AL East Round-up: Intriguing 2014 MLB Draft Picks Edition

Jun 7, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals infielder Sutton Whiting (1) tags out Kennesaw State owls catcher Max Pentecost (3) at second base during bottom of the first inning at

Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays did a great job of going after two very polished college players that will fill big needs within the organization in starter Jeff Hoffman and catcher Max Pentecost. Pentecost adds a very polished, nearly ready catcher into the system, something the team needs regardless of the presence of A.J. Jimenez. Meanwhile, Hoffman sliding to the Jays at #9 may be the steal of the draft, as the right-hander has future ace written all over him. He’ll need a year to recover from Tommy John surgery first, but the arsenal is already there.

With the saving the Blue Jays anticipate by drafting (and hopefully signing) Hoffman, the team took its customary risk and went after a player with a college commitment and hope to lure him away with a few extra dollars. That honor went to Florida prepster Keith Weisenberg, who the Jays took in the 38th round. Weisenberg has the make-up scouts love in high-school pitcher, an easy delivery, mid-high 90’s fastball, and improving secondary pitches. However,

Scout.com

notes that he will be a tough sign, which is understandable considering the talent and his commitment to Stanford, not to mention the value he’ll be seen at after two  or more years in the college game. Still, the Jays have had success luring commits late in the draft, evidenced by the team’s signing of slugger

despite a 30th round selection. If they can ink Weisenberg, he could be a huge steal this late in the draft.