Detroit Tigers: Reviewing Draftees From Rounds Three Through Ten
By Tyler Kotila
The Detroit Tigers used their final three picks on day two for three unique players, each one possessing some sort of overwhelming tool. The three players tend to have one lopsided tool, lacking in other areas which will require development in the minor leagues.
Going back to the position player raid in the eight round selecting shortstop Jack Kenley from the University of Arkansas. The 6-foot, 185-pound shortstop swings from the left side of the plate, and offered a great twelve home run season after sporting zero collegiate home runs in seasons prior.
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Most of the scouts view this pick as a “utility player” pick where they take a toolsy shortstop who will possibly fill gaps all across the field. Kenley had a phenomenal season this year, and the boost in his numbers, which may allow him to catapult into a position player rather than just the “utility player” role assigned to him.
The Tigers felt it necessary to add another pitcher to their draft class in the ninth round by selecting Austin Bergner from the University of North Carolina. Bergner stands 6-foot-4, 200 pounds as a right-handed throwing pitcher for the Tar Heels. As an amateur player, Bergner built up plenty of hype around himself, but at UNC he never lived up to it.
Bergner features a low-90s fastball, average breaking ball, and a change-up that needs further development. Bergner is more of an exploratory pick in hopes that he can “figure it out” while going through player development in the Tigers minor league system.
Rounding out the second day of the Detroit Tigers draft class was the first baseman from Creighton University, Jake Holton. The 6-foot, 210-pound right-handed hitter, was selected in the tenth round of the draft to close off day two for the Tigers.
Holton was a JuCo (Junior College) transfer who hit really well for the Creighton Blue Jays. Holton is expected to be someone just like Packard from ECU, someone who can hit bombs. Holton does not offer much in the wake of tools besides his plus hitting tool which provides plenty of power.