Written by Greg Fertel
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08 June 2007
The Yankees started strong in the first 5 rounds with highlights including the
Andrew Brackman pick in round 1 and the
Brad Suttle pick in round 4. In the second day of the draft, with so many no-name players being drafted, the Yanks managed to make some splashes with some high-ceiling picks in the late rounds. With Brackman, Suttle, and other tough signs like Greg Peavey, Chris Carpenter and Carmen Angelini, the Yankees have continued to flex their financial muscle, as they will have to go over slot to sign these guys just as they did last season for Kennedy, Chamberlain, Melancon and Betances, among others. I wouldn't have minded to see them take a flier on Matt Harvey with their 2nd round pick, but he sounds like he will be very expensive, and could be UNC bound anyway. If they can bring these guys into the fold, especially Peavey, they will have done a great job of reloading the farm system with high-ceiling talent. Carpenter could be a great bullpen arm or a decent starter if he works on his control, Peavey has mid-rotation upside, and Angelini is toolsy enough to be an effective major league shortstop or could be moved to another position. In addition to these tough sign draftees, they also made one of the coolest picks in the draft with Creighton switch-pitcher Pat Venditte, with the 1345th pick. I have no problem with a gimmick pick like this so late in the draft, and I hope he pitches well in the minors. If they can come to terms with these tough sign players, they will continue to contribute to the renaissance of the Yankees' farm system.
