Without John Smoltz in the bullpen as Atlanta's closer, the Braves have been struggling (to put it mildly). Dan Kolb has not been effective.
When it came time to make the first selection in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft Tuesday afternoon, Atlanta turned to a collegiate closer who could provide more immediate assistance.
There aren't any guarantees that Joey Devine will be in Atlanta's bullpen during the 2005 season. But when the Braves used the draft's 27th overall selection to grab him, they were certainly thinking there is a definite chance.
"Realistically, he's such a talent, I thought he'd be long gone before we picked," Braves director of scouting Roy Clark said. "He was just too good to pass up."
During his three years at North Carolina State, the 21-year-old right-hander established himself as one of the country's top relievers.
Devine, who was a three-time All-ACC selection, holds the N.C. State career records for saves (36) and appearances (84). Along with possessing a fastball that has been clocked at 96 mph, the 5-foot-11, 195-pound hurler also has outstanding control. He recorded 72 strikeouts and issued just 10 walks in 48 2/3 innings this year.
"He's sort of an unorthodox, almost sidearm delivery," Clark said. "But it's power. It's a power sinker and slider. I wouldn't want to hit off of him. Not too many right-handers are comfortable against him."
Along with grabbing a talented hurler, it appears the Braves have also landed somebody who won't provide them with signability problems.
Being just a junior, Devine has some leverage he could use against the Braves. But he feels confident that he'll strike a deal either Tuesday night or on Wednesday, at the latest.
"I really do understand the importance to make some money in the draft," Devine said. "But my ultimate goal is to make money in the big leagues."
There are some scouts who believe Devine could follow in the footsteps of Nationals closer Chad Cordero and A's closer Huston Street, who both made it to the Majors less than one year after being selected out of college.
Atlanta Braves Draft Picks
Rnd Pick Overall Player Position School State
1S 11 41 Beau Jones lhp Destrehan (La.) HS LA
2 27 75 Yuniel Escobar ss No school, Miami FL
2 29 77 Jeff Lyman rhp Monte Vista HS, Alamo, Calif. CA
3 27 107 Jordan Schafer OF Winter Haven (Fla.) HS FL
4 27 137 Mike Broadway rhp Pope County HS, Golconda, Ill. IL
5 27 167 Will Startup lhp U. of Georgia GA
6 27 197 Tyler Bullock rhp Baylor U. TX
7 27 227 Brandon Monk 2B La Grange (Ga.) HS GA
8 27 257 Kyle Cofield RHP Southside HS, Rainbow City, Ala. AL
9 27 287 Stephen Garcia c Temecula Valley HS, Temecula, Calif. CA
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Adapted from the MLB.com and Baseball America websites.