Infielders Dominate First Round of Draft

MLB.com ran a great article highlighting the early stages of the 2008 First Year Player Draft;

Infielders dominate first round of Draft

Beckham, Alvarez, Hosmer, Matusz, Posey are first five picks

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Bend It Like Beckham took on a whole new meaning Thursday afternoon at The Milk House.

While a jet-setting soccer star made the phrase popular, Tampa Bay is hoping its newest charge will twist the phrase into baseball terms after selecting Tim Beckham with the top selection in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft. The pro-Rays crowd at The Milk House erupted when Commissioner Bud Selig announced Beckham's name, welcoming the Georgia prep star with an ovation worthy of his soccer counterpart.

Beckham's selection marks the 23rd time that a prep player has been taken with the top selection and first since the D-backs grabbed Justin Upton with the top pick in 2005. He is also the third consecutive prep shortstop to be chosen with the top selection. San Diego picked Matt Bush, since converted to a pitcher, in 2004.

There were six rounds completed by the time the opening day wrapped up at 9 p.m. ET. The First-Year Player Draft will resume Friday morning beginning with the seventh round. Every one of the selections can be heard live on MLB.com beginning at 11:30 a.m. The Draft will continue until the 50th round or whenever each of the clubs has passed on its selection.

To continue reading this article, click here.