2004 MLB Draft Update: Rounds 6-10

The Phillies continued to take primarily college players as rounds six through ten unveiled themselves. Through the first ten rounds, the Phillies had drafted just three high school players. The other trend is catching. The Phillies are trying to corner the market on catchers, taking three catchers in their first ten picks.

6. Sean Gamble, OF, Auburn University
If the name Gamble sounds familiar, it should. Sean Gamble is the son of Oscar Gamble.

In three seasons at Auburn, Gamble hit .290 with six homeruns and 98 RBI. Gamble also played in the Cape Cod League and made the all-league team last summer.

The CCL gave Gamble some experience with wood bats. The Phillies are banking on his raw skills to develop. There isn't any one outstanding aspect of Gamble, but he is athletic and scouts believe that he'll progress, albeit slowly.

7. John Hardy, SS, University of Arizona
Hardy was drafted by the Orioles in the 11th round of the 2001 Draft.

Hardy reminds a lot of scouts of Kevin Stocker. Like Gamble, he doesn't excel in any one part of the game, but has the basic and solid skills that make him projectable as a potential major leaguer.

8. Sam Orr, SS, Biola University
Orr not only played shortstop at Biola, he was a member of the track team. In his sophomore season, Orr hit .407 with 24 homeruns.

Orr hasn't played a lot of tough competition and it remains to be seen how he'll develop with a wood bat. He certainly has some good skills and could be one of those small school guys that turn out to surprise a lot of fans.

9. Andy McFarlane, OF, Treasure Valley CC
Hit 6-31-.319 in 2004, leading Treasure Valley in homeruns and RBI. McFarlane also led the team in runs (42), hits (51), doubles (16), total bases (89) and slugging percentage (.556).

In case you're wondering if anyone from Treasure Valley CC has ever made the majors, the answer is yes. Jeff Zimmerman (Rangers) and Rick Bauer (Orioles) both came out of TVCC.

10. Charles Creswell, C, Perryton HS (Texas)
Creswell is a strong, tall player (6' 3", 205) who has a body type that reminds a lot of scouts of Mike Piazza. The Phillies believe that Creswell, who already has displayed some power at the plate, will get even stronger.

Creswell does all the right things mechanically both at the plate and behind it.