OREGON

2007 FOLLOW LIST  

OVERVIEW:Oregon State—indeed, the entire state of Oregon —continues to bask in the glory of the team’s improbable run to the 2006 College World Series title. The ramifications have been considerable and they have been felt in the draft in a profound way.

 

The Beavers had nine players drafted off last year’s national championship club and could have an equivalent number selected again this year, including the possibility of two picks in the first 50: catcher Mitch Canham and closer Eddie Kunz. Oregon State ’s influence on the draft will also extend to its recruiting class—one of the nation’s best. Winning a national title enabled the Beavers to secure commitments from the top players in Arizona, Idaho, Utah and Washington .

 

The Beavers also cleaned up on all the top high school prospects in Oregon , though this year’s crop is considered just average—with a notable exception. Eugene’s Sheldon High could make a dent on the draft alone as it has the possibility of three draft picks, including the state’s two top-ranked players. Oregon State ’s influence on the state is expected to be more profound in the long term as its recent success on the national level has triggered a groundswell of renewed interest in baseball throughout the state at the grassroots level of the game.

 

STRENGTH: Oregon State players.

WEAKNESS: Draftable high school talent.

OVERALL RATING (1-to-5 scale): 3.

 

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Oregon Connection: Evan McArthur, 3b, Cal State Fullrton (Attended high school in Medford ).

Top 2008 Prospect: Ryan Gorton, rhp, Tigard HS.

 

Highest Pick, Draft History: Dave Roberts, 3b, U. of Oregon (1972, Padres/1^st round, 1^st pick).

Highest Pick, 2006 Draft: Dallas Buck, rhp, Oregon State U. (Diamondbacks/3^rd round).

 

Best College Team: Oregon State .
Best Junior College Team: Mt. Hood CC.
Best High School Team: North Medford HS.

 

TOP 15 PROSPECTS / By Allan Simpson

 

GROUPS (College, Junior College, High School)

      1   High-round draft (Rounds 1-3)

      2   Mid-round draft (Rounds 4-10)

      3   Late-round draft (Rounds 11-25)

      4   Chance draft / Player to follow

 

*Draft-and-follow; eligible to sign before 2007 draft

 

GROUP ONE

Rank  Player                                  Pos.       Yr     B-T      HT     WT     School                              Hometown                 Drafted/(Commit)  B’date

     1.   Mitch Canham                         C      Jr.     L-R     6-2     210     Oregon State U.              Lake Stevens, Wash.             Cardinals ’06 (41) 9-25-84

SCOUTING REPORT: Canham was draft-eligible in 2006 as an Oregon State sophomore, but became a 41^st-round afterthought when it was determined he was unsignable. His ability graded much higher and he will go out this year where he rightly deserves—as a sandwich pick, or possibly even late in the first round. He is an athletic, lefthanded-hitting catcher with raw power and the ability to hit for average against top-flight pitching. He led the defending national champion Beavers this spring with a .346 average, nine homers and 53 RBIs entering regional play. His plate discipline showed the greatest improvement from a year ago, and he walked (35) more times than he struck out (29). Canham continued to show marked improvement behind the plate after entering Oregon State as a first-time catcher. He added polish to his game and called all pitches without men on base. His arm remains erratic, but has solid average strength and is accurate when he gets his feet set. He’s a team leader and his makeup is one of his selling points.