Round 3, 102nd overall - RHP Zach Jackson, Arkansas - 6-foot-3, 200 pounds. Born December 25, 1984. (Slot Value - $585,100).
Scouting Report from MLB.com...
The Blue Jays have the 102nd pick in the third round to begin Day 2 of the 2016 Rule 4 Draft. Rounds 3-10 will be held today and rounds 11-40 will be done Saturday. You can check out all the proceedings right here.
Round 3, 102nd overall - RHP Zach Jackson, Arkansas - 6-foot-3, 200 pounds. Born December 25, 1984. (Slot Value - $585,100).
Scouting Report from MLB.com...
Jackson contributed immediately in Arkansas' bullpen as a freshman, then took over as closer in 2015 and pitched the Razorbacks to the College World Series. Despite an inconsistent junior season that has included some time in Arkansas' rotation, he figures to be one of the first relievers drafted in June. Jackson's best pitch is a hammer three-quarters breaking ball with curveball break and slider velocity in the low 90s. He usually operates at 93-95 mph with his fastball and can hit 97, though it can get straight at times. Jackson doesn't need a changeup much as a reliever, but he has shown some aptitude for throwing one. While Jackson has the size and athleticism to make it as a starter, scouts question whether he has the mechanics to pull off the transition. There's a lot going on with his delivery, which features a long arm path and a deep shoulder tilt, and it hampers his control and command. If Jackson can't cut it in the rotation, at least he can fall back on having the upside of a closer. Video here.Twitter Reaction
The nephew of former big league catcher Rey Palacios, Joshua Palacios couldn't make Xavieran High's (Brooklyn) team as a sophomore but emerged as the 2013 New York City player of the year as a senior at the crosstown High School of Telecommunication Arts and Technology. He spent the fall of his freshman college season at Stony Brook before transferring to San Jacinto (Texas) JC and turning down the Reds as a 31st-round pick in 2014. After moving on to Auburn this spring, he was hitting .408 and challenging for the Southeastern Conference batting title before injuring his right wrist diving for a ball in early April. Palacios went just 2-for-13 during the Tigers' final 26 games but showed enough early to sell scouts on his hitting ability. A switch-hitter in high school who has hit exclusively left-handed in college, he has a quick swing and makes consistent hard contact. He manages the strike zone well and focuses on producing line drives, though he shows occasional power to his pull side. Most scouts grade Palacios as a plus runner, though some rate him closer to average, and he can steal a few bases. He tried catching at San Jacinto before settling in the outfield, and he played left field this spring because Auburn had the quicker Anfernee Grier in center. Whoever drafts Palacios likely will try him in center field, but his instincts are suspect and will land him back in left. His arm is average. Video here
The second of Hall of Famer Craig Biggio’s sons, Cavan Biggio hit .311/.473/.454 with four homers and two doubles for the Irish this season. He has good instincts but little pop and needs to improve defensively. Video hereTwitter Reaction
Twitter handle - @doinitBIGgio23
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