#2 Pick

[JCM11]

I was just listening to a Baseball America podcast where they say Bazzana has lost a step from last year, and the SB numbers seem to back that up. If you want a true potential 5 tool guy in this draft you're going to have to gamble on Konnor Griffin's hit tool developing. FWIW I don't think either Crews or Langford were true 5 tool guys last year, but Crews was probably closer than any of the college guys this year.

[RedTeamGo!]

In HS, before his growth spurt or weight training, he ran a 7.03 60-yard dash for Perfect Game.

That's just below average speed.

(Not sure how that parlays to where he is now. I suspect not at all.)

To be clear, my post was not directed at what you said

[BuckeyeRedleg]

"Though he's a below-average runner, Condon is reasonably athletic and covers ground with long strides once he gets going. After splitting time between first base and the outfield corners as a freshman, he has played all three outfield spots and third base this spring."

A little taller version of Austin Riley? That would be nice.

[BuckeyeRedleg]

I have no preference between Condon and Bazzana, but Bazzana's Cape Cod performance and his BB to K of 66-28 might give him the slight edge if I HAD to decide one over the other. His plus speed is a nice bonus.

[Bourgeois Zee]

To be clear, my post was not directed at what you said

Yeah, I didn't think it was me you were directing that at.

[Kingspoint]

I was just listening to a Baseball America podcast where they say Bazzana has lost a step from last year, and the SB numbers seem to back that up. If you want a true potential 5 tool guy in this draft you're going to have to gamble on Konnor Griffin's hit tool developing. FWIW I don't think either Crews or Langford were true 5 tool guys last year, but Crews was probably closer than any of the college guys this year.

The SB numbers have been a result of Coaching philosophy this year versus last year. Nothing more. Bazzana hasn't "lost a step".

[Kingspoint]

Exciting weekend ahead in College Baseball.

[podgejeff_]

Condon's bat is such that I don't think he's making it past Cleveland, which sucks. Based on nothing but logic.

The guy has just put together the best offensive season in SEC history.

[Rojo Rijo]

Running, defense.....I do not care. If we're taking a bat at #2 (which seems almost certain) it needs to be the one that they think can be the best hitter, plain and simple.

[Rojo Rijo]

Florida at Georgia series starts today. 3 games of Cags vs. Condon.

[Kc61]

My only hope is that the Reds don’t pick another guy who profiles as a 1b/DH. They have a roster full of them. That’s why I prefer Bazzana. 60 speed will make him useful up the middle somewhere or in an OF corner.

Going forward, Reds need a big bat for the middle of the order. If he’s a DH he’s a DH. They can trade others to fill positions.

For the future, the core of this team is not DHs. It’s EDLC, McLain, Marte, Friedl, maybe Benson or CES if they get back on track. Candelario for the next few years. Steer is probably a DH, but he can fill LF without hurting things.

They need a guy like Kevin Mitchell in his prime, or Greg Vaughn in his big year. They need a power RHH who can hit 30-35 homers. That will solidify this lineup for the future. Maybe Condon could be that guy, he obviously has a shot.

[Bourgeois Zee]

^ 1993-1994 Kevin Mitchell would be an ideal piece for this team.

I agree that EDLC and McLain are core pieces. Friedl might be as well. Beyond that, I'd argue one of Fraley or Steer. I'm hoping that Marte, CES, and others get there as well.

[Mitri]

I honestly don’t think a team can go wrong with Condon or Bazzana and it looks like the Reds won’t have a choice in the matter, because only 1 will be around when they pick

[Tom Servo]

New Callis mock draft dropped this evening

1. Guardians: Travis Bazzana, 2B, Oregon State (No. 2)
The Guardians haven't made a decision yet and have plenty of time to do so, though other clubs believe they favor Bazzana over Condon. Like most of the hitters at the top of the Draft, Bazzana is having a monster year (.424/.589/.972, 26 homers, ranking second in NCAA Division I in on-base percentage, slugging and OPS). He makes more contact and offers slightly more defensive value than Condon. It's a given at this time of year that there will be rumors that the team with the No. 1 pick will look for a significant discount so it can trickle down the savings to later selections, and that buzz is out there about Cleveland.

2. Reds: Charlie Condon, OF/3B, Georgia (No. 1)
This choice may be as simple as taking whoever remains between Condon and Bazzana. The consensus No. 1 prospect, Condon has set a BBCOR-era record with 34 homers and offers the best combination of power, contact and plate discipline available. He's slashing .454/.567/1.082 and leads D-I in hitting, slugging, OPS, homers, extra-base hits (53) and total bases (210).

[kaldaniels]

From Servo’s post/blurb above.

“This choice may be as simple as taking whoever remains between Condon and Bazzana.”

As of today it’s as simple as that.