I know lots of other teams could say the same, as they could with Pujols, but we sure had a slew of terrible drafts–at least that seems to be turning

He’s not a major leaguer. He has zero power, which major league pitchers would exploit by throwing the ball right down the middle and forcing him to swing the bat. A good eye isn’t useful if you can’t hit the ball, and Michael Garciaparra can’t hit the ball.

Didn’t the M’s think they had a SPECIAL personality in Tillman when they drafted him. All you had to do was check out his myspace account. It would be great to see Morrow, Tillman and Butler all at Inland next year at the same time. Fun rotation to watch.

Not nearly to the degree that Lincecum does. Even when Timmy is rolling, he’s walking 4-5 guys a game and throwing 120-130 pitches.

Apologies for needlessly separating this post, but Dave, what’s the deal with Butler’s stuff? You’ve said that he’s a soft-tosser–under 90–and that’s what the reports before the draft said as well. But BA says he’s in the low-nineties now?

I don’t recall saying he’s a soft tosser. The scouting reports on him that I’ve gotten have him at 87-91 with a big curveball that’s an outpitch when it’s on. An 18-year-old who stands 6′7 and already sits at 87-91 isn’t a soft tosser in anyone’s book, including mine.

I find it encouraging that Butler’s command has really improved his past three starts. Overall, his walk rate will look troublesomely, even with the lenience to very young pitchers, but perhaps something clicked recently and maybe he’ll be able to carry this over into next season.

It’s the Northwest League and it’s a really small sample. There’s no reason to let performances dictate your excitement level. That said, Butler got pretty terrific reviews from scouts who saw him, so there are reasons to be excited about his debut. I just wouldn’t get excited based on the numbers. Short-season League stats don’t really mean anything.

I find it encouraging that Butler’s command has really improved his past three starts. Overall, his walk rate will look troublesomely, even with the lenience to very young pitchers, but perhaps something clicked recently and maybe he’ll be able to carry this over into next season.

Doesn’t Morrow also have command issues?