Baseball Tri-Weekly: ATB Draft

Coming off shoulder surgery, Vernon Wells is hoping to become the EHCC's comback player of the year. That quest begins Saturday as Santo Domingo ponders whether to take the outfielder or a pitcher with the first pick.
Also inside: the Baseball Tri-Weekly's Mock Draft


Around the Bases: Draft
By Listen Deplayohs, Baseball Tri-Weekly

For the first time in years, an overhyped, over-his-head rookie or a prospect who will play less games than Matt Clement, will not be taken in the first round. Instead? Try a good baseball player.

The 2008 EHCC General Draft will yield the most productive and experienced crop of players since the early days of the league, and some think it could lead to one of the most competitive seasons ever seen.

“Last year was a really good year for the EHCC,” said Baseball Tri-Weekly draft expert Pop Cickels. “A lot of teams were in the hunt for the final few playoff spots until the very end. Still, many of those teams thought they had little shot of winning it all, and statistically they did. Had a few of those teams taken better players in the Major league draft, we could be talking about Winston-Salem, Tijuana or Tokyo being the Champions instead of Arlington.”

The best player in last years draft, Chipper Jones, went to Rakeville at nine. The best pitcher taken early, John Maine, slipped all the way to the Hispanics in the second round. Had Tijuana only drafted actual players with their top two picks, could we have easily seen our first Western Division champion? Cickels thinks so.

“Managers think that finding the next young star is the way to go, while the big boys like Weymouth, Rakeville, Bridgewater and Las Vegas continued to draft battle-tested players. Some say they are just rounding out their already impressive rosters, but you can’t tell me that guys like Rich Hill, Corey Hart or even Jeff Kent aren’t ten times more valuable than when it comes to winning, long and short-term.”

While some of the lower teams are mashing their fists at the limited draft pool, it could be the best thing for the league and those franchises.

“We’ll see an actual distribution of talent this year,” said Cickels. “Veteran teams could look at the board and pretty much select who they needed to augment their team even as late as the fourth round. Now, the players that could assure them of a playoff berth and championship contention are being sought by all, and the league’s front offices are forced to plan deeper and deeper.”

So who will be this year’s top picks? It depends on how far teams are going to reach to compensate for the lack of inexperienced players. Some have suggested it could be outfielder Vernon Wells or Closer Rafael Soriano. Others think fringe guys like Andy Sonnanstine or Asdrubal Cabrera will jump up as general managers hope to grab these sleepers early on. Either way, this season’s draft looks to be one of the most contentious in a while

Baseball Tri-Weekly’s Mock Draft
Guy Roball is the Chief Western Division coorespondent. He likes seahorses and ponies. His draft is trying to get into the mind of EHCC General Managers, guessing who they will pick.

Pop Cickels is surly and old. He does mock drafts and gets angry at the teams when they don’t pick who he selected for him. He is not allowed to do March Madness brackets anymore because he never believe a team he picked lost. His draft is what he thinks teams should do.

1. Santo Domingo White Devils – Vernon Wells, OF

Roball says: It's no secret that Santo Domingo already has quite the crowded outfield, but how can you pass on proven talent? Vernon Wells would instantly be their top outfielder. Worst-case scenario, he is great trade bait.

Cickels says: The White Devils have offense, and plenty of it. Even if the best player in the draft is a hitter, is he so much better than the pitchers available that you devalue you current players to get him? Santo Domingo’s one focus this draft should be pitching. Starting, closing, middle relief. Anything that throws a ball to a catcher.

2. Peoria Cardinals – Bronson Arroyo, SP

Roball says: Peoria obviously needs some pitching help after ditching their top 2 arms in exchange for Mark Teixeira. They have some young talent to work with, but no standout ace. Bronson Arroyo could give their staff instant credibility, or at the very least boost morale with his sweet jams.

Cickels says: They should be thanking the gods if the top pick isn’t an arm, but they need to pray they have the strength to take a closer so early. There are rumors that Rafael Soriano was mistakenly dropped by Tokyo, a remake of the C.C. Sabathia fiasco in 2005. He is one of the few guys that is a step above his peers in draft, even if it is just saves.

3. Tijuana Hispanics (From Golden) – Franklin Morales, SP

Roball says: With the Hispanics relying on guys like Hirsh and Pelfrey to turn their staff around, they could really use another arm at #3. With not much available in the way of quality starters after Arroyo, it may be more productive for Tijuana to send this pick to someone for another pitcher, rather than adding offensive depth.

Cickels says: They have talent across the board, so filling a hole isn’t much of a concern. Mostly, they should be looking for the best upgrade available. With a trio of questionable outfielders, the safest selection would likely be Hideki Matsui. Not a flashy pick, but his consistent play could be a stabilizing force for this young team as their develops into a real playoff contender.

4. Tokyo Omyoujis – Rafael Soriano, RP

Roball says: Tokyo went into the offseason with 5 relievers and will enter the draft with 3. Unfortunately, only 1 of them is an actual closer. By re-adding Rafael Soriano to the roster, the Omyoujis may finally be able to cut ties with their two long time setup men before Opening Day.

Cickels says: This is the season. The season Tokyo becomes relevant… if they don’t screw it up. No offense needed here. The Omaron’s are looking for hurlers and starting ones at that. With a dirth of mediocre arms looking to rise or fall this season, they should go with a reliable pitcher who could help guild this young team to success. Greg Maddux is a first round pick this year, and the perfect compliment for the Asian staff.

5. Tijuana Hispanics – Jeremy Guthrie, SP

Roball says: There is quite a pitching staff forming south of the border, but it is far from completion. They need to start picking some quality arms, not guys whose rotation berth may be in doubt. Jeremy Guthrie’s slot assured, and while some critics fear of regression this season, the Arab ace will deliver the goods.

Cickels says: For the 2nd straight year, Tijuana owns the third and fifth picks, and once again they should go with a pitcher-infielder combo. Carlos Guillen will be nice for 2008, both at short and filling in for Laroche if he falters at first. But the Hispanics are looking to the future, and he will lose his SS eligibility. Orlando Cabrera isn't as young as he used to be, but could still hit .300 and swipe 25 bags for the next few years.

6. Winston-Salem Green Monsters – Jason Isringhausen, RP

Roball says - Brett Myers had a great year filling in as closer in 2007, but the time for fun and games is over. With a solid young offense already in place, Winston-Salem should grab another reliever to keep Bobby Jenks company out in the bullpen.

Cickels says – Somehow Kevin Youkilis has third base eligibility for another season, but he is far from an elite option there. With a solid pitching staff, I think the Green Monsters should take a chance on a second round player and go with Kevin Kouzmanoff. He matched the other Kevin in almost every category at a younger age and fewer at bats last season, and could be posed for a big year this year. Worse-case, he posts the same numbers as a decent utility guy.

7. Weymouth Shaddupu – Hideki Matsui, OF

Roball says - Weymouth's attempt at a youth movement failed, and the team decided to part ways with Rocco Baldelli, Mark Teahan, and Josh Willingham. They'll need some replacement gloves in the outfield, and Hideki Matsui is just the home run hitting slugger who will fit in nicely.

Cickels says – The back of Weymouth’s rotation looks very shaky, and while it will beat most teams most nights, I don’t think it matches up with the top hurlers in the league. More depth can only help, so finding a solid arm with a low WHIP would be the most prudent selection. He isn’t a power pitcher, but Brian Bannister could be the perfect compliment to Weymouth’s high strikeout staff.

8. Golden Gryphons – J.R. Towles, C

Roball says - Golden spent 2007 and early 2008 building the young pitching staff they finally completed with the acquisition of Daisuke Matsuzaka. The only thing left is to find a backstop to catch all those gyroballs, and who better than the best young prospect available in the draft. J.R. Towles should have an immediate impact, and send the Gryphons back to the playoffs.

Cickels says – The team most likely to reach is Golden, and they would have good reason to. Winning doesn’t seem to be an option this year as they wait for their kids to develop. One of the top young players in the draft is Asdrubal Cabrera, and while I don’t expect grand things from him this year, he is the perfect player for Golden, who is currently sporting a 32 year old Edgar Renteria at short and a marginal prospect Kelly Johnson at second.

9. Bridgewater Weasels – Aaron Rowland, OF

Roball says - Their pitching staff may be old, but they get the job done. Lacking a third outfielder, the Weasels will look for yet another offensive boost. someone that fits the Bridgewater mold perfectly is Aaron Rowland: solid production across the board last season, but still over 30 years old.

Cickels says- Never say a player is too old in the age of HGH. Bridgewater has a habit of reaching for relievers in the first round, but I’m asking that they break that pattern and go with a starter, They like proven guys, and a guy like Jake Westbrook fits the bill. A proven pitcher with a high quality start percentage who will fit right into their system.

10. & 11. Rakeville Rockets – Andruw Jones, OF & Kevin Millwood, SP

Roball says - Welcome back, Mr. Jones! It'll be a great day for Rakeville fans when Commissioner Burks announces Andruw Jones as one of the two first round picks for the Rockets. The outfielder had nothing but good things to say about the franchise after being left off their 20-man roster, so there should be no bad blood with this reunion. The bullpen is fine in Rakeville, as well as the rest of the offense, so they should be looking rotation depth at their other pick. Strikeout pitchers fit the Jack Reed mold, but there aren't many left to take. The Rockets will resort to experience, and Kevin Millwood would love a chance to prove himself with a big-market club again.

Cickels says – Looking to get back the players they lost last season, the Rockets will likely pick Verno… Guthr… Isring…. Maybe Bronso…. Nope. Who is left? Ah, Andruw Jones. Roball and I agree that outfield is a must for Rakeville, but Jones may not be the one to fill the vacancy. They need power from their corner outfielder and Pat Burrell is the man to deliver, while posting a marginally bad average as opposed to a dreadful one. For the other pick, the team’s best offensive player is coming off major knee surgery. Plus, he weighs 300 pounds. It might be wise to start looking for a viable backup at first base and Conor Jackson is the high average guy the Rockets love. May be early for him, but it is never too early to sure up a weakness.

12. Arlington Warriors - Hiroki Kuroda, SP

Roball says - From first in the 2007 draft to twelfth in 2008, the Arlington Warriors proved that truly anyone can win in the EHCC on any given week. Like last year, the champs will tap the Japanese talent pool with Hiroki Kuroda. The 33 year old rookie won't have the fanfare that Dice-K had last season, but should have just as much of an impact on the Warriors' pitching staff.

Cickels says – The wave is coming. The Warriors have to go with the one of the remaining closers now or there will be none left come their next pick. The options aren’t great, but the level of confidence drops with each one picked. Joe Borowski is a workhorse at the back of the bullpen. With Arlington’s core of top-notch starting pitchers, Borowski could be the lynchpin to another successful season. Given all the marginal starters available, taking the last guaranteed closer here is the safest bet.

League Notes

-- Scouts who attended the EHCC Draft Combine were impressed by the speed of second baseman Ryan Theriot. One team's scout was so impressed, he offered the speeders a guaranteed selection if he would muff the rest of the workout and lower his value. Theriot declined, though you couldn't tell by his performance.

-- Mark DeRosa may be the most versatile man in this year's draft, but he certainly wasn't carrying the title at home. Mrs. DeRosa recently claimed that her and her lover had sex in eight different position on the family's boat in Florida during a divorce hearing Monday.

-- Tim Stauffer was surprised to learn that his contract was extended by Winston-Salem last week. The pitcher was visibly disappointed though when talking to the media. "I just don't feel like they are dedicated to winning. Heck, even I know I suck."