Enlighten me about the draft....

[Cry Havoc]

Because I am kind of clueless as to how it works....

I'm really excited for the new closer the Cubs picked up.

When will he be able to play with the team? Is this strictly a next-year acquisition like the other league drafts? Or could he sign soon and be in uniform this season?

[djohn14]

Oh no. He could take up to as much as 4 years. These people being drafted arent going to see major league time for a while. Maybe....MAYBE 3 will be in the majors this year. For instance the Atlanta Braves drafted Jason Heyward with the 14th pick last year. He killed in rookie ball, and is still killing in the minors right now. In fact, he's only in A ball. You have to be careful with high schoolers because if the get promoted to say double A and slump, it could hurt them for a while. Here are 2 other stories both taken out of the 05 draft. Joey Devine...closer...North Carolina. He was taken by the Braves and by July or August got promoted. He gave up grand slams in his first 2 outings, and might have just now found his control...with the Athletics. They traded him for Mark Kotsay. Another...Yunel Escobar was taken by the Braves in the second round of that 05draft. He played so well in the minors and his first few major league games that they basically booted Edgar Renteria out so he could play. Basically only the college closers will get a shot this year, and who knows he may be one of them.

[Cry Havoc]

Okay, but haven't several players made the transition from college to pro in a single year?

[monosylab1k]

Okay, but haven't several players made the transition from college to pro in a single year?

It's possible but still not likely. Even though they're obviously farther along than HS kids, it's still probably 2 years or so before they're ready for the major leagues. Just depends on how quick they develop. It's definitely possible he could be up in a year if he rips through the minors.

[leemajors]

huston street is the only one I can think of off the top of my head. it's a pretty big transition. they usually start them off in the minors, but if the need is pressing and they perform well callups happen all the time. for pitchers especially the worry now is throwing their arm out, but that's mainly starters.

[monosylab1k]

Teixeira is another guy who only spent 1 year in the minors. It's possible but you've got to be a major badass to do it.

[Cry Havoc]

huston street is the only one I can think of off the top of my head. it's a pretty big transition. they usually start them off in the minors, but if the need is pressing and they perform well callups happen all the time. for pitchers especially the worry now is throwing their arm out, but that's mainly starters.

Mark Prior.

[djohn14]

Mark Prior.

And look at him now haha. David Price, the first pick from last year, is only in high A ball. He outpitched Pedro Martinez in a rehab start 2. It dosent happen often, and most of the time if it does it will be a dominate college closer. Hitters still have to get adjusted to the wooden bat and major league offspead pitches.

[AFBlue]

And look at him now haha. David Price, the first pick from last year, is only in high A ball. He outpitched Pedro Martinez in a rehab start 2. It dosent happen often, and most of the time if it does it will be a dominate college closer. Hitters still have to get adjusted to the wooden bat and major league offspead pitches.

Price also didn't get signed until the '07 deadline, and started out this year on the DL.

It should be noted that there's not really room or a need to rush Price to the majors at this point, but I don't see a Sept call-up being out of the question if he continues to dominate.

I agree with the rest of your assessment though. College relievers and occasionally starters have the best chance.

[Cry Havoc]

And look at him now haha.

So you think it had a lot to do with the fact that he went to the majors straight out of college instead of the idea that just maybe his arm was fragile and he has the lowest tolerance for pain of any player in the major leagues?

"My toe hurts. I can't play."

"My back feels a little still. I can't pitch effectively."

Prior was a basket case that looked to get hurt just so he could rake in cash without having to do anything.

[djohn14]

So you think it had a lot to do with the fact that he went to the majors straight out of college instead of the idea that just maybe his arm was fragile and he has the lowest tolerance for pain of any player in the major leagues?

"My toe hurts. I can't play."

"My back feels a little still. I can't pitch effectively."

Prior was a basket case that looked to get hurt just so he could rake in cash without having to do anything.

Trust me, I know. I do however feel going through the minors would have helped him. It lets you work with your problems. It teaches you to be patient. If he went through the minors he would learn to grow a pair and pitch through a little pain. In the majors if you say I need a break you get the benefit of the doubt. Prior never earned that. I question his heart and how much he loves the game.