2003 Draft Recap

By Jacksonian

June 10, 2003

Editor’s note: Regular Minor Opinions columnist Michael N is reportedly rehabbing a strained right pinky finger ligament somewhere in the South Pacific. Apparently tropical beaches are the perfect remedy for strained pinkies. In his place Jacksonian volunteered to spend way too much time to write this MO column. Sucker.

Let’s begin this draft recap with some pre-draft information. As most of you know the Astros signed Jeff Kent to a 2 year contract during the 2002-2003 off season. Kent was offered arbitration by the Giants, so his defection meant that the Astros had to give their first round selection in the 2003 draft to the Giants. The Giants took David Aardsma. As far as Astros brass was concerned Jeff Kent was their first round pick. Not many, if any, of this year’s first round draft picks will do as well as Kent has this season. I’m going to call this a good selection by the Astros.

Just prior to the draft, the Astros signed several 2002 draft and follow selections. The primary signee was Scott Robinson. I won’t go into much detail here. The initial Minor Opinions on this site has plenty of information on him. I refer you there. Suffice it to say, the kid can hit. As Michael N said in a cameo at the GZ draft day special, Robinson is “one of the best pure, young hitters the Astros have inked in many years.” He won’t turn 20 until October. Scott is expected to begin his pro career at Tri-City.

The 2003 Astros draft featured the selection of 17 pitchers, 8 outfielders, 14 infielders, and 2 catchers. Let’s get to them.

2 – Jason Hirsh, RHP, R/R, 6’8”, 250, 21 years old, California Lutheran University

What were the Astros thinking drafting this guy? Height in a pitcher? He dwarfs Oswalt and Redding and may not be able to see Carlos Hernandez from way up there. At 6’8” Hirsh is one of the taller pitchers the Astros have ever had in the organization. He is considered a power pitcher who consistently hits 93mph on the radar gun and has reportedly hit 97. He throws a hard slider and is working on a change up. According David Lakey, Hirsh is one of those pitchers who seems to get stronger as the game goes on and gets better in the later innings.

As a junior Hirsh was 9-1 in 15 games, 12 of them starts, with 6 complete games and 100 innings pitched. He had a 3.68 ERA giving up 92 hits and 22 walks while recording 126 strikeouts. He set a school record striking out 18 in a conference game this season. California Lutheran University is a NCAA Division III school. For those who don’t know, Division III was designed for kids who wanted to play sports but had little chance of being a pro. There are no athletic scholarships and so competition isn’t the best. So you have to take the questionable competition into account when you look at a DIII player’s numbers. However, you can’t diminish this kids tools. He’s got a live arm and appears to be quite coachable and eager to learn. He needs work on his mechanics and the Astros will give him plenty of time to do so. If everything goes right, I expect Jason to wind up with a fastball regularly hitting 95-96 with an 80+ mph slider. (If you want a comparison think a taller Brad Lidge.) Lakey was impressed with his improvement on the changeup over the year. So I expect Jason to have 3 serviceable (at least) pitches by the beginning of next season. Expect him to report to Tri-City once he signs.

Signed 7/3. Assigned to Tri-City.

3 – Robert Stubbs, CF, R/R, 6’5”, 190, 18 years old, turns 19 in October, Atlanta High School, Texas

Toolsy. Stubbs is a 5 tool athlete, the kind that gets scouts all hot and bothered. He’s very raw with a “projectable” body. Drew, as he goes by, was a multi-sport athlete in high school. His body has a lot of filling out to do over the next several years. Stubbs has excellent speed, a good arm, knows how to play the outfield, and can hit with some power. Some have compared him, fairly or not, to a very young Dale Murphy. If he progresses as hoped there’s no reason he can’t make it to the big leagues. He was the first of several centerfielders taken by the Astros in this draft. The Astros were looking to improve the speed in the minors and Stubbs was the first player taken to begin that process.

The Astros took a chance in the draft that Drew would be available in the third round and a chance by taking him in the third round. He is the kind of player who could have gone earlier in the draft but has committed to the University of Texas baseball program, much to the delight of Longhorn fans. The Astros hope they can offer him enough money to forgo college. Stubbs for his part has said his likelihood of signing hinges on how much green the Astros flash his direction. Should Drew decide to go to UT this fall, the Astros will lose their rights to him, and he would not be eligible to be redrafted until his junior year. If signed expect him to report to Martinsville.

Attended UT. Cannot sign.

4 – Joshua Anderson, CF, L/R, 6’2”, 195, turns 22 in August, Eastern Kentucky University

Speed part two. Anderson led all of NCAA Division I in stolen bases with 1.08 per game. He was third in the nation in batting average. In 53 games he hit .447, walked 23 times while striking out only 15 times. His OBP was .509. Along with the likes of first round picks Tim Stauffer and Rickie Weeks, Josh was named first team All-American. The junior outfielder was the Ohio Valley Conference player of the year. With speed to burn and being a contact hitter, Josh is more the prototype lead-off hitter than Stubbs. The MLB scouting report compares him physically to Darin Erstad and considers him a potential plus defender. He might be the most polished player the Astros selected this year. Signability isn’t considered a problem, and I expect him to be assigned to Tri-City. However, I have a feeling he may go to Lexington.

Signed 6/17. Assigned to Tri-City.

5 – Joshua Muecke, LHP, L/L, 6’3”, 195, 21 years old, Loyola Marymount University

The first of three left-handed pitchers drafted by the Astros this year. Muecke (pronounced Micky) was a starter and reliever at LMU this season. He’s more a finesse pitcher with an average fastball with movement but an above average change with movement. He’s a control pitcher. There’s really nothing outstanding about him other than he seems to know how to pitch. Lakey says he sees Josh as a starter, but could go either way. Expect him to begin at Tri-City.

Signed 6/14. Assigned to Tri-City.

6 – Jon Davis, RHP, R/R, 6’5”, 205, 19 years old, Eupora High School, Mississippi

The first high school pitcher drafted by the Astros this year. Cliff, as he’s called, like Stubbs, is one hell of an athlete. He played both football and baseball in high school (more on that later). Projectable describes his body. His fastball is 88-90, but it’s his curveball that wowed scouts. It has a hard break that regularly had batters flinching, frozen, flailing, and outright bailing. He’s a bit stiff in his delivery, but, if he signs, like all high school draftees he’ll get plenty of instruction from the vaunted Astros staff. This kid has a very high ceiling.

As was mentioned he’s a great athlete. Cliff was a first team all-state selection in both baseball and football. In football he threw for over 1900 yards and 29 touchdowns. As a pitcher he was 11-1 with a 0.94 ERA. Over 89 innings he had 194 strikeouts! (Yep, better than 2K’s per inning.) He’s such a good athlete, in fact, that he signed with the University of Alabama as a quarterback. Signability is a definite issue here. The Astros knew this of course and felt as if selecting him at this point of the draft was worth the gamble. If he goes to ‘Bama the Astros lose his rights. According to one report, before the draft Davis was leaning toward baseball. Cliff says he’ll decide based on how he feels after talking/negotiating with the team that drafts him not based on the money. I don’t buy it. I suspect the Astros will have to offer at least third round probably second round money or it’s hello Crimson Tide. If he does sign he’ll be assigned to Martinsville.

Signed 6/17. Assigned to Martinsville.

7 – Jeffrey Jorgensen, CF, R/R, 5’11”, 185, 22 years old, Rice University

By many accounts Jeff is the fastest player in the draft. Yeah, he’s fast. He signed with Rice as a sprinter. He was a national high school semifinalist in the 60 meter dash. He was clocked at 3.85 from the right side of home plate to first base. (That speed matches Rocco Baldelli, the fastest in the AL.) That’s about the extent of his developed skills. Jeff is still learning how to hit, though he did hit .310 for Rice this season (the worst average amongst Rice starters). Jorgensen hasn’t played much baseball so his development is behind most other 22 year old ballplayers. With proper development he may be a leadoff type hitter, but that’s quite a bit of time from now. He’s a junior in terms of eligibility but he’s already graduated so he may be an easier sign than Davis. Expected to report to Martinsville or Tri-City.

Signed 8/11. Assigned to Tri-City.

8 – Michael Collar, RHP, R/R, 6’3”, 215, turns 22 in October, University of Maine

Another big pitcher. Mike holds the University of Maine career shutout record with 7. He also owns a school record 8 consecutive complete games. In 2003 he had 12 starts, completed 6 of them and recorded 2 shutouts. In 83 innings pitched Collar gave up 75 hits and just 10 walks. He K’d 98 with a 3.25 ERA. That’s nearly a 10/1 K to BB ratio. He clearly possesses control of his pitches, stays around the plate and yet manages to get people out. Mike was the 2001 America East rookie of the year, and he is a 2 time first-team All-America East pitcher. Mike is a workhorse who eats innings. Expected to begin in Tri-City.

Signed 6/12. Assigned to Tri-City.

9 – Brock Koman, 3B, R/R, 6’0”, 198, turns 23 in October, University of Michigan

Brock was the first college senior taken by the Astros this year. He led the Wolverines in hitting the past 3 years. This year he hit .368 with 21 doubles and 8 homers. Koman is a 4 year starter. He played third his first 2 seasons. Then, he played short his junior year before going back to third for his senior year. In 2001 he hit 14 homers, but over the past 2 years only managed 15 total. His defense is a bit suspect as he committed 21 errors this season, a career high. I have the feeling that with the bat he may be a bit of an Ensberg clone in his pro career. Expected to begin at either Tri-City or Lexington.

Signed 6/12. Assigned to Tri-City.

10 – Beau Hearod, RF, R/R, 5’10”, 195, 22 years old, University of Alabama

Beau played both rightfield and third base in college. The Astros view him as a rightfielder. He has the arm to be there. He was a good hitter for the Tide. In 2002 he led the team in hitting. In 2003 he was second on the team with a .348 average and led the team in homers with 20. He struck out 44 times while walking 29 times. He’s durable as he started all 60 of the Tide’s games this season. Apparently he’s built a bit like Brian Giles but don’t expect him to hit like Giles. That’s just not reasonable. Expected to begin at Tri-City.

Signed 6/12. Assigned to Tri-City.

11 – Nicholas Green, RHP, R/R, 6’4”, 188, turns 19 in August, Darton College

From the same JUCO conference as first round pick Nick Markakis, Nick Green finished his freshman year with a 3-6 record and 1 save. He pitched 69.2 innings, striking out 69, giving up 67 hits and walking 20. He finished with a 3.75 ERA, 12th in the conference among pitchers with 60 or more innings pitched. He’s likely a draft-and-follow candidate. If he does sign, look for him at Martinsville.

Returned to Darton. DFE.

12 – Christopher Robinson, SS, L/R, 6’0”, 170, 22 years old, Louisiana Tech University

Ok, I’ll start it here. Adam Everett clone. Wade as he’s called has a cannon. He is a four year starter at short and can pick ‘em. He’s a slap hitter who led the Bulldogs in average at .332 and doubles with 12. He’s not exactly a burner attempting only 13 steals and succeeding 8 times. He set a career record with 2 homers in 2003. Plain and simple he was drafted because he’s already a very good defensive shortstop who the Astros hope will hit enough to progress. He’s a senior so expect him to sign soon and be assigned to Tri-City.

Signed 6/12. Assigned to Tri-City.

13 – James Barthmaier, RHP, R/R, 6’4”, 200, 19 years old, Roswell High School, Georgia

Jimmy throws 90-96. According to scouts he has a plus slider and good mechanics. MLB scouting compares his body to Kris Benson. In 63 innings this year Barthmaier posted a 7-2 record and 0.85 ERA. He struckout 75 and walked 17. He also hit .400 with 15 doubles, 8 homers, and 37 RBI.

There’s only one reason Barthmaier fell to the 13th round. Signability. He was projected to be selected no later than the second round. He’s a signability question because, like Davis, he’s an amazing athlete who doubles as a quarterback. As of this writing, he is still being recruited by Georgia and LSU. Teams apparently believe he’s going to college. However, James has said recently his number one goal is to play professional baseball. My guess is that the Astros will have to offer big money or he’s going to a big time school. If he signs he’ll be assigned to Martinsville.

Signed 7/3. Assigned to Martinsville.

14 – Michael Dunn, RF, L/L, 6’1”, 185, just turned 18, Cimarron-Memorial High School, Nevada

Dunn is a strong armed kid who also pitched. He runs well and has the crow hop down. The MLB scouting report indicates he has the potential to hit at the major league level. Time will tell.

Probably a draft and follow. Dunn has already signed to attend the Community College of Southern Nevada. If he attends the Astros will retain his rights. If he signs he’ll go to Martinsville.

Attended CCSN. DFE.

15 – Robert Edmiston, RHP, R/R, 6’6”, 221, turns 22 in August, Mississippi College

Bo is the second Division III pitcher taken by the Astros in this draft. Another massive pitcher. His stuff is not in Hirsh’s class, but he’s a serviceable pitcher. He threw 76 innings and gave up 62 hits and 24 walks, striking out 59. I’ve had the opportunity to watch Bo pitch and although he’s a big guy he doesn’t throw overly hard. He’ll run it up there at 88-90 with a little movement. His breaking pitches are good. He’s fairly polished but has spent his career facing inferior opposition. Expect this senior to sign soon so we’ll see how he does at Tri-City.

Signed 6/12. Assigned to Tri-City.

16 – Jamie Merchant, RHP, R/R, 6’4”, 275, 22 years old, University of Vermont

This is getting redundant, but Jamie is another large pitcher. He won the America East Pitcher of the Year in 2003. He also was named to the first team on the America East All-Conference and All-New England teams. He posted a 1.56 ERA in 11 games (10 starts) and threw 6 complete games. Over 75 innings Merchant gave up just 56 hits and 14 walks while recording 81 strikeouts. Look for the senior to stay near his home and be assigned to Tri-City.

Signed 6/12. Assigned to Tri-City.

17 – Patrick O’Brien, C, R/R, 6’0”, 190, 22 years old, Kent State University

O’Brien was a preseason second-team All-America selection by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association. However, his season was somewhat disappointing. After hitting .335 and slugging .652 in 2002, Pat hit just .272 while slugging .529. His defense suffered as well committing 10 errors compared to just 4 in 2002. He is second in school history in career homers, and if he can get back what he had last year may be a solid catcher. Look for the senior in either Tri-City or Martinsville.

Signed 6/12. Assigned to Tri-City.

18 – Kevin Vital, 1B, L/R, 6’0”, 235, 23 years old, Southern University

Teammate of #2 pick Rickie Weeks, Southern considered Vital to be the team leader and “General”. The senior hit .316, pounding 14 homers and slugging .664. He walked 43 times while striking out 37 times over 152 at bats. Expect him to sign quickly and be assigned to Tri-City, likely backing up Robinson.

Signed 6/12. Assigned to Martinsville.

19 – Edwin Maysonet, 2B, R/R, 6’0”, 180, turns 22 in October, Delta State University

Actually out of Puerto Rico, Edwin was a two year starter for DSU after transferring from community college. He was DSU’s leading hitter and thief. He lead the team in average (.384), hits (88), doubles (25), and steals (23). He committed just 4 errors in 2003. once signed the senior will likely head to Tri-City.

Signed 6/12. Assigned to Tri-City.

20 – Brian Skaug, 2B, R/R, 6’1”, 190, 22 years old, California Lutheran University

Teammate of Astros first pick Jason Hirsh. While Hirsh was the pitching ace, Skaug was the offensive leader of the Kingsmen. The senior second-sacker was second on the team in average (.380), first in runs scored (46), doubles (14), triples (6), homers (11), and slugging (.810). He was second in stolen bases (20) and third in hits (52). He was voted on the second team of the ABCA All-West Region and All-SCIAC teams. Tri-City or Martinsville.

Signed 6/12. Assigned to Tri-City.

21 – Kerri Fair, CF, R/R, 5’11”, 190, 21 years old, Jacksonville State University

Fast and a top notch defender, Fair hit .288 while leading JSU in steals with 17. He’s more the leadoff type as he doesn’t hit with a lot of power. If the junior signs, he’ll likely be sent to Martinsville.

Signed 6/12. Assigned to Tri-City.

22 – Lance Koenig, 2B, R/R, 6’3”, 180, 22 years old, Monmouth University

Lance is a versatile athlete who’s played most of the infield positions at Monmouth over his four year career. The scouting book on him indicates he has a strong arm. He hit well at Monmouth. Lance is the all-time leader in doubles at Monmouth and second in runs scored and stolen bases. Koenig was the offensive heart of Monmouth in 2003. He led the team in average (.377), runs (47), hits (65), doubles (20), total bases (102), slugging (.528), OBP (.431), and stolen bases (21).

Near the end of his junior season he suffered a season ending broken wrist. Clearly he came back strong from that setback. The senior will likely go to Tri-City.

Signed 6/12. Assigned to Martinsville.

23 – Mark Saccomanno, 3B, R/R, 6’2”, 210, 23 years old, Baylor University

Played short and third during his career at Baylor. Mark missed all of the 2002 season with a torn labrum. one of Baylor’s offensive leaders, he hit .377 with 8 homers and 14 doubles. Not big on the free pass, Mark walked just 12 times in 59 games. He’s a senior so he should be an easy sign. Tri-City or Martinsville.

Signed 6/14. Assigned to Martinsville.

24 – Ryan Yurek, RHP, 6’3”, 200, 22 years old, Loyola Marymount University

Teammate of fellow Astros draftee Joshua Muecke and former teammate of Astros draftees Jason Hirsh and Brian Skaug. A senior, Ryan transferred from Cal Lutheran to Loyola Marymount for the 2002-2003 year. Probably the rawest college senior drafted by the Astros. Yurek threw just 6 innings in 2003.

If it weren’t for bad luck, he’d have no luck at all. Ryan apparently is an injury factory though not in the way you’d expect from a baseball player. When he was about 15 he had a life threatening skiing accident that nearly cost him his leg. After several years of rehab he continued baseball. His improvement and his 90+ fastball was enough so that scouts last fall were telling him to stay healthy and expect a call in early June. Then in November he broke BOTH wrists in a pickup basketball game. He healed up quick enough to get back on the diamond before seasons end. His injuries have apparently helped him see life at a more mature level than most 22 year olds. He may be the sleeper of the Astros draft if he can stay healthy and progress with instruction. Martinsville.

Signed 6/12. Assigned to Tri-City.

25 – Mario Garza, C, L/R, 6’0”, 205, 22 years old, University of Florida

One of the main Gator power threats, Mario who transferred from Stanford after his sophomore year, hit .349 with 18 doubles and 13 homers over 195 at bats. He struck out more than twice as many times as he walked, not Billy Beane’s kind of guy, 47/22. He’s a senior. Tri-City.

Signed 6/12. Assigned to Martinsville.

26 – Robert Ramsey, RHP, R/R, 6’2”, 180, turns 22 in September, Texas A&M University

Ramsey has not pitched since a March 18 loss to University of Texas at San Antonio. He apparently suffered an injury early in the season and though he tried, just couldn’t compete. He threw only 6.1 innings walking 3 and striking out 10. If he signs look for him in Martinsville.

Signed 6/12. Assigned to Tri-City.

27 – Omar Arif, LHP, L/L, 5’10”, 170, turns 19 in September, Dr. Ralph H. Poteet High School

Finally, a pitcher drafted who can see eye to eye with Carlos. It only took to round 27. According to scouting reports Omar currently throws mid to high 80’s. He projects to throw in the low 90’s with proper development. The Astros drafted him as a draft and follow candidate. He signed early with TCU, but don’t be surprised if he goes JUCO instead. If he attends TCU the Astros lose their rights to him. DFE

Attended TCU. Cannot sign.

28 – Chad Prosser, SS, R/R, 5’8”, 155, 22 years old, University of North Carolina

Smallest player drafted by the Astros. Chad hit .290 his senior year. He’s a slap hitter totaling just 17 extra base hits over 283 at bats. Despite leading the Tar Heels in errors with 17, he’s considered an excellent defender. Tri-City.

Signed 6/12. Assigned to Tri-City.

29 – Jason Corapci, 2B, R/R, 5’8”, 175, Turns 22 in October, California State University – Fresno

Another light hitting middle infielder. Jason hit .297 his senior year with just 8 extra base hits over 111 at bats. Like Prosser, Corapci’s strength is his defense. Tri-City.

Signed 6/25. Assigned to Martinsville.

30 – Scott Bradley, 2B, R/R, 6’0”, 185, 19 years old, Chabot Junior College

Draft and follow freshman.

31 – Brandon McDougall, SS, R/R, 6’3”, 180, 19 years old, Diablo Valley College

“Spike” as he’s known is considered projectable with a good glove and some pop in his bat. Draft and follow freshman.

32 – Justin O’Bannon, RHP, R/R, 6’3”, 185, turns 18 in August, Kingwood High School, Texas

Clocked with a high 80’s fastball and a projectable body. Justin is a draft and follow candidate. He will likely attend San Jacinto Junior College.

33 – Michael Walls, 3B, R/R, 6’0”, 180, turns 22 in August, St. Josephs University

Walls is a first team All-Atlantic 10 selection at third base. He led St. Jo’s in batting, (.340) and triples (2). He was second in doubles (10) and third in homers (3). Michael had just 7 errors in 42 games. Tri-City.

Signed 6/12. Assigned to Tri-City.

[The rest of the Astros draftees are considered draft and follows by the Astros.]

34 – Shawn Burris, LHP, L/L, 5’11”, 180, turns 20 in September, North Central Texas College

This is the second time Burris has been drafted by the Astros. A DFE last year, Burris was impressive enough at NCTC for the Astros to draft him again as a draft and follow. In 45 innings he gave up 42 hits and 16 walks while recording 54 strikeouts. He gave up just 19 runs. His stuff is above average and if he has a good sophomore season look for the Astros to ink him prior to the 2004 draft.

35 – John Slusarz, RHP, R/R, 6’3”, 170, turns 19 in July, University of Connecticut – Avery Point

Considered by MLB scouting to be a project with upside but with much work on his delivery to go, John led UCAP in innings pitched (41) and strikeouts (40). He gave up just 11 earned runs, 13 walks, and 28 hits as a freshman.

36 – Logan Ondrusek, RHP, R/R, 6’8”, 195, 18 years old, St. Paul High School, Texas

Bean pole. Logan is a all-state 2A first-team pitcher who led his team to the 2A title. He is likely to attend McLennan Community College.

37 – Ethien Santana, CF, L/L, 5’11”, 153, 19 years old, Laredo Junior College

Another player re-drafted by the Astros. Santana is a speedy centerfielder from Puerto Rico. He did not sign as a DFE but like Burris did enough this season to warrant being drafted again. Ethien followed fellow Puerto Rican and Astros draftee Raymar Diaz to Laredo Junior College. Diaz was also taken twice by the Astros and following his sophomore year, 2003, signed with the Astros. Expect Santana, if he has a good sophomore season, to do the same.

38 – Victor Ferrante, RHP, R/R, 6’3”, 225, 18 years old, Benicia High School, California

He threw a no-hitter in the last game of the regular season. Victor has committed to Solano Community College in California.

39 – Joshua Smith, RHP, R/R, 6’5”, 220, 20 years old, Riverside Community College, California

Smith is a red-shirt sophomore who threw just 15+ innings recording 16 strikeouts. He blew out his elbow and underwent Tommy John surgery in April. He is expected to recover and pitch at Riverside in the spring.

40 – David Roberts, CF, L/L, 5’10”, 150, turns 19 in August, The Woodlands High School, Texas

Smallish quick outfielder with a good arm (also a pitcher in high school). David has signed with Panola Junior College.

41 – Raymond Stokes, 2B, R/R, 5’10”, 160, turns 18 in October, San Leandro High School, California

The youngest player taken by the Astros in this draft. Final college selection unknown.

Attended Cal State-Hayward. Cannot sign.

42 – Steve Buschini, 1B, L/L, 6’4”, 220, 18 years old, California High School, California

MLB scouting compares Steve’s body to George Brett’s. He’s a good power hitter. Steve is an early signee of the University of San Diego. If he attends, the Astros will lose their rights to him. Final college selection unknown.

Attended USD. Cannot sign.

NOTES

As of this writing, 4 of the 5 current starters in the Astros rotation were drafted by the Astros. None of them is taller than Wade Miller at 6’2”. Of the 17 pitchers drafted this year 13 are taller than Wade, 2 reaching 6’8”. The Astros drafted just three left-handed pitchers. The Astros will attempt to sign only one of them this season. According to Lakey there just wasn’t that much in the way of talented lefty pitching in this draft.
Much of the emphasis in this draft was on speed in the outfield. The Astros certainly accomplished getting it. Three of the first six selections were speedy centerfielders with Jorgensen being the fastest.
Other than Stubbs not a single position player was drafted from high school with the intent to sign him this year.
As with all young baseball players this crop will need time to develop. There is no Kirk Saarloos, Lance Berkman, or Chris Burke in this group. Take 2003 as year one and wait a total of five years before evaluating this draft.