Thursday, October 28, 2010

Wrigleyville Power Rankings S12.1

The power rankings are making their first appearance of season 12 fashionably late this season, mainly a result of my forgetting about them. My apologies the Ville's owners. Monumental surprise in the first edition this season.....

1. Tampa Bay (1st NL South)
The Stars have unseated the mighty Kickapoos despite three less wins than mark's bunch. The 11 straight that jmas's guys have wrung up recently puts them atop the league.
Record: 69-33

2. Helena (1st AL West)
No Kickapoos here either. sordie and his Moonbats are competing for the title of the class of the AL. Much like Tampa, the Moonbats are riding an extreme win streak to the top of the Ville's power rankings.
Record: 68-34

3. San Francisco (1st NL West)
You didn't think that mark's crew would really be too far down, did you? The Kickapoos seem to have had a somewhat down season, but you couldn't tell it since they're the winningest team in baseball.....again.
Record: 72-30

4. Hartford (1st AL East)
The Whalers..er, Crushers appear to have recovered from their fall from grace in the East last season, when they finished 3rd. aromano's boys currently have the second best record in the AL, and the distance between them and the next is not even close.
Record: 67-35

5. Kansas City (1st NL North)
The Spittoons have ridden the big bats of Vic Velasquez and Tyrone Beck to a 9 game lead over their North brethren. The sweep of Milwaukee they just wrapped up certainly helped.
Record: 63-39

6. Syracuse (1st NL East)
The MOOSEN haven't had to deal with rbedwell's Crabbers this season....or any of the rest of the NL East. Barring a collapse the likes of which we haven't seen since the Mets of a few years ago, rugby should be coasting to the division championship.
Record: 66-36

7. Indianapolis (2nd AL East)
Just when ardthomp thought he was going to have a clear path to the division championship (thanks to Boston's amazing collapse), Hartford jumps back into the picture and thwarts the Indians' clear path.
Record: 59-43

8. Tucson (2nd NL West)
Even in a rebuilding season, snowedin's guys are second in the division. You have to wonder if he owns the deed to that position since he's been there each of the last six seasons.
Record: 54-48

9. Memphis (1st AL South)
The reigning world champs have a slim lead over the AL South, but until tchagnon is unseated, can't count the Blues out. It must be good to be the champ...
Record: 53-49

10. Jacksonville (2nd NL South)
The fightin' Manatees appear to be in the midst of a resurgence this season. Sure, they're 17 back in the division race, but sandleaguer is a mere two games out of one of those coveted Wild Card spot.
Record: 52-50

11. San Juan (2nd NL East)
A somewhat puzzling season so far for the Santurce Crabbers. This team competed with Syracuse for the East title right down to the last game in season 11. But they're currently 14 games back and are two out of a Wild Card spot.
Record: 52-50

12. Cincinnati (3rd AL East)
jmuthoff has his Howlers in third in the AL East currently, which is good enough for a Wild Card spot. But now is not the time to rest for the Howlers hold that spot by only four games.
Record: 55-47

13. Boston (4th AL East)
The Knights round out what may be the best division in the Ville. avantrael's boys are the highest ranked cellar dwellers, and they're not far from playoff contention.
Record: 52-50

14. Portland (1st AL North)
The Pandemonium are the lowest ranked division leader and are just hanging on to a .500 record. pbsilver may want to put his foot on the gas though since Chicago is a mere one game back.
Record: 51-51

15. Nashville (3rd AL South)
illicit's Posse is within pouncing distance of the division lead, but they shouldn't wait too long to make their move since the team the Posse is chasing happens to be the champs.
Record: 48-54

16. Chicago (2nd AL North)
kumbiakings is hanging tough with the defending North champs at only one game back. Luckily for the Aztecs, while the AL East may be the best division in the Ville, the AL North may be the worst, meaning a better chance at the lead.
Record: 50-52

17. Milwaukee (2nd NL North)
What a difference a season makes. The Sturgeon were the butt of jokes by this writer last season. But in season 12, pat's guys have led the North for most of the season and were just recently jumped by the Spittoons.
Record: 54-48

18. Vancouver (3rd NL West)
Record: 49-53

19. Charleston (4th AL South)
Record: 48-54

20. Jackson (2nd AL South)
Record: 51-51

21. San Diego (2nd AL West)
Record: 48-54

22. Fargo (3rd AL North)
Record: 45-57

23. Wichita (4th NL West)
Record: 49 - 53

24. St. Louis (4th AL North)
Record: 40-62

25. Albuquerque (3rd AL West)
Record: 42-60

26. New Orleans (4th NL South)
Record: 44-58

27. Toledo (3rd NL East)
Record: 41-59

28. Seattle (3rd NL North)
Record: 38-64

29. Charlotte (3rd NL South)
Record: 45-57

30. Trenton (4th NL East)
Record: 38-64

31. Salem (4th AL West)
Record: 36-66

32. Tacoma (4th NL North)
Record: 33-69

My apologies for not providing analysis on the last 15. Ran out of time. Will get 'em all next time around.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

The Week in Wrigleyville S-12 #3

TRADES
The TAMPA BAY STARS traded Claude Coleman and Luis Quintanilla to the SALEM MIRACLE for Aurelio Mercado
Tampa picks up a Nice Starting Pitcher. The Miracle get a couple nice prospects. Looks like Gene is building for the future.

The NEW ORLEANS HIP WADERS traded Aurelio Mercado and Glenn Hull to the FARGO PRAIRIE DOGS for Miguel Melo and John Daniels
The Prairie Dogs get a Mid-Relief Prospect and a Big bat that will be looking for a Phat Contract next season. The Hip Waders get the Often injured Daniels and a Solid #4 or #5 SP that will be on the 40 man roster next year.


The TAMPA BAY STARS traded Vic Benitez to the TACOMA TOYOTAS for Richie Costello and Walt Hill
Tacoma picks up a BIG bat and contract . The Stars pick up a veteran Closer at the end of his career and a Prospect.
M L INJURIES
Vicente Rodriguez
This Pandemomium Shortstop suffered back Spasms. Hmm.. probably from lugging around that Fat Wallet!!

Yorvit Delgado
This very good setup man will miss the rest of the season with Elbow surgery. Perhaps the Miracle can unload his contract when he recovers?

Richard Nichols
This Silverhawk CY-Young winner will take the last year of his hefty contract off. I doubt he will get paid big bucks next year!!

Peter Wang
Peter "two dicks" Wang will come off the DL soon. His strained back is almost healed!!

Wiki Arias
After Batting .226 this season. This Supersonic free agent Signing will miss a couple of weeks with sore ribs.  .He probably injured them laughing all the way to the Bank!!
INTERNATIONALS


Santiago Herrera
Toledo
Christian Beavers
Age: 19B/T: S/R
Born: Las Flores, VE
Position(s): CF
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

A minor league Beaver!!


Bartolo Guerrero
New Orleans
Hip Waders
Age: 18B/T: R/R
Born: Bonao, DO
Position(s): P (SP3)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Just A pair of Galoshes!!


Albie Feliz
Wichita
Wind
Age: 20B/T: S/R
Born: Haina, DO
Position(s): 3B
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

There is 7 million Gone from the Wind's prospect budget, for this nice prospect.


Pablo Aramboles
Helena
Barking Moonbats
Age: 18B/T: L/L
Born: Hermosillo, MX
Position(s): P (SuB)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Sordie signed this Set-up guy for 4.2 million. Who needs a Greencard???


Edgardo Trajano
Cincinnati
Howlers
Age: 23B/T: R/R
Born: Oculare Del Tuy, VE
Position(s): C/1B/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

There will be a chorus of Howls when this guy plays in next years spring training!!


Harry Vega
Jacksonville
Manatees
Age: 19B/T: R/R
Born: San Pedro de Macoris, DO
Position(s): 3B/1B/COF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

It took 7.5 million and a S/T invite to sign Harry "Chevy" Vega to a contract.


Tito Brea
New Orleans
Hip Waders
Age: 18B/T: R/R
Born: Kwangsan-Ku Songjungdong, KR
Position(s): P (none)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Hip waders got a Bargain at 6.8 million. This kid could be a Good one!!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Draft Review - Picks 1 - 16

Let's get the first half of the draft reviewed!

1st pick: St. Louis Silver Hawks (AL) - Coach: shynent
Miguel Blanco
St. Louis
Silver Hawks
Age: 18B/T: R/R
Born: Altair, TX
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Well, he isn't Benny Blanco from the Bronx, but Miguel Blanco from Texas will serve this struggling franchise quite well in the future. This future ace has the makings of Roy Halladay. Watch out for this kid in a couple of seasons!

2nd pick: Charlotte Chimps (NL) - Coach: wylie715
Alex Cornelius
Charlotte
Chimps
Age: 18B/T: L/L
Born: New Hyde Park, NY
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Here is wylie's take on Cornelius:
"Cornelius is projected to be an ace. He has 5 pitches and his control is excellent over all of them. His stamina, velocity, splits and makeup are all outstanding as well. The only questions is whether he will sign with the Chimps or go on to college first."
Looks like Don Cornelius' offspring decided to sign his contract, much to the delight of wylie!

3rd pick: Toledo Christian Beavers (NL) - Coach: bkevin
Fritz Gruber
Toledo
Christian Beavers
Age: 19B/T: S/R
Born: Radcliff, KY
Position(s): P (SP4)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

With the 3rd pick, Gruber seems as a bit of a reach here, but when you need pitching, you are willing to make that exception. Gruber has good splits and a fastball that is already lights out. If Gruber can keep the ball in the park, then the Christian Beavers could have themselves a future ace on their hands!

4th pick: Milwaukee Sturgeon (NL) - Coach: pat007ohmss
Melky Barrios
Milwaukee
Sturgeon
Age: 20B/T: R/R
Born: Morton, TX
Position(s): P (SP4)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Barrios seems to be an end of the rotation pitcher by the time he hits the Majors. He has outstanding stamina, but I worry about his low health rating and the fact that he doesn't have an above average makeup. If healthy, Barrios will eat a lot of innings for this organization, ala Jeff Suppan. Milwaukee probably could have gotten much more bang for their buck with this pick here.

5th pick: San Diego Salmonbellies (AL) - Coach: mdymond
Dick Heilman
San Diego
Salmonbellies
Age: 18B/T: R/R
Born: East Lyme, CT
Position(s): 2B
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Here is mdymond's review:
"Salmonbellies were hoping to get one of the 2 top pitching prospects but will happliy settle for Dick Heilman. He's an absolute stud hitter with a good eye and has good glove to go with decent range. He'll start at 2b but might move to LF if he and Victor Ramirez are in the same lineup. Salmonbellies also wanted to let everyone know that they are not going to trade him so don't bother offering."
NO TRADES UP IN HERE! NOT UP IN HERE...NOT UP IN HERE!

6th pick: Trenton Tripods (NL) - Coach: boehnerm
Mickey Dawley
Trenton
Tripods
Age: 20B/T: S/L
Born: East Hanover, NJ
Position(s): 1B/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The tripods cashed in on this sweet swinging 1B with their first pick of the draft. Dawley will most certainly send a lot of fans scurrying into the alleys and gutters of Trenton chasing the mammoth shots he will put out of the park. I worry about his defensive ratings, but when your offensive abilities are this good, you tend to look the other way.

7th pick: Fargo Prairie Dogs (AL) - Coach: aaronwayne
Kevin Leonard
Fargo
Prairie Dogs
Age: 22B/T: L/L
Born: Eagar, AZ
Position(s): LF/1B/RF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Here is aaronwayne's take on Leonard:
"Fargo had the 7th pick in draft,and then nothing until pick #146, so the Dogs knew they needed to hit on that 1 pick. With the pick, the Dogs went for offense, drafting LF/1B Kevin Leonard . Leonard is a 22 year old senior out of the University of Portland. His defensive ratings are all in the low to mid 50's, but that's not why he was drafted. Chicks dig the long ball, and Leonard should be able to provide, with a power projection of 98-100. He'll K his share, but with a solid contact projection of 71, he'll hopefully be no Rob Deer. Lefties may be an issue for Leonard, but he does have split projections of 75 for them and 84 for righties, and a decent eye with projection of 75. While no base stealer, Leonard can run a bit, with speed in the low 60's, and baserunnnig projecting to the low 70's. His big drawback is probably the health, which rates in the 60's. Due to his advanced age and skill set, Leonard should move through the system pretty quickly. His best position will be 1B, where the lefty should be very good. The rest of the Dogs draft is pretty much minor league filler, but there are a couple of kids who have an outside chance."
Nice and thorough!

8th pick: Tacoma Toyotas (NL) - Coach: Sandberg10
Jimmie Ortiz
Tacoma
Toyotas
Age: 18B/T: R/R
Born: Huntington, NY
Position(s): P (SP4)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

With the 8th pick, Ortiz will most likely be an end of the rotation pitcher or find himself specializing in long relief. With plus control and some pop on his fastball, Ortiz could turn into a Bronson Arroyo type of pitcher. Nothing fancy, but gets the job done.

9th pick: Seattle Supersonics (NL) - Coach: kevingrt13
Davey Wise
Seattle
Supersonics
Age: 22B/T: L/L
Born: Philip, SD
Position(s): P (ClA)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Nice pick here with Wise. A future stud closer for Seattle is already showing off his talents in AA this season. He has great control and splits and his curveball and fastball are good enough to finish a lot of games for this franchise.

10th pick: Jacksonville Manatees (NL) - Coach: Sandleaguer
Brad Cogan
Jacksonville
Manatees
Age: 19B/T: R/R
Born: Hempstead, NY
Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Cogan is a prime example of a guy that does a lot of things good, but not great. He can be a guy that you plug into the lineup at any position and get some kind of positive result from him. A true do it all and a solid pick here at 10.

11th pick: Salem Miracle (AL) - Coach: itsamiracle
P.T. Cabrera - has not signed as of right now. It will be a miracle if he does.

12th pick: New Orleans Hip Waders (NL) - Coach: lagzilla
Justin Peterman
New Orleans
Hip Waders
Age: 21B/T: R/R
Born: Hoopeston, IL
Position(s): 2B/1B/LF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Peterman projects to be a solid defensive 2B in this league for a long time. It doesn't hurt that he has an above average bat with solid power. With high durability and health, Peterman should be a regular in the lineup in the future.

13th pick: Vancouver Totems (NL) - Coach: madmuldoon
Dan Walker
Vancouver
Totems
Age: 21B/T: L/L
Born: Glencoe, ON
Position(s): P (SP2)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

I would say Walker was a solid pick here, but since mad decided to go play with his "rig" I am going to trash this pick! Just kidding, here is Mad's review on Walker, Ontario Ranger:
"I didn't have alot of time to prepare my draft. So I'm happy I picked up a Starting pitcher with great control and a 90+ fastball. The screwball concerns me. It may Screw me in the END!! In the End Dan "The Texas Ranger" Walker may have a tough time reaching his projections."
Excuses, excuses!

14th pick: Charleston Tobacco Farmers (AL) - Coach: nwsheehy007
Mac Patrick
Charleston
Tobacco Farmers
Age: 18B/T: R/R
Born: San Andreas, CA
Position(s): P (ClA)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

With the 14th pick the Tobacco Farmers grabbed a kid straight out of Compton...well, San Andreas, which Grand Theft Auto lead me to believe is just as bad as Compton. Anyway, Patrick should develop into a very tough closer for this organization. Good control, splits, and a nice fastball, teamed with a sneaky slider will ruin a lot of hitters post game groupie numbers. In other words, Mac Patrick hates the groupies!

15th pick: Cincinnati Howlers (AL) - Coach: jmuthoff
Derrek O'Brien
Cincinnati
Howlers
Age: 18B/T: R/R
Born: Blanchard, MI
Position(s): P (ClA)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Here is jmuthoff's take on this fine Irishman:
"The Howlers were pleased to see Derrek O'Brien available at number 15 this year. With control projecting at 85 watch out for his 80 rated fastball and devastating 98 rated slider. His 67 change up and 49 forkball should keep hitters off balance. A Stamina rating of 59 is a bit low but is balanced with a durability of 36 which we think he has a good chance of reaching with a 90 Health and 92 Makeup. Rookie pitching coach Clem Hutton currently has O'Brien working as a closer converting 8 of 9 opportunities and allowing only 2 earned runs in 11.2 innings"
The AL EAST added three tough closers in the first round. Who didn't? Me, naturally!

16th pick: Chicago Aztecs (AL) - Coach: kumbiakings
Deivi Gabriel
Chicago
Aztecs
Age: 20B/T: R/R
Born: Mayville, NY
Position(s): 2B
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Gabriel probably fell a little more than he should have in this draft, but hey, every draft has to have that one guy that drops for no real reason. The Aztecs will be happy to plug Gabriel into their lineup with his plus offensive skills. He could also turn into a GG contender at 2B. At 20 years of age, he still has a lot of time to hit his projected ratings, but his lower makeup might leave him a bit short. Still, a very nice pick for the middle of the round.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Draft Review - Picks 17-32

Filling in for Mad this year for the Draft Reviews, I had asked for some input from the owners to get their thoughts on their draft picks. Some of the owners sent in their reviews, so for those that did, I will note that. For those that didn't, don't beat me up too much for it!

17th pick: Tucson Ectoplasm (NL) - Coach: Snowedin
Jason Ross
Tucson
Ectoplasm
Age: 18B/T: S/L
Born: Streamwood, IL
Position(s): CF
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Ross looks to be a future lead off man. With his contact ability and his very good splits, Ross should be on base quite a bit. Add to that, the fact that he has plus speed, he could lead the league in doubles and/or triples. He also looks to have GG potential in CF. The one thing that bothers me about Ross is his lower makeup. If he hits his projected numbers, Snowedin has himself a future All-Star.

18th pick: Wichita Wind (NL) - Coach: Hoopcoach07
Alex Black
Wichita
Wind
Age: 18B/T: R/R
Born: Trail, BC
Position(s): 3B
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Black looks like he is going to be a stud on offense. Defensively, I'm not sold on him as a future 3B, but he definitely has a lot of plus tools in his bag. With great speed, splits, and power, Black could find himself pushing for a future Triple Crown title.

19th pick: Nashville Posse (AL) - Coach: illicit
Miguel Baez
Nashville
Posse
Age: 18B/T: R/R
Born: Carrington, ND
Position(s): 3B/1B/COF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Where's the Beef? It's right here in the form of Miguel "Don't Call me Joan" Baez and his massive power. This kid could be a future HR Derby winner and 1B/DH regular in Nashville's lineup. We need to get a ruling on his bat though. Apparently his bats are corked with super balls.

20th pick: Hartford Crushers (AL) - Coach: ARomano
Howard Allen
Hartford
Crushers
Age: 21B/T: R/R
Born: Glenview, IL
Position(s): P (ClA)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Hartford picks up a kid that I have nicknamed "The Filthy Beast." I had him ranked in my top 3 targets and he went three picks before me. Allen has ridiculous control, splits, velocity, GB/FB ratio, and a very good fastball as his 1st pitch. With an above-average makeup, I hope to see TFB hit his projected numbers. Though, I don't look forward to facing him in the future in the AL-East.

21st pick: Portland Pandemonium (AL) - Coach: pbsilver11

Has not signed - Doesn't look like he will. Here is PB's take on his pick:
"Portland decided to go very aggressive to try and pick up a player that other teams passed on because of the questionable chance of signing the player. This worked in our favor as Lariel Ugueto was still available at #21. Good ML catchers are not all that common so I was pleased, till the greedy chump asked for $8,500,000. I offered $8 mil. which he said he was content with but would have to think it over. Finally he agreed if I would raise the offer to $11 million. That was out of my league so he gets tossed back into the pool. I hope he gets injured while playing in the international league. So I'll get that provisional pick next year in the first round."
Bitter much? We barely knew ye Lariel....we barely knew ye

22nd pick: Tucson Ectoplasm (NL) - Coach: Snowedin
Luther Rapp
Tucson
Ectoplasm
Age: 18B/T: S/R
Born: Fayetteville, NC
Position(s): 2B
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Tucson went for the Daily Double on CFs with the 17th and 22nd picks. Rapp has similar makeup as Jason Ross on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, but Ross should be the better offensive player when all is said and done. Rapp has been moved to his new defensive home of second base. Snowedin has improved his up the middle defense and top of the lineup offense with these two picks.

23rd pick: Indianapolis Indians (AL) - Coach: Ardthomp
Dean Hayes
Indianapolis
Indians
Age: 19B/T: R/R
Born: Sweetwater, TX
Position(s): P (SP3)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

I missed out on my first target with Howard Allen and my projections had Hayes rated quite a bit higher than what he ended up with, so I feel some bitterness with the Hayes pick. His high health, makeup, 1st, and 2nd pitches make me happy, but his below average GB/FB ratio and control leave me wanting a re-do. But, Hayes is from Sweetwater, Texas and I have learned that you don't mess with Texas, so hopefully he will hit all of his projected numbers and then some!

24th pick: Albuquerque Turkeys (AL) - Coach: Jaredpaventi
Edinson Trinidad
Albuquerque
Turkeys
Age: 22B/T: S/L
Born: Melcher, IA
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Turkeys went after a college educated young man with the 24th pick in the draft. Trinidad looks to be a very good future starting pitcher on the ML level. At 22 years of age, he only has a few more seasons before his ratings level off, so hopefully he can improve at a high rate. With his control, the Turkeys could be looking at a future Mark Buerhle.

25th pick: Memphis Blues (AL) - Coach: Tchagnon
Dick Pence
Memphis
Blues
Age: 18B/T: R/R
Born: Arroyo Grande, CA
Position(s): C/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Pence is going to be a solid defensive catcher that can handle his pitching staff with ease. This Thurman Munson re-incarnation is going to be an absolute nightmare for opposing pitchers along his way to the Majors. This kid is going to rake and he will make you pay for mistakes with his great power. With his batting ratings starting off at a high clip, I look for him to push the .350 to .400 range in the low minors. Nice pick for the World Champions!

26th pick: Boston Knights (AL) - Coach: avantrael
Trenidad Duran
Boston
Knights
Age: 18B/T: S/R
Born: Zumbrota, MN
Position(s): P (ClA)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Avantrael was able to add a future ML Closer to his organization with the 26th pick. A kid that I did not even see, so imagine my surprise to see another divisional opponent add a stud closer! The only negative I can see with this kid is his lower Lefty split. But, when all of your other ratings are awesome, then it probably won't matter much! Nice pick here.

27th pick: Kansas City Spittoons (NL) - Coach: zmoty9
Steve Garcia
Kansas City
Spittoons
Age: 18B/T: S/R
Born: Terry, MS
Position(s): 1B
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Here is zmoty's take on this cornfed kid from Mississippi:
"My 18 million in high school scouting had Steve rated much higher than my 2 million in advanced does at the moment. But we're expecting Steve to take the 1B position from Tyrone Beck in the future. Hopefully the high school scouts know what they're doing and he is much better than currently projected."
Garcia prefers to let his bat do his talking.

28th pick: Helena Barking Moonbats (AL) - Coach: sordie
Mule Bennett
Helena
Barking Moonbats
Age: 18B/T: R/R
Born: Santa Monica, CA
Position(s): 2B/1B/LF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Mule projects to be a solid ML player. With his versatility, he should see himself in the lineup quite a bit. He isn't going to blow you away with one certain ability, but he does a lot of things average to slightly above average. A nice pick toward the end of the 1st round.

29th pick: Tampa Bay Rays (NL) - Coach: jmas410
Ryan Monroe
Tampa Bay
Stars
Age: 18B/T: R/R
Born: Siloam, GA
Position(s): C
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Monroe is another solid defensive catcher with plus offensive ratings. If the Rays grow impatient with this youngster behind the plate, he would be a top DH in the American League. I'm sure jmas410 will enjoy Monroe's skills.

30th pick: San Juan Santurce Crabbers (NL) - Coach: rbedwell
Rbedwell stated this about his two picks:
"I had a late first rounder and also a supplemental pick, but both of them decided not to sign."
Damn you Thom Redman!

31st pick: Tucson Ectoplasm (NL) - Coach: snowedin
Randy Palmer
Tucson
Ectoplasm
Age: 19B/T: R/R
Born: East Grand Forks, MN
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Tucson rounds out their actual 1st round picks with this solid future end of rotation pitcher. Palmer has amazing stamina and control, so if anything, he will be a great innings eater for this team. You would like to see his pitches be a little better, but at this point in the draft you are basically splitting hairs.

32nd pick: Syracuse Moose (NL) - Coach: rugby1
Santos Mieses
Syracuse
Moose
Age: 20B/T: S/R
Born: Eagle Lake, FL
Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

What a steal with the last official pick of the 1st round. Mieses will find himself in the lineup with his hitting and defensive abilities combined. Mieses is a true utility man and his speed makes him a very valuable asset. The World Series runner-up really cashed in with this pick!