Most years I think teams would be more than thrilled to get a SP like Gray with the #2 pick. He's got incredible tools, the numbers are more than you could ever ask for, he's a top student at Vanderbilt, and he's reputed to be a big leader.
However, this just shows what a great position the M's are in. At least one out of Cole/Purke will be available. They don't need to take a chance on Gray's size or Jungmann's mechanics or a high school arm like Bradley or Norris. The two elite arms in the draft come with the least amount of questions. It's really just a matter of whether they want a pitcher or a hitter.
Also, an Orioles scout posts on the O's board and here was his writeup on Starling....
"He hits with dead hands in his load and still has no trouble generating bat speed and driving the ball with wood. His swing plane is inconsistent, but he still has the coordination to regularly get the barrel to the ball against good pitching. His throwing mechanics from the outfield need to be tweaked, as he's currently losing lots of carry on his throws -- he still has no issue having his arm play in right field on throws to 3b and home.
What sets him apart, I think, is the fact that his athleticism isn't just speed/jumping/strength. The physicality is top shelf, for sure, but his body control is incredible. He has that natural fluidity that makes it apparent he can get his body to do incredible things without thinking about it.
Someone with his mechanics shouldn't make as much hard contact as he does, and shouldn't be able to hit the ball as far as he does. There's just a freakish comfort within his skin to relax and let the natural ability just take over. From a few up close observations, he appears to be very coachable, humble and eager to improve at everything. I think he is the type of player that turns into Jason Heyward and shockingly quick, considering how raw the mechanics are."
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