Looking Forward to Draft

The 2009 Amateur Draft begins June 9 with the Padres picking third overall. Washington is a virtual lock to draft local legend Stephen Strasburg and Seattle seems to have their sites on UNC 1B Dustin Ankley (who will play CF in pros). This leaves a number of prospects for the Padres to sort through. GM Kevin Towers apparently likes Donovan Tate, a CF from Carterville H.S. (Ga). Tate is athletic with excellent speed and defensive range. His running, fielding and arm strength already score high ratings. His biggest flaw has been plate discipline but he could project to an above average hitter with some decent power. His commitment to baseball and signability have also been questioned, as he has committed to UNC to play quarterback. There are a number of excellent pitchers after Strasburg to sort through: Tyler Matzek (LHP, Capistrano Valley High School), Shelby Miller (RHP, Brownwood High, Tx), Tanners Scheppers (RHP, St. Paul Saints), and Alex White (RHP, UNC) all could be top ten picks. However, San Diego's scouting is said to prefer Missouri's Kyle Gibson. Gibson is a 6'6" righty who is one of college baseball's more polished pitchers. He has a good fastball that reaches mid-low 90s with an above average changeup and slider, both of which project as plus pitches. He has a good, simple delivery and seems to be have a high probability of success. With the Padres current situation, they should avoid a higher ceiling/higher risk player and get contributors, such as Gibson.