Long Beach Press-Telegram - Draft a success

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The Surfers weren't sure what they were going to come up with in this draft, not being used to drafting out of the top 3, after all. In the end, they are pretty darned happy with what they got.

#14 - Round 1 - LF [urlhttp://baseballretrospective.com/MBBA/OOTPFiles/lgreports/news/html/players/player_10723.html]Harvey Newton[/url] - Some scouts had Newton ranked the #1 bat in the draft, and the Surfers had actually chosen him 13th overall last season but were unable to sign him. Sitting out a year did nothing to his bat, and Long Beach was stunned to see him still available at #14 this year. Teams may have been scared off by an average batting eye and defense to go along with some intangibles that some believe will stunt his growth. However, a hitter with 9 contact and an 8 bat can't be overlooked this late in the draft. A two-time college All Star, Newton will have some work to do to break into a strong and young Long Beach outfield, and he may ultimately find himself on the trade block.

#17 - Round 1 - SP Albert "Donkey" Martinez - A 3.5 star prospect with 7-8-7 potential and an awesome changeup, Donkey pitched in front of an awful defense in high school which contributed to his 6.14 ERA. For his part, he struck out nearly a batter an inning with outstanding K:BB ratios and kept the ball in the park. He's a long way from ready, but the stocky lefty is only 18, and the Surfers can wait.

#46 - Round 2 - CF John Jordan - A terror on the base paths with excellent range in the outfield, the skinny 19 year old has scouts raving about his intangibles and his natural athleticism. He only played one year in high school but hit .543 with more than an extra base hit per game. He ultimately projects as a good contact hitter, but his power and eye are average at best.

#51 - Round 2 - RF Ed Hennessey - Yes, that's right...another outfielder. The Surfers continue in the "best player available regardless of position" philosophy of minor league acquisition. Hennessey is another speed merchant and a two-time high school All Star. He's got decent power and gap ability, and the club is hoping he can develop as a platoon player in time. He hit as many as 20 homers in a season in high school.