With the 2004 draft coming up shortly on June 7th, it’s a good time to look back on the first two drafts of JP Ricciardi.
The first Ricciardi draft in 2002 was initially rated the best draft by Baseball America. Russ Adams led off, and then was followed in the next several rounds by college pitchers. So where are the class of 2002 now? Let’s take a look:
Syracuse (AAA):
Russ Adams, SS - Round 1
David Bush, SP - 2
New Hampshire (AA):
Adam Peterson, RP - 4
Jordan DeJong, RP - 18
Dunedin (High A):
Chad Pleiness, RP - 5
Jason Waugh, OF - 11
John Schneider, C - 13
Brad Hassey, SS - 19
Bubbie Buzachero, RP - 23
Eric Kratz, C - 29
Charleston (Low A):
Eric Arnold, 3B - 10
Mike Galloway, OF - 14
David Smith, OF - 15
Extended Spring Training:
Justin Maureau, P - 3
Brian Grant, P - 7
Chris Leonard, P - 8 (Injured)
Russell Savickas, P - 9
Randy Braun, OF - 17
Traded:
Jason Perry, OF to Oakland for John-Ford Griffin - 6
2002 Summary
50 picks
29 signed
25 college players
1 JC player
3 HS players
12 pitchers
9 college pitchers
1 JC pitcher
2 HS pitchers
17 hitters
16 college hitters
0 JC hitters
1 HS hitters
While the 2002 draft was initially highly rated at this point only three players, Adams, Bush, and Peterson, are generally considered to be in the top 20 Blue Jay prospects.
The 2003 draft looked remarkably like the 2002 draft, starting off with a middle infielder and followed by college pitchers. The following is a breakout of where the draftees are today:
New Hampshire (AA):
Aaron Hill, SS - Round 1
Dunedin (High A):
Josh Banks, SP - 2
Kurt Isenberg, SP - 4
Jamie Vermilyea, RP - 9
Jayce Tingler, OF - 10
Vito~! Chiaravalloti, 1B - 15
Charleston (Low A):
Shawn Marcum, SP - 3
Justin James, SP - 5
Christian Snavely, OF - 6
Danny Core, SP - 7
Tom Mastny, SP - 11
Joey Reiman, C - 16
Ryan Roberts, 2B - 18
Mark Sopko, RP - 21
Brian Patrick, OF - 25
Brian Reed, RP - 27
Joey Wolf, C - 33
Extended Spring Training:
Chad Mulholland, P - 8
Jason Rodriguez, P - 12
Matt Foster, P (military service) - 13
Jeremy Harper, P - 14
Jordy Templet, P - 17
Vinny Esposito, 3B - 22
Jeremy Acey, 2B - 23
Kyle Thousand, OF - 26
Billy Wheeler, P - 30
Joaquin Canizal, P - 31
Brad Mumma, P - 32
Jeremy Knicely, C - 42
Michael Rider, P - 49
2003 Summary
50 picks
30 signed
27 college players
3 JC player
0 HS players
18 pitchers
16 college pitchers
2 JC pitcher
0 HS pitchers
12 hitters
11 college hitters
1 JC hitter
0 HS hitters
The 2003 draft looks to be a better draft for the Jays. Aaron Hill is already in New Hampshire, five players are regulars in Dunedin, and eleven players are in Charleston. Five players made the preseason top 20 prospects prior to the season, and at this point in the season it looks like there may be eight 2003 draftees in the top 20.
What to expect for 2004?
In the first two drafts the Jays signed 59 draft picks. Of those players 52 (88%) were college players, 4 were junior college players, and 3 were high school players. Last year the Jays selected college players with their first 18 picks. In 2002 the Jays selected college players with their first 6 picks. It would be a surprise if the emphasis on college players didn’t continue with this draft.
Preliminary Batter's Box Draft Coverage:
* College Pitchers - April 28th
* College Hitters - May 17th
* College Pitchers, Updated - May 21st
* A review of the 2 Ricciardi Drafts - May 26th
* Mock Draft - June 2nd
* Batter's Box Draft Day Coverage - June 7th and 8th
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20040526084944999