MLB Draft

The polar opposite to the NFL Draft begins today, that being the MLB Amateur Draft. As opposed to be over-hyped and plodding, the MLB Draft is under the radar and rapid-fire. I don't pretend to know much about the prospects available, but I do know the results of the 1st Round, thanks to our genius ex-Vice President.

Baseball America's recap of the completed first round is found here, and below is a recap of their analysis of the Reds' first round pick, Jay Bruce, a centerfielder from West Brook High School in Beaumont, Texas:

"Bruce has been compared by scouts to Larry Walker. Though he has average to plus tools across the board and enough athleticism to play center field, Bruce profiles better in right field. His swing can get a little long at times, but Bruce is a polished high school hitter. He centers the ball well and already understands the importance of using the entire field. He also has the strength and skill to eventually hit 30-plus homers annually in the majors. His average speed is probably his worst tool, but he plays quicker than his stopwatch readings around the bases and in the outfield. He has more than enough arm to handle the move to right field in pro ball."

The wise folks over at RedsZone are following the draft live online and both seem to genuinely approve of the Reds' 1st round selection and are reporting that the analysts and commentators have generally said the same thing. Nice pick, Dan. Now here's hoping you're able to right this shipwreck and not have to buy a ticket to watch Jay's first GABP home run.


UPDATE: Well, DanO & Co. managed to blow all of the optimism generated by their 1st round pick with their 2nd round pick. The Reds selected Travis Wood, a HS LHP from Arkansas. Not only is he a HS-pitcher, according to Baseball America, he's a HS pitcher with questionable mechanics, little feel for the breaking ball, a solid verbal commitment to the University of Arkansas, and who had an 86-90 mph fastball until recently, when he began to touch the mid-90s. Sounds like an absolute disaster, especially consider the 'mechanics' issues. Maybe we should pray that he does honor his Hogs commitment.

Another interesting note - the Braves, renowned for the "anti-Moneyball" ways, selected a college pitcher in the 2nd round, while A's GM Billy Beane broke from his famed anti-HS pitcher stance by selecting a HS pitcher in the 2nd round.

UPDATE (The Sequel): Just when you thought it couldn't get worse. The Reds have now spent multiple picks in the first 8 rounds on unknown pitchers with unimpressive stats, histories of injury problems and questionable mechanics.

But the 8th round pick itself may take the cake. The Reds selected Brandon Roberts from Cal Poly, whose numbers are (to put it kindly) in the mold of a no-hit Reggie Taylor (.409 OBP, 0 (that's ZERO) HR, 18 BB in 227 AB's). I realize that the positional depth chart in the Reds' organization is somewhat lacking, but drafting an apparent defensive replacement in the 8th round is more than sad...it's grounds for immediate termination.

POSITIVE NEWS: Wily Mo is back, with Jason Romano being designated for assignment. Unless Dan O'Brien is fired and immediately hired by another team, it is quite unlikely that JR will be claimed off of waivers, rendering him a RiverBat once again.