THE WEEK IN WRIGLEYVILLE S-19 #5

TRADES
The CINCINATTI RED LIGHT DISTRICT traded Yamid Pujols to the CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES for Vin Serra
Charlotte gets a nice LF/1stB prospect. Cincy gets a nice young bullpen guy for the future.

The CINCINATTI RED LIGHT DISTRICT traded Miguel Santiago and Edgardo Rivera to the CHICAGO BLEACHER BUMS for Russ Johns
The Red Light Distrct's pick up a young utility player. Chicago gets a couple  promising pitchers .

The CINCINATTI RED LIGHT DISTRICT traded Taylor Towers , Charlie Wyatt and Vic Santana to the TRENTON TOYOTAS for Ron Clayton
Cincy gets a nice young starting pitcher with a shiny new long term contract. The Toyotas get 3 very nice prospects.

The CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES traded Orber Dotel and 2,000,000 to the NEW BRTAIN BRUINS for Jackson Harris , Ren Chang and Shayne Janish
The Bruins pick up a Mark DeRosa type player that can play any position ,anytime ,anyplace.Charlotte continues to add players to his rebuild. This time he gets a great catching prospect and 2 other youngsters.

The MILWAUKEE STURGEONS traded Jimmie Guerrero and 500,000 to the TRENTON TOYOTAS for Javier Manzanillo
A pitching for hitting trade.

The HARTFORD CRUSHERS traded Wilton Martin to the CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES for Tony Pena
Charlotte gets a young injury prone prospect.Hartford gets a much needed M L starting pitcher.


M L INJURIES
Nick Byrne
Nick "Rug" Byrne went on the 60 day DL with a shoulder impingement.This is the first of 3 Posse players on the DL this week.Thats gonna leave a mark. 

Diego Acosta
The Howlers called up this youngster for the second time. And Diego "Pacific" Acosta went out for 2 weeks with back spasms. This kid is having a breakout year and to be more Pacific....he is hitting .349.

Shaggy Castillo
Shaggy "Carpet" Castillo was rolled up and stored on the 60 day DL.This kid was always a injury risk with 20 something health. Ralph will probably bring him back next year. Then hang him up, beat the dust off , and roll him out again. Probably? 

Chip Wilson
Chip "and Cracked" Wilson will miss 2 weeks with a strained hammy. This is part of a double whammy for the Wind. Perhaps they should protect this catcher with bubble wrap??

Lonny Black
Poor Wichita...... Lonny "fade to" Black will miss 3 months with shoulder tendinitis. This R-5 player has promise but its an Ill Wind that Blows in Witch-ita.

Eddie Locke
Eddie "Dread" Locke is back on the 60 day DL and will miss the rest of the season.This is the 3rd time in 2 years and Wishlist could be heard yelling "This is #%#*^&% Bullship!!!"

Miguel Baez
Speaking of Bullship!! Here is the Posse's  second of this weeks Triad to go on the DL.Miguel "Groan" Baez will miss 2 weeks with a sore man boob.Oh the Huge Mammary!! 

Jesse Buhner
The third shirker of the Posse is Jesse "Shames" Buhner. He will miss 2 months with elbow tendinitis. At 5.2 million a year this is Highway Robbery, plain and simple.

Ivan Cortez
Ivan "the mediocre" Cortez will miss 2 months with a torn groin.The Howlers are still on the hook for his 5 million salary. Just another ho-hum day in Wrigleyville and the beat goes on..and on.

Erubiel Espinosa
The Crabbers lose another player to the 60 day DL. Erubiel "The Crucible" Espinosa will test the patience of Ralph and his Crabbers. Think ..Puppies....Beautiful Flowers....Ohhhmmm.....Shhh.


Art Stewart
Art "Smoke" Stewart will miss just over 2 months with tendinitis in the shoulder. Where there's smoke, there's fire. Should Swish be concerned???


INTERNATIONALS

Alex Dali Vancouver Totems Age: 20 B/T: R/R Born: Oculare Del Tuy, VE Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Picked up a minor leaguer for 170K.

Alving Franco Pittsburgh Pirates Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Nagua, DO Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

16.4 million and a S/T invite for this possible Gold Glover. He will hit for a high average but his health projection is a concern. Careful Ardthomp...Careful.

Michael Suzuki Jackson Black Bears Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: Saigon, VN Position(s): P (SP3) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

28 million and a S/T invite for this Future Cy-Young contender. This kid is a player you can build around. Kind of makes you yell.... Holy Cow!!!...... or in Vietmanese.. Ho Chi Minh!!

Vic Mercado Trenton Toyotas Age: 19 B/T: S/L Born: San Francisco De Macoris, DO Position(s): P (SuA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Just a S/T invite for this AAA pitcher who could get a shot at the bigs.

Midre Duran Syracuse Moose Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Guayubin, DO Position(s): RF/1B/LF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

28 million and a major league contract for this future MVP contender. He will be the future Golden Moose!

Pascual Sierra Louisville Howlers Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Los Llanos, DO Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

A S/T invite for this one hitter per inning pitcher.

Rafael Uribe Minnesota Misfits Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Villa Vazquez, DO Position(s): P (SP2) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

12.7 million for this nice rotation pitching prospect. If he stays healthy he could be the steal of the IFA's.

Andres Espinosa Charlotte Sometimes Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: LaGuaira, VE Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

4.6 million for this great long relief prospect. Great addition to the rebuild.

David Pizzaro Trenton Toyotas Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Valle De Guanape, VE Position(s): P (LRA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Minor league pitching help.

Ivan Olivares Colorado Springs Bandits Age: 18 B/T: S/L Born: Valverde, DO Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

1.4 million for this M L mop-up pitcher. If he gets a DITR bump on his splits he may be a good rotation guy.

Wilfredo Alvarez Louisville Howlers Age: 18 B/T: S/L Born: Distrito Nacional, DO Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

1.2 million and a S/T invite for this nice set-up prospect. If he had a better RH split he would be great.

Hipolito Maduro New Britain Bruins Age: 20 B/T: R/R Born: La Romana, DO Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

26.8 million for this great Catching prospect. He will be a future Silver Slugger at the Catching position. But he is below average as a Catcher. But still a nice trade off.

Pablo Aparicio Tampa Bay Stars Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Ramon Santana, DO Position(s): 1B/LF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

A little power in rookie league

THE DRAFT SEASON 19 PICKS 1-16

This years draft was a tough one. Many of the top draft picks were problematic in their demands. Many decided to forego Signing while others held out for more cash. Still, we have some really nice talent added to Wrigleyville . And thats always good. Thanks to all who added their views to this years draft.-Mad


#1

NOT SIGNED

#2

Sam Price Louisville Howlers Age: 22 B/T: L/R Born: Holland, MI Position(s): 3B/SS/CF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:4,910,000

Sam "Pay the" Price held out for more cash. Shocker!! This is the mesaage Jmuhtoff got after he offered 4,000,000 to Sam : "Sam is mulling over your offer. You've given him the big league deal he wants,but we're still debating whether he could get more next year after a season in indy ball. Give us time, and we'll get back with you. More money may make that call come quicker." Looks like Sam wanted another million and the Howlers payed his Price.This guy would be worth 4 times as much in the IFA market so I think everybody is happy. This kid is a 5 tool player and has very few weaknesses. With his max contact he will put many balls in play. Nice pickup by the Jmuhtoff.

#3

NOT SIGNED

#4

Chris Burke Wichita Wind Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: Clinton, LA Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:3,720,000

I had Chris "Mas" Burke as my #1 rated prospect and obviously so did Hoopcoach. This stud is a 5 tool player to the extreme. He can play any position and will crush the ball at the plate. His max health and  make-up coupled with Wichitas 19 training budget, Chris Mas should reach projections. Merry Chritmas Wichita!!

#5

NOT SIGNED


#6

Khalil Pryce Tampa Bay Stars Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Center, TX Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:3,540,000

The Stars picked up Khalil "Bargain" Price with their pick. And he will be a nice addition to the Stars with great eye, hitting splits and power. His nice defensive skills at 3rd base should make him a solid big leaguer. On the downside his contact and speed are low and should hamper his on base percentage.He was ranked #6 on my draft board.

#7

Albie Romo Trenton Toyotas Age: 20 B/T: L/L Born: Los Angeles, CA Position(s): RF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:3,440,000

Albie Romo was picked by the Toyotas at #7. Offensively he should be a .300 average hitter with 20 some home runs.Defensivley he has good range and arm strength but his glove is very weak. Couple that with a leftie throwing arm and you get a Silver Slugging RF'er.

#8

Ernest Spencer Chicago Black Sox Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Woolwich Twp, NJ Position(s): P (SP4) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:3,350,000

The Black Sox only spent 5 million on College Scouting and thats why Ernest "Goes to Camp" Spencer went so high.While he's not a bad player, he just isn't top ten material. His 70's stamina and 90's control make him a great innings eater . But his low splits will make him average at best. The Balck Sox transfered more cash to free agency so the draft was never a priority.

#9

Malcolm Ashley Nashville Posse Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Hanna, WY Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:3,250,000

The Posse picked Malcolm Ashley from Hanna Wyoming at #9 . Believe it or not I've been to Hanna Wy and they have some big open pit coal mines there. But this speedy defensive gem is no lump of coal. He will swipe many a base and hit many a homer in his career.His homeboys at Dingy Dans Bar and Grill will be cheering him on.

#10

Brennan Marson Boston Knights Age: 22 B/T: L/L Born: Brooklyn, NY Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:3,160,000

The Knights pick up a future solid starting pitcher. Brennan "Venus and" Marson Is not going to win any Cy-Youngs but he will probably give you 10 -12 wins a year. He is still 20 points from his overall projections but should be in the bigs soon.

#11

Danny Wilson Pittsburgh Pirates Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: Windsor, ON Position(s): P (T1A) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:3,070,000

Ardthomp grabbed Danny "Boy" Wilson with the 11th pick. He's projected to be a #2 or #3 starting pitcher with good splits, velocity and a killer cut fastball. His control is a concern and he may walk too many hitters for my tastes. But he's young and healthy and can throw alot of pitches. Atta boy Danny.

ARDTHOMPS VIEW: The Pirates took Danny Wilson with the 11th pick this year. The draft was a bit down, so the Pirates decided to go after Wilson,who they see as a project player, but if he hits his projected numbers, could prove to be a nice 2 or 3 in the rotation. If he doesn't, then look for him to be a back end of the rotation or long relief type of player.

#12

NOT SIGNED OR SCOUTED

PB SILVERS VIEW: my guy, Bart Zavala refused to sign. Gonna play hoops. Hope he pops a knee!


#13

Tito Meredith Memphis Blues Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Gurdon, AR Position(s): P (SP5) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:2,880,000

 Blues picked up a blue chip Set-up/closer and Tito Meredith is a great pick at #13. This kid is projected to have great control,splits and 2 very nice pitches. Add Max health,patience and make-up..........well you have a future FOY. For some reason I had him ranked #10 on my board and should have ranked him higher. But I doubt he would have been there when I picked at 17, so its a moot point. Nice pick Tchagnon.

#14

Louis Little Charlotte Sometimes Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Belmont, CA Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:5,467,000

Louis "I Know a" Little Knows about Love and Hatton gave him some. With an extra 3 million in bonus money, Louis is feeling the Love! And from what I can see of this kids projections he will return the love in-kind. With good control and a nice RH split to go with one of the best fastballs in the league. This kid knows a little about pitching and baby he can guess the rest.

#15

Matt Person Austin City Limits Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Shelby Township, MI Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:2,690,000

I had Matt "First" Person ranked #3 on my board. Matt always knew he would go high in the draft because Matt has good control,splits,velocity and 3 M L pitches. " Matt is very happy to play in Austin. I hear they have fine bitches there" Matt said when he signed with Austin. I have Matt projected as a #1 or #2 starting pitcher and he should be in the bigs in 3-4 years.

#16

Britt Lukasiewicz Chicago Bleacher Bums Age: 21 B/T: S/L Born: Palm Beach Gardens, FL Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:6,119,000

Britt "I'm your Father" Lukasiewcz held out for another 4 million. Hshack felt the force and paid happily. Britt can pitch deep into games with max stamina , great control and light sabre of a fast ball. This future #1 starting pitcher will be good and his RH Split is the only thing that will hold him back from becoming a Jedi.

THE DRAFT SEASON 19 PICKS 17-33

#17

Terry Worrell Vancouver Totems Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: Lima, OH Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:2,500,000

Terry Worrell was my #5 ranked player. And seeing how I put all my money in HS scouting. I of course picked up a youngun and will have many years to reach projections. He looked much better on my draft board but he still should make a good M L setup guy. His Good projections of Control,RH Split and 2 pitches are a plus.Oh.... and his switch hitting may help me in the NL.

#18

Cal Baez Helena Barking Moonbats Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Phoenix, AZ Position(s): 2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:2,049,000

Sordie opted for a HS position player. He has good hitting projections with speed.Defensivley he will be a good LF'er or 1st baseman but could play RF in a pinch.Basically he will be a good all around LF 'er.And I'm told he's got a great sense of humor so he should make a great Moonbat.

#19

Rob Dean Hartford Crushers Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Daly City, CA Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:2,200,000

Rob "em Blind" Dean is the first back to back picks for the Crushers. I can see this stud as a All-Star 3rd baseman .With great hitting projections ,Defensive skills and speed. Well....You'd have to be blind not to see he has potential. Good pick!

#20

Harry Jensen Hartford Crushers Age: 20 B/T: L/L Born: Glen Rose, TX Position(s): P (SP2) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:2,000,000

The Crushers 2nd pick is a solid pitcher.With good Stamina ,Controls ,Splits and 2 pitches he will make a great #2 or #3 starting pitcher. And throw in his great Groundball/Flyball ratio and he will be a doubleplay machine.With the right defense that is.

#21

Henry Parker Salem Salmonbellies Age: 21 B/T: L/L Born: Covina, CA Position(s): RF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:8,500,000

Mdymond was held up for an extra 6.5 million dollars by his draft pick. Henry "Double" Parker wanted IFA money and he got it. What did mdymond get?? A future big bat in the lineup that will play LF /1st base. He will hit .300 plus but boot many a fielding chance with his poor glove. Still a nice trade off.

#22

Douglas Bolton Charleston Tobacco Farmers Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Clayton, AL Position(s): P (SP3) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:2,040,000 and a S/T invite

The Tabaky Farmers went with the best starting pitcher left on their board. He has great Control and G/F ratio which will help in the hitters parks. He has the age ,health and make-up to reach his projections.His stamina may make him a #5 SP or a Long Relief guy.

NWSHEEHY007's TAKE- I selected the nephew to Michael Bolton--Grammy award winner.Douglas Bolton as the 22nd pick--happy with his control, health, and effectiveness against righties. Not a dynamic first round pick, but could be a SP 3/4 in four years.

#23

NOT SIGNED AS OF YET: NOT SCOUTED SO I CANT ADD THE LINK.

RUGBYS VIEW: choice #23 Guillermo Martinez, potential gold glove CFer has put signing on hold as he wants to get his degree (according to his mother!). Has a chance to hit well enough, won't carry a team with his bat, but with his glove he would be long term starting OFer. The good news is I was able to use his signing bonus to help land a potential superstar in OFer Midre Dunne.If Martinez's Mom changes her mind we will be looking to swing a deal to bring in some extra cash to get her son to summer camp. Hope this did not drag on too long, I am sure your editorial staff will pare it down!


#24

Luis Fernandez Trenton Toyotas Age: 20 B/T: L/L Born: Kellyville, OK Position(s): P (SP2) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:1,850,000

Trenton goes with a starting pitcher who has good projections .If he had a better RH split he would be very good. For a pitcher he has hitting skills and will help out a N L club. But still at #24 this guy has value.

#25

Glen Patterson Memphis Blues Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Sterling, OK Position(s): P (SP3) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:2,360,000

Tchagnon's pick held out for more cash and he was happy to pay a little extra to sign this kid.He's a younger and weaker copy of Trentons #24 pick . What I mean by weaker is his RH split and Health are lower. He still could be packaged with another good player for a trade upgrade.

#26

Anthony Burns Colorado Springs Bandits Age: 20 B/T: R/R Born: Kents Hill, ME Position(s): P (SuA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:1,660,000

Colorado Springs second pick is a Gamble. But if this kid reaches his projections he will be a stud reliever.With Control,Both Splits and 2 Pitches in the high 80's he will be a shut down setup guy. But the 56 health rating concerns me. If the Bandits max their training and medical budget along with reduced innings. He may reach projections but its no guarantee. A gamble worth taking, me thinks!

#27

NOT SIGNED


#28

Benny Sojo Trenton Toyotas Age: 20 B/T: R/R Born: Green Bay, WI Position(s): P (SP3) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:1,470,000

Trentons second player selected has a cool mustache. But its apparent that Sandberg's focus is about bringing in starting pitching. This guy has good Control and Splits but no pitches above 70. He would make a good Mop-up guy.

#29

Efrain Willits Fargo Prairie Dogs Age: 19 B/T: L/L Born: Brick, NJ Position(s): P (SuA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:1,380,000

The Prairie Dogs selected Efrain "Good" Willits with the 29th pick. And this Pup will get a shot at the bigs in 3 years. While he has good Control and Splits he has only one pitch in the 70's. But if Aaronwayne keeps this dog off the road , he could help in the Pen.

AARONWAYNES VIEW: With the 29th pick in the draft, Fargo takes LH RP Efrain Willits . He's a 19 year old out of Hostos Community College in the Bronx.Willits projects out as a innings eating setup guy, who should be able to throw well over 100 IP/year. The lefty should top 80 for his control and Vs L split, but his Vs R split lags behind.Look for a 60+ish peak there. His velocity is near 80 & Willits should be a ground ball machine. He'll be a 2 pitch pitcher. Overall, the Dogs were pleased to get him at the end of the round and he should be a very useful RP for years to come.

#30

Harry Howry San Francisco Kickapoos Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Maplewood, MO Position(s): P (SP4) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:1,290,000

The Champs picked a big time innings eater. With projected 100 in Stamina and a 20 Durability he will munch some innings in the minors. He also has 2 Pitches in the upper 80's and a 80ish Ground to flyball ratio. His achilles heel will be that 50 RH split. This may doom him to trade bait status.

#31

Dernell Bartee Durham BullShippers Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Estero, FL Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:1,190,000

Durham picked up a real nice relief pitcher and thats no Bullship. With good Control,RH split and a pitch in the 90's he will hold the lead for a shutdown closer. His health is a little problematic but with reduced innings he could be in the bigs soon.

#32

Russell Edwards Burlington Coat Factory Age: 22 B/T: L/R Born: Irvington, NJ Position(s): LF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

SIGNING BONUS:1,100,000

Burlington got a lump of coal in the draft. Yes this kid can hit a little but not like the big time LF'er/1st baseman. This is what 2 million in High school and college scouting buys you. Ehull has a very good team so this is not his priority anyways.

#33

NOT SIGNED

THE WEEK IN WRIGLEYVILLE S-19 #4

TRADES

The COLORADO SPRINGS BANDITS traded Cesar Melendez to the PITTSBURGH PIRATES for Hong-Chih Tamura and Tim Powell
Ardthomp was shopping for a good starting pitcher and he landed one. Melendez is young and healthy and is just coming up on his Arb years. The Bandits got 2 very nice prospects for the rebuild. Nice trade for both teams.


M L INJURIES

Luther White
Luther "Vandross" White will miss 2 weeks with a strained pectoral muscle. He may have done the Knights a favor by going on the DL. Hitting only .245 usually isn't going to fly for a 1st baseman. How deep is your Love ..Avantrael??

Dan Walker
My pitcher Dan "Sky" Walker will miss 2 weeks with a strained shoulder. May the force be with him! By the way: I'm your father Dan!

Cedrick Meyers
Cedrick "The Entertainer" Meyers will miss 2 weeks with a tight quad. Jmuhtoff and his Howlers aren't amused.

Magglio Rodriguez
This Prairie Dog wandered out on the freeway and was run over. Magglio "Maggot Food" Rodriguez suffered a shoulder aneurysm and will be out a YEAR. Aaronwayne needs to fence in them Dogs.

Joseph Hyun
Joseph "Damn I'm so" Hyun has been smokin again. This very solid Bullpen guy will only miss 2 weeks with a strained shoulder. And it's the first time on the DL in his long career. Smoke up dude, you deserve it!

Brady Sefcik
Several years ago I blasted Tampa for re-signing this D L Darling. I wrote in Season 16-- Frequent DL flyer Brady "Suffering" Sefick is back on the DL. Here is last years DL post: ."Brady "Suffering" Sefcik is on the Major League DL for the 7th time. He will be back eaning his 5 mil in a couple of weeks." Suffering Succotash!!! He's back on the 15 day DL. Tampa may be rethinking that Extension. He should return in a week. But you may see him on the DL again before the year is out. The Suffering continues.  --Well.....i was wrong about the year. And he has come thru for Nelig and the Stars these last few years.But this injury may be the proverbial Final Nail. He will miss the rest of the year with elbow surgery(3rd time). At age 39 he will most likley retire and the Suffering will be over.



INTERNATIONALS

Albert Rosales Vancouver Totems Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Palenque, DO Position(s): 2B/CIF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

I handed this career minor leaguer a S/T invite.

Eugenio Espinoza Cincinnati Red Light District Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Los Llanos, DO Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

At 1.5 million this kids a steal. He should make a great Mop-up guy.