#1 Pick Slips Away
by Jon ~ September 28th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
In order for the Seattle Mariners to secure the first pick in the draft here on the last game of the season, the Washington Nationals would have to win and Seattle would have to lose.
Well, it’s not looking good. The Philadelphia Phillies tried to make it easy on the Nationals, electing to rest their ace Cole Hamels in favor of one of the worst starters in baseball this season Kyle Kendrick and keeping Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and company on the bench. Unfortunately, the Nationals’ lineup is full of guys I’ve never heard of and is built to loose. As Seattle begins play for the 162nd time this season, the Nationals are trailing the Phillies 3-8 in the 9th.
The only good news about the Nationals losing today (assuming they stay the course) is that I can root for my Mariners to win on the last game of the season against the rival Oakland A’s. Obviously that isn’t as good as being guaranteed the best prospect in the draft, but at least it’s something.
Now, there is still a chance that Seattle can get the coveted Stephan Strasburg with the second overall pick. The Nationals don’t have as much money as Seattle does, and Strasburg and agent Scott Boras could command as much as $10M, which is as big of a paycheck as it gets for draftees. The Nats could pass on him and go after someone that would be easier to sign, especially after having failing to ink their 2008 first round pick Aaron Crow. That said, Strasburg is the undisputed top talent in the draft and the Nationals will have a tough time passing on him, and the Nats blogs are certainly looking forward to him.
We’ll discuss other guys Seattle could pick over the offseason, but I think it comes down to USC SS Grant Green and NC CF/1B Dustin Ackley.
4 Responses to #1 Pick Slips Away
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drivindave
September 28th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Man this is what upsets me,a #1 pick right in our grasp…..going going…just lose one more….NO! gone …
I could use some lift me up about now..hmmmm hello Mr.J.D.
If any of you need me I’ll be looking at the world through an empty glass
heh take care all…
Slurve
September 28th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
If Strasburg is truly a can’t miss player the nats will take him they need a signing like this to interest fans. If they do take Strasburg I think I’m gonna go with Grant Green.
Jon Shields
September 28th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
^Green is my choice as well right now, but as Rob T. reminded me there is still another college season to be played before the draft. Things can change in a hurry. Maybe Strasburg’s stock falls and someone like Alex White becomes the top pitcher in the draft. Maybe there are big injuries. Maybe some currently unknown players emerge as legitimate prospects. We don’t know yet, but if the draft was held today and Strasburg was off the board, I’d go with Green.
raffish
September 28th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
I’m not gonna hide my feelings… we blew it. In a lost season we had the opportunity to make good, and we fell short yet again. Lose when we should win, win when we should lose. I’d say fire everyone but that’s a given.
How on earth do you win the last three games when you’re in the driver’s seat??? What kind of an organization am I siding with??? Should I move to Boston???
I’m pissed. I’ll get over it, but this minute I’m disgusted.
I hope you’re right, Jon, but I like Ackley.