2023 Panini Team USA and the MLB Draft

Every year I find myself more interested in watching the MLB Draft, than just about any baseball game or event. I know very few of the players involved, but the draft concept lends itself to television. Minutes of tension building up to a reveal. Rinse and repeat. Very simplistic formula for compelling TV, that works.

And in this case, it's shaping the game I've been watching for 35 years. A method to sorting out the new pieces that will keep the whole process going. That and predicting what each of them will do, and what that means to the team that takes a particular player.

Probably because I'd rather daydream about the future than look at the present.

A statement which applies to just about everything these days.

Over the last few year's worth of drafts, I've picked up some of the Panini USA Baseball cards, to follow along with during the draft. How many players did I get from my box, that will sign a professional contract? Makes watching the draft even more fun. I wrote stories about that for 2020 and 2022, for the blog... Why not do it again?

A few months back, I picked up a Mega Box of 2023 Panini USA Baseball, from the WalMarts. It was as advertised, and I was looking forward to writing this story.

Then a couple of weeks later, I'm picking a few things up at the Targets, and they have a completely different Mega Box of 2023 Panini USA Baseball…

Sized smaller and with a different layout of the box graphics. So, does this mean that the cards inside may look different? If that's the case, it would add a new dimension to this story. I could compare the two boxes, by which version of the cards were drafted higher. Or the amount of them. If the two boxes were different designs (since the box was), it would make this story a lot better.

Fine Panini... You win, take my money.

Nope. They were the same design.

Damat Panini...

******

MLB Network would once again air the Draft, live on the Sunday night before the All Star Game, as part of the All Star Week festivities. I'll give Major League Baseball credit for making their All Star Week a bigger deal. Moving the Draft to the All Star Game site, as well as airing it live, is one of the Manfred era decisions that I have been fully in favor of.

With the 2023 MLB All Star Game in Seattle, MLB was able to use the Seahawk's Lumen Field to hold additional events. With it's location just a parking ramp away from T-Mobil Park (home of the Seattle Mariners and the All Star Game on Tuesday night), it worked perfectly to keep everything in the same area.

Lumen Field, as shown by drone flyover, during the MLB Draft Preview Show.

The football stadium had a small baseball festival going on the field level. A kids home run derby field was set up in one corner, with various baseball exhibits and games surrounding it. 

The opposite end held a large covered stage, with rows of seats in front. This is where Rob Manfred would come out, to massive boos, to announce the next draft pick.

After the seats, the MLB Network broadcast desk was set up with (L-R) Greg Amsinger, (former Seattle Mariners second baseman) Harold Reynolds, (head baseball coach of some college) Jay Johnson and the second worst General Manager in Colorado Rockies history, Dan O'Dowd. As well as anyone else who dropped by to talk to them, during the course of the evening.

The desk was aimed at the Lumen Field stands. A decent sized crowd has assembled to watch the draft.

And boo Rob Manfred.

Some of the baseball exhibits to the right of the stage.

Several of the players hoping to be drafted tonight are attending the draft in person. They all came out for some applause before the Draft started. Then the mood in the stadium changed… 

Once Rob Manfred took over the stage to go over the formula and kick off the first round.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

With the First Pick of the 2023 MLB Draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates select...

#1 - Pittsburgh Pirates - Paul Skenes RHP

Going into this draft, experts said there were 5 players with the talent to be taken #1 overall. Four hitters and Paul Skenes. "The best pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg." While starting pitching is always a gamble, if I were the Pirates, I would have taken Skenes first overall, as well.

Oh look, it’s Wes Johnson! The guy who screwed over the Twins last summer! When he abruptly resigned as the Minnesota Twins pitching coach, so he could go be the pitching coach at LSU. Well, he coached Paul Skenes to the first overall pick. And the Twins (briefly) led the Major Leagues in Earned Run Average, just before the All Star Break, so it’s not like he was overly missed. In fact, this split worked for both parties involved.

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Paul Skenes

The WalMarts Mega Box had a Skenes base card.

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Paul Skenes - Red Stripes Parallel

And a Red Stripe parallel of a different Skenes card in the set. I got the base card of this different photo.

Always gotta pad your sets with redundancy.

#2 - Washington Nationals - Dylan Crews OF

The consensus second best player available in the 2023. Also from LSU, like Skenes.

Pittsburgh was debating which LSU player to pick, and unless Washington did something unexpected, would take the other one. Making Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews the first college teammates ever taken 1-2 in history of the MLB Draft. 

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Dylan Crews

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Dylan Crews - Red Stripes Parallel

Just like with Paul Skenes, I got the Red Stripes Parallel of Crews, from a different card in the set.

This one was compliments of the Targets Mega Box.

During the preview show, MLB Network interviewed top prospect Max Clark, via Zoom. Going into the draft, he was the #5 ranked prospect, and was heavily linked to the Minnesota Twins, with the fifth pick. Which makes sense mathematically. 

#3 - Detroit Tigers - Max Clark OF

Then the Detroit Tigers snapped him up with the third pick. A very athletic center fielder, Clark had seen his draft stock rise over the last few days, so going to Detroit wasn't a shock.

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Max Clark

2023 was the first year that the top 18 picks were determined by a weighted lottery. Had that rule not been added into the last Collective Bargaining Agreement, this 2023 MLB Draft would have looked like this:

I'm sorry Oakland, you were absolutely screwed here.

Dylan Crews should have been your outfielder. 

That's coming from a Twins fan that saw his team move way up in draft.

Going from the 13th overall pick, all the way to fifth overall.

The Texas Rangers moved up significantly as well. 

I don't like the Texas Rangers at all, but I will applaud their mascot for repeatedly jumping up and down, blocking the camera from shooting Manfred, as he read off the Rangers pick. Awesome photobomb there, giant creepy horse!

#4 - Texas Rangers - Wyatt Langford OF

The Rangers were always going to take Langford, unless Skenes or Crews fell to number 4. That was never going to happen. Langford put up excellent numbers in college, High walks, low strikeouts, good batting average and power. He could be starting in the Rangers outfield within a year or two.

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Wyatt Langford

One for the Targets...

As I mentioned, this draft was considered to have five players that all could be number one overall picks. The first four drafting teams each took one. With one top prospect left, are the Twins going to go with what makes the most sense? Or are they going to get cute? Taking a bargain signing to save some money, to negotiate an above slot deal with a player, later in the draft?

Come on, you have to go with the top talent...

#5 - Minnesota Twins - Walker Jenkins OF

Thank you for not disappointing me!

For an 18 year old kid out of high school, he's an advanced hitter, with potential for both power and a high average. He'll likely end up in right field, but there's a chance he could develop into a plus center fielder.

But... Given how Target Field tends to treat center fielders, I think I may want Jenkins playing in right.

Tucked behind the on field stage, was a room for the attending players and their families. Once the draft started, the far wall would air it live, for them to watch and find out if they were selected.

Nazzan Zanetello is sitting front and center. Unaware that in about three hours, he'd be selected by the Boston Red Sox, with their second round pick.

Ooops.... SPOILER ALERT!

#6 - Oakland Athletics - Jacob Wilson - SS

Wilson was the first attending player to have his name called. Drafted by Oakland, sixth overall.

Rumor has it that Super A's Fan Rob offered Wilson $27,000,000,000, to punt Manfred in the testicles. At the same moment Manfred reaches out his hand and realizes how bad this publicity shot looks, on so many levels. But Jacob Wilson is a good guy.

Did you put a bounty on Manfred's manhood, Rob?

Your secret's safe with me!

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Jacob Wilson

Jacob Wilson is the son of Jack Wilson, an infielder with (mainly) the Pittsburgh Pirates, in the early 2000's. Not a superstar, but someone who played a solid game in the big leagues, for over a decade. And that's pretty damn good.

And there's Jack & Jacob Wilson on the (Lumen) field, talking to MLB Network's Harold Reynolds.

#7 - Cincinnati Reds - Rhett Lowder -  RHP

With only one of the projected top five players in the 2023 draft being a pitcher, I was curious to see how the pitchers of a level below Skenes, would shake out. After the first 6 picks being 5 hitters, some of the pitching prospects would be chosen next. Lowder was arguably the #2 pitcher available. With so many of Cincinnati's offensive prospects reaching the majors over the last season and a half, taking nearly-ready college arms is a great idea.

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Rhett Lowder

Panini apparently agreed, giving Lowder two cards in the set...

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Rhett Lowder

With only slightly different photos...

If you're going to make two cards of a player, make one a posed or portrait shot.

You have the USA Baseball license, use it!!!

Another thing I really enjoyed about these draft broadcasts was the peek into each team's Draft "War" Room. Like this shot of the Kansas City Royals team brass, jammed together in some cramped conference room inside Kauffman Stadium.

#8 - Kansas City Royals - Blake Mitchell - C

The result of all those too many people, was choosing a high school catcher with Eugene Levy eyebrows. There was some debate on stage over why the Royals should have drafted Kyle Teel, instead of Mitchell. Teel has a similar skill set and is a developed college catcher, whereas Mitchell is years further away, and a bigger question mark because of it.

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Blake Mitchell

I don't remember who made that point, but I'd assume it was O'Dowd...

Well, genius, Mitchell signed a below slot deal with Kansas City, saving the Royals a cool million on their draft pool. I'd have to say that makes sense if they go bigger later.

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Blake Mitchell

Mitchell's second card features a better shot of him catching.

Uh-oh... The Colorado Rockies have the next pick...

Just 4 dumpy, middle aged white guys are in the Colorado Rockies War Room. Which says a lot... Unless there are more Rockies officials outside this shot? Must be. Perhaps they’re all on break? Even with the Mountain Standard Time Zone difference, it's too late for 4:20... Happy hour?

Before Manfred took the stage to announce who the 4 dumpy, middle aged white guys, were drafting, Dan O'Dowd went on a lengthy lecture at his co-hosts. O'Dowd droned on and on about why the Rockies don't want to draft pitchers. That's because the altitude of Colorado takes away what exists at lower elevation. We know Dan… We've heard that argument for over 30 years now, Dan...

So who did the Rockies -who don't want to draft pitchers- take 9th overall?

#9 - Colorado Rockies - Chase Dollander - RHP

STARTING PITCHER, out of the the University of Tennessee.

Shut up O'Dowd... I so don't want to hear you explain how this was a great pick, immediately after saying how any pitcher that goes to Colorado loses what makes them a great pitcher. Or whatever you were just babbling about, not even 90 seconds ago.

I do like the Dollander pick for the Rockies. He was probably one of the hardest throwing pitchers in the 2023 Draft. Velocity is something that isn't as affected by altitude, so we'll see. I'm rooting extra hard for him, just to spite you, O'Dowd. 

By the way, how many times did you draft a pitcher while running the Rockies?

Since I don't have a 2023 Panini USA Baseball card of Chase Dollander, here's a picture of him pitching on the TV.

Colorado's brother in 1993 Expansion, the Miami Marlins, have the 10th overall pick.

Recent Marlins draft picks have been a mixed bag.

Both Jacob Berry and Kahlil Watson have been underwhelming at High A. 

Max Meyer (3rd overall out of the University of Minnesota) dominated through the minor leagues. But caught a case of Tommy John surgery, during he second Major League start, in July 2022. 

Today, JJ Bleday is an Oakland A. He was sent to the bay for the 7 Foot Hippay. (AJ Puk). 

Conner Scott went to Pittsburgh in the 2021 Jacob Stallings trade.

Despite this list not representing a whole lot of success, Miami is having one of their best seasons ever. 

So who is the next fish to attempt a swim to Miami?

#10 - Miami Marlins - Noble Meyer - RHP

Noble Meyer. The consensus number one high school pitcher available. Miami seems to know what they're doing, when it comes to developing pitchers, so it'll be interesting to see what the Marlins do with another Meyer. To go along with a Tommy John recovering Max.

So that's the first 10 picks in the 2023 MLB Draft.

From this point on, I'm only going to cover the draft picks that are of interest.

Or if I have a Panini card for them.

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Collegiate National Team - Blue Stars

I don't know who these two are, but it broke up the monotony of Team USA action shot after Team USA action shot.

And it's a Blue Stars parallel!

******

With the 2023 MLB Draft taking place in Seattle, WA, it makes sense to take a look back at the 1987 MLB Draft. That year, the Seattle Mariners had the first overall pick and used it on...

During the Draft Preview Show, Ken Griffey Jr. came on stage and talked about his experience being drafted at #1. He said that he turned down more money from other teams, because he wanted to be taken first overall. The significance of that selection was more important than the extra money he was being offered. Of course, back then it was only around $5,000, Griffey added.

A little bit less than the contracts anyone drafted tonight will be offered.

Of course they showed that great footage of an 18 year old Ken Griffey Jr. and his father, taking that draft call from the Seattle Mariners, in June 1987. 

1987 technology would only allow for the MLB Draft to be recorded on a chalkboard. The Twins had the the third pick (wonder if they were the team that offered Griffey an additional $5,000) in the 1987 Draft, and used it on Willie Banks. Who didn't pitch very well during parts of three MLB seasons with the Twins, He brought back Matt Walback and Dave Stevens, from the Cubs in a 1993 trade.

Also in the 1987 MLB Draft Top Ten were Jack McDowell of the Chicago White Sox, who made a strong impression between 1988 and 1994, before tailing off. Robert (Kevin) Appier pitched in 16 seasons in the Major Leagues, 13 of which with Kansas City.

This list shows you how inexact of a science, the MLB Draft is. Looking back at this draft, 36 years later, there's only one Hall of Famer, one Cy Young Award, and a whole bunch of below average baseball. Will the 2023 top ten fare any better than the 1987 top ten?

I won't be around in 36 years to tell you.

#14 - Boston Red Sox - Kyle Teel - C

The aforementioned Teel went to the Red Sox, at 14.

Teel had been a name I'd read the Twins were considering taking at 5. 

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Kyle Teel

Teel also broke the run of 5 consecutive draft picks that I didn't have a 2023 Panini USA Baseball of.

#15 - Chicago White Sox - Jacob Gonzalez - SS

The morning of the 2023 Draft, I read a short piece in the Star Tribune saying the Twins were considering taking Gonzalez at #5. Visions of Minnesota "Tyler Jay-ing" a fifth overall pick, gifted to them via lottery, in order to keep that toolsy-projectionable middle infielder fetish going. That player is always available in the 3rd or 4th round. Not 5th overall. 

Even 15th overall may be a stretch, but Gonzalez's game did have its supporters. Including this guy...

Was the Twins interest in Gonzalez so serious they even brought along Brian Dozier to talk him up?

#16 - San Francisco Giants - Bryce Eldridge - RHP/1B

Eldridge was the next pick, going to San Francisco as a "2-Way Player". This was a new designation I hadn't heard until this year's draft. Apparently he's going to attempt to play first base and pitch. I have zero problem with that. If you're an 18 year old kid, and you've been able to pull it off at a high level through high school, no harm in trying continue doing it at the professional level, until you can't any longer.

However, I believe that if just any athlete could do what Shohei Ohtani is doing, someone would have done it before. So I'm suspect of any amateur signing with intention of doing it professionally.

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Bryce Eldridge

At the plate...

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Bryce Eldridge

Stomping around imitating a Tyrannosaurus Rex...

#19 - Tampa Bay Rays - Brayden Taylor - SS

Brayden Taylor was also in attendance at the 2023 MLB Draft.

Also the recipient of two different 2023 Panini USA Baseball cards.

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Brayden Taylor

Admiring a fly ball...

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Brayden Taylor

And doing shortstoppy things.

#20 - Toronto Blue Jays - Arjun Nimmala - SS

Toronto agreed to a below slot deal with Nimmala, a young, athletic shortstop out of Florida. This is a very interesting pick to me, It's the definition of high risk/high reward. Several scouts have raved about his talent, and Toronto can afford to be patient at this point.

Nimmala's parents immigrated to America, from India in 2002. Arjun would spend his summers there, visiting relatives, when he was growing up. He mostly played Cricket, before switching to baseball in High School. And he's still just 17. 

He's my 2023 middle first round player that I'll follow more closely. 

Already one of the 2023 Bowman Chrome Draft Autograph cards I want, only six months before it hits the market. 

#21 - St. Louis Cardinals - Chase Davis - OF

Hopefully, Chase won a few bucks from whatever group of teammates talked him into taking this as his promotional photo...

Tired of the non-stop booing from the thousands of fans in attendance, cowardly Manfred hid behind a 9 year old child. Using him as his proverbial boo shield. No crowd is going to boo a 9 year old child. In return for protecting Manfred, he was allowed to read the Seattle Mariners First Round Draft Pick.

#22 - Seattle Mariners - Colt Emerson - SS/3B

Just 17 years old, Emerson signed quickly with Seattle. He'll likely shift to third base as he develops, but projects as a high average moderate power hitter, down the road. 

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Colt Emerson

#24 - Atlanta Braves - Hurston Waldrep - RHP

Unexpectedly, Waldrep fell to 24, and Atlanta of all teams, when he was predicted to go in the 10-14 range. If there's one thing the Braves farm system is known for, it's cranking out starting pitching. Been that way for over 30 years now. 

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Hurston Waldrep

So, barring injury, I expect Waldrep to be in Atlanta by late 2024, and an All Star in 2025. 

And I'll still hate Atlanta.

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Hurston Waldrep - Blue Stars

With Blue Stars...

#25 - San Diego Padres - Dillon Head - OF

Heheheheheheh... At 25, the Padres got head...

I'm hilarious.

#26 - New York Yankees - George Lombard Jr. - OF

I remember George Lombard Sr. from his days as a Braves prospect, in the mid to late 1990's. This, along with payers like Jack Wilson's kid, make me feel so old...

I'm compelled to show the Phillies War Room, because of that sweet Liberty Bell logo light on the ceiling.

#27 - Philadelphia Phillies - Aiden Miller - 3B

All of that combined baseball management brain power, led the Phillies to draft Aidan Miller, with the 27th overall pick. A power hitting third baseman, Miller could end up as a first baseman, but his bat will play anywhere.

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Aiden Miller

Miller slipped considerably from pre-draft projections.

Ranked in the high teens, he lasted until the end of the first round. 

Hey look! There’s old Junk Wax Prospector collection, Brian Barber, now the Philadelphia Phillies Director of Amateur Scouting. Who was overjoyed at the opportunity to draft Miller. 

Good to see that in the last 32 years, Barber found a better shirt.

With the first round (nearly) over, we go back to the vagina-shaped football stadium for the next few picks.

Up in the Skybox, we have Melanie Newman, Carlos Collazo and Jim Callis, providing analysis and insight into the night’s events. Every time the production shifted to these three in the Skybox, Carlos and Jim would be looking at Melanie with the creepiest expressions on their faces. 

Felt kind of bad for her...

With the first 28 picks on the books, it was now time for the Seattle Mariners to make their Prospect Promotion Incentive Pick.

As part of the new CBA, that went into effect prior to the 2022 season, MLB set up the Provisional Prospect Promotion Incentive Pick. (Rules of which are listed above.) Basically, since Julio Rodriguez was a top rated prospect, that spent the entire 2022 season on the 26 man active roster, then won the AL Rookie of the Year Award, the Seattle Mariners get an additional draft pick as a reward for not manipulating Rodriguez’s MLB Service Time. Which was a big point of contention between the MLB Players Union and the MLB Owners.

Sick of being booed every time he stepped foot on the stage, Manfred recruits former Seattle Mariner, Raul Ibanez, to come out and announce the draft picks for him. At least Manfred found someone bigger than him to pick on.

And Ibanez looks psychotically happy to do it!

#29 - Seattle Mariners - Jonny Farmelo - OF

With their valuable bonus pick, Seattle chose Farmelo…

Since they’re so good at picking, why don’t we turn around and give Seattle another draft pick, just for the hell of it!

#30 - Seattle Mariners - Tai Peete - SS

Go be another Mariner, young man!

Meanwhile... Back at the Vagina Dome...

While we wait for the New York Mets to make their first pick, here’s another overhead shot of Lumen Field. Sitting just down the street from the Mariners T-Mobile Park, where the All Star Game will take place on Tuesday night.

Well, I guess it already happened, since I took so long to write this...

Both the Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers had to pay a penalty of their top draft picks slipping down 10 slots, due to their ridiculous payrolls. Meant to deter large market teams from going too far over the Competitive Balance Tax Level, it looks like both of these teams are willing to sacrifice their drafts for the foreseeable future. Neither the Dodgers or Mets are going to see their payroll under $270 million any time soon...

#32 - New York Mets - Colin Houck - SS

P is for penalty!

Despite this penalty, the Mets were still ablate select the #12 rated prospect going to the draft.

Somehow their penalty doesn’t seem very harsh...

Oh, it’s about time for the Twins to pick again. You can tell because the stage is all decked out in Twins colors and logos. This would be a bonus pick under the Competitive Balance Round A umbrella, awarded at random to teams under circumstances I don't fully understand.

#34 - Minnesota Twins - Charlee Soto - RHP

Soto is an intriguing prospect, who would grade the highest in heart and attitude. Awww, now there's a nice cliche! During the preview show, the host talked of how Soto travelled to Los Angeles last summer, to attend the 2022 MLB Draft in person. Just to experience it, before his year of eligibility. 

As soon as his name was called, Charlee Soto jumped up from his chair and hugged his family. Tears flowing.

Soto composed himself as he put his new Twins jersey and cap on, before walking to the stage. Tears still his eyes.

After shaking hands with Ibanez, he went over to stage left for a brief interview with MLB Network's Xavier Scruggs. You could tell the emotion was genuine in hearing him talk. And I'm interested in seeing what he does for the Twins. Only 17 years old, he's got plenty of time to develop.

Charlee Soto has fans in Seattle. Which is a little strange since he's a high school kid from Florida. 

Speaking of Florida!

#35 - Miami Marlins - Thomas White - LHP

The pick after the Twins drafted Soto, the Marlins grabbed Thomas White. The top ranked High School left-handed pitcher slipped all the way down to 35. Miami's team brass had to overjoyed with their luck in restocking the pitching supply.

Back to the First Round?

#36 - Los Angeles Dodgers - Kendall George - OF

Just like the New York Mets, the Dodgers saw their first pick dropped down ten slots. So, technically, this will be considered a first round pick, then we go back to Competitive Balance Round A Draft Picks.

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Kendall George

Well, I have his Panini card. 

So, back we go to Competitive Balance Round A.

Here's what the Detroit Tigers are going to do...

#37 - Detroit Tigers - Kevin McGonigle - SS

They'll take a high school shortstop.

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Kevin McGonigle - Silver Prizm

That I had a nice shiny Panini Parallel of!

#39 - Oakland Athletics - Myles Naylor - SS/3B

At 39, the Oakland Athletics took the youngest brother of Josh and Bo Naylor, Myles Naylor. Both Josh and Bo play for the Cleveland Guardians. Would've been kind of cool if Cleveland took Myles as well. 

Ignore the countdown at the bottom of the photo, it lies!

Now it's time for the second round of the MLB Draft.

And I'm REALLY getting sick of seeing damn Nike swooshes...

Dan O’Dowd is still trying to appear smart. 

Please leave MLB Network and go to ESPN or Fox or Lifetime or something...

Or just go away...

Leading off the Second Round of the MLB Draft is the Washington Nationals, who chose...

#40 - Washington Nationals - Yohandy Morales - 3B

Yohandy Morales is another player who fell far from original draft projections, all the way out of the first round. Predicted to go in the 15-20 range, he went 40th to the Nationals.

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Yohandy Morales

Panini thought he was a big enough deal to give Morales two cards in the set as well. 

Like batting!

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Yohandy Morales

This one is of a third baseman!

#41 - Oakland Athletics - Ryan Lasko - OF

R is for Ryan.

#46 - Colorado Rockies - Sean Sullivan - LHP

Colorado's Second Round Pick was another pitcher (are the Rockies now actively trolling O'Dowd?) to help re-stock the system, which hasn't produced a Major League starter in 7,000 years. No, that's not true…

Up until recently, their rotation of German Marquez, Antonio Senzatella, Jon Gray and Kyle Freeland were together as a quartet for most of 2015 through 2021. Which was really impressive for Colorado. They didn't win anything, but that kind of consistency had never been seen by Rockies fans before.

Probably be a long time before they have four starters in their rotation for 6 years again.

Panini didn't give me a Sean Sullivan card, so here's a screen capture of him pitching, instead.

And now a word from a sponsor...

Joe doesn't do commercials for his own chain of Chevrolet dealerships. Despite being a local face that's massively over. So his older brother Jake drew the short straw, and had to stand in front of the green screen. 

I jest, but actually Mauer Main Chevrolet has been very decent to Laura, when she had to deal with some car issues a few weeks ago. So hooray for them.

Just then, Charlee Soto wandered over to the MLB Network desk, for an interview with the panel.

Nothing notable was said.

Before their third and final pick of the first night of the 2023 MLB Draft, a brief clip of the Minnesota Twins War Room was shown. The framed jersey in front of the tables is to honor long time Twins scouting director, Mike Radcliff, who passed away in February of this year. The white Twins visors the office folk are wearing, is in tribute to the white Twins visor, that was always Radcliff's trademark, during his time with the team.

Mike Radcliff had scouted Twins first round pick, Walker Jenkins, extensively. He raved about his skill set and hoped he would be available to the Twins at 5. Which he was, and became the perfect pick to salute to the longtime Twins employee.

#49 - Minnesota Twins - Luke Keaschall - 2B

Minnesota's second round pick was very typical for the Twins. A toolsy middle infielder. He signed a below slot deal very quickly, so that was obviously a factor. Minnesota seems to take this guy (or other similar players with different names) between the second and fourth round, every year. While I can't think of anyone I'd rather the Twins have taken at this point, I really don't have much of an opinion on this pick.

#50 - Boston Red Sox - Nazzan Zanetello - SS

Finally, it’s time for Nazzan to put on his new Red Sox gear and talk to Xavier!

A few picks later, former Mariners pitcher, Jamie Moyer, is brought on the stage with two contest winners, to announce the next Mariners pick…

#57 - Seattle Mariners - Ben Williamson - 3B

This guy!

#58 - Cleveland Guardians - Alex Clemmey - LHP

Clemmey was a prospect I was interested in, going into the draft. 

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Alex Clemmey - Silver Prizm

Since I pulled Clemmey’s Silver Prizm parallel from the WalMarts Mega Box, a little more than three minutes of research, led me to find an intriguing left-handed power pitcher. Clemmey was only the 50th ranked prospect, which kind of surprised me, given his physical frame and fastball velocity and spin. Guessing he has questionable control that is knocking him down a peg.

#65 - Colorado Rockies - Cole Cerrigg - C/IF

Colorado received a bonus pick in Competitive Balance Round B. The Twins didn’t get one of those. Neither did the Mets or Dodgers. So the Rockies took a catcher/Infielder with a decent bat. Questions about his ability to stay behind the plate, but I’m sure Colorado won’t hesitate to trot him out until he can't.

Up next, we wrap up the night with a few Free Agent Compensation Picks. Awarded to teams who lost a player to free agency, that was tendered a Qualifying Offer contract. For example, Willson Contreras left the Chicago Cubs, for the St. Louis Cardinals. Per the CBA, the Cubs get a Compensation Pick, after the second round. Which the Cubs used to take...

2022 Panini USA Baseball - Jaxon Wiggins

There's still a small stack of 2022 and 2021 Panini USA Baseball, in my Miscellaneous Cards box. These would be all the players who had yet to sign with any MLB organization. After the draft was complete, I dug those out to find any stragglers that found a job today.

Mr. Wiggins was the earliest drafted from that pile of about 50 or so cards.

The Atlanta Braves had the last pick of the first night of the draft. Which was the first two rounds, plus however many extras MLB stuffed in. So with the final pick of the Second Round, the Atlanta Braves chose.

#70 - Atlanta Braves - Cade Kuehler - RHP

Had to be the mustache that sold the Braves on him. That 'stache just hollers Georgia.

******

With Day One over, I'll transition with the hits from my Walmart’s Mega Box.

None of these players were drafted, so here seems like the best spot.

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Zion Theophilus - Autograph

That's a scribble. But at least it's an interesting scribble. 

2023 Panini USA Baseball - P.J. Morlando - Autograph Foil

Still a scribble, but the pen was lifted off the sticker a few times.

I'm assuming P.J. Morlando wasn't eligible for the 2023 MLB Draft. He was in Seattle that weekend, and played in some amateur showcase game at T-Mobile Park, that I watched a few innings of. The MLB Network announcers were talking up his talent, so maybe I'm showing this card off next year, in my 2024 MLB Draft story.

2023 Panini USA Baseball - John Short - Autograph Jersey

Same goes for John Short, but I didn't see him play in that game.

No idea if he was even there that weekend. 

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Gavin Grahovac - World Cup Patch

Grahovac was ranked 146th going into the draft, but officially withdrew so he could fulfill his commitment to play at Texas A&M, next season. Making this patch card (numbered 8/8) something worth holding a few years. Grahovac improves his game in college, becomes a top 10 pick in 2026, this becomes rather valuable.

Just why does it have to be another damn Nike swoosh...

Overall, I can't complain about what the Walmart’s Mega Box brought me.

I'll award it one big gold sphincter!

******

Nope, not the Preview Show...

I don't have a graphic for Day 2 of the 2023 MLB Draft. Which consisted of Rounds 3-10, but was broadcast on the internet only. I didn't watch any of that. I'm a baseball nerd, but not that big of a baseball nerd.

Day 2 was not held at Royal Blue Vulva Park, but at the MLB Network Studio in NJ. There was no need for all the pomp and circumstance. Many of the players drafted in these rounds wont even have a highlight reel. Just a head shot next to a team logo.

#82 (Round 3) - Minnesota Twins - Brandon Winokur

Like the Twins third round pick. Minnesota went well above slot to sign Winokur, who projects as a rather large center fielder. And I know nothing else about Mr. Winokur, and his is the last screen capture I made, from the 2023 MLB Draft.

So anyone else that is covered, will be due to having a Panini USA Baseball card. From whatever year. 

And we're lightning rounding these.

I don't know these players and I'm tired of writing this story.

#88 (Round 3) - Tampa Bay Rays - Tre Morgan - 1B

Red Stripe parallel...

#91 (Round 3) - New York Mets - Nolan McLean - RHP/OF

Going back to the 2021 set for the Mets...

#113 (Round 4) - Chicago Cubs - Will Sanders - RHP

The 2022 set...

#114 (Round 4) - Minnesota Twins - Tanner Hall - RHP

Blue Stars parallel...

Hall looks like an offspeed/control pitcher that may or may not translate to professional baseball. He was a high strikeout/low walk innings guy in college, the prototype of pitchers the Twins love to sign.

#117 (Round 4) - San Francisco Giants - Maui Ahuna - SS

Mahi Tuna...

#120 (Round 4) - Tampa Bay Rays - Hunter Haas - SS

Back to 2021 again...

#127 (Round 4) - Los Angeles Dodgers - Wyatt Crowell - LHP

Okay... Enough of Round 4....

Keep it moving...

#205 (Round 7) - Arizona Diamondbacks - Ryan Bruno - LHP

Seventh round, now we're moving!

#209 (Round 7) - Chicago White Sox - George Wolkow - OF

Dipping back to 2022 for some Wolkow.

And the last card I have for Day Two is...

#297 (Round 10) - Minnesota Twins - Ross Dunn - LHP

A power pitching lefty, Dunn could possibly find a quick home in the bullpen and help the Twins major league staff before long. Maybe a stretch for a 10th Round draft pick, but stranger things have happened. 

And a lefty out of the pen is something we could really use.

******

Before we get to Day Three and me finishing this story that wont die, I have to give equal time to...

The Targets Mega Box Hits

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Nicolas Hawkins - World Cup Jersey

I’m going to assume that is a smear of dirt on a piece of jersey.

And not a skid mark on a different piece of clothing.  

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Dylan Stallones - Autograph

Who…

2023 Panini USA Baseball - William McIntyre - Autograph

Are…

2023 Panini USA Baseball - Kahanu Martinez - Autograph

These people?

Four players from the Development Program. All of them, years away from being drafted, if they reach that point at all. You know Panini, I'm fine getting one of these type players among the hits. But all four of the hits not being old enough to drive, nor good enough to qualify for the National team? 

Disappointing doesn't begin to express how I feel about these...

Flipping over the 2023 Panini USA Baseball Mega Box from the Targets, you’re greeted by a Mega list of odds. That’s a whole lot of words and numbers going on for the equivalent of two Mega Boxes of really nothing special.

Especially with what Targets offered up...

As far as hits go, I got what I was supposed to, but this Mega Box was Mega Awful.

I can't even give it a token Bullseye...

(I just liked how this wrapper scanned.)

Since I didn't see any of my hits get drafted this year, I can't use that as a basis for comparison. Taking into account the hefty amount of common cards between the two boxes, the split between drafted vs undrafted cards, between the two store's representative Mega Boxes, was about 50/50.  

So I guess the hits alone will have to represent the two Mega Boxes, for Targets vs Walmarts, in the 2023 MLB Draft Battle Fight Thingy.

The winner of this simply has to be the WalMarts... 

Not how I wanted it to to turn out.

So enjoy your big golden sphincter…

******

I think Day Three was still broadcast on MLB.com, but I'm not sure. Rounds 11-20 were just worth a read through after all was said and done.

#330 (Round 11) - San Francisco Giants - Jack Payton - C

#371 (Round 12) - San Diego Padres - Blake Dickerson - LHP

#529 (Round 18) - Kansas City Royals - Stone Russell - C

#541 (Round 18) - Baltimore Orioles - Tanner Witt - RHP

Yup... Can't think of a single thing to say about these guys.

Which is good because I'm tired and want to go write about something else. Maybe even some of the relatively little 2023 baseball cards I've bought this year. Waaaaaay down from the last few years.

So my 2023 MLB Draft summary limps to a close.

Probably a good thing since this is a great deal of words about baseball players most people don't know. Nor will they ever know. Ultimately, very few of the players mentioned here will amount to much in the game. Although there may end up being a couple of Hall of Famers. You just never know.

Picking cards of amateur players is just like picking amateur players for professional baseball. You can project all you want, but it ultimately means nothing. Either the talent and hard work is there or it isn't. Either you got the cards of the most talented players, or you didn't.

We'll know in 10 years. 

So don't forget to check back!