Who Should Have Won the MVP? In my opinion the MVP should go to a player that not only has great offensive stats but should also be of value defensively. Not saying a DH shouldn’t win the award but he better hit like crazy. Also an MVP should lift his team to another level. Finishing out of the playoffs is not something an MVP should be remembered for. So in that case I am only looking at players who were at least within 5 games of making the playoffs.
Minnesota: 96-66 1st place in North, Had many players with incredible seasons…too many players actually.
Alan Sadler RF 51-125 .309-.401 8 Assists.
Gerry Allen DH 50-139 .302-.382 Silver Slugger
Vic Blanco 2nd 46-113 .292-.353 Gold Glove.
Kirt Crane 3rd 41-112-15 .279-.343 Silver Slugger
It would be tough to vote for any of these players since they are all equally good. Blanco played the most difficult position of the 4, and won the Gold Glove. He would be my choice as a Nominee from Minnesota. Don’t forget Velazquez who played SS and swatted 38 homers and Norm Adams who won the Silver Slugger in CF while batting .347 with 130 runs.
Toronto: 92-70 2nd in North, 2nd WC team. Made the playoffs for the 10th straight season and that has to count for something.
Virgil Rodriguez 2nd 41-99-37 .314-.388 Silver Slugger
Carl Cameron LF 39-96-2 .318-.382
Not much overwhelming talent here. Rodriguez plays a solid 2nd base and was almost a 40/40 man. Toronto did however have 7 other players with 24+ homers in there lineup.
Dover: 86-76 1st in East won division by 4 games. No amazing years which makes there playoff appearance all the more impressive.
F.P. Koskie 1st 36-108 .339-.410 Rookie Year
Parker Bennett RF 36-108-9 .315-.392
Santos Guerrero 2nd 19-83-52 .304-.365
Just snuck into the playoffs for the 1st time since season 7. Guerreo played the most difficult position and had in my opinion the best season offensively for the Demon dogs.
New York: 83-79 2nd in East, 4 games out of playoffs. Magnante won the actual Al MVP.
Tanner Magnante 1st 38-125 .343-.442 Silver Slugger (Actual MVP)
Dan Jones LF 44-123-14 .270-.340
Michael McDonald DH/C 31-107 .316-.405
Johnnie Haselman 2nd 49-136 .244-.310
Despite not making the playoffs they do have the leagues MVP on the roster. I would have to disagree because if he was so good they should have won more then 83 games, especially with that support staff around him.
New Orleans: 102-60 1st in South. Too good to matter.
Brad Yashian 3rd/RF 50-133-11 .258-.335
Jumbo Neruda 2nd 40-113-44 .304-.397
Felipe Pescado 1st 38-127 .307-403
Mark Jones SS 33-107-15 .289-.349
Hector Gonzales C 40-91 .270-.351
5 players had MVP caliber seasons which hurts all of their chances at being the MVP. Neruda another 2nd baseman in my mind had the most complete season of all.
Florida: 99-63 2nd in South, #1 WC team. Well Balanced
Miguel Palacios RF 42-138-7 .320-.415 Silver Slugger
Eric Murphy C 37-108 .264-.342
Lance Kelleher DH 27-100 .325-.401
Gene Oquist 1st 21-122 .343-.413 Gold Glove
Bruce King 2nd 25-94-20 .324-.401
Another 5 players with great seasons. Palacios had the best season offensively, but Oquist grabbed a Gold Glove even if it is only at 1st base.
Boise: 104-58 1st in West. Had a great season with limited offense.
Alfonso Tejera LF 43-145-16 .323-.380 Gold Glove, Silver Slugger
Olmedo Rivas C/DH 53-113 .292-.356 Silver Slugger
This team won 104 games and didn’t get much respect in the MVP voting. Tejera won a gold glove and the silver slugger for the best regular season team in the AL.
MY FIVE FINALISTS
1. Vic Blanco A Gold Glover at 2nd, team won 99 games as he drove in 113 runs.
2. Alfonso Tejera Gold Glove/Silver Slugger…best team in baseball, best player on it.
3. Jumbo Neruda maybe two many quality players for him to win but you cant deny a 40/40 man who plays the middle infield.
4. Tanner Magnante actually won the award so I have to include him. Might not have even been the best player on New York.
5. Santos Guerrero best player on a team with limited offense. Without him they are nothing.
My Vote: Alfonso Tejera should have won this award hands down!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Draft Summary Part 10 of 10
Toledo Tornados (NL)
Eddie Post 1st Round (22nd) Gold Glove type defense at SS, hits well enough to play everyday. Might need to sit against the tougher right handers.
Chuck Meyers 1st round (35th) Speedy Corner outfielder, can hit double digit homers and steal 30 bases. Ideal for a bottom of the order hitter.
Shane Thomas 2nd Round (58th) Good guy off the bench, corner infield and outfield, might play everyday against lefties and could hit 10 homers in 200 at bats.
Joey Newman 2nd Round (74th) Good relief pitcher, wont be a star but will be good to eat innings late in the game.
Draft Grade: B, 2 everyday players just blow star level, utility player and some bull pen help.
Toronto Toros (AL)
Eugene Carlson 1st Round (21st) Future closer, splits aren’t great but better the average, 2 great pitches and pinpoint control.
Andrew Reed 2nd Round (73rd) Most likely a bench player, 300 ab’s would see .265/15 homers and 10-12 steals, while playing RF and LF.
Darby Johnson 3rd Round (105th) Great eyes and kills righties. No real position. How do you start a DH that only hits 10 homers, even if he hits .330
Santiago James 4th Round (137th) Decent splits and 1 awesome pitch, control will keep him on the bus back and forth to the minors.
Edgar Martinez 5th round (169th) Power hitting RF that will never start so shouldn’t have been mentioned anyway.
Adrian McCallum 6th Round (201st) awesome defensive catcher that will start against lefties and hit 250.
Draft Grade: C+ , If Darby Johnson can develop at all this could be a nice draft…right now it is just a bunch of solid utilities and a super closer.
Vancouver Villians (AL)
Shane Coffman 1st round (15th) My choice as the best pitcher in the draft. A+ Control, A Splits, 2 excellent pitches and 2 solid ones. Future Cy Young.
Louis Henley 3rd Round (99th) Looks like a very good set up man, great velocity and pitches. Splits and control are good enough.
Josh Piper 4th Round (131st) ideal bench player, can play CF or 2nd and steal bases.
Draft Grade: B+, only three players of note..but one of them might be the best player taken.
Wichita Waffle House Posse (AL)
Clem Scott 1st round (8th) Multi-talented outfielder, Should play solid defense and steal 40+ bases. Might only hit 275-290 but will do it with good power, 25+ homers.
Lyle Wilkins 2nd Round (60th) 10 for 10 in saves in the minors. Probably wont close in the majors but should be better then average set up man.
Todd English 3rd round (92nd) Drafted as a SS, probably will play 3rd. Good corner defense and a solid bat. 270 avg, 18 homers.
Arthur Palmer 4th round (124th) Most likely a back up Catcher. 250 at bats against lefties will see him hit .280/.360obp 10 homers.
Dom Black 5th round (156th) Can play against righties and steal some bases. Solid part timer.
Draft Grade: B, solid draft. Good picks all around.
Eddie Post 1st Round (22nd) Gold Glove type defense at SS, hits well enough to play everyday. Might need to sit against the tougher right handers.
Chuck Meyers 1st round (35th) Speedy Corner outfielder, can hit double digit homers and steal 30 bases. Ideal for a bottom of the order hitter.
Shane Thomas 2nd Round (58th) Good guy off the bench, corner infield and outfield, might play everyday against lefties and could hit 10 homers in 200 at bats.
Joey Newman 2nd Round (74th) Good relief pitcher, wont be a star but will be good to eat innings late in the game.
Draft Grade: B, 2 everyday players just blow star level, utility player and some bull pen help.
Toronto Toros (AL)
Eugene Carlson 1st Round (21st) Future closer, splits aren’t great but better the average, 2 great pitches and pinpoint control.
Andrew Reed 2nd Round (73rd) Most likely a bench player, 300 ab’s would see .265/15 homers and 10-12 steals, while playing RF and LF.
Darby Johnson 3rd Round (105th) Great eyes and kills righties. No real position. How do you start a DH that only hits 10 homers, even if he hits .330
Santiago James 4th Round (137th) Decent splits and 1 awesome pitch, control will keep him on the bus back and forth to the minors.
Edgar Martinez 5th round (169th) Power hitting RF that will never start so shouldn’t have been mentioned anyway.
Adrian McCallum 6th Round (201st) awesome defensive catcher that will start against lefties and hit 250.
Draft Grade: C+ , If Darby Johnson can develop at all this could be a nice draft…right now it is just a bunch of solid utilities and a super closer.
Vancouver Villians (AL)
Shane Coffman 1st round (15th) My choice as the best pitcher in the draft. A+ Control, A Splits, 2 excellent pitches and 2 solid ones. Future Cy Young.
Louis Henley 3rd Round (99th) Looks like a very good set up man, great velocity and pitches. Splits and control are good enough.
Josh Piper 4th Round (131st) ideal bench player, can play CF or 2nd and steal bases.
Draft Grade: B+, only three players of note..but one of them might be the best player taken.
Wichita Waffle House Posse (AL)
Clem Scott 1st round (8th) Multi-talented outfielder, Should play solid defense and steal 40+ bases. Might only hit 275-290 but will do it with good power, 25+ homers.
Lyle Wilkins 2nd Round (60th) 10 for 10 in saves in the minors. Probably wont close in the majors but should be better then average set up man.
Todd English 3rd round (92nd) Drafted as a SS, probably will play 3rd. Good corner defense and a solid bat. 270 avg, 18 homers.
Arthur Palmer 4th round (124th) Most likely a back up Catcher. 250 at bats against lefties will see him hit .280/.360obp 10 homers.
Dom Black 5th round (156th) Can play against righties and steal some bases. Solid part timer.
Draft Grade: B, solid draft. Good picks all around.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Draft Summary Part 9 of 10
San Juan Tax Evaders (NL)
Alexander Lawrence 1st Round (17th) Looks like a pretty solid SP, a little weak against lefties, his pitches and control should make up for it.
Brandon Musial 3rd Round (101st) Good defense and decent eye. Will spend time on the bench before shuffling between teams and the minors for a few years.
Cecil Posey 4th round (133rd) A solid set up pitcher. Lacks the great pitch that could make him a closer.
Draft Grade: C-. Lost their second pick which hurts. No one picked will change the futue of the Evaders.
St. Louis Ogres (NL)
Tim Parker 1st round (13th) Awesome splits and pitches. His control is suspect. Might prevent him from being the best closer in the league.
Bruce Waltman 1st Round (52nd) Interesting player, wont hit many homers (20) but will hit for a decent average. 275+. But will strike out a lot. Tough player to gage.
Perry Valdes 2nd Round (65th) Solid defensive shortstop. Will get to play at the big league level though will probably never shine.
Ted Duckworth 4th Round (129th) Speed on the bases and in the field. Nothing else to offer.
Draft Grade: B-, some very interesting players that if they develop correctly could be stars.
Tacoma Taliban (AL)
Graham Heving 1st Round (6th) Has some great skills but doesn’t project to be an ace. Probably a 3 or 4 SP.
Brett Durham 1st Round (43rd) Hits righties very well. Could platoon in the OF but doesn’t have the power or speed to start in LF or RF.
Dennis Leach 1st round (50th) mop up pitcher due to awful splits.
James Gallagher 4th Round (122nd) Lefty platoon catcher with adequate defense.
Draft Grade C+, lots of useable bodies but no stars that I can see.
Alexander Lawrence 1st Round (17th) Looks like a pretty solid SP, a little weak against lefties, his pitches and control should make up for it.
Brandon Musial 3rd Round (101st) Good defense and decent eye. Will spend time on the bench before shuffling between teams and the minors for a few years.
Cecil Posey 4th round (133rd) A solid set up pitcher. Lacks the great pitch that could make him a closer.
Draft Grade: C-. Lost their second pick which hurts. No one picked will change the futue of the Evaders.
St. Louis Ogres (NL)
Tim Parker 1st round (13th) Awesome splits and pitches. His control is suspect. Might prevent him from being the best closer in the league.
Bruce Waltman 1st Round (52nd) Interesting player, wont hit many homers (20) but will hit for a decent average. 275+. But will strike out a lot. Tough player to gage.
Perry Valdes 2nd Round (65th) Solid defensive shortstop. Will get to play at the big league level though will probably never shine.
Ted Duckworth 4th Round (129th) Speed on the bases and in the field. Nothing else to offer.
Draft Grade: B-, some very interesting players that if they develop correctly could be stars.
Tacoma Taliban (AL)
Graham Heving 1st Round (6th) Has some great skills but doesn’t project to be an ace. Probably a 3 or 4 SP.
Brett Durham 1st Round (43rd) Hits righties very well. Could platoon in the OF but doesn’t have the power or speed to start in LF or RF.
Dennis Leach 1st round (50th) mop up pitcher due to awful splits.
James Gallagher 4th Round (122nd) Lefty platoon catcher with adequate defense.
Draft Grade C+, lots of useable bodies but no stars that I can see.
Draft Summary Part 8 of 10
Norfolk Warheads (AL)
Brian Michalak 1st Round (29th) Solid backend rotation starter. Will log lots of innings and have an ERA around 4.00
James Broussard
2nd Round (81st) Smooth swing and knows the strike zone. Wont hit for much power but can hit over 300 for sure.
Tony Tamura 3rd round (113th) Decent catcher, who will spend more time on the bench then on the field.
Justin Jones 4th Round (145th) A little bit of a wild thing but if he can get his control figured out will be a strong member of the bullpen.
Draft Grade: B. Picked late and were unable to score there compensation pick to a contract. Still did a good job getting three potential starters and a nice bench player.
Oklahoma City Rustlerz (NL)
Felipe Reyes 1st Round (4th) Only weakness is stamina, is an A or A+ prospect in every other catergory. Will get into the rotation regardless.
Hal Williams 2nd Round (56th) Probably best suited as a platoon leftfielder against lefties. Will get on base and steal bases at will
Billy Ray Dirks 3rd Round (88th) another useful bench/platoon player. Good speed and defense good enough for 2nd/3rd.
Stephen Reynolds 5th Round (152nd) bench outfielder, could hit 260 with 10 homers in 300 at bats…if he is given that many for some reason.
Draft Grade: C+, got the star that every team wants, beyond that just some filler players.
Philadelphia Flyin' Hawaiians (AL)
Lyle Tessmer 1st round (9th) A major league shortstop who isn’t great at anything or bad at anything. 280 avg, 10 homers 10 steals. Passable defense.
Don Tolar 5th round (157th) Solid setup b, will eat innings and losses.
Draft Grade: D, the short stop is pretty good, he is not worthy of a top ten pick. Gave away all their other picks as compensation.
San Jose Giants (AL)
Raymond Morton 1st Round (1st) good bet he will be an ace. Not sure if he will be a star though. 3rd pitch is a little weak.
Draft Grade: C-, unable to sign two players and lost 1 pick to compensation. Gambled on the free agents and so far they have lost.
Brian Michalak 1st Round (29th) Solid backend rotation starter. Will log lots of innings and have an ERA around 4.00
James Broussard
2nd Round (81st) Smooth swing and knows the strike zone. Wont hit for much power but can hit over 300 for sure.
Tony Tamura 3rd round (113th) Decent catcher, who will spend more time on the bench then on the field.
Justin Jones 4th Round (145th) A little bit of a wild thing but if he can get his control figured out will be a strong member of the bullpen.
Draft Grade: B. Picked late and were unable to score there compensation pick to a contract. Still did a good job getting three potential starters and a nice bench player.
Oklahoma City Rustlerz (NL)
Felipe Reyes 1st Round (4th) Only weakness is stamina, is an A or A+ prospect in every other catergory. Will get into the rotation regardless.
Hal Williams 2nd Round (56th) Probably best suited as a platoon leftfielder against lefties. Will get on base and steal bases at will
Billy Ray Dirks 3rd Round (88th) another useful bench/platoon player. Good speed and defense good enough for 2nd/3rd.
Stephen Reynolds 5th Round (152nd) bench outfielder, could hit 260 with 10 homers in 300 at bats…if he is given that many for some reason.
Draft Grade: C+, got the star that every team wants, beyond that just some filler players.
Philadelphia Flyin' Hawaiians (AL)
Lyle Tessmer 1st round (9th) A major league shortstop who isn’t great at anything or bad at anything. 280 avg, 10 homers 10 steals. Passable defense.
Don Tolar 5th round (157th) Solid setup b, will eat innings and losses.
Draft Grade: D, the short stop is pretty good, he is not worthy of a top ten pick. Gave away all their other picks as compensation.
San Jose Giants (AL)
Raymond Morton 1st Round (1st) good bet he will be an ace. Not sure if he will be a star though. 3rd pitch is a little weak.
Draft Grade: C-, unable to sign two players and lost 1 pick to compensation. Gambled on the free agents and so far they have lost.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Draft Summary Part 7 of 10
Monterrey Cheeseheads (AL)
Dolf Titan 1st round (7th) all-star ss, 40 homers and 300 avg. Bit of a health risk.
Danny Hoover 2nd round ( 59th) 15 homers, 270 avg. Might not have a good enough bat to play the outfield.
Draft Grade: C+ one of the best players in the draft, and a decent hitter. The rest of the picks have too many flaws to be considered major league material.
New Orleans Freebeads (AL)
Bart Brantley 1st round (23rd) 4th-5th Starter, good control, weak pitches.
Wayne Upshaw 2nd Round (75th) Bench player, needs to improve defense to even have a chance.
Storm Flynn 3rd Round ( 107th) Another bench player, defense is ok, but wont steal any ones playing time.
Juan Guerrero 6th round (203rd) Steal!, good splits and solid pitches, solid set up man.
Draft Grade: D+, weak draft was saved by a pick in the 6th round.
New York Torrones (AL)
Lance Wilkinson 1st round (19th) not great against righties but can still compete for a top 3 spot in the rotation.
Curt Peters 2nd Roud (71st) Great pick for the 2nd round, could as good a closer as anyone else that was picked.
Marvin Tatum 3rd Round (103rd) Another good pick, almost as good a reliever as Peters.
Draft Grade: B, those 3 pitchers are as good as anyone else was able to draft. No bats to speak of though.
Dolf Titan 1st round (7th) all-star ss, 40 homers and 300 avg. Bit of a health risk.
Danny Hoover 2nd round ( 59th) 15 homers, 270 avg. Might not have a good enough bat to play the outfield.
Draft Grade: C+ one of the best players in the draft, and a decent hitter. The rest of the picks have too many flaws to be considered major league material.
New Orleans Freebeads (AL)
Bart Brantley 1st round (23rd) 4th-5th Starter, good control, weak pitches.
Wayne Upshaw 2nd Round (75th) Bench player, needs to improve defense to even have a chance.
Storm Flynn 3rd Round ( 107th) Another bench player, defense is ok, but wont steal any ones playing time.
Juan Guerrero 6th round (203rd) Steal!, good splits and solid pitches, solid set up man.
Draft Grade: D+, weak draft was saved by a pick in the 6th round.
New York Torrones (AL)
Lance Wilkinson 1st round (19th) not great against righties but can still compete for a top 3 spot in the rotation.
Curt Peters 2nd Roud (71st) Great pick for the 2nd round, could as good a closer as anyone else that was picked.
Marvin Tatum 3rd Round (103rd) Another good pick, almost as good a reliever as Peters.
Draft Grade: B, those 3 pitchers are as good as anyone else was able to draft. No bats to speak of though.
Draft Summary Part 6 of 10
Honolulu LuauDawgs (NL)
Walter Wilson 1st round (28th) Potential front line Closer.
Jamie Delahanty 1st round (37th) Gold Glove SS, 30+ steals.
Curt Hernandez 1st round (47th) #4 or 5 starter, great pitches, weak control, kills righties.
Sam Campbell 2nd round (61st) Bench player, COF, 3rd, 2nd
Kelvim Boyle 2nd round (80th) Future pinch-runner, may platoon in LF against lefties.
Wesley Torres 4th round (144th) Nice set up pitcher. Better then average in all areas.
Greg Witt 6th round (208th) Platoon catcher against lefties. Awesome defense.
Draft Grade: B+, no huge bats but 3 major league pitchers, 2 solid defensive starters and a couple of nice bench players. Well done.
Louisville Sluggers (AL)
Aramis Guerrero 1st round (5th) Weak rightie split will keep him from being an ace. Solid 2 or 3 man.
Charles Andrews 2nd round (57th) Future long relief or spot starter.
Preston Jackson 7th round (217Th) Leftie specialist at best.
Draft Grade: D+, Got themselves a top notch pitcher but the rest of the draft is littered with pitchers who will never see the majors.
Mexico City Renegade (NL)
Benjamin Wilson 1st round (10th) top of the order hitter, only weakness is questionable baserunning skills.
Dennis Williams 1st Round (51st) Tail end starter, might get pushed to bullpen because of weak splits.
Darryl Garcia 3rd Round (94th) Probably a mop up man or spot starter.
Draft Grade: C+, got a star and 2 decent pitchers. Missed out in 2nd, 3rd and 4th rounds.
Minnesota Twinkies (AL)
Buck Cohen 1st round (25th) mid rotation starter, low stamina will keep him from stardom.
Marty Brooks 1st round (36th) Will play the hot corner soon enough, 300 hitter with good pop.
Gerald Donnels 2nd round (63rd) long relief pitcher will get the odd start.
Scott Coles 2nd Round (77th) probably play RF, decent defense, 30+ homers and a 260 avg.
Bill Lanigan 3rd round (109th) defense is good enough for LF, bat is good enough to pinch hit when a homer is needed.
Dario Scott 4th round (141st) Splits and control will override weak pitches, Mop up man.
Magglio Lopez 5th round (173rd) SuB, good control and better then average splits. Might see 40 innings a year.
Draft Grade: B, great job for picking so late every round
Walter Wilson 1st round (28th) Potential front line Closer.
Jamie Delahanty 1st round (37th) Gold Glove SS, 30+ steals.
Curt Hernandez 1st round (47th) #4 or 5 starter, great pitches, weak control, kills righties.
Sam Campbell 2nd round (61st) Bench player, COF, 3rd, 2nd
Kelvim Boyle 2nd round (80th) Future pinch-runner, may platoon in LF against lefties.
Wesley Torres 4th round (144th) Nice set up pitcher. Better then average in all areas.
Greg Witt 6th round (208th) Platoon catcher against lefties. Awesome defense.
Draft Grade: B+, no huge bats but 3 major league pitchers, 2 solid defensive starters and a couple of nice bench players. Well done.
Louisville Sluggers (AL)
Aramis Guerrero 1st round (5th) Weak rightie split will keep him from being an ace. Solid 2 or 3 man.
Charles Andrews 2nd round (57th) Future long relief or spot starter.
Preston Jackson 7th round (217Th) Leftie specialist at best.
Draft Grade: D+, Got themselves a top notch pitcher but the rest of the draft is littered with pitchers who will never see the majors.
Mexico City Renegade (NL)
Benjamin Wilson 1st round (10th) top of the order hitter, only weakness is questionable baserunning skills.
Dennis Williams 1st Round (51st) Tail end starter, might get pushed to bullpen because of weak splits.
Darryl Garcia 3rd Round (94th) Probably a mop up man or spot starter.
Draft Grade: C+, got a star and 2 decent pitchers. Missed out in 2nd, 3rd and 4th rounds.
Minnesota Twinkies (AL)
Buck Cohen 1st round (25th) mid rotation starter, low stamina will keep him from stardom.
Marty Brooks 1st round (36th) Will play the hot corner soon enough, 300 hitter with good pop.
Gerald Donnels 2nd round (63rd) long relief pitcher will get the odd start.
Scott Coles 2nd Round (77th) probably play RF, decent defense, 30+ homers and a 260 avg.
Bill Lanigan 3rd round (109th) defense is good enough for LF, bat is good enough to pinch hit when a homer is needed.
Dario Scott 4th round (141st) Splits and control will override weak pitches, Mop up man.
Magglio Lopez 5th round (173rd) SuB, good control and better then average splits. Might see 40 innings a year.
Draft Grade: B, great job for picking so late every round
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Draft Report Part 5 of 10
Florida Fire Sailfish (AL)
Germany Bradley 1st Round (32nd) The 20 year old is tearing up the rookie league so far and looks to be a sure bet for the majors in about 4 seasons. Probably will never be a star but should be able to hit 30 + homers and steal 20+ bases. Will be an ideal 6 or 7 hitter that can play the corner outfield.
Tracy Schlehuber 2nd Round (84th) Finishing with the best record in baseball gets you the last pick in every round. That being said Florida did a good job of getting some useable parts. Schlehuber should be able to start even if it is as a 4 or 5. He will handle a lot of innings and should be close to or at .500 level.
Josh Schneider 3rd Round (116th) Drafted as a catcher, doesn’t call a strong enough game to overlook his very average bat. Will probably top out at AAA.
Deivi Furcal 8th Round (276th) Solid potential set up pitcher, needs a lot of work but with his control and decent splits could eventually make the bigs and be a real draft day steal.
Draft Grade: C, drafting last wont get you any superstars. Florida did their homework though and grabbed some solid players that should be very helpful.
Helena First Knights (NL)
Stuffy Lombardi 1st round (3rd) Maybe not an ace, but should be a solid #2, great control and solid splits and 4 better then average pitches. For a 3rd pick overall he is not great but he could still be a great major league pitcher.
Jeff Grace 1st Round (30th) The first compensation of 5 total, and the first for Darlye Morgan. Great speed and great defense. Will most likely end up batting 9th but stealing bases at will. Should be good for .265 avg, .340 obp and as many steals as the coach will let him try for.
Hulk Morris 1st Round (33rd) Compensation pick for Red Perez. Should be slotted in as a future 3 man in the rotation. His excellent control mixed in with decent splits and maybe the past changeup since Johan Santana. Will give up his share of homers which will prevent him from ever being a superstar.
Ichiro Woo 1st Round (40th) Gold Glove defense at the Short stop position with 20 homer potential. Will only hit about .225 with limited steals. Still not a bad man to handle the middle infield and bat 8th or 9th. The 2nd compensation pick for Morgan.
Giomar Juarez 1st Round (42nd) Compensation pick for Aramis Vizquel. Looks to be a solid bullpen pitcher. Four good pitches and very good control. If he had better stamina would be a great starter. Is 5 for 5 in saves in the minors so far.
Wilton Neill 2nd Round (55th) Is 10-0 in rookie ball, but probably will only be a Long Relief man or at best a SP 5. His mediocre pitches will be the only thing that holds him back.
Richard Reese 3rd Round (87th) Good speed and a good eye will not be enough to get him to the majors. May see some time as a corner outfielder and pinch runner.
Douglas Malone 3rd Round (95th) The last of 5 compensation picks. Pretty good glove and hits righties fairly well. A nice player to have on the bench.
Jesse Shaw 4th Round (119th) Another backend rotation guy. Neither the splits or the pitches to have much impact at the big league level.
Jamey Brower 5th Round (151st) 3rd baseman with incredible power. May end up in the outfield as range is below average for a 3rd baseman. Look for 240 avg, 25-30 homers, 300obp.
Draft Grade: B+, that is a whole lot of major league talent, but I am sure Helena would trade those 10 solid players in for 3 or 4 star players.
Germany Bradley 1st Round (32nd) The 20 year old is tearing up the rookie league so far and looks to be a sure bet for the majors in about 4 seasons. Probably will never be a star but should be able to hit 30 + homers and steal 20+ bases. Will be an ideal 6 or 7 hitter that can play the corner outfield.
Tracy Schlehuber 2nd Round (84th) Finishing with the best record in baseball gets you the last pick in every round. That being said Florida did a good job of getting some useable parts. Schlehuber should be able to start even if it is as a 4 or 5. He will handle a lot of innings and should be close to or at .500 level.
Josh Schneider 3rd Round (116th) Drafted as a catcher, doesn’t call a strong enough game to overlook his very average bat. Will probably top out at AAA.
Deivi Furcal 8th Round (276th) Solid potential set up pitcher, needs a lot of work but with his control and decent splits could eventually make the bigs and be a real draft day steal.
Draft Grade: C, drafting last wont get you any superstars. Florida did their homework though and grabbed some solid players that should be very helpful.
Helena First Knights (NL)
Stuffy Lombardi 1st round (3rd) Maybe not an ace, but should be a solid #2, great control and solid splits and 4 better then average pitches. For a 3rd pick overall he is not great but he could still be a great major league pitcher.
Jeff Grace 1st Round (30th) The first compensation of 5 total, and the first for Darlye Morgan. Great speed and great defense. Will most likely end up batting 9th but stealing bases at will. Should be good for .265 avg, .340 obp and as many steals as the coach will let him try for.
Hulk Morris 1st Round (33rd) Compensation pick for Red Perez. Should be slotted in as a future 3 man in the rotation. His excellent control mixed in with decent splits and maybe the past changeup since Johan Santana. Will give up his share of homers which will prevent him from ever being a superstar.
Ichiro Woo 1st Round (40th) Gold Glove defense at the Short stop position with 20 homer potential. Will only hit about .225 with limited steals. Still not a bad man to handle the middle infield and bat 8th or 9th. The 2nd compensation pick for Morgan.
Giomar Juarez 1st Round (42nd) Compensation pick for Aramis Vizquel. Looks to be a solid bullpen pitcher. Four good pitches and very good control. If he had better stamina would be a great starter. Is 5 for 5 in saves in the minors so far.
Wilton Neill 2nd Round (55th) Is 10-0 in rookie ball, but probably will only be a Long Relief man or at best a SP 5. His mediocre pitches will be the only thing that holds him back.
Richard Reese 3rd Round (87th) Good speed and a good eye will not be enough to get him to the majors. May see some time as a corner outfielder and pinch runner.
Douglas Malone 3rd Round (95th) The last of 5 compensation picks. Pretty good glove and hits righties fairly well. A nice player to have on the bench.
Jesse Shaw 4th Round (119th) Another backend rotation guy. Neither the splits or the pitches to have much impact at the big league level.
Jamey Brower 5th Round (151st) 3rd baseman with incredible power. May end up in the outfield as range is below average for a 3rd baseman. Look for 240 avg, 25-30 homers, 300obp.
Draft Grade: B+, that is a whole lot of major league talent, but I am sure Helena would trade those 10 solid players in for 3 or 4 star players.
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