The Athletics' selection of Drew Burress in the 8th overall pick of the MLB Draft has sparked a lot of discussion among fans and analysts. While some see it as a smart move, others are skeptical about the team's strategy. Personally, I think this pick is a bit of a surprise, but it could be a game-changer for the A's farm system. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for Burress to develop into a power-hitting outfielder with a strong arm and a disciplined approach at the plate. In my opinion, the Athletics are taking a calculated risk by drafting a player who may not have been the top choice for many other teams, but who has the potential to become a valuable asset in the future.
One thing that immediately stands out is the team's decision to go with a college player instead of a high school prospect. This is a common strategy for the A's, who have a history of drafting college players and developing them into stars. However, it's also a risky move, as college players may not have the same level of experience and polish as high school prospects. What many people don't realize is that the A's have a strong track record of success with this strategy, and they may be onto something again with Burress.
From my perspective, the key to this pick is the potential for Burress to develop into a power-hitting outfielder. With a compact and quick right-handed swing, plenty of strength, and a disciplined approach at the plate, he has the tools to become a force in the batter's box. His plus power that plays to all fields is also a significant advantage, and his ability to steal an occasional base and chase down balls in center field is a bonus. If he can maintain his high baseball IQ and strong work ethic, he could become a valuable asset for the A's in the future.
However, there are some concerns about Burress' potential to remain in center field. While his above-average speed may allow him to stay there, many scouts expect him to eventually slide to a corner spot on the grass. This is where his plus-plus arm would play up well, and he could become a potential Gold-Glove caliber defender on the grass. The Athletics can try out Burress up the middle, but they can easily slide him over to a corner once he approaches the big leagues. This flexibility is a significant advantage, and it shows the team's confidence in Burress' potential.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the fact that Burress has a high baseball IQ and a strong work ethic. These are essential traits for any player, but they are particularly important for a college player who may not have the same level of experience and polish as a high school prospect. If he can maintain these traits as he develops, he could become a valuable asset for the A's and a star in the making.
What this really suggests is that the Athletics are taking a long-term view with this pick. They are betting on Burress' potential to develop into a star, and they are willing to take a calculated risk to achieve that goal. This is a bold move, but it could pay off handsomely for the team in the future. If Burress can live up to the hype, he could become a cornerstone of the A's farm system and a fan favorite in Oakland.
In conclusion, the Athletics' selection of Drew Burress is a bit of a surprise, but it could be a game-changer for the team. With his potential to develop into a power-hitting outfielder with a strong arm and a disciplined approach at the plate, he has the tools to become a valuable asset for the A's. While there are some concerns about his potential to remain in center field, the team's flexibility and confidence in his potential make this a smart move. If Burress can live up to the hype, he could become a cornerstone of the A's farm system and a fan favorite in Oakland.
