MLB draft: First round
By Yahoo! Sports Staff
June 7, 2007
Pick-by-pick updates of the first round of the Major League Baseball amateur draft. Capsules from Associated Press.
1. Tampa Bay Devil Rays: David Price, LHP, Vanderbilt, 6-5, 215, Jr. Dominant season came to surprising end in regionals when top-ranked Commodores lost to Michigan in finals – a game in which he came on in relief and took his first loss of year after pitching just three days earlier. Drafted in 19th round out of high school and became the first lefty picked No. 1 since Yankees took Brien Taylor in 1991. SEC pitcher of year led nation with 194 Ks, including 17 in regional opener against Austin Peay, and went 11-1 with 2.63 ERA. Fastball sits in mid-90s and he mixes it well with outstanding slider and changeup. Projects as dominant staff ace.
2. Kansas City Royals: Mike Moustakas, INF, Chatsworth H.S. (Calif.), 6-0, 185. California's career high school home run leader (52) hit a state-record 24 this season while leading school to city title at Dodger Stadium. Left-handed slugger is rated as best high school power hitter in draft by Baseball America with smooth swing. Played shortstop in high school, but projects more as corner infielder in pros. Also served as team's closer, but will be position player at next level despite mid-90s fastball. Also played quarterback for a few years in high school, but dedicated himself to baseball.
3. Chicago Cubs: Josh Vitters, 3B, Cypress H.S. (Calif.), 6-3, 195. Considered as top high school position player in draft, a notch ahead of Mike Moustakas, and also in mix for No. 1 overall pick by Tampa Bay. Has great polish at the plate, and has outstanding power with a short, compact swing. Hit .360 with nine HRs and 29 RBIs – despite missing two weeks with pneumonia – while leading team to 20-3 record. Has great arm strength, but sometimes has problems on defense and doesn't have great range. Could end up in OF – teams will want his bat in lineup.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
We're hoping Wieters slides to the Rockies at #8.
Yeah, I bet you is.
Baltimore...dat's ok...we'll take dat.
Good pick by the Cubs...Wieters was my choice - but they're for sale and everything I was reading was saying they would go pretty low-key with the money issue (being dictated to them by the Commissioner's Office - these guys are conservative or fascist?) - this kid could be a star, and is definately one of the four or five most exciting players in this draft.
Where's Porcello going?
He hasn't been picked yet through 15 picks.
Post a Comment