As all eyes are on Strasburg and the rest of the 2009 draftees, here is a look back at the first round of the 2008 draft and the progress of each selection.
Last night the Washington Nationals made their most significant move since crossing the US/Canadian border in selecting San Diego State's Stephen Strasburg with the first pick of the 2009 MLB draft. While Strasburg is widely tabbed the best pitching prospect of this generation, each of the other 29 MLB organizations anticipate with unmeted optimism that their selections from this year's draft will be integral to the success of their clubs for years to come.
As all eyes are on Strasburg and the rest of the 2009 draftees, I find it appropriate to take a look back on the first round of the 2008 draft and the progress of each selection.
1.) Tim Beckham---Tampa Bay Rays SS
- Beckham has flourished in his first full season as a pro, hitting .297 with 3 HR 31 RBI and 26 runs scored through his first 51 games at Low-A Bowling Green. Beckham struggled in the early going with his plate discipline, but a hot May (.326 2 HR 18 RBI) has him playing like a #1 overall pick.
2.) Pedro Alvarez---Pittsburgh Pirates 3B
- The long holdout and signing bonus battle between Alvarez's agent Scott Boras and Pirates GM Frank Coonelly hightened the expectations that fans had of Alvarez in his first pro action. Pedro responded by showing up to spring training overweight and out of shape. Once he arrived, though, he worked hard to prep himself his first minor league assignment at High-A Lynchburg. In his first 54 games, Alvarez has hit .240 with 10 HR and 42 RBI while drawing 31 walks and whiffing 57 times. A mediocre 3B, Alvarez's future prosperity is tied almost exclusively to his bat. He'll need to cut the K's and raise the average to avoid the ire of a long suffering Pirates fan base.
3.) Eric Hosmer---Kansas City Royals 1B
- Deemed by many to be the best prep hitter in the '08 draft, the big lefty got off to a miserable start in April (.222 0 HR 7 RBI) only to rebound in May to post some decent numbers (.299 3 HR 20 RBI). The power hasn't developed yet and he strikes out at a pace of nearly one per game, but he is showing increased patience at the plate, drawing 29 walks in 48 games. This should only benefit his batting average and overall production as he matures.
4.) Brian Matusz---Baltimore Orioles LHP
- The top southpaw from last year's draft class has pitched like it at High-A Frederick going 4-2 with a 2.16 ERA and a sterling 21 BB/75 K ratio in his first 66.2 IP. Matusz has not allowed an earned run in his last 20 IP and seems primed for a promotion to AA Bowie in the near future. The Orioles are a team primed for a long term run at success and Matusz has an excellent opportunity to join the likes of Chris Tillman and Jake Arrieta as the anchors for a talented Orioles rotation in 2010 and beyond.
5.) Buster Posey---San Francisco Giants C
- Posey tore the cover off of the ball during the Hawaiian Winter League, hitting .338 with 0 HR 15 RBI and 15 runs scored. Playing for High-A San Jose, Posey has added the power element to his game, drilling 9 HR and 41 RBI while adding 15 doubles in 54 games. Posey is extremely disciplined, earning a 27 BB/34 K ratio and his shortstop-like athleticism has benefitted him behind the plate and on the basepaths. With Madison Bumgarner and Tim Alderson already earning promotions to AA Connecticut, it seems like only a short matter of time before Buster gets his call.
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6.) Kyle Skipworth---Florida Marlins C
- As great as Posey's successes have been Skipworth's struggles in '09. The young power prospect has managed just a .182 BA with 4 HR and 22 RBI at full season L0w-A Greensboro this season. Skipworth's struggles can be directly attributed to his poor plate discipline. Through just 38 games, the 19 year old backstop has walked just 10 times while striking out 55 times. Give this guy time and don't be too surprised if he moves down to short season Jamestown as soon as they begin play later this month.
7.) Yonder Alonso---Cincinnati Reds 1B
- After an impressive showing in the Hawaiian Winter League (.308 4 HR 22 RBI 20 BB/23 K), Alonso debuted at High-A Sarasota where he tore the cover off of the ball hitting .302 with 7 HR 27 RBI and 13 doubles before earning a promotion to AA Carolina. While he's gotten off to a slow start there, going 7-32 in 8 games, the plate discipline that he's shown all through his career at the University of Miami and in the HWL is still one of the strengths in his game. His production at AA should pick up soon and his bat should be ready for the Reds' lineup by opening day 2010.
8. Gordon Beckham---Chicago White Sox SS
- The former Georgia Bulldog has rocketed through the White Sox farm system, playing at AA and AAA this season before being promoted for his MLB debut on June 2. Though he's gone hitless in his first 13 AB for Chicago, his stellar combined numbers at Birmingham and Charlotte (.326 with 4 HR 25 RBI and 23 doubles in 45 games) indicate that the hits will start coming soon. Long term, his future looks to be as a second baseman in a more powerful, but less speedy mold of '08 AL MVP Dustin Pedroia.
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9.) Aaron Crow---Fort Wayne Cats RHP
- The only 1st round pick to not sign with an MLB club, Crow went to pitch for the Fort Wayne Cats of the Independent League where he has gone 3-0 with a 1.07 ERA and 5 BB/17 K in just 17 innings of work. Crow and the Washington Nationals were just $500 K apart from coming to an agreement last season. Though he is a year older, the former University of Missouri ace will likely be a top 10 pick in this year's draft.
10.) Jason Castro---Houston Astros C
- Several draft experts thought that the former Stanford Cardinal was an overdraft in last year's draft. Since then, Castro has done everything in his power to dispell that notion. One of the top hitters in the Hawaiian Winter League (.333 2 HR 13 RBI 17 runs scored), Castro's '09 numbers for High-A Lancaster (.309 7 HR 44 RBI 20 doubles and a 30 BB/41 K ratio) have rivaled that of fellow '08 1st rounder Buster Posey for tops amongst California League backstops. The Astros farm system is shoddy at the need for Castro to succeed is paramount.
11.) Justin Smoak---Texas Rangers 1B
- "Elation" could be a word used to describe the emotion that Rangers fans felt when the second coming of Mark Teixeira fell to the 11th pick last year. Smoak has continued to please by hitting .325 with 6 HR 25 RBI and 28 runs scored in 41 games at AA Frisco. Smoak has top notch plate discipline as testified by his 32 BB/30 K ratio, but the switch hitter's production from the right hand side of the plate (.209 2 HR 5 RBI 1 BB/9 K) is a minor cause for concern. Chris Davis currently mans the first base helm in Arlington, but his struggles to make contact in his sophomore season could expidite the ascention of Smoak's bat to the major leagues. He could arrive by September and should challenge for a job in spring training 2010.
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12.) Jemile Weeks---Oakland A's 2B
- The younger brother of Brewers 2B Rickie Weeks missed all of April and most of May as the A's opted to let him further rehab his hip flexor injury sustained at the end of last season. Deemed to be a future leadoff hitter for Oakland, the switch-hitting Weeks has looked more like a mid-order talent during his first 10 games with High-A Stockton, hitting .341 with 3 HR 10 RBI and 8 runs scored. He has also walked 8 times, pushing his OBP to .453. If he can stay fully healthy going forward, Weeks should move quickly through Oakland's fruitful system, perhaps making his MLB debut by mid-2010. Oakland's offense is desperate for a top of the order catalyst and Weeks' bat and wheels would serve nicely in that role.
13.) Brett Wallace---St. Louis Cardinals 3B
- All this guy has done is rake at every stop that he's been at since signing with the Cardinals last summer. After moving quickly through three stops in '08, Wallace hit .309 with 6 HR and 24 RBI in the Arizona Fall League. Despite rumors that he would break camp with St. Louis this spring as Troy Glaus' hot corner replacement, the Cardinals sent him to AA Springfield to start the season. Wallace excelled by hitting .281 with 5 HR 16 RBI and 22 runs scored before earning a promotion to AAA Memphis. After a hot start there, he has struggled since, hitting .171 with just 3 RBI in his last 10 games. Wallace's bat will rebound but his opportunities to debut with the Cardinals in '09 will hinge greatly on his ability to rediscover his pitch recognition and Troy Glaus' ability to expiditiously rehab his surgically repaired shoulder.
14.) Aaron Hicks---Minnesota Twins OF
- Hicks' debut season was as good as any other first rounder's as he batted .318 with 4 HR 27 RBI 12 SB and 32 runs scored in 45 games with the Twins' GCL affiliate. Hicks showed excellent plate discipline (28 BB/32 K) and Gold Glove caliber defense which led many to speculate that he would debut with full season Low-A Beloit this spring. Instead, the Twins have chosen a more conservative route for Hicks, nurturing his skills at extended spring training before sending him to short season Elizabethtown for a mid-June debut.
15.) Ethan Martin---Los Angeles Dodgers RHP
- One of the nation's elite prep players last year, there was some debate as to whether Martin would be a better offensive player or moundsman as a professional. Despite his rawness as a pitcher, the Dodgers have decided to forgo his offensive potential as a third baseman in favor of his 96 MPH fastball. Early returns have been mixed as he's garnered a 3-3 record with a 4.43 ERA at Low-A Great Lakes. Martin has shown flashes of dominance, striking out 54 in just 45 innings, but after winning his first three starts, Martin has gone 0-3 in his last 30 innings, allowing 21 earned runs and walking 20 hitters. In light of his injury last season, Martin's move to full season ball may prove to be a tad agressive, but the Dodgers have a long and successful history of developing young pitchers into productive major leaguers, which should bode well for both Martin and the Dodgers going forward.
16.) Brett Lawrie---Milwaukee Brewers 2B
- Drafted as a catcher, the British Columbia native was an intriguing mid-round pick. The offensive tools, though raw, were stratospheric and the Brewers' decision to opt for that upside seems to be paying dividends thusfar. Lawrie's production at full season Low-A Wisconsin has been excellent, hitting .264 with 8 HR 39 RBI 11 SB and 4 triples through 54 games. He's a highly aggressive player who seems to have found a home at second base and his plate discipline (20 BB/32 K) has been better than expected. With Rickie Weeks' future with the Brewers likely coming to a close, Lawrie may be challenged by the Brewers to move quickly through their system.
17.) David Cooper---Toronto Blue Jays 1B
- After a 2007 draft filled with high upside prep players, the Blue Jays opted for a more conservative, mid-level college bat for their first '08 pick. Cooper raked at three different levels in '08, earning a promotion to AA New Hampshire for the '09 season. Through the first two months, he's struggled a bit, hitting .245 with 2 HR 18 RBI 15 doubles in 57 games. The Eastern League is one that favors pitchers, especially in the spring months, and New Hampshire's lineup is not one that his heavy with much major league talent. Cooper profiles as a Lyle Overbay-type hitter who can put up solid batting average and fair power numbers, but his limited athleticism and below average size has a diminuative effect on his ceiling as a 1B prospect.
18.) Ike Davis---New York Mets 1B
- The 6-5 195 lb. 1B prospect had a disappointing start to his professional career as he battled an abdominal injury after signing for more than $1.5 million. Skipping Low-A ball, the son of former MLB closer Ron Davis has rebounded nicely at High-A St. Lucie, hitting .283 with 4 HR 21 RBI and 16 doubles in 50 Florida State League games. Davis has room to build more strength on his long, lean frame which should help him develop more power down the road to accompany his excellent defensive skills.
19.) Andrew Cashner---Chicago Cubs RHP
- After struggling mightily with his control last season, the former TCU Horned Frog seems to have regained his command through his first 10 outings in 2009 with High-A Daytona. An elite closer in college, the Cubs have used Cashner as a starter in the early going, though he has not accrued a workload customary of a frontline starter. Cashner has logged just 26 innings without earning a decision allowing a low 1.75 ERA. A 10 BB/22 K ratio shows that Cashner is working dilligently on his command while not trying to blow away hitters with his 99 MPH fastball. The jury's still out on Cashner as a starter and there is a great possibility that he will eventually end up in a closer's role as a major leaguer. Either way, his electric fastball and two plane slider makes him an potentially dominant pitcher.
20.) Joshua Fields---Seattle Mariners RHP
- The former Georgia Bulldog was widely regarded as the best closer at the collegiate level. Fields, a Scott Boras client, held out from signing a contract until just before the spring deadline. The M's sent Fields to AA West Tennessee in mid-April where he has had a roller coaster performance. In 14 games, Fields has a 2-0 record with one save and a 4.85 ERA. Control has been an issue for Fields in the early going as he has surrendered 11 walks in his 13 innings pitched, but his 98 MPH fastball and big 12-6 curveball has also been responsible for 18 K's during that same stretch. After trading J.J. Putz and watching the struggles of Brandon Morrow in the closer's role, the M's would love to see Fields pitching in the 9th inning at Safeco Field in 2010.
21.) Ryan Perry---Detroit Tigers RHP
- Not many betting men would have bet that this former Arizona Wildcat would be the first player from the '08 draft class to make his MLB debut. However, his dominant peformance this spring coupled with Detroit's paper-thin bullpen vaulted him into the role of late inning reliever. Perry has performed admirably in the role despite not pitching a game above High-A ball. Through his first 23 outings, Perry has a 3.13 ERA with 22 K's in 23 innings. Perry has the ability to dominate hitters with his 98 MPH heat, but his command has given him, and Jim Leyland, fits at times as he has surrendered 19 walks. On Monday, the Tigers recalled Jeremy Bonderman to make his '09 debut and opted to send Perry to AAA Toledo to work on his command. Given his stuff and Detroit's precarious late-inning pitching, it seems apropos to expect that Perry will make his way back soon.
22.) Reese Havens---New York Mets SS/3B
- Similar to teammate Ike Davis, Havens skipped L0w-A ball and has put up numbers at High-A St. Lucie, hitting .228 with 7 HR and 26 RBI in his first 44 games. A dismal May in which Havens hit just .184 ended with him hitting the disabled list with an undisclosed injury. This marks the second time since last August that Havens has had to be put on the shelf, leading to concerns about his overall future. When healthy, Havens is a disciplined hitter with above average power and good defensive skills that would play well at any infield position.
23.) Allan Dykstra---San Diego Padres 1B
- The massive lefty slugger has struggled in his first full season at L0w-A Fort Wayne, hitting just .203 with 3 HR 23 RBI and 30 runs scored in his first 51 games. Despite his perceived struggles, Dykstra has walked a league-high 48 times versus 47 strikeouts. Dykstra's lack of power could be attributed to a lingering hip injury that inhibits his ability to turn on balls on the inner half of the plate. Once thought to be a fast track player, the excellent play of Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Blanks ahead of him should allow ample time for Dykstra to get fully healthy and for the Padres to assess his future going forward.
24.) Anthony Hewitt---Philadelphia Phillies 3B/OF
- The first of many high upside prep selections, Hewitt looked lost at the plate during his GCL debut, hitting just .195 with 1 HR 9 RBI and a dismal 7 BB/55 K ratio. Given that early data, the Phillies have decided to bring the toolsy Hewitt forward slowly, giving him time at extended spring training before having him play at short season Williamsport. The ability is there for Hewitt to be an exciting major league player, but the road to Philly will be a long one.
25.) Christian Friedrich---Colorado Rockies LHP
- The 21 year old southpaw blew away hitters at Low-A Asheville, going 3-3 with a 2.18 ERA and 15 BB/66 K in just 45.1 IP. His dominance earned him a promotion to High-A Modesto where he has continued to look sharp striking out 14 in just 13 innings. Friedrich has a solid average fastball that ranges between 90-94 MPH, but it is his Erik Bedard-like curveball that baffles hitters with a 12-6 break and pinpoint accuracy. Mix in a decent slider and changeup and you have a fast track pitcher who could wriggle his way into the middle of Colorado's rotation mix by spring training 2010.
26.) Daniel Schlereth---Arizona Diamondbacks LHP
- The son of former NFL All-Pro offensive lineman Mark Schlereth, Daniel has worked hard to make his own name at the professional level. His early returns from AA Mobile was a good start. In 15 relief appearances, Schlereth had a 1.42 ERA with 3 saves and 13 BB/21 K's in 19 IP. Hitters managed a measly .153 batting average against him prompting Arizona to make room for him in their bullpen. In his six outings as a lefty specialist, Schlereth has struggled, allowing five runs in just 4.2 innings. His promotion to the Diamondbacks bullpen is likely temporary, but his mid-90's fastball and power curve are two pitches that will miss bats and rack up saves for the D'Backs in future seasons.
27.) Carlos Gutierrez---Minnesota Twins RHP
- Groundball outs are the key to this former Hurricane's success and he's racked them up by the bushel this season. In 11 outings at High-A Fort Myers, Gutierrez had a 2-3 record with a 1.32 ERA and a sterling GO/FO ratio of 4.48. His heavy low 90's sinker that has been compared to that of Derek Lowe's and his low 80's slider has the potential to be a plus pitch. Gutierrez earned a promotion to AA New Britain where he struggled in his only start, albeit a victorious one, allowing five runs on seven hits over five innings.
28.) Gerrit Cole---New York Yankees RHP
- Despite an overslot offer and a lifelong affinity for the Yankees, Gerrit Cole opted to take his 98 MPH fastball to UCLA for at least the next two seasons. Despite his 4-8 record, Cole has been solid in his freshman season with the Bruins with a 3.49 ERA and 39 BB/104 K in 85 IP. With the heater and a nasty changeup, Cole held hitters to a .191 BA and, barring injury or attrition, looks to be an elite draft pick for the 2011 draft.
29.) Lonnie Chisenhall---Cleveland Indians 3B
- Putting his off the field character issues to rest, Chisenhall has been able to get back to doing what he does best---hit. Through 54 games at High-A Kinston, Lonnie is hitting .299 with 10 HR 44 RBI and 35 runs scored. Chisenhall has a knack for driving in runs, often collecting them in bunches. His plate discipline has been better in the past as it seems that he is taking a more aggressive approach at the plate. This could have a positive effect on his power numbers, but may cut into his batting average as he advances.
30.) Casey Kelly---Boston Red Sox RHP/SS
- The Red Sox have a history luring seemingly unsignable players with over-slot bonuses and the prestige of one day playing home games at Fenway Park. Boston shelled out over $3 million in bonus money to persuade Kelly to pursue a career in baseball rather than play quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers. The decision looks to be a good one. In his 48 innings at Low-A Greenville, Kelly went 6-1 with a 1.12 ERA and 9 BB/39 K's. Hitters managed to hit just.191 off of Kelly and grounded out almost twice as often as they flew out. Late last season there was some conjecture that Casey would pitch during the first half of the season and play shortstop for the second half. The successes of this Sarasota native on the mound has changed all of that. Now pitching at High-A Salem, Kelly is rapidly ascending the organization's rich depth chart of quality arms.
Chad Gramling | Jun 11, 2009 | Reply
Nice review and good information. However, I think with #( (Crow), you meant to indicate the Fort Worth Cats rather than the Fort Wayne Cats.
Chad Gramling | Jun 11, 2009 | Reply
Correction: That was supposed to be #9 – not #( – got too happy with the Shift key methinks. :)
Jeremy Porter | Jun 14, 2009 | Reply
Thank you much Chad! You are correct about it being Fort Worth and not Fort Wayne….you probably wouldn’t have minded it if Crow pitched for Fort Wayne though! ;)