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It takes five years, at least, for the results of the yearly amateur draft to be fairly assessed. Let's take a look at the American League 1997 draft class. The Nationals will be in a separate article later this week.

Anaheim Angels
Picking third overall, the Angels snagged Troy Glaus out of UCLA in the first round. Obviously that was a good pick, if a bit of a no-brainer, as Glaus was considered to be the best player available that year. They forfeited their second-round choice for signing Dave Hollins as a free agent. The rest of their draft class was tilted to the college side, focusing especially in pitchers. Injuries ruined their third and fourth round picks. Sixth-rounder Matt Wise, 10th-rounder Steve Green, and 13th-rounder Doug Nickle (all college right-handers) still have a chance for major-league careers in marginal roles.

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