Quebec high school righthander Phillippe Aumont, whose fastball was clocked at 97 mph earlier this spring, is projected to go in the first half of the first round in this year’s draft. British Columbia high school righthander Kyle Lotzkar is also a potential first-round selection.
Only twice before has Canada made as big an impact on the draft. In 2002, B.C. products Adam Loewen (fourth overall, Orioles) and Jeff Francis (ninth overall, Rockies) were selected in the first 10 picks. In 1997, three Canadians were selected prior to the second round.
Canadians were not eligible for the draft prior to 1991 (unless they attended an American college), but the country has produced a number of early-round picks since. We identify the 10 highest picks ever and the list is noteworthy because of the absence of 2006 American League MVP Justin Morneau (Twins ’99, third round), 2004 National League Rookie of the Year Jason Bay (Expos ’00, 22nd round) and 2003 N.L. Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagne (Dodgers ’95, non-drafted free agent)—three recent award-winning Canadians. |
| |
Player, Pos., Hometown |
Drafted (Order) |
| 1. |
#Adam Loewen, lhp, Surrey, B.C. |
Orioles ’02 (4) |
| 2. |
#Jeff Francis, lhp, North Delta, B.C. |
Rockies ’02 (9) |
| 3. |
*#Kevin Nicholson, ss, Surrey, B.C. |
Padres ’97 (27) |
| 4. |
#Scott Thorman, 1b, Cambridge, Ontario |
Braves ’00 (30) |
| 5. |
#Chris Reitsma, rhp, Calgary |
Red Sox ’96 (34) |
| 6. |
Ntema Ndungidi, of, Montreal |
Orioles ‘97 (36) |
| 7. |
#*Aaron Myette, rhp, Surrey, B.C. |
White Sox ’97 (43) |
| 8. |
Joey Votto, c, Etobicoke, Ontario |
Reds ’02 (44) |
| 9. |
#*Danny Klassen, ss, Leamington, Ont. |
Brewers ’93 (55) |
| 10. |
Martin Mainville, rhp, Montreal |
Expos ’93 (60) | |