Category: 2007 First-Year Player Draft

Illini Davis, Roof signed within a week

Within a week of the First-Year Player draft, both Illini players who have been drafted have already signed contracts with their respective teams. According to the Denver Post, the Colorado Rockies signed 27 of the draft picks including catcher Lars Davis who they called an “intriguing catcher from Illinois”. And from what I read in … Continue reading “Illini Davis, Roof signed within a week”

Within a week of the First-Year Player draft, both Illini players who have been drafted have already signed contracts with their respective teams.

According to the Denver Post, the Colorado Rockies signed 27 of the draft picks including catcher Lars Davis who they called an “intriguing catcher from Illinois”.

And from what I read in the local News-Gazette, shortstop Shawn Roof has signed a contract with the Detroit Tigers.

As far as Casey Crosby, the top pitcher who had originally committed to the University of Illinois and was drafted by the Tigers, they still working on an agreemnt. Says Crosby in the Elburn Herald, “They said that they have every intention of signing me.”

Yes, BZR is still going… we just put out another show

It’s been about month since we put out a show. Between everyone’s busy schedules and me going to the Big Ten Tournament, it’s been hard to put one together. But here it is.

There are a lot reasons I like having Todd V on Baseball Zealot Radio. Aside from his extensive baseball knowledge (both historical and current), he has a voice made for broadcasting. Not only that, his umpire experience adds a different perspective to the show.

That perspective was very evident in this show. During our discussion of pitchers in the First Player Draft, Todd spoke from experience of the young kids who he has seen over-pitched.

It was also good to get Todd’s input on the whole Piniella matter.

By the way, apologies on how I sound on this show (kinda like broadcasting from a tin can from 100 feet away). It was due to technical difficulties. I thought about scrapping the show but the content (especially Todd’s) was good enough to keep. Bear with my voice during show… it’s worth it.

Direct Link to the show

Listen via iTunes

Baseball Zealot Radio website

Some odds and ends on the First-Year Player Draft

Selig announced the picks until it wasn’t exciting anymore Wow! David Price was the number one pick. Who saw that coming? Ok, be honest how many of you followed the draft? I know some hard core baseball fans who would just as soon rather pass on that but I find it fascinating. I had the … Continue reading “Some odds and ends on the First-Year Player Draft”

seligann

Selig announced the picks until it wasn’t exciting anymore

Wow! David Price was the number one pick. Who saw that coming?

Ok, be honest how many of you followed the draft? I know some hard core baseball fans who would just as soon rather pass on that but I find it fascinating. I had the Draft Tracker non-stop and Baseball Channel going in the background at least for the few rounds when they were actually covering the the draft.

After that, I put on the Press Room coverage which would had the teams announcing their picks. It kinda reminded me of national party convention convention on election years. You know, like “From the great state of Illinois, home of Adlai Stevenson etc etc”. Only here, it was more like, “For pick 1183, the Boston Red Sox pick Roof, Jonathon, St Mary High School from Paducah Kentucky, and it should be known that Jonathon is the son of Gene Roof and the nephew of Phil Roof”. Lots of protocol… and pomp and circumstance.
I love s–t like that.

Speaking of which, there was a lot of generational stuff going on. MLB.com has an article about some of the draftees and who in the baseball world they’re related to but right now, it’s only through the first day. My god, there were a lot of sons and nephews and grandsons drafted, Brook Jacoby’s son was drafted as was Chuck Tanner’s grandson. Greg Vaughn’s son, Cory was drafted. Now that makes
me feel old.

crosbyc

Casey Crosby

Illini fans take note: Casey Crosby, Illinois’ prized recruit from last year who was rated number one in the state, was chosen 181st overall. Crosby has already said he’s looking toward the pros. A decent contract could mean the end of any relationship with the Illini. And the fact he was chosen so high (by Detroit, by the way) is a good indication that they are serious about signing him.

Speaking of Detroit, I think they were probably wetting their pants when the 27th pick came to them and Frederick Porcello was still available. I think they were lucky to get him that low.

For more info check out MLB Draft Central

 

Followup: An Ernie Banks was drafted. Anyone have a clue if he’s related to Mr Cub?

Da Roof is on Fire! Shawn gets drafted by the Tigers

I’ll admit it, I was all smiles when pick #1018 rolled past on the ol’ Draft Tracker this afternoon. That was when the Detroit Tigers chose Illini shortstop Shawn Roof in the 33rd round. And if you notice, his younger brother got picked a few rounds later by the Red Sox. No, not Eric, who … Continue reading “Da Roof is on Fire! Shawn gets drafted by the Tigers”

two roofs

I’ll admit it, I was all smiles when pick #1018 rolled past on the ol’ Draft Tracker this afternoon. That was when the Detroit Tigers chose Illini shortstop Shawn Roof in the 33rd round.

And if you notice, his younger brother got picked a few rounds later by the Red Sox. No, not Eric, who plays for Michigan State (give him time), but his even younger brother Jonathon who got drafted right out of high school.

Anyway, I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it… Shawn Roof is the most exciting player I’ve seen play at any level. His love of the game is quite apparent. His hustle on field is something I would love to see more of in pro ball so it thrills me that he got drafted.

By the way, if any of have not heard our interview with Shawn Roof on Baseball Zealot Radio, take a listen. It was one of our very first interviews we did and it remains my favorite.

As if being drafted wasn’t enough, Roof also was awarded the Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship Award. He became a finalist a few weeks ago. His on-the-field efforts were amazing. Not only did he break records for single season and single game for stolen bases as well as single season and career hit-by-pitch, he ended his college career with a .303 batting average.

His off-the-field endeavors merit attention as well.

He also was a leader in the athletic department’s Hometown Heroes, in which Fighting Illini student-athletes participate in various community service activities including visiting schools and hospitals. In addition, Roof made regular appearances at Illinois Kids Club events, including bowling nights and pizza parties.

Mmmm… pizza!

Knowing Shawn like I do. He was probably a hit with the kids.

Anyway, good luck in the future, Shawn!

Lars Davis goes early in Amateur Draft

davis goes in the third round

This shouldn’t be a big surprise. University of Illinois catcher Lars Davis went in the 3rd round (102nd overall) of the First-Year Player draft yesterday. The lucky team is the Colorado Rockies.

I’ve probably said it before but I’ve never seen a college player exude professionalism the way Davis does. When he is playing, he simply establishes a presence on the field. If you’ve seen him play, you know what I mean. I hated for the Illini to lose him but if anyone is ready for pro ball, Lars Davis is.

Lars found out about his pick after practice up in Duluth, Minnesota where he with the Duluth Huskies. Fightingillini.com interviewed Davis and got his reaction to being drafted.

Similarities

Take a look a the similarities between former Illini Chris Robinson and Davis. Both were good hitting catchers in the Illinois baseball program. Both are Canadian-born. They were both chosen in the 3rd round. Robinson is now playing for the Tennessee Smokies, the Chicago Cubs’ AA team.

What next?

According to the rules, the Rockies have one year to to sign Davis to a pro contract. I’m sure it won’t take that long given Davis seems very excited about his prospects. Good luck to Lars!

First-Year Player Draft is coming up. Are you ready?

Tomorrow is the first day of the First-Year Player Draft. Ok, David Price is going with the #1 pick. That we pretty much know. But what else do you need to know to keep up with the draft? Well, let’s get these handy links out: MLB Draft Central MLB Draft Tracker The Draft Tracker was … Continue reading “First-Year Player Draft is coming up. Are you ready?”

Tomorrow is the first day of the First-Year Player Draft. Ok, David Price is going with the #1 pick. That we pretty much know. But what else do you need to know to keep up with the draft?

Well, let’s get these handy links out:

MLB Draft Central

MLB Draft Tracker

The Draft Tracker was pretty cool last year with its search features etc. From a cursory look without it being it action, it looks even better this year. I plan to have this going wherever I am.

No doubt, MLB Baseball Channel will be covering this during the afternoon hours giving it the “CNN treatment”.

By the way, if you want listen to some good pre-analysis of the draft, check out Baseball Prospectus’ interviews with Kevin Goldstein. They’re so in depth that they separated them into a hitters episode and pitchers episode.

For that matter, The Baseball Analysts have pretty much been doing the Draft all this month. Check them out.

Lars Davis honored by All-American Second Team selection

Davis at the Big Ten tournament

University of Illinois catcher Lars Davis will have to make some more room on his mantle. He’s got another award coming.

Davis was named to the Louisville Slugger All-American Second Team. For those wondering, Buster Posey from Florida St was the catcher on the First Team.

Though he his a junior and Illini fans would hate to lose him, it is only reasonable to assume that the Big Ten Player of the Year will be testing the draft waters on June 7-8.

From an article on Canada.com:

“I’d love to start a pro ball career, but worst-case scenario, I have no objections about going back to Illinois for another year,” said Davis, who threw out a conference-high 24 base-runners on 84 steal attempts and sported a .972 fielding percentage.

Sounds like Davis is ready to catch some pro ball to me.

Good Luck Lars!

First-Year Player Draft: It’s one week away

In case anyone hasn’t noticed, the 2007 First-Year Player Draft is less than one week away. The Draft is set to begin June 7th 2pm EST. Baseball America has a good primer on the Draft. The Who, What, When and How of the whole thing.  

In case anyone hasn’t noticed, the 2007 First-Year Player Draft is less than one week away.

The Draft is set to begin June 7th 2pm EST.

Baseball America has a good primer on the Draft. The Who, What, When and How of the whole thing.

 

A quick look at the heavies in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft

The 2007 Rookie First-Year Player Draft is almost two weeks away and folks are starting to talk about it. And everybody likes lists, especially ranked lists. So Jonathan Mayo from MLB.com who does their minor league beat, took it upon himself to predict the top ten picks in the draft. Not surprisingly, his top ten … Continue reading “A quick look at the heavies in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft”

The 2007 Rookie First-Year Player Draft is almost two weeks away and folks are starting to talk about it. And everybody likes lists, especially ranked lists.

So Jonathan Mayo from MLB.com who does their minor league beat, took it upon himself to predict the top ten picks in the draft.

Not surprisingly, his top ten is full of pitchers. What is surprising is that the non-pitchers are predominantly thirdbaseman (three to be exact and assuming Mayo knows what he is talking about),

The long and the short of it is that David Price from Vanderbilt will be picked, no ifs, ands or buts, by Tampa. After that, it’s not so easy to predict.

Here’s Price’s draft report from MiLB.

2007 MLB First-Year Player Draft Central

First-Year Player Draft will get some TV time

Mark your calendars. The MLB First-Year Player Draft (otherwise known by its misnomer, Rookie Draft) is one month away. A while back we found out that the 2007 First-Year Player Draft will be televised. More details are out now on who, what when and how. The important stuff: ESPN2, June 7th, 2pm Eastern Of course, … Continue reading “First-Year Player Draft will get some TV time”

Mark your calendars. The MLB First-Year Player Draft (otherwise known by its misnomer, Rookie Draft) is one month away.

A while back we found out that the 2007 First-Year Player Draft will be televised. More details are out now on who, what when and how.

The important stuff: ESPN2, June 7th, 2pm Eastern

Of course, they won’t be televising the whole thing. But they will be showing the first round with complete coverage and maybe a little education on what the whole First-Year Player Draft is all about.

For those of us baseball geeks, I’m sure MLB will be webcasting the whole thing as they did last year.

You can view the entire draft order here (pdf).