FanPost

It's time to start getting excited about Brady Singer

Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Tigers are owners of the first overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft after hobbling to a 64-98 finish last season.

With that selection comes great responsibility, and of course, much excitement. But no other candidate excites me as much as University of Florida right-hander Brady Singer.

For good reason, too.

Singer just led the Gators to their first College World Series title in school history, along with the Tigers' first selection in the 2017 Draft, Alex Faedo. The 21-year-old compiled a 9-5 record and 3.21 ERA over a team-high 126.0 IP. He owned a 9.21 K/9 rating and 1.21 WHIP in the summer of '17 en route to being named to the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team.

He dominated the LSU Tigers in Game 1 of the CWS, striking out 12 over seven innings in which he allowed three runs and two walks. LSU's head coach Paul Mainieri commented that Singer was the best pitcher LSU had ever faced in SEC play, while second baseman Cole Freeman raved about his MLB-ready stuff.

Singer owns a wicked fastball with good movement. He's not the hardest thrower -- typically sitting in the mid-90's -- but has enough run to keep hitters off balance. His slider is something that's gotten better ever since his arrival to Florida and will continue to baffle hitters at the professional level.

The Eustis, Florida native can also add a good build to an already impressive resume. At 6'5", he is the same height as former Tiger Rick Porcello, but weighs just 15 pounds less (190 lbs). That tall, lanky build and slightly unconventional delivery is a plus for Singer.

Lastly, and my favorite, is the competitive nature of the young righty. He loves the big stage and thrives with what comes with it, never one to hide his emotion. In a Super Regional Game against Wake Forest in June, the grounds crew elected to bring out the tarp as the rain started to pick up.

Singer wasn't pleased. He was livid walking off the mound and even had to be calmed down by a teammate as his postseason start was cut short and he knew he wouldn't return. The ESPN camera crew picked up everything and followed Singer's fit all the way into the dugout.

As a fan/teammate/coach, you always want to see a guy itching to take the mound every fifth day, and Singer perfectly encapsulates that. That bulldog mentality shows he is a winner, gamer and someone you want on your team.

Check out this mini-highlight reel if you're still not convinced.

MLB Pipeline's article published Wednesday has Singer to the Tigers and calls him "the clear choice as the best overall talent in the 2018 Draft class, which some think could be the best since 2011."

While Singer isn't a shoo-in yet to be a Tiger come June 4, there's also flashy high schooler Ethan Hankins that Avila has to choose from. Hankins hails from Atlanta, Georgia, and has the best fastball in the draft's Top 50, per MLB Pipeline.

Regardless, the decision the Tigers' bosses are tasked with is a good problem to have. Not necessarily because of the record the big league club posted, but because of what a top draft pick can mean to a rebuilding club.

This is a good start to said rebuild, and drafting Singer would lead to an even better one.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the <em>Bless You Boys</em> writing staff.