2008 MLB Draft: Picks 21-30
And now, the rest of the first round...
21. Ryan Perry, RHP, Detroit Tigers (U. of Arizona)
College reliever, throws mid-90s. Fastball doesn't move a lot and command sometimes wavers. Good slider, but inconsistent.
Quotes:
“The Tigers organization is pleased to select Ryan Perry today,” Tigers Vice President, Amateur Scouting David Chadd said. “We look forward to adding a pitcher of Ryan’s caliber and potential to our system.”
22. Reese Havens, SS, New York Mets (U. of South Carolina)
Consistent at bat and in the field, Havens has good pop for a middle infielder and draws praise for his makeup.
23. Allan Dykstra, 1B, San Diego Padres (Wake Forest U.)
Tremendous raw power, very big kid. Strictly a first baseman. He's a nice pickup for the Padres, but at #42, not #23.
24. Anthony Hewitt, OF/SS, Philadelphia Phillies (Salisbury (Conn.) School)
Terrific athlete who draws comparisons to Bo Jackson. Opinions vary on how well his tools will develop into usable baseball skills.
25. Christian Friedrich, LHP, Colorado Rockies (Eastern Kentucky U.)
Throws low-90s, with decent secondary pitches and so-so command. Viewed as a mid-rotation type.
Quotes:
“Christian is a left-handed college starting pitcher with a track record of success,” Rockies Vice President of Scouting Bill Schmidt said. “He has a four-pitch mix and a very good breaking ball.”
26. Daniel Schlereth, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks (U. of Arizona)
Son of former NFL offensive lineman Mark Schlereth. Throws mid-90s after missing a year due to Tommy John surgery. Said to have a "football mentality" (big surprise), but there are concerns about his command.
Quotes:
“Daniel’s a guy we started to scout when he was 14,” said Tom Allison, D-backs’ Director of Scouting. “Our scout, Rodney Davis, has watched him mature and come on to establish himself as a premier reliever. He has had success in a bullpen role at the University of Arizona and we’re excited to have him.”
27. Carlos Gutierrez, RHP, Minnesota Twins (U. of Miami)
Another Tommy John survivor, Gutierrez isn't the hardest thrower (low-90s) but gets good sinking action and commands his pitches well. Profiles as a reliever.
28. Gerrit Cole, RHP, New York Yankees (Orange (Calif.) Lutheran HS)
A top 20 talent who slipped due to signability concerns, Cole has drawn comparisons to Philip Hughes and J.J. Putz. His fastball runs in the mid-90s and he complements it with a hard breaking ball. The one knock on Cole seems to be his maturity. Whether that's a function of his age or something else is unknown.
29. Lonnie Chisenhall, SS/3B, Cleveland Indians (Pitt CC, Greeneville, N.C.)
Line-drive hitter with gaps power, strong arm. Probably won't stick at shortstop. Had off-field problems in the past, but those appear to be behind him.
30. Casey Kelly, RHP/SS, Boston Red Sox (Sarasota (Fla.) HS)
Son of former big-league infielder Pat Kelly. Committed to play quarterback and shortstop at Tennessee. Good defender and power potential, although his bat is unrefined. As with Cole, he slipped due to signability. And as with Cole, he was grabbed by an organization for whom money is no object.
