interesting story...if only...

[mar_022]

Close call

 

The Cardinals look like geniuses for seeing the potential of Albert Pujols, whom they selected in the 13th round of the 1999 draft. But the Boston Red Sox were among the other clubs that almost nabbed Pujols earlier.

 

"I remember (then-scouting director) Wayne Britton telling me a couple of years later, `Darn, we could have had Albert Pujols,''' former Red Sox GM Dan Duquette said. "Ernie Jacobs was our scout and liked him. That's what I know about Albert Pujols."

 

Jacobs, who was in his first year as a full-time scout, had recommended the big shortstop from Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City as a fourth- or fifth-round pick. He got a call from the Red Sox before the 10th round, telling him they were about to take Pujols.

 

"They called and told me they were going to draft Albert for me," Jacobs told the Boston Globe. "But there were a couple of stipulations. First of all, can he play third base for (Class A) Lowell? I told them, `Sure, he can.' Then they said, `He has to be a quick sign.' I said, `We may have a little issue.' I remember the kid saying he wanted to sign for $100,000 or $150,000. I had a feeling that it wasn't going to take that, but it might drag out all summer."

 

Jacobs called Pujols. Deidre Pujols, his wife, answered and said Albert wasn't home. An hour and a half later, Pujols still couldn't be found - and by then it was too late. St. Louis selected him and eventually signed him for $60,000.

 

"The Cardinals took him three rounds later, and the rest is history," Jacobs said. "That was my guy. I should have had him."

 

FROM:http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/15760531.htm

 

I realize that this kind of thing happens, but i just figured i'd post it because i found it interesting, and maddening

[Ray10]

OH MAN. To think that the Sox were that close to having Albert Pujols makes me angry.

[rician blast]

These stories almost fall into the category of "please don't tell me, I don't want to know." In retrospect it would have been a huge signing. I wonder how many other close calls there have been such as this. I also wonder who the Red Sox DID get in that 10th round?

[mar_022]

These stories almost fall into the category of "please don't tell me' date=' I don't want to know." In retrospect it would have been a huge signing. I wonder how many other close calls there have been such as this. I also wonder who the Red Sox DID get in that 10th round?[/quote']

 

i know, i truly wish i wouldnt have read this article, which makes me realize it was somewhat cruel of me to post it and drag you all into the same boat...sorry. but i also realize that 12 rounds of picks missed this guy, so its not like we were the only ones to f*** up. we made up for it in a way with the waiver pickupp of Papi

[BoSox21]

in the 10th round of the 1999 draft, the Sox took Brian Wiese

 

that's the draft where Josh Beckett went 2nd overall and Kyle Snyder went 10th overall

 

Sox first round picks that year were Rick Asadoorian at #17, Brad Baker at #40 and Casey Fossum at #48

 

and Albert Pujols was the 402nd overall pick

[a700hitter]

One Pujols and a bunch of nobodies. This is why I equate draft picks with Lottery tickets. Big crap that we get draft picks for losing Damon. It's as meaningful as buying two scratch and win tickets.

[Cocos Disciples]

One Pujols and a bunch of nobodies. This is why I equate draft picks with Lottery tickets. Big crap that we get draft picks for losing Damon. It's as meaningful as buying two scratch and win tickets.

 

You're telling me about one in 10,000,000 prospects are successful big leaguers?

[a700hitter]

You're telling me about one in 10' date='000,000 prospects are successful big leaguers?[/quote']More than one in 10 million are scratch and win tickets. There are plenty of 5, 10, and 100 winners. They are nice to have, but seeing that Pujols is probably in the top 3 or 4 hitters out of about 400 major league hitters making him 1 out of 100 in the major leagues the odds are way way way long of finding the next Pujols in any draft.

[example1]

I just don't care because the Sox would not have had David Ortiz if they had Pujols. Pujols is probably the overall better player, but Ortiz nearly single-handedly saved us a World Series with his performance in the 04 ALCS.

[jsinger121]

I just don't care because the Sox would not have had David Ortiz if they had Pujols. Pujols is probably the overall better player' date=' but Ortiz nearly single-handedly saved us a World Series with his performance in the 04 ALCS.[/quote']

 

They would have had both. They could have stuck Pujols in Left and Manny in right if that happened. no biggy there

[schillingouttheks]

Ortiz-Manny-Pujols.

 

*shudder*

[example1]

They would have had both. They could have stuck Pujols in Left and Manny in right if that happened. no biggy there

 

 

Nah. They would have kept Trot and wouldn't have gone after the mediocre (at the time) Ortiz.

[a700hitter]

Nah. They would have kept Trot and wouldn't have gone after the mediocre (at the time) Ortiz.

That's right. The Yankees probably would have picked him up.

[rician blast]

Ortiz-Manny-Pujols.

 

*shudder*

 

Pujols-Manny-Ortiz

[schillingouttheks]

Pujols-Manny-Ortiz

 

Yeah, I was struggling with the order.

[paranoia]

But WOW can you only imagine that lineup.