Portland took:
1. Joel Baker RF
2.Hector Wood 2B
3.Daryle Smith SP
4.Trot Miller P Unsigned
5.Vern Young RP
New Britian took:
1. Paul Xavier 1B
2.Al Garcia 2B
3.Tanner Long LF
4.Rollie Swan 3B
5.Alan Aldridge DH
Detroit took:
1. Willie Rigdon 2B
1.Rey Garland 3B
2.Ronald Phelps SS
2.Stevie Moore RP
3.Ken Anderson LF
4. Delanor Enders RF
5.Valerio Moya P Unsigned
Minnesota took:
1. Cory Lee SP
2. Steve Reitz 2B
3.Hamish O'brien P
4.Tex Demaree SP
5.Roy Paul P Unsigned.
This division's draft was characterized by solid, if unspectacular picks, and no 1st round screw-ups.
Portland obtained an oustanding future lead-off hitter in 1st round Baker, but his second round pick Wood may have future health problems (21 Health rating?!?). Then a group of pitchers that rate career MILB, but with big workloads. Grade is, regrettably, C-, as his 2nd rounder will probably never make it.
New Britian had a solid mistake free draft. His 1-2-3 picks all rate to make the show someday at some level. His 1st round pick 1B will likely be a superb run producer at the ML level some day. Grade B.
Detroit had some extra picks in the early rounds, and naturally managed to get some very good talent for them. Unfortunately, his superlative 1st round 2B Rigdon has taken a (purely unlucky) Major DL hit. (That is however, independant of his draft grade, as the guy's health hardly indicates the likelyhood of such a big DL hit.) A nice balance of IF's, OF's, and a RP likely to contribute some day. Grade A-.
Minnesota wanted pitching, at least I hope he did, he got 5 pitchers in 5 rounds, and pitching arrived in the draft for him. His 1st round pick rates one of the better pitchers taken in the AL side of the draft, and his 2nd-3rd pitchers are no stiffs either. From his point of view, probably an A+ draft, by the standards of NQ II, B+.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
NL South Draft Review
Charlotte Knights
1: Douglas Gonzales, 2B
1: Victor Raines, P (from Minnesota for Lou Hall)
1: Quinn Carpenter, LF (from New Orleans for Miguel Saenz)
2: Victor Guerrero, P
3: Tarrik Rodgers, P
4: Todd Reynolds, LF
5: Phil Matsuzaka, CF
So Charlotte is another team that loaded up on first round picks, having their normal and two compensation picks. Douglas Gonzales was a great choice with the 22nd pick. He'll be an all star 2nd baseman during his career. As a switch hitter he has shown the ability to handle both handed pitchers, and has 40+ HR power to boot. Victor Raines looks like he'll be a good #3 or #4 starter. He has good control and splits, but his pitches leave something lacking. Quinn Carpenter is an interesting pick, is able to handle righties, and will slap the ball around and hope to leg out some infield singles. Victor Guerrero and Tarrik Rodgers are most likely a long relief type pitchers, or career AAA starters. They have decent control and average splits, but pitches, again are lacking. Todd Reynolds and Phil Matsuzaka are probably bound to come off the bench, with Reynolds having the possibility of starting in a pinch.
Grade:B
Charleston Chiefs
1: Harold Lincoln, P
2: Fergie Engle, 1B
3: Terry Edwards, P
4: Mike Nichols, P
5: Kory Sodowsky
Charleston's draft is marginally better than Richmonds draft. Harold Lincoln is at best a 4th/5th Starter. Engle has a good bat, but will struggle against righties. The rest of the pitchers draft are barely AA material as their control sucks big time.
Grade: C
Huntington Blazers
1: Jose Owen, P
2: Gerald Benson, P
3: Bo Perez, P
4: Vic Cobb, P
5: Carl Becker, P
So apparently Huntington wanted to stock up on some pitching. Jose Owen initially was the number 3 prospect when the computers generated the class, but his control was too low to warrant that position. Most likely a number 3 in the rotation. Gerald Benson was a good 2nd pick, and will most likely be a setup man in the future. Perez has a career as a possible long reliever while Cobb and Becker are minor leaguers.
Grade: B-
Jacksonville Hurricanes
1: Stewart Dixon, P
2: Jim Wesson, 2B
3: Sidney Park, P
4: Charles Saitou, 1B
5: Carl Charleston, P
Dixon was taken with the 12th pick, one earlier than Jose Owen was, and has a lot more upside than Owen. His control is roughly 40pts higher, and while his splits are a little lower, not significantly enough to hurt him too much. Most likely going to be a #2. Jim Wesson was drafted as a 2B but won't ever play that position in the Majors. He has a light bat, and because he won't be playing 2B, and subsequently loses value. Saitou is basically a carbon copy of Wesson with minor differences, and plays 1B. Again because he plays a position that relies less on defense you can usually find better options. Charleston was a good 5th round pick. He might struggle to stay healthy with an akward delivery that places strain on his arm, but if he manages to stay healthy he will be a decent reliever.
Grade:B
1: Douglas Gonzales, 2B
1: Victor Raines, P (from Minnesota for Lou Hall)
1: Quinn Carpenter, LF (from New Orleans for Miguel Saenz)
2: Victor Guerrero, P
3: Tarrik Rodgers, P
4: Todd Reynolds, LF
5: Phil Matsuzaka, CF
So Charlotte is another team that loaded up on first round picks, having their normal and two compensation picks. Douglas Gonzales was a great choice with the 22nd pick. He'll be an all star 2nd baseman during his career. As a switch hitter he has shown the ability to handle both handed pitchers, and has 40+ HR power to boot. Victor Raines looks like he'll be a good #3 or #4 starter. He has good control and splits, but his pitches leave something lacking. Quinn Carpenter is an interesting pick, is able to handle righties, and will slap the ball around and hope to leg out some infield singles. Victor Guerrero and Tarrik Rodgers are most likely a long relief type pitchers, or career AAA starters. They have decent control and average splits, but pitches, again are lacking. Todd Reynolds and Phil Matsuzaka are probably bound to come off the bench, with Reynolds having the possibility of starting in a pinch.
Grade:B
Charleston Chiefs
1: Harold Lincoln, P
2: Fergie Engle, 1B
3: Terry Edwards, P
4: Mike Nichols, P
5: Kory Sodowsky
Charleston's draft is marginally better than Richmonds draft. Harold Lincoln is at best a 4th/5th Starter. Engle has a good bat, but will struggle against righties. The rest of the pitchers draft are barely AA material as their control sucks big time.
Grade: C
Huntington Blazers
1: Jose Owen, P
2: Gerald Benson, P
3: Bo Perez, P
4: Vic Cobb, P
5: Carl Becker, P
So apparently Huntington wanted to stock up on some pitching. Jose Owen initially was the number 3 prospect when the computers generated the class, but his control was too low to warrant that position. Most likely a number 3 in the rotation. Gerald Benson was a good 2nd pick, and will most likely be a setup man in the future. Perez has a career as a possible long reliever while Cobb and Becker are minor leaguers.
Grade: B-
Jacksonville Hurricanes
1: Stewart Dixon, P
2: Jim Wesson, 2B
3: Sidney Park, P
4: Charles Saitou, 1B
5: Carl Charleston, P
Dixon was taken with the 12th pick, one earlier than Jose Owen was, and has a lot more upside than Owen. His control is roughly 40pts higher, and while his splits are a little lower, not significantly enough to hurt him too much. Most likely going to be a #2. Jim Wesson was drafted as a 2B but won't ever play that position in the Majors. He has a light bat, and because he won't be playing 2B, and subsequently loses value. Saitou is basically a carbon copy of Wesson with minor differences, and plays 1B. Again because he plays a position that relies less on defense you can usually find better options. Charleston was a good 5th round pick. He might struggle to stay healthy with an akward delivery that places strain on his arm, but if he manages to stay healthy he will be a decent reliever.
Grade:B
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
A numeric analysis of Internationals Across Worlds
Since I've had so little to report on NQII's International signings, I decided to look at the signings in the last 3 completed seasons in some of my other leagues to compare. I looked at the number of signings For $8 million or more, and the projected overalls of those signings. I'm not less than 15 million or so on Advance Scouting in any of my worlds, so my OVR's should be reasonably accurate. Seasons listed 1-2-3 are the last 3 completed seasons of each World. And the OVR's listed track from highest signed dollar guy (usually averages about 17.5 million) to 8 million (technically, 7.9 million). BTW, every one of the signings of <70 OVR are Relief Pitchers or Catchers, as best I remember.
World: Fingers
1. 9 signings: 90 79 87 81 74 76 71 75.
2. 12 signings: 90 78 78 84 71 84 79 85 79 69 73 65.
3. 7 signings: 88 89 74 81 82 82 84 68.
World: 7MickeyMantle7
1. 16 signings: 87 83 92 77 74 75 71 77 81 69 70 81 73 80 83 64.
2. 12 signings: 85 81 85 74 74 86 80 81 81 75 75 76.
3. 11 signings: 94 84 77 84 81 66 69 81 73 77 84.
World: Clemens*
1. 12 signings: 82 79 74 75 77 81 73 86 77 69 79 79.
2. 15 signings: 69 82 82 72 80 80 75 82 79 73 71 68 76 73 71.
3. 7 signings: 91 79 79 82 67 70 75.
World: Cochrane (The only public World I'm in. Or ever will be, I assure you.)
1. 10 signings: 97 93 85 76 92 77 76 77 81 78.
2. 7 signings: 77 78 83 86 84 91 81.
3. 4 signings: 88 79 78 76.
And now for the big enchilada:
No Quitters II:
1. 5 signings: 94 74 81 77 75.
2. 3 signings: 88 60 74.
3. 1 signing: 89.
Folks, we are getting seriously hosed on the International signing department. 7MM7 signed more people, with higher ratings, in the the season just completed than NQ II has in its entire existence, including the season in progress.
I do find interesting the fact that generally speaking, the International signings do "follow the money". The best guys go for top dollar. But, notice that no league has ever put up even 16 signings (half a World's teams) at 8 million in a single season. There really isn't that much international talent out there, and a whole lot of dollars chasing it, making it a very expensive proposition to improve one's team. Plus it has to "mature" to have ML use at some future point. The fact that our group of owners isn't pursuing the INT's is partly a function of lack of generated talrnt on our World's "Internationals Market", but I also think we have an exceptionally cagey group of Owners who just don't waste money.
World: Fingers
1. 9 signings: 90 79 87 81 74 76 71 75.
2. 12 signings: 90 78 78 84 71 84 79 85 79 69 73 65.
3. 7 signings: 88 89 74 81 82 82 84 68.
World: 7MickeyMantle7
1. 16 signings: 87 83 92 77 74 75 71 77 81 69 70 81 73 80 83 64.
2. 12 signings: 85 81 85 74 74 86 80 81 81 75 75 76.
3. 11 signings: 94 84 77 84 81 66 69 81 73 77 84.
World: Clemens*
1. 12 signings: 82 79 74 75 77 81 73 86 77 69 79 79.
2. 15 signings: 69 82 82 72 80 80 75 82 79 73 71 68 76 73 71.
3. 7 signings: 91 79 79 82 67 70 75.
World: Cochrane (The only public World I'm in. Or ever will be, I assure you.)
1. 10 signings: 97 93 85 76 92 77 76 77 81 78.
2. 7 signings: 77 78 83 86 84 91 81.
3. 4 signings: 88 79 78 76.
And now for the big enchilada:
No Quitters II:
1. 5 signings: 94 74 81 77 75.
2. 3 signings: 88 60 74.
3. 1 signing: 89.
Folks, we are getting seriously hosed on the International signing department. 7MM7 signed more people, with higher ratings, in the the season just completed than NQ II has in its entire existence, including the season in progress.
I do find interesting the fact that generally speaking, the International signings do "follow the money". The best guys go for top dollar. But, notice that no league has ever put up even 16 signings (half a World's teams) at 8 million in a single season. There really isn't that much international talent out there, and a whole lot of dollars chasing it, making it a very expensive proposition to improve one's team. Plus it has to "mature" to have ML use at some future point. The fact that our group of owners isn't pursuing the INT's is partly a function of lack of generated talrnt on our World's "Internationals Market", but I also think we have an exceptionally cagey group of Owners who just don't waste money.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
So Long, Toledo
by Chuckie Fairweather
Toledo NewsGopher
There you have it folks. My beloved Tips have returned to their losing ways with a vengeance and I can't take it anymore. The national baseball talking heads have given the team a B- for the recent draft, but the truth is I just can't wait for the future. I'm not getting any younger and this is just too depressing.
I am saddened to tell you, my faithful readers, that I have accepted a job with the Tacoma News Tribune where I will, as of next Tuesday, become the beat reporter for the Tacoma Pilots, and while it pains me to leave you and my old hometown, I am looking forward to the opportunity to cover a winning team for once.
It has been an honor and a priveledge keeping you informed on your sometimes loved and usually hated Cow Tippers, but I must move forward. See you all at the World Series.
Toledo NewsGopher
There you have it folks. My beloved Tips have returned to their losing ways with a vengeance and I can't take it anymore. The national baseball talking heads have given the team a B- for the recent draft, but the truth is I just can't wait for the future. I'm not getting any younger and this is just too depressing.
I am saddened to tell you, my faithful readers, that I have accepted a job with the Tacoma News Tribune where I will, as of next Tuesday, become the beat reporter for the Tacoma Pilots, and while it pains me to leave you and my old hometown, I am looking forward to the opportunity to cover a winning team for once.
It has been an honor and a priveledge keeping you informed on your sometimes loved and usually hated Cow Tippers, but I must move forward. See you all at the World Series.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
AL East Draft Review
The Al East draft was:
Boston
1. Fausto Espinoza SP
2.Frank White SP
3.Lyle Stankiewicz SP
4.Branch Voyles RP
5.LLoyd Stechschulte SP
New York
1.Ernie Beverlin LF
1.Santos Tejada LF
2.James Post C Unsigned
3.Jody Veritek CF
4.Albie Veras 3B
5.Randy DePaula SP
Toledo
1. Randy Gordon SS
2.Fred Leonard 1B Unsigned
3.Benji Foster 2B
4.Rick Pittinger CF
5.Gerge Campbell RF
Chicago
1. Bruce Fowler SP
2.Sergio Bieser SS
3.Jeffrey Costello SS
4.Shooter Knight 2B (RF?)
5.Norman Duvall LF
The AL East's draft is dominated by the signing of Bruce Fowler, the #1 Overall pick, and a Pitcher whose numbers frankly boggle the mind. Most of the teams in this division had rather... thematic drafts, one way or another.
Boston, I'm going out on a limb here, wanted to improve the starting pitching. 5 pitchers taken, 5 signed, all of them with potential, pretty much the 1st 4 with ML potential. Espinoza stands to be a lock for a better than average ML Starter, even by the standards of NQ II, and that is saying something. And the rest of the Pitchers taken add up to a real solid Draft. Grade B.
New York... is a team whose feelings I am going to hurt. 2 firsts and a second, the 2nd round pick as yet unsigned, and the 2 First round picks, well, take a look at those Health ratings. Realistically, neither one of those guys has much chance at a lengthy ML career, a shame cosidering the (likely unrealizable) hitting prowess. Basically a wipe out on the 1st and second rounds. Realistically, Grade F.
Toledo failed to sign his 2nd round pick, and considering the money he wants, probably won't. (?)
But his 1st and 3rd picks are a real good DP combination, maybe average (by League standards) hitters, but a terrific pair of gloves. His other picks are also all way above average as defenders. Don't know if he meant to improve his defense that much, but he did. I personally really like the combo of great "green" and "yellow" numbers he drafted, a little hitting improvement in the minors, and this will be a really good draft. A Knock down for losing his 2 pick, but Grade B-.
Chicago. Well, what does one say about Fowler? I mean Geez people, a 100 OVR pitcher? In about 3 seasons, we can start looking foward to the Bruce Fowler, Pitcher of the Week, and Bruce Fowler, Cy Young awards with unending monotony. And then in the 3rd round ( ?!, not the second, a much lesser SS, but decent 3B) he gets a SS whose Glove ratings would make him the 3rd round steal of the draft, if his health rating holds up. Grade A.
Boston
1. Fausto Espinoza SP
2.Frank White SP
3.Lyle Stankiewicz SP
4.Branch Voyles RP
5.LLoyd Stechschulte SP
New York
1.Ernie Beverlin LF
1.Santos Tejada LF
2.James Post C Unsigned
3.Jody Veritek CF
4.Albie Veras 3B
5.Randy DePaula SP
Toledo
1. Randy Gordon SS
2.Fred Leonard 1B Unsigned
3.Benji Foster 2B
4.Rick Pittinger CF
5.Gerge Campbell RF
Chicago
1. Bruce Fowler SP
2.Sergio Bieser SS
3.Jeffrey Costello SS
4.Shooter Knight 2B (RF?)
5.Norman Duvall LF
The AL East's draft is dominated by the signing of Bruce Fowler, the #1 Overall pick, and a Pitcher whose numbers frankly boggle the mind. Most of the teams in this division had rather... thematic drafts, one way or another.
Boston, I'm going out on a limb here, wanted to improve the starting pitching. 5 pitchers taken, 5 signed, all of them with potential, pretty much the 1st 4 with ML potential. Espinoza stands to be a lock for a better than average ML Starter, even by the standards of NQ II, and that is saying something. And the rest of the Pitchers taken add up to a real solid Draft. Grade B.
New York... is a team whose feelings I am going to hurt. 2 firsts and a second, the 2nd round pick as yet unsigned, and the 2 First round picks, well, take a look at those Health ratings. Realistically, neither one of those guys has much chance at a lengthy ML career, a shame cosidering the (likely unrealizable) hitting prowess. Basically a wipe out on the 1st and second rounds. Realistically, Grade F.
Toledo failed to sign his 2nd round pick, and considering the money he wants, probably won't. (?)
But his 1st and 3rd picks are a real good DP combination, maybe average (by League standards) hitters, but a terrific pair of gloves. His other picks are also all way above average as defenders. Don't know if he meant to improve his defense that much, but he did. I personally really like the combo of great "green" and "yellow" numbers he drafted, a little hitting improvement in the minors, and this will be a really good draft. A Knock down for losing his 2 pick, but Grade B-.
Chicago. Well, what does one say about Fowler? I mean Geez people, a 100 OVR pitcher? In about 3 seasons, we can start looking foward to the Bruce Fowler, Pitcher of the Week, and Bruce Fowler, Cy Young awards with unending monotony. And then in the 3rd round ( ?!, not the second, a much lesser SS, but decent 3B) he gets a SS whose Glove ratings would make him the 3rd round steal of the draft, if his health rating holds up. Grade A.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
NL North Draft Review
So the format will be the same as the NL East review, so I won't bother re-typing it.
Buffalo Wings
1: Vic Ramsey, P
2: Troy Cedeno, P
3: Andre Keller, P
4: Pete Terry, P
5: Dallas Garcia, P
So it is pretty obvious that the Wings went pretty pitching heavy in this draft as all 5 of their first picks were pitchers. Vic Ramsey looks pretty much un-hittable and was a steal considering there was another relief pitcher taken before him by Richmond with the 7th pick. If there is something that you could deem a flaw about Ramsey, it would be his durability is average for a reliever, but beyond that, there is squat to complain about. Troy Cedeno projects to be a #4/5 type starter. He has good control but mediocre splits and pitches. He has a history of health problems so hopefully he can avoid the injury bug in his career. The last 3 pitchers are career minor leaguers.
Grade:B-
Cleveland Cuyahogas
1: Hal Paquette, P
1: Hi Adams, P (From Washington D.C. for Hector Unamuno
1: Vernon Wilson, P (From Washington D.C. for Hector Unamuno)
2: David Forster, P
3: Erick Glynn, P
4: Santiago Ramirez, CF
5: Vin Romano, SS
If it wasn't for the fact that both Milwaukee and Scranton took a combined a two pitchers(both by Milwaukee) I would say that the NL North went dipped heavy into pitching this year. Cleveland's first five picks were all pitchers, and I would say 3 of them are guaranteed to be in the majors one day. Hal Paquette possesses great control, and is able to get right handed batters out with ease. Opposing batters may be able to key in on his fast ball as his 3 other pitchers are average. Both Wilson and Adams are almost exact copies of Paquette in that they have good control, and their effectiveness against righties is decent as well. They also posses good first pitches, and have better secondary pitches than Hal. Wilson may be injury prone during his career and could see his fair share of the DL. David Forster is borderline ML material in my opinion. He has good control and his splits are average, but he lacks a decent pitch and his secondary pitches are horrible. Santiago looks like he's going to be a bench 2nd baseman. His splits and batting eye are average, and won't make up for his lack of power. His sub par glove for 2B also means that he won't be starting for any length of time. Vin Romano is a purely defensive shortstop who could start against righties if you don't have any other option. Erick Glynn is a career minor league type guy. Good control combined with shitty splits and only two pitches is a surefire way to get shelled in the majors.
Grade:B+
Milwaukee Timber Rattlers
1: Otis Schneider, SS
1: Jim James, SS (From Atlanta for Thomas Berra)
1: Kevin Sanders, 2B (From Atlanta for Thomas Berra)
1: Bartolo Alvarado, P (From Cheyenne for Olemedo Colon)
2: Felix Ramirez, SS
3: Randy Phillips, 3B
4: Jordan Carter, LF
5: Luther Pearce, P
I came into the draft loaded with first round picks, and could have had two more first rounders next year if I was able to offer Warren Richardson a contract, but having a budget and sticking to it has its drawbacks sometimes. Anyhow my minors needed to be replenished with position players as I have picked a pitcher in the first round every year with the exception of Season 2. Otis Schneider is an excellent defensive shortstop who won't kill me at the plate, and will draw a ton of walks. I drafted Jim James as a shortstop, but because Schneider is leaps and bounds better defensively, he'll move over to 3rd base. His skill set is eerily similar to that of Nerio Reitsma, lets just hope he doesn't put up the same numbers that Reitsma did for me. Kevin Sanders was drafted as a 2B but he's more suited for RF, plus he has a big power bat. Won't draw alot of walks, but his slugging will make up for that. Bartolo Alvarado will be a good left handed starting pitcher. Excellent control plus decent splits, though he might get hit by righties. Also has 3 plus pitches, though will need a good PC catcher to avoid his 3rd. Randy Phillips swings a good bat, and will most likely move to left field as he is blocked by the afro mentioned players at 3rd and right. Felix Ramirez doesn't have great splits, but his power will help make up for some of that. He's blocked mostly everywhere on the diamond and will probably be traded away. Jordan Carter is most likely a player who will come off the bench and Luther Pearce is probably a career minor league starter.
Grade:A-
Scranton SweetSwing'n AbbyMo's
1: Pat Woo, SS
2: William Bryne, CF
3: Ted Hodges, SS (Not Signed)
4: Ralph Myers, 3B (Not Signed)
5: Hal Roosevelt, 2B (Not Signed)
Well Scranton has only signed two of their top 5 picks. I assume he's waiting for a good international to roll around before he dumps the rest of his prospect budget into signing picks. Anyhow, Woo and Bryne are basically the same player with minor differences, or not so minor. Lets start with whats the same: Power, Splits, Eye. All within 5-10pts of each other. Woo makes alot more contact that Bryne, but Bryne is alot faster than Woo. Woo will be an above average shortstop whil Bryne will be an average 2B/CF. The last 3 picks were basically defensive guys, but Myers has the potential to develop some nice power.
Grade:B
Buffalo Wings
1: Vic Ramsey, P
2: Troy Cedeno, P
3: Andre Keller, P
4: Pete Terry, P
5: Dallas Garcia, P
So it is pretty obvious that the Wings went pretty pitching heavy in this draft as all 5 of their first picks were pitchers. Vic Ramsey looks pretty much un-hittable and was a steal considering there was another relief pitcher taken before him by Richmond with the 7th pick. If there is something that you could deem a flaw about Ramsey, it would be his durability is average for a reliever, but beyond that, there is squat to complain about. Troy Cedeno projects to be a #4/5 type starter. He has good control but mediocre splits and pitches. He has a history of health problems so hopefully he can avoid the injury bug in his career. The last 3 pitchers are career minor leaguers.
Grade:B-
Cleveland Cuyahogas
1: Hal Paquette, P
1: Hi Adams, P (From Washington D.C. for Hector Unamuno
1: Vernon Wilson, P (From Washington D.C. for Hector Unamuno)
2: David Forster, P
3: Erick Glynn, P
4: Santiago Ramirez, CF
5: Vin Romano, SS
If it wasn't for the fact that both Milwaukee and Scranton took a combined a two pitchers(both by Milwaukee) I would say that the NL North went dipped heavy into pitching this year. Cleveland's first five picks were all pitchers, and I would say 3 of them are guaranteed to be in the majors one day. Hal Paquette possesses great control, and is able to get right handed batters out with ease. Opposing batters may be able to key in on his fast ball as his 3 other pitchers are average. Both Wilson and Adams are almost exact copies of Paquette in that they have good control, and their effectiveness against righties is decent as well. They also posses good first pitches, and have better secondary pitches than Hal. Wilson may be injury prone during his career and could see his fair share of the DL. David Forster is borderline ML material in my opinion. He has good control and his splits are average, but he lacks a decent pitch and his secondary pitches are horrible. Santiago looks like he's going to be a bench 2nd baseman. His splits and batting eye are average, and won't make up for his lack of power. His sub par glove for 2B also means that he won't be starting for any length of time. Vin Romano is a purely defensive shortstop who could start against righties if you don't have any other option. Erick Glynn is a career minor league type guy. Good control combined with shitty splits and only two pitches is a surefire way to get shelled in the majors.
Grade:B+
Milwaukee Timber Rattlers
1: Otis Schneider, SS
1: Jim James, SS (From Atlanta for Thomas Berra)
1: Kevin Sanders, 2B (From Atlanta for Thomas Berra)
1: Bartolo Alvarado, P (From Cheyenne for Olemedo Colon)
2: Felix Ramirez, SS
3: Randy Phillips, 3B
4: Jordan Carter, LF
5: Luther Pearce, P
I came into the draft loaded with first round picks, and could have had two more first rounders next year if I was able to offer Warren Richardson a contract, but having a budget and sticking to it has its drawbacks sometimes. Anyhow my minors needed to be replenished with position players as I have picked a pitcher in the first round every year with the exception of Season 2. Otis Schneider is an excellent defensive shortstop who won't kill me at the plate, and will draw a ton of walks. I drafted Jim James as a shortstop, but because Schneider is leaps and bounds better defensively, he'll move over to 3rd base. His skill set is eerily similar to that of Nerio Reitsma, lets just hope he doesn't put up the same numbers that Reitsma did for me. Kevin Sanders was drafted as a 2B but he's more suited for RF, plus he has a big power bat. Won't draw alot of walks, but his slugging will make up for that. Bartolo Alvarado will be a good left handed starting pitcher. Excellent control plus decent splits, though he might get hit by righties. Also has 3 plus pitches, though will need a good PC catcher to avoid his 3rd. Randy Phillips swings a good bat, and will most likely move to left field as he is blocked by the afro mentioned players at 3rd and right. Felix Ramirez doesn't have great splits, but his power will help make up for some of that. He's blocked mostly everywhere on the diamond and will probably be traded away. Jordan Carter is most likely a player who will come off the bench and Luther Pearce is probably a career minor league starter.
Grade:A-
Scranton SweetSwing'n AbbyMo's
1: Pat Woo, SS
2: William Bryne, CF
3: Ted Hodges, SS (Not Signed)
4: Ralph Myers, 3B (Not Signed)
5: Hal Roosevelt, 2B (Not Signed)
Well Scranton has only signed two of their top 5 picks. I assume he's waiting for a good international to roll around before he dumps the rest of his prospect budget into signing picks. Anyhow, Woo and Bryne are basically the same player with minor differences, or not so minor. Lets start with whats the same: Power, Splits, Eye. All within 5-10pts of each other. Woo makes alot more contact that Bryne, but Bryne is alot faster than Woo. Woo will be an above average shortstop whil Bryne will be an average 2B/CF. The last 3 picks were basically defensive guys, but Myers has the potential to develop some nice power.
Grade:B
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
NL East Draft Review
So the Amateur Draft came and went nearly two weeks ago, and if I wasn't so busy with school and work I would've had the review up early. I didn't bother to redo the projections for the players from what I had when they showed up, with the exception for the guys I didn't see to begin with. I didn't expect them to change significantly, if at all as I had max for both high school and college. As Robocoach did for the AL, I'm only going to do the first 5 rounds for each team, so there might be some guys that were taken in the lower rounds that will be missed. But alas, here it is:
Washington D.C. Revolution
1: Hi Adams (to Cleveland for compensation of Hector Unamuno)
2: Chad Riley, P
3: Charles Smith, P
4: Apollo Kennedy, P
5: Ed Winn, SS
In my opinion this draft was a bust for the Revolutions. None of the pitchers taken look like they will last in the majors, with Riley having the best chance of being a spot starter, long reliever. His control is good, but his splits and pitches leave a little to be desired. Winn was drafted as a shortstop out of junior college, but he will most likely end up as either a 3B or RF. He'll most likely be a career minor leaguer or be the 25th man on a major league roster. Both Smith and Kennedy will most likely be AAA inning eaters for their career.
Grade: C-
Augusta Sea Dogs
1: Odalis Seguignol, SS
1: Fonzie Kelly, RF (from Las Vegas for Enrique Hernandez)
1: Tanner Henry, CF (from Honolulu for Al Crespo)
2: Al Powell, P
3: Luis Cedeno, LF (from Las Vegas for Enrique Hernandez)
3: James Ulrich, CF
4: Clyde Yeats, P
5: Homer Shields, 3B
With a total of 5 of the first 100 picks, its hard to be in a better situation going into the draft than Augusta was. Seguignol will be a good defensive shortstop, who won't destroy you on offense, and will actually contribute against lefties. He's also a pretty fast guy, so look for him to be stealing the occasional base. I like the pick of Fonzie Kelly. While he has marginal ratings in most of the blue categories, his eye is top notch. Combined with his high speed rating and you might have a perfect leadoff, or number two hitter. Tanner Henry has spectacular range, but this might cause him to commit a few more errors than he would have normally as his glove will be sub par in center. Don't get me wrong, he'll be a good defensively. Both Cedeno and Shields have average hitting ratings, and most likely won't be everyday starters at the ML level. Ulrich will be a defensive substitution if he ever makes a ML roster, and has decent spilts, but his lack of power, and inability to draw a walk will hurt him. Al Powell and Homer Shields will be career minor league inning eaters and will never see the big leagues.
Grade: B/B+
Philadelphia Phightins
1: Will Punto, CF
1: Willie Samuel, RF (from New Britian for Vasco Bennett)
1: P.T. Andrews, P (from New Britian for Vasco Bennett)
2: Curtis Lincoln, P
3: Timo Vanguri, 3B
4: Tyler Lucas, SS
5: Cesar Jacquez, SS
The Phightins of Piladelphia also had 5 of the first 100 picks in this years draft, and they definitely need them as they are hovering around the .425 mark as of this writing. They were able to get good value for their type A picks in Samuel and Andrews. Willie doesn't have the best of splits, but his contact and power will make sure he has a job in the majors. He also has what should be, a gun in right field and will definitely be gunning down base runners that are trying to test him. Andrews will be an excellent setup man and spot closer and was the second best reliever on my board. Timo Vanguri has decent splits, and will be an average 3rd baseman. Curtis Lincoln will be nothing more than what appears to be a 4th/5th starter and both Lucas and Jacquez most likely won't reach the majors. What hurts Philadelphia's draft is their inability to sign future gold glover Will Punto. When I look at Punto's skill set I'm reminded of Ismael Reyes who is a perennial gold glove candidate and web gem nominee.
Grade:B with Punto it would've been a B+/A-
Richmond Storm
1: Alex Treadway, P
2: Adrian Hull, P
3: Frank Bonds, 3B
4: Sidney Graham, P
5: Francis Harris, 1B
When I look at Richmond's draft class I find it hard to come up with something good about it. Alex Treadway, taken 7th overall, was the 5th or 6th best reliever on my board. It's impossible to justify taking him that high, especially when Vic Ramsey was still available. Treadway will most likely be a setup man in the majors. He could possibly close for a team without any other options, but there are better relievers out there. Adrian Hull has good control, and plus pitches, but his splits will limit his options and will most likely be another setup man for Richmond. Sidney Graham has decent control, but his average splits combined with the lack of any + pitches means he'll be relegated to the minors for his career. Harris might have a chance to come off the bench and Frank Bonds was a waste of a 3rd round pick.
Grade:C-
Washington D.C. Revolution
1: Hi Adams (to Cleveland for compensation of Hector Unamuno)
2: Chad Riley, P
3: Charles Smith, P
4: Apollo Kennedy, P
5: Ed Winn, SS
In my opinion this draft was a bust for the Revolutions. None of the pitchers taken look like they will last in the majors, with Riley having the best chance of being a spot starter, long reliever. His control is good, but his splits and pitches leave a little to be desired. Winn was drafted as a shortstop out of junior college, but he will most likely end up as either a 3B or RF. He'll most likely be a career minor leaguer or be the 25th man on a major league roster. Both Smith and Kennedy will most likely be AAA inning eaters for their career.
Grade: C-
Augusta Sea Dogs
1: Odalis Seguignol, SS
1: Fonzie Kelly, RF (from Las Vegas for Enrique Hernandez)
1: Tanner Henry, CF (from Honolulu for Al Crespo)
2: Al Powell, P
3: Luis Cedeno, LF (from Las Vegas for Enrique Hernandez)
3: James Ulrich, CF
4: Clyde Yeats, P
5: Homer Shields, 3B
With a total of 5 of the first 100 picks, its hard to be in a better situation going into the draft than Augusta was. Seguignol will be a good defensive shortstop, who won't destroy you on offense, and will actually contribute against lefties. He's also a pretty fast guy, so look for him to be stealing the occasional base. I like the pick of Fonzie Kelly. While he has marginal ratings in most of the blue categories, his eye is top notch. Combined with his high speed rating and you might have a perfect leadoff, or number two hitter. Tanner Henry has spectacular range, but this might cause him to commit a few more errors than he would have normally as his glove will be sub par in center. Don't get me wrong, he'll be a good defensively. Both Cedeno and Shields have average hitting ratings, and most likely won't be everyday starters at the ML level. Ulrich will be a defensive substitution if he ever makes a ML roster, and has decent spilts, but his lack of power, and inability to draw a walk will hurt him. Al Powell and Homer Shields will be career minor league inning eaters and will never see the big leagues.
Grade: B/B+
Philadelphia Phightins
1: Will Punto, CF
1: Willie Samuel, RF (from New Britian for Vasco Bennett)
1: P.T. Andrews, P (from New Britian for Vasco Bennett)
2: Curtis Lincoln, P
3: Timo Vanguri, 3B
4: Tyler Lucas, SS
5: Cesar Jacquez, SS
The Phightins of Piladelphia also had 5 of the first 100 picks in this years draft, and they definitely need them as they are hovering around the .425 mark as of this writing. They were able to get good value for their type A picks in Samuel and Andrews. Willie doesn't have the best of splits, but his contact and power will make sure he has a job in the majors. He also has what should be, a gun in right field and will definitely be gunning down base runners that are trying to test him. Andrews will be an excellent setup man and spot closer and was the second best reliever on my board. Timo Vanguri has decent splits, and will be an average 3rd baseman. Curtis Lincoln will be nothing more than what appears to be a 4th/5th starter and both Lucas and Jacquez most likely won't reach the majors. What hurts Philadelphia's draft is their inability to sign future gold glover Will Punto. When I look at Punto's skill set I'm reminded of Ismael Reyes who is a perennial gold glove candidate and web gem nominee.
Grade:B with Punto it would've been a B+/A-
Richmond Storm
1: Alex Treadway, P
2: Adrian Hull, P
3: Frank Bonds, 3B
4: Sidney Graham, P
5: Francis Harris, 1B
When I look at Richmond's draft class I find it hard to come up with something good about it. Alex Treadway, taken 7th overall, was the 5th or 6th best reliever on my board. It's impossible to justify taking him that high, especially when Vic Ramsey was still available. Treadway will most likely be a setup man in the majors. He could possibly close for a team without any other options, but there are better relievers out there. Adrian Hull has good control, and plus pitches, but his splits will limit his options and will most likely be another setup man for Richmond. Sidney Graham has decent control, but his average splits combined with the lack of any + pitches means he'll be relegated to the minors for his career. Harris might have a chance to come off the bench and Frank Bonds was a waste of a 3rd round pick.
Grade:C-
Monday, April 7, 2008
Cuyahogas feeling the All-Star snub
With the All-Star game approaching, Cleveland is sporting zero, ziltch, and nada representation on ANY level for all star consideration. Yes, the Cuyahogas have been a disappointment record wise this season, but some consideration was hoped to be given to a few players. Brian Tomko is having a stellar season at the plate while Teddy Wise, old man Donzell Kelly, and Sparky Jennings have been outstanding in the pen. At the AAA level, Al Rosado has been top notch, sporting a .370 BA. With victory comes recognition, hopefully with a strong second half, Cleveland will get some much needed respect.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Surgery Successful in Toledo?
by Chuckie Fairweather
Toledo NewsGopher Staff Reporter
Reggie Alexander a cancer in the clubhouse? No one here in Toledo would have believed it had you made such a statement a mere 3 weeks ago, but under the circumstances one must wonder. After trading Reggie to New Britain for Marc Durbin and prospects the Cow Tippers have won 12 of their last 19 games, finishing that streak up with another mini streak winning 10 of the last 11.
As you may have guessed, pandemonium has erupted amongst the Tipper faithful (who weren't nearly so faithful only weeks ago). Tickets are selling faster than they can be printed. Throngs of drunken fans are bringing their children down to the ballpark in hopes of seeing what has once again become this city's favorite team.
In an effort to appease the near rioting crowds of ticketless fans the Tippers front office has ordered the installation of high definition television screens outside of the stadium and thousands of people are hanging around to watch the games from the comfort of the downtown sidewalks of Toledo. Makeshift vendors are now peddling beer and soda from ice chests rolled through the crowd while perched precariously atop skateboards and Radio Flyer red wagons. It is nearing insanity....and this city LOVES it.
As of just yesterday the Tips have tied for second place in the American League East with the Leathernecks of New York and are now in the process of trying to close the 9 game gap between themselves and first place Boston with nearly half the season to go. The only question is: Can this team keep it up?
I believe the answer can best be summed up in the words of Adam Sellers, "Hell yes we can do it! Behind the solid pitching of Midre Nunez and failsafe closer Jimmy Hampton this team can do anything. Hell, even our sad sack starter Brad Ryan won his first game this week. Ain't no team coming here to our pasture and beatin' us now".
So, folks, if anyone asks you why you think the Tips have turned it around you just tell them Chuckie told you so. Then you look them square in the eyes, take a good chew on your cud and in your most sincere voice you tell them,
MMMMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Not in our pasture, baby!
Toledo NewsGopher Staff Reporter
Reggie Alexander a cancer in the clubhouse? No one here in Toledo would have believed it had you made such a statement a mere 3 weeks ago, but under the circumstances one must wonder. After trading Reggie to New Britain for Marc Durbin and prospects the Cow Tippers have won 12 of their last 19 games, finishing that streak up with another mini streak winning 10 of the last 11.
As you may have guessed, pandemonium has erupted amongst the Tipper faithful (who weren't nearly so faithful only weeks ago). Tickets are selling faster than they can be printed. Throngs of drunken fans are bringing their children down to the ballpark in hopes of seeing what has once again become this city's favorite team.
In an effort to appease the near rioting crowds of ticketless fans the Tippers front office has ordered the installation of high definition television screens outside of the stadium and thousands of people are hanging around to watch the games from the comfort of the downtown sidewalks of Toledo. Makeshift vendors are now peddling beer and soda from ice chests rolled through the crowd while perched precariously atop skateboards and Radio Flyer red wagons. It is nearing insanity....and this city LOVES it.
As of just yesterday the Tips have tied for second place in the American League East with the Leathernecks of New York and are now in the process of trying to close the 9 game gap between themselves and first place Boston with nearly half the season to go. The only question is: Can this team keep it up?
I believe the answer can best be summed up in the words of Adam Sellers, "Hell yes we can do it! Behind the solid pitching of Midre Nunez and failsafe closer Jimmy Hampton this team can do anything. Hell, even our sad sack starter Brad Ryan won his first game this week. Ain't no team coming here to our pasture and beatin' us now".
So, folks, if anyone asks you why you think the Tips have turned it around you just tell them Chuckie told you so. Then you look them square in the eyes, take a good chew on your cud and in your most sincere voice you tell them,
MMMMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Not in our pasture, baby!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Draft results, AL South
Atlanta:
3. Frank Abercrombie P
4. Willie George P
5. Otis Ardoin 2B
Santa Fe:
1. Angel Earley SS
1. Gil Adkinson 2B Unsigned
2.George Coppinger CF Unsigned
3. Stuart Hooper P
4. Footsie Brown ss (3B?) Unsigned
5.Delino Alvarez 1B
New Orleans:
1. Willie Hernadez RF
1. Rene Huff LF
1. Richard Meng 2B
1.Lyle cooper 2B
2. Roy Newson 3B
2. Jack Langford DH\C
3.Jerome Lloyd P
4. King Benes DH\C
5.Glenallen Blasingame SS Unsigned (how can you not sign a guy with that name?)
Durham:
1.Wilfredo Cedeno P
2. Mike Mann C
3.Gene Lawton LF
4.Karl Ausmus P
5.Cy Walker RF Unsigned.
Ok folks the AL South had a real up and down draft day.
Atlanta had no 1st or 2nd, and scores an F by defintion. But it is ok not to have those picks, he is in 1st, so the FA signings must be working.
Santa Fe had an interesting draft. With so many people not signed yet, he scores an Incomplete, but this will turn into a B or so when(if) his people sign. He did something I really, really like, I hope not just by coincidence- look at the "yellow" categories on his signings. Lots of 100 potentials pop up there, health, patience, make-up, etc. This is a strategy that will pay big dividends in the long run. And his 1st round SS has a pretty decent glove too.
New Orleans had, What, the mother of all drafts? Four 1st rounders must be nice. My scouts show his contact\power ratings on his 1st rounders to project 84\89, 100\68, 63\93, 46\78 (but, superlative glove). And I forgot to write down their speed ratings, so it may be even worse for his divisional opponents than it looks. And then 2 2nd rounders are also good picks. He wanted hitting, he got hitting. Scores an A+ in any draft.
Durham had a decent draft. his 1st round pick is by far the best arm taken in the division, and his number 2 pick catcher was a guy I really, really hoped to get with my number 2 pick. The rest of the draft was indifferent, but getting a ML caliber Starting Pitcher AND an ML caliber starting Catcher makes it a good draft day. Score it a B+.
3. Frank Abercrombie P
4. Willie George P
5. Otis Ardoin 2B
Santa Fe:
1. Angel Earley SS
1. Gil Adkinson 2B Unsigned
2.George Coppinger CF Unsigned
3. Stuart Hooper P
4. Footsie Brown ss (3B?) Unsigned
5.Delino Alvarez 1B
New Orleans:
1. Willie Hernadez RF
1. Rene Huff LF
1. Richard Meng 2B
1.Lyle cooper 2B
2. Roy Newson 3B
2. Jack Langford DH\C
3.Jerome Lloyd P
4. King Benes DH\C
5.Glenallen Blasingame SS Unsigned (how can you not sign a guy with that name?)
Durham:
1.Wilfredo Cedeno P
2. Mike Mann C
3.Gene Lawton LF
4.Karl Ausmus P
5.Cy Walker RF Unsigned.
Ok folks the AL South had a real up and down draft day.
Atlanta had no 1st or 2nd, and scores an F by defintion. But it is ok not to have those picks, he is in 1st, so the FA signings must be working.
Santa Fe had an interesting draft. With so many people not signed yet, he scores an Incomplete, but this will turn into a B or so when(if) his people sign. He did something I really, really like, I hope not just by coincidence- look at the "yellow" categories on his signings. Lots of 100 potentials pop up there, health, patience, make-up, etc. This is a strategy that will pay big dividends in the long run. And his 1st round SS has a pretty decent glove too.
New Orleans had, What, the mother of all drafts? Four 1st rounders must be nice. My scouts show his contact\power ratings on his 1st rounders to project 84\89, 100\68, 63\93, 46\78 (but, superlative glove). And I forgot to write down their speed ratings, so it may be even worse for his divisional opponents than it looks. And then 2 2nd rounders are also good picks. He wanted hitting, he got hitting. Scores an A+ in any draft.
Durham had a decent draft. his 1st round pick is by far the best arm taken in the division, and his number 2 pick catcher was a guy I really, really hoped to get with my number 2 pick. The rest of the draft was indifferent, but getting a ML caliber Starting Pitcher AND an ML caliber starting Catcher makes it a good draft day. Score it a B+.
International signings week 5
A flurry of signings in week 5, almost all of them for small change. 19 signings were made, but only 3 for over 1.0 million. 10, as in ten!, of the signings were for 150k or less, mostly less. 7 of these signings were pitchers, catchers, or shortstops, clearly destined for rookie league, and some of us made 50k or so catcher sigings last week. I just had this argument with tzentmeyer in Clemens*, that there were not enough catchers (who could catch) or Center fielders in the draft. He, and the other developers, were of a different opinion. Well, if there are enough catchers in the draft, why did so many of us sign a 50K catcher on draft week?
Three significant money signings were made:
Durham signed P Fernado Sosa for 7.5 million. He rates a + set-up A or so reliever by my advance scouts, and has to be considered a very good signing.
Philadelphia signed SS Joaquin Fernandez for 3.8 million. He has the glove, and will probably develop as a hitter, but the 40 health rating is very risky. If he doesn't get hurt, great signing.
Boston signed P Victor James for 2.1 million. For a 2 mil signing, this guy has incredible stuff, but his health and durability ratings are, well, a disaster. Very risky signing.
NOW HEAR THIS:
Half way through the season, we have ONE signing for more than 10 million. My signing of Manzanillo is the second biggest signing of the season so far, at 9.5 million. This means that a great deal of money is still out there to chase (what sure appears to be) a drastic fall off in talent. Unless several, indeed, many, internationals come through soon, a whole lot of managers are going to be left holding a whole lot of money. So consider yourselves forewarned.
Three significant money signings were made:
Durham signed P Fernado Sosa for 7.5 million. He rates a + set-up A or so reliever by my advance scouts, and has to be considered a very good signing.
Philadelphia signed SS Joaquin Fernandez for 3.8 million. He has the glove, and will probably develop as a hitter, but the 40 health rating is very risky. If he doesn't get hurt, great signing.
Boston signed P Victor James for 2.1 million. For a 2 mil signing, this guy has incredible stuff, but his health and durability ratings are, well, a disaster. Very risky signing.
NOW HEAR THIS:
Half way through the season, we have ONE signing for more than 10 million. My signing of Manzanillo is the second biggest signing of the season so far, at 9.5 million. This means that a great deal of money is still out there to chase (what sure appears to be) a drastic fall off in talent. Unless several, indeed, many, internationals come through soon, a whole lot of managers are going to be left holding a whole lot of money. So consider yourselves forewarned.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Al West Draft Analysis
The AL draft analysis begins with the West because it is real easy.
Tacoma drafted------------------------ Anaheim drafted
1. Victor Melendez RF Unsigned------- 3. Rabbit Daneker CF Unsigned
1. David Sierra 2B Unsigned------------4. Pokey Krause P Unsigned
2. Andy Frazier LF Unsigned -----------5. Fransisco Martin P
3. Rob Franco P Unsigned
4. Goose VanderWal 2B Unsigned
5.Cookie Hansen RF Unsigned
Honolulu Drafted--------------------------- Helena Drafted
1. Ham Telgheder 2B---------------------- 1. Hub Kennedy SP
2. Pedro Ayala RF--------------------------2.Rip Burks CF
3.Matt BorchardP --------------------------3.Yamid Santiago 3B Unsigned
4. Rico Cervantes P ------------------------4. Ernie Westbrook DH
5. Benji Palmeiro P Unsigned---------------5.Preston Bradford SS
In the 1st 5 rounds.
Tacoma has signed not one of his 1-5 round picks, and it looks like his scouting budgets are finally catching up with him, as the 1st round picks are pretty dreadful and I can't see most of the others. With no one signed, and no one to point to, a technical Grade Incomplete, actual Grade F.
Anahiem had no draft to speak of, but since he is winning, one can hardly criticise giving up the picks. Still, by lack of picks alone, Grade F.
Honolulu had a pretty good draft, and has signed most of his picks. His 1-2 picks are definitely ML materiel, I really like his 1st round pick, and his later pitcher picks can always catch a DITR. Grade C+ to B+. (hedging a little here, when I look at all the other AL drafts, this could go up or down.)
Helena had a better draft than hoped. The 1-2 picks are ML materiel, and the pitcher taken at pick 21 exceeded all expectation. A lack of funds preventing signing the 3rd round pick. A for the 1st round, but D+ for the rest of the draft.
To say that the AL West's draft sucked is putting it mildly: few picks, fewer signed, and no spectacular prospects to drool over. Helena and Honolulu are the only franchises that even have any ML potential picks signed, and Helena got the only ML quality arm in the draft for these teams.
Tacoma drafted------------------------ Anaheim drafted
1. Victor Melendez RF Unsigned------- 3. Rabbit Daneker CF Unsigned
1. David Sierra 2B Unsigned------------4. Pokey Krause P Unsigned
2. Andy Frazier LF Unsigned -----------5. Fransisco Martin P
3. Rob Franco P Unsigned
4. Goose VanderWal 2B Unsigned
5.Cookie Hansen RF Unsigned
Honolulu Drafted--------------------------- Helena Drafted
1. Ham Telgheder 2B---------------------- 1. Hub Kennedy SP
2. Pedro Ayala RF--------------------------2.Rip Burks CF
3.Matt BorchardP --------------------------3.Yamid Santiago 3B Unsigned
4. Rico Cervantes P ------------------------4. Ernie Westbrook DH
5. Benji Palmeiro P Unsigned---------------5.Preston Bradford SS
In the 1st 5 rounds.
Tacoma has signed not one of his 1-5 round picks, and it looks like his scouting budgets are finally catching up with him, as the 1st round picks are pretty dreadful and I can't see most of the others. With no one signed, and no one to point to, a technical Grade Incomplete, actual Grade F.
Anahiem had no draft to speak of, but since he is winning, one can hardly criticise giving up the picks. Still, by lack of picks alone, Grade F.
Honolulu had a pretty good draft, and has signed most of his picks. His 1-2 picks are definitely ML materiel, I really like his 1st round pick, and his later pitcher picks can always catch a DITR. Grade C+ to B+. (hedging a little here, when I look at all the other AL drafts, this could go up or down.)
Helena had a better draft than hoped. The 1-2 picks are ML materiel, and the pitcher taken at pick 21 exceeded all expectation. A lack of funds preventing signing the 3rd round pick. A for the 1st round, but D+ for the rest of the draft.
To say that the AL West's draft sucked is putting it mildly: few picks, fewer signed, and no spectacular prospects to drool over. Helena and Honolulu are the only franchises that even have any ML potential picks signed, and Helena got the only ML quality arm in the draft for these teams.
Where Do We Go From Here, Toledo?
by Chuckie Fairweather
Toledo NewsGopher Staff Reporter
The dog days of summer have arrived early here in the scenic city of Toledo, and it appears the Cow Tipper faithful would just as soon walk their dogs as pay to watch their once beloved team play baseball. The once electrified atmosphere here at Fifth Third Field in the heart of downtown appears to have blown a fuse as the team continues to lose while having ceased to show the signs of brightness that attracted so many of the city's baseball starved citizens to the park like moths to a flame mere months ago. Miserable perfomances from the highly touted young pitching staff along with an ice cold team presence at the plate has led everyone here in town, save a few drunken hecklers and unenthusiastic Little League teams, to forego any further trips out to the old ball yard and to turn their eyes from what, at this time, appears to be a pretty bleak immediate future for the team.
Add to the team's lackluster performance a preseason deal sending number one prospect Luke McFeely to Durham for underachieveing up and comers Ralph Towers and Josh Holzemer along with the more recent trade sending superstar Reggie Alexander to New Britain in exchange for relatively unknown pitching prospect Harry Tavarez, AAA 2B Lewis Corey and a marginal ML 3B in Mark Durbin and one has to believe the front office team here at Cow Tippers Central has created a definite recipe for box office disaster.
When asked about the recent Alexander deal, team president Jimmy Hank Carmichael was quoted as saying,
"Hell, son, I just pay the bills around here. I hire people to take care of those decisions and I have nothing but faith in my capable young GM...erm...whazhisname".'
When Whazhisname himself, 37 year old GM Timmy Tankwaters was asked about the state of the team, he replied,
"We would obviously rather win here in Toledo, but having seen that our young team isn't as ready to compete as we had hoped we have chosen to free up some money for next season where we can and start rebuilding further for the future. We recently Acquired the number 2 draft pick overall in Randy Gordon, who we are certain will be our SS of the future, and we are more than a little excited about this acquisition. We were also able to pick up a few other decent players in the draft, and with the addition of some of the prospects we've added through trade we feel the future is bright here in Toledo. We do wish it known, however, that we are under no circumstances giving up on the team we have put together over the previous offseason. We feel most of the players in our lineup are just coming into their own as ML ballplayers and we have the utmost confidence in the pitching rotation we have put together along with the coaching staff we hope will lead this organization out of obscurity. Now if you don't mind, I have work to do".
So there you have it baseball fans. Straight out of the horse's mouth. This season has basically been written off by Jimmy Hank and his team of (ahem) capable professionals. Start looking to the future, Toledans. Remember, we still have Albert Maduro and Joe Parkinson waiting in the Minor League wings and if you really start to delve deeper into the organization you can certainly see signs of what could become a very competiti........ah screw it. What a pile of crap. I need a beer.
Note from the Editor: The opinions expressed by the reporter are not necessarily the opinions of the management here at the Toledo NewsGopher. Send complaints or otherwise directly to Chuckie at cfair@newsgopher.org.
Toledo NewsGopher Staff Reporter
The dog days of summer have arrived early here in the scenic city of Toledo, and it appears the Cow Tipper faithful would just as soon walk their dogs as pay to watch their once beloved team play baseball. The once electrified atmosphere here at Fifth Third Field in the heart of downtown appears to have blown a fuse as the team continues to lose while having ceased to show the signs of brightness that attracted so many of the city's baseball starved citizens to the park like moths to a flame mere months ago. Miserable perfomances from the highly touted young pitching staff along with an ice cold team presence at the plate has led everyone here in town, save a few drunken hecklers and unenthusiastic Little League teams, to forego any further trips out to the old ball yard and to turn their eyes from what, at this time, appears to be a pretty bleak immediate future for the team.
Add to the team's lackluster performance a preseason deal sending number one prospect Luke McFeely to Durham for underachieveing up and comers Ralph Towers and Josh Holzemer along with the more recent trade sending superstar Reggie Alexander to New Britain in exchange for relatively unknown pitching prospect Harry Tavarez, AAA 2B Lewis Corey and a marginal ML 3B in Mark Durbin and one has to believe the front office team here at Cow Tippers Central has created a definite recipe for box office disaster.
When asked about the recent Alexander deal, team president Jimmy Hank Carmichael was quoted as saying,
"Hell, son, I just pay the bills around here. I hire people to take care of those decisions and I have nothing but faith in my capable young GM...erm...whazhisname".'
When Whazhisname himself, 37 year old GM Timmy Tankwaters was asked about the state of the team, he replied,
"We would obviously rather win here in Toledo, but having seen that our young team isn't as ready to compete as we had hoped we have chosen to free up some money for next season where we can and start rebuilding further for the future. We recently Acquired the number 2 draft pick overall in Randy Gordon, who we are certain will be our SS of the future, and we are more than a little excited about this acquisition. We were also able to pick up a few other decent players in the draft, and with the addition of some of the prospects we've added through trade we feel the future is bright here in Toledo. We do wish it known, however, that we are under no circumstances giving up on the team we have put together over the previous offseason. We feel most of the players in our lineup are just coming into their own as ML ballplayers and we have the utmost confidence in the pitching rotation we have put together along with the coaching staff we hope will lead this organization out of obscurity. Now if you don't mind, I have work to do".
So there you have it baseball fans. Straight out of the horse's mouth. This season has basically been written off by Jimmy Hank and his team of (ahem) capable professionals. Start looking to the future, Toledans. Remember, we still have Albert Maduro and Joe Parkinson waiting in the Minor League wings and if you really start to delve deeper into the organization you can certainly see signs of what could become a very competiti........ah screw it. What a pile of crap. I need a beer.
Note from the Editor: The opinions expressed by the reporter are not necessarily the opinions of the management here at the Toledo NewsGopher. Send complaints or otherwise directly to Chuckie at cfair@newsgopher.org.
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