Javelina Draft Recap

Heading into the 2008 draft, Javelina Gm Jamie Hoyle knew he had some work to do. After years of hitching his proverbial waggon to young, unproven players, Hoyle decided to take a different approach; it was time to build his team around a mix of proven veterans and rising stars. Rather than focusing on filling specific needs in the draft, Hoyle made it a point to go after maximum value, regardless of position. The results should speak for themselves.

Pick 1.13 Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Some around the league have called this a "homer pick", and Hoyle agrees; which is to say he looks forward to watching Gonzalez blast another 30 homers in 2008. At 25, Gonzalez is entering his physical prime and has already shown an ability to hit for average and power. He should continue to make gradual improvements over the next 3-5 years, and the Javelina staff expect big things. It's not out of the question to expect .290, 32 HR, 110 RBI, 90 R, and 65-80 walks.

Pick 2.10 Delmon Young, OF
Some have called Young a "young Bobby Abreu", which is to say he is capable of being a 5-6 category star as he continues to grow. Like Gonzalez, he is still learning the game at this level, which means it isnt fair to expect more than gradual improvements this year. As it stands right now, Young is a solid source for a high average, RBI and runs. The Javelina staff expects .295, 18 HR, 92 RBI, 80 R, 15 SB.

Pick 3.13 Mike Lowell, 3B
Last season the Javelina struggled at third base until they traded for Kevin Kouzmanoff at mid season. This year, they decided to be aggressive in persuing reliable production at the position. Enter Mike Lowell. Sure, he's getting up there in age and he's not likely to repeat his 2007 season, but he will still be productive in Boston. The Javelina will take his .290, 20, 90, 80 and enjoy every second of it.

Pick 7.4 Philip Hughes, SP
Was it too early to take him? Probably. Does that mean he won't produce? Nope. Hughes is young, he has good stuff, and is blessed with a strong offense and bullpen to support him. He will start the season as the team's defacto #3 starter. The team has modest expectations for him. There is nothing wrong with 180 IP, 12 W, 4.25 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 160 K from your #3 starter.

Pick 8.4 Kevin Gregg, RP
The closers were going fast, and it was time to grab one. The Marlins won't be very good, but closers on bad teams still approach 30 saves. He should provide some strikeouts, too. The team expects 3.25 ERA, 28 S, 65 K from this closer.

Pick 9.4 Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B
This was a perfect spot to get Kouzmanoff. With Lowell already in-toe, but not likely worthy of a contract, Kouzmanoff seems like a solid fit for a 2-year deal with an eye toward to future. His second half in 2007 suggests that big things could be on the horizon. He was always a good OPS guy in the minors, so the walks should start coming in his second season. The team expects a solid soph season to the tune of .290, 26 HR, 90 RBI, 75 R, 70 BB. Not bad for a back up.

Pick 10.4 Mark Buehrle, SP
This was a solid value pick, as well. Buehrle is not a power pitcher by any means, but the "crafty lefty" is nothing if not reliable. The White Sox as a team could surprise this season, and Buehrle will play a role in that if it happens. Think 3.90, 13 W, 120K, 1.30 WHIP.

Pick 11.4 Brandon Lyon, RP
Lyon was named closer just hours before the team made this pick. He's done it before, and done it quite well. There is no reason to expect him to struggle in this role short of injury. Think 2.90, 4 W, 37 S, 1.20 WHIP, 60 K

Pick 12.4 Shaun Marcum, SP
Marcum showed a glimpse of his ability late last season, much of which came while a member of the Javelina. He's not flashy, he won't dominate in terms of strikeouts, but he will be productive. The team looks forward to watching him grow a little more this season. Think 180 IP, 13 W, 150 K, 1.3 WHIP


Picks 13-24 to come later.