Written by Greg Fertel
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05 June 2008
The biggest news so far is that the Rays have reportedly decided to take high school shortstop Tim Beckham with the #1 overall pick. They were deciding between Florida State catcher Buster Posey and the toolsy Beckham, but it appears that they have made their decision, and went for the high-ceiling talent.
Part of the reason for this decision could be the news that Posey is reportedly demanding a 12 million dollar bonus to sign, far more than Matt Weiters, a superior college catching prospect, received. While it is unlikely that any team will give him that much to sign, it could be a posture to try and slide down to a big-market team that would be willing to shell out the big bucks for him. I can't see him falling all the way down to 28, but if he does, I think the Yankees have to pick him.
Another top 10 talent reportedly demanding an exorbitant bonus is Miami 1st baseman Yonder Alonso, who apparently requires and 8 million dollar major league contract to sign. He is also not good enough to deserve that kind of money, which is likely the higher end of what Pedro Alvarez, a superior prospect in every way, is likely to receive. I wonder how far Alonso would fall, but I also can't imagine him getting all the way to #28. As with Posey, some team is going to call his bluff and draft him, and he will likely sign for much closer to slot.
Tanner Scheppers, the Fresno State fireballer whose stock has dropped due to a mysterious shoulder injury (could be a bone bruise, could be a labrum injury, it is not clear), is apparently demanding top 4 pick money, in the 2-3 million dollar range. This is a large amount for a guy who is not considered a top 4 talent when healthy, but especially one with injury concerns. There are rumors that he may have a pre-draft deal with the Yankees, the Mariners (whose doctors have reportedly cleared him medically), or some other big-market team.
It's hard to know who the Yankees will end up picking at #28, and there is no consensus among mock drafters. Various predictions include Scheppers, high school righty Gerrit Cole, Arizona State 1st baseman/outfielder Ike Davis, high school lefty Brett DeVall, high school lefty Mike Montgomery, or high school shortstop Anthony Hewitt, likely the toolsiest player in the draft (supposedly with 80 speed, an 80 arm, and 80 raw power, though with a sub par present hit tool), or high school shortstop Casey Kelly. Basically, nobody has a real idea yet of who will be there for the Yankees at 28, and even then, what their draft board looks like. It shold be very exciting to watch, as this seems like it will be a very unpredictable draft.
