Official 2007 Yankees Draft Thread

[cmaff051]

The Yankees had a tremendous draft this year, maybe even better than last years. They nabbed major signability issue guys like Chris Carpenter and Greg Peavy, got a high-ceiling hurler in Brackman, lots of catching depth, a nice 3B from Texas named suttle, and alot of high ceiling prospects.

Now let's get them signed!!

[moocow007]

Here's a blurb on the 3B they drafted early on that's a bit disconcerting (it's from mlb.com)...

Hitting Ability: He's projected to be an average hitter.
Power: Suttle has below-average current power.
Running Speed: He grades out as a below-average runner.
Arm Strength: Suttle has average arm strength from third base
Fielding: Overall, Suttle's defensive package is average at best.
Physical Description: Suttle has a Joe Crede body type.
Medical Update: He's had medical problems in the past, with a back injury and right elbow stress fracture.
Strengths: Suttle is a pretty good hitter who has the chance to hit for average. He's also got a decent arm from third.
Weaknesses: His other tools across the board are average or below.

[cmaff051]

That scouting report is awful, absolutely awful. No truth to it at all, and they judged him BASED ON ONE GAME. He was rated as the best pure hitter in this draft, in front of top 5 pick Weiters. He was a potential Top 50 pick who fell down to round 4 due to signability issues, aka he was asking for too much money at his slot. Obviously, the Yankees are willing to give him that type of money.

He's a guy who can stick at 3rd base, hit for a good average, and have moderate homerun power (15-20). He profiles at that position well.

[moocow007]

That scouting report is awful, absolutely awful. No truth to it at all, and they judged him BASED ON ONE GAME. He was rated as the best pure hitter in this draft, in front of top 5 pick Weiters. He was a potential Top 50 pick who fell down to round 4 due to signability issues, aka he was asking for too much money at his slot. Obviously, the Yankees are willing to give him that type of money.

He's a guy who can stick at 3rd base, hit for a good average, and have moderate homerun power (15-20). He profiles at that position well.

That's a relief then cause when I read it the first words were "what the ****".

[moocow007]

Here's a blurb about Ryan Pope dated March 25 2007:

After today's complete game two-hitter against conference rival Northwood, here's his info for the year so far:

9 starts
9 complete games
4 shutouts
ERA 1.25
65.0 IP
74 K's
6 walks
Opponents hitting a robust .149 off him

He's got a no-hitter, two one-hitters, a three-hitter and now a two-hitter -- is that the pitcher's version of hitting for the cycle??

[moocow007]

This is an interesting article about Ryan Pope:

http://savannahnow.com/node/301104

Right-handed pitcher is 124th player picked in First-Year Player Draft

Disappointment only lasted a few moments for Savannah College of Art and Design right-hander Ryan Pope on Thursday.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder thought he might get selected in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft by a team that saw him often while pitching with the Bees.

But the New York Yankees called on the next pick - late in the third round with the 124th selection in the draft overall.

"I'm excited," said Pope, the first SCAD baseball player ever selected in the draft. "It's always been a dream to play professional baseball."

The Yankees were one of three teams he worked out for individually.

But Pope thought the New York Mets, the Sand Gnats' parent club, might select him with the 123rd selection.

When the Yankees rang, he was so discombobulated the phone call got cut off.

It wasn't a problem. The Yankees called back.

The entire professional baseball world learned what the Bradenton, Fla., resident could do during the 2007 collegiate season.

He compiled a 9-5 record with a 1.15 ERA, the third-best average in NAIA, while throwing 102 innings.

Pope's control was equally outstanding. He struck out 122 and walked only 13.

SCAD coach Doug Wollenburg said Pope has already mastered four pitches - a fastball, curve, change and slider. Pope threw his fastball 90-93 mph.

"He has good velocity, and he can hold it for nine innings," said Wollenburg.

Pope was an NAIA All-American and was named Florida Sun Conference Player of the Year this season.

[cmaff051]

I like the Pope pick - it looks like the Yankees did their due dillegence here and scouted him well, even though he was underscouted and unknown by most other teams. He has a live arm.

[moocow007]

Taylor Grote, the CF out of Woodlands also appears to be an player with a lot of potential...there is a concern that he is leaning towards going to TU...but if any team can change his mind it's probably the Yankees.

[cmaff051]

Taylor Grote, the CF out of Woodlands also appears to be an player with a lot of potential...there is a concern that he is leaning towards going to TU...but if any team can change his mind it's probably the Yankees.

Give him $800,000 - like the Yanks last two 8th round selections - and I'm sure he'll change his mind.

You have any good writeups on him?

[NYKnSTILL!]

In Rd. 18 pick #574 Yankees make some late noise in the draft

Chris Carpenter


Position: Starting Pitcher
School: Kent State University
School Type: Four-Year College
Academic Class: Sophomore
Birthdate: 12/26/85
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 210 lbs.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Report Date(s): 05/06/07
Game(s): Bowling Green

Focus Area Comments

Fastball: Carpenter has plus velocity, pitching in the 92-96 mph range.

Slider: Carpenter will flash an above-average slider at times.

Changeup: Carpenter has a changeup, but it's a below-average pitch.

Control: Right now, his command is below-average, but it projects to be average.

Poise: He's got average makeup, but he does pitch tentatively at times, perhaps because of past injuries.

Physical Description: Oddly, he does have some similarities with Chris Carpenter, the big-league pitcher, but a better comparision might be Ryan Wagner.

Medical Update: Carpenter had "Tommy John" surgery in 2005 and had his knee scoped in 2004.

Strengths: He has a big arm with two plus pitches.

Weaknesses: Injuries. He's had some trouble staying healthy, something sure to worry scouts.

Summary: Carpenter has a big arm with a plus fastball and a slider that is often above-average as well. That two-pitch mix will be enough for him to perhaps be a setup guy at the next level rather than a starter. His health is a concern (Tommy John surgery in 2005) and might scare some people off, another reason why perhaps a bullpen role would be a good choice

#334

Carmen Angelini, ss
School: Barbe HS, Lake Charles, La. Class: Sr.
B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 185. Birthdate: 9/22/88.
Scouting Report: Angelini played third base as a high school junior in deference to Josh Prince (now starting at the University of Texas), and he'll face tough competition with Texas high schooler Rick Hague for Rice's shortstop job next spring if he attends college. Scouts have no question that Angelini can handle the position, as he has a plus arm and solid range. He has no glaring weakness in his game. He's more ready than Hague to contribute offensively at the college level, with superior speed and raw power. As much as scouts like Angelini, some question whether he's going to be more than just a good college player--though that seems to be selling him short. He's not considered as tough to sign as Hague, but it will be difficult to lure Angelini away from the Owls.

As a senior, Angelini batted .433 with 52 RBIs as a lead-off hitter. He successfully stole 38 bases in 42 attempts and in 150 at-bats struck out only six times. He also set Barbe records with triples in a season (eight) and in a career (12).

Angelini showed a glimpse of what was to come in 2001 when he played baseball on national television as a 12-year-old in the famed Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., with the South Lake Charles team.

[NYKnSTILL!]

DRAFT REVIEW

Round 1: Brackman, Andrew - North Carolina St U -- RHP -- R/R -- 6'11" -- 1985-12-04 - JR
Stats: 3.81 ERA - 78.0 IP - 78 H - 37 BB - 78 K - 7 HR

BA: As an awkward 6-foot-7 16-year-old at Cincinnati's Moeller High, Brackman wasn't considered a top 50 prospect in baseball or basketball. His basketball game blossomed as a senior, and when N.C. State offered him a chance to play both sports, he eagerly accepted. A bout with tendinitis assured he wouldn't be drafted highly enough out of high school to buy him out of college, and after giving up basketball as a sophomore (he had thrown just 77 innings in his first two years at N.C. State), he's begun to come into this own. Now a legitimate 6-foot-10, 240 pounds, his upside is considerable. His athleticism helps him repeat his delivery, but he struggles with his balance and release point, leading to erratic command, especially of his secondary stuff. He touched 99 mph in the Cape Cod League in 2006 and again during an early-season outing in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and he pitches at 94 with exceptional plane. His mid-80s spike-curveball is filthy. Brackman's changeup was the pitch that had improved the most this spring, and grades as a third potential plus offering. He's still unrefined, but even without the polish, Brackman shouldn't slide out of the top 10 picks.

Little chance he doesn't sign. Sky high ceiling but far from getting there.

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Round 2: Romine, Austin - El Toro HS -- C -- R/R -- 6'01" 195 -- 1988-11-22 - HS (National Rank: 117)

BA: Romine's brother Andrew is Arizona State's starting shortstop, and his dad Kevin played there before his brief big league career. Austin also has committed to the Sun Devils, but the consensus in Southern California is he'll never make it to Tempe. That's despite a left hand injury that has plagued him all season. In May, he reaggravated what was diagnosed as a torn ligament in his thumb and had surgery. Rather than sit out the rest of the season, he focused on being El Toro's closer. His arm is his best tool, among the most powerful in a strong draft crop of catchers. Romine's pop times to second base have ranged from 1.78 to 1.85 seconds, putting him near an 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale. Romine's receiving is less advanced, but he's no slouch there and has the athletic ability to improve his deficient footwork. Offensively, Romine has gap power and makes consistent contact, and he's got enough strength to project to hit for average home run power down the road.

Despite being committed to Arizona State, he's said he's going to sign.

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Round 3: Pope, Ryan - Savannah Col of Art & Design -- RHP -- R/R -- 6'03" 190 -- 1986-05-21 - JR
Stats: 1.22 ERA - 102 IP - 57 H - 16 BB - 122 K - 0 HR

BA: Tiny Savannah College of Art and Design produced the state's biggest riser among college prospects, as Ryan Pope came out this season throwing well, racking up a 40-3 strikeout-walk ratio in his first 25 innings. He has a prototypical pitcher's body and athleticism, which enables him to repeat his delivery. His fastball was up to 90-93 mph early in the season, though his velocity fell off as the season wore on. His command is below-average and he tends to leave his stuff up in the zone. His 12-to-6 curve is a below-average offering, but he shows feel for a solid-average changeup. One scout called the Bradenton, Fla., native the enigma of the draft because of how he jumped on the scene from so far off the radar. Teams like the Mets and Yankees, among a handful of others who saw him at his best, might be willing to take him in the third- to fifth-round range.

He'll be signing. Great control for the stuff he has.

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Round 4: Suttle, Brad - U Texas Austin -- 3B -- S/R -- 6'02" 215 -- 1986-01-24 - SO (National Rank: 34)
Stats: .359/.450/.603 - 37/24 BB/K - 12 HR

BA: There's a debate among scouts about who's better, Suttle or his Longhorns teammate, Kyle Russell. Suttle doesn't have Russell's power ceiling, but he's a better bet to hit in the major leagues. He's a pure hitter and switch-hitter to boot, with scouts preferring his stroke from the left side. He has a strong 6-foot-2, 213-pound frame, though his inside-out swing doesn't have much lift and somewhat limits his power. He drives more balls into the gaps than over the fence. The biggest knocks on Suttle are his heavy legs and lack of speed. That limits his range at third base, though he has a strong arm (clocked up to 92 mph when he was a high school pitcher) and soft hands. Some teams may be wary of him because he's a Type 1 diabetic, but he hasn't let if affect his career. The Hendricks brothers, his advisers, have put a $1 million price tag on Suttle, and he does have extra leverage as a draft-eligible sophomore. But clubs expect he'll sign if he's taken in the upper half of the sandwich round.

It may take first round money, but expect it to get done.

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Round 5: Olbrychowski, Adam - Pepperdine U -- RHP -- R/R -- 6'02" 180 -- 1986-09-07 - JR
Stats: 2.90 ERA - 68.1 IP - 60 H - 20 BB - 41 K - 2 HR

BA: Pepperdine put one of its best arms into a role that made him tough for scouts to see, yet righthander Adam Olbrychowski still could go in the first six rounds. He's proven durable in a relief role and gets good sink on a low-90s fastball that touches 95, giving up just two homers in 60-plus innings. He doesn't throw consistent, quality strikes with his slider and changeup, so he doesn't get as many strikeouts as someone with his stuff could.

Despite his role, he's said to have three legitimate MLB pitches. Similar to Kontos who was also a 5th round pick. Definitely signing

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Round 6: Weems, Chase - Columbus HSC -- L/R -- 6'02" 170 -- 1989-01-17 - HS

BA: Weems could be the Thomas Hickman of this year's Georgia draft class. Hickman remained tucked away in the hills of north Georgia last year until his stock soared in the weeks before the draft and he was taken by the Marlins in the second round. Weems' Columbus High made a late surge into the 3-A semifinals, and he was the Hornets' catalyst. He has athleticism and a sound swing from the left side, but his best tool is his arm strength, which grades as a 65 on the 20-80 scale. His footwork is fine behind the plate, but he has stiff hands and he's not an adept receiver, leading to questions about his ability to stay behind the plate. He's committed to Alabama, and it could take second-round money to get him signed.

Committed to Alabama but theres a very good chance he gets signed over slot. He's got a pretty swing and has a great arm and power from the left side.

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Round 7: Sublett, Damon - Wichita St U -- 2B -- L/R -- 6'01" 190 -- 1985-09-22 - JR
2007 Stats: .364/.470/.510 - 48/39 BB/K - 5 HR -- 4.91 ERA - 3.2 IP - 1 H - 4 BB - 6 K
2006 Stats: .394/.500/.642 - 31/34 BB/K - 10 HR -- 0.00 ERA - 12.1 IP - 5 H - 10 BB - 23 K - 0 HR

BA: Sublett had starred as a two-way player, though the majority of scouts liked him better as a righthanded pitcher than as a second baseman coming into 2007. He had a herky-jerky delivery, but it produced a 91-93 mph fastball and a hard curveball. Throw in his tenacity, and in his first two seasons at Wichita State, Sublett pitched 32 innings without allowing a run while also racking up 54 strikeouts. He reminded some Missouri Valley Conference observers of Shaun Marcum, a star closer/infielder at Missouri State before reaching the majors as a pitcher with the Blue Jays. But Sublett has made just five pitching appearances totaling four innings this spring. He fell on ice and strained his back early in the season, followed by a strained knee ligament, shoulder tightness and a strained hamstring.

Sublett, who played through a broken hamate bone in his right wrist and mononucleosis last year, has been able to play regularly at second base. As with his pitching, he doesn't always look pretty, but he more than gets the job done offensively and defensively. His swing isn't textbook, but he projects as an offensive second baseman with decent pop and plus speed. He also has has soft hands on defense. Sublett is more likely to get picked as a second baseman than a righthander after this spring.

Gonna have to pay overslot but well worth it.

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Round 8: Grote, Taylor - The Woodlands HS -- CF -- L/R -- 6'02" 195 -- 1988-12-05 - HS

BA: Grote's stock has slipped a little, as scouts say he doesn't get the barrel of his bat on the ball consistently. He'll have to make adjustments to his stroke, adding more lift and reducing a bat wrap that makes his swing too long. Grote is athletic, but he may not have the speed to play center field or the true power to play on an outfield corner. He makes plays on defense, though more on instincts than pure range or arm strength. He has kept his college options open by committing to both San Jacinto (Texas) Junior College and Texas.

Wants to sign. Yanks gotta get it done. Sky-high ceiling here

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Round 9: Krum, Austin - Dallas Baptist U -- CF -- L/L -- 5'09" 175 -- 1986-01-19 - JR (National Rank: 158)
Stats: .343/.446/.594 - 41/39 BB/K - 9 HR

BA: Krum offers an intriguing package of tools, and when he came out of high school, his athleticism afforded him a football scholarship offer from Northern Colorado and recruited walk-on opportunities at Colorado and Colorado State. He has no better than average size (6 feet, 185 pounds) or speed, yet he has been able to play center field and steal bases in college thanks to his impressive instincts. At the plate, Krum has bat speed and an aggressive swing, yet he drew more walks than strikeouts this spring. His arm strength is average. While he has solid tools across the board, some scouts wonder how his game will translate to pro ball. He doesn't have a true plus tool, will have to tone down his approach and may be a 'tweener more than a true center fielder or corner outfielder. There are teams that are sold on Krum's package, and they could take him as early as the third round.

Will have to pay overslot, but he has shown willingness to sign and Yanks gotta get it done.

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Round 10: Angelini, Carmen - Barbe HS -- SS -- R/R -- 6'01" 185 -- 1988-09-22 - HS

BA: Angelini played third base as a high school junior in deference to Josh Prince (now starting at the University of Texas), and he'll face tough competition with Texas high schooler Rick Hague for Rice's shortstop job next spring if he attends college. Scouts have no question that Angelini can handle the position, as he has a plus arm and solid range. He has no glaring weakness in his game. He's more ready than Hague to contribute offensively at the college level, with superior speed and raw power. As much as scouts like Angelini, some question whether he's going to be more than just a good college player--though that seems to be selling him short. He's not considered as tough to sign as Hague, but it will be difficult to lure Angelini away from the Owls.

Gonna cost 1 million to lure him from Rice. VERY IMPORTANT SIGNING

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Round 11: Howes, Isaiah - U Louisville -- LF -- R/R -- 6'02" 210 -- 1984-09-28 - SR
Stats: 392/.452/.684 - 24/61 BB/K - 16 HR

5 tool guy who came into his own. Will definitely be signing.

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Round 12: Barreda, Manuel - Sahuarita HS -- RHP -- R/R -- 5'11" 165 -- 1988-10-08 - HS

Undersized but has sat at 90-94 this spring, touching 96. Also throws a slider and changeup. Committed to University of Arizona and Pima Community College. Apparently scouts told him he could have been picked around the 5th or 6th round.

Wants to sign right away despite being committed to Arizona.

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Round 13: Chigges, Nicholas - Col of Charleston -- RHP -- R/R -- 6'00" 195 -- 1984-09-23 - SR
Stats: 3.52 ERA - 107.1 IP - 98 H - 38 BB - 112 K - 8 HR

Likely signing. Great numbers against mediocre competition

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Round 14: Pruitt, Braedyn - Stetson U -- 3B -- L/R -- 6'02" 190 -- 1985-03-23 - SR
Stats: .345/.472/.516 - 42/20 BB/K - 8 HR

Likely signing. Nice numbers against mediocre competition.

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Round 15: Williams, David - Rutgers U New Brunswick -- RF -- R/R -- 6'03" 215 -- 1984-08-15 - 5S
Stats: .412/.494/.561 - 31/22 BB/K - 5 HR

Actually performed better than his teammate Todd Frazier. Definitely will be signing

Friday marked the third time the fifth-year senior has been drafted by a Major League Baseball club. Williams was selected by the Florida Marlins in the 36th round of last year's draft, after missing a good portion of the 2006 season due to a wrist injury, and in the 25th round of the 2005 draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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Round 16: Mahoney, Daniel - Cushing Academy -- RHP -- R/R -- 6'04" 195 -- 1988-02-17 - HS

BA: Righthander Daniel Mahoney emerged as the second-best prep player in the state thanks to his projectable 6-foot-4 frame and quick arm. Mahoney pitches in the 86-88 mph range with his fastball and runs it up to 88-90, and he has good feel for a curveball, though it remains inconsistent. He has committed to Connecticut and is likely to head to school.

UCONN isn't a tough school to break a commit, but i doubt they go overboard for this guy even though he's very projectable

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Round 17: Zink, Ryan - U Illinois Chicago -- RHP -- R/R -- 6'04" 210 -- 1985-04-01 - SR
Stats: 4.24 ERA - 70 IP - 63 H - 21 BB - 42 K - 1 HR

BA: Righthander Ryan Zink saved his best for last, one-hitting Long Beach State for eight innings in an NCAA regional upset. He would have been an early-round pick in 2006 had he not had Tommy John surgery in March. Like most pitchers coming back from elbow reconstruction, he struggled with his feel for pitching in his first year back. Zink never stopped competing, however, even when his fastball sat in the low to mid-80s, and won seven games to bring his total to 24 in three seasons. His sinker touched 91 mph by the end of the year, and his slider also improved. Against the Dirtbags, he showed command of three pitches. He has added 20 pounds to his 6-foot-5 frame but would be better served by getting back to his previous weight of 210.

As a senior he should be signing and this is an awesome find if he gets his stuff back.

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Round 18: Carpenter, Chris - Kent St U -- RHP -- R/R -- 6'04" 215 -- 1985-12-26 - JR (National Rank: 31)
Stats: 4.50 ERA - 42 IP - 31 H - 30 BB - 31 K

BA: In a draft short on attractive college righthanders, Carpenter was surging up draft boards. The highest-drafted pitcher (seventh round, Tigers) from the 2004 draft who's still in college baseball, he has made a strong comeback from a pair of elbow operations. He blew out his elbow throwing a 93 mph fastball as a freshman, requiring Tommy John surgery in May 2005, and had scar tissue cleaned out of the joint last June after missing the 2006 season. He sat out the fall and eased back into the Kent State rotation this spring, delivering his two strongest outings in his last two starts of the regular season. Carpenter pitched from 93-97 mph with a lively fastball and hit 96 mph as late as the sixth inning. He also flashed a quality curveball and showed feel for a changeup. His command and secondary pitches are inconsistent, though that's to be expected from someone who has pitched 30 innings over the last two seasons. The effort required to come back from Tommy John surgery has brought out the best in Carpenter, who previously cruised on his natural talent. He works harder and is in much better shape than he was as a freshman, tightening up his 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame. Carpenter had pitched his way into the sandwich round and could sneak into the first round, with the Giants (who have multiple early picks) showing the most interest in him. Though he's a draft-eligible sophomore, he shouldn't be difficult to sign.

Risky signing. I won't be too upset if they dont get this done. He's got a lot of issues, beginning with health, command, and secondary pitches.

================
Round 19: Holiday, Taylor - UC Irvine -- OF -- R/R -- 5'11" 190 -- 1984-04-21 - JR
Stats: .353/.415/.571 - 10/28 - 4 HR

Likely signing.

================
Round 20: Wehrle, Ryan - U Nebraska Lincoln -- SS -- R/R -- 6'03" 200 -- 1985-05-31 - JR
Stats:

BA: The biggest disappointment at Nebraska, however, was Ryan Wehrle. A draft-eligible sophomore in 2006, he was the most improved player in the Big 12 last year and could have gone in the third to fifth round had he been considered signable. He had power potential in a strong 6-foot-3, 205-pound frame, and had a chance to stay at shortstop in pro ball. One scout compared him to Michael Cuddyer for his bat and versatility. But after turning down the Reds as an 18th-round pick, he returned to the Cornhuskers and looked sluggish and out of shape.

"He was doing us a favor by being on the field," a rival Big 12 coach said. Wehrle was hitting just .241 and refusing to make adjustments when he was pulled in the middle of a game against Coastal Carolina on May 4, and he was dismissed from the program the next day. Coach Mike Anderson said Wehrle was let go for an accumulation of problems, not the one incident. As a freshman, Wehrle was cited for driving while intoxicated and being a minor in possession of alcohol. A team could take a chance on Werhrle in the draft, and he shouldn't be tough to sign. If he wants to try to regain his previous status at another school, he'd be 23 when he entered the 2008 draft.

Questionable signing. A killer talent when he is right, but he's had a ton of drama this year. He may be better off heading to CSF.

================
Round 21: Snyder, Justin - U San Diego -- 2B -- L/R -- 5'09" 190 -- 1986-04-08 - JR (National Rank: 191)
Stats: .352/.433/.482 - 37/35 BB/K - 4 HR

BA: Snyder is a solid all-around athlete and grinder who should go in the first six rounds to a statistically oriented club. A three-year starter for San Diego, he has been the ignitor behind overachieving offenses. He's a lefthanded-hitting second baseman who can play center field, as he did in the Cape Cod League last summer, but mostly he's a top-of-the-order pest who draws walks (35 or more every season at USD, always ranking in the top five in the West Coast Conference). Despite his size, Snyder has solid gap power and won't get the bat knocked out of his hands. He needs to play the short game better, particularly bunting, and if he does he'll be a solid No. 2 hitter. Snyder runs well but isn't as aggressive stealing bases as scouts would like. Defensively, he's sound at second, where he profiles best, and quick enough to play center field.

Looks like a great sign but he's got leverage and a ton of talent.

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Round 22: Heyer, Craig - U Nevada Las Vegas -- RHP -- R/R -- 6'03" 195 -- 1985-11-15 - JR
Stats: 5.69 ERA - 110.2 IP - 137 H - 43 BB - 79 K - 7 HR

BA: Craig Heyer, whose fastball is a bit more consistent in the 89-91 mph range. Heyer also throws more strikes with his low-80s slider and keeps the ball in the ballpark more consistently.

Looks like garbage to me. A little leverage because he is a junior but his numbers and scouting report are mediocre at best.

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Round 23: Morris, Matthew - UC Irvine -- CF -- R/R -- 6'01" 180 -- 1985-02-10 - SR
Stats: .333/.421/.488 - 13/33 BB/K - 6 HR

Likely to sign.

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Round 24: Peavey, Gregory - Hudson's Bay HS -- RHP -- R/R -- 6'02" 185 -- 1988-07-11 - HS (National Rank: 111)

BA:Few high school players have had an amateur career like Peavey's. He was hitting 90 mph when he was 14, played in the 2000 Little League World Series and was a member of USA Baseball's youth and junior national teams. He has hit 94 mph regularly with his fastball, complementing it with a quality hard slider that has reached the low 80s. The slider's a plus pitch, with depth to go with its velocity. However, scouts agree Peavey pitched better as both a sophomore and junior, and few see much projection left in his 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame. "He is what he is" was a common refrain. Peavey's max-effort delivery may be difficult to tame. Some thought he was pitching for the radar gun this spring, resulting in increased effort in his delivery as well as decreased velocity. Peavey's first-round expectations and Scott Boras representation complicate his signability, leaving Oregon State hopeful its recruit might actually end up on campus.

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Round 25: Kiley, Jason - Florida Gulf Coast U -- RHP -- R/R -- 6'05" 230 -- 1985-06-14 - SR
Stats: 3.49 ERA - 87.2 IP - 89 H - 18 BB - 84 K - 4 HR

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Round 26: Gattis, Gary - Yavapai Col -- CF -- R/R -- 6'00" 190 -- 1985-03-27 - J2
Stats: .417 AVG - 23 2B - 8 3B

BA: Yavapai's top player was righthanded-hitting outfielder Gary Gattis, who went to Cal Poly out of high school before transferring to Orange Coast (Calif.) Community College and then redshirting a year before coming to Yavapai. At 22, he needs to go play if he wants to play pro ball; he's committed to Oklahoma State otherwise. Gattis is a 6.7-second runner over 60 yards and has gap power, having legged out 23 doubles to lead the conference this spring.

Despite being committed to OK State, he is 22. Good chance they find space for him on the GCL roster.

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Round 27: Laird, Brandon - Cypress Col -- 3B -- R/R -- 6'01" 205 -- 1987-09-11 - J2
Stats: .392/.446/.672 - 21/13 - 11 HR - 24 2B

Easily the best hitter on Cypress' roster and is still 19. Was drafted by Cleveland in 05 out of La Quinta HS (Ian Kennedy's HS). Looks like a great sign, better than any of the D&F's we followed this spring. Can't find what four year school he has committed to.

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Round 28: Livek, Jeffrey - Carthage Col -- RHP -- R/R -- 6'01" 185 -- 1984-09-18 - SR
Stats: 2.30 ERA - 90 IP - 75 H - 27 BB - 94 K - 1 HR

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Round 29: Pilgreen, Matthew - U Louisiana Lafayette -- RHP -- R/R -- 6'01" 170 -- 1984-10-16 - 5S
Stats: 3.17 ERA - 54 IP - 47 H - 11 BB - 43 K - 4 HR

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Round 30: Carrara, Chris - Winthrop U -- 2B -- R/R -- 5'10" 180 -- 1985-05-11 - SR
Stats: .294/.413/.413 - 32/19 BB/K - 4 HR

Likely to sign.

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Round 31: Dawson, Chad - Indiana St U -- RHP -- R/R -- 6'04" -- 1986-03-06 - JR
Stats: 5.86 ERA - 55.1 IP - 71 H - 36 BB - 33 K - 2 HR
BA: Dawson starred in the Northwoods League last summer and was lights out in a mid-March outing against Miami (Ohio). But since then, his fastball dropped from 91-94 mph to 84 and his slider also went bad.

From last summer: Dawson ranked among the hardest throwers in the league and ranked second in the league in saves. An easy arm stroke and a 6-foot-5 frame produced a fastball that blazed up to 96 mph in the all-star game. He often works more in the 90-94 range with a slider that rates average. His fastball and slider command vary; he's guilty of trying to overthrow his heater at times, and his breaking ball flattens out when he's not on top of it. Dawson really competes when he comes out of the bullpen, and his athleticism and speed make coaches think he's going to be able to repeat his delivery and add velocity. His changeup is average, but Dawson projects more as a reliever/closer anyway as his sophomore numbers as a starter at Indiana State weren't as dominant. He rang up 37 strikeouts in 38 innings for St. Cloud while allowing 14 walks, 21 hits and a 2.15 ERA

Great find by the Yankees scouts but a high risk/high reward type. Questionable whether he will sign.

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Round 32: Chavez, Brian - U San Francisco -- SS -- R/R -- 6'02" 190 -- 1986-03-23 - JR
Stats: .324/.354/.436 - 8/25 - 1 HR

Drafted twice before, still not very productive and has leverage. Unlikely to sign.

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Round 33: Jones, Fred - U Evansville -- RHP -- R/R -- 6'03" 230 -- 1984-01-31 - SR
Stats: 5.55 ERA - 47 IP - 50 H - 26 BB - 28 K - 0 HR

BA: Fred Jones has the best pure stuff among the Purple Aces' draft-eligible pitchers, but he hasn't been the same since coming down with biceps tendinitis in 2006. He'll still flash a plus fastball and slider, just not as often, and pitched his way out of Evansville's rotation.

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Round 34: Storen, Drew - Brownsburg HS -- RHP -- S/R -- 6'01" 170 -- 1987-08-01 - HS (National Rank: 180)

BA: One of the most polished high school pitchers in the draft, Storen also is one of the oldest, as he'll turn 20 in August. He can't match the upper-90s velocity of fellow Indiana high school pitcher Jarrod Parker, a certain first-rounder, but on his good days Storen will show livelier stuff. He gets good sink on an 87-91 mph fastball and owns a true slider. He also has a solid changeup and shows a feel for changing speeds and locating his pitches. He's not big at 6-foot-1, but he could add a considerable amount of strength because he carries just 170 pounds. Storen's delivery features a lot of twisting, which one scout likened to Luis Tiant's. Some scouts don't like his mechanics, but they give him deception and don't prevent him from throwing strikes. The son of XM radio baseball broadcaster Mark Patrick, Storen is expected to be a tough sign because he has committed to Stanford.

Very tough sign especially giving the Stanford commit, but this would be a big steal.

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Round 35: Holle, Gregory - Christian Brothers Academy HS -- RHP -- R/R -- 6'06" -- 1988-11-16 - HS

BA: Righthander/outfielder Greg Holle was held back early in the season after wrenching his back swinging a weighted bat in the on-deck circle. He has run his fastball up to 93 mph and shown the ability to spin a breaking ball. A good basketball player, Holle has a projectable frame and a loose arm, but there's effort in his delivery. Offensively, Holle has big-time raw power and is a plus runner, but there are huge holes in his swing. Signability is a major issue with the Texas Christian recruit.

Tough signability guy. Lots of projection. Has shown willingness to sign with the Yankees, and not head to TCU.

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Round 36: Cox, Danny - U Washington -- SS -- L/R -- 6'01" 180 -- 1986-07-10 - SO
Stats: .258/.322/.462 - 10/30 - 4 HR

BA: He's had back problems in the past and won't stay at shortstop as a pro. He hardly stayed there at Washington, moving in and out of the lineup for two seasons. However, he has a smooth lefthanded swing that generates gap power and some true pull power. He doesn't run particularly well and will go as far as his bat takes him, probably as a third baseman at first.

Draft-Eligible Sophmore, unlikely to sign.

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Round 37: Strausbaugh, Steven - Western Carolina U -- RF -- R/R -- 5'09" 200 -- 1985-11-04 - JR
2007 Stats: .298/.393/.534 - 30/32 - 12 HR
2006 Stats: .340/.434/.675 - 29/25 - 17 HR

A lot of power from a little frame. From his Bio: "Named to the "watch list" for the 2007 Brooks Wallace Award by the College Baseball Foundation ... Named preseason first team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association ... Was also named to the 2007 Louisville Slugger/Collegiate Baseball Preseason All-American team ... SEBaseball.com singled Strausbaugh out as one of the "top 10 power hitters in the South" ... Baseball America, in its 2006 preseason issue, listed Strausbaugh as having the best arm among the league's outfielders ... In the summer of 2006, was the starting right-fielder for the Yarmouth-Denis Red Sox, who were the Cape Cod champions ... Was named the Cape Cod Player of the Week on July 31, 2006."

Sounds like a great value sign for the Yankees. A big down year after hitting like a monster during his Frosh and Soph years. He'll likely head back to school to bring his numbers back up though.

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Round 38: Komatsu, Erik - Oxnard Col -- CF -- L/L -- 5'10" 190 -- 1987-10-01 - J2
Stats: .417 AVG - 10 HR

Potentially a big sign. Committed to Cal State Fullerton, tried out for the Yankees last week
http://www.venturacountystar.com/new...ewarding-risk/

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Round 39: Thames, Eric - Pepperdine U -- LF -- L/R -- 6'01" 197 -- 1986-11-10 - JR
Stats: .320/.381/.415 - 16/36 BB/K - 0 HR

Probably not signing, but who knows. Not really impressive on surface

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Round 40: Murton, Luke - Georgia Tech -- 1B -- R/R -- 6'04" 230 -- 1986-05-21 - SO
Stats: .239/.315/.447 - 21/45 BB/K - 9 HR

VERY unlikely to be signing as a draft-eligible sophmore coming off a poor year

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Round 41: Shafer, Jake - Missouri St U -- RHP -- R/R -- 6'04" -- 1985-10-11 - JR
Stats: 6.56 ERA - 46.2 IP - 56 H - 24 BB - 35 K

Jake Shafer impressed scouts in the fall by throwing 92-93 mph, but he didn't repeat that velocity this spring. He worked at 89-91 mph, showed little command and missed time with shoulder discomfort. Scouts aren't sure what to make of the 6-foot-4, 230-pounder.

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Round 42: Raber, Chris - Coastal Carolina U -- 1B -- L/R -- 6'03" 225 -- 1985-06-03 - SR
Stats: .317/.429/.596 - 39/63 BB/K - 17 HR

Round 43: Chowning, Jason - Texarkana CC -- RHP -- R/R -- 6'04" 180 -- 1987-10-17 - J1
Stats: 2.82 ERA - 51 IP - 37 H - 29 BB - 69 K

Originally Committed to University of Kentucky, His Bio at the time: Jason Chowning is a two-way standout as both a hitter and pitcher at Eastern High School. As a junior, the Louisville native batted .457 with 13 doubles and 41 runs batted in while also posting a 12-3 record and a 0.98 ERA. On the mound, he hurled eight complete games, including a pair of no hitters. He fanned a school-record 133 in just 93 innings.

[NYKnSTILL!]

Fifty baseball players can now, and forever, tout that they were drafted by one of baseball's most storied frachises.

The Yankees selected 24 pitchers and 26 position players through Friday, finishing the two-day First-Year Player Draft heavily tilted toward experience. Of the 50 players they selected, 40 were college players.

Yankees' senior vice president and director of scouting Damon Oppenheimer said those numbers may be a bit deceiving. Four of the Yankees' first 10 selections were from the high school pool, and Oppenheimer noted how high school picks after the 16th round become difficult to sign.

Austin Romine was the Yankees' second overall pick and the first of three catchers taken by the team. With catcher Jorge Posada advancing in years, Romine could serve as a future option behind the plate. Oppenheimer pointed out, however, that the Yankees don't go into the Draft thinking about the team's current needs.

"We never go into a Draft talking about what the Major League needs are," he said. "It just doesn't work. It takes a while for players to get to the big leagues, so trying to adjust to Major League needs is not the way to go."

"Obviously, if you have a catcher and a shortstop that are sitting in the same spot on your Draft board and you have a 23-year-old shortstop in the big leagues, I think you might make the decision one way, but you're not going to draft for need."

To go along with three catchers, the Yankees selected three third basemen, three second basemen, two first basemen, four shortstops and 11 outfielders.

Oppenheimer said he was surprised that No. 10 pick Carmen Angelini fell so far in the Draft, noting that several teams most likely passed on him because they feared the shortstop wouldn't sign.
Angelini finished his senior year at Barbe (La.) High School with a .433 batting average and 52 RBIs. His primary role was as a leadoff hitter, and he swiped 38 bases in 42 attempts. He struck out just six times in 150 at-bats.

"We're really excited about quite a few of our picks, honestly," Oppenheimer said. "We didn't think that Andrew Brackman would get to 30. We didn't think we would be looking at Carmen Angelini in the 10th round. That's a pretty good looking high school shortstop. And these other kids that we got in between there are pretty good. I really don't know if you can call any of them huge surprises, but those are exciting ones there."

Entering the Draft with the lowest pick in franchise history, the Yankees took Brackman with the 30th pick overall in the first round.

The 6-foot-10, 230-pound Brackman posted a 6-4 record with a 3.81 ERA in 13 games (all starts) as a junior at North Carolina State University in 2007 (78 innings, 78 hits, 41 runs, 33 earned runs, 37 walks, 74 strikeouts). He joins fellow Wolfpack alumni Joey Devine (2005), Corey Lee (1996), Greg Briley (1986), Dan Plesac (1983) and Ron Evans (1975) as the only first-round picks taken from N.C. State.

Brackman was excited that the Yankees chose him with their first overall pick.

"A couple of days before the Draft, I definitely heard they were interested," Brackman said. "After I heard they were interested, I said, 'I hope the teams that pick before them don't pick me because I'd like to go to the Yankees instead of all the other teams before.'

"Growing up, I always had Yankees hats, Yankees stuff. Some people aren't fans of the Yankees and ask why. Why not? Why not wear the hat? They're the best team in baseball. How can you root against them?"

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/art ... p&c_id=nyy

[Pharmcat]

so whats a grade for Yanks draft? B?

[NYKnSTILL!]

B+ , it'll be an A if Brackman doesn't pull an Humberto on us

[NYKnSTILL!]

Diamond in the Rough ?

Barreda, Delgado drafted into the big leagues


By Nick Prevenas
Saturday, June 9, 2007 9:34 PM MDT

File photo Manny Barreda winds up for a fastball in this 2007 file photo.
Barreda was drafted in the 12th round by the New York Yankees during the Major League Baseball amateur draft on Friday.Manny Barreda and Ramon

[cmaff051]

so whats a grade for Yanks draft? B?

A if we can get most of these high-ceiling kids signed and Brackman doesn't need surgery.

Also, love how quick some of these guys are signing.