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Here is the second part of my three-part series of interviews with Jim Callis of Baseball America.
I asked Jim if both prep players, shortstop Manny Machado and pitcher Jameson Taillon are available when the Orioles select third in the draft on Monday, which player would he take?
"I'd take Taillon. Either one would be a fine pick, but I think Taillon's ability is more rare than Machado's. Nothing wrong with a possible five-tool shortstop, though," Callis said.
Machado is considered the top prep position player and Taillon is considered the clear top high school pitcher and maybe the best pitcher among all players.
Machado is a 6'2, 180-pound right-handed hitter from Miami's Brito High. He hit over .600 as a junior and batted .367 last summer for the USA under 18 national team. He is a Scott Boras client.
The 6'6", 225-pound Taillon went 8-1, 1.78 in 11 games for the Woodlands High in Texas this year. Over 62 innings, he walked 21 and fanned 114. He is represented by the Hendricks brothers.
He has a mid 90's fastball that has touched 99 and a power curve, both considered clear plus pitches.
Here is Callis' take on Taillon:
"I don't think there are any concerns with him. Talking to area scouts in Texas, they wonder if he is better than Josh Beckett was, that's how good they say this kid is.
"He has the best stuff of any pitcher in this draft, college or high school. He's got a mid 90's fastball that can be electric. Guys tell you his curve ball is an even better pitch, that it's even more devastating.
"He can be a little inconsistent at times, like some high school guys are. He doesn't throw a changeup much, because that would only be giving the hitters a chance.
"He needs some polish, like any high school pitcher does. But he's a big kid at 6'6" and you don't have to project him, because his stuff is already great. The delivery is pretty easy and he's pretty co-ordinated for a big guy. He's a pretty complete package.
"I think for a high school pitcher, he can get there pretty quick. Whoever takes him probably doesn't sign him until August 15th, because he is not going to sign for slot. But it wouldn't surprise me if he's in the big leagues sometimes toward the end of the 2012 season.
"We saw how quickly Porcello made it to the big leagues and he's been good for the Tigers. This guy has better stuff than Porcello does."
That's a pretty impressive scouting report that might leave most O's fans hoping he is still on the board when their turn comes up Monday night, not long after seven o'clock.
Here is an earlier story I posted with comments from Jim Callis.
More draft coverage coming: Consider my blogs to be draft central over the next few days. Check the archives for other recent draft stories and coming up between now and the draft will be more stories with Jim Callis and Joe Jordan, plus an interview with Michael Taillon, Jameson's dad.
I will provide any updates I get on the O's possible first pick over the next several days and Monday check out this site often for some special draft-day coverage.
During our coverage this coming Monday afternoon, I'll be taking calls live on-air here through our MASNSports.com website, so I look forward to talking with many of you then. Stay tuned!
Steve-
Any chance of getting thorough draft analysis of Machado like Callis provided for Taillon? I have a funny feeling Pittsburgh is going to scoop him up and we are going to be left with Machado. Which isn't a bad consolation prize.
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I'm going to be honest, more of the info I've compiled and the interviews have focused on Taillon. - Steve.
Steve,
Forgive me if this has been asked before, and I am not implying anything, but in the modern era of baseball has there ever been a player drafted out of high school who went straight to the majors with no minor league play?
Just Wondering
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I seem to remember the Tex Rangers tried it with pitcher David Clyde and am pretty sure Balt's Al Kaline went from the preps to the pros but that was before the first draft of 1965. - Steve.
Steve,
By big splash, I meant whoever it is the Os are targeting on the international fa market. Or don't we know who they are talking about. I figured if it's a big money signing, like a sano or chapman, then we know who they are talking about. Eskarlin Vasquez, steilon peguero?
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I don't have any names, but as always, will write about any info I have. - Steve.
If the Pirates were to take Taillon, is it a lock that the O's draft Machado?
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My sense of it is it would not be a lock. Perhaps some college hitters then, if Taillon is gone, could come into play at three. - Steve.
Steve-
Well, according to that interview, can you imagine what fans would do if Machado goes 2nd, and the O's DON'T take Taillon?
I think, where last year is arguable, but this is a definite.
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Ryan, you might as well start writing your rant now and just hit send if that time comes. I expect they would take Taillon, but guess we'll all know for sure in a few days. - Steve.
I know the stat is a little misleading since it's high school, and I should know since I played in high school, but 62 innings and 114 strikeouts?!?! That is incredible! Taking into account walks, only 48 batters have put a bat to the ball against him. How in the world did he even lose that 1 game?! I really hope Pirate execs don't read this blog, or pay attention to Callis!!!!!
Is it just me or is the offense KILLING the starting pitching? The top of these innings are flying by.
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At this point, the lack of offense has to be wearing mentally and otherwise on the pitching staff, how could it not. - Steve.
Steve-
I don't rant. C'mon. I don't think I have ever, in what, 2 years now, went off the deep end. I speculate, and I give my opinion. But, I'm still here. I love this team. My nephews are both under 2, and they have both been to at least 15 games. Have Nick t's, and weiter's t's etc.
I will NOT let them jump ship like so many others do, as kids like to win.
All I have said, and it has been the same theme, and I do not see it as a rant because it hasn't been proven wrong, is that they can't sign big free agents (is that incorrect?), they haven't drafted well (is that incorrect?) and they will not trade to get an impact player (by that, I mean the amount of prospects it would take to land a legit player, not a Huff, or Millwood, or whatever, and Macphail has said they will not martgage the future, whether that is right or wrong, so is that incorrect?)
All I said was with the #3 pick supposed to be 1 of 3 sure picks this year, and Taillon better than Procello and Beckett at that level, then fans will be mad if they pass and go off reservation.
You saying you wouldn't be mad? You hate me, and I really don't see why, I don't remember ever being a d&#k, and I am here basically every day, and love when your on 1057. I don't want to kiss your a@@ to much, but just thought it weird. I don't know what I did. lol.
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Ryan, I think you tend to over react, to everything. I don't hate you. Let me repeat that since you have written that many times - I don't hate you.
I am not keen on some of your takes and think you tend to over-react, but I do like you and your participation on the blog. I also realize with all this losing I still have a lot of readers and am very thankful for that. Glad you are out there, just don't take it hard at all if I don't concur with all your opinions. That makes the world and this blog go around.
Did I mention that I like you? - Steve.
Steve-
Is Boras Taillon's agent?
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Boras is with Machado, the Hendricks brothers with Taillon. - Steve.
Steve,
I don't think it matters who the O's take, because whomever it is is surely not going to live up to his hype, come up lame, or some other disaster. That's the Oriole way now.
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Sarcasm, right. I am sure many fans feel that way at this point. I have come to calling this season the Nightmare on Camden Street. - Steve.
Steve-
I definitely get frustrated, but, I have changed my stance on certain things. Trembley for instance. I think they should go a different direction for the future, but, he should get to finish the season. This really isn't his fault. Like I said the other night with the ages of our players, and the vets being Lugo, Scott, Wiggington, etc. How can we have expected them to beat teams like the Yankees who throw out A-Roid, Tex, jeter, Posada, Rivera, etc.
I think those young kids could become those types of players, but they need that 1 protector to get them there.
So, Trembley, yeah, hands the baton way to much. Sticks with certain players who just don't have it, doesn't seem to be to fired up and it looks to reflect into the teams meloncholly (sp?) attitude, but, he just doesn't have the players.
Hargrove, won 100 games what 2 times? Made the playoffs about 5 times with the indians, then comes to the O's. Did he stop being a good manager? No, the team wasn't as good.
I do think Crowley is overrated.
I over-reacted to your response of "you might as well start writing your rant now" lol. I thought that was a dig. It wasn't, you were just getting me ready in case. I do think they will take Taillon if he is there. I actually think Jordan wants to take Machado, but Macphail thinks Taillon, so they are both hoping the other is gone. lol.
Steve,
That was a funny exchange you just had with Ryan. You innocently mention him "ranting" if the O's don't take Taillon at #3 if he's available. Ryan thinks you've accused him of being a serial ranter, then proceeds to rant about how he's not one of "those". After which you go all Sally Fields on him and tell him how much you like him, you really like him.
The team is doing so poorly I'm hanging onto little sideshows like this to keep my day going.
For what it's worth, Steve and Ryan, you're both OK with me. [/rant]
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A Sally Fields reference. Never though I'd see that here. She is still gorgeous after all these years. - Steve.
Steve,
As I said in another thread, I prefer Tallion over Machado. Some articles have expressed concern about Machado's future development as a hitter. That's a concern given the limited success of our player development area.
Steve-
The Sun is reporting that Trembley is out. Replaced by Samuel. The issue I have with that, lol, is I think they should go after their next coach now.
Interim is like forfeit to me.
If they bring in the next manager, he gets the rest of this season to get to know the players, and see what he has to work with. Samuel, is just like an extension of Trembley. I would like to see an overhaul. Lets change the whole attitude, and only bringing in an outsider does that in my opinion.
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Ryan, we should just have lunch since we seem to talk so much.
If a change is made and if an interim is brought on they would be going after someone possibly from the outside. There will be more time to search and get the best candidate possible and biggest name possible if they wait. I think that is the prudent thing to do. - Steve.
lol. I took off this week, so I'm home for the game. lol. Normally, I would just be arguing with my roomate.
This is so frustrating though. I feel bad for the kids, cuz I know they want to play better. They just didn't have a chance.
If a change is made and if an interim is brought on they would be going after someone possibly from the outside. There will be more time to search and get the best candidate possible and biggest name possible if they wait. I think that is the prudent thing to do. - Steve.
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I agree. You don't make a long-term commitment to the interim guy; he's basically a peace offering to fans and players that you're trying to make something happen.
If, very unexpectedly of course, the O's were to flourish under the interim guy, then it's all good news.
It's good news for the interim guy because he either gets to keep the job, or at worst case, he's shown to other teams he's capable and hire-able.
If the team continues to lose, the GM still wants to go in another direction, he can just bring in an outside guy of his choosing. That's what everyone wanted anyway.
Great article Steve,
Taillon is ace #1 material, and according to major league scout's, that is what the Orioles are lacking. I have seen him play out here in Texas on TV. (Yes we show HS sports on TV in texas), and he was in the high 90's the whole game with his fastball. I really didn't think I saw him through any other pitches, but I could be wrong. Usually if you throw a 90+mph fastball in highschool, nobody is going to be able to touch it. I just hope he falls in the Orioles lap and is healthy!
Joseph
Steve,
How does Taillon compare to the expectations for Matt Hobgood a year ago?
I'm not too keen on drafting H.S. pitchers. Pitchers are more inconsistent than hitters, and more prone to injury, and H.S. pitchers especially can be hard to predict. I haven't seen Hobgood pitch but his numbers at Delmarva aren't spectacular. Aren't there any college hitters (a la Ryan Zimmerman) out there that we could draft? It's a safer pick in my opinion.
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No one considered in Zimmerman's class. Jim Callis doesn't think any college hitter is worthy of the number three pick. Taillon is considered a better talent than Hobgood at this point last year and is projected as a possible future number one starter. I guess as they say, he has more upside that most. - Steve.
Steve,
Everything I read talks about how great this Taillon kid is going to be and good his stuff is right now. I have looked at several mock drafts and all of them pretty much say the O's will get Taillon at #3 because Pittsburgh has no interest. I guess I am wondering why in the world if this kid has great stuff and the body to be a big league hurler why are the Pirates interested at all? Any thoughts, thanks.
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I think that is a good question. I don't know what they are thinking but some have reported they don't like taking HS pitching this early. Others feel the seperation between Machado and Taillon is not that large. Also they supposedly don't have any real good SS prospects, especially at the higher levels. Some think they like Pomeranz better and feel he is a safer pick. - Steve.
I really hope the O's get this kid, he sounds like he might be something special.....
1st Do you like me? Thought you handled that verywell. Tallion could be #1 if not for the hype of Harper. Hope the Pirates do what the Pirates do and don't take Tallion. This would give us more of a log jam of pitchers, nice problem to have! Valuable chips in a trade for the big bat that is missing.
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Thanks and you seem very likable. In a man, friendly kind of way, of course. - Steve.
Brian,
Hobgood is just fine. Exactly what you should expect from a 19 YO kid. Has a great delivery for his size, very fluid. That's what I like most. Numbers aren't great, but it's Low A, first season in pro ball, so who cares? Needs to mature a little on overcoming mistakes by his team and moreso when he makes a mistake. Bottom line is he has ALL the physical tools. (I've seen him 4 times so far)
I think Boras will scare the Pirates off on Machado and they'll pick Taillon; hope not, but I think that may occur.
JW: If the Pirates choose Taillon, then we choose Machado. We dealt with Boras on Wieters and a few others in recent years, so I don't think it will be an issue. You may be right about the Pirates, however. They have the Pedro Alvarez debacle in their recent memory so they may not be so eager to deal with him again. My hope is that he is so wrapped up in squeezing every penny out of the Nationals for Bryce Harper that negotiations on Machado's part won't be as excruciating.
As an aside, Harper is lucky that this isn't the NFL. If it were, his character issues would drop him down to the middle of the first round or later. From an article that Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus wrote recently,
The Makeup: This should not be underrated. It's impossible to find any talent evaluator who isn't blown away by Harper's ability on the field, but it's equally difficult to find one who doesn't genuinely dislike the kid. One scout called him among the worst amateur players he's ever seen from a makeup standpoint, with top-of-the-scale arrogance, a disturbingly large sense of entitlement, and on-field behavior that includes taunting opponents. "He's just a bad, bad guy," said one front-office official. "He's basically the anti-Joe Mauer." How this plays into the negotiation or future evaluation is yet to be determined, as history has shown us that the bigger talent a player is, the more makeup issues teams will deal with. Bench players can't afford to be problems, but plenty of teams happily put up with difficult superstars.
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Well, pretty sure the O's won't have any dealings with Harper. As I have written if Taillon is gone, I don't think it's a lock that they take Machado and I also don't think that is because of Boras. I just think that scenario could, I say could, bring some of the college hitters back into play on the O's draft board, if not Machado.
As for makeup, I have talked to several people about Taillon and he sounds almost too good to be true. A 3.85 student who volunteers to help charities in his spare time, whenever that is. Comes from a great family with three older siblings who are all very successful. - Steve.
Steve,
If the almost universally recognized top 3 picks by every evaluator are Harper, Tallion, and Machado and say Tallion is gone and we take ANYBODY besides Machado, how can O's fans not get aggravated?
We don't exactly have a SS prospect worth anything in the minors. Now some may say Machado won't make it as a SS - so we don't exactly have a plethora of hitters in the minors.
And after the Hobgood reach last year (whether that was a budget pick or a legit evaluation of his talents) - if we go beyond what are universally recognized the top 3 players this is 100% a money issue in my eyes.
Because if its Machado and it's dealing with Boras - it becomes a money issue. Don't you think that'll look like "more of the same" concerning the O's?
Yes we were what #5 or #6 in the draft last year in spending, but we are in the bottom section of payrolls and international signing budget so I think we could be #1 or #2 in draft budget.
I'm hoping for Tallion but man if we don't do Machado if Tallion is gone - it's going to be aggravating.
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If that happened, people will be angry. Most projections do have those as the top three. First, if that happens, we'll will need to hear Joe Jordan's reasoning and he may have someone else in HIS top three and that's really the only one that counts to him. - Steve.