On Wednesday, we identified the four baseball drafts in which every one of the first 10 players selected reached the big leagues. In contrast, there have been two drafts in history (1975 and 2000) which yielded only four big leaguers among the initial 10 selections. Appropriately, those drafts have been widely panned as the weakest ever.
The book has not been closed yet on 2000 as there are still three players active in the minor leagues, but none has played in the big leagues after eight seasons in the minor leagues. Only Mike Stodolka, who went 20-39, 4.93 in six years as a pitcher before converting to first base, is given a realistic shot. He opened the 2007 season at Double-A Wichita.
Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, the first overall pick, and Devil Rays outfielder Rocco Baldelli are the only players selected in the first 10 in 2000 currently in the big leagues. Among those who washed out was high school righthander Matt Harrington, who did not sign with the Rockies as the seventh overall pick that year despite a bonus offer that approached $4 million. Harrington spent his entire career in independent ball before signing with the Chicago Cubs late last year. But Harrington never pitched a game in the Cubs organization as he was released late in spring training. |
| |
| Top 10 Draft Picks, 2000 |
| |
|
2007 Team |
| 1. |
*Adrian Gonzalez, 1b, Marlins |
San Diego |
| 2. |
*Adam Johnson, rhp, Twins |
Out of baseball |
| 3. |
Luis Montanez, ss, Cubs |
Norfolk (AAA) |
| 4. |
Mike Stodolka, lhp, Royals |
Wichita (AA) |
| 5. |
*Justin Wayne, rhp, Expos |
Out of baseball |
| 6. |
*Rocco Baldelli, of, Devil Rays |
Tampa Bay |
| 7. |
Matt Harrington, rhp, Rockies |
Out of baseball |
| 8. |
Matt Wheatland, rhp, Tigers |
Out of baseball |
| 9. |
Mark Phillips, lhp, Padres |
Out of baseball |
| 10. |
Joe Torres, lhp, Angels |
Winston-Salem (A) | |
| *Played in major leagues |
| -- Allan Simpson |
|