American League Baltimore Orioles: There are many who believe that
taking players out of high school in the amateur draft
is pure folly -- especially if they're pitchers. If
this is the case -- and there is strong evidence to
suggest it is -- the Orioles just compounded a mistake
with another one when they threw a garbage scow full
of coins at last year's first-round pick, Adam Loewen,
the fourth player taken in the 2002 draft. Laura
Vecsey of the Baltimore Sun thinks this proves the O's
are ready to show they're willing to spend to win. She
is right: as a gesture of good faith to their fans
this might have some merit. As a sound baseball
decision, however, it does not.
Detroit Tigers: Drew Olson of the Milwaukee
Journal-Sentinel reports that the Brewers are glad to
be rid of new Tiger Alex Sanchez. He cited the
player's poor attitude and unwillingness to listen to
management as the key reasons he needed to be
jettisoned from the good ship Milwaukee. Even if he
was St. Francis of Assisi, Sanchez has yet to prove he
is a worthwhile ballplayer. He has shown little power,
impatience at the plate and, according to Olson, is a
goof ball on the bases. The Tigers -- and Sanchez (who
was acquired for the price of two "mid-tier"
prospects) appear happy he's in Detroit, writes Tom
Gage of the Free Press. They will insert him in the
leadoff spot and hand him the centerfielder's job.
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