photo via MLBDraft on Twitter
Pitching was on the minds of MLB teams in the MLB draft tonight as the first three rounds transpired. Yes, Stephen Strasburg was picked #1 by the Washington Nationals. As the time got nearer, that was pretty evident. Even Nats’ 3B Ryan Zimmerman weighed in on the subject after he was drafted:
"You have to do it. From what everyone is saying, if you are an organization like we are that is young and moving forward, you have to take the best guy available.
I think he is head and shoulders above the rest. You are talking about a guy that could be an impact player from the moment you draft him. If you can add that arm to our good young starting staff, we are pretty much set — knock on wood — for a long time."
After Strasburg, three position players were picked. Dustin Ackley (a NC product and one of the best hitters in the draft), Donovan Tate and Tony Sanchez went 2-3-4. But after that there was a run of 8 pitchers. Fourteen of the first 20 players taken were pitchers.
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| Eric Arnett | Josh Phegley | Matt Bashore |
Looking at the first day of the draft from a Big Ten perspective, Indiana’s baseball program has to feel pretty proud. Three of their player were chosen in the top 50 picks. Eric Arnett went 26th overall and now reports to the Brewers. Poor Josh Phegley. He was picked by the White Sox (38th overall). Just kidding, Josh. To round out the Hoosier trifecta, Matt Bashore was chosen 46th overall by the Twins.
Tomorrow morning, the Draft continues. For those on Twitter, there’s a wealth of information you won’t get from boring ol’ websites. #mlbdraft is a good place to start.