Hey Zenny--
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ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Best Pro Debut: RHP Micah Owings (1) went straight to Lancaster, a launching pad in a high Class A hitter's league, and went 1-1, 2.45 with a 30-4 strikeout-walk ratio in 22 innings. LHP Greg Smith (6) was named Rookie-level Pioneer League pitcher of the year after going 8-5, 4.15 and leading the league in wins, innings (82) and strikeouts (100). A plus curveball is his best pitch. C Josh Ford (9) made the short-season Northwest League all-star team with .282-0-25 numbers.
Best Athlete: No. 1 overall pick Justin Upton (1), who remains unsigned but is expected to eventually come to terms, can do it all. He's a superstar hitter with 80 speed and a 70 arm on the 20-80 scouting scale. Among the players under contract, it's OF Chris Rahl (5). His worst tool is his power, which is average.
Best Pure Hitter: Upton, with Rahl the best among the current signees.
Best Raw Power: Upton has more power than his brother B.J., the second overall pick in the 2002 draft, had at the same stage of his career. Among the players who've signed, it's Rahl, though Owings had excellent power as a two-way player at Tulane.
Fastest Runner: Once again, Upton and Rahl. Rahl is an above-average runner.
Best Defensive Player: Like his brother, Upton is prone to errors at shortstop because inconsistent footwork leads to bad throws. Though many clubs said they'd immediately move him to center field to expedite getting his bat to the majors, Arizona insists he can stay at short and just needs more repetitions in the field. If he does move to center, Upton still would be the best defender in this group. Rahl and 3B Rusty Ryal (14) stand out most among those who already have signed.
Best Fastball: RHP Jason Neighborgall (3) has had major control difficulties for two years, but he can put triple digits on a radar gun and pitch at 96-97 mph. Owings pitched at 94-97 mph working out of the bullpen. RHP Matt Torra (1) has a 92-95 mph heater, while RHP Matt Green (2) has a lively 91-93 mph sinker.
Best Breaking Ball: Arizona grades Owings' mid-80s slider and Torra's 12-to-6 curveball as plus-plus pitches.
Most Intriguing Background: Upton and his brother became the highest-drafted siblings since the draft started in 1965. Cuban defector Maels Rodriguez (22) was clocked at 100 mph during the 2000 Olympics, but injuries have sapped him of velocity; the Diamondbacks will try to build him back up in spring training. Smith manages an irregular heartbeat caused by a tiny hole in his heart, but his conditioning isn't life-threatening. Owings' brother Jon Mark is an outfielder in the Braves system. Unsigned C J.B. Paxson (33) turned down a Purdue football scholarship as a defensive end to play baseball at Walters State (Tenn.) CC.
Closest To The Majors: Owings, who was tired after pulling two-way duty for Tulane's College World Series team, will move back to the rotation next year. That shouldn't slow him down much, but Upton still should beat him to Arizona.
Best Late-Round Pick: Rodriguez, if his arm bounces back. If not, Ryal has decent all-around tools.
The One Who Got Away: RHP Brett Jacobson (11) was a first-rounder until his velocity dropped this spring. It didn't bounce back over the summer, making it easier for Arizona to let him become part of a banner Vanderbilt recruiting class.
Assessment: After the Diamondbacks spent $5.5 million in May to sign 2004 first-rounder Stephen Drew, most clubs expected them to go cheap after taking Upton to kick off the 2005 draft. Instead, Arizona grabbed a number of quality college arms.
Best Pro Debut: RHP Micah Owings (1) went straight to Lancaster, a launching pad in a high Class A hitter's league, and went 1-1, 2.45 with a 30-4 strikeout-walk ratio in 22 innings. LHP Greg Smith (6) was named Rookie-level Pioneer League pitcher of the year after going 8-5, 4.15 and leading the league in wins, innings (82) and strikeouts (100). A plus curveball is his best pitch. C Josh Ford (9) made the short-season Northwest League all-star team with .282-0-25 numbers.
Best Athlete: No. 1 overall pick Justin Upton (1), who remains unsigned but is expected to eventually come to terms, can do it all. He's a superstar hitter with 80 speed and a 70 arm on the 20-80 scouting scale. Among the players under contract, it's OF Chris Rahl (5). His worst tool is his power, which is average.
Best Pure Hitter: Upton, with Rahl the best among the current signees.
Best Raw Power: Upton has more power than his brother B.J., the second overall pick in the 2002 draft, had at the same stage of his career. Among the players who've signed, it's Rahl, though Owings had excellent power as a two-way player at Tulane.
Fastest Runner: Once again, Upton and Rahl. Rahl is an above-average runner.
Best Defensive Player: Like his brother, Upton is prone to errors at shortstop because inconsistent footwork leads to bad throws. Though many clubs said they'd immediately move him to center field to expedite getting his bat to the majors, Arizona insists he can stay at short and just needs more repetitions in the field. If he does move to center, Upton still would be the best defender in this group. Rahl and 3B Rusty Ryal (14) stand out most among those who already have signed.
Best Fastball: RHP Jason Neighborgall (3) has had major control difficulties for two years, but he can put triple digits on a radar gun and pitch at 96-97 mph. Owings pitched at 94-97 mph working out of the bullpen. RHP Matt Torra (1) has a 92-95 mph heater, while RHP Matt Green (2) has a lively 91-93 mph sinker.
Best Breaking Ball: Arizona grades Owings' mid-80s slider and Torra's 12-to-6 curveball as plus-plus pitches.
Most Intriguing Background: Upton and his brother became the highest-drafted siblings since the draft started in 1965. Cuban defector Maels Rodriguez (22) was clocked at 100 mph during the 2000 Olympics, but injuries have sapped him of velocity; the Diamondbacks will try to build him back up in spring training. Smith manages an irregular heartbeat caused by a tiny hole in his heart, but his conditioning isn't life-threatening. Owings' brother Jon Mark is an outfielder in the Braves system. Unsigned C J.B. Paxson (33) turned down a Purdue football scholarship as a defensive end to play baseball at Walters State (Tenn.) CC.
Closest To The Majors: Owings, who was tired after pulling two-way duty for Tulane's College World Series team, will move back to the rotation next year. That shouldn't slow him down much, but Upton still should beat him to Arizona.
Best Late-Round Pick: Rodriguez, if his arm bounces back. If not, Ryal has decent all-around tools.
The One Who Got Away: RHP Brett Jacobson (11) was a first-rounder until his velocity dropped this spring. It didn't bounce back over the summer, making it easier for Arizona to let him become part of a banner Vanderbilt recruiting class.
Assessment: After the Diamondbacks spent $5.5 million in May to sign 2004 first-rounder Stephen Drew, most clubs expected them to go cheap after taking Upton to kick off the 2005 draft. Instead, Arizona grabbed a number of quality college arms.
Arizona's Finest
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Ummmm..so im thinking we should get Upton isigned and into the system........
Good news that they expect Upton to sign. Wasn't too long ago it looked like he wasn't going to.
boondockdrunk
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The One Who Got Away: RHP Brett Jacobson (11) was a first-rounder until his velocity dropped this spring. It didn't bounce back over the summer, making it easier for Arizona to let him become part of a banner Vanderbilt recruiting class.
Dang, I really wish we could have signed him. However, assuming we get Upton signed, this was a great draft for the D'backs. Some quality arms and late picks with alot of upside (if they put it together).
I am most excited about Owings and Torra (excluding Upton of course). I think these two guys can be good major league starters. Owings always caught my eye, and the draft video of him was very impressive.
I am not so high on Green or some of the other pitchers. Green got pummeled in rookie ball (I think it was rookie ball) and a college picture cannot allow that to happen.
Our farm has greatly improved over the past 3 seasons, and with a top 15 draft pick in the next draft I am crossing my fingers for a heavy college pitching focus.
Dang, I really wish we could have signed him. However, assuming we get Upton signed, this was a great draft for the D'backs. Some quality arms and late picks with alot of upside (if they put it together).
I am most excited about Owings and Torra (excluding Upton of course). I think these two guys can be good major league starters. Owings always caught my eye, and the draft video of him was very impressive.
I am not so high on Green or some of the other pitchers. Green got pummeled in rookie ball (I think it was rookie ball) and a college picture cannot allow that to happen.
Our farm has greatly improved over the past 3 seasons, and with a top 15 draft pick in the next draft I am crossing my fingers for a heavy college pitching focus.
AZZenny
Registered User
Thanks for posting that! I was stuck in an incredibly tedious deposition most of the day.
I was happy we nabbed Micah Owings. And Rusty Rahl's numbers looked pretty solid this summer.
I was thinking about Upton - we're offering the kid what is still a ton of dough. The likelihood that he'd do better next year is small - not impossible if George or that ilk step up, but small. I suspect we'll see another last-minute deal here. Besides - we may have saved enough on our new GM's salary to be able to sweeten the Upton pot a tiny bit more.
I was happy we nabbed Micah Owings. And Rusty Rahl's numbers looked pretty solid this summer.
I was thinking about Upton - we're offering the kid what is still a ton of dough. The likelihood that he'd do better next year is small - not impossible if George or that ilk step up, but small. I suspect we'll see another last-minute deal here. Besides - we may have saved enough on our new GM's salary to be able to sweeten the Upton pot a tiny bit more.
boondockdrunk
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005 Draft Report Cards: Overall Rankings
By Jim Callis
November 4, 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2005 Draft Report Cards: • Monday 10/31: Arizona Diamondbacks - Chicago White Sox
• Tuesday 11/1: Cincinnati Reds - Houston Astros
• Wednesday 11/2: Kansas City Royals - New York Mets
• Thursday 11/3: New York Yankees - San Diego Padres
• Friday 11/4: San Francisco Giants - Washington Nationals
• Friday 11/4: Overall Rankings and Draft All-Stars
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For most categories, only players who have signed are eligible. The exceptions are Most Intriguing Background and The One Who Got Away. Because first-round picks Justin Upton (No. 1, Diamondbacks) and Mike Pelfrey (No. 9, Mets) are still negotiating and expected to sign, we did consider them in other categories. Best Late-Round Pick is limited to players selected in the 10th round or later.
We don't slap letter grades on drafts because it's just way too soon to evaluate them with that much precision. But we do feel confident enough to rank the players in the overview below. For much more detailed information by club, please see the other five pages. Numbers in parentheses indicate the round in which a player was drafted.
BEST DRAFT
1. Marlins
2. Red Sox
3. Diamondbacks
4. Cardinals
5. Athletics
BEST PRO DEBUT
College Players
1. Ryan Zimmerman, 3b, Nationals (1)
2. Ryan Braun, 3b, Brewers (1)
3. Nolan Reimold, of, Orioles (2)
4. Kevin Slowey, rhp, Twins (2)
5. Nick Stavinoha, of, Cardinals (7)
Junior College Players
1. Josh Flores, of, Astros (4)
2. Aaron Cunningham, of, White Sox (6)
3. Matt Gamel, 3b, Brewers (4)
4. Clay Buchholz, rhp, Red Sox (1)
5. Donald Veal, lhp, Cubs (2)
High School Players
1. Jeff Bianchi, ss, Royals (2)
2. Chris Volstad, rhp, Marlins (1)
3. Andrew McCutchen, of, Pirates (1)
4. Travis Wood, lhp, Reds (2)
5. Tommy Mendoza, rhp, Angels (5)
Second-Day Picks (Rounds 19-50)
1. Kenny Holmberg, 2b, Brewers (22)
2. Mike Madsen, rhp, Athletics (21)
3. Jeff Natale, 2b, Red Sox (32)
4. Jeff Hahn, rhp, Tigers (35)
5. Brad Kilby, lhp, Athletics (29)
BEST ATHLETE
1. Justin Upton, ss, Diamondbacks (1)
2. Cameron Maybin, of, Tigers (1)
3. C.J. Henry, ss, Yankees (1)
4. Austin Jackson, of, Yankees (8)
5. Andrew McCutchen, of, Pirates (1)
BEST PURE HITTER
1. Justin Upton, ss, Diamondbacks (1)
2. Alex Gordon, 3b, Royals (1)
3. Ryan Braun, 3b, Brewers (1)
4. Ryan Zimmerman, 3b, Nationals (1)
5. Travis Buck, of, Athletics (1)
BEST RAW POWER
1. Henry Sanchez, 1b, Twins (1)
2. Jeff Clement, c, Mariners (1)
3. Alex Gordon, 3b, Royals (1)
4. John Mayberry Jr., of, Rangers (1)
5. Ryan Braun, 3b, Brewers (1)
FASTEST RUNNER
1. Justin Upton, ss, Diamondbacks (1)
2. Trayvon Robinson, of, Dodgers (10)
3. Andrew McCutchen, of, Pirates (1)
4. Josh Flores, of, Astros (4)
5. Brett Gardner, of, Yankees (3)
BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER
1. Ryan Zimmerman, 3b, Nationals (1)
2. Taylor Teagarden, c, Rangers (3)
3. David Maroul, ss, Giants (23)
4. Cliff Pennington, ss, Athletics (1)
5. Yunel Escobar, ss, Braves (2)
BEST FASTBALL
1. Craig Italiano, rhp, Athletics (2)
2. Mark McCormick, rhp, Cardinals (1)
3. Mark Pawelek, lhp, Cubs (1)
4. Mike Pelfrey, rhp, Mets (1)
5. Nick Webber, rhp, Cardinals (2)
BEST BREAKING BALL
1. Craig Hansen, rhp, Red Sox (1)
2. Joey Devine, rhp, Braves (1)
3. Chaz Roe, rhp, Rockies (1)
4. Matt Torra, rhp, Diamondbacks (1)
5. Michael Bowden, rhp, Red Sox (1)
MOST INTRIGUING BACKGROUND
Baseball Relative Division
1. Koby Clemens, 3b, Astros (8)
2. Justin Upton, ss, Diamondbacks (1)
3. John Mayberry Jr., of, Rangers (1)
4. Wilfrido Pujols, of, Cardinals (6)
5. Scott Van Slyke, of, Dodgers (15)
and A.J. Van Slyke, of, Cardinals (23)
Non-Baseball Relative Division
1. Trevor Bell, rhp, Angels (1)
2. Josh Outman, lhp, Phillies (10)
3. Derek Mitchell, ss, Phillies (23)
4. Matt Cunningham, of, Astros (36)
5. Brandon Stricklen, rhp, Astros (42)
CLOSEST TO THE MAJORS
College Players
1. Joey Devine, rhp, Braves (1)
2. Ryan Zimmerman, 3b, Nationals (1)
3. Craig Hansen, rhp, Red Sox (1)
4. Alex Gordon, 3b, Royals (1)
5. Cesar Carrillo, rhp, Padres (1)
High School Players
1. Justin Upton, ss, Diamondbacks (1)
2. Chris Volstad, rhp, Marlins (1)
3. Andrew McCutchen, of, Pirates (1)
4. Brandon Snyder, c, Orioles (1)
5. Tommy Mendoza, rhp, Angels (5)
BEST LATE-ROUND PICK
1. Omar Aguilar, rhp, Brewers (30)
2. Brian Kirwan, rhp, Twins (11)
3. Anthony Varvaro, rhp, Mariners (12)
4. Kenny Maiques, rhp, Cardinals (37)
5. Michael Hollimon, ss, Tigers (16)
THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY
College Players
1. Luke Hochevar, rhp, Dodgers (1)
2. Tim Linecum, rhp, Indians (42)
3. David Huff, lhp, Phillies (19)
4. Aaron Bates, 1b, Marlins (8)
5. Doug Fister, rhp, Yankees (6)
High School Players
1. Jordan Danks, of, White Sox (19)
2. Cody Satterwhite, rhp, Indians (37)
3. Reese Havens, ss, Rockies (29)
4. Justin Bristow, ss, Royals (22)
5. Justin Smoak, 1b, Athletics (16)
BEST DRAFT-AND-FOLLOW SIGNINGS
1. Lorenzo Cain, of, Brewers (17 in 2004)
2. Michael Saunders, of, Mariners (11 in 2004)
3. Stephen Marek, rhp, Angels (40 in 2004)
4. Kyle Blanks, 1b, Padres (42 in 2004)
5. Eduardo Baeza, rhp, Diamondbacks (47 in 2004)
BEST DRAFT-AND-FOLLOWS FOR 2006
1. Bryan Morris, rhp, Devil Rays (3)
2. Sean O'Sullivan, rhp, Angels (3)
3. Tommie Hanson, rhp, Braves (22)
4. Brad Barragar, rhp, Rangers (8)
5. Brian Needham, rhp, Astros (18)
By Jim Callis
November 4, 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2005 Draft Report Cards: • Monday 10/31: Arizona Diamondbacks - Chicago White Sox
• Tuesday 11/1: Cincinnati Reds - Houston Astros
• Wednesday 11/2: Kansas City Royals - New York Mets
• Thursday 11/3: New York Yankees - San Diego Padres
• Friday 11/4: San Francisco Giants - Washington Nationals
• Friday 11/4: Overall Rankings and Draft All-Stars
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For most categories, only players who have signed are eligible. The exceptions are Most Intriguing Background and The One Who Got Away. Because first-round picks Justin Upton (No. 1, Diamondbacks) and Mike Pelfrey (No. 9, Mets) are still negotiating and expected to sign, we did consider them in other categories. Best Late-Round Pick is limited to players selected in the 10th round or later.
We don't slap letter grades on drafts because it's just way too soon to evaluate them with that much precision. But we do feel confident enough to rank the players in the overview below. For much more detailed information by club, please see the other five pages. Numbers in parentheses indicate the round in which a player was drafted.
BEST DRAFT
1. Marlins
2. Red Sox
3. Diamondbacks
4. Cardinals
5. Athletics
BEST PRO DEBUT
College Players
1. Ryan Zimmerman, 3b, Nationals (1)
2. Ryan Braun, 3b, Brewers (1)
3. Nolan Reimold, of, Orioles (2)
4. Kevin Slowey, rhp, Twins (2)
5. Nick Stavinoha, of, Cardinals (7)
Junior College Players
1. Josh Flores, of, Astros (4)
2. Aaron Cunningham, of, White Sox (6)
3. Matt Gamel, 3b, Brewers (4)
4. Clay Buchholz, rhp, Red Sox (1)
5. Donald Veal, lhp, Cubs (2)
High School Players
1. Jeff Bianchi, ss, Royals (2)
2. Chris Volstad, rhp, Marlins (1)
3. Andrew McCutchen, of, Pirates (1)
4. Travis Wood, lhp, Reds (2)
5. Tommy Mendoza, rhp, Angels (5)
Second-Day Picks (Rounds 19-50)
1. Kenny Holmberg, 2b, Brewers (22)
2. Mike Madsen, rhp, Athletics (21)
3. Jeff Natale, 2b, Red Sox (32)
4. Jeff Hahn, rhp, Tigers (35)
5. Brad Kilby, lhp, Athletics (29)
BEST ATHLETE
1. Justin Upton, ss, Diamondbacks (1)
2. Cameron Maybin, of, Tigers (1)
3. C.J. Henry, ss, Yankees (1)
4. Austin Jackson, of, Yankees (8)
5. Andrew McCutchen, of, Pirates (1)
BEST PURE HITTER
1. Justin Upton, ss, Diamondbacks (1)
2. Alex Gordon, 3b, Royals (1)
3. Ryan Braun, 3b, Brewers (1)
4. Ryan Zimmerman, 3b, Nationals (1)
5. Travis Buck, of, Athletics (1)
BEST RAW POWER
1. Henry Sanchez, 1b, Twins (1)
2. Jeff Clement, c, Mariners (1)
3. Alex Gordon, 3b, Royals (1)
4. John Mayberry Jr., of, Rangers (1)
5. Ryan Braun, 3b, Brewers (1)
FASTEST RUNNER
1. Justin Upton, ss, Diamondbacks (1)
2. Trayvon Robinson, of, Dodgers (10)
3. Andrew McCutchen, of, Pirates (1)
4. Josh Flores, of, Astros (4)
5. Brett Gardner, of, Yankees (3)
BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER
1. Ryan Zimmerman, 3b, Nationals (1)
2. Taylor Teagarden, c, Rangers (3)
3. David Maroul, ss, Giants (23)
4. Cliff Pennington, ss, Athletics (1)
5. Yunel Escobar, ss, Braves (2)
BEST FASTBALL
1. Craig Italiano, rhp, Athletics (2)
2. Mark McCormick, rhp, Cardinals (1)
3. Mark Pawelek, lhp, Cubs (1)
4. Mike Pelfrey, rhp, Mets (1)
5. Nick Webber, rhp, Cardinals (2)
BEST BREAKING BALL
1. Craig Hansen, rhp, Red Sox (1)
2. Joey Devine, rhp, Braves (1)
3. Chaz Roe, rhp, Rockies (1)
4. Matt Torra, rhp, Diamondbacks (1)
5. Michael Bowden, rhp, Red Sox (1)
MOST INTRIGUING BACKGROUND
Baseball Relative Division
1. Koby Clemens, 3b, Astros (8)
2. Justin Upton, ss, Diamondbacks (1)
3. John Mayberry Jr., of, Rangers (1)
4. Wilfrido Pujols, of, Cardinals (6)
5. Scott Van Slyke, of, Dodgers (15)
and A.J. Van Slyke, of, Cardinals (23)
Non-Baseball Relative Division
1. Trevor Bell, rhp, Angels (1)
2. Josh Outman, lhp, Phillies (10)
3. Derek Mitchell, ss, Phillies (23)
4. Matt Cunningham, of, Astros (36)
5. Brandon Stricklen, rhp, Astros (42)
CLOSEST TO THE MAJORS
College Players
1. Joey Devine, rhp, Braves (1)
2. Ryan Zimmerman, 3b, Nationals (1)
3. Craig Hansen, rhp, Red Sox (1)
4. Alex Gordon, 3b, Royals (1)
5. Cesar Carrillo, rhp, Padres (1)
High School Players
1. Justin Upton, ss, Diamondbacks (1)
2. Chris Volstad, rhp, Marlins (1)
3. Andrew McCutchen, of, Pirates (1)
4. Brandon Snyder, c, Orioles (1)
5. Tommy Mendoza, rhp, Angels (5)
BEST LATE-ROUND PICK
1. Omar Aguilar, rhp, Brewers (30)
2. Brian Kirwan, rhp, Twins (11)
3. Anthony Varvaro, rhp, Mariners (12)
4. Kenny Maiques, rhp, Cardinals (37)
5. Michael Hollimon, ss, Tigers (16)
THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY
College Players
1. Luke Hochevar, rhp, Dodgers (1)
2. Tim Linecum, rhp, Indians (42)
3. David Huff, lhp, Phillies (19)
4. Aaron Bates, 1b, Marlins (8)
5. Doug Fister, rhp, Yankees (6)
High School Players
1. Jordan Danks, of, White Sox (19)
2. Cody Satterwhite, rhp, Indians (37)
3. Reese Havens, ss, Rockies (29)
4. Justin Bristow, ss, Royals (22)
5. Justin Smoak, 1b, Athletics (16)
BEST DRAFT-AND-FOLLOW SIGNINGS
1. Lorenzo Cain, of, Brewers (17 in 2004)
2. Michael Saunders, of, Mariners (11 in 2004)
3. Stephen Marek, rhp, Angels (40 in 2004)
4. Kyle Blanks, 1b, Padres (42 in 2004)
5. Eduardo Baeza, rhp, Diamondbacks (47 in 2004)
BEST DRAFT-AND-FOLLOWS FOR 2006
1. Bryan Morris, rhp, Devil Rays (3)
2. Sean O'Sullivan, rhp, Angels (3)
3. Tommie Hanson, rhp, Braves (22)
4. Brad Barragar, rhp, Rangers (8)
5. Brian Needham, rhp, Astros (18)
