Tuesday, March 25, 2008

The First Round Draft Pick Analysis (22 thru 32)

22. Charles Chang, P, 18 Louisville Swingers Double-A Level
Analysis: Needing quality starting pitching Louisville went after a young talented pitcher. Was putting him on the real fast track a good idea? Has all the potential to be a #2 or #3 starter one day at the ML level. Biggest concern is his lack of velocity with that first pitch fastball, though hitters may make the mistake of seeing it as his fantastic curve ball or his setup slider.
My Rating: 8.8

23.
Lon Greenwood, LF, 18 Salem Mayhem Unsigned
Analysis: How did this kid fall so far? And why hasn't Salem signed him is beyond me. Possessing above average skills at the plate cold land him a .300+ average with 30+ home runs. A defensive gem at LF could land him a Gold Gove and an added bonus of playing 1B or 2B, 3B and RF could be a stretch.
My Rating: 9.0

24.
Marshall Hunter, LF, 22 Salt Lake City Multiple Spouses Low A Level
Analysis: Spouses were looking for a lead off hitter and found a good one. They were so impressed with his attitude, work ethic and skills that he was promoted rather quickly. Sporting the ability to hit for average above .300 and steal at will, will leave opposing catchers and managers watching in disgust. Don't look for him to hit many home runs in a season.
My Rating: 9.3

25.
Aramis Oliva, P, 21 New York Yankees Rookie League
Analysis: Yankee management is always on the lookout for young quality pitching, preferably #1 starting caliber. Aramis is a 4 pitch flamethrower that may be a tad bit disappointing in their thinking. However he does have the ability to be a good ML starter one day. Biggest knock is his low splits.
My Rating: 8.2

26.
Wilfredo Santos, P, 22 Monterrey Corn Dogs Rookie League
Analysis: Corn Dogs see solidifying their future core pitching staff in this fine young gun. Sporting 5 good pitches to make hitters guess at every pitch and the mastery at which he throws will garner him a starting spot in the ML rotation one day. Might have problems with right handed hitters, the only bad sign.
My Rating: 8.5

27.
Tony Brunette, P, 20 Minnesota Twins Double-A Level
Analysis: The Twinkees looking for a shut down closer found their man. Though I am not sure what their thinking was in his use at Low A. That may have left him a little disgruntled at the time and the promotion to AA didn't help appease his attitude. However, look for him to be the ML closer next year or the year after once he settles down.
My Rating: 9.7

28.
Keith Boone, P, 20 Las Vegas Slobs High A Level
Analysis: Although looking for starting pitching, not sure the Slobs found their man. Although, playing at Cashman Field, this kid may fit right in. His assuredness of allowing mostly fly balls may cause contention at non pitcher friendly parks. Because of this, he may be relegated as a long reliever at the ML level.
My Rating: 7.0

29.
Dizzy Lilly, 2B, 18 Chicago Cubs Rookie League
Analysis: A fine young hitter was found by the Cubbies late in the round. He should easily hit above .300 and have 30+ home runs. However, may not play 2B at the ML level, though it is not out of the equation, better suited for RF or LF. Don't expect this kid to make much of an impact any time soon, he has a lot to learn.
My Rating: 8.3

30.
Louie Neruda, C, 18 Louisville Swingers Rookie League
Analysis: With a second pick in the first round the Swingers took an above average hitting defensive catcher. His pitch calling may not be the greatest, but he will throw out runners like crazy. A big upside in the fact that he has the ability to play 1B also, though a little on the short side.
My Rating: 8.0

31.
Phil Ganzel, 2B, 21 Florida Marlins Rookie League
Analysis: Marlin management may have been led astray by a Corona drinking scout in this pick. But with all the 2B that had been taken already, pickings are slim. Hitting wise, that remains to be seen, could be somewhere between .280 and .300 or a little more or less. Could be a Gold Glove candidate in RF.
My Rating: 7.3

32.
Donne Garland, P, 21 Cincinnati Reds Rookie League
Analysis: We all jumped for joy when we found out the Reds had the 32nd pick of the draft. Will tell you what though, erff probably spent hours figuring out if this pick was going to be there or not. I had this kid ranked 4th and the 2nd pitcher on my list and how he went this low I will never know. Too bad he is on the DL for elbow surgery in his young career. Will he recover and be all that he can be? that is the question. Not as good as Yamil or Mel, but would have fit in right behind them soon enough.
My Rating: 9.3

Oh BTW, erff took Yamil's cousin with the 36th pick,
Yamil James, a decent closer.




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