Why Did Phillies Draft Moniak Instead Of College Prospect?
On Thursday night the Phillies drafted Mickey Moniak with the number one overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft. Moniak, a high school Center Fielder from California, was not a top prospect at the start of 2016 but he became a hot prospect after displaying a batting skill set that couldn't be overlooked.
College prospects such as Corey Ray and A.J. Puk were expected to be among those considered for the number one overall pick; instead Ray went 5th overall to the Brewers and Puk went 6th overall to the A's.
ESPN Senior Baseball Writer Keith Law previously was a member of the Toronto Blue Jays Front Office, he joined Mike Gill on Friday to discuss the reasoning behind why the Phillies drafted Mickey Moniak instead of a college player:
“Most teams would rather take the best player available. The difference is the good college players move quickly, the best high school kids take 3-4 years. Depends on how patient you are as a GM.... My top prospect was Corey Ray and he went 5th in the draft; I think Ray can get to the majors in 15 months. Phillies liked Moniak better, I think they got a good player, I think they did fine....(Moniak) is a guy will stay in the middle of the field, hit for a high average, get on base and have value as a base stealer."
Checkout what Law also had to say about Jason Groome going 12th overall to the Red Sox along with his perspective on evaluating High School prospects