August 14, 2011

Bring on the Draft!

So the 2009 MLB Draft is just moments away, but unfortunately there isn’t much excitement for Dodger fans as LA doesn’t pick until #36 this year.  Super-phenom Stephen Strasburg is a virtual lock to be the No. 1 pick by the Nationals.  Well documented is Strasburg’s reputation as the greatest pitching prospect in history with his 103 mph fastball, but almost as well known as that is his notorious agent Scott Boras.

One of my favorite baseball writers of all time is Tom Boswell of The Washington Post.  Boswell has a great story in today’s paper about why the Nats should suck it up and sign Strasburg, despite the hefty price tag and, if you believe history, the equally high chance he could be marginal at best.  Check out Boswell’s research:

Of all the pitchers ever picked No. 1 overall since 1965, here are the best: Andy Benes, Mike Moore, Floyd Bannister and Tim Belcher, all 150-150 types. The list of flops, like Boras client Brien Taylor, a lefty who never reached Yankee Stadium, is much longer. In fact, to find a great pitcher in the draft, you have to go all the way to a No. 18 overall choice: Roger Clemens. The list of Hall of Fame hitters picked earlier is at least 20.

Ouch.  Check out the rest of the article for more, but note that you may need to sign up for a free registration to view the story.

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