Torn

[Greg Pappas]

Well... a good thing has happened... I'm torn. Torn about my analysis of Gordon Beckham, and whether or not he could be the answer for our O's at pick #4 this June.

While he isn't the athlete that Tim Beckham is, he is as has continued to be simply outstanding both at the plate and in the field. Results do matter. He is not the sexy pick, not the big strapping athletc stud, nor the ace pitcher so many team are seeking. He is, well... simply just damn good.

So... while scouts tell me/us that Gordon is not 'elite' enough to grab at four, we watch Hernandez and Fahey everyday with teary eyes, glancing over the horizon for better days ahead.

Could Gordon Beckham ride in to save the day? I'm a GB fan, and have said repeatedly that I'd love to have him, just not at pick four... but I'm not so sure as I was before... I'm torn.

[wickedwitch]

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080408&content_id=382234&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp

It's a bit too early to talk about who's going to go where and to which teams come draft day, but the rumors are always fun. Latest one TDR heard had the top of the draft going something like this:

1. Tampa -- Tim Beckham
2. Pittsburgh -- Gordon Beckham
3. Kansas City -- Aaron Crow
4. Baltimore -- Brian Matusz
5. San Francisco -- Buster Posey

I've also seen suggestions of SF picking him. So the idea of him going 4th is no longer far fetched.

Obviously with the 4th pick, you want to go for top talent instead of need, but if there is no one clear cut top talent, then shouldn't need factor in?

[Greg Pappas]

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080408&content_id=382234&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp


I've also seen suggestions of SF picking him. So the idea of him going 4th is no longer far fetched.

Obviously with the 4th pick, you want to go for top talent instead of need, but if there is no one clear cut top talent, then shouldn't need factor in?

Under those circumstances, yes, need becomes a factor.

[RZNJ]

I'll admit I'm not up on this stuff as much as some of you guys. I did see some video of Gordon Beckham batting on Youtube.com and wasn't impressed by his physique or his swing. I realize he did well on the Cape with wood bats though. The fact that there isn't a consensus opinion that he's going to be at least an average defensive ML shortstop is just too much of a red flag for me. At the same time, Tim Beckham is so young, I'm not sure you can guarantee he will stay there either, despite the tools to do so. I still say, take the best talent available and don't worry about need. I think that's a trap.

[Greg Pappas]

Not bad, eh? ;)

1B> ?
2B> #BRIAN ROBERTS
SS> GORDON BECKHAM
3B> *BILLY ROWELL?
CA> #MATT WIETERS
LF> *LUKE SCOTT
CF> ADAM JONES
RF> *NICK MARKAKIS
DH> ?

[Greg Pappas]

I'll admit I'm not up on this stuff as much as some of you guys. I did see some video of Gordon Beckham batting on Youtube.com and wasn't impressed by his physique or his swing. I realize he did well on the Cape with wood bats though. The fact that there isn't a consensus opinion that he's going to be at least an average defensive ML shortstop is just too much of a red flag for me. At the same time, Tim Beckham is so young, I'm not sure you can guarantee he will stay there either, despite the tools to do so. I still say, take the best talent available and don't worry about need. I think that's a trap.

We agree there, but the point that was being made is that if there was no discernable difference in talent, would need become a factor... to which I responded yes.

Always take the best talent... always. We agree wholeheartedly.

[ChaosLex]

While Tim Beckham has the higher upside, the thing I like about Gordon is that he's in college. While we'd have to wait 3-4 years for Tim, Gordon *hopefully* wouldn't take more than a year or two.

Guess I'll have to add him to the growing list of guy's I like in this year's draft. :D

[wayne25]

While Tim Beckham has the higher upside, the thing I like about Gordon is that he's in college. While we'd have to wait 3-4 years for Tim, Gordon *hopefully* wouldn't take more than a year or two.

Guess I'll have to add him to the growing list of guy's I like in this year's draft. :D

I think this is the MISTAKE alot of people make. You don't take a lesser talent because he might get there a year or 2 earlier. You HAVE take the long view here if you want long term success. Would you rather have Mike Bordick (whom I loved) or Derek Jeter. If Bordick was coming out of college and jeter HS , then you take Borkick? Just because he gets there faster? NO WAY. Take the best talent!!!!!

[wayne25]

Not bad, eh? ;)

1B> ?
2B> #BRIAN ROBERTS
SS> GORDON BECKHAM
3B> *BILLY ROWELL?
CA> #MATT WIETERS
LF> *LUKE SCOTT
CF> ADAM JONES
RF> *NICK MARKAKIS
DH> ?

Big stretch to take Beckham at # 4 AND TO pencil in Rowell at #rd.. Rowell might never make it up to this level.

[ChaosLex]

I think this is the MISTAKE alot of people make. You don't take a lesser talent because he might get there a year or 2 earlier. You HAVE take the long view here if you want long term success. Would you rather have Mike Bordick (whom I loved) or Derek Jeter. If Bordick was coming out of college and jeter HS , then you take Borkick? Just because he gets there faster? NO WAY. Take the best talent!!!!!

Oh, I would definitely draft Tim. However, I doubt he'll slide past the Rays, Pirates and Royals. What I should've said was that Gordon wouldn't be a bad consolation prize, especially considering he's more major league ready.

[Greg Pappas]

Big stretch to take Beckham at # 4 AND TO pencil in Rowell at #rd.. Rowell might never make it up to this level.

Hence the '?' at the end of Rowell's name.

[waroriole]

Greg, I've heard alot that Gordon's swing has many holes in it, and that his numbers may be the product of aluminum bats. What do you think about his long swing? Also, what is he like defensively, which Beckham is the better defensive SS Tim or Gordon, or maybe David?

[wickedwitch]

Greg, I've heard alot that Gordon's swing has many holes in it, and that his numbers may be the product of aluminum bats.
He did well in the Cape Cod league, which contradicts the idea that his numbers may be due to aluminum bats.

[Lt Melmo]

I really, really don't like putting a lot of value in guys whose value skyrockets before the draft. I always prefer the guy who performs at an A-level for two years than the guy who has one year of B- and one of A+. If that makes sense.

[wayne25]

Hence the '?' at the end of Rowell's name.

Sorry, didn't catch that. Though it should have been ??? :)

[Greg Pappas]

Greg, I've heard alot that Gordon's swing has many holes in it, and that his numbers may be the product of aluminum bats. What do you think about his long swing? Also, what is he like defensively, which Beckham is the better defensive SS Tim or Gordon, or maybe David?

Defensively, Tim is better, but Gordon is solid. As was mentioned above, Gordon led the Cape in HR's last year, which is a wood bat league... so again, that doesn't appear to be an issue.

[Greg Pappas]

I really, really don't like putting a lot of value in guys whose value skyrockets before the draft. I always prefer the guy who performs at an A-level for two years than the guy who has one year of B- and one of A+. If that makes sense.

I hear ya, truly I do... as I said, I'm torn about buying into the skyrocketing of Gordon Beckham. I am getting more comfortable however when looking at his overall career and how well he did at the Cape last year.

With that being said, I still understand and agree with your analogy. Interestingly, last year I felt that Josh Vitters was more of a sure thing than Mike Moustakas, solely based upon their respective career paths. Vitters has always been the next big thing, whereas MM destroyed everything in his path and rose to the top of the HS ranks based mainly on his prodigious feats of one season. He was a well liked prospect coming into the year, a 4th-5th round type and then...you know the rest.

It would be interesting to know the stats of such things... perhaps someone could take some time to determine some other examples and the subsequent resulting careers?

[Fairfax Bird]

I really, really don't like putting a lot of value in guys whose value skyrockets before the draft. I always prefer the guy who performs at an A-level for two years than the guy who has one year of B- and one of A+. If that makes sense.

I'm not sure you know much about G. Beckham then. He was pretty good each year in college and led the CC league in homers. He is the real deal from what I can tell. His offensive numbers blow Tulo completely out of the water.

Tulo:

18 yrs old ... .270/.307/.408/.715
19 yrs old ... .317/.410/.491/.901
20 yrs old ... .349/.431/.599/1.030

Beckham

19 yrs old ... .280/.348/.490/.838
20 yrs old ... .307/.399/.570/.969
21 yrs old ... .454/.525/.962/1.486 (through 108 ABs)

[Fairfax Bird]

Some more interesting numbers:

Beckham:

So = .969 OPS
Jr = 1.440 OPS

Smoak:

So = 1.065 OPS
Jr = 1.230 OPS

Alvarez:

So = 1.147 OPS
Jr = .933 OPS

Wieters:

So = 1.086 OPS
Jr = 1.072 OPS

Beckham plays a much more important position than Smoak / Alvarez. He conquored a wood bat league. I say if Tim Beckham ain't there, you grab his brother from a different moma!! :D

[Greg Pappas]

I'm not sure you know much about G. Beckham then. He was pretty good each year in college and led the CC league in homers. He is the real deal from what I can tell. His offensive numbers blow Tulo completely out of the water.

Tulo:

18 yrs old ... .270/.307/.408/.715
19 yrs old ... .317/.410/.491/.901
20 yrs old ... .349/.431/.599/1.030

Beckham

19 yrs old ... .280/.348/.490/.838
20 yrs old ... .307/.399/.570/.969
21 yrs old ... .454/.525/.962/1.486 (through 108 ABs)

Am I missing something? :D Tulo is better at 19 and 20... how is he blown away?

[Fairfax Bird]

Am I missing something? :D Tulo is better at 19 and 20... how is he blown away?

No your right, he isn't blown away, I was thinking more Fr, So, Jr ... and in each of those three years his numbers are better, however he is a year older each time. That said, even being on the same plane as Tulo is enough for me.;)

[Greg Pappas]

No your right, he isn't blown away, I was thinking more Fr, So, Jr ... and in each of those three years his numbers are better, however he is a year older each time. That said, even being on the same plane as Tulo is enough for me.;)

Yeah, a lesser defender and as good or better hitter suits me just fine. :)

[Stotle]

He did well in the Cape Cod league, which contradicts the idea that his numbers may be due to aluminum bats.

Wood bats against college pitchers is different than wood bats against AA/AAA/ML, though.

He can fix his hitches, but his swing will need an overhaul if he wants to be a solid ML hitter.

My thoughts...

[Fairfax Bird]

Wood bats against college pitchers is different than wood bats against AA/AAA/ML, though.

He can fix his hitches, but his swing will need an overhaul if he wants to be a solid ML hitter.

My thoughts...

Could you explain this hitch please? I just don't understand how he is dominating good talent in the SEC and all of the sudden will struggle vs. AA/AAA/MLB

[Stotle]

Could you explain this hitch please? I just don't understand how he is dominating good talent in the SEC and all of the sudden will struggle vs. AA/AAA/MLB

I can only tell you what I see -- I know other scouts have mentioned his "hitch", but I have never read any specifics.

His back elbow is high in his load, which means the barrel of the bat has to take a longer path to the ball. To contrast, watch someone like Youkilis. The elbow starts up high as the pitcher enters his motion, but as Youk loads, the elbow drops down slightly.

As far as dominating good talent in the SEC, it simply isn't AA/AAA/ML with a wooden bat. There are lots of kids who play well in top college conferences and hit a wall in the upper minors. If you want specifics, I'd start with the fact that the typical pitchers he faces usually have two solid pitches, can change speeds pretty well, and can get the ball over the plate regularly. Command in the zone is generally not great. G-Bex commands the zone well and works counts. He has very good hands and centers on the ball well. He punishes fastballs from middle-to-out and he is lethal when he is ahead in the count and can sit fastball. All of these things will be more difficult as he progresses.

Is he one of the best players in college ball? Yes. Can he overhaul his swing as a pro and become just as dominant at the upper levels? Sure. Is he as "safe" a bet as someone who has a cleaner swing (Alvarez, Posey, Smoak)? Personally, I don't think so. And if I have a top 5 pick, I don't want a ton of guesswork as to what the finished product is going to look like.

Again, just my take.

[Greg Pappas]

From BA's recent article on GB...

Beckham realizes that he has the most success when he does not try to do too much. Ironically, that lesson was hammered home by an oblique strain he suffered just before the season began in February.

"(Florida's Matt) LaPorta had it two years ago and he struggled, and it happened to me a week and a half before the season started, and I was pretty nervous I wouldn't be able to play," Beckham said. "I came into the season not wanting to do too much because I didn't want to hurt my oblique again. By doing that, I shortened my swing a little, and that helped me. It's a weird thing, but getting hurt actually helped me."

Beckham had plenty of success in his college career before his big spring, belting 25 home runs over his first two seasons and leading the Cape Cod League with nine homers last summer. But this year's been a little different, and not just in the stat columns.

"He's changed a lot from a maturity standpoint," Perno said. "I've seen his transformation from a maturity standpoint right after (last) season: on the field, off the field, just handling the situations. He's not beating himself up if things don't go right. He's just taking it in stride. He wants to be fun to watch play. There were too many times last year where he would bring it back onto the field or take his defense with him to the plate. I told him, 'Hey, just be fun to watch.' I'll tell you, he's sure been fun to watch this year from my vantage point."

[markpolis]

I can only tell you what I see -- I know other scouts have mentioned his "hitch", but I have never read any specifics.

His back elbow is high in his load, which means the barrel of the bat has to take a longer path to the ball. To contrast, watch someone like Youkilis. The elbow starts up high as the pitcher enters his motion, but as Youk loads, the elbow drops down slightly.

As far as dominating good talent in the SEC, it simply isn't AA/AAA/ML with a wooden bat. There are lots of kids who play well in top college conferences and hit a wall in the upper minors. If you want specifics, I'd start with the fact that the typical pitchers he faces usually have two solid pitches, can change speeds pretty well, and can get the ball over the plate regularly. Command in the zone is generally not great. G-Bex commands the zone well and works counts. He has very good hands and centers on the ball well. He punishes fastballs from middle-to-out and he is lethal when he is ahead in the count and can sit fastball. All of these things will be more difficult as he progresses.

Is he one of the best players in college ball? Yes. Can he overhaul his swing as a pro and become just as dominant at the upper levels? Sure. Is he as "safe" a bet as someone who has a cleaner swing (Alvarez, Posey, Smoak)? Personally, I don't think so. And if I have a top 5 pick, I don't want a ton of guesswork as to what the finished product is going to look like.

Again, just my take.

Spot on. Very nice analysis.

[McNulty]

I'd rather have Buster Posey than Gordon Beckham (and I've seen them both in person a few times, and with Posey at least 2 dozen). I'd rather have both over Matusz but neither over Crow. I'd take Tim Beckham over everyone else save Alvarez.

Does that summarize it nicely?

[DennisTheOsFan]

Maybe if we had the 10th pick. But I think taking Gordon at 4 is too high.

It would appear that the consensus top 4 picks are Alvarez, T. Beckham, Matusz, and Crow (Justin Smoak makes it up there on some draft boards).

I'd venture to say that if given the option, most experts would not take Gordon Beckham before any of those 4 guys.

[DennisTheOsFan]

I'd rather have Buster Posey than Gordon Beckham (and I've seen them both in person a few times, and with Posey at least 2 dozen). I'd rather have both over Matusz but neither over Crow. I'd take Tim Beckham over everyone else save Alvarez.

Does that summarize it nicely?

McNulty, what is your impression of Brian Matusz (you don't see high on him).

[wayne25]

[QUOTE=McNulty;1290567]I'd rather have Buster Posey than Gordon Beckham (and I've seen them both in person a few times, and with Posey at least 2 dozen). I'd rather have both over Matusz but neither over Crow. I'd take Tim Beckham over everyone else save Alvarez.



I agree about Posey, want nothing to do with gordon B.. I'd take the other 4 hitters over any pitcher though.

[McNulty]

McNulty, what is your impression of Brian Matusz (you don't see high on him).

I make it a point to watch as much baseball of all kinds as I can, be it the O's, to the minor leagues, to college; either in person or on TV.

When that isn't enough, I read as much as I can.

Everything on the net about him suggests he's fantastic.

Here's Kevin Goldstein, written in early March:

Brian Matusz, LHP, University of San Diego

Seen by some as the top pitcher in the college class, Matusz' first start of the year was a disappointment, as he struggled with his command and got hit around a bit. Since then, he's lived up to expectations, including a Friday start (against a good Oklahoma State team) that included 12 strikeouts over eight innings, while surrendering just four hits and an unearned run. Not everyone is buying that Matusz is the best college arm, but it's hard to find a more complete pitcher; the six-foot-five left-hander might not been as overpowering as some others, but he still has plus velocity, plus secondary stuff, and usually plus control, and will be one of the first pitchers taken in June.

So its quite possible that I'm just a touch irrational.

[allstar1579]

Well... a good thing has happened... I'm torn. Torn about my analysis of Gordon Beckham, and whether or not he could be the answer for our O's at pick #4 this June.

While he isn't the athlete that Tim Beckham is, he is as has continued to be simply outstanding both at the plate and in the field. Results do matter. He is not the sexy pick, not the big strapping athletc stud, nor the ace pitcher so many team are seeking. He is, well... simply just damn good.

So... while scouts tell me/us that Gordon is not 'elite' enough to grab at four, we watch Hernandez and Fahey everyday with teary eyes, glancing over the horizon for better days ahead.

Could Gordon Beckham ride in to save the day? I'm a GB fan, and have said repeatedly that I'd love to have him, just not at pick four... but I'm not so sure as I was before... I'm torn.

I would be way too worried about projections that he doesn't stick at SS, and the fact that talent wise, most everyone is saying this is a 4 or 5 person draft with Gordon leading the 2nd tier. If he does have to shift positions it doesn't help us in the least, as he is really only a sexy pick because he plays SS.

The big 5 so to speak look like T. Beckham, Alvarez, Crow, Matusz, and Hosmer. Whatever 2 are on the board at 4 is who we should choose from, with the most likely being Matusz and Hosmer, but it really could go down completely different (don't forget that Moustakas thing last year).

Crow scares me with his herky-jerky arm movement, and looks like another high draft pick to have shoulder surgery, flop for a while and end up in the pen. Aside from him, I'm confident in the other 4 for now. With the draft 2 months away I could be swayed, by say an improvement in Gordon's range and hands :)

[Welcome_Home]

I feel Like it will be G. Beckham, who has really raised his value:

http://www.georgiadogs.com/fls/8800/stats/baseball/2008/teamcume.htm

Or

J.Smoak

Hard to pass again on a Power Hitting, Switch Hitting First Baseman.

Plus having "Two birds from Goose Creek", sounds like a future promotion.

[RZNJ]

I would be way too worried about projections that he doesn't stick at SS, and the fact that talent wise, most everyone is saying this is a 4 or 5 person draft with Gordon leading the 2nd tier. If he does have to shift positions it doesn't help us in the least, as he is really only a sexy pick because he plays SS.

The big 5 so to speak look like T. Beckham, Alvarez, Crow, Matusz, and Hosmer. Whatever 2 are on the board at 4 is who we should choose from, with the most likely being Matusz and Hosmer, but it really could go down completely different (don't forget that Moustakas thing last year).

Crow scares me with his herky-jerky arm movement, and looks like another high draft pick to have shoulder surgery, flop for a while and end up in the pen. Aside from him, I'm confident in the other 4 for now. With the draft 2 months away I could be swayed, by say an improvement in Gordon's range and hands :)

Range is something that's not likely to improve at this point, and I thought his hands were pretty good. I was under the impression that he had very few errors as a college SS.

[TJ Wrangler]

I feel Like it will be G. Beckham, who has really raised his value:

http://www.georgiadogs.com/fls/8800/stats/baseball/2008/teamcume.htm

Or

J.Smoak

Hard to pass again on a Power Hitting, Switch Hitting First Baseman.

Plus having "Two birds from Goose Creek", sounds like a future promotion.

As long as that promotion isn't something like "Two birds from Goose Creek flock to Atlanta via Free Agency."

[allstar1579]

Range is something that's not likely to improve at this point, and I thought his hands were pretty good. I was under the impression that he had very few errors as a college SS.

Yeah, you are right, he doesn't make a lot of errors, just after the rumblings I've read about him possibly not sticking at SS, you have to wonder why they would think that. He doesn't have to make errors to not be good enough for MLB SS...it could be range, it could be speed on turning the 2x, it could be arm strength. I haven't found much about that. The kid looks impressive, but he is still 2nd tier to the Alvarez, TBeck, and Hosmer crowd...not for long it seems.

[Greg Pappas]

Baseball Prospectus Update...

Gordon Beckham, SS, University of Georgia-
Believe it or not, Beckham is actually a bit of a free swinger. That said, his walk total continues to grow, almost exponentially, because everyone is afraid to pitch to him. In Friday’s opener of a three-game set with Louisiana State, Beckham had a double in two at-bats while walking three times. On Saturday, he slugged two more home runs while being handed another pair of free passes, and in Sunday’s 10-10 tie (in college baseball, you gotta catch your plane), he trotted to first a couple more times. Now batting .435/.537/.903 in 39 games with 19 home runs and 29 walks against just 13 strikeouts, Beckham remains the most dangerous offensive player in college baseball, and his draft stock is creeping into the single-digit picks.

[allstar1579]

Baseball Prospectus Update...

Gordon Beckham, SS, University of Georgia-
Believe it or not, Beckham is actually a bit of a free swinger. That said, his walk total continues to grow, almost exponentially, because everyone is afraid to pitch to him. In Friday’s opener of a three-game set with Louisiana State, Beckham had a double in two at-bats while walking three times. On Saturday, he slugged two more home runs while being handed another pair of free passes, and in Sunday’s 10-10 tie (in college baseball, you gotta catch your plane), he trotted to first a couple more times. Now batting .435/.537/.903 in 39 games with 19 home runs and 29 walks against just 13 strikeouts, Beckham remains the most dangerous offensive player in college baseball, and his draft stock is creeping into the single-digit picks.

Ladies and gentleman I do believe we have our first 2008 draft in-season riser. If he finishes as strong as he is playing right now, I could see him making a push for that 3-6 range.

[WV O's]

Baseball Prospectus Update...

Gordon Beckham, SS, University of Georgia-
Believe it or not, Beckham is actually a bit of a free swinger. That said, his walk total continues to grow, almost exponentially, because everyone is afraid to pitch to him. In Friday’s opener of a three-game set with Louisiana State, Beckham had a double in two at-bats while walking three times. On Saturday, he slugged two more home runs while being handed another pair of free passes, and in Sunday’s 10-10 tie (in college baseball, you gotta catch your plane), he trotted to first a couple more times. Now batting .435/.537/.903 in 39 games with 19 home runs and 29 walks against just 13 strikeouts, Beckham remains the most dangerous offensive player in college baseball, and his draft stock is creeping into the single-digit picks.

wow...he is having quite a season...and he is a shortstop! Could it be that he just "got it"?

[Greg Pappas]

wow...he is having quite a season...and he is a shortstop! Could it be that he just "got it"?

It's certainly not unprecedented to have an already well liked prospect 'blow up' as Gordon is. It's not as if he's going from a 35th round type to being picked fifth overall, as he was considered by many a late first rounder coming into the season.

Beckham may just have discovered a true comfort zone and he's riding an incredible hot streak, or... perhaps he's skills are really this good , and he's among the elite players of the draft. He's certainly in consideration for a top ten pick at this juncture.

Time will tell his value... albeit it should be a few years before we know for sure. One thing that is for sure... he is making this exciting and interesting draft all the more so.

[dbc33]

I feel Like it will be G. Beckham, who has really raised his value:

http://www.georgiadogs.com/fls/8800/stats/baseball/2008/teamcume.htm

Or

J.Smoak

Hard to pass again on a Power Hitting, Switch Hitting First Baseman.

Plus having "Two birds from Goose Creek", sounds like a future promotion.


Smoak hit 3 HR tonight with 8 RBI, including a grandslam

[allstar1579]

Hey Greg, do you have much info on GBeck's defense and why they think he might not stick @ SS. Given positions of need, age, and the lway he is coming on as a Junior right now could he become a more viable pick than say Matusz?

Does he project right now as more of a Tulo or a Crosby type SS?

[Fairfax Bird]

The more I see the more I want Gordon Beckham to be an Oriole. If he can be an average defensive SS he seems to be pretty unstoppable with the bat. I respect Stotle's well-informed analysis, but I have also read that a oblique injury this winter forced him to shorten his swing and we may just benefit from it!!!

[Greg Pappas]

Hey Greg, do you have much info on GBeck's defense and why they think he might not stick @ SS. Given positions of need, age, and the lway he is coming on as a Junior right now could he become a more viable pick than say Matusz?

Does he project right now as more of a Tulo or a Crosby type SS?

GB has commited six errors this year, fielding pretty well at a .965 clip. He has decent range, a good arm and looks comfortable at the position. For me he'll be an average defender at short, although there are some that think he profiles better at 2B or 3B.

He's nowhere near the defender that Tulo is at short, but he could be the better hitter.

GB will be much better than Crosby, but may or may not stick at short. I think he can, but time will tell.

[Greg Pappas]

The more I see the more I want Gordon Beckham to be an Oriole. If he can be an average defensive SS he seems to be pretty unstoppable with the bat. I respect Stotle's well-informed analysis, but I have also read that a oblique injury this winter forced him to shorten his swing and we may just benefit from it!!!

Yeah... I posted an excerpt from that article and it seems that his growth as a hitter stemmed from his maturing as a player, his hard work with the staff and the success at the Cape, which all happened before his injury. The injury focused his hitting talent a great deal more and... Viola!

[allstar1579]

GB has commited six errors this year, fielding pretty well at a .965 clip. He has decent range, a good arm and looks comfortable at the position. For me he'll be an average defender at short, although there are some that think he profiles better at 2B or 3B.

He's nowhere near the defender that Tulo is at short, but he could be the better hitter.

GB will be much better than Crosby, but may or may not stick at short. I think he can, but time will tell.

Ah, sounds good either way though, with us having glaring needs at SS and 2B that is double the chance we could use him. Looking at stats he doesn't exactly look like C. Utley with the bat, but he looks disciplined and hits what he is pitched. Reminds me more of M. Young in that regard. Either way with any of these names we've mentioned, that is pretty good company.

[WV O's]

It's certainly not unprecedented to have an already well liked prospect 'blow up' as Gordon is. It's not as if he's going from a 35th round type to being picked fifth overall, as he was considered by many a late first rounder coming into the season.

Beckham may just have discovered a true comfort zone and he's riding an incredible hot streak, or... perhaps he's skills are really this good , and he's among the elite players of the draft. He's certainly in consideration for a top ten pick at this juncture.

Time will tell his value... albeit it should be a few years before we know for sure. One thing that is for sure... he is making this exciting and interesting draft all the more so.

thanks greg. I hate this patience thing!