Thursday, June 6, 2013

Sons of former MLB All-Stars to be drafted

As Commissioner Bud Selig welcomes tomorrow's stars at baseball's draft today, several big-league fathers will keep their eyes on the draft board. USA TODAY Sports' Alejandro Zúñiga Sacks looks at several famous sons who might be embarking on their own pro careers:
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MANNY RAMIREZ JR.
Following in footsteps of: Manny Ramirez, a 12-time All-Star. Ramirez is one of 25 players who have hit 500 home runs, and he ranks third on the all-time list with 21 grand slams.
His credentials: A 6-4, 200-pound first baseman at IMG Academy in Florida, Manny Jr. batted .522 with 15 RBI as he led his team to the Cleats Sports Classic Invitational title in the spring. Ramirez hit .366 for the season.
On draft day: Ramirez Jr. has signed to play at Central Arizona Community College next year. Though he is not considered a top prospect, his physical tools and pedigree give him a high ceiling.
DRAFT DETAILS: What you need to know
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CAVAN BIGGIO
Following in footsteps of: Craig Biggio, the former second baseman who spent his 20-year career with the Houston Astros. He's a seven-time All-Star and a four-time Gold Glover and five-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
His credentials: An infielder noticed for his talent at the plate, Biggio was a Rawlings first-team All-American and made the Texas All-Region first team in 2013. Praised for his quick hands, Biggio has a compact swing that is further strengthened by his ability to drive the ball to left-center field.
On draft day: Biggio is projected as a late first- or early second-round pick. However, he has committed to join his older brother, Conor, at Notre Dame.
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JOSH PETTITTE
Following in footsteps of: His father, Andy Pettitte, an 18-year veteran starting pitcher for the New York Yankees. In his time as a big-leaguer, the lefty has amassed 249 wins and nearly 3,200 innings pitched, made the All-Star team three times and won five World Series.
His credentials: Josh is right-handed, but he has his father's talent. He averaged well over a strikeout an inning and boasted six shutouts and a no-hitter as a senior at Deer Park (Texas) High School.
On draft day: Pettitte isn't one of Baseball America's top 500 prospects and has committed to play at Baylor.
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DILLON MOYER
Following in footsteps of: Jamie Moyer, who debuted in 1986 and became the oldest pitcher to record a win last year at 49. Playing for eight teams throughout his 25 years in the majors, Moyer was named an All-Star in 2003 when he went 21-7.
His credentials: Dillon started all 50 games of the season and batted .298 as a junior for UC-San Diego. The speedy shortstop also stole 15 bases this year. The switch-hitter transferred from UC-Irvine after seeing limited playing time as a freshman and sophomore.
On draft day: The Minnesota Twins drafted Moyer in the 22nd round in 2010. After disappointing performances in college, he is at best a late-round selection this year.
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KACY CLEMENS
Following in footsteps of: Roger Clemens, the 11-time All-Star and a two-time World Series champion with the New York Yankees. Boasting 354 career wins and 4,572 strikeouts, "The Rocket" won more Cy Young awards (seven) than any other pitcher in MLB history. He also earned the pitching Triple Crown in consecutive seasons, leading the league in wins, ERA and strikeouts in 1997 and '98.
His credentials: A pitcher and infielder for Memorial High School in Houston, Kacy has a fastball that reaches the lower 90s and a strong slider and changeup.
On draft day: Committed to Texas, Clemens is projected as a fifth-round pick with the potential to go higher.
GALLERY: TOP PROSPECTS IN THE DRAFT
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TORII HUNTER JR.
Following in footsteps of: Torii Hunter, a nine-time Gold Glove winner who is the starting right fielder for the Detroit Tigers. Hunter has played in nearly 2,000 games during his 17 years in the major leagues.
His credentials: Hunter Jr. signed a letter of intent in February to play football at Notre Dame. He is also expected to play baseball.
On draft day: Hunter Jr. is expected to pursue his football and baseball careers at Notre Dame.
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CHAD WALLACH
Following in footsteps of: Tim Wallach, a former third baseman and coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Tim enjoyed success for the Dodgers and the Montreal Expos and was a five-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove Award winner and a two-time Silver Slugger.
His credentials: A catcher, Chad has batted .303 in 48 games for Cal State-Fullerton. The junior leads the Titans in doubles (13) and throws out more than 40% of basestealers.
On draft day: Though he has expressed interest in playing summer ball with an amateur team, he has said he will forgo those plans if he is selected in the MLB draft

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