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| Goleski, Warden Are Selected In Rule 5
Story URL: http://indians.scout.com/2/598597.html | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chuck Murr & Frank Derry IndiansInk.net | Dec 7, 2006 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Indians did not make a selection in any phase of the annual Rule 5 draft, but did lose two players. Outfielder Ryan Goleski was taken by Tampa Bay with the first overall selection, then dealt to Oakland. Right-hander Jim Ed Warden went to Philadelphia with the 18th pick. The New York Yankees selected ex-Tribe first baseman Josh Phelps from Baltimore's Triple A roster at No. 16. A total of 46 picks were made -- 19 in the Major League portion, 24 in the Triple-A phase and three in the Double-A part of the draft held at the Winter Meetings in Orlando. Frank Derry, founder and publisher of Indians Ink Magazine, provides background on both picks: Goleski, a 6-3, 215-pound outfielder who was Cleveland's 24th-round draft choice in 2003, had an outstanding 2006 season at Class A Kinston and Double-A Akron. Coming off a very poor 2005 season at Kinston, he returned to the K-Tribe Kinston and hit .331 with 10 homers and 43 RBI in 38 games. Promoted to Akron, he continued his torrid pace, hitting .296 with 17 homers and 63 RBI in 87 games. His combined numbers were 27 homers and 106 RBI, both of which led the Indians' minor league system. He hit .306 with 36 doubles and 76 runs scored. He reduced his strikeout total to 107 in 445 at-bats. Goleski had put up outstanding numbers in his first two years of pro ball, hitting a combined .296 with 36 homers and 144 RBI in just 748 at-bats. But for whatever reason, he struggled in 2005, batting only .212 with 17 homers and 67 RBI in 122 games at Kinston. He also struck out 134 times in 458 at-bats. Those were, by far, the worst numbers he had ever put up at any level -- and led to his not even being ranked in the annual list of Top 50 Tribe Prospects by Indians Ink entering 2006. So, what happened in 2005? Some believe that after he hit 28 homers in 2004, he got it in his mind that in order to make it to the big leagues, he would have to be a home run hitter. Subconsciously, he changed his usually compact swing and began trying to hit the long ball. His focus, which is normally outstanding, began to get distracted by his desire to hit homers. He regained his focus and determination in 2006. And, with his powerful swing once again intact, the ball started flying out of the park. The ball jumps off his bat when he stays under control. At Eastern Michigan, he hit 51 homers and drove in 167 runs in just 155 games. Goleski is also a good defensive player with an above-average arm that makes him ideal for right field, which is his favorite outfield position. RYAN GOLESKI, OF, born March 19, 1982 24th round, 2003; Eastern Michigan 2006 & MINOR-LEAGUE CAREER
It’ll soon be two years since the transformation of Jim Ed Warden took place. It’s no coincidence that the lanky 6-7, 195-pound right-hander has now been on everyone's radar screen for nearly two years.  Ever since the decision was made to change Warden from overhand to sidearm in May of 2005, the sixth-round draft choice in 2001 has seen his career blossom.Warden spent the entire 2006 season pitching relief for the Akron Aeros. In a team-high 55 relief appearances, he went 5-2 with a 2.90 ERA and 11 saves. In 59 innings, he allowed just 35 hits. He struck out 47 and walked 29, the only number that was a little bit disturbing. Warden completed his year by pitching for Aguilas Cibaenas in the Mexican Winter League. Warden, who had first dabbled with pitching sidearm in high school, gave up on that idea when he lost a lot of the velocity from his fastball. His success in high school and at Tennessee Tech University came as a result of his 94 mile per hour fastball and a solid changeup and slider. Warden ran into problems on the pro level due in part to his height. When throwing overhand, he had an inconsistent arm slot and inconsistent command. For the first four years, he pretty much floundered, rarely gaining success on any type of a consistent basis. That’s when then-minor league operations director John Farrell, remembering that Warden had tinkered with throwing sidearm in high school, suggested that he try it again. Warden watched extensive video of Indians reliever Matt Miller, who also throws sidearm, and worked with minor league pitching coach Steve Lyons to perfect his delivery. Unlike in high school, Warden didn’t lose any velocity. After working hard to master his fastball, Warden learned to command his changeup and slider as well. Warden went on to pitch 46 games in relief in 2005, going 3-5 with a 3.72 ERA, thus setting the stage for his breakout season in 2006. JIM ED WARDEN, RHP, born May 7, 1979 Sixth round, 2001; Tennessee Tech 2006 & MINOR-LEAGUE CAREER
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