Round CB-B | Will Banfield | C | Brookwood HS (GA)

[emkayseven]

Discuss.

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Banfield has a chance to become the third Brookwood High (Snellville, Ga.) product taken in the first round, following Jason Bulger (2001) and Lucas Sims (2012). He has the highest defensive ceiling of any catcher in the Draft, though a down spring with the bat could knock him down to the second round. If he lasts any longer than that, he could wind up at Vanderbilt. Banfield's signature tool is his well-above-average arm strength -- though it has been down a tick at times this year -- and he gets the most out of it with a quick transfer and fine accuracy on his throws. His receiving and framing skills are solid, and he's agile behind the plate. He also exhibits the desired leadership skills for his position. While his defense overshadows his offense and he struggled at times on the showcase circuit last summer when he tried to do too much, Banfield offers some upside with the bat as well. With his strong build, solid bat speed and loft in his right-handed swing, he has at least above-average raw power. He hasn't shown as much feel for the barrel this spring as he has with the past, so it's unclear how much he'll be able to tap into his pop.

dont hate this one

[sports24/7]

Ironically, he said he models his game after Benito Santiago. MLB Network seems to think he might be tough to sign. I hope Miami can get it done. He seems like pretty good value (was rated 34th by MLB.com, 49 by BA, 40 by fangraphs, and 42 by Kieth Law).

[Ralph]

They should have the money. The SS should be signed below slot.

[tjfla]

Ironically, he said he models his game after Benito Santiago. MLB Network seems to think he might be tough to sign. I hope Miami can get it done. He seems like pretty good value (was rated 34th by MLB.com, 49 by BA, 40 by fangraphs, and 42 by Kieth Law).

Tough Sign at that slot but hear they are planning to sign him. They got his number and are looking to save some cash on Day 2

Excellent pick. Worst Case is solid backup ML C. Bat is iffy

[fish16]

i dont think its a coincidence that we seemingly went hard after a number of catchers in the first few rounds or so. Both because JT might be gone but also because we have nothing at the C position throughout the entire system.

[Ralph]

Signing. 1.8 mill

Will Banfield, No. 69 overall draft choice, will sign with the marlins. Excellent Ga. HS catcher expected to receive $1.8M.

https://twitter.com/jonheyman/status...343414274?s=21

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It’s about a million over slot.

[tjfla]

Signing. 1.8 mill



https://twitter.com/jonheyman/status...343414274?s=21

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It’s about a million over slot.

Reason why we didn't get crazy later in draft. 1.8 million is slot for #40 pick

Will be interesting to see where they are getting 1 million from. Rd 7/9/10 only get u about $450K if u sign them for 10K each and Fortes got u another 50K. So 400-500K is still needed