MLB Draft First Round

[Sloopy45]

1. Arizona, Justin Upton, ss, Great Bridge HS, Chesapeake, Va.
2. Kansas City, Alex Gordon, 3b, Nebraska
3. Seattle, Jeffrey Clement, c, USC
4. Washington, Ryan Zimmerman, 3b, Virginia
5. Milwaukee, Ryan Braun, 3b, Miami
6. Toronto, Ricardo Romero, lhp, CS Fullerton
7. Colorado, Troy Tulowitski, ss, Long Beach
8. Tampa Bay, Wade Townsend, rhp, Rice
9. New York Mets, Michael Pelfrey, rhp, Wichita St
10. Detroit, Cameron Maybin, cf, T C Roberson HS, N.C.
11. Pittsburgh, Andrew McCutchen, cf, Fort Meade HS, Fla.
12. Cincinnati, Jay Bruce, cf, Westbrook HS, Texas
13. Baltimore, Brandon Snyder, c, Westfield HS, Va.
14. Cleveland, Trevor Crowe, cf, Arizona
15. Chicago White Sox, Lance Broadway, rhp, TCU
16. Florida, Christopher Volstad, rhp, Palm Beach Gardens HS, Fla.
17. N.Y. Yankees (from Philadelphia for Type B Jon Lieber), Carl Henry, ss, Putnam City HS, Okla.
18. San Diego, Cesar Carrillo, rhp, Miami
19. Texas, John Mayberry, rf, Stanford
20. Chicago Cubs, Mark Pawelek, lhp, Springville HS, Utah
21. Oakland, Clifton Pennington, ss, Texas A&M
22. Florida (from San Francisco for Type A Armando Benitez), Aaron Thompson, lhp, Second Baptist School, Texas
23. Boston (from Los Angeles Angels for Type A Orlando Cabrera), Jacob Ellsbury, cf, Oregon State
24. Houston, Brian Bogusevich, lhp, Tulane
25. Minnesota, Matthew Albidrez-Garza, rhp, Fresno State
26. Boston (from Los Angeles Dodgers for Type A Derek Lowe), Craig Hansen, rhp, St. John's
27. Atlanta, Joseph Devine, rhp, North Carolina State
28. St. Louis (from Boston for Type A Edgar Renteria) , Colby Rasmus, cf, Russell County HS, Ala.
29. Florida (from New York Yankees for Type A Carl Pavano), Jacob Marceaux, rhp, McNeese State
30. St. Louis, James Greene, ss, Georgia Tech

A lot of position players taken in the first round .. Upton is B.J. Upton's brother. He's considered a can't miss. The best 1st pick in the Draft since A-Rod.

All I know is, this Carl Henry kid better be good.

 

[wadc45]

Oh God, not another Spankees fan...you're from Norwalk so that explains it...

Definitely surprised to see Pennington, Pelfrey, and Mayberry slip as far as they did (and notice that they are all pitchers). And Pelfrey, at least, is represented by Boras, so that is not a surprise. It is amazing to me how much "signability" has become an issue when a team is scouting a prospect. Several of these kids will either not play professional baseball next year holding out or will sign (like Drew and Weaver, both Boras clients, did this past year) on the last day before having to re-enter the draft...

 

[Sloopy45]

wadc45: "It is amazing to me how much "signability" has become an issue when a team is scouting a prospect."

Signability was always a huge issue in the Draft. The players hold the hammer in the MLB Draft because they can always go to college & the team would lose their rights.

I remember the Mets wanted to draft Mark McGwire with their 1st round pick in '84, but his parents said they wouldn't sign with an East Coast team.

The only difference nowadays is that signability refers to millions worth of bonus money, where before it was thousands.

 

[wadc45]

Agreed, but I think signability also refers to their ability to successfully negotiate with a prospect's agent. Let's be hoenst...Scott Boras typically sends shivers down GM's spines. And it is no coincidence that most of his early round clients are holdouts. Also, the number of high school prospects that are finding their way into legal trouble/injury/etc. before ever making the bigs is significantly higher, at least according to Baseball America...

One thing I found funny today was that the draft started a little late today because the Spankees people were late to the conference call. Their top pick, Henry, is already committed to play basketball at Kansas, and was thought to be doubtful to sign with a MLB team because of his desires to honor that committment to Kansas, where his father also played hoops. He is supposedly ready to sign with the Yanks though...although most teams scouted him as an OF, he is adamant about wanting to stay at shortstop.

Luke Hochevar is an example of a kid who might have hurt himself a bit today, as far as draft positon goes, by signing with Boras. But in the end, Boras will probably get him the same money as someone drafted 4-5 spots ahead of him.

 

[Sloopy45]

wadc45: "Let's be hoenst...Scott Boras typically sends shivers down GM's spines."

No question about it. The Dodgers & Cardinals, for example, have had good relationships w/ Boras & are never afraid to draft his clients. The Yankees & Boras have mended fences the last two seasons (mostly b/c they bailed him out in the A-Rod fiasco), and they're one of his allies now too. They had agreements in place with Boras for Stephen Drew AND Jered Weaver had they re-entered this draft.

"Their top pick, Henry, is already committed to play basketball at Kansas, and was thought to be doubtful to sign with a MLB team because of his desires to honor that committment to Kansas, where his father also played hoops. He is supposedly ready to sign with the Yanks though...although most teams scouted him as an OF, he is adamant about wanting to stay at shortstop."

Very interesting. Thanks for the info. I do know this: if he does make the bigs, he ain't playing SS in the Bronx.

 

[wadc45]

The Spanks did get a real nice pick in the 2nd round, Texas closer J. Brent Cox, who had been Huston Street's understudy at Texas for a few years. He could help that bullpen sooner rather than later.

20 of the first 30 picks this year were college players...66% - a number that has continued to rise over the last few years.

Suprisingly (and slightly against Money Ball theory), the A's drafted a high schooler in the 2nd round, the first one they ahve taken in the top 5 rounds since Jeremy Bonderman in 2001, and he ain't too shabby.

Here are some scouting reports for those that are interested, starting with the #1 overall:

1. Diamondbacks: Justin Upton, ss, Great Bridge HS, Chesapeake, Va.

Upton demonstrates excellent patience at the plate and a quick stroke. His well-defined and muscular upper body give a hint to his plus power potential, which he accompanies with equal amounts of speed. His 6.23-second time in the 60-yard dash at a Perfect Game showcase last year rates as the quickest in the scouting service's history. Upton moves well defensively and shows clean actions at shortstop, but again follows in his brother's footsteps because he has trouble harnessing the plus arm strength that has allowed him to hit 94 mph off the mound.

And the Metropolitains pick:

9. Mets: Mike Pelfrey, rhp, Wichita State U.
Pelfrey has blown away hitters consistently with a 92-97 mph fastball that's as notable for its sink as for its velocity. He's adept at getting grounders or strikeouts, depending on the situation. He has refined a straight changeup that will be a plus pitch and keeps lefthanders in check. He also has tightened his curveball and become more consistent with it. Add in a perfect pitcher's frame, good control and a competitive makeup, and the only thing that really bothers scouts about Pelfrey is agent Scott Boras.

The Reds pick:

12. Reds: Jay Bruce, of, West Brook HS, Beaumont, Texas
Bruce has been compared by scouts to Larry Walker. Though he has average to plus tools across the board and enough athleticism to play center field, Bruce profiles better in right field. His swing can get a little long at times, but Bruce is a polished high school hitter. He centers the ball well and already understands the importance of using the entire field. He also has the strength and skill to eventually hit 30-plus homers annually in the majors. His average speed is probably his worst tool, but he plays quicker than his stopwatch readings on the bases and in the outfield. He has more than enough arm to handle the move to right field in pro ball.

And the Tribe:

14. Indians: Trevor Crowe, of, U. of Arizona
Crowe is an ideal leadoff man with a .500 on-base percentage, above-average speed and the kind of fiery personality that can light a fire under a team. He can be undisciplined at times at the plate and lacks raw power, but has juice in his bat and can hit almost anything thrown at him. A switch-hitter, he tends to be a slightly better hitter from the left side while displaying more power from the right. Crowe arrived at Arizona as a second baseman and may end up back there, though he has spent most of his college career in left field.

And finally Sloopy's Spankees:

17. Yankees: C.J. Henry, ss, Putnam City HS, Oklahoma City

Henry has one of the highest ceilings in the draft. He's an exceptional athlete with a tantalizing combination of power and speed. One crosschecker calls him a potential Gary Sheffield and also compares him to Vernon Wells. Henry's swing isn't as pure as Wells' and it will take him time to adjust to professional pitching. Henry also will have to polish his defensive game. He plays shortstop now but may not have quite enough arm to play there in the majors. That's not a concern, however, because Henry's tools would play well either in center field or at third base.

 

[Sloopy45]

wadc45: "The Spanks did get a real nice pick in the 2nd round, Texas closer J. Brent Cox, who had been Huston Street's understudy at Texas for a few years. He could help that bullpen sooner rather than later."

Do you have a profile on this kid as well?

The Yanks are back to the Draft philosphy of the early 90's: high-risk, high-reward, athletic talents. Watch out in a couple years.

 

[Fungo Squiggly]

12. Reds: Jay Bruce, of, West Brook HS, Beaumont, Texas
Bruce has been compared by scouts to Larry Walker. Though he has average to plus tools across the board and enough athleticism to play center field, Bruce profiles better in right field. His swing can get a little long at times

Great, another power-hitting outfielder from Texas who's swing gets too long.

 

[wadc45]

Justin (left) and B.J. Upton earlier today.

Interesting commentary on Boras again:

When the Cubs stepped up to the mic to announce Mississippi righthander Mark Holliman as their third-round pick, they also noted they had agreed to terms with first-round pick Mark Pawelek. This is surprising because Pawelek is a Scott Boras client and as we know, Boras is known for encouraging his players to go to college and for long holdouts. Both of these trends were broken here and indicate that a pre-draft deal was struck, also very un-Boras. Pre-draft rumors had Boras indicating that Pawelek would sign for slot money in the first round.

So far, here is what I have found on Cox (FYI, Hansen, the closer from St. John's, ended up going to Boston at #26):

They passed on Craig Hansen but the Yankees couldn't let another elite college closer pass them by as they selected Longhorn closer. J. Brent Cox. Last year with Texas, Cox was Huston Street's apprentice as the setup man. But, here in 2005, he became the new closer. And, he has stepped in to be just as dominating as his predecessor. A junior, Cox was also the closer for Team USA last year, which is yet another glowing mark on his resume. Not to mention, he performed brilliantly.

There's nothing like a good, old fashioned power closer. Out of the same mold of his mentor, Huston Street, some say he may even end up being even better. The 6' 4", 206 pound Texas native had a tremendous season in 2005 with the Longhorns and is still pitching in the Regional Championships. The big righty put up a dazzling 1.59 ERA with 15 saves. Not to mention, opposing college hitters only hit to a tune of .205 off of him. Make no mistake, the Yankees just picked up a world class, blue collar closer. He could figure into becoming their closer of the future.

 

[JohnnyCockfight]

The local news did a piece on Justin Upton a week or two ago when he was named the Gatorade National High School Player of the Year. For the sake of background, Justin's brother B.J. was drafted 2nd the year he came out, and was named the Gatorade State Player of the Year.

When the local sportscaster interviewed Ms. Upton and asked her to compare her two sons, she replied by saying that while both of them are outstanding players, Justin did win the national player of the year honors, while B.J. only won state player of the year. She said it with a grin.

I was laughing my ass off. Tough love in the Upton household.

 

[BuckeyeNation27]

Good drafting by the Reds. If there's one thing they need, its an outfielder.

 

[wadc45]

Sloopy...

Here is the profile on the Spanks 3rd round pick:

Most teams tend to overlook college seniors, but the Yankees didn't do that with Brett Gardner. The College of Charleston center fielder had a monstrous year, batting an amazing .447 with 2 home runs. But, the big number there is the 38 stolen bases. He was caught only four times. Gardner is known for a cannon for a throwing arm and good defense in center field, but his offense is also impressive. He profiles as a talented leadoff man. Also, this speedster bats and throws left handed. He is very solid third round pick, considering how underrated a college player he is.

They also took LHP Lance Pendleton of Rice with their next pick...

And here is a cool picture of Upton that I found:

I actually like the Jay Bruce pick just because he is already capable of using the entire field, something Dunn and Kearns are still struggling with at time and something that Brandon Larson never figured out how to do consistently.

The Reds have also take the following players so far:

#60 Travis Wood LHP 6'0" 165 lbs. Bryant (AR) HS (a senior in HS)
#92 Zachary Ward RHP 6'3" 235 lbs. Gardner-Webb University (a red-shirt junior)
#122 Samuel Lecure RHP 6'1" 190 lbs. No School
#152 James Avery RHP 6'1" 210 lbs. Niagra University (a junior, 2003 Freshman All-American)

A picture of Ward:

A picture of Avery:​

​

Couple of interesting updates before I am outta here for the day:

Regarding the topic of "signability" as Sloopy described it (good call):

Signability issues has dropped a pair of players listed in our top 50 draft prospects to go undrafted in the top 5 rounds. Round Rock (Texas) HS outfielder Jordan Danks, rated as the No. 37 prospect, sent a letter to all 30 teams informing them that he plans to play at the University of Texas, while Hillcrest Christian HS (Bryam, Miss.) righthander Cody Satterwhite, rated as the No. 39 prospect, has a firm commitment to Mississippi.

And an intersting update regarding a familiar name:

Certainly makes sense for the Cardinals to make another bet on the Pujols family. After Albert Pujols slipped through the cracks and went in the 13th round in 1999, St. Louis took his cousin, OF Will Pujols, out of Missouri's Fort Osage High (Albert's alma mater) at the end of the sixth round. Will is a strong 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds and bears some resemblance to Albert. He has also committed to Maple Woods Community College, which was Albert's next step before the Cardinals picked him.

 

[tibor75]

The Yanks are back to the Draft philosphy of the early 90's: high-risk, high-reward, athletic talents. Watch out in a couple years.

 

[Sloopy45]

Tibbs: Wow, does that pic bring back memories. But Taylor wasn't a bust (necessarily). He blew out his shoulder defending his brother in a bar fight. No one really knows what the kid could've been.

BTW, the year after Taylor the Yanks drafted the # 1 HS Player again with the 6th pick. His name? Derek Sanderson Jeter.

 

[tibor75]

BTW, the year after Taylor the Yanks drafted the # 1 HS Player again with the 6th pick. His name? Derek Sanderson Jeter.

thereby preventing him from attending scUM.