Beckham is the 1

The Rays took Griffin (Ga.) High SS Tim Beckham with the top pick in today's draft.

"We feel has has an advanced approach to the game, a genuine enthusiasm for what he does and we feel like he's got a great chance to be an impact player in the major leagues,'' Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman said at Tropicana Field shortly after the selection.


Beckham, 18, is an athletic, five-tools type of player projected by many scouts to be a future star, possibly along the lines of current Rays CF B.J. Upton, or his brother Justin, a RF with the Diamondbacks. The Rays on Wednesday said they had narrowed the field to Beckham and Florida State catcher Buster Posey.

Scouting director R.J. Harrison said when he first saw Beckham play last summer he considered hi, a blend of five current major-leaguers: Gary Sheffield, of the Tigers; Orlando Hudson, D'backs; Brandon Phillips, Reds; and the Uptons. "I felt there was a little bit of everybody from that group in this kid,'' he said.

Baseball America ranked Beckham the top high school prospect in the draft and second among draft eligibles on their list of "best pure hitters" and "closest to the majors" and third among "best defensive players.''

Beckham, who spent the day with family and friends in Griffin, Ga., spoke on a conference call with Tampa Bay media shortly after 5 and said he was overjoyed at the news. "It was crazy,'' Beckham said. "I wanted to do a back flip in my room.''

More importantly, he said he expects to be in the majors in "2-3"  years - "the quicker the better for me.''


The Rays are hopeful of getting him signed quickly so he can start playing for their Princeton, W. Va., farm team, and said indications from the Beckham family and his advisors are that the feeling is mutual. Beckham has a college scholarship offer to Southern Cal, and there is an Aug. 15 signing deadline. "We're hopeful that it won't be something that will drag on throughout the summer,'' Friedman said.

Beckham said he was eager to get started as well, but would meet first with his advisers on Friday. ""As quickly as I can get it done the happier I'll be,'' he said. "I'm ready to play ball.''

Beckham hit .482 (53-for-110) with six homers, 13 doubles, 41 RBIs, 58 runs and 23 steals in 36 games during his senior season, leading Griffin to the state finals. He had a slugging percentage of .701, and on-base percentage of .570 and an OPS of 1.271.

Here is what Harrison said about Beckham at last week's media session:
"A really good player at a premium position. Middle of the field player, very good athlete, an advanced bat, had a real good awareness on the field. He plays the game with a great deal of enthusiasm, and then when you spend time with him away from the field, he's the same guy. He's a fun guy to be around.''

In an interview with the Times earlier this week, Beckham's father, Jimmy, said he his son, the youngest of three, was the total package as a player, offering comparisons that he hits with the power of Marlins star Hanley Ramirez, runs with the confidence of Mets star Jose Reyes and had the leadership abilities of Yankees star Derek Jeter.

"He's special. He has real unique leadership skills,'' Jimmy Beckham said. "I brag about my sons all the time, but he's a great kid, a really great kid. He's got the ultimate personality. He's the life of the party.''

Beckham started playing baseball as a young kid in Griffin, about 40 miles south of Atlanta, then gave up the sport when he was 11, only to be urged back in about three years later by his father and older brother Jeremy, who played at Georgia Southern and also could be drafted.

"There was a time where like most black kids he gravitated toward basketball and football, but my deal with him was that he could play other sports but he couldn't totally quit baseball,'' Jimmy Beckham said. "And then he got excited about it again.''

There were reports by Baseball Prospectus and other web sites that Posey was seeking a package of a record $12-million, which could be an issue for teams. Friedman said that was "zero factor" in the Rays decision.

Comments

[MJ]

The Kid's got talent no doubt about it and although there apparently are a few of you who have disagreed with Tampa's choice, I agree that he is a threat...but no to the Rays but to the oppsing teams. He's going far and good luck to him.

[Tuck]

Andy, you used two absolutes in your question: ALWAYS & EVERYTHING. Obviously, no fan agrees 100%, all of the time with the organization.

However, how can fans criticize prospects who will need 2-4 years of development to reach the majors? They obviously will be much improved and different players by the time they reach the bigs.

[Andy]

Tuck,

What, true fans are always happy with everything the organization does? I guess that's why Ron Zook is still coaching at Florida.

[Andy]

Tim,

Since when did high schoolers switch to wood bats? I don't really see what that has to do with anything.

[Tuck]

Weren't there 5 can't miss prospects at the top of the draft this year? It sounds to me like the Rays had a difficult choice to make, but definitely made a great selection. I'm surprised so many "fans" are criticizing the pick.

[Dave]

I was a little dissapointed with Posey not being selected, but we have lesser depth in our organization at short. Good pick

[Dave]

I was a little dissapointed with Posey not being selected, but we have lesser depth in our organization at short. Good pick

[Tim]

To all you 'metal bat'Posey fans....Move To San Francisco!! Beckham may very well be a star either at SS/2B,or RF. Posey will be a good,solid player,but nothing special.Beckham does not have a long swing,it's very quick.

[Brent]

Great Pick... Welcome to Tampa Bay Kid!!!! Can't wait to see what you can do...

[Ray]

Here's hoping the Rays take a catcher soon. AFter watching Navi trying to throw out runners last night, he needs to go. He even bounced one after a pitch-out.

[Andy]

I think I should clarify a bit. Yes, I think money ruled the day. At the same time, we have no idea what Posey's demands were. It could be that Posey is the best player, but he was demanding so much money that he made himself a bad investment. I mean, I like AKI, but if he demands 10 million a year when his contract runs up next year I'd get over him pretty quickly.

[Paul]

Andy,
I hope you're wrong and that the days of $$$ ruling things for the Rays had passed.

Was looking forward to Posey playing for the Rays. The first I saw him play was last weekend and as a college catcher, he demonstrated better defense and at least the same arm quality as the Rays starter right now.

That said, I welcome Tim to St. Pete, I hope that this High School SS pick turns out as well as our last. (He can play RF instead of a CF)

[Andy]

Jim,

Seeing as he was playing against high schoolers, the numbers don't really mean too much. There was more than one guy on my HS team that his .500 with 6 homers or more.

You want to see Gaudy numbers? How about .468 with 24 HRs and 82 RBIs (.572 OBP, .897 SLG, 1.469 OPS) that Posey put up against college competition.

Let's all hope and pray the scouts earned their keep on this one, because the numbers that appear to have weighed predominantly into this decision start with the '$" symbol.

[Jim]

I got to see alot of Posey playing,... and he's a great player. The truth is, Rays scouting department rarely gets it wrong, and as important as this draft is to them considering they don't plan to pick top 5 again for awhile,...I'm sure they really did due diligence. How many of you negative posters actually got to see Beckham play? those are pretty gaudy numbers for someone to say he needs work on his swing,...

[Baseball Cards]

Rafe,

Thanks for your 2 cents. Go back to your trolling.

[rafe]

All this talk is speculation. None of you know what will happen with any of these players. Go back to your baseball cards.

[Murf]

I hope this is not a decision that will be regretted. I see the Posey pick coming back to haunt the Rays. He will be in the bigs within a year. It will be years before Beckham makes it if he even does. I would have gone with Posey, he can play any position including pitcher and he had the best batting average in college baseball. Wrong pick Rays.

[rocky]

Beat the Sox...

[Zimm]

Posey is going to get to the bigs quicker and can play many positions, unlikely he'll be an elite player. Could be solid hitter and fielder. Beckham will be feast or famine .. and if it's feast he'll be an All-Star. Think Miguel Tijueda @ SS; or that RF the Rays really need - but it will be at least 3 years before he's up and most likely 4. Go Rays! Yankees Suck!

[RFN]

I am okay with Beckham, not sure how he is going to displace Reid Brignac at SS, who is only a year or so away, but if he's truly the athlete all say, they'll find a position for him. Look forward to seeing you in St. Pete in a few years Tim.

But since the Rays didn't draft Posey, getting a decent defensive catcher moves up the "to do" list. Watching Navarro stab at balls in the dirt instead of blocking them is getting tiresome. He should have had ANOTHER passed ball last night instead of a wild pitch being charged to EJ. And, though he managed to throw out one runner on a pitch-out, the other effort was pathetic. The throw was 3 ft to the wrong side of second base.

Posey is going to be a very solid, perhaps great ML catcher, congrats to the team that grabs him.

[Andy]

Jeff,

Yes, there is always risk. But there is significantly less risk in drafting a college player, as they have been tested against 20-22 year old men, rather than 16 year old boys.

[JeffC]

To all with negative posts, just remember that these are all still HS and College kids we're talking about and no guarantee that any one player will pan out.

That's why they're ALL prospects until they prove themselves at the MLB level.

The second guessing already beginning is absurd to me.

Bottom line is the Rays system is well stocked, and they can always trade later to fill a specific need.

GO RAYS!!

[Marvin]

stupid not to take Buster.There isn't a position he can't play, he has a strong arm and should be a .300 hitter with some power. You have a top prospect from inside the state and you pass?

[Edgar]

excellent choice. I did not want to see the Rays draft Posey. Posey is overrated. Imagine Longoria,Brignac,Beckham,and Pena infield. I wanted Beckham all along.
BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM!!!!

[Reggie]

Hey, while you guys are talking baseball I think I am going to drop some GHB in Betty & Veronica's soda pop!!!

yeah BABY!!!

[JugHead]

You're wrong on that Archie! I'll bet you a triple cheeseburger, super fry and a double thick chocolate malt that this kid turns out to be the best in the draft.

[Archie]

Big risk. His swing needs a lot of work and is long but he has quick hands so I guess they think he can make the adjustments. If not he will be a bust at the plate. If so he could be a star.
I would have rather seen them go with Eric Hosmer, Justin Smoak, or Buster Posey.

[Dennis]

I think this is the right direction, the catcher is ok, but if this guy is truly 5 tools, then no way you take a college catcher with however many years of college misdirection over him. As a HS prospect, he can't have too many breakable habits( we hope ). I think it is the right move and not a desperation pick trying to fill a need with someone who might be a few years away. The take your time view has worked pretty well for the new ownership, Longoria is an oddity but can play at this level, how far is Price from being here? what then? We might find out around the trading time, but I suspect this team will be a buyer, not a seller (or cellar).

[Rex]

Who can question their decisions? Just look athe the track record. Best in business.

Welcome to Saint Pete Tim.

Let's turn 2

[Brad]

I like the pick. Although Alvarez is by far the top talent in the draft. I think Pittsburgh is going to get a gem.

[Mike Creyton]

Thank God! I was worried they would buy into the hype of the local kid. Posey will be a fine player. But, Beckham has star potential. All the scouts agree he has the higher upside.

Welcome to Tampa Tim.

[Derek]

Yes,Beckham has the most potential to be a superstar!

[John]

Thats a stupid pick if they take Beckham, Posey projects better relative to his position. The Rays could use an allstar catcher who is seasoned... We dont need another one of these high school kids that doesnt pan out... Posey is a definite...

[Matt]

Excellent choice. You always go upside with the first pick, and Beckham's upside is huge. I like Posey, but not enough to take him first overall.