Draft Day is here

2009 Draft

My favorite day of the year, other than the clinching game of the World Series of course. The Phillies don’t pick until #75, and this year, the MLB draft heads to the MLB Network, starting at 6PM. The Phillies pick probably won’t come up till 10 PM or so. I’ll be following the draft once it starts, I’ll update picks here, and I’ll also post any Phillies related news that should pop up. Use this post to discuss everything draft.

Check below the fold for updates

Keith Law reporting the Pirates have agreed to a predraft deal with Tony Sanchez.

Some links for you to follow during the draft

BP Draft Roundtable
ESPN Draft Blog
Baseball America Twitter
BA Draft Blog
Draftcaster

First Round Order

01. Washington Nationals – Stephen Strasburg, RHP (San Diego State)
02. Seattle Mariners – Dustin Ackley, 1B/OF (North Carolina)
03. San Diego Padres – Donovan Tate, OF (Cartersville HS, GA)
04. Pittsburgh Pirates – Tony Sanchez, C (Boston College)
05. Baltimore Orioles – Matt Hobgood, RHP (Norco HS, CA)
06. San Francisco Giants – Zach Wheeler, RHP (East Paulding HS, GA)
07. Atlanta Braves – Mike Minor, LHP (Vanderbilt)
08. Cincinnati Reds – Mike Leake, RHP (Arizona State)
09. Detroit Tigers – Jacob Turner, RHP (Westminster Academy, MO)
10. Washington Nationals – Drew Storen, RHP (Stanford)
11. Colorado Rockies – Tyler Matzek, LHP (Capistrano Valley HS, CA)
12. Kansas City Royals – Aaron Crow, RHP (Fort Worth Cats)
13. Oakland Athletics – Grant Green, SS (USC)
14. Texas Rangers – Matt Purke, LHP (Klein HS, TX)
15. Cleveland Indians – Alex White, RHP (UNC)
16. Arizona Diamondbacks – Bobby Borchering, 3B (Bishop Verot HS, FL)
17. Arizona Diamondbacks – AJ Pollock, OF (Notre Dame)
18. Florida Marlins – Chad James, RHP (Yukon HS, OK)
19. St. Louis Cardinals – Shelby Miller, RHP (Brownwood HS, TX)
20. Toronto Blue Jays – Chad Jenkins, RHP (Kennesaw State)
21. Houston Astros – Jiovanni Mier, SS (Bonita HS, CA)
22. Minnesota Twins – Kyle Gibson, RHP (Missouri)
23. Chicago White Sox – Jared Mitchell, OF (LSU)
24. Los Angeles Angels
25. Los Angeles Angels
26. Milwaukee Brewers
27. Seattle Mariners
28. Boston Red Sox
29. New York Yankees
30. Tampa Bay Rays
31. Chicago Cubs
32. Colorado Rockies

256 thoughts on “Draft Day is here”

  2. On one of your happiest days of the year I want to thank you for your efforts with this site.

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  4. tomphilly – funny we’re ranked 3rd in last 10 years yet BA up until this year hasn’t ranked our minor league system even in the top 15…. oh oh oh gotta love it.

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  5. An interesting article on ESPN
    http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?page=caple/090604

    Here is what I think is the punch line of the article…

    Despite the endless hype and back-patting, the draft in any sport is a risk. But baseball’s draft is especially risky when teams use high draft picks on pitchers. Since the draft began (in 1965) through 1998, 77 pitchers and 92 position players were chosen with the first five picks (Danny Goodwin was selected twice). Of those 77 pitchers, only 12 have won as many as 100 games. Which means roughly 15.6 percent of top picks became solid pitchers for a reasonable amount of time. Position players taken in the top five, meanwhile, have been more than twice as likely to be productive major leaguers (29 of 92, 31.5 percent).

    Does that mean taking pitchers high is a bad idea… does seem that way.

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  6. This articles that attempt to simplify the draft based on pick # seem kind of faulty to me. If teams picked players based purely on talent, then it would mean more, but the top rated talents aren’t always picked first overall and down through the line.

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  7. Supra – they are basing a lot of that on drafted guys who are on the team now, which makes it a different metric then BA’s ratings.

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  8. Supra –

    Organizational reputation probably has a lot to do with the rankings. Had Oakland drafted and signed Colby Shreve, that pick would’ve been lauded as a brilliant move typical of the organization. I’m sure if Shreve pans out for the Phils, their rankings will improve even further.

    Of course, CNNSI’s ranking of the Phils could be because they have a very top heavy (more star type players) organization. Having about half of a WS winning team coming from within the organization helps too.

    – Jeff

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  10. Speaking of Shreve…any news on him? He must be close to throwing or even pitching by now. No?

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  11. The numbers are a bit misleading since it leaves out several guys who were pretty successful without reaching that magical 100-win plateau, including:

    Braden Looper – 63 wins, 103 saves and counting
    Steve Avery – 96 wins, 4.19 ERA before arm trouble ended his career at 29.
    Larry Christenson – 83 W, 3.74 era. Career ended at age 29.
    Billy Koch – 163 saves
    Kerry Woods – 79 W, 42 saves
    Gregg Olsen – 217 saves

    Add in those guys and the success % becomes much closer. Also need to factor in that pitchers in general have a much greater risk of injury.

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  14. Unlike the other sports mainly you are getting an apprentice.
    Thanks PP this is my first year and its been interesting. Tonight is a party

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  15. Thank you for all those points (PP/Everyone)… I can see how that would negitively impact the situation. But just to clarify PP/Everyone… why don’t you agree with the statement about Batters being more likely to succeed then pitchers? I agree with PP saying the top players are passed over, but wouldn’t that apply to both types of draftees?

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  16. It appears that the group was picking apart the method of coming to the conclusion that batters were less risky than the actual argument. I would have to agree that taking batters is less risky than taking pitching early, simply because of the increased injury risk for a pitcher. However, that DOES NOT mean I am not drafting pitching. It just has to be an accepted risk of the process.

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  17. There are rumors that Aaron Crow might drop out of the 1st round. Could he fall all the way down to us? If so, would you take a shot? I’d think you’d have to…What are some other big names who might possibly drop?

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  19. No way Crow gets to us, I would imagine the Mets would snag him although they do draft like idiots. I think the Phils are going to snag a couple high potential guys and spend the money.

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  20. kinda random question –

    wheres anthony hewitt? is he in extended spring training or hurt or something? I havent seen him any box scores this year.

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  22. Haha, I can’t believe the Pirates are going to take Sanchez. Their fans are going to flip.

    Speaking of the pirates, anyone think Duke would be a good fit here?

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  23. No if we trade it has to be dominator and I would wait until August . Then you are sure gettting what you need and cheaper.

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  27. Jim Callis of BA has narrowed down the top 8…

    1. Nationals: San Diego State righthander Stephen Strasburg.
    2. Mariners: North Carolina first baseman Dustin Ackley.
    3. Padres: Georgia HS outfielder Donavan Tate.
    4. Pirates: Boston College catcher Tony Sanchez.
    5. Orioles: California HS righthander Matt Hobgood.
    6. Giants: Georgia HS righthander Zack Wheeler.
    7. Braves: Vanderbilt lefthander Mike Minor.
    8. Reds: North Carolina righhander Alex White.

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  28. I really dont get the Tate thing. The Padres have like, never busted slot. And they rarely ever take high school guys in the first few rounds. Just doesnt seem to make sense.

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  30. Just wanted to hear a couple of opinions PhuturePhillies so I’m good now. 🙂

    Lookout for Max Walla tonight. BA has a blog post about him and he has had some great workouts. I would love for him to fall to the Phillies.

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  31. On Sanchez, while #4 seems high, he projects as an MLB defensive catcher and he hit 346/443/614 as a junior in the ACC this year. If bonus demands really have gone crazy with other draft picks, kudos to the Pirates for getting a lower ceiling / higher probability guy to sign for slot.

    For comparison’s sake, (let’s hope the baseball gods don’t strike me down for this) Matt Wieters hit 358/480/592 his junior year in the ACC.

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  32. It’s hard for me to think the phillies have money to spend,[burn] they ate a lot of contracts like eaton and jenkins. that is a lot to eat in one year, don’t think they will go all out in this draft, especially since its not a real strong draft. but I am usually wrong.

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  33. Off topic:

    But to answer Jeff’s question, our future 3rd baseman ( :whistling: ) is apparently on the GSL squad list.

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  34. Interesting, Callis is stealing the fun!! In all seriousness though, I bet the Phillies would snag a bonus guy at 75. They don’t have a first round or supplemental pick like they have had the last two years so the draft budget money is there. Plus the Bank is printing money and management does seem to get it that they have a great opportunity to build something truly special with this core and current farm. Let’s hope someone falls to 75 and that they don’t disappoint.

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  35. They got 30 mill or so from winning the world series and they upped the pay roll by 28 or something. They got the money and decided to spend it. I don’t see anything in book balancing that hurts us really. Let’s not forget that Myers’ contract is insured so they will get some of it back. They wouldn’t be inquiring about every available top of the line starter if they were worried about the books right now.

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  36. A funny tidbit from KLaw.

    Mattro (Dance Party, USA)

    Word has it that quite a few high schoolers have come in with unexpectidely high bonus demands. Is this purely a tactic by their agents to attempt to “steer” them towards the teams more willing to bust slot – ie a higher payday?

    Keith Law
    There are more than 90 players in this draft saying that they need first-round money to sign. Since there are 32 picks in the first round, I predict with great confidence that the majority of these players will fall. Some of it is steering, but I had an agent tell me today that a lot of it is that their clients (or their parents) are reading online that so-and-so wants $5 million, so they want that kind of money too.

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  37. And finally.

    Kevin (San Diego)

    Who’s your sleeper player in the 2nd-3rd round range who you really like a lot more than other people?
    Keith Law

    Guys I like more than the industry: Matt Davidson, Geno Escalante, Jordan Cooper, AJ Griffin, David McCallum.

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  38. On Sanchez, while #4 seems high, he projects as an MLB defensive catcher and he hit 346/443/614 as a junior in the ACC this year. If bonus demands really have gone crazy with other draft picks, kudos to the Pirates for getting a lower ceiling / higher probability guy to sign for slot.

    For comparison’s sake, (let’s hope the baseball gods don’t strike me down for this) Matt Wieters hit 358/480/592 his junior year in the ACC.

    Sanchez is nothing like Wieters, not even close. On pure talent, he was a late first round pick. If the Pirates wanted someone safe, they really could have taken 10 other guys that would have been better picks. And not only is this a bad pick, but it will only remind Pirates fans that the team passed on Wieters, another catcher, 2 years ago.

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  40. I’m very very glad I’m not a Pirates fan…good thing they saved money on the McLouth trade so they could reinvest it in the draft.

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  42. I’d put it at 2 to 1 that it melts down. I think they’re gonna have “fun” with Boras on this one. Its gonna be a nasty, nasty negotiation that will strain their public relations to say the least. If they actually convince him to sign. Boras could very easily have him sit out the year or play independent ball until next year’s draft.

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  47. Can anyone explain why it matters what position you draft a guy as? What does it matter if the Mariners drafted Ackley as an OF or a 1B? I understand when its a pitcher vs. position player like Gose last year.

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  55. Words I don’t want to hear from a commentator when my team drafts 4th overall “IF his bat develops and could end up as a ‘backup catcher’.”

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  64. I find it interesting that the MLB announcers/commentators have not mentioned signability/slotting very much with some of these picks. I wonder if they were warned not to rock the boat on that topic?

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  66. Is it wrong to mention that Wheeler doesn’t exactly seem “quick”? Perhaps its just his southern drawl…

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  69. braves have gone downhill since sheurhloltz (spelling?) left. the write up about minor is very weak. but makes me smile as a phillies fan

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  70. Here’s where we see if the Nats will have any money set aside for non-Strasburg picks…my guess is a very safe signable pick here.

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  80. wow on the rockies pick… dont know if they have the means to give Matzek the ransom he wants

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  82. Matzek reportedly wants like 7-8M. Theres no way in hell the Rockies give him that, and probably won’t offer more than 2M. Maybe they just wanted an extra pick next year when there would be more college bats, who knows

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  85. phuturephillies do you really think a team would do that, there must be some good prospect that would sign for 2-3 million?

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  88. phuturephillies do you really think a team would do that, there must be some good prospect that would sign for 2-3 million?

    Who knows. But I don’t see any way that Matzek signs for anything near slot.

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  91. A future compliment to the best young starters in baseball.
    The A’s have done a heroic job.

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  98. I guess teams aren’t scared of the high school price tags? I thought white would go higher from what I read about him.

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  102. Nepp show him the money, This is crazy when young kids like matzek are asking seven million. I wonder how many batters he faced will play in the majors.

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  105. Just ready to ask this kid Miller throws 96 and is only in high school. He must have real good upside, will he be hard to sign in your opinion.

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  107. I’m really interested to see how far Gibson and Scheppers fall. Hoping they get to 75 is probably wishcasting, but stranger things have happened.

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  108. overdraft for Houston? i know it fits their pattern but it just doesnt seem like this kid was close to top of the draftboard talent

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  109. so does anyone know if the time between picks gets smaller for the second round? 4 minutes is a little much…

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  113. gibson goes to the twins… another one bites the dust. I think the time between picks drops to 2 minutes at some point

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  115. Thanks PP….I will be here too. Awesome sight for us diehards……I have spread the word to alot of people about your sight.

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  116. Back to a previous discussion, dont get upset about the Pirates pick just yet. I heard from sources that they were planning on taking a signability pick in the draft and then go big for a few foreign prospects who are supposed to be cant-miss.

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  120. Also, the first three rounds are tonight. We’ll get the Phils’ #75 pick as well as their third round #106 pick as well.

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  121. My biggest problem with the Pirates pick (If I cared who the Pirates picked) is not that they went with a slot guy, it is that they could have selected a much better prospect who would have also signed for slot. I just do not understand Sanchez there…

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  123. Zac, I agree with you. I know up-the-middle talent is scarce, but if I was running the Pittsburgh draft and was going to reach for someone, I’d have sprung for Leake or White. Or Crow, though he might have cost more than slot.

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  130. Seattle makes the pick in our former slot and Ibanez homers right after showing we did the right thing

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  134. My friend who’s a Yankees fan says that they need to get some “Michael Taylor/Dom Brown” athletic outfield types in their system, so Heathcott certainly fits the bill. But he’s certainly a long way away at this point.

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  141. My gut says a toolsy hitter (after so many pitchers taken last year), maybe somebody like Jake Stewart (who Keith Law linked the club with a week or so ago). I wonder if the club would jump on Chris Dominguez, the Louisville 3B, if he somehow fell that far (his raw power is probably a 70, but he has some serious contact issues).

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  143. Matz is an option if hes left. I would like to see a solid hitter at a corner infield position maybe Malm as PP suggested, or Walker a local kid.

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  144. I am thinking a hitter as well. Then later for HS Arms with commitments to college and try to sign them.

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  145. it sure is taking forever to get to our pick. i’m tired of speculation lets get to it already!

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  146. It feels like an hour has passed since the last pick. SOmeone fast forward the commish’s watch

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  154. LHP, Steven Matz. The beauty of it is if I am wrong, nobody cares because everybody is wrong. But, if I am right, I am a genius…

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  158. What are they doing? I’m flipping back and forth and they are going live to games now. Didn’t they take a break already or are they not broadcasting it anymore?

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  160. espn’s blog is the only one close time wise, but i have to keep ‘refreshig’ and everytime you do- a stupid ‘muppets’ like commercial for the nba comes on

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  161. PhillyFriar, the Draft Tracker seems to be stuck on the Reds, who according to ESPN, did not choose a player. Sort of seems like a Draft Tracker FAIL.

    Blues, MLB Network is only broadcasting the first round, I believe.

    Everyone else, we are only 23 picks away!

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  162. Blues: it’s only on MLB.com after the 1st round.

    You’d think if MLB was going to have problems with their Draft Tracker, it would happen late on Day 2 or 3, not early on Day 1.

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  163. yeah friar i have that too. very annoying.

    blues the rest of the rounds are found on mlb.com streaming.. not on tv

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  165. mlb network not broadcasting. they told us to goto the website. but the draft tracker on mlb.com isn’t keepin up. mine’s stopped at pick 42

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  167. MLB.com sucks… anyway… PP since it’s getting close to the phillies pick, any chance you’d give a ranking of the remaining prospects??!?!? And/Or provide a order from 1-10 of who you think the phillies might pick.

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  169. supra… PP had to go out a little while ago and i dont think he has gotten back to his computer yet. He said he probably wouldnt be back before the selection

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  172. PP said he had to step out and might not be back for the PHils pick. “FRIAR” might be the guy to ask

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  173. Ahhh I wish I knew. Hopefully James is back soon enough.

    One name to keep an eye on — I don’t believe he’s been picked yet, but I can’t tell with the Tracker not updating — is Max Stassi. The Phils are in good shape organizationally at catcher, but he might be too good to pass up at 75.

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  174. Alright, Friar, might be a big request here… but can you put togeather a quick list of the top remaining prospects along with the likelyhood of them being taken by the phillies provided each of them last that long.

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  178. Supra: I wish I could, but that’s James’ area of expertise. Suffice to say there’s some intriguing names available, including Matz and Stassi, among others. I’m happy to post some information about whoever’s drafted as soon as it happens though.

    Sorry to disappoint!

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  181. lots of good people left… here is goldsteins best available

    24. Max Stassi, 28. David Renfroe, 34. Wil Myers, 43. Sam Dyson, 45. Brian Goodwin, 47. Brody Colvin, 49. Chris Dominguez, 50. Jeff Malm.

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  183. ryan Smith (6:50:41 PM PT): nickwynne (Bakersfield, CA): Any chance we can get another “Best Available” list?

    Ask and you shall receive. Sorry if any of these got picked. 24. Max Stassi, 28. David Renfroe, 34. Wil Myers, 43. Sam Dyson, 45. Brian Goodwin, 47. Brody Colvin, 49. Chris Dominguez, 50. Jeff Malm.

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  192. on the clock!! I’m so excited! this is the first draft i’ve watched, and i’m really amped up even thoughthis guy might nnot make it to the bigs

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  197. Apparently a switch hitter with an average bat and, of course, projectable power. Great defensively apparently. Outfielder.

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  205. for what its worth heres an LA Times piece on Dugan…one of his role models is chipper jones

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  207. We’ll see.

    Kelly Dugan, a Pepperdine signee, is Notre Dame’s top player. Tall, lanky and projectable at 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds, Dugan has a sweet lefthanded swing and is a silky smooth first baseman.

    The son of actor, director and producer Dennis Dugan, Kelly will not need a stunt man or body double on a baseball field. Home runs flew out of the tiny El Dorado yard in this game, with Kelly Dugan poking two opposite field home runs.

    No one should alter his swing, but Dugan may benefit from lower, more relaxed hands. In addition, Dugan initiates his load mechanism too late, often forcing him to flick at the ball as it is nearly past him. He’ll probably windup in college after the June draft, but there is little doubt that Dugan has the ability to be a top draftee in 2012.

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  211. So it will probably take some money to get him to sign? He isn’t an outfielder then? Stupid MLB!

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  212. What I don’t get is why they didn’t pop Malm or Stassi.

    # Kelly Dugan (California) – my personal dilemma with Dugan is fairly simple…the main reason I have him higher than most is also the thing that scares me from putting him any higher; watch Dugan swing a bat and you can see he has the innate ability to wait, wait, wait…and then snap his wrists through the zone; spin that another way and you can say he lacks appropriate pull power for a first baseman due to a slow bat; a professional conditioning program and a tweak or two to his swing setup could give him that split second of bat speed missing to make him a doubles machine reminiscent of a young Casey Kotchman; I’d take the big money and go forth towards reaching my ultimate dream 99 times out of 100, but if I had a scholarship to play baseball in Malibu for Pepperdine like Dugan has…well, I’d have to think long and hard about that one – we’ll see what he does in a few months

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  213. Next up, 106th! At least it’s a corner outfield bat! I can’t complain about taking another high ceiling guy, hopefully he does sign though.

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  216. Last year I initially hated what they did with their first pick and what they were doing. Then came away loving the draft. So Im going to do something real hard. Sit back, shut up and see how this turns out.

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  217. FMBGN, thats so, so, unphilly fan like. We’re supposed to let them know it everytime they don’t perform. I went to a game once where chase got booed for striking out. . . in the 4th inning.

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  218. what do you guys project (position wise) for their next pick…maybe a pitcher who fell due to signing concerns? if there’s anyone left who fits that bill…

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  219. Left-handed pitcher, they basically stated that they would be stacking up on LH pitchers and high school players…

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  221. yeah gose was a reach and collier was a good pick…worley was a “typical college low dollar sign” and knapp was a huge reach…can we ease up on the “reaches” we know 0 about him other than whats “blogged”…chill let the draft unfold

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  222. The 2009 MLB Draft’s Top Ten High School First Basemen

    10. Kelly Dugan (California) – my personal dilemma with Dugan is fairly simple…the main reason I have him higher than most is also the thing that scares me from putting him any higher; watch Dugan swing a bat and you can see he has the innate ability to wait, wait, wait…and then snap his wrists through the zone; spin that another way and you can say he lacks appropriate pull power for a first baseman due to a slow bat; a professional conditioning program and a tweak or two to his swing setup could give him that split second of bat speed missing to make him a doubles machine reminiscent of a young Casey Kotchman; I’d take the big money and go forth towards reaching my ultimate dream 99 times out of 100, but if I had a scholarship to play baseball in Malibu for Pepperdine like Dugan has…well, I’d have to think long and hard about that one – we’ll see what he does in a few months

    Kelly Dugan, a Pepperdine signee, is Notre Dame’s top player. Tall, lanky and projectable at 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds, Dugan has a sweet lefthanded swing and is a silky smooth first baseman.

    The son of actor, director and producer Dennis Dugan, Kelly will not need a stunt man or body double on a baseball field. Home runs flew out of the tiny El Dorado yard in this game, with Kelly Dugan poking two opposite field home runs.

    No one should alter his swing, but Dugan may benefit from lower, more relaxed hands. In addition, Dugan initiates his load mechanism too late, often forcing him to flick at the ball as it is nearly past him. He’ll probably windup in college after the June draft, but there is little doubt that Dugan has the ability to be a top draftee in 2012.

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  225. Good. Opens the doors for Phils to take a chance on better talent. Let these other teams go after easier signee’s that arent as good

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  227. Wish we had a chance to sign Broxton too, he would definitely help out a weak position in our pharm.

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  228. that might have been their idea.. they have a knack for doing that… but we’ll never know

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  229. Just thought of something…How about James Jones, the Dontrelle Willis clone out of NY. I think he would be an interesting pick.

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  230. im just gonna throw out a name..Keyvlus sampson rhp from florida hs, very talented but he has a very interesting/kinda suspect story

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  238. scouting report hes very raw, and they say people said he seemed to lack some intesnity when playing this year…enh guess we’ll see if they get him out of his commitment to oregonst

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  244. Man do they ever like raw athletes, unbelievable. I guess it makes sense in a crazy way, they want to hit on a lotto ticket basically.

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  246. Gotta give the Phils credit for consistency, from Keith Law, “He’s similar to Anthony Hewitt, the first-rounder last year taken by the Phillies, but is perhaps a better athlete with more upside but just as much risk.”

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  247. From Keith Law:

    “He’s a legitimate centerfielder with the speed to cover a lot of ground, although his reads aren’t always great. He’s similar to Anthony Hewitt, the first-rounder last year taken by the Phillies, but is perhaps a better athlete with more upside but just as much risk.”

    Partial insider information, sorry if this is a problem…

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  248. FWIW, two 106th selections have gone on to have real careers. Tim Raines and Dave Steib. Maybe Zach Miner as well.

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  249. Hudson’s weaknesses: Extremely raw at the plate, he will have to learn how to hit.
    Summary: Hudson is an extremely gifted athlete who, if he doesn’t become a pro baseball player in June, will head to Oregon State to play football and baseball. He’s got plus, plus speed and has shown glimpses of raw power. The concern is that he hasn’t shown the ability to make consistent enough contact to reach that power and will have to learn how to hit at the next level. Someone will draft him based on his athleticism and speed, but they’ll also know they have a project on their hands.

    seems like they only really like his plus, plus speed and quality athleticism…sounds like the high ceiling/high risk guy they love

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  251. I can just see that war room. “C’mon guys, one of these athletes has to hit!! Just one!!”. At least they have upside, but man how bout a guy with a hit tool!!

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  252. Hitting ability: Hudson is a below-average hitter right now. He struggles with breaking balls and pitch recognition. He does have a level, direct swing, with an upright stance and high elbow.
    Power: Flashes average power with some backspin, when and if he arrives on time.
    Running speed: He’s got plus, plus speed.
    Base running: A threat to steal anytime he’s on base.
    Arm strength: It’s at least average. He’s touched 90 mph from the mound.
    Fielding: A good center fielder, he covers a lot of ground.
    Range: He can cover the gaps well and will make up for any misreads with his speed.
    Physical Description: Hudson has a live, lean and athletic frame; draws comparisons in body type to Mike Cameron or Curtis Granderson.
    Medical Update: Healthy.
    Strengths: Speed, athleticsm.
    Weaknesses: Extremely raw at the plate, he will have to learn how to hit.
    Summary: Hudson is an extremely gifted athlete who, if he doesn’t become a pro baseball player in June, will head to Oregon State to play football and baseball. He’s got plus, plus speed and has shown glimpses of raw power. The concern is that he hasn’t shown the ability to make consistent enough contact to reach that power and will have to learn how to hit at the next level. Someone will draft him based on his athleticism and speed, but they’ll also know they have a project on their hands.

    Considered the #1 baseball prospect and ranked as the #2 football player in the state of Washington, Oregon State commit Kyrell Hudson (6-0, 185, 4.5)

    KYRELL HUDSON
    NAMED CLASS OF 2009 TOP PROSPECT

    Kyrell Hudson of Evergreen High School in Vancouver, Wa. has been named by Baseball Northwest as the class of 2009 Top Prospect . The right-handed hitting outfielder edged out a strong group of right handed pitchers to earn the top spot of northwest players. Hudson’s overall athletic ability, physical build, running speed, and throwing arm strength are his pluses as a prospect. His upside defensively in center field is high rated by professional scouts. He is beginning to show development with the bat in making good adjustments to his approach against very good competition.

    eff McKay: How does it feel to be selected as the northwest top prospect by Baseball Northwest?

    Kyrell Hudson: It is an honor and a privilege to be named the Northwest’s top prospect by Baseball NW. There are some big names that have been given this honor over the last few years.

    Jeff McKay: Tell us about your experience at the AFLAC National All-Star Game?

    Kyrell Hudson: My experience at the AFLAC was awesome. It was amazing being able to play with some of the best high school ball players in the country. Being able to play in Dodger Stadium on National TV was really something. Every time a great play was made the fans were really loud and it made me feel like I was in the big leagues.

    Jeff McKay: You also played in the a national all-star game at Wrigley Field in Chicago this past summer. How was that experience?

    Kyrell Hudson: The national all star game at Wrigley Field in Chicago was also great. The game and festivities were more laid back than the AFLAC game. Wrigley Field is a great old ballpark. A lot of the same players from AFLAC were also at this game. We got to explore the city of Chicago for one day, that is a real unique city.

    Jeff McKay: You were also a member of the northwest Washington Nationals Area Code team. What are your memories of that?

    Kyrell Hudson: The Area Code games were going on at the same time as the AFLAC. Again the ballplayers were really good. The Area Codes were in Longbeach CA, and the AFLAC was in Los Angeles. For the first few days I had to travel back and forth from LA to Longbeach, practice in the morning in LA and then travel to Long beach to play an Area Code game, I got pretty tired. The best playing memory I have was I threw a runner out at home plate from center field because by the time I picked the ball up in center he was already rounding 3rd and I was still able to get him.

    Jeff McKay: What Baseball Northwest experience sticks out in your mind?

    Kyrell Hudson: There have been a lot of them. My most memorable experience with Baseball NW was being on the Junior Olympic Team in Arizona. It was my first time in front of college and pro scouts. I was able to play really good in all the games and felt I really helped my team win. I also ran a 6.3 60 and was told I was the fastest kid there.

    Jeff McKay: You have signed a letter of intent to Oregon State. What made you want to be a Beaver?

    Kyrell Hudson: Oregon State really believes in the family atmosphere and family comes first. Family is real important to me and being able to be in that type of environment will make me a better stronger man. I also think I can come in and help make an impact right away.

    Jeff McKay: Have you decided what you would like to major in at college?

    Kyrell Hudson: I haven’t decided yet but maybe something in sports management, sports medicine or art.

    Jeff McKay: The professional draft may be a possibility for you also. Have you thought about that and would you consider signing now?

    Kyrell Hudson: Right now I’m a Beaver and that’s where I want to be. We will look closer at that when the time comes.

    Jeff McKay: What aspect of the game do you feel you need to improve the most?

    Kyrell Hudson: I learned this summer playing with some of the best guys in the country that you have to be consistent in all aspects of the game. Hitting a 90-94mph fastball is very difficult but seeing a 84 mph curve ball right behind it is just as hard or harder to hit. I fee I need to work on my approach and consistency at the plate.

    Jeff McKay: What do you consider your strength in your baseball ability?

    Kyrell Hudson: I think my arm and my speed are probably my strengths.

    Jeff McKay: You are a accomplished football player also. Is football in your future as well?

    Kyrell Hudson: Yes, OSU has agreed to let me play both football and baseball for them, I’m really excited about that.

    Jeff McKay: Do you have a favorite major league team or player?

    Kyrell Hudson: New York Mets and Mike Cameron.

    Loves the MUTTS!!

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  253. Hitting is only one small part of baseball…I’d much rather have dozens and dozens of great defenders with plus plus speed.

    James is gonna have a field day with both picks tomorrow.

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  254. Kevin Goldstein (7:46:31 PM PT): The Phillies do take a signability guy in the third inning with ultra-athletic Kyrell Hudson, a high school centerfielder from Washington. His speed and arm both rank as 60-70 on the scouting scale.

    Sounds like Anthony Gose, no?

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  255. i guess we kinda have to take a pitcher first tommorow, but i would love if they looked at either Malm or Walker as actually decent hitters.

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  256. I think Gose is a better bat probably. He’s already had limited success in Lakewood at the plate. The rest is pretty similar, though Gose also has a better arm.

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