Draft Choice Distribution

by lonestar on May 26, 2005 12:48 PM EDT

What is a reasonable distribution of draft choices between position players and pitchers over time?

Example: Last year the Minnesota Twins had 14 picks in the first 10 rounds. They spent 11 on pitchers. Over the last 5 years, they have spent 37 out of 56 picks in the first 10 rounds on pitchers. They are rumored to be taking 7 pitchers with their first 10 picks this year.

In the meanwhile, their upper minor league system is bereft of position prospects except for SS Jason Bartlett who is blocked by Juan Castro.

Can the Twins sustain and enhance their overall talent and competitiveness by spending 2/3 of their top 10 picks on pitching -- perhaps trading pitching for position players?

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Depends on the organization...

I think it really depends on the organization. Some organizations develop hitters better (Cincinnati, Boston) while others are pitching oriented.

Marte Francouer McCann Davies Any Questions?

by Hud Giles on May 26, 2005 2:28 PM EDT reply actions

Bartlett

I'm not sure I'd say that Bartlett is blocked by Castro. He was given a chance, albeit a small one, and needed a bit more seasoning. The Twins have said that Bartlett is still their shortsop for the not-so-distant future.

It was also lucky for Twins fans that Castro is showing a bit more offensive ability than he has in the past, giving them the luxury of sending Bartlett down, starting Castro/Punto/Rivas in the middle infield, and bringing up Luis Rodriguez for pinch hits and mostly for defense.

by Gudy2Shoes on May 26, 2005 3:53 PM EDT reply actions