This is the first of many "Where are they series" I will try to get as many drafts done as possible.I noticed on another blog how the bloggster went back to see how the draft picks from season 1 turned out.And I thought you all might enjoy seeing where they are now.
Rich Ward has the distinction of being the very first pick in Wrigleyville.And for ever be known as Rich(Number 1)Ward.Rich has outlasted seven owners since he was drafted and has just agreed to an arb contract for 2.1 Mil.Ward was a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger in rookie ball.Then disappeared from the radar till season 4 where he won the AAA GG and SS award.He was called up to the ML half way thru season 5 and was starting at 2B.But in his first 2 1/2 years he was booting the ball like a rugby player.He committed 53 errors and was moved to 3rd base where he has blossomed.Since his conversion Ward has committed only 10 errors in 1 1/2 years.This was the main reason he won last seasons GG and SS at 3rd base.Will he stay at 3rd or will jared try him at 2b or CF?These are good questions. When I look at his defensive numbers he looks better at those positions than 3rd.But hey what do I know?
Vic Chavez Was the #2 pick in the draft and has just added a World Series Championship Ring to collection.Chavez spent just 3 seasons in the minors before being called up in season 4.he won 2 SS awards in his Minor league career and played in two all-star games.Since being called up to The bigs,He won a SS in the 6th season.But Vic's talent is in swiping bases.Brother hide your wallets cause this kid is a klepto.He has stolen 207 bases while being caught only 30 times.And in last years playoffs was almost perfect stealing 10 out of 11.I don't know if rugby has this guy hitting 1st or 2nd but I'm gonna nickname him the "Busser".Cause he can set the Table for the Sluggers.
Ewell Morris the #3 pick has been a great player so far.Kumbia has brought this kid along nicely.In his 5 seasons in the minors he won 3 SS and played in 3 All-Star games.When he was finally brought up to the Bigs he won the rookie of the year award.And has made the All-Star team both seasons.He just went to Arb and signed a 1.8 mil contract.Defensively he is not the greatest 2 baseman but with the offensive numbers he puts up .Who cares? Kumbia has Blue chip player here and soon he'll be making some big bucks.
Stan Fassero was originally drafted #4 by the Texas franchise which is now the Tampa Bay team.Stan only spent 1 full season in the minors, when he was called up to the Bigs in season2.He played for the Stars in until midway in season 4. Then he as traded to the Moose.He's had an un-remarkable career where he was awarded GG in season 6.Then last season he was traded to Wichita.Now that Wylie owns the old Witchita team, he's already traded Fassero to The Manatee's.The question is will Stan finally live up to his abilities in Jacksonville? Maybe,I'm sure Sand will light a fire under his Ass.
Timo Mahoney was selected 5TH overall by the Indianapolis Clowns which is now the Boston Blue Sox.After enduring 3 owner changes,he was dealt to the Moose in season 7.After spending 3+ years in the minors, with only a All-Star appearance to show for it.Timo was called up to the bigs where he hasn't been bad but hasn't lived up to a top 5 pick so far.But with a World Series Ring on his Finger. He probably would tell me to go to Hell.And i will admit he pitched nicely in the Playoffs starting 5 games and had a record of 3-0 with a ERA of 3.74.To hell indeed.
J T Nichols was drafted #6 by the Tacoma Toyotas where he still remains.Sandberg drafted this Slugger, and hes been a solid player since being promoted to the Bigs in season 3.After appearing in the AA All-Star game in season 3 he was called up and has won two SS and played in another All-Star Game.Man I look at the numbers this guy has put up and how he hasn't won more stuff is beyond me.in 5 1/2 seasons he has belted 276 homers and has driven in 689 RBI's while hitting .289 .Well keep swinging Nichols soon someone will notice.
Trace Blum was selected #7 and was never signed.
Luis Guzman was the #8 overall pick and was selected by Durham Bombers. The Bombers were bought by Illicit in season 2, and are now the Nashville Posse.Guzman spent the first 4 1/2 years of his career in the Minors.Where he picked up a SS and appeared in 1 All-Star Game.Since his promotion to the ML squad, Luis hasn't won any awards. Which is suprising because his numbers are Sick.This kid can do it all Hit ,Field and Defend.Maybe he was brought up to fast? But my guess is he will break out soon and win some hardware.
Jody Perez was taken 9th by the Honolulu Koas. And they were bought by sonneboy in season 2, then moved to Anaheim.Sonneboy brought this kid along slowly by keeping him in the minors for 5 seasons.One curious note: He had a overall drop off in season3 and played only half a season. But I can find no stay on the Dl at that time.Perhaps Sonne doesn't like to use the DL in the minors?Even if he did drop off that season. He came back the next year and made his only All-Star appearence.Perez is getting better every year, and if he keeps improving.He will be a Perrenial All-Star.
Ross Bush was selected 10th by the Las Angeles Patriots, Now called the San Diego Salmonbellies.In season 3 the then owner of the Tuscon Ticks traded Ross to the Tacoma Toyotas.In his four full years in the Minors he picked up a ROY and made an appearence in 1 All-Star game.Since his call up in Season 5 he has had an up and down Career.With his best season in year 6 he hurled a 15-5 record.From looking at his numbers his problem is his splits.Rated in the high 50's to low 60's he will be solid but not a super-star.
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