By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com
PHOENIX -- Roland Hemond will be one of the D-backs' representatives at the 2008 First-Year Player Draft in Orlando, but if team president Derrick Hall had his way, Hemond would already be represented in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
"Nobody loves and is more dedicated to this great game than Roland Hemond," said Hall. "I believe he belongs in the Hall of Fame."
Also representing the D-backs are a pair of amateur scouts, Ray Blanco and Luke Wrenn.
Last year, Hall hired Hemond, who has spent 57 years in professional baseball, as special assistant to the president. It's his second stint with the organization. From 1996-2000 he served as senior executive vice president.
"Roland is an institution and a fixture," Hall said. "He brings us experience, contacts, resources, knowledge and enthusiasm."
Blanco has 20-plus years scouting experience. A former player in Cuba before coming to the United States, he covers South Florida for the D-backs.
Wrenn has signed a number of Major Leaguers, including D-backs shortstop Stephen Drew, the Dodgers' Nomar Garciaparra and the Braves' Mike Hampton over a 25-plus year scouting career.
MLB.com will carry every pick of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, which takes place June 5-6 at The Milk House at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, Fla. Day 1 coverage on BaseballChannel.TV begins at 11 a.m. MST with a special ceremonial draft of former Negro Leaguers who will be on hand at The Milk House. The First-Year Player Draft follows at noon MST with a simulcast of ESPN2's broadcast of the first round and compensation picks. The remaining rounds on Day 1 will be shown exclusively on BaseballChannel.TV, with live analysis on site from MLB.com Draft guru Jonathan Mayo and David Rawnsley of Perfect Game USA.
Several of the top amateur prospects are expected in attendance in Orlando for Day 1 of the Draft, and each of the 30 Major League clubs will be represented by front-office executives and baseball luminaries. Fans are welcome to attend Day 1 of the Draft, and admission to The Milk House is free with seating limited to a first-come, first-served basis.
Day 2 will get under way at 9:30 a.m. MST and continue through Round 50, if necessary. Every pick on Day 2 can be heard live at MLB.com.
The D-backs have the 26th overall pick as well as a supplemental pick (No. 43 overall).
Steve Gilbert is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
