S61 On the Clock - redrafting S51

Gabrielle  O. Alvarez-Tillman - Contributing Reporter.

Another year of our On The Clock series that looks back at decade old drafts. This time we had just completed S51. Back then Atlanta and New Orleans (under minihouston) were the top of their division but only Atlanta made the World Series as mini blew a 2-0 game lead in the best 5 series against division rival San Juan (now Charleston); who eventually lost out to NL Champ Buffalo - the #6 seed that season. The series went 7 games and saw Atlanta win their first Series since S29 and first of what has so far been 4 World Series wins during this title run; which might I add is still on going. 

There were 2 Type D picks that season, at picks #7 & 15; pushing the last protected pick to #17. Add to that 9 Type A Free Agents, just half the number from the previous season. But an amazing 20 Type B Free Agents. Unlike year's past, where it's typically 1/2; this season 2/3 of those Type As landed their previous owner a first round pick. As usual, we'll take a look at each pick, where they are now, and who might have been a better pick (hindsight is everything!) for the first 15-20 picks. Round 2 started at pick #64. Of the comp round picks, only 9 of them saw more than 2 years in the majors; not a great turnout for those picks. Only 41 of the 63 first round picks ended up spending time in the majors - 65%. 

All-in, this group has accounted for 4 all-star, 1 silver slugger, 8 gold gloves, 3 rookie, 3 world series ring 

Asterisk denotes picks selected by another owner. Any stats listed are as of this initial draft of this article.

1. Oklahoma City - Ed Wood (SP)
• Never hurts grabbing a pitcher; especially for what became a quick rebuild for OKC.  Once he was finally promoted in S56, he pitched 200+ innings for three straight seasons. Though since he's had 11 starts in S59 and 21 in S60. Will he be back to a full season worth of starts this year? Signed a shorter extension that expires after S63 at $5.8M per. 
• Stats: 151 g, 151 starts, 60-39, 0/0 sv, 930.2 ip, 1.26 whip, 3.63 era, 294 bb, 8040 k
• Awards: rookie of the year, 1x all-star
• Redraft Pick: #1 Ed Wood - best pitcher on draft and goes to one of biggest pitcher's park. It all makes sense. 
2. Huntington - Phil Wada (C) 
• Did not sign - What seemed like a weak draft class, Huntington was hoping things would turn around next season as they secure a Type D #3 pick in S52; which they used to select Hick English (3B) - more to come on his next season. Though the blog has written plenty of English who has been traded more times than the commissioner changes thermal underwear.  
• Redraft Pick: #3 Dario Lester - Imagine Lester in RF, Weiss in LF, and WYW at 1B. Not a bad middle of the order if you ask me. 
3. *Milwaukee (Fargo) - Dario Lester (LF)
• It didn't take long for Milwaukee to trade Lester to Houston where he's hit 40+ HR every full season he's played. As all would assume, just before Arb3 he inked a 5 year deal at $7.8M per - expiring after S65; money well spent for Houston as they work for a repeat in S61. 
• Stats: 3297 abs, .290 avg, 258 hr, 43 sb, 568 r, 659 rbi, 306 bb, 495 k. 
• Awards: 2x world series, 1x gold glove 1b
• Redraft Pick: #7 Daniel Federowciz
4. *Washington D.C. - Zach Fussell (SS)
• How often do you see a top 5 pick fall into the Rule 5 draft? That's what Fussell did in S55, going 400 miles from DC to Columbus; or rather half the distance from El Paso, Tx to Houston, Tx. He was extended last season and currently signed through S64 at $6.5M per. He also made a shift over to 3B which improved his defensive numbers across the board. Not your typical 3B, he's offered 10-15 HR and 50 SBs the last few seasons to the Corgis. 
• Stats: 3682 abs, .251 avg, 65 hr, 284 sb, 605 r, 362 rbi, 300 bb, 621 k. 
• Awards: 1x all-star
• Redraft Pick: #6 Brad Vernon
5. Minnesota - Miles Cookson (CF)
• Given he throws left handed, it's curious to see Minnesota played him at 2B for roughly 150 games, but centerfield is where he belongs. This is one of those times you draft a CF and he remains a CF; seems a bit rare at times. Solid bat as well, though seems to be slipping in his later years compared to the first three in the bigs. 
• Stats: 3453 abs, .273 avg, 149 hr, 71 sb, 481 r, 552 rbi, 289 bb, 594 k. 
• Awards: 1x all-star, 1x silver slugger CF
• Redraft Pick: #14 Spud Campbell
6. Vancouver - Brad Vernon (CF)
• Vernon was the first college player drafted, crazy that it took until pick 6. Unlike Cookson, he was quickly shifted to 2B where he's flourished winning 5 gold gloves while adding ~20 HR a season. S58, after his Arb2 case, he was traded to Salt Lake City (now Tucson) who flipped him days later to Chicago. After going through Arb3, he walked in FA last season and signed with Philadelphia, that franchise does everything in its power to eek out another playoff series from their former glory days. Currently signed through a mutual option on S64 at $11.3M per - and might I add currently on the trade block as well. 
• Stats: 5216 abs, .271 avg, 159 hr, 141 sb, 800 r, 588 rbi, 407 bb, 810 k. 
• Awards: 5x gold glove 2b
• Redraft Pick: #8 Nomar Abraham
7. *Washington D.C. - Daniel Federowciz (RF)
• The second of DC's top 10 picks, this one the Type D from not signing the previous year's Erik Henry. Not sure what Henry looked like, but Federowicz has provided the DC lineup with 25-30 HR on a yearly basis though the batting average isn't one to write home to mom about. But the 15 SBs are perk as well; even if he gets throw out once every three attempts. He'll be a FA this next off-season unless keltic and the rest of the DC brass can extend him. 
• Stats: 4936 abs, .263 avg, 226 hr, 131 sb, 828 r, 706 rbi, 607 bb, 920 k. 
• Awards: 1x all-star
• Redraft Pick: #4 Zach Fussell
8. *Wichita (Augusta) - Normar Abraham (RP)
• Received a promotion to the bigs in S57 but didn't even make it to Arb2 when he was released this year, leaving him to sign with the AL West favorite, Helena on a 2/5.3M. He has been solid out of the bullpen. He appeared in half of Augusta's games in S57, S59 & 60 he appeared in 70 & 75 games respectively. should eat up quite a few bullpen innings for Helena this season. 
• Stats: 289 g, 0 starts, 24-26, 42/58 sv, 451.1 ip, 1.34 whip, 3.85 era, 176 bb, 330 k
• Redraft Pick: #5 Miles Cookson
9. Anaheim - Tim Cotts (P)
• Did not sign - As a Type D pick this became Derrek Schlereth (P), who we'll cover next season. But given the lack of talent, easy to see why drafting Cotts knowing he wouldn't sign, makes a ton of sense. 
• Redraft Pick: #10 Jerry Ondrusek
10. Helena - Jerry Ondrusek (P)
• A S57 promotion to the bullpen, he's actually transitioned to the starting rotation the last 3 seasons; where's averaged only 5 innings a start - perhaps we'll see a lot of Ondrusek to Abraham games. Too bad they don't throw opposite hands, they could be used in tandem as well. He signed a contract extension in S59 which looks to expire in S63. 
• Stats: 300 g, 139 starts, 59-45, 23/27 sv, 1010.2 ip, 1.35 whip, 4.23 era, 358 bb, 803 k
• Redraft Pick: #12 Jon Schwartz
11. Austin - JD Maness (RF)
• Just like #4 Russell, Maness found himself selected in a Rule 5 draft during S55 by Mexico City. He saw a little more time in the majors in S56 but was demoted to AAA where he's been ever since - BUT, it looks like he'll get some more time in the majors this year; maybe serving cervezas to the rest of the lineup. Not what you're looking for in a #11 pick, that's for sure. 
• Stats: 587 abs, .232 avg, 18 hr, 25 sb, 89 r, 59 rbi, 43 bb, 134 k. 
• Redraft Pick: #17 Evan Heisey
12. *El Paso (Mexico City) - Jon Schwartz (RF)
• Like many before him in these redraft articles, Schwartz just signed an extension through S63. The last year is a mutual $7.6M. The average might not be much, but the power is real; hitting 46 home runs in S58. Mid-season he was traded to Atlanta and will have that amazing lineup around him; he's on pace for a career year and a possible World Series ring. his power numbers have been on a tear since joining Kyle Crain's lineup. 
• Stats: 3569 abs, .244 avg, 249 hr, 129 sb, 555 r, 594 rbi, 253 bb, 851 k. 
• Redraft Pick: #38 Don Nation
13. Tacoma - Lazy Bigbie (SS)
• After 48 games as a bench player last season he was demoted to AAA, where he didn't even see an at-bat the rest of the season. He must have pissed someone off upstairs in Tacoma - or perhaps he was just being....lazy. But he's finally back at the ML level again. 
• Stats: 1382 abs, .209 avg, 10 hr, 1 sb, 104 r, 85 rbi, 153 bb, 273 k. 
• Redraft Pick: #20 Alan Hemphill
14. Hartford - Spud Campbell (1B)
• Was key in luring Omar Gonzales out of Tokyo (now Scottsdale) near mid-season S54. Was an expensive deadline deal as Gonzales ended up back in Tokyo the following year after signing a max deal. 
• Stats: 3290 abs, .289 avg, 173 hr, 34 sb, 507 r, 525 rbi, 336 bb, 421 k. 
• Awards: Rookie of the year
• Redraft Pick: #43 Heinie Browne
15. *Colorado (Tucson) - Slade Lynch (CF)
• Still hasn't retired though he hasn't played since S57, he was a plus 2B defender but couldn't do much else for the team as they moved to Seoul and then to Salt Lake City. I'm sure the franchise wish they had gotten more than 946 at-bats for a protected first round pick. 
• Stats:  946 abs, .240 avg, 11 hr, 116 sb, 159 r, 106 rbi, 76 bb, 183 k 
• Redraft Pick: #40 Bruce Lanier
16. Boston - Joshua Bates (RP)
• Finally got a call up in S56 with 15 games in relief, though an atrocious era of 7.23. The career numbers aren't much better, but he's still holding out with the ML club. 
• Stats: 165 g, 15 starts, 11-10, 10/13 sv, 351.1 ip, 1.65 whip, 5.81 era, 121 bb, 243 k
• Redraft Pick: #24 Ralph Hillenbrand
17. Salem - Evan Heisey (SP)
• His numbers turned out amazing...EXCEPT he never quite figured out how to pitch to righties; he relies on his control and that 4-seam fastball. But he's been league average starter who eats up innings. 
• Stats: 173 g, 149 starts, 58-49, 0/1 sv, 874.1 ip, 1.43 whip, 4.84 era, 267 bb, 760 k
• Awards: 1x gold glove P
18. Pittsburgh - Cliff Nixon (CF)
• That OAV is carried by his durability, health, speed, glove, and range. Took quite awhile but finally earned his ML promotion late in S58 but didn't get full time ABs until last season. So far he's improved that average every season in the majors, up to .280 so far this season. 
• Stats: 1102 abs, .264 avg, 11 hr, 53 sb, 131 r, 91 rbi, 82 bb, 225 k. 
19. Houston - Daniel Lindor (RF)
• Traded in S55 to ChillyWilly1 who ran the now Jacksonville franchise for only that season. Been pretty solid for a mid round pick, giving ~15 HR, 15 SB. Though I wonder if we'll see him moved from Jacksonville this season by the deadline; his current contract expires after this season. 
• Stats: 2704 abs, .260 avg, 68 hr, 96 sb, 342 r, 300 rbi, 199 bb, 532 k. 
20. *Tucson (Scottsdale) - Alan Hemphill (SP)
• A S56 call-up he's had his ups and downs in Tokyo between starting the bullpen, with a career year last season when the team moved to Scottsdale. They however, decided to release him prior to Arb2 in an effort to shave money. Columbus scooped him up on a cheap 2/6.6M deal, where he's serving as a SuA currently. 
• Stats: 210 g, 76 starts, 42-35, 14/16 sv, 608 ip, 1.45 whip, 4.51 era, 192 bb, 461 k
21. *New Orleans - Kolten Gonzalez (RP)
• Drafted by Minihouston, he was traded to Columbus in S54 as he pushed for that World Series win before pulling a Jordan and retiring. Kolten was released prior to Arb2 and signed by Minihouston when he returned to Scottsdale. Released during the playoffs, Kolten decided to retire this year before have to renew with Mini - can't blame him. 
• Stats: 156 g, 25 starts, 22-13, 6/6 sv, 368.2 ip, 1.50 whip, 5.08 era, 212 bb, 298 k
22. Minnesota - Alfredo Buford (SP)
• In true Minnesota fashion, he's still with Minny serving in their rotation, though it wasn't until S57; he's pitched 190+ innings every year since being called up. Not going to move the needle much on wins, but every win counts right? He's been a pretty solid back of the rotation guy. Enters Arb3 next season. 
• Stats: 145 g, 145 starts, 62-49, 0/0 sv, 890.2 ip, 1.44 whip, 4.61 era, 330 bb, 568 k
23. Chicago - Keury Lowell (RP)
• 0-8 - currently playing A+ for the defending NL Champs (Tacoma) as a 28 yr old.
24. Dover - Ralph Hillenbrand (C)
• Traded in S57 to Salt Lake City and again to Augusta just this season after Arb1. If only he made better contact, we'd likely be looking at a HoF DH. Not sure what Dover was waiting for, but he finished his rookie year with 30 HR, a .300 average through 130 games - ensuring those arb years don't hit for another season later. 
• Stats: 2595 abs, .275 avg, 154 hr, 0 sb, 353 r, 464 rbi, 256 bb, 561 k. 
• Awards: Rookie of the year
25. Santa Fe - Phil Malloy (SP)
• 0-10 - Still in AAA with Santa Fe. 
26. Buffalo - Damian Cepeda (LF)
• Cepeda just missed the glory days of Buffalo, has averaged about 2 ABs a game his career, and he doesn't walk much. He's good for the rebuilding Bisons though he has entered his Arb years; we'd expect him to be a FA next season. 
• Stats: 1410 abs, .284 avg, 56 hr, 42 sb, 233 r, 191 rbi, 129 bb, 220 k. 
27. Montreal - Chili Lawton (SS)
• Shown by the gold glove he's won, Chili has put up plus defensive measures at both 2B and 3B though seems a bit lacking trying to get him to play short. Unfortunately because his bat is primed for short, being limited power and speed. Signed a contract extension in S59 that is set to expire next season, S62, at 6.3M. 
• Stats: 3704 abs, .260 avg, 103 hr, 71 sb, 481 r, 418 rbi, 364 bb, 782 k. 
• Awards: 1x gold glove 3B
28. *Monterrey (Jacksonville) - Bert Swann (2B)
• Free Agent if anybody wants to sign him....as he has been since finishing S59 with New York. That owner is likely the only person to actually give him a chance at the majors as he traded for him in S56, but released him prior to Arb2. 
• Stats: 586 abs, .222 avg, 91 hr, 51 sb, 229 r, 284 rbi, 143 bb, 516 k. 
29. Boston - Matty Alvarez (SS)
• Fresh off a 2/10M contract with Salem this season, after Arb3 last season with Boston. He's played every position on the diamond with most of his time at 2B it seems. 
• Stats: 829 abs, .263 avg, 78 hr, 39 sb, 297 r, 271 rbi, 201 bb, 509 k. 
30. *New York - Kelvin Morin (P)
• Did not sign
31. Boston - Nevin Crick (RP)
• 0-10 - Still in AAA with Boston. 
32. Philadelphia - Sven Peters (2B)
• Traded in S54 to Colorado (Salt Lake) for DH Akinori Yoshii then traded again to Charleston for Lyle Whitehill right near the deadline and traded again this season to Cincinnati for William Phillips. And currently having his best season yet - in the hitter friendly Cincy ballpark - time of this writing he's hitting above .290+ though cooling fast.
• Stats: 1749 abs, .260 avg, 27 hr, 129 sb, 259 r, 162 rbi, 160 bb, 295 k. 
33. *Colorado (Tucson) - Earle Wise (RF)
• Did not sign. 
34. Atlanta - Vincente Pascaul (P)
• 0-7 - Retired.
35. Minnesota - Gaby Pettitte (3B)
• He's basically #36 picks opposite - fantastic contact ability, above average base runner, average speed but lacks power and ability to hit pitchers. But that contact, that contact gives him the ability to get on base. 
• Stats: 746 abs, .272 avg, 69 hr, 72 sb, 313 r, 261 rbi, 167 bb, 348 k. 
36. Boston - Elmer Basile (RF)
• Basile brings the power and is extremely healthy! His turtle speed, poor base running, and lack of contact likely dropped his draft stock. S58 - 50 HR, 128 RBI. .264 average. Great find for Boston here assuming you can stomach the strike outs; Boston traded him to Salem in S61 just before the All-Star break. 
• Stats: 658 abs, .267 avg, 162 hr, 1 sb, 312 r, 419 rbi, 182 bb, 474 k. 
37. Pittsburgh - Stevie Sullivan (2B)
• Did not sign. 
38. *Tucson (Scottsdale) - Don Nation (P)
• Donny Nation going strong with one of the best sliders in Cobbfather right now. Though I'm sure he wishes he were playing for a contender and not the lowly Sazeracs - at least the clubhouse offers free Sazeracs? Enters Arb3 next season, perhaps that's his chance to get out. 
• Stats: 321 g, 0 starts, 22-23, 39/57 sv, 382.2 ip, 1.16 whip, 3.60 era, 99 bb, 329 k
39. *Colorado (Tucson) - Jeff Jorgensen (LF)
• 0-7 - signed on with Scottsdale to fill an injury about mid-season. 
40. Montreal - Bruce Lanier (P)
• Claimed off waivers by Colorado Springs in S59 - in the middle of their rebuild and his stats show that he was glad to get out of Canada. His arb years are coming up just as the Loins move out of their rebuild. Perhaps its the smell of freedom that has turned his career around. 
• Stats: 176 g, 0 starts, 19-17, 14/21 sv, 284 ip, 1.27 whip, 3.61 era, 82 bb, 177 k
41. Chicago - Jeimer Lee (P)
• Traded to Nasvhille (now Jacksonville) in S55 in the Max Blakenship deal, and then flipped to Houston this season S61 in the Chuck Herndon deal - first deal of the season. Since joining Houston, he's been designated for assignment and then promoted and added back to the 40-man where he's not really in the bullpen...more like bullpen catcher. Hey somebody has to do it!
• Stats: 227 g, 0 starts, 11-17, 47/60 sv, 243.1 ip, 1.29 whip, 4.11 era, 89 bb, 161 k
42. Boston - Heinie Peterson (RF)
• 0-6, left for Free Agency in S57 but signed a minor league deal this season, S61 with Houston. 
43. *Tucson (Scottsdale) - Heinie Browne (P)
• Who has this guy not played for? Drafted by the Tubas, became a Nomo, traded was a Loin for awhile, then traded to Aroma where he made it through Arb2 this season. Will he be extended prior to Arb3 for the defending NL Champs? He hasn't quite matched his S59 & 60 tours through Tacoma, but still a serviceable bullpen piece since the trade. 
• Stats: 256 g, 0 starts, 8-4, 22/24 sv, 174.2 ip, 1.13 whip, 3.14 era, 61 bb, 138 k
44. *Milwaukee (Fargo) - Daryl Cloyd (P)
• This kid was too busy working on that handle bar mustache when he should have been on the mound working on that control, though at the time of this writing he's having the best year of his career at age 31 during his Arb2 season. - EDIT: By the time we circled back to add stats at the Break, his numbers have slipped a bit. 
• Stats: 173 g, 165 starts, 46-64, 0/0 sv, 841.1 ip, 1.52 whip, 4.72 era, 505 bb, 675 k
45. Vancouver - Jose Pulido (P)
• Saw a small 3 game, 1 start promotion in S56 and sent back to the minors, then traded the following year to Pittsburgh (now Cincinnati). Appears he may have not been protected so left for free agency, forcing the former owner to sign him to a 4/19.2M contract set to expire after this season - likely his last in Cincy and our best guess; maybe even his last in the majors. Hope he saved! 
• Stats: 134 g, 94 starts, 22-47, 3/3 sv, 597.1 ip, 1.58 whip, 4.75 era, 284 bb, 478 k
46. *Wichita (Augusta) - Franchy Ratliff (CF)
• 0-6 - Retired. 
47. *El Paso (Mexico City) - Ricardo Hernandez (1B)
• 0-6 - Retired.   
48. Boston - Bernard Bowie (3B)
• Currently a FA, with his last action in S59 where he had 11 ABs with only a single hit - a double that. He continues to hit the weight room with that power sticking only recently dropping to a 97 rating. 
• Stats: 467 ab, .238 avg, 31 hr, 0 sb, 64 r, 90 rbi, 40 bb, 130 k
49. *Tucson (Scottsdale) - Mike Cecil (3B) 
• Did not sign.
50. Dover - Carter Hatcher (P)
• 0-10 -Still in AAA with Dover. 
51. Montreal - Gene Forrest (P)
• Retired with only 4 partial seasons in the Majors, once throwing 91 innings but decreased every year since. 
• Stats: 63 g, 15 gs, 169 ip, 3-13, 2/2 sv, 1.54 whip, 5.49 era, 86 bb, 121 k
52. Columbus - Paxton Matheson (SS)
• S61 marks his first in the majors, thanks to the rebuilding Mexico City Staring Frogs. He was traded to Tucson in S61, waived, and claimed off waivers by the Frogs. Majority of his games have been at Short, where his glove and accuracy are causing errors nearly an error every 2.5 games. 
• Stats: 181 abs, .166 avg, 6 hr, 0 sb, 12 r, 17 rbi, 7 bb, 71 k. 
53. Chicago - Germany Bond (P)
• Did not sign. 
54. Atlanta - Watty Morris (P)
• Did not sign. 
55. Vancouver - Denny Matsuzaka (RP)
• Traded across Canada to Montreal in early S53 for Santiago Terrero who was dealt to Sante Fe much later in the season for Ted Suppan who was then traded to New Orleans in S57 and claimed off waivers by Santa Fe because he wasn't placed on the roster after the trade. Back on Denny, he was released prior to Arb3 by Montreal and for some reason decided to stay in Canada, signing back with Vancouver and has even found some new life in their bullpen. 
• Stats: 455 g, 0 starts, 34-42, 60/87 sv, 540.1 ip, 1.38 whip, 3.90 era, 188 bb, 405 k
56. *Wichita (Augusta) - Pete Schumaker (2B)
• Currently a FA since S58 and looking for a home. Was a speed guy who stole 93 bases in two seasons, hitting .256 and scored 161 runs those two seasons; but appears nobody else wanted to give him a chance. 
• Stats: 1304 abs, .261 avg, 17 hr, 116 sb, 205 r, 112 rbi, 95 bb, 173 k.
57. *El Paso (Mexico City) - Dwight Philips (LF)
• Yet to make the majors, he was awarded free agency in S57 to sign with Austin, who then released him after waivers in S59. It might have taken him awhile, but he held out hope - and that hope was rewarded with a 61 FA signing to Santa Fe. 
58. Boston - Glenn Cloyd (LF)
• 0-7 - Retired. 
59. *Tucson (Scottsdale) - Wilt James (CF)
• 0-6 - Retired. 
60. Dover - Stuart Stewart (P)
• Did not sign. 
61. *Wichita (Augusta) - Norm Harris (P)
• 0-6- Retired. 
62. *El Paso (Mexico City) - William Stang (C)
• Saw some time in S57 & 58 at the ML level but not much after that. 
• Stats: 598  abs, .261 avg, 19 hr, 0 sb, 72 r, 67 rbi, 62 bb, 137 k. 
63. Boston - Butch Gibson (P)
• Got the call up to the majors in S60, starting 21 games, he started S61 in the rotation but appears to have been moved to long relief lately. And let's just say he was the last pick in the first round for a reason. We give him two more seasons in the majors tops - even for a rebuilding franchise. 
• Stats: 41 g, 33 starts, 10-14, 0/0 sv, 175.2 ip, 1.58 whip, 6.46 era, 55 bb, 136 k

Other notable picks:

• #77 - D'Arby Barbato (SS) - Hartfgord
• Stats: 2597  abs, .255 avg, 13 hr, 36 sb, 253 r, 195 rbi, 249 bb, 531 k. 
• #83 - David Corbin (P) - New Orleans
• Stats: 170 g, 0 starts, 12-14, 19/28 sv, 142.1 ip, 1.36 whip, 3.92 era, 42 bb, 101 k
• #89 - Stan Hollandsworth (P) - Buffalo
• Stats: 304 g, 0 starts, 20-23, 29/46 sv, 348.2 ip, 1.28 whip, 3.92 era, 97 bb, 210 k
• #428 - Eugene Smalling (LF) - El Paso - DITR
• Stats: 2914  abs, .237 avg, 100 hr, 80 sb, 376 r, 374 rbi, 279 bb, 435 k. 
• 1x world series ring
• #584 - Carlos Jacquez (P) - Wichita - DITR
• Stats: 184 g, 141 starts, 50-57, 1/1 sv, 935.2 ip, 1.48 whip, 4.94 era, 405 bb, 646 k
• #758 - Damon Edwards (P) - Colorado - DITR
• Stats: 339 g, 0 starts, 3-21, 189/214 sv, 332.1 ip, 1.34 whip, 3.63 era, 110 bb, 267 k

Building a team from S50 draft.

C: #24 Ralph Hillenbrand

1B: #3 Dario Lester

2B: #6 Brad Vernon

SS: #4 Zach Fussell

3B: #27 Chili Lawton

LF: #428 Eugene Smalling

CF: #5 Miles Cookson

RF: #7 Daniel Federowicz

DH: #14 Spud Campbell

SP1: #1 Ed Wood

SP2: #10 Jerry Ondrusek
SP3: #17 Evan Heisey

SuA: #38 Don Nation

ClA: #8 Normar Abraham

For the Records - bold indicates leader in that category. Each is 10 seasons after they were drafted.
S51 - 4 all-star, 1 ss, 8 gg, 3 rookie, 3 world series
S50 - 25 all-star, 9 ss, 3 gg, 1 mvp, 1 fireman, 1 rookie, 10 world series 
S49 - 20 all-star, 4 ss, 2 gg, 1 cy young, 1 rookie, 5 world series 

S48 - 20 all-star, 11 ss, 7 gg, 6 mvp, 1 rookie, 9 world series 
S47 - 19 all-star, 10 ss, 12 gg, 2 rookie, 8 world series 
S46 - 14 all-star, 5 ss, 3 gg, 2 fireman, 12 world series 
S45 - 27 all-star, 12 ss, 1 gg, 3 rookie, 9 world series 
S44 - 17 all-star, 4 ss, 8 gg, 1 fireman, 6 world series 

S61 Power Rankings

Richard Castle - contributing reporter

Cincinnati haters continue to hate, as the team continues to be the top rated in the league. Going from last to first with the change of owners. Atlanta must have read the blog as they've come on strong this 1/4 of the season since our last update. We are not at the mid-way point of the year with teams making final decisions on being buyers or sellers. By record after game 80/81, here are the top 5 records:

• 61-21
• Cincinnati Reds (NL-E)
• 59-23
• Atlanta (AL-E)
• 57-25
• Houston (AL-S)
• 53-29
• Helena (AL-W)
• 51-30
• Santa Fe (NL-S)

In the AL, Minnesota, Dover, and Philadelphia are still in a tight race for the division; even if once again the winner will have a losing record. To no surprise, Atlanta has already ran away with the East and once again should already be resting players for their playoff run - 17 game lead. Similar with Houston, no matter how hard Huntington tries; they still trail by double digit games. Colorado Springs is doing their best as they come out of a rebuild but are 6 games out of Helena who have owned the division the last 3 seasons. The wildcard is looking like Huntington and Colorado Springs with Augusta not too far behind.  

For the NL, Tacoma seems to have slipped a bit from last year's run but are still holding onto the division crown by 6 games. Cincinnati nearly has a 20 game lead on the division and should likely be rest players at some point too. While many thought Santa Fe might lose the division because the owner was replaced after FA, they hold an 8 game lead and the 5th best record in league, second best in the NL. The West was all over the place, but lately OKC is starting to pull away; which means this will jinx them. Wildcard is looking like either Charleston, Austin, or Washington DC. New Orleans needs to step it up a bit, as they risk not getting to 55 games per our last report.  

The big gainers were Oklahoma City, Buffalo, and Austin. While the big droppers were Vancouver (no surprise there - Canada sucks!) and New Orleans. If we look at how each team has expected to win based off recent play, here is what we'd see. Champs and Wildcard are listed based on current playoff standings and highlighted in bold.  

1. .712 - Cincinnati Reds (NL-E Champ)
2. .688 - Atlanta Expos (AL-E Champ)
3. .649 - Houston Space Cowboys (AL-S Champ)
4. .574 - Helena Hot Dogs (AL-W Champ)
5. .596 - Huntington Tropics (AL Wildcard 2)
6. .586 - Tacoma Aroma (NL-N Champ)
7. .577 - Santa Fe Surf Riders VIII (NL-S Champ)
8. .552 - Montreal Fighting Poutine Plates 
9. .547 - Augusta Alcoholics
10. .539 - Austin Son's of Odin (NL Wildcard 2)
11. .526 - Colorado Springs From My Loins (AL Wildcard 2) 
12. .511 - Boston Mass Hysteria
13. .501 - Minnesota North Stars (AL-N Champ) 
14. .495 - Washington DC Nationals
15. .495 - Tucson Toros
16. .491 - Salem Bourbon Makers 
17. .490 - Oklahoma City Barons (NL-W Champ) 
18. .489 - Anaheim Diablos 
19. .480 - Columbus Corgis 
20. .460 - Buffalo Bisons 
21. .460 - Philadelphia Harpers
22. .459 - Jacksonville Lizard Kings 
23. .450 - Charleston Offspring (NL Wildcard 1)
24. .449 - Vancouver Canucks
25. .441 - New York Empire
26. .434 - Hartford Rising Stars 
27. .422 - Scottsdale Sazeracs 
28. .402 - New Orleans Hurricane Dodgers 
29. .398 - Dover Hazmats 
30. .388 - Mexico City Staring Frogs 
31. .380 - Fargo Snowmen
32. .344 - Chicago Gunslingers 

S61 - Wins Countdown

Jack Torrance - contributing reporter

With the season nearly at its mid-way point, let's take a look at the countdown to 55 wins! We'll take a look at what pace each team is on as well. As a reminder, the minimum win actually goes up for Year 2 to 115 and then Year 3 of 180. So if you win the bare minimum this year, you'll need at least 60 wins next season, and 65 in Year 3. 

As it stands, the commissioner's office can stick to eating their donuts without worry of getting on an owner's release papers.

• New Orleans - 27 wins (on pace for 55 wins)
• Chicago & Mexico City - 29 (58)
• Fargo - 31 (63)
• Scottsdale - 33 (67)
• Dover & Philadelphia - 34 (68)
• Anaheim & Hartford - 35 (70)
• Minnesota & Vancouver - 36 (72)
• Boston, Jacksonville, & Salem - 37 (75)
• Columbus & Montreal - 39 (79)
• Buffalo, New York, & Tucson - 40 (81)
• Augusta - 41 (83)
• Austin, Charleston, Oklahoma City, & Washington DC - 42 (85)
• Huntington - 44 (91)
• Colorado Springs - 45 (91)
• Tacoma - 46 (92)
• Santa Fe - 49 (99)
• Helena - 52 (104)
• Houston - 56 (112)
• Atlanta - 58 (117)
• Cincinnati - 61 (122)

S61 Initial Power Rankings

Richard Castle - contributing reporter

Alright, who unplugged Skynet?!? We are 6 games past the 1/4 of season mark, so apologies for running a bit late. Seems interesting to see the team with the #1 pick in this season's draft having the best record in Cobbfather. Did he pay off the commissioner in donuts? Probably so, we all know everybody in Cincinnati is a bit shady like that. Might as well bet on your own team while you're at it. Colorado Springs fanbase like to point out their record and the WAYYYY to early pre-season rankings, so let's see where they fall here as a top 5 record team. Here are the top 5 records:

• 34-12
• Cincinnati (NL-E)
• 33-13
• Atlanta (AL-E)
• 32-14
• Houston (AL-S)
• 30-16
• Colorado Springs (AL-W), Helena (AL-W), Tacoma (NL-N)
• 29-17
• Huntington (AL-S)

In the AL, Minnesota and Philly are once again in a tight race for the North...still with sub .500 records. The East belongs to Atlanta who rumor has it, has already started resting players. Their magic number for the division is down to single digits already we think. Could be wrong though. Houston holds down the South pretty strong but Huntington as expected is still hanging around. Helena sits atop the west...with my Loins.  

Back in the NL, Tacoma is trying to improve their lead in the North while Cincy is doing the same in the East; though only Buffalo is sub-.500 at the moment. Tough division for sure! The South seems to be a 3 team dog fight with Charleston holding a single game lead. Speaking of dog fights, the NL West is in a 3-way tie with only Scottsdale many games out.  

If we look at how each team has expected to win based off recent play, here is what we'd see. Champs and Wildcard are listed based on current playoff standings and highlighted in bold.  

For the record, 55 wins is a .340 winning %, appears 2 teams are currently projected to fall below that. We'll see what Skynet knows, because both are on pace judging by their actual wins. 

1. .746 - Cincinnati Reds (NL-E Champ)
2. .700 - Atlanta Expos (AL-E Champ)
3. .627 - Huntington Tropics (AL Wildcard 2)
4. .624 - Tacoma Aroma (NL-N Champ)
5. .605 - Houston Space Cowboys (AL-S Champ)
6. .590 - Helena Hot Dogs (AL-W Champ/AL Wildcard 1) 
7. .587 - Santa Fe Surf Riders VIII (NL Wildcard 1)
8. .586 - Colorado Springs From My Loins (AL-W Champ/AL Wildcard 1)
9. .571 - Montreal Fighting Poutine Plates 
10. .562 - Augusta Alcoholics
11. .557 - Boston Mass Hysteria
12. .544 - Washington DC Nationals
13. .535 - Tucson Toros
14. .521 - Salem Bourbon Makers 
15. .519 - Austin Son's of Odin
16. .507 - Minnesota North Stars (AL-N Champ) 
17. .507 - Charleston Offspring (NL-S Champ)
18. .502 - Columbus Corgis (NL Wildcard 2)
19. .492 - Vancouver Canucks
20. .481 - Oklahoma City Barons 
21. .481 - Anaheim Diablos 
22. .475 - Hartford Rising Stars
23. .444 - Philadelphia Harpers
24. .427 - New Orleans Hurricane Dodgers
25. .393 - Jacksonville Lizard Kings 
26. .384 - New York Empire
27. .382 - Scottsdale Sazeracs 
28. .376 - Mexico City Staring Frogs
29. .362 - Buffalo Bisons 
30. .348 - Fargo Snowmen
31. .339 - Dover Hazmats 
32. .313 - Chicago Gunslingers 

One of: #14 Salem, #19 Vancouver, or #20 Oklahoma City would win that division. It's too late to figure out who the three team tie goes to.