I think we have an Oakland A's type budget for draft picks. These picks reak of Billy Beane-esque Moneyball tactics.
I'm not trying to be an @ss, but the magazine is called Baseball America not Baseball American. That's America, not American. No 'n' on the end. It is like fingernails on the chalkboard for me every time I see you write it wrong.
who will be more productive in the majors? justin smoak? or jason castro? hmmmmmm...guy who has averaged 22 homers in college and was a high profile prospect out of highschool...or guy who has been a 1 year wonder who has a career high of 12...maybe they had castro rated higher because of his position, but you cannot say he'll out produce smoak in the majors
There is enough room for growth that you can't say that for sure. If Castro really is the guy that slugged over .600 this year and in cap cod, and not the guy that slugged 225 his sophomore year, then he could be a decent regular at the ml level. I'd imagine most people/scouts think Smoak is more likely to be the better big league player, but I guess just trust that the Astros know something that other people don't.
According to 790 they talked to Lyles and he's agreed on and signed a contract and will report to.... Greenville I think they said. Well, if he fell off draft boards because of his commitment to S.C. scared people off then it might be a great pick. If the kid does manage to gain some bulk and strength and add 4-5 MPH to his FB they might have something going. Two high schoolers in the first three picks. Wade must be feeling confident that he can sign them. That and he's building for the relative distant (4-5 years) future.
3rd round pick is Charles Davidson, OF, Milton (GA) H.S. 6'5", 222. L/R Huge outfielder, and another high schooler.
Ross Seaton is the 3rd round supp pick http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2008/reports.jsp?content=seaton Fastball: Seaton throws his fastball up to 94 mph. Fastball movement: He's got pretty good sink with his two-seamer. Sliders: He's got a good slider that he threw up to 85 mph. Changeup: He's got one that should be average in the future. Right now, he doesn't use it at the right times, so it's almost counter-productive. Control: He's got pretty good command, especially for a high schooler, and doesn't hurt himself with walks. Poise: He's very good on the mound and is a very intelligent kid. Physical Description: Seaton is a big, athletic and strong right-hander who's also a pretty good hitting prospect. Medical Update: Healthy. Strengths: Strong and athletic, he's got the chance to have three at least average offerings. Weaknesses: The changeup is behind the other pitches; a strong commitment to Tulane might make him tough to sign. Summary: Texas isn't providing the usual supply of fireballing high school arms, but Seaton is trying to represent as best he can. With a good fastball and slider, along with a changeup that should work well in the future, he's fairly polished for a high schooler. A good athlete, he's drawn some interest as a hitter as well and if the position or the bonus isn't right, the bright right-hander could head to Tulane as a two-way player.
I like taking a risk with Seaton. 1st round talent that dropped due to signability concerns. He's a hometown kid, so maybe the Astros will have a better than average chance at signing him.
As a Second Baptist alum, I say Drayton open up the wallet and sign the kid, even if it means out of slot money. Easy for me to say though.
David Duncan, 6'9"(!!) 230 lb. lefty out of Georgia Tech. He's a big 'un. Only a junior though, so signability possibly a question mark?
Are you bouncing back and forth between a certain Astros fan site and this one like I am? Just curious.
