The 2002 draft was a definite step up in talent over the previous 2 drafts.
B.J. Upton was the top prospect coming into the draft. He’s since proven that he’s a pretty good centerfielder, after struggling at his natural shortstop. He was selected second over all by the Rays.
The first pick went to the Pirates, and they selected Bryan Bullington. Bullington was a stretch at number one, but they were concerned about Upton’s signability. Bullington’s career has been injury plagued and he’s under-performed. He’s currently with the Blue Jays, at Triple A Las Vegas, after a stint with the Cleveland Indians.
There have been 4 All Stars from this first round: Prince Fielder, Joe Saunders, Scott Kazmir, and Cole Hamels.
Fielder has emerged as one of the premier power hitters today. He went 7th overall to the Brewers.
Saunders emerged last year with a strong year that led to the All Star selection. The Angels selected him 12th.
Kazmir has been the Rays ace for a few years now, but is probably most known for being part of one of the most lopsided deals in baseball history. He was the 15th pick.
Hamels was taken 17th and his really overcome the injury concerns. 6 years after being drafted, he’s the ace of the World Champions.
This year will probably add another All Star from this class: Zach Greinke. Greinke is having a career year and living up to the potential the Royals saw when they took him 6th overall.
This draft was also the famous “Moneyball Draft.” The Athletics had 7 picks in the first round, and have had mixed results. Nick Swisher, the player that Billy Beane was obsessed with, has had a pretty good career. Oakland has since traded the slugger, but landed a few prospects. Their next pick was Joe Blanton. He’s been an innings eater and had a decent career. The A’s also traded him last season. Their next 2 picks were busts: SS John McCurdy and RHP Ben Fritz – neither have done anything. The most famous bust of the draft has to be their next pick, Jeremy Brown. Scouts didn’t like Brown’s body for a catcher, but he could get on base. Brown did make it to the majors for a short time, but ended up retiring in 2008. 37th pick Steve Obenchain also didn’t make the big leagues. Their final pick, Mark Teahen at 39, was one of the key pieces that brought Octavio Dotel to Oakland and Carlos Beltran to Houston; he’s had a decent career in Kansas City.
Other MLB Players:
Jeff Francis (Rockies, 9th Overall, P), Jeremy Hermida (Marlins, 11th, OF), Khalil Greene (Padres, 13, SS), James Loney (Dodgers, 19, 1B), Denard Span (Twins, 20, OF), Jermey Guthrie (Indians, 22, RHP), Jeff Francoeur (Braves, 23, OF), Matt Cain (Giants, 25, RHP).
This draft also had some great picks after the first round.
Joey Votto, Jon Lester, Jonathan Broxton, and Brian McCann all went in the second, while Curtis Granderson was the best pick in the third.
After this, there had been a lot of players with limited MLB time, guys that didn’t sign and were re-drafted, or guys that are still attempting a major league career.
