1st Round Results
1. Colorado Rocky Mountain Defenders - No real suprise here. Rightfielder Tony Kinney out of Rice University was the most talented positional player available with a phenomenal speed and power combination rarely seen. He projects to be average in the field. The only possible question in his game appears to be whether he'll learn to use his speed. If Kinney and his coaches can develop his baserunning skill, Im sure this player could go down as one of the best weve seen playing in that Rocky Mountain Air.
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2. Louisville Freezer Monkeys - Lawrence Tomlinson
It didnt take long for the first questionable selection of the draft to take place. While Lawrence projects to be an excellent defensive center fielder with great speed, his offensive game appears to be severely lacking, even at the highest projected level. It is true, however, that he was the best centerfield option available so if that was your need than I suppose you cant be faulted. It also couldnt of hurt that he shares the same father as the other LT. Illegitimate all the way. Alot of more talented players were passed on though that probably couldve helped in a much bigger way down the road.
3. Portland Wet Streaks - Andrew Michaels (2B)
As of this moment, Michaels has yet to sign. Greedy bastards, kids that think they might like to play another sport, or kids that think school is more important than making the big bucks get no write ups from me. Sign your damn contract.
4. Philadelphia Phantoms - Esteban Fernandez
Esteban, Esteban, Esteban. If everything goes right for this kid, he'll be one of the leagues top pitchers for years to come. His stuff is not the best with his two best pitches projected at 79 and 76 respectively. However, that hardly matters when he has 93/97/97/95 control/splits/velocity ratings. The GM of the Phantoms has been quoted recently as saying "All this losing is getting very old." But this GM is certain that as long as he sticks around to see this kid develop along with Chris Wolf and Floyd Tracy, he should have no problem putting together a winner.
5. Boston Clydesdales - Jim Benard
Although Bernards position of choice is listed as SS, he lacks the skills to play there in the majors and he looks to be moved to 3rd at some point. Offensively, he looks very solid. A 25-90 type that could also provide you with 10-15 steals. A good pick for a franchise desperately needing help on the hot corner.
6. Durham Bulls -
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Springer was a guy that looked worse pre-draft in my eyes than after he signed. I guess we didnt scout him well enough, because he certainly is going to be a major player for years to come. Great D at second, not much speed, but great power. He should team up well with last years first rounder Hank O' Malley down the road to give this Durham lineup a major boost.
7. Trenton Falcons - Giomar Rivera (1B). See number 3.
8. St. Louis Lunatics - Rube Eckstein
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Nice enough third basemen, but not this early.
9. Los Angeles Stars - Mikey Spencer
This shortstop from Weyerhaeuser, WI should prove to be the long term solution at short for the Stars.
10. Detroit Renegade - Wilbur Gross (2B). See number 7.
11. Arizona Cocopahs -
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Gotta love a man named Kiki...I guess. Regardless of the name though, this pictcher could definitly develop into a staff ace. He has everything you could want.
12. Charlotte Lumbee Warriors - Jolbert Carrara (P) See 10.
13. Richmond Colonials - Greg Anderson (P) See 12. And Damnit.
14. New Orleans Canes - Brendan Maxwell
Maxwell was a bitter sweet selection for the Canes. When surveying the draft beforehand, the New Orleans GM had hoped that pitcher Greg Anderson would fall to thier spot. And that dream almost became reality. Almost. Maxwell is no slouch though. He lacks the glamourous high overall rating, however, thats basically due to his lack of stamina at this point in his young career. All of his other stats are superb.
15. Wichita Wichitards - Thomas Leon
This was another slection that raised a few eyebrows. Leon has well documented control issues and his stuff has best been described as average. The Witchita faithful were not pleased with this selection. To that, the GM had this to say: "Ive got the authority here and the experiance. Thats what counts. Not fans uneducated opinions."
16. Toledo Illini - Vicente Polanco (SS). See 13.
17. Tacoma Typhoons - Duane Francis
Tacoma adds another very good young reliever to its store of up and comers.
18. Anaheim Waves -
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Nunez, famous for his patented shades worn whether day or night, is another case of a draftee who will need to make a position switch at some point. He prefers second base, but looks to be at 3rd or one of the corner outfield slots.
19. Kansas City Royal Flush - Luke Cox (1B) See 16.
20. Atlanta KAMIKAZES - Dallas DeHart
Closer with a great name and good stuff, who at 22, looks to join the up and coming Kamikazes sooner rather than later.
21. Chicago Ravens -
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"Mustache Gus," as his friends call him, is one of those players that everyone undervaules, but is solid in every area. Plus, he's from some random ass community college. So Im sure he'll feel a need to prove himself.
22. Florida Fightin' Flamingos - Harold Kearns (CF). See 19.
23. Tacoma Typhoons - Elmer Wallace
The second of the Typhoons first round picks, Elmer Wallace is your prototypical masher first basemen. Great hitter, slow as (insert whatever cliche phrase you want). Could eventually definitly replace the venerable Rick Rolle.
24. Pawtucket Piranhas - Alex Calles
I guess if you need a reliever, you need one. It would just be very hard for me to take someone I see projected as a 66 overall in the first round. But Pawtucket has won many more games than my franchise, so who am I to question?
25. Cincinnati Red Doggs - Steven Faulk (SS). See 22.
26. Helena urbanites -
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Its hard to believe Mr. Hogan fell this far down. He does have some control issues, but everything else is so good, I think he can overcome them if used correctly.
27. Nashville Sound - Norm Blanton (SS). See 25.
28. Jackson Nine - Spud Hudler (CF). See 26. I would like to start a petition that Jackson can no longer have draft picks by the way. They dont need them.
29. Columbus Cannibals - Odalis Jose
Odalis is one of those guys that gets thier high rating almost solely based on his high stamina which projects at 100. He does have a couple good pitches though. If anyone can manage him to success though, Im sure its the Columbus franchise.
30. Chicago Cubs -
Simmons is very good value at the end of the first round given how many teams lack solid catching. Admittedly, his pitch calling is below average, but he is an excellent excellent hitter.
31. Honolulu Tsunamis - Timo Van Pelt (SS). See 28. Even if this guy doesnt sign, Rob O' Connor is amazing. You also shouldnt have draft picks Honolulu.
32. Cleveland Keggers - Jack Easley
Another Mustache Gus type of player...solid in all areas of the game. These are the type of guys that fill in and help to get you the best record in the league.
Overall, the quality of this draft probably wasnt as bad as everyone initially felt. Every team needs those filler guys like Heving and Easley as I mentioned and there were still bonified stars out there like Kinney and Fernandez. That being said, heres hoping next seasons draft allows teams 16-32 to get a little higher quality of player. Until then.
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