FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO, ONTARIO
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
BLUE JAYS AGREE TO TERMS
WITH 25 PLAYERS FROM THE DRAFT
The TORONTO BLUE JAYS have agreed to term with 25 players selected
in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. Included in the players who have agreed to terms is
Adam Lind (3rd round) who was the 2nd of two compensatory picks for the loss of
Kelvim Escobar through free agency.
RD # PLAYER NAME POS B T H W DOB
3 83 Lind, Adam RF L L 6'2 190 4/17/1983
3 87 Hill, Danny RHP R R 5'11 205 11/05/1981
4 117 Janssen Robert RHP R R 6'4 205 9/17/1981
7 207 Dicken, Randy RHP R R 6'2 198 8/19/1982
8 237 Cannon, Chip 1B L R 6'5 215 11/30/1981
9 267 Metropo Joey 1B R R 6'1 230 10/07/1983
10 297 Hall, Brian OF R R 6'0 190 02/01/1982
11 327 Bell, Kris RHP R R 6'0 185 01/11/1984
12 357 Nielsen Eric RF R R 6'0 205 11/14/1981
14 417 Timm, Jordan LHP L L 6'6 235 1/15/1981
15 447 MacDona Michael RHP R R 6'0 195 10/29/1981
18 537 McLaugh Joey RHP R R 6'0 185 02/11/1982
19 567 Mathews Aaron CF R R 5'10 195 05/10/1982
21 627 Roy, Scott RHP R R 6'2 190 8/15/1982
23 687 Harang, Daryl LHP L L 6'2 215 11/19/1982
25 747 Armstro Jason SS R R 6'1 180 11/13/1981
27 807 McKenzi Casey RHP R R 6'3 206 7/26/1982
28 837 Lex, Joshua Catcher R R 5'11 210 10/07/1981
29 867 Macalus Michael 2B R R 5'10 165 04/09/1981
32 957 Tressle Aaron RHP R R 6'1 190 3/28/1982
33 987 Powers, Greg Utility L R 5'11 185 5/14/1981
34 1017 Tate, Derek LHP R L 5'11 190 12/19/1981
35 1047 Anderso Charlie RF L R 6'3 215 10/02/1981
36 1077 Hicks, David 1B L L 6'5 230 11/22/1981
37 1107 Garibal Anthony 3B R R 6'2 190 12/19/1980
Batter's Box recently received this press release. Sorry about the formatting; I wanted to get this up as soon as possible.
And another thing: if Paul Martin thinks he can just go and...
JUST KIDDING!
JUST KIDDING!
Anyone know anything about David Hicks?
You'd think a 6'5" 230lb 1st baseman would have all kinds of power potential.
You'd think a 6'5" 230lb 1st baseman would have all kinds of power potential.
Metropoulos is only 20? Based on his DOB McLaughlin must have already spent some time in T.O.
Somewhat surprised to see that the Jays signed 12 players past the 20th round. This already matches the total from last years draft...
http://gopack.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/hicks_david00.html
Wow, Lind, Metropolous, Hicks, Cannon, and Hicks, where will they put all these 1st basebam? Metropolous's bio states he played a bit of third. COMN bio on Hicks. Guess the jays are preparing for a dry spell in the system for 1st baseman, after the Delgado era ends.
Wow, Lind, Metropolous, Hicks, Cannon, and Hicks, where will they put all these 1st basebam? Metropolous's bio states he played a bit of third. COMN bio on Hicks. Guess the jays are preparing for a dry spell in the system for 1st baseman, after the Delgado era ends.
Metropolous's bio states he played a bit of third.
I guess he's a nimble 6'1" 230lbs:)
I guess he's a nimble 6'1" 230lbs:)
http://ucsbgauchos.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/060804aab.html
COMN Greg Powers Info
COMN Greg Powers Info
Where did we have the "guess how many players sign" contest? I seem to remember most of the guesses were below 25. I assume there are at least five more signings to come (unsigned picks from 1 through 6).
A lot of short RHPs and 1981 birthdays.
But the first 3 lefties drafted are 6'5", 6'5" and 6'6" and at least most are late 1981 birthdays.
But the first 3 lefties drafted are 6'5", 6'5" and 6'6" and at least most are late 1981 birthdays.
2nd rounder CA Curtis Thigpen and 13th rounder RHP Kyle Yates have not yet signed since their team (U. of Texas) is still playing in the College World Series...
Jackson's team also may or may not still be alive in the CWS.
What are the odds of them signing BC boy Bobby Scott (#20 rounder)?
Wasn't Scott one of those draft-and-follow guys?
Ducey, greenfrog is correct; Jon Lalonde told us last week that Bobby Scott is a draft-and-follow. Like the other two Canadian selections, he'll go to a junior college for a year, then will either be offered a contract or go back into the 2005 draft.
Wow, that was quick. I didn't expect that many players to sign this year.
Lind, Metropolous, Hicks, Cannon, and Hicks, where will they put all these 1st baseman?
I suspect that one or two will move to the OF. You'd think there's only room for 2 1B among the four.
Lind, Metropolous, Hicks, Cannon, and Hicks, where will they put all these 1st baseman?
I suspect that one or two will move to the OF. You'd think there's only room for 2 1B among the four.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/draftdb/team.php?team=TOR
BA updated their page indicating the players have signed, but as of yet no bonus information. COMN.
BA updated their page indicating the players have signed, but as of yet no bonus information. COMN.
Pistol, four of those players will jobshare at first base and DH. And who knows, the Jays like to test their prospects defensively... it's quite possible that Metropoulos will play some at third.
A lot of short RHPs and 1981 birthdays
Actually, I remember thinking on the first day of the draft that the Jays took a high number of really tall pitchers.
Actually, I remember thinking on the first day of the draft that the Jays took a high number of really tall pitchers.
R Billie mentioned that Zach Jackson's team "may be alive in the CWS"... they are not. Texas A&M were eliminated on Sunday by LSU, so Cory Patton and Zach Jackson are now available to sign.
Brad Miller, signing could make things even more crowded, but that will probably be when the college summer league is finnished.
I suspect that one or two will move to the OF.
Adam Lind, for sure. I don't want to give away our entire upcoming interview, with comments from Ricciardi, Law and Lalonde, but the above chart lists him at RF, and we've been assured that's the plan.
Adam Lind, for sure. I don't want to give away our entire upcoming interview, with comments from Ricciardi, Law and Lalonde, but the above chart lists him at RF, and we've been assured that's the plan.
My first thought is that there is a lot of big guys here, only 6 of them are sub six-footers and four of those are 5-11. I know there is a tendancy to get big guys but where's the love for the short folk?
Secondly, I now know how it feels to be older than some guy who has been drafted. It really sucks.
Secondly, I now know how it feels to be older than some guy who has been drafted. It really sucks.
Posted this on the other thread announcing the Pulaski roster...
There appears to be perhaps a couple inconsistencies between the Blue Jays release and the Pulaski roster announcement (maybe there has been some additional signings over the past few hours)...
- Brian Bormaster CA (26th round, Tulane) is listed on the Pulaski roster
- Corey Hahn RHP (30th round, Tulane) is listed on the Pulaski roster
Baseball America is also updated (without Bormaster and Hahn):
http://www.baseballamerica.com/draftdb/xteam.php?team=TOR
Also, guess this means most of the top twenty 2004 picks are going to Auburn? And is the Byron Bell listed on the Pualski roster actually Kristian Bell?
C.
There appears to be perhaps a couple inconsistencies between the Blue Jays release and the Pulaski roster announcement (maybe there has been some additional signings over the past few hours)...
- Brian Bormaster CA (26th round, Tulane) is listed on the Pulaski roster
- Corey Hahn RHP (30th round, Tulane) is listed on the Pulaski roster
Baseball America is also updated (without Bormaster and Hahn):
http://www.baseballamerica.com/draftdb/xteam.php?team=TOR
Also, guess this means most of the top twenty 2004 picks are going to Auburn? And is the Byron Bell listed on the Pualski roster actually Kristian Bell?
C.
where's the love for the short folk?
The Jays were drafting to make Griffin happy.
The Jays were drafting to make Griffin happy.
There are four RHP, not LHP, signed from the first 20 rounds who are 6' or shorter. Shorter RHP do not have great track records. Yes, there are exceptions but they are not the rule.
Later round picks don't have great track records regardless of height.
Is anyone else scared by the thought of a RHP named Joey McLaughlin? Yikes! deja vu...
Righties in the Major Leagyue Who Are 6'0" or Under
Bartolo Colon
Ramon Ortiz
Francisco Rodriguez
Elmer Dessens
Mike Koplove
Steve Sparks
Brandon Villafuerte
Oscar Villarreal
Travis Smith
Keith Foulke
Pedro Martinez
Jason Shiell
Scott Williamson
Greg Maddux
Jon Adkins
Mike Jackson
Cliff Politte
Shingo Takatsu
Jose Acevedo
Danny Graves
Cory Lidle
John Riedling
Kazuhito Tadano
Danny Patterson
Fernando Rodney
Ugueth Urbina
Mike Neu
Octavio Dotel
Chad Harville
Dan Miceli
Roy Oswalt
Tim Redding
Curtis Leskanic
Duaner Sanchez
Luis Vizcaino
Juan Rincon
Chad Cordero
Scott Strickland
Tom Gordon
Geoff Geary
Elizardo Ramirez
Josh Fogg
Salomon Torres
Trevor Hoffman
Brian Lawrence
Antonio Osuna
Akinori Otsuka
Matt Herges
Shigetoshi Hasegawa
Julio Mateo
Woody Williams
Chad Gaudin
Victor Zambrano
Jason Frasor
That's just the righties. Haven't even got into the lefties like Billy Wagner and Johan Santana.
Bartolo Colon
Ramon Ortiz
Francisco Rodriguez
Elmer Dessens
Mike Koplove
Steve Sparks
Brandon Villafuerte
Oscar Villarreal
Travis Smith
Keith Foulke
Pedro Martinez
Jason Shiell
Scott Williamson
Greg Maddux
Jon Adkins
Mike Jackson
Cliff Politte
Shingo Takatsu
Jose Acevedo
Danny Graves
Cory Lidle
John Riedling
Kazuhito Tadano
Danny Patterson
Fernando Rodney
Ugueth Urbina
Mike Neu
Octavio Dotel
Chad Harville
Dan Miceli
Roy Oswalt
Tim Redding
Curtis Leskanic
Duaner Sanchez
Luis Vizcaino
Juan Rincon
Chad Cordero
Scott Strickland
Tom Gordon
Geoff Geary
Elizardo Ramirez
Josh Fogg
Salomon Torres
Trevor Hoffman
Brian Lawrence
Antonio Osuna
Akinori Otsuka
Matt Herges
Shigetoshi Hasegawa
Julio Mateo
Woody Williams
Chad Gaudin
Victor Zambrano
Jason Frasor
That's just the righties. Haven't even got into the lefties like Billy Wagner and Johan Santana.
Forgot to mention. My source for the heights was ESPN.com
I would guess that Purcey will sign soon for $1.6 million. The Dodgers and White Sox (the 2 picks after Toronto) both signed their picks for $1.575 and $1.550 million respectively. I suspect that's 'slot' money.
Just a footnote to the list supplied by Moffatt. I seem to remember reading somewhere...sometime... that there are no Hall of Fame pitchers who are under 6 feet tall. Reviewing the list of current RH'ers, only Maddux and Pedro seem destined for the Hall. Pedro is listed at 5'11". Could he be the first, if he makes it?
Busted on the height thing, sort of, I was just surmising what I have read about short RHP. Though some of the guys listed above do backup the theory that short RHP do not do as well as their taller counterparts. I fully expected someone to point out Maddox, Pedro, Oswalt & Colon. Of the 16 RHP on the Jays 40 man roster, three were @ 6' and under. Based on what I have read I will still question drafting short RHP in relative abundance. The downside is the ball approaching the hitting zone on a flatter plane.
Keep in mind that these are 3rd and under round draft picks. If a guy was 6'4", had a blasing fastball, and a knee-buckling curve, he wouldn't last that long in the draft. Once you get into the 100th and beyond pick in the draft, you have to take guys with blemishes, such as being too short, or having tools that haven't translated into on the field success yet.
Though some of the guys listed above do backup the theory that short RHP do not do as well as their taller counterparts.
How? There's a lot of great names on there as well a bunch of not-so-good names. But make *any* list of pitchers, say pithcers born in March, and you'll get that. If teams carry a 12 man pitching roster, then you'd expect only 1/12th of the guys on such a list to be #1 starters.
Though some of the guys listed above do backup the theory that short RHP do not do as well as their taller counterparts.
How? There's a lot of great names on there as well a bunch of not-so-good names. But make *any* list of pitchers, say pithcers born in March, and you'll get that. If teams carry a 12 man pitching roster, then you'd expect only 1/12th of the guys on such a list to be #1 starters.
I seem to remember reading somewhere...sometime... that there are no Hall of Fame pitchers who are under 6 feet tall.
I'm not sure where you'd get that. Almost all the old-time guys were under 6'. Hoss Radbourn was only 5'9".
I'm not sure where you'd get that. Almost all the old-time guys were under 6'. Hoss Radbourn was only 5'9".
Whitey Ford was 5' 10". Bobby Shantz was 5' 6" . When Shantz played for the Yankees they probably had the shortest battery mates in Shantz and Yogi Berra
In my opinion , as a fan, I don't want the Jays to accumulate short RHP because I don't feel the contributions they will make as a group will be enough to propel the Jays to a playoff spot. This holds true, in my opinion, of drafting three 1st basemen in the first ten rounds. 1st base is the position of last resort and although it has been suggested that one of them plays some 3rd we also have Thigpen currently playing 1st as well. This was a down draft year in regards of talent so if this is the best available so be it.
Moffat, the list you made was a lot more impressive than I thought was available, I thought Hudson would be there too, but how much more depth does a list of RHP over 6' have?
Moffat, the list you made was a lot more impressive than I thought was available, I thought Hudson would be there too, but how much more depth does a list of RHP over 6' have?
we also have Thigpen currently playing 1st as well
Thigpen has been playing 1B because the Longhorns also have Teagarden and want both those bats in their lineup. If you're going to hold athleticism and versatility against Curtis, that's inconsistent with your tools mantra, Dean.
Thigpen has been playing 1B because the Longhorns also have Teagarden and want both those bats in their lineup. If you're going to hold athleticism and versatility against Curtis, that's inconsistent with your tools mantra, Dean.
There are a few flaws in JP's desire to draft mainly college players, not the least of which is that a whole bunch of players are going to need to go on the 40 man roster this off season and there really isn't a lot of room for them all... The Jays are going to end up losing a lot of good prospects in the Rule 5 draft unless JP starts mixing in some HS players (who will need to be protected 4 years after being drafter, rather than the 3 years for college players). Just from memory people who need to be protected this winter will be Adams, Bush, Maureau (will they lose ANOTHER lefty in the Rule 5?), Peterson, Buzachero, Cota and not to mention some other players having breakout years: Negron, D. Romero, F. Romero, League, Cosby (?), Tablado, I. Ramirez, Perkins...
Forget, Buzachero, Cosby, Tablado and Ramirirez, these guys have not shot bieng picked in the Rule 5.
HS players (who will need to be protected 4 years after being drafter, rather than the 3 years for college players).
Someone I'm sure can be more specific, but I believe 4 years for HS players only applies to those under a certain age. I think it ends up being a minority of players that fall under that.
The advantage of college players is that you have a reasonable idea of what you have after 3 years. At worst they'll be in AA (and if they're not you're not going to protect them). A HS player could still be starting in Dunedin when you have to make that decision.
Someone I'm sure can be more specific, but I believe 4 years for HS players only applies to those under a certain age. I think it ends up being a minority of players that fall under that.
The advantage of college players is that you have a reasonable idea of what you have after 3 years. At worst they'll be in AA (and if they're not you're not going to protect them). A HS player could still be starting in Dunedin when you have to make that decision.
I stand corrected:
The Rule 5 Draft occurs each December during the baseball winter meetings. Players who have more than three years of minor-league service but have not been added to the 40-man rosters are eligible for selection. Additionally, if a player was signed before the age of 19 as of the June 5 immediately prior to the signing and has four years of minor-league service, he's also eligible. Provided, of course, he hasn't been added to the 40-man roster.
So a college player will be protected at about age 24/25, and a HS player at 22/23.
The Rule 5 Draft occurs each December during the baseball winter meetings. Players who have more than three years of minor-league service but have not been added to the 40-man rosters are eligible for selection. Additionally, if a player was signed before the age of 19 as of the June 5 immediately prior to the signing and has four years of minor-league service, he's also eligible. Provided, of course, he hasn't been added to the 40-man roster.
So a college player will be protected at about age 24/25, and a HS player at 22/23.
Tablado is probably in line for a promotion to AA at some point, which would make him a viable Rule 5 pick with his new found power stroke (in the Florida league no less!). And keep in mind he can play SS too. He was moved to third to accomodate Hill and Adams, as well as the slick fielding Mayorson.
I. Ramirez is vulnerable too.. Johan Santana, Wil Ledezma, etc. were all plucked from low or high A ball in recent Rule 5 drafts. But I agree he wouldn't be a great loss at this point...
I. Ramirez is vulnerable too.. Johan Santana, Wil Ledezma, etc. were all plucked from low or high A ball in recent Rule 5 drafts. But I agree he wouldn't be a great loss at this point...
Tablado, cant play in the majors, how often to infield postion players are picked? Can you see him on a 25 man roster all year next year. I dont, hes worth the risk to not protect. Jason Dubois had great numbers in high A and a better track record and was returned to the cubs. Ramirez simply doenst have enough k's their will be a ton of other better pitchers not protected by other clubs.
Your actually comparing the talent of a lefty power pitcher to Ismael Ramirez? A 23 year old with a low k rate in high A? He may not even be protected in the minor league portion of the draft.
I agree that he's not nearly ready to play in the majors but Tablado has better "tools" than DuBois, and is younger than DuBois was at the time... Teams will take a risk with toolsy players with upside who can play multiple positions. Look at Detroit with Chris Shelton and Tampa Bay (and Baltimore) with Jose Bautista, etc.
I agree Ramirez is a long shot.
I agree Ramirez is a long shot.
Tablado, would have to continue at the same pace , and finnish off the season with very impressive numbers. Tyrell Godwin got passed over last year, and he peformed well in AA, Arizona fall league and Dunedin in 2003 and was a former 1st round pick.
I would say Godwin performed average, not well. He has a weak arm and a limited power ceiling. He also hasn't gotten it through his head that, at this point, he's not a homerun hitter and tries too hard to yank the ball. I would still rate Tablado much higher than Godwin, assuming his numbers don't revert to previous levels.
Tablado, hasnt been tested in AA and has been pretty horrible the 3 previous years, what is this is 4th year in A?
I am by no means the world's biggest Tablado fan (despite what it sounds like) but keep in mind that HS players usually develop a lot slower... It is his third year out of rookie ball, but his bat started to wake up mid-way through last year and appears to be getting better. He's even trimming his strikeouts a bit. I'd consider him a sleeper who should be re-evaluated at year's end.
Anybody know anything about these players.....
Billy Wheeler 2003 draft 30th round RHP
Jeremy Knicely 2003 draft 42 nd round C
Randy Braun 2002 draft 17th round OF
Paul Richmond 2002 draft 28th round C
Michael Seifert 2002 draft 32nd round LHP
Justin Owens 2002 draft 34th round OF
They have probably been released or are injured.
Billy Wheeler 2003 draft 30th round RHP
Jeremy Knicely 2003 draft 42 nd round C
Randy Braun 2002 draft 17th round OF
Paul Richmond 2002 draft 28th round C
Michael Seifert 2002 draft 32nd round LHP
Justin Owens 2002 draft 34th round OF
They have probably been released or are injured.
Billy Wheeler 2003 draft 30th round RHP (released)
Jeremy Knicely 2003 draft 42 nd round C (released)
Randy Braun 2002 draft 17th round OF (restricted/innactive list)
Paul Richmond 2002 draft 28th round C (unknown)
Michael Seifert 2002 draft 32nd round LHP (unkown)
Justin Owens 2002 draft 34th round OF (unknown)
Jeremy Knicely 2003 draft 42 nd round C (released)
Randy Braun 2002 draft 17th round OF (restricted/innactive list)
Paul Richmond 2002 draft 28th round C (unknown)
Michael Seifert 2002 draft 32nd round LHP (unkown)
Justin Owens 2002 draft 34th round OF (unknown)
BA TRANSACTIONS LAST MONTH
Toronto Blue Jays
Signed RHP Sean Douglass, Cs Gooby Gerlits and Greg Zaun and 3B Simon Pond. Claimed RHP Micheal Nakamura off waivers from Twins. Placed LHP Matthew Foster on military list. Placed OFs Randall Braun and Justin Owens on restricted list.
Toronto Blue Jays
Signed RHP Sean Douglass, Cs Gooby Gerlits and Greg Zaun and 3B Simon Pond. Claimed RHP Micheal Nakamura off waivers from Twins. Placed LHP Matthew Foster on military list. Placed OFs Randall Braun and Justin Owens on restricted list.
Moffat, the list you made was a lot more impressive than I thought was available, I thought Hudson would be there too
Hudson is listed at 6'1". If I included 6'1" guys, the list would be significantly longer.
but how much more depth does a list of RHP over 6' have?
Quite a bit more, obviously, as most pitchers both in the minors and the majors are over 6'.
Again, all else being equal, you'd rather have a tall pitcher than a short pitcher. But once you get down to the 100th draftpick overall, the guys are all going to have some "flaws", and I'd rather take a guy who is flawed for being short, rather than, say, a guy who is flawed because his fastball can't dent bread, or he can't find the strikezone without a map.
Hudson is listed at 6'1". If I included 6'1" guys, the list would be significantly longer.
but how much more depth does a list of RHP over 6' have?
Quite a bit more, obviously, as most pitchers both in the minors and the majors are over 6'.
Again, all else being equal, you'd rather have a tall pitcher than a short pitcher. But once you get down to the 100th draftpick overall, the guys are all going to have some "flaws", and I'd rather take a guy who is flawed for being short, rather than, say, a guy who is flawed because his fastball can't dent bread, or he can't find the strikezone without a map.
Anyone know where draftees Lind, Janssens, Hall or Super Man Metropoulos are being assigned... they aren't on either Auburn's or Pulaski's roster?
Coach, with Thigpen I was just lamenting that he was playing 1st base. I had read that he was bumped from behind the plate by a potential 1st round pick in 2005. If his future as a pro is not behind the plate I hope they put him @ third for an extended period of time and let him focus on one position until he proves he won't be able to handle it. Versatility sometimes equals utility player and I don't want anyone to be handled the way Joe Lawrence was. And yeah I do like tools and before anyone beats me over the head I'll be the first to admit that tools are not everything, but they help.
There's no indication I've seen or heard that Thigpen won't be groomed for a job as a major league catcher. Jon Lalonde relayed to us that the organisation thinks his arm is major league caliber and his agility is well-above average for a catcher. He's thrown out a high percentage of baserunners this season with the Longhorns.