Domonic Brown is an All-Star with the Phillies this season, but it took him several years to reach his potential.
He was given a regular role from the outset this year and has delivered.
Brown's name was discussed in past trade rumors, including eventual deals with Toronto for Roy Halladay and Houston for Hunter Pence. Ruben Amaro, Jr. wouldn't part with the outfielder.
Brown's father, Robert Walker, claims his son was almost a member of the Mets.
The Phillies, led by area scout Chip Lawrence, courted Brown the most leading up to the draft in 2006. Philadelphia's bonus offer of $200,000 was not concrete until the last moments.
"The Mets had just called five minutes before Chip," Walker said. "We were pretty much about to accept their offer. They had called and said they were going to pick him in the 10th round. The amount of money was not really there.
"All of a sudden, Chip calls back and said, 'Philadelphia really wants him. Do you remember the conversation we had?' This was about the ninth time we talked with Chip. Domonic wanted to play. He was going to sign."