Sunday, March 22, 2009

Season 5 Draft Review

Prologue:
There was a lot of talk in the league chat about how this was a shallow pool of draft prospects. While the first round is a little weaker than previous seasons, I don’t think it’s really that bad for a 1st round. Though, when I looked at the supplemental picks and compared them to last year’s supplemental picks… it definitely showed as a weaker group. That being said there are some real gems in this draft. This is one that required owners to do their homework and look at ALL things when ranking the prospects.


1 Buffalo Blue Cheese (AL) A.J. Leonard - COF (Cost 4.0 Million)
With the first overall pick Buffalo take a future COF. While A.J.’s defensive skills will be just ‘ok’ for the outfield, it’s his hitting potential the Blue Cheese want. The only weakness in his potential hitting rating is his VS RH, it’s marginal but other ratings will more than make up for that. My scouts found this one, but he only was ranked 10th. The reason Durability, his potential is below the 80 mark. That means platoon material… is that what you want with the first overall? No doubt he should put up some great #s but they will be hindered by the amount of time he’ll have to spend on the bench resting.
Rating: 9.0


2 Austin City Limits (NL) Dan Benard - SP (Cost 3.9 Million)
PICK OF THE DRAFT
Taken second overall is guy I had as #1 on my board. Dan should become an Ace of a staff. The only major drawback is that his best pitch will be his #2. I’ve found that you need to pair this kind of guy with a solid pc catcher, to get the best from them. Also, his Stamina is marginal for a starter. But his overall pitch quality is excellent, his durability when ready will be great….what more is there? This is a great pick up by Austin; when ready for the ML level, he should give his team a chance to win almost everytime he takes the mound.
Rating 10



3 Washington DC Blue Coats (NL) Barry Rader - SP (Asking 3.8 Million)
Washington with the 3rd pick of the draft, takes what is definitely a close 2nd to Dan as the “Pick of the Draft”. The only things tipped things in against him were that his splits weren’t quite as good and his only has 3 pitches. Another than those two points, it was a dead heat. These both are going to be great pitchers if they can reach these potentials, two possible future CY Young winners here.
Rating 9.5


4 Cheyenne Nation (NL) Jim Gibson – SS (Cost 3.7 Million)
In Jim Gibson the Nation get a player who should a great MLer. Now drafted as a SS but his potential defensive ratings are slightly below what you want for that position (now with the error update done a while ago). The potential offensive ratings look really good, though Contact & Eye will be just ‘ok’; still he’ll put up the #s. The question will be, if put at the SS position in the ML, will his bat make up for his marginal defensive skills at an important position?? Time will tell of course.
Rating 9.0


5 Boise Shadow Wolfs (AL) Bruce Stairs – SP (Cost 3.7 Million)
God_Mike with his 1st pick as owner of the ‘Dark Hounds’ (WoT reference as is my user name) takes Mr. Stairs. This guy should turn out to be a real solid SP in a few seasons. While Bruce should develop great control, solid splits and solid pitch quality… his stamina is marginal for a starter. Even so, he should be able to give Boise a solid 5-6 innings and give them a chance to win on a majority of his starts. Just needs a solid bullpen behind him.
Rating 9.0


6 Toronto Toros (NL) Ossie Acker – SP (Cost 3.5 Million)
Ossie should become a solid dependable SP once he develops in the Toros’ Farm system.
As typical with most left-handed pitchers, his VS RH will be just OK. But all the rest of the ratings should be solid. Again you have a pitcher will the potential to have a great pitch that isn’t his #1 or #2??? Mr Acker was in the running for the P.O.D. … but fell short (not by much mind you).
Rating 9.5


7 Philadelphia Phantoms (NL) Pete Butler – SS (Cost 4.9 Million)
Pete is the 3rd positional player and 2nd SS taken in the draft. Pete has the potential to become a solid fielding SS at the ML level, though nothing spectacular; but his hitting will be just OK. While he should develop solid contact and a solid batting eye, his splits will be ‘marginal’ overall. He does possess real good speed, his OBP will not be up to lead-off standards. He should develop great durability; so the Phantoms will have a guy who will be able play almost all the games.
Rating: 8.0


8 Jackson Vipers (AL) Steve Lofton – CF (Cost 4.7 Million)
This draft isn’t very deep in future All Stars. While Steve will become a real good ML CFer; again you have a guy who will be just OK at the plate. Again Steve has good speed but his OBP will not be lead-off stuff. Once again, you’ve got a guy who should have the durability to play practically all the Vipers’ games.
Rating 8.0


9 Syracuse Simpletons (AL) Bob Hauser – CF (Cost 3.2 Million)
Two CFs taken in a row, of the two this is the best of them. Again you got the potential for a real good fielder but Bob should develop into a much better hitter. Also, he should develop some decent pop in his bat. AND he’ll have good speed, no he will lead the league in SBs but he’ll steal the odd base. Speed is always good to have on the base paths.
Rating 9.0


10 Boston Bambinos (AL) Larry Driskill – RP (Cost 3.1 Million)
Here is the first potential future ML closer taken in this season’s draft. He looks like he’ll be a real good one. If he reaches his potential, he’ll have great control, splits and velocity. Also, his pitch quality will be good too. The only drawback with Larry, is his potential durability. It looks like it will be marginal for a closer, Boston will not be able to throw him out there in back to back game very often (if ever); especially when you consider his potential stamina. Still, that is minor thing really, for a guy with this potential
Rating 9.0


11 Anaheim Chiles (AL) Dweezil Milligan – COF (Cost 3.0 Million)
Dweezil is a solid pick for the 11th overall, I’m surprised he didn’t go sooner. His potential defensive ratings, put him as a solid COF. Now while his splits are just OK, his combined batting eye & contact ratings are better than you see from guys with his power potential. While his splits will hurt his BA, still he’ll hit his share of long balls once he gets to the majors. The only thing is, he’s a project. Still if Anaheim can get Mr. Milligan to his potential….. they’ll have a solid contributor for the batting line up.
Rating 9.0


12 Seattle Killer Whales (AL) Sammy Cairo – SP (Cost 2.9 Million)
Sammy should become a ML pitcher, my question is what kind? He’ll have great Stamina, Control, decent velocity and 4 real good pitches (but no out pitch). But his splits are going to be a low. I’ve found a pitcher can get away with low splits if his pitch quality and control are good enough. While Sammy should have the control, his pitch quality is the problem. Is a having 4 pitches in the 70+ range (none in the 90s) enough? IMO, I don’t think so; at least as a SP. I think Sammy is future long man from the pen.
Rating 7.0


13 Chicago Snake Tamers (NL) Vernon Taubensee – SP (Cost 2.9 Million)
Vernon is another one of those who’s future as a SP or RP is up in the air. Yes, he should develop great splits and stamina; to go with his OK control. His #1 should be OK, but there looks like there will be a big drop off in the quality of his other 3 pitches. So… will his splits be enough to offset this lack of depth in pitch quality? Vernon could become a bottom of the rotation starter, IF he gets paired with a catcher with a real good PC rating.
Rating 7.5


14 Salem Sacrifices (NL) Chick Price – RP (Cost 2.8 Million)
Here is the 2nd potential closer taken here in the draft. When compared to Larry Driskill (taken by Boston), his pitch quality is about the same. His Stamina and Durability are a lot better, but his splits are marginal for a closer. So will Chick be a future closer or a setup guy? Time will tell of course, but my guess would be Set up.
Rating 7.5


15 Norfolk Destroyers (NL) Benito DeRojas – SP (Cost 2.7 Million)
Well my pick in the first round, is a little bit of a project but if I can get him to his potential he should make a decent starter. He’ll not be in the #1 or #2 positions. His first 2 pitches have excellent potential, after that it’s quite a drop off. So he’ll have to get paired with a decent PC catcher. Also, his splits are marginal; again though his pitch quality should help this out. Overall considering the depth of this draft (which wasn’t great) it’s a pretty good pick up.
Rating 8.5


16 New York new york (AL) Marcus Goldman – SS (Cost 2.6 Million)
Marcus should make for a solid ML SS if New York can develop him. While not quite gold glove stuff, he’ll be a steady defensive player. His offensive potential is just really OK. All of his hitting ratings are in the basically the middle ground, this means he only hit in the .260 range at best. The thing will be his durability, this means he should be able practically all 162 games… that has value for sure
Rating 8.0


17 St. Louis Silly Nannies (AL) Vin Espinosa – SP (Cost 2.5 Million)
Vin is one of those pitchers who’s overall rating (potential) is inflated. Yea sure he should develop great stamina and real decent control for a ML pitcher. The thing is, his splits are just OK and his potential pitch quality is at best bullpen material. Now that is not to say he can’t be effective out of the pen at the ML level, just don’t expect him to anything but ordinary at best.
Rating 5.5


18 New Orleans Voodoo (NL) Joe Forrest – RP (Cost 2.4 Million)
Well here is another potential closer taken in the first round. For this draft and in this spot, I think this is a pretty good pick up here. Mr Forrest should have the great stamina & durability for a closer. Put that together with great control, good splits and good pitch quality; I’d say you have the makings of a decent ML closer on your hands.
Rating 8.5


19 Nashville Sounds (AL) Wesley Seo – RP (Cost 2.3 Million)
After looking at Joe Forrest above, I almost felt like I’d mistakenly opened up his profile again. Almost that is. Wesley falls short of previous potential closer in a few areas (stamina and control mainly). But his potential velocity is better. Overall, this should be a decent closer for Nashville in a few seasons.
Rating 8.0


20 Oklahoma City Sneaky Finger Puppet Mafia (AL) Joe Overbay – RP (Cost 2.2 Million)
Joe was the last of the first rounders to sign with his team. For the Puppet Masters was he worth the wait? I think so. This guy has the potential to be a ML Closer in a few seasons. The only negative I find with his potential ratings is VS RH. It's just OK and usually closers have great VS RH splits (most hitters are RH). Still with great control and real solid pitch quality.. I think this weakness isn't enough to keep him from the closer role. For the 20th overall pick, this is a good one.
Rating 8.5


21 Trenton Traffic (NL) Edwin Corey – SS (Cost 2.1 Million)
With their first round the Traffic take a potential future ML SS. Though, his potential defensive rating do fall a little short of ML standards but not by much. His offensive ratings are definitely a puzzle, how will he do? His potential splits look great but his contact is just good and batting eye is low. Again, how will this guy fair vs ML pitching??? Time will tell, I guess. His biggest drawback may be his durability (below that 80 mark); this means platoon time. Still with all this, Edwin may make a decent ML SS.
Rating 7.5


22 Anaheim Chiles (AL) Kyle Ramirez – CF (Cost 2.0 Million)
With the 22nd pick Anaheim goes a little ‘off the board’ with this one. Kyle definitely should have the defensive skills for a ML CFer and has the contact rating, speed & base running skill of a lead off hitter. The points against him: Batting eye which is low for the lead off position and his health is marginal (so can Anaheim keep him from serious injury?). So can Kyle become an effective CF & Lead off hitter? We’ll see,
Rating 7.0


23 Atlanta Bandits (NL) Pedro Gonzales – C (Cost 1.9 Million)
First their first pick of the draft, the Bandits take the first catcher taken in the draft. While Pedro’s potential hitting ratings are just OK; it is his defensive skills I think Atlanta really wants. Great signal calling potential and a real solid arm is what he’ll bring. I doubt he’ll be a major contributor at the dish but defensive skills could very well make up for that. Still, is a defensive catcher the type of player for a first rounder?
Rating 7.0


24 Scranton Janitors (AL) Bing Brow – P (Cost 2.4 Million)
Well here definitely one of the more interesting names of the draft. Now in spite of the interesting name, can Bing become a ML pitcher? The answer to that is MAYBE, in my opinion. He’ll have decent control, good stamina and ok splits; it’s his pitch quality that is badly lacking. To be honest, I just can’t see a pitcher with that pitch quality being effective at the ML level except as a mop up guy. Now if his split were a lot better……..
Rating 5.0


25 Las Vegas Gamblers (AL) Johnny Guerrero – SS (Cost 1.8 Million)
The Sin City squad takes a solid defensive potential SS specialist. Johnny’s potential defensive ratings are decent; except for maybe arm accuracy (you’d like a little better for the SS position). Offensively his potential split will be really good but his Contact & Batting are marginal. I feel his very marginal arm accuracy for a ML SS and these marginal Batting ratings really leave a lot of questions with this pick. I see this guy as future bench material really, not a starter at the ML level
Rating 6.5


26 Boise Shadow Wolves (AL) Mandy Wall – RP (Cost 1.6 Million)
With their 2nd pick in the first round the Dark Hounds take a future potential closer.
Mandy should develop excellent pitch for a closer, great control and good velocity. His future splits though aren’t quite what you’d want from a ML closer. Also, his durability is very low closer. This more than anything hurts his value as closer. Still when he’s on the mound he should be an effective pitcher for Boise.
Rating 7.5


27 Salt Lake City Shakers (NL) Steve Cook – P (Cost 1.5 Million)
Here is a really good late first round pick. This one should become a solid ML closer in a few seasons. Good Splits, Control, Stamina, Durability and Velocity are in the cards for the future. Though his pitch quality is just OK for a closer, still I feel he be effective.
Especially if you put a really good infield behind him.
Rating 8.5


28 San Juan Dead Bunnies (NL) Glen Latham – P (Cost 1.4 Million)
“Red Herring of the Draft”
Well this season it was also a tough battle for this title in the draft. On the positive side Glen should develop great control, stamina, velocity and have a really good health rating. BUT THAT IS IT. The rest is really AAA stuff at best, very low splits, pitch quality that isn’t there and even his durability is at best marginal. This guy isn’t potential ML material, even if stretched.
Rating 4.0



29 Fargo Dirtbags (NL) Roy Stock – P (Cost 1.3 Million)
Another decent late first round pick here. Another than his potential durability rating being a little marginal for the closer; his potential for that position is there. Good splits, control and solid pitch quality. I think Fargo was surprised to see a pitcher of this quality still available at this point in the draft.
Rating 8.0


30 Houston Riverdogs (NL) Mule Mulholland – 2B (Cost 1.3 Million)
While Mule has been drafted as a future 2b, I don’t think he’s got the potential for that position at the ML level. His arm (both strength & accuracy) are way too low for that position. So I see him more as a COF in the future. His potential offensive ratings are pretty good, decent splits, power and batting eye; his contact is a low. Still he should be decent contributor at the dish. The one major drawback here, his durability isn’t ‘everyday’ stuff.
Rating 7.0


31 Monterrey Sultans (AL) Reese Duran – P (Cost 1.2 Million)
The Sultans take for their first rounder a potential future Set Up guy at the ML level. Yes he’ll have really good splits, velocity and control; his stamina will be decent for a closer. But his overall pitch quality and very marginal durability push him from the closer role. I think he can be reasonability effective as set up guy, just with that durability his IP will be lower than most at that spot.
Rating 6.5


32 Milwaukee Manic Maulers (AL) Pascual Alonso – SS (Cost 1.5 Million)
Well from the last of the first rounders Milwaukee gets themselves are real decent pick (kudos to their scouts on this one). No, Pascual will not be a superstar at the ML level. He should however become a solid MLer in a few seasons. Good splits, great contact and great batting eye; as well solid defensive ratings (just maybe a little short for a ML SS). The only thing about Pascual I found a little strange is usually guys with low power rating have decent to really good speed. Well this guy has only slightly better speed than a catcher?? Also his durability is low, meaning platoon time.
Rating 7.5

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Stevenson captures Home Run Derby crown

The Home Run Derby was a two man show this year with Milwaukee's Burt Stevenson and San Juan's Osvaldo Johnson providing all of the fireworks. But in the end it was Stevenson who took home the hardware, clobbering a whopping 41 home runs to beat out runner-up Johnson's 33.

Stevenson racked up 21 home runs in round one and another 8 in round two to advance to the final round against Johnson who hit 11 in round one and 12 in round two. The final round saw Stevenson narrowly edge Johnson by two home runs, 12-10.

Stevenson also claimed the furthest home run of the derby when his eleventh home run in round three, the home run that secured the Home Run Derby title for him, traveled an estimated 524 feet.


Burt Stevenson
Milwaukee
Manic Maulers
Age: 30B/T: L/L
Born: Berlin, MD
Position(s): LF/1B/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

DITR Guess

After reading an article somewhere about DITR's. I have decided to take a guess of who my DITR's might be this season. Things have been running late or slow, wonder if they are testing the new draft update? Sounds like someone that has too much time on their hands and thinks way tooooo much. The Gamblers gamble so here we go with a somewhat educated guess..lol!!

Being to the fact that they like catchers I have chosen this one in that realm.
Polin Villalona
Why? His pathetic ratings make him a prime choice and he has shown some improvement this season.

In the pitching realm I have chosen this raw draftee.
Jacob O'Brien
Why? His current health and makeup won't let him pass Hi A if he gets that far.
I was going to select L.J. Kirwan but after being passed over twice already, will probably retire a hopelessly unhappy Rookie League pitcher.

In the hitting realm I have chosen this poor guy.
Johnny Philips
Why? With a makeup like that, everyone thinks he is psycho.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Gamblers Draft Board Review

Drafting 25th and a scouting budget of 16/10 the Gamblers had to be precise in who they were going to draft in the first round. The draft was very weak in our eyes as it seemed to favor a High School draft, but after seeing the draft I am not so sure about that either. So first I will show what the scouts thought were the top 10 players and where they ended up on my board.

1. Ossie Acker - was the highest overall and a pitcher, no chance for him to fall to 25. He dropped on my board as I did not like his patience nor his bad third pitch. Drafted:6

2. Dan Benard - I don't think he was as good as the scouts proclaimed but was really the best pitcher on my board. Drafted:2

3. Joe Forrest - The best reliever on my board. Drafted:18

4. Steve Lofton - Was the best CF/2B on my board, too bad I can't trust the scouts being accurate. Drafted:8

5. Vernon Taubensee - Another great looking pitcher on the surface but his pitches threw me for a loop. Drafted:13

Okay folks, that was the blue chip players so the scouts say. Now for the second tier.

6. Johnny Guerrero - The best SS on my board, don't really like his temper and a little short in the glove but can hit and it is something I lack at the position. Drafted: 25

7. Bob Hauser - Another HS player at 2B but I don't think is good enough to play the position well that is what the scouts tell me. Drafted: 9

8. Sidney King - Another so called 2B, a position he could never play but can hit right handed pitching well, his temper was a turn off. Drafted:33

9. Bing Brow - A pitcher that fits the late first round profile but his pitches is another story, the name says it all...Bah Duh Bing Drafted:24

10. Sean Watson - Egads he is in the top 10, mid second round maybe. Drafted:63

Think that looked bad, just wait, here was my top 10 after I got done.

1. Dan Benard - I trusted the scouts anyway but chances were slim he would fall that low. Drafted:2

2. Vernon Taubensee - I didn't like him but he was one of the best pitchers, something I lack in the minors. Drafted:13

3. Joe Forrest - I liked him for a closer role, not sure he would have been good enough for that but hard to turn down an every day 20+ pitch pitcher for the pen. Drafted: 18

4. Larry Driskill - A real closer even though I highly disliked the patience. I really thought he might fall to me. Drafted:10

5. Johnny Guerrero - Not sure if he will make his defensive ratings well enough to play SS but a shoo in for 3B at a minimum and maybe even 2B. Would have liked a higher eye, but I like the fact he hits left handed, throws right and has high even splits with a little power and and above average contact. Drafted:25

6. Sidney King - Not sure what I was thinking because he couldn't play 2B on a good day but I did like the fact he was was very strong against righties. Drafted:33

7. Bob Hauser - Just because he was a power hitter and they fit my team profile. Drafted:9

8. Fritz Wise - I figured I would have a shot at one of the above which made him a good second round pick if he was still there. Drafted:65

9. Esmailyn Silva - Was the best catcher and 4th best hitter on my board plain and simple. For the longest time I had him as my #1 pick. With seeing his overall being a 66 to me, I was hoping he would fall to me in the second round. Dumb thinking in the end and I put him in the wrong slot, he should have been in the 8th slot, an oversight on my part but didn't make a difference. Drafted:35

10. Steve Lofton - I really liked him, I just couldn't trust the scouts. Drafted:8

I actually like my first pick as I did get the best SS on my board. Zeke McDonald has ML potential and a very good second round pick. I got some decent minor league position players in rounds 3 through 7. A great crop of career minor league pitchers in rounds 8 through 15. Picks 16 thru 25 were no where near the top 500. I signed my 22nd pick in Stu Brumfield because he was the best of them all and ranked 710. He might even get to be this seasons DITR, well I can hope. Everything considered I would say I had an outstanding draft.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

The Bigs Season 5 Top 100 Prospect List

THE BIGS SEASON 5 TOP 100 PROSPECTS


This season in the bigs there are more prospects than before in the lower levels whereas in previous years most of them were in AAA or AA. Carter Leonard took the number 1 spot this year. Jackson again wows us with two prospects in the top 10 like last year, and these are two totally different prospects. Watch out for the Vipers as they will have a gluttony of young cheap talent for years to come. I decided to reward the offensive hitters a little more than as it was clear some of them were being undervalued in the past.






















LEVELCOUNT
AA27
HI-A24
AAA23
LO-A22
ML3

































POSCOUNT
SP29
OF20
SS16
RP13
2B9
C7
1B3
DH2
3B1





















































































































































































































RKPLAYERPOSLEVELRATINGTEAM
1.Carter LeonardSPLO-A9.7D.C.
2.Amp PalmerSSAAA9.5LOU
3.Raul Vallarta2BLO-A9.45JAK
4.DeAngelo MartinSPAA9.4BUF
5.Barry McEnroeOFHI-A9.35BOI
6.Fausto AlmanzaSPAAA9.35JAK
7.PT LeeOFLO-A9.25SYR
8.Watty MillerOFHI-A9.2SEA
9.Turner DolanCFAA9.1SCR
10.Nick RobertsonCFLO-A9.0SLC
11.John BalfourSPAA8.9D.C.
12.George LoweCFAA8.85SLC
13.George COrtezOFHi-A8.8AUS
14.Yogi AndersonSPAAA8.75STL
15.Thurman AllenCFHI-A8.75OKC
16.Doc BowenSSHI-A8.7PHI
17.Ryan HamillSSML8.7BOI
18.Santiago PerezSPHi-A8.7N.O.
19.Vladimir BibbySPLO-A8.65AUS
20.Vin LoganDHAA8.6MNT
21.Sammy GarridoSPHI-A8.6TRE
22.Al Cruz1BHI-A8.6NFK
23.Benito FuentesOFLO-A8.6SLC
24.Kevin PongSPAA8.6N.O.
25.Ken KeagleOFAA8.6AUS
26.Victor SotoSPHI-A8.6BOI
27.Shane FletcherCFAA8.6SJ
28.Willis Biddle2BAAA8.6D.C.
29.Magglio PerezOFAAA8.6TRE
30.Brian SweneySSLO-A8.6PHI
31.Alex SilvaSSLO-A8.6STL
32.Peaches ThompsonSPLO-A8.55ANA
33.Tony Johnson2BAA8.55JAK
34.Lonny HernandezSPHI-A8.5SYR
35.George HurstSPLO-A8.5BUF
36.Gustavo ContrerasSSROO8.5CHY
37.Jim ClyburnRPHI-A8.5SJ
38.Mariano TerreroSSHI-A8.5AUS
39.LJ JordanRPLO-A8.5ANA
40.Slash RuffinSPAA8.45SEA
41.Rex KentDHAA8.45STL
42.Odalis LopezCHI-A8.45ATL
43.Juan FloresCAA8.45FAR
44.Ed AllenSPAAA8.4AUS
45.Tino OkajimaRPAA8.4STL
46.Tito Martin2BAAA8.35BUF
47.Gary NelsonCFAAA8.35TRE
48.Julio RosaSSAA8.35AUS
49.Danys AlmonteSSHI-A8.35SLC
50.Philip McCartinCFHI-A8.3SLC
51.Yeico SolanoCLO-A8.3CHY
52.Sam BrumfieldCAA8.25AUS
53.Allie FielderSPAAA8.25LOU
54.Rod CatherSPHI-A8.25TOR
55.Melvin TaylorOFAAA8.25SAL
56.Bobby DavenportSPAAA8.25NFK
57.Steven O'MalleyCAA8.2LOU
58.Cliff MillerRPAA8.2SLC
59.Phil Creek1BLO-A8.2SLC
60.William SatouSSAAA8.2AUS
61.Trot TurnerOFHI-A8.1MNT
62.Hiram SpooneybargerCAAA8.1BOI
63.Vic MercadoSSHI-A8.1ANA
64.Dennis HuangSSHI-A8.1BOI
65.Brandon MartinSSLO-A8.05MNT
66.Clarence JenningsSPAA8.05TOR
67.Victor SierraSPAAA8.05BOS
68.Jonathan LollarSPHI-A8.05TOR
69.Red KarlSSLO-A8.0SLC
70.Lucas WorthingtonSPAA7.95SYR
71.Lorenzo Santana2BLO-A7.95MIL
72.Will WestonCFHI-A7.95LV
73.Alex SamuelSPAA7.9D.C.
74.B.C. StoneSSAAA7.9BOI
75.Miguel HernandezSPHI-A7.85BUF
76.Glenallen WehnerSPAA7.85VAN
77.Dwayne MalloySPAAA7.85LOU
78.Mark HoganRPAA7.85FAR
79.Craig ShemanRPLO-A7.85NFK
80.Bob Stewart2BHI-A7.85ANA
81.Steven KirkRPLO-A
7.85PHI
82.Torey BryantRPAAA7.8CHY
83.Tito MercedesSPML7.8TRE
84.Mickey StaniferRPLO-A7.75STL
85.Tom ZimmerRPAAA7.75BUF
86.Fernando IbanezOFLO-A7.7TOR
87.Eddie Peters1BAA7.75D.C.
88.Vern Monroe3BLO-A7.75SLC
89.Alex SuarezOFAA7.75HOU
90.Victor Flores2BAA7.75BOI
91.Raymond BlackOF
HI-A7.7OKC
92.Kevin StewartCAAA7.7D.C.
93.Dan CallawayRPAAA7.7SCR
94.Vic MolinaRPML7.7JAK
96.Danny WilsonSSLO-A7.65SAL
97.Luis MeloOFAAA7.65NAS
99.Del AquinoRPAA7.65NFK
99.Alex Saenz2BAAA7.65BUF
100.Miles GuerreroSPAAA7.65CHY
Last 3 out Jesus Amezaga AAA SP VAN, Felix Comer AAA SP Nashville & Red Rose AA SS LOU

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Bad Draft?

I have been using a 16 College and 10 High School split for all my drafts this year. I normally make the settings the same for each and it takes me two or three to figure how best to rank players and set the settings. These scout splits has worked pretty well for me so far in two drafts. Oh, if you are wondering what the split does, it is about 400 college and 100 HS players in the original 500. This draft board though is a little odd. Originally when I looked at it and shook my head and thought it was because I was drafting 25th. Between the high and low possible 1st rounders (looking at overalls) I have 34 total. I still thought maybe that it was because I was drafting 25th at first. Then I started counting the HS players and came up with way too many in the top 25 and top 50. Then I started looking in the top 100 and found the rest of the supposed 1st and 2nd round candidates in HS players which put the total near 50. Yeah, that is still way short for being a deep draft, well maybe not as I won't see a bunch of HS players and probably missing 10 or so college players easy.

The big problem is where they fall, with a 10 scouting in HS you know they are inflated and they were put where they belonged (funny but that's how it works you only need to worry about your blue chip ones being inflated). With this type of budget you have to be real careful drafting HS players period. The bigger problem is that I have only been seeing 10 in the top 100 total and most iffy picks at that. This one I am seeing almost 20 which is totally wrong from what I had been seeing. Which I wonder sometimes if they watch for patterns with owners and throw them a curve so they have to change their thinking, okay don't just blame me as their are others here also.

I really had to look at the 4 HS players from top to bottom because they are amongst the highest rated on my board. I have figured out what to look for by the way, basically one rating looks funny. What normally happens is that one will go up and the others go down and it could be up to 10 points on one and spread across the others. If you stare at them long enough you can figure out which ones will go down and which ones will go up. Then you have to decide how bad it will hurt him.

With the college players for the most part, they had been a little fuzzy but nothing to get excited about being a bad pick. So I looked closely at my top rated pick on the board and shook my head, a college player with an inflated overall. I couldn't believe it myself. I thought to myself that it can't be true, maybe they made it more fuzzy all of a sudden. So off I go looking for identical players and found several in my top 25 that were actually better but their overalls were where they should be. My thought was to leave it alone and he might fall to me at 25 which is about right actually, doubtful but a thought anyway, hmm wait, that is what happened last year. The way it stands, if I get my first pick the way I have it now everyones jaw will hit the floor calling me crazy. Of course I have been known to set and think about the players and change the rankings right up to the last minute. For some reason though, I don't see it happening this time. So call me crazy already.

If you are wondering how players are described as inflated, it is like this. Starting Pitchers with a high Stamina without other corresponding ratings for one. Hitters is normally high power. They are suppose to change this, but I haven't seen it happen yet.