The 26th best High School player heading into 2009, or so say Baseball America, Ian Krol didn’t even set foot on a mound this season, after being caught with alcohol.  He has a commitment to the University of Arizona, but as I see it he could end up being a steal or a bust in this draft.

Why waste a 7th round pick on a guy who may go to Arizona, or may be a bust after sitting out this year?

All in all, he is a great baseball player.  I don’t think the alcohol will affect his career much, and I don’t think it’s that big of a deal, but sitting out your Senior year will not help him in the long-run, baseball wise.

He was a spectacular 9-1 with a .98 ERA last season, prompting the signing with Arizona.  This was his second District violation.

The one thing I can say is if he chooses to sign with Oakland, he will be in great hands, and I believe could end up being one of the best LHP to come out of this draft.  I mean it.

If you have a 0.98 ERA as a Junior, if he was a Senior it’d be a failure if he finished at 1.00.

If he signs, and if it translates into success, Oakland might be singing his praises for years to come.