Draft Recap

Yesterday, the Phillies drafted Jesse Biddle in the first round. Chase Utley, Cole Hamels, and other notable players have been drafted in the first round, however, some star players like Ryan Howard have been drafted in later rounds. Here is a roundup of a busy day in the Phillies draft room:

Jesse Biddle, Germantown, (1st round, 27th overall) - LHP

Biddle has huge upside, great fastball, good curveball, and improving changeup.

Perci Garner, Ball State, (2nd round, 77th overall) - RHP

Cameron Rupp, Texas, (3rd round, 108th overall) - C

Rupp has been praised for his power and strong arm. He is not likely to hit for average, but has strong power potential. He is also solid defensively.

Bryan Morgado, Tennessee (4th round, 141st overall) - LHP

Morgado has been inconsistent. He has an above average fastball, and his slider is developing.

Scott Frazier, Upland HS (5th round- 171st overall)- RHP

Frazier's fastball touches 95 at times. He has a great changeup, and his curveball is improving.

Guantlett Eldemire, Ohio University, (6th round - 201st overall)- CF

Michael Nesseth, Nebraska, (17th round, 531st overall)- RHP

Nesseth was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 15th round in 2009, but he did not sign. He struggled to open the year, and was shut down due to an elbow injury.

In other news, Jamie Moyer's son, Dillon, was drafted in the 22nd round by the Minnesota Twins.

The Pittsburgh Pirates went pitch-crazy. Nine of their first 10 picks were pitchers -- and all of the right handed variety. They did, however, draft a left-handed pitcher in the 13th round, Chris Kirsch, who graduates in my class. Kirsch's fastball touches 90 at times, and has an above average curveball.

And it's not surprising that Bryce Harper was drafted first overall by the Washington Nationals. The kid is a phenom, hitting 500+ foot blasts. Stephen Strasburg is making his major league debut, and Harper isn't too far behind. The 17-year old and Strasburg can make the Nationals a scary team in years to come. Heck, the whole NL East will be scary with Jason Heyward, Strasburg, Harper, Mike Stanton (who also debuts tonight), and Dom Brown.

Strasburg, Draft Picks Signed Before Deadline

At 12:00 midnight, the deadline ended to sign 2009 draft picks. Although his agent is Scott Boras, many believed it would not happen. However, the Washington Nationals signed first overall pick, Stephen Strasburg.

Strasburg and the Nationals agreed to a four year, $15.67 million contract. Strasburg hasn't thrown a pitch in the majors, and he is already making big bucks. Strasburg went 13-1 with a 1.32 ERA at San Diego State this year.

Many believed he would make an impact on the Nationals this year, but Boras said he wants the Nationals to take their time and develop him. 2011 may be a reasonable target.

Among others signed, Dustin Ackley signed a $9.5, five year contract. The second overall pick by the Mariners batted .417 with 22 homers with the University of North Carolina. His teammate, Alex White, signed a $2.25 million contract with the Cleveland Indians. White was drafted 15th overall and had a 8-4 with a 3.87 ERA this season.

The Phillies signed all of their first 10 draft picks. They signed Brody Colvin, their 7th round draft pick.

In other MLB News, Ivan Rodriguez was traded to the Texas Rangers. The Astros acquire Jose Vallejo and Matt Nevarez. Also, the Dodgers may be interested in Vicente Padilla. The Cardinals may be interested in John Smoltz.

They Call Him Baseball's Lebron

They are calling sixteen year old Bryce Harper the Lebron James of baseball. Harper is quitting school to pursue his baseball career.

Harper will attend classes at the College of Southern Nevada over the summer to receive his GED and attend junior college in the fall. If everything stays on schedule, Harper will enter Major League Baseball's 2010 Draft and most likely be selected by the Washington Nationals.

At the age of three, he was playing T-ball against six year olds. At nine, he'd travel all over the country just to play in tournaments for other teams.

For the Las Vegas Wildcats, Harper, a catcher, batted .626 with 14 HR and 55 RBI. He plays the game, and he plays it right. The way Pete Rose played (minus the gambling).

The 6'3", 205-pounder even hit a 570 foot home run. He also hit the longest home run at Tropicana field, a 502 foot blast. Oh yeah, and he was just 15 at the time.

Not only can he hit, but he can clock his fastball at 96 mph. Almost as fast as his bat speed which tops 100 mph. He scored on a wild pitch six times- from second base.

The kid isn't all baseball. His grade point average is 3.5. He also does volunteer work and attends religious classes.

An MLB scout says that if Harper was in the 2009 draft, he would have been one of the top two picks. Says a lot for a sophomore in high school.

A lot of the controversy goes toward the parenting. Shouldn't he finish high school? Did this kid have a childhood? His father was his coach, and Bryce says that he loves the game, and wouldn't trade a piece of his childhood.

As for finishing school, education is important, but this kid has a bright future in front of him. Not every story like this works out, and if it doesn't, he is in trouble. But if it does and Scott Boras his agent, he can soon find himself a millionaire and a star player.

Harper has high expectations for himself. He wants to be in the majors at the age of 18 or 19, wants to be a hall of famer, play in Yankee Stadium, be a Yankee, and be considered one of the best players who ever lived.

Local Draft Picks

The 2009 MLB Draft had a local feel. Several players from high schools and colleges in the area were drafted by Major League teams.

224. Darin Gorski- Kutztown University, drafted by New York Mets
759. Josh Squatrito- Towson University, drafted by St. Louis Cardinals
811. Daniel Perkins- Deleware State University- drafted by Colorado Rockies
823. Kyle Davis- University of Deleware, drafted by Chicago White Sox
974. Thomas Chism- LaSalle University, drafted by New York Mets
1020. Derek Kline- Millersville University, drafted by Detroit Tigers
1067. Phil Aviola- Wilmington College, drafted by Philadelphia Phillies
1151. Sean Barksdale- Temple University, drafted by Houston Astros
1157. Cory Wine- Penn State University, drafted by Philadelphia Phillies
1217. Robert Amaro- William Penn Charter HS, drafted by Philadelphia Phillies (also nephew of Ruben Amaro Jr.)
1242. Pat Butler- Chatham HS, drafted by Minnesota Twins
1313. Angelo Mark- East Stroudsburg University, drafted by Seattle Mariners.
1370. Addison Dunn- Warren Area HS, drafted by Chicago Cubs
1457. Wander Nunez- Frankford HS, drafted by Philadelphia Phillies
1497. Chris Gosik- Malvern Prep HS, drafted by Philadelphia Phillies
1502. Anthony Scirrotto- Penn State University, drafted by Kanas City Royals

Phillies News: The Phillies won in another thriller, 6-3. Raul Ibanez hit the game winner, a three run shot in the tenth inning.

Jamie Moyer pitched 6 innings and allowed 3 earned runs, all Carlos Beltran RBI. Matt Stairs tied the game in the 7th to give the Phillies a chance.

Jon Lester of the Red Sox and Joe Blanton go head to head Friday.

Call of the day: In 2007, Aaron Rowand's swinging bunt tied the game, which was key in the Phillies win.

"Dribbles it softly. Stays fair! It stays fair! Wow! Swinging
bunt base hit! Victorino scores and this game is tied 2-2. Nothing the
Mets can do about that! A swinging bunt hit for Aaron Rowand and the
Phillies have tied it."

Dugan Expected To Sign

The Phillies first draft pick, Kelly Dugan, is expected to sign with the Phillies instead of attending Pepperdine, where he was committed to attending.

Dugan is extremely excited by the opportunity and has already bonded with Pat Gillick, and has a close relationship to the Happy Madison Production Company. His father Dennis directed a few Adam Sandler movies.

He even managed to get Kevin James, a die hard Mets fan, to wear a Phillies shirt for the occasion.

Remember the Declaration of Independence play scene in"Big Daddy?" If you go to Kelly Dugan's IMDB page, it says that he played a part in "Big Daddy." A small part, but I might have found it. I have no idea if this is actually Kelly, but I'd say it kind of looks like him.

Here is the YouTube video of his part.

Draft Round Up

The first two picks from the draft preview were right on, but here is how the rest of the draft shaped up.

1. Washington Nationals
RHP: Stephen Strasburg- San Diego State

2. Seattle Mariners
1B/OF: Dustin Ackley- UNC

3. San Diego Padres
OF: Donovan Tate- Cartersville HS

Tate has five-tool potential. He has decent speed, a good arm, and average power. Fielding, he reads the ball well. The question is whether he can stay consistent.

4. Pittsburgh Pirates
C: Tony Sanchez- Boston College

Sanchez went higher than expected. He is a solid defensive catcher with good catch-and-throw skills. Has little power.

5. Baltimore Orioles
RHP: Matt Hobgood- Norco HS

He has good mechanics and throws his fastball in the low 90s. His curveball is his best pitch.

6. San Francisco Giants
RHP: Zach Wheeler- East Paudling HS

7. Atlanta Braves
LHP: Mike Minor- Vanderbilt

8. Cincinatti Reds
RHP: Mike Leake- Arizona State

9. Detroit Tigers
RHP: Jacob Turner- Westminster Christian Acadamy

10. Washington Nationals
RHP: Drew Storen- Stanford

Tyler Matzek was drafted by the Colardo Rockies (11th overall). Aaron Crow was drafted by the Kansas City Royals (12th overall. Alex White was drafted by the Cleveland Indians (15th overall).

Call of the Day: Pat Burrell was no stranger to hitting home runs.

"Burrell hits it to deep left center field, and this ball is outta here! Home
run Pat Burrell number eight for Burrell. And the Phillies jump to a 1-0 lead
here in the second."

Phillies Draft Dugan 75th Overall

In the second round, the Philadelphia Phillies selected Kelly Dugan 75th overall. Dugan was drafted out of Notre Dame HS.

A Pepperdine signee, Dugan was Notre Dame’s top player. A tall and thin switch hitter, Dugan has power to both fields. The Phillies drafted him as an outfielder although he has played first base.

In his junior season, he batted .438 with 28 RBI and 4 HR. He hit .379 with 8 HR in his senior year.

Baseball America provided analysis on Dugan in April:

"No one should alter his swing, but Dugan may benefit from lower, more relaxed
hands. In addition, Dugan initiates his load mechanism too late, often forcing
him to flick at the ball as it is nearly past him. He’ll probably windup in
college after the June draft, but there is little doubt that Dugan has the
ability to be a top draftee in 2012."

Mock Draft and Scouting

MLB.com put up a mock draft. Here is their top 10, along with some additional research and insight.

1. Washington Nationals
RHP: Stephen Strasburg- San Diego State

He is the biggest name on the board. Expected to go number one overall, Strasburg could make an impact this season. With the Nationals being the worst team in the majors, don't be surprised if he is in a major league uniform this season, or skips the minors all together.

Scouting reports say his fastball regularly clocks at 100 mph, which is accompanied by a slider that reaches 88-90 mph. He is working on his changeup, but has very good command of his fastball.

2. Seattle Mariners

1B/OF: Dustin Ackley- UNC

His quick wrists make him a pure hitter. He doesn't have raw power, but makes hard contact and has above average speed.

3. San Diego Padres

LHP: Mike Minor- Vanderbilt

His fastball ranges from the high 80s to low 90s. His changeup is said to be his best pitch and he keeps it down in the zone.

4. Pittsburgh Pirates

RHP: Aaron Crow- Fort Worth Cats

The velocity of his fastball reaches the low to mid 90s, and he locates well. His slider is his strikeouts pitch. His funky delivery questions if he can be a starter.

5. Baltimore Orioles

RHP: Zach Wheeler- East Paudling HS

His mechanics may need little tweaking at the pro-level, but overall they are fundamentally sound. He has good command of fastball. He also has a good curve ball.

6. San Francisco Giants

LHP: Tyle Matzek- Capistrano Valley HS

He throws his fastball 90-94 mph, with life. His slider gets right handed batters out. He has a good curve and average changeup. He is projected as a #2 or 3 starter in the future. He is not explosive, but does everything well.

7. Atlanta Braves

RHP: Alex White- UNC

He has a lively arm and his fastball can reach 96-97 mph. He has a great slider and developing splitter. He sometimes has trouble with command, resulting in walks.

8. Cincinatti Reds

RHP: Mike Leake- Arizona State

His fastball ranges from 89-92, but the curveball is his best pitch. He is not overpowering, but has above average command.

9. Detroit Tigers

RHP: Jacob Turner- Westminster Christian Acadamy

He has a decent fastball he throws in low 90s. His curveball is improving.

10. Washington Nationals

RHP: Drew Storen- Stanford

He is a closer, but could be converted to a starter. He throws his fastball in mid 90s and his changeup is improving.

Call of the Day: Chase Utley isn't afraid of diving catches.

"Alex Rios leads it off for the Jays. Lined out to right field- rips one..
oh what a play by Chase Utley. Great diving grab by Utley, and that is one
down here in the third inning."

Phillies Draft Preview

In recent years, the Phillies have had success in the MLB Draft. The Phillies do not get their first pick until the second round, 75th overall.

"It's hard to guess who might be available. When it comes up to our time, I
think we'll take the best guy available at that point." assistant general
manager Benny Looper said.

Scouting director Marti Woelver says the Phillies main targets are a bat and a left handed pitcher, preferably a starter.

Like in recent years, the Phillies will not be limiting their players to have college experience. The Phillies are not afraid to draft a player out of high school.

Notable Phillies draft picks:

2008: Anthony Hewitt (1st round, 24th overall out of Salisbury HS)

2007: Joe Savery (1st round, 19th overall out of Rice University)

2006: Kyle Drabek (1st round, 18th overall out of The Woodlands HS)

Jason Donald (3rd round, 97th overall out of University of Arizona)

2004: Greg Golson (1st round, 21st overall out of Connally HS)

Lou Marson ( 4th round, 122nd overall out of Coronado HS)
J.A Happ (3rd round, 92nd overall out of Northwestern University)

2003: Michael Bourn (4th round, 115th overall out of University of Houston)

2002: Cole Hamels (1st round, 17th overall out of Rancho Bernardo HS)

2001: Gavin Floyd (1st round, 4th overall out of Mt. St. Joseph's HS)

Ryan Howard (5th round 140th overall out of Missouri State University)

2000: Chase Utley (1st round, 15th overall out of UCLA)

1999: Brett Myers (1st round, 12th overall out of Englewood HS)

1998: Pat Burrell (1st overall out of University of Miami)

Jason Michaels (4th round, 104th overall out of University of Miami)

1997: J.D Drew (1st round, second overall out of Florida State University)- Did not sign

Randy Wolf (2ns round, 57th overall out of Pepperdine University)

Derrick Turnbow (5th round, 146th overall out of Franklin HS)

1996: Adam Eaton (1st round, 11th overall out of Snohomish HS)

Jimmy Rollins (2nd round, 46th overall out of Encinal HS)

1993: Scott Rolen (2nd round, 46th overall out of Jasper HS)

1991: Kevin Stocker (2nd round, 54th overall out of University of Washington)

1990: Mike Lieberthal (1st round, 3rd overall out of Westlake HS)

1988: Mickey Morandini (5th round, 120th overall out of Indiana University)

1983: Ricky Jordan (1st round, 22nd overall out of Grant HS)

1974: Lonnie Smith (1st round, 3rd overall out of Centennial HS)

1972: Larry Christenson (1st round, 3rd overall out of Marysville, WA)

1971: Mike Schmidt (2nd round, 30th overall out of Ohio University)

1968: Greg Luzinski (1st round, 11th overall out of Notre Dame HS)

Phuture Phillies projects the Phillies will go with first baseman Jeff Malm out of Bishop Gorman HS.

Be sure to check back at 2:00 for a mock draft.

QUOTE SOURCE: Phillies.com