The Vellegia family is a venerable clan of former Little Italy restarateurs--and friends of Peter G. Angelos. That explains the pick as much as anything.

His father was in the organization in the 80's. He was a beast at Calvert Hall.

Very stupid comment. Read his accomplishments and tell me where you got that statement. You got to be a redneck..

Oh, these picks happen all the time.

Don't forget Mike Piazza going in the 62nd and last round of the 1988 draft because Tommy LaSorda is godfather to one of Piazza's brothers.

Do you really think the Orioles believe Mike Flacco is a top prospect at third? Sure, he's got some skill, but he also has the name and that's why they didn't grab some 3B/P from East Camel Hump State, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

The baseball draft is 50 rounds, used to be more, and it is silly to think that every guy picked is considered a real prospect. Teams use the later rounds to give the hot prospects someone to play with and against and to filter out players who have shown they don't have it. And there's ample opportunity to do a little PR and pick a hometown hero or someone well known or with strong ties around the area. And certainly Joe Velleggia and Mike Flacco fit the bill.

I will say that the pick of Steven Bumbry at twelve isn't a total throw away. Some good players have come out of the twelve hole and with the Bee around to help him, who knows?

I was signed out of a try out camp so many years ago and I had no more chance of even getting a cup of coffee in the bigs, much less a real career, than I had of marrying Farrah Fawcett or Tawny Kitaen(who likes baseball players). But at least I can tell my grand kids I got paid to play pro baseball, even for just one year before the Cubs in 1982 realized they made a terrible mistake. And my son plays at the Hall, you don't think those guys are all talking about Velleggia?

So let the kids enjoy their moments in the sun, however few the moments might be and wish them all the best. And if Flacco can hit like his brother can throw the post pattern, or if Velleggia shows he can catch like his parents make chicken parmesan, we might just get a HoFer! The Dodgers did at 62!!!

Let 'em dream.

Love the Mifia [ kidding ] selection. Also the 49th pick 6-9 270 lb HS in Florida. Love Justin Dallas.He called time out while at bat, the ump would't allow, he quickly stepped back to the plate put his other hand on the bat and hit a HR. Later hit a grand slam in that game.

Tell me about the Angle's Robbie Harris Pick?

you all are haters.... hes done a lot more then im sure most of you can show for... so i hope, well actually i know he will do so amazing and show all of you trash talkers up!!!

A 6'6", 240 lb catcher? Sounds like a first baseman in the making.

Great comment, Ken. The reality is that very few guys will make it to the majors, but in order for them to develop and to see who cuts the mustard, you have to fill a bunch of minor league teams. So you sometimes draft guys for not 100 percent potential reasons.

The great thing is, who know who will thrive under that pressure. Million dollar bonus guys have failed to put in the necessary work while others have blossomed when faced with what others see as an impossible challenge.

first let me congratulate joe on being drafted. I am very happy for him. As far as the comment made that the only reason he was drafted was because the family is friends with Peter Angelos, it's a shame that people have to be jealous of young men who work hard to fulfill their dreams. I am happy for all the boys who were drafted and wish them nothing but the best. For the person who made the comment i will remember him in my prayers tonight and ask God that he become a kinder more compassionate person.

GOOD JOB JOE! you are such a hard worker and I know that you will make it far in baseball, but don't forget me when you get in the majors. Joey made it solely due to his skill in baseball and the amazing coaches he had along the way, he was not picked due to the connections that out family has. and everyone who thinks that then they are mistaken.

Does this mean free Manicotti at Casa today?

Maybe they can start him out batting with a garlic stick and have him work his way up to a bat.

all of you are haters. you can make all the statements you want about how his family owns italian restaurants but the bottom line is when i was a junior on joes team at the hall he hit a ball probably 450 ft at mt st joe. he batted over .450 3 years at the hall. he is a good player and deserved to be drafted.