There’s nothing desperate about him. But is there enough to like with him?
Just when it looked like the Rockies were going to take Long Beach State infielder Evan Longoria with the second pick in today’s amateur draft, they shifted gears, making a strong play for Stanford right-hander Greg Reynolds.
The Rockies have a long history of taking pitchers with their first selection – this would be the 10th in 15 years, but the first since Jeff Francis in 2002. Reynolds has not be projected as high as college starters like Brad Lincoln, but there’s really no such thing as a surprise in this draft after expected top pick Andrew Miller of North Carolina.
Multiple executives said Monday that Miller is a lock to go the Kansas City Royals with the first pick. That leaves the Rockies to choose among Reynolds, Longoria and Lincoln. Reynolds, a polished right-hander with a good sinker, posted a 3.36 ERA for Stanford. Lincoln, a steady favorite on most draft boards, held opponents to a .198 average.
The Rockies appear to have cooled on former Fowler High School and Tennessee star Luke Hochevar, a right- hander. Last week, general manager Dan O’Dowd said the Rockies had not ruled out drafting Hochevar, but the Rockies were not in contact with Hochevar’s agents Monday.
“Every team has to make signability a consideration, not just in the first round, but in other rounds, too,” Rockies senior director of scouting Bill Schmidt said.
In 14 previous drafts, the Rockies never have picked higher than seventh, so today’s selection carries added weight and pressure, as well as opportunity.
“It’s a great chance for Billy and the scouts to select a player that they really like,” Rockies assistant general manager Bill Geivett said. “Usually when you are drafting lower – in the 20s or in even in the middle of the first round – you have to sit and wait and hope that nobody takes your player. But now, at No. 2, with three or four guys you really like, you’ve got some choices there.”
Schmidt provided no hint about who the Rockies might select today, saying, “We are going to evaluate our needs, but our philosophy is to take the best player available on the board.”
In terms of major-league readiness, there is little question Longoria is better than any other position player available in the draft. He has played third base, shortstop and second base and has a good arm. Some scouts project him as a major-league second baseman who could hit for power. He batted .353 for Long Beach State this season with a .468 on-base percentage and 11 home runs.
In baseball’s 41 previous June drafts, 36 second selections made it to the big leagues.
“I think a lot of people are saying this is a shallow, weak draft, or whatever,” Geivett said. “But in all of these drafts, you are drafting for potential, so until it plays out six or seven years down the road, nobody really knows.”
Patrick Saunders can be reached at 303-820-5459 or psaunders@denverpost.com.
Top of the crop
A look at the top five prospects in baseball’s amateur draft today:
1. Andrew Miller, LHP, North Carolina
As the consensus best player in a weak draft, the 6-foot-7 lefty appears headed to Kansas City. He might demand as much as $4 million to sign. Should the Royals pass, the Rockies would face a tough call.
2. Luke Hochevar, RHP, Fort Worth Cats
The phenom from Fowler turned down a $2.98 million signing bonus last year after leaving Tennessee, hoping to get a $4 million offer this year.
3. Evan Longoria, INF, Long Beach State
Considered the best position player in the draft, he can play third, second and short. He batted .353 this season for Long Beach State and hit 11 homers.
4. Brad Lincoln, RHP, University of Houston
Had a 1.69 ERA this season for the Cougars; at 6-feet, needs to overcome stigma that he’s too short to be an effective starter. The Rockies are giving him a long look.
5. Greg Reynolds, RHP, Stanford University
Considered one of the most polished pitchers in the draft with a good sinker and decent curveball. He posted a 3.36 ERA.
– Patrick Saunders
