Already larded up with young talent, the Rays added one more name to the rolls with what they hope is their last lofty draft position for a while. They've decided to select Griffin, Georgia high-schooler Tim Beckham with the first overall pick in the MLB draft, which officially begins at 2 P.M.
Beckham's a shortstop who has committed to USC but seems likely to forgo co-eds for long bus rides in the low minors. Baseball America's Jim Callis said that Beckham"has the best combination of five-tool ability and baseball aptitude in the draft" and Baseball Prospectus's Kevin Goldstein writes that in a perfect world Beckham becomes "an All-Star shortstop who hits 20 home runs, steals 40 bases, and plays above-average defense."
It's the fourth time the Rays have picked first overall. They selected Josh Hamilton, Delmon Young and, just last year, David Price.
The choice of Beckham may have been dictated, in part, by the pocketbook. Beckham is toolsy and young, which doesn't always work out, while Florida State catcher Buster Posey could fill an actual team need much sooner. Reports are that Posey is asking for $12 million which may have been the final push the Rays needed to go in Beckham's direction. Beckham's upside is tremendous but it seems likely that, if all things were equal, Posey could have been their first choice.
