Friday, February 27, 2009

American League Power Rankings

This first entry is a little longer than what you can expect from here on out, since there is a lot to catch up on. To build a little suspense, we'll begin each Ranking with the worst and work our way up to first. Tradition be damned.






16. Hartford Ascension
Record: 29-57 (.337)
Expected Winning %: .320

The Good: The Big League club hasn't given Hartford fans reason to celebrate, but 20 year-old Dominican slugger Cristobal Jacquez continues to terrorize minor league pitching. With 40 HR, 96 RBI, and a robust 1.185 OPS through 73 AAA games, might the S9 International Free Agent earn a second- half cup of coffee? To this point, he's been rushed through the minors, but for good cause- he could be an impact bat in the majors right now. Also, this team sure can hustle. Its ratio of 161 SB to only 21 CS is by far the best in Ryan.

The Bad: Where to begin? The negatives are countless, but these two are most "impressive": 1) The club ranks 2nd-to-last in batting average and home runs, despite playing half its games in a bandbox. 2) A comparison of actual and expected winning percentages reveals that Hartford may actually be slightly lucky to have won 29 games.

The Outlook: Surprisingly, a run at the division title is not completely out of the question. A weak AL East leaves this club only 12 games out with half a season to go and 20 games remaining against division rivals.






15. Houston Colt .45s
Record: 31-55 (.360)
Expected Winning %: .369

The Good: This team can knock the ball around. Led by all-world shortstop Albert Frazier, the Colt .45s are fourth in AL team batting. And like the Ascension, this team flies around the basepaths, having swiped 103 bags in 129 attempts. Is this a trend among last- place teams?

The Bad: Clearly, this team's been left for dead, although its owner occasionally checks in. Pitchers are consistently run out on 0(0) fatigue, and the result is a Ryan-worst 7.04 team ERA. Right- handed setup man Calvin O'Donnell has probably been pitching with detached elbow ligaments, as evidenced by his 16.26 ERA, 3.20 WHIP, and .430 OAV in 64 appearances. Worst of all, he is owed $9 million more through season 14. Yikes.

The Verdict: Replace the owner.






14. Washington D.C. Old School Warriors
Record: 32-54 (.372)
Expected Winning %: .344

The Good: Kudos to Warriors owner mjdolloff for making a difficult call: cutting ties with The Dude. This could not have been easy due to Reed's sex appeal among women 18-34 in the metro- D.C. market and his stature as a Ryan legend. But it says here D.C. made the correct decision in dealing Reed before he substantially declined in ratings. Reed will contribute mightily to the Burros, but the Warriors simply did not have the other pieces to contend during his useful life. His $13.3 million come off the books for seasons 12 and 13, and this franchise can focus on rebuilding.

The Bad: The Warriors' pitching staff sports the worst road ERA, WHIP, and OAV in Ryan. They've also unleashed the most wild pitches in the American League. Particularly putrid is Chad Goldman, the 26-year old lefty whose knuckle-curve doesn't knuckle. In 17 starts, Goldman's struggled to a 4-8 record, 7.00 ERA, 1.96 WHIP, and .317 OAV.

The Ugly: Darrell Williamson. Man that guy's fugly.






13. San Francisco HitchHikers
Record: 36-50 (.419)
Expected Winning %: .402

The Good: In 144 at- bats this season, HitchHikers RF Pedro Rodriguez has finally proven himself to be a passable major league hitter. This must offer some consolation to HitchHikers owmership, who signed Rodriguez to a 5- year, $26 million contract prior to last season, only to watch him struggle to the tune of .195/4 HR/17 RBI in 200 major league at- bats.

The Bad: Location, location, location. HitchHikers pitchers have walked a Ryan- worst 411 batters this season. Rule 5 draftee Orber Park is the most egregious offender, having issued 61 free passes in 69+ innings. There is also a severe power outage in San Fran. The HitchHikers' 83 HR is by far the lowest total in the AL.

The Lesson: It's obvious HitchHikers owner rydart25 is learning patience and how to evaluate HBD talent. After pulling the trigger on 20 trades last season (his first), he has participated in just two S11 trades.






12. Las Vegas Gamble
Record: 39-47 (.453)
Expected Winning %: .424

The Good: Vegas is home to two of the AL's most proficient base stealers in Hugh Prokopec (50 SBs) and Del Prieto (44).

The Bad: That extra base means nothing if there's no one to drive 'em home. The Gamble are hitting an AL-worst .255.

The Payroll:
No surprise here that a team from Vegas loves to spend- management earmarked $94 million for player payroll, and have already committed $67 million in S12 salaries. In the land of $3 buffets, the fans will surely demand more bang for their buck.







11. Loui
sville Loud Mouths
Record: 37-49 (.430)
Expected Winning %: .438

The Good: Freddie Reynolds is on his way to an astounding eighth consecutive season of 50+ home runs, averaging one every 10.11 ABs for his career. Not only is he Ryan's all- time Home Run King at 582, but this 29 year- old with a with a 99 makeup rating could conceivably crack 1,000. A quick search of the forums didn't turn up anything on all-time interworld leaders, but one would think Reynolds could end up near the top of that list.

The Bad: 37 year- old pitcher Mark Swift, Lousville's prize free- agent acquisition, hasn't exactly set the world on fire: 3-9/6.29 ERA/1.61 WHIP in 17 starts. The $6 million lefty has shed 4 ratings points off his bread-and-butter forkball since S10 spring training, but he remains under contract through next season. A move to the bullpen might be imminent, or things could get ugly.

The Record: Although the Loud Mouths' record is slightly worse than Vegas', this team deserves a higher ranking due to its higher expected winning percentage and a 5-2 head-to-head advantage vs. the Gamble. Also, no team ever enjoys playing against a lineup that features an impact hitter like Reynolds.






10. Charlotte Winstons
Record: 37-49 (.430)
Expected Winning %: .506

The Good: A significant disparity between its actual and expected winning percentages probably means the Winstons are due for a positive correction in the second half. This team is loaded with hitters than can hit the long ball- nine guys have 10 or more homers.

The Bad: These hitters aren't a versatile bunch. The Winstons' m.o. is play for the 3-run homer. They rank near the bottom of the AL in team batting and OBP, and lead the league in whiffs. This is not a exactly a winning approach, as playoff contenders generally have the arms to combat the long ball. If Charlotte is serious about contending in future seasons, they should get some players who can manufacture.

The Injury: Losing star Closer Paul Bell to season- ending Tommy John surgery may have sealed this club's fate early on, but now the primary concern should be getting him back to full health. The injury cost Bell 2 ratings points in stamina, 6 in control, 6 vL/5 vR, 11 in velocity, 6 in his fastball and 7 in his curve. Time to jack up the training and injury budgets.






9. Fargo Fevola's
Record: 38-48 (.442)
Expected Winning %: .443

The Good: In only his second HBD season, Fargo owner themagicman1 has made a respectable showing in arguably Ryan's toughest division. 25 year- old flamethrower Wade Hammonds has been a revelation since his acquisition from division rival New York, saving four games while sporting a 2.15 ERA/1.05 WHIP/.207 OAV.

The Bad: Fargo probably overestimated DH Max Ibarra's value in free-agency, when it signed the part- time slugger to a 3- year, $6.3 million contract this offseason. At this point in his career, a 51 DUR rating ensures Ibarra is nothing more than a glorified pinch hitter, despite his impressive eye and splits.

The Future: Questionable first round pick SP Felipe Melendez has struggled early in his pro career. It looks like control might always be a problem for this young righty.






8. Burlington Ice Storm
Record: 40-46 (.465)
Expected Winning %: .503

The Good: Despite a sub-.500 record, Burlington sits only two games back of AL East leader Durham. And things are looking up: the Ice Storm's expected winning percentage indicates this team is due for a second- half surge. After a recovery from shoulder tendinitis and a move to an extreme pitcher's park, 33 year- old Ace Lucas Neagle is enjoying a career year.

The Bad: Q: What's the easiest way to score runs in the cavernous Mustain Stadium? A: Hit a weak ground ball to the left side of the infield. The Ice Storm have committed a Ryan- worst 82 errors this season; SS Steven Jenner and 3B Rolando Johnson have combined for 48 miscues. Jenner's limited range probably makes him better suited for the hot corner, while Johnson should probably move out to right. In Burlington, runs are at a premium, so defense should be a top priority.

The Need for Speed: Burlington's early season goal of acquiring a speedster has gone unfulfilled, and the team has resigned itself to playing station-to-station baseball. Its 14 stolen bases are by far the lowest total in Ryan.






7. Durham Bulls
Record: 42-44 (.488)
Expected Winning %: .498

The Good: The Bulls are the antithesis of division rival Burlington. In an extreme hitters' park, Durham is built for the long ball. Burlington can keep their sloppy fielders; Durham leads the AL in fielding and double plays. Rose to Blanco to Hume: the New Tinker to Evers to Chance?

The Bad: The reason Durham has turned so many double plays is because there's an endless slew of baserunners. Bulls pitchers have issued 366 free passes, more than any other first- place team in Ryan.

The Legacy: Crash Davis and the gang would be proud of this bunch- a collection of gritty vets who may punch a ticket to the playoffs despite a losing record. It ain't pretty, but it's Hollywood.






6. Toledo Holy
Record: 49-37 (.570)
Expected Winning %: .586

The Good: This team has taken a giant step forward since last season, when it finished 69-93 and 43 games out of first. Still, Holy management appears to have conceded it's still a few years away from truly competing with division rivals Madison and New York. Why else would the roster be in a perpetual state of flux? Toledo is constantly searching for young, almost-ready talent, and though its approach has cost them a few W's, it bodes well for the future- they currently boast one of the most stacked farm systems in Ryan.

The Bad: Toledo's young hitters can afford to be a little more patient at the dish: the team is currently last in the AL in Walks and Pitches Per Plate Appearance.

The Genesis: It's a little known fact this team was given its name by a dyslexic sportswriter for the Cleveland Plain- Dealer newspaper.

THE CONTENDERS






5. Oklahoma City Chickens
Record: 51-35 (.593)
Expected Winning %: .602

The Good: The Chickens are one of the hottest teams in Ryan right now. After a 23-22 start, the Defending Champs have managed a 28-13 rally, including 13 wins in its last 16 games. This team once again leads the league in bombs by a comfortable margin.

The Bad: This isn't a well- rounded offensive team. They can slug, but their .272 BA/.339 OBP are actually below the league average. Compare this to last season's championship squad, which hit .295/.368, and it's apparent Oklahoma City misses Don Perry and Dennis Gilbert more than anticipated. Most of the team's recent success is attributable to its soft schedule: the past 16 games have included series against Hartford, Vegas, Fargo, and Durham.

The Burning Question: Can OKC repeat? To do so, they'll need to win more consistently against the AL's elite. They are a combined 9-10 vs. teams that occupy the next four spots. An upcoming tilt with Gilbert and the McCoys will go a long way toward determining how much this team has lost from last season.






4. Kansas City McCoys
Record: 57-29 (.663)
Expected Winning %: .623

The Good: The real McCoys come to play in the clutch. Kansas City is 10-6 in one-run games, and 4-1 in extra innings. Early this season in hostile territory, KC took two of three from Wichita. Kansas City is also home to two of the league's top three leaders in batting average: David Seanez and Eric Ford. George Harding (.372) would lead the league if he qualified.

The Bad: The McCoys' expected winning percentage indicates that they might be playing a little over their heads right now, but the good news is there's no legitimate threat for that final wildcard spot. LF Al Astacio has inexplicably mediocre numbers this season, despite a solid career and outstanding ratings. He'd better pick it up soon, or else he and his reasonable contract might become bait for pitching help at the deadline.

The 'Stache: The Count of Monte Cristi is chasing a historical triple crown, and it's too bad he doesn't have a more appreciative owner. You never hear about the guy. He currently leads the league in HR and RBI, and stands .015 points behind AVG leader Dennis Heiserman, who barely meets the minimum AB requirement. If Heiserman fails to qualify, would raucous consider purposefully depressing Ford's average so that Seanez could take the crown? Stay tuned.






3. New York Bombers
Record: 58-28 (.674)
Expected Winning %: .671

The Good: This is a very balanced club that can do a number of things well. Versatility is paramount in the playoffs, and New York has it in spades. With the addition of Carlos Feliz, the Bombers can now slug it out in smaller parks, if need be. But that doesn't mean they've abandoned their tried-and-true pitching, defense, and moneyball approach. This team is 2nd in the league in pitching and defense, and it still gets to first base more often than a high school quarterback.

The Bad: It's unclear whether the Bombers can beat Madison. The division rivals met early this season, and Madison summarily swept the boys from the Bronx. This may have precipitated the Feliz trade, but since they haven't met since, it's unclear what impact the acquisition will have. The two teams will meet again in a four- game home and home after the All Star break.

The Hall of Famers:
36 year-old SP Philip Baxter moved across town after an injury-riddled S10 to dispel notions that he's washed up: 10-2/2.49/1.13. 35 year-old 1B/OF Trenidad Beltran can still hit (.306/.406/.438), but is merely a shell of his old self.






2. Madison Massa's
Record: 59-27 (.686)
Expected Winning %: .662

The Good: The Massa's are an offensive dynamo. They are the AL leaders in Runs, Average, OBP, and SLG. They are top- three in HR and Walks. And for good measure, they've swiped 98 bags and only been caught 15 times. They may have the best bullpen in the AL- only 19 of 66 inherited runners have scored (28.8%) and they have converted 30 of 36 save opportunities (83.3%). And this is after they traded Stan Mason.

The Bad: On paper, this team is virtually flawless. But just as Madison owns New York this season, Wichita owns Madison. The two teams met for a three- game series, and Wichita swept away the Massa's.

The 40-40 Threat: For 10 seasons, Madison fans have patiently waited for RF Casey Kaline to break the 40/40 barrier. He's made a legitimate run every season, including a 39 HR/47 SB campaign in S7. This season looks like his best (and maybe last) shot, as he currently stands at 20 HR and 22 SB with half a season to go.






1. Wichita Sizzlers
Record: 62-24 (.721)
Expected Winning %: .731

The Good: Timothy Garcia, Timothy Garcia, Timothy Garcia.

The Bad: Not a whole lot.

The Man: Timothy Garcia.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

AL NORTH S11 Draft Recap

Toledo Holy

Needed from the draft: CF, 3B, RF

Round

Pick

Player

Pos

Age

Back-
ground

Contract

Bonus

SUMMARY

1

11

Ivan Crespo

3B

18

HS

---

---

Powerful corner infielder who should be a mainstay at someone's corner for a long time. He projects to be an above average 3B with good splits and a solid batting eye. His low durability might keep him from getting more than 500 at bats consistently, but he should still get him 30+ dingers a season.

2

57

Desi Rivera

1B

20

JC

MILB

$550K

Solid power slapping 1B. Rivera is a good 5 or 6 hitter in most lineups. Already pretty developed he could quickly move to the majors.

3

89

Ken Hutton

RP

21

COL

---

---

First of a few Low durability bullpen help. Hutton has superior control and average splits. He also sports 4 plus pitches. I'm not so sure of how this bullpen will shape up with him.

4

121

Bob Lloyd

RP

18

HS

MILB

$350K

Low durability but a good solid right handed specialist. He features 4 solid or above average pitches and great control. Keep him away from the left handers consistently and he will have good success.

5

153

Douglas Grant

RP

21

COL

MILB

$250K

Lowish control and bad durability will limit this reliever, but he does have great splits and 3 solid pitches. In the 5th round why not take a risk.

Summary: got their 3B of the future in this draft. They also got a solid option at 1B and a few enigmas for the bullpen. It will be interesting to see how this all comes together. All and all this was a draft to be proud of.

Grade: B+

Fargo Fevola:

Needed from the draft: CF, 3B, SP

Round

Pick

Player

Pos

Age

Back-
ground

Contract

Bonus

SUMMARY

1

12

Felipe Melendez

P

18

HS

MILB

$2,970K

Groundball pitcher who has above average splits and good control. A team will be able to count of his 2 pitches to get them out of a jam. He is not a superstar but better suited to be a solid #2 or 3 guy in the rotation.

2

58

Marcus Fiore

RP

18

HS

---

---

Late inning fireballer with 2 awesome pitches and excellent splits. Good durability means he can pitch back to back. His low control though is most likely why he fell to the 2nd round.

3

90

Del Lopez

RP

18

HS

MILB

$425K

Solid 1 pitcher reliever, Del is weaker than you would hope against left handers, but very much serviceable. Having one 1 pitch will be more of a detriment to him.

4

122

Andy Knight

SP

18

HS

---

---

3 solid pitches, but AAA level splits will doom him.

5

154

Kevin Schmidt

SP

22

COL

MILB

$250K

Career minor leaguer

Summary: 2nd Year in a row the team went after a bunch of pitching and ignored all their other needs. Pitching was a need and the team did walk away with 3 capable pitchers. I can't condemn them for that, but I would have loved to see them take Footsie Long who went at 13.

Grade: B

Madison Massa's.

Needs from the draft: 1: C 2: SP 3: CF

Round

Pick

Player

Pos

Age

Back-
ground

Contract

Bonus

SUMMARY

1

29

Davey Bianucci

P

20

JC

---

---

For a 1st rounder Davey has only 1 redeeming pitch, add in the fact he struggles mightily versus right handed batters and you have a 1st round bust. Big reach who won't be signed.

1

42

Donaldo Alvarez

CF

18

HS

MILB

$640K

Defensive CF who sports great speed and base running. He has almost no power, but still shod carve out a career with his speed.

1

44

Javier Duran

RF

22

COL

MILB

$600K

Solid power hitter, he has an excellent bat and is a decent runner and fielder solid late round pick.

2

75

Pedro Chavez

SS

18

HS

MILB

$550K

4A hitter, he has little power and average speed. He clad play at 3B or in the outfield. He has some tools but nothing to make him stick in the majors.

3

107

Louie Belliard

RP

21

COL

MILB

$425K

Solid 4A pitcher he has 4 plus pitches and pitches decent versus righties, but will struggle against left handers.

4

139

Brett Collins

CF

21

COL

MILB

$350K

Good power and speed, but poor splits will doom him to a minor league career. Defensively he's suited for Right or Left field.

5

171

Sarma West

C

18

HS

MILB

$340K

Power hitting DH, you might be able to play him at C for a short time, but he will not help anyone's pitching. Good splits and bat should allow him an opportunity in the pros.

Summary: went after all their needs, but came up short on almost everyone. Alvarez could be a fine CF, but really does not fit the Madison mold of position players. Duran is probably the best pick they made, but he plays a position that Madison is strong at.

Grade: C-

New York Bombers.
Needs from the draft: IB, RP, SS

Round

Pick

Player

Pos

Age

Back-
ground

Contract

Bonus

SUMMARY

1

25

Bernie Ozuna

2B

20

JC

---

---

Solid corner outfield, but overmatched at 2B. Good slap hitter who shows some power and speed. Should be a solid 20/20 guy in his prime.

1

33

Frank Yamamoto

CF

18

HS

MILB

$2,670K

Defensively he should be in CF but many are right or left fielder. He is a plus hitter with below average pop and decent speed. He is a solid overall ML'er

2

49

Eddie Taylor

SS

22

COL

MILB

$550K

Another defensively weak player whose future is in the corners. He does have a solid bat and solid wheels, but a poor batting eye might keep him from a consistent ML career.

2

71

F.P. Bradley

SS

21

COL

MILB

$550K

Solid speed and an adequate defender at 3B or in the outfield. His bat does not offer a lot of offense, but he should be able to get by.

3

103

Livan Izturis

SS

20

JC

MILB

$425K

Career minor Leaguer.

4

135

Jake Radlosky

SP

21

COL

---

---

Solid pitcher with good splits and solid control and stamina. He has 4 pitches which probably aren't ML caliber, but with a good catcher he could get by.

5

167

Willis Cyr

SP

20

JC

---

---

Career Minor Leaguer

Summary: New York scored 2 solid everyday hitters and 2 good role players. Did not touch on any pitching, something that was not a huge need, but still one that did exist
Grade: B



NL POWER RANKING WEEK 2

1. Colorado Springs Organizational Filler-
Last Ranking:
1
Record: 54-21 (30-9)
Expected Win %: .744
The Skinny: I will be honest and say that it looks like The Filler's are legit. A team ERA of 3.26 Leads the Majors.

2. Chicago Ballbusters-
Last Ranking: 2
Record: 48-27 (26-13)
Expected Win %: .670
The Skinny: key to winning allowing only 12 of 73 inherited runners to score. Add in theire 16+ plays and here you go. Outstanding!

3. New York Burros
Last Ranking
: 4
Record: 47-28 (27-12)
Expected Win %: .628
Skinny: Ryan Perry and his 155 strike outs lead the league will the right luck he could break 300 this season.

4. Cheyenne Marmots-
Last Ranking:
9
Record: 44-31 (27-12)
Expected Win %: .580
The Skinny: Top Home run guy swings his bat here in Edgardo Lima whose on track to get 50 homers this season.

5. Texas Outlaws-
Last Ranking
: 3
Record: 42-33 (20-19)
Expected Win %: .571
The Skinny: SP Lyle Becker has rejuvenated his career this season pitching to an 8-3 record with a 3.10 era. The bomber's might wonder what could have been

6. Philadelphia Balboas-
Last Ranking
: 7
Record: 39-36 (18-21)
Expected Win %: .520
The Skinny: Top team in the league is Homeruns, how often does an NL team lead in that outside of Colorado?

7. Cincinnati Bowties -
Last Ranking:
6
Record: 38-37 (19-20)
Expected Win %: .543
The Skinny: the tandem rotation is still in full force. This is one of the toughest pitching staffs to face. It is not going to take much to get the offense firing on all cylinders then look out NL North.

8. San Diego Surf -
Last Ranking: 12
Record: 38-37 (21-18)
Expected Win %: .509
The Skinny: Dion Dunn 9-3 has continued to be lights out with a1.99 ERA and a .96 WHIP. Consistant hitting and this team should continue to move up the power ranking.

9. San Antonio Alamos -
Last Ranking:
8
Record: 35-40 (18-21)
Expected Win %: .486
The Skinny: Rookie Corey Web is an outstanding 8-2 with a 2.20 ERA not bad for a guy on his 3rd team in under a season.

10. Atlanta Braves-
Last Ranking:
15
Record: 38-37 (23-16)
Expected Win %: .486
THE SKINNY: Jose Jose is struggling a little more this season only 19/24 in saves with a 5.40 era. Age is catching up to the guy.

11. Florida Marlins -
Last Ranking:
13
Record: 34-41 (20-19)
Expected Win %: .438
The Skinny: Florida Catchers have not allowed any passed balls. That's makes them the only team in the league with this feat.

12. Memphis Amon-Ra
Last Ranking: 10
Record: 31-44 (15-24)
Expected Win %:
.412
The Skinny
: 1B Rudy Harris is leading all rookies in Strikeouts averaging over 1 a game

13. Milwaukee Blues -
Last Ranking:
5
Record: 30-45 (8-31)
Expected Win %: .384
The Skinny: worst month in the NL has dropped the Blues down to the bottom of the heap. A lack of offense and a pautry 1-10 extra inning effort are all bad signs for recovery.

14. Seattle Warbirds
Last Ranking
: 11
Record: 28-47 (11-28)
Expected Win %: .394
The Skinny: Bo Glanville is putting up a good case for 1st half rookie of the year batting .279 with 22 homers and 2 SB.

15. Rochester Raging Reverends-
Last Ranking: 14
Record: 24-51 (10-29)
Expected Win %: .321
The Skinny: Team has grounded into a league leading 90 Double-Plays. What a way to kill a rally.

16. OMAHA MILE HIGH CLUB -
Last Ranking: 16
Record: 21-54 (10-29)
Expected Win %: .247
The Skinny: best hitting park and tied for the least runs in the NL at 309.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

AL EAST S11 Draft Review

Burlington Ice Storm

Needs from the draft: 1: 2B, RF, CF

Round

Pick

Player

Pos

Age

Back-
ground

Contract

Bonus

Summary

1

3

Eugene Buckley

SP

18

HS

---

---

Highly coveted starter he has extremely high splits and excellent control and stamina. He only has 2 amazing pitches and then 2 average pitches, but still he is a desired commodity on any team.

3

81

Frank Rivers

RP

21

COL

MILB

$425K

Solid log reliever with 3 plus pitches and good control. Solid splits hake him a sure thing for the majors.

4

113

Joe Wise

LF

19

JC

MILB

$350K

Solid LF with good power and excellent splits. He does not have great contact, but could still get some play time.

5

145

Kart Gagnon

SP

19

JC

MILB

$250K

CAREER MINOR LEAGUER

Summary: Didn't address their pressing needs at 2B and RF, but did add one of the best pitchers in the draft. 3 potential ball players out of 4 are not bad odds at all.
Grade: B

Durham Bulls

Needs from the draft: LF, RF, RP

Round

Pick

Player

Pos

Age

Back-
ground

Contract

Bonus

Summary

1

7

Tommy Parrish

SS

19

JC

MILB

$3,440K

Speedy slap hitting SS, defensively he might be overmatched in the majors. He will also struggle against right handed pitching. A pretty big reach for the 7th pick.

2

53

Harry Finley

2B

18

HS

MILB

$550K

Solid defensive 2B, but only an average hitter with average speed. Finley will be a rock of consistency.

3

85

J.R. Pisciotta

RP

19

JC

MILB

$425K

Left hand specialist Piscoitta will struggle against righties for the most part. Good velocity and 2 great pitches say he belongs in the pro's

4

117

Clark McCormick

SP

21

COL

MILB

$380K

Might sneak into the league for a bit. He has average splits and low control. He has 2 go to pitches, but low punch out velocity.

5

149

Sean Stevens

SP

20

JC

MILB

$250K

Career MINOR LEAGUER

Summary: Solid draft in which Durham did not land any superstars, but did get a few piece players. With a top 10 pick you should be able to land a franchise type player.
Grade: C

Hartford Ascension

Needs from the draft: 1: RP 2: SP 3: CF

Round

Pick

Player

Pos

Age

Back-
ground

Contract

Bonus

Summary

1

8

Doug Evans

SP

18

HS

MILB

$3,350K

Great #1 pick and the guy who was easily in the top 3 pitchers in the draft. 4 solid pitches with excellent control. Almost strictly a groundball pitcher with dominant splits. What's not to like

2

54

Tony Burkett

SP

18

HS

MILB

$550K

4A type, this guy could break the league as a mop-up type. Poor splits will limit his role.

3

86

Steve Boyle

RP

18

HS

---

---

Long reliever who is a solid Ml'er but struggles against left handers. 4 solid pitches and excellent velocity make him a good candidate somewhere.

4

118

Erik Owen

CF

18

HS

---

---

Solid 2B or corner outfielder, Owens can hit but struggles to drive the ball consistently, his below average eye will also slow his career climb.

5

150

Billy Price

SP

21

COL

MILB

$250K

Career Minor Leaguer

Summary: aimed to cover all their needs and need an adequate job. Evans should be a future ace in Hartford. Boyle offers options for the bullpen and Owens was a nice later round pick up.
Grade: B

Washington D.C. old school warriors:
Needs from the draft: 2B, RF, SP

Round

Pick

Player

Pos

Age

Back-
ground

Contract

Bonus

SUMMARY

1

9

Richie Hurst

SP

18

HS

MILB

$3,250K

Signature power pitcher with 4 plus [itches and decent control. He has a weakness against left handed bats, but still a solid top line pitcher.

1

39

Douglas Magruder

SP

20

JC

MILB

$760K

Another power pitcher who sports 3 pitches. He lacks the control to be dominant starter in the majors, but Doug might get a shot just to see what he could do. Just expect walks…lots and lots of walks.

2

55

Piper Singleton

SP

22

COL

MILB

$550K

Career Minor Leaguer

3

87

Marc Hines

SP

19

JC

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Career Minor Leaguer who wants 6M… don't think so.

4

119

Blake Sutton

3B

21

COL

MILB

$350K

Solid fielder and above average hitter. Blake has an extremely poor batting eye, expect strikeouts

5

151

Clarence Cannon

RP

20

JC

MILB

$250K

Solid inning eating minor league reliever. Someone desperate will give him a Major league audition.

Summary: Stocked up on pitching targeting starting pitching with high velocity. Magruder is the type of pitcher who scares me away, but heck someone with a huge set might give him a go.
Grade: B-