If only there was an easier way . . .

He`s got the whole of San Diego saying that`s my bush

If only there was an easier way

In retrospect, sure, but there were a lot of doubts about Verlander before that draft because he had great stuff, but wasn't dominating weak competition.

At the time, the safer bet would have been one of the "Three Aces" from Rice... none of whom have made a mark yet, as all three had arm surgeries afterwards (plus Townsend ended up sitting out a year and re-entered the next year's draft)

And Weaver was probably even safer. Where did BA have Bush on their talent board?

Boras was telling teams he wanted ten mil for Weaver, remember?

BA figured Bush for the sixth or seventh pick, tops:
Padres Could Turn To Bush At No. 1

San Diego appeared to have locked in on Florida State shortstop Stephen Drew earlier in the week. But now teams at the top of the draft are scrambling amid reports that the Padres don't want to accede to Drew's desire for a package similar to what Rickie Weeks received from the Brewers in 2003. The No. 2 choice a year ago, Weeks received a $3.6 million bonus and a major league contract with a guarantee of $4.79 million.

The Padres now are believed to be looking at shortstop Matt Bush from local Mission Bay High. He would come with a cheaper price tag than Drew and isn't expected to go higher than sixth (Indians) or seventh (Reds) if San Diego doesn't select him first.

"And Weaver was probably even safer. Where did BA have Bush on their talent board?"

Not safter from a dollars standpoint though, which is what knocked him, Drew and others out of SDs consideration. Bush was a top 10-15 prospect as a shortstop, so even if he was drafted in a spot closer to where his talent warrented he'd still be a pretty massive disappointment. Its one thing for a high pick to bust, a hugely 'nother one for that top 10-15 pick to not even hit in the AZL and never get an OPS over 600 in A-BALL.
IIRC, he could have been a first rounder on the mound too (good athlete, 91-94 fb, good curve) but was generally regarded as a SS prospect first

EDIT: Damn your quick typing and adeptness with linking, NTNGod

Christ, I forgot Weaver wanted a Prior deal.

IIRC, there was also some dissent within BA about whether that 10-15 was justified or part of the hype. That said, they still stuck him up that high and the Padres still picked the useless ball of wax.

Did the Padres let Littlefield run the draft that year? :-)

Just tell him not to use his pitching hand in the next bar fight.

This conversion won't work. He doesn't hit well enough to play the position.