Phillies Scouting Director Marti Wolever said that Jesse Biddle looks like a young Clayton Kershaw. That’s high praise for the 6-foot-5, 225 pound Biddle who comes from Germantown Friends in Philadelphia by way of Havertown, PA.
Wolever said he was clocked throwing up to 94 mph last week in a visit with the team, plus he’s working on adding secondary pitches to his repertoire.
The Phillies haven’t had much luck with first round picks lately. The last first rounder to hit the Bigs was Cole Hamels in 2002. Since then, Anthony Hewitt (2007) has been a bit of a bust, however, others have brought good back VIA trade. Kyle Drabek (2006) was a main component of the Roy Halladay deal, as was Travis D’Arnaud (also 2007). Adrian Cardenas (2006) was a piece of the Joe Blanton-from-Oakland deal which turned out pretty well, too.
It’s got to be a great feeling for a young kid to be drafted by your hometown team. There’s also immense pressure that comes with staying at home. Congrats to Jesse Biddle on his first round selection.
