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| 2,576 MLB PLAYERS | 16,376 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,576 MLB PLAYERS | 16,376 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Draft  | Story | 5/22/2009

Draft 2008 Archive

DRAFT 2008
Bonus Records Fall At Deadline
By Allan Simpson
 
With Major League Baseball on target to set an attendance record for the fifth year in a row and revenue streams from other sources at unprecedented levels, there is no question that baseball is awash in cash like no time in its rich history. That point was driven home on Friday when teams spent record amounts as the signing deadline for the 2008 draft came and went.

Fueled by three of the six largest bonuses ever signed by draft picks signing with the team that selected them, including a draft record $6.2 million deal given to Giants first-round pick Buster Posey, the average bonus paid to first-round picks was $2.485 million. That topped the previous record of $2,154 million, set in 2001, and was an 18.4 percent increase from last year’s first-round average of $2.098 million.

Remarkably, this year’s record average could have been higher had two first-round picks not gone unsigned. The Nationals failed to get a deal done with Missouri righthander Aaron Crow, the ninth overall pick, and the Yankees couldn’t reach an agreement with California high school righthander Gerrit Cole, the 28th overall selection. Both players were in line for significant deals, but the Nationals and Crow remained so far apart in negotiations all summer that even an 11th-hour compromise on both sides couldn’t close the gap. Crow will be forced to re-enter the 2009 draft, but recently signed to pitch with the Fort Worth Cats of the independent American Association for the balance of the 2008 season and beginning of next season. Cole reportedly had a change of heart about signing with the Yankees over the course of the summer and elected to honor his college commitment to UCLA.
Full Article   Posted: 8/18/08 11:05am
 
SIGNINGS/SIGNING BONUSES: Top 10 Rounds
2008 Signing Bonuses   Updated: 8/13/2008 9:56am
 
TOP 15 ROUNDS: Round By Round with Scouting Reports
Round By Round   Updated: 6/27/08 10:00am
 
PG National Showcase and the Draft
Who Didn't Get Drafted?   Posted: 6/8/08 5:45pm
PG National and the Draft   Posted: 6/8/08 5:00pm
New Perfect Game Draft Record   Posted: 6/7/08 5:00pm
Perfect Game Draft Totals   Posted: 6/6/08 4:30pm
 
Draft Notebook by Allan Simpson
Draft Notebook   Posted: 6/6/08 2:15pm
 
Draft Day Blog by David Rawnsley
Live Blogs   Posted: 6/5/08 4:30pm
 
Mock Draft
By David Rawnsley
 
As founder and president of the world’s largest independent baseball scouting service, Perfect Game’s Jerry Ford often questions the approach that Allan Simpson and I take in our coverage of the baseball draft as our various rankings tend to represent the consensus opinions of the scouting world, rather than our own.

With this year’s draft set to be held Thursday and Friday, we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to have both worlds collide as we take a close-up look at the first 30 selections and how they might unfold. On one hand, I’ll list who our industry sources indicate will be picked in the first round in the form of a true mock draft, but I’ll spend more time and energy figuring out who I would pick in the same spots if I were sitting in the scouting director’s seat for each team.
Mock Draft   Posted: 6/5/08 7:45am
Crack of the Bat:  Final Draft Projections     Posted: 6/5/2008 10:00am
Daily Schedule   Updated: 6/5/08 7:45am
Projected Top 50 with Comments      Updated: 5/27/08 12:30pm
State By State Previews with Scouting Reports    Updated: 6/5/08 12:30pm
Updated State By State Follow Lists    Updated: 6/5/08 12:30pm
 
RAMBLINGS ON EVE OF 2008 DRAFT
By David Rawnsley
 
When I was a young front-office type back in the early 1990s, Houston Astros GM Bill Wood, one of the nicest people I’ve ever come across in the baseball industry, took me aside for a little lesson.

His message, somewhat paraphrased, was, “Your job in the scouting department is to create assets for me, the general manager, to turn into a team that can win the National League pennant. Don’t worry about what’s in our system, who’s on the major league club. Get me assets that I can use.”

When I think about the Tampa Bay Rays pick at the beginning of the 2008 draft, that lesson keeps coming to mind. Tampa Bay is set for a serious run, not only at the respectability that they’ve never achieved since expansion, but in the AL East race for years, even with the ominous presence in the division of the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.
Ramblings on Eve of 2008 Draft   Posted: 6/4/08 2:30pm
 
Player Spotlight: Brett Wallace
By Patrick Ebert
 
By winning his second consecutive Pac-10 player of the year award, Arizona State slugger Brett Wallace has certainly put an exclamation mark on his college career.

Hitting is nothing new to Wallace, who was one of the nation’s best prep hitters eligible for the 2005 draft and a former Aflac All-American. Questions about his body, conditioning, defense and overall athleticism led to Wallace falling in the 2005 draft with scouts wondering if he would become a one-dimensional player as a hitter.

Those questions are slowly but surely starting to go away, as Wallace continues to show his versatility by helping his team win in ways more than his bat can provide by being a team leader, a threat on the basepaths and taking on the defensive responsibilities at the hot corner to allow the Sun Devils to put the best team on the field as they can, while cementing his eventual status as a first-round pick in the draft later this week.
Player Spotlight: Brett Wallace   Posted: 6/4/08 1:30pm

 
Top 250 Draft Prospects
 | 1 - 50 | 51 - 100 | 101 - 150 | 151 - 200 | 201 - 250 |     Updated: 5/16/08 7:30pm
 
Preliminary State By State Follow Lists    Updated: 5/10/08 7:30pm
Top 100    Updated: 5/8/08 3:50pm
Signing Bonuses: Top 10 Rounds
2006, 2007    Posted: 5/5/08 10:30am
State-By-State Previews    Posted: continuously up until Draft Day 2007
We began our release of each states' top prospects with Alabama and Puerto Rico and will continue to release them daily leading up to Draft Day 2008. These top prospect lists contain a brief scouting report on every player listed and are linked to a complete draft-follow list for that particular state. Check back daily as the draft content provided by Perfect Game Crosschecker will be unmatched by anyone, anywhere!

NOTE: Non-subscribers can click the links to these lists and get a preview of what type of information they contain, however, to get the full lists, one must be a subscriber! Enjoy!
| AL | AZ | AR | CA | CO | CT | DE | DC | FL | GA |
| HI | ID | IL | IN | IA | KS | KY | LA | ME | MD |
| MA | MI | MN | MS | MO | MT | NE | NV | NH | NJ |
| NM | NY | NC | ND | OH | OK | OR | PA | RI | SC |
| SD | TN | TX | UT | VT | VA | WA | WV | WI | WY |
| AK | Canada | Puerto Rico |
High School National Rankings: Class of 2008  UPDATED!
Top 2,125 High School Prospects         Updated: 6/2/08 4:45pm
 
Top 500 Prospects
Draft 2008: Top 500 Prospects    Posted: 3/28/08 5:40pm
 
Top 200 Junior College Prospects
(Now with player profiles of top 30 prospects!)
Draft 2008: Top 200 Junior College Prospects    Updated: 1/29/2008 2:15pm
 
Top College Prospects By Class
Draft 2008: Top 100 College Freshmen    Posted: 1/11/2008 8:15am
Draft 2008: Top 100 College Sophomores    Posted: 1/10/2008 10:00am
Draft 2008: Top 100 College Juniors    Posted: 1/9/2008 10:00am
Draft 2008: Top 100 College Seniors    Posted: 1/9/2008 10:00am
 
Top 250 College Prospects
Draft 2008: Top 250 College Prospects    Posted: 1/7/08 4:00pm
 
2008 State-By-State Follow List (UPDATED!)
The 2008 draft is still about six months away, but it's never too early to highlight all the top prospects in the Class of 2008. Perfect Game Crosschecker has done that--and then some--in its extensive early preview of the top prospects in this year's draft.

We've identified not only the top 500 prospects, but provided a comprehensive state-by-state follow list of more than 3,000 college, junior college and high school players. We're also in the process of assembling comprehensive scouting reports of the top 400 prospects.
A comprehensive list of all the top college, junior college and high school prospects.
2008 State-By-State Follow List    Posted: 1/7/2008 4:30pm
 
Top 500 Prospects(Raw List with Biographical Information)
1 - 100 | 101 - 200 | 201 - 300 | 301 - 400 | 401 - 500 |     Posted: 11/15/2007 9:00am
 
Top 400 Prospects (Complete with Scouting Reports)
|     1 - 25    |   26 - 50   |   51 - 75    |  76 - 100  |
101 - 125 | 126 - 150 | 151 - 175 | 176 - 200 |
201 - 225 | 226 - 250 | 251 - 275 | 276 - 300 |
301 - 325 | 326 - 350 | 351 - 375 | 376 - 400 |         Updated: 12/19/2007 4:00pm

Eric Hosmer - A Special Hitter
By David Rawnsley
According to the Perfect Game data base, the 2007 World Wood Bat Association Fall Championship in Jupiter, Fla., from Oct. 24-28 will be top prospect Eric Hosmer’s 16th PG/WWBA event dating back to June 2005, when he attended the Sunshine East Showcase just after completing his freshman year at American Heritage High. At that point, Hosmer was 6-foot-1, 185 pounds and while an impressive young prospect, he was not a sure thing by any means. Here is the report I wrote after that event:

Eric Hosmer is a 2008 1B/LHP from American Heritage HS in Cooper City, FL, with a 6'1", 185 lb. frame. He has a very good baseball body and still has years to mature. Defensively he has ...
Eric Hosmer - A Special Hitter    Posted: 10/18/2007 1:40pm

Draft | Story | 7/20/2026

2026 MLB Draft: Roster Challenge

Tyler Henninger
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With the 2026 MLB Draft complete, our own draft team put together a fun exercise. Using a snake style draft format, we each had to build a roster using players selected in the 2026 MLB Draft. There was one catch. Each team could select only one player from each of the first 10 rounds, plus one player from Rounds 11-20. You did not have to go in order of each round, meaning you could jump between rounds and pick which players you thought had the most value. Each team installed a different strategy, balancing between star power, positional value, and depth. You tell us, which team do you think has the most talent? Team Albee C: Vahn Lackey, Georgia Tech (1st rd) 1B: Will Adams, Hoover HS (11th rd) MIF: Cole Prosek, Magnolia Heights HS (2nd rd) MIF: Eric Guevara, Auburn (7th rd) 3B: Robert Omidi, Fieldhouse Pirates (8th rd) OF: Kevin Roberts Jr, Jackson Prep HS (4th rd) OF: Alex...
Tournaments | Story | 7/22/2026

15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 5

Perfect Game Staff
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15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 Noah Rumley (‘29 NC) has been up to 90 so far in this start w/ 8 Ks in 4 innings of work. Really jumps out of the hand at foot strike w/ some ride to it; has also mixed in a SL w/ horizontal action. #WWBA @PG_Coastal pic.twitter.com/OcU57a3Syl — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 21, 2026 Noah Rumley (2029, Summerfield, N.C.) got the ball for GBC Lopez 2029 15u in their final game of pool play and dominated, going up against a tough lineup in the East Cobb Astros. The 6-foot-2 left-handed pitcher ended up going five innings, allowing only one hit and one run, while striking out nine. It’s premium stuff at the 15u level as he worked easily in the upper-80s, topping at 90 mph in the first. The breaking ball showed two-plane shape in the upper-70s as well. There’s a ton of things to like already and even...
Tournaments | Championship | 7/22/2026

Champions Named at Southwest Select

Emily Hicks
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Another week of Perfect Game baseball concluded as champions were crowned in the 15U, 16U, and 18U divisions of the Southwest Select Championship. After several days of pool play and championship bracket action, three teams rose above the competition to capture tournament titles following a week of high-level baseball. Throughout the tournament, teams from across the Southwest and beyond competed in closely contested matchups, producing standout pitching performances, timely offense, and memorable defensive plays. As the bracket narrowed, each division featured championship-caliber baseball before the final trophies were awarded. 15U Championship The 15U division title was claimed by AZ Prodigy, who defeated Nomadic 14U Premier by a score of 2-1 in the championship game. After putting together a strong tournament run, AZ Prodigy continued its momentum in the title game with contributions...
All American Game | Story | 7/22/2026

PG All-American Classic Roster Reveal

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  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME ANNOUNCES TEAM ROSTERS FOR 2026 DICK'S ALL-AMERICAN CLASSIC AT CITIZENS BANK PARK   The rosters span 20 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Canada, with California leading the way Jersey City's Finnian O'Loughlin gives the host region a player in the spotlight Field includes sons of Hall of Famer Frank Thomas & MLB All-Star Brad Hawpe   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Wednesday, July 22, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced the Team East and Team West rosters for the 2026 DICK'S All-American Classic, set for Sunday, August 16 at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. The 60-player field represents the top...
Tournaments | Championship | 7/22/2026

Florida Burn Cruise to 17U BCS Crown

Alyssa Golden
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Ranked fifth nationally entering the tournament, Florida Burn 2027 Scout left no doubt who the best team was at the 17U BCS National Championship. Burn finished a perfect 9-0 tournament, earning an 11-1 semifinal victory before defeating No. 86-ranked Original Florida Pokers 2027 National, 9-1, Tuesday afternoon at JetBlue Park. Burn seized control early and never looked back in a game that ended after the fifth inning per Perfect Game’s mercy rule. Burn carried its explosive offense into the championship game as Braedon Mackay launched a two-run home run in the first inning, giving his team an early 2-0 lead. Mackay’s home run sparked a five-run opening inning, setting the tone for the rest of the afternoon. The Florida commit later earned tournament MVP honors after helping lead Burn to an unbeaten championship run. “I was just trying to get something started,”...
Tournaments | Story | 7/22/2026

17u BCS Scout Notes: Days 2-3

Perfect Game Staff
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17u BCS Scout Notes: Day 1 Kenniel Nieves Medero (2027 SS, PR)  Nieves Medero put together another quality offensive showing, continuing the consistent production he displayed throughout the tournament. The 8.5 PG grade shortstop features quick hands and does an excellent job creating separation with strong hip rotation, allowing him to generate easy bat speed through the zone. The swing remains balanced and efficient with present feel for the barrel. A polished offensive profile with tools that continue to translate in game action.  Oscar Cambero (2027 3B, FL)  Cambero turned in an impressive offensive performance, smoking a triple into the gap while showcasing both speed and gap-to-gap power. The right-handed hitter generates quality bat speed and consistently impacts the baseball with authority. Plays with a high motor on both sides of the ball and competes with energy...
Tournaments | Story | 7/22/2026

Texas Region Scout Notes

Geoff Billock
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Jack Soete (2028, Houston, Texas) had a big weekend for HP 2028 Woods. Went 4-9 at the plate with two doubles and a home run. Strong approach at the top of the order as well, drawing five walks. Closed stance with an athletic, projectable frame. Gains ground on the stride and stays on plane with his swing. Bat-to-ball ability is present and power should continue to develop. Lot to like from the athletic, left-handed bat. Kai Anderson (2028, Missouri City, Texas) was an absolute force for 2028 South Texas Sliders 16U Pierce. Went 4-8 with two doubles, six runs batted in, and a no-doubt walk-off home run in the semifinal. Some physicality in the frame. Leverages the upper half decently as he shows some ability to elevate with more than enough juice. Some pretty serious flashes as a middle of the order bat at the next level. Valentin Ceballos (2028, New Braunfels, Texas) was extremely loud...
PG Select Baseball Festival | General | 7/21/2026

13u Select Festival Roster Reveal

Jheremy Brown
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With the completion of the 2026 13u National Showcase, an event that featured some of the best talent the age group has to offer, 42 players came out with the label of "Festivaler" as they received a phone call shortly after the event concluded. Moving back to the University of Tennessee after a two year stay at the University of Virginia, Ole Rocky Top will see a mixed bag of returners; three-timers, new faces and a couple who bridged the gap from the 11u game into the 13u iteration.  Of the 42 players, 9 players call Florida their home base which is the most of any state while Texas (8), California (7) and Georgia (5) are all close behind nearly three-quarters of the players selected. In total 17 different states are represented, from Hawaii to Arkansas, Washington to Maryland and everywhere in between.  Quick roster breakdown: Three-time Select Festival: 13 players ...
Tournaments | Story | 7/21/2026

UBC Midwest X Atlantic Notes: Part 1

Blaine Peterson
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Jack Postma (2028, Barrington, IL) made an impression in Chicago this week. A 6-foot-5 right hander with a starter pitch mix. Topped out at 93 in his outing at UBC Midwest and pitched at 88-93 for 2 innings on the mound. Slider showed late horizontal bite at its best when finished out front. Change up is a usable third pitch with fading action and ability to miss bats. Clean overall operation in the delivery. Upside with added stability in the arm action. Chance to be one of the top prospects in Illinois and potentially the country with necessary adjustments moving forward.  Connor Basinski (2028, Columbia, IL) an athletic player with 2-way potential. Physicality stands out for a player in the 2028 class. Swung the bat impressively well in Chicago. Hits from a wide stance and stays balanced using strength and leverage to drive the baseball to all fields. Launched a long pull side...
Tournaments | Story | 7/21/2026

15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 4

Perfect Game Staff
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15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 Mason Conner (2029, Palestine, Texas) was a force in the middle-of-the-order for Gold Culture. The right-handed hitter starts from a medium stance with in-line feet and a low handset with a low back elbow, utilizes a negative leg lift stride. Strides through and uncoils the lower half well and creates separation in the back shoulder. Solid hand speed with a flat bat plane and feel to leverage and lift. Impacts the ball well with feel to impact and drive. The shortstop showed the power upside belting a two-run homer over the fence in left field and added a two-RBI knock later in the game. Medium 6-foot, 175-pound frame that was consistently on the barrel and showed a good approach at the plate working two walks. Lennon Dunn (2029, Mansfield, Texas) competed and showed the upside on the mound for Stix 2029 Scout. The right-handed pitcher...
Tournaments | Story | 7/21/2026

16U BCS Rolls into Fort Myers

Alyssa Golden
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The 21st annual 16U BCS National Championship returns to Fort Myers, Florida from July 23-27, bringing together many of the nation’s top 2028 graduates. The tournament features 44 teams, including six nationally ranked clubs, competing for a national title across five days of high-level competition. Year after year, the event has served as a proving ground for elite talent. Defending champion Showtime Select National 16U returns after capturing last year’s championship, while a talented field from across the country will look to add its name to the event’s prestigious history. One of the premier prospects in the field, shortstop Gabriel Coupet enters as the highest-ranked player in attendance, checking in at No. 49 overall in the Class of 2028 and No. 8 player in Florida. The Boynton Beach, Fla., native has established himself as one of the country’s most talented...
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