2008
Casey Kelly became a key piece with Rizzo in the trade for Gonzalez. With the Padres, Kelly had Tommy John surgery that started the road downhill. Kelly is now with Atlanta. Maybe his talent will surface, but the 26-year-old righty has a 2-8 MLB record.
Right-hander Price was drafted out of Rice and had that power thrower background that seems to go with Texas pitchers. Price went to Cleveland as another piece in the trade for Martinez but did little with the Indians Organization.
In his three major league games Price compiled a staggering 20.25 ERA and giving up three home runs in 2.2 innings pitched. Price last appeared in a game in 2015 for Columbus (AAA) and retired rather than go to AA ball.
This draft had a notable selection in the ninth round – Christian Vazquez. Vazquez is the gem of the 2008 draft – a noted defensive whiz whose hitting surprised. A second catcher – Ryan Lavarnway – was drafted in the sixth round and has been with numerous organizations. One sad note is Ryan Westmoreland. Westmoreland – a Rhode Island native – looked impressive at Lowell before a career-ending neurological condition intervened.