Phillies Draft Pitchers Gueller, Watson In Amateur Draft

New Phillies pitcher Shane Watson (Philly.com)

Monday night was the 1st night of the First Year Player Amateur Draft, and the Phillies had the 40th and 54th overall pick.


They decided to revamp their pitching with both picks.


Ruben Amaro Jr. and Company used the 40th pick on SP Shane Watson from Lakewood HS in California. In his Junior season, Watson went 10-2 with a 1.16 ERA for Lakewood, which is ranked in the top 10 HS baseball programs in America. Watson himself was also rated very highly, the 35th best HS baseball player in the US, according to ESPN.com


Watson boasts a Fastball which tops out at 93 mph, his scouting report notes. Earlier in the year, Watson committed to play baseball at the University Of Southern California.


The Phillies used their second and final selection on RHP/OF Mitch Gueller. Gueller attended W.F. West HS in Rochester, WA. In his Junior season, Gueller hit .506 and drove in 47 runs, while also holding a 8-0 record and amassing 67 strikeouts in 41 IP.


Gueller's Fastball hits 96 mph and has great location on his Curveball. He does have a Changeup, but does not throw it much. Like Watson, Gueller will have the hard choice of choosing between College or signing a pro contract, as he is committed to play at Washington State University.


The Phillies have now selected HS baseball players 5 years in a row in the first round, with current Phillies RP Joe Savery being the last College player selected.


The MLB draft continues Tuesday, and wraps up Wednesday night.