Pearly Gates is...Quick ReferenceRecent postsLinksRichard's other blog:Hall Of Fame:
The "Real" Media:
Halosphere:
Minor League Affiliates:
Other Baseball Blogs:
Other Random Crap (in a good way):
Soccer:Archive
Blog*Spot ArchivesContactRichard Ceccarelli Josh Mandir |
Wednesday, June 09, 2004Draft breakdown: CompleteNote: if much of this sounds familiar, it's because much this is repeated from my previous draft coverage. This is a complete breakdown which will be posted at AngelsWin.com shortly. The Angel's brain trust has finished selecting this year's crop of young-guns, picking 48 in all. As I mentioned before, the team made no secret of the fact that they were interested in "toolsy," athletic players- preferably outfielders. Let's see how they went about accomplishing that goal:
All in all it's a well-balanced list. I do find the heavy right-handed pitching bias a little troubling. The system is already short on left-handed pitching, and this isn't going to help rectify the situation. Pitching is clearly the strength of this draft. We all know about Jared Weaver, but other names like Nick Adenhart (once considered a first-round lock, drafted in round 12), and Mark Trumbo (local boy out of Villa Park HS, drafted in round 16), could also become intriguing prospects. Taking a glance at the scouting reports, it looks like they followed through on their promise of toolsy players. You're not going to find many position players who aren't described as having "an athletic frame" or "plus speed." I don't have a problem with drafting good athletes, but I would like it if the Angels could see it in their heart to draft the fat kid who can rake. I fear we're missing out on a lot of good talent looking for "prototypical ballplayers" and not necessarily proven talents. The best example of this is Matt Moore (drafted in round 20) who hasn't played baseball in three years. He is better known as the back-up quarterback for the UCLA Bruins football team. The Angels like him as a third baseman because he has a "well proportioned physique" and "long, loose muscles." Can he play ball? Who knows. The Angel's scouting director, Eddie Bane, has also made no secret of his disdain for what he calls the "Moneyball approach" of drafting college players over high schoolers. Let's see how his draft breaks down in terms of class:
Fairly even numbers. Although Bane did take quite a few prep stars, he did limit the amount of high school pitchers. Of the 22 pitchers drafted, only seven were out of high school. That pleases me to no end- it looks like Mr. Bane has finally figured out that high school pitchers have little chance for ultimate success. Bane showed a preference for high schoolers most in his stable of outfielders. Half of them have no college experience, including the top three picks. Dontavious McDowell (drafted in round 18) is probably the most intriguing player drafted out of high school. McDowell is a superior prep athlete, so good in fact, that he has been offered a full scholarship to play quarterback at Nebraska (that should endear him to Erstad). The Angels like him as a center fielder. Other names to watch include outfielder Patrick White (the Angels second pick), middle infielder Hainly Statia, and first baseman Cristin Tapia, who reminds many of Casey Kotchman. Will this be a bumper crop for the Angels, or will this be a disaster? Only time will tell- it's impossible to rate a draft before you get a chance to see anyone of these guys play pro ball. But one can't help but be pleased when you get (arguably) the top name on the board. I know I will be paying very close attention to the rookie-league games being played in Provo and Mesa this year. UPDATE: Before anyone feels the need to point it out- I know I misspelled "Jered" Weaver. It's going to happen often, so get used to it. |
