2004 BLB Amateur Draft - Starting Monday 12/2 at 8 AM ET

[Pat]

English is an interesting prospect. Definitely the #1 on my board but he's not without flaws. My scout has his stamina at just a "5" and for his career he's averaged about six innings per start. His personality is "clubhouse prankster" and his nickname is "Coma." He's a leader, cares about winning, doesn't care about money but also has a very low work ethic. Never been hurt. Won outstanding pitcher in 2001. He has four career 15+ K games...which says even more when you realize he doesn't have the stamina for that to be during a eight or nine inning game. Great velocity. Great groundball. Great selection UMD.

Can't wait to see him in the Stout in a season or two...

At #2, I am very interested to see where Carlos goes here. I had two players as basically 2A and 2B. Completely different players but I think they are head and shoulders better then the rest of the pack.

[Sully]

"Coma" was a no-brainer. I've seen better at the top of a draft board, but he's still going to be a good one, and isn't too far from the BLB. No need for DV to rush him, but he's already more developed than any other prospect currently in their farm system.

[Carlos]

I like the English pick. Expected him to be gone.

I know who I'm taking. I don't know the name off the top of my head so I'll post it when I get home.


Sent from my mobile device.

[Carlos]

Not a huge fan of his defense, but he has pop, can swipe some bags if necessary, and had a great collegiate career.

Denver is selecting RF Pat Verba with the second pick in the 2004 draft.

[Pat]

I had Vera #5 on my big board.

My scout says he should be an "above average player" and projects him to be a ".250 hitter." Teammates find him arrogant and condescending. His defense is below average at LF/RF. His baserunning is average. But OSA loves him and his college stats are amazing...maybe the best hitter in college.

Sully...let's talk.

[umd]

Sully, don't do it!

[Carlos]

I had Vera #5 on my big board.

My scout says he should be an "above average player" and projects him to be a ".250 hitter." Teammates find him arrogant and condescending. His defense is below average at LF/RF. His baserunning is average. But OSA loves him and his college stats are amazing...maybe the best hitter in college.

Sully...let's talk.

That sounds about right. I think he's the best hitter but it comes with that .250 projection and average defense.

There is another hitter that projects better for me but I didn't trust some things. And I didn't want the pitcher I had as the number two to English.


Sent from my mobile device.

[umd]

I had Vera #5 on my big board.

My scout says he should be an "above average player" and projects him to be a ".250 hitter." Teammates find him arrogant and condescending. His defense is below average at LF/RF. His baserunning is average. But OSA loves him and his college stats are amazing...maybe the best hitter in college.

Sully...let's talk.

I like the pick - he fits what Carlos is trying to do (insert Carlos joke here). There's a couple OFs who look similar, and one in particular I may have taken instead. I think Verba is solid. If his eye hits it's potential, I think it will offset that BA projection.

That being said, the draft is amazing now that he who shall not be named isn't killing all the best players in it by the time they get to the BLB.

[Pat]

Now you guys will just kill them by promoting them too early.

[umd]

Now you guys will just kill them by promoting them too early.

I don't move guys up early. I only did it once (Matsumoto) back in my 2nd season when I was still learning.

[Carlos]

Now you guys will just kill them by promoting them too early.

Hey now! I think Mueller is doing quite well for himself despite everyone and their mother saying I killed him.

But Verba won't get promoted until at least August. I like my guys to have 25 A ball at-bats before jumping straight to the pros.

[Pat]

Hey now! I think Mueller is doing quite well for himself despite everyone and their mother saying I killed him.

You tried your hardest.

[Carlos]

You tried your hardest.

True. I like my players battle tested. Mueller stepped up.

Anyway, in all seriousness, I'm not promoting Verba early. With Marshburn and Duarte, I have some time to hold off on making him a corner outfielder. Eventually, I'm sure two of those three will simply end up platooning on the field and DHing.

[Pat]

Food for thought...my scout did have Verba as the #1 hitter on his "Draft List."

However, for a four year starter, arguably the best hitter in college baseball, he still has a lot of development left. My scout has his current ratings at 3-4-3-3-2. Which is good enough to hit well at Single-A but a ways to go. But I agree, you have no need to rush and with Marsh and Duarte, you won't have to.

Someone tell Andrew he needs to select his new franchise player.

[Andrew]

I won't be able to make my pick until noonish