S61 On The Books!

Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

Let's take a look at future money that is already tied up. Who has the most and least amount to spend next season. If time allows, we'll take a look at upcoming Free Agents as well. Here is who has the most committed in future seasons. List in order of most future money committed. In the 'Future salary is future owner problems' are Helena Hot Dogs at nearly $240M. Close behind is Houston with nearly $210M. Followed by Chicago and Huntington right around $185M. This season it appears to be more teams in the $80-130M committed range than any of the years prior. I wonder if that's because of the MWR or just how things are shaking out these seasons. Mexico City is the only team who has commitment issues, guaranteeing not a single dime beyond this season. Fargo, New York, and Buffalo combined have less money committed than #5 lowest - Colorado Springs; whose salary we feel are on the rise - it's about to be Loin season again. 

The average commitment in the league is $46M next year, down to $28, then $13, then $6M by S65. Most of those rose from previous years, it's gotta be the MWR. Obviously we do this article a little early, so I expect a bit of change as extensions are signed after the regular season. 

Best Recent Hitter - Alex Tarraga vs Omar Gonzales

 Jack Torrance - contributing reporter

Everybody knows the name Alex Tarraga in Cobbfather lore, but as we approach the retirement of Omar Gonzales who was truly the better player? Let's do a quick comparison. But remember, OG is still playing so we'll see how much he has left in the tank. By awards, AT has it in the bag, but if you look at the other stats; it's much closer or even favors OG. By the time Omar retires, we think the top layer will still be considered Alex Tarraga. I'm sure at some point we'll be comparing the two with Kyle Crain, WYW, Weiss, or Dario Lester; but we'll see if they can keep up numbers or not. 

• ML seasons
• AT - S38 to S58 - 20
• OG - S44 to current (61) - 17
• World Series Rings
• 2 (AT) vs 0 (OG)
• Helena hopes this changes this year and Omar wins his first title. 
• MVPs
• 9 (AT) vs 5 (OG)
• AT won 6 in 7 seasons from S41-47, OG won 3 of 4 from S48-51.
• All Star Appearances
• 13 (AT) vs 7 (OG)
• Silver Slugger
• 8 (AT) vs 9 (OG)
• Other Awards
• AT - 1x Home Run Derby Champ
• Salary (including bonuses)
• AT - $212.13M vs OG - $227.23M
• Hitting
• ABs - 10,793 (AT) vs 10,263 (OG)
• AVG - .305 (AT) vs .304 (OG)
• HR - 882 (AT) vs 854 (OG)
• Runs - 1,977 (AT) vs 2,052 (OG)
• RBI - 2,209 (AT) vs 2,143 (OG)
• SB - 74 (AT) vs 200 (OG)
• Fielding
• This is probably the biggest difference between the two, AT held is own at 1B and even had 200+ plus plays where OG didn't log a single plus play with nearly 100 negative plays. 
• AT
• 1B: 20,969 innings, 232 plus, 13 minus, 52 errors
• RF: 1,752 innings, 0 plus, 12 minus, 9 errors
• LF: 1,822 innings, 3 plus, 5 minus, 9 errors
• DH: 120 innings
• OG
• 1B: 20,615 innings, 0 plus, 84 minus, 46 errors
• DH: 2,252 innings
• RF: 792 innings, 0 plus, 14 minus, 4 errors

WIS - Under New Ownership

 Minihouston, editor-in-chief

Alright Cobbfather fans, there's a new sheriff in town and in charge of WhatIfSports. I have been lucky enough to have enjoyed some back and forth with the new owner, and I'm excited for this change. Now I know what you're thinking, "yeah, now they can fix all my wish list items in an update that I want due out next month" - let's relax a little. There is still tech transitions and business related items that need to occur first. But what I can share is, he's a big fan of HBD and has been playing it for MANY years. It's great to see someone with some passion behind it and not just the ho-hum attitude the previous owner has had since before I joined back in S44 of Cobbfather history. He made me promise not to make any promises as he knows how many broken promises have been made over the years and its a bit of a sensitive subject; and I agree. But what I can tell you is, he's been working with the old dev team on the transition and will have additional team members as he looks to get WIS more than just a skeleton maintenance crew that keeps the site online (sometimes) as the previous owner had. I'm thrilled to see what they can do with a larger team. And please realize, WIS is so much more than just HBD - all the players who are focused on other games will have a similar wish list of game changes they'd like to see to their game. Not to mention certain players who will not be named, have hair brained ideas about possible tweaks besides just those general updates such as DH to the NL, rotations changes, ST and Regular Season Lineups, Health adjustments, etc. (not promising any of those - just naming a few that I often hear requested by users).

Okay, cats out of the bag - I'm the crazy one. Duh, right? I pitched an idea about a College and ML world that might eliminate some of the vacancies in HBD - where plenty of worlds are struggling to find new members and sit dormant for a long time until they merge with another dormant league. Like I said, it's a hairbrained idea that could reuse some of the current HBD coding; but likely isn't going any further then just my google document where I dumped my ideas. It was fun to think through and would be an amazing world to be a part of - of course I'm an Architect and not a game developer; so what do I know. :)

Side note, he's aware and enjoys our little blog, and while I asked him for dev level scouting - for research and blog writing of course - it was denied. (just kidding, I didn't ask). 

Hopefully this means good things in store for HBD and all WIS games. Stay tuned. 

S61 Power Rankings

 Richard Castle - contributing reporter

Atlanta continues to sit at the top of the pack, Cincinnati continue to prove last season isn't the direction the new ownership wants to go. Going from last to first with the change of owners. Here we are at the 3/4 mark, if your team is going to turn it on and make the playoffs, now's the time to do it. At the bottom of the article we've added a new addition, our MWR tracker. Gives you an idea on how many wins each team still needs this season and a total for the next two.  

• 86-33
• Atlanta (AL-E)
• 82-37
• Cincinnati Reds (NL-E)
• 80-39
• Houston (AL-S)
• 77-42
• Helena (AL-W)
• 74-45
• Tacoma (NL-N)

In the AL, Minnesota has pulled away from the pack though the whole division is under .500. Atlanta continues to run away with the East, upping their lead to 26 games. And the story seems the same in the South, Houston continues to push for the playoffs with Huntington doing what they can but still trailing by 15 now. Out West, Helena has widened their lead to double digits, leading trade happy Tucson by 11. The wildcard looking like Huntington of course, along with either Tucson or Colorado Springs. I'd consider the rest of the American league out of it. 

For the NL, Tacoma has turned on the jets to widen their division lead to double digits as well and pushing for their first 100 win season...ever! While we mentioned Buffalo has done wonders as the season progresses, they've only gained 2 games on Cincinnati since the last power rankings. Santa Fe continues to hold strong, even with Austin improving to their first winning season since S41 when they last won the division. The West  has finally settled down a bit, with OKC barely above .500 but leading the division by 8 games. Wildcard is looking like Buffalo, Montreal, Austin, or Washington DC.   

We've also listed the last two power rankings with the current so you can see how team have moved around a bit. For example, Salem has been ranked 20th all season, Minnesota 19 though they just moved up to 19. Buffalo started all the way down at 30 at the start of the season but have moved up to 16 recently. Austin as well, starting at 14 and working their way up to 6th rank. Vancouver on the other hands is backwards - go figure right? - they started at 16 moved down to 23 and now sit at 26. Chicago and Mexico City can't decide who the worse team in the league is with Philly and Fargo fighting for the 3rd and 4th worse.

1. .664 - Atlanta Expos (AL-E Champ)
2. .649 - Houston Space Cowboys (AL-S Champ)
3. .649 - Cincinnati Reds (NL-E Champ)
4. .639 - Tacoma Aroma (NL-N Champ)
5. .601 - Helena Hot Dogs (AL-W Champ)
6. .591 - Huntington Tropics (AL Wildcard 1)
7. .575 - Santa Fe Surf Riders VIII (NL-S Champ)
8. .567 - Austin Son's of Odin 
9. .559 - Montreal Fighting Poutine Plates (NL Wildcard 2)
10. .554 - Tucson Toros (AL Wildcard 2) 
11. .549 - Augusta Alcoholics
12. .527 - Washington DC Nationals
13. .507 - Colorado Springs From My Loins 
14. .496 - Boston Mass Hysteria
15. .495 - Minnesota North Stars (AL-N Champ) 
16. .488 - Oklahoma City Barons (NL-W Champ) 
17. .472 - Buffalo Bisons (NL Wildcard 1)
18. .469 - New York Empire
19. .467 - Salem Bourbon Makers 
20. .466 - Jacksonville Lizard Kings 
21. .456 - Anaheim Diablos 
22. .456 - Philadelphia Harpers
23. .450 - New Orleans Hurricane Dodgers 
24. .441 - Hartford Rising Stars 
25. .439 - Columbus Corgis 
26. .436 - Vancouver Canucks
27. .434 - Charleston Offspring 
28. .407 - Scottsdale Sazeracs 
29. .407 - Fargo Snowmen
30. .368 - Chicago Gunslingers 
31. .366 - Dover Hazmats 
32. .360 - Mexico City Staring Frogs 

Now for the updated MWR. The first W column shows how many more wins each team needs to get to this season's min of 55 wins. The second column, the requirement goes up to 115 games with a minimum of 55, and finally the third season away is 180 wins. You can see there are already a few teams that just need the minimum 55 wins the next two seasons to meet the 180 based upon how well they are playing this year. On the other hand, Mexico City needs nearly 140 wins the rest of this season and the next two combined to get to their 180. Good luck everyone!!

S61 - International Look Back S51

Gabrielle  O. Alvarez-Tillman - Contributing Reporter.

The blog has typically covered a look back at the Rule 4 draft from 10 seasons back, so we thought we'd add in a look back at the international signings from 10 seasons back as well. And why not start with the record setting contract year of Wei-Yin Wan by Huntington for an impressive $49.1M! We'll cover everyone who was signed to a bonus of $10M+ and then select players who signed for less that ended up with some value. 

• Wei-Yin Wan - $49.1M - Huntington
• Not much to say here that everybody doesn't already know, he's constantly been in the MVP voting since his promotion to the majors, averaging more than 200 hits a season, 40-50 HR, with 110+ R and 120+ RBI. At just 28 years old, and make-up Mary Kay would be jealous of, I could see him still hitting in the majors 10 seasons from now. But will he ever win a Ring? Might end up being the greatest player in Cobbfather history but also without a ring to his name. 
• Awards: 7x all star, 6x silver slugger 1B, 1x silver slugger DH, 1x HR derby, 1x mvp. 
• Stats: 5,061 ab, .339 avg, 361 hr, 48 sb, 1084 r, 996 rbi, 692 bb, 481 k. 
• Jimmie Navarro - $15.0M - Atlanta
• A plus defender SS that hits for power? Not sure many people would turn this down, especially for only $15M. Especially when it's the first half of the season when they sign as well. 
• Awards: 4x all star, 2x silver slugger SS, 2x world series ring
• Stats: 4,412 ab, .237 avg, 262 hr, 44 sb, 630 r, 751 rbi, 338 bb, 946 k.
• Toru Suzuki - $12.3M - Helena
• With the third highest signing bonus this season, Suzuki has failed to make the majors due to his major control issues. Everything else about him could be serviceable if he ever he got glasses. He's done well the last 5 seasons in AAA - but the majors might not be in his cards. 
• Edgmer Romero - $12.0M - Philadelphia
• Signed early in the off-season and shipped off to Seoul  (Tucson) in a package deal for Akinori Yoshii and then flipped with Davey Perez in a 2 for deal to Monterrey (Jacksonville).  He's been a solid bullpen guy - the $12M bonus seems on par. 
• Stats: 336 g, 0 starts, 36-24, 50/69 sv, 463 ip, 1.25 whip, 3.52 era, 148 bb, 347 k.
• Kendrys Espinoza - $11.5M - Hartford
• Espinoza became part of the major S54 rebuild in Columbus, when Hartford shipped him, Felipe Teheran, Alberto Lopez, and Boots Blake to boost their bullpen with bullpen aces Marcos Owen and Brooks Bonilla. 
• Awards: 1x all star
• Stats: 155 g, 83 starts, 43-31, 4/5 sv, 669.2 ip, 1.37 whip, 4.18 era, 202 bb, 419 k. 
• Orlando Tomas - $11.2M - Atlanta
• Second big signing by Atlanta and just three days after signing Navarro, but unlike Navarro - shipped to Tacoma the following season for the Chan Ho Jiang whose salary was covered for that season. The production of Tomas definitely doesn't feel worth the bonus money he signed; but the signing team still got some value out of him. 
• Stats: 1,946 ab, .237 avg, 58 hr, 32 sb, 211 r, 200 rbi, 168 bb, 385 k.
• Danry Sosa - $10.5M - Portland (now Salem, same owner)
• The first $10M+ signing of the season, and he's still with the ballclub; having just gone through Arb1 this season. Unfortunately he didn't get his promotion to the bigs until S57; and hasn't appeared in more than 106 games in a season due to his lower rating against righties but he hits lefties amazingly - as a platoon he's been great and well worth the cost; though likely should be more of a DH because his pitch calling isn't all that great. 
• Awards: 1x all star, 1x silver slugger C; and even S59's All star game MVP. 
• Stats: 1,902 ab, .321 avg, 95 hr, 7 sb, 342 r, 324 rbi, 237 bb, 186 c. 
• Geronimo Trinidad - $10.1M - Anaheim
• Traded during his Arb1 season to Atlanta with Miguel Rivera coming back to Anaheim in S57. Rivera only stuck around for 2 more seasons before jetting for Dover in FA. Like many players, Trinidad's stay in Atlanta was short, being shipped to Jacksonville in S58 for Reymond Osoria and David Peterson as the first deal of the season. Solid signing for Anaheim though. 
• Awards: 1x all star, 1x world series ring
• Stats: 3,425 ab, .272 avg, 179 hr, 1 sb, 486 r, 533 rbi, 371 bb, 385 k. 

Now for the players who missed $10M+ but still added value to their teams. 

• Ruben Suarez - $7.8M - Colorado (Tucson) 
• Acquired by Atlanta in S53 but traded in the big Columbus rebuild of S54 for Alan Street who did wonders in Atlanta. Released prior to his Arb3 season and signed on with rebuilding Anaheim last year and signed through S63 at $5.6M per. He hasn't quite figured out how to deal with righties but he makes due. 
• Awards: 1x silver slugger P
• Stats: 210 g, 177 starts, 69-45, 2/3 sv, 1094.2 ip, 1.29 whip, 3.80 era, 332 bb, 707 k.
• Chico James - $5.8M - Wichita (Augusta)
• Poor Chico was released after Arb 1 then signed a 3 year deal with Milwaukee (now Fargo)
• Stats: 243 g, 107 starts, 32-46, 5/6 sv, 894.2 ip, 1.44 whip, 4.83 era, 389 bb, 654 k. 
• Aramis Ramirez - $5.2M - Portland (Salem)
• Another Portland signing, this one trading to Milwaukee (Fargo) in S54. Unfortunately that owner didn't get but a year out of him before selling the team to current owner and moving the franchise to Fargo. 
• Stats: 1,443 ab, .261 avg, 51 hr, 1 sb, 164 r, 169 rbi
• Victor Abad - $3.3M - Vancouver
• Canada thought they had their Shortstop of the future in signing Abad, turned out to be...a bad decision. In their defense, they think Canadian Bacon is Bacon too. He's resting away on a one year deal in AAA Huntington. The bat wasn't awful but he was never really the SS they wanted him to be. 
• Awards: 1x all star
• Stats: 3,360 ab, .263 avg, 95 hr, 35 sb, 364 r, 416 rbi, 292 bb, 598 k. 
• Hector Mota - $3.3M - Colorado (Tucson)
• Nobody wanted Mota. Colorado traded him the following season to Vancouver and then Vancouver shipped him off to Atlanta. And you guessed it, the follow season he was shipped off to Augusta where he's been since S53 and is on his Arb3 season. But the question is, will he sign next offseason somewhere? He's done pretty decent as a SuB and will likely be cheap. Go get 'em tightwads! 
• Stats: 397 g, 23-27, 51/72 sv, 1.23 whip, 3.94 era, 147 bb, 334 k. 
• Alberto Castillo - $2.0M - Boston
• Just made it through Arb2 this season. We'll see if he gets an extension or has to suffer through his Arb3 year, wondering all season if he'll have a job the following year or not. Hasn't been great in Center but doesn't shag a lot of balls. Or maybe he does, just off the field. 
• Stats: 2,959 ab, .266 avg, 62 hr, 31 sb, 339 r, 335 rbi, 221 bb, 624 k. 
• Michael Woo - $1.2M - Milwaukee (Fargo)
• Likely the best defender in the international market this year. He was traded in S53 to Houston, went through 2 Arb seasons and then shipped off just after his Arb2 case to Tacoma where he's still playing today. The guy has a role late in the games and he knows it. At his salary, we assume Tacoma will keep him around for another couple of seasons. As a shortstop he has 59 plus plays to 1 minus play. That's some solid defending if you ask me.
• Awards: 1x world series ring
• Stats: 1,527 ab, .239 avg, 1 hr, 20 sb, 128 r, 124 rbi, 120 bb, 342 k. 
• Yusmeiro Del Rosario - $605k - Wichita (Augusta)
• At a notch behind Woo is Rosario, who inked a 3/4.2M deal with Scottsdale this season, so he'll be signed cheaply through S63 but will that defense stick around long enough? We'll see. The Ks are tough though. However with more playing time than Woo he's produced 89 plus plays at Short and only 3 minus plays. This year it seems he's splitting time between 2B and SS, and obviously still a plus defender. 
• Stats: 2,554 ab, .250 avg, 4 hr, 0 sb, 192 r, 153 rbi, 175 bb, 569 k. 

S61 Draft Recap

Gabrielle  O. Alvarez-Tillman - Contributing Reporter

Yet another draft season in Cobbfather, so let's round up the Rule 4 draft. The blog continues to have the best scouts in the league! We'll do the same as last season and add in current ML comps to most players. As a reminder comps are to match their projections as closely as possible and not what they may end up like. It's up to you to develop your own talent, don't come looking for us to do the work for you. We'll too busy planning our take over of Canada!

1. Cincinnati - Endy Gonzales (SP) - Best pitcher on the board and to a team whose focused position players the last few years; this pick was huge for the new owner. Amazing control, fantastic velocity, who definitely will not struggle against Righties, nor Lefties but they will definitely hit him better. Has a 5th pitch better than many Starters 3rd pitch. Solid stamina/durability combo to keep him in the rotation; even a 4 man rotation if you wanted to go that route. His downside? He's definitely more of a flyball pitcher, which doesn't bode well for the Great American Ballpark in Cincy. He's definitely the ace you look for to build your rotation around. His makeup could keep him pitching successfully into his 40s. No good comps dating back to S54, but we'll say his floor is easily Houston's Carmen Arnold - 1.10 WHIP, 3.55 ERA. Remind you, his floor. Pitching in OKC or Tacoma, I could see a sub 1.00 whip and ERA in the 2s; we'll see about the band box in Cincy. 

Initial OAV: 63, Age: 20

2. New York - Catfish Alexander (RF) -  First High Schooler off the board who also ranks as the most expensive first rounder this draft; with only 3-4 prospects in Cobbfather history costing more. Now be honest with yourself, are you thinking what I'm thinking? He has to be his namesake right, a catfish? Nobody asks for that much money but has limited ability to make contact and hit both lefties and righties. Luckily that power and speed are TOP notch, both will rank in top 5 players of the league but is it enough to make up for the limited splits and contact ability? But the second that power and speed starts to drop, so will his playing time. The wrong arm or leg injury could be a career killer. A little history behind the blog, we started tracking all ML players since S54 and the only comp we could come up with Catfirsh was Chance Conti, who admittedly is 1000% slower than Catfish but offers decently better splits; whose improved on last year's stats and is on a 30-35 HR pace and has averaged close to .275 over the last two seasons. With the speed of Catfish, I assume he'll improve that average while adding anything from 25-45 SBs depending on how much NY lets him run. 
Initial OAV: 53, Age: 18

3. Chicago - Granden Burba (P) - No chance he signs so this pick is punted for a Type D next year - Pick #4. Chicago has the chance to land the #1 pick in S62 paired with their #4; but they also run the risk of the commissioner's office having to replace the owner if they don't get to 55 wins this season - current pace is 60 wins; so not a huge concern at the moment. Burba has fantastic control, great velocity, and two above average pitches. He was due for future success; just not in Chicago. 
Initial OAV: -, Age: 18

4. Fargo - Dave Darwin (SP) - Dave likely evolves into some combination of Diory James and Garabez Castillo; whose pitchers are better than both. We'll take a closer look at Castillo has he has more starter experience which is where we see DD playing. 1.25 whip / 3.30 era. DD also has a solid chance to end up with better control than Castillo though doesn't handle lefties quite as well. But he also comes in with a pretty solid 5th pitch. 10 seasons from now we might just be looking at Darwin as the top player in the draft.  

Initial OAV: 65 , Age: 21

5. Austin - Willie Coomer (RP) - Austin looks to replace Durham who they traded away this season for former top pick Juancito Martin, but while the OAV starts high; the kid has two well above pitches in his Sinker and Slider and a velocity that will receive many a speeding tickets. As a reliever that velocity will surely help get him out of a few jams. Add that to fantastic control and you have an ace reliever in your pocket. He'll handy righties really well but could end up struggling against lefties. Perhaps more of a SuA than a true closer who you trust against everyone on the opposing lineup. In a good season probably looking at a 1.15 whip / 2.50 era with a career average around 1.25 whip / 3.45 era; he's 35-45% better than league average. Think William Martin (Mexico City) or Javy Rodrigo (Retired); probably more of the latter than the former. Both players operated in the Sua role mentioned before. 

Initial OAV: 63, Age: 22

6. Fargo - David Medrano (SP) - This was a Type D pick for not signing Josh Whiteside (P) last season and Fargo doubles down on starting pitcher. Surely one of them will be the future of their rotation right? A good bit of difference between the two; the control, velocity, pitches greatly favors Darwin, the splits greatly favor Medrano. Both should keep the ball in the park on most evenings. Perhaps David should slip into the DMs of Brandon Daniels to see his secrets to pitching; whose been a 1.24 whip / 3.65 era pitcher even if all of those innings have been out of the pen. The velocity is the biggest difference (aside from stamina) is his velocity. Don't expect a ton of strikeouts from Medrano, he'll rely on the defense behind more often than not. 

Initial OAV: 53 , Age: 18

7. Charleston - Bunny Goodwin (SS) - Rumor has it, Foo Foo was top 2 on many people's list. He offers similar power / speed combo to good ole Catfish but handles lefties and righties better, and will also be better in the field; allowing for more versality. At quick glance he gives off Paulo Tabata and Akinori Cho vibes - if either had a ton more speed. If you come in expecting Cho, you'll be let down; while yes he's so much faster he won't handle lefties quite as well and offers slightly less contact on the ball. His range but mostly his accuracy might keep him off short; unless you just don't care about those things - but I'd start him at 2nd or 3rd and watch him win a few gold gloves and possible silver sluggers along his career. Because of that, there's a high chance he ends his career with the highest OAV from this draft class. And his name is Bunny!
Initial OAV: 57, Age: 18

8. Dover - Rickey Burkhart (P) - 6th pitcher drafted this year and we are only on pick #8. Lots of good comps but let's take a closer look at trade favorite, Tony Lim since everybody seems to both want him and want to get rid of him. Burkhart should be slightly better against lefties but EVERYTHING else is nearly spot on. He's nearing the end of his career, and still has a 1.25 whip / 3.65 era. That's right around the numbers of pick #6, Medrano. This draft might just prove to be the best pitching draft we've seen in quite a few seasons. 

Initial OAV: 66, Age: 21

9. Anaheim - Bubba Qualls (RF) - Already rated higher than many AAA players, Qaulls shouldn't need much time in the minors to cook; easily already smarter than many major leaguers on the base paths. Consider Qualls a Carlos Soto-lite; instead of a near 40/35 season; give Qualls a 30/30 with anything from a .280-.310 depending on how many rights and lefties he faces that given year. If opposing pitchers were smart, they'd sit all their lefties against this guy. 
Initial OAV: 68, Age: 21

10. Augusta - Milton O'Shea (2B) - Solid choice here that should stick to 2B and likely hits .300, though he doesn't offer much power or speed; it's his ability to make contact and especially how he handles lefties. He reminds us a lot like Mac Sitton or Dee Valle; though I'd consider Milton better than both. With that .300+ average, you'll get 5-10 HR and 5-15 SB with 5-10 CS. The average will be where Milton provides his worth; hitting at the top of the lineup and getting on base for the power guys behind him to knock him in; much like Juancito Martin - if you flip the splits and add more contact ability. Will be interesting to watch him develop. 
Initial OAV: 53, Age: 18

11. Colorado Springs - Grant Becker (RF) - The Gazette was high on Beckeras a prospect in this year's draft but only because we forgot to send our scouts to go so Endy Gonzales. Who remembers Junior College's anyway! Becker should be similar to O'Shea is SB/CS, but I'd expect the average closer to .275-.280. The clear choice for his comps are Geronimo Nunez and Chuck Herndon; both were 20-30 HR hitters minus that one season Chuck went off for 40. Or is the Gazette completely wrong and he's a .265 hitter with 10-15 HR? You tell us!
Initial OAV: 50, Age: 18

12. Buffalo - Morgan Brooks (P) - Let's comp him to #4 pick Dave Darwin - or rather Diory James and Garabez Castillo just like Darwin was comp'd. 1.25 whip / 3.30 era. Pretty great selection for Buffalo on this one at pick 12. Will be interesting to see which of the two, Brooks or Darwin end up the better pitcher in the long run. See you S71 Redraft article! 
Initial OAV: 63, Age: 21

13. Scottsdale - Cheslor Duckworth (1B) - Solid bat here, think Boone Maxwell as his floor. Or rather Boone's S57 where he hit 50 HR and drove in nearly 130 runs. Maxwell has been more of a 30 HR threat since that career year, but Duckworth offers similar contact, power, eye, and vL; but Duckworth has the clear advantage versus righties. Okay, so I'd temper the 50 HR expectations a bit and go with a 35-40. Though don't expect him to steal any bases. Rumor has it, Sazerac fans are already quacking for Cheslor. 
Initial OAV: 37, Age: 18

14. Philadelphia - Hootie Presley (LF) - His Consultant is Sam O'Shea...wonder if that's any relation to Milton (#10) or Pat (#40). Either way, doesn't look like this Blowfish is going to sign with Philly who finally appear to be entering into rebuild mode. 

Initial OAV:-, Age: 18

15. Jacksonville - Zephyr Andrews (SS) - ZAndrews should be perfectly fine to stay at Short, though his range might be slightly limited, and you'd wish his glove would be slightly higher to make up the difference; but he'll stick. He ate every bite of his Wheaties and is extremely healthy. Durable too. Speed is top tier though a tick above the real speedsters mentioned above, and while not the smartest on the base paths; he knows not to run directly at someone holding the ball. At the plate think Daniel Lindor, current Jacksonville RF; who has a career .260 average with 15 HRs a season; might be in the 15 SB range as well. At RF, I don't like those numbers but at short, I'll take 'em where I can get 'em. In what feels like a weak draft, consider this a W for Jacksonville; locking down their future SS. 
Initial OAV: 49, Age: 18

16. Boston - Rod Hull (SP) - Yet another stud pitcher in the draft, and once again another one that in many years might be the first pitcher selected. The two names that keep popping up for Hull's comps are both relievers, and fantastic ones at that: Joshua Lough and Whit Benoit. Now imagine those guys as a starter. 1.10 whip / 2.90 era. There's nothing fake about Rod Hull, not even his socks. 

Initial OAV: 58, Age: 20

17. Minnesota - Mike Brewer (SS) - The third drafted Shortstop, though he likely doesn't stay at short; a move to 2B or 3B would be smart; though not many great comps for the Brewster. Maybe Junichi Satou? Or TJ Bowman except Brewer hits lefties better and has a worse eye than both. Tough comp but the power is real. 

Initial OAV: -, Age: 18

Bonus. #153 Dillon Wall (RP) - After pitching 6 innings in Rookie ball, scouts became enamored with Wall; with some saying he should have gone top 10 in the draft, if not top 5. His biggest red flag is the stamina, it won't quite be high enough to start so he'll have to settle into that relief role. As a starter he would have comp'd to Victor Ortega who sports a 1.12 whip / 2.92 on his career. In relief he comps as Radhames Machado or even Stephen Ramirez - both were all star relievers and some of the best Cobbfather has seen in recent years - with numbers similar to Ortega's; however Wall won't match those pitchers' velocity. Either way I'd take his projections over #5 Coomer's as the first RP off the board. Now some of you will say, he's a diamond and he won't get there - fine; even at 85% of those pitchers, he's still a top 15-20 pick in this year's draft. 

That does it for the protected picks of the draft. Recap: 8 pitchers, 3 shortstops, 3 right fielders, 1 second basemen, 1 first baseman, and 1 left fielder. Mixed bag of position players and pitchers drafted this year in the early picks. Of the official first round, 32 picks; 16 of them were pitchers - nearly half of which were drafted in the top 8 picks. 

Bonus wise, #2 pick Catfish signed for the 8th highest bonus ever in Cobbfather history and highest since S55's Alton O'Brien. Who? Yup, let's hope Catfish does better than him. Jacksonville's #15 ($3.8M) and OKC's #18 ($3.5M) signed for above slot. Along with a few in the later supplemental round too.  Salem's #79 ($4.9M) and Minnesota's #90 ($3.2M) both signed for WELL above slot. 

Let's go prospects, it's nearly your time to shine!! Check back in 10 seasons to see how things turned out and who ended up being the best pick of the draft. 

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