Daily Sports Blurb, Anecdote or Quote 11 July 2008

2002 Baseball Amateur Draft revisited. Unlike in other major sports, the annual baseball player draft is considered a crapshoot as there are no sure thing prospects. Yesterday, the Indians claimed minor league starter Bryan Bullington off waivers from the Pirates. That ended the Pirates career of Bullington, the No. 1 overall pick in 2002 draft with an 0-3 record and 5.89 ERA in five appearances. Seeing the number one player in the whole draft not work out could lead to the mistaken thought that it was a weak draft. However, looking back, the 2002 draft was one of the best ever as quite a few players drafted after Bullington have developed into top major league talent.

1. Pittsburgh - P Bryan Bullington, Ball State University
2. Tampa Bay - SS B.J. Upton, Greenbrier Academy, VA
3. Cincinnati - P Chris Gruler, Liberty Union HS, CA
4. Baltimore - P Adam Loewen, Fraser Valley Christian HS, BC
5. Montreal - P Clint Everts, Cypress Falls HS, TX
6. Kansas City - P Zack Greinke, Apopka HS, FL
7. Milwaukee - 1B Prince Fielder, Eau Gallie HS, FL
8. Detroit - SS Scott Moore, Cypress HS, CA
9. Colorado - P Jeff Francis, University of Lethbridge
10.Texas - SS Drew Meyer, University of South Carolina

Other first rounders included Jeremy Hermida, Joe Saunders, Khalil Greene, Scott Kazmir, Nick Swisher, Cole Hamels, James Loney, Jeff Franceour, Joe Blanton and Matt Cain.

Wouldn't the Pirates like a "do-over" on that draft in hindsight? Currently the Indians are in line for a top five pick next June.