With the 2009 MLB Draft still on people's minds from two days ago, now would be a good time to look at the booms and busts of recent history. The Washington Nationals took Stephen Strasburg, who apparently wants up to $50 million in guaranteed money. Is he worth that much? Is any draft pick worth that much? Of course not. However, some picks do grow into quality players and do demand contracts much more valuable than that. Unfortunately, this era is the prime years for steroid takers so deciding between who did it and who did not is impossible. Some have been caught but that does not mean others won't be as well. Because no one is free from suspicion, I will not take steroid allegations and admissions into account.
Best 5 #1 Picks
1) Alex Rodriguez - SS - 1993 - Seattle Mariners
Here's is the man with not only the biggest contract in MLB history but also admitted that he took steroids for all the years he was on the Texas Rangers in the early 2000's. Rodriguez is also a tabloid magnet, being spotted with a variety of girls, both before and after his marriage ended. However, despite all the controversy that surrounds him, his skills and numbers are hard to question. The 3-time MVP winner has 560 HR, almost 2,500 hits, and bats for over .300 for his career. At only 33 years old, Rodriguez's numbers are sure to continue to rise through the rankings but unfortunately he will always be plagued by steroids and his lack of a World Series ring.
2) Ken Griffey Jr. - OF - 1987 - Seattle Mariners
The second Mariner on the list is also the second best #1 overall pick of the last 25 years. Nicknamed the "Can't-miss-kid", Griffey Jr. did not. Through his illustrious career, Griffey Jr. has hit 617 Hr, won the MVP in 1997, and has won 10 Golden Glove awards. If not for his recent history of injuries, he would be number ranked on this list without question. Unfortunately, he is injury prone, having never played a full season in the majors and did not play even 100 games for three straight years from 2002-2004. Fortunately for Griffey Jr, his name has never been associated with steroids and he is sure to be a first ballot Hall-of-Famer if nothing changes.
3) Chipper Jones - 3B - 1990 - Atlanta Braves
The first player on this list to actually win a World Series, Jones was an integral part of the Braves team that won 11 straight division titles and the 1995 World Series. Jones is a consistent hitter who won the MVP award in 1999 and has been selected to play in 6 all-star games. In his career, he has 2,327 hits and 415 HR and would have many more if not for injuries. Like Griffey Jr, Jones has been injury plagued throughout his career and has missed at least 25 games for the last 5 years. He played career lows 109 and 110 games in 2005 and 2006 respectively. However, despite some problems that have kept him off the field, his production when healthy does not lie.
4) Joe Mauer - C - 2001 - Minnesota Twins
Since entering the league in 2004, Mauer has cemented himself as one of the best hitters in the league, twice being named the AL Batting Champion. Mauer became the first AL catcher to ever accomplish this feat in 2006 and then repeated his achievement last year. He also made the all-star team those two years and won the Golden Glove last year. Mauer is only 26 and is sure to become the best catcher in the AL today and maybe the best in history.
5) Pat Burrell - LF - 1998 - Philadelphia Phillies
Burrell never made an all-star game or won an individual award but his consistency throughout his career is much better than other #1 overall picks who may have had two or three good seasons. Burrell is considered a power hitter and has consistently hit 25+ homers per year. While his numbers are never astronomical, he has won the World Series last year and was considered one of the primary leaders. Recently, Burrell signed with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he will play DH.
Worst 5 #1 Picks
1) Brien Taylor - P - 1991 - New York Yankees
There is always a reason for a bust, and Taylor's was a fight in the minors. Taylor tore is labrum in his throwing arm while defending his brother in a fight and never regained the skills that made him and #1 overall pick. Despite receiving a $1.55 million contract, Taylor never pitched a game in the majors and officially retired in 2000. In nine years, Taylor played in the minors bouncing between the various leagues.
Better Picks: Manny Ramirez, Jason Isringhausen
2) Matt Anderson - P - 1998 - Detroit Tigers
Taylor injured himself in a fight; Anderson injured himself while throwing an octopus. While partaking in an octopus throwing contest for Detroit Red Wings playoff tickets, Anderson tore a muscle and never got his speed back. Anderson started his career with a 5-1 record and 3.27 ERA but after the injury, never pitched for an ERA of less than 4.72. Anderson bounced from team to team and is now playing in the minors for the Chicago White Sox. He last pitched in the majors in 2005 for the Colorado Rockies.
Better Picks: Troy Glaus, Vernon Wells, Lance Berkman, Tim Hudson
3) Shawn Abner - OF - 1984 - New York Mets
Abner was the first player taken 25 years ago and never amounted to anything more than a back-up. Unlike the first two busts, Abner has nothing to blame for his failure to live up to his draft billing. After not playing a single game for the Mets, Abner was traded to the Padres in 1986 and played there until 1991. He then played for the Angels and White Sox in 1992, when his major league career ended. While not batting for power, he did not even bat for average, averaging only .227 for his career and hitting a total of 11 HR.
Better Picks: Mark McGwire, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine
4) Bryan Bullington - P - 2002 - Pittsburgh Pirates
Bullington's failure to live up to a #1 overall's expectations are probably due to the fact that he didn't have the skills to be one in the first place. The notoriously cheap Pirates chose Bullington in an attempt to avoid a larger contract better players would have demanded. Still, Bullington's career has not even been average, having pitched less than 19 total innings in the majors and still racking up 5 losses. Bullington now plays for the Blue Jays' AAA team and will probably never amount to anything more than an occasional call-up.
Better Picks: Prince Fielder, Joe Saunders, Scott Kazmir, Cole Hamels
5) Paul Wilson - P - 1994 - New York Mets
The fourth pitcher featured in the busts category, Wilson has a career record of 40-58 and an ERA of 4.86. While he has performed a lot better than the other busts on this list, losing 18 more games than you win is not usually considered an success, especially for a #1 overall pick. Wilson played for three different teams and last pitched for a major league team in 2005.
Better Picks: Nomar Garciaparra, Paul Konerko, Jason Varitek
-A.S.
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