With just a few weeks left in the regular season, it's time to take a look back at some of the notable international free agent signings of this past season in the Duff Beer World. Since this world's inception, jumping into the international market has proven to be a game of high stakes poker, with dozens of franchises engaging in bidding wars for elite talents. With signing bonuses that would make Scott Boras blush, here's a quick capsule of the top five international signees and their respective piles of money.
Player: Karim Espinosa
Franchise: Colorado Springs
Contract: MiLB
Bonus: $16,000,000
Scouting Report:
A 20 year old southpaw from the Domincan Republic, Espinosa was a hotly coveted commodity last month. He projects to have exceptional control, commanding a five pitch arsenal that includes a plus fastball, along with a very good curve and change-up. Espinosa was aggresively placed in AAA, where he has struggled in just seven starts. Nonetheless, Espinosa should be a viable #2/3 starter after some more minor league seasoning. Perhaps the only thing holding him back is a low make-up rating, which could prevent him from reaching his absolute ceiling.
Player: Carlos Terrero
Franchise: Durham
Contract: MiLB w/Invite
Bonus: $14,100,000
Scouting Report:
Giving credence to the adage that good things come in small packages, this 5'10" righty has front of the rotation potential and appears to have been a steal for the Bull**** Artists. A soft-tosser in the mold of Greg Maddux, Terrero projects to have five reliable pitches with superlative control. Equally effective against both left and right-handed batters, Terrero induces a ton of ground balls, which should keep his HR rates low. In only 14 1/3 innings at High A, he has already racked up 20 K's.
Player: Ivan Hernandez
Franchise: Tacoma
Contract: MiLB
Bonus: $14,100,000
Scouting Report:
The future of the hot-corner appears to be set for the city-dwelling Kansans of Tacoma. There are truly no holes in the 18 year old Hernandez's game, as he profiles to be an above-average defensive 3rd baseman with 30+ HR power, and the ability to hit for a very high average. Tacoma's scouts describe Hernandez as a high character young man, which is reflected by his 93 make-up rating. Having already earned a promotion to AA, Hernandez is clearly on the fast-track to The Show. It should be noted, however, that while his bat is ML-ready right now, he will have to build upon his stamina before he is ready for everday duty.
Player: Freddy Chong
Franchise: Minnesota
Contract: MLB (5 years x $327,000)
Bonus: $14,000,000
Scouting Report:
A native of Naha, Japan, the 18 year old Chong is an offensive-minded 2nd baseman who should develop into a perennial .300+ hitter, with a Kevin Youkilis-esque batting eye that will keep him on base greater than 40% of the time as a big leaguer. With moderate power and above-average speed, Chong could be a candidate to hit atop the Baggies line-up for years to come. Posting a .934 OPS in 304 AB's at High A, Chong could be in the majors by the age of 20. The only flaw in his arsenal may be his defense, which projects to be slightly below average. Nevertheless, his well-rounded offensive game should dispel any doubts regarding his status as a stud prospect.
Player: P.T. Gonzalez
Franchise: Tampa Bay
Contract: MLB (5 years x $327,000)
Bonus: $12,800,000
Scouting Report:
Hailing from the Dominican Republic, the 20 year old Gonzalez is perhaps the most promising young relief pitcher in the Duff Beer World. Featuring a devestating fastball/curveball combo, Gonzo was assigned directly to the major league club, where he's held batters to a stingy .208 average in 48 apperances. Pinpoint control allows Gonzalez to dominate hitters from both sides of the plate, relying heavily upon a four-seamer that consistently lights up the radar gun. The only thing standing between Gonzalez and a Mariano Rivera-type career is his low health rating, which may be a source of nagging injuries throughout his career.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Season 3 Draft Review
The season 3 draft has come & gone by the wayside. The Rochester Charlie-A** Kickers tabbed stud hitter Craig Maduro as the #1 overall pick.
1. Rochester Charlie-A** Kickers
Craig Maduro $7,400,000 Bonus ****
The C.A.K's made the sweet swinging switch hitting Maduro the number 1 pick of the draft after a standout career at Iona College.
Projection: Shows to be a average defensive left fielder. Could be a gold glove first baseman if moved. His value is in his bat as he will hit for power and average but must show more patience at the plate to meet his potential. Future all star as it stands with hall of fame potential should he improve his batting eye.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: Manny Ramirez
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
2.Durham Bull****artists
Benji Gonzales $3,910,000 Bonus ****
The Artists jumped at the chance to snag the young texan from Slaton HS.
Projection: Looks to be a very hard worker who's offense is right now ahead of his defense. Comes in as a 2B but his best position in the future might be in CF where his below average arm strength can be hidden by his oustanding but still develop range and glove potential. Will be a good baserunner with outstanding speed. Look for this kid to be a bright spot in the lineup for years as a potential #3 to #4 hitter.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6-7
Major League Comparison: Chase Utley
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
3.Cleveland Indians
Hooks Ball $3,055,000 Bonus *****
Giddy for lack of a better description of a word to describe the feeling of the Indians front office when the most major league ready player in the draft fell to them. The hard throwing senior out of Louisiana at Lafayette would make quite a few teams ML rotations as a #3 guy right now.
Projection: Ball is the perfect mix of polish and power. He has the ability to blow by you with a upper 90's 4 seamer or come after you with a slider that makes even the best hitter look like a little leaguer. aggressive strike zone pounder on a 6-3 frame with room to grow ensure he should do nothing but improve in the future. Which means bad things for the hitters who face him.
A likely hall of famer by the end of his career with the potential to also be the top player to come out of this class.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4
Major League Comparison: Mike Mussina
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
4.Mexico City Sombreros
Philip Gonzales $5,240,000 Bonus *****
They wanted to throw a parade but they were forced to settle for a mere Mariachi celebration.
That's the best way to put the mood of the Sombreros after acquiring the rights to the number one player on their board.
Projection: Is a prospect with 5 tool abilities. Drafted as a SS his frame might force him to move to a different infield position. Would make a solid 2B but would thrive as a defensive play making 3B. But enough about his defensive potential, let's talk about his tools as a offensive guy.
Is a patient hitter with a ever improving batting eye. Shows a high hitters acumen who knows just when to push or pull the ball to the spot he needs it to go. Makes alot of contact but hates to bunt(he should) Is a terror on the base paths. Letting him get on is as good as guaranteeing a run will score. Puts tremendous pressure on the pitcher to keep him honest which makes them make a mistake.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6
Major League Comparison: Justin Upton
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
4.San Juan Tequila Drinkin Barflies
Vin Mendoza $3,630,000 Bonus ****
After chuckling beyond political correctness the commissioner is finally able to get out the words the TDB fans had been waiting to here. "With the 4th pick of the season 3 draft the San Juan franchise selects Vin Mendoza out of Miami University (Ohio)"
Projection: Finally! A shortstop drafted that projection as a(wait for it...) SS at the major league level. Has all the tools to make himself into a very good if not gold glove caliber SS. Makes all the flashy plays but can at times Botch the routine ones, which makes him seem to be of lower caliber defensive ability than he truly possesses. He will never wow you with power but his hitting potential is that of a future battling title champ.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: Derek Jeter
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
6.Portland Proletariat
Bronson Welch $3,540,000 Bonus ****
Projection: His career could go one of two ways. either he'll be a once promising prospects who becomes a solid contributer. Or he will reach his potential and make some team a great SP. He would thrive as a #2 guy in the rotation but he is more than capable to hold his own as a teams #1 ace.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: Brandon Webb
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
7.New York Winfields
Lee Bloomquist$3,440,000 Bonus *** 1/2
The Winfields tabbed draft eligible freshman 3B Bloomquist who's friend dubbed him "The Prince of Power"
Projection: The definition of the term "Power Hitter". He has a tremendous amount of power and when he makes contact he makes you pay. But he has very litle patience at the plate while having a taste for swinging at bad pitches. He will make a solid ML'er but will have to work on his mechanics & be placed at a infield position that suits his abilities to become more.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6-7
Major League Comparison: Adrian Beltre
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
8.St. Louis Red Ravens
Neifi Hernandez $3,350,000 Bonus N/R
This was the worst kept secret in the draft. There were rumors of a deal in place weeks before the draft between the two sides. So when the time for the pick came it was no surprise that the kid they call "El Sultán" ended up a Red Raven.
Projection: Smooth is the word to describe the way he plays. He gives maximum effort everytime out but the way he plays makes it seem as if he isn't trying. At first glance at the plate you think Bobby Abreu, but once he gets into that stance & begin wraggling that bat. It hits you that the player he most resembles is a description that fits him to a T. He lacks a great batting eye & feel for pitches out of the zone but when he makes contact(which he does alot) he makes you pay with an extra base hit. If he can overcome the less than appreciated eye he can become a stellar OF as he projects to be either in Right or Left.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5-6
Major League Comparison: Gary Sheffield
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
9.San Diego Figs
Turner Walsh $2,800,000 Bonus ****
San Diego sought to grab one of the best college arms in the draft going in. They succeeded in landing one in Walsh.
Projection: A very polish performer who thrives on the big stage. coming off a strong performance as his team friday night starter all season and their ace all the way through to their college WS appearance. He is a rare breed in that he does not possess a dominant lights out pitch. But he has complete control over 5 pitches. He will be a very successful pitcher at the next level but it's a matter stamina that will determine how many times he leaves the stadium with a W.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: Ben Sheets
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
10. Honolulu Sun Gods
Lawrence Speier - Has Yet To Sign
11.Baltimore Orioles
Jayson Perry $3,070,000 Bonus ***
The Orioles saw fit to put a premium on defense as they choose the slick fielding Perry to be their SS of the future.
Projection: A premium defensive type with the chance to become a gold glove caliber fielder. He will be able to hit as a .290-.300 type with 30 steals and alot of infield hits.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6
Major League Comparison: Orlando Cabrera
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
12.Tacoma Kansas City
Ken Swann $2,970,000 Bonus ****
The Tacoma franchise gets a gem here and a very high value pick. He's a team player with polish.
Projection: Polished is the best way to describe Swann. A short compact swing with a very good batting eye. Show tremendous patience at the plate. He'll never wow you with his defense as a second baseman but would excel as a LF. He'll make his share of all star teams in the future.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: Howie Kendrick
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
13.Charlotte Orange Crush
Louis Walker $2,880,000 Bonus ****
Projection: Very solid pitcher, he won't wow you on the radar but he's very very effective. He'll need a good defensive infield behind him but if he gets it he'll be a ok #1 & rock solid #2 starter
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: Fausto Carmona
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
14.Chicago Mob
Arthur Reed $2,500,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Solid all around catcher. He can be a #4 hitter type if he develops & is talented enough to also stay behind the plate. If he puts it all together he will be special.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6-7
Major League Comparison: Sandy Alomar
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
15.Colorado Springs Starrs
Bobby Ray Powell $2,690,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Very patience hitter who loves to drive the ball. Works the count very well & is a outstanding baserunner even though he doesn't steal alot. Makes the pitcher beat himself.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6-7
Major League Comparison: Bobby Abreu
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
16.Scranton Office
Cliff Daniels $2,600,000 Bonus ****
Projection: A phenomenal Hitter plain & simple. It's what he'll make his money doing, it's what he does best.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
17.Wichita Golden Tornado
Joe Boone $2,500,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Solid college arm who will make a quick rise to the majors. Control & poise on the mound are keys to his success.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
18. Little Rock Bill Clintons
Woodie Kraemer - Has Yet Sign(**** if he does)
19.Chicago Mob
Sal Broome $2,320,000 Bonus ****
Projection: Possibly the best hitter in the draft. Is in no way a C as drafted but will be a MVP candidate as a DH.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
20.Seattle Mariners
Mark Byrdak $2,220,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Solid college arm with closer potential. More suited for the setup role & will thrive as such.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
21.Sacramento Rivercats
Tom Washington $2,130,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Solid all around player who can hit & field. Not a star but definitely a glue type player.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
22.Boston Mass
Cyrus Romero $3,550,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Defensive wiz in the field. Great speed & a terror on the base paths.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 4.0
23.Memphis Screaming Mimes
Stretch Jones $1,940,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Polished arm with #3-#4 starter potential. Great control & keeps the ball down.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
24.Houston Cowboys
Omar Becker $1,850,000 Bonus ****
Projection: Another potential allstar closer. Throws the ball with great velocity & control.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
25.Minnesota Baggies
Jim Douglas $1,750,000 Bonus ***
Projection: College arm with polish & control. Will get hitters out when he needs to & get you 5-6 quality innings. Solid prospect.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
26.Cincinnati Pigs
Seth Helton $1,660,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Another college arm only this one has some control issue. will make a solid #2 starter if he can overcome them.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5-6
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
27.Cleveland Indians
Mario Willis $1,570,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Very good college reliever with alot of upside but his mechanics need some work. Kerry Wood like health concerns.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 4.0
28.Buffalo Russerts
Hamish Helton $1,470,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Control pitcher who can eat alot of innings. Shows as a #4 or #5 potential starter. Future might be best suited as a long reliever.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6
Major League Comparison:
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
29.Santa Fe Heat
Harry Nieto $1,380,000 Bonus ****
Projection: Lights outs is the way to describe him when he's on. He'll blow it by you or if you make him mad he'll bean you in the noggin. If he puts it all together Hall of fame might be in his future.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
30.Pittsburgh Steel Makers 2
Charles Nelson $1,290,000 Bonus ***
Might be the best value pick of the first round.
Projection: Flame thrower, small & compact frame. Can be lights out at times but consistency is an issue. Should make a good closer or a great setup man.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
31.Scottsdale Redlegs
Hipolito Pena $1,190,000 Bonus ***
Projection: A college arm who has a chance to make a rapid ascension to the bigs. He throws hard & keeps the ball down. Just tends to overthrow & it causes control problems.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
32.Richmond Whack-A-Moles
Kenneth Burkhart $1,100,000 Bonus ***
Very good value at the end of round 1. A polished senior hitter to add depth to the minors.
Projection: Solid is the best way to describe it. Not gonna be spectacular nor a star but he will play hard all game. Drafted as a 3B but future might be as a 1B or DH.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
Star Ranking System & potential
***** - Hall Of Famer
**** - Perennial All Star
*** - Solid Major League Contributer
** - AAAA Type
* - Minor League Roster Fodder
Health Concern
5.0 - 0-44 Severe health issues. Potentially projection affecting.
4.0 - 45-59 Very serious health concerns with DL trips likely mutiple times during a season.
3.0 - 60-74 Average health but nothing that should be woefully alarming.
2.0 - 75-89 Solid health and shouldn't make many trips to the DL
1.0 - 90-100 Oustanding health with injuries few and far between. Not likely to be severely injured.
1. Rochester Charlie-A** Kickers
Craig Maduro $7,400,000 Bonus ****
The C.A.K's made the sweet swinging switch hitting Maduro the number 1 pick of the draft after a standout career at Iona College.
Projection: Shows to be a average defensive left fielder. Could be a gold glove first baseman if moved. His value is in his bat as he will hit for power and average but must show more patience at the plate to meet his potential. Future all star as it stands with hall of fame potential should he improve his batting eye.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: Manny Ramirez
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
2.Durham Bull****artists
Benji Gonzales $3,910,000 Bonus ****
The Artists jumped at the chance to snag the young texan from Slaton HS.
Projection: Looks to be a very hard worker who's offense is right now ahead of his defense. Comes in as a 2B but his best position in the future might be in CF where his below average arm strength can be hidden by his oustanding but still develop range and glove potential. Will be a good baserunner with outstanding speed. Look for this kid to be a bright spot in the lineup for years as a potential #3 to #4 hitter.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6-7
Major League Comparison: Chase Utley
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
3.Cleveland Indians
Hooks Ball $3,055,000 Bonus *****
Giddy for lack of a better description of a word to describe the feeling of the Indians front office when the most major league ready player in the draft fell to them. The hard throwing senior out of Louisiana at Lafayette would make quite a few teams ML rotations as a #3 guy right now.
Projection: Ball is the perfect mix of polish and power. He has the ability to blow by you with a upper 90's 4 seamer or come after you with a slider that makes even the best hitter look like a little leaguer. aggressive strike zone pounder on a 6-3 frame with room to grow ensure he should do nothing but improve in the future. Which means bad things for the hitters who face him.
A likely hall of famer by the end of his career with the potential to also be the top player to come out of this class.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4
Major League Comparison: Mike Mussina
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
4.Mexico City Sombreros
Philip Gonzales $5,240,000 Bonus *****
They wanted to throw a parade but they were forced to settle for a mere Mariachi celebration.
That's the best way to put the mood of the Sombreros after acquiring the rights to the number one player on their board.
Projection: Is a prospect with 5 tool abilities. Drafted as a SS his frame might force him to move to a different infield position. Would make a solid 2B but would thrive as a defensive play making 3B. But enough about his defensive potential, let's talk about his tools as a offensive guy.
Is a patient hitter with a ever improving batting eye. Shows a high hitters acumen who knows just when to push or pull the ball to the spot he needs it to go. Makes alot of contact but hates to bunt(he should) Is a terror on the base paths. Letting him get on is as good as guaranteeing a run will score. Puts tremendous pressure on the pitcher to keep him honest which makes them make a mistake.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6
Major League Comparison: Justin Upton
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
4.San Juan Tequila Drinkin Barflies
Vin Mendoza $3,630,000 Bonus ****
After chuckling beyond political correctness the commissioner is finally able to get out the words the TDB fans had been waiting to here. "With the 4th pick of the season 3 draft the San Juan franchise selects Vin Mendoza out of Miami University (Ohio)"
Projection: Finally! A shortstop drafted that projection as a(wait for it...) SS at the major league level. Has all the tools to make himself into a very good if not gold glove caliber SS. Makes all the flashy plays but can at times Botch the routine ones, which makes him seem to be of lower caliber defensive ability than he truly possesses. He will never wow you with power but his hitting potential is that of a future battling title champ.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: Derek Jeter
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
6.Portland Proletariat
Bronson Welch $3,540,000 Bonus ****
Projection: His career could go one of two ways. either he'll be a once promising prospects who becomes a solid contributer. Or he will reach his potential and make some team a great SP. He would thrive as a #2 guy in the rotation but he is more than capable to hold his own as a teams #1 ace.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: Brandon Webb
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
7.New York Winfields
Lee Bloomquist$3,440,000 Bonus *** 1/2
The Winfields tabbed draft eligible freshman 3B Bloomquist who's friend dubbed him "The Prince of Power"
Projection: The definition of the term "Power Hitter". He has a tremendous amount of power and when he makes contact he makes you pay. But he has very litle patience at the plate while having a taste for swinging at bad pitches. He will make a solid ML'er but will have to work on his mechanics & be placed at a infield position that suits his abilities to become more.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6-7
Major League Comparison: Adrian Beltre
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
8.St. Louis Red Ravens
Neifi Hernandez $3,350,000 Bonus N/R
This was the worst kept secret in the draft. There were rumors of a deal in place weeks before the draft between the two sides. So when the time for the pick came it was no surprise that the kid they call "El Sultán" ended up a Red Raven.
Projection: Smooth is the word to describe the way he plays. He gives maximum effort everytime out but the way he plays makes it seem as if he isn't trying. At first glance at the plate you think Bobby Abreu, but once he gets into that stance & begin wraggling that bat. It hits you that the player he most resembles is a description that fits him to a T. He lacks a great batting eye & feel for pitches out of the zone but when he makes contact(which he does alot) he makes you pay with an extra base hit. If he can overcome the less than appreciated eye he can become a stellar OF as he projects to be either in Right or Left.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5-6
Major League Comparison: Gary Sheffield
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
9.San Diego Figs
Turner Walsh $2,800,000 Bonus ****
San Diego sought to grab one of the best college arms in the draft going in. They succeeded in landing one in Walsh.
Projection: A very polish performer who thrives on the big stage. coming off a strong performance as his team friday night starter all season and their ace all the way through to their college WS appearance. He is a rare breed in that he does not possess a dominant lights out pitch. But he has complete control over 5 pitches. He will be a very successful pitcher at the next level but it's a matter stamina that will determine how many times he leaves the stadium with a W.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: Ben Sheets
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
10. Honolulu Sun Gods
Lawrence Speier - Has Yet To Sign
11.Baltimore Orioles
Jayson Perry $3,070,000 Bonus ***
The Orioles saw fit to put a premium on defense as they choose the slick fielding Perry to be their SS of the future.
Projection: A premium defensive type with the chance to become a gold glove caliber fielder. He will be able to hit as a .290-.300 type with 30 steals and alot of infield hits.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6
Major League Comparison: Orlando Cabrera
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
12.Tacoma Kansas City
Ken Swann $2,970,000 Bonus ****
The Tacoma franchise gets a gem here and a very high value pick. He's a team player with polish.
Projection: Polished is the best way to describe Swann. A short compact swing with a very good batting eye. Show tremendous patience at the plate. He'll never wow you with his defense as a second baseman but would excel as a LF. He'll make his share of all star teams in the future.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: Howie Kendrick
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
13.Charlotte Orange Crush
Louis Walker $2,880,000 Bonus ****
Projection: Very solid pitcher, he won't wow you on the radar but he's very very effective. He'll need a good defensive infield behind him but if he gets it he'll be a ok #1 & rock solid #2 starter
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: Fausto Carmona
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
14.Chicago Mob
Arthur Reed $2,500,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Solid all around catcher. He can be a #4 hitter type if he develops & is talented enough to also stay behind the plate. If he puts it all together he will be special.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6-7
Major League Comparison: Sandy Alomar
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
15.Colorado Springs Starrs
Bobby Ray Powell $2,690,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Very patience hitter who loves to drive the ball. Works the count very well & is a outstanding baserunner even though he doesn't steal alot. Makes the pitcher beat himself.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6-7
Major League Comparison: Bobby Abreu
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
16.Scranton Office
Cliff Daniels $2,600,000 Bonus ****
Projection: A phenomenal Hitter plain & simple. It's what he'll make his money doing, it's what he does best.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
17.Wichita Golden Tornado
Joe Boone $2,500,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Solid college arm who will make a quick rise to the majors. Control & poise on the mound are keys to his success.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
18. Little Rock Bill Clintons
Woodie Kraemer - Has Yet Sign(**** if he does)
19.Chicago Mob
Sal Broome $2,320,000 Bonus ****
Projection: Possibly the best hitter in the draft. Is in no way a C as drafted but will be a MVP candidate as a DH.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
20.Seattle Mariners
Mark Byrdak $2,220,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Solid college arm with closer potential. More suited for the setup role & will thrive as such.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
21.Sacramento Rivercats
Tom Washington $2,130,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Solid all around player who can hit & field. Not a star but definitely a glue type player.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
22.Boston Mass
Cyrus Romero $3,550,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Defensive wiz in the field. Great speed & a terror on the base paths.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 4.0
23.Memphis Screaming Mimes
Stretch Jones $1,940,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Polished arm with #3-#4 starter potential. Great control & keeps the ball down.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
24.Houston Cowboys
Omar Becker $1,850,000 Bonus ****
Projection: Another potential allstar closer. Throws the ball with great velocity & control.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
25.Minnesota Baggies
Jim Douglas $1,750,000 Bonus ***
Projection: College arm with polish & control. Will get hitters out when he needs to & get you 5-6 quality innings. Solid prospect.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
26.Cincinnati Pigs
Seth Helton $1,660,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Another college arm only this one has some control issue. will make a solid #2 starter if he can overcome them.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5-6
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
27.Cleveland Indians
Mario Willis $1,570,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Very good college reliever with alot of upside but his mechanics need some work. Kerry Wood like health concerns.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 4.0
28.Buffalo Russerts
Hamish Helton $1,470,000 Bonus ***
Projection: Control pitcher who can eat alot of innings. Shows as a #4 or #5 potential starter. Future might be best suited as a long reliever.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 6
Major League Comparison:
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
29.Santa Fe Heat
Harry Nieto $1,380,000 Bonus ****
Projection: Lights outs is the way to describe him when he's on. He'll blow it by you or if you make him mad he'll bean you in the noggin. If he puts it all together Hall of fame might be in his future.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
30.Pittsburgh Steel Makers 2
Charles Nelson $1,290,000 Bonus ***
Might be the best value pick of the first round.
Projection: Flame thrower, small & compact frame. Can be lights out at times but consistency is an issue. Should make a good closer or a great setup man.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
31.Scottsdale Redlegs
Hipolito Pena $1,190,000 Bonus ***
Projection: A college arm who has a chance to make a rapid ascension to the bigs. He throws hard & keeps the ball down. Just tends to overthrow & it causes control problems.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 4-5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
32.Richmond Whack-A-Moles
Kenneth Burkhart $1,100,000 Bonus ***
Very good value at the end of round 1. A polished senior hitter to add depth to the minors.
Projection: Solid is the best way to describe it. Not gonna be spectacular nor a star but he will play hard all game. Drafted as a 3B but future might be as a 1B or DH.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 5
Major League Comparison: None
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
Star Ranking System & potential
***** - Hall Of Famer
**** - Perennial All Star
*** - Solid Major League Contributer
** - AAAA Type
* - Minor League Roster Fodder
Health Concern
5.0 - 0-44 Severe health issues. Potentially projection affecting.
4.0 - 45-59 Very serious health concerns with DL trips likely mutiple times during a season.
3.0 - 60-74 Average health but nothing that should be woefully alarming.
2.0 - 75-89 Solid health and shouldn't make many trips to the DL
1.0 - 90-100 Oustanding health with injuries few and far between. Not likely to be severely injured.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The Race to the Playoffs
AL North
St. Louis currently has the inside track on making the playoff in this division. They currently hold a 12 game lead over Scranton, and looks to be in cruise control to the playoffs. Scranton just ripped off an 11 game winning streak to put themselves right in the thick of the AL wild card race. Both of these teams finished below .500 last year and would have to fall on their faces to not finish above .500 this year
My Pick
St. Louis wins the division
Scranton sneaks in as the 6 seed
AL East
Richmond is out to a comfortable 23 game lead, and is already resting players for the playoff. Richmond is the only team in this division above .500 so I think that says it all.
My Pick
Richmond will be the #1 seed
AL South
Memphis currently holds a 5 game lead in the division and looks to try and hold off Santa Fe. These two teams are about as different as they come. Memphis is just .500 at home and 22 games over .500 on the road. Santa Fe is just the opposite they are 15 games over .500 at home and 3 games under .500 on the road. If Memphis was a little better team at home they could have run away with this division.
My Pick
Memphis wins the division
Santa Fe makes it in as the wild card
AL West
This is the tightest race in the AL. Scottsdale won 111 games last year and has slipped to just two games over .500 this year. Tacoma holds a 1 game lead in a division that nobody seems to want to win. Tacoma is 2-8 in their last 10 games, and Scottsdale is just 4-6. So this race might come down the the last week or last game before we know who will come out of this division.
My Pick
Tacoma - I want to pick myself just not sure we can get it done.
NL North
This division last year had three teams that all won more then 90 games. That doesn't look to be the case this year however. Buffalo won 100 games last year, and has a 5 game lead again in the division under new ownership. Minnesota is in second right now after finishing third last year. Can Minnesota chase down Buffalo?
My Pick
Buffalo wins the division
Minnesota gets in as a wild card
NL East
Pittsburgh looks to be the team to beat in the division as they have finally taken the lead in the division after being in second place most of the season. However the hot topic of the season has been Rochester and the self proclaimed band of bothers that nobody wanted. This is a team that won 25 games last season and has already won 73 games this season. Can they keep this up, that is a question only time will answer.
My Pick
Pittsburgh wins the division
Rochester gets in as a wild card
NL South
New Orleans at 67-49 seems to be in the drivers seat of the division as they are the only team above .500. As long as New Orleans stays healthy I don't think they will be challenge in this division.
My Pick
New Orleans
NL West
San Diego is another team that finished under .500 last year and is making a playoff. They have taken a 4 game lead over Seattle with a 8-2 record over the last 10 games. In that same span Seattle has gone 4-6 allowing San Diego to take charge. Now we will just have to see if San Diego will be able to keep up that momentum. I think this division only gets one team in, so it should be a good race.
My Pick
San Diego
St. Louis currently has the inside track on making the playoff in this division. They currently hold a 12 game lead over Scranton, and looks to be in cruise control to the playoffs. Scranton just ripped off an 11 game winning streak to put themselves right in the thick of the AL wild card race. Both of these teams finished below .500 last year and would have to fall on their faces to not finish above .500 this year
My Pick
St. Louis wins the division
Scranton sneaks in as the 6 seed
AL East
Richmond is out to a comfortable 23 game lead, and is already resting players for the playoff. Richmond is the only team in this division above .500 so I think that says it all.
My Pick
Richmond will be the #1 seed
AL South
Memphis currently holds a 5 game lead in the division and looks to try and hold off Santa Fe. These two teams are about as different as they come. Memphis is just .500 at home and 22 games over .500 on the road. Santa Fe is just the opposite they are 15 games over .500 at home and 3 games under .500 on the road. If Memphis was a little better team at home they could have run away with this division.
My Pick
Memphis wins the division
Santa Fe makes it in as the wild card
AL West
This is the tightest race in the AL. Scottsdale won 111 games last year and has slipped to just two games over .500 this year. Tacoma holds a 1 game lead in a division that nobody seems to want to win. Tacoma is 2-8 in their last 10 games, and Scottsdale is just 4-6. So this race might come down the the last week or last game before we know who will come out of this division.
My Pick
Tacoma - I want to pick myself just not sure we can get it done.
NL North
This division last year had three teams that all won more then 90 games. That doesn't look to be the case this year however. Buffalo won 100 games last year, and has a 5 game lead again in the division under new ownership. Minnesota is in second right now after finishing third last year. Can Minnesota chase down Buffalo?
My Pick
Buffalo wins the division
Minnesota gets in as a wild card
NL East
Pittsburgh looks to be the team to beat in the division as they have finally taken the lead in the division after being in second place most of the season. However the hot topic of the season has been Rochester and the self proclaimed band of bothers that nobody wanted. This is a team that won 25 games last season and has already won 73 games this season. Can they keep this up, that is a question only time will answer.
My Pick
Pittsburgh wins the division
Rochester gets in as a wild card
NL South
New Orleans at 67-49 seems to be in the drivers seat of the division as they are the only team above .500. As long as New Orleans stays healthy I don't think they will be challenge in this division.
My Pick
New Orleans
NL West
San Diego is another team that finished under .500 last year and is making a playoff. They have taken a 4 game lead over Seattle with a 8-2 record over the last 10 games. In that same span Seattle has gone 4-6 allowing San Diego to take charge. Now we will just have to see if San Diego will be able to keep up that momentum. I think this division only gets one team in, so it should be a good race.
My Pick
San Diego
The State Of Hardball Dynasty
Ladies and gentlemen, HBD Legends, Hall of famers and fellow Duff Beer colleagues.
It's has been 9 completed seasons since i began participating in the enjoyment of this game.
I have spent just 2 brief seasons as a member of this fine league. In that time our world has been tested in ways no one could have expected. We have been made to face many obstacles regarding league integrity and prestige, concerns of the welfare of fledgling franchises and the continued prosperity of the league as a whole.
The issues that have arisen have been met with a voracious and resolute effort to achieve the standards that are expected of us as a individual, a league and a member of the what if sports family.
In this time of uncertainty in the economy, in the beliefs of the people and of the world's ability to sustain and to repair itself in this time of need. Let us show that our will can be tested but never bested. That our spirit is a eternal flame of hope.
For we as owners have seen a tremendous period of growth around this game. We now must also see and deal with the implications of this rapid expansion. A great opportunity has come upon us, one that we are obligated to take under consideration. For we must show that we can cooperate for results whilst competing against one another.
We should commit to memory this period of time and look to reflect upon this time as the greatest period of improvement upon the quality not only of owners but established world's as well. To simply discard this as a temporary stoppage of assimilation rather than a keen opportunity for the continued amelioration of this addiction known as Hardball Dynasty.
In short there is nothing wrong with the stoppage of new world creation. It forces those who would rather start a brand new world than to join or continue to compete in a established one.
In my opinion this will reduce turnover and make for a much more streamlined time frame of getting quality leagues filled.
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