Friday, May 13, 2005

I'm A Draft Dodger

Draft evaluation is definitely not my forte. (What my forte is exactly is something we can debate later!)

But, that's why the Pentagon invented the internet; to harness that division of labor so I can take a day off and let other people do my dirty work.

Bryan Smith, at Baseball Analysts, recently did a preview of the upcoming draft classes. We've got the fourth pick, and finally some deep pockets. Hopefully we'll take the best player available (non-Boras division), and have someone who can help us in the next two years, or so.

Here's his take on college hitters. And here's the best college pitchers.

posted by Chris Needham at 10:58 AM

3 Comments:

  • I'd feel more comfortable with a Bowden focus on the hitters. There is not a Mark Prior this year. There are a couple of intriguing guys but none worthy of a top 10 signing bonus. With two accomplished 3B prospects coming out of college (Alex Gordon and Ryan Zimmerman) and the fact that Vinny Castilla is done after 2006, it may make sense to go after one of those guys. KC seems intent on grabbing Gordon after AZ grabs Upton Part Deux while Seattle may focus on an arm. That leaves UVA's Zimmerman as potentially available. He has proven defensive abilities at 3B and appears to have improved his ability to hit though not for as much power as you would hope a corner guy would have. Ryan Zimmerman would be a nice fit for the Nationals at #4.

    By Blogger Brian, at 5/13/2005 11:11 AM  

  • It's weird that you focused on him. He's the player that I was looking at most intently.

    Everyone raves about his defense, and great plate discipline. He doesn't seem to have as high a power ceiling as some of the others, but he cranks doubles, which usually translate to power later.

    By Blogger Chris Needham, at 5/13/2005 11:13 AM  

  • Zimmerman isn't a Boras client, is he? This team can't afford not to sign their top pick.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5/13/2005 1:50 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home