Interesting first day of the 2009 MLB Draft. Here’s a recap of what the Reds accomplished yesterday:
Round 1: Mike Leake, RHP, Arizona State University
MLB.com scouting report:
As a six-foot righty, people may want to overlook Leake as a big-time pitching prospect, but they might be missing the boat. He can throw four pitches for strikes and his poise is off the charts. He may not be that big, but he’s athletic, strong and durable with an extremely efficient delivery. He’s done nothing but perform with the Sun Devils and whoever looks past his size could have themselves a steal.
–I’m very satisfied with this pick.
—ESPN scouting report.
–Cincinnati’s press release on Leake.
—Leake has a blog.
—Doug Gray’s thoughts.
–Reds scouting director Chris Buckley on Leake.
—Some quotes from Leake’s conference call with reporters.
–Justin has some thoughts.
–Apparently, there is no truth to the rumor that he is Kelly Leak‘s son.
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Round 1 (supplemental): Brad Boxberger, RHP, University of Southern California
MLB.com scouting report:
Boxberger definitely improved his Draft status with his first several starts. While many had seen him as a reliever in the future, he’s emerged as a legitimate starting prospect with his performance. The key has been his ability to maintain his velocity deep into his starts, something he hadn’t done in the past. And while his command is still a little inconsistent, it’s better than it has been. Combine that with a full repertoire of pitches and if Boxberger keeps it up, he’ll seriously enter the first-round conversation
—ESPN scouting report.
–At first, I thought the Reds had drafted this guy. It woulda been a lot cooler if they did.
—Doug’s thoughts.
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Round 2: Billy Hamilton, SS, Taylorsville HS (Mississippi)
MLB.com scouting report:
Hamilton is the quintessential high-risk, high-reward athlete at this level who is sure to interest many in June. A three-sport star in Mississippi, he’s got all sorts of tools, though his hitting approach is a bit crude and he’s got some holes in his swing. But the bat speed, strength and running speed would make any scout at least intrigued, especially if you think he can stay at shortstop. Someone will take a chance on that — and that they can sign him away from his football commitment to Mississippi State on Draft day.
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Round 3: Don Joseph, LHP, University of Houston
—Doug’s thoughts.