Monday, March 29, 2010

10 Questions with Burro’s Pullmeafredo

Q: how is it that you came up with the franchise's name?
A: I'm a Mets fan, and when they were first trying to come up with a name for the new NL franchise in New York, they considered several names before settling on Mets. Among them were Continentals, Skyliners, Jets, Meadowlarks, Rebels, Skyscrapers, NYBs, Avengers and Burros.

Q: The Burros have enjoyed quite a bit of success under your stewardship, winning the division title nine out of the last eleven seasons. What is the secret to your success and do you think that this can continue for seasons to come?
A: The biggest key has been having a consistent plan, a certain system for valuing players and sticking to both of them absolutely. I do it with low-cost players and high turnover, but we've seen that you can win consistently over the long-term with any number of other strategies. The only way you can get yourself into trouble is either mis-evaluating players or frequently swinging from "I'm going for it" to "I'm rebuilding."

Q: The key to playing Moneyball like the Burros do is having little player loyalty and being able to flip talent that have high value/high cost for younger high value/low cost players. Is it ever hard to tell the fans that their favorite Burro has been traded for a hot new prospect because he's asking for to much money? Is the true motivation that the Burro management is making a killing on new player jersey sales every 4 seasons?
A: Our concession stands sell jerseys with velcro on the back, so that when this year's crop of disposable heroes hits the road, they can tear off their numbers and nameplates and replace them with the new ones. You're right about the lack of loyalty -- this is a model that would be very tough to sell to fans in real life. Just about the time people get to know a guy, he's on a plane headed somewhere else in exchange for guys who won't hit the majors for 3+ seasons.

Q: Which Burros player, past or present, have the fans in New York been most fond of, and why?
A: Trenidad Beltran, was probably the first great hero of the franchise. He was a huge stud during the first championship run. I still think Neil Fletcher; is the single best position player I've ever had. The guy had on OBP over 500 three times. That's just totally absurd. And in true Burros style, I traded him away in his prime and got the guy who might have been the best pitcher in team history, Ryan Perry.

Q: Which Burros player, past or present, the fans have the highest hopes for, only to have them dashed by poor performance?
A: Bucky Anderson was my top prospect when Ryan World started. I thought he was going to be an ace, and he never really panned out. Looking back at his ratings now, I can see why it didn't happen, but back then everyone was sort of learning the game as he went, and Anderson had a lot of great projections in a lot of categories. It's hard to call a guy with 149 career ML starts a total bust, but he didn't turn out to be the kind of front-line starter I had him pegged for early on. Diego Mieses is pretty similar as well. I thought long and hard before trading him away in season 1. Looking back now, I see why he wasn't ever great, but I thought for sure he was going to be a super stud. It was worth it, because the guy I got for him (Hades Atchley) helped me win the World Series that season, but I was sure I was going to end up regretting that deal.

Q: Which NL team do you consider to be your biggest rival?
A: I guess it would have to be Colorado Springs, since I've faced them in the NLCS each of the last four seasons.

Q: What prospect in your system do you have the highest hopes for?
A: On the pitching side, Dick Lewis. He's got great projections across the board. I've got some other really good arms, but Lewis is the only one who doesn't have one split that's a good bit lower than the other, or just above-average control. Sven Kinkade is definitely the guy I'm looking forward to seeing in the lineup on the position side. If he hits his projections, he has a chance to be a 30 HR, 430 OBP guy with a pretty good glove.

Q. What trade have you made that you have the most regrets over?
A: I guessed right on some key ratings early (figuring out which ones were the most important to success) so I can't remember ever just totally given away a future star. If I had it to do over again, I would probably hang on to Ryan Perry. I got a nice haul for him, but he's still got seven or eight great seasons in him.

Q: What trade have you made that you feel has helped your team the most?
A: The one that I think most directly lead to a championship was the one in the first season where I got Hades Atchley, Diego Mieses, Joe Pryce. Mieses ended up pitching for a long time, and I only had Atchley for a total of 34 starts over 3 seasons, but he was awesome that first year. He went 7-1 down the stretch for me and helped me win the division on the last couple days. Then he made five postseason starts for me. That might have been the best three-team race we've ever had in the NL East. During season 5, I got Matthew Berry and he was just insanely good as well. He had an 0.36 ERA in seven games and helped win a title that year as well.

Q: What players on your team (past/present) have had the best nicknames?
A: "Hot As" Hades Atchley, Pedro Osuna "Bin Laden", Dude Reed; whose nickname was "Frederick" for some reason.

Q: What player on your team has the best theme music?
A: When he was with us, Antonio Lo came out of the bullpen with "Get Low"


Q: In closing, please list the players who have played on your team that you feel are Hall of Fame worthy?
A: Position players who should be absolute locks are Bill Darwin; (436 career OBP), Trenidad Beltran ; (close to 400 HR, a 421 career OBP and close to a 1000 career OPS), Neil Fletcher; (464 career OBP and 1000+ OPS as a catcher). Of the pitchers, Timothy Garcia; is the best Ryan has ever seen and Ryan Perry; has a chance to get there too. With his makeup, he has a chance to be a 200+ IP guy until he's 37 or 38 if he doesn't get hurt. He could easily top 3000 Ks before he's done. I could probably make a case for a couple others, but those five should be in on the first ballot when it's their time.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Power Rankings week 4


  1. Wichita (1) – Everyone should be watching Edgar Tarraga as he might be the 1st member of the 50/50 club in Ryan league history. he needs 5 Hr and 5 Stolen Base to do it. Magic Number 3
  2. New York (NL) (3)– SP Sam Terry wins ROY last season as a utility pitcher. This season he steps up to be pretty close to the premier pitcher in the NL. Credit Pitching Coach Calvin Moore who has a 92 Pitch IQ. Magic Number 4
  3. Toledo (2.) Hal Buchanan once again is having a career year silently as Alex Wang runs away with the Cy Young. Buchanan might never et HOF consideration because of his reletive high ERA 3.92. Career 4+ in Madison, but he should get a few good looks. Magic Number 16
  4. Cheyenne (4) – Chris Durbin's consecutive streak of 8 straight 100 stolen base seasons is under threat with 30 games left he is sitting at 75 Stolen Bases. Watch for him to try to steal a few extra in the coming weeks. Magic Number 22
  5. Colorado Springs (6) Hi Telgheder still has not won a Cy Young this might be his year. if he gets over 20 wins he should be a lock over NY's Sam Terry. Magic Number 21.
  6. Memphis (11) – An Injury to cleanup man Kimera Newman hurt the team, but it comes at a good time as Memphis moves to a 11 game divisional lead and should be a lock for the playoffs. A rested and Angry power man is a good thing come playoff time. Magic Number: 19
  7. Madison (5 ) using the Jim Leyland School of managing by resting all his stars every other day for the playoffs. If they arn't to careful they might rest their way out of the final playoff spot in the AL Magic Number 23
  8. Salem (8) - Tough Week on the road with NY, Florida and Austin. They have a tentative hold on the last spot in the playoffs and really need to show up against these teams. Magic Number 27
  9. Austin (9) –Here they sit 10 games out of a playoff spot, every resourse I have says they are better than their record. This might be an uphill climb, but I think Austin barring injury can make it in this season. Tragic Number 20
  10. New York(AL) (19)- Reletively easy road week ahead with Durham, Montgomery and Texas. New York should be in good position going into the home stretch. Magic Number: 22
  11. Chicago (10) . Clarence Morgan is working on 4 more stolen bases to record his first 30/30 season. Magic Number 24
  12. Philadelphia (7) Philadelphia has follen apart in recent weeks, They were once a lock for the playoffs and now sit on the outside looking in. this week will be crutial against Norfolk, Florida and Cheyenne. They need to take those series . Tragic Number 25
  13. Columbus (17) The NL MVP race is the most difficult race there is right now. 4 of the 5 candidates can make a great case for themselves and it really might come down to who best propels their team into the playoffs and beyond. Magic Number 28

  14. Florida (12) – Florida has been riding career seasons for Albert Mauer and Pedro Escobar and their young talent. This is not their season. Cracks are starting to show as the rest of the rotation is beinging to falter around them. Tragic Number 24
  15. Colorado (13) - 2B Lucas Martin is 7 Hr shy of the 40/50 club. Quite a great acomplishment for a 22 year old Tragic Number 14
  16. Las Vegas (14) – 10 different players have started a game for Las Vegas 9 of which have started more than 10 games. Hopefully they can find consistancy in the starting unit for a playoff drive. Tragic Number 22
  17. Texas (21) – CL Benito Cortez saves 23 out of 32 games not only loses the closer job, but is sent to AAA. Harsh treatment for a potential rookie of the year. Tragic Number 27
  18. Montgomery (25) – CL Luis Camacho has 8 blown saves and is walking as many as he strikes out. This has to be the last season of the Roller Coaster closing games. Tragic Number 27
  19. Norfolk (16) – If Norfolk gets to .500 on the season, the league needs to recognize this season as a success for a franchise that has been so bad for so long. If they hold on to their GM this team could be one of the better in the lauge in a few seasons. Tragic Number 15
  20. Milwaukee(18)- Most likely the streakiest team in the National League. One week they are throwing down 10 wins in a row the next week they are struggling to get a hit. The Blues always seem to be at the crossroads of greatness only to be splashed on the side of the road as Philadelphia and columbus drive right by. Tragic Number 20
  21. Pittsburgh(23) Why Pedro Seguignol is not in Cy Young Discussion is beyond me. He's a guy whose on a .500 team with a 15-3 record and a sub 2 era. HE'S ALL-DECADE FOR GODSAKE! Tragic Number 21
  22. Washington D.C. (24) –Huge injury for Washington as Josh Vitiello goes down hard on his leg, HIs hamstring injury might cost him some speed and baserunning in the long run, but next season his bat should still be strong. Washington could use him for their push to the Playoffs this season.. Tragic Number 24
  23. Salt Lake City (20). Starting to get their health back, but it is to late this season. They just need to have a good showing at this point and work to get Mike Crummack the exposure he needs to take the AL Rookie of the Year award.Tragic Number 16
  24. Kansas City (22) – LF Al Astacio's speed has not translated well into his 30's his Stolen bases have droped to almost 1/2 and his caught stealing percentage has almost doubled. Still 2 years left and 12 million dollars on his contract. Scary thoughts for the new season. Tragic Number 18
  25. Burlington (28) – Pretty similar to last season's team, but the records are polar opposites, they just can't seem to win the close games and struggle against opponents they should win eveytime against.Tragic Number: 16
  26. Monterrey(15) Monterrey is 3 moves away from winning this division next season. The talent is around. They make a play in Free Agency to the right guys and they might be hard to beat. Magic Number: 17
  27. Minnesota (27) - Minesota has a pitching staff which befuddles me, They should perform much better than they are and their is no rhyme or reason to their poor performances. Tragic Number 16
  28. Louisville (26) – Franchise history lesson, This team has never had a winning record in its history. It is unlikely that thins season things will change. Tragic Number 26
  29. St. Louis (29) – RF Gelald Monroe is 1 home run from the 20/20 club all while leading the league in strikeouts and batting .215 could be the hardest fought 20/20 ever. Tragic Number: 20
  30. Durham (30)- Durham is the Cubs of Ryan, They have the team that should be able to win games, they have the proven coaching. They just don't win. the only identifiable issue is extreme player fatigue, but still. Tragic Number: 6
  31. Atlanta (31). Since season 10 I have said this is the team to watch. 5 seasons later I am still watching and waiting. Maybe next season Atlanta Faithful. ELIMINATED FROM PLAYOFFS RATING 75
  32. Toronto(32)- ELIMINATED FROM PLAYOFFS. magic number for the 1st overall pick in season 16 is 10 losses.

Friday, March 26, 2010

10 Questions with Mile High Club GM Fregoe

Q: It has been 7 long season since Colorado has been relevant in the NL, What has management done to turn things back around for good in Colorado?
A:
Well..... I made a ton of mistakes during my first few seasons. I over extended my player payroll and my scouting was terrible. It didn't help that my draft picks were in way towards the end of the first round. So late picks and terrible scouting is a recipe for disaster. I paid big contracts to veterans and it cost me. Once I realized this it was too late. I knew I would stay with this team for some time so I decided to try and make one more run and then take my time fixing the mess I created. So it has taken me some time to rebuild but I fully expect to be in contention soon. I have a very nice stockpile of young talent and through trading and minimal Free Agency I should be able to make Colorado relevant again soon. I actually should have waited a season a two before I moved some of my players to the big leagues but I also felt that it was the right thing to do.

Q: What has been your proudest moment with the Mile High Club? What has been your biggest regret?

A: I have a ton of regrets. Trading away Edgardo Almanzar has to be right up there. I also probably should have waited one more season before I moved up White and Martin.

My proudest moment has to be the WS even though it did cost my minor leagues dearly. Vic Mullins be inducted in the HOF was also pretty sweet. Lucas Martin might make it up into the list as well. Oh and when my pitching staff was I think top 10 or close in Colorado one year. I was very proud of that.

Q: The Move to Omaha, How much did that effect Vic Mullen and the Murder Rows statistics being outside the thin air?
A:
Well I made that move when Vic was for all intensive purposes done.... I made the move because I was going to make a change of philosophy and try and play Def and focus on pitching. Then I realized I could still do that in Colorado and moved back.

Q: Which Mile High Club player, past or present, have the fans in Colorado been most fond of, and why?
A:
Vic Mullins has to be the man here, However some other fan favorites have been - John Overby, George Harding, Mateo Johnson, Diego Santigo, Trinidad Beltran, and Luther Mathews. Mullins was just a stud and he came to play every day. He looked to hit bombs but most importantly he wanted to win and he helped he young guys.
Overby was the ACE.... When he started we sold out the place every time.
Now I fully expect
Lucas Martin, Terry White, Delino Frias, and Yorvit Vincente to be add this list if I can keep them all in Colorado somehow.

Q: Which Mile High Club player, past or present, the fans have the highest hopes for, only to have them dashed by poor performance?
A: Pretty much every pitcher I bring up to early... ha-ha one guy I would say maybe fits this question might be Diego Santiago. Even though he was a huge part of our early success his injuries really limited his success and had a huge impact on his numbers.


Q: Which NL team do you consider to be your biggest rival?
A: This is a very simple question. The New York Burros. He always has a great team. He constantly trades away vets and keeps his payroll super low. It's a great strategy I just don't like it when it comes at the expense of new owners. It hasn't been as bad lately but I also haven't been paying too much attention to all the trades that are going on either.
I know he will take exception to this but just the way I see it. But I also have to tip my hat to him for getting it done season after season.


Q: What prospect in your system do you have the highest hopes for?
A: HAHA they are already in the Majors..... Martin, White, Vincente, and starters Royce Hurst and Steve O'Malley. In the minors I really need to Jose Pena to become a big league CF. I have a few young potential defense studs with no bats at SS that I would like to see become relevant for the big squad.

Q: What players on your team (past/present) have had the best nicknames?
A:
Vic "muscles" Mullins, Clarence "Judge" Thompson, Luther "Lucifer" Mathews

Q: What player on your team has the best theme music?
A:
Vic Mullins.... Simply the Best

Q: In closing, please list the players who have played on your team that you feel are Hall of Fame worthy?
A:
Edgardo Alamanzar, George Harding, Trinidad Beltran, I know John Overby will never get in but I would love to see him there. Maybe even Aaron Stone... he never played full time but he hit the shit out of the ball. Maybe Mateo Johnson should get a look.


Saturday, March 13, 2010

Power rankings Ryan Week 3

  1. Wichita (1) – Sp Alex Wang could sit the rest of the season and still win the Cy Young in the AL he has been that good. 19-1 1.91 ERA. RATING 566
  2. Toledo (2.) Albert Frazier should get meet auto nomination status this week to the Hall with his 500th HR. He just needs 1 more. RATING 521.5
  3. New York (NL) (3)– The Question that haunts me, does NY give Trenidad Beltran a chance to play in the Bigs when rosters expand so he can add to his career leading hit total (2611) before he surely retires? Rating 508.25
  4. Cheyenne (6) –Kiki Sota collected Win #200 this past week, welcome to the club. Member #4. Chris Durbin should collect his 10 stolen bases this week and break career base 1000. RATING 486.75
  5. Madison (9 ) Moving steadily up the charts, but hardly overpowering anyone, relief pitching has been far from stable and could could cost the team in the playoffs. RATING 473.75
  6. Colorado Springs (11) The Bullpen situation still concerns me. How does York Bradford blow 7 saves and still have an era under 4? . RATING 453.
  7. Philadelphia (4) Heres a good indicator that your team is in trouble
    RATING 429.395
  8. Salem (8) - 1B Thomas Campbell has hashed out one of the most underrated Hall of Fame career's ever imagined. He has silently won 2 MVPs 5 All star nods, and a few silver Slugger awards. This season I would expect him to add a gold glove for his 1st base playmore than 50% of your starts are not quality starts for the pitchers.
    RATING 429.375
  9. Austin (10) in the wake of one of Austin's best seasons Calvin Coco is having his worst season. He should recover and really could be the final push for the playoffs. –RATING 411.875
  10. Chicago (12) This might be the best fielding infield the league has seen in a long time each guy has plus plays and limited Errors you need to beat this team with legitamate offense everyday. RATING 408.875
  11. Memphis (7) – Devistating arm injury to starting pitcher Elvis Borland might spell the end forMemphis's great season. They now rest their hopes on unproven rookie Wilson Dolan. RATING 399.5
  • Florida (5) – SP Albert Maurer is pitching like a man possessed, he's 15-5 with a 3.35 ERA for the season well exceeding his career numbers.RATING 393.875
  • Colorado (14) - RP Andres Osuna still has not played himself out of a job. He's 3-4 with a 10+ era. RATING 382.5
  • Las Vegas (17) – Vinny Hernandez, makes the most intrigueing case for the Hall of Fame of anyone who sits on the fence. Injuries derailed him from superstardom but here he sits in the top 50 of almost every statistical category. (He's 58 in HR). He has been a silver slugger 1 time and never an all-star. Let the debate begin. RATING 379.5
  • Monterrey (23) – The Metro's are in desperate need of pitching help. Their Pen is so shallow that they have had to lean on guys like Felipe Gabriel and Alfredo Feliz who have no business getting quality innings in Pro Ball.. RATING 352.625
  • Norfolk (13) –C Tori Hanson has been a nice suprise in his 3 seasons he averages no less than 20 hrs and 70 RBIRATING 336.625
  • Columbus (16) STEROID ALERT: 1B Bo Glanville has taken his game to another level this season batting 50 points higher than his career average and already closing in on his Career high HR totals. RATING 313.875
  • Milwaukee(18)- A number of big trades before the deadline and this is a new look team, bt have they addressed their issues in Milwaukee, as the season drags on we will see. RATING 300.375
  • New York(AL) (15)- only 1 season removed from a 40+ save effort for Wichita Luther Matthews looks to be a shadow of his former self battling a near 8 ERA and 2 for 5 in save situations. RATING 298.375
  • Salt Lake City (21). 3 starting pitchers have been lost to injury in the past 2 weeks, there goes this feel good story, still looking like a pretty job turn around job for a noob. RATING 279.875
  • Texas (25) – Offensive has been very dry as indicated by Part-timer Eric Ford almost leading the team in offense this season. The Sparkplug to the offense should not be a guy in his twilight. RATING 259
  • Kansas City (20) – 10 more RBI and Freddie Reynolds makes 2000 career RBIs RATING 255.625
  • Pittsburgh(19) 3B Shaggy Inglett's jump from Rookie ball to ML action has not gone as smnoothly as hoped. He has struggled in the field in the tune of 23 erros and a 93% fielding record. He has also struggled at the plate and running the field. On this team the learning curve will be sharp. RATING 245.5
  • Washington D.C. (26) –Winning at home and losing on the road, Washington needs to straighten out those road whoas if they want to continue above .500 RATING 243.125
  • Montgomery(24) The Papers in Montgomery are all over Ace Francis Charlton who after a mini meltdown sports a 4.21 ERA with a OBA of .273 –RATING 235.125
  • Louisville (27) – 1B Stubby Wilson will probably never win many awards but what he gives a team is one hell of an effort at the plate. IN everyday action he is on pace for 30 HR and 100 RBI all while batting near .300 on the season. RATING 231.75
  • Minnesota (22) - CF Nicky Stewart is having a fine softmore season projecting to career highs in almost every statistical category. He has been a reason for the team's near .500 record. RATING 216.875
  • Burlington (28) – SS Steven Jenner's injury forces the Storms hands and makes them play defensive stud Brent Shefield for the next week. Jenner has never been one for superior hitting but he does seem to provide a solid offensive spark that they now lack. RATING 204.125
  • St. Louis (29) – The pitching has shown such poise in st. Louis they keep the games so close, but the Offense has been beyond lackadazical. They might look to shake up the order some to find a spark. RATING 147.5
  • Durham (30) All and all I don't believe the pitching is as bad as they have performed I think more likely they are being asked to pitching over their limits. In limited pitch counts Graham Green and Carter Warden have had past success. RATING 129.75
  • Atlanta (31). Plain and simple D'Angelo Cervantes should not be a starting Shortstop, I'm not sure he should be a starting Left fielder. RATING 75
  • Toronto(32)- It is looking like we needed to replace the replacement owner from lack of interest. Sad state of affairs in Toronto, The new owner has been aggressively moving players and trying to field a competitive team resulting in a winning week. RATING 38.25
  • AL South S15 Draft Review


    Louisville Loud Mouths

    Round

    Pick

    Player

    Pos

    Age

    Back-
    ground

    Bonus

    Potential

    SUMMARY

    1

    18

    Emilio Batista

    C

    18

    HS

    $2,410K

    ML

    Might be the best Catcher in the Draft, but that's not saying much. While he is a capable dish minder and can handle a pitching staff well enough, his splits and batting eye are AAA caliber. He is going to be a fun ride in the Major Leagues

    2

    82

    Eric Scoroposki

    1B

    20

    JC

    $550K

    AAA

    Defensively weak at 1B but he has good power along with a decent batting eye. His downfall with be his poor splits and poor contact. AAA or bust

    3

    115

    Kent Rogers

    LF

    21

    COL

    ---

    AAA

    Average hothead with no chance in hell to make the major leagues

    4

    147

    Orber Rodriguez

    2B

    19

    JC

    $350K

    AAA

    Better skill than Rodgers 30 picks later, but better suited for LF. He is still an average hitter but seems the ball better off the bat.

    5

    179

    Damaso Mercado

    RF

    18

    HS

    ---

    AA

    He's go fast he will over run the bag at 1st and be thrown out in right field. That's all if he could hit the ball

    SUMMARY: They do need a catcher, but this years catcher crop was poor Batista is an interesting experiment to see how he performs though, I think I would give him a chance to start everyday on my team when he develops. The rest of the draft bring not much satisfaction.

    Grade: D+


    Montgomery Scott

    Round

    Pick

    Player

    Pos

    Age

    Back-
    ground

    Bonus

    Potential

    SUMMARY

    1

    13

    Malcolm Rupe

    P

    18

    HS

    ---

    ML SP #1

    Top flight starter who should be an anchor for the Scott pitching staff for many season's once he develops some. He has 4 pitches to match his good control and splits. He is what you look for to fall to you with a mid 1st round pick

    2

    77

    Tim Swann

    3B

    18

    HS

    $1,500K

    AAA

    Poor runner on a strong swinign outfielder. Don't expect him to hit for average for long, but do expect him to knock the crap out of the ball when he does get a hold of it. Probably will end up In AAA knocking in runs

    3

    110

    Brandon Flores

    SS

    21

    COL

    $425K

    AAA

    Defensive specialist, he doesn't offer enough at the plate or on the base path to merit a long look in the Bigs., but if you needed a guy to field during an injury situation you might have your man for the short term

    4

    142

    Ray Woolf

    SS

    22

    COL

    $300K

    AAA

    Okay speed and an average hitter, but not a SS maybe you get away with him in the OF, but I think you can do better.

    5

    174

    Thomas Harper

    RF

    20

    JC

    $250K

    AAA

    Another average guy, but when you get a slid player in the 5th round you can be happy, he doesn't do much in the Majors but he might help a minor league club more than the average 5th round pick.

    SUMMARY: Based on Rupe alone the grade is a B. The rest of the draft isn't anything special but will have good minor league roles and should be fine additions to the lower rosters, but only Rupe is special enough to be a ML'er

    Grade: B


    St. Louis Rustlers

    Round

    Pick

    Player

    Pos

    Age

    Back-
    ground

    Bonus

    Potential

    SUMMARY

    1

    1

    Neal Robinson

    CF

    19

    JC

    $4,000K

    ML Superstar.

    He goes number 1 for a reason, a multi-talented superstar, 5 tools in speed, power, contact, fielding, and running. He could shoot up through the minors, but his low makeup should dictate a slower ascent. If St. Louis is patient they could have the best pure hitter the league has seen since Matt Shave was drafted.

    2

    65

    Mike Thomson

    CF

    22

    COL

    $550K

    ML

    Great speed and base running and a good center field candidate, has an issue identifying pitches in the zone so he will strike out more than you want a no power guy to do, but he has solid ML chops

    3

    97

    Buddy King

    3B

    18

    HS

    $425K

    4A

    Poor splits and a poor fielder, King does have ML Power, but I'm not sure he will get long to showcase that

    4

    130

    Benny De La Vega

    P

    19

    JC

    $350K

    ML Spot ST

    Solid 4th round pitcher with good splits and solid control, he has average stamina and slightly better pitch selection, but in the 4th round he is gold.

    5

    162

    Ajax Lowery

    RF

    22

    COL

    $250K

    4A

    All power and not much contact, he is a below average RF but will turn in a surprise once in a while. He is not going to hit for big average but should be a fine injury replacement for the short term

    SUMMARY: #1 pick is one thing, but to draw 5 potential ML players is always good news. Only time will tell us the real story of Robinson. He has the potential to be a HOF, but the makeup to spoil it if not handled right.

    Grade: A+


    Texas Tornadoes

    Round

    Pick

    Player

    Pos

    Age

    Back-
    ground

    Bonus

    Potential

    SUMMARY

    1

    21

    Jared Malone

    SS

    18

    HS

    ---

    Ml All-star

    How does Malone fall to Texas with the 21st pick, god only knows but he is a beauty at this spot, a great SSwith above average bat and speed, he might not be a superstar, but he should collect a few trophies along the way.

    1

    26

    Henry Glass

    SS

    20

    JC

    $1,660K

    Ml SS

    Solid fielder and average hitter and runner if he played anywhere but SS he might not make the league, but guess what he plays a pretty good SS.

    1

    38

    Eric Thebeau

    P

    21

    COL

    $800K

    Ml #3 SP

    Great Stamina and control, solid splits, average pitch selection. He will have a number of good years in the Major Leagues similar to Fonville in makeup but with worse splits and better pitches expect similar results though

    1

    54

    Yamil Servet

    P

    19

    JC

    $600K

    ML #5

    Solid Pitcher with 2 great pitches and a pair more of solid stuff, he has above average splits and control and should be a solid ML'er for a number of seasons

    2

    85

    Adam Ellis

    P

    22

    COL

    $550K

    AAA

    Poor splits and poor pitch selection dooms him to a minor league work horse career eating those minor league innings.

    3

    118

    Justin Jefferies

    CF

    20

    JC

    $425K

    AAA

    Middle of the road in almost all categories will help him go unnoticed and disappear in 4 seasons

    4

    150

    Alex Sanchez

    2B

    22

    COL

    $350K

    AA

    Even less average and he might disappear in less than 4 years.

    5

    182

    Andrew Murphy

    SS

    18

    HS

    $250K

    AAA

    He can field at the minor league level, but his mixed bat might keep him from bringing that to the ML

    SUMMARY: Scored on all 4 of their 1st round picks which is a great haul for any draft. To find both Malone and Thebeau at those picks was quite a catch.
    Grade: A