If there were any doubts that the Falmouth Commodores have become one of the premier teams in the Cape Cod Baseball League over the past few years, perhaps this week’s Major League Baseball draft will end them. Seven Commodores were taken in the first three rounds alone and a total of 10 were grabbed in the first 12 rounds of the draft.

     Perhaps the highlight for local baseball fans was the selection of Jacoby Ellsbury, of Oregon State University, by the Boston Red Sox, with the 23rd pick of the first round. Ellsbury was an all-star last season for the Commodores, playing nearly every day in left field for the team.

     The pick has been regarded as a great one for the Red Sox by baseball pundits. Baseball America said, Ellsbury "has few holes in his game and is capable of beating teams in a lot of ways. He has excellent makeup and instincts. His best tool is his speed, and it’s evident both on the bases and in center field, where he catches everything hit his way. He has been clocked in 6.55 seconds over 60 yards. He has become more patient, rarely swings and misses, and is comfortable hitting with two strikes. His style of play and physical appearance have drawn comparisons to Johnny Damon at a similar age, but scouts say Ellsbury has a better swing."

     The highest drafted Commodore also played for Falmouth last season. Cliff Pennington, of Texas A&M, went to the Oakland As with the 21st pick overall. Pennington, a shortstop, was an all-star for Falmouth last season and an instant fan favorite. Baseball America said that "scouts have loved Pennington's grit and energy since he was in high school, and he won the Cape Cod League's 10th player award for his spirited play last summer. Pennington is more than just a gamer, however, offering tools across the board. He can bat at the top of a lineup, making consistent contact and providing gap power from both sides of the plate. He doesn't have blazing speed, but he runs well and his instincts make him a threat on the bases. Pennington's savvy also enhances his range at shortstop, where he can make both the routine and acrobatic plays. He has an above-average arm, a quick release, and the ability to make throws from any angle."

     Another first rounder off last year’s Falmouth team was pitcher Brian Bogusevic, of Tulane. Bogusevic also saw time at first base for Falmouth, but the Houston Astros grabbed him with the 24th overall pick because of his strong left arm. The player that went by "Bogie" is said to have potential as either a three-pitch pitcher or a right fielder. He was also the fastest player on the Tulane squad.

     In the second round of the draft, starting pitcher Kris Harvey, of Clemson, went to the Florida Marlins. Dan Carte of Winthrop, the MVP of the Cape League last year, went 52nd overall to the Colorado Rockies. Reliever Nick Weber, of Southwest Missouri, went to St. Louis. 

     In the third round, Falmouth favorite, and two-year player, Jensen Lewis, of Vanderbilt, was taken by Cleveland. Kevin Robert, a reliever from Houston, went to Milwaukee in the fifth round. Jeremy Slayden, an outfielder from Georgia Tech, was taken in the eighth round. Jason Delaney, a third baseman from Boston College, went in the 12th round. Catcher Barry Gunther, of Mississippi, was taken in the 25th round.

     Further information is available from Darin Weeks at dweeks@capecodfive.com.