NL and AL South Draft Review

NL SOUTH

Louisville Sluggers
Positions of Need: CF, SS, RP
Summary: Mixed bag of a draft they seem to target certain guys who would be sure things for the team passing up on better skilled prospects for guys they must have been in love with. Sanders will be a great closer and might turn out to be the best and most easily translatable reliever of those to go in the top 10. Manship isn't going to be dominating but should be a solid major leaguer. Overall not a bad draft for ML potential players as they landed 3 solid options.
Grade: B
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 1.26 CF Earl Coleman- Better suited for 2B, but this guy can hit and Run well enough to be in the league (AA)
S10 1.50 SS Carl Crosby- Defensive superstar, but poor performer at the plate and on the bases. Will be a career defensive replacement and spot starter (HiA)
S11 1.6 CF Pete Peters- was a huge reach with the 6^th overall pick last season, he is a light hitter with great speed, He has a place of many teams, and he's just not the star you would want with a top 10 pick (HiA)
S11 1.35 1B Eddie Hultzen- solid power bopping 1B his middle of the road splits will scare some. (HiA)
S11 1.53 RF Tyler Dempster- Above average runner and a solid hitter, good late 1^st round pick up last season (LoA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.9 RP Jermaine Sanders- In the year of the RP Sanders goes in the 1^st 10 picks. I believe he was the 4^th top 10 pick for RP in this draft. Sanders is a great all around reliever with precision control and 2 dominant pitches. He might be an elite closer one day in this league.
1.36 SP Gary Manship- some signing issues with Manship allowed him to slip into the late 1^st round. Overall he is a solid starter with 5 workable pitches including a good sinker. His control is already tolerable as an 18 year old prospect. He has a lot of growing to do and average makeup.
2.68 2B Rob Roberts- poor hitter with average speed and defense. Maybe a 1 star prospect at best huge reach in the top of the 2^nd round.
3.101 LRP Michael Byrd- above average fastball is the only solid pitch in his 5 pitch arsenal. His splits and control are MLB potential, although bottom of the barrel, He might still get a good number of innings in his career as a cheap alternative for a staff.

Durham CroBulls
Positions of Need: RP, SP
Summary: Coleman is going to be great in the right situation, but he will need to be monitored and watched. Walbeck further adds to a freshly growing bullpen. The best pick might be their 3^rd rounder where they pick up a perfect NL specialist in Bubba Ennis.
Grade: B-
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 1.4 RF Ryan Halama- Solid hitting prospect with good power and batting eye Traded S11 to Cin (AAA)
S9 1.54 3B D.T. Bailey- he is as fast as he is blind. Will strike out a whole bunch and steal a whole bunch no power. (AA)
S9 1.62 SP Joel Swift- Middle of the road splits average pitch selection. (AA)
S10 1.9 3B Fernando Gardel- UNSIGNED
S11 1.5 P Roland Gosling- top of the rotation type Starter, Gosling has 4 pitches good control and solid splits.
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.7 RP Tripp Coleman- His Stamina and Durability scream out relief pitcher with limited pitch count. He would be a great closer if carefully monitored and maintained. He has ace quality splits and control with an outstanding Sinker and an above average slider. The 7^th pick might be a bit high for a guy you have to watch to make his piece fit into your teams puzzle.
1.50 RP Al Walbeck- solid reliever with above average control and splits. He has a great Split Fastball to work with and a solid 4-semaer to fall back on. Probably not going to be a superstar but a nice piece deep in the 1st round.
2.67 SP Alvin Merrick- In college he was known As: wild thang" Merrick. He might have killed a mascot or two with his killer velocity and lack of control. 5 solid pitches his best being his changeup. Unless he finds some control he does make it out of the minors.
3.99 2B Bubba Ennis- Great runner and speed guy with great contact. I love this pick in the 3rd round He should be a good defensive replacement in the field and a pitch running extraordinaire.

Kansas City Kansas City Royals
Positions of Need: SS, CF, C
Summary: Started a run on Relief pitching that lasted throughout the 1^st round. Everyone went into a mad grab for quality relievers. Defensive Stud and Speedster Midre Jacquez is a nice pickup in the 2^nd round. Overall I think KC got some prospects to be happy with that filled some of their needs.
Grade: B-
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 1.9 P Stewart Black- a Low durability reliever who has shown mix results as the ML Closer, He should be very successful if his pitch count is controlled. (ML)
S9 1.36 P Garland Badilla- 4 pitches middle of the road left/right splits he is going to be a mixed bag in the MLTRADED SEASON 10 to CLEV (AAA)
S9 1.49 P Tomas Borges- 3 quality pitches but average control and stamina will limit him to relief, he might sneak a few spot starts in his career (AAA)
S10 3 P Anthony Clifton- Pitching ace already in the bigs for good reason this guy can pitch. Not even close to full potential and he already averages almost a strike out an inning in the ML. (ML) S11 1.7 SP Howard James- Ace quality pitcher with 5 pitches excellent splits and good control lacks game changing velocity and is strictly a fly ball pitcher. (HiA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.3 RP Luke Jennings- fairly developed Reliever for an 18 year old. He has a great pitcher splits and perfect control. His 3 pitches should bring him great success as a reliever for many seasons. At pick #3 he went way to high in the draft
2.63 SS Midre Jacquez- 2 great tools with his elite speed and running and his great defensive presence. He should have success in the Majors with those tools even with his lowly bat.
3.95 2B Hub Faulk- Better suited for RF or LF, he is a slightly above average hitter, but might not be skilled enough to get regular At Bats in the Majors.

Little Rock Anti-Clintons
Positions of Need: SP, RP, CF
Summary: Took a serious risk with their #1 pick Alvin Bradley. Bradley's signabilty issues scared off a number of suitors, but maybe Little Rocks risk will pay huge dividends and they will get a late 1^st round gem. Only time will tell, but you have to commend the guts. The rest of the draft doesn't deliver much in the way of ML prospects.
Grade: B-
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 1.14 1B Todd Clark- elite level hitter but the 1^st round is a stretch for a low fielding position. He can hit near the top though (AAA)
S10 1.28 SP Carson Lockhart- good college pitcher would have drafted higher if his stamina was better, but still he has 4 pitches on top of good control and left/right combination (AAA)
S10 1.39 P Vin Starr- Struggles at times against Lefties, but should pitch in the majors one day with 3 great pitches. (AAA)
S10 1.44 P Josh Pecina- he has the pitch selection and velocity of a star but has low stamina and average control. He will be a solid mop-up long reliever in the majors for a time. (AAA)
S10 1.55 2B Perry MacRae-Contact hitter with no power and bat batting eye but great speed and base running. He should provide enough tools to have the option to strike out as much as he wants in the Majors. (AAA)
S11 1.23 RF Tony Valenzuela- Good speed, but average hitting he seems the ball well and seems to understand the pitching he just doesn't have the natural talent.
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.22 SS Alvin Bradley- he has 3B written all over him on defense. He possesses a plus bat with good speed. I would expect numbers close to a .290 hitter with 20 HR and 35 SB when he is ML ready. He is fairly developed and should rise quickly through the minors. He is considering football as a career option so he will be a late signer.
2.82 SS Ellis Henson- The backup plan for Bradley not signing. Defensively he's worse at 3B but he is capable. He is almost as quick and runs overall better than Bradley. He is a much poor hitter and is slated to be nothing more than an AAA grinder.
3.114 SP Richard Braun- Great pitcher to have in the minor leagues he will eat innings and throw solid games, He has poor baseball splits and will struggle to much against ML hitting to be a viable major league option.

AL SOUTH

San Antonio Sentinals
Positions of Need:
Summary: Totally hate the Rodriguez pick with their 1st overall selection, there seem to be other talent on the board which made a lot better sense with that pick, Getting Gil deep in the 2^nd round illustrated that even on their own draft board. Lombardi and Allen both are skilled players but like all late 1^st rounders they are flawed and will need to be in very defined roles for them to succeed.
Grade: D+
Historical 1^ST Round
9.1.25 Rp Junior Tavarez developed reliever with solid control and good right/left understanding. 3 pitches including a top flight sinker. (AAA)
9.1.42 2B Lee Brock- middle of the road hitter with good speed and base running. His defense is good enough to play most any position except SS and CF.
9.1.60 2B Virgil Maxwell- Good contact but an overall light weight hitter. He could play every day and contribute near the bottom of a lineup, but he is nothing more than a stopgap player.
10.1.32 P Tyson Cross- UNSIGNED
10.1.42RP Glendon Stockton- 3 pitches and good splits, glendon's low durability is not ideal for a reliever. (HiA) 11.1.29 P Von Pose Solid #2 or 3 starter on a good major league club. Von's makeup will make him a slow mover through the minors (AA)
11.1.34 P Reid Bordick- star 2 pitch reliever he has outstanding splits and great control and pitches, his low stamina will keep him to 1 or 2 batters max an appearance. (AA)
11.1.63 P Zoltan Jackson- Long Relief prospect with middle of the road splits and pitch selection, not going to make much of a major league splash (AA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.32 SS Davey Rodriguez- below average fielder. He isn't much better in the field with above average power but poor contact hitting. Below average speed makes up the trifurcate of AAA player. Poor pick at #1
1.43 SP Tom Lombardi- poor durability on an otherwise solid relief pitcher. He has elite level control and 3
pitches to throw out over the plate. He just will be limited on the number of batters he can face an outing and the
number of appearance in a season. Probably a reach in the 1st round for this reliever.
1.48 C Bo Allen- Better DH than a positional player so on an AL team he should be fine. Great overall hitter with above average power and good batting eye. He isn't going to hurt you at the plate at all.
2.61 SS Carmine Gil- solid defender and a better overall player than #1 pick Rodriguez. He can play SS and should blow through the minors fairly quickly and be a key defensive sub. He will strike out a lot at the plate but he has enough bats to count on him to deliver some offense.
2.69 SP Rickey Eckenstahler-- Solid late 2nd round Pitcher. He struggles against Left hander hitters and has only 1 plus pitch to work with. He is not a bad pick up late in the 2nd round.
2.90 RP Charles Fonville- His fastball and Slider are unhittable when they get going and rank among the best scouts have seen, His control is also considered elite level. His drawback is his average pitching splits which show his struggles against Right Handers who at the MLB level might eat him up. Still might be a good risk/reward pick late in the 2nd.
3.122 SS Shigetoshi Zhang- Average hitter below average defender, above average speed. He's just a mixed bag in the 3rd round. Most likely he's nothing more than a minor league lifer.

Texas Justice
Positions of Need: SP, LF
Summary: Got their LF in the 1^st round, but had to reach for him. They still need to increase their stable of Farm arms, which seems to be desperately lacking
Grade: B+
Historical 1^ST Round
9.1.23 2B Stephen Albers- A guy who can hit and field. Not much not to like when he makes the league (AA)
9.1.41 SS Enrique Flores- better suited for 3B great power, but probably will hit for an average around .260 (AA)
9.1.51 C Tori Tatum- great offensive catcher offers a solid body behind the plate. (AA)
10- NO PICKS
11.1.28 SS Shane Kerr- Average hitter above average speed. Might be a weak SS in the field
11.1.31 SS Quinn Coco- Contact bloop single guy, he has little power and average speed, better suited for 3B.
11.1.45 CF Aaron Munro- Great speed, but a slight better than average contact hitter. He can play the field fairly well and should be solid platoon versus left handers.
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.12 RF J.P. Diaz- huge reach in the mid 1^st round. He is a fast no power bat that sees the ball well, but can't drive it deep enough to even make up for his plus speed. He should steal 25-40 bases a season and has the running sense to take advantage of poor catchers and exploitable pitchers. To high in the draft for a guy that doesn't offer more than 2 tools. Needs to field as well
3.104 SS Phil Maxwell - would be more successful on defense at 3B, he doesn't offer enough at the plate (poor batting eye and hitting stats) and can't run the bases well enough to merit this high of a pick. Type A
4.136 CF Andrew DeJean – a contact hitter with poor batting splits. He might get some AB's against right handers, His bread and butter might be his speed if he develops his baserunning he might be a good defensive pinch runner in the league. Type B

Florida Manatees
Positions of Need: SP, C
Summary: Florida is young and has great depth everywhere. Their biggest weakness would be starting pitching where they have a number of young stars already developing. What they need is a few stronger stamina arms to extend the innings pitched for the starters, Superstar AAA P Edgardo Montana would be better in Long relief or setup with his stamina. Ashby fits the bill for the type of pitcher they needed for their farm. Omar James will also be an asset when he is ready to contribute. Both should be great players to have on any team.
Grade: B+
Historical 1^ST Round
9.1.2 SS Sal Gwynn- all around all-star, but weak against Left handers, still has great defense and hitting and should be a value then he breaks the big leagues (AA)
9.1.31 P Darrin Lennon- 4 pitches with good control and solid splits he could be a Great #2 guy if you overlook his durability (AA)
9.1.34 2B Derrick Brewer- Good stamina and control but average splits, His sinker and Fastball makeup for his poor Curve. (LoA)
9.1.47 P Darby Speier- Good speed and good contact, but lower power numbers and very mediocre left/right splits (HiA)
9.1.52 LF Vincente Moreno- average hitter and runner, but nothing more than a flash in the pan for major league prospects (HiA)
10.1.7 RP Ben Van Hatten- Great power reliever he could strikeout the side easily in an ML game. Might be the closer of the future for Florida. Great control and splits. Downside outside of his Curve his pitch selection is quite poor. (HiA)
10.1.33 CF John Bolick- Solid ML prospect, He has 5 tools to offer Florida including good speed, solid hitting and precision fielding. (AA)
11.1.3 SS Von Hammonds Average fielder and solid runner. He has great contact and splits, but not much power. He's probably a .320 hitter with 10 hr power and 25+ stolen bases. (LoA)
11.1.52 CF Jim Becker- solid power but will struggle putting the ball in play without making an out He also has good speed could be a solid 2B or CF prospect. (LoA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.4 P Steven Ashby- Solid #1 or 2 option for a ML rotation, he has very underwhelming pitches, but he has strikeout power and great stamina to overcome his shortcoming.
2.64 P Omar James- One of the best Sinkers scouting has seen. He struggles some with his control, but if he develops that should be fine and he could be a good 10 closer in the league.
3.96 RF Conor Shaw- Shaw might be Long Hauls version of Rob Deer, this guy than belt it out of the park when he gets a hold of it, but he will bat close to .220-.240 on the season with a good amount of strikeouts.

New Orleans Knights
Positions of Need: RP, C, 3B
Summary: The Knights have taken a fill in approach to their bullpen, they are stacked with veteran talent, but lack any home grown recruits, this can be an expensive way to close out a game, Their start catch is also showing signs of his age and it would be nice to have a guy moving up the ladder to replace him. 3B Sherm James has never been a superstar, but a stable force on the hot corner, his contract expires at the end of the season. New Orleans brought in a few talented, but flawed prospects. Mcdill is talented and it will be interesting to see his reaction to major league hitting, he will dominant at times, but more than likely he will also lose control of games without a very good catcher.
Grade: C-
Historical 1^ST Round
9.1.3 P Bobby Buchanan- great changeup but 3 other average pitches after that to work with. He struggles against left handed hitting, but his control and stamina should make him a ML pitcher soon (AAA)
9.1.29 Russell Fontenot- Defensive wizard, Fontenot will struggle getting the ball in play without any natural talent at the plate, he does have great understanding how to hit and will draw a walk, but not a major league hitter. (AA)
9.1.35 Marcus Davis- Already nearly developed Marcus still has average splits, but still is weak against left handers. His control is also going to cost him at times. He has 3 great pitches. (AA)
9.1.48 SS Marcus Wilson- Solid Defense and good contact hitter, but little power and average baseball knowledge and batting eye. He will be a defensive guru in the league (AAA)
9.1.53 Robinson Embree- Poor splits will keep his knuckle curve out of the league most of his career. (AAA)
10.1.14 1B Rodrigo Torres- great hitter, but average splits and defense. Might have been a reach in the top 20 for a 1B (AAA)
10.1.17 SS Eli Torres UNSIGNED
10.1.34 P Jerome Harris- Poor control on an average reliever with only a changeup to throw. (HiA)
10.1.47 2B Virgil Ortiz- solid runner with above average contact and little power. Not an ML starter for long in the league, but still could find a role (HiA)
11.1.57 P Bill Key- Poor Control and durability will limit Key's role on a major league club, His best role will be in relief, but I'm not sure who if anyone will give him a major league shot (LoA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.6 P Dan McDill- Average left/right splits will condemn a rather spectacular pitcher, with 3 great pitches, in college his fastball, curve and changeup won him many games at his high velocity. In the majors he will struggle at times. Still a reach in the top 10
1.49 SS Paxton Casey- NOT SCOUTED
1.59 RF Lloyd Vernon- Considering Basketball for a career. He's an average ML prospect at best with even worse batting splits. Good luck in the NBA Vernon.

AL and NL East Season 12 Draft Review

Philadelphia Pirates
Positions of Need: SS, 3B, RP
Summary: The Pirates are a team built for today. They have a relatively young and able ML team, so the farm system is less of a concern right now, but they so have very shallow depth at SS where 28 year old ML starter Luis Ordonez is the only multi tool prospect the system has. Third Base has a more immediate concern with 30 year old Ed Serrano hold down the position, signed from Season 13 he's showing signs of his age and will start slipping even more in the future seasons. There is again no true heir to 3B in Philadelphia.
Grade: D-
Historical 1^ST Round
S10 (31) 2B Max Ruiz- Defensively great with good speed, average bat. (AA)
S11 (33) SP Paul Bruce- Solid low stamina starter, (LoA)
S11 (46) Cl Tike Levis- could be a solid closer has average control.
S11 (49) LF Cody Campbell- average hitter major injury in s12
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.24 RF Clint Kouzmanoff- great contact hitter with solid speed and batting eye. He has below average splits and low makeup
1.45 2B Mark Dirks- great contact and no power. Dirks is fast and runs well. At 22 he is developed but has poor makeup how much will be improve in his limited time. Poor splits should keep him in the minors.
2.92 SS Eliezer Valdez- no bat with defense better suited for right or left field. He doesn't offer enough speed to even back his way into the majors as a replacement.
3.124 LF Andy Vasquez- Mr. Average will max out in AAA.

St. Louis Birdos
Positions of Need: SP, CF, 2B
Summary: The Birdos are in very good shape both on the farm and in the Majors. They have had solid drafts in the past, but drafting late has not allowed them to pick up a superstar. They have gathers a great supporting cast. The areas looking to improve are the Starting Pitching where they have a few veterans that they could look to replace in the future and a sure starter for 2B and CF.
Grade: A-
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (13) Luke Comer- fireballer with average splits, might be a #5 guy sometime in his career (AA)
S9 (32) SP A.J. Freel- Control issues on an otherwise solid pitcher (AA)
S10 (11) C J.P. Beltre- Superstar hitter, but durability issues will limit his effect to 400 abs a season (AA)
S10 (37) P Craig May UNSIGNED
S11 (26) SP Donatello Blake- UNSIGNED
S11 (60) 2B Haywood Brown- good speed, great contact average splits (LoA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.27 2B Carl Shannon- all contact and speed. He is not going to get many out of the park, but should steal 60+ bases a season. He is very developed for 18 and could be a factor sooner than later. He will struggle against good pitching with his middle of the road splits
1.28 RP Gregg Charles Solid reliever with3 plus pitches and good control. He has a poor durability and stamina mix, but should be overlooked for any reliever with3 good pitches.
1.42 SS Cyrus Fletcher= Defensive superstar with great speed and base running. His bat projects to be average with little power, but the rest of his interchangeable will help get him a shot
2.87 RP Carter Pillette= potential to have 3 useable pitches including a solid 4 seamer. His right hand split makes him a risk on the mount but he still has a good potential to play a role for a team.
3.100 P Mel Choo

Charlotte Blue Devils
Positions of Need: SP, RP, CF
Summary: The future Blue Devil offense is fairly set, they have good depth at Catcher, OF and 2B and should be able to translate this depth into trades to cover some of the thinning areas. Pitching is starting to become a concern for the future. They have a number of aging arms who need replacements ready down the road. A few of the relievers are already 35+ and are on the downsides of their careers.
Grade: A
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (22) Eugene Lieberthal-Solid long reliever/spot starter (AA) could be effective in a few seasons
S9 (58) RP Steven Collins- elite closer with 2 pitches (AA) 60/68 career minor League saves
S10 (24) 2B Rob Yates- light hitting speedster (HiA)
S10 (54) CF Glenn Berry- TRADED (S11) Average bat with good speed and solid D. (AAA) .300+ average in 2 AAA Season.
S10 (58) 2B D.J. Christenson- decent contact hitter with poor base running (HiA)
S11 (16) C Derrek Wilkins- .350 career average in the minors in part time action could be a star in the ML (HiA) 3 season away at most.
S11 (22) 1B Rudy Williams- Good slugging 1B he should be a solid 5 or 6 hole hitter in a few season (HiA)
S11 (40) LF Blaine Harris- power slugging OF with solid speed splits (LoA)
S11 (47) SS Dave Bates- good contact hitter with solid speed, better off at 3B (LoA)
S11 (55) LF Wayne Mordecai- speedy of with solid hitting chops, might struggle against Righties. Slow learner might never reach projections. (LoA)
S11 (66) LF Dan Eveland- All speed contact only hitter, makeup says he never develops into his projections.
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.30 P Malcolm Brown- already pretty developed for 19 he has an odd stamina where he sits between a long reliever and a starter. Good control and 4 good pitches. I like this pick at 30
1.57 LRP Preston Weaver- going to be an effective long reliever with3 plus pitches and good velocity and control. He has an average right hand split that needs to be developed to its full potential if he makes this league.
2.88 SP Bill Dunn- low splits might keep him from being a factor. He has great control which should make his pitch selection that much better.
3.120 P Lou Eiland- good 3^rd round selection. Lou slid to the 3^rd because he has no true defined role on the team. He's an athlete that should be able to pitch effectively in a few seasons when he gets close to his projections 3 plus pitches solid control and splits.

Burlington Beavers
Positions of Need: SS, SP, RF
Summary: Right now the Major league team works with a below average defensive SS and a rotation which is veteran by all standards. These are major concerns that they need to address in the farm for the future. In the Season 12 draft they need to get a few quality farm arms and a potential future starter at SS. They could also work the trade wire and dangle out positional depth at 2b and catcher to wrangle a few upgrades for the future.
Grade: D
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (6) 2B Ken Moss- good speed and contact, (ML) 22Sb in 400 ML AB's
S10 (5) C Pascual Santos-could be a great DH, poor Catcher ( HiA)
S11 (17) 3B Jordan Cloud- Poor Splits solid hitter good speed (LoA)
S11 (41) LF Tony Almanza- good hitter poor splits (HiA)
S11 (56) 3B Marty Christiansen- Average grind type player/ (HiA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.15 LF Wilfredo Andrus- average hitter with high speed and poor base running. He is going to be a frustrating player in the way his base running will neutralize his speed
2.75 RP Rocky O'Brien- below average versus right and lefties with great control. His pitch selection features a good fastball and a solid slider and changeup. His velocity is good enough to get a few strikeouts.
3.107 SP Antonio Moreno- poor left/right split but he has great stamina and good control. His pitch selection is average at best. He is going to be a huge inning eater in the minors

AL EAST

Baltimore Beatdown
Positions of Need: 3B, SP, CF
Summary: The Major Leagues have 2 29 year old players covering 3B, both could be upgraded upon for the future, but currently there is no depth behind them. The Starting Pitching might be an even more immediate problem as the youngest starter is already in his upper 20's. They need to find upgrades for this system now.
Grade: C-
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (12) RP Vic Williams- great control and 3 pitches average splits. Big gamble with the 12^th pick (AAA)
S9 (57) RP Alexander Nelson- TRADED (11) average control and splits will limit is effectiveness in the ML (HiA)
S10 (10) RP Pat Sefcik- Elite closer with poor durability if he has elite tools everywhere else (AA)
S10 (46) SP Sherm Taylor- Solid middle rotation pitcher (HiA)
S11 (59) SP Peaches Brosius- poor splits will keep him out of the ML (HiA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.58 SP Mark Joseph- great stamina with good control. He has poor pitch selection and average to below average splits. He's going to be an inning eater.
2.89 RP Brian Riedling- solid reliever with 3 solid pitches and good control. He needs more durability if he wishes to be an impact in the Majors. A Durability bump would make him a great option for the Pen.
3.121 RP Michael Park- great control with average splits. He has very poor durability for a reliever. I'm not sure is future holds much above AAA.

Wichita WINNERS
Positions of Need: SS, RF/LF, 3B
Summary: SS Jason Merrick might be able to be shift over to cover the 3B hole that is developing, He's not suited to play Short regularly without causing major defensive woes, but a shift to 3B would benefit him and his playing time. SS still needs a future everyday fielder whose bat will not kill the lineup. Right/Left fielders should be a fairly easy pickup late in the draft and they did so with Mario Kirk.
Grade: B+
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (21) SP Chris Sanford- TRADED (S11) skilled starting pitcher very close to ML potential (AAA)
S9 (40) SP Andre Barkley TRADED (S10) could be an ace Closer or long reliever (ML)
S9 (50) P Harry Romo- Average splits on a solid long reliever (AAA)
S10 (23) CF Chance Martin- Solid speedster with good contact poor batting eye (AA)
S10 (53) LF Ed Jacquez- Average hitter good splits (AAA)
S10 (57) SP Todd Simms- below average splits 4 good pitches (AAA)
S11 (32) SP Yorvit Alarcon- Average starting pitcher, middle rotation guy (AA)
S11 (42) SS Watty Buddie- below average hitter good speed better at 3B. (R )
S11 (48) CF Cy Miller UNSIGNED
S11 (50) 2B Carl Ryan- Poor Splits with decent power and speed.
S11 (51) SS Dorian King- left hand hitting contact hitter good speed below average base running
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.25 SS Jason Merrick- Better suited for 3B, Jason has a power bat with good batting eye. He will struggle with his batting average and might bat around .260 for most of his career, but he should do so while batting 30+ home runs and drawing 75+ walks a season
1.41 CF Stump Boyd- good defensive CF with average contact ratings. He's a solid hitter against lefties. And a decent runner with good base running. Expect 20+ stolen bases, but struggles abound at the plate.
1.47 SP Grady Crawford- 5 good pitches including a great curve, nice changeup and an amazing cut fastball. He is going to get guys watching those pitches go by. He has precision control. He will struggle with major league hitting though and might never get a shot at showing those skills in the pros
1.56 P Jonathan Diaz
2.74 RP Ben Dougherty- Featuring a great Cut fastball and 3 other fallback pitches, Dougherty should find some success in the minors. He has below average control but he still might be good enough if he makes his projections to play in the majors consistently
2.85 LF Mario Kirk- fairly developed already at 19; he will be a slow learner the rest of the way, if he makes his projections you are looking at a plus hitter with 15-20 homerun power and a .270 batting average. He will strikeout a far amount.
3.102 2B Darrel Strong- Better suited for RF/LF he has good speed, but this will not make up for his average hitting and base running. He should have a solid minor league career ahead of him, but probably has no major league hope as he stands.
3.117 RP- Virgil Vincente- Low durability reliever with great right/left splits he has 3 above average pitches to work with and strikeout velocity to make them look that much better. He will make a great 1 inning closer. Poor control will be his stumbling block to the Majors.

Dover DBagers
Positions of Need: C, 3B, SS
Summary: The left side of the infield needs some major shoring up. Already the ML club has 2 rule 5 Shortstops on the roster. The DBags drafted away from needs in the 1^st 3 rounds instead focusing on the best player. Tanner should be a guarantee mainstay in Dover for awhile. The Catching draft pool was very shallow but it would have been good to see them pick up a guy to fill the hole.
Grade: C+
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (45) SS Jody Jennings-good speed and solid hitting
S9 (61) P Vladimir Palmeiro UNSIGNED
S10 (19) P Otis Webb UNSIGNED
S10 (27) RP Pinky Darwin- Solid everyday reliever (AAA)
S10 (35) CF Trevor Randall Average hitter and fielder grind type player (hiA)
S10 (43) CF Ossie Barry UNSIGNED
S10 (51) RF Chad Darwin UNSIGNED
S11 (10) SS Prince Sanford- UNSIGNED
S11 (20) LF Brayan Nelson- Great hitter with solid chops (AA)
S11 (54) CL Dioner Garces- Solid reliever with 3 pitcher below average against lefties. (HiA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.21 SP Bruce Tanner- solid late round pick up, Tanner has 5 pitches including a lights out Knuckleball and a plus fastball. As with any Knuckleball guy he's not going to strikeout many, but he should be able to control the game very well and pitch deep into games. Should be able to get a few all-star nods in the future and be able to pull in a few sub 4 era seasons.
1.55 SP Ernest Carmona- great control and his feature pitch changeup are sick, but he will struggle with his consistency versus major league pitching. If he makes the league he will hover around a 5.50 ERA
1.60 2B Brent Roth- All defense and speed. Roth's bat is not major league caliber, but his glove and wheels project to be top of the league capable. He might make a great defensive option and if He bunts anywhere near what his projections show he might be a valuable late inning guy at the plate.
2.81 SP Quinton Douglass- has the stamina and control teams want in the major league pitcher. He lacks the ability to consistently get batters out and will find himself in a lot of trouble at times. His sinker and slider will get him out of some trouble, but still expect a 5.80 + ERA
3.113 2B Billy Barkett- weak hitter with speed but not a smart runner, His defense isn't good enough to make up for the rest of his short comings. Career minor leaguer. Might see AA consistently.

Huntington Bullets
Positions of Need: SP, CF, RP
Summary: Former #1 pick Danny Gilbert should be moved over to give 3B depth in the minors, he is not a capable SS, but would be a great 3B. CF O.T. Lincoln
Has a 4 season deal running through Season 16 he will be 35 when that deal expires, They need to fill his shoes with someone and be ready for him to decline the next few seasons. The Starting pitching could also use a few more fresh faces to up the competition and improve the ranks. Last season #1 pick Albert Perez is a good start to a future rotation, but the addition of College Pickup this season Henry Burns might even be better. This guy will be a ML star in the future. The pickup of C Ismael Acevedo in the 6^th round is also I nice diamond find.
Grade: A-
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (15) SS Danny Gilbert- Could be a solid 3B with plus hitting (HiA)
S10 (13) 2B Jeff Cooney- developed fielder with a good projected bat 2-3 season away (AA)
S11 (2) SP Albert Perez- solid pitching prospect but will struggle against left handers.
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.1 SP Henry Burns- This seasons #1 is the best Pitcher in the draft and deserve the #1 pick because of it. Projects to have 2 elite pitches in his Curve and Fastball. His velocity should put him in the league leaders in strikeouts each season and best of all he will be in the majors in most likely 2 seasons with the right training and coaching.
3.93 SP York Dougherty- High Schooler who feels college is going to be a better career choice right now. At 7M in bonuses I would have to agree college is a better option. He projects to have a ML quality curve and slider but very little command of the strike zone.

AL and NL North Season 12 Draft Review

NL NORTH Season 12 DRAFT SUMMARY

Ottawa Morissettes
Positions of Need: 2B, SP, RF
Summary: FA signee Jumbo Cerveza is signed through Season 1; Ottawa needs to find a replacement for him something they lack on the farm right now. Season 9 first rounder Billy Nixon might be a solid fill in, but he can't be counted on in full time action. The Starting pitching is young for the most part, but is at the perfect age to start to build a farm to replace them. Ramon Jiang an international pickup has been solid as a #1, but the rest of the rotation could use an upgrade. SP Steve Kelton could start to feel the effects of age and he's signed through S14. They need to have a guy to step up in his place in 2 seasons.
Grade: C
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (18) RF Guy Phillips- Light hitter with good speed- (AAA) should be ready to go next season
S9 (28) 2B Billy Nixon- average hitter not going to last long in the majors- (AA)
S9 (39) 3B Angel Gibson- has power can hit good enough against left handers, struggles against righties. (HiA)
S10 (12) SS Vic Cruz- Defensive stud with a solid bat for the bottom of the lineup. (HiA)
S11 (11) SP Gary Seay- Stamina will make him a starter with a limited pitch count maybe 90 pitches, but they should be a good 90 pitches. (LoA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.40 P Eric Rogers Supplemental Pick
2.71 3b - below average hitting respect with a weak glove and plotting speed. Type A Reimbursement
2.84 SS Max Morales= weak hitting prospect with a below average glove might be better off at 3B, but can play SS in the minors
3.116 2B Max Morales- can plow the ball when he gets a hold of it. Poor splits might kill his ML dreams. He does have a solid glove.

Trenton Tea Baggers
Positions of Need: CF, 2B, RF/LF
Summary: Both 2B's on the ML roster are contracted through season 13. Denny Cummings is still young and very capable of playing and being a star, but if he doesn't resign they have a huge void behind him in the minors. CF is a bigger concern with Karim Ugueto and Miguel Henriquez
splitting time each showing some strength but neither is offering an everyday solution right now.
Grade: C-
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (17) 2B Larry Moore- TRADED (12) solid runner, but poor batting splits (AAA)
S10 (25) LF Scot Cox- average hitter with decent contact, speed is negat3d by base running (AA)
S10 (38) RF J.D. Driskill- Good Power, solid hitter and runner (AAA)
S11 (13) SP Harold Lollar- might be a better long reliever, but can pitch
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.8 CF Franklin Thornton- defensively solid with great speed and Base running IQ. He has an average to below average bat. He might earn the nickname Mr. GDP with his pension to put the ball in play
1.51 Type B SS Freddie Simpkins=poor makeup makes you wonder if he will ever make his fielding projections. If he can come close he will be a slightly below average SS with some speed, he hits well enough to be a factor at the plate, and poor splits will limit the numbers of at bats he gets in his career.

Boise Barnstormers
Positions of Need: CF, 3B, RP
Summary: Boise has played all season without a multidimensional guy in CF and this is one of the reasons they sit 10 games under .500 on the season. The team is also saddled with 2 large contracts on players who are no longer able to play at their contract levels in LF Lonnie Morton and 3B Pedro Escobar. 3B is wide open in the Minors for a prospect to climb through the system. Right now it's one the team's biggest need for the future outside of CF.
Grade: B
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (24) RP Dan Fife- Durability issues have plagued is minor league stay (HiA)
S9 (59^th) SP Bill Webster – Retired never pitching an inning of minor league ball (s10)
S10 (18) P Tracy Hallman- Solid Long Reliever- spent 2 seasons at Rookie ball (LoA)
S11 (12) P Melky Nunez- Good Long Reliever spot starter (R) waiting for second season of rookie ball
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.11 SP Junior Gandarilla-poor durability and average makeup are his major knocks but he does have 5 potential pitches to throw at the batters plus good splits and above average control, he might lose a start or 3 during the season, but he should offer enough on the mound that an owner can overlook those issues.
3.103 SP Al Silva- he has 5 pitches but below average control isn't great on a soft tossing pitcher, he also has average splits versus right and left and will be eaten alive in the pros as he stands.

Montreal Maniac
Positions of Need: SS, SP, 3B
Summary: Montreal has been struggling through a number of seasons of poor performances. Their scouting seems to find all the wrong players the last few seasons and mismanagement of the farm has cost the team S10 #1 pick Trevor Hull who signed in free agency in S11 with Durham. They have also made big reaches for others in the draft. Montreal is very shallow in the infield with almost no depth at Short and third base in the minors. Their starting pitching depth is equally as shallow. It would be hard to not get prospects in key position for the Maniacs.
Grade: C
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (8) RP Rick Ginter- Big Reach for a solid reliever should be in the bigs next year though (AA)
S10 (2) UNSIGNED 2B Tyler Hull- light hitting with good base stealing combos (AAA) 1 year away for Durham (signed as FA)
S11 (4) SP Charlie Burns- fireball hurler with low control (HIA) will walk many but should strikeout More.
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.2 SP Harvey Laroche-big reach for a pitcher who is comparable with the #11 pick Junior Gandarilla. Like
Junior Gandarilla he has low durability and 4 solid pitches. He does offer pinpoint perfect control and will pitch toward the top of any rotation.
2.62 RP Chris Killian-he has all the tools to be an effective relief pitcher, except above average splits. He does have 2 plus pitches and a good stamina to durability ratio. His control also his very right on.
3.94 SP Mike McDonald- here's a great 3^rd round diamond; he has all the tools to be successful in the major leagues as a starter. Great splits. 3 plus pitches and good control. His stamina is fine and his durability will be an obstacle that might cost his 3 starts a season. Great pick in the 3^rd though

AL NORTH

Cincinnati Flying Pigs
Positions of Need: RP, CF, 3B
Summary: Cincinnati has been a class act in drafting. They seem to always get their guy and bring home a number of guys who fill not only needs but have a legitimate chance to make an impact in the league. Their "needs" are nowhere near what other teams need. While they could use depth at 3B they have a number of good SS's who can shift over and fill that need. They also have a number of relievers who are getting older, but Bullpen help can come in ready supply in free agency.
Grade: B+
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (46) DH Benito Mesa- Solid DH with good Power (AAA) could be playing now just not in the field
S10 (21) SP Dennis Rollins- Patience will pay off he should develop into a #1 or 2 starter in time (AA)
S10 (30) LF Harry Rivera- good eye and exceptional versus Righties (bad against left) AA not showing his speed in the minors yet.
S10 (41) 2B Clinton Mercedes- great contact but average splits hurt good speed (AA) close to potential
S10 (45) 1B Brandon Jones- good speed for a 1B but not enough bat to make it. (AA)
S11 (62) 2B Mark Freeman average hitter and runner nothing special (HiA)
S11 (68) 2B Jim Morton- left hand hitting specialist with good speed and no power (LoA)
S11 (69) LF Clark Lyons- below Average hitting (LoA) little Ml potential
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.16 C Stephen Jackson Could be the best Catcher in the draft, he is an above average hitter with a great batting eye. He calls a decent game as a catcher, but does not have a plus catcher's arms so a good base runner will be able to eat him up
2.76 RP Elroy Tanner-He has 2 ace quality pitches in his fastball and slider, both ranks among the game's best. Throw in a solid sinker and tanner obviously can pitch. His velocity will allow him to strikeout a ton of guys his control a middle of the road and might turn teams off as well as his low durability for a reliever.
3.108 2B Rex Kelly- good splits on an average hitter. Not likely to play 2B but might be an okay right/left fielder.

Cleveland Elite Senators II
Positions of Need: LF, C, 2B
Summary: The Senators are getting old. They have a number of big contracts coming off the books at season end, which would allow for new blood to invigorate the lineup, the problem is their most senior position C, LF, and 2B they don't have an adequate replacement coming up the pipe.
Grade: B
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (5) SP Don Walls- potential Ace (AAA) should see action next season
S10 (37) RF Darryl Thomas- middle of the road hitter with pop and great speed (AA)
S10 (52) 1B Antone Valentine- solid hitter (AA)
S10 (22) 3B Al Hicks- all power hitting hit 49 dingers in HiA with a 300+ average (AA)
S10 (56) 2B Gary Charles—Slappy but quick 2B (HiA)
S11 (19) SS John Dessens- Could turn into a solid SS with a decent bat. Not a superstar (HiA)
S11 (58) CF Solly Wiltse- Potentially average utility guy (AA)
S11 (67) SS Patsy Holliday-below average bat good speed (LoA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.23 SP Erick Perez 2 pitch ace with control and stamina that all teams look for in a starter. His velocity is top tier and should strikeout enough guys to be a league leader. His biggest drawback is lack of a true #3 or 4 pitch.
2.83 RP Vic Valdes- His poor makeup will make it difficult to make his projections. If he gets close he will have 2 good pitches with above average splits and control. Most likely he will not realize his potential and burn out in the minors or get a shot as a rule 5.
3.115 RF Wolf Howard

Chicago Fish Tacos
Positions of Need: C
Summary: One of the best put together minor league systems. They have young talent throughout the ML and farm system. This draft will be one where they could add even more depth and maybe solidify their only weakness C in the minors.
Grade: B-
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (19) CL Alexander his velocity is top tier his low durability will be an issue that affects his value. Still will be very effective when he pitches
(ML) 11.12 ERA 8/13 saves
S10 (20) SP Don Petersen- very nice potential ace (AAA) maybe 2 seasons away from potential 16-0 in HiA season 11
S11 (27) 2B Don Wilkerson UNSIGNED
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.20 RP Alex Rivera- 3 good pitches with strikeout velocity and great stamina for a reliever. He does have average durability so pitch counts will need to be monitored. At 18 he has time to develop and good makeup to make those projections. Thinking about pro hockey
1.29 SS Joe Long - projects to be a solid defensive CF with a good singles bat. He isn't going to develop power enough to be a threat. He is strongly leaning toward college. At 6M right now I would let him go. Type D
1.54 C Horacio Guerrero- projects to be a #1 hitting catcher he has some pop in his bat but should make his living with a solid batting average if he can overcome his poor makeup. At 18 he has time to develop, a patient owner with a good training budget and a solid coaching staff might get a solid prospect out of him, Type B
2.80 LF Reagan Rhodes is a middle level prospect he has some of the tools to make it such as the ability to connect with a pitch and power it out of the park, but he struggles severely against right hinders and has low makeup so he may never develop into a starter of any worth. - Possibly looking at some college ball
3.112 LF Raymond Baxter

Toronto and the Lone Ranger
Positions of Need: RP, SP, C
Summary: The Ml is in pretty good shape, but they do need to grow better farm arms. The current crop is skilled but many have stamina flaws. Other current ML Pitchers are 30+ and their heir apparent needs to be found
Grade: B-
Historical 1^ST Round
Notes: traded away season 9 #1 pick P Einar Tavarez (10^th overall pick) in season 10 (above average starter) Season 10 (4^th) Trot Ankiel- power hitting 2B 2 years away
Season 11 (9^th) 3B Joe George- light hitter with good speed and power base running
Season 11 (37^th) SP Mark Robinson- AAA quality pitchers
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.17 Sp Jonathan Stephens This guy has loads of potential he projects to have ace quality splits with great velocity and awesome control. With 4 go to pitches what's not to like. He just needs to get close to those projections with his mediocre makeup. He also will be fighting low durability
1.37. RF Sean Campbell Type A
1.52 LF Damian Riggan Type B
2.70 RF Jerrod Yashian-poor hitting prospect but has good wheels and base running. He might be a solid pinch runner, but you can't expect better than a .240 hitter with 10-15 homeruns a season. Type A
2.77 RP Frank MacDougal- fell in the draft as a result of sign ability issues. A solid relief pitcher but far from elite. He is looking to be paid like he's top tier it would be a reach to give him 5M+ to sign.
3.109 2B Josh Hansen- should be slid over to 3B he's an all or nothing power slugger. He projects to be a .220 hitter with 30+ homeruns if he gets out of the minors and you can tolerate his low batting average.