The Sox took a risk when they took Polk State sophomore outfielder Nelson Taylor in the eleventh round. He was a gold glove outfielder for the Suncoast Conference but the kick is he may transfer to Florida State. He did hit .353 with six home runs to go with the glove so let's see if he goes to Florida State or turns pro.
In the 12th round the Sox took junior right handed pitcher Max Carlson from North Carolina University. Just like other picks in Bloom's past, Carlson was a bum. He went 5-2 with a hideous 5.45 ERA. He only had 3 scoreless games pitched all season. He can either stay for his senior year or turn pro. Doesn't look like a big loss if he stays.
In the 13th round, the Sox selected North Dakota State junior right handed pitcher Cade Feeney. He was perfectly mediocre as he went 6-5 with a 4.57 ERA in 14 starts. The problem with bloom drafting nothing but shortstops early is now this is what's left. If he gives up 7 runs to Houston Christian University, what are the pro's going to do?
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Going to have to do better
In the 14th round, the Sox took Cal-State Fullerton junior left handed pitcher Jojo Ingrassia. Ingrassia was Cal-State's closer with 7 saves, a 5-2 record and a 2.42 ERA. He spent two years at San Diego State before transferring. He may stay for his senior year or he could sign. Hope he signs.
The Sox took another risk in the 15th round by drafting Calabasas High School senior centerfielder Phoenix Call. He's one of the best infielders in the state of California, so why is this a risk? He's committed to playing at UCLA in the fall and he just may go there instead. If he signs, the Sox could always use fresh talent. If he doesn't, just another failed 15th round pick in a sea full of them.
In the 16th round, the Sox selected Oklahoma State right handed pitcher Isaac Stebens. This is another risky pick because he posted a 4-1 record with a 2.24 ERA and 6 saves out of the bullpen for the Cowboys. Its a risk because he may stay for his senior season which would increase his draft stock. It would be nice to get a guy like that, but money talks.
In round 17, the Sox took Mansfield Legacy high school outfielder Dylan Schlaegel. Schlaegel might not sign because he's committed to Dallas Baptist University. The Sox are always on the lookout for outfielders years down the road so hopefully if he does sign, it pans out.
In the 18th round the Sox took left handed pitcher Zach Fogell who spent his "senior" year at UConn after pitching for Brown University from 2019-22. He was their top set-up man going 8-1 with a save and a 1.89 ERA. Back in 2020 the Sox traded for Jacob Wallace, UConn's closer in 2019. Now they get another UConn reliever, hope they don't trade him for nothing.
The last two years Chaim Bloom has drafted a bum pitcher in the 19th round, this year he switched it up and drafted Texas A&M junior outfielder Stanley Tucker. Tucker had 6 hits in 22 at-bats so he may stick around for his senior year. No big loss if he doesn't sign, cool if he does.
Last but not least is their 20th round pick, right handed pitcher Robert Orloski from Middleton High School in Idaho. Bloom usually doesn't take high school pitchers and he's committed to UTSA so this was a head scratcher. Still, its the 20th round and not much is left to choose from. If he signs, cool. If not, oh well.
This year's draft definitely was interesting with a lot of "junior" transfers. Bloom is banking on them spurning school for the pro's but some may not. The endgame is college players could develop sooner rather than later, by 2025 with Marcello Mayer, Nick Yorke, Kyle Teel/Nathan Hickey and the bevy of pitchers the last few years.....we MIGHT be on to something. Stay tuned.
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