Monday, March 24, 2008

The First Round Draft Pick Analysis (1 thru 10)

1. Everett Hill, LF, 18 Texas Rangers Rookie League
Analysis: 50+ homers, 40+ stolen bases and a projected batting average around .320 awaits this hitting monster and well worth the #1 pick overall. Only drawback may be his weak glove, but Rangers Management and Fans are blushing with pride.
My Rating: 9.5

2.
Rick Hill, SS, 19 Santa Fe Heat Rookie League
Analysis: 40+ homers, 40+ stolen bases and a projected batting average around .330 awaits yet another hitting monster. Biggest drawback may be the DL, his very capable glove will probably find Rick playing 2B/3B or the outfield at the ML level instead of SS.
My Rating: 8.8

3.
Dom Tabaka, P, 18 New York Mets Rookie League
Analysis: Mets were looking for bullpen help and sure found a quality guy to fill that hole. While throwing a hard sinker as his main pitch, hitters will be whiffing at his hard curve and change up as out pitches. Only drawback I foresee is the need for a quality catcher to handle him.
My Rating: 9.8

4.
Claude Wallace, 2B, 22 Rochester Flurries Unassigned
Analysis:
40+ homers capable, 40+ stolen bases with a batting average around .310 finds this hungry power hitter waiting for his chance to play. Capable of playing 2B, 3B and COF, he was ranked #1 on my chart. Only drawback is his lower contact from the previous two monsters.
My Rating: 9.6

5.
Bey Lynch, C, 19 Omaha Larrupin Lous Rookie League
Analysis: Where did this guy come from and how many roids has he taken? 90+ homers and an average surpassing .400 is possible. Only drawback (and its a biggy) is his inability to play the field because his pitch calling is anemic but better than his glove. Rumor has it that Bey is being held captive from the AL where he could DH, for two #1 starting pitchers and a third player to be named later.
My Rating: Deserves 2: 10.0 for hitting (makes Heine look like chopped liver), 3.0 for catching (I have seen much worse).

6.
Garry Bennett, SS, 22 Pittsburgh Pirates Rookie League
Analysis: With the need at key positions, the Pirates selection seems a little weak with this pick. But looking over the draft board , with Wallace gone, was the best pick available. Yes, I had a real bad draft board for some reason. A defensive player with a glove that may be just a tad weak for SS can play any other position well above average. Hitting should be about or over the .300 mark with good power. Drawback is his contact.
My Rating: 8.0

7.
Ismael Azocar, P, 18 Charleston Hestons Low A Level
Analysis: An off speed, 3 pitch power pitcher was the choice for the pitching deprived Hestons. Placed on the fast track to the ML, has all the tools to be an outstanding starter. Only drawback is the need for a 4th pitch (wish we had the capability to change that).
My Rating: 8.5

8.
Rico Dali, P, 19, Los Angeles Angels Rookie League
Analysis: Angel management was jumping for joy and taking out insurance polices on this kid before they even made the selection. An off speed pitcher with a 5 pitch repatiore. May not have blazing velocity, but he will put the ball in places that will leave hitters scratching their head (and other things) or beating the ball into the ground. Only drawback is weak splits which is covered by his accurate throws but may need to hide from the injury bug.
My Rating: 9.6

9.
Billy Montgomery, RF, 20 Seattle Pilots Rookie League
Analysis: He has all the tools to be an elite RF. Left handed pitchers will cringe when he approaches the plate and right handers will try not to walk him too much. Has the speed and knowledge for 30 theft seasons, perfect for a lead off hitter. Only drawback may be his inability to bunt (pushing it to find something).
My Rating: 9.4

10.
Tim Loewer, P, 18 Dover Stangs Rookie League
Analysis: Under new management and a new city, Dover made Tim their first ever pick and what a pick it was. He has all the tools to be a #1 starter at the ML level. With two outstanding set up pitches and two out pitches that will keep hitters off balance. Maybe more than off balance, the ball might be in the catchers mitt before the hitter start their swing. Biggest drawback is his pitch calling, it will take a great catcher to make him look good.
My Rating: 9.7

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