The Gary Carter Season 2 Amateur Draft was held last week and now that most of the first round picks have had a chance to sign, let's take a look at who went where. I am going to start at pick 32, the last pick in the first round, and countdown to pick 17. On the next review, I will start at pick 16 and countdown to 1. Here we go:
Pick 32: Anaheim Angels (AL) - Owner: ronaldb03
With the last real pick in the first round, the Angels went out and picked up a very nice, future ML, 2B in Williams. With above average defensive skills and above average batting splits and power, Williams could find himself in the starting lineup in the future. If not a starter, he will definitely be a very good bench/role player.
Pick 31: Colorado Rockies (AL) - Owner: bigdaddysalm
The Rockies picked up a solid utility player in Edwards. He won't thrill you with any one thing, but can do a lot of things above average. If the Rockies ignore his lack of power, Edwards could find himself carving out a long career as a utility player.
Pick 30: Atlanta Braves (NL) - Owner: RisingStar1
Atlanta went out and picked up this speedster with the 30th pick in the draft. Reilly will most likely be a candidate for a Gold Glove if he stays in CF. When you combine his batting splits with his speed, Reilly could turn a lot of singles into doubles and doubles into triples.
Pick 29: Cleveland Indians (AL) - Owner: wonderin32
With the 29th pick, and their 2nd of the draft, the Indians took the last pitcher of the first round (first of the review though!). Ross has solid projected numbers, but what worries me is that he is 21 years old and his makeup won't help him improve as much as he can. Still Ross could see some time at the ML level, even if it is in the role of an innings eater.
Pick 28: Kansas City Royals (AL) - Owner: northerngaul
The Royals went out and picked up Willis, an 18yr old CF, with the 28th pick. Will he stay at this position throughout his career? I'm not 100% sold that he will due to his lack of speed for that position. Either way, this kid could win some Silver Slugger awards with his plus power rating. Nice grab here late.
Pick 27: Oakland Athletics - Owner: peltier
And one pick before Kansas City, the A's go out and pick up their own slugging CF. The main difference between Duffy and Willis is the extra speed Duffy possesses. I'll be interested to see which of these two young, talented CFs has the best career.
Pick 26: Minnesota Twins (AL) - Owner: dh0220
The Twins pick up a stud DH with this pick. Flores isn't going to win any sprints in practice, but with his batting splits and power, he probably won't be too worried about trying to leg out an infield single. Move the walls back and add some height to them when the Twins come to town.
Pick 25: Anaheim Angels - Owner: ronaldb03
DIXIE PLESAC - not signed as of 1/17/11
Pick 24: Chicago Cubs - Owner: shesaid
Villafuerte was listed as a RF in the pre-draft rankings, but shesaid has wisely moved Albie to 1B with his amazing lack of speed. I don't know that I've seen anyone that slow in a long time, myself excluded of course! Villafuerte has some awesome power though, so we might see Villafuerte face off with Flores in the HR Derby in the future.
Pick 23: San Juan Tiburones (AL) - Owner: bignr37
San Juan picks up a nice speed/defense prospect here with Cash. With his plus RH batting split, this kid could see a lot of time in the lineup. I look for a lot of plus plays on defense as well.
Pick 22: Montreal Expos (NL) - Owner: sirius07
The Commish went out and picked up a solid all-around JUCO SS with this pick. Again, he is the type of player that won't do one thing great, but will do a lot of things well. Teams need these kinds of players and Les Expos (my extent of using French) are no exception. Carver could be a pleasant power surprise though.
Pick 21: Chicago White Sox (AL) - Owner: cinmark44
At pick 21, the White Sox were determined to grab a pitching prospect and they certainly grabbed one with a lot of potential. Xavier rates out to have plus control and plus against right handed hitters. With three above average pitches, he could find himself in long relief out of the bullpen or at the end of the starting rotation.
Pick 20: Texas Rangers (AL) - Owner: jeanpaul22
What's all the buzz about? Well, in Arlington, it is about young Hogan. The Rangers were looking to add pitching depth to their organization and that is what they did here in the first round. Hogan will most likely hit the Majors in his career, but I do worry a bit about his splits. Here is to me being wrong (as I usually am)!
Pick 19: Cleveland Indians (AL) - Owner: wonderin32
The Indians first pick of the draft comes here at pick 19. Tejera is a kid that may just be a season or two away from making his way onto the ML roster. He is listed as a SS, but probably is best suited for another position. This kid's bat should be something special though.
Pick 18: Pittsburgh Pirates (NL) - Owner: mowbs69
The Pirates really cashed in here with Christenson. This kid projects to be a middle of the rotation pitcher, at the worst. I'm not super thrilled about his splits, but with his pinpoint control and the ability to keep the ball out of the air, Christenson could quickly become the Man(ny) once he makes it to the ML squad.
Pick 17: Kansas City Royals (AL) - Owner: northerngaul
Northerngaul used the first of his two picks in the first round to grab a good looking RF in Hatcher. With plus speed this kid could be trouble on the base paths. You'd like to see his RH split and batting eye a little higher, but he should do well enough to warrant a starting role with the Royals in a few seasons. Plus, he is from around the area, so that should attract a few more fans to Kauffman during the hot Summer days!
