colbyjack

I figure it doesn't really matter whether we're #1 or #3 unless there is a "Kerry Wood/ Jr. Griffey" type consensus #1 pick, but that doesn't happen that oftten. I am probably guessing here (Colby, et al. help me out if I'm wrong), but it's likely that there will be a handful of top picks like last year and this year, where no one really stands out alone, so we'll be guaranteed another high potential selection with 1, 3 or even 5. Heck, we got Sheets with #11 I think, Jones was #12. You're right biedergb, and if you do your homework, you should get a good player no matter where you pick. Right now, there doesn't appear to be that Ken Griffey/Arod type of can't-miss prospect for next year. Then again, we thought there WAS for this year's draft at this time last year, Lastings Milledge, only to have him fall (rather unfairly IMO). There are some college players that have been identified early that could be impact players at this time next year. Guys like Wes Whisler, Stephen Drew, Justin Verlander & the aforementioned Jeremy Sowers all could be in the running for that #1 selection. However, Whisler struggled a little bit this year, Drew has injury concerns & might fall if he is indeed advised by Boras, and Sowers doesn't have the mid-90s fastball scouts drool over (and allow me to say he doesn't need it, he is very, very polished). I haven't heard a peep about the high schoolers at this point in time, although we will start to hear more about those guys as the summer progresses.

I don't think Rickie Weeks is as polished as everyone thinks. Jim Powell did note some of Weeks' impressive numbers as Southern, but it's important to keep in mind his level of competition. There are some concerns about his future ability to hit with wood, as he had some troubles in the summer leagues hitting with a wood bat against better pitchers. He is an incredible player, and is extremely hard working so you have to give him the benefit of the doubt to overcome those problems. But even as OhioScout has come on this board to say, he's not as polished as everyone makes him out to be. I don't think he could simply vault up to the AA level & be productive. And Loewen is fairly polished for a kid barely removed from high school. While Weeks could get to the big leagues before Loewen, I don't think Loewen would be that far behind him, and likely is at least a year ahead of a typical high school pick. And yes, I am biased http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif . Seriously I like Weeks, but most of these arguments can go both ways. ***I forgot to mention that just because Delmon Young is getting all of the attention as the D-Rays favorite for the #1 pick, don't rule out Rickie Weeks. He reportedly had his own private workout at Tropicana last night, and we'll have to wait & see if any reports start to trickle out from that event. The D-Rays have liked Weeks for a very long time, and while you always draft the best player available, I have a hard time believing they take another OF if they have Weeks rated equally or even close to equal to Young.

Man, I thought the Brewers were bad, but when you have Dave Hansen playing 1B, you know you're going through some tough times. As long as we get Jeremy Sowers (LHP-Vanderbilt) next year, I don't care where we pick.

What is the Brewers Ticket? Is that the press pass thing through MLB? I'm surprised that Melvin mentioned Loewen, although I'm curious if he did so in a way that would not get him in trouble. The tampering thing might be more of a common courtesy to the other team involved, in this case, the Orioles. I wonder if it's pretty much known that Loewen will not sign with the O's.

Toby put it best on the other thread talking about how he would go on a rant if we don't take Loewen, but in the end will be happy with whomever we select (within reason of course, one player out of Weeks, Young or Harvey-if not Loewen). However, there is a big reason I think I would stay away from Harvey & that is his knee injury. While ACL problems aren't nearly as serious for baseball players as they are for football players, the Brewers have had a pretty nasty career betting against the odds & taking guys with big warning signs (Gold & Neugie in '98 being exhibits A & B). A pitcher with an arm concern actually is probably comparable to a running back with a knee problem, but still, even a suspect knee on a future right-fielder has got to be a big red flag.

It is possible that Dougie is trying to be evasive and not give away his intentions. As far as Loewen goes, Melvin CAN NOT say anything specifically about him since he is Orioles property and any statements regarding Loewen would be considered tampering. Good call David. His comments could have been directed towards guy like Sleeth & Stauffer, neither of whom seem worthy of the #2 pick, since he can't comment on Loewen in any capacity.

While I know Toby was joking with that comment, I think the Wells comparison is rather far-fetched, and maybe Mike Rizzo will pop in with his thoughts as well. While Dana isn't 6'4" 180 with the textbook definition of "projectable," he also is nothing like David Wells. See for yourself: www.coc.cc.ca.us/departme...ame2-b.gif

From a thread over at T1, based off of comments from the Chicago media: Phil Rogers reports that Loewen could slide to #6 Whispers:...If history repeats, the Cubs will use the sixth pick of the draft to take Canadian lefty Adam Loewen. The Orioles hold the rights to Loewen through May 27, but given the pattern of the Cubs grabbing pitchers who slide--Mark Prior and Bobby Brownlie, to name two--don't be surprised if he's the latest arm added to the stable. ... The Devil Rays could use the first overall pick on Delmon Young, younger brother of Detroit's Dmitri Young. Meanwhile, during the Cubs/Brewers 4-game series this past week, Cubs color analyst Steve Stone said that the Brewers are very interested in a pitcher from Richmond (I assume he meant Tim Stauffer). I don't think Stauffer is still an option at #2. The poster also adds that Rogers thinks the Brewers will pick up Weeks if the D-Rays do indeed select Young. Of course, these feelings could be based on the same information we're seeing.

From BA's regoinal coverage on Southern California: The rich Southern California junior-college ranks normally produce several early-round picks, but this year could be an exception--especially if the top prospects sign before the draft. LHP Dana Eveland, a 16th-round pick of the Brewers last year out of a Texas junior college, could be a fourth- or fifth-rounder if he re-enters the draft. Once a teammate of Harrington's at Palmdale High, Eveland has command of a running 88-91 mph fastball and 12-to-6 curve. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound Eveland resembles David Wells and will need to keep his weight in check.

For subscribers: www.baseballamerica.com/o...0jc03.html Coming in at #6, Josh Smith, a RHP from Central AZ JC. The Brewers took Smithin the 20th round I believe back in '01. I believe the Brewers expected him to attend a JC, possibly Central AZ, but then he attended U of AZ, or AZ St. and was on that team for a year (again, I think) before transferring. He flashed a big-time fastball that turned a lot of heads and signed late with a D1 program that basically stole our chances from controlling his rights leading up to last year's draft. He isn't under anybody's control, so he's free to be drafted in early June. At #11 is Brewerfan.net favorite Dana Eveland. Justin Barnes didn't make this list, I'm not sure why. I think he might have been forgotten, as I find it hard to believe he wouldn't make the top 50 JC prospect list.

Yeah, he was drafted last year as a RHP as he showed a pretty good feel for a hard-breaking curveball to go along with a low-90s fastball. I think his power potential as a 3B, or even SS where some felt he could stay for a while, was too good to pass up. Plus, as I believe cress also reported, Barnes really prefers the everyday duties as a positional player. Of course, it really doesn't matter too much what HE wants to do. If the Brewers felt his future was brighter on the mound, they probably would have signed him as a RHP. On top of that, most baseball people that I have seen/spoken to think it's better to try 2-way players as a positional prospect first, and then if all else fails down the road move them back to the mound.

I am happy to announce that Justin Barnes has signed with the Milwaukee Brewers. He signed on Saturday, officially as a 3B, and will be leaving for Arizona either tomorrow or Wednesday. Keep 'em coming!

Thanks for wanting him (us) mike To us, it is a pacakge deal. If we don't get both of you, forget about it http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif . Make it happen Brewers!

Here's a link to that story: www.jsonline.com/sports/b...141498.asp First of all, I'm not as convinced that the D-Rays will take Delmon Young. While in-house visits like Young's definitely leave a lasting impression (see Prince Fielder from last year), they have liked Rickie Weeks for a long, long time. And while you must always draft the best player available, the D-Rays glut of OFs looks almost TOO good to keep drafting promising OFs, doesn't it? At some point you have to say 'yeah, we'll take the best player available as long as that player ISN'T an outfielder.' Loewen did nothing to hurt his status with a fine season at Chipola (6-1, 2.47 ERA), and the Brewers certainly are in need of starting pitching. But Melvin doesn't seem too keen on using the No. 2 pick on a pitcher, unless it's a Mark Prior or Kerry Wood type. "With pitching, there's a lot of risk," Melvin said. "You can still get pitchers in the second, third and fourth rounds." Of course, I'm biased because I still do like Loewen, but these statements really could be reversed in regards to positional prospects as well. First round high school outfielders actually are the riskiest of all picks, more risky than high school catchers & RHPs, and I don't believe ANY 2B has ever been taken as high as 2nd overall, although Weeks is no ordinary 2B. Plus, it can also be argued that you can still get positional prospects in the second, third & fourth rounds. While any pitcher is risky, and there is no sure thing, it's really really hard to deny a LHP with Loewen's stature, athleticism, stuff & command. While he did seem to droop as the season progressed, there have been some extremely encouraging reports on him, and I'm not so sure you can let someone with his potential slip by. Of course, once again, you could make the same argument for Weeks, or Young. Personally, I will be happy with any 3 of those players, I just fear the possibility of Loewen falling to someone like the Cubs who will pick him up in a heartbeat & add another promising arm to another promising stable full of them. With Weeks we'll have the best 2B prospect in all of baseball, and with Young we'll have a legitimate corner OF prospect. But Loewen is the only guy I really don't want to see go anywhere else but Milwaukee. Of course the Orioles could still make this a non-issue within a week +. And regardless what Melvin has stated so far, this is comforting: "I told Jack, 'Don't worry about it. Just identify the top two players in the draft and you'll get one of them,' " Melvin said. While Melvin has some of his own ideas, it seems as though he is going to put his trust in Jack Z. for him to make the final call, even if Melvin does have the ultimate decision.

Q: Mike Rizzo from Palmdale Ca asks: The Brewers have a DFE 16 round LHP Dana Eveland, Do you know if he has helped his cause this year ? If he does not sign where is he projected in this years draft ? thank you. A: Jim Callis: Eveland has a nice sinkercurveslider combination. The Brewers are expected to sign him. If not, he could go in the fourth or fifth round. I'd say he's helped himself if he goes from being a 16th rounder to a 4th or 5th rounder. Get it done Brewers, we want Mike at our next FanFest http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif !!!

Whoops, nice catch SoCal. Sorry about that!

Q: Eric from Palm Beach, Fl asks: Jim, a player we havent heard a lot of lately is top catching prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia, where do you see him going in the draft and which teams have shown the most interst in him ? Thanks A: Jim Callis: Saltalamacchia is a Florida high schooler, an athletic 6-foot-4 frame, considered the best all-around catcher in the draft. He's sliding a little recently, because he's thought to do better in showcases than in game situations, but he probably goes in the second round. I personally don't think Salty will make it to our 2nd round pick, but I would like to know whose dream 1-2 for the draft doesn't consist of Loewen & Saltalamacchia?

Q: Aaron from Phoenix, AZ asks: A very important question, what college players are being advised by Scott Boras and may alterslide in the draft as a result? A: Jim Callis: The only first-rounder in that category is Sinisi, who has two other signability strikes against him in that he's from Rice and he's a sophomore. On talent, he fits in the top 10. Unless he doesn't consider Ian Stewart to be a first-rounder, or if he just plain forgot about him, it would seem that Stewart is not a Boras advisee. Nice to know that there are so few Boras clients projected to go in the 1st round. The fewer, the better.

Q: Julie Antinucci from Maryland asks: What do you think the chances are of the Orioles going for two solid picks in the first round (one of them being Josh Banks of FIU) if Loewen is not signed? Banks is a Marylander and has a solid performance this year at FIU, moving up in your rankings throughout the season... A: Jim Callis: You'd have to hope they'd do that, wouldn't you? Still no definitive word on whether they'll get Loewen, though if I had to bet based on what we've heard, I'd guess they won't. If that's the case, their targets could be Aubrey or Mississippi State's Paul Maholm, maybe Markakis if he re-enters the draft. The Orioles almost certainly could get Banks at the top of the second round, and maybe in the third. Yippee!

Thanks as always for the heads up MB. That means we'll get to see what Murray is made of on Sunday. Unfortunately, Ballouli was the pitcher we were scheduled to see if he wouldn't have gone done with his own injury. Now we get LatinPrincess' b-friend in Luis Pena I believe (I promise not to heckle him http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif ). Speaking of which, LatinPrincess, if you're still out there, you should tell Luis to come join us for a little pre-game meal. Nothing says "shut-out" like a couple of brats http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

This could be summer homework for MassBrew http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif . Team USA is starting to list it's invitees to tryout for the summer National team: www.baseballamerica.com/t...50903.html The Cape Cod League teams are also starting to unveil their summer rosters. Some of these guys will be on the USA club, but some prospects prefer to play on the Cape. Here's the Cape's website, follow the individual teams to get to their website to check out their rosters: www.capecodbaseball.org/ Here are some of the more notable names & where they'll be playing: Brian Hernandez-C-Duke-Falmouth Jeremy Slayden-OF-GA Tech-Falmouth Tyler Lumsden-LHP-Clemson-Falmouth Brad McCann-3B-Clemon-Harwich Jeff Niemann-RHP-Rice-Harwich David Purcey-LHP-Oklahoma-Orleans Jason Jaramillo-C-Ok St.-Orleans Eddy Martinez-Esteve-3B-FSU-Orleans Stephen Drew-SS-FSU-Orleans Eric Patterson-2B-GA Tech-Orleans Ryan Schreppel-LHP-Cal St. Fullerton-Orleans Josh Baker-RHP-Rice-Wareham Mark McCormick-RHP-Baylor-Wareham Jason Neighborgall-RHP-GA Tech-Wareham Jeremy Sowers-LHP-Vanderbilt-Wareham Trey Taylor-LHP-Baylor-Wareham Wade Townsend-RHP-Rice-Wareham Mike Nickeas-C-GA Tech-Wareham Taylor Teagarden-C-Texas-Wareham Tyler Greene-SS-GA Tech-Wareham Jeff Clement-C-USC-Chatham Jered Weaver-RHP-Long Beach St.-Chatham Phillip Humber-RHP-Rice-Yarmouth Justin Verlander-RHP-Old Dominion-Yarmouth Chris Carter-1B/OF-Stanford-Yarmouth Mark Romanczuk-LHP-Stanford-Yarmouth Huston Street-RHP-Texas-Yarmouth Chris Westervelt-C-Stetson-Yarmouth Wes Whisler-1B/LHP-UCLA-Yarmouth Micah Owings-1B/RHP-GA Tech-Bourne Grant Johnson-RHP-Notre Dame-Brewster Matt Macri-SS-Notre Dame-Brewster Taylor Tankersley-LHP-Alabama-Brewster John Hardy (JJ's cousin)-SS-Arizona-Cotuit Mark Jecmen-RHP-Stanford-Hyannis Also, the Madison Mallards' roster is starting to take shape. UW-Whitewater LHP Brady Endl is on the team, so be sure to check out the roster & news updates for players added if you're looking for a different league & team to check out this summer. www.mallardsbaseball.com/ And as Al noted, the Wisconsin Woodchucks call Wausau home with Ned Yost Jr. planning on joining them this summer. Here is their roster: www.woodchucks.com/team.cfm?level2=team

You don't draft a player who at best could turn into Dmitri Young at #2, but if you have a prospect that ends up that way it should be considered a victory. Well said igor. And I was trying to project Young as a right-handed hitter, as Floyd & Chavez are both lefties. Lefty hitters & righty hitters are completely different IMO. Manny Ramirez might another best-case scenario comparison.

Manatee knocked off Chipola, so I'm assuming they're still in it.

No, Delmon doesn't draw many comparisons to his brother other than the fact that he is drawing an incredible amount of attention in Southern California for his hitting ability alone. Delmon has a better, leaner & more athletic frame than big brother Dmitri, and also projects to hit for more power down the road. As for a major league comparison, I've thrown Austin Kearns out there before, but keep in mind that really is a best case scenario. Similar hitting ability, frame, power potential, overall athleticism, arm, etc. And even if he turns out like his brother Dmitri, that's a heck of a lot better than how most draft picks turn out. Keep in mind, the #2 pick is anything but a sure thing, and if we get a guy that plays for close to 10 years while hitting in the .300/.350/.450 range during that time (not looking at stats, just guessing as to where Dmitri Young is at), that pick still has to be considered a good one.

T1 rated Justin Barnes as the #3 prospect at the Florida Juco playoffs behind Adam Loewen & Steven Doetsch. 3. Justin Barnes, SS/3B/RHP, Manatee JC (SOPHOMORE) Barnes is under control by the Milwaukee Brewers (15th round in 2002) and has signed with Florida Southern. Some scouts like him better on the mound, but I?ve taken to him more as an infielder at this stage. Barnes has a live body at 6-2, 200, and despite only average speed he shows good agility and body control at shortstop. Barnes?s arm will play anywhere and he has the potential to become a power hitter with wood. He still needs to get his bat started a little quicker to hit his way through pro ball though it has picked up since high school. Barnes is most likely a third baseman, where he could become an above-average defender. On the mound, Barnes isn?t as polished but has low-90s arm-strength and the makings of a big curve.