The Athletics' selection of Drew Burress with the 8th overall pick in the MLB Draft has sparked a lot of discussion among fans and analysts alike. Personally, I think this pick is a smart move, but it's not without its complexities and potential pitfalls. What makes this particularly fascinating is the team's decision to opt for a college player, despite the availability of some top prospects. In my opinion, this choice highlights the A's commitment to developing players with a high baseball IQ and a strong work ethic, which could pay dividends in the long run.
One thing that immediately stands out is Burress' impressive batting statistics. Over his three years in college, he slashed an impressive .357/.484/.720 with 60 home runs in 179 games played. What many people don't realize is that his high walk rate (160) compared to his strikeout rate (122) is a sign of a good hitter with a high floor. This makes him a valuable asset, especially in a team like the A's, which is looking to develop a strong lineup.
However, there are some concerns about Burress' position. While some believe he could remain in center field thanks to his above-average speed, many scouts expect him to eventually slide to a corner spot on the grass. This is where his plus-plus arm would play up well and make him a potential Gold-Glove caliber defender on the grass. From my perspective, this is a strategic move, as it allows the A's to develop him in a position where he can excel, while also having the flexibility to move him to center field if needed.
What this really suggests is that the A's are thinking long-term and are willing to take a chance on a player with a high ceiling. This is a refreshing change from some of the more short-sighted moves made by other teams in recent years. However, it also raises a deeper question: are the A's taking too much of a risk by passing on some of the top prospects in the draft? This is a question that will be hotly debated among fans and analysts for some time to come.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the fact that Burress set a school record with 60 blasts in three seasons. This is a testament to his power and his ability to perform at the highest level. However, it also raises the question of whether he can maintain this level of performance at the major league level. This is a concern that will need to be addressed as he progresses through the farm system.
In conclusion, the Athletics' selection of Drew Burress is a smart move that highlights their commitment to developing players with a high baseball IQ and a strong work ethic. While there are some concerns about his position and his ability to maintain his performance at the major league level, I believe that this is a player with a high ceiling who could pay dividends for the A's in the long run. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a player who could become a cornerstone of the team's lineup for years to come.
