Jun 5, 2008 8:07 pm US/Pacific
A's Make Jemile Weeks Top Pick In Draft
OAKLAND (AP) ―
The Athletics were having a tough time locating Miami second baseman Jemile Weeks, Oakland's top selection in the draft Thursday with the 12th overall pick.
"We keep getting his voicemail," A's director of scouting Eric Kubota said. "I guess he has a lot of family and friends calling him, too."
Weeks, one of three Hurricanes taken in the first round, was joined by his older brother to help celebrate the draft. Rickie Weeks, who plays for the Milwaukee Brewers, flew to Miami on an off day.
Weeks is projected to be a top-of-the-order second baseman in the organization for the A's, who like his athleticism, speed and, of course, his blood lines.
"We think he can come along quickly," Kubota said. "He's a polished college player and we think he's a solid defender right now."
In a draft loaded with corner infielders, the A's chose the best available middle infielder to boost their farm system in that position. Oakland has Mark Ellis as its starting second baseman now. He is in the final season of a three-year contract but the A's likely will do their best to keep him.
"We think he has the athleticism to play center field but we think he will be a very good second baseman," Kubota said. "You can tell just by watching that he loves to play the game."
Weeks hit .374 during the regular season for Miami with 11 home runs, 55 RBIs and 19 stolen bases. He's the school's career leader for triples with 19.
The All-ACC performer is on the watch list for the Brooks Wallace Player of the Year Award and is up for USA Baseball Golden Spikes Player of the Year honors.
Weeks produced two separate hitting streaks of 10 games, and had a nine-game streak. He never went more than one game without a hit. He had 23 multihit games and 17 multi-RBI contests in 52 games.
"We had identified him early in the process and scouted him thoroughly," Kubota said. "We talked about the fact he can run. It's a nice dynamic to put in our system. Intangible wise, he's high on the chart. He brings a lot of positive things to a baseball team."
Weeks was drafted in the eighth round by the Brewers out of high school, but opted to attend college.
Weeks is the first second baseman the A's have ever drafted in the first round. They have drafted six shortstops since 1985, with a couple of them eventually changing positions, including six-time Gold Glove third baseman Eric Chavez.
Oakland took right-hander Tyson Ross from nearby University of California with its second-round pick, 58th overall. The A's other picks were: Preston Paramore, catcher, Arizona State (third round); Anthony Capra, left-handed pitcher, Wichita State (fourth round); Jason Christian, shortstop, Michigan (fifth round); and Tyreace House, outfielder, College of the Canyons (sixth round).
(© 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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