[Lefty Noob]

According to the Associated Press, "Slugger Phil Nevin, who had a mercurial career after being the No. 1 pick in the 1992 amateur draft, announced his retirement Friday... Although he hit 22 homers last year -- which he split among three teams -- Nevin said he didn't get an offer he liked. He said he wanted to end local speculation about his career, including suggestions from some that the Padres, who are struggling offensively, bring him back."

Nevin ends his career with 1,131 hits; 584 runs; 209 doubles; 6 triples; 208 home runs; 743 RBI; 449 walks; 1,019 Ks; a .270 average; .343 OBP and an .814 OPS.

[legend]

Always thought he was going to be better than he was. Perhaps a product of the aluminum bat? His college numbers were as good as it gets.

[EmpireWF]

Many thought he was going to be one of the best in MLB but he seemed to be just a solid player. Injuries had their way with him or maybe he would have been better.

[azrael492]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

Many thought he was going to be one of the best in MLB but he seemed to be just a solid player. Injuries had their way with him or maybe he would have been better.

I agree. He was never the big star, but he was a solid teammate. He was dependable to get a hit or drive in a run when needed.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by legend

Always thought he was going to be better than he was. Perhaps a product of the aluminum bat? His college numbers were as good as it gets.

Yep...but I have seen worse number 1's...at least he came around...

Jeffery Hammonds came out of the same draft and I expected more from him...Calvin Murray I believe also came from the draft...anyone seen Brien Taylor or Todd Van Poppel of late?

[azrael492]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

Yep...but I have seen worse number 1's...at least he came around...

Jeffery Hammonds came out of the same draft and I expected more from him...Calvin Murray I believe also came from the draft...anyone seen Brien Taylor or Todd Van Poppel of late?

I forgot about Todd Van Poppel. He was the first contract that shocked me. I remember he got a $500,000 bonus to sign a minor league deal.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by azrael492

I forgot about Todd Van Poppel. He was the first contract that shocked me. I remember he got a $500,000 bonus to sign a minor league deal.

Yeah...big promising pitcher out of Texas I think...last i saw him, he was pitching long relief.

[MJHMarc]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

Yep...but I have seen worse number 1's...at least he came around...

Jeffery Hammonds came out of the same draft and I expected more from him...Calvin Murray I believe also came from the draft...anyone seen Brien Taylor or Todd Van Poppel of late?

I haven't heard their names in ages. Are you testing my age, here? Those guys are ancient history!

Phil Nevin was good, but nothing great. I always had something against him because he was a Padre, and I am a Dodgers fan.But he wasn't horrible, and I guess I never looked close enough to see his good side. I under-stimated this player for once. But he's been all over in the past few years going across the globe on trade deadlines. He's been cursed. Now, he'll be fishing in Florida and watching the World Series at home- as usual.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by azrael492

I forgot about Todd Van Poppel. He was the first contract that shocked me. I remember he got a $500,000 bonus to sign a minor league deal.

I can't think about Van Poppel without also thinking about Roger Salkeld, who might have even been a bigger bust.

At least Van Poppel went on to toss a few seasons after the hype all died down. I don't think Salkeld's career ever got out of the bullpen.

[ThePundit]

Nevin was drafted ahead of Derek Jeter.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

I can't think about Van Poppel without also thinking about Roger Salkeld, who might have even been a bigger bust.

At least Van Poppel went on to toss a few seasons after the hype all died down. I don't think Salkeld's career ever got out of the bullpen.

Got a bunch of his cards (Salkeld) as well from that time period...thought he would be good too...got tired of collecting pitchers...Taylor, Van Poppel, Salkeld etc...cured me...