The MLB entry draft has always been, at least to me, the red-headed stepchild of the professional sports draft family. The NFL and NBA drafts are spectacles that get tons of TV time and analyst frenzy ... while the MLB draft just sort of happens every year, minus any sound or fury. Maybe it'll get a mention on Sportscenter or something, but other than that, only the most dedicated fans are in tune with whom their teams are drafting every year. That, my friends, might be about to change:
For the first time in its history, the baseball entry draft will be aired live on ESPN2. Coverage will begin on Thursday, June 7th at 2 p.m. ET from Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla. The broadcast will end at 6 p.m. ET.Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig said the telecast, "will give fans access to see this critical function of an organization's development. This is an idea whose time has come."
Each team's first round pick will be televised and all clubs will have a maximum of five minutes to make their selections.
That's what you call one giant step forward. Now, instead of simply reading about their prospects via publications like Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus or watching an ugly live feed on MLB.com, fans will have the chance to see it all as it's happening. Not only can they get the information immediately, they can listen to Joe Morgan and Jon Kruk pretend to know something about the players drafted. Win-win!
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. This could be good, especially with only five minutes between picks -- hard-core geeks have wanted to see the draft for years, but I can imagine it'll attract even casual fans who want to sit down for an hour and see 12 picks. Definitely a good move -- I'm almost shocked Selig got it right (though it did take him long enough) ...
Posted at 3:01AM on May 8th 2007 by Matt W.
2. I would like to know what is holding the findings on Barry Bonds. It seems like the goverment is sitting on its tale waiting for him to break the record and then make thier charges. I think this should be brought forward now. This guy in jail isn't there for his health. Something must be amiss. thank you
Posted at 3:06PM on May 10th 2007 by jack
3. How do I get the entire MLB 2007 draft on-line. My sone was told he has a shot and I need to listen. The article only states, first rounds are televised?
Posted at 8:43AM on May 29th 2007 by Ron