Special_K19
05-21-2003, 02:39 PM
From Cleveland Indians Report (http://cir.blogspot.com/)
The 1999 Indians draft is regarded in baseball circles as one of the worst drafts in history. Not just Indians history, but in major league history. Think about that. Out of the approximately 900-some draft classes selected over the past 37 years, the following group of draftees has been recognized as one of the worst assemblages of talent put together by one organization. Now consider that this draft class should be at the core of the young players on the big league roster and in the upper levels of the farm system and you get an idea of the magnitude of the talent deprivation in the farm system when John Hart left for Texas. Yes, the money (or lack thereof) was a big factor in his leaving, but don't think for a minute that the huge talent void in the organization did not play a part in his decision making process either.
How bad is this class? The first selection was out of baseball after two seasons. None of the first 19 selections have sniffed the major leagues. Two of the first six picks did not even sign with the Tribe. They drafted three seniors from Duke. They drafted three high school pitchers from the State of Michigan. They drafted two guys (Monte Mansfield and Francis Finnerty) who sound like they belong in a Vaudeville Act, not on a ball field. Only six of the 49 selections (one in Cleveland, two in Akron, and three in extended spring training) remain with the organization and I'm being generous as one of those six was redrafted and signed three years later. The Tribe went for tools and missed on almost every selection. They then compounded their errors by overpaying on signing bonuses. Jason Davis, Fernando Cabrera, and Kyle Denney are doing their best to salvage something from this group but, as drafts go, this one was a complete disaster.
Following is a round-by-round review of the Indians 1999 draft. Note that they did not have a 1st round pick that year due to signing Roberto Alomar as a free-agent.
2) Will Hartley, C, Florida HS, #74 overall, $725,000
Ridiculed when he was selected, even more so when he signed for an above slot bonus, Hartley spent two disastrous seasons in the Tribe system before he was released.
Note: With the #89 pick, the Twins signed Justin Morneau for $290,000. All he's done this season is blast 14 homeruns in AA and AAA and become the premier hitting prospect in the American League. The Indians also passed on Josh Bard (#100, $387k, Colorado) and Hank Blalock (#105, $288k, Texas). Bard is, of course, the Indians starting catcher and all Blalock has done this season is lead the American League in hitting as a 22-year old.
3) Eric Johnson, RF, Western Carolina, #107 overall, $700,000
Tools pick and another above-slot bonus. Had an intriguing 1st half of 2000 in the Sally League (.309, 41 steals) but has been more tools than performance ever since. Sat out all of 2002 to pursue a football career and spent some time on the Bears practice squad last year. This is not the Eric Johnson that went to the Super Bowl with the Raiders. Was back with the Indians this spring and could still be in Florida in extended spring training. He turns 26 in August and I think I just heard the prospect clock stop ticking.
4) Jeff Baker, SS, Virginia HS, #137 overall
Did not sign with the Indians and went on to an All-American career at Clemson. First round talent who slid into the 4th round of the 2002 draft due to the Scott Boras factor before he was selected by Colorado. Currently hitting .271/.318/.424/742 with two homers for Asheville in the South Atlantic League. If he had signed with the Tribe, it's possible he could have been the Indians starting third basemen this season.
Note: With the above two picks, the Indians passed twice on Ken Harvey (#151, $130k, KC) and Clint Nageotte (#155, unknown bonus, Cleveland area kid now a top prospect with the Mariners)
5) Curtis Gay, 1B, Oklahoma City Univ, #167 overall, $150,000
Who? Exactly. His .141 average in the Valley in 2001 signaled the end of his career.
6) Shane Wallace, LHP, Texas HS, #197 overall, $290,000
Appeared to blossom in 2001 at Kinston (10-2, 1.61, 84 IP, 65 H, 16 W, 60 K) only to be derailed by Tommy John surgery. Returned last season with mixed results. Currently in extended spring training after starting the season in Akron.
Note: Covelli Crisp was taken by the Cardinals with pick #222 and signed for $85,000.
7) Daylon Monette, OF, California HS, #227 overall
Did not sign with the Indians and went on to an All-Big 12 career at Oklahoma State. Selected in the 15th round last year by the Cardinals and is currently hitting .229/.270/.257 in 35 ABs with the Peoria Chiefs of the Midwest League
8) Devin Rogers, RHP, Nicholls State, #257 overall, $76,000
Struck out 83 in 89.2 innings for Columbus in 2000. Right shoulder surgery Sept 2000, UCL sprain in right elbow July 2001, Tommy John surgery May 2002. Ouch.
9) Steve Cowie, RHP, Duke, #287 overall, $20,000
Got off to a good start in the Valley in 1999, striking out 83 in 61.2 innings. Followed that with a 3.39 ERA in 14 starts for Columbus in the first half of 2000 that earned him a spot on the Sally League All-Star Team. Finished the season in Kinston where his H/IP and K/BB ratios plummeted. Made two appearances for Kinston in 2001 and then disappeared due to injury.
Note: The Indians gave Cowie $20,000 to sign when other college seniors taken in the same round were receiving anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 to $10,000 to sign. Who inked for only one grand? That would be Oakland A's starting second basemen Mark Ellis (drafted by Kansas City). Phillies rookie outfielder Marlon Byrd was selected with pick #306 and signed for $38,000.
10) Fernando Cabrera, RHP, Puerto Rico HS, #317 overall, $90,000
Finally, a player worth talking about. The fact it's taken until the 10th round says everything about this draft. Cabrera has one of the better arms in the Indians system and would probably have made the Indians top 10 prospect lists this offseason if not for the mass influx of prospects via trade last year. Currently pitching for Akron and has a 2.36 ERA in 8 starts with 48 strikeouts in 42 innings. Opposing batters are hitting him at a .248 clip. A move to the back of the bullpen is expected later this year. Added to the 40-man roster last November.
11) Monte Mansfield, RHP, California HS
Attended Riverside CC instead of signing with the Indians. Did not come to terms as a DFE and was selected by the Astros in the 16th round of the 2000 draft. Currently has a 4.30 ERA in 13 games out of the bullpen for the Salem Avalanche in the Carolina League.
12) Francis Finnerty, INF, Florida HS
Right shoulder surgery in 1999, spent three years in short-season ball. Released in June 2002.
13) Adam Barr, LHP, Pennsylvania HS
112 walks in 107.2 innings over three seasons before he was released.
18) Kyle Moyer, 1B, Ohio HS
Big kid who sat out 2001 after foot surgery. Retired in March 2002.
19) Travis Santini, OF, Florida HS
Three years in the Tribe system produced a .225 average in 130 games with seven homeruns. Released March 2002.
21) Jason Davis, RHP, Cleveland State CC
The first (and only) member of this class to reach the big leagues. Signed as a DFE in May 2000, Davis blossomed in the second half last year and rocketed all the way from Kinston to Cleveland. Some insiders say he has the best stuff of any pitcher in the organization although his dominance stats (K, K/BB) haven't really backed that up yet. Inconsistent in the bigs this season but that's not unexpected given his age (23) and lack of experience (13 starts above class-A entering this season). The future remains bright.
26) Kyle Denney, RHP, Oklahoma Univ
Unheralded prospect who has bounced back strong from Tommy John surgery (June 2001) this season in Akron, posting a 2.51 ERA in 8 starts with 41 strikeouts in 46.2 innings. Opposing hitters have a .232 batting average against him. Temper those numbers a bit by acknowledging that he'll be 26 in July. Unbelievable first half in Kinston before the injury (5-3, 2.05, 57 IP, 32 H, 13 W, 80 K). Potential 3rd-4th starter in the big leagues but could get overlooked with all the pitchers in front of (and behind) him. Likely candidate to be included as the throw-in prospect in a package deal.
30) William McKenzie, RHP, Tennessee HS
Did not sign with the Indians. Nor did he sign with the Tribe when they drafted him in the 35th round of the 2000 draft out of Walters State CC.
32) Benjamin Francisco, OF, California HS
Did not sign with the Indians, choosing instead to attend UCLA. Wait a minute. Francisco.... UCLA....outfielder...yup, this is the same Ben Francisco that the Indians drafted in the 5th round last year and who tore up the NY-Penn league last season. Setback with a broken hand this spring, he's rehabbing in Winter Haven and expected to report to Kinston in mid-June.
33) Scott Thomas, RHP, Michigan HS
Did not sign with the Indians. Re-selected in the 32nd round in 2000 but did not sign until December. The wait was worth it, though, as Thomas posted a 6.52 ERA with 12 walks in 9.2 innings in Burlington in 2001.
38) John Christ, LHP, Johns Hopkins
Let's see. You're a Johns Hopkins grad and you can sign for $2,000 and enjoy 10 hour bus trips in a smelly cramped bus or you can be a doctor. A glutton for punishment, he lasted through the 2001 season when he made four appearances for Columbus.
39) Byron Ewing, 1B, Howard
Made it as far as Kinston where he hit seven homeruns in 301 ABs in 2001. Hit .176 in 34 at-bats for the Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs last year. Released March 2002.
41) Roger Royce Ring, LHP, California HS
Drafted as Roger Ring, he dissed the Tribe in favor of San Diego State. Three years later, he was drafted as Royce Ring in the 1st round of the 2002 draft by the White Sox and currently sports a 0.48 ERA in 19 innings in double-A, striking out 26 hitters in 18.2 innings.
42) Anthony Lunetta, SS, California HS
Chose to attend U$C instead of signing with the Indians. Ranked the #74 best prospect in SoCal by Baseball America as a college senior. BA notes that he had Tommy John surgery as a sophomore and limited range at short will likely force a move to second in the pros.
44) Michael Bishop, OF, Kansas State
Great college quarterback. Horrible baseball player. Pretty sure he won a Super Bowl ring with the Patriots.
45) Doug Johnson, RHP, New Hampshire HS
Attended Bryant College (RI) instead of signing with the Indians. Selected in the 5th round of the 2002 draft by the Rockies. Has a 4.71 ERA in 10 appearances for Asheville this year and opponents are hitting .301 against him.
46) Jeff Becker, SS, Duke
Split 2001 between Columbus and Kinston before realizing that his Duke education was going to do more for him than his bat and glove ever would. Still, he lived the dream for awhile. Retired March 2002.
48) Simon Young, LHP, Georgia Tech
Excellent debut in 2000 as he fashioned a 1.75 ERA in 14 starts in the Valley. Struggled in a promotion to class-A the following season. Returned to the Valley in 2002 with decent numbers but was released in November 2002.
50) John Gall, 1B, Stanford
Did not sign with the Indians. Selected in the 11th round of the 2000 draft by the Cardinals. Hit .327/.357/.519 with three homeruns in double-A before a promotion to triple-A in May. Currently hitting .253/.302/.354 with two dingers for the Cardinals triple-A squad.
The 1999 Indians draft is regarded in baseball circles as one of the worst drafts in history. Not just Indians history, but in major league history. Think about that. Out of the approximately 900-some draft classes selected over the past 37 years, the following group of draftees has been recognized as one of the worst assemblages of talent put together by one organization. Now consider that this draft class should be at the core of the young players on the big league roster and in the upper levels of the farm system and you get an idea of the magnitude of the talent deprivation in the farm system when John Hart left for Texas. Yes, the money (or lack thereof) was a big factor in his leaving, but don't think for a minute that the huge talent void in the organization did not play a part in his decision making process either.
How bad is this class? The first selection was out of baseball after two seasons. None of the first 19 selections have sniffed the major leagues. Two of the first six picks did not even sign with the Tribe. They drafted three seniors from Duke. They drafted three high school pitchers from the State of Michigan. They drafted two guys (Monte Mansfield and Francis Finnerty) who sound like they belong in a Vaudeville Act, not on a ball field. Only six of the 49 selections (one in Cleveland, two in Akron, and three in extended spring training) remain with the organization and I'm being generous as one of those six was redrafted and signed three years later. The Tribe went for tools and missed on almost every selection. They then compounded their errors by overpaying on signing bonuses. Jason Davis, Fernando Cabrera, and Kyle Denney are doing their best to salvage something from this group but, as drafts go, this one was a complete disaster.
Following is a round-by-round review of the Indians 1999 draft. Note that they did not have a 1st round pick that year due to signing Roberto Alomar as a free-agent.
2) Will Hartley, C, Florida HS, #74 overall, $725,000
Ridiculed when he was selected, even more so when he signed for an above slot bonus, Hartley spent two disastrous seasons in the Tribe system before he was released.
Note: With the #89 pick, the Twins signed Justin Morneau for $290,000. All he's done this season is blast 14 homeruns in AA and AAA and become the premier hitting prospect in the American League. The Indians also passed on Josh Bard (#100, $387k, Colorado) and Hank Blalock (#105, $288k, Texas). Bard is, of course, the Indians starting catcher and all Blalock has done this season is lead the American League in hitting as a 22-year old.
3) Eric Johnson, RF, Western Carolina, #107 overall, $700,000
Tools pick and another above-slot bonus. Had an intriguing 1st half of 2000 in the Sally League (.309, 41 steals) but has been more tools than performance ever since. Sat out all of 2002 to pursue a football career and spent some time on the Bears practice squad last year. This is not the Eric Johnson that went to the Super Bowl with the Raiders. Was back with the Indians this spring and could still be in Florida in extended spring training. He turns 26 in August and I think I just heard the prospect clock stop ticking.
4) Jeff Baker, SS, Virginia HS, #137 overall
Did not sign with the Indians and went on to an All-American career at Clemson. First round talent who slid into the 4th round of the 2002 draft due to the Scott Boras factor before he was selected by Colorado. Currently hitting .271/.318/.424/742 with two homers for Asheville in the South Atlantic League. If he had signed with the Tribe, it's possible he could have been the Indians starting third basemen this season.
Note: With the above two picks, the Indians passed twice on Ken Harvey (#151, $130k, KC) and Clint Nageotte (#155, unknown bonus, Cleveland area kid now a top prospect with the Mariners)
5) Curtis Gay, 1B, Oklahoma City Univ, #167 overall, $150,000
Who? Exactly. His .141 average in the Valley in 2001 signaled the end of his career.
6) Shane Wallace, LHP, Texas HS, #197 overall, $290,000
Appeared to blossom in 2001 at Kinston (10-2, 1.61, 84 IP, 65 H, 16 W, 60 K) only to be derailed by Tommy John surgery. Returned last season with mixed results. Currently in extended spring training after starting the season in Akron.
Note: Covelli Crisp was taken by the Cardinals with pick #222 and signed for $85,000.
7) Daylon Monette, OF, California HS, #227 overall
Did not sign with the Indians and went on to an All-Big 12 career at Oklahoma State. Selected in the 15th round last year by the Cardinals and is currently hitting .229/.270/.257 in 35 ABs with the Peoria Chiefs of the Midwest League
8) Devin Rogers, RHP, Nicholls State, #257 overall, $76,000
Struck out 83 in 89.2 innings for Columbus in 2000. Right shoulder surgery Sept 2000, UCL sprain in right elbow July 2001, Tommy John surgery May 2002. Ouch.
9) Steve Cowie, RHP, Duke, #287 overall, $20,000
Got off to a good start in the Valley in 1999, striking out 83 in 61.2 innings. Followed that with a 3.39 ERA in 14 starts for Columbus in the first half of 2000 that earned him a spot on the Sally League All-Star Team. Finished the season in Kinston where his H/IP and K/BB ratios plummeted. Made two appearances for Kinston in 2001 and then disappeared due to injury.
Note: The Indians gave Cowie $20,000 to sign when other college seniors taken in the same round were receiving anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 to $10,000 to sign. Who inked for only one grand? That would be Oakland A's starting second basemen Mark Ellis (drafted by Kansas City). Phillies rookie outfielder Marlon Byrd was selected with pick #306 and signed for $38,000.
10) Fernando Cabrera, RHP, Puerto Rico HS, #317 overall, $90,000
Finally, a player worth talking about. The fact it's taken until the 10th round says everything about this draft. Cabrera has one of the better arms in the Indians system and would probably have made the Indians top 10 prospect lists this offseason if not for the mass influx of prospects via trade last year. Currently pitching for Akron and has a 2.36 ERA in 8 starts with 48 strikeouts in 42 innings. Opposing batters are hitting him at a .248 clip. A move to the back of the bullpen is expected later this year. Added to the 40-man roster last November.
11) Monte Mansfield, RHP, California HS
Attended Riverside CC instead of signing with the Indians. Did not come to terms as a DFE and was selected by the Astros in the 16th round of the 2000 draft. Currently has a 4.30 ERA in 13 games out of the bullpen for the Salem Avalanche in the Carolina League.
12) Francis Finnerty, INF, Florida HS
Right shoulder surgery in 1999, spent three years in short-season ball. Released in June 2002.
13) Adam Barr, LHP, Pennsylvania HS
112 walks in 107.2 innings over three seasons before he was released.
18) Kyle Moyer, 1B, Ohio HS
Big kid who sat out 2001 after foot surgery. Retired in March 2002.
19) Travis Santini, OF, Florida HS
Three years in the Tribe system produced a .225 average in 130 games with seven homeruns. Released March 2002.
21) Jason Davis, RHP, Cleveland State CC
The first (and only) member of this class to reach the big leagues. Signed as a DFE in May 2000, Davis blossomed in the second half last year and rocketed all the way from Kinston to Cleveland. Some insiders say he has the best stuff of any pitcher in the organization although his dominance stats (K, K/BB) haven't really backed that up yet. Inconsistent in the bigs this season but that's not unexpected given his age (23) and lack of experience (13 starts above class-A entering this season). The future remains bright.
26) Kyle Denney, RHP, Oklahoma Univ
Unheralded prospect who has bounced back strong from Tommy John surgery (June 2001) this season in Akron, posting a 2.51 ERA in 8 starts with 41 strikeouts in 46.2 innings. Opposing hitters have a .232 batting average against him. Temper those numbers a bit by acknowledging that he'll be 26 in July. Unbelievable first half in Kinston before the injury (5-3, 2.05, 57 IP, 32 H, 13 W, 80 K). Potential 3rd-4th starter in the big leagues but could get overlooked with all the pitchers in front of (and behind) him. Likely candidate to be included as the throw-in prospect in a package deal.
30) William McKenzie, RHP, Tennessee HS
Did not sign with the Indians. Nor did he sign with the Tribe when they drafted him in the 35th round of the 2000 draft out of Walters State CC.
32) Benjamin Francisco, OF, California HS
Did not sign with the Indians, choosing instead to attend UCLA. Wait a minute. Francisco.... UCLA....outfielder...yup, this is the same Ben Francisco that the Indians drafted in the 5th round last year and who tore up the NY-Penn league last season. Setback with a broken hand this spring, he's rehabbing in Winter Haven and expected to report to Kinston in mid-June.
33) Scott Thomas, RHP, Michigan HS
Did not sign with the Indians. Re-selected in the 32nd round in 2000 but did not sign until December. The wait was worth it, though, as Thomas posted a 6.52 ERA with 12 walks in 9.2 innings in Burlington in 2001.
38) John Christ, LHP, Johns Hopkins
Let's see. You're a Johns Hopkins grad and you can sign for $2,000 and enjoy 10 hour bus trips in a smelly cramped bus or you can be a doctor. A glutton for punishment, he lasted through the 2001 season when he made four appearances for Columbus.
39) Byron Ewing, 1B, Howard
Made it as far as Kinston where he hit seven homeruns in 301 ABs in 2001. Hit .176 in 34 at-bats for the Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs last year. Released March 2002.
41) Roger Royce Ring, LHP, California HS
Drafted as Roger Ring, he dissed the Tribe in favor of San Diego State. Three years later, he was drafted as Royce Ring in the 1st round of the 2002 draft by the White Sox and currently sports a 0.48 ERA in 19 innings in double-A, striking out 26 hitters in 18.2 innings.
42) Anthony Lunetta, SS, California HS
Chose to attend U$C instead of signing with the Indians. Ranked the #74 best prospect in SoCal by Baseball America as a college senior. BA notes that he had Tommy John surgery as a sophomore and limited range at short will likely force a move to second in the pros.
44) Michael Bishop, OF, Kansas State
Great college quarterback. Horrible baseball player. Pretty sure he won a Super Bowl ring with the Patriots.
45) Doug Johnson, RHP, New Hampshire HS
Attended Bryant College (RI) instead of signing with the Indians. Selected in the 5th round of the 2002 draft by the Rockies. Has a 4.71 ERA in 10 appearances for Asheville this year and opponents are hitting .301 against him.
46) Jeff Becker, SS, Duke
Split 2001 between Columbus and Kinston before realizing that his Duke education was going to do more for him than his bat and glove ever would. Still, he lived the dream for awhile. Retired March 2002.
48) Simon Young, LHP, Georgia Tech
Excellent debut in 2000 as he fashioned a 1.75 ERA in 14 starts in the Valley. Struggled in a promotion to class-A the following season. Returned to the Valley in 2002 with decent numbers but was released in November 2002.
50) John Gall, 1B, Stanford
Did not sign with the Indians. Selected in the 11th round of the 2000 draft by the Cardinals. Hit .327/.357/.519 with three homeruns in double-A before a promotion to triple-A in May. Currently hitting .253/.302/.354 with two dingers for the Cardinals triple-A squad.