Picks 16 & 17 of 2012 MLB Draft for D-backs

Getting information to you on the Day 3 picks … well, it’s challenging, since the rounds are happening fast and furious. We’ll be posting these profiles throughout the rest of the day, though. Here’s a couple to get you started in your reading …

Round 16 – Landon Lassiter, SS, North Davidson HS/High Point, NC – R/R – 5-11, 172

Will begin to attend summer school at North Carolina beginning on June 14 if he does not sign pro contract … Ranked as the 6th best prospect in North Carolina by Perfect Game USA and No. 7 in the state by Impact Baseball … Has a brother who also signed to play at Carolina, but opted to go pro after getting drafted by the New York Yankees … Scouts say he possesses good speed and power from the right side of the plate … Hit .422 this past spring for the Black Knights … Hit .405 with seven home runs in his junior season.

Round 17 – Yogey Perez-Ramos, OF, Miami-Dade CC South/Deerfield Beach, FL – L/L – 6-3, 197

Hit .444 with six doubles, nine triples, two home runs, 30 RBIs and 46 runs scored this past spring, and stole 27 bases … Perez-Ramos led the Sharks in average, triples and stolen bases … Hometown is Deerfield Beach, Fla. … Played baseball in Cuba before coming to the US … Ranked in the Baseball America Top 500 prospects.

More to come soon …

Stuff on Rounds 11-15 picks …

Here’s the information on the final five picks for the Arizona Diamondbacks in Day 2 of the 2012 MLB Draft. Rounds 16-40 will be fast and furious tomorrow, so we’ll get the info up as soon as we can …

Round 11 – Ben Eckels, RHP, Davis Senior HS/Davis, CA – R/R – 6-0, 175

Eckels went 7-2 with a 2.36 ERA as a senior, striking out 77 batters in 50 1/3 innings pitched … Pitched two shutout innings in 2012 Raley Field Baseball Showcase … Selected to pitch in 2012 Sacramento Optimists Baseball All-Star Game … Played varsity for three seasons at Davis.

Round 12 – Keith (Alex) Glenn, CF, Arizona Christian/McDonough, GA – L/L – 5-11, 185

Hit .351 with 10 doubles, three triples, eight home runs and 36 RBIs for the Firestorm this past spring … Also stole 23 of 25 bases … Posted a .467 on-base and a .580 slugging percentage … Played at USC for two seasons before transferring to Arizona Christian … Was drafted in the 37th round of the 2009 MLB Draft by the Florida Marlins … Also spent summers with the Mankato MoonDogs (Northwoods League) and Holyoke Blue Sox (NECBL), hitting .333 for the Blue Sox and helping them to the playoffs … Played in just 77 games at USC, hitting .190 with five home runs and 18 RBIs … Earned 2009 Rawlings Pre-Season All-America First-Team honors and named to the ESPN Rise Magazine All-Area First Team during his senior season … Selected to play in the East Coast Pro Showcase, and was rated as the 65th brst prospect in the nation in 2009 by Perfect Game USA.

Round 13 – Phildrick Llewellyn, C, Trinity Christian Academy/Boynton Beach, FL (Curacao) – S/R – 5-11, 180

Has signed a letter of intent to play at Florida International … A native of Curacao, was sent to Trinity Christian by his parents to give him the chance to live in the US and play baseball … Named a Rawlings Pre-Season High School All-American … Hit .373 with five home runs and 21 RBIs for the Warriors this past spring … Also stole nine bases in 11 attempts.

Round 14 – Derrick Stultz, RHP, South Florida/Tampa, FL – R/R – 6-3, 200

Posted an 18-8 record and 3.61 ERA for the Bulls in his career, which was interrupted by a shoulder injury which required surgery … Was 9-1 with a 3.29 ERA as mostly a starter for USF in 2012, logging a career-high 87 2/3 innings pitched … Earned All-Big East Second-Team honors this past spring … Allowed opponents to hit at just a .218 clip this past season … Was 4-3 with a 3.08 during his freshman season, and was named third-team All-Big East in his sophomore campaign … Selected in the 38th round by the Boston Red Sox in the 2007 MLB Draft.

Round 15 – Michael (Blake) Forslund, RHP, Liberty Univ./Lynchburg, VA – R/R – 6-4, 215

Posted a 2-2 mark with a 3.74 ERA for the Flames in 2012, making 20 appearances out of the bullpen … struck out 34 in 33.2 IP, but also walked 34 batters … Pitched at Virginia in 2009, pitching one inning … Played in the Carolina-Virginia Summer League in 2009 and earned Pitcher of the Year honors … Father attended Liberty, played football and played in the USFL … Two-time All-District and honorable mention All-State in 2008 while playing at Rustburg HS … Was 5-3 with a 0.87 ERA in 48.1 innings pitched his senior season, walking 17 but striking out 99 batters … Also played shortstop, and hit .352 with four home runs … Played football and basketball in high school.

The skinny on Picks 4-10

Here’s the breakdown on the Arizona Diamondbacks Draft Picks in Rounds 4-10. The final five picks information will be coming in a later post.

Round 4 – Chuck Taylor, OF, Timberview HS/Mansfield, TX – S/L – 5-10, 175

Has signed letter of intent to play baseball at Texas-Arlington … Info hard to find on this pick, outside of his football prowess … Named the ESPN Dallas Offensive Player of the Year in football, accounting for nearly 4,000 yards of offense and 39 touchdowns, 23 of which were rushing, scoring a team-high 142 points … Played football for three varsity seasons … Also an All-District pick.

Round 5 – Ronnie Freeman, C, Kennesaw State/Lawrenceville, GA – R/R – 6-1, 195

Hit .352 in his junior season at Kennesaw State, with a .426 on-base, .500 slugging percentage and drove in 52 runs for the Owls … Had a 42-game hit streak (spanning two seasons) during his freshman-sophomore seasons, the fourth-longest in NCAA Division I history … Hit .392 with 20 doubles in his sophomore year … Also played for USA Collegiate National team in 2011 … Named to numerous Freshman All-American teams after hitting a team-high .365 in 2010 … Won a state title in 2008 and made three straight appearances at state tournament while at Brookwood HS … Team was ranked 3rd nationally in 2008.

Round 6 – Jacob Lamb, 3B, Washington/Seattle, WA – L/R – 6-3, 215

Hit .326 for his three seasons at Washington, with 10 home runs and 88 RBIs … Batted .321 in 2012, with 16 extra-base hits and 30 RBIs, while swiping a career-high four bases … Earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 … led the Huskies in games, doubles, RBI, walks, on-base average and slugging percentage … Earned Honorable Mention All-Pac 10 honors while leading the Huskies in at-bats, games, hits, triples, home runs and runs batted in … Played summer baseball for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox in the Cape Cod League … Had a career-best .347 average as a freshman, with four home runs and 32 RBIs, finishing with 18 extra-base hits … Named to the Freshman All-America team by Collegiate Baseball while earning honorable mention All-Pac-10 honors … Metro League MVP as a senior at Bishop Blanchet HS, when he also earned first-team all-state and ESPN Rise all-area first team … Hit .412 as a junior and .429 as a senior … led the Braves to the state tournanment in each of his last two years … Drafted by the Pirates in the 38th round of the 2009 MLB Draft.

Round 7 – Andrew Velazquez, SS, Fordham Prep/Bronx, NY – S/R – 5-8, 175

Signed a letter of intent to play at Virginia Tech … Hit six home runs this past spring for the Rams … Wrote a blog for the New York Post during the high school baseball season … Hit .422 with four home runs, 14 RBIs and 15 stolen bases as a junior for the Rams.

Round 8 – Evan Marzilli, CF, South Carolina/Cranston, RI – L/L – 6-0, 185

Was the third current Gamecock player to be selected in this year’s draft … Earned 2012 SEC All-Defensive Team honors and is one of two players to have started all 60 games … hitting .288 with 12 doubles, three triples, a pair of homers, 30 RBI and 50 runs scored … Earned selections to SEC Academic Honor Roll and NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team in 2011 … Hit .370 while earning a spot on College World Series All-Tournament Team, helping the Gamecocks to the National Championship in 2010 … Helped lead Bishop Hendricken HS to back-to-back Rhode Island state titles (2008-09) … 2009 Louisville Slugger Preseason HS All-American … 2008 Rhode Island All-State team after hitting .386 with eight HR … Played 2009 summer baseball on 18-U Diamond Devils AAU team … Played on 2008 17-U Diamond Devils summer team that won the 17-U World Wood Bat Association National Championships as well as the Continental Amateur Baseball Association 18-U Wood Bat World Series.

Round 9 – Jeff Gibbs, RHP, University of Maine/Toronto, ONT – R/R – 6-4, 210

Struggled in 2012 after having a solid career for the Black Bears … Was 3-4 with an 8.40 ERA in 60 innings this past spring, striking out 56 batters, but also walked 42 … Was 8-5 with a 3.42 ERA as a sophomore … Posted a 5-4 mark with a 3.94 ERA as a freshman … A two-time selection to the All-America East team … Won the Ontario High School Provincial Championship with Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute … Won a national title with the Ontario Youth team in 2008 … Majored in Business.

Round 10 – Daniel Poma, OF, Hofstra Univ./Monterey, CA – R/R – 6-1, 220

Had one of the best offensive seasons in the nation this past spring – led the country with 76 runs scored and 31 doubles, while his .435 batting average and 97 hits rank second in the nation. He has also added 26 stolen bases, 149 total bases, a .504 on-base percentage and a .668 slugging percentage, which lead the Colonial Athletic Association … Led the Pride with seven home runs and is second on the team with 47 RBIs … Set Hofstra single season records for hits, runs and doubles … Semifinalist for Dick Howser Trophy, which is awarded to the nation’s top player, and a Golden Spikes Award nominee, which is presented by USA Baseball to the top amateur in the country … Is the first Pride player to ever receive the Bill Brooks CAA Player of the Year Award. … Ranks 11th all-time in hits (170), third in doubles (48), ninth in runs (116) and eighth in stolen bases (49) … Earned All-Western State Conference North honors his freshman season at Cuesta College in 2009, hitting .318 with eight doubles, four triples, four home runs, 25 RBIs and stole 10 bases … Lettered in baseball and basketball at Monterey High School …  Named Offensive Player of the Year in baseball as a senior after compiling a team-high .500 batting average.

The info on the D-backs first three picks …

Here’s the player bio information for the first three picks for the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2012 MLB Draft. Signing of players won’t begin until after the draft concludes on Wednesday.

Round 1 – Stryker Trahan, C, Acadiana HS/Lafayette, LA – L/R – 6-1, 215

Regarded as the top high school catcher available in the draft … Hit .407 with six home runs, 30 RBIs and 22 stolen bases this past spring … Hit .517 with seven home runs and 34 RBIs in his junior season … Played in the 2011 Under Armor All-American Game … Signed a letter of intent to play at Mississippi … Also played the outfield, as well as both corner infield positions, while in high school.

Round 2 – Jose Munoz, SS, Los Altos HS/Hacienda Heights, CA – R/R – 6-3, 185

Signed a letter of intent to play at San Diego State this past winter, one year after verbally committing to the school … Hit .419 with nine doubles, five triples, five home runs and 27 RBIs for the Conquerors this past spring … Hit .381 as a sophomore and .400 as a junior for Los Altos.

Round 3 – Jake Barrett, RHP, Arizona State/Mesa, AZ – R/R – 6-4, 220

Selected in the 3rd round of the 2009 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays … Currently in the Top 10 All-time in ASU history in saves (13) and appearances (73) … Has been a setup man, starter and closer with the Sun Devils … Saved 11 games in 2012, in 31 appearances, while posting a 1.62 ERA and a .179 opponent batting average … Was 11-8 with a 3.38 ERA for his career at ASU … Was the Arizona State Player of the Year in 2009, plus a two-time All-State honoree … Helped lead Desert Ridge to the 2009 5A-2 State Championship … Set Arizona High School records with 19 home runs and 65 RBI in 2009, plus went 9-3 on the mound with 99 strikeouts.

News and Notes …

13 days until 2012 Season opens in Billings
17 days before Home Opener

Here’s the lowdown on the first D-backs draft pick of 2012, catcher Stryker Trahan. And, yes, it appears to be true … the name Stryker comes from a  TV show starring Burt Reynolds that, well, didn’t do so well.

Now, for some news and notes that are Osprey-related, just not draft-related …
– Nothing like making some Osprey history after you leave the Osprey … thank you Jarrod Parker (2007) for that last night. It’s believed that Parker became the first former Osprey pitcher to take a no-hitter through seven innings in a Major League game. Michael Young of the Texas Rangers ended the bid with a clean single up the middle to lead off the top of the eighth inning. Parker picked up the win in a 12-1 Oakland triumph. Continue reading →

From the Osprey Research Dept. …

14 days before the 2012 Season opens in Billings
18 Days before the 2012 Home Opener against those pesky Voyagers from Great Falls

Tonight, the formation of the 2012 Missoula Osprey begins, with the start of the 2012 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. (See preview here, and more about the way the D-backs may draft here.)

And, so it goes, the Arizona Diamondbacks have just one pick in the first and compensation rounds tonight – No. 26 in the order. They were last at that position in 2008, choosing left-handed pitcher Daniel Schlereth (2008), who would eventually pitch in three games in Missoula before moving on to South Bend. Schlereth would eventually make his MLB debut faster than any former Osprey in history, going less than a calendar year from making his pro debut to appearing on a Major League mound.

So what does tonight mean for Missoula? Possibly – a player who will be with the Osprey sometime this season. Continue reading →

Today’s blog brought to you by Home Runs …

by Ben Catley
(bcatley@missoulaosprey.com is where Giants fans can send their love …)

21 days before the Home Opener
17 days before the Season Opener

You think that Tim Lincecum should get at least a sympathy card for what Paul Goldschmidt (2009) has done to him since getting his Major League call-up in August 2011. Thirteen at-bats. Four home runs. Ouch. And when you really think about it, Lincecum hasn’t been the same since that August 2 tater that was threatening the glove in left field. As in the giant one behind the stands …

The latest one came in a 4-1 D-backs win over those Giants. Goldy’s fourth tater of the season was a wall-scraper, but it also came off of the Kryptonite pitch for Goldy – a curveball. Goldschmidt has now hit more home runs against Lincecum than any other MLB player he has faced. Continue reading →

The Deal’s Done and “Squashing the Bug”

26 days until the Home Opener
22 days until Opening Night in Billings

by Ben Catley

Well, if you had Miguel Montero to the Red Sox by 2013 in your pool, while you’re not totally out of the running, the possibilities of that happening took a really bad hit on Saturday.

As hope for by many, the Arizona Diamondbacks have signed catcher Miguel Montero (2002-03) to a five-year contract extension, which will kick in next season and pay him, on average, the $12 million per that his agents were reportedly looking for in a deal.

While there are some people who are skeptical about the signing, there is a group who is all for it – the D-backs pitching staff.

For those of you in the anti-long-contract camp, some food for thought:
– The closest catcher to Montero, skills-wise, in the minor-league system is … no one. And that’s not a knock on all of our former Osprey catchers still in the system. There’s just not one guy who possesses ALL of the tools that Montero brings to the table. With it still being too early to judge on Michael Perez – the 5th-round pick from 2011 who is targeted for Missoula this season – the closest thing to Montero’s all-around abilities (from a former Osprey standpoint, that is…) is a mix between Rossmel Perez (2008) and Raywilly Gomez (2009), or a guy like Roidany Aguila (2009-10-11), who improved greatly in 2011 but has struggled at the plate for South Bend. Yet, he has the most starts among Silver Hawks catchers behind the plate (23) this season.

The bottom line is, Perez is probably, among former Osprey, anyway, next on the list. Unless Perez puts up eye-popping numbers at the plate, and can be solid defensively, then there is that chance of having someone with all of the tools whom the D-backs have confidence to bring into the fold. Konrad Schmidt is seen as good at the plate, needs work behind it. With the guys like Montero, it’s the reverse that helps you stick in the Major Leagues.

–  Who else would be out there?? The D-backs discovered that the catching pool is about as shallow as fountain pool – you can stand in it, you may get lucky, but the best you can expect is a handful of pennies and a citation from the cop watching you wade in from a distance. In other words – it’s fool’s gold, compared to what they have in Montero.

– And, last but not least, these numbers to consider: Among NL backstops since 2009, Montero ranks first with 92 doubles, second with 178 runs scored, 209 RBI, .452 slugging percentage, third with a .280 average, 378 hits, 611 total bases, 45 home runs and an .800 OPS, fourth with 391 games and a .348 on-base percentage and sixth with 131 walks. He has excelled in the clutch with 41 go-ahead RBI and 25 game-winning RBI, both second-best in the NL. Defensively among active NL catchers since 2010, he is second to the Cardinals’ Yadier Molina by throwing out 33.7 percent of attempted basestealers (54-of-160).

In other words – the D-backs looked around, discovered they had the best dance partner and have decided to stick with ’em. Oh, and one more thing … Kevin Towers is about as smart as they come, and he wants quality people around. So .. it turned out to be easier than we all thought it would be to keep him.

Some other stuff …
– The D-backs want Gerardo Parra (2006) to tone down a bit on the bases, yet stay aggressive.  This came to light after he was picked off in a key spot in Saturday’s game with the Milwaukee Brewers.

– Paul Goldschmidt (2009) really “squashed the bug” – planted his front foot and turned on it – when he hit a long home run to center field in the D-backs’ win on Sunday at Chase Field. Let’s hope he squashes a few more this season, eh??

Tomorrow … more stuff, including information on the PA/On-Field Emcee tryouts coming up in a few days. Won’t be long now …

BREAKING: Montero inks for 5 more years with AZ

The Arizona Diamondbacks will announce at 6:30 p.m. MT that they have reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension with catcher Miguel Montero (2002-03 Osprey). Details were not revealed by the club, but FoxSports.com reports the deal to be in the $60 million range.

Be looking for more information shortly on this story.

The latest from the Nest …

by Ben Catley

28 days before the Home Opener
24 days before the Season Opener
Today’s word – Vote, as in – Vote Ollie Now!! Click here to Vote Ollie!! All votes are appreciated …

Next to any extended weekend … wait, what is a weekend, anyway?? … this is my favorite weekend of the year.

You may be wondering just why that is, but while it’s important we take time to reflect on those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can continue to enjoy the freedoms that we do, that’s not the reason. Although it gives us a longer weekend, so the Memorial Day holiday does indirectly become a reason for why I love this weekend so much.

The real reason – it’s the first weekend of the Osprey season for me.

This is the weekend in which yours truly will spend most of in his broadcast booth or in other spots of the press box, working on the club’s (and now the league’s) record book, figuring out radio script for the season, and just generally prepping while baseball is happening on the field.

As long as it doesn’t rain … too much … Continue reading →