As the wheel continues to spin, no one is quite sure where Archie Bradley will land. Back in February, Bradley signed a letter of intent to come to the University of Oklahoma to play football but there is still a big decision to make. It is rumored that Bradley can throw the ball 73 yards in an interview he did. The Elite 11 Camp also extended an invite to Bradley where he had a great showing. Regardless of his capabilities, Bradley was heavily recruited for baseball and not so much for football. Ultimately Bradley was going to make his choice on a school offering him a dual sport opportunity. Outside of Bradley having the skills and arm to play QB at OU, he also possesses a 96 mph fastball. It is because of this he has been pegged as a first round draft pick in the MLB with some mock drafts placing him inside the top 10. Currently ESPN as well as Baseball America rank Bradley as one of the 10-best overall prospects. With Oklahoma sitting where they are in terms of number of football scholarships, Bradley might lean toward the MLB side. In an interview Bradley did with NewsOK's Jake Trotter, he said,
"...if I were in this position at any other school, I wouldn't feel so strongly. The coaches are giving me the chance to play two sports. Pro ball is great, but turning down the chance to play two sports in college and get an education is hard to do."
Recent events have almost paved the way for Bradley seeing Andrew Luck's decision to return to college. It is evident that Bradley is up to the challenge of what both the Majors and College will throw at him. It also appears that the Draft, along with the money that comes with it, will not make his mind up for him either. With the MLB Draft starting tonight at 6pm CDT, we will have a better idea of what decision Bradley is leaning toward as well as what this kid is giving up or falling into.
Outside of Bradley, there is a lot going on with the possibility of this Sooners Baseball team being revamped next year. Michael Rocha is a senior and will not be with the team next year but a few others might be snatched up in the draft as well.
Tyler Ogle - is possibly the best well rounded catcher that is eligible for the draft this year. After emerging during the 2010 CWS, Ogle has made a name for himself as one of the best offensive catchers in college ball. However, Ogle also shows great defense behind the plate with a strong arm. While Ogle lacks the star power that some of the other catchers have, he is a solid pick and should do well on the next level
Garrett Buechele - came to Oklahoma as a near recruited player and was not drafted. In fact, Buechele was a preferred walk-on for this squad. He has great baseball IQ and has become a leader on this Sooners team while leading the team in RBI's. He entered this season as a pre-season All-American after being drafted in the 18th round to the Rangers last season. If anything, Buechele has increased his draft stock and will go much higher than he did last season
Cameron Seitzer - has a great frame at 6'5 to play first base on the next level. Seitzer also has great bat speed and power at the plate although his numbers don't suggest it. While Seitzer is still a sort of raw power, it will intrigue some people with an interest to harness it turning it into in-game power. His transformation will take a little time and could be what holds him back from being selected in a favorable round
Burch Smith - came to OU from as a JUCO transfer and was expected to be a top talent on the team. Smith is a solid pitcher who has already been selected in the draft twice by the Indians both times. While Smith is a player who continues to add speed to his fastball and it continues to climb as he adds muscle to his large frame, he has drawn a comparison to Tim Lincecum in the fact that some people think he could be a first rounder after previously going in the later rounds. Command of the pitch as well as speed is what scouts are going to be looking for from Smith and we might see the Indians take another stab at signing him
While it is not guaranteed that all, or any for that matter, will sign with a MLB team, these players would be considered big loses for the program. It would have to invoke a rebuilding year as Golloway would be losing much of his nucleus and leadership.