Minor isn’t a bad pick or a bad player, he’s just a poor choice at #7 where there was tons of better talent available. Pettitte isn’t a good comp because Pettitte has a really solid cutter that helps him generate tons of ground balls. And let’s face it: for every Glavine, there are dozens and dozens of Jeremy Sowerses. And even Glavine was drafted out of high school when he still had tons of room to grow. There’s actually a comp that really sticks out in my mind as a lefty with poor velocity, a great changeup and only a basic breaking ball: Chuck James. Now I AM NOT SAYING THAT MINOR IS THE NEXT CHUCK JAMES, but Minor nonetheless projects as a back-end starter at best.

As for “pitchability,” it refers to the ability to use your stuff effectively. Some guys have great stuff that doesn’t translate into outs because they don’t know how to use it. A “pitchabiltiy” guy might not have the greatest stuff, but he also doesn’t complicate things by walking tons of hitters or losing his composure on the mound. Now it’s important to realize that “pitchability” is great, but you also have to have some stuff to back it up; DeVall has far more potential in terms of his arsenal, and he’s got more time to develop it since he was a HS draft pick.

I don’t think any expects Minor to sign for something out of ordinary for the #7 pick. Remember that there was a time a year ago when Minor was viewed by many as a top ten pick. Just because he didn’t end up being seen that high on a talent basis in June doesn’t mean he and his agent won’t ask for a bonus commensurate with the #7 selection. Also remember that MLB slashed the slot recommendations by 10% this year. That doesn’t mean teams are going to respect the new slots (the Braves themselves simply gave Heyward 2006 slot money despite MLB slashing slot recommendations prior to the 2007 draft). If the Giants give Wheeler 2008 slot money and the Reds give Leake 2008 slot money, the Braves will be hard-pressed not to give Minor 2008 slot money. It’s all about establishing just where the market will be.

Either way, Minor is signing. He knows he’ll look a lot worse in next years college pitching heavy draft and the Braves aren’t stupid enough to take the pick next year over ~250K.