Long Beach Press-Telegram - 2003 Draft through Round 3

[jcrmoon42]

Since our first three players taken look like they might actually have a big league future, I figured we could take a look at them. After this point, it is a craps shoot anyway. Although, some pretty rough looking late round picks could probably still play for my squad.

By the way, I get a perverse satisfaction out of watching guys I waive get picked up. It makes me wonder how those teams are doing so much better if guys I can't figure out how to keep on the roster still get picked up by other teams. Just sayin'.

So, in round 1, the club went with Bill "Homicide" Carver who has refused to comment on why he insists on that nickname. Hey, if that's what the guy wants, so be it. Who am I to say? Carver was the most advanced hitting prospect in the draft, showing potential all the way around as a hitter. The knock against him is that he is a bit of a brick as far as his range goes, and transitioning him to the outfield is just not an option due to his penchant for throwing balls into the stands. However, as a third baseman, he shows an acceptable glove and much better throwing control. He's not much to look at over there, but we believe he can get the job done. A 3-time college All Star, he put up back to back OPS+ of 246 in the last two years. At age 22, he probably needs a year or two of seasoning, but will soon be ready to join some other fantastic prospects in the Surfer lineup.

Round 2 went to big, righty pitcher, Erik Turner. With a 97 MPH cutter and a developing changeup, you have to expect some Ks to come out of that arm. With solid endurance and two very good pitches, he may be a candidate for starting pitcher conversion. Unfortunately, his control is average at best and is the biggest reason he slipped in the draft. Still, he has seen a couple of talent bumps during his college years, and possibility is about all you can hope for at pick 38.

In round 3, the club gambled on a finesse reliever who is only 18 years old in Donald Kelly. Kelly shows outstanding movement and control potential, although his stuff is only average. He's certainly not going to blow anyone away at 85MPH, but he pitched well in high school, especially considering the atrocious .417 BABIP he suffered. Apparently, his high school team only had one outfielder. He's not going to knock anyone's socks off, but his skill set will still hopefully land him in the big leagues one day.

[recte44]

I like Turner, as a reliever. Kelly has a great GB%, but really poor pitches.