The Angels called up minor league catcher Ryan Budde (5'11", 205, Age 27) today to replace the injured Mike Napoli. Budde was batting .295 with 4 home runs in 47 games for the Salt Lake Bees. This is Budde's first time on a big league roster.Budde was originally drafted by the Angels in the 12th round of the 2001 amatuer draft out of Oklahoma State. He progressed through the Angels system reaching AAA Salt Lake in 2004, but never made it to the show.
In December of 2006, Budde was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the Rule 5 Draft. According to Rule 5 rules, Budde had to be on the Phillies major league squad or be returned to the Angels. Near the end of spring training, the Phillies placed Budde on the DL to postpone any actions regarding him. When Budde came off the DL, the Phillies decided to return him to the Angels rather than have him take up a roster spot.
Budde spent this season (as well as parts of the past three seasons) as the back up to Jeff Mathis. He has also played first base for the Bees and been their designated hitter.
Budde is not a great hitter. Prior to this season, Budde's best batting average was .251 with Rancho Cucamonga in 2004. His season high in home runs is only 13.
* The next catcher in line is 24-year old Bobby Wilson. Wilson is currently hitting .263 for the Bees in 11 games after hitting .271 for the Travelers in 50 games to start 2007. Wilson attended Seminole high school - the same high school as Casey Kotchman and Greg Jones.
* Budde is the 7th player from the Angels' 2001 draft to play for the club.
- Round 1 Pick 13 Casey Kotchman
- Round 1 Pick 33 Jeff Mathis
- Round 2 Pick 57 Dallas McPherson
- Round 3 Pick 89 Jake Woods
- Round 10 Pick 299 Matt Brown
- Round 12 Pick 359 Ryan Budde
- Round 19 Pick 569 Nick Gorneault
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