Introducing Shane Watson

Here's the skinny on the Phillies' top pick in this year's draft. . .

Baseball America had him ranked 30th in this year's crop of draft-eligible high school and college players. ESPN.com's Keith Law had him at 50th. The Phillies split the difference and selected him at No. 40.

Most of the scouting reports rave about Watson's curveball. To enter the minor leagues with an already-developed secondary pitch is something that a lot of high school pitchers do not have the luxury of doing. He's listed at 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, with a fastball that creeps up into the low 90's, but with his size and delivery the potential is there for more velocity to be added. The tool set indicates some serious bullpen potential down the road, although the Phillies will obviously try to get him to develop a changeup, and everything will be contingent on command.

He has a commitment to USC. The Phillies usually don't draft guys who are a signing worry this early.

Here's a story from Watson's local paper. And here's one from the Long Beach Press-Telegram.