Blue Jays Draft Report

Earlier this afternoon the Toronto Blue Jays used their first draft selection (21st overall) on right-handed pitcher Tyler Beede. The 6'4, 200 pound 18 year old, not only throws his fastball in the mid 90's but has recently added a curveball to his repertoire.

Andrew Tannish, Toronto's amateur scouting director is very high on Beede.

"It's a really advanced delivery...He's a full wind-up guy, he's got great tempo, it's a high leg kick, it's a great stride, long stride down the mound with a real quality follow through."

One MAJOR problem is that Beede has already committed to play baseball next year at Vanderbilt. There are reports that he has no intention of signing a professional contract. If he attends Vanderbilt, the Jays will lose their rights to sign him in the future. If the Jays fail to sign him, they will receive the same draft pick in next year's draft.

It was an interesting risk the Jays GM Anthopoulos took this year. Either he was not satisfied with the talent left at 21 and decided to essentially forfeit the draft pick, in hope of a better draft crop next year. Or, Anthopoulos could be banking on Beede to give in and sign for big money. It is hard for many 18 year olds to turn down over a million dollar bonus to have a chance to play professional baseball. Last year the Minnesota Twins had the 21st pick in the MLB Draft and selected Alex Wimmers. Wimmers accepted a $1.33 million dollar bonus.

Here is a quick video of Beede in action. Skip to about 2 minutes in for game action.