Official 2009 MLB draft thread (day one)

[OnBaseMachine]

We're about 50 minutes from the 2009 draft. The other thread is getting long so we may as well start another to discuss the draft and the Reds picks.

According to Baseball America, the Reds will get to choose between LHP Tyler Matzek, RHP Aaron Crow, and RHP Alex White, with White most likely being the choice.

[GIDP]

White was my pick if Crow went before 8, but I wont be terribly upset if we get him. I think he has a future even if he bust out of being a starter.

[New Fever]

Alex White probably is going to get more money than Aaron Crow. The Reds probably have White higher on their board than Crow. BA has White ranked #6 and Crow ranked #7, I'm just not understanding how picking White is going cheap.

[berryluther]

What if Donovan Tate drops to the Reds?

[NorrisHopper30]

Is there ANY chance Tate falls to the Reds? I would love to get him.

[GIDP]

Tate wont make it that far unless something strange happens

[berryluther]

There is talk that his bonus demands might scare away some teams

[HumnHilghtFreel]

What if Donovan Tate drops to the Reds?

Just my opinion, but I let him keep falling. I'm going with the polished arm round 1 in this draft for sure. The Gibson news was too bad, I was hoping to pick him up. I'd be happy with Crow or White. Scheppers if you can pay him.

[nemesis]

I wouldnt take Tate just on the money we spent on Duran and Co. last year.

I am fine with White. He is a safe safe pick IMO but, only if Crow and Matzek are off the board. If they are there, then they are the better arms. Why pass on them unless money is a factor? It would speak volumes about the Front Office if they pass on those two. Some of the frugleness ranting in some of these other posts would be VERY justified.

[Puffy]

I posted this in another thread but Keith Law put this up about 25 minutes ago:

Braves narrow choices

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 | Print Entry

Posted by Keith Law

Atlanta is down to either UNC RHP Alex White or Vandy lefty Mike Minor at No. 7. Whoever the Braves don't take, the Reds will likely snatch up one pick later. Washington was previously on Minor for the No. 10 pick, but if he's off the board, expect the Nats to select Stanford reliever Drew Storen instead.

[fearofpopvol1]

Yikes...I guess we should hope the Braves take Minor then.

[Mario-Rijo]

Unbelievable and just as I suspected. I lay down to take a nap and think to myself when I get up I will be met with an awful, penny pinching #1 draft pick and lo and behold Alex White/Mike Minor is in our crosshairs. I just cannot fathom allowing talent like Green, Matzek and Crow (amongst others) drop on by to the teams who are willing to spend. It's an absolute shame and they wonder why football has become king in the nation.

[OnBaseMachine]

And now I'm scared again it's going to be Minor. I really hope the Braves take him at No. 7.

[redhawk61]

Unbelievable and just as I suspected. I lay down to take a nap and think to myself when I get up I will be met with an awful, penny pinching #1 draft pick and lo and behold Alex White/Mike Minor is in our crosshairs. I just cannot fathom allowing talent like Green, Matzek and Crow (amongst others) drop on by to the teams who are willing to spend. It's an absolute shame and they wonder why football has become king in the nation.
Remember last year when they said it was a slam dunk that we were taking Beckham....

[NorrisHopper30]

I have a lot of confidence in Buckley and Co. I really think they know what they are doing.

[fearofpopvol1]

Remember last year when they said it was a slam dunk that we were taking Beckham....

That is actually an excellent point. Let's hope for the best.

[GIDP]

:(

[aubashbrother]

so with Pitt taking Sanchez where is Crow predicted to go if hes not falling to the reds

[redhawk61]

so with Pitt taking Sanchez where is Crow predicted to go if hes not falling to the reds
Thats the thing, he is predicted to fall to the Reds.

[Puffy]

Jim Callis says the first 8 picks are fairly locked in (according to him and John Manuel):

1. Strasburg
2. Ackley
3. Tate
4. Sanchez
5. Hobgoblin
6. Wheeler
7. Minor
8. Alex White

[redhawk61]

Jim Callis says the first 8 picks are fairly locked in (according to him and John Manuel):

1. Strasburg
2. Ackley
3. Tate
4. Sanchez
5. Hobgoblin
6. Wheeler
7. Minor
8. Alex White

Love that name, and I would be satisfied with White

[aubashbrother]

so after loving crow last year the reds get a chance to take him this year and they are predicted to pass on him ? im not buying that i think if crow is there he's the guy

[aubashbrother]

yahoo is saying Crow to the pads at 3

[Puffy]

I'm holding out hope that the Reds take Hobgoblin at 8.

He would look so cool in a Reds uniform.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2009-3/1337745/HobgoblinHL3.gif

[Outshined_One]

I'm holding out hope that the Reds take Hobgoblin at 8.

He would look so cool in a Reds uniform.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2009-3/1337745/HobgoblinHL3.gif

I dunno, Doctor Octopus has six arms which he could use to throw the ball. Imagine the deception he'd have! :eek:

[aubashbrother]

If the pads pass on Crow I think hes our guy and I dont think the reds pass on him

[fearofpopvol1]

Draft has officially begun.

Well, at least the program is on now.

[fearofpopvol1]

How many rounds are today? 3? Or is it just the first 2?

[redhawk61]

Also, please don't create 5 pages of everyone saying "Reds select So-and-So".

I nominate OBM as the guy to announce, seeing as this is his thread

[CTA513]

Heres the link to the draft tracker:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2009/draftcaster.jsp


They usually give you the info on the draft pick including a video.

[aubashbrother]

3 rounds today i believe

[Sea Ray]

I posted this in another thread but Keith Law put this up about 25 minutes ago:

Braves narrow choices

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 | Print Entry

Posted by Keith Law

Atlanta is down to either UNC RHP Alex White or Vandy lefty Mike Minor at No. 7. Whoever the Braves don't take, the Reds will likely snatch up one pick later. Washington was previously on Minor for the No. 10 pick, but if he's off the board, expect the Nats to select Stanford reliever Drew Storen instead.


Fay mentioned Minor in today's paper as a RHP. Is he right handed or does Fay not know what he's talking about?

[Blitz Dorsey]

Fay mentioned Minor in today's paper as a RHP. Is he right handed or does Fay not know what he's talking about?

What is your guess?

[fearofpopvol1]

Fay mentioned Minor in today's paper as a RHP. Is he right handed or does Fay not know what he's talking about?

The latter, of course. Fay never checks facts and always makes mistakes/errors.

[Javy Pornstache]

^ You are correct. Minor is a lefty. Fay is a horse's ass.

[Sea Ray]

What is your guess?

yeah that's what I figured. It's a pretty big mistake. If Minor were right handed he wouldn't be considered 1st rd material

[Sea Ray]

Do you think Strasburg will play a day in the minors?

[GIDP]

Do you think Strasburg will play a day in the minors?
Yes, unless he sits out the rest of the year, then pitches lights out in spring. I still think he goes to the minors.

[SoTxRedsFan]

Do you think Strasburg will play a day in the minors?

If the Nats were smart he'd spend the rest of this season in the minors and get shut down pretty early.

[NC Reds]

Alex White has an ERA over 4 and has given up 10 homers this year. I will puke if they take him with Leake or Crow still on the board.

[Mario-Rijo]

Do you think Strasburg will play a day in the minors?

Yeah I do, I think he'll get signed late and end up with a month or 2 overall in minor league ball. I suspect he'll be up sometime around June 1st next year.

[aubashbrother]

Ill take Shelby Miller over White

[RedEye]

If Callis says the Reds are "fairly certain" to pick White, are we to believe that they are, in fact, going to pick him? Does Callis have good sources?

[aubashbrother]

fairly certain doesnt come off as a sure thing in my book

Nats are on the clock

[NC Reds]

White has allowed 127 baserunners in 98 innings. I understand he throws hard, but he is not nearly as effective as Leake.

[OnBaseMachine]

The Nats are officially on the clock. Each team has four minutes in between picks.

[SoTxRedsFan]

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2009/draftlive_app.jsp

live video for those of us with out MLB Network

[NC Reds]

Did I mention White has 15 wild pitches in 98 innings?

[fearofpopvol1]

Strasburg taken #1 by the Nats.

[aubashbrother]

I dont understand why the Nats take the entire 4 minutes. I mean its not like football or basketball where you can trade picks.

[NC Reds]

Leake has allowed 100 baserunners in 132 innings. He's allowed two homers.

[Gallen5862]

Has any team picked yet? My dialup is very slow. Will someone post as each team picks?

[aubashbrother]

yea the nats took strausburg . mariners have 1 min. left on the clock

[Kingspoint]

The Nats took Strasburg, yes.
The M's have one minute to pick.

[Kingspoint]

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2009/draftcaster.jsp

[Kingspoint]

....and live feed...

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2009/draftlive_app.jsp

[fearofpopvol1]

Seattle takes Dustin Ackley at #2.

[Kingspoint]

M's take Dustin Ackley of NC

[aubashbrother]

Now this is the wildcard here with San Diego.

[Gallen5862]

Thanks for the updates.

[jojo]

I dont understand why the Nats take the entire 4 minutes. I mean its not like football or basketball where you can trade picks.

Selig would've fined them $1,000,000 if they announced sooner.

[Kingspoint]

I like the pick by the M's.

Though, I thought they'd go with one of the 18-year old pitchers because they're minor leagues are so depleted.

I think Ackley's career will be over before the Mariners contend again.

[aubashbrother]

padres 1 min. left . anyone think they are taking crow , im leaning to yes

[Kingspoint]

Nobody drafts better than the Padres.

I hope to god they don't take Gibson as he's my favorite at this point.

[M2]

Sanchez predicted for #4? That's dirty.

Hobgood at #5? He's the new Chris Gruler I tell you.

[jojo]

I like the pick by the M's.

Though, I thought they'd go with one of the 18-year old pitchers because they're minor leagues are so depleted.

I think Ackley's career will be over before the Mariners contend again.

The Ms picked 2nd and selected the second best player in the country. He's a great fit for them too.

[Kingspoint]

The Padres like proven players, so another College player may go right here.

[SoTxRedsFan]

So weird for them to be on that small field.

[fearofpopvol1]

San Diego takes Donavan Tate at #3.

[aubashbrother]

Padres select Donavan Tate

[SoTxRedsFan]

Pads had to get more athletic. Took Donovan Tate.

[aubashbrother]

Crow will fall to the Reds imo I see NO WAY we pass him up

[Blitz Dorsey]

Keep the updates coming fellas! Much appreciated!

[Kingspoint]

I love it!


It was the Padres I feared the most regarding someone who would snatch Gibson.

They went with the Offense and youth.

[Puffy]

Sanchez predicted for #4? That's dirty.

Hobgood at #5? He's the new Chris Gruler I tell you.

Apparently the Pirates already have a deal done with Sanchez.

And its Hobgoblin, not Hobgood. You Bostonians and your wicked accents!!

[Blitz Dorsey]

Crow will fall to the Reds imo I see NO WAY we pass him up

Pretty much all the experts think we'll pass him up. I hope you're right.

[Kingspoint]

Gibson may fall to us now, and that's a very, very good thing.

[RedEye]

I love it!


It was the Padres I feared the most regarding someone who would snatch Gibson.

They went with the Offense and youth.

I thought Gibson was injured... ?

[SoTxRedsFan]

Only thing the NFL needs to take away from the MLB draft is the 5 minutes between picks. Probably hard to do with trading and the such, but 3 picks in less than 15 minutes is very nice.

[aubashbrother]

We wont take Gibson imo. Not after the stress fracture to his forearm

[Blitz Dorsey]

Gibson may fall to us now, and that's a very, very good thing.

Gibson is not on the Reds' first-round board due to injury.

[Mario-Rijo]

Just in case here's a White Summary:

6-3 200 Lbs

Summary: White, one of the younger college pitchers in this class, sat 88-92 mph in a mid-May look against Boston College, although he more typically sits 91-93 and will run it up to 95, with good tailing life on the pitch. The biggest knock on White is that he throws a ton of off-speed pitches instead of pitching off his fastball, and that's going to be the first adjustment a player development department asks him to make. His slider can be plus at times; it's long and sharp and usually ends up out of the strike zone, so college hitters will chase it but pro hitters might not -- a problem that Andrew Miller, another UNC product, found when he got into pro ball. White also shows a splitter or split-change that has a chance to be plus. His delivery is funky and unclean, with a high elbow in back, a long path for his arm and more drift than drive toward the plate. He's an intelligent kid with some feel for pitching, and probably has a better-than-average chance to improve with instruction. He does have an outstanding track record, including a heroic showing in Omaha in 2008, but I see him as more of a mid-first-round talent than a top-of-draft guy.



Player Grades
PRESENT FUTURE LOW (MPH) HIGH (MPH)
Fastball 55 60 88 95
Slider 45 55 82 86
Splitter 45 50
FB Movement 55 55
Command 45 50
Control 50 50
Feel for Pitching 45 50

[SoTxRedsFan]

Gibson may fall to us now, and that's a very, very good thing.

You'd take a chance on him with his injury at #8?

[fearofpopvol1]

Pittsburgh takes Tony Sanchez at #4.

[NorrisHopper30]

Gibson may fall out of the first round.

[aubashbrother]

Pitt. takes Sanchez

[SoTxRedsFan]

Sanchez C Boston College. Looks like the Pirates are saving their pennies for those Latin Players.

[RedlegJake]

Tony Sanchez to Pitt

[Kingspoint]

We wont take Gibson imo. Not after the stress fracture to his forearm


I didn't hear about that. That must have happened in the 1st game of the playoffs (about two weeks ago), I imagine, as he was scheduled to pitch that night.

[M2]

Apparently the Pirates already have a deal done with Sanchez.

And its Hobgoblin, not Hobgood. You Bostonians and your wicked accents!!

That's Hahbgahblaan.

What's Bud smokin'?

Jorge Sanchez? Chester Hill?

[Puffy]

Gibson might be there for the supplemental pick. Forearm injuries are teh suck.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Just in case here's a White Summary:

6-3 200 Lbs

Wow, not exactly a glowing report.

[aubashbrother]

Did Bud call him Jorge Sanchez ?

[Kingspoint]

Just in case here's a White Summary:

6-3 200 Lbs

White was my second choice after Gibson. So, he's now my first choice.

[REDblooded]

Did Bud call him Jorge Sanchez ?

it's true

[aubashbrother]

Im guessing the O's go with Matzek

[Kingspoint]

So, of anyone who knows, what exactly happened to Kyle Gibson and what's the extent of his injury?

[aubashbrother]

his last start he was throwing in the 83 - 86 range and it worried some scouts and it was found that he had a stress fracture in his forearm i think they said he would be able to throw sometime in July ?

[SoTxRedsFan]

Orioles select Matthew Hobgood.

[fearofpopvol1]

Baltimore selects Matthew Hobgood with the 5th overall pick.

[RedlegJake]

Hobgood to Os

[aubashbrother]

O's take Hobgood

[aubashbrother]

Draft shaping up good for the Reds so far

[Mario-Rijo]

Sounds like Callis nailed it with his predictions. :bang:

[wally post]

Selig said "Michael Hobgood, yes?" tee-hee...

[NC Reds]

We can do better than White or Minor. Poor.

[lollipopcurve]

Callis had the picks, for sure.

Selig announcing these picks is hilarious. Chester Hill!

Signability ruling here, folks.

[aubashbrother]

I still think we take Crow

[NorrisHopper30]

Shelby Miller > White/Minor

[berryluther]

Is it me or does it look like everytime Bud comes out he looks like they pulled him away from the buffet table?

[Puffy]

Sounds like Callis nailed it with his predictions. :bang:

Yup, its why I posted it. He used stronger language than "fairly certain"

Get ready for Alex White ladies and gentlemen.........

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Well this seems to be lining up VERY well for us.

[Kingspoint]

Kyle Gibson's path to becoming the highest-drafted baseball player from a metro-area high school hit a bump during the past few days.

The former Greenfield-Central standout revealed he had a broken bone in his right forearm. Gibson said he voluntarily had an MRI after reports that he might be facing serious elbow surgery. That came after scouts noted his fastball, normally in the mid-90s, dropped to the mid-80s late this season with the University of Missouri.

Gibson said he gave the MRI results to every major league organization on the advice of Randy Rowley, who eventually will be his agent.

"He told me, 'Kyle, the only thing that is going to cause you to drop is uncertainty about your health,' " Gibson said. "It causes people to write some stores that aren't quite like what happened. We wanted to take away any uncertainty from the process."

Gibson was ranked the No. 4 prospect in the draft by Baseball America. He expects to drop slightly in today's draft but stay in the first round. Brebeuf Jesuit's Jeff Wehmeier, the 16th overall pick in 1972, is believed to be the highest-drafted local player.

"People who didn't like me before are going to use it as a negative not to draft me," he said. "People who did like me will say, 'His elbow is fine, his arm will be fine in five weeks. We'll still draft him.' "

He's ready now
This is Gibson's second dance with the draft.

In 2006, Philadelphia selected Greenfield-Central's rail-thin right-hander in the 36th round. Gibson was more interested in pitching for Missouri.

His father, who had nurtured his son through youth and travel baseball, wasn't too happy. Kyle had written an essay in first grade saying his goal was to be a major league player. The Gibsons even visited the Phillies' rookie-league affiliate. This was their dream.

"I was really mad at him for a couple of weeks," Harold Gibson said.

The timing just wasn't right. Gibson stood 6-5, but weighed just 168 pounds.

"He knew that physically, (the minor leagues) wasn't the place for him to be," Harold said. "For me, it was about putting in all this time and we've got this chance. You're there. You've got to take it."

Three years later, the elder Gibson acknowledges he was wrong.

"I thought he was showing a lack of confidence," Harold said. "Actually, it was him showing a lot of maturity. I misunderstood that."




Kyle blossomed into a star and was one of the 32 semifinalists for the Golden Spikes Award, given to the nation's top college player.

"I'm definitely excited," Kyle said about today's draft. "But I don't think it's completely set in yet.

"I've been blessed a lot to have the opportunities I've had. I've been blessed by parents who go to all my games and basically dedicated their lives to me and my sister."

Vision becomes real
Harold, a home developer in Hancock County, played baseball at Greenfield-Central in the late 1970s. He later was a founder of the Indiana Bandits travel program that's based in Greenfield and coached his son until his high school days.

Kyle attended Catholic elementary schools and Cathedral High School as a freshman but transferred to Greenfield-Central before his sophomore year. He was the Indianapolis Star's Super Team Player of the Year as a senior in '06, when he went 8-6 with a 1.09 ERA. He also hit .447 and scored 36 runs as Greenfield's leadoff hitter. The Cougars won a Class 4A regional title.

"His ability to lead our younger players, and probably more importantly, the way he carried himself, was pretty special," said C.J. Glander, then the Greenfield-Central coach. "He was pretty humble. He certainly had every reason to be full of himself, but you never saw that from Kyle."

Everyone saw the potential, particularly once his body filled out.

Missouri assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Tony Vitello certainly did. He spotted Gibson at a tournament after his junior season and offered a scholarship immediately.

"It really took that one time to convince us," Missouri coach Tim Jamieson said. "Kyle is extremely athletic and his delivery was very polished."

The head coach was even more impressed after Gibson arrived.

"His character is off the charts," Jamieson said. "His work ethic is off the charts. His athleticism is off the charts. He had the package.

"The thing that made the difference for him was his willingness to do those things to get stronger, to get better. The only way that happens is through hard work."



If you want to call the guy who did this interview, you can reach Michael Pointer at (317) 444-2709

[aubashbrother]

Calis says Matzek may last a few more picks cuz he wants alot of money . would the reds poney up the cash to take him

[fearofpopvol1]

San Francisco takes Zack Wheeler with the 6th overall pick.

[SoTxRedsFan]

Giants take Zack Wheeler RHP

[aubashbrother]

Giants take Zack Wheeler

[aubashbrother]

Matzek may be on the board at 8

[KoryMac5]

Hobgoblin went 37th in the RedsZone mock draft signibility will turn this draft upside down. I would imagine financialy sound teams will be looking at some good players late in round 1.

[membengal]

If the Reds are serious, they don't pass on Matzek or Crow because of money.

[Kingspoint]

Yup, its why I posted it. He used stronger language than "fairly certain"

Get ready for Alex White ladies and gentlemen.........

I'm great with that. I wanted Gibson first, then White, and after that, I had no preferences, or what it really means, is nobody else struck me as that great. White will be a great choice.

[fearofpopvol1]

So the Reds could pick Matzek or Crow if they want now.

[REDblooded]

19?? draft? Bud wilts under pressure

[aubashbrother]

Matzek or Crow will be on the board for the Reds. No way we can pass one up because of money

[NC Reds]

Leake or Crow please.

[redhawk61]

Thats the first hitch in Callis's mock

[Kingspoint]

By the way, we can all watch North Carolina in the College World Series starting in a couple of days.

[GIDP]

I cant believe we pass on a couple of these guys. The Reds went for the guy people didnt think would sign last year so who knows.

[GIDP]

By the way, we can all watch North Carolina in the College World Series starting in a couple of days.
Watching for thsoe arm injuries

[aubashbrother]

Id be OK with white but not with Matzek or Crow still being on the board

[Gallen5862]

What was the miss in Callis mock?

[Blitz Dorsey]

Come to Cincinnati Crow! (I know it probably won't happen though.)

[fearofpopvol1]

The Braves take Minor with the 7th overall pick. Woo-hoo!!!!

[RedLakerFan24]

is the draft anywhere on tv or something?

[aubashbrother]

Braves take Minor. Yaaaayyyy

[Blitz Dorsey]

What was the miss in Callis mock?

Wheeler to the Giants I think.

[SoTxRedsFan]

At least it's not Minor. We can all be grateful for that.

[RedlegJake]

Minor to Braves...one less worry

[redhawk61]

Yes Minor, off the boards

[membengal]

Braves take Minor from Vandy.

Wow.

And, thanks.

[HokieRed]

Braves just saved us from Minor. Choice of Matzek or Crow.

[Puffy]

Thats the first hitch in Callis's mock


Jim Callis says the first 8 picks are fairly locked in (according to him and John Manuel):

1. Strasburg
2. Ackley
3. Tate
4. Sanchez
5. Hobgoblin
6. Wheeler
7. Minor
8. Alex White

Looks the same so far....

[Doc. Scott]

Minor to the Braves! Reds have their pick of the best ones we were hoping to be available, yes?

[aubashbrother]

ok Matzek AND Crow are on the board. PLEASE WALT DONT BE CHEAP NOW

[membengal]

is the draft anywhere on tv or something?

MLBTV

[fearofpopvol1]

Wow, so the Reds have their pick of Matzek or Crow.

If they don't pick either, we're in trouble IMO.

[Blitz Dorsey]

is the draft anywhere on tv or something?

MLB Network.

[Reds Fanatic]

is the draft anywhere on tv or something?MLB Network

[redhawk61]

And we are officially called the Cincinnata Reds according to The Commish

[JayBruceFan]

Mike Minor to Braves

Thank God!

[Mario-Rijo]

What was the miss in Callis mock?

MIght have missed the mock but not his analysis of the 1st eight picks he done after his mock.

[RedlegJake]

Matzek, Crow, Leake, Scheppers, White, Gibson, Greene....the Reds have some choices all right.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Oh man, here comes the cheapness... I can feel it.

[redhawk61]

Looks the same so far....
I misread the numbers, got ahead of myself

[Kingspoint]

In late September, when the Nationals clinched the first pick in the 2009 draft, many Mariners fans (myself included) were disappointed, assuming that San Diego State phenom Stephen Strasburg had just slipped through our fingers. While that may or may not be the case (the draft is still seven months away, after all), there is another pitcher that doesn’t get as much ink as Strasburg, but isn’t too far off, talent-wise.

That pitcher is Alex White, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound righthander for the University of North Carolina. Teammates with Dustin Ackley, the Tarheels are loaded this year, with two potential top-5 draft picks.

White grew up in Greenville, N.C. where he attended D.H. Conley High School. Prior to the 2006 draft, Baseball America ranked him as the 71st-best draft-eligible prospect. With good stuff and quality makeup, he led the Vikings to a 3-A state title. Here is some video footage from the championship game…



Despite being one of the top high school pitchers in the 2006 class, White slipped to the 14th round, when the Dodgers took him. He still wanted big-time money, reportedly asking for $1.4 million, and the Dodgers let him go to school instead.

White headed to Chapel Hill and joined the Tarheels rotation. He pitched in 19 games as the Tarheels’ Saturday starter and threw 98.1 innings, going 6-7 with a 4.94 ERA. He struck out 83 batters (19.1%) and walked 43 (11%). White’s best performance of the season came in the ACC title game against Virginia when he struck out five over seven scoreless innings. The Tarheels went on to Omaha that year, losing in the championship to Oregon State.

That summer, White played in the Cape Cod League for the Chatham Athletics. He appeared in seven games and started three of them. Over 25.2 innings, White struck out 31 hitters and walked just eight, posting a 2-1 record and maintaining a 2.10 ERA.

White returned to Chapel Hill last year for his sophomore season and improved all aspects of his game, shouldering the load as the team’s ace. He started 15 games and appeared in 20, throwing 101.2 innings, posting a 2.83 ERA and leading the nation in wins by going 13-3. White struck out 113 batters, good for 27% of those faced. Only nine other pitchers in the country racked up more strikeouts last season. He also cut his walk rate, issuing 42 walks (10%). The season earned him the ACC Pitcher of the Year award and he was a third-team All American for Baseball America.

After throwing more than 100 innings last year, White did not play baseball this summer. He’s been sharp during the Tarheels’ scrimmages this fall and is ready to go this spring.

With a heavy fastball that sits between 93-96, a plus slider and an occasional splitter, White is a force on the mound that Baseball America recently ranked the No. 2 draft-eligible prospect in the country. Even if the Mariners don’t get Strasburg, there are some nice consolation prizes and they will certainly be adding an impact player to the organization.

[Sea Ray]

Selig's not having a good day

[Kingspoint]

White's middle name is Bruce.

We can have the dynamic duo.

[aubashbrother]

Im nervous

[aubashbrother]

It will make my day just give me crow or matzek walt

[RedEye]

Callis 100% correct so far, eh? Looks like it will be White unless...

[Kingspoint]

Do the right thing.

Draft Alex Bruce White.

[nemesis]

Selig's not having a good day

He's a big dumb animal folks...

[RedlegJake]

I'm betting it's White. Signability.

[Kingspoint]

Who is Callis?

[UKFlounder]

nm

[Blitz Dorsey]

Chris Gruler? What?

(Sorry. Had to break the tension.)

[aubashbrother]

I say Matzek . Buckley talked about LHP and the best is still there no way they can pass him up. can they ?

[NC Reds]

Alex White is not that good. 15 wild pitches in 98 innings. 10 homers allowed. 28 extra base hits allowed. ERA over 4. We can do better.

[SoTxRedsFan]

Eric Davis!! Very nice....

[Blitz Dorsey]

I think you've made your (unsubstantiated) point about your expectations of the Reds being cheap. Maybe try just 1 post without mentioning it, please?

??? Try again there buddy.

[fearofpopvol1]

And here it is...

The Cincinnati Reds take Mike Leake with the #8 overall pick.

Thoughts?? Very interesting. Callis did not predict that. I like it better than White, that's for sure.

[SoTxRedsFan]

Oh YES! Leake is very very nice!!!

[redhawk61]

The safe pick

[aubashbrother]

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[NC Reds]

I am thrilled. Wow.

[RedlegJake]

It's Mike leake!!!

[RedEye]

Callis 100% correct so far, eh? Looks like it will be White unless...

... they pick Leake!?

[Mario-Rijo]

And here it is...

The Cincinnati Reds take Mike Leake with the #8 overall pick.

Thoughts??

Surprised!

[GIDP]

hmmm

[lollipopcurve]

sweet!

Big Mike Leake fan.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Wow.

[Kingspoint]

Why was Eric Davis laughing when Selig announced the selection?

I'm OK with the pick.

[aubashbrother]

Im very upset about this. Leake is nice but Matzek and Crow still being there upsets me

[Doc. Scott]

Reds go with the sabermetric-friendly pick, hmm? Billy Beane would likely approve.

[Homer Bailey]

He was my number 3, but i understand the pick.

[NC Reds]

150 strikeouts in 132 innings. He has a lot of sink in his pitches.

[REDblooded]

great

go reds.... :(

[Blitz Dorsey]

I like it (I think).

[Reds Fanatic]

Scouting report on Leake from Mlb.com:


Biographical Data
Player Name: Mike Leake
Position: Starting Pitcher
School: Arizona State University
School Type: College
Academic Class: Junior
Birthdate: 11/12/87
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Report Date: 02/26/09
Game: Missouri


Focus Area Comments
Fastball: Leake threw his fastball from 88-94 mph. It sat comfortably around 91 mph.
Fastball movement: There was above-average sink and plenty of side-to-side movement, with some run to it. He changes arm angles for different looks.
Slider: It's a hard, downward slider, thrown 79-82 mph.
Curve: An average offering ... not an out pitch. He can throw it for strikes in the 73-76 mph range.
Changeup: Close to a plus pitch and he'll throw it at any point in the count.
Control: He has plus, plus command, perhaps a 70 on the scouting scale.
Poise: It's a plus, plus attribute. He has the presence to pitch in the big leagues right now. He's more of a lead-by-example guy -- soft-spoken, but confident.
Physical Description: Leake is an undersized righty, but is athletic and strong, kind of like a Tim Hudson type.
Medical Update: Healthy.
Strengths: Four pitches that are all usable and the ability to command all of them extremelly well. He's extremely durable, having thrown as many innings as just about anyone in the class over the past few seasons.
Weaknesses: There's a little hip turn in his delivery, but it doesn't affect him. There will be those who'll be concerned about his size.
Summary: 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.

[Doc. Scott]

I admit I would have liked to see Aaron Crow, but I'd rather have Leake than a high school arm.

Somewhere the Houston Astros are clawing their terrible claws and gnashing their terrible teeth at not having the short righthander on the board.

[schmidty622]

If they were serious they would have paid Matzek.

[SoTxRedsFan]

Look at those numbers. He was in the Pac Freaking 10. Kid is gonna be a quick mover, and be in the middle of our rotation in a year or two.

[OnBaseMachine]

Mike Leake! Excellent pick. I like it.

[RedlegJake]

I am thrilled. Leake is a terrific pick, imo, maybe the safest bet on the 1st round board. Great arm and good pitching attitude - all bulldog.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Plus, his brother Kelly Leake was really good. ;-)

[schmidty622]

Gutzy + Competitive = Not that talented

[Superdude]

Like him more than White I guess. Not a complete failure of a pick

[Gallen5862]

Leake was my mock draft pick for the Diamondbacks. He was highly rated.

[NC Reds]

Leake allowed two homers all year. White allowed ten in fewer innings. My firsthand observation was that Leake was better.

[oneupper]

I know nothing about this, but a short College SP makes sense for a team that can't keep their players past arbitration...financially, at least.

[Az. Reds Fan]

Leake...B E A utiful...great pick...not surprisingly, I love this pick

[GIDP]

I'm guessing the Reds really like the Change as a pitch for GABP.

[Doc. Scott]

Leake was my mock draft pick for the Diamondbacks. He was highly rated.

Yeah, at 16, right?

[SoTxRedsFan]

Gutzy + Competitive = Not that talented

You don't put up those numbers in the Pac 10 with Guts alone. Kid has good stuff, and will be in the bigs quick.

[nemesis]

Scouting report on Leake from Mlb.com:

Sounds like Roy Oswalt to me...

[fearofpopvol1]

Detroit takes Jacob Turner with the 9th overall pick.

[Mario-Rijo]

Mike Leake
RHP | Arizona State
Weight: 180 lbs.
Height: 6-0

Summary: Leake is a typical command right-hander, featuring a four-pitch mix (watch scouting video) without a single knockout pitch but with good life on his two-seamer and a solid-average curve. He'll pitch at 88-92 mph, with a hard, late tailing action that makes it more effective than a typical fastball with fringe-average to average velocity. His curve has a short, two-plane break and appears to pop out of his hand, with a break that accelerates as it comes toward the hitter. He throws a hard changeup around 82 mph with a slight tailing action and showed a slider around 79-80 mph with decent tilt. He commands all four pitches and throws strikes, and works very quickly. He's a good athlete who plays some outfield for ASU and fields his position well as a pitcher. Leake's delivery is compact with just a little head movement at the end as he releases the ball. His arm is quick and its path behind his body isn't long, partly due to the fact he separates his hands early as he moves them down from their peak point in his windup. His performance has put him solidly into the middle of the first round, and he should be relatively quick to the majors as a more or less finished product right now.



Player Grades
PRESENT FUTURE LOW (MPH) HIGH (MPH)
Fastball 50 50 88 92
FB Movement 50 60 -- --
Command 50 55 -- --
Control 55 60 -- --
Curveball 50 50 75 77
Slider 45 50 79 80
Changeup 50 50 80 82
Feel for Pitching 55 60 -- --

[Blitz Dorsey]

Keith Law (who I don't like but still...) is talking-up Leake on ESPNews right now. Great control, great athlete, good velocity, fast mover through the minors, went a little higher than Law expected but a solid pick in his opinion.

[Brutus]

Sounds like Roy Oswalt to me...

lol I was sitting there thinking the exact same thing as I was reading that.

[RedLakerFan24]

He is only 5"11? he is short

[KoryMac5]

I guess the question I have is do people like Leake better than Crow or Matzek.

[Doc. Scott]

Jacob Turner goes to Detroit at #9. Nationals up. Watch them take Crow.

[I(heart)Freel]

Reds go with the sabermetric-friendly pick, hmm? Billy Beane would likely approve.

I'm following the A's on twitter right now, live in their draft room.

Yea... they said that pick started a lot of chatter among them. Beane apparently went to tempe over the weekend to scout Leake personally. Sounds like they might have draft him... again.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Leake allowed two homers all year. White allowed ten in fewer innings. My firsthand observation was that Leake was better.

I was following your posts earlier. You hit the nail on the head here -- the Reds obviously agreed with you. Nice work.

[marcshoe]

So, will we see Leake and White go head-to-head in the opening round of the CWS this weekend?

[OnBaseMachine]

Mike Leake is a very, very good pick. Nice job by the Reds. He should be ready for the majors by Opening Day 2011.

[VR]

Leake...B E A utiful...great pick...not surprisingly, I love this pick

Is he starting Sunday?

[NorrisHopper30]

If Keith Law is talking him up we are in trouble!

[RedlegJake]

You don't put up those numbers in the Pac 10 with Guts alone. Kid has good stuff, and will be in the bigs quick.

Exactly. Leake is very very good. Already has 4 pitches and may be as close as anyone outside of Strasburg to reach the league. His numbers are very, very close to Strasburg's in the same league. He gets results, he knows how to pitch already, mechanics are very efficient and solid. If he was 6-4 or 6-5 he'd have been going in the top 4. I LOVE this pick.

[Blitz Dorsey]

I guess the question I have is do people like Leake better than Crow or Matzek.

I wanted Crow then Leake. I didn't like Matzek, but I am very biased against HS arms in the top 10.

Sounded like the Reds weren't going to open up the bank for Crow and they were going to take White. So with that information, I am very happy they look Leake.

[NorrisHopper30]

Leake's blog

http://draftprospect.mlblogs.com/


Baseball has been my dream job and it will feel weird to be paid to play a sport I love so much. I am not very nervous to see where I am picked; actually I am curious and anxious to see which team will be giving me my next opportunity.

[REDblooded]

So.... do you think this is a make-up pick for the undersized pitcher the Reds missed on 2 years ago? lol

[aubashbrother]

so when is he supposed to be pitching in the cws ?

[PuffyPig]

Jacob Turner goes to Detroit at #9. Nationals up. Watch them take Crow.

I thought they couldn't draft him two years in a row with the same pick?

[SoTxRedsFan]

I'm pumped to see him pitch this weekend. Love this pick. Thank god it wasn't Minor.

[OnBaseMachine]

Reds Surprise With Leake

Posted Jun. 9, 2009 5:51 pm by John Manuel
Filed under: Uncategorized

Alex White will have to wait. The Reds played it close to the vest and take Tim Hudson clone Mike Leake out of Arizona State. Leake had a tremendous season to lead Arizona State to the College World Series, and if you dream on him, he has some David Cone in him due to his competitiveness. But those are both smallish pitchers, as is Leake. In terms of makeup, Leake would rank in the top five in the draft.

Still, the Reds went for a safer pick, rather than an upside pick, same as the Braves.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/

[Brutus]

Mike Leake is a very, very good pick. Nice job by the Reds. He should be ready for the majors by Opening Day 2011.

I definitely didn't see that one coming, but it seems to me if he were three inches taller, he would have been a no-doubter for the top 10. If that's the case, it only makes sense to draft a polished college pitcher with three near plus pitches and a fourth solid pitch.

Sounds like a safe pick with still some real good upside. Though I was not terribly worried about getting White because of his talent, Leake had the much, much better season.

[SoTxRedsFan]

I wanted Crow then Leake. I didn't like Matzek, but I am very biased against HS arms in the top 10.

Sounded like the Reds weren't going to open up the bank for Crow and they were going to take White. So with that information, I am very happy they look Leake.

Especially HS arms wanting to break records with their signing bonus.

[fearofpopvol1]

I still wanted Crow the most, but, Leake is definitely a better pick than what could've been or of what was whispered.

[RedlegJake]

I guess the question I have is do people like Leake better than Crow or Matzek.

Better than Crow - YES. Better than Matzek? Not really but signability is an issue even if you don't want it to. Matzek literally wants record money, he's hard line talking about it and, imo, Matzek has higher upside but Leake is the better bet to make it successfully.

[fearofpopvol1]

The Nationals take Drew Storen with the 10th overall pick.

[NastyBoy]

Looks like a pretty solid pick for the reds... I thought they may take a high school player

[kaldaniels]

Get used to it...he goes by "Leaker".

[RED VAN HOT]

wonderful pick! Like Alonso last year, he is low risk. He will move up quickly. If not for his size, he would have gone higher. Then again, Peavy is about that size and level of competitiveness.

[GoReds33]

I guess the question I have is do people like Leake better than Crow or Matzek.
No, I was looking for Crow because he would be an easier track to the bigs. Also, Crow has better stuff than Leake. I know it's a safe pick, but it's also a bit of a cheap pick.

[Doc. Scott]

Storen was projected like ten picks lower. It's Ryan Wagner redux for Cincy East.

[OnBaseMachine]

I like Baseball America's comparison of Leake to Tim Hudson. Leake compares favorably with Hudson in terms of size and stuff.

[Reds Fanatic]

Leake is on the phone now on MLB network

[SoTxRedsFan]

Talking to Leake now. He had no expectations to go that high.

[Blitz Dorsey]

So.... do you think this is a make-up pick for the undersized pitcher the Reds missed on 2 years ago? lol

It was three years ago but who's counting?

(I still have nightmares about that day.)

[edabbs44]

like the Leake pick. Now we need Tanner Scheppers in the supp and Rudy Stein with our 3rd pick and we are golden.

[fearofpopvol1]

Leake is on the phone with MLB and said he would love to be a 2-way player (pitching/offensive player).

[Doc. Scott]

Leake himself said he didn't expect to go that high.

(I still think it's a pretty decent pick overall.)

The Reds have gone "conservative" two years in a row now. Chris Buckley is known for that, if you go back and look at his high picks in Toronto.

[REDblooded]

It was three years ago but who's counting?

(I still have nightmares about that day.)

it was that long ago? feels like yesterday

[Mario-Rijo]

His pic and where he eventually fits screams Bronson.

[Blitz Dorsey]

I like Baseball America's comparison of Leake to Tim Hudson. Leake compares favorably with Hudson in terms of size and stuff.

Was hoping for more Roy Oswalt than Tim Hudson, but I'd take it (at least Hudson's good years... lol).

[fearofpopvol1]

Talking to Leake now. He had no expectations to go that high.

Yeah, I was going to say...interesting.

[SoTxRedsFan]

Rockies taking White??

[edabbs44]

Storen was projected like ten picks lower. It's Ryan Wagner redux for Cincy East.

Or signability due to the Strasburg millions.

[nemesis]

He (Leake) sounds AA ready. So we could finish with Smith, Wood, Buck, Stewart and Leake in AA.

F'n sick.