Chappy’s Prospect Challenge Part III (Picks 481-800)

Here in the final installment of our draft recap we’ll take a look at rounds 31 thru 50 (picks 481 thru 800). If you missed them, be sure to check out Rounds 1 thru 10 and 11 thru 30 in the previous installments of this series.

Quickly reviewing the rules and setup of #ChappysProspectChallenge:
1. Players that have debuted in MLB, even for one appearance, were not eligible for the draft. You won’t see names like Gavin Lux and A.J. Puk on this list. There were a couple of invalid picks during this portion of the draft (players who have made MLB debuts) which you’ll see below, but they weren’t caught until the draft was completed and those owners will have to fill those spots with other players.
2. Players are tradeable and can be added/dropped up until they debut in MLB. Once they debut they are a permanent part of the fantasy MLB roster.
3. The premise is to identify prospects that will have the best CAREER fantasy statistics. Once a player debuts their career statistics are counted toward their GMs place in the overall all-time standings. We will have a side competition each season where player positions matter more and lineup strategies come into play, but the primary focus is just piling up the best statistical careers possible in a perpetual dynasty competition.
4. Scoring is 6×6 Roto as follows:

AVG, OPS, R, HR, RBI, SB

QS, IP, K, SV+HLD, ERA, WHIP

Round 31

@berrys_baseball on Daison Acosta at #484:

“A little bit of a gamble here as Acosta isn’t necessarily a sure fire big leaguer, but he has a great breaking ball that I have seen make rehabbing big leaguers look silly while I was sitting in the front row. That outing was enough for me to track his season and like him as an under the radar pick.”

@tonybps1 on Malcolm Nunez at #487:

“Another prospect coming off a down year after being highly thought of prior to the season. Do you notice a theme here? Gambling on bounce back prospects who struggled for one reason or another or who were injured in the past.”

@stoffer81 on Matt Cronin at #490:

“One of the best college RP in the 2019 draft and WAS snagged him in the 4th round. He has a high spin rate and ice in his veins. With my selection at 490th overall, I fully expect him to be an MLB saves leader in the next couple years.”

 

Round 32

@FsuBailey12 on Brandon Bielak at #502:

“Bielak is a high floor pitcher. He has been consistently good his entire career. I think he will carve out a role as a No. 4 or 5 starter in the Majors.”

@berrys_baseball on Will Banfield at #509:

“I like Banfield’s path to the majors as an everyday catcher due to his prowess behind the plate. He does have some power potential, but isn’t necessarily a huge offensive threat. Still, at this point in the draft my attention turned to opportunity and just trying to identify guys I could see in the show one day.”

@ChappyisClutch on Casey Golden at #510:

“This is the part of the draft where a prospect being in the Colorado system means something to me. The prospects being selected this late are all big question marks. To me, having a shot at playing half of your game at Coors Field is a differentiator.”

 

Round 33

@tonybps1 on Taylor Widener at #519:

“Widener is another player who struggled this past year but looked dominant in 2018. I think he could bounce back this year and maybe even see time in the big leagues.”

@FsuBailey12 on Jorge Guzman at #523:

“Guzman has an electric repertoire, especially his fastball, but his command may push him to the bullpen. Even if that is the case, he should be a good source of saves as a closer.”

@JWeisser88 on Ezequiel Tovar at #524:

“Tovar was one of the youngest players in the Pioneer League in 2019 and he held his own. He seems like somewhat of a fast track middle infield prospect that might remind some of Geraldo Perdomo at a much cheaper price.”

 

Round 34

@FsuBailey12 on Simon Muzziotti at #534:

“Muzziotti is impeccable at getting the barrel to the ball. However, he does not have much power. Still, his ability to hit could carry him through the system.”
@Scotty_Ballgame on Niko Hulsizer at #536:
“The Hulksizer! Got to see him play summer of 2017 for the Valley Blue Sox (NECBL) and was intrigued by the raw power. I guess he put on a show this past winter in the Australian Baseball League.”

@tonybps1 on Luken Baker at #538:

“Baker has a ton of power and is in a good organization for developing talent.”

@ChappyisClutch on Chavez Young at #542:

“This pick was based more on the potential that Young flashed in 2018 at full season A ball than what we saw at high A last year. The combination of speed and on-base potential make him an intriguing gamble.”

 

Round 35

@MrNobodyImportant1 on Franklyn Kilome at #549:

“Former top 100 prospects this late in the draft are a no brainer. I’m also a Mets fan so it had to happen. I think Kilome will be forced to start out of necessity and fall into a bullpen role like Lugo and Gsellman.”

@stoffer81 on Jose Rojas at #554:

“Late Bloomer at 27 but can play anywhere. Really liked the Manager that he could play for and I expect him to be a super utility player that could work his way into some quality playing time.”

@FsuBailey12 on Stuart Fairchild at #555:

“Fairchild is criminally underrated. He improved his zone recognition in 2019. His power is underrated and he could end up with 20+ HR each season. He is a very well rounded player.”

 

Round 36

*** – Ineligible player selected, not caught by anyone in the draft until its completion

 

@FsuBailey12 on Jordan Holloway at #566:

“Holloway was returning from TJ Surgery in 2019. He was up-and-down but one of his constants was maintaining his velocity deep into games. That coupled with his solid arsenal, gives him a legitimate shot at sticking as a starter long term.”

@tonybps1 on Chris Shaw at #570:

“I done messed up thinking Shaw was eligible but forgot he had some at bats for San Fran late last year.”

@ChappyisClutch on Pedro Gonzalez at #574:

“Gonzalez has an interesting combination of power and speed. He strikes out too much, but he’s young enough to work through that issue. I like the upside here.”

 

Round 37

*** – Ineligible player selected, not caught by anyone in the draft until its completion

 

@tonybps1 on Alvin Guzman at #583:

“I like what Arizona is doing with their farm system and Guzman can be a player to watch despite his poor numbers last year. He’s pretty toolsed-up.”

@FsuBailey12 on Jordan Brewer at #587:

“Brewer was phenomenal at Michigan and I am hoping his tools transfer over to the pros. This seemed like an excellent shot to take him.”

 

Round 38

@MyManRob1 on Jesus Parra at #594:

“Had success as one of the youngest hitters in DSL. Will be the Brew Crew 3B of the future. He’s a top 350 prospect for me.”

@FsuBailey12 on Moises Gomez at #598:

“Gomez has an incredible amount of power, but his approach at the plate holds him back. If he refines it, he could breakout. Glad to get him this late in the draft.”

@tonybps1 on Ramon Rosso at #602:

“I’ve been following Rosso closely the last two years and think he’s almost ready to contribute for the major league team soon.”

 

Round 39

@ChappyisClutch on Owen White at #611:

“Second round pick in 2018 but hasn’t thrown a pitch yet due to Tommy John Surgery. This is a high risk, high reward pick late in the draft. If he comes back firing, it will be a steal.”

@MrNobodyImportant1 on Christian Cairo at #613:

“Bloodline players have done decently recently. Son of Miguel Cairo, I’m hoping Christian continues this tradition.”

@Scotty_Ballgame on Victor Bericoto at #617:
“Bericoto follows along in San Francisco’s impressive list of recent international signings (Luciano, Matos, Pomares) and is a nice, late option if you need a 1B in your dynasty drafts.”
@FsuBailey12 on Osiris Johnson at #619:

“Johnson was one of the youngest players taken in the 2018 MLB Draft. He missed all of his first full season due to elbow surgery, but there is still plenty of time for him to develop. His tools are very intriguing and it is always great to add another Marlin.”

 

Round 40

@MyManRob1 on Sergio Campana at #626:

“Didn’t have the success Mojica did (who I took at 271) in the DSL but was the more highly regarded J2 signing. With Lolo on the roster as well, it appears I’m banking on a buccos resurgence.”

@JWeisser88 on James Beard at #629:

“80 Grade Speed combined with enough offensive ability to be ranked among BA’s top 100 dynasty prospects was too good to pass on in the 40th round.”

@berrys_baseball on Stephen Paolini at #637:

“Toolsy and raw with plus power and speed potential, my favorite combination in fantasy baseball. He won’t be in the big leagues anytime soon, but if everything goes according to plan Paolini could provide a huge ROI down the road.”

 

Round 41

@RyanJames5 on Aaron Shortridge at #642:

“While he’s never been a big K guy, he fits the Pirates profile so well. A high floor guy 41 rounds in is helpful with all the risk taken earlier in the draft.”

@JWeisser88 on Avery Short at #652:

“Avery Short is one of the players that helped to make the Diamondbacks 2019 draft class one of the best. He pitched really well against Team USA’s Collegiate National Team the summer after his junior year of high school, and it seemed liked he was ticketed to be a part of Louisville’s baseball team after being drafted in the 12th Round, but he got the 6th largest signing bonus in the Dbacks talented draft class that included 8 picks in the top 100.”

@MyManRob1 on Zion Bannister at #655:

“A CF with plus Speed and plus Raw Power who I think will be a quick riser on prospect ranking boards in the coming years.”

 

Round 42

@FsuBailey12 on Nick Maton at #662:

“Maton is a high floor prospect. He seems like he could end up as a utility bat, and maybe crack a starting lineup. He is a consistent hitter.”

@tonybps1 on Damon Jones at #666:

“I’m still surprised Jones lasted this long. He had an awesome 2019 in Double A before struggling when moved up to AAA ball but is very close to helping the major league team.”

 

Round 43

@ChappyisClutch on Adrian Hernandez at #675:

“If Hernandez hadn’t been injured and lost the entire 2019, I doubt very much that he lasts this long in the draft. He’s got a plethora of tools and a high ceiling. The late 600’s is a perfect time to gamble on a young talent like Hernandez.”

@MrNobodyImportant1 on Nick Allen at #677:

“I don’t think Nick Allen will be a huge fantasy contributor, but I do think he’ll eventually take over at shortstop. He’s that gifted in the field and he can hold his own offensively. He could be a left side of the diamond partner for Chapman for a long time.”

@tonybps1 on Enoli Paredes at #679:

“Could be a good middle reliever for the Astros as soon as this year or next.”

 

Round 44

@FsuBailey12 on Trent Deveaux at #694:

“Deveaux is a super raw prospect with 80 grade speed. His upside is sky high. He’s starting to develop some serious power. If the hit tool progresses too, he could meet his upside.”

@tonybps1 on Ashton Goudeau at #698:

“””Goudeau looked great in Arizona Fall League action this past off-season and should contribute right away to the Rockies‘ bullpen. He’s a little bit older for a prospect but was worth a shot.”

@ChappyisClutch on Connor Wong at #702:

“Wong is unlikely to help with batting average, but he has enough power potential to warrant a selection here. He’s got the defensive chops to earn significant playing time with the Red Sox in the near future.”””

 

Round 45

@berrys_baseball on Esteban Quiroz at #708:

“If you don’t know about Quiroz go look him up. A very interesting story and he was a guy I had in my queue virtually our entire draft. The PTBNL in the Tommy Pham trade, not many people look twice at a 28 year old prospect who has never seen the bigs. However, reports say he is ready to hold his own at the plate against MLB pitching and if the Rays like him, I like him.”

@stoffer81 on Tyler Kolek at #714:

“Former 1st round pick from the 2014 draft still here at 714? It must be because he is a bust. But wait no, not him, he just had to recover from his 2017 injury. He has only logged just shy of 30 innings the last couple of years but he is 6′-5″ tall and has the stuff to be a solid MLB arm. That is great value this late in the draft.”

@JWeisser88 on Jake Mangum at #716:

“Jake Mangum finished his collegiate career as the All-Time Hits Leader in the SEC and was one of the top players for a Mississippi State team that made it to Omaha in 2019.”

@MyManRob1 on Yusniel Padron-Artilles at #719:

“I literally drafted this guy because of his name. No other reason.”

 

Round 46

@FsuBailey12 on Packy Naughton at #726:

“Naughton throws a lot of strikes. He was the Reds pitching prospect of the year in 2019. It will be interesting to see what role he ends up in as a Major Leaguer; I think he’ll stick as a starter. He is another one of my favorite pitching prospects so I was glad to add him to the squad at this point in the draft.”

@tonybps1 on Michael Spina at #730:

“I only picked him since we share the same last name. He could be a distant relative for all I know. I know he’s not my brother or nephew even if they have the same name because they surely would have told me if they were in the Fantrax player pool.”

 

Round 47

@tonybps1 on Yunior Severino at #743:

“Another player who didn’t play so well this past year but was thought of more highly before 2019 became a reality. He was a J2 signing with a good profile.”

@JWeisser88 on Gabe Holt at #748:

“While watching Josh Jung play for Texas Tech last year a talented young sophomore caught my attention thanks to his above average or better speed combined with his ability to hit. That player was Gabe Holt who I was surprised got drafted in the 7th round and ended up signing with the Milwaukee Brewers as their 3rd highest paid player from the 2019 draft class. He also received the highest signing bonus of all their position players from the 2019 draft class.”

 

Round 48

@MyManRob1 on Kelvin Diaz at #754:

“Elite athleticism…toolsy…plus runner…projectable frame…everything you want to hear when you draft someone at pick 754.”

@FsuBailey12 on Shendrik Apostel at #758:

“Younger brother of Sherten Apostel, Shendrik has tremendous power and very intriguing upside. Good value this late in the draft.”

@MrNobodyImportant1 on Sam Hentges at #764:

“Cleveland knows how to get the most out of their pitching prospects and Hentges looks like he could be in the back of their rotation by 2021. This late in the draft to land somebody with that potential is surprising.”

 

Round 49

@ChrisEros on Payton Henry at #769:

“Henry had a pretty decent 2019 hitting 14 homers, and driving in 75 runs. Taking him in the 49th round I think was a no brainer for me. He’s only 22 and could easily be in the MLB by next season with what he can do.”

@tonybps1 on Kevin Gowdy at #775:

“I was dared to take Moniak and Randolph by @KingMSquared in return for his treat of All You Can Eat Shrimp at Red Lobster. @FsuBailey12 went ahead and ruined that by taking Moniak so @KingMSquared said if I took Gowdy, he’d still get me shrimp. Gowdy was a 2nd round pick in 2016 and went through Tommy John Surgery but maybe he can develop?”

@FsuBailey12 on Jose Siri at #779:

“Siri has a wonderful combination of power and speed, but his plate approach is not stellar. If he can figure it out, this could end up being a really good pick.”

 

Round 50

@MyManRob1 on David Garcia at #786:

“Catching prospect who is behind Sam Huff on the depth chart but a lock defensively to stick behind the plate. Will he hit? Well let’s roll the dice and see shall we? With my last pick in this draft sure why not.”

@MrNobodyImportant1 on Ronnie Dawson at #796:

“Spent my last pick on an outfield-only Ron Gant clone. He has that upside at least. I’m hoping he hits .240 with 25/25 potential at some point in an empty Houston outfield.”

@RyanJames5 on Adam Stauffer at #799:

“Another big pitcher that provides a ton of upside. I think he’s the 5th pitcher I have over 6′-6″.”

 

Well, that’s a wrap for the initial draft for Chappy’s Prospect Challenge. Because this is a dynasty league and not a mock draft, you can expect future updates on our progress right here on Prospects1500, especially when we have our annual First Year Player Draft. We’d love to hear from you in the comments section below and/or on Twitter.