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February 19, 1987
Declaration Day Arrives
With 10 days to go until the Major League Amateur Draft, both college and high school players alike have declared themselves eligible for this year's draft pool. The Pittsburgh Pirates hold the number one pick in the draft, and are keeping their cards close, not releasing who they are expected to pick.
With the 19th pick in the Draft, the Phillies will be in a waiting game until things get down to them. They have immediate needs both in their starting rotation and in their bullpen, so picking the best available pitcher at that point is a distinct possibility.
The top 5 players in this year's draft are expected to be:
1. Roberto Alomar 2B - Young, fast, with a gold glove capable mit. Expect Alomar to go quickly.
2. Craig Biggio C - Just 21 years old, Biggio shows solid potential with his bat, and has been compared to Carlton Fisk but without quite as much power.
3. Randy Johnson LHP - Johnson is a monstrosity on the mound. Standing at 6'9" tall, this lefty throws hard.
4. John Smoltz RHP - The most capable right handed starter in the draft, Smoltz could potentially make an immediate impact at just 19 years old.
5. Gary Sheffield SS - he's got power, and a good glove. Sheffield can play the hot corner but his best position is definitely shortstop.
At 19, the Phillies expect to be looking potentially at a reliever like Rob Dibble or Gregg Olson, or potentially a starter like Tom Gordon or Brian Holman. With the draft just one week away, it remains to be seen who will fall where.
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