The Washington Nationals have recalled left-hander Ross Detwiler, their first-round pick in the 2007 draft. The Nats tried something similar with a pitcher back in ‘03, seemed to work out okay for them. Kid by the name of Chad Cordero?
The other amusing part of the story linked above is that apparently shortstop Felipe Lopez is no longer speaking with the media. I guess Lopez is happy to let his .246/.309/.360 line speak for itself.

In news that will come as a complete shock to absolutely no-one, New York Yankees first-round pick Andrew Brackman will undergo “Tommy John” surgery to repair his right elbow. Brackman was considered a huge risk headed into the draft due to elbow problems that kept him out of the ACC and NCAA tournaments this season. Now we know why…

Billfer at Detroit Tigers Weblog notes that the Tigers have inked first-round pick Rick Porcello. Apparently it’s a Major League contract worth more than $7 million. If nothing else, this reaffirms that Bud Selig’s efforts to “slot” players in the draft have been wasted.
This is a great addition for Detroit, but it’s got to be something of a slap in the face of Selig and MLB, which recommended a signing bonus of $1.17 million for the 27th pick this year. Of course, you could argue that Porcello slipped so far because of his reported demands. And that brings us to …read more

You will recall that starting this year, teams now have until August 15 to sign their picks from the June draft. Guess what, kids; the deadline is almost here.
From Rain Delay comes word that the Atlanta Braves have inked their first-round pick, outfielder Jason Heyward. Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers are hopeful that Heyward’s signing will help them in negotiations with right-hander Blake Beavan. And in Kansas City, Joe Posnanski talks about the Royals’ efforts to bring Mike Moustakas into the fold.
Complicated stuff…

Vitals

Name: Julio Borbon
Bats: Left

Pos: OF
Throws: Left

Height: 6′1″
DOB: 20 Feb 86

Weight: 190 lbs
School: Tennessee

With the x pick in the 2007 draft, the x x have drafted Tennessee outfielder Julio Borbon.

2007 Stats

AB
BA
OBP
SLG
BB
SO

Stats are through May 25, 2007, and are courtesy of Tennessee.

174
.345
.370
.506
6
20

Additional reading:

2007 Draft Report (MiLB.com) — includes scouting video
Player Bio (Tennessee)

Vitals

Name: Brett Cecil
Throws: Left

Pos: LHP
Bats: Right

Height: 6′2″
DOB: 2 Jul 86

Weight: 225 lbs
School: Maryland

With the x pick in the 2007 draft, the x x have drafted Maryland left-hander Brett Cecil.

2007 Stats

IP
H/9
HR/9
BB/9
K/9
ERA
BAA

Stats are through May 19, 2007, and are courtesy of University of Maryland.

62.1
8.95
0.43
2.74
8.95
3.32
.270

What they’re saying:
Cecil’s slider alone will get him to the big leagues. If he can add a changeup to throw to righties, he could close.
–MiLB.com

Additional reading:

Player Bio (Maryland)
2007 Draft Report (MiLB.com) — includes scouting video

Maybe I bit off more than I could chew in my attempt to liveblog the first round of the draft — I’m willing to concede that possibility. But you know what? I gave an honest effort and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
First off, props to ESPN2 for some fine draft coverage. After the obligatory montage intro, I feared the worst — “If we add more bling, then baseball will be even more fun” — but I came away impressed. The commentators kept up with the fast pace of the draft, and limited the amount of fluff.
For anyone …read more

Vitals

Name: Andrew Brackman
Throws: Right

Pos: RHP
Bats: Right

Height: 6′10″
DOB: 4 Dec 85

Weight: 230 lbs
School: North Carolina State

With the 30th pick in the 2007 draft, the New York Yankees have selected North Carolina State right-hander Andrew Brackman. The former basketball standout fixed his attention solely on baseball this season and has referred to himself as an “unpolished stone.”

2007 Stats

IP
H/9
HR/9
BB/9
K/9
ERA
BAA

Stats are through May 26, 2007, and are courtesy of North Carolina State University.

78.0
9.00
0.81
4.27
8.54
3.81
.264

What they’re saying:

His stuff has not dropped off, but also he still has not struck out a lot of guys. There’s still so much development to be done with him. He needs …read more

Vitals

Name: Rick Porcello
Throws: Right

Pos: RHP
Bats: Right

Height: 6′5″
DOB: 27 Dec 88

Weight: 195 lbs
School: Seton Hall Prep, West Orange, N.J.

With the 27th pick in the 2007 draft, the Detroit Tigers have selected high school right-hander Rick Porcello. Porcello’s player profile from the 2006 Aflac All-American High School Classic notes that the right-hander “offers a projectable frame as well as above-average pitches, and has drawn comparisons to Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander.”
Unreal. The strong get stronger.
What they’re saying:
If you could design a “perfect” high school pitching prospect, it would be hard to beat Porcello. He’s tall and lanky…6-5, 190…with some projection left in his …read more

Vitals

Name: Michael Main
Throws: Right

Pos: RHP/OF
Bats: Right

Height: 6′2″
DOB: 14 Dec 88

Weight: 180 lbs
School: Deland (Fla.) HS

With the 24th pick in the 2007 draft, the Texas Rangers have selected high school right-hander Michael Main.
Additional reading:

2007 Draft Report (MiLB.com) — includes scouting video