GaryMrMets
06-02-2004, 03:30 PM
http://www.courierpostonline.com/news/sports/s060204h.htm
Phils' top pick likely a pitcher
Wednesday, June 2, 2004
MARTIN FRANK
Gannett News Service
PHILADELPHIA
The Phillies will begin their organizational meetings today to get ready for the annual June draft, Monday and Tuesday, knowing that they'll probably end up with a high school pitcher when they pick in the first round (21st overall).
The Phillies are resigned to this fact even though they have a greater need for a position player, particularly at catcher. But Mike Arbuckle, the Phillies' assistant general manager for scouting and player development, said the chances of such a player being available when the Phillies pick are slim.
"That's just what my gut tells me," Arbuckle said. "From past history, college kids tend to go quickly, and since there are more pitching prospects than position players, I don't see (position players) lasting very long."
Arbuckle wouldn't name players whom the Phillies hope would be available when they pick. But he did say that none of the catching prospects excites him enough to take with the first-round pick.
"There's not a catcher right now that we would envision fitting at 21, and we've tried to invent a couple," he said. "I ran around and saw some catchers myself, hoping I'd like them a little better than some of our other (scouts), and there's not a guy right now who we're excited about."
The Phillies have had some success recently in drafting high school pitchers in the first round. Adam Eaton (1996), now with San Diego, and Brett Myers (1999) are two such pitchers who have made it to the big leagues.
Gavin Floyd (2001) and Cole Hamels (2002) are well on their way toward joining them.
The Phillies took position players in the other years, and all of them - J.D. Drew (now with Atlanta), Pat Burrell and Chase Utley - have made it to the big leagues as well. All of those players, however, went to college.
Arbuckle said that now that the Phillies are having success at the major-league level, they can take the time to nurture and develop a high school player instead of rushing him to the big leagues like many small-market teams are forced to do.
Phillies phodder: Phillies manager Larry Bowa gave the slumping Marlon Byrd (.220 average) and Mike Lieberthal (.224) the night off. Bobby Abreu also rested, but Bowa told Abreu he'd be sitting out this game on Saturday. . . . Jim Thome is the only Phillie among the top five at his position in balloting for the All-Star Game to be played July 13. Pat Burrell, who's third in the National League in RBIs and hitting over .300, isn't among the top 15 in voting for outfielders. . . . John Servis, the trainer for Triple Crown hopeful Smarty Jones, threw out the first pitch Tuesday.
Phils' top pick likely a pitcher
Wednesday, June 2, 2004
MARTIN FRANK
Gannett News Service
PHILADELPHIA
The Phillies will begin their organizational meetings today to get ready for the annual June draft, Monday and Tuesday, knowing that they'll probably end up with a high school pitcher when they pick in the first round (21st overall).
The Phillies are resigned to this fact even though they have a greater need for a position player, particularly at catcher. But Mike Arbuckle, the Phillies' assistant general manager for scouting and player development, said the chances of such a player being available when the Phillies pick are slim.
"That's just what my gut tells me," Arbuckle said. "From past history, college kids tend to go quickly, and since there are more pitching prospects than position players, I don't see (position players) lasting very long."
Arbuckle wouldn't name players whom the Phillies hope would be available when they pick. But he did say that none of the catching prospects excites him enough to take with the first-round pick.
"There's not a catcher right now that we would envision fitting at 21, and we've tried to invent a couple," he said. "I ran around and saw some catchers myself, hoping I'd like them a little better than some of our other (scouts), and there's not a guy right now who we're excited about."
The Phillies have had some success recently in drafting high school pitchers in the first round. Adam Eaton (1996), now with San Diego, and Brett Myers (1999) are two such pitchers who have made it to the big leagues.
Gavin Floyd (2001) and Cole Hamels (2002) are well on their way toward joining them.
The Phillies took position players in the other years, and all of them - J.D. Drew (now with Atlanta), Pat Burrell and Chase Utley - have made it to the big leagues as well. All of those players, however, went to college.
Arbuckle said that now that the Phillies are having success at the major-league level, they can take the time to nurture and develop a high school player instead of rushing him to the big leagues like many small-market teams are forced to do.
Phillies phodder: Phillies manager Larry Bowa gave the slumping Marlon Byrd (.220 average) and Mike Lieberthal (.224) the night off. Bobby Abreu also rested, but Bowa told Abreu he'd be sitting out this game on Saturday. . . . Jim Thome is the only Phillie among the top five at his position in balloting for the All-Star Game to be played July 13. Pat Burrell, who's third in the National League in RBIs and hitting over .300, isn't among the top 15 in voting for outfielders. . . . John Servis, the trainer for Triple Crown hopeful Smarty Jones, threw out the first pitch Tuesday.