means, he's compiled a decent defensive rating of 107 points allowed per 100 possessions for his NBA career.
Though he isn't known for his defensive prowess, Huerter was a more than solid defender at the college level, averaging 101.1 points/100 possessions. Giving the perception that he can at least be a competent defender at the next level, in a similar mold as the Cavs shooter. Both measured 6'6.25" officially without shoes and are officially listed at 6'7 on their respective rosters.
MLB Draft Comp: Greg Bird (New York Yankees)/JJ Schwarz (University of Florida)
While watching the Yankees-Angels game I scanned the field for both teams in search of a player who has similar details to a current prospect set to be selected in the upcoming MLB Draft —now less than two weeks away. After initially deriving a comparison for Angels Outfielder Kole Calhoun, I landed what I thought to be a more appropriate comp between Yankees starting first baseman Greg Bird and current Florida Gators catcher/first baseman JJ Schwarz.
While there are certainly a few distinct differences in each ballplayer's overall profile — Bird a left handed batter who entered professional baseball straight out of high school, Schwarz a now senior in college who bats righty — both share similarities that can be drawn in evaluation.
As a MLB Draft prospect in 2011 Bird was primarily a high school catcher when competing at Grandview High in Aurora, Colorado. During his senior season he won Gatorade State Player of the Year, before being selected by the New York Yankees in the fifth round of the 2011 MLB Draft. Having had experienced complications from back injuries early in his young baseball career the Yankees initially allowed Bird to continue to develop early in his minor league career as a catcher before lessening the load on his already-fragile body.
Moving from behind the plate to first base where his advanced bat would play, utilizing a combination of both patience and power. Bird has shown flashes of being as big a force of the Yankees order has that includes Judge, Stanton, and Gary Sanchez. He also has missed ample time due to injury in is MLB career and the longevity has come under question.
Schwarz may face a similar fate when he is selected in next month's draft. Having spent a decent amount of time at catcher, first base, and designated hitter, it's been his bat that has carried Schwarz throughout his illustrious college career.
After beginning his career at Florida with a bang, standing out with freshman season and earning multiple honors while playing starting in 70 games, including 29 behind the dish and the rest at designated hitter, Schwarz has experienced a certain amount of scrutiny having been in the eyes of MLB scouts for over five years.
While he's been a solid performer for Florida throughout the entirety of his career, some evaluators have questioned his ability to stay behind the plate and be a competent defensive catcher. Wondering if he'd be best suited in transitioning to a first base/designated hitter role full-time, in order to extract the best of Schwarz's bat and allow him to be the most productive everyday player his ability allows.
The 6'2 senior has been selected twice already in the MLB Draft, once out of high school by the Milwaukee Brewers and then again last year as a junior — by none other than the New York Yankees — before deciding to attend and return to college, respectively, each time. MLB.com lists Schwarz as the 196th best available prospect in this year's draft class, which would see him be selected around the same range Bird was when he was a draft pick by the Yankees in 2011.
While there are certainly a few distinct differences in each ballplayer's overall profile — Bird a left handed batter who entered professional baseball straight out of high school, Schwarz a now senior in college who bats righty — both share similarities that can be drawn in evaluation.
As a MLB Draft prospect in 2011 Bird was primarily a high school catcher when competing at Grandview High in Aurora, Colorado. During his senior season he won Gatorade State Player of the Year, before being selected by the New York Yankees in the fifth round of the 2011 MLB Draft. Having had experienced complications from back injuries early in his young baseball career the Yankees initially allowed Bird to continue to develop early in his minor league career as a catcher before lessening the load on his already-fragile body.
Moving from behind the plate to first base where his advanced bat would play, utilizing a combination of both patience and power. Bird has shown flashes of being as big a force of the Yankees order has that includes Judge, Stanton, and Gary Sanchez. He also has missed ample time due to injury in is MLB career and the longevity has come under question.
Schwarz may face a similar fate when he is selected in next month's draft. Having spent a decent amount of time at catcher, first base, and designated hitter, it's been his bat that has carried Schwarz throughout his illustrious college career.
After beginning his career at Florida with a bang, standing out with freshman season and earning multiple honors while playing starting in 70 games, including 29 behind the dish and the rest at designated hitter, Schwarz has experienced a certain amount of scrutiny having been in the eyes of MLB scouts for over five years.
While he's been a solid performer for Florida throughout the entirety of his career, some evaluators have questioned his ability to stay behind the plate and be a competent defensive catcher. Wondering if he'd be best suited in transitioning to a first base/designated hitter role full-time, in order to extract the best of Schwarz's bat and allow him to be the most productive everyday player his ability allows.
The 6'2 senior has been selected twice already in the MLB Draft, once out of high school by the Milwaukee Brewers and then again last year as a junior — by none other than the New York Yankees — before deciding to attend and return to college, respectively, each time. MLB.com lists Schwarz as the 196th best available prospect in this year's draft class, which would see him be selected around the same range Bird was when he was a draft pick by the Yankees in 2011.
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