[posted on behalf of ntrebon, who is having some tech issues with SBN this a.m.]
Today is the first day of MLB's First-Year Player Draft. The first three rounds, along with two compensation rounds will be held today. And, the draft may affect both the football and baseball teams. Let's get right on to the quack.
- First, Tyler Matzek is expected io go somewhere in the first ten picks, making it all but assured that he will bypass college baseball and go straight to the pros. Keith Law has him as the #6 overall prospect (note: ESPN Insider subscription required). Not quite as clear is what the immediate future holds for Braxton Lane, who is expected to play both football and baseball if he enrolls at Oregon. Rob Moseley's article today has some quotes from Lane's high school coach -- who seems to think Lane will give pro baseball a shot. Moseley also lists other Oregon players and recruits who may be drafted over the next few days. John Hunt also blogs about Lane.
- Bob Clark breaks down Oregon's incoming baseball class and discusses which players are the most likely to go pro. Drafted players have until August 15 to sign, so Oregon will know in a few months which players to expect on campus in the fall.
- Ted Miller has a mailbag up, which includes a defense of his statement that Oregon would have finished #2 in the SEC last year. Also included is Miller's thoughts on the impact Roper's departure will have on next season.
- Sports Illustrated has a piece on Rich Brooks and how he survived his rough first three years at Kentucky to lead them to three straight winning seasons, something that had not been at UK in over 50 years.
- Scout.com asks five panelists which teams have the most going their way and do the least with their advantages? Out of the Pac-10, UCLA gets a couple of votes and ASU gets a mention.
That's all for this morning. Go Ducks!