Draft: The Draft is On
MLB’s 2008 First-Year Player Draft has begun.
The Mets have three of the first 33 picks, including the No. 18 and No. 22 overall picks.
…Update…2:15 pm…
If you’d like to watch the draft on ESPN 2, go to MLB.com, as they’re streaming it live.
…Update…2:17 pm…
Why is this even important?
The Draft is extra important this season, because, as SNY’s Ted Berg just yelled in the office, “free agency is dead.”
I think that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but his point is understood, which is that when teams like the Rays are locking up Evan Longoria and his 80 major-league at bats to a six-year deal, at a low annual salary, it means the emphasis on home-grown talent is more important than ever.
Couple that to the fact the Mets have not had a first-round pick in two years, but now have three of the first 33 picks, and you’ve got a some-what important day here.
…Update…2:25 pm…
To follow each pick, go to MLB.com and load their Draft Tracker.
…Update…2:30 pm…
The Royals just selected 1B Eric Hosmer, who was among the highest rated players in the draft, a Scott Boras client and a player who likely command a large signing bonus.
And so, if the Royals are not fearful of the Commisioner’s Office, and the slotting system, the Mets should not be as well.
According to Peter Gammons on ESPN, Hosmer could end up becoming the best power hitter in the draft.
…Update…2:44 pm…
The Mets were said to be looking to draft a college bat.
So far, of the first six picks, only one has been a pitcher.
…Update…3:00 pm…
C Jason Castro has been drafted by the Astros.
ESPN and MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo had suggested the Mets may have drafted Castro had he been available.
…Update…3:40 pm…
The above statement can also be said for 1B Justin Smoak, C Brett Lawrie, RHP Ethan Martin and 2B Jemile Weeks, who were all just drafted.
The Mets are on deck, and should be making their first pick in the next 10 minutes or so.
…Update…3:45 pm…
The Blue Jays have selected 1B David Cooper, meaning the Mets are officially on the clock.
…Update…3:50 pm…
The Mets have drafted 1B-OF Ike Davis from Arizona State with their first pick in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft.
For more on Davis, see my post here.
…Update…4:00 pm…
I would like to see the Mets go for another bat, thus maximizing their chances of developing a hitter.
Then, if he’s still available, I am really hoping they can select 2B-SS Cutter Dysktra, Lenny’s son.
…Update…4:16 pm…
The Mets have drafted SS Reese Havens from South Carolina with their second first-round pick in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft.
The Padres then selected Allan Dysktra, who is not Cutter – they are two different people.
…Update…4:32 pm…
Jordan Zakarin, from MetsMinorLeagueBlog.com, will be blogging on this post from this point forward.
…Update…5:15 pm…
The Brewers have drafted Jake Odorizzi with the third pick in the compensation round, which means the Mets are on the clock.
…Update…5:15 pm…
The Mets have drafted RHP Brad Holt from UNC-Wilmington with the third pick in the compensation round.
…Update…6:45 pm…
The Mets have drafted OF Javier Rodriguez, from the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy High School, with the 22nd pick of the second round.
