For the first time in its history, Major League Baseball's draft will be televised when ESPN2 broadcasts the event today at 1:00 p.m. CT. Baseball Prospectus prospect guru Kevin Goldstein lists two Longhorns in his top 50 available ($) in this year's draft - Kyle Russell (#28) and Bradley Suttle (#42).
On Russell, Goldstein writes: "Top of the scale power rates a pure 80 on 20-80 scouting scale; he set a new Texas home run mark with 28 in 223 at-bats, eclipsing the previous mark of 20; power isn’t his only tool--also a decent runner with a solid arm." On the downside, Goldstein notes that scouts worry about holes in his swing, and question whether his loopy, uppercut swing will translate well to advanced levels.
Goldstein goes on to say that Suttle is very solid in every facet of the game, but isn't exceptional at anything offensively. His soft hands and plus glove make him an attractive prospect, though.
Sticking with baseball, some disappointing news today that Josh Prince and Michael Demporio told Augie Garrido that they would be transferring from the program. Prince's departure is especially surprising, as he would have been a no-doubt starter at shortstop for the Longhorns next year (Fuller graduates). Interestingly, Prince (Lake Charles, LA) and Demporio (Marietta, GA) were the only two non-Texans on the roster.
Some tragic news for Kris Clack in his quest to get to the NBA: the Austin Toros have hired Quinn Snyder to be their new head coach.
Why they chose Quinn - who consistently achieved less with more at Missouri than any coach in the NCAAs - is beyond me. The guy proved incapable of developing talent at the collegiate level; I can't figure what the Toros' management thinks he brings to the table. Other than bad hair.
Via the Statesman's "Bevo Beat," a Tulsa World article on Bob Stoops as he preps for the 2007 season. Stoops believes he will get as good a play from his new quarterback (either redshirt freshman Sam Bradford, true freshman Keith Nichol, or junior Joey Halzle) as Texas got from Colt McCoy last year. "Every bit as good," Stoops said. "And hopefully better."
We'll see.
--PB--