[USML Announce] Baseball Draft .:.
Blocker, Mark B.
mblocker at Sidley.com
Tue Jun 7 15:19:48 EDT 2005
Mark:
You forgot Tyler Green, who was owned by the Berliners, making Jeff 0 for
2 in the Pre-Bean Lottery (not that I am counting).
-- Mark B.
_____
From: announce-bounces at usml.net [mailto:announce-bounces at usml.net] On Behalf
Of springkerb at aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2005 2:00 PM
To: announce at usml.net
Subject: [USML Announce] Baseball Draft .:.
Confirming the expertise of our league, no less than five of today's first
round draft picks were already in rosters in the USML, including all of the
first three picks. Three of the five USML picks landed in the AL, the lone
exception being first pick Justin Upton, who went to the D-Backs.
Below is a summary of the first round, with scouting reports, from Baseball
America. I have noted the USML teams of the draftees in red.
Mark
1. Diamondbacks: Justin Upton, ss, Great Bridge HS, Chesapeake, Va.
BERLINERS
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.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_royals.gif>
2. Royals: Alex Gordon, 3b, U. of Nebraska NUKES
Gordon should hit for power and average because he has a sweet lefthanded
swing, strength, exceptional strike-zone discipline and the ability to make
adjustments. He uses the entire field and can drive the ball where it's
pitched after getting pull-conscious as a sophomore. When Gordon first
arrived at Nebraska, some thought he might have to move to first base or an
outfield corner. But he has worked hard on his defense, where his strong
arm, instincts and quickness are assets.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_mariners.jpg>
3. Mariners: Jeff Clement, c, U. of Southern California NUKES
Clement generates light-tower power with a short, compact lefthanded swing.
He stays inside the ball well and gets excellent backspin. As a major league
hitter, he projects to hit .270-.280 with 30-35 home runs. Clement has
outstanding makeup and has worked hard to shore up his weaknesses. He has
shown his biggest improvement behind the plate. His set-up, mechanics,
blocking and arm quickness are all much improved. He still has only a 40-50
arm on the standard 20-80 scouting scale, but threw out almost 50 percent of
basestealers this year.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_nationals.jpg>
4. Nationals: Ryan Zimmerman, 3b, U. of Virginia
Zimmerman's bat control, elite defensive and polish could give team a quick
return on investment. Zimmerman rarely strikes out because of his balanced,
up-the-middle approach and shows average speed and good instincts on the
basepaths. He's always had excellent defensive skills, with hands, feet, arm
strength and range that all rate above-average. One scout called him the
best defender he had ever seen--at any position--and said the only question
about Zimmerman was how many Gold Gloves he would win. His makeup also gets
high marks.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_brewers.jpg>
5. Brewers: Ryan Braun, 3b, U. of Miami
Braun has a hitch in his swing and a high, unconventional finish, but his
hands are quick enough to make it work, and he?s athletic enough to repeat
his stroke and drive pitches to all parts of the field. His future position
will be the main source of concern for pro teams. He came to college as a
shortstop and now plays third, but he has struggled with errors at both
spots. Some scouts doubt his infield actions and footwork and say he'll have
to move to an outfield corner, where his plus arm and speed could allow him
to be an above-average defender in time.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_bluejays.jpg>
6. Blue Jays: Ricky Romero, lhp, Cal State Fullerton
Romero has three solid, major league-ready pitches that he can throw for
strikes almost at will, including a fastball that sits at 90-91 mph and
touches 93-94. He also has an excellent curveball and a better feel for a
changeup this year after he reduced his reliance on his curve. But Romero
gets his highest grades for his makeup, temperament and competitive zeal. He
is an excellent student of the game who understands the science of pitching,
and is a master at controlling the tempo of a game.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_rockies.jpg>
7. Rockies: Troy Tulowitzki, ss, Long Beach State U.
Tulowitzki compares favorably to Oakland's Bobby Crosby, his predecessor as
shortstop at Long Beach State. They're about the same size and have similar
speed and bat speed at the same stage, but scouts say Tulowitzki is a better
athlete and should be a better player. He has more arm strength and range,
and more power to all parts of the park, while Crosby was more automatic on
routine plays and had more pull power. Tulowitzki has also won over scouts
with his approach to the game. He plays with exceptional intensity and an
unrivaled passion for the game.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_devilrays.jpg>
8. Devil Rays: Wade Townsend, rhp, Dripping Springs, Texas
Townsend didn't sign as the eighth overall pick last year, deciding to
return to Rice to complete his degree after negotiations with the Orioles
broke down. Townsend spent April and May working out for clubs, and for the
most part showed the same stuff he had in 2004. He wasn't in game shape, so
he didn't maintain his velocity past three simulated innings, but he pitched
at 90-92 mph with his trademark spike curveball and an effective changeup.
Though he has the repertoire to start, most teams project Townsend as a big
league reliever because they say his intensity fits best in that role.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_mets.jpg>
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.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_tigers.jpg>
10. Tigers: Cameron Maybin, of, T.C. Roberson HS, Arden, N.C. RED HOTS
Maybin has a rare combination of premium athletic ability, bloodlines and
baseball savvy. He has broad shoulders and long limbs and fingers, and
physically evokes comparisons on the low end to Preston Wilson and on the
high end to Vladimir Guerrero. He should be a premium defender in center
field with experience, with long, graceful strides gobbling up turf and an
average arm. Some scouts think his bat might take time to develop once he
starts seeing good breaking balls consistently. His makeup?including good
work habits, maturity and love for the game--endears him to scouts.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_pirates.jpg>
11. Pirates: Andrew McCutchen, of, Fort Meade (Fla.) HS
McCutchen?s game isn?t all about tools, though his tools are plus across the
board. That starts with the most important tool: the bat. McCutchen has
quick hands and a compact swing, producing surprising raw power for his size
and giving him the bat speed to lash line drives to all fields. His athletic
ability, speed and frame earn comparisons to Mets prospect Lastings
Milledge, but he?s more polished at the plate, earning 60 and 70 grades from
scouts (on the 20-80 scouting scale) with 50 raw power.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_reds.jpg>
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.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_orioles.jpg>
13. Orioles: Brandon Snyder, c, Westfield HS, Centreville, Va.
Snyder is tough mentally, jumping back and forth between shortstop and
catcher, though he moved behind the plate for good late in his senior
season. He plays the game hard with a dirt-rat mentality in spite of his
premium prospect status. Snyder's mature approach, line-drive swing and
ability to pull the ball with authority remind scouts of Justin Upton at the
plate. His athleticism and arm strength would play at shortstop or third
base, and some teams would start him out as an infielder to make sure his
offensive development doesn't get stunted.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_indians.jpg>
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.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_whitesox.jpg>
15. White Sox: Lance Broadway, rhp, Texas Christian
Broadway succeeds more with polish than overwhelming stuff. His fastball is
just average, but he has a plus curveball that he can locate in and out of
the strike zone. His delivery and command are solid, and his makeup is a
huge asset. He's developing a changeup and is gaining more confidence in the
pitch. He has a strong, lean frame and there may be a little more velocity
in him.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_marlins.jpg>
16. Marlins: Chris Volstad, rhp, Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.) HS
Volstad is a long, lanky pitcher with good stuff now and plenty of
projection for down the road. He pitches consistently in the 88-92 range,
but repeats his delivery well enough that scouts see him sitting at 94
regularly as he gains strength and experience. He throws strikes with the
fastball and has done so right out of the gate this spring. He uses his
height well to get a good downward angle to the plate, giving his fastball
late life. His secondary pitches are solid for a prep pitcher, particularly
his changeup. Volstad?s breaking ball is his third pitch, though it?s
serviceable, and scouts consider his makeup a plus.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_yankees.jpg>
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.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_padres.jpg>
18. Padres: Cesar Carrillo, rhp, U. of Miami
Carrillo throws his fastball anywhere from 90-95 mph (touching 96-97),
depending on the need, and he has shown scouts the ability to maintain his
velocity deep into games. His fastball has excellent sink and life down in
the zone from a three-quarters arm slot, and he went more than 80 innings
between home runs allowed this spring. His curveball and changeup both can
be plus pitches, though he pitches off his fastball so much that he tends to
lose the feel for them at times. He?s athletic and quick-armed and should
always have good command. Carrillo?s stuff won?t get much better, but it?s
plenty good now, making him a candidate to move quickly through the minors.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_rangers.jpg>
19. Rangers: John Mayberry, 1b, Stanford NUKES
At 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, Mayberry has considerable power potential but
launches a tape-measure home run only occasionally in games. He shows
excellent power in batting practice, but generally has been handled by
quality college pitching. Scouts say he needs to shorten his swing because
he can be busted inside--something he has worked to correct in the last
year. All his hitting flaws are correctable, but it may take him 1,500
at-bats in the minor leagues. Mayberry has the athletic ability and arm
strength to be an average corner outfielder, but he is a superior defensive
first baseman?not to mention an inviting target for infielders.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_cubs.jpg>
20. Cubs: Mark Pawelek, lhp, Springville (Utah) HS
Pawelek topped out at 94-95 mph this year with an effortless delivery.
Scouts say his feel for pitching, presence and composure are so advanced for
his age that he?s the equivalent of a college sophomore. He has command of
four pitches and knows how and when to use his curveball and changeup.
Pawelek is the only high school player in this year?s draft who is being
advised by Scott Boras and that could have a profound impact on where he is
picked.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_athletics.jpg>
21. Athletics: Cliff Pennington, ss, Texas A&M
Pennington's best attribute is his makeup. Scouts have loved Pennington's
grit and energy since he was in high school, and he won the Cape Cod
League's 10th player award for his spirited play last summer. Pennington is
more than just a gamer, however, offering tools across the board. He can bat
at the top of a lineup, making consistent contact and providing gap power
from both sides of the plate. He doesn't have blazing speed, but he runs
well and his instincts make him a threat on the bases. Pennington's savvy
also enhances his range at shortstop, where he can make both the routine and
acrobatic plays. He has an above-average arm, a quick release and the
ability to make throws from any angle.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_marlins.jpg>
22. Marlins: Aaron Thompson, lhp, Second Baptist HS, Houston
Thompson is the most polished high school pitcher in the draft, and he's
lefthanded to boot. Thompson has an 88-91 mph fastball and a good curveball.
He throws from a high arm slot, which allows him to drive the ball down in
the strike zone. He's athletic, repeating a smooth delivery with ease, and
scores high in the makeup department. When dozens of scouts attended his
April matchup with Josh Wall, Thompson responded with 15 strikeouts and a
2-0 shutout?handing Wall's team its only loss this spring.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_redsox.jpg>
23. Red Sox: Jacoby Ellsbury, of, Oregon State U.
Ellsbury has few holes in his game and is capable of beating teams in a lot
of ways. He has excellent makeup and instincts. His best tool is his speed,
and it?s evident both on the bases and in center field, where he catches
everything hit his way. He has been clocked in 6.55 seconds over 60 yards.
He has become more patient, rarely swings and misses and is comfortable
hitting with two strikes. His style of play and physical appearance have
drawn comparisons to Johnny Damon at a similar age, but scouts say Ellsbury
has a better swing. They question whether he?ll grow into the same power,
though.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_astros.jpg>
24. Astros: Brian Bogusevic, lhp, Tulane U.
Though more teams prefer him as a three-pitch lefthander, he also has
five-tool potential as a right fielder. On the mound, Bogusevic shows an
89-93 mph fastball along with a solid slider and changeup. He has good
command, though his velocity and location slipped when he strained a
hamstring early in the season. Bogusevic's size, swing and bat speed give
him tremendous power potential from the left side of the plate. That power
is still more raw and not as evident in games?but it's there. He's also
Tulane's fastest player, running the 60-yard-dash in 6.6 seconds during the
team's scout day last fall. His arm obviously is an asset on defense as
well.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_twins.jpg>
25. Twins: Matt Garza, rhp, Fresno State
Garza had only a four-seam fastball and a slow, lazy curveball when he
enrolled at Fresno State, but he now has plus stuff with a four-pitch
repertoire. His fastball ranges from 90-94 mph and touches 95, and a hard
82-84 mph slider is an effective second pitch. A 72-78 mph curve has the
makings of a solid third pitch, while his changeup has been slower to
develop. He?s projected to be a starter in pro ball but could move into
relief if his curve and changeup don?t progress or he lacks the stamina to
be a starter.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_redsox.jpg>
26. Red Sox: Craig Hansen, rhp, St. John's U.
Hansen pounds the strike zone with a fastball that has been clocked
consistently in the mid-90s and tops out at 97 mph. The velocity on his
slider has been even more impressive, sitting at 85-86 mph with a high of
90. Though his fastball command wavers, he has an excellent approach to
pitching and isn?t afraid to go right at hitters. He should be even more
effective against wood bats. He?s suited to be a closer because of his
temperament, short arm stroke and full-effort delivery.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_braves.jpg>
27. Braves: Joey Devine, rhp, North Carolina State U.
Devine has dominated this season and is one of the closest players to the
majors in this year's draft. He has plenty of stuff, starting with a mid-90s
fastball that touches 97, and throws it from a funky arm angle--not quite
sidearm but lower than three-quarters. His frisbee slider, thrown in the
mid-80s, is death to righthanded hitters, whom he dominates. Scouts like
Devine?s competitiveness, makeup and athletic ability, which allows him to
repeat his unorthodox delivery. He may need a changeup or split-finger
pitch, though, to better attack lefthanded hitters in pro ball.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_cardinals.jpg>
28. Cardinals: Colby Rasmus, of, Russell County HS, Phenix City, Ala.
Rasmus? tools grade out average or above across the board. He covers 60
yards in 6.7 seconds and has a plus arm, throwing fastballs up to 91 mph off
the mound. Besides his tools, scouts love his maturity and savvy for the
game. Some compare Rasmus to Steve Finley, while others believe he evokes
Shawn Green; it depends on whether the scout believes Rasmus can stay in
center field. He has a short, simple lefthanded swing that he repeats, and
the barrel of the bat stays in the hitting zone a long time. While he could
use a better load to his swing, he at times produces good leverage, leading
scouts to believe he'll hit for at least average power.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_marlins.jpg>
29. Marlins: Jacob Marceaux, rhp, McNeese State
Marceaux's fastball has taken a step forward this spring, as he has pitched
at 93-95 mph with good sinking life while also featuring a mid-80s slider
and a mid-70s spike curveball. His changeup is a solid-average pitch that he
can locate on both sides of the plate. There are minor concerns about his
durability?he missed two starts after pulling a ribcage muscle in
mid-March?so some scouts project him as a reliever. But Marceaux has a deep
enough repertoire to warrant the opportunity to make it as a starter first.
<http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/mlblogos/3ds_cardinals.jpg>
30. Cardinals: Tyler Greene, ss, Georgia Tech
Green is a 60 runner (some say 70 under way) on the 20-80 scouting scale,
with good instincts on the basepaths and elsewhere. A plus arm and good
range make him at least an averages defender at short. The question is
offense. His hands are just OK both at the plate and in the field. Greene?s
swing has evolved to a metal-bat, inside-out style that doesn't incorporate
his hands, short-circuiting his power and leaving him with several holes.
His aptitude with wood, however, reminds scouts of Cubs prospect Matt
Murton, who also hit better in summers on the Cape than with Georgia Tech.
Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP mail server made the following annotations on 06/07/2005, 02:19:18 PM
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