Burrell was one of the most celebrated players college baseball has ever produced, racking up unprecedented achievements for a tradition-rich Miami baseball program (like becoming the school’s first freshman to lead the NCAA in hitting). His brilliant collegiate career earned him the honour of being picked first overall in the 1998 MLB draft. But has Burrell delivered on all that tremendous promise?
Spikes Up: Player Profile: Pat Burrell Read Post »
Stokes was plucked out of a Texas high school at the tender age of 18 with power potential splashed all over him. The Marlins opened their wallets for the first-round talent, penning him to a $2.027-million signing bonus. So far, they haven’t exactly gotten much of a return on their investment as injuries have derailed the 6’4”, 225-pound behemoth from advancing beyond Triple-A.
Spikes Up: Draft Review: 2000 Second Round Read Post »
Oh baby! That was a seriously fine All-Star game last week. Sure, the whole “this time it counts” mantra is tiresome, but these past three midseason classics have really lived up to the title and been worth watching. The game has evolved into more than just a stupid fly-by followed by four hours of boredom.
Spikes Up: Same Old Nats Read Post »
A career .295 hitter in four professional seasons, Hamilton reached Double-A by the age of 20 before his career petered out thanks to injuries and personal issues (read: drug problems). It was no small task getting the troubled Hamilton cleared to play minor league ball again.
Spikes Up: Josh Hamilton: To Hell and Back Read Post »
The East Carolina senior led the Pirates in batting average, hits, doubles, RBI, total bases and slugging, while finishing second in home runs. The A’s, as they are wont to do, plucked the college kid in the 21st round in last month’s entry draft.
Spikes Up: Catcher in the Vie Read Post »
