SECAUCUS - Another year, another draft, and hopes are raised for the future. After finishing 9th in 2014 the Diamondbacks ended up picking toward the end of the round(s), but with the MLB tear down going on in 2015 they need all the new talent they can get. Heading into this draft, and looking at the farm system, it would seem the priority would be bats. Arizona has a number of high end pitching prospects, but you really can't have enough good arms.
The Diamondbacks enjoyed a number of extra picks in 2014, but that didn't happen again this year with no picks in Comp Round A or B. The Diamondbacks set a trend with their early picks by sticking to the college ranks, using their first four picks on college players who figure to make a move to the majors much sooner. After that it was pitching, pitching, and more pitching, and not a single high school player taken in the first 10 rounds. Looks like Arizona is gearing up for a more immediate turnaround.
Round (Overall Selection) : Player (School)
1 (22) : SS Dansby Swanson (Vanderbilt University, TN)
Swanson was the Diamondbacks #1 target, and they got their man. Swanson accomplished so much during his college career, it's hard to see him failing to impress as a professional. He took home Most Outstanding Player honors at the College World Series as Vanderbilt won their first-ever championship in 2014, then he became the top position prospect in college after a strong summer with the U.S. collegiate national team. Swanson increased his value when he moved from 2B to SS this year, and showed scouts he could handle the position with polish. Most feel he has the quickness and arm strength to stay at the position, even though he hadn't played there since high school in 2012, when the Rockies drafted him in the 38th round.
Swanson fits at the top of his lineup with his on-base ability and speed, and he can drive the ball into the gaps while showing moderate power. His makeup is off the charts and universally praised by coaches and scouts. Taking Swanson puts Chris Owings, who is already playing at 2B quite a bit, on notice. Swanson figures to move toward the majors quickly, and if everything works out as planned he could form a solid up-the-middle tandem with Owings.
2 (64) : LHP Alex Young (Texas Christian University, TX)
For the second straight year Arizona selected a left-hander with their second round pick.Young bolstered his stock coming into 2015 by making a strong transition from reliever to starter in the Cape Cod League and with TCU this spring. Young attacks hitters with a fastball that sits at 89-93 and shows life and a solid breaking ball. He has the ability to vary the shape of his breaking pitch, which is closer to a slider than a curveball. Young has started using his changeup more now that he has left the bullpen, it features some fade and should become at least an average offering going forward. He rated as the top prospect in Illinois as a high school senior in 2012, though his lack of signability pushed him to the 32nd round where he was drafted by the Rangers.
3 (96) : RHP Taylor Clarke (College of Charleston, SC)
Clarke has been through some tough times since 2013. Tommy John surgery shut him down, and then it looked like his college program (Towson) was going to shut it's doors. Clarke transferred to the College of Charleston and started to rebuild his draft resume once he started pitching again in 2015.He works with a 92-96 mph fastball and has the ability to carry a low-90s fastball into the late innings. His fastball lacks life but still misses bats because his overhand delivery provides deception and downhill plane. He also draws praise for his ability to throw strikes, a lot of strikes, and uses a decent change up to augment his fastball. He does lack a reliable breaking ball, so he could be destined for relief.
4 (127) : RHP Breckin Williams (University of Missouri, MO)
All you need to know about Williams to understand him is his nickname; Harley Time. His constant energy and full-out sprints to the mound are a testament to his level of aggression. He aggressively attacks hitters, and it resulted in school record for saves this spring at Missouri. He managed to elevate his stuff as a Junior, after pitching with an 88-92 mph fastball last year, he now operates in the 90-95 range.Willliams also uses a high-80's cutter, that can turn into a slider if he wants, and a decent curveball that could turn into an average pitch. He repeats his delivery well, enabling him to throw strikes and keep the ball down in the zone.
5 (157) : RHP Ryan Burr (Arizona State University, AZ)
The Diamondbacks landed an interesting pick here with Burr entering the draft as a Top 100 prospect per MLB.com. He was a well known high school prospect in 2012, but he decided to stick with his committment to Arizona State. After three years of college ball he's seen as one of the better closers in the nation, and his 97 mph fastball makes scouts drool. Unfortunately his command can be an issue, and his fastball lacks movement, but he still has the upside of a setup type reliever or closer down the road. Burr may be one of the prospects that makes it to the majors sooner than expected.
6 (187) : RHP Tyler Mark (Concordia University, CA)
Another short reliever with a strong physical build who works in the 94-95 range with his fastball. His pitches have good arm-side movement that cut in on right-handed hitters, and his slider is projectable with the ability to generate swings and misses. Like Burr, he uses an aggressive approach and goes right after hitters to make him an attractive relief option. He has some 'level of competition' questions, but he pitched well in the 2014 Northwoods League, so there will be some discovery as to his long term potential.
7 (217) : C Francis Christy (Palomar College, CA)
8 (247) : SS Kal Simmons (Kennesaw State University, GA)
9 (277) : RHP Pierce Romero (Santa Barbara Community College, CA)
10 (307) : CF Joey Armstrong (University of Nevada - Las Vegas, NV)
FULL DRAFT ANALYSIS
Outside of the top two selections, there isn't a whole lot of high-end upside in this draft. There are definitely some interesting picks that could pan out over time, but the Diamondbacks were clearly interested in stocking up on immediate impact arms. They aren't sexy, but you need a good bullpen to be successful. Lots of college guys also puts them in a position to save on draft slots, although they didn't take make high school players (4) and they were in much later rounds, they could use that money to make sure everyone signs or cover any issues with their top picks.
Best Pick : SS Dansby Swanson, 1 (22)
Not a difficult one to decide on, but in a down draft year Swanson stood out as one of the best overall prospects. A solid college position player who could make an impact within the next few years is a great addition to the Diamondbacks farm system.
Sleeper Pick : RHP Wesley Rodriguez, 12 (367)
Might not be the 'best' high round pick, but he's certainly the most interesting. Rodriguez went into the draft ranked as the 100th overall prospect by MLB.com, but he slid all the way to Arizona at 367. He's a stocky (5'-10" 200lbs) two-way player who gets most of his recognition on the mound. Some scouts have compared him to Bartolo Colon, mostly because of the build, but he can hit 98 with his fastball and tends to work in the 93-95 range. It will be interesting to see if he can make the necessary adjustments to make it to the majors.
