2010 MLB Draft: A Family Affair

One thing that I always find fascinating to follow when it comes to the MLB Draft is seeing young kids drafted who have some relation to a current or former Major League player, coach, or executive. This year’s draft has had a number of such cases that I thought I’d take a look at. Some of the players taken I will just list, with links to their relative’s career statistics at Baseball-Reference.com.

The first I’ll touch on is a second baseman taken in the first round by the Houston Astros named Delino Deshields Jr.The 8th overall pick in the draft has a father by the same name who played in the Majors from 1990-2002, most notably with the Montreal Expos and Los Angeles Dodgers. Known primarily for his speed and athletic ability, the younger Deshields profiles as a very similar player to his father but with much more refinement. To give the kid credit, he is hoping to sign quickly so that he can begin his professional career (an unusual trend that seems to be growing this year, and one that I happen to love seeing).

The Angels added another “pedigree pick” to the first round when they selected Cam Bedrosianat #29 overall. Bedrosian, son of former pitcher Steve Bedrosian, profiles as a reliever with the potential to take on a closer’s role somewhere down the line. The elder Bedrosian pitched for 14 seasons in the Majors - primarily as a closer - for the Braves, Phillies, Giants, and Twins. He won the Cy Young Award in 1987 after posting a 2.83 ERA, a 5-3 record, and saving 40 games.

At pick #48 (Supplemental round), the Tigers selected college closer Chance Ruffinout of the University of Texas. Ruffin is the son of former pitcher Bruce Ruffinwho played for the Phillies, Brewers, and Rockies from 1986-1997. Chance is the third Longhorns closer to be drafted high in the past 8 years – the others being Huston Streetand J.B. Cox(who sadly burnt out last season while pitching for the Yankees AAA affiliate, he essentially walked away from the game altogether mid-season citing a “lack of desire”).

At #69 overall, the Blue Jays took third baseman Kellen Sweeney, younger brother of current A’s outfielder Ryan Sweeney.

At #84 overall, the Pirates selected outfielder Mel Rojas Jr., son to former reliever Mel Rojas. It’s worth noting that the family is closely related to the Alou family (former ML players/coaches Moises Alou, Felipe Alou, Matty Alou, and Jesus Alou) as Mel Sr. and Moises are cousins.

At #122 overall, the Mets selected outfielder Cory Vaughnout of San Diego State (where Tony Gwynncoaches). Cory is the son of former outfielder Greg Vaughnwho was cousins with former first baseman Mo Vaughn.

At #142 overall, the Dodgers selected outfielder James Baldwin, who’s father of the same name pitched for a number of teams, most notably the White Sox.

At #148 overall, the Orioles selected shortstop Connor Narron, son of former catcher and manager Jerry Narron.

At #156 overall, the Blue Jays selected shortstop Dickie Thon, who’s father of the same name played for 15 seasons.

At #203 overall, the Red Sox selected outfielder Kendrick Perkins, who isn’t related to but happens to share the same name as the center for the Boston Celtics. (I just thought this one was interesting.)

In the 8th round, the Tigers selected catcher Patrick Leyland, son of current manager Jim Leyland. He was the first of four sons of current managers taken this year by their fathers’ organization. Pitcher Brett Bochy, son of Giants manager Bruce , went in the 18th round. Catcher Mark Tracy, son of Rockies manager Jim , went in the 22nd round. Outfielder Ozney Guillen, son of White Sox manager Ozzie , also went in the 22nd round. Ozzie, of course, held true to his boisterous sometimes-I-speak-before-thinking personality and actually criticized the organization for not taking him earlier in the draft.

Jamie Moyer, who currently is pitching for the Phillies and has been the oldest active player in the league for a number of years, saw his shortstop son, Dillon, taken by the Twins at #675 overall.

Bryan Harper, a pitcher, was taken by the Cubs at #820 overall. His younger brother is Bryce Harper, who of course was selected first overall by the Nationals.

The 2010 Draft will conclude tomorrow afternoon with rounds 31-50. There likely will be more additions to this list in the coming rounds and it’s quite possible I’ve missed a few that have been selected thus far. If you see any notable ones, feel free to leave me a note in the comments.

* Note: This article has been simul-posted at my personal blog, Backyard Baseball , and at Seamheads.com .