Within a high-octane period lasting less than 48 hours, the San Francisco 49ers managed to add approximately 132 new players to their roster, the saga of Randy Moss landed a new chapter to be thrown into the fire, and Brady Quinn fell so far out of orbit that he’s considering residency on Neptune.
And now, for the first time in the history of the free world and some parts unknown, it’s finally baseball’s turn.
Fine, I’ll admit it: June 7th isn’t exactly knocking on the door just yet. But the events of the NFL installment this weekend – paired with the fact that the MLB version features more than seven times as many rounds as its’ NFL counterpart – mean it’s about time to start circling the proverbial wagons.
Why? Because this year is different.
Baseball has made an astonishing development this year: They have invented the television! While the actual amount of airtime has yet to be established, fans of amateur baseball will finally be able to see the likes of David Price and Matt Wieters land with their respective Major League franchises...on cable TV!
So why didn’t this party start with Rick Monday and Co. in 1965?
In the past, network television has questioned the desires of baseball fans to see the entry draft. With the biggest and brightest prospects still at least a couple years away from making a big league splash, how much interest will the viewing public actually show?
If the New York Yankees can start a youth movement to get their fans thinking about life on the farm, anyone can do it. While the reincarnation of Dave Winfield isn’t coming along to bypass the minors for the San Diego Padres’ starting lineup, a vast array of young talent is foaming at the mouth for the opportunity alone.
Believe it or not, Alex Rodriguez was once a prospect too. Upon heavy analysis, one can see that this fact means the man on pace for approximately 100 home runs vagabonded his way from bus stop to bus stop down on the farm. This yields one final epiphany: Alex Rodriguez was some punk kid that had his journey sent underway by the MLB First-Year Player Draft.
Josh Vitters anyone?
It feels like Vince Young went from being a prospect to the face of the Tennessee Titans in approximately 10 seconds. Albeit for a short period, but even Young took his minor league lumps on the bench before his breakout. The point is that he was given the chance to breakout – that same chance which can be attained by baseball’s best prospects.
The likes of the storied Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers will soon be replaced by the mighty Hudson Valley Renegades and Kane County Cougars. Don’t let this distract you – baseball’s draft picks are headed for the same future. The paths will be different; the results will be the same.
Rest assured, ESPN2. If you show it, they will watch.
Adam Loberstein is counting down the days until he gets to see David Price boast his newest Tampa Bay Devil Rays apparel. Help the time pass more efficiently by emailing Loberstein at adamloberstein@gmail.com.