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Links R Us, The Dump: Sep 7 05

From MLB Draft 2005: Grading The Supplemental 1st Round (number is the draft order, not a ranking):

36. Oakland Athletics - Travis Buck, OF, Arizona State

Buck gave the A's every reason to feel good about drafting him right out of the gate. Kicking off his pro career in Vancouver of the Northwest League, Buck just killed the ball, hitting .361/.439/.556 in nine games (36 ABs). Upon his promotion to Low Class-A Kane County, Buck continued raking: .357/.444/.496 with 13 doubles and a homer in 30 games (115 ABs). Maybe the most telling stat is Buck's 18/19 K/BB ratio. It isn't often that a power hitter walks more than he strikes out. Though his power hasn't resulted in a strong homerun total, the 13 doubles are a good indicator that the homers will come in time. He should start next season in High Class-A Stockton of the California League. Scouts rave about his hinder and that he lets negativity roll off his back like water off a duck. Grade: B+

69. Oakland Athletics - Jared Lansford, RHP, St. Francis HS, Santa Clara, CA

Carney's son has been very good since he agreed to terms with the A's in June. The organization assigned him to their Arizona League affiliate, where he has been dominant in 21 1/3 innings. Over seven games (six starts), Lansford has a 20/5 K/BB and a 1.27 ERA while giving up 16 hits. He should be ready for Low Class-A at some point next year, but the A's are going to be careful with him. They haven't invested a lot of money in high school pitchers in the last five years, so both Lansford and fellow prep righty Craig Italiano will be handled gingerly. Grade: A-

and from Part I

21. Oakland Athletics - Cliff Pennington, SS, Texas A&M

After signing with the A's the day after he was selected 21st overall, Cliff Pennington made his professional debut at Low Class-A Kane County on June 23rd. In 63 games with the Cougars, he has hit .280/.372/.371 with 15 doubles, three homers and 37 walks in 264 ABs. He is flashing all the tools necessary to hit leadoff, with 22 steals in 28 attempts to go along with his solid OBP. The A's see him as a second baseman but for now they have him playing shortstop, where he's committed 12 errors. According to the A's, it is still unknown where he will start the 2006 season, but it's probable that he will be in High Class-A Stockton early next summer. Grade: B-

and The Chron on Kendall: "I've been scuffling all year. I've sucked all year. I haven't gotten hot all year," Kendall said. "Everything that's happened so far is behind me. We have 25 games left, and it's not about personal stats. It's about winning. But I'd be the first to say I've been awful.