Cubs Release Ryan Harvey

According to a report from Scout.com, the Cubs released former first round draft pick Ryan Harvey on Tuesday. Harvey was drafted with the sixth overall pick in 2003 from Dunedin High School in Florida. In six seasons in the Cubs' system Harvey was never promoted past the Double-A level.

Ryan Harvey compiled a career batting average of .247 in 471 games with a career .298 OBP. Harvey was ranked as high as third in the Cubs' organization by Baseball America in 2004 and 2005...and eighth in both 2006 and 2007.

Ryan Harvey possessed "some of the rawest power in the Cubs' system" and was "blessed with one of the strongest arms" in the system. Due to his inability to hit, the Cubs' talked about "auditioning Harvey on the mound"...Harvey pitched in high school.

Ryan Harvey became the latest first rounder to be released by the Cubs....Brian Dopirak in 2008 and Bobby Brownlie, Chadd Blasko, Luke Hagerty and Matt Clanton in 2007.

According to Scout.com, the Cubs paid Ryan Harvey $2.4 million when they signed him in 2003.

Ryan Harvey's Page on the Baseball Cube

Tom

If I recall correctly, Harvey was drafted from Jim Hendry's alma mater. I always questioned this selection simply for that reason.

Cory

Here's some players drafted in the 1st round in 2003 after the Cubs chose Harvey;

Nick Markakis #7

John Danks #9

Conor Jackson #19

Chad Billingsley #24

Carlos Quintin #29

Not to make the Cubs look bad here were 1-5 picks;

Delmon Young

Rickie Weeks

Kyle Sleeth

Tim Stauffer

Chris Lubanski

You never know

horatio

Jim,

The numbers don't lie. .247 in 471 games... bad pick. Seems like a more common risk with drafting high school kids.

Jim C (Tinley Park)

Neil:

So, was he a bad pick or was the developing bad?

Neil

Jim...I think it was a combination. Many loved Harvey's upside...he just never hit. I think BA had him ranked in the top 50 of all prospects at one point.

An organization must develop players but at some point the player must take the next step in his own development....Harvey never did.