Bernie on the Scene: Fireworks on the Way at MLB

LEADING OFF

• It isn't just the potential hazards of the virus or the venues where games will be played that has Major League Baseball still on hold. In fact, follow the money. Always. The owners want the players to take a larger reduction in pay than the players wish.

For example, if 50 percent of the schedule will be played, will the players get 50 percent of their salaries? Not if the owners have their way. The owners claim that without fans, they will not be getting their full revenue. They will miss out on ticket sales, concession, souvenirs, parking, etc.

The net result? They want that loss figured in to players salaries. So, 50 percent of their salaries and a cut for additional revenue loss.

The two sides are scheduled to meet and hash things out this week. Fireworks!

• Major League Baseball will conduct a five-round amateur draft. That is down from the usual 40 rounds. It is expected to begin June 10. That date has not been set in stone.

STARTING LINEUP

Gavin Lux, Dodgers, SS/2B, BL, 6-2, 190, Age 22

Lux is slated to be the Opening Day second baseman and bat eighth for the Dodgers when the season begins. While he may not have the pizzazz of some other second base fantasy options, he is a solid player with a good bat.

Lux likely will move Max Muncy back to first base, a fact that is important to note for fantasy purposes. So Muncy will keep his dual eligibility. He may also see time at third. 

Lux was selected by the Dodgers in the 2016 draft out of Indian Trail High School in Kenosha, Wis. He was chosen in the first round, 20th overall. He signed for $2,314,500.

Lux played 23 games last season, getting 82 plate appearances and hitting two homers while driving in nine runs. He also stole two bases.

In his four minor-league seasons, Lux hit .305 and had a .383 on-base percentage.

Lux has some power in a strong frame. An offense-first player, he should be able to deliver batting average, power and speed. Even though he's aggressive on "his pitch," his plate discipline is admirable, as he should be able to get his share of walks. I think he has the potential to move up in the lineup and be more a table setter when he settles in. He could eventually become a 20/20 hitter. 

Given his baseball acumen, his maturity, his on-field presence and his better than average hit tool, the Dodgers may end up getting a bargain in the Lux signing. GRADE: 60

Michael Kopech, White Sox, RPH, 6-3, 205, Age 24

I rate Michael Kopech along with Nate Pearson as the best prospect pitchers in baseball, ahead of Forrest Whitley. However, my enthusiasm comes with a bit of caution, as Kopech is returning from Tommy John surgery.

Start with a grade 80 fastball, the best grade I can provide. Before his surgery, Kopech threw 100 miles per hour with ease. Like Whitley, he is best suited at lesser velocity, but he can bring the heat whenever he wants. 

Kopech uses a devastating fastball/slider combination that keeps hitters guessing. If he can learn to command and control those two pitches consistently, he will be an All-Star. He also has a mediocre curve and changeup in his repertoire. He needs to improve the consistency and feel on those last two pitches.

Kopech was taken by the Red Sox in the first round of the 2014 draft out of Mount Pleasant High School in Texas. In December, 2016 he was traded to the White Sox along with Yoan Moncada and others for Chris Sale.

To become what I think he can be, Kopech needs to refine his mechanics a bit so he repeats his delivery. Work has to be done on his changeup and curveball and he needs to throw strike one consistently.

If there is a minor league season in 2020, look for further development for Kopech at Triple-A before he takes a spot in the White Sox rotation. If there is no minor league season, it remains to be seen how Kopech will be handled. He has to show his elbow is healthy. GRADE: 60

Nick Madrigal, White Sox, 2B, BR, 5-7, 165, Age 23

Not unlike Michael Kopech, Nick Madrigal can be really hurt if the minor league season is canceled. He was due to become the White Sox starting second baseman at some point this season. That may have to be put on hold.

A product of Oregon State, Madrigal was signed after being the fourth player chosen in the first round of the 2018 draft. Cleveland had picked him in the 17 round in 2015, but he didn't sign.

Madrigal earned his $6,411,400 signing bonus from Chicago by hitting .361 with an on-base percentage of .422 at Oregon. His signing bonus was higher than that of Alec Bohm, who was drafted ahead of Madrigal at No. 3.

Using superb hitting mechanics, Madrigal is a line-drive, contact hitter with a good eye at the plate. Ultimately, he could be a top-of-the-order type hitter. Some people view him as the next Dustin Pedroia due to the positions they both play, their size and the way they hit the gaps with level, measured swings. Madrigal may become an even better hitter than Pedroia. But he isn't Jose Altuve.

Madrigal may not offer much in stolen bases at the major league level with good speed, but he did steal 35 bases in three White Sox classifications last season. He was caught stealing 13 times, so be careful if you are looking at him for the stolen base category.

Remember to follow the money — the White Sox have lots of money tied up in Madrigal. He'll play. And he'll play as soon as possible. GRADE: 55

Sam Hilliard, Rockies, OF, BL, 6-5, 238-Age 26

(By reader request.)

Sam Hilliard is intriguing, perplexing and compelling. He's huge and his power is beginning to show. And don't forget, if things go as planned and games are played in home parks, Hilliard will take his left-handed bat to the wind tunnel in right-center field at Coors. I like that.

After the Twins drafted Hilliard in 2014 he failed to sign. He went on to junior college and then to Wichita State. The Rockies took him in the 15th round of the 2015 draft. Beware 15th-round draft picks. But. But this guy is big and strong. But this guy strikes out a ton and won't hit for average. I can't say yet that he's Adam Dunn. Dunn walked a ton and had a great eye at the plate. I haven't seen anything close to that from Hilliard. But he's intriguing.

In 87 plate appearances last season for the Rockies, Hilliard hit seven home runs. Not bad. He's slated to platoon in the outfield as the long side of the tandem.

Hilliard has surprising speed for his size. His speed and strong arm make him a solid play in any of the three outfield positions, even in spacious Coors. He pitched at Wichita State, but the Rockies chose him as an outfielder.

Hilliard is a sleeper for draft strategies. Consider him a home run threat. Think of him as a big guy that might steal bases. Just know that he'll probably strike out plenty, even though he has refined his set-up and leg kick to improve his contact. Keep him around in your back pocket during drafts and auctions and remember … he hits in Coors. GRADE: 50 

Tyler Freeman, Indians, SS, BR, 6-0, 170-Age 20

(By reader request.)

At this stage of his young career, Tyler Freeman is a good hitting shortstop with little to no power. I don't see that changing much as he progresses in his career.

The Indians took Freeman with a supplemental second-round draft pick out of Etlwanda High School in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. They signed him for $816,500, so there isn't a great financial investment in him.

Freeman makes good contact and knows how to hit the gaps with a solid swing. He's a bit too aggressive at the plate for my liking, and that results in far too few walks. He does, however, make good contact.

Only an average defender, if he makes the Indians at some point, it will be for his ability to get on base with his bat. He has good enough speed to steal bases.

Freeman is the highest ranking shortstop on the Indians depth chart. There are others on the way, but they are even younger than Freeman. Freeman may be ahead of Yu Chang on the Indians shortstop pecking order.

When — not if — Francisco Lindor is traded, they may want to include a shortstop in the return package. Frankly, Lindor has spoiled Indians brass and fans with his power. Freeman can not deliver that. GRADE: 50

HEADING HOME

• Let me know in the comments section below if there is a player you wish me to profile. It can be a current major league player or prospect. I will do my best to get to them all, plus some of my own choosing.

• Follow me on twitter @BerniePleskoff and read my baseball columns at forbes.com.

• Stay healthy out there. And take a moment to thank someone who has made your life better (including the person who delivers the mail.)