N.J. pitching phenom headed to Boston…or will Phillies get second chance?

The Philadelphia Phillies did not use their Major League Baseball draft pick to select a New Jersey high school pitcher who for much of the spring was talked about as a likely top draft pick.

Jason Groome came back to Barnegat High School for his final year and many draft experts had him as the cream of the crop in last night’s draft.  

Grant Paulsen, who hosts a show that specializes in the draft and minor leagues on Sirius-XM says the left-hander has what it takes to be a major leaguer.

“He’s only 17 years old, he’s going to keep filling out his frame and physically mature.  He’s got the huge body at six foot six inches tall 220 pounds,” Paulsen said.  “The scouts salivate over that frame because it leads to durability.” The Phillies instead opted for La Costa Canyon High School outfielder Mickey Moniak. Groome was drafted by the Boston Red Sox at number 12. But that doesn’t mean that Groome might not eventually be a Phillie.  If he opts for college instead of signing with with Boston, he will be eligible for the draft again.