colbyjack

I am sorry, but the Brewers were lucky to get all those walks in the first inning. They completely looked like dog crap for the rest of the game. VanBenschoten was all over the place. Even the Brewers would be foolish to swing at the pitches he was throwing. If anything, the Pirates were lucky the Brewers didn't score more runs in the first. I suppose after losing 12 straight, I suppose winning anything has to be considered lucky. And why are you listening to the Pirates announcers http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif ?

As long as Drew doesn't turn pro by signing a deal with an agent (techinically, Scott Boras is only his advisor until he does so), Drew can re-enter school for the spring semester & be eligible to play for the Seminoles. From the BA story: If Drew does not reach an agreement with the Diamondbacks this fall, he could re-enter Florida State for the spring semester and be eligible to play his senior season. www.baseballamerica.com/t...1drew.html ***After thinking about it for an hour (or two) I think Boras handled Bobby Brownlie the exact same way a few years back. I believe Brownlie threatened to go back to school, withdrew from classes in the fall, and when the spring semester rolled around he announced that he would be turning pro, making him eligible to play for an independent team in the spring, yet making him ineligible to play college ball. I think the Cubs ended up giving Brownlie just about what they started with, or at least ended with the summer before as far as negotiations are concerned, the following February, which was in the $2.5 million range. I bet we see something similar with Drew. He withdrew from classes, but hasn't announced that he's turning pro, meaning he can continue to negotiate with the D-Backs leaving the college or even Independent option still open for the spring. The D-Backs offer is extremely generous, even if it is reportedly lower than what Rickie Weeks got last year, and both Drew & Boras would be foolish to turn it down. If I were the D-Backs, I stand pat, call their bluff, and let Drew & co. sweat it out, if Boras even has sweat glands.

Maybe it was you or someone else with the same idea, but I nowr realise how stupid it is to delay entry onto the 'path to free agency'. While I don't necessarily disagree with this notion, there is no guarantee that lil' Drew will ever get to see that big FA contract deal. I often read about football players, notably Robert Ferguson & Mike Wahle of the Packers the past couple of years, talk about how they're young, sign relatively modest multi-year deals now instead of waiting a year to test the FA market knowing/hoping that it isn't the biggest deal they'll ever sign. Of course football doesn't have a minor league system, so the chances for a recently drafted player are significantly decreased, and we've all seen the biggest prospects out there turn into nothing more than a memory. So, part of me can understand the idea of getting the most money now that you can since the odds are against you, no matter how talented you are. Plus, while the signing delay may delay free agency by a year (or more), Boras also loves working the arbitration process year-by-year to make sure his clients the most they can. No hometown discounts for him! But, in principle, I do agree 100%. No one signs thinking that they won't make it & be successful. Plus, isn't there a drive in this young man just to be on the field & playing baseball? And again, he claims it's not about the money.

As the Brewers keep sinking, the Rockies & Blue Jays continue to sink as well. The Expos are really the only bad team that is playing reasonably well right now. So, with a little over a month to go, it would seem as though the best draft position the Brewers could get right now would be 6th.

The D-Backs offer Drew a very generous deal, close to the deal Weeks got from us last year: www.baseballamerica.com/t...8drew.html If he turns that down...(add your own insult).

Who are we picking in 10 months? Hopefully not another HS pitcher http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif . I can tell you who were aren't picking: Mike Pelfrey, Mark McCormick & Stephen Drew. Justin Upton & Alex Gordon will likely be gone by the time we pick, unless we someone manage to get in the top 2-4 picks. 4 of the 5 first-round picks that Jack Z. has taken are prep players, so while I like the college talent that will be available (Hochevar, Greene, Clement, Mayberry) it's hard to see him straying from that path unless that player is too good to pass up, like Weeks was last year. With that I'll say Austin Jackson, a prep OF from Texas, a state the Brewers really haven't tapped into much. Jack Z. is still a tools-guy, and after Upton, Jackson may have the best combination of size, speed & power of any player available next June. Think Torii Hunter, as much as I hate making generic comparisons http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

Drew's talent is undeniable, but like I said before the draft, I wouldn't touch Drew with a 10' pole, and I stand by that. What he's doing to the D-Backs speaks for itself. I hope the same thing happens to him next year, and I'm happy to see that more teams aren't giving in to his insane bonus/contract demands.

The rule isn't new, the Twins handled Joe Mauer the same way a few years back, as did the D-Rays last year with Delmon Young. Actually, you hear about it once or twice a year with 2-sport athletes, as noted in the article, it makes those hefty signing bonuses a little easier to swallow. How does it work? Off the top of my head I don't remember exactly, but I believe the player in question has to be more than just a 2-sport athlete, meaning they actually have to have a scholarship offer from a University to play a different sport. While Rogers could have played hockey at a collegiate scholarship level, did he actually receive a scholarship to do so?

I missed this 2 days ago, thanks fellas. Great news, as Periard was one of the best prep pitchers coming out of Canada this past year. I'm guessing he did indeed sign an '05 deal. The Brewers always manage to sign one more draft pick before September.

Man, that's an ugly fall. The Rockies & Blue Jays have dropped a tad since I last peeked at the standings earlier this week. The Rockies were at .444 & the Blue Jays were at .419, so they aren't making it easy for us to "catch up" to them. At this point of the season, draft position is just about the only thing to look forward to. They might as well keep on falling.

Well, Stephen Drew might return to FSU: www.baseballamerica.com/t...6drew.html Baseball sources say the Diamondbacks believed they could sign Drew for somewhere between Weeks and Teixeira money. I'd pass on him too with those kind of demands. Once again, I don't understand how they think they could get more money by waiting another year. And of course, it's not about the money, right? In other news, Micah Owings is transferring, and the leading schools at this point in time are Texas, Tulane & ASU. Jeremy Sowers signed with the Indians to a '05 deal, while LHP Mike Rozier, who seemed like a sure bet to attend UNC not only for baseball, but as a QB recruit, signed with the Red Sox for a record $1.575 million as a 12th rounder.

Dana's little brother is a rangy righty that plays middle IF, so it's not him. I haven't anything about a little Parra.

Too true Mike. Doug Davis & Manny Parra are doing just fine http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

Arizona State's fall semester has already begun, and Drew Bowman is on campus and in class, and therefore is the most notable "the one that got away" from the '04 draft class: thesundevils.collegesport...04aaa.html

I know Alex Gordon can stay at 3B, he is one heck of an overall athlete. Jed Lowrie did have an amazing season last year. Sticking at 2B shouldn't be a problem at all for him, and if a team like the A's, Padres or Blue Jays were to draft him they might be tempted to try him as a SS (he did play significant time at SS last season) similar to college middle IF prospects like Aaron Hill, Khalil Greene & Russ Adams. He's not the fastest of players, but he does have good quickness and good to great overall baseball smarts. Plus, he's a switch-hitter, which is always a bonus. And while we don't really have an organizational need for 1B, Stephen Head is very smooth both at the plate & on the field. Clancy may like him for his "toolshed" potential http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif . Tyler Greene should be able to stay at SS. If not, he may hit well enough to be a 3B down the road, or even a 2B. He, like almost all of the other top college prospects available for next June, was highly thought of coming out of HS, and actually was a 2nd round pick by the Braves IIRC. Coming out of HS he was known more for his glove than his bat, but he really turned heads after his freshman season, both during the spring & the summer as he really started to drive the ball more. Having seen him, his overall tool set kind of reminds me of JJ Hardy. And just so you know Bill, Georgia Tech is in the ACC. I did see several ACC & SEC games last spring though, so I hear ya' http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

I haven't heard/seen enough of the HS prospects to make a definitive top 10 list at this point in time. Here's BA's top 10 college/HS list after June's draft: College: 1. Mike Pelfrey, rhp, Wichita State 2. Jeff Clement, c, Southern California 3. Alex Gordon, 3b, Nebraska 4. Stephen Head, 1b/lhp, Mississippi 5. John Mayberry Jr., 1b/of, Stanford 6. Tyler Greene, ss, Georgia Tech 7. Brian Bogusevic, of/lhp, Tulane 8. Mark McCormick, rhp, Baylor 9. Jed Lowrie, 2b, Stanford 10. Stephen Kahn, rhp, Loyola Marymount High School: 1. Justin Upton, ss, Great Bridge HS, Chesapeake, Va. 2. Iain Sebastian, rhp/1b, Columbus HS, Columbus, Ga. 3. Miers Quigley, lhp, Roswell HS, Roswell, Ga. 4. Austin Jackson, of , Denton Ryan HS, Denton, Texas 5. Justin Bristow, ss/rhp, Mills Godwin HS, Richmond 6. Andrew McCutchen, of , Fort Meade HS, Fort Meade, Fla. 7. Eric Massingham, rhp, De La Salle HS, Benicia, Calif. 8. Bradley Clark, rhp, Sickles HS, Tampa 9. Jeremy Hellickson, rhp, Hoover HS, Des Moines 10. Zach Putnam, rhp/3b, Pioneer HS, Ann Arbor, Mich. I'm sure these lists would already change significantly after all of the summer showcases & summer college leagues. One notable name missing off of the college list is Tennessee's Luke Hochevar, who I think is going to be a top 10 pick next year. RHPs Mike Pelfrey, Mark McCormick & Jason Neighborgall (not listed) are all Boras clients, so like Jered Weaver & Stephen Drew this year, and like countless Boras clients before them, they could easily fall for that affiliation alone. All 3 were very talented & highly touted coming out of HS, and all 3 attended colleges because they fell in the draft due to their Boras affiliation (& Neighborgall's $3 million dollar bonus demands). Like Eric Munson a few years ago, I'm not sure that Clement stays behind the plate. Tyler Greene and Alex Gordon are both very good athletes, while Mayberry played a little 3B in HS, but likely is a corner OF or 1B at the pro level. Stephen Head might have the smoothest swing in the draft. Brian Bogusevic could be next year's version of Michael Aubrey, another Tulane product. And don't forget about talented players that fell in June's draft due to various reasons that will be returning to college & will be draft eligible next season. Jeff Larish, Justin Maxwell, Micah Owings & Jeremy Slayden all are talented ballplayers, and could vault back up draft lists with strong performances next spring. For the prep players, after Upton, I'm intrigued by Justin Bristow who is a very talented 2-way players whose athleticism & body type has drawn comparisons to guys like Chipper Jones & Zack Greinke. At this point in time, BA seems to prefer him as a power hitting 3B down the road, while T1 likes his potential on the mound better. And I believe Rickie Weeks' little brother Jemille is eligible for next year's draft. He's not nearly as refined as Upton or many of the other prep prospects, but this Weeks won't be overlooked like Rickie was coming out of HS. Since there isn't any way we would have a shot at Upton, although a lot can happen between now & next June, I really like like the college guys in Gordon, Greene, Hochevar, Head, Mayberry & Clement, probably in that order.

Thanks for your observations Bill. I taped the re-broadcast yesterday, but I have no clue when I'll be able to watch it. Egan is very highly thought of, and one of the players I am anxious to see. I am also anxious to see Quigley, although given your write up it sounds as though he has some mechanics issues. Georgia has another very strong prep class next year. Upton has been the #1 prospect for the 2005 draft for the past 2 years. He has played quite a bit this summer in just about each & every major showcase event. He has played both CF & SS, and while he has all of the tools to play SS, many think because of the way the ball carries off of his throws, that he may be better suited for the OF. Of course, he's still plenty young, and would benefit from more & better instruction. Like his big brother BJ, his tools are off the charts, and is a true 5-tool athlete. Unless he falls, someone else rises or money plays a part, Justin Upton should be an Arizona Diamondback next June.

Team One actually has a few nice write-ups on prospects that attended the Area Code Games this year. Since their coverage has been rather crappy all year long, I don't feel bad copying & pasting their write-up on the Brewers' Blue & Grey teams: LONG BEACH, CA ? This is the second of four team reports from the just concluded Area Code games. Today's report highlights the top players from the Milwaukee Brewers Blue and Grey teams, made up primarily of California players and only includes players that I saw play. The Blue team was comprised mostly of Southern California players and the Grey team was made up of mostly Northern California players. Each team was loaded with top Division I players and future top round draft picks. BREWERS BLUE TEAM Justin Sellers SS, R/R, 5-10, 150, Marina (CA) HS Plays much bigger than his physical size. Active player with range and a strong throwing arm, he will be an immediate defensive contributor for a college program. He can flat out do it at shortstop. Best attributes are his energy and hands. Offensively he has decent bat speed and is a contact guy with near average speed home to first. Matthew Daly RHP, R/R, 5-11, 177, Esperanza (CA) HS Power RHP without the power body. Showed the ability in his third inning of his second outing to sit in the 90-92 mph range. He possesses a quick arm and an aggressive approach, not to mention a strong 74-78 mph curveball with depth and action. Chase d'Arnaud SS, R/R, 6-1, 175, Los Alamitos (CA) HS Smooth actions at shortstop, he can make all the plays a professional shortstop prospect needs to make, except the ones requiring a big arm. Offensively he needs to polish his game but he someday he is going to be an adequate offensive contributor. He plays with good energy and is being recruited by some of the top DI programs on the West Coast. Sean O'Sullivan 3B/RHP, R/R, 6-2, 205, Valhalla (CA) HS One of the top two way prospects in the nation, some felt that had he been draft eligible last year that he would have gone in the 1st round. I did not see him pitch, which is too bad because he is the top guy in SoCal, but offensively he has plus power potential and a solid approach of being able to stay back and trust his ability. Defensively he showed great desire to make plays at 3rd base, including aggressively running down a foul ball on the edge of the dugout. He is a 1st round talent. Nicholas Akins CF, R/R, 6-0, 170, Los Angeles (CA) HS, 2006 graduate First thing you notice is his body because he is built the way you would expect a future professional centerfielder to be built. Possesses a full set of tools, including a quick bat, aggressive hitting approach, and MLB average speed home to first. Look for Akins to be a high draft pick in June 2006. Robert Dickman LHP, 5-10, 175, Notre Dame (CA) HS He has a smooth delivery and a features a good combination of fastball and curveball. His fastball was 87-90 mph and he moves it all around the zone; up, down, in, and out. His breaking ball is a big 67-68mph 12/6 curveball that breaks below bats. Hank Conger C/3B, 6-0, 205, Huntington Beach (CA) HS, 2006 graduate One of the nation?s top power prospects in the 2006 graduating class. Conger combines big time bat speed, plus power and a good hand path with an aggressive nature. When he gets better at pitch recognition, he will leap to another level of hitter. Trevor Bell OF, L/R, 6-1, 185, Crescenta Valley (CA) HS A two way prospect who reached 92 mph on the mound. Bell is a plus thrower from the outfield and shows the ability to close well on the ball. Offensively he has an idea of the swing path he needs to have, but at times gets away from it by reaching. He is strong and athletic with explosiveness in his body. Brian Kirwan RHP, 6-4, 192, Christian (CA) HS The ball leaves Kirwan?s hand easily and his fastball comes out at 87-92 mph. He is a physically imposing pitcher with good body control. Look for his 78-81 mph slider and mid 80s cutter to become plus pitches by the end of the spring. Brett Wallace 3B, L/R, 6-2, 205, Justin-Siena (CA) HS Wallace is well known now as one of the top power prospects in the nation. He put on an impressive display at the Area Code tryout at USC that had some coaches in awe. He is short to the ball and seems to always put good wood on the ball. He moves ok for a big man and has a strong arm, but some still wonder what position is best for him. Henry Sanchez 1B, R/R, 6-3, 210, Mission Bay (CA) HS Henry Sanchez was the most impressive hitter at the 2004 Area Codes. He hits absolute missiles seemingly each at bat. More impressive than his plus bat speed, physical strength, and raw power is that he hits everything in the middle of the field. In addition to his hitting ability, he is an adequate 1st baseman with an above average arm. Likely to be a 1st round pick. BREWERS GREY TEAM DeSean Jackson CF, R/R, 5-11, 175, Long Beach (CA) HS He is an absolute disruptive presence for any opposing team. Jackson is a solid contact hitter who keeps his swing short to the ball. He is a plus runner, going home to first in 4.03. His speed is ELECTRIC and it plays for him in centerfield as well. He is sure to be a high round pick and highly sought after player by top DI programs. Jared Lansford 2B, R/R, 6-1, 185, St. Francis (CA) HS Lansford can flat out play the game. He has strong instincts and really understands how to play. Offensively he is very efficient to the fastball and has near average power, including gap to gap. On defense he is a little stiff at times, but he makes all the plays and has a plus arm. Diallo Fon OF, L/L, 6-1, 195, Las Lomas (CA) HS If he is pitched anywhere but hard in, Fon wrecks the ball. He has good juice to all parts of the field and when he drives the ball the opposite way he is a premier hitter. Strong and athletic kid, he is a good player whose game is continually getting better. He is loved by the pro guys. Brandon Crawford SS/3B/2B, L/R, 6-1, 180, Foothill (CA) HS Versatile infielder capable of playing anywhere in the infield. He has instincts and good feet, able to make plays on the move. Offensively the better the pitching, the better Crawford is. He has good timing and some lift in his smooth and easy swing. He projects to have average future power. Vance Worley RHP, 6-2, 195, McClatchy (CA) HS Worley had the most dominant combination of stuff and aggressive demeanor at the 2004 Area Codes. His fastball is heavy and hard, 89-91 mph. He will occasionally turn it over to left hand hitters and can get plus sink on the arm side. His curveball has plus depth and he throws his change with feel. Strong body and the positives go on and on. Michael Bugary 1B, L/L, 6-3, 205, Monterey (CA) HS Bugary might have had the most hits of any player on this team. He kept finding green grass. He is a physically strong player with an easy stroke. In the future he will hit with more power than he does now and it will play to all parts of the park. Soft hands at first too. Some may see him as a two way guy, but his future is with a bat in his hands. Charlie Cutler C, L/R, 6-0, 180, Lowell (CA) HS Cutler opened the country?s eyes at the 2004 Area Codes. He showed one of the most polished hitting approaches and swing at the event. He is efficient to the ball and makes consistently hard contact by staying back well. He is an above average baserunner too. Behind the plate he moves well and has near average arm strength. He went from relative unknown (except by a few of us who live in the Bay Area who have known of him for a few year) and is now at or near the top of anyone?s list who has need for a catcher. Austin Hogans OF, R/R, 6-3, 190, Rocklin (CA) HS Hogans is a physical hitter with power to the middle of the field. He stays patient at the plate and has a nice quiet approach and set up. He is short to contact and long through the ball. Steve Masten LHP, 6-2, 196, Spanish Springs (NV) HS He has a quick arm and gets lots of action on all of his pitches. His fastball (86-87 mph) has plus run on the arm side. He throws both a slider (77-78 mph) and a curveball (68-69 mph) and both are playable right now. Strong body, good stuff, and pitchability make him one of the top lefties out there. Michael Colla RHP, 6-2, 210, Clovis West (CA) HS Colla comes at hitters like a power pitcher. He wants to get ahead by attacking the strike zone with his 88-91 mph fastball. When he gets ahead, he can finish hitters with his hard slider. He has a powerful body and will be durable. Preston Guilmet RHP, 6-2, 180, Oakmont (CA) HS A new name for me. Guilmet turned on a lot of college coaches with his quick arm, good mechanics, and sinking fastball (86-88 mph). He also throws a slider and split finger fastball and both are usable pitches. The slider can be a plus pitch for him. Guilmet will make a very good weekend guy early in his college career. I'll have to remember to dig up this post next June to see if the Brewers targetted any of the players they got to watch so closely for more than a week.

And now the Angels have signed 18th rounder Mark Trumbo for $1.425 million: www.baseballamerica.com/t...rumbo.html As the article notes, they still fully intend to sign Jered Weaver before it is all said & done. Great job by the Angels opening up their pocketbooks & making the most by picking up some talented players that fell much farther than they should have.

Baseball America finally chimes in with their top prospect list & some notes from the Area Code Games. Still not nearly as detailed as what they have done in the past, but like the article states, I've heard that the event really was watered-down talent wise. Not because the '05 draft class is considered weak, but the timing of the event wasn't the best as it went against the AFLAC game & the fact that summer travelling teams are still competing in tournaments across the country. www.baseballamerica.com/t...codes.html Top prospect Henry Sanchez likely played for one of the Brewers teams. Look out for those "Prince Fielder" comparisons. And while not HS baseball, BA also released their top college prospect lists from the Cape & other summer leagues: www.baseballamerica.com/t...3cape.html www.baseballamerica.com/t...ummer.html Madison native Ryan Zink #3 & former UWM Panther & current H-Brewer Ben Stancyzk #9 in the Northwoods League.

Here's BA's recap of the game: www.baseballamerica.com/t...aflac.html I'll be sure to add my thoughts on players once I have the chance to see the broadcast. Also, it seems that BA spaced on the Area Code Games. They usually have coverage on the event each & every year. Last year it was covered by Josh Boyd, who had moved on to pursue a career as a scout. Not sure if they just dropped the ball on this one or not, but the lack of coverage is disappointing. With the AFLAC event, I do wonder if there is some competition since this year it was held the same week as the Area Code Games. Certainly the AFLAC game has the advantage of being nationally televised, which has to be a huge draw for the players involved.

I'm very happy to see that Brady signed. He had a huge year for Texas Tech, was a 2nd-team All-American IIRC and I'm sure it took him well above slot money to get him inked. Nice to see another power hitter added to the lower levels of the system, and like guys like Festa & Richardson, he could/should enjoy immediate success assuming he starts in Helena.

Maybe MLB needs to do more homework on potential first round draft picks. I don't think teams can do any more homework on players, especially those that are considered really high picks. Scouts & crosscheckers spend a lot of time with these players both on the field & in their homes, and do everything they can to get inside of their heads when they know they're investing a lot of money. There are a series of tests they conduct, both physical & written, and is a big reason why so many organizations place a lot of value on character & makeup. And even if some character issues are discovered (not something as great as a drug addiction), teams will always take a chance on players when their talent is undeniable, like Josh Hamilton. This may not be the best example, but you deal with Barry Bonds' less than pleasant demeanor given his unbelievable production. Basically, the potential reward outweighs the risk. It's really a shame that Hamilton's life has taken the turn as it has, as he was a bona-fide stud in the making. Minor League Baseball's stricter drug policy hopefully will go a long way in turning these young men away from such problems/addictions.

The Area Code Games started today, with a game between the Brewers Blue & Grey teams. The Brewers are hosting all players from California, Nevada & Hawaii this year. Reports from Baseball America likely will be starting in the next day or two. The AFLAC All-American Classic is this Friday, with practices taking place all week long. Here is a link to find out how & when you can watch the event, covered by Fox Sports Net: www.aflacallamerican.com/....cfm?id=10 Last year Mark Rogers pitched in the game, along with guys that were talked about quite frequently on this board this past spring like Nick Adenhart, Chris Nelson, Matt Bush & Homer Bailey. It's a great opportunity to see some of the top prospects for the 2005 draft in action.

Every year, when I do my own little predictions in all the divisions, I automatically pencil in the Braves for the top spot in the east. Call me silly, or whatever. But until they DONT win the east, I won't bet against them. Exactly RoCo. They have proven everyone wrong far too many times to bet against them. If that wasn't directed at me, never mind. I've already ignored your comments http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif . That was directed at Al, who has gone out of his way to support JP. And while I'm not saying that JP has done a bad job, as he still has a decent future to look forward to, I'm just not ready to proclaim him as a good GM just because he embraces a certain philosophy until he establishes that the Blue Jays can be successful. I can understand the defense though. I personally like what Littlefield is doing in Pittsburgh, but until he proves that he can turn the Pirates into a competetive team, I'm not going to go out of my way to openly support him (especially since he's a divisional rival).