All Things Bubba

Former Rice standout and first round draft pick Philip Humber has been designated for assignment by the Royals. To make space on the roster for Jeff Francoeur, no less.

Humber, like Paul Janish, was on Rice's College World Series championship team. He was one of the reasons Janish was moved from pitcher to shortstop.

Humber was drafted #3 overall by the Mets, and fans expected him to be a star. Hasn't worked out that way. Rice had a bunch of players drafted that year:

Philip Humber (#3) - Mets
Jeff Niemann (#4) - Rays
Wade Townsend (#8) - Orioles
Josh Baker (#106) - Brewers
Paul Janish (#138) - Reds
Chris Kolkhorst (#282) - Padres

Jeff Niemann has turned out to be the cream of the crop from Rice that year. In second place is Paul Janish, drafted in the fifth round and (for now) the Reds' starting shortstop. Wade Townsend couldn't come to terms with the Orioles and went back to Rice. He was taken by the Rays the next year, again 8th overall. He's been plagued by injuries, and played in an independent league last season. Josh Baker last played in 2007, and never made it above A-ball. Chris Kolkhorst last played in 2005, and also never made it above A-ball.

Some have suggested that Rice has a history of disappointing the teams that draft their players. Aside from Lance Berkman, none of the first round players selected from Rice have become big stars. But I suspect they're no worse on that account than any other school. For all the scouting and stats, drafting players is still a crapshoot. Sure things don't pan out, and the guy no one wants can turn into a star.

UPDATE: Phil Humber has been claimed off waivers by Oakland.

Labels: Phil Humber