Season 15 Preview - National League

Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald

There is a new tide coming in this season in the National League, and it is the new NL West rising as Omaha finally recedes after a decade of dominance.  Still strong is the entire NL East, while there are some old faces coming back for another go in the North and South.  Lars takes a look at what could potentially be a massive power shift in the upcoming seasons, and gives his predictions on things to come in the senior circuit.

National League

Overview: For years in the National League two things were a certainty; one, Syracuse would win a ton of games in the regular season and collapse in the playoffs, and two, Omaha would probably win the World Series.  But Omaha has officially put that dynasty to bed for the time being to retool what was a rapidly aging franchise.  This has blown the door wide open for the rest of the National League, and Jackson was able to capitalize last season before losing a very tightly contested World Series to the Cleveland Steamers.

This year sees some old favorites once again rising to the top, as Jackson built upon their World Series success and had some major free agent moves to bolster their lineup.  But the biggest mover and shaker this season was the Sioux Falls Corn Cleats, who had the busiest offseason in franchise history in an attempt to retake the division and recover from their worst season in team history.  The NL South is now a wide open race as well, as Syracuse was forced to shed some very talented players in order to make their budget, but they are still the match of any of the other teams in the division, just not the guaranteed lock they once were.  The West is now wide open as well, and Iowa City and San Francisco look to be running neck and neck in the race to succeed Omaha as the divisional power to be reckoned with. 

Projected Cy Young: Furio Kydd - Iowa City
--Other Contenders: Clyde Ford (SXF), Davey Silva (WIC), Ivan Canseco (SF), Junior Lee (ATL)
Projected MVP: Chipper Harper - Columbus
--Other Contenders: Paul Jung (SYR), Nick Weaver (ATL), Omar Rosado (NY2)
Projected Fireman of the Year: Kirk White - Syracuse
--Other Contenders: Sarma Inge (CLB)
Projected Rookie of the Year: Francisco Espada - Iowa City
--Other Contenders: Tim Collins (MNT), Jose Vasquez (SXF)

Top Five Rotations in the National League
1. Sioux Falls Corn Cleats
2. Atlanta Pitbulls
3. Columbus HoundDogs
4. Syracuse Beagles
5. New York Pick Pockets

Top Five Lineups in the National League
1. Columbus HoundDogs
2. New York Pick Pockets
3. Syracuse Beagles
4. Wichita Wankers
5. Jackson Pollocks

Top Three Offseason Free Agent Signings
1. Tony Cho - Columbus HoundDogs
2. Dennis Ashby - Jackson Pollocks
3. Steven Booker - Trenton Lions

Top Three Trade Acquisitions
1. Clyde Ford - Sioux Falls Corn Cleats
2. Jamie Beimel - Atlanta Pitbulls
3. Ivan Canseco - San Francisco Earthquakes

Four Teams on the Rise:
1. Iowa City Corn Dogs
2. Sioux Falls Corn Cleats
3. San Francisco Earthquakes
4. Trenton Lions

Three Teams on the Decline
1. Omaha Sluggers
2. Syracuse Beagles
3. Charlotte Thunder

Five prospects who could make a difference if called up this season
1. Theodore Hafner - Atlanta Pitbulls
2. Juan Javier - Montgomery Burns
3. Morgan Kirby - Montgomery Burns
4. Jamie Hayashi - Montgomery Burns
5. Kazuhiro Martin - San Francisco Earthquakes

Projected finishes, by division:

NL North
Sioux Falls Corn Cleats -91-71
New York Pick Pockets - 89-73
Trenton Lions - 72-90
Hartford Whalers - 70-92

NL East
Columbus HoundDogs - 94-68
Wichita Wankers - 92-70
Syracuse Beagles - 91-71
Atlanta Pitbulls - 89-73

NL South
Jackson Pollocks - 96-66
Richmond Cohibas - 87-75
Montgomery Burns - 65-97
Charlotte Thunder - 64-98

NL West
Iowa City Corn Dogs - 92-70
San Francisco Earthquakes - 88-74
Omaha Sluggers - 75-87
Los Angeles Leopards - 61-101

Hall of Fame Preview with Lars the Greek - Pitcher Edition

Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald

It's time to look at the pitchers who have made their mark in Cobb World over the years, and unlike the hitters, there is a very select group of pitchers who stand head and shoulders above the rest.  First lets take a look at the HOF criteria and the pitchers that make the automatic nomination cut.

7+ All Star Appearances

1. Kazuhiro Ong - 10
2. Sean Hill - 9
3. Kirk White - 9
   
4. Dean Hernandez - 7
5. Shane Parrish - 7
6. B.C. Steenstra - 7
   

3+ Fireman of the Year

1. Kirk White - 5
2. Randall Harvey - 4
   
3. Sarma Inge - 3
4. Harold Charles - 3
   

3+ Cy Young Awards

1. Dean Hernandez - 6
   
2. Kazuhiro Ong - 3
3. Phillip Brown - 3
   

300+ wins
--No players meet this criteria 

3000+ Ks
--No players meet this criteria

500+ SVs

1. Sean Hill - 507

Five other great pitchers retired or nearing retirement.

1. Vance Weaver - 179 W, 6 AS, 2 Cy Youngs, 1 Gold Glove
2. Olmedo Contreras - 175 W, 5 AS , 1 Cy Young
   
3. David Rosado - 168 W, 5 AS, 1 Cy Young
4. Albert Franco - 181 W, 4 AS, 1 Cy Young
5. Josias Morales - 186 W, 3 AS, 2 Gold Gloves

Lars' Top Five Picks for the Hall of Fame
--The list for the Cobb Hall of Fame obviously starts with Kazuhiro Ong and Dean Hernandez, both of whom are without a doubt the two best pitchers to ever come through the league at this point in time.  After that you would have to think that Kirk White and Sean Hill also get the nod, for their very impressive career stats and dominance of the bullpen.  The fifth slot is where it gets tricky, as there are many candidates who are deserving.

1. Kazuhiro Ong - This spot could have easily gone to Hernandez, but Ong gets the slight nod for having greater career numbers at this point, trailing Hernandez only in Cy Youngs.  It could be debated that Ong would have had more Cy Youngs had he been in Hernandez's place, as the competition in the NL was much stiffer during his run through his peak years.  Still, both are great.
2. Dean Hernandez - Who wouldn't want an SP who is capable of throwing 300+ innings in nearly 40 starts in a year, while winning 60% of them every season?  Hernandez is in all likelihood going to top Ongs career stats by the time he retires, and could make the 300W/3000K plateau before retirement as well, which would then catapult The Dean to #1 on Lars' list.
3. Kirk White - In terms of pure dominance in the bullpen, there is no comparison to Kirk White.  Boasting an unbelievable combination of power, control, and an unflappable demeanor, White is the standard in Cobb as far as closers are concerned.  He doesn't have 500 saves yet, but barring injury he will certainly attain that milestone and then some, and even if he doesn't his award pedigree can't be argued with.
4. Sean Hill - His ratings may not show it, but Hill has been the most consistently successful relief pitcher in the history of Cobb World, getting it done since season 1 and still going today.  His longevity is unmatched at the position, and his 9 All Star appearances prove that he has been an elite player for nearly all of his career.  That's Hall of Fame worthy in any argument.
5. Phillip Brown - This spot could have easily gone to Vance Weaver, but Brown gets the nod with 3 Cy Youngs to Weavers two, and better career averages.  Brown was the elite standard for pitchers in the early years of Cobb, and had he not had part of his prime before the recorded seasons, he could have had the same career numbers as Ong and Hernandez.  Weaver may ultimately surpass him, as he has a few good years left, but at this moment it's Brown who gets the edge.
   

Hall of Fame Preview with Lars the Greek

Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald

Normally known for his playoff and season predictions, Lars the Greek is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Hall of Fame update to HBD, and has turned his considerable prognostication prowess towards determining who is in and out of the Hall of Fame.  Using the criteria laid down from admin on high, here is the list that Lars has to work with, and predictions to follow. 

Position Players
--There have been quite a few great position players through the years in Cobb World, none greater than Jose Barrios, who owns nearly every single offensive category record and has yet to retire, and is one of the few threats in league history to top the 3,000 hit plateau.  After him though the books show a league strong in slugging hitters, with a few very dominant players, and a whole bevy of very good ones.  

Automatic Nomination Categories

7+ Silver Sluggers

1. Jose Barrios - 8
2. Dallas Kline - 7
   

10+ Gold Gloves

--No players meet this criteria

7+ All Star Appearances

1. Jose Barrios - 10
2. Ernie Jenkins - 9
   
3. Dallas Kline - 8
4. Vernon Jones - 8
5. Hades Booker - 7
   

3+ MVPs

1. Jose Barrios - 6
2. Kory Arnold - 4
   
3. Chipper Harper - 3
   

500+ Home Runs

1. Jose Barrios - 740
2. Kip Zeile - 665
3. Jose Cervantes - 628
4. Domingo Montana - 539
5. Dallas Kline - 534
6. Vernon Jones - 529
   
7. Orber Olivo - 519
8. Kenny Blair - 510
   

3000+ Hits

--No players meet this criteria

20 Players retired or near retirement who were/are great but meet none of those requirements

1. Marino Sierra
   
2. Rico Estrada
3. Ernest McConnell
4. Joseph Pan
5. Thomas Hill
   
6. Bob Sears
7. Terrance Warden
8. Rob Quinn
9. Patrick Stanton
10. Pat Barber
11. Vitas Newman
12. Fred McConnell
13. Corey Green
14. Ken Puffer
15. Richard Davis
16. Alan Peterson
17. Mendy Strong
18. Rico Romero
19. Ryan Saberhagen
20. Roosevelt Lowell

Lars Top 10 Picks for the Hall of Fame

--Obviously Jose Barrios gets the nod, as does Dallas Kline, after that the definition of greatness becomes limited to fewer categories, as only Barrios and Kline were able to achieve more than 3 of the criteria needed for automatic nomination.  Here is Lars's list:

1. Jose Barrios - The example of greatness from day one of Cobb World, Barrios is the greatest player in the history of the league, hands down, no questions asked.  Anyone who thinks otherwise needs their head examined.
2. Dallas Kline - For the first 10 seasons in Cobb World there was a legitimate debate as to who was greater, Kline or Barrios.  Then Kline started his decline, but his records of early Cobb dominance remain, truly an all time great.
3. Ernie Jenkins - While he may not have reached 500 HR's, Jenkins has more all star appearances than anyone in Cobb History save Barrios, and has two MVP's, which is nothing to sneeze at.  He was an elite hitter and one of the most feared bats of his time.
4. Marino Sierra - While Sierra didn't crack any of the criteria, he did come close with 6 All Star appearances.  What is more impressive is how complete his game was, there probably wasn't a more effective leadoff hitter in the game for the first 12 years of Cobb, and Sierra currently is a top 5 all time player in runs, stolen bases, walks, and runs created, plus he belted nearly 300 HR's with a career average around .300.  That's Hall of Fame worthy.
5. Kip Zeile - The #2 all time home run hitter in Cobb World is a lock for the hall, and was probably the most underrated player of his era.  He did finally earn his elusive MVP, but along with Orber Olivo was shut out of the All Star game far to often, perhaps because of his shining personality.
6. Vernon Jones - A 500 home run hitter at the catcher position is a rare thing, and Jones is the most decorated player at that position in Cobb history.  A fan favorite, Jones was also a very good defensive catcher as well as being a monster at the plate, only Patrick Stanton and Vitas Newman are close historically for catchers.
7. Kory Arnold - Four MVP's is the most impressive stat in Arnolds career, second only to Jose Barrios' six awards.  No other player has dominated the American League like the stretch Arnold put together from seasons 8-11, although young Pedro Franco is making a run.  Arnold may possibly reach 500 home runs, but even if he doesn't he deserves a spot in the hall.
8. Rico Estrada - Six time All Star Rico Estrada was the standard for shortstops for a decade in the first years of Cobb World.  An all time top five player in hits and runs, as well as coolness, Estrada was the first major impact international free agent to hit Cobb World, and his influence has been felt in the league ever since.
   
9. Fred McConnell - McConnell gets a veteran's committee vote from Lars, as his first five seasons in the league were so completely dominating that it is hard to leave him out, imagining what he could have been if all of his prime were spent playing in recorded seasons.  A good fielder at CF as well, McConnell deserves a spot in the Hall.
10. Jose Cervantes - Hard to imagine how a player who has hit over 600 home runs has only been an All Star twice, but Cervantes has very quietly put up some of the most ridiculous power numbers in Cobb history.  Still a very effective power hitter, it isn't unreasonable to think that he could top 700 home runs before his career is over.  That is most certainly a Hall of Fame number by any stretch of the imagination.
    

Season 14 Draft Recap - Sioux Falls through Wichita

Albert Kimbrel Sioux Falls Corn Cleats Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Colusa, CA Position(s): P (SP2) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Sioux Falls Corn Cleats
--The Corn Cleats had a host of late round and supplemental picks in this years draft, the first one being SP Albert Kimbrel.  Kimbrel  was a very good selection at #23, with devastating splits and a great pitch selection, with control good enough to get it done.  Supplemental picks Cliff Reynolds and Russell Hood are nearly carbon copies of each other, both SPs with near perfect control, good splits, and good pitches, and high durability for a starter.  Both should be good ML starters.  Suppelemental pick C Torey Corino is a very good slugging backstop, who is solid defensively and very good at the plate.  2nd round pick 1B Carlos Gonzalez is a pretty good hitter too, very similar in skill set to current ML 1B Tito Shigetoshi.  The Rest of the Cleats draft yielded some solid minor leaguers, but nothing to write home about.  This was a very good draft for Sioux Falls, yielding 4 legitimate ML starters and one potential starter.
Grade: A

Ricardo Roque Syracuse Beagles Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Lisbon, NH Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Syracuse Beagles
--With the #22 pick in the draft the Beagles selected SP Ricardo Roque, a talented but erratic starter with great pitches, velocity, and GB/FB abilities, but average splits and suspect control.  He could be effective despite his wildness, but you would like to see slightly better splits and control for a pick at this position in the draft.  At #34 the Beagles took C Bernie Martin, probably the best hitting catcher in the draft this year, which was a very good value pick.  Supplemental pick RP Ricardo Espinosa has some talent, but his flaws are such that he might struggle in the majors.  2nd round pick 1B Jerome Newsome was a good value pick as well, as he can hit the ball very well, even if his power isn't the best.  The Beagles got some good talent in the draft, although their early picks probably weren't as successful as they would have hoped.
Grade: B

Stuart Fischer Tacoma Jerry Gang Age: 18 B/T: S/L Born: Brentwood, MO Position(s): CF/1B/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Tacoma Jerry Gang
--The Jerry Gang took their 1st round pick at #30 with CF Stuart Fischer, a very talented defensive CF who will fit the Tacoma park like a glove.  With his superior range and glove, and impressive batting eye and speed, he should be a perfect leadoff man for the the Jerry Gang.   His health is a bit of a worry though, one big injury and he is on the road to Wiki Vasquez land.  The rest of Tacomas draft yielded some very solid defensive players, like CF Andre Brunson and C Luis Ordaz, but not much else otherwise.  Fischer is talented but risky, and is pretty much the only legitimate ML starter in this years draft for Tacoma.
Grade: C+

Ugueth Pelaez Toronto Blue Jays Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Hialeah, FL Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Toronto Blue Jays
--The Blue Jays continued to bulk up their hitting prospects with the selection of SS Ugueth Pelaez.  Pelaez is a very solid hitter across the board, and should put up respectable numbers in the bigs.  His range will probably limit him to 3B at the ML level, but all of his other fielding skills are superb.  2nd round pick SP Chris Charles could be a pretty good long reliever in the majors, as could 3rd rounder Tony Randall.  After that it was just some good minor league pitchers for Toronto.  But the selection of Pelaez filled a need for the Jays, and he should be on the ML team in a season or two, so the effect will be soon felt.
Grade: B+

Malcolm Tucker Trenton Lions Age: 20 B/T: L/L Born: Kenyon, MN Position(s): P (SP5) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Trenton Lions
--With the #2 pick in the draft, you don't normally see a reliever selected.  But Malcom Tucker is a special case, as he projects to be as good or better than Kirk White, which is saying quite a lot.  There isn't anything not to like about Tucker who is pretty much as good as you can get in every important skill.  The rest of the Trenton draft wasn't too impressive, but you have to like what Tucker will bring to the team once he reaches the majors, as he is a special kind of reliever who only comes along once every 10 years or so.
Grade: A-

Braden Nitkowski Vancouver Grizzlies Age: 19 B/T: S/L Born: Hambleton, WV Position(s): RF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Vancouver Grizzlies
--The Grizzlies drafted RF Braden Nitkowski at #17 overall in the draft.  He projects to be very similar to Tacoma RF Tony Arnold, who the Times Herald mistakenly dissed in a previous draft recap.  We won't make that same mistake again, and fully expect Nitkowski to be a very good pro, who can hit for average and plays good defense.  Supplemental pick 2B Joey Parkers is a very nice prospect as well, and hits the ball nicely and plays average defense for 2B.  Supplemental pick CF Mac Price is a talented defensive CF who suffers at the plate but some how has a superb batting eye, so he could be an effective pro as well.  After that there isn't much in the Vancouver draft.  Still, they netted three intriguing prospects who could contribute at the ML level, which is harder to do than one might think.
Grade: B+

Yorrick Rowan Wichita Wankers Age: 20 B/T: S/R Born: Brookhaven, NY Position(s): P (T1A) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Wichita Wankers
--With the #26 pick in the draft the Wankers selected SP Yorrick Rowan, a talented SP with above average ratings across the board.  He doesn't project to be truly elite in any one category, but isn't weak in any category either.  He should be very effective in the Wichita ballpark.  Supplemental pick RP Charlie Spivey is a dog however, with pathetic control and splits, and probably won't make it past HiA ball, and Wichita probably wishes they had that one back.  In fact, the next two picks were pitchers who probably won't amount to much either.  But the Wankers made up for it with 4th round pick C Alan Robertson, a very nice prospect who can really hit the ball well and is quite adept at getting on base.  He's ok but not outstanding defensively as well.   This was an ok draft in the end for Wichita, but they really could have done better with their pick at #51.
Grade: C+

Season 14 Draft Recap - Louisville through San Francisco

Javier Sierra Louisville Dogs Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Cambridge, MA Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Louisville Dogs
--The Dogs were picking late at #38 for their first pick, and with it they selected RP Javier Sierra.  Sierra is above average in pretty much all of his key skills but not really outstanding in any of them.  He should be a serviceable ML reliever, but probably won't be an all star.  Supplemental pick Danys Cruz on the other hand was a very nice selection, a SP who as all of the tools to be a mid rotation starter in the bigs, thanks to his top notch control, good splits, velocity, and pitch selection.  Supplemental pick 3B Homer Weaver has ML potential as well, as he has a good glove and can hit righties pretty well.  2nd round pick 3B JD James could platoon in the majors with Weaver as he is very good vs. lefties.  2nd round pick SP Victor Hill could also make the majors thanks to his near perfect control and good pitches.  This was a very solid draft for Louisville, bringing on some legitimate ML talent.
Grade: A-

Howard Hall Montgomery Burns Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Oostburg, WI Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Montgomery Burns
--The Burns were picking high at #3, and with that coveted pick brought home a stud SP in Howard Hall.  Hall projects to have good control with wicked splits and velocity.  He should be a strikeout machine in the majors, and has the stamina and durability to really make an impact.  The Burns also picked up a nice reliever in the 2nd round in Dick Singleton, who has elite control and three nice pitches.  After him though it's pretty much fringe and minor league fodder in the Montgomery draft.  But they have to be thrilled to have landed Hall, he's good.
Grade: A-

Alex Dodson Nashville Rebel Riders Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Lockport, IL Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Nashville Rebel Riders
--The Rebel Riders added a very nice SP in Alex Dodson with the #12 pick in the draft.  Dodson may not have the stamina and durability that other top starters do, but his ability to own right handed hitting is second to none, he has good control, and a very nice pitch selection.  He has #1 starter potential.  Nashville picked up a pair of talented relievers in the 2nd round in Ricardo Pinzon and Adam Bonilla, both of whom could make it to the bigs and contribute.  3rd round pick CF Rob Dickey could be the best defensive CF in the draft this year, and was a very good value pick.  Not a bad draft at all for the Rebel Riders.
Grade: A

Brent Leonard New York Pick Pockets Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Lena, WI Position(s): 2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

New York Pick Pockets
--The Pick Pockets didn't have a pick until the 2nd round, but made it count with the selection of Brent Leonard, who was probably the best they could have hoped for that late in the draft.  Leonard has great range and glove, and is decent but not great at the plate.  He could be a valuable backup.  No other top picks signed for New York, who instead chose to go the free agency route this offseason.
Grade: D+

Teddy Bigbie Omaha Sluggers Age: 21 B/T: S/R Born: Pharr, TX Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Omaha Sluggers
--The Sluggers selected talented RP Teddy Bigbie with the #32 pick in the draft.  Besides sporting one of the most hideous unibrows in the game today, Bigbie also has perfect control, good splits and velocity, and good durability.  He is very similar in skill set to Jacksons pick Cela.  The Sluggers weren't so lucky with their subsequent picks, including an average P at #39 in Delino Marichal, and then a bunch of minor leaguers after that.  Bigbie is good, but they probably could have gotten better value with later picks.
Grade: C-

Felipe Cruz Pawtucket G-Maniacs Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Burien, WA Position(s): P (SP4) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Pawtucket G-Maniacs
--The Pawtucket pitching factory continues to spew out prospects thanks to the selection of SP Felipe Cruz at #28 overall, making this possibly the best value pick in the draft.  Cruz sports great control and splits, and has some nice pitches as well.  Supplemental pick SP Fernando Marquez also could be a ML starter thanks to his superior control.  The G's have to be disappointed that they weren't able to get a signing out of their other supplemental pick, however.  2nd round pick RP Martin Bannister could be a valuable ML reliever as well thanks to his control, but after him the Pawtucket draft starts to decline in quality.  A good draft for Pawtucket, but it could have been much more.
Grade: B

Darwin Sanders Pittsburgh SSP Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Clinton, AR Position(s): 2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Pittsburgh SSP
--The SSP were picking at #9 overall, and took the best player available on the board at the time in 2B/CF Darwin Sanders.   Sanders is a defensive talent, and has some nice pop at the plate.  He has above average speed, and hits lefties pretty well.  He's pretty versatile and should be a valuable ML player.  The SSP added to their depth with subsequent selections Christy Van Pelt, Billy Underwood, and John Woo, all players who could make the majors under the right circumstances.  The SSP did well, adding a nice player in Sanders and possibly three other future major leaguers.
Grade: B

Luther Hoffman Richmond Cohibas Age: 20 B/T: L/L Born: Dover, NJ Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Richmond Cohibas
--Selecting at #16, Richmond took SP Luther Hoffman, a pinpoint control pitcher with an excellent pitch selection and nice splits.  Hoffman projects to be a nice middle of the rotation starter, and should eat up a lot of innings with his stamina and durabilty, coupled with his high control.  Thanks to free agent signings the Cohibas didn't have another pick until the 4th round, where there wasn't much left to choose from.  So this is a one player draft for Richmond, and they made it count.
Grade: B

Dickie Garcia Seattle Pilots Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Ocean City, NJ Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Seattle Pilots
--Picking at #6 overall in the draft, the Pilots selected SP Dickie Garcia, a very nice SP who has #1 starter potential.  Garcia's strengths are his pinpoint control, splits, and velocity, and his pitch selection is good enough to get it done.  He is yet another SP in the draft who has a monster stamina/durability combo coupled with high control.  He could easily be a 20 game winner in the future.  Supplemental pick CF Cliff Burnett was a very nice pick as well, with elite range and glove for the position, and good lead off skills a the plate.  He is very good vs. righties, and is very fast on the bases.    2nd round RF Alvin Hardy is also a very nice pick for the Seattle park, a good hitter who while lacking in power, is very good everywhere else.  3rd round pick RF Ed Cooper has a very nice batting eye, and could fill in at DH for the ML squad in the future.  As an added bonus they picked up a good value pick in SP Felipe Francisco in the 5th round.  The Pilots had as good a draft as you could hope for in building a team for their park, well done.
Grade: A+

Philip Thomas San Francisco Earthquakes Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Woodside, DE Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

San Francisco Earthquakes
--The Earthquakes had the #7 pick in the draft, and with it they selected talented and versatile SS Philip Thomas.  Thomas is above average across the board, both defensively and at the plate, and is a pretty durable player as well.  He may not ever be an all star, but he will improve any lineup he is in.  The Quakes picked up another defensive SS in 2nd rounder Stevie Anderson, who could make the ML squad as well.  After him the draft degenerates into fringe prospects, but it was still solid for SanFran.
Grade: B-

Season 14 Draft Recap - Columbus through LA Leopards

Les Cooper Columbus HoundDogs Age: 20 B/T: R/R Born: Holton, KS Position(s): LF/1B/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Columbus HoundDogs
--With their two late first round picks, the Columbus HoundDogs picked up a pair of nice OBP machines in LF Les Cooper and 2B Merv Curtis.  Both of them are average defensively for their positions, and have very similar hitting skills with above average splits and power, with outstanding batting eyes.   Curtis has superior speed and base running ability, and should be a threat at the top of any order.  2nd round pick SS Dicky Connell has a nice glove, and might be a ML backup if his lackluster bat can be stomached.  The same can be said of 4th round pick SS Jerrod Henry.  The rest of the Columbus draft was pretty much minor league material.  This was a nice draft though bringing in two ML starters and two potential backups with late round draft picks.
Grade: B+

Tony Dellaero Cleveland Steamers Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Brawley, CA Position(s): 2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Cleveland Steamers
--The Steamers selected 2B Tony Dellaero with the #29 pick in the draft.  On the upside, Dellaero has excelent range, makes great contact at the plate, and has elite speed.  On the downside however is his lackluster splits, below average health and durability, and weak glove for the position.  He could be a solid role player or utility man, with numbers similar to current Steamer Cory Lowry.  2nd round pick RP Ben Adams has great control, nice splits, good velocity and two excellent pitches, but has limited stamina and will probably be only good for 25 innings in a season.  3rd round pick C Allen Osborne is another in the long line of Steamers backstops who can call the best game in the world, but can't hit their weight.  The rest of Clevelands draft is pretty anemic.  There weren't any stars in this bunch, but there were some solid roleplayers who fit the Cleveland system.
Grade: C

Erubiel Cordero Dover Dingos Age: 19 B/T: L/L Born: Eunice, NM Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Dover Dingos
--The Dingos used the #21 pick in the draft on future closer Erubiel Cordero.  Cordero is a hard throwing southpaw with elite splits, pitches, and velocity.  His control is above average, and he has incredible durability.  He gets into trouble sometimes with the fly ball, but should be a nice reliever in the majors.  SP Howie Mays was taken at #25, and he is a workhorse SP who could make it to the majors as a #5 starter or very good long reliever, but his limited pitch selection and control will keep him from moving much higher than that.  He also sports some nifty spectacles.  Supplemental pick Barney Perry is a utility IF with some pop, and could be a valuable bench player in the majors.  2nd Round pick SP Art Howard has ML potential as well, and might be a better pitching prospect than Mays if he develops fully.  After him though the Dover draft drops off in quality and enters minor league territory.  Still, not a bad draft that brought on board some good prospects.
Grade: B

Nicky Lewis Florida Almendares Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Vassar, MI Position(s): CF/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Florida Almendares
--Florida selected slugging SS Nicky Lewis at #24 overall in the draft.  Lewis boasts a very nice glove, has elite range, arm strength, and accuracy, and can play every game if needed.  He also has more power than most shortstops in the majors.  That being said the rest of his hitting skills are lacking, so while he is a legit prospect, to expect him to hit for average is foolhardy.  3rd round pick SS Ivan Ohman was good value for the round, and has ML potential as a defensive specialist, as does 4th round pick SS Patrick McGowan.  But that's about it for the Florida draft.
Grade: C+

Rich Taylor Hartford Whalers Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Pikeville, KY Position(s): P (SuA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Hartford Whalers
--The Whalers selected RP Rich Taylor with the #15 pick in the draft.  Taylor has all the makings of a solid ML reliever, but might not have quite the elite edge to succeed at the closer position, as his velocity is suspect, and he would need to maximize his development to make a real impact in the big leagues.  Taylor does  have good control, decent splits, and good durability, but taking him at #15 may have been a bit of a reach.  2nd round pick SP Wally Howard has a very nice pitch selection, great splits, but has some control issues that might limit him to long relief in the majors.  The rest of the Whalers draft was pretty much minor league.
Grade: C-

Josh Biddle Iowa City Corn Dogs Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Phoenix, NY Position(s): P (SP2) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Iowa City Corn Dogs
--The Corn Dogs drafted a very solid SP prospect in Josh Biddle with the #11 pick in the draft.  Biddle features elite control, velocity and pitch selection, and has pretty good splits as well.  He is also a workhorse and is capable of pitching a lot of innings in a season.  It's a good thing for the Corn Dogs farm system that they had such a dynamite first pick, because the rest of their draft was entirely uninspiring.
Grade: B

Junior Cela Jackson Pollocks Age: 18 B/T: S/L Born: Charlestown, MA Position(s): P (SuA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Jackson Pollocks
--The Pollocks selected a very nice reliever in Junior Cela at #19 overall, a pitcher who projects to have perfect control, nice splits, and three good pitches.  He will need to maximize his control in order to offset his tendency to give up the fly ball, but otherwise you couldn't ask for much more in a reliever.  The rest of the Pollocks draft continued to focus on pitching, and yielded a selection of nice looking long relievers and setup men, all of whom are fringe prospects thanks to their pitch selection, but probably won't be much more than AAAA players.  Of special note is RP Jon Bonds, who boasts a stamina/durability combo of 4/56, which will limit his otherwise pretty nice looking skill set.  This is the kind of draft that while on paper doesn't look too exciting, really added to the depth of the farm system overall.
Grade: C+

Doug Dreifort Kansas City Express Age: 20 B/T: S/R Born: Stone Mountain, GA Position(s): P (SP2) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Kansas City Express
--The Express had big hopes going into the draft, holding the #4 overall pick, but unfortunately for their fans didn't manage to bring home the stud the team was looking for.  What they got instead was a solid but not spectacular SP in Doug Dreifort, who has above average control, velocity, pitch selection, and decent splits.  While not elite in any category, he is solid and will be a ML starter in the future for sure, just not the ace the team was hoping to bring home.  None of the KC's other top round picks signed, so this has to be considered a disappointing draft for the franchise.
Grade: D+

Napoleon Graves Los Angeles Leopards Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Riverside, CA Position(s): RF/1B/LF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Los Angeles Leopards
--The Leopards had the #1 pick in the draft, so it is to be expected that they signed a stud, which of course they did in RF Napoleon Graves.  Graves is undoubtedly the best hitter in the draft, with a scary contact/power combo with great splits and batting eye.  His glove is weak, but seeing as how he is a corner outfielder all that matters is his bat, and the fact that he can play every day, which he can.  3rd round pick LF Aaron Cole has a nice batting eye, and might make it to the bigs as a backup, but the rest of the LA draft is pretty uninspiring.  But they didn't mess up the pick that counts, which is the most important thing.
Grade: B+

Season 14 Draft Recap - Anaheim through Charlotte

Chuck Biscuits - Cobb Times Herald

Torey McFarland Anaheim Sharks Age: 21 B/T: R/R Born: Fithian, IL Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Anaheim Sharks
--With the #20 pick in the draft the Sharks selected SP Torey McFarland.  McFarland is a quality SP top to bottom, and while not lights out in any of his particular abilities, his entire skill set adds up to a ML starter, probably slotted in the 3 to 5 positions in the rotation.  2nd round pick RP Ryan Post probably doesn't have what it takes to make it out of the minors, but 3rd round pick SS Justin Callaway is intriguing thanks to his excellent glove and very nice split vs. right handed pitching.  The rest of the Sharks draft was pretty much minor league filler, but the two ML prospects they did pick up are pretty decent for where they were selected.
Grade: B

Pablo Rosa Arizona Tigers Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Des Plaines, IL Position(s): LF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Arizona Tigers

--The Tigers took LF Pablo Rosa with the #10 pick in the draft.  Rosa is a physical specimen who can play every day, and the work he puts in the offseason is showing in his muscles, as he has pretty nice power as well at the plate.  He makes good contact and has a good eye, which is about all you can ask for a corner OF position, especially as his glove isn't an embarrassment.  The Tigers enjoyed another nice 1st round pick at #18 with the selection of RF Stubby Grabowski, another hard hitting prospect similar in skills to Rosa.  Grabowski isn't quite as lethal at the plate, but is immeasurably faster on the bases.  The Tigers continued their run of quality picks with 2nd round pick SS Steve Harris, a nice defensive SS with some skill at the plate as well.  3rd round pick SP Dustin Rolle also has some nice potential to make the majors thanks to his wonderful control and pitch selection.  Netting 4 future ML players made for a very nice draft for Arizona.
Grade: A

Pat Chong Atlanta Pitbulls Age: 21 B/T: R/R Born: Castleton, NY Position(s): 2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Atlanta Pitbulls
--Heading into the draft expectations were high for Atlanta, thanks in part to their four first round picks.  The first of those was 2B Pat Chong, taken at #27 overall.  Chong is a very nice power hitting 2B, and reminds the Herald Times of Joseph Funaki with his hitting skills, but with only a little less power at the plate.  His glove is adequate for the position.  SP Brady Hartzell was taken at #37, and he is a future starter with his impeccable control, velocity, GB/FB ratio, and five above average pitches.  He's definitely a nice pickup for Atlanta.  SP Tripp Jefferies, taken at #42 overall, also is a bona fide ML starter in the making, with nice control, splits, velocity and pitches.  The SP bonanza continued for Atlanta at #52, as Don Matthews was yet another talented prospect taken by the Pitbulls.  While not as skilled as Jefferies or Hartzell, Matthews still has the stuff to make the majors.  Atlanta drafted yet another nice SP prospect in the 2nd round with their choice of Daniel Olson, who has more upside than Matthews, and is similar in skills to Jefferies.  The rest of Atlanta's draft was very deep with quality minor league players who could also make the majors in a backup capacity at some point through all 5 first rounds.  If you are a GM looking at how to draft, look no further, this is as good as it gets.
Grade: A+

Steven Nielsen Boston Loggers Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: La Canada, CA Position(s): C/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Boston Loggers
--The Loggers took a very nice catching prospect at #5 overall with the selection of Steven Nielsen.  Nielsen can flat out rake the ball vs. lefties, and is very nice vs. righties as well, and has a good batting eye.  Behind the plate he is solid as well, and shouldn't be a defensive liability.  He can also DH effectively for an AL squad.  2nd round pick RP Adam Robbins has yet to sign, but if he does he has very good skills for a closer if he can overcome his control issues.  3rd round pick SP TJ Farr is great value for the round, as he has ML potential and could possibly be a #5 starter for most squads.  This was a solid but not spectacular draft for Boston.
Grade: B

Chicago Sabercats
--The Sabercats took a gamble with their first pick at #14, when potential superstar SS Doc Mabry unexpectedly dropped to their slot.  Superbly talented, but a huge signing risk, Mabry could change the fortunes of the Chicago franchise if he signs, as he is very good in the field and at the plate.  He's the complete package and a legitimate star if he signs.  For the Sabercats sake Mabry had better sign, as the rest of their draft wasn't very impressive, bringing on board a bunch of minor league scrubs with no ML potential.  So this is a one man draft for Chicago.
Grade: A if he signs, F if he doesn't.

Harry Mendoza Charlotte Thunder Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Houma, LA Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Charlotte Thunder
--The Thunder made a very nice selection in P Harry Mendoza at #13 overall.  Mendoza has the most electrifying stuff of any pitcher in the draft this year, with out of this world control, splits, and velocity.  His durability and pitch selection will probably funnel him towards the bullpen, but he could be as good as Kirk White in the closers role, and brings a much needed pitching prospect to the Thunder franchise.  The rest of Charlotte's draft brought on some fringe pitching prospects, who might make it as long relief but not much else.  But drafting Mendoza makes up for a lot.
Grade: B+