MLB Draft 2017- What would Nick Hostetler do ?

Nick is the man in charge of the White Sox draft. Last year was his first draft of full control. It really was a great draft for the White Sox. We are hoping for more of the same this year. Slyder and myself will be diving into the players available to draft at #11. We will dip into that again this weekend.

As important as that pick is, the players chosen at #49 and #87 can also offer value. Keith Law noted that he would have a hard time this year naming more than 70 players he liked. When Josh and I talked last week, we agreed that if you took BA's top 70 players, Keith Law's Top 70 players, MLB's top 70 players, and the top 70 players actually taken, that might be as many as 120 players.

Last year, Nick took 24 college players in the first 25 rounds. He has offered the explanation that system was thin and college players were the quickest fix. Maybe things have changed but based on last years draft, we have to think college players will be getting a hard look. So let's find a few worth those two picks.

JJ Matijevvic.

5' 11"- 211 LBS. Bats L / Throws /R

1st Base/ 2nd Base. Arizona State.

I noted JJ last fall. How has he done this spring ? Well he was the Pac Player of the week in April

Over the course of four games, Matijevic was 9-for-16 at the plate, drove in 11 runs, and scored six of his own. Six of those 11 RBI all came in one game.

Currently .397 BA /442 OBP /1072 OPS.

In 45 games- 46 Runs- 47 RBI- 7 HR- 22 Doubles.

MLB does not have him in their top 100. BA has him at 63. You can bet the White Sox have seen him play.

Drew Ellis- Third Base

6' 2" 192 LBS. Bats R / throws Right.

Drew plays for The University of Louisville. In 2008 Drew pitched in the Little League World Series. Threw a no hitter,and lost. He could become your classic slugging Third Baseman. He bats behind Brennen McKay. Pick your poison . Batting fifth, Drew has been an RBI machine.

Currently .393 BA- .490 OBP.- 122 OPS

In 48 games - 45 Runs - 45 RBI- 13 HR- 16 Doubles

I believe Louisville is Nick's home town. MLB does not list him in the top 100, BA has him at #61

Brent Rooker- First Base/ Outfield. Mississippi State

6' 3"- 210 Bats Right- Throws Right.

Brent was drafted last year by the Twins in the 38th round. He passed up those big bucks to go back for another year. Good idea. He is old for the draft 22 and a half. This year, he cut down on strikeouts and ran wild on the bases. 17 so far, after only two last year. All of his stats are gaudy. It's the SEC, so good competition.

Currently .404 BA - .502 OBP - 1387 OPS

In 49 games 44 Runs - 65 RBI - 19 HR- 25 Doubles

Zounds !!! I mean Gadzooks !!!

BA says #64 and MLB says #49. Hey we pick at #49 !

Anyway, three good college position players , that could, should, might be available in the second and third rounds.