The Sox will select eight of the first 172 players, certainly a good opportunity to add some depth to the farm system. Or as Theo Epstein like to say, "diversify the portfolio."
(I love when GMs talk about players like they're stocks and bonds. Brian Cashman often refers to his prospects as "inventory." In the end, it's always a business.)
Kevin Youkilis was an 8th round pick. Mike Cameron went from the 18th round to the All-Star Game and three Gold Gloves. Dan Wheeler, a 34th round pick, has pitched in 21 postseason games. One you get past the first few rounds, the difference between players is fairly marginal.
There's a lot of industry speculation that the Red Sox will take OF Josh Bell, a high school star from Dallas who is committed to the University of Texas. But he also is being advised by Scott Boras, a man you don't need on your side if your intent is to hit the books.
Two well-regarded catchers remain on the board: Andrew Hedges, a high school player headed for UCLA, and Oregon State's Andrew Susac.
There are also a bunch of New England kids who could get selected this afternoon. That list includes:
SS Nick Ahmed, UConn
RHP Antony Meo, Coastal Carolina (via Cranston. R.I.)
RHP Pat Connaughton, St. John's Prep, Danvers
LHP Jack Leathersich, Massachusetts-Lowell
RHP John Magliozzi, Dexter School, Brookline
LHP John Pedrotty, Holy Cross
RHP Adam Ravenelle, Lincoln-Sudberry HS
We'll be busy with the Red Sox-Yankees game today. But there will be draft coverage, promise. There is also talk of the Red Sox conducting a conference call with Matt Barnes and/or Blake Swihart.
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