With the Phillies stationed in their cellar position in the NL East, fans had the opportunity to direct their focus on the future last night during the Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft. The Phillies were picking their highest since 2001, when they drafted Gavin Floyd out of Mt. St. Joseph High School in Maryland. To say the Phillies first rounders in the last decade were disappointing turnouts would be an understatement. Greg Golson, Adrian Cardenas, Anthony Hewitt and Zach Collier are just a few of the names who never panned out for this team or any organization for that matter.
This year, the Phils opted to go with a polished, college arm for the first time since taking Joe Savery out of Rice University in 2007. Savery impressed in the minors, but never really had Major League effectiveness. With the seventh overall pick, the Phillies selected right-hander, Aaron Nola, out of LSU. Nola, projected to be the most "major league ready" pitcher in the draft. In three seasons at LSU, the 6-1, 195 pound righty posted a record of 30-6 with a miniscule ERA of 2.09. In his most recent season, his ERA was a 1.47. The Phillies weren't looking for a guy who needed three plus years of development, but rather a pitcher who could see the big leagues in under two year. (via Phillies.com)
"We would hope that in a couple of years he could be here pitching here in the organization with the Major League team," Phillies assistant general manager of amateur scouting Marti Wolever said. "It's hard to say, but within a couple of years, I think that's a pretty safe estimate."
Nola, originally drafted in 2011 by Toronto but opted to go back to LSU, showcases a two and four seam fast ball to go along with a changeup and a breaking ball as well. Nola is highly touted because of his pitch command, which includes a fastball that tops out at 97mph. He posted 134 strikeouts and 27 walks in 116 1/3 innings this season at LSU. Coach Paul Mainieri commented on his command on Phillies.com.
"I'm obviously biased and I haven't seen all the other guys in the draft, but I know what Aaron can do," LSU coach Paul Mainieri said. "He's pretty close to being big-league ready, if he's not already. The reason I say that is because he's got good stuff. He wouldn't go in the first round if he didn't have good stuff, but he has impeccable control. He's got the best command of any pitcher I've ever coached. Plus, he's got amazing mound presence. You can't fluster this kid."
"If you could build a pitcher this is what you would build him to be like," Mainieri said. "He'll throw 92-94, and he'll maintain that the whole game. His curveball has become a plus pitch and he's always had a pretty good changeup."
If Nola signs quickly, there is a chance we could see him with Class 'A' Lakewood or Advanced 'A' Clearwater this season. Nola was named to the Collegiate Baseball Magazine's First Team All-American team and voted the 2013 Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Year by the league coaches. Nola led the Tigers to the College World Series, posting a 12-1 record with a 1.57 ERA and winning a pitchers' duel in the Super Regional round against Oklahoma's Jonathan Gray . After being selected seventh overall, Nola is eager to begin. (via Phillies.com)
"I kind of want to get going," he said in a telephone interview Thursday night. "I look forward to getting up there."
"I'm going to move as quickly as I can through the organization," Nola said. "I'm just going to do my best, compete and see where I can go. I'm just excited to get rolling."
Nola's brother, Austin, was drafted by the Marlins in the fifth round of the 2012 draft and currently plays shortstop in Double-A. There isn't much doubt that the Nola brothers could end up playing each other in the big leagues, but as for who gets there first? I'd place your bets on the pitcher.
Brandon Apter, Publishing Editor for Philliedelphia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ApterShock
