Sights from Hillbilly Country

Chuck Biscuits - Cobb Times Herald

On our recent trip to Huntington the Times Herald took some excellent photo's to document the trip. Here is a sample of what you can expect at a Hillbilly baseball game.

This is the concession stand at Eble Park, where you can purchase hot dogs, pork rinds, and tobacco. Budweiser beer is available by the can, and for beer snobs they have Coors Light.


The owner's suite at Eble Park.


Hillbilly superfan Joe Bob Jimmy Cashdollar.


Huntington Hillbillies official mascot, "Billy the Hillbilly," modeling the hillbilly overalls that are also available at the concession stand.

Hillbillies Owner Makes Guarantee

Chuck Biscuits - Cobb Times Herald

The confident owner of the Huntington Hillbillies, krs96, guaranteed that his team would make the playoffs this season and next, as he is sure his young talent will slug their way to the post-season. "Have to show the young kids I trust in their ability and will take the bullet for them. Mark it down in the paper now my guarantees," said krs96. Furthermore he invited "Food Head" Chuck Biscuits down to Hillbillie country to get his words in print, so the Times Herald took the opportunity to drive down to the land of banjos and coal mines to ask fans and players what they thought of their owners arrogant claims.

"I think it's great that he's willing to take a bullet for me," said Hillbillie 2B Craig Lake, "I would hate to have something as frivolous as a slug ruin my otherwise perfect health." Reacting to krs96's prediction that, "we will lead the league in runs scored yes we will make the playoffs and watch out for the hillbillies once the playoffs start," Catcher Jung Lee seemed to be happy with the prediction, saying, "I am glad that krs96 is putting his mouth where his money is, our team can hit the ball hard, and rest of the league are a bunch of pansies."

Fan Jim Bob Jethro McCoy was happy with the guarantees, "Well I'll be done happy that krs96 said we was goin' to git er done, that's for dang darn sure!" Fellow fan Mabel Hatfield also was a bit more skeptical, "What in tarnation was he thinkin bout? Just cuz those boys of his can hit a ball from here to the holler don't mean they can make the playoffs. You gotta get some pitching too, by jiminy!"

"Food Head" Chuck Biscuits may not scare the Hillbillies with his pen and pad, but their owner's boisterous claims on the message board should, as it is a well documented fact that there is a jinx associated with braggart claims within the league. It remains to be seen if the Hillbillies make the playoffs, so look for a follow-up later in the season, when the Hillbillies either back up their owners smack talk, or run with their tails between their legs back to the mountains.

Best in Show - Season 1 - NL West

Chuck Biscuits - Cobb Times Herald

Now that the Cobb World archives have been unsealed, the Times Herald will be running a series showcasing the stars of yesterday. For new owners who never had the chance to see who was great on their team back in the day, now is their chance. Division by divsion, the players that made teams great (or horrible) are now available for all to see.

NL West

San Francisco Giants (San Francisco Blur)
Hitter: Vasco Chantres (Now with Wichita Wankers)
--Chantres hit .324 with 26 HR's, 113 RBI's, and a 1.033 OPS.
Pitcher: Deivi Guerrero
--Guerrero went 15-6 with a 3.94 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP.

Tacoma Boogity Boogity Boogity (Seattle Seacows)
Hitter: Bobby Griffin
--Griffin hit .363 with 260HR's, 116 RBI's, and a 1.049 OPS.
Pitcher: B.C. Steenstra
--Steenstra anchored a very good rotation that also included Bernie Wyatt, Carlos Alfonseca, and Nate Rodgers. He went 16-6 with a 3.22 ERA and 1.15 WHIP.

Vancouver Wolf Pack 22 (San Diego Small Ballers)
Hitter: Oscar Wang
--Wang banged 48 HR's and 107 RBI's, while batting .308.
Pitcher: Edgar Cortazar (Now with Sioux Falls Corn Cleats)
--Cortazar went 9-8 with a 3.85 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP.

Salem Raincoats (Omaha Sluggers)
Hitter: Terrence Warden (Now with Jackson Pollocks)
--Warden tied for the team lead with 49 HR's, and also had 140 RBI's, 92 BB's, and a 1.043 OPS.
Pitcher: Carlton Wagner
--Wagner was only 8-8, but had a team best 3.23 ERA and 1.13 WHIP.

Best in Show - Season 1 - NL South

Chuck Biscuits - Cobb Times Herald

Now that the Cobb World archives have been unsealed, the Times Herald will be running a series showcasing the stars of yesterday. For new owners who never had the chance to see who was great on their team back in the day, now is their chance. Division by divsion, the players that made teams great (or horrible) are now available for all to see.

NL South

Huntington Hillbillies
Hitter: Jose Barrios (Now with Omaha Sluggers)
--Barrios was the best of an elite lineup that included Fred McConnell, Francisco Tavarez, and Vitas Newman. He hit .344 with 52 HR's, 155 RBI's, and 89 BB's.
Pitcher: David Johnson
--Johnson posted an 11-7 record with 1.27 WHIP and 4.02 ERA.

Louisville Tysons
Hitter: Dallas Kline (Still active with the Tysons)
--The Season 1 NL MVP smacked 64 HR's with 189 RBI's and a 1.159 OPS.
Pitcher: Bill Fischer (Now with Omaha Sluggers)
--Fischer went 15-6 with 103 K's and a 4.30 ERA.

Jackson Pollocks
Hitter: Ivan Canseco
--Canseco hit .324 with 40 HR's and 148 RBI"s.
Pitcher: Henry Perez (Now with Anaheim Sharks)
--Perez posted a 15-9 record with a 4.03 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP.

Atlanta Hicks (Richmond Cohibas)
Hitter: Ernie Jenkins (Now with Anaheim Sharks)
--Jenkins hit .340 with 51 HR's, 128 RBI's, and 102 BB's.
Pitcher: Scott House
--House posted an improbable 19-8 record despite a 1.47 WHIP.

Best in Show - Season 1 - NL East

Chuck Biscuits - Cobb Times Herald

Now that the Cobb World archives have been unsealed, the Times Herald will be running a series showcasing the stars of yesterday. For new owners who never had the chance to see who was great on their team back in the day, now is their chance. Division by divsion, the players that made teams great (or horrible) are now available for all to see.

NL East

New York Mets (Durham Pitbulls)
Hitter: Rob Quinn (Now with Louisville Tysons)
--Quinn had a monster year with 56 HR's, 157 RBI's, and a 1.173 OPS.
Pitcher: Harry Feliz
--Feliz went 16-5 with a 4.09 ERA and 1.27 WHIP.

Trenton Zombies (Syracuse Beagles)
Hitter: Wilson Ramirez
--Ramirez was the best of the light hitting Zombies, posting 37 HR's, 101 RBI's, and a .976 OPS.
Pitcher: Bubba Wise
--Wise was the best pitcher on a staff that included Flip Heathcott, Timothy Serra, and Olmedo Contreras, a legendary rotation in retrospect. Wise went 14-9 with a 2.83 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP.

Indianapolis Iron Brigade (Wichita Wankers)
Hitter: Jeff Pose
--Pose hit .325 with 40HR's, 129 RBI's, and a 1.033 OPS.
Pitcher: Geraldo Santiago (Now with Nashville Rebel Riders)
--Santiago converted 25/29 saves, with an ERA of 2.31 and a WHIP of 1.13.

Toledo Toodoleedoos (St. Louis HoundDogs)
Hitter: Spud Jodie
--The Tater clubbed 57 HR's with 149 RBI's while batting .311 for the year.
Pitcher: Jose Sanchez (Now with Pittsburgh SSP)
--Sanchez was the best of a bad bunch with a 11-13 record and a 4.89 ERA.

Best in Show - Season 1 - NL North

Chuck Biscuits - Cobb Times Herald

Now that the Cobb World archives have been unsealed, the Times Herald will be running a series showcasing the stars of yesterday. For new owners who never had the chance to see who was great on their team back in the day, now is their chance. Division by divsion, the players that made teams great (or horrible) are now available for all to see.

NL North

Sioux Falls Corn Cleats
Hitter: Pascual Padilla
--Padilla led the team in runs, batting average, and posted a record 113 steals.
Pitcher: Bernard Kreamer
--Kreamer went 14-7 with a 3.86 ERA, 112 K's, and a 1.21 WHIP.

Fargo Fug Nuts
Hitter: Sam Lowry
--Lowry hit .312 with 26 HR's and 120 RBI's.
Pitcher: Pedro Fuentes
--Fuentes converted 33/35 saves with a 1.78 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP.

Toronto Blue Jays (New York Pick Pockets)
Hitter: Rafael Guerrero
--Guerrero clubbed 44 HR's with 115 RBI's while posting a .956 OPS.
Pitcher: Bob Brooks (Now with Wichita)
--Brooks went 12-11 with a 3.30 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP.

Chicago Black Cats (Toledo Tsunamis)
Hitter: Sammy Maduro (Now with Omaha)
--Maduro hit .327 with 37 HR's, 102 RBI's and an OPS of 1.051.
Pitcher: Doug Moore
--Moore went 4-5 with a 4.21 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP, and a no hitter before he hit the DL and the owner abandoned, leaving him there for the rest of the season.

Manager In Depth - alogman1

Cortez Mack - Cobb Times Herald

Today I was able to sit down with the GM of the Durham Pitbulls, alogman1. Known for his stranglehold of the 4th place position in the NL East, and for his adamant refusal to trade Louie Tarraga, alogman1 has been bringing baseball to Durham since season 5. Here is what the often outspoken alogman1 had to say.

Who is the worst owner in Pitbulls history, metsmaniac2, jbranham39, phillyfan33, or alogman1?
--Phillyfan33 – any other noob would have quit after one season with the team I inherited

What would it take for you to trade Louie Tarraga to the Fargo Fug Nuts?
--Hades Booker, his top 2 SP prospects, the Season 6 World Series Trophy, and his left kidney.

Would you trade Louie Tarraga for Kosuke Fukudome?
--Wouldn’t have to, I’d spend 30 million signing Fukudome as an International Free Agent

Would you trade Louie Tarraga for Ron Santo's nacho chips?
--Of course, there are some offers you just can’t refuse.

Louie Tarraga Durham Pitbulls Age: 21 B/T: L/L Born: Mattoon, IL Position(s): RF/1B/LF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

What player in your minor leagues are you most looking forward to seeing hit the majors?
--Brook Colin. Having that kind of bat with gold glove caliber CF defense is a dream come true.

Brook Colin Durham Pitbulls Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Slate Hill, NY Position(s): CF/CIF/2B/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Pitbulls have been wallowing in last place in the NL East for quite some time, but you seem to have turned the corner. How do you rate your teams prospects for the future?
--The other teams in the NL East have a lot of quality, young talent. All of the teams in the division look good for the future. Hopefully within the next couple of seasons we can dig our way out of the cellar.

Which player on the Pitbulls is most likely to succumb to roid rage?
--It’s definitely Wiki Vazquez. If not from roid rage, he’s likely to wig out from some other drug, he’s been on everything trying to either recover from injuries, or stay healthy.

Wiki Vazquez Durham Pitbulls Age: 32 B/T: L/R Born: Nizao de Bani, DO Position(s): LF/1B/2B/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

As the Cobb Times Herald understands it, you have been playing fantasy baseball since the dark ages of Prodigy. How does Hardball Dynasty rate in all of the baseball games you have played?
--Yes, the Cobb Times Herald understands correctly. I have been playing fantasy baseball since way back around the time when mrploppie first became a senior citizen…as we all know that’s a VERY long time. Hardball Dynasty rates very highly. I love the depth of the game, and the challenge of the game. It’s very complex, and obviously, I’m still learning the ins and outs of the games in my 4th season with the Durham Pitbulls, where as other games have been easy to figure out.

Why do they call you "The Sandman?"
--Cause back in the day I drank beer, smoked cigarettes and wielded a mean Singapore Cane just like the ECW wrestler Sandman. Either that or it was because I was constantly putting people to sleep.

There seems to be a bit of a rivalry between you and geltzjg. How many seasons have you finished behind him and why do you keep coming back for more?
--Yes, geltzjg and I have played in fantasy baseball leagues for many years – and bglebeau of the Pittsburgh SSP has been in those same leagues – they were the ones who introduced me to Hardball Dynasty. If you count Hardball Dynasty, clearly Geltz has my record dominated. But outside of HBD, I think the record is fairly close. I come back for more because he is a fierce competitor and challenges me to become better at the games we play against each other.

Have you finished behind geltz more seasons than FW_Kekionga has finished behind mrploppie?
--Nope, but sadly, it's getting close.

If you could have any pitcher and hitter from any team in Cobb World, who would they be and why?
--Hitter: Jose Barrios, I have a mancrush on him after the 27 HR’s he hit in one round of the HR derby at our park.
Pitcher: Eric Collins, it’s all about the mustache

If you could bean any player on geltz's team, who would it be and why?
--Can I say the team’s owner? And for those that have read the World Chat, do I really need to explain why? ;>

Is it true that you are afraid to get close to a stripper?
--Yes, not only for the obvious reasons you would think of, us being in Durham, but I was scarred for life after I discovered how those nuns in Fargo get down after dark.

Is it true that strippers in Durham are known to be lying cheats?
--Yes, other than DA’s office, they are the biggest lying cheats in Durham by far.

Which player on the Pitbulls is uglier than a Durham stripper?
--Midre Santiago. Only thing uglier than his mug was his performance at the plate in Season 7.

Midre Santiago Durham Pitbulls Age: 32 B/T: R/R Born: Escatepec, MX Position(s): CF/CIF/2B/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Does Wiki Vazquez have a nickname, and if so is it "The Porcelain Mouse?"
--Yes, you guessed it. He’s so fragile, he gets knocked out by Glass Joe every time in the first round playing Mike Tyson’s Punch Out. Every day is an adventure, the only player(s) more likely to get injured in the league are star players on the Fug Nuts playing against us.

How do you afford health insurance for Wiki?
--He's uninsurable, luckily, we bought a share of the Duke University Hospital to offset our losses.

Who has the best theme music on your team?
--Orlando Espinoza has his own mariachi band accompany him to the plate each at bat! He bought that with the ridiculously bad contract I gave him my first year with the team. (ed. note - 4 years, 12.8 million dollars)

Who will win a world series first, the Durham Pitbulls or the Chicago Cubs?
--Cubs – as much as it pains me to say, my Durham Pitbulls aren’t going to win a World Series by October 2008.

Who will win the world series in Cobb World this season?
--Fargo Fug Nuts – after shamefully losing to a 67 win team in the playoffs in the REGULARS league, the playoff gods owe him one.

How do you feel having fellow owners call you "log"?
--From mrploppie, it’s an adoring compliment, from anyone else it’s an insult and completely out of line.

Durham Pitbulls - Additional Draft Analysis

Alistair Logman - Cobb Times Herald

DURHAM PITBULLS Season 8 Draft Top 5 (2nd rd and later)

1. Seth Costello, C (rd. 6) – Could be a starter at the ML level, but is currently undecided about playing. Great steal if he signs, but that appears questionable at this point.

2. Julio Arrojo RP (rd. 2) – Great control, good RH split. Good durability and health are a plus. Mediocre LH split and 2nd pitch, plus poor velocity are a concern. Could be a decent ML 8th inning guy.

3. Tom Plant 3B/RF (rd. 4) – Tremendous power, ok RH split, mediocre batting eye. Poor durability is a minus. Probably can’t play full time at ML level, but could be a serviceable ML backup.

4. Bennie Grieve CF/2B (rd.5) – Great glove and range, ok splits, poor contact and power hurt his chances to succeed, but could be a good defensive backup at the ML level.

5. Ricky Hooper DH/1B (rd.9) – Excellent power and batting eye. But can they overcome a poor RH split? Probably not, but he could be a backup vs. LH in the ML or launch 60 HR a season in AAA. Not bad for a 9th rounder.

Honorable Mention: Frank Randolph 3B/RF (3rd round) – possible ML starter with great power and batting eye, and a good RH split, but decided to forego baseball for now and will not sign. The bastid!

Vernon Jones - Back From the Grave

Tito McQueen - Cobb Times Herald

There was a flurry of events today in Sioux Falls surrounding their star catcher Vernon Jones. Jones, who recently was incinerated in a freak meteorite accident at the Duke University Hospital whilst having lunch with Wiki Vasquez of the Durham Pitbulls, was risen from the grave by Sioux Falls management. Jones' ashes were brought to the Corn Palace at Razavi Field from his parents home in Plainfield, NJ, for the ritual that turned the urn of ashes back into the slugger the fans knew and loved. Necromancer Belphagor Ebonmortis was commissioned by the Corn Cleats to perform the deed, and he said it was a resounding success. "Through the power of Urk Naghul, I have raised Jones from the dead, and now he shall slug again, Ashk Nagh Vaghul!" exclaimed the visibly excited sorcerer. The Corn Cleats sold tickets to the resurrection ritual, and made a "Vernon Jones - Back Again for the First Time" fan promotion day with Jones bobble head dolls and blackened barbecue chicken giveaways.

When asked why they would go to such measures to bring back Jones from the dead, Corn Cleats GM Cleatus Cornly explained, "We had trouble moving him for any value. Hell, even Toledo wouldn't take him after his ashes failed their standard physical. So really we had no choice, in order to trade the guy we needed him alive, not dead."

Vernon Jones Sioux Falls Corn Cleats Age: 26 B/T: R/R Born: Plainfield, NJ Position(s): C/1B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

True to his word, Cornly traded Jones the same day to the Philadelphia Floppin' Phils, along with pitcher Benito Rodriguez, who also has a history of injuries. "Jones has been great for the city of Sioux Falls, and it was really hard to trade him, but in the end we felt that as an organization we needed to plan for the future, as this season has already bit the dust. So we made a deal that we thought was acceptable, and let me tell you it is a much better deal then we had to make with that filthy necromancer Belphagor." When asked to elaborate about the contract with Mr. Ebonmortis, Cornly declined to mention specifics, but said that there were far to many mentions of souls, eyes of newt, quicksilver, and signatures in blood for him to really feel comfortable with it.

The Floppin' Phils were excited by their new acquisition however. "We don't care if he's been dead once, it'll just prepare him for getting killed by the Philadelphia fans," said Phils PR director Curt McGee. He continued, "We are also excited to obtain an all star of his calibur, it instantly makes us more competetive. In fact, we might actually finish with a winning record this season, whoo hoo!" Jones was unavailable for comment, his agent said that he was feeling a little weak and looked a bit pale after the ritual and was still digesting all of the days events. The fans in Philly were also excited, but skeptical as well. "This is great, nice to get a winner in town. Too bad they'll trade him to Fargo in three weeks," explained cautious fan Sal Gasparatto. Time will tell if Jones can fully recover to his pre-meteorite disaster abilities, but the consensus is that it's a good deal for Philadelphia.

Nuns on the Rampage in Fargo!

Chuck Biscuits - Cobb Times Herald

This time the nuns have had enough. After a particularly brutal draft in which the Fug Nuts picked 21 pitchers in their 25 picks, and none of them being of any real quality, the sisters of St. Scholastica Abbey let their frustrations be known to Fargo GM Cleatus Ploppie. "I'll raise the Holy Ghost up in his house to get a good draft pick!" intoned Sister Aquanetta Lung in a righteous fury. "He needs to have his wrists slapped one time for each embarrassing pick, and then stood in front of the rest of his front office in a dunce cap to make an example of how not to act," explained Abbess Lecivia Vice.

Being big fans of the Fug Nuts, the sisters often pray before each game for a Fargo victory, and were thrilled to the dickens when the Nuts won the World Series in season 6. But like flames from a burning bush, memories flicker and die quickly when mistakes like the Fug Nuts draft are made. "I don't know how many rosaries Ploppie would have to pray to atone for this mess of a draft," said a penitent Sister Libby Ido. But the word of the Lord is clear in this regard, The Fug Nuts need to have a better draft next season or there will be hell to pay.

Draft Recap - Supplemental Round

Luis Nunez Sioux Falls Corn Cleats Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Conway, NC Position(s): 2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

33. Luis Nunez, 2B - Sioux Falls Corn Cleats
Pros: Above average hitter, good durability, good makeup.
Cons: Average glove not cut out for 2B.
Grade: B ~ Everyday player who projects to be a backup outfielder.

D'Angelo Romero Pittsburgh SSP Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Allen, OK Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

34. D'Angelo Romero, SS - Pittsburgh SSP
Pros: Amazing fielder, health and durability.
Cons: Average hitter at best.
Grade: B+ ~ Romero has a glove stickier than a spider's web, and can hit enough to not hurt the lineup.

Tony Terrero New York Titans Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Joplin, MO Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

35. Tony Terrero, P - New York Titans
Pros: Near perfect control, good splits, velocity, and pitch selection.
Cons: Stamina and durability issues.
Grade: B+ ~ Gifted but flawed player who doesn't have the gas to start, but could rock the bullpen.

36. Buck Fuller, SS - Omaha Sluggers
Pros: Good glove and splits.
Cons: Average contact, power, and batting eye.
Grade: B ~ Solid player who should be a valuable utility man on a big league squad, not cut out to start though.

Brace Franklin Burlington Big Dogs Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: New Bloomfield, PA Position(s): LF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

37. Brace Franklin, LF - Burlington Big Dogs
Pros: Health, durability, splits vs. lefties.
Cons: Weak vs. righties.
Grade: B ~ Solid player who will contribute but not impress at the major league level.

Eddie Strange Durham Pitbulls Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Gary, IN Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

38. Eddie Strange, SP - Durham Pitbulls
Pros: Stamina, excellent control and pitch selection.
Cons: Average splits
Grade: B ~ Dependable starter who projects to be a #4 or #5 in the majors, but needs some work on his deceptiveness.

Vicente Hernandez Seattle Seacows Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Medina, NY Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

39. Vicente Hernandez, SP - Seattle Seacows
Pros: Good control, velocity, and durability.
Cons: Weak splits, average pitch selection.
Grade: C ~ Pitcher who will bounce between AAA and the majors, prototypical 4A pitcher.

Rob Leonard Wichita Wankers Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Sergeant Bluff, IA Position(s): CF/2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

40. Rob Leonard, CF - Wichita Wankers
Pros: Excellent contact hitter, great splits, great range and glove.
Cons: Average batting eye, health, and durability.
Grade: B+ ~Speedy OBP player with good fielding skills. Nice pickup at #40.

Daniel Neill Scranton Dragons Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: L`Anse, MI Position(s): 1B/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

41. Daniel Neill, 1B - Scranton Dragons
Pros: Good contact, splits, and batting eye.
Cons: Weak power for 1B position.
Grade: B ~ Solid hitter who will get on base, but doesn't have the pop needed to justify an everyday spot in the lineup.

James Lowry Jackson Pollocks Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Laurel, MD Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

42. James Lowry, C - Jackson Pollocks
Pros: Good contact, batting eye, and pitch calling.
Cons: Weak vs. righties, average arm accuracy.
Grade: A- ~ Jackson did well grabbing the 2nd best catcher in the draft at #42.

Allen Gutierrez Pittsburgh SSP Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Nashville, TN Position(s): 3B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

43. Allen Gutierrez, 3B - Pittsburgh SSP
Pros: Good glove and durability.
Cons: Average hitting skills.
Grade: B ~ Solid backup 3B or OF, nothing special at the plate, but not an embarrassment either.

William Blake Pawtucket G-Maniacs Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: Chicago, IL Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

44. William Blake, C - Pawtucket G-Maniacs
Pros: Great vs. lefties, pitch calling is pure poetry.
Cons: Average hitting otherwise, average arm strength and accuracy.
Grade: B ~ Good pick can catch at the ML level, and is an ok hitter.

Sam Tracy Omaha Sluggers Age: 21 B/T: S/R Born: Newark, NY Position(s): RF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

45. Sam Tracy, RF - Omaha Sluggers
Pros: Health, durability, and power.
Cons: below average glove, average contact and batting eye.
Grade: B- ~ Decent player who will make a solid backup.

Jeremi Hill Jackson Pollocks Age: 21 B/T: L/L Born: Blairstown, NJ Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

46. Jeremi Hill, P - Jackson Pollocks
Pros: Good control, splits, velocity, and pitch selection.
Cons: Stamina and durability.
Grade: B+ ~ Good pick who will be servicible in the major league bullpen.

Chad Street Omaha Sluggers Age: 20 B/T: L/R Born: Moreno Valley, CA Position(s): 2B/1B/LF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

47. Chad Street, 2B - Omaha Sluggers
Pros: Good splits and batting eye.
Cons: Below average glove, average contact and power.
Grade: B- ~ Decent enough hitter, but his glove will keep him from playing the infield.

Draft Recap - Round 1 - Picks 16-32

Herman Kirby St. Louis HoundDogs Age: 20 B/T: R/R Born: Seneca Falls, NY Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

17. Herman Kirby, RP - St. Louis HoundDogs
Pros: Good control, splits, velocity, 2 good pitches, high health and durability.
Cons: Good but not dominant vs. right handed hitting, good but not great 2nd pitch.
Grade: A ~ If you were looking for a closer in this draft, Kirby was the best available. Should be solid.

Lou Wills Mexico City Diablos Rojos Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Otisville, MI Position(s): P (SP2) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

18. Lou Wills, SP - Mexico City Diablos Rojos
Pros: Good control, splits, velocity, 4 quality pitches.
Cons: Low durability, bad GB/FB ratio, weak 5th pitch.
Grade: A- ~ Solid SP who should have the skills to overcome his weaknesses, but will only be able to pitch every 6th day.

Herman Knight Chicago Sabercats Age: 20 B/T: L/L Born: Marietta, GA Position(s): P (SP2) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

19. Herman Knight, P - Chicago Sabercats
Pros: Great control, splits, velocity, GB/FB, and pitch selection.
Cons: Low stamina and durability.
Grade: B+ ~ Knight would be a slam dunk ace if he had the stamina to make it more than four innings, as is he is suited for the pen.

Gregory Webster Syracuse Beagles Age: 22 B/T: S/L Born: Virginia Beach, VA Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

20. Gregory Webster, SP - Syracuse Beagles
Pros: Good stamina, GB/FB, and pitch selection.
Cons: Average control and splits
Grade: B+ ~ Solid but not spectacular pitcher who projects to be a #3 or #4 starter.

Alex Brantley Vancouver Grizzlies Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Merrimack, NH Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

21. Alex Brantley, SS - Vancouver Grizzlies
Pros: Good fielding skills, excellent power and splits.
Cons: Glove not quite good enough for SS, average contact and batting eye.
Grade: A- ~ If Brantely is moved to 3B this is an excellent pick, he is a very good hitter who would do well at the hot corner, but isn't quite good enough to make it at SS in the majors.

22. Cap Perry, SP - New York Titans
Pros: Good stamina and control, his first name is Cap.
Cons: Everything else.
Grade: D- ~ Good control is the only thing keeping this pick from being an F, not a good pick at all by the Titans management, but at least they haven't signed him yet.

Omar DaSilva Sioux Falls Corn Cleats Age: 20 B/T: L/L Born: Boyceville, WI Position(s): CF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

23. Omar DaSilva, CF - Sioux Falls Corn Cleats
Pros: Good power, splits, batting eye, base running, range, and glove.
Cons: Weak contact hitter, average health.
Grade: A ~ Good value for the pick with a hitter in the Jose Cervantes mold. Five tool player who will be an every day starter.

Norm Gibson Jackson Pollocks Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Hazel Green, AL Position(s): 1B/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

24. Norm Gibson, 1B - Jackson Pollocks
Pros: Excellent hitter in all areas, good health.
Cons: Average durability.
Grade: A ~ Very good hitter who should hit .300 with 30 HR's and 100+ RBI's yearly.

25. Omar Rodriguez, SP - Pittsburgh SSP
Pros: Good splits, stamina, velocity, and pitch selection.
Cons: Poor control.
Grade: C+ ~ Rodriguez would grade much higher if he were able to hit the bullseye a little more often, but control problems really make it hard for a pitcher to succeed.

Ramiro Martinez Fargo Fug Nuts Age: 20 B/T: S/L Born: Johnstown, CO Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

26. Ramiro Martinez, RP - Fargo Fug Nuts
Pros: Good control and first pitch.
Cons: Average splits, and weak 2nd pitch.
Grade: C ~ Shades of Lefty Groom appear when you look at Martinez's projections. Scary thought that this is the best pick by the Fug Nuts.

27. Pascual Gabriel, P - Helena Hellraisers
Ratings Pending - The Cobb Times Herald was unable to scout this player and will post a rating once he is signed.

28. Allie Cooper, P - New York Titans
Ratings Pending - The Cobb Times Herald was unable to scout this player and will post a rating once he is signed.

John McGowan Pawtucket G-Maniacs Age: 18 B/T: L/R Born: McCook, NE Position(s): 2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

29. John McGowan, 2B - Pawtucket G-Maniacs
Pros: Above average hitter, above average fielder.
Cons: Durability, base running.
Grade: B+ ~ Solid but not spectacular player who will have a spot on the big league team, but probably won't be an all star.

Morgan Webster Anaheim Sharks Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Cheboygan, MI Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

30. Morgan Webster, SS - Anaheim Sharks
Pros: Good contact and power, solid in all other areas.
Cons: Only average in most skills.
Grade: B ~ Webster doesn't have the glove to be a SS, and doesn't have the hitting skills to be a starter, but should be a valuable utility man.

Hod Ball Omaha Sluggers Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: Toms River, NJ Position(s): LF/1B/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

31. Hod Ball, LF - Omaha Sluggers
Pros: Good contact and batting eye, above average vs. righties, name rhymes with "Odd Ball."
Cons: Weak vs. lefties, average power and durability for corner OF spot.
Grade: A+ for the name, B+ for the skills ~ Ball should find a spot on a big league roster somewhere, he can hit, and his glove isn't too bad for a LF.

32. Jamie Hukata, CF - Louisville Tysons
Pros: Potential gold glove, good splits and batting eye, excellent base runner.
Cons: Average contact and power.
Grade: A+ ~ If Hukata signs, this is the steal of the draft, getting an all star calibur player with the 32nd pick.