2008 Draft Evaluation

[Mario-Rijo]

Picked this up from ESPN (via BP) thought I'd give it it's own thread so some discussion could take place for it.

Cincinnati Reds

Top pick: Many were surprised to see the Reds select Yonder Alonso with the seventh overall pick while Gordon Beckham and Justin Smoak were still on the board. He's been quite solid, with a .291/.370/.506 line at High-A Sarasota, but concerns about his ability to hit lefties remain, as he's batted .240 without a home run in 25 at-bats against FSL southpaws.

Movin' on up: Given $250,000 as a 35th-round pick out of Florida State, lefty Matt Fairel has a 2.40 ERA in ten starts for Single-A Dayton with 59 strikeouts in 56 and 1/3 innings, while showing off above-average velocity and a nice curve.

Disappointing: Sixth-round pick Alex Buchholz was seen as a good middle infielder with a quick bat, but he's struggled offensively while at Sarasota, batting just .250/.319/.347.

[tripleaaaron]

It is way too early to grade last years draft although it looks to be very solid. You have to mention Zach Stewarts transition to starter and JC Sulbaran showing incredible talent in the WBC. This draft has some interesting high reward guys but it is far too soon to grade it out.