The MLB Draft begins Sunday with the first and second rounds. Rounds 3-10 will be Monday and 11-20 Tuesday. Here's where Auburn players and prospects stand...
** I'd say things are looking up for RHP Joseph Gonzalez returning for his senior season. He is meeting with AU coaches and admin this week and there's a plan in place for him to return and potentially increase his draft profile and signing bonus. I'd put it at 60/40 returning now where it was the opposite a month ago.
** I'd also say there's a decent chance OF Bobby Peirce could return. It's going to come down to the draft and how much he's offered. He's a player to watch probably day 2 or 3. I'd also put it at 60/40 returning right now.
** I'd have to put top high school signees, SS Colt Emerson and 2B/SS Kevin McGonigle, at 70/30 on signing with a MLB team. We'll also have to keep an eye on LHP Bjorn Johnson and RHP Cameron Tilley on day 1 and 2. I'd put their chances of playing at Auburn 70/30 right now but you never know if/when a MLB will up their offer.
** Auburn has five transfer commitments and it's also worth monitoring them in the draft. The group includes the four profiled in this story plus hard-hitting infielder Sam Mongelli. Auburn could be in the market for another middle infielder in the transfer portal and is going to pursue a couple of high-profile pitchers in hopes of landing a special arm.
** I spoke with new pitching coach Everett Teaford today and will have a story tomorrow morning. Really impressed with his plans for Auburn.
PREVIOUS UPDATE
** I'd say things are looking up for RHP Joseph Gonzalez returning for his senior season. He is meeting with AU coaches and admin this week and there's a plan in place for him to return and potentially increase his draft profile and signing bonus. I'd put it at 60/40 returning now where it was the opposite a month ago.
** I'd also say there's a decent chance OF Bobby Peirce could return. It's going to come down to the draft and how much he's offered. He's a player to watch probably day 2 or 3. I'd also put it at 60/40 returning right now.
** I'd have to put top high school signees, SS Colt Emerson and 2B/SS Kevin McGonigle, at 70/30 on signing with a MLB team. We'll also have to keep an eye on LHP Bjorn Johnson and RHP Cameron Tilley on day 1 and 2. I'd put their chances of playing at Auburn 70/30 right now but you never know if/when a MLB will up their offer.
** Auburn has five transfer commitments and it's also worth monitoring them in the draft. The group includes the four profiled in this story plus hard-hitting infielder Sam Mongelli. Auburn could be in the market for another middle infielder in the transfer portal and is going to pursue a couple of high-profile pitchers in hopes of landing a special arm.
** I spoke with new pitching coach Everett Teaford today and will have a story tomorrow morning. Really impressed with his plans for Auburn.
PREVIOUS UPDATE
