JP must be giddy today as another of his wonderful 1st round selections makes his Major League debut tonight.
David Purcey, the big 6'5" 240 lb lefty, arrived in Toronto last night and gets the start tonight in place of Burnett.
He did cross the border earlier this week with his wife to see the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, as he had heard it was much nicer than the US side (yes, the grass is greener too). The Border officials were not impressed as they noticed the Texas license plates and searched his car (aren't we glad Canada has not let real terrorists into this country). His car was not searched as he crossed to join the Jays - pitching for the Jays was a valid reason.
Purcey was drafted 16th overall (1st round) in the 2004 draft, ahead of names like Phil Hughes and Huston Street BUT after guys like Matt Bush (now a pitcher), Phil Humber, Jeff Niemann - who have yet to pan out. He was taken before Zach Jackson too whom the Jays selected in the supplemental 1st round and then traded to Milwaukee (he hasn't shown much in his Major League outings).
Purcey is 2-0 so far this season with the Skychiefs with a 1.89 ERA and 21K, 6 BB in 19 IP.
So let's see what this kid can do. Will he be another JP bust? I'm looking forward to another Litsch like debut.
Friday, April 18, 2008
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2 comments:
It's a little misleading to complain that JP picked Purcey before Hughes and Street, without also noting that he went after such luminaries as Matt Bush (the #1 overall pick), Phil Humber, Mark Rogers, Neil Walker, Tom Diamond, William Bray and some other dudes I've never heard of (along with some I have, like Stephen Drew, Verlander, and Jered Weaver). Most first-rounders in MLB are busts. I don't think you can argue that taking Purcey was some kind of Romeroesque gaff.
Point well taken Portnoy
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