A Rare Bust At No. 1

Author:
David Sabino

Injured in an off-the-field altercation two years after he was
selected by the Yankees in 1991, Taylor was the only No. 1 pick
from '80 through '98 who failed to reach the majors. Here are how
the five top picks after Taylor fared.

--David Sabino

YEAR DRAFTEE, POS., TEAM

1992 Phil Nevin, 3B, Astros
MAJOR LEAGUE CAREER: Best season in 2001: 41 HRs, 126 RBIs for
Padres

1993 Alex Rodriguez, SS, Mariners
[MAJOR LEAGUE CAREER]: 2003 AL MVP was youngest to hit 350 homers

1994 Paul Wilson, P, Mets
[MAJOR LEAGUE CAREER]: Injury-plagued until 2001 but now Reds ace

1995 Darin Erstad, OF, Angels
[MAJOR LEAGUE CAREER]: Centerfielder led AL with 240 hits in 2000

1996 Kris Benson, P, Pirates
[MAJOR LEAGUE CAREER]: Injuries main reason for 41-48 career mark

July 12, 2004