The 2008 Draft Thread

[$heriff Tom]

A lot of this thread will end up me talking to myself, but I know a few of you have at least a passing interest in the draft, and obviously you follow the Yankee part of it.

I am somewhat stoked, i happen to be off the week of this years draft, so I can take a chill and watch it on the couch confines....ESPN-2 will be covering the first round, as they did last year. Last year I caught part of it from my hotel room, changing out of meeting clothes into dinner attire while at my work function in stately Wehauken New Jersey.

Here's an into piece for those inclined, thanks to mlb.com

No clear-cut No. 1 in 2008 Draft crop
This year's class loaded with hitters, light on pitching

By Jonathon Mayo / MLB.com

Let's get ready to ... build for the future!

While Michael Buffer isn't exactly rushing to have that phrase copyrighted, it's the mantra of all 30 organizations and their scouting departments as they prepare for the 2008 First-Year Player Draft. From the moment the Rays pick No. 1, for the second straight year, on June 5 until the Draft comes to an end at some point on June 6, teams will be searching for the next generation of Major League talent.

Numbers will tell you that it's not an easy task, with such a small percentage of drafted talent ever making it to the big leagues. And yet scouts are crisscrossing the country seeing all the amateur talent available in this year's Draft class.

For the second straight year, fans can watch the first round unfold live on ESPN2 from Orlando, Fla. MLB.com, of course, will take over from there.

It was fairly obvious a year ago, even at this early stage, that the first name to be announced on the first live TV broadcast of the Draft would be Vanderbilt pitcher David Price. Things went according to script and the Rays did indeed take the southpaw with the first overall pick. This year, however, there does not appear to be a clear-cut answer for who Tampa should take.

"You had Price No. 1 last year, you don't have any of those this year," one scouting director said. "That's obviously the drop off. [The Draft class] is pretty good. it's not phenomenal, but it's pretty good. I think there's some depth. I'm not googly-eyed over this Draft."


Without a clear-cut No. 1, there have been several players mentioned as potential top picks. If the Rays want to go back to the college pitcher group, Missouri's Aaron Crow and San Diego lefty Brian Matusz are the top two choices. They could go back to Vanderbilt and take third baseman Pedro Alvarez, who was slowed by an injury earlier but has returned at full strength and resumed his place atop the college bat ranks. Multi-tooled high school shorstop Tim Beckham is another possibility, as is fast-rising college catcher Buster Posey. And the list doesn't end there, with other candidates popping in and out of conversations.

Beyond that top group, though, that first scouting director is not alone in being underwhelmed with the overall talent level of the class. At the start of the amateur season, there were some high expectations for the class. But the big issue has been one of separation: There hasn't been any and opinions on who will be at the top of the Draft vary depending on who's doing the talking.

"I don't think the depth is what we thought it was earlier," a second scouting director said. "Early on, it seemed like it was tremendous. It's good at the top, then you can lump a whole bunch of them together. When you look at our final list and then pick another team, it might not be similar. There's that much variation in opinions."

Teams with multiple picks at the top of the Draft will have to try and come to some kind of consensus to make the most of where they pick. The Mets, for instance, have two first-round picks and a third selection in the supplemental first round. The Brewers pick No. 16 overall and then have a pair of sandwich picks, at Nos. 32 and 35 and two more second-rounders, giving them five picks through the first two rounds. The Phillies get to make six selections over the first three-plus rounds (including the second supplemental round, which takes place after the third round is over).

"I was expecting a clearer picture," said one scouting director about the top-of-the-Draft choices. "You'd like to think the crystal ball would be a little clearer in terms of who the upper-tier guys are. There's a consistent group of guys we've targeted, but I can't tell you there are any definites. It's a little muddled."

That's not to say some players haven't put their best foot forward. High school catcher Kyle Skipworth is an intriguing bat and he has stood out among a fairly deep class in California this spring.

"Going in, the California high school class was supposed to be exceptional," a scouting director said. "Some have had some hard times with injuries and things. Unless you grew up in Southern California, I don't think anyone can appreciate Skipworth's record with 18 hits in a row (and on base 25 times in a row). He stepped up."

So did Crow, to an extent. The right-hander, expected to go near the top of the first round, put up 43 consecutive scoreless innings. But the streak ended in a big way, with Crow allowing eight earned runs in his first two innings of his next start.

"You have to give Crow credit with [the streak], you can't say he didn't step up," the first scouting director said. "But then he gave up five runs in the first inning, it kind of typifies the way the year has gone."

College pitching is valued highly every year and this season should be no different. Crow has vaulted himself to the top of the list along with Matusz, who shook off an early rough start to cement his place among the top college arms in the class.

The high school arms lag far behind the more advanced university-based pitchers this year. Last year prepsters like Rick Porcello, Jarrod Parker and Madison Bumgarner all filled the tops of Draft charts. There haven't been any younger pitchers who have stood out like that group has this year.

In fact, if one were to point out one particular strength in this class, it would be offense. In addition to Skipworth, a pair of college hitters have helped their cause with their performances more than perhaps any other players. Posey, the Florida State catcher, has been mentioned at the very top of the Draft while University of Georgia shortstop Gordon Beckham (no relation to Tim) likely has also risen to the top of the first round.

"The fact that they play in the middle of the field doesn't hurt either," a scouting director said.

Finding legitimate first base prospects in the past hasn't always been easy. Not so this year, where the corner position is definitely a strength. Teams can choose from college players like Miami's Yonder Alonso, South Carolina's Justin Smoak or Arizona State's Brett Wallace. High schooler Eric Hosmer also figures to be in the top of the first-round mix, with a host of other first basemen to choose from over the first couple of rounds.

"There's more [first basemen] than there's ever been," one scouting director agreed. "In a normal year, if you take a national cross-checker type, in the top 20 players, you'd have 12-15 pitchers. This year, it's position-player heavy, which is a nice change."

With the emphasis on hitters, the natural class to compare this Draft to is from 2005, which saw college players like Alex Gordon, Jeff Clement, Ryan Zimmerman, Ryan Braun and Troy Tulowitzki -- all taken in the top 10 and all in the big leagues -- and high school offensive talent like Justin Upton, Cameron Maybin, Andrew McCutchen, Jay Bruce and Colby Rasmus selected in the first round as well. While there is the similarity in overall Draft strength, comparing this year with that one is not a fair exercise.

"There's always a standard you try to follow and that [2005] class was exceptional," a scouting director said. "This class is OK, it's just not in that exceptional category. You compare to 2005, there's nothing like that this year. There are a lot of guys who haven't shown what they did during the summer.

"There's probably a lot of frustration out there and I think you'll see a lot of deal-cutting and a lot of drafting for need."

[Chris]

An 18 AT-BAT (not game) hitting streak??? Wow!

[$heriff Tom]

And on base 25 times in a row. Great googly moogly!

[Chris]

Yeah, no shit. I don't care if it's high school or not, THAT is WAY impressive!

I think we should trade Hughes and Kennedy to whoever drafts him! ;D

[$heriff Tom]

And the guy is a catcher, which is a rare find when you strike gold. He could possibly go at the top of the draft. Speaking of catchers, the Orioles landed a prize last year in Matt Wieters, a first round grab who is going to be a pain in the ass to us Yankee fans once he gets to Baltimore.

[MSBNYY]

If the pitching is shit, then catching is definitely a spot the Yanks need to consider.

[$heriff Tom]

There will not be any rock-solid catching prospects on the board by the time the Yankees come around.

[MSBNYY]

Then they need to grab the best available prospect regardless of position.

[$heriff Tom]

Thats how most teams do it (money / agent concerns aside)

You dont pigeonhole yourself into trying to fill CURRENT needs, cause those can change year to year, and most of the names you are drafting are years away anyhow.

[MSBNYY]

That's true, though I think it's safe to say that the Yanks don't have much in the way of catchers in the system. There's Montero, but doesn't he project as someone switching positions?

[$heriff Tom]

Yankees like Cervelli.

They also have Kevin Romine's son Austin, who they are very high on.

Their catching depth is ok, but the next Thurman Munson is probably not hanging around.

[9]

Kevin Romine? Holy blast from the past!

[$heriff Tom]

The Brewers have 6 of the first 62 picks.

[$heriff Tom]

Crystal ball: Projecting the first 10 picks
Top of draft difficult to put together with no clear-cut No. 1

By Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com

The conversation usually goes something like this:
Me: I'm working on my first projection of the first 10 picks.
Scout X: (Laughter). Good luck with that.

Yet here we are, once again in mid-May trying, somewhat foolishly, to piece together our first projection of the spring. It's only the top 10 picks and it will be updated several times before the First-Year Player Draft commences on June 5, yet there is this strong desire to nail it down right now. And that, of course, is nearly impossible.

In reality, the biggest hope is to get most of the names right. The order will come later. It's like that game Mastermind. First, you make sure you have the right colors, then you put them in the correct sequence. If people can look back at this first crack at projecting the top of the first round and see that most of the names actually did go in the top 10 of the actual draft, I'll pat myself on the back. Without further ado, here goes nothing.

1. Tampa Bay Rays: Buster Posey, C, Florida State

It appears the Rays have narrowed it to five names for the top pick (there's no David Price this year): Posey, the FSU backstop who's had a tremendous year with the bat to move himself into consideration; Georgia high school shortstop Tim Beckham, who's got tools galore and can stay at short; Pedro Alvarez, the Vanderbilt third baseman who's among the most polished hitters in the Draft; Brian Matusz, the lefty ace for the University of San Diego; and Southern California high school catcher Kyle Skipworth.

I believe Skipworth is on the outside looking in and I keep coming back to thinking (based on no real inside information) that it'll be between Posey and Beckham. This week, I'll go with what's been the hottest rumor as the Rays get a good hitter who can catch.

2. Pittsburgh Pirates: Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Vanderbilt

Yes, that's right. I'm putting it in print. The Pirates have said they would spend more money in this Draft and take the best available player. If that's the case, then Alvarez is the guy, despite a broken hamate bone in his hand that took away more than a month and has made it somewhat slow for him to regain his timing and power this spring.

Alvarez can flat-out hit and will hit for power while staying at third and getting to the bigs in a hurry. In other words, he's exactly what the Pirates need. But there is a difference between spending more money and meeting the possible bonus demands of a Scott Boras advisee. If the Pittsburgh braintrust decides that leap can't be made, or that Alvarez's hand is a true concern, there are other options.

Both Beckham and Posey will get serious consideration if passed on by the Rays. If the Bucs decide that pitching is the best way to go, Matusz profiles as a front-of-the-rotation starter as does University of Missouri right-hander Aaron Crow.

3. Kansas City Royals: Eric Hosmer, 1B, American Heritage HS, Plantation, Fla.

The Royals would happily take Alvarez if the Pirates pass on him, but with him gone, they might go with one of the following two bats: Hosmer, the prep star, or Justin Smoak, the University of South Carolina first baseman. Hosmer is also a Boras advisee, but that doesn't necessarily seem to scare the Royals, who took Boras clients in the first round in each of the past two years. That being said, enough may be enough and Smoak could be the option. Going pitching is still a possibility, and if that's the case, Matusz is still in their mix.

4. Baltimore Orioles: Brian Matusz, LHP, University of San Diego

Everything I've heard about the O's involves a college player. Not that they're one of those teams you can peg like that, it's just that's the way the rumor breeze has been blowing. Matusz appears to be atop their list and they'll take him if none of the top three do. They could also consider Crow or maybe even Tanner Scheppers out of Fresno State. There have been some bats mentioned as well, with Smoak being the most prominent. The University of Georgia's Gordon Beckham could also sneak into the mix here, but we'll stay with the southpaw, who's got pretty good stuff for the time being.

5. San Francisco Giants: Tim Beckham, SS, Griffin HS, Griffin, Ga.

The Giants would probably love for Posey to be around, but that seems highly unlikely at this point. If they want to stay with a college bat, the same names come up: Smoak and Gordon Beckham, while they'd also consider the pitching tandem of Matusz and Crow. In the end, though, they might be hard pressed to pass up the overall package that Tim Beckham has to offer. It may take him a little longer to develop than some of the collegians, but he's got the potential to do just about everything. He's drawn some comparisons to the Upton brothers, which may not be fair, but you get the point. And unlike with B.J. and Justin, most people are confident that Beckham will be able to stay at shortstop long-term.

Yes, the Giants have a number of middle infielders in the system, but it's difficult to look past this talent and most organizations will tell you that you can never have too much talent, especially with impact potential, up the middle.

6. Florida Marlins: Kyle Skipworth, C, Patriot HS, Riverside, Calif.

The Marlins have never shied away from taking chances and picking the "high risk, high reward" high school types. There are a few who fit the bill here. While it might sound improbable, Hosmer's name has cropped up and the Marlins surely have had ample opportunity to see the Miami-area prepster. Ditto with University of Miami first baseman Yonder Alonso, but you have to wonder if his name has cropped up solely because of proximity. Just because they can see a guy a lot because he's nearby does not mean they'll take him as the No. 6 overall pick.

The word has been that the Marlins have been all over Skipworth. There has been some debate over whether his defensive skills are good enough for him to stay behind the plate, but he's shown enough ability to get a shot there, no question. And most people are confident he's going to hit. A recent rough game made for a few pauses, but there's enough who believe there's plenty of track record to draw from to not let him slide too far if Florida ends up passing.

7. Cincinnati Reds: Aaron Crow, RHP, University of Missouri

Not long ago, a scenario that saw Crow available in this spot didn't seemed plausible. The right-hander had a long track record of success and was putting together an extremely impressive run of 43 consecutive scoreless innings. A few rough outings in a row, combined with some back spasms and some questions about mechanics, has made this possible.

Once thought to be in the mix for the top overall pick, it's not like Crow is going to slide too far and the Reds might find it hard to pass up on his terrific pure stuff. If they're looking for another college right-hander, Scheppers or perhaps Tulane's Shooter Hunt is a possibility. Offensively, they might be interested in Gordon Beckham and there's been some buzz about them liking ASU first baseman Brett Wallace.

8. Chicago White Sox: Gordon Beckham, SS, University of Georgia

Every once in a while, there's a rumor so strong, one repeated from numerous sources, that you almost can't believe it to be true. At every turn, word was that the White Sox really liked Wallace. While most consider him to be an outstanding hitter, something about it just didn't seem to be right. That's not to say that if things fall differently, they wouldn't look in his direction, but in the scenario laid out here, with Gordon Beckham available, they'll go with who most would consider to be the better overall player.

Along with Posey, no hitter has helped his cause more with his performance than the Georgia shortstop. He's been among the NCAA leaders in just about every offensive category, showing a lot more power. He could get to the bigs quickly and how often does a possible impact bat in the middle infield come along?

9. Washington Nationals: Justin Smoak, 1B, University of South Carolina

In some ways, picking a little lower might be a good thing in this Draft. There's a list of about 10-12 names among the top-10 possibilities -- not including the inevitiable surprise (think Matt LaPorta last year) -- and by the time the Nats pick ninth, they might have their minds made up for them based on what's happened with the first eight picks.

If Hosmer slides a bit because of perceived bonus demands, he could end up here and he is a bat almost all believe will play quite well in the pro game. If he's gone, though, we'll go with the next best available player -- something the Nationals will likely do -- and that's Smoak. Switch-hitters with legitimate power don't come around all that often and the Nats will be pleasantly suprised he's even around for them to consider.

10. Houston Astros: Tanner Scheppers, RHP, Fresno State

It's always difficult to know what a team is going to do when its got a new scouting director and GM in the fold. Bobby Heck worked under Brewers scouting director Jack Zduriencik and if he's as unpredictable as his old boss, who knows what will happen here?

What is known is that the Astros didn't have a pick until the third round last year and didn't sign anyone until their fifth rounder. So they'll want this one to stick. With the need to get an influx of talent into the system, and quickly, the college route seems to make the most sense (that being said, they'd probably be very interested in Skipworth if he were still around).

Alonso might be of interest, but here's a hunch that a power arm that could get there quickly will be ordered up. Scheppers is likely the next best option after Crow and Matusz on the college front. He was scratched from a start last week with some reported tenderness, but he was expected to make his Friday start this week. If that issue becomes larger, Shooter Hunt might fit the bill for the Astros.

Wild cards: Since in every Draft there seems to be at least one or two picks that appear to be out of the blue, even in the top 10, it makes sense to mention a couple of names that feel like reaches for the top third of the first round, but have been mentioned in conversations nonetheless.

One is Stanford catcher Jason Castro, who has followed up a good Cape Cod season last summer with an outstanding junior season. He's improved his defense and hits left-handed. The question is how far he will rise and how much of it is a case of overvaluing a catcher who can hit. ... Another name being tossed around up top is Casey Kelly, a two-way high school standout. There have been reports he only wants to play shortstop as a pro and he has the raw potential to be an exciting, big and athletic middle infielder. He's also a top football recruit and could decide to play quarterback at the University of Tennessee. He's played himself into the first round this year, but top 10? You have to wonder if the connection is being made because his father is Reds bench coach Pat Kelly, and Cincinnati will pick seventh.

[Jason Giambi]

Posey just played all 9 positions in a game the other day. Good pick, his fastball is in like the mid-90's or something.

[$heriff Tom]

Tino to represent Yankees at Draft
Martinez, a consultant to GM Cashman, will be in Orlando

NEW YORK -- Tino Martinez will represent the New York Yankees at the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, which takes place June 5-6 at The Milk House at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, Fla.

Martinez, who played on four Yankees World Series championship teams as a slick-fielding, clutch-hitting first baseman, is in his first season as a consultant to general manager Brian Cashman, holding an office at the club's facilities at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

Martinez also worked with the club during Spring Training as a guest instructor, offering advice to Yankees infielders on footwork, positioning and throws. He batted .271 over his 16-year Major League career, playing with the Mariners, Yankees, Cardinals and Rays.

Day 1 coverage on BaseballChannel.TV begins at 1 p.m. ET with a special ceremonial draft of former Negro Leaguers who will be on hand at The Milk House. The First-Year Player Draft follows at 2 p.m. with a simulcast of ESPN2's broadcast of the first round and compensation picks.

The remaining rounds on Day 1 will be shown exclusively on BaseballChannel.TV, with live analysis on site from MLB.com Draft guru Jonathan Mayo and David Rawnsley of Perfect Game USA.

Several of the top amateur prospects are expected to be in attendance in Orlando for Day 1 of the Draft, and each of the 30 Major League clubs will be represented by front-office executives and baseball luminaries.

Fans are welcome to attend Day 1 of the Draft, and admission to The Milk House is free. Seating is limited to a first-come, first-served basis. Day 2 will get under way at 11:30 a.m. and continue through Round 50, if necessary. Every pick on Day 2 can be heard live on MLB.com.

[$heriff Tom]

Yankees aim to continue Draft success
Club sees young talent as precursor to blueprint for the future

The Yankees are never the first in line waiting to file their selections at the First-Year Player Draft, but in recent years, a consistent effort has been made to improve the quality of the players being given the opportunity to don pinstripes.
The ripple effect of young talent has tantalized all the way through the Yankees system and into the Bronx, to varying degrees. The flashes of brilliance seen from Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy may just be a precursor to what the blueprint holds for the future.

For the Yankees, it begins once again this year in the later stages, where New York will select 28th. The most-hyped players may be off the board by then, but as in past Drafts, vice president of scouting Damon Oppenheimer believes the Yankees will be in position to select a high-caliber performer.

"It's always a challenge," Oppenheimer said. "I think if you talk to the guys over there at the Rays, they're probably agonizing over their decision at No. 1 on who their guy is going to be. We all have our tough decisions to make. We're always in the position where we're at the will of whatever goes before us."

Because their board is so readily open to change, the Yankees place a high emphasis on their meetings with area scouts, as well as watching video and holding discussions to have a final blueprint lined up by the time the first name is called.

This year is no different, as the organization's homework will be of the essence. New York also obtained the 43rd selection, in Compensation Round A, from the Colorado Rockies over the offseason for losing relief pitcher Luis Vizcaino via free agency.

There is no better reminder of that pick's value than to review the success of Chamberlain, the Compensation Round A-pick from the 2006 Draft and the 41st selection overall.

"It's a good crop of players out there," Oppenheimer said. "I think the Draft has some depth to it. I'm not sure how many potential superstars there are in this Draft, but from what we've seen, it has some depth and there should be some good players. There's a huge difference between players one through five and players 25 through 30, but we'll still be happy with what we get."

MLB.com will carry every pick of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, which takes place June 5-6 at The Milk House at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla. Day 1 coverage begins at 2 p.m. ET with a simulcast of ESPN2's broadcast of the first round and compensation picks. The remaining rounds on Day 1 will be shown exclusively at MLB.com, with live analysis on site from MLB.com Draft guru Jonathan Mayo.

Several of the top amateur prospects are expected in attendance in Orlando for Day 1 of the Draft, and each of the 30 Major League clubs will be represented by front-office executives and baseball luminaries. Fans are welcome to attend Day 1 of the Draft, and admission to The Milk House is free with seating limited to a first-come, first-served basis.

Day 2 will get under way at 11:30 a.m. and continue through Round 50, if necessary. Every pick on Day 2 can be heard live at MLB.com.

Here's a glance at what the Yankees have in store as the First-Year Player Draft approaches:

In about 50 words
The Yankees have shown that they are not shy about taking financial risks other teams might not -- see last year's top pick, Andrew Brackman, who won't pitch until 2009, but still has executives excited. It's not just pitching. Catcher Austin Romine and infielders Bradley Suttle and Carmen Angelini have also proven buzzworthy.

The scoop
The organization's philosophy is to look for the most talented and Major League-ready player available on the board at the time of the selection, regardless of position, and allow the rest to shake out where it may.

"You always hope to put pitching into the system, and it'd be nice to put some big arms into the system," Oppenheimer said. "It would be nice to put some athletic guys who could potentially hit in the middle of the lineup. Those guys, there's not that many of them to pick from. In terms of a particular position, I'm not going to try to shove a square peg into a round hole or anything like that. We're going to pick what's the best out there."

First-round buzz
There's been a lot of talk about the Yankees repeating -- in a way -- what they did in last year's Draft by taking an injured college pitcher with their first-round pick. Oppenheimer said that just watching Brackman work off a mound in Tampa has the organization feeling very good about its decision to snag a bright young prospect with a little cleaning up to do. Then again, the Yankees would need a striking case to repeat the course of action.

"It has to be a pretty darn special guy, and Brackman has a lot of things going for him," Oppenheimer said. "On top of his stuff, he has athleticism and he was a basketball player. He was really what we thought was very, very special."

Shopping list
If the Yankees decided to draft according to Major League need, their two top priorities might be to select a power-hitting first baseman and a good left-handed arm. Of course, the progress pipeline doesn't normally feed the Bronx that quickly. Last year, the club brought Angelini up to Yankee Stadium for a taste of what life might be like if he makes it up to The Show. A shortstop, Angelini even took a locker for a day -- across the room from Derek Jeter, who didn't seem irked by the visit.

Trend watch
Though it selected 40 collegiate players out of 50 spots last year, four of New York's top 10 were high school players. Last year, the Yankees took 24 position players and 26 pitchers.

"We're just going to try to line them up the best we can," Oppenheimer said. "We'd like to take the guy with the highest ceiling, who is closest to the big leagues. Sometimes that's college and sometimes it's high school. We try to weigh those things and put it together, and take which one of those guys best fits that round."

Recent top picks
The Yankees selected Brackman from North Carolina State with the 30th pick in last year's Draft, despite knowing that he would likely miss all of 2008 after undergoing Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery. Brackman is working out at the Yankees' facilities in Tampa, and is expected to begin pitching competitively in 2009.

New York's top pick in the 2006 Draft was Kennedy from the University of Southern California, who rose quickly to the Major Leagues to make his debut on Sept. 1, 2007.

High school infielder C.J. Henry was taken in the first round of the 2005 Draft and became a trade chip, helping the Yankees land Bobby Abreu from the Philadelphia Phillies in July 2006. He found his way back to the Yankees' farm system in 2007 and is currently on the Minor League disabled list.

Rising fast
Right-hander Dan McCutchen, a 13th-round selection in 2006 from the University of Oklahoma, was recently promoted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and could be among the next group of Yankees to experience big league life. McCutchen had a 2.55 ERA in nine starts at Double-A Trenton before being promoted.

Cinderella story
Right-hander David Robertson, a 17th-round pick in 2006, has moved quickly up the ladder and should merit consideration for a promotion to Yankee Stadium at some point this season. Robertson was promoted from Double-A Trenton in May, where he had a 0.96 ERA in nine games, walking six and striking out 26 in 18 2/3 innings.

[$heriff Tom]

Here's another one of those interesting tidbits I stumbled upon while poring through Baseball America's exhaustive pre-draft coverage.

There's a kid named Casey Kelly, who is ranked as both the # 2 high school shortstop by BA and the # 31 high school quarterback by ESPN. While he plans to go to Tenessee to play both sports (where he would be expected to win the SS job as a freshman, and would battle a gaggle of guys to replace outgoing QB Erik Ainge) he could be wooed with first round supplemental money.

But here's your kicker - his Dad? Former Yankee Pat Kelly! Whoo hoo, Daddy has a gem.

EDIT - couple of hours later...

Hmm, Dad may NOT be Yankee Pat Kelly, although the first piece I read specifically mentioned he is, along with Dad's 9 years of service, most with the Yankees. Another piece I am reading now has his Dad as the Pat Kelly who had a "brief MLB career in 1980" and has been a longtime minor league manager, currently with the Reds system.

Damn Pat Kellys!

[Jason Giambi]

i hope he goes pro, fuck the vols.

[$heriff Tom]

Big draft, fun day to guys like me. Rays have apparently made the call on who they will be picking first later...if it was me, I would have nabbed Posey. Top-notch catching prospects of the Joe Mauer and better variety come along very rarely.

Tim is one of TWO Beckham SS's (no relation) slated to go in the early rounds.

LOL @ "he's a fun guy to be around."

BOSTON -- Tim Beckham will be No. 1.

The Rays, holding the first overall selection in today's First-Year Player Draft, will select the talented high school shortstop from Griffin, Ga., according to Tampa Bay officials.

Before the team had made its decision, Rays scouting director R.J. Harrison called Beckham "a really good player at a premium position."

"Middle of the field player, very good athlete, an advanced bat," Harrison said. "Has a real good awareness on the field. He plays the game with a great deal of enthusiasm. And then when you spend time with him away from the field, he's the same guy. He's a fun guy to be around."

The Rays have the No. 1 overall selection for the fourth time in their history. Beckham will become the third high school player the Rays have selected with that top pick. Last year's No.1 pick, David Price, a left-handed pitcher from Vanderbilt, was the lone exception to the prep flavor. In 1999 and 2003, the Rays used the top pick to select high school outfielders in Josh Hamilton and Delmon Young; both outfielders are now in the Major Leagues with other clubs.

Beckham stands 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, which lends him the physical stature to play most positions. Harrison said Beckham "absolutely" will be a shortstop in the Rays organization. A five-tool player, he is said to have the prerequisite range to remain at shortstop.

While Beckham is said to have a good feel for the game, he has some mechanical flaws to his swing. Nevertheless, he still has excellent bat speed. And though he's not a finished product, he has the kind of high ceiling the Rays found irresistible.

Partial credit for Beckham's selection needs to go to his older brother, Jeremy, who is a senior at Georgia Southern and also a prospect to be drafted. Jeremy is credited with keeping his brother interested in baseball during a period earlier in Tim's life when his interest turned to basketball and football.

Beckham has signed a baseball scholarship to Southern California but wants to play professional baseball. The Rays would like to get him signed as soon as possible and into their system so he can progress as rapidly as possible to the Major Leagues.

The Rays have participated in the Draft since 1996 and have selected the following players in the first round: Paul Wilder, 1996, OF, Cary (High School), N.C.; Jason Standridge, 1997, RHP, Hewitt Trussville (HS), Ala.; Hamilton, 1999, Athens Drive (HS), N.C.; Rocco Baldelli, 2000, OF, Bishop Hendricksen (HS), R.I.; B.J. Upton, 2002, SS, Greenbrier Christian Academy, Chesapeake, Va.; and Young, 2003, RF, Camarillo (HS), Calif.

[$heriff Tom]

Here's a little cheat-sheet for any of you following this today from your desks. I dont think he will drop, but I would love for the Yankees to get a grab at Brett Wallace (ranked 26) and as for arms, I am a HUGE Cody Satterwhite fan (in the same way I was a Joba fan going into the draft he was nabbed) - if the Yankees somehow take a flyer on him, I will be in hog heaven.

Previous ranking is in parentheses

1. Pedro Alvarez, 3b, Vanderbilt (1)
Broken hamate bone can't diminish all he accomplished with the bat the previous two years, won't cost him in the draft.

2. Brian Matusz, lhp, San Diego (2)
"He's the safest guy with upside at the top of the draft," says one scouting director.

3. Aaron Crow, rhp, Missouri (3)
Has the best fastball in the draft for its total package of velocity, life and command; slider is also a quality pitch.

4. Tim Beckham, ss, Griffin (Ga.) HS (4)
There isn't another high schooler who projects as a middle infielder who's anywhere close to being in his class.

5. Eric Hosmer, 1b, American Heritage HS, Plantation, Fla. (8)
Has moved to the top of the stacked crop of first basemen; Scott Boras advises the top college (Alvarez) and prep bats.

6. Justin Smoak, 1b, South Carolina (5)
Having an unexceptional junior season after a down summer with Team USA, but his switch-hitting power still sells.

7. Buster Posey, c, Florida State (15)
Athletic catcher has boosted his stock by showing improvement at the plate; also showing a plus heater as a closer.

8. Shooter Hunt, rhp, Tulane (17)
Needs to throw more strikes, but his fastball and slider have been unhittable (0.95 ERA, .101 opponent average).

9. Tanner Scheppers, rhp, Fresno State (22)
Was more impressive than Matusz and Crow at USD Tournament in February.

10. Tim Melville, rhp, Holt HS, Wentzville, Mo. (6)
Has yet to show the quality stuff he displayed last summer, but it's still early, especially for a Midwestern pitcher.

11. Kyle Skipworth, c, Patriot HS, Riverside, Calif. (12)
Reached base in 25 straight plate appearances, including 16 hits; also has catch-and-throw skills.

12. Gordon Beckham, ss, Georgia (24)
Proving his Cape home run title last summer was no fluke by drilling 15 homers in first 26 games this spring.

13. Yonder Alonso, 1b, Miami (7)
Very polished hitter with tremendous approach, would rank higher if he showed more consistent home run power.

14. Christian Friedrich, lhp, Eastern Kentucky (9)
Owns the best curveball in college class, and commands it better than he does his solid fastball.

15. Aaron Hicks, of/rhp, Wilson HS, Long Beach (13)
Teams are still split on whether he'll be a hitter or pitcher; may have best tools package of outfielders in this draft.

16. Ethan Martin, rhp/3b, Stephens County HS, Toccoa, Ga. (56)
Entered the year as a power-hitting prospect but has stood out more with a low-90s fastball and hard slurve.

17. Dennis Raben, of, Miami (19)
Recovered from a strained back, he has shown his trademark power and cemented himself as the top college outfielder.

18. Joshua Fields, rhp, Georgia (44)
Has recaptured his sophomore form to rank as the best college senior prospect; should move quickly to the majors.

19. Gerrit Cole, rhp, Lutheran HS, Orange, Calif. (11)
Lights up radar guns but has yet to resolve questions about his secondary pitches, command, mechanics and makeup.

20. Jemile Weeks, 2b, Miami (25)
Rickie's little brother has helped his cause by showing more durability and power than he did a year ago.

21. Brett Hunter, rhp, Pepperdine (10)
Made just two starts before getting shut down with a sore forearm, and his health is a huge question mark.

22. Alex Meyer, rhp, Greensburg (Ind.) HS (20)
Bad weather wiped out his first start, and scouts are eager to see the big projectable righty who touches 96 mph.

23. Sonny Gray, rhp, Smyrna (Tenn.) HS (26)
Scouts don't believe his listed 6-foot height, but they do believe in his plus fastball and power curveball.

24. Kyle Lobstein, lhp, Coconino HS, Flagstaff, Ariz. (27)
Extremely polished for a prep southpaw, he has a smooth delivery, command of three pitches and projectability.

25. Lance Lynn, rhp, Mississippi (31)
Can't match teammate Cody Satterwhite's pure stuff, but he does have a much better feel for pitching.

26. Brett Wallace, 3b/1b, Arizona State (41)
Can make a case for being college baseball's best pure hitter and is moving up thanks to increased power production.

27. Tyson Ross, rhp, California (32)
Regaining some momentum after missing two starts with a pulled lat muscle in his back.

28. Tim Murphy, lhp, UCLA (47)
Former outfielder didn't start showing off his low-90s fastball and hammer curve until his sophomore year.

29. Conor Gillaspie, 3b, Wichita State (37)
Cape Cod League MVP and batting champ has a line-drive stroke and should be able to stay at the hot corner.

30. Brett DeVall, lhp, Niceville (Fla.) HS (30)
Blowing away hitters and doing nothing to hurt his rep for having the best usable stuff among high school lefties.

31. Allan Dykstra, 1b/3b, Wake Forest (40)
While his move to third base this spring won't stick, his power and his patience are for real.

32. David Cooper, 1b, California (95)
His ability to hit for average and drive the ball to all fields makes him another first baseman with first-round aspirations.

33. Daniel Webb, rhp, Heath HS, West Paducah, Ky. (35)
His fastball sits at 92-94 mph, making him the best of four Kentucky high schoolers who could go in the first two rounds.

34. Reese Havens, ss, South Carolina (34)
Adjustments made in the Cape League last summer are paying off this spring, though he probably won't stay at shortstop.

35. Casey Kelly, ss/rhp, Sarasota (Fla.) HS (42)
The son of ex-big leaguer Pat, he's a multitalented athlete who has a scholarship to play quarterback at Tennessee.

36. Ike Davis, 1b/lhp, Arizona State (68)
Another son of a former major leaguer (Ron), he has power in both his bat and his arm and can play the outfield.

37. Colby Shreve, rhp, CC of Southern Nevada (NR)
The top juco prospect can sit at 94-96 mph and flash three plus pitches, but his stuff faded down the stretch in 2007.

38. Ryan Perry, rhp, Arizona (16)
Continues to throw in the mid-90s but struggled as a starter and still fights his command, making him too hittable.

39. Robbie Grossman, of, Cy-Fair HS, Cypress, Texas (38)
Speedy center fielder also has power potential, though he needs to show more consistency with the bat.

40. Isaac Galloway, of, Los Osos HS, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (29)
Surfaced as a top 2008 prospect early in his high school career; has five-tool potential but some rough edges at the plate.

41. Jacob Thompson, rhp, Virginia (18)
His fastball has been down a tick for much of the spring, though he still commands it well and gets results.

42. Zach Collier, of, Chino Hills (Calif.) HS (NR)
A sleeper because he wasn't on the showcase circuit last summer, he raised his profile with a homer against Hicks.

43. Anthony Gose, lhp/of, Bellflower (Calif.) HS (60)
He missed a start with a sore shoulder, but he has topped out at 97 mph; also shows plus speed as a center fielder.

44. James Darnell, 3b, South Carolina (36)
Gamecocks have three sluggers who could go before the second round; he has a strong arm to go with his power.

45. Cody Satterwhite, rhp, Mississippi (23)
After reaching the upper 90s in the past, has worked more in the low 90s while getting knocked around some this spring.

46. Zach Putnam, rhp/of, Michigan (77)
Has overcome early-season shoulder tenderness to display one of the heavier fastballs in this draft; projects as a reliever.

47. Michael Palazzone, rhp, Lassiter HS, Marietta, Ga. (39)
Projectable righty starred on the showcase circuit last summer, touching 94 mph and flashing a nice curveball.

48. Zach Stewart, rhp, Texas Tech (NR)
Juco transfer's stuff has played up after he moved to the bullpen; he's working at 92-96 mph with his sinker.

49. Roger Kieschnick, of, Texas Tech (72)
Has some of the best lefthanded power in the draft, though pitchers can exploit his overaggressiveness.

50. Chris Carpenter, rhp, Kent State (57)
His medical history (two elbow surgeries) will scare off some teams, but he can pitch at 94-96 mph when healthy.

[MSBNYY]

The Yankees nabbed Garrett Cole, who isn't even on your list. Is that bad?

[$heriff Tom]

He is on the list. He ranked out at 19. I dont like him. Very young, years away, and has control issues, mechanical issues, and from this blurb, character ones as well.

I just think there were better, and safer pitching options still on the board.

Cole is the best righthander out of Southern California since Phil Hughes starred at Santa Ana's Foothills High in 2004. Cole's four-seam fastball ranges from 93-96 mph, occasionally peaking at 97-98. He adds a hard, late-breaking curve which shows bite, tilt and depth. Cole used his changeup sparingly early in the season, though he used it more later. Adding to Cole's considerable appeal to scouts is his tall, lanky and projectable frame, which is nearly ideal for a prep righthander. Scouts are split over whether Cole profiles as a starter or closer. He maintains velocity and pitch movement deep into games, but his inconsistent command and tendency to run up high pitch counts may move him to the bullpen. Some scouts have compared him to Mariners closer J.J. Putz. Cole does bring mechanical concerns. He lands on a stiff front leg, and he recoils his arm during his follow-through. Both hurt control and raise injury concerns. Complicating the situation, Cole's adviser is the Scott Boras Corp., which may eliminate many clubs from consideration. Cole also hasn't endeared himself to scouts or teammates with what one scout described as his immature mound demeanor.

[Chris]

You know what's sick about that, regardless of how he pans out in the long run?

If you're a 16, 17 year old sophomore or junior and you have to look at a 93 to 96 mph fastball (movement or no) how TOTALLY FUCKED are you in the batters box. I mean for as many high school kids that can throw mid 90s, control or not, I bet there's even fewer who can make contact with that. That's just nasty.

I've been watching a lot of college baseball and these guys are living at around 90....and now we're talkin mid 90s, high school? This kid is only going to get stronger and grow into a man's body. Although that says nothing about his control.

[Chris]

He looks a bit like Doogie Howser.

[MSBNYY]

He does look a bit like Doogie Howser. Doesn't sound like we did all that great in the pick. At 28th, assuming those rankings are accurate, we did fine grabbing #19.

But I don't like hearing bad things about character. That's annoying. It's just a bad sign.

The best hope is that the coaches in the low end of the system are ball busters and can get some maturity in the kid.

Even if he ends up in the pen, and even if he's the next JJ Putz, he can never be a closer without character and maturity--at least not a long term one.

Did the Yanks grab a Joba or Brackman, where they took a risk at someone they would overpay?

And was it wise to grab a RHP with a system stocked with RHPs and so few position prospects? Or was it just that all the really good position prospects were gone and this guy was the best left?

[Jason Giambi]

I 3rd Doogie Howser. I'm surprised the Rays didn't grab Posey.

[$heriff Tom]

The pick was by no means out of place, shocking, or dangerous. Yankees truly must have felt he was the best talent left on the board. Balls, teams do not work off of Baseball America's lists. So enough with the "we got the 19th pick at the 26th pick" stuff.

No one dropped precipitously this year. Small-market clubs got tired of big market teams like the Yankees and other teams like the Tigers going out and spending huge on late picks, out of slot money. So now everyone is planning on throwing out some cash. I like it better this way - no "safe" picks at the top of the draft that may never amount to anything.

One thing that worries me with Cole is talk of his mechanics. They will need to be adjusted, and some pitchers do not take well to that. Others flourish, but we'll see.

Either way, he's years away. And no worries on "another RHP" thing. Some teams will pick RHPs 8 of their first 10 times around. Not everyone pans out. And the Yankees grabbed a lefty with pick 2.

[MSBNYY]

So how were the other Yankees' picks?

[$heriff Tom]

I am going to poke around about that now. I only recognized one of the names, and in the Baseball America listings none of them were "important" enough, or highly rated enough, to come with a profile attached. So of nothing else, they did not grab anyone high-profile. I have not felt this "blah" about a Yankee draft the morning after in years.