2004 MLB Draft and Pitchers

[crazybob60]

The 2004 draft was a draft that so far has shown us a lot of pitching and already at the big league level and I could possibly see a few more of these here in the near future as well and these guys just aren't going out on the big league level and pitching well, but they are pretty much dominating. And some of the others are not too far off in the distance and are pretty much tearing it up in the minors. Has any other pitching class had this many prospects this quickly and succeeding this quickly or possibly even had this many stars in there class over their careers at all. I am sure that the 2004 class has been discussed on here before, I am just now noticing it myself since the Bill Bray move had been finalized. Although this could be just me and me not knowing the history of the MLB draft very well and pitching like this could happen quite this often and fast just like this, my gut tells me it doesn't but I thought that this would be some fun. Here is a short list of all those.

2. Justin Verlander -- Tigers (Rookie) 11-4 75 K 2.83 ERA
6. Jeremy Sowers -- Indians (Rookie) 1-3 8 K 7.15 ERA
7. Homer Bailey -- Reds (A, AA) 7-5 104 K 2.66 ERA
12. Jered Weaver -- Angels (AAA) 6-1 105 K 1.95 ERA
(MLB) 6-0 36 K 1.12 ERA
13. Bill Bray -- Expos (Nationals)
(Reds) (BOTH) 2-1 16 K 3.75 ERA
27. Taylor Tankersley -- Marlins (AA) 4-1 40 K 0.95 ERA
(MLB) 1-0 2 Saves 13 K 1.69 ERA

Others:
3. Phillip Humber -- Mets Coming back from an injury???
4. Jeffrey Niemann -- Devil Rays (AA) 0-3 32 K 3.33 ERA
5. Mark Rogers -- Brewers (Hi-A) 1-2 96 K 5.07 ERA
8. Wayne Townsend -- Orioles ?????????????????????????
10. Thomas Diamond -- Rangers (AA) 9-4 115 K 3.90 ERA
16. David Purcey -- Blue Jays (AA) 3-2 25 K 5.01 ERA
17. Timothy Elbert -- Dodgers ????????????????????????
19. Christopher Lambert -- Cardinals (AA) 8-8 91 K 5.21 ERA
22. Glen Perkins -- Twins (AA) 2-10 96 K 4.05 ERA
23. Philip Hughes -- Yankees (AA) 5-3 76 K 2.75 ERA
25. Steven Waldrop -- Twins ?????????????????????????
29. Matthew Campbell -- Royals ????????????????????????
30. Eric Hurley -- Rangers (Hi-A) 5-5 100 K 3.87 ERA

Thoughts? Opinions??? Add anything on? Any additional info on Philip Humber, Wayne Townsend, Tim Elbert, Steven Waldrop, Matthew Campbell

[princeton]

Townshend didn't sign with the O's, went to TB in the first round of the following draft, and had TJ surgery this offseason

I'd have cyberdrafted Townshend that year if forced to by ownership, but preferred taking a flyer on Jered Weaver, whose timetable matched the Reds' talent structure better

[crazybob60]

I remember watching that draft online and hoping and praying that the Reds would take Jered Weaver even though I knew there was no way that they would or could take him because of his agent and price tag. Which is a real shame. I am glad though we got Homer Bailey in that draft!

[NoColonBoy]

Originally Posted by crazybob60

I remember watching that draft online and hoping and praying that the Reds would take Jered Weaver even though I knew there was no way that they would or could take him because of his agent and price tag. Which is a real shame. I am glad though we got Homer Bailey in that draft!

Imagine where this franchise would be had it drafted Jared Weaver in 2004 AND Scott Kazmir in 2002.

It's one thing to second guess the draft with 20/20 hindsight. It's another thing to pass up consensus top pitchers because of the initial price tag--then throw millions at the likes of Paul Wilson and Eric Milton. Penny smart and pound foolish.

[Unassisted]

Originally Posted by NoColonBoy

Imagine where this franchise would be had it drafted Jared Weaver in 2004 AND Scott Kazmir in 2002.

Carl Lindner never wanted his wallet to be tapped that hard. If it had been, I think the major league payroll would have suffered. That's how I imagine this happening.

[johngalt]

Originally Posted by crazybob60

Thoughts? Opinions??? Add anything on? Any additional info on Philip Humber, Wayne Townsend, Tim Elbert, Steven Waldrop, Matthew Campbell

I'm pretty sure that "Tim" Elbert is actually Scott Elbert and that "Steven" Waldrop is Kyle Waldrop. Both are still pitching as far as I know, and Elbert has become one of the best lefthanded prospects in the game.

[Luvsbaseball]

AND..... Scott Elbert just got promoted to AA. GREAT LHP