The Philadelphia Phillies drafted Anthony Hewitt in the draft today as their first pick and 24th overall. Hewitt is seen as a player who could hit for power and will probably be moved to third base as the Phillies look for the long term solution for a player to take over the hot corner. He has a commitment to Vanderbilt University but said, "I don't want to drag out the process too long. I'm pretty
sure [the talks] will go pretty well. I really want to go ahead and pursue my
professional career as soon as possible. I'm eager to start." It should be an easy signing for the Phillies.
|
Pick |
POS |
Name |
School |
|
| 24. |
SS |
Anthony Hewitt |
Salisbury School (Conn.) |
|
| 34. |
LF |
Zachary Collier |
Chino Hills HS (Calif.) |
|
| 51. |
OF |
Anthony Gose |
Bellflower HS (Calif.) |
|
| 71. |
RHP |
Jason Knapp |
North Hunterdon Reg HS (N.J.) |
|
| 102. |
RHP |
Vance Worley |
Cal St Long Beach |
Here are the reviews of the other players signed as they were given on Phillies.com
Round 1 (compensation): Zach Collier, OF, Chino Hills (Calif.) High
School
A slender left-handed hitter, Collier is quick to the ball with a
high finish, and he makes good contact. He has power now and more to come.
Wolever compared him to the Angels' Garrett Anderson. He projects as a big
league corner outfielder.
Round 2: Anthony Gose, OF, Bellflower (Calif.) High School
The
third high school position player selected by the Phillies, Gose projects as an
outfielder with the potential to be similar to Corey Patterson (flashes of power
but little plate discipline) or Juan Pierre (spray hitter with little power).
Said area scout Tim Kissner: "Very good instincts in center field with true
cannon for an arm. A run-saver in center field. Has shown bat speed and feel for
wood bat. Middle-of-field, line-drive approach. Plus runner. Good athlete and
good makeup."
Round 3: Jason Knapp, RHP, North Hunterdon (N.J.) High School
Said
area scout Gene Schall: "Throws three pitches, fastball (89-93 mph), curve and
change. Fastball explodes out of hand and has heavy sink. At 6-foot-5 and 215
pounds with wide shoulders, excellent pitcher's body."
Round 3: Vance Worley, RHP, Long Beach State University
The first
college player taken by Philadelphia, Worley was also a 20th-round selection by
the Phillies in 2005, out of McClatchy High School in Sacramento, Calif. He's
risen quite a bit since. Said area scout Tim Kessner: "92 [mph] fastball. Throws
a good two-seamer with sink. Good feel on how to pitch with solid secondary
stuff. Always battles and competes. Potential to be starting pitcher."
Round 3 (compensation): Jonathan Pettibone, RHP, Esperanza (Calif.) High
School
The Phillies received compensation for not signing last year's
third-rounder, right-hander Brandon Workman. Said area scout Darrell Conner of
Pettitbone: "Long, lean athlete who will fill out and get stronger. Projectible
high school pitcher. Played basketball. Can be back end of the rotation starter.
Father, Jay, pitched for the Twins (1983)."
Round 4: Trevor May, RHP, Kelso (Wash.) High School
Clocked as high
as 94 mph, May posted an 11-1 record with 128 strikeouts in his senior year, a
season which that included consecutive no-hitters, six complete games and four
shutouts. Also has a knuckle curve. He has signed a letter of intent with
Washington State.
Round 5: Jeremy Hamilton, 1B, Wright State (Ohio) University
Named
one of 50 semifinalists for the Golden Spike Award, which is presented to the
top amateur baseball player. He ended his junior year as one of the top hitters
in the nation and was named the Horizon League Player of the Year. The
Cincinnati native hit .410 with a .716 slugging percentage and a .515 on-base
percentage.
Round 6: Colby Shreve, RHP, College of Southern Nevada
Clocked at
89-90 mph last year, Shreve lit up radar guns in the 92-96 mph range, with a
fastball that moved. Has an inconsistent curveball, with a good changeup. He
doesn't walk hitters, but will leave balls over the plate.
Overall it seems like a good draft day for the Phillies. I like the Collier pick and if he works out Aaron Rowand's departure will be even more easy to take. The truth though is that you do not really know until years down the road when these players develop into what they really are. Only time will tell!