Sox Stock Up in Draft

Red Sox 2nd pick, RHP Daniel Bard -- picture from redsox.com


On the dreary day of a rainout, following two straight losses to the Yankees that caused a drop out of first in the AL East, the only spot of solace to be found was in the Red Sox' 2006 draft class.

The sox drafted 27 pitchers and 27 position players, with an emphasis on raw power (both on the mound and at the plate) and good on-base skills.

They say it's not a sprint, it's a marathon. Well, the MLB amateur draft is 2 marathons, and Baseball America recaps each of the 50 rounds.

1. OF Jason Place, HS (SC)

Place is a solid all-around hitter, baserunner and fielder, in the mold of Jason Bay / Bobby Abreu. Place has a solid set of tools to work with and expand upon as he progresses through the minors. His development may be quick, but it won't be rushed -- just of high school, he has plenty of time to hone his skills down on the farm without pressure to help the major-league squad.

2. RHP Daniel Bard, UNC

Bard's performance as one of the nation's best starters was largely eclipsed by teammate Andrew Miller, who went 6th overall to the Tigers. Bard has been dominant at times, though inconsistent. He has a power arm, a solid arsenal of pitches to work with, and the desirable durability of a college pitcher. The Red Sox know how to treat their prize prospects, and Bard won't be rushed.

3. LHP Kris Johnson, Wichita St. -- (Shockers story)

Johnson is a hard-throwing lefty with good stuff, but has had injury trouble. He recently underwent Tommy John surgery, which isn't all that discouraging seeing how that procedure has rejuvenated many a fastball in recent years.

4. RHP Caleb Clay, HS (AL)

Clay was recently converted from an outfielder to a starter (think Jesse Foppert) and was co-ace of his very successful high school club. Like most such converts, Clay lives and dies with his impressive heater. He'll absolutely need to learn a couple more pitches, but he'll have plenty of time to do it. His ultimate role will depend on his ability to learn and stay healthy, and it's much too early to project it.

The first 4 picks

5. RHP Justin Masterson, SD St. -- (Aztecs story)

Masterson shone in both San Diego and the Cape Cod league, where he developed a rapport with the Red Sox and the local community. Not quite the power pitcher that the first three picks are, Masterson still has a good fastball, good command, high K rates and a big frame to work with. Masterson's downside is that he lacks the arsenal of a major-league starter, and coming from college, doesn't have as long as Clay to develop one. He's known as a character guy, and projects well into at least a relief role.

6. 1B Aaron Bates, NC St. -- (Wolfpack story)

Bates is an athletic physical specimen who put up Helton-like numbers at NC State. He set the college's all-time record for batting average while delivering nice power numbers, and figures to do the same against comparable opponents in the low minors.

7. RHP Bryce Cox, Rice

Cox fits the mold that the Red Sox had been fond of the whole draft -- big frame, power arm. Cox's fastball has been called "extremely hard," and he has experience working from both the rotation and the bullpen. His strikeout rates are good, and he could be a very versatile piece in a bullpen.

8. C Jon Still, NC St.

Like teammate Aaron Bates selected before him, Still is a masher. He hits for a nice average with lots of home runs and even more doubles, which are a good predicter of future power. Still played mostly DH at NC state, which probably means he doesn't have much of a future behind the plate. First base looks more likely.

9. LHP Dustin Richardson, TX Tech

Richardson didn't put up great numbers at Texas Tech, but was solid. He's huge and from college, though, both of which bode well for his future. The Red Sox are taking lots of power arms, which shows that they have lots of confidence in their pitching coaches to teach 2nd, 3rd, and 4th pitches. Richardson is a project, and we'll see how the Sox do with him.

10. 3B Zach Daeges, Creighton

Daeges is the full package. He hits for average and power, plays all over the field, and is one of the nation's best at drawing the walk. He's also smart, which is no small indicator of potential. The Red Sox love on-base machines like Youkilis, and the hope is that Daeges will be that for them, with better defense.

Other picks of notice

Round 14. PH (Power Hitter) Matt LaPorta, UF

LaPorta has led the Gators in home runs for a couple of years, and is perhaps the nation's best raw power. Why so low? He's not a senior, and his agent is Scott Boras. That means that if he and the Red Sox don't come to terms (which is more than likely) he can and will go back to Florida and try again next year.

Round 48. RHP Josh Papelbon, North Florida

It will be seen later whether this submarine-style closer has a chance in the minors, but he tremendous upside. What upside? The Papelbon Gene. He's the brother of phenom Jonathan Papelbon, and that alone was enough for the Sox to justify taking a chance on the releiver in the second-to-last round.