Cobbfather Post Gazette: S56 On the Clock

Gabrielle O. Alvarez-Tillman - Contributing Reporter.

Another year of our new On The Clock series that looks back at decade old drafts. We finished out S45 with Oklahoma City (klown61455) winning the title against Colorado Springs (topoftheworl), and I'm proud to say both owners are currently still in the league. OKC seems to be pushing for another title while Colorado Springs is on the tail end and eventually pushing into rebuild mode. There were 16 Type A Free Agents to sign, with under half of them landing in the first round. That seems to be a recurring theme as last year 3 of 6 costing first round picks. Might make people rethink holding on to those Type As at the deadline. 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. The Atlanta Expos (#23) and Honolulu 'Apapanes (#32) both landed Type D picks in the first round; further pushing back the value of the compensation round.

Take a look at our original recap and let's see how the players have turned out after what should be their first couple of years in the majors. Let's take a look at what could have been the best possible outcome at each pick in a perfect world where everyone has a crystal ball.

All-in, this group has accounted for 14 all-star appearances, 5 silver slugger awards, 3 gold gloves, 2 fireman of the year, and 12 world series ring (Atlanta's S51 & 53 rings account for the majority of players)

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

*Florida (New Orleans) - Lew Kennedy (SS)

Good ole Lew! He was projected to be the Shortstop version of Kyle Crain, but alas his mother wanted him to go to college; where we hear he flunked out and was never heard from again. Failing to sign the first pick in the draft as since been referred to as 'Pulling a Mini'. Sad to see a rebuilding team, or any team really, blow the #1 overall pick.
Redraft Pick: Matty Moss (prev #2) - Imagine Moss lined up with Quevedo, Martin, and either Cordero or Laxton in the future NOOF years!. It's a lot of speed and doubles, but the lineup needed the power of Cordero and Laxton.

Atlanta - Matty Moss (2B)

By far the best pick the draft and helped pave the way for the success of the Atlanta Expos.
Stats: 1224 games, .282 avg, 177 hr, 734 sb, 1086 r, 615 rbi, 589 bb, 827 k. 5x All Star, 3x 2B Silver Slugger, 2x World Series rings.
Redraft Pick: Jim Fien (SP)

*Washington DC - Rocky Steenstra (3B)

Traded in S48 and reacquired the following season where he was given a promotion to the majors. His average has been anywhere from .230 to .288 but never hit more than 21 HRs or stolen more than 10 bases. He strikes out nearly 2.5x more than walks. Unfortunately he hasn't turned out the Gold Gloves the blog thought he would at 3B.
Stats: 1047 games, .260 avg, 43 hr, 39 sb, 385 r, 442 rbi, 301 bb, 780 k.
Redraft Pick: Leo Wood (DH)

*Arizona (Salem) - Jose Romano (RP)

Romano hasn't appeared in the majors since the 7 games back in S54. This is a tough #4 pick to swallow. If it weren't for the failed signing of the #1 pick, this would be the worst pick in the draft. After pick #2, these picks seem to be getting worst. Perhaps the curse is real, it's shown proven itself 10 years later.
Stats: 120 games, 1 start, 6-16, 5/10 saves, 197 ip, 57 bb, 142 k, 1.35 whip, 3.69 era.
Redraft Pick: Nomar Rodgers (1B)

*Charlotte (Huntington) - Wilfredo Martin (RP)

Has often thrown 100+ innings the last few seasons, With an ERA above 5 since S54, one has to wonder if his prime is now past. The ratings are there, but the output just isn't matching up. Hard to believe he's blown so many games.
Stats: 390 games, 27-38, 62/94 saves, 612 ip, 203 bb, 523 k, 1.40 whip, 4.39 era. 1x All Star
Redraft Pick: Chuck Herndon (C)

Chicago - Lariel Ordaz (P)

Traded to Helena in S49 but released prior to entering his Arb years where he then signed a FA deal with Santa Fe until S58 on the cheap. Not a great #6 pick.
Stats: 146 games, 82 starts, 17-40, 7/8 saves, 531 ip, 222 bb, 341 k. 1.50 whip, 5.25 era.
Redraft Pick: Steve Etherton (RP)

Austin - Johnny Jay (SP)

Austin seems to love them some JJ. After 1 year of Arb, they signed him to a 3 year extension buying out 1 FA year. After testing FA, JJ showed some love back to Austin, signing a new deal to return to the team. Currently signed through next season.
Stats: 191 games, 191 stars, 63-67, 1159 ip, 408 bb, 919 k, 1.44 whip, 4.62 era.
Redraft Pick: Mallex Borenstein (RF)

*Anaheim - Max Borenstein (RF)

Bore-en-stein couldn't be extended after going through Arbitration for three seasons with Anaheim, electing to chance FA after S53. He followed up with a 5/$38M deal with Santa Fe. A few DL stints in the first year of his contract has to make one wonder if he'll produce through the rest of it.
Stats: 1271 games, .256 avg, 234 hr, 29 sb, 606 r, 625 rbi, 396 bb, 837 k. 1x All-Star
Redraft Pick: Sidney Houston (LF)

Philadelphia - Jim Fien (SP)

Signed a 5/$36.3M prior to last season. Fien has pitched 190+ innings since S50 - his first full in the season. His W-L record as of late has slipped a bit but the talent is still there. Some will question if Philly is the 100 win team they used to be, and if they ever become a seller you can bank on them getting a sizeable return. Though as long as they are winning the division, I wouldn't expect that anytime soon.
Stats: 206 games, 206 starts, 80-61, 1302 ip, 438 bb, 974 k, 1.22 whip, 3.59 era. S52 World Series ring.
Redraft Pick: Ossie Crow (RP)

Dover - Leo Wood (C)

Surprisingly he stuck at catcher for quite awhile and still with Dover but has since shifted more to DH and 1B this season. Fantastic pick and thankfully Dover is in the AL to let him DH.
Stats: 963 games, .276 avg. 253 hr, 551 r, 635 rbi, 386 bb, 563 k. 3x Silver Slugger C, 2x All-star.
Redraft Pick: Rocky Steenstra (#B)

*Iowa City (Augusta) - Hector Park (SS)

Highest rated player who signed, who is no longer in the majors. Released after his Arb 1 seasons, signed with OKC and traded to Colorado Springs that same season. Went through Arb 2 and released prior to S55.
Stats: 643 games, .244 avg, 47 hr, 12 sb, 203 r, 168 rbi, 114 bb, 341 k.
Redraft Pick: Nap Ross (P)

Houston - Jose Ordonez (CF)

Jose has been a popular trade bait. Going to Scranton (Tacoma) in S48, then to Atlanta in S50 before being released and signing with Washington DC. After bouncing around with limited at-bats he did finally get a full season in S54 wtih DC but is currently playing on DC's AAA club.
Stats: 290 games, .234 avg, 1 hr, 83 sb, 125 r, 54 rbi, 67 bb, 172 k. World Series rings in S51 & 53 - but should these even count? He had a total of 147 ABs those two seasons combined.
Redraft Pick: Fred Young (DH)

*Jacksonville - Chuck Herndon (C)

Didn't last long in Jacksonville, who dealt him away in a package deal for Alex Perez who had a pretty good career with the club as they moved into 5 division titles in the next 6 seasons. Herndon signed his extension and is in Atlanta until S59 or the owner deals him; whichever comes first.
Stats: 771 games, .289 avg, 137 hr, 366 r, 431 rbi, 248 bb, 417 k. S54 All-Star. World Series rings in S51 & 53.
Redraft Pick: Wilfredo Martin (RP)

Pittsburgh - Nap Ross (RP)

I like the quote from the original draft recap: "...Pittsburgh GM shows no regard for his medical staff's opinion.". Nap's career was derailed by a HUGE DL stint last season that took his career and was unable to find a FA deal this off-season. He was used solely out of the bullpen though had the ability to start.
Stats: 217 games, 20-15, 10/15 saves, 357 ip, 127 bb, 284 k, 1.35 whip, 3.82 era.
Redraft Pick: Richard Allen (RP)

Milwaukee - Howard Randall (RP)

Became a Rule 5 pick in S50 by Washington DC who was in the middle of a decade long rebuild; which has since entered decade 2 but thankfully has changed ownership. We see good things in store with the new owner.
Stats: 311 games, 53 starts, 36-47, 12/15 saves, 259 bb, 477 k, 1.49 whip, 4.83 era.
Redraft Pick: Tyrone Greer (CF)

*Tampa Bay (Mexico City) - Stefen Chavez (CF)

Did not sign. Shouldn't be a surprise that sermonauthor didn't sign this draft pick. He's not known for shell out money to high school or college players.
Redraft Pick: Doesn't matter, he wouldn't have signed them anyway.

*Trenton (Hartford) - Sawyer Sinclair (RP)

A three and done reliever who was a Rule 5 pick in back to back seasons.
Stats: 214 games, 13-24, 17/26 saves, 273 ip, 95 bb, 187 k, 1.48 whip, 5.00 era.

Vancouver - Vic Cruz (3B)

Typical mid round pick cut in the middle of this arbitration years, this one being before his second. Signed a FA deal with Santa Fe during S55 for 4/$21.2M.
Stats: 877 games, .253 avg, 102 hr, 58 sb, 347 r, 390 rbi, 215 bb, 678 k.

*Honolulu (Tokyo) - Phillip O'Sullivan (3B)

Traded for a rental arm during S49. But apparently even his first arbitration year was too expensive to keep him around in Washington DC.
Stats: 201 games, .247 avg, 9 hr, 6 sb, 42 r, 43 rbi, 30 bb, 60 k.

*San Juan (Charleston) - Ned Fussell (RF)

28 yr old still with the club on their AAA team.

*Iowa City (Augusta) - Tyrone Greer (CF) - from Santa Fe for signing Joey Pritchett

Released prior to his Arb 3 year and signed a FA deal with Santa Fe on a 4/$20.6M deal that's set to expire after S58. Kind of funny that he ended up back in Sante Fe, who owned the original pick.
Stats: 815 games, .262 avg, 38 hr, 193 sb, 396 r, 259 rbi, 235 bb, 328 k. S55 CF Gold Glove.

Atlanta - Nomar Rodgers (1B) - from *Boston for signing Tony Santiago

Atlanta elected not to extend him with their wealth of ML talent bats currently on their 25 man roster, but signed a $5M Arb 3 deal. World Series rings from S50 & 51. Should be a valuable bat to see where he lands next season, even if it's Atlanta who decides to bring him back.
Stats: 942 games, .277 avg, 181 hr, 9 sb, 542 r, 545 rbi, 384 bb, 502 k.

Atlanta - Player (Pos) - Steve Etherton (RP) - Type D (Alejandro Latos)

Since busting onto the scene in S49, Etherton has produced well for the Expos bullpen and playoff runs. Served as their closer for S50-52; average 40 saves those three seasons. Pitching well enough that management elected to extend him last season on a 5/$30M w/ mutual option.
Stats: 354 games, 29-22, 143/165 saves, 133 bb, 454 k, 1.04 whip, 2.59 era. S50 & S51 Fireman of the Year. S50 & 51 All Star. World Series rings from S51 & 53.

Buffalo - Julio Alomar (SP) - from *Tucson (Salt Lake City) for signing Warren Byrdak

Signed his Arb 3 deal just this season for $4.9M and is a back of the rotation starter for the Bisons. Who might we add is also on the trading block for any teams interested.
Stats: 175 games, 175 starts, 62-54, 1019 ip, 432 bb, 923 k, 1.31 whip, 4.08 era. S55 P Gold Glove.

Columbus - Mac Poole (P)

Released prior to his Arb 3 season and signed with Boston as a long reliever on a 3/$16.8M deal. Has seen his share of up and down seasons, but did eat 200 innings in S55.
Stats: 161 games, 67 starts, 20-29, 7/7 saves, 565 ip, 166 bb, 399 k, 1.35 whip, 4.40 era.

Augusta (Montreal) - Sidney Houston (LF)

It's been an interesting journey for Houston. He moved with the ballclub from Augusta to Montreal (same owner) in S48 but was traded to Atlanta in S54; just a year after signing a contract extension. Lasting just a few days, he was dealt to Tokyo before being released and reclaimed by Montreal. S55 his contract was up and he resigned with Tokyo on a 2 year deal with an option on the second. Tokyo still not happy with Houston, declined the option making him a FA again. Just this off-season he signed another 2-year (2nd option) deal with Jacksonville where he currently plays.
Stats: 1151 games, .290 avg, 98 hr, 5 sb, 491 r, 460 rbi, 374 bb, 641 k.

*Scranton (Tacoma) - Amp Atkins (RF)

Retired after 8 years without cracking the majors.

Cincinnati (Minnesota) - Russell Heath (RP)

Was traded to Buffalo during S49. Though after a rough season last year, he's been demoted to AAA but currently on the inactive roster. We aren't expecting to see him survive his Arb 2 hearing.
Stats: 165 games, 8-24, 40/50 saves, 185 ip, 65 bb, 151 k, 1.39 whip, 5.10 era.

*Tampa Bay (Mexico City) - Viosergy Reboulet (P) - from Oklahoma City for signing Ernest Lewis

Failed to sign

Helena - Denny Young (RF) - from Colorado Springs for signing Cyrus May

Struck out a ton for his .245ish average without the major power to go with it. It's no wonder he didn't last long in the best league out there!
Stats: 429 games, .247 avg, 57 hr, 5 sb, 168 r, 195 rbi, 125 bb, 321 k.

Buffalo - Paul Leius (CF)

Failed to sign

*Honolulu (Tokyo) - Jandel Mullaney (3B) - Type D (Dave Patel)

Did his 3 season tour in the majors and then ducked out.
Stats: 417 games, .241 avg, 41 hr, 36 sb, 147 bb, 353 k.

*Tampa Bay (Mexico City) - Rio McDowell (P) - from Helena for signing Oswaldo Blanco

Failed to sign

Augusta (Montreal) - Anthony Straily (Pos) - from New York for signing Louis Conley

Finally made his ML appearance after being traded to OKC; who were rebuilding at the time. Makes since, given the "quality" of relief appearances he made.
Stats: 104 games, 1 start, 8-4, 205 ip, 104 bb, 142 k, 1.57 whip, 4.90 era
LAST PICK OF THE REGULAR FIRST ROUND.
START OF SUPPLEMENTAL FIRST ROUND.

Atlanta - Charley Rhymes (2B)

On the first of a 2/$5.2M contract with Jacksonville after brutally spending a few seasons up north with the commissioner's team. Bless this poor soul! Is anyone really surprised he didn't see time at the ML level with Atlanta? His career started off so well but has not aged well.
Stats: 730 games, .268 avg, 86 hr, 64 sb, 289 r, 316 rbi, 168 bb, 513 k. S54 RF Gold Glove

Dover - Fred Young (DH)

Drafted as a catcher who shifted into the DH role and hit for legit power with Dover. He's on the final year of a 2/$8.4M contract, so we'll see if he ends up resigning anywhere else or if this is his last year in the majors. Earned a promotion at age 21, just his 4th year pro.
Stats: 843 games, .266 avg, 202 hr, 1 sb, 448 r, 505 rbi, 407 bb, 447 k.

Iowa City (Augusta) - Pinky Salazar (CF)

Pinky has 1 more season remaining after this one as part of the 5/$29M extension he signed with Augusta. Lucky for Pinky (and his Agent the Brain) he was traded to playoff hopefuls Philadelphia Harpers.
Stats: 943 games, .249 avg, 13 hr, 136 sb, 369 r, 151 rbi, 176 bb, 377 k.

*Tampa Bay (Mexico City) - Willie Solis (P)

Failed to sign

*Trenton (Hartford) - Karim Pickett (RP)

A rule 5 selection by Boston back in S51, we are surprised he even got 3 seasons in of ML ball.
Stats: 112 games, 9-6, 5/5 saves, 234 ip, 118 bb, 143 k, 1.75 whip, 5.62 era

*Honolulu (Tokyo) - Cameron Webster (RP)

Didn't accomplish much during his tenure at the majors, one second mostly starts a second all in the bullpen.
Stats: 58 games, 21 starts, 3-14, 1/2 saves, 119 ip, 34 bb, 64 k, 1.54 whip, 5.58 era

Columbus - Ted Michaels (3B)

Failed to sign

Augusta (Montreal) - Pedro Alberro (1B)

Another one of those A-typical 1Bs who lacks speed but has a ton of speed. Finding a home in Helena via Rule 5 and later OKC via trade has been beneficial as those are two of the teams that love to run.
Stats: 777 games, .275 avg, 19 hr, 379 sb, 216 bb, 372 k.

*Scranton (Tacoma) - Norm Henry (RP)

Earned a promotion to the majors at the start of S53, he doesn't throw much due to low stamina but currently sits in the closer role.
Stats: 150 games, 4-11, 31/40 saves, 93 ip, 60 bb, 108 k, 1.56 whip, 5.23 era

Cincinnati (Minnesota) - Adam Rhodes (RP)

Retired after 9 years without cracking the majors.

Buffalo - Moose Gennett (SP)

30 yr old now with New Orleans in AAA

Helena - John Shave (P)

Retired after 6 years without cracking the majors.

New York - Riccio Paez (C)

Failed to sign

*Tampa Bay (Mexico City) - Rob Waltman (P)

Failed to sign

Helena - Sydney Knotts (RP)

Spent a couple of seasons in the majors, but is currently a 30 yr old with New Orleans at AA where he's bounced around the Active/Inactive list.
Stats: 53 games, 14 starts, 7-6, 2/2 saves, 125 ip, 43 bb, 80 k, 1.41 whip, 4.16 era

New York - Tommy Presley (SS)

Failed to sign

*Charlotte (Huntington) - Marvin Cortes (RP)

Retired after 6 years without cracking the majors.

Austin - Branden Lawson (3B)

29 yr old still with Austin in AAA

Philadelphia - Francis Kent (P)

What a journey for Kent. Rule 5 in S50, traded twice in S52 from Montreal to Atlanta to Tacoma where he played through S54 and was released prior to S55. Currently on the final year of his 2/$2.6M contract he signed with Mexico City and serving as a back of the rotation arm for the rebuilding club.
Stats: 186 games, 64 starts, 20-32, 6/9 saves, 585 ip, 217 bb, 425 k, 1.41 whip, 4.66 era

Dover - Joaquin Prieto (RF)

Retired after 6 years without cracking the majors.

*Iowa City (Augusta) - Tommy Thompson (SS)

30 yr old now in New Orleans at AA

Vancouver - Galahad MacFarlane (SP)

Made the majors in just 4 seasons (S50), with on and off again appearances with Vancouver but was eventually released and claimed by Anaheim where he played in the majors for one more season.
Stats: 103 games, 76 starts, 21-26, 1/1 saves, 498 ip, 170 bb, 315 k, 1.38 whip, 4.17 era

*Boston - Chet Roberts (CF)

Retired after 7 years without cracking the majors.

*Tucson (Salt Lake City) - Troy Turner (SP)

Retired after 7 years without cracking the majors.

Augusta (Montreal) - Guy Brown (SS)

Retired after 6 years without cracking the majors.

New York - Felix Weston (P)

Failed to sign

Austin - Rodrigo Ramirez (SP)

Retired after 6 years without cracking the majors.

Dover - Kendry Molina (2B)

Retired after 7 years without cracking the majors.

*Boston - Ketel Goulet (2B)

28 yr old now in Houston at AA.

*Tucson (Salt Lake City) - Troy Bochtler (SP)

It took being claimed off waivers in S55 to make his ML debut but was released this season and remains unsigned.
Stats: 37 games, 18 starts, 141 ip, 4-8, 1/1 saves, 46 bb, 97 k, 1.37 whip, 5.08 era

*Boston - Deacon Byrne (2B)

Released and retired after his first Arb season. Began his ML career as a Rule 5 offer back to Boston.
Stats: 443 games, .247 avg, 14 hr, 58 sb, 120 r, 103 rbi, 89 bb, 246 k.

Other notable picks:

#69 - Cy Purcey (RP) - *Arizona (Salem)

Stats: 285 games, 7 starts, 16-24, 62/80 saves, 106 bb, 202 k, 1.40 whip, 4.12 era.

#73 - Thumper Treinen (SS) - Chicago

Stats: 741 games, .236 avg, 24 hr, 2 sb, 121 r, 135 rbi, 125 bb, 328 k.

#82 - Richard Allen (RP) - *Jacksonville

Stats: 431 games, 19-19, 73/98 saves, 122 bb, 295 k, 1.30 whip, 3.97 era. 1 World Series ring

#115 - Jose Cruz (3B) - *Iowa City (Augusta)

Stats: 753 games, .227 avg, 141 hr, 312 r, 354 rbi, 201 bb, 698 k.

#342 - Alex Kuo (RP) - *Iowa City (Augusta)

Stats: 91 games, 5-12, 41/51 saves, 32 bb, 80 k, 1.63 whip, 3.97 era

#463 - Tony Holdridge (SP) - *Arizona (Salem)

Stats: 205 games, 205 stars, 73-89, 1351 ip, 484 bb, 1028 k, 1.39 whip, 4.42 era

#490 - Ossie Crow (RP) - Helena

Stats: 337 games, 10 starts, 48-27, 31/40 saves, 588 ip, 177 bb, 400 k, 1.31 whip, 3.75 era

#524 - Eric Mashore - *Florida (New Orleans)

Stats: 676 games, .277 avg, 118 hr, 13 sb, 322 r, 370 rbi, 190 bb, 420 k.

#603 - Allan Wright (C) - *Tampa Bay (Mexico City)

Stats: 859 games, .249 avg, 153 hr, 0 sb, 371 r, 438 rbi, 234 bb, 627 k. 2 All-star games.

Building a team from S46 draft.

C: Chuck Herndon (#10)

1B: Nomar Rodgers (#22)

2B: Matty Moss (#2)

SS: Thumper Treinen (#73)

3B: Vic Cruz (#18)

LF: Sidney Houston (#26)

CF: Tyrone Greer (#21)

RF: Mallex Borenstein (#8)

DH: Leo Wood (#10)

SP1: Jim Fien (#9)

SP2: Julio Alomar (#24)

SuA: Ossie Crow (#490)

ClA: Steve Etherton (#23)

Not the best lineup compared to last year's

Next year we'll take a look at S47 draft.

For the Records
S46 - 14 all-star, 5 silver slugger awards, 3 gold gloves, 2 fireman of the year, and 12 world series ring
S45 - 27 all-star, 12 silver slugger, 1 gold gloves, 3 rookie of the year, and 9 world series ring
S44 - 17 all-star, 4 silver slugger, 8 gold gloves, 1 fireman of the year, and 6 world series ring

Cobbfather Post Gazette

Links of Note

Saturday, July 8, 2023

S56 On the Clock - redrafting S46