S58 Power Rankings Update

Richard Castle - contributing reporter

Activity has been lacking on the blog, but Skynet is always busy running the rankings. Here we are at the halfway point, let's jump right to it:

Cobbfather is dominated by the AL with Atlanta, Houston, and Huntington leading the way. The NL picks up the next pack with New Orleans, Hartford, Columbus, and Oklahoma City all pretty tightly grouped together and Salem not far behind. It's anyone's league! 

Philly, Atlanta, and Huntington all hold 6+ game leads on their division with the AL West. Helena holds a 2.5 game lead over retooling Salt Lake City. Should Houston not take back the division they are a lock for the Wildcard. Could the #2 ranked team in Cobbfather only be a Wildcard team come playoff time? I saw crazier things this season, like Atlanta including money in a deal!

Hartford and New Orleans are every bit of a sure thing to win their divisions. Buffalo and Columbus pick up their battle for the NL East and are a dead even tie at the moment. While OKC holds a decent mid-season lead over Salem. The wildcard is looking like the loser of the East and the loser of the West. 

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 expected win percentages. Current playoff teams are highlighted in bold.  

1. .744 - Huntington Tropics (AL-S Champ)
2. .743 - Atlanta Expos (AL-E Champ)
3. .712 - Houston Space Cowboys (Wildcard 1)
4. .626 - Hartford Rising Stars (NL-N Champ)
5. .621 - New Orleans Hurricane Dodgers (NL-S Champ)
6. .619 - Columbus Corgis (NL-E Champ / Wildcard 1)
7. .593 - Philadelphia Harpers (AL-N Champ)
8. .582 - Helena Hot Dogs (AL-W Champ)
9. .580 - Salt Lake City Punk! (Wildcard 2 - tiebreak)
10. .578 - Buffalo Bisons (NL-E Champ / Wildcard 1)
11. .557 - Oklahoma City Barons (NL-W Champ)
12. .554 - Salem Bourbon Makers (Wildcard 2)
13. .522 - Tokyo Nomo (NL Wildcard 2)
14. .509 - Jacksonville Lizard Kings
15. .484 - Dover Hazmats
16. .468 - Chicago Gunslingers 
17. .464 - Augusta Alcoholics
18. .463 - Vancouver Canucks
19. .452 - Milwaukee Metronomes
20. .449 - Minnesota Nort Stars 
21. .447 - Anaheim Diablos
22. .443 - Tacoma Aroma
23. .437 - Boston Baseball Team 
24. .429 - Santa Fe Surf Riders VIII
25. .422 - Washington DC Nationals
26. .419 - Charleston Offspring
27. .414 - Montreal Fighting Poutine Plate
28. .399 - Mexico City Staring Frogs
29. .377 - Pittsburgh Yinzers 
30. .348 - Austin Son's of Odin
31. .271 - Colorado Springs From My Loins
32. .264 - New York Empire

S58 On the Clock - redrafting S48

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 S47 with Oklahoma City (klown61455) winning the title against Colorado Springs (topoftheworl) - a repeat of S45 outcome. OKC appears to be back on top of the NL but there's not much spring in Colorado Springs these days. There were 10 Type A Free Agents to sign, with under half of them landing in the first round. I'll say again, that seems to be a recurring theme. 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. The Washington DC Nationals (#4) and Milwaukee Metronomes (#11) both landed Type D picks in the early 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 20 all-star appearances, 11 silver slugger awards, 7 gold gloves, 6 mvp, 0 cy young, 0 fireman of the year, 1 rookie of the year, and 9 world series ring 

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

1. *Washington DC - Olmedo Nunez (C)
• Quite a few people were surprised by this pick. Promoted to the majors at age 20 (S51) he immediately started hitting, even have 53 HR and 153 RBI in his 3rd season hitting a hair below .300. So far that's been his career year. He was traded S55 to Salt Lake City and then dealt to Columbus the following season where he earned his first all-star appearance last season. His numbers this season appear right on par, 40-45 HR with .275ish average. 
• Stats: 1171 games played, .275avg, 278 hr, 25 sb, 661 r, 848 rbi, 358 bb, 697 k. 1x all-star
• Redraft Pick: #5 Kyle Crain (C) - would have been the best pick in 10 years for the Nationals. New ownership has done better with the club. 
2. *New Orleans - Juancito Martin (2B)
• Thought to be the top player in the draft by many, he slips to #2. Martin filled a nice hole for the club who had drafted power hitters Douglas Laxton (LF) and Gregory Cordero (C) at #1 & 2 the year before. Not including his rookie season where he didn't get a full season of at bats, Martin has missed the 200 H club twice in seven seasons; once by only 5 hits. The .315ish career hitter has a way of getting on base for the guys behind him to drive him in. He was traded to Salt Lake City for budgetary reasons last year (S57).
• Stats: 1223 games played, .312 avg, 166 hr, 194 sb, 898 r, 691 rbi, 497 bb, 599 k. 4x all-star, 1x MVP, 2x silver slugger LF, 2x gold glove LF, 2x World Series rings.
• Redraft Pick: #2 Juanicto Martin (2B)
• The redraft on this season would have had HUGE implications. Speaking as the person who drafted Martin, as a 90 rated prospect, I expected him to go #1 and my fall back would have been Serra; who fell all the way to #14. Rather than having a 200H/.300+ AVG RF (who could play 2B) batting second the NOOFs would have had Quevedo (.290 avg, 50 SB) leading followed by Laxton (.300+ avg, 40 HR), Serra (.290 avg, 50 HR), Cordero (.290 avg, 45 HR). That's more home runs with those three players than 4 teams hit last season. Then add in West/Hunt at some point...if those deals would have even still happened. Not sure if I would have still dealt for Halter but he'd add another power bat to the lineup. Oh what could have been! For the redraft we'll stick with Martin by the slightest of margins due to the getting on base ahead of those power bats already on the roster. 
3. Philadelphia - Fred Carter (SP)
• Carter become the first pitcher off the board, but his time in Philly didn't last long as he was traded in S49 package deal for Marcos Owen (traded to Helena in S51) and David Grichuk (who is still with Philly). Unfortunately Carter has only won more than 10 games once in his career, last year - his first with Milwaukee. Not quite the top pitcher one would have hoped for at the top of a draft. 
• Stats: 157 games, 151 starts, 871.1 ip, 50-62, 323 bb, 554 k, 1.49 whip, 4.68 era.
• Redraft Pick: #14 Bennie Serra (3B)  - imagine Serra playing along Al Cervantes. 
4. *Washington DC - Albert Tomlin (SP) (Type D pick)
• DC's second pick of the draft and they go with a starting pitcher. Tomlin made his debut, starting 32 games in S52 but similar to Carter has struggled in the majors. He's only had a winning record, something hard to do in DC, once - S56 when he went 9-5 over 32 starts. That career year was also the only time his era has been lower than 4.00.
• Stats: 202 games, 202 starts, 1296.2 ip, 60-75, 468 bb, 1029 k, 1.40 whip, 4.45 era.
• Redraft Pick: I would have gone Nunez, but knowing Crain was their top pick; it's hard to say they'd pick up another catcher/DH here. For now let's say #7 Jeremi Diaz (RF). Imagine the franchise had they gone Martin first overall and followed it with Crain (Or Nunez - since Crain wasn't technically scouted by him from my pre-draft discussions with the previous owner)
5. Atlanta - Kyle Crain (C)
• I think it's safe to say Crain has, by a large margin, been the best player in this season's draft. Everybody knows who he is as he's in the middle of challenging Alex Tarraga for most MVPs. No need to go into more detail, but this proves you can rebuild without the #1 or 2 picks. Go get it teams who don't fully tank!
• Stats: 1038 games played, .318 avg, 406 hr, 2 sb, 791 r, 1093 rbi, 423 bb, 479 k. 6x all-star, 5x MVP, 4x silver slugger C, 3x World Series rings.
• Redraft Pick: #1 Olmedo Nunez - Atlanta gets their power hitting catcher but does he help lead the team to as many world series wins? Or maybe all those MVPs end up going to Nunez. 
6. *Wichita (Augusta) - Wil Johnston (3B)
• Wil was called up to the majors S51 but once ownership changed in S53 he was dealt to Atlanta where he played out his Arb1 & 2 years before being shipped to Vancouver. If this is the #6 pick, the quality of this draft dropped of quicker than an HBD rebuild! As Vancouver enters their own rebuild, Johnston is likely on the market. 
• Stats: 959 games played, .248 avg, 174 hr, 5 sb, 360 r, 533 rbi, 228 bb, 655 k. 1x World Series rings.
• Redraft Pick: With Crain, Serra, Martin, Diaz, and Nunez off the board the talent starts to drop off quickly and we've yet to see a pitcher go in the redraft. That said, we might have to go #9 Leo Newcomb (SP) with this pick. Not a great selection but likely better than Johnston. 
7. Huntington - Jeremi Diaz (RF)
• Diaz was cwiddoes first draft pick in Cobbfather and well before the massive contract he gave WYW. Unfortunately for Diaz he's no longer enjoying playing along WYW and Weiss as he was traded for 2B prospect Jacob Cheng to Milwaukee. 
• Stats: 881 games played, .287 avg, 144 hr, 38 sb, 500 r, 520 rbi, 284 bb, 466 k. 
• Redraft Pick: At pretty much the same value as Newcomb selected before him, Huntington grabs #12 Pascual Mijares (SP). 
8. *Los Angeles (Salem) - Mike Sappelt (SP)
• Sappelt has been on the move, first drafted by Los Angeles, moved with the team to Portland before moving to Salem for a year where he was then released after Arb2, signed a short deal with Jacksonville that saw his 3rd year option be declined and now on a contract with rebuilding Dover. But he did just sign a 5 year deal worth nearly $6M per season. He's been awful this season but his career numbers are slightly elevated from league average. 
• Stats: 292 games, 164 starts, 1168.1 ip, 68-71, 6/7 saves, 400 bb, 940 k, 1.35 whip, 4.41 era.
• Redraft Pick: #16 Jim Randall (C)
9. Chicago - Leo Newcomb (SP)
• Lasting only a season in Chicago, he was quickly shipped to Helena where he's made a decent living and currently serves at the back of the rotation. His career year is looking like year 3 where he had a 1.19 whip with a 3.74 era and a 14-9 record. He's struggled a bit this season but he'll come around. Maybe a good time to buy low on the righty. 
• Stats: 184 games, 177 starts, 1007.1 ip, 67-58, 3/3 saves, 316 bb, 664 k, 1.31 whip, 4.11 era.
• Redraft Pick: #35 Enrique Franco (RP)
10. Milwaukee - Avisail Gonzales (LF)
• It's always pleasant to see a guy still with his original club. Avisail is going on his 6th season in the majors and contracted with Milwaukee through S60. His numbers aren't awful, especially for the quality of this season's draft. Once pitchers caught on to him he's struggled. His best season was his first full, S53 and he's declined every year since...okay maybe that's a bit harsh, he did have a slight uptick last season and looking really strong this year. 
• Stats: 872 games played, .248 avg, 166 hr, 62 sb, 437 r, 513 rbi, 274 bb, 633 k. 
• Redraft Pick: #6 Wil Johnston (3B)
11. Milwaukee - Guillermo Tavarez (RP) (Type D pick)
• Tavarez had an early career DL stint, was traded by Milwaukee to Portland in S54 and released after Arb1 when he signed a 2/5.8M deal to play AAA ball for Santa Fe. This draft is looking more and more like Crain, Martin, and a bunch of filler pieces. If only he didn't struggle against righties he'd be decent out of the pen. 
• Stats: 283 games, 425 ip, 23-21, 140 bb, 329 k, 1.38 whip, 4.34 era.
• Redraft Pick: #49 Ichiro Suzuki (RP)
12. Anaheim - Pascual Mijares (SP)
• Mijares gives similar value at pick 12 to those pitchers taken earlier, including pick 3. He was picked up by Buffalo with the main player coming back being Tony Sosa. Solid pickup for Buffalo whose original pick this season wasn't until #31. PM is still going strong for Buffalo. 
• Stats: 188 games, 186 starts, 1111.1 ip, 68-57, 422 bb, 931 k, 1.34 whip, 3.94 era. 1x All Star
• Redraft Pick: #19 Hugh McMillan
13. Dover - Curt Spencer (P)
• Dealt two seasons later for Diego Parraz, who pitched for 4 seasons in Dover at the end of his career; going 30-42 with a 4.72 ERA. After two seasons (S53 & 54) starting, Spencer was pushed to the pen the last 3 but has seen VERY limited time this season in the pitcher haven of OKC. 
• Stats: 122 games, 74 starts, 515 ip, 32-27, 126 bb, 369 k, 1.30 whip, 4.05 era.
• Redraft Pick: #17 Matt Tanner (LF)
14. Houston - Bennie Serra (3B)
• As mentioned above he almost went #2 overall, so imagine my surprise when I see he ends up going 14 overall. He was held back in the minors while Houston was retooling a bit but given the promotion in S53; even in just under 400 at bats that season he still hit 33 home runs and drove in 86 runs. His power numbers are ever so slightly down but his average is way up this season. Though he hasn't quite won any gold gloves at third as predicted by the blog. 
• Stats: 675 games played, .287 avg, 241 hr, 18 sb, 417 r, 595 rbi, 239 bb, 499 k. 3x all star, 3x silver slugger 3b, 1x world series ring.
• Redraft Pick: #31 Francis Jefferson (CF)
15. Austin - Ernest Clements (LF)
• When the blog writes about you and mentions the Korean bunt tournament as your positives, don't expect too much. He offers limited power and decent speed. He could likely still play 2B where his numbers start to look A LOT better compared to other leftfielders. All I can say is...KAW. Keep Austin Weird.
• Stats: 635 games played, .247 avg, 65 hr, 93 sb, 298 r, 257 rbi, 190 bb, 497 k. 
• Redraft Pick: #10 Avisail Gonzales (LF)
16. *Boston - Jim Randall (C)
• The third catcher off the board this season and similar to the others this one lacks range and is a limited pitch caller but he still hits righties well and his eyes developed. As predicted he hasn't given many free outs, walking more than he strikes out. He's still with Boston after signing an extension this past off-season. 
• Stats: 745 games played, .307 avg, 77 hr, 0 sb, 359 r, 314 rbi, 420 bb, 326 k. 3x all star, 1x silver slugger C. 
• Redraft Pick: #27 D'Angelo Estrada (3B)
17. *Colorado (Salt Lake City) - Matt Tanner (LF)
• And the drop off begins. Tanner is our first player no longer playing ball and enjoying the (forced) retired life. He routinely produced 20 doubles, high teens home runs and low 20s stolen bases. Not awful but not enough to cut it once he hit free agency. 
• Stats: 780 games played, .264 avg, 89 hr, 120 sb, 530 r, 380 rbi, 349 bb, 457 k. 
18. Vancouver - Ron McDowell (CF)
• McDowell turned out to be one of those solid gloves just not quite good enough to play short or center but too good to play anywhere else; though his bat as left a lot to be desired. He's played a full season just once, his second year and first under new ownership in Nashville. He's a bench player for a rebuilding team, what does that tell you about him? Obviously no question about the commish cheating on draft picks...was he even commish then? 
• Stats: 598 games played, .258 avg, 44 hr, 75 sb, 266 r, 193 rbi, 173 bb, 392 k.
19. Anaheim - Hugh McMillan - from Ottawa (Hartford) for signing Cutter Brantly (C)
• Ottawa signed Brantly to a 1 year deal and he won a Gold Glove but didn't retain him after. Readers call if it was worth it or not. S50 Anaheim sent Hugh to Monterrey for then prospect Edwar Guerrero, who is still with the club but later flipped to Pittsburgh for Yovani Parraz. Although rebuilding, Hugh is still in Pitt; much to his chagrin. 
• Stats: 1004 games, .285 avg, 132 hr, 37 sb, 441 r, 486 rbi, 287 bb, 680 k. 1x gold glove 1B
20. Santa Fe - Harry Collins (3B)
• Santa Fe has always been a big budget team with little scouting, no surprise Collins never made the majors. 
21. Oklahoma City - Cristian Locke (2B) - from Salt Lake City (Tokyo) for signing Frank Perez (SP)
• He's only had 800 ABs in 4 seasons, maxing out with 330 in S56 and one of the weakest arms I've seen for a fielder outside of first base. Since he enters Arb1 next year, we assume this will be his last season in the majors. Good luck Locke.
• Stats: 373 games, .243 avg, 8 hr, 66 sb, 104 r, 94 rbi, 68 bb, 147 k.
22. *San Juan (Charleston) - Nicholas Cornely (2B)
• Took him becoming a Rule 5 picks in S52 to make the majors, being selected by the Pittsburgh franchise. For a Rule 5 pick, he hasn't been bad, low teens HRs, and an average all over the place from .233 to .291 average. Only in Pitt does he make sense!
• Stats: 935 games, .268 avg, 107 hr, 13 sb, 344 r, 404 rbi, 215 bb, 504 k.
23. *Jacksonville - Chris Morey (SP)
• Finally made it to the majors last season when he signed a ML contract with Austin, throwing 32 starts with a 1.57 whip and 5.10 era. And this year hasn't gone much better. 
• Stats: 44 games, 44 starts, 254.2 ip, 10-21, 100 bb, 145 k, 1.57 whip, 5.05 era.
24. Pittsburgh - Anthony Hartman (RP)
• As bad as this guy is against righties, it's hard to believe he's been in the league for 6 seasons. But when you need help, sometimes the draft is all you got! Was even extended in S56 to much the surprise of everyone at the blog, even our IT guy. 
• Stats: 200 games, 397.1 ip, 20-13, 11/13 saves, 145 bb, 302 k, 1.50 whip, 4.30 era.
25. *Scranton (Tacoma) - Santo Roque (P)
• Scranton was in a win-now mode with a big budget, they didn't have room to pay these young kids anything more than scraps. 
26. Montreal - Roy Guerrero (LF)
• Traded to OKC a year later for Eric Hampton (RP) who had a short but productive career in Montreal while they were pushing for a World Series win. For RG, durability to outlast anyone, and stats that aren't really all that bad for being a 26th overall pick. He hasn't made many starts since his rookie season but giving rest to the other important Barons carries some weight in itself. 
• Stats: 779 games, .270 avg, 52 hr, 46 sb, 201 r, 237 rbi, 137 bb, 282 k. 
27. Helena - D'Angelo Estrada (3B)
• Glove doesn't fit at SS, bat doesn't fit at 3B. So Helena compromised and used him at both. Columbus primarily used him at Short. Columbus acquired him after he was released in S55. Released with those awards? Yeah makes sense when you look at the stats. No one is safe!
• Stats: 1062 games, .248 avg, 80 hr, 213 sb, 476 r, 410 rbi, 283 bb, 779 k. 3x gold glove 3B, 1x Silver Sluger SS. 
28. *El Paso (Mexico City) - Eric Gaston (2B)
• No one's slick as Gaston. No one's quick as Gaston. No one's neck's as incredibly thick as Gaston. All lies! 4 seasons in the league after being a Rule 5 in S52.Not much else to say about the guy. 
• Stats: 171 games, .271 avg, 6 hr, 27 sb, 59 r, 54 rbi, 27 bb, 68 k. 
29. Columbus - Marcos Reynoso (LF)
• 10 year pro career, has yet to make the majors even through Columbus quick fire sale rebuild. Marco.....
30. Cincinnati (Minnesota) - Harry Fossum (P)
• This name sounds naughty to say out loud, good thing for the Cincy announcing team he didn't end up signing. 
31. Buffalo - Francis Jefferson (CF)
• Buffalo often has a way of finding major league ready talent late in the draft and Jefferson is no different. Six seasons in and still playing with the Bisons. His career year was likely his rookie season but last season's power was a nice surprise even if he hasn't gotten the average back up. 
• Stats: 960 games, .267 avg, 158 hr, 155 sb, 637 r, 499 rbi, 339 bb, 820 k. Rookie of the year, 1x all star. 
32. Chicago - Edwin Hester (RP) - from OKC for signing Del Baez (SP)
• Never made the majors after 7 seasons, though he was picked up by current New Orleans owner in S55 as a minor league free agent. That must have been the nail in the coffin, as he retired the following season. You know when you sign a minor league contract with ploppie, your career is done for!
33. Colorado Springs - Kane Cook (DH) - from New York for signing Felipe Benitez (RF)
• Didn't amount to much but CS was playing for the title so no reason to trade Benitez for prospects. And considering they were going after it, explains the lack of scouting for the bad pick. Nothing to see here. 
34. Colorado Springs - Yan Ordonez (C)
• Last player of the official first round before the Comp Picks. Tough that it's another prospect who never made the majors, but don't feel bad because S47-50 CS took home the division and even won the world series this season (S48). 
35. *Washington DC - Enrique Franco (RP)
• Like most bullpen arms he's had an up and down career, everything from a 0.94 whip / 2.51 era his rookie season to a 1.43 whip / 4.54 era last season. He struggling mightily in Huntington, who acquired him S56 for quantity over quality. He's signed through S61 as cwiddoes makes a push against Atlanta and Houston for the AL title. 
• Stats: 312 games, 391 ip, 14-21, 115/142 saves, 125 bb, 372 k, 1.23 whip, 3.75 era
36. Chicago - Bronson James (LF)
• Chicago moved James quickly, S49 to Helena as they moved out of their rebuild where they finished 4th in the division for 9 straight seasons. Acquiring Luis Banuelos went well for Chicago and James had 1 great season that saw him hit 38 hr, 115 rbi, on a .240 average. Perhaps his 152 strikeouts were the reason why he didn't last much longer, being released after one more season - following Arb1. 
• Stats: 562 games, .236 avg, 68 hr, 30 sb, 174 r, 206 rbi, 90 bb, 288 k.
37. Anaheim - Angelys Ramirez (RF)
• Hasn't played in the majors since S56 but still holds out hope in free agency. Was a rule 5 pick by Boston in S52. First year as a Rule 5 - 623 abs, 39 hr, 106 rbi, with a .244 average. But Ramirez had to top James somehow, so he struck out 175 times to his 44 walks. 
• Stats: 607 games, .259 avg, 112 hr, 65 sb, 316 r, 376 rbi, 169 bb, 670 k. 
38. Vancouver - Brian Polo (SP)
• Traded to Houston in S50 during Houston quick refresh and had quite a few quality starts and even made good on his relief appearances before being shipped to Colorado Springs in S57. He signed a 5/19m deal with Jacksonville and signed through S62. 
• Stats: 137 games, 97 starts, 568.1 ip, 35-23, 8/8 saves, 161 bb, 371 k, 1.25 whip, 3.75 era. 1x world series ring
39. *Salt Lake City (Tokyo) - Harry Wieland (RP)
• Better land than stein I suppose. Played in SLC then moved with the franchise to Tucson then to Tokyo and left after 3 years in arbitration and feel down on himself. Not only did he have to hear how bad he was from the franchise in English but Japanese as well. He signed a two year pact with Atlanta in hopes of bring home a ring and in a deal of the century; only because you know Atlanta and Houston have never done a deal together nor are they likely to do another in the next 55 seasons, he was traded to the competition. You know his brothers Tom and Dick are excited to have Harry on a contending team. 
• Stats: 430 games, 449.1 ip, 29-20, 18/32 saves, 148 bb, 316 k, 1.43 whip, 5.13 era.
40. Pittsburgh - Michael Craig (RP)
• I remember liking Craig, especially at this pick. Sure his stamina was low and not great durability but with the right setup he's got his uses when paired in the right bullpen. He had some good years in Pittsburgh under he was deal S56 to Boston and hit Arb1 just this season. Having a pretty solid season this year, you wonder if Boston will hold on to him or try to move him in a package deal for prospects. The team has been 2nd in the division for 3 years straight but that's a distant 2nd given Atlanta also plays in their division and has routinely been the best team in the league. The wildcard is in play, but the team is off to a slow start.
• Stats: 283 games, 260 ip, 15-18, 26/36 saves, 67 bb, 224 k, 1.18 whip, 3.77 era
41. Columbus - Garrett Wallace (SS)
• Covered above, Columbus wasn't have anyone sh!t. This could have been William Wallace and he still wouldn't have signed him. 
42. Oklahoma City - Emilio Molina (1B)
• Another great late pick that seemed to have panned out. He was included the failed Shea Crowe deal earlier this season after signing his Arb3 year just days before so he'll likely hit FA next season. With those power numbers he'll never make the Hall, but talk about streaky in his five seasons he's had anywhere from 10-20 hr with 30-55 sb, .260-.300 average, the .300 was in part time play but still 300 abs. 
• Stats: 710 games, .260 avg, 70 hr, 198 sb, 380 r, 285 rbi, 291 bb, 464 k. 
43. Colorado Springs - Chase Selsky (RP)
• Much like the Loiners before him, he failed to make the majors. Moving on!
44. Chicago - Frank Berry (DH)
• Left Chicago after years of being left in the minors, signed with SLC the year before new ownership took over and currently still plays on the AAA team with no hope of a promotion. 
45. *Wichita (Augusta) - Lawrence Parrish (3B
• The second Parrish hit his arb year he was released. Ownership didn't want to near anything Jumanji related! Similar to players drafted just before him in the comp round he had power but struck out a ton with little walks. 
• Stats: 556 games, .237 avg, 63 hr, 47 sb, 196 r, 208 rbi, 121 bb, 448 k.
46. Chicago - Rick Crouse (LF)
• We're no strangers to picks this late. You know the rule 4 and so do I. A future major leaguer's what I'm thinking of. You wouldn't draft any other guy. I just wanna tell you how I'm drafting. Gotta make you understand. Never going to pay you up, never going to let you win, never gonna play full time and bench you. Never gonna make you play, never gonna say no way, never gonna let you bunt. 
• Stats: 465 games, .272 avg, 98 hr, 4 sb, 271 r, 249 rbi, 117 bb, 207 k.
47. Austin - Dan Schugel (P)
• Yet another stiff who didn't make the majors. This one with some miles, but not in terms of years but rather actual miles traveled. Drafted by Austin, Tacoma selected in Rule 5, offered back and left via FA before signing with Dover and finally another FA deal with Houston. 
48. Vancouver - Dan Sutton (RP)
• Not to be confused with Don. Traded in S50 to Houston with fellow S48 first round draft pick Brian Polo; seems worth it for Vancouver as they got some usable parts out of the deal that helped them....play?
• Stats: 113 games, 47 starts, 361.2 ip, 18-16, 1/2 saves, 136 bb, 254 k, 1.49 whip, 5.52 era
49. *Ottawa (Hartford) - Ichiro Suzuki (RP)
• Wrong Ichiro, this one slipped so late because of his stamina and low durability. As someone who was targeting him for my 2nd round pick I remember being bummed he didn't make it; not that I expect him to. He's done well for the Hartford franchise as they've become top of the NL the last few seasons and looking to remain there as best they can!
• Stats: 420 games, 450.2 ip, 26-30, 69/98 saves, 163 bb, 387 k, 1.38 whip, 4.15 era
50. Santa Fe - Pedro Quinones (P)
• Everybody remembers the vote for Pedro campaign, but unfortunately it wasn't this Pedro. This one topped out in the minors...at last not with minors. 
51. *Salt Lake City (Tokyo) - Devon Rigdon (1B)
• Yup, at that point in the draft where people aren't even making the majors...and it's not even the second round yet. 
52. *Scranton (Tacoma) - Roy Peterson (P)
• Should we be surprised that Roy finally gets his debut in the majors after 10 years of Pro ball? Would you be even more surprised to know it's with the "talent" of Tacoma (S57) and New York (S58)? No? Didn't think so...raise the L!!
53. *El Paso (Mexico City) - Cesar Miro (SP)
• Miro Miro on the Wall Bench. Failed to make the majors and finally retired to a life servicing the wicked queen. 
54. Buffalo - Felipe Canseco (P)
• All things considered this one learned from his distant cousin and laid off the juice. He's had a decent career but most players do in Buffalo. 
• Stats: 86 games, 59 starts, 388.1 ip, 23-16, 2/2 saves, 142 bb, 245 k, 1.36 whip, 4.15 era.
55. Oklahoma City - Andre Justice (SP)
• His chances of making the majors are in his control about as much as the baseball he throws. A career minor leaguer pitcher at it's best. 
56. Chicago - Cooper Monzon (RF)
• Got fed up with Chicago after a career in their minors and signed a FA deal with Columbus, went through Arb2 just this season. We'll see if Columbus keeps him around or extends him but we have our doubts as a part-time player. His profile matches that of most Gunslingers - power, power, power, weak glove. 
• Stats: 530 games, .239 avg, 84 hr, 0 sb, 163 r, 220 rbi, 98 bb, 352 k. 
57. *Salt Lake City (Tokyo) - Bret Simmons (2B)
• Some say his jump shot is smoother than another Simmons but perhaps we can test that theory as Bret remains a FA after 4 years in Tacoma from his Rule 5 selection in S52. I wonder if glasses would fix his BB/K ratio. 
• Stats: 599 games, .252 avg, 34 hr, 59 sb, 250 r, 184 rbi, 175 bb, 479 k. 
58. *El Paso (Mexico City) - Jiovanni Haren (SP)
• It seems EVERYONE saw this one coming. Jio lasted only 4 years Pro. 
59. Buffalo - Alexander Vaughn (LF)
• Yet another Bison whose still playing in the majors and for Buffalo. Just signed Arb1 this season, but only logged 49 at bats last season. On pace to be released after this season but we'll see what's up Buffalo's sleeve. 
• Stats: 554 games, .260 avg, 47 hr, 10 sb, 146 r, 165 rbi, 94 bb, 202 k. 
60. Oklahoma City - Lewis Suggs (LF)
• Traded to rebuilding Tacoma (new owner) in S51 for Will Roth as the new owner was shedding money and kicking off a rebuild. Suggs has only seen one season where he gets full time at bats but it helped kick off a rebuild and got rid of Roth's contract. 
• Stats: 481 games, .245 avg, 35 hr, 63 sb, 173 r, 134 rbi, 95 bb, 296 k.

Other notable picks:

• #339 - Tom Campbell (C) - *Colorado (Salt Lake City)
• Stats: 557 games, .246 avg, 69 hr, 3 sb, 165 r, 226 rbi, 127 bb, 314 k. 1x gold glove C, 1x world series ring. 
• #444 - Ronald Yearwood (SP) - Montreal
• Stats: 216 games, 210 starts, 1159.1 ip, 59-77, 1/1 sves, 392 bb, 808 k, 1.38 whip, 4.41 era.
• #475 - John Costello (SS) - *Scranton (Tacoma)
• Stats: 932 games, .232 avg, 3 hr, 163 sb, 252 r, 211 rbi, 221 bb, 582 k. 1x all-star

Fewest notable late picks we've seen since this series started. Draft Drought 48!

Building a team from S48 draft.

C: Kyle Crain (#5)

1B: Jeremi Diaz (#7)

2B: Juancito Martin (#2)

SS: Bennie Serra (#14)

3B: #6 Wil Johnston (#6)

LF: Wil Johnston (#6)

CF: Francis Jefferson (#31)

RF: Jeremi Diaz (#7)

DH: Olmedo Nunez (#1)

SP1: Leo Newcomb (#9)

SP2: Pascaul Mirjaes (#12)

SuA: Ichiro Suzuki (#49)

ClA: Enrique Franco (#35)

For the Records - bold indicates leader in that category. 
S48 - 20 all-star appearances, 11 silver slugger awards, 7 gold gloves, 6 mvp, 1 rookie of the year, and 9 world series ring 
S47 - 19 all-star, 10 silver slugger awards, 12 gold gloves, 2 rookie of the year, and 8 world series rings
S46 - 14 all-star, 5 silver slugger awards, 3 gold gloves, 2 fireman of the year, and 12 world series rings
S45 - 27 all-star, 12 silver slugger, 1 gold gloves, 3 rookie of the year, and 9 world series rings
S44 - 17 all-star, 4 silver slugger, 8 gold gloves, 1 fireman of the year, and 6 world series rings

S58 Initial Power Rankings

Richard Castle - contributing reporter

Skynet is prepped and ready for the initial power rankings of this fresh new season 58. By record as of this writing here are the top 5 records:

• 30-9
• Atlanta (NL-E)
• 27-12
• Hartford Rising Stars (NL-N)
• 26-13
• Philadelphia (AL-N), Huntington Tropics (AL-S), New Orleans (NL-S)
• 25-14
• Columbus Corbis (NL-E)
• 24-15
• Houston (AL-S)

Atlanta has a small cushion ahead of the pack where a game separates most teams. Only 1/4 of the way into the season so anything can happen and with Mardi Gras right around the corner, plenty of streaking opportunities for New Orleans coming up.  

Salt Lake City just put a bunch of names on the block, perhaps someone looking for hitting - like a Tacoma who has 70 grade pitching would be a great trade partner. Bring that 35 up to 60 and next thing you know they  are competing for the National League title. 

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 expected win percentages. Current playoff teams are highlighted in bold. Once again, seems the AL might be favored in the All-Star game and the World Series this year, having the top 3 teams but also 4 of the bottom 5 teams. Based on expectations, SLC would be in over Dover but the NL mixes it up a bit more with Salem taking the division title and kicking OKC out of the playoffs as Buffalo would get their wildcard slot. If Chicago ever trades Crowe; get ready to see them drop in the rankings. But as it stands with his shift to 1B he has a chance to be NL MVP, SS 1B, & GG 1B as he currently leads the league in Home Runs and Plus Plays. 

1. .737 - Huntington Tropics (AL-S Champ)
2. .714 - Houston Space Cowboys (AL Wildcard 1)
3. .707 - Atlanta Expos (AL-E Champ)
4. .656 - Hartford Rising Stars (NL-N Champ)
5. .634 - New Orleans Hurricane Dodgers (NL-S Champ)
6. .629 - Columbus Corgis (NL-E Champ)
7. .624 - Salem Bourbon Makers (NL Wildcard 1)
8. .616 - Philadelphia Harpers (AL-N Champ)
9. .561 - Chicago Gunslingers (NL Wildcard 2)
10. .558 - Helena Hot Dogs (AL-W Champ)
11. .540 - Buffalo Bisons
12. .534 - Salt Lake City Punk! 
13. .527 - Oklahoma City Barons (NL-W Champ)
14. .505 - Dover Hazmats (AL Wildcard 2)
15. .505 - Montreal Fighting Poutine Plates 
16. .497 - Tacoma Aroma 
17. .492 - Anaheim Diablos
18. .452 - Vancouver Canucks
19. .445 - Boston Baseball Team
20. .436 - Minnesota North Stars 
21. .423 - Jacksonville Lizard Kings
22. .421 - Tokyo Nomo 
23. .421 - Augusta Alcoholics
24. .405 - Santa Fe Surf Riders VIII
25. .408 - Charleston Offspring
26. .401 - Washington DC Nationals
27. .390 - Austin Son's of Odin
28. .385 - Milwaukee Metronomers
29. .369 - Pittsburgh Yinzers 
30. .355 - Mexico City Staring Frongs
31. .319 - Colorado Springs From My Loins
32. .315 - New York Empire

S58 - Rule 5 Draft Coverage

 Gabrielle  O. Alvarez-Tillman - Contributing Reporter

Due to the holidays and a busy end of the year schedule I've fallen a bit behind articles this season. This one was started but didn't quite get finished before the season started, so we'll use it as a status update to players selected. 

We are underway with our Rule 5 draft coverage tonight. 

1. New York - Cameron Kelly. Once again with the #1 pick to no surprise, but at least this time they selected someone. Unfortunately it wasn't even the best SS in the draft. In stead they go with a glove that should give them a few plus plays and enough errors to lose a few extra this year. 
2. Colorado Springs - Doug Salcedo. Drafted as a SS but the owner is smart enough to shift him to elsewhere. Salcedo offers limited power but decent splits for a major leaguer. He'll do for his rookie contract years while Colorado Springs looks to shift money around until they can compete again. Hitting well early this season playing COF, but expect a drop-off come season's end. 
3. Pittsburgh - No pick? How do you say 'I done messed up' in Yinzer?
4. Washington DC - Gonzalez Ramirez. First it's Cameron Kelly with two first names and now it's Gonzalez Ramirez with two last names. But the power on this kid is amazing....if he can make contact. He doesn't quite have the range for 2B but would be a plus defender in RF. The 5 year pro likely doesn't have much growth left in him. Platoon against righties would definitely help his case. Just before the season DC waived him and Tacoma snagged him up to play 3B. Good luck with that!
5. Augusta - Pete Marte. Petey becomes the first relief pitcher drafted in the Rule 5 this season and shows great control and above average pitches. He lacks velocity but keeps the ball down. He fairs much better against righties and will struggle against lefties. But as a reliever that shouldn't be a problem if managed correctly, as we could see him come in a face 3 straight righties. But only if he can last that long as he's constantly find himself tired out and ready to head back to the bullpen. As a SuA he's picked up a few sneaky wins already. 
6. Dover - Alan Carpenter. Likely more of a 1B or better yet a DH and that power matches G.Ramirez who was drafted ahead of him. Unlike him, Carpenter hits lefties but not so much righties. Perhaps these two teams could find a deal between the two so they can platoon together. Get on it boys! Imagine having two Rule 5 picks platoon to combine for a .240 average with 35-40 HR. 
7. Austin - Santos Mercado. Another setup guy drafted in the early rounds. Maybe we should rename this the Diamond SS/RP draft. Whose in? We'll bribe the commish with donuts and get it done next season! His splits are lacking and pitch quality is only league average but he's pitched well against Charleston, Chicago, and New Orleans so far; lasting multiple innings most appearances. 
8. Charleston - Didi Mendoza. Yet another lackluster SS, this one with a weak glove. He has a AAA type bat. His only playing time this season has been 3 pitch hit; with 1 hit and 2 strike outs. We'd probably use him as a 2B or 3B defensive replacement late in games. 
9. Mexico City  - Byron York Craig Norman. The Long Reliever with AAAA numbers goes in the top 10. We only slightly kid about the York comp, York would be Norman with better pitch quality, we suspect an ERA+ around 70...30% worse than the league average pitcher. 
10. Tacoma - Jerome Medica. Poor kid, ink wasn't even wet on his selection and he was already being offered back to DC. Now finds himself in AAA where we think he hits decently well and has fun....until next year's Rule 5 when he's selected as roster filler for another franchise. 
11. Anaheim - Ezdra Johnson. Just like Medica he was almost immediately offered back, but this time claimed off waivers by Philly. He's seen a bit of time, could we see Johnson win a ring with Philly? Only if he can help them past Huntington, Houston, and Atlanta. But with that glove he surely won't be helping in the field. 
12. Milwaukee - Mmmkay Waukeee, we see you. This team has been rebuilding since S52, we are excited to see them make a run for it. Perhaps this year not drafting a Rule 5 means this is the year! Go Metronomes!
13. Boston - Bahston didn't seem to even give it the old College try, electing to pass on the Rule 5 this year. Though given the review of the players above this pick, can anyone blame them? Not us!
14. Tokyo - No-mo Rule 5 picks for Tokyo!
15. Chicago - A rebuild year and no pick? Not even a DH to man the ivy wall? 
16. Montreal - Rob 'The Brusier' Brosius. The only thing he's brusing as the current AA closer for Montreal are Canadian hearts. If the guy can't cut it in AA, who ever thought he would be a good move for the majors? A Canadian, that's who. 
17. Minnesota - No surprise, they've only used the Rule 5 three times in the last 10 seasons. Two of those players are still with the franchise, and one of them is even still in the majors. You go Carlos Jacquez!
18. Helena - You can generally tell if Helena is rebuilding by their Rule 5 pick. If they grab someone, rebuilding. If they skip it, going for it! Looks like they skipped it again this season. I don't know about you, but we are ready for a Hot Dog World Series again!
19. Buffalo - What's more predictable than Helena; it's bjc30! Took over the franchise in Season 3; made Rule 5 picks in Seasons 3-9, 11, 13-4, & 18. How many Rule 5 players has he selected since S18? One, in Season 45 - Troy Boehringer (C). 
20. Philadelphia - Chasing their 8th division title in 9 season, they took a different path this season; no brotherly love for the Rule 5. 
21. Jacksonville - Theodore Kennelly. TK gets the label of first player offered back to his original club. When OKC declined he was scooped up by Salt Lake City via waivers though he's yet to have made an At-bat appearing as a defensive sub at 2B for Ricky Kirk. Though he lacks both the range and glove to truly be an asset there. Perhaps he should be subbing in for Juancito Martin in LF to keep those legs fresh!
22. Santa Fe - Pokeysan elected to not select a Rule 5 pick from New Orleans as they had done the previous two seasons. I guess if you can't beat them, select their players to play for you?!?
23. Vancouver - Buddy O'Brien. Ah, the start of a rebuild is so encouraging. Cheers to Tim Horton's and Vancouver giving up on the division. Last rebuild for this franchise lasted 15 years, 10 of them under the current ownership. May your next rebuild get you out of the first round of the playoffs! I am a bit surprised the rebuilding NY didn't elect to keep Buddy 'the Irish Elf' O'Brien to start for them given how well he fits into the "quality" of starters they have been using during their own rebuild. 
24. Salem - Adam Hearn. Salem has taken Vancouver's spot in the division, we'll see if they can do better about overtaking OKC. Great news for Hearn, though unfortunately he's yet to make an appearance in the majors. One day my friend, one day. 
25. Hartford - Hartford hasn't made a Rule 5 pick since grabbing Strike out King, Garabez Belliard in S51. Did Hartford learn it's lesson or what? 
26. Columbus - Buster Schotts. He's playing surprisingly well so far this season as the starting Rightfielder for the Corgis. Schotts base running abilities remind me of a corgi's. We'd be surprised if Buster ends the year starting for a contender but we've seen crazier things. 
27. Salt Lake City - Lee Carbonell. A First baseman with a less than stellar glove; that's not a good sign. But he has league average power, hits righties decently, and has a major league average eye. Now if only he could make contact more often. There's a lot of questions about making it down the first base line as well. 
28. New Orleans - Drank too much before the Rule 5 last year, and stayed away from it this year. Probably a smart move.
29. Oklahoma City - Has a decently successful history in the Rule 5, I guess the wind wasn't sweepin' down the plain this season. We'll see if this season's wheat smells sweet come the post-season. 
30. Huntington - You don't find the kind of pitching this team needs in the Rule 5 unless someone forgets to protect a recently traded player.
31. Houston - Budgets are tight in Houston as they look to knock Atlanta off the top of the AL. Might not have had any roster space either. 
32. Atlanta - Lefty Smart. An above average fielder this was a smart move for a contending team. They get a defensive sub for CHEAP! He may not hit well but likely still serves a purpose, logging some innings in CF for the Expos. Atlanta layer picked up Reynaldo Vasquez who is an even better defensive fielder but they later dealt hmi and Tony Lim to the rebuilding Tacoma Aroma for prospects Scott Stokes (SP) and PT Figureoa (RF). Now if Tacoma would have only selected him at pick #10, guess we'll never know what would have been. 

Alright folks, that's the first round of the Rule 5, let's see if any of the picks in Rounds 2 thru 4 pan out.