Here's some of the things the Pirates knew about Tony Sanchez when they drafted him: He had conditioning issues in his past (seriously, he went on the Subway diet), he had a questionable bat, and he was strong defensively. There's a reason some felt he was drafted 20 slots too soon. So, let's see. A former chunker who has an average bat with some pop...but is strong defensively. Hmm. Who does that remind me of?
The Pirates didn't have a bad draft in 2009. And Tony Sanchez might turn out to be a good player (he's not even playing AA ball yet, so let's not assume he's going to replace Ryan Doumit just yet). But the MLB draft is more of a crap shoot than any of the other major sports, so I believe that you're always better off drafting the best player available--not the most signable player. (Bryan Bullington, anyone?)
And just so you know, the Pirates are already prepared to pass up a tremendous prospect this upcoming draft. Fact is, Bryce Harper might not even be in Neal Huntington's top 10 this June.
Yet, I'm supposed to trust Neal Huntington's scouting prowess on Tony Sanchez?
So go buy yourself a $5 footlong, Bird, and tell them Tony Cota sent you. Or Humberto Sanchez. Or....I'm sorry--I keep getting them confused. Tell them Tony Sanchez sent you.
Pretty sure my point was that there was no obvious best player.
ReplyDeleteTony Sanchez might already be better than Ryan Doumit.
And who is passing up Bryce Harper? That quote is from before he was hitting 450 or whatever he is in junior college and is obviously a negotiating tactic. The number 1 picking Nationals refuse to even say they are picking him.
So, based on Harper's high school stats alone, Neal wasn't sold? Now that he's hitting well at--Butler County Community College (not really)--he's proven he's a top prospect?
ReplyDeleteJim is noticeably quiet again. Perhaps he's realized what we've suspected for years...his debating skills are on the decline.
ReplyDelete