S61 IFA Spending Tiers

Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

The Cobbfather owners love spending on the international market, let's break the teams into tiers for available prospect money. We've tried to keep in mind teams who have higher draft picks and will need to save a little for the Rule 4 draft versus the others who might be only spending on IFA this year. Listed teams in alphabetical order by their tier. 

• Tier 1 
• Buffalo
• Colorado Springs
• New York
• Tier 2
• Fargo
• Tier 3
• Atlanta
• Chicago
• Hartford
• Vancouver
• Tier 4
• Augusta
• Montreal
• Scottsdale
• Washington DC
• Tier 5
• Mexico City (already signed one IFA for $6.1M - this accounts his remaining budget)
• Charleston
• Tier 6
• Austin
• Jacksonville
• Tier 7
• Anaheim
• Boston
• Cincinnati
• Dover
• New Orleans
• Oklahoma City
• Philadelphia
• Santa Fe
• Salem
• Tucson
• Tier 8 
• Columbus
• Helena
• Houston
• Huntington
• Minnesota
• Tacoma

S60 - Upcoming ML Rookies

Gabrielle  O. Alvarez-Tillman - Contributing Reporter.

We've looked at top prospects before, and we recap every draft but let's cover something a little different and see whose near ready based on current ratings. We'll pick and choose as we see a few, so apologizes if we miss your favorite - unless you own a Canadian team, I promise it wasn't on purpose. We are also ignoring any "prospects" older than 26. 
EDITOR NOTE: These are based on set roster positions, doesn't mean they won't be used elsewhere if/when called up. 

• Catchers
• AAA
• Ivan James (Aus-22 yr old), Kevin Walker (Buf-24), Howie West (Sco-26) - Likely offer the best best bat at this level. James hits Righties the best, Walker brings the most power, and West the highest contact rate. But I wouldn't want any of the three calling a full time game. 
• Al Guerrero (Hou-25) & Orlando Samuel (Sco-25) - both look like Lefty platoons but also service as a big upgrade late in innings with fantastic pitch calling. 
• Buck Ainsworth (Aug) - Best pitch caller in AAA as we write this but should also throw out plenty of would-be base stealers with that arm strength and accuracy. 
• Edgardo Grandal (Min-21) - Might be the best overall, should hit decently well, has okay pitch calling that should get him through most games, and even has great speed for a catcher. 
• AA
• Luis Valenzuela (Chr-24) - Handles Righties the best but also makes the best contact of all catchers at this level. If not for Arnold Tucker (NO-28), he'd also be the highest rated against Lefties. But I wouldn't want him calling games for me. 
• Johermyn Leonard (Sal-21) - Give it another month and Leonard might just be the better hitter than Valenzuela, though defensively they fall close together. 
• Louie Beltran (Aug-22) is the best overall defender and calls a great game, second to only Alberto Mateo (Aus-26). 
• Top First Basemen
• AAA
• Fred Seo (Buf-22) is likely the top bat with above average power and handling righties though the contact and how he handles lefties leaves some to be desired. He'd work perfectly fine for a rebuilding club but leaves the Bisons' fans wanting more after years and years of Hall of Famer A.T. holding down the position for so many years. 
• Gene Cummings (Dov-24) will be streaky but he's your go to guy if you need a lefty platoon. Pair him with Ivan Douglas (Aus-26) and you might get some pretty decent quality from the position. 
• Kris Valentin (Hel-22) & Al Noesi (LAA-25) are likely the best defensive 1Bs at this level with gloves rated 20+ points higher than average and great range that is more than double the typical. It's there average arm strength that will keep them at the position. Both bring top speed with smarts on the base paths. Valentin also makes solid contact; but neither is likely a regular. 
• AA
• Chris Wagner (Chr-20) or Miguel Feliz (Far-21) offer the best bats at this level. Bot have top notch power though Feliz will be much less streaky from year to year while Wagner handles lefties and righties better and has a slightly better eye - which is also 2nd best at this level. 
• Don Sano (Tac-21) is the biggest trade bait, playing behind S59 NL MVP 1B Ernest Page. I'd expect Sano to be an adder in a deal that pushes Tacoma closer to their dreams of the World Series win. 
• Too many names to list that have top speed and smarts on the base paths, majority are above average defensively for a 1B, though none stand a chance of being a starting ML. 
• Randy Darling (Atl-24) could easily player COF but currently holding down 1B, though he's nothing more than a defensive replacement. With a low OAV, his arbitration years would keep him cheap too - IF you want to use a 25 man roster slot for a defensive 1B. Which isn't likely to happen. 
• Top Second Basemen
• AAA
• Sid 'Leeroy' Jenkins (Har-23) handles pitchers well and decent power but it's the contact that holds him back. He'll likely be a streaky hitter and likely needs to shift off 2B to the COF if he does get called up. But he bats left and throws right, could be an interesting platoon type guy. 
• James 'Bing' Bong (Chr-22) is another guy who could make an impact, above standard 2B power but struggles with righties, has average ML contact and how he handles lefties. Defensively he likely shifts off 2B as well to the COF.
• Reese Jacobs (Tac-25) has the glove to stick at 2B which seems rare these days, though his bat is still a little weak. Would I complain if he was my backup 2B, probably not. Reese is also healthy as an ox and durable as can be. Would play every inning in all 162 games if his bat was better. 
• Salvador Burgos (OKC-26) must be on uppers, his speed rates at 101, paired with 80+ base running; I'd love to see him as a pitch runner - but how often do people use a 25 man spot for a COF pitch runner? With that power maybe he legs out a few singles a year. Who has more singles - the Beatles or Burgos? 
• AA
• DITR Dewayne 'Wayne' Jones (Hou-24) is making great strides this season but will he get to the ML level? Trade for him and find out! He's already bumped 5 OAV this sesaon alone. The glove, durability, and makeup look great. He'll likely get at least a couple of ABs at some point. Maybe even to rest some of the Space Cowboys starters as they prep for the playoffs. 
• Shouta Jang (Clb-24) & Kip Price (OKC-23) are top speed guys, though given Price's contact rate; he'll stay in the minors. Maybe Jang gets a chance but only if the team decides to rebuild. Both are weak 2Bs and likely to change positions. 
• Luis Dominguez (Jax-22) & Chad Neal (Far-23) are 2B defensive gems but not good enough for SS/CF, Neal could be a poor hitter that you would give ABs in extra innings, but Dominguez you can keep in the minors; most owners would prefer the Rule 5 SS over him. 
• Top Shortstops
• AAA
• Lorenzo Mendez (Buf-20), Hector Pascual (NY-21), & Duke Omogrosso (Hun-24) are the next prime guys to be called up. Well maybe not Pascual, NY needs to finish stock piling and that might take another 2-3 seasons. He'll be up maybe by age 25. They all have work to do before becoming an actual ML SS but given their bats switching them over to 3B would still be perfectly fine; especially Mendez who offers the most power. Pascual offers the most durability, where as we see Duke Omo already getting tired this season. 
• Mendez's other half is Levi McConnell (Buf-22), he's ready to play SS at the ML today even if he struggles with contact and keeping his eye on the ball. He's not on the 40-man so possible Rule 5 soon? 
• Malachi Mitchell (NY-19) is here but still has a few seasons before he's ready. 
• Other defensive SS and/or Rule 5 picks are Dewayne Watkins (Buf-26), Lefty Smart (Atl-26), Bennie Clifton (Har-24), & David Almanzar (MC-25)
• AA
• Offensively the guys at AA are still too far undeveloped to be close to ML ready. In the speed department there are a few that top ratings but they just are not smart enough on the base paths. 
• Defensively there are a few possible Rule 5 guys - Rafael Urena (Bos-22), Taylor Moss (Buf-21), Jarret Porcello (OKC-24), 
• Does Buffalo just stock pile Shortstops who can't hit?
• Top Third Basemen
• AAA
• The power of Stan Verlander (Mon-26) is amazing, too bad he can't figure things out against righties. If his contact was better, I'd say he could platoon against lefties; but not sure he'll get there. 
• There are only ~15 players younger than 26 yr old at 3B in AAA - must be the filler position for old not ready to retire ML players. 
• Nobody comes close to being a possible defensive replacement either. In fact the two with the best glove are out for another 65+ days.  
• AA
• Sting Harper (SFE-25) shows some promise in the power and ability against righties but that contact is atrocious. Almost as bad is that eye, so you can write him off and keep him in AA. 
• Willis Ruggiano (Bos-21) is the only AA 3B to write home about and that's really just a defensive replacement. With a slight flick of the wrist, the ball whizzes over to first. Wonder what he does to strength that? 
• Top Left Fielders
• AAA
• JO Castro (Chr-24) hits righties well but lacks power and speed, and his progress is starting to slow. He's also looking more like a 1B than anything. 
• Gorkys Dotel (NO-22) could pair nicely with rookie Dale Barker but like Castro his growth has been a bit low this season. Hopefully his speed could push him to a nice 1-2 punch with Barker. I wouldn't trade for him, but if he was on my roster I'd let him play at the ML level. 
• Bronson Yamakazi (NY-21) makes good contact, has plus power, but needs to work on handling pitchers. His speed is also a bit slow so he won't leg out many base extra base hits. His glove or lack there of might make him a better DH than 1B. 
• Chad Watkins (Pit-24) could be a nice defensive guy at LF, definitely has the range and glove down for it; but that hitting - OUCH. Gold Gloves are nice but you still gotta put up runs to win games. 
• AA
• Eliezer Polanco (Hun-20) could be interesting and might put together a season or two, his contact is low and if he gets a good work out in the summer, he'll get a bump in power. Pair that with his higher than most ability to hit righties and that amazing speed; he could find a spot somewhere. 
• Carmen Schneider (CSP-25) ranks highly defensively - go figure right? But the bat is awful and won't ever make the majors. 
• Top Center Fielders
• AAA
• It shouldn't be, but a little surprising how much speed there is in CF down in AAA. 12 guys with a 90+ rating, another 12 with 80+. Majority of them have 65-70 base running. And none of them will be major league hitters - lots of single digit ratings in contact, power or vL. 
• A couple of guys have the range and glover to cover CF, but let's hope they don't have to make throws beyond the cut-off man. 
• AA
• Odalis Olivares (Chr-21) is looking a bit promising though a lack of contact. Defensively will likely lack a glove, can't imagine making up 14 points at this point in his career. A couple of will be close to average and should be just fine to call up, assuming their bat can hang. 
• Top Right Fielders
• AAA
• Max Mieses (Was-25) makes above average contact, hits righties very well, with tons of speed and smart basing running; but a newborn has more power than him. Expect A LOT of singles
• Edgard Silva (SFE-24) has already had a taste of the majors and looks to be a decent bench open that will be solid on defense. I'm sure he'll get another call up before long. 
• AA
• Not the place to stash prospects it seems. Moving on. 
• Paul Aplin (CLB-24) has decent defensive measures without a complete bomb of a bat. 
• Top Designated Hitters
• AAA
• McKay Howell (Was-26) looks like he'll emerge into something but he gets around on a scooter and can't even seem to hold 1 finger down for a fastball; do your thing AL teams - get that trade going! Might as well loop Mac Villarreal (NO-22) into that bucket too though McKay is the better hitter and MUCH healthier. Louie Connelly (NO-21) is another...does New Orleans think they play in the AL? Does he not remember he sold that franchise and dakar moved it to Mexico City? He might not amount to anything but might as well mention Adeiny Pena (NO-24) simply because he's yet another near ML level DH in New Orleans. Maybe they should rename to DH Dodgers so they avoid non-position players in the future. 
• I see power bats at a 96 rating and all with 87+ eye but contacts below 32 and splits below 53. Brothers from another mother!
• AA
• Lewis Holden (Sal-25) would make a nice lefty pitch hitter, 70 contact, 60 power, 80 vL, and 75 eye. If he has 1 hit in all season and its in the playoffs to advance me, he's worth the money. Brian Rivera (Min-23) is another similar player with slightly less power but handles righties a little better. 
• Calvin Yosida (Bos-21) might be slow as molasses but he might be able to handle major league talent one day. 
• Orland Feliz (Atl-22) is likely the top DH in the league, just waiting for that call up to the majors next season or to be traded. Very solid contact, decent power and hits righties well. The eye should limit the K as well; though again he's a typical slow DH. Morris White (Aug-21) is another similar player with less contact and worse eye but better speed. He'll eventually see some time in Augusta. He might even rest the main catcher for a bit. 

Okay, and now for the pitchers. 

• Top Starting Pitchers
• AAA
• Todd Torreyes (NO-21) is looking solid with great control, an amazing first pitch paired with a second pitcher still better than most. Handles righties well enough for a bump with those other ratings, even has some good velocity. He'll struggle against lefties though. But they must be pitching him as a starter just to get innings because he's only been getting 15-20 pitches in; though he was up to 40-50 for a couple of starts. Better used in the pen. 
• AJ Hubbard (VC-23) is similar to Torreyes with less pitch quality but a better chance at remaining a starter. 
• Derek Moore (Sal-21) could be paired with that group though maybe a notch above/below Hubbard depending on how you assess players - one has higher velocity the other a better second pitch. 
• Jason McCallum (Buf-24) has plenty of stamina and decent splits though a little on the low end, very good control and a higher than most first pitch with decent P2-P4 though they are lower than one would like. 
• Marwin Villanueva (NY-19) is getting there but still just 19. He's in AAA because that's where NY stocks their top prospects; though rightly so here as his numbers are right in line with other AAA pitchers. 
• AA
• Dave Cisco (Aug-22) really needs a promotion. Augusta must have better pitching coaches at the AA level to keep him down. I fully expect to see Cisco up after 20 games next season. Possible AL Rookie of the Year. 
• Dan Moyer (Aug-23) another Augusta pitcher that's looking good though a step (or two) behind Cisco. Depending on the franchise's needs, he'd make good trade bait. 
• Harry Roosevelt (Bos-25) has less stamina than the other two but I might actually prefer him over Moyer - better control, ever so slightly better splits and velocity, though less of a P1. That's where the difference could, because it's a sizable enough difference to make someone sway to Moyer instead. 
• A couple of other good ones but they all look like pitchers who belong on rebuilding teams who need someone for a 1.45+ WHIP and 4.75 ERA. Just enough to not be a complete waste and still belong at the ML level - to some extent. 
• Top Relief Pitchers
• AAA
• Emilio Santana (Sco-24) - should be at the ML level right now but was just recently traded and likely to wait until game 20 next season to be promoted - unless he's traded before then. Top young RP with all the years of control is on the trade block. 
• David Matos (Aug-22) has a lot to like in the velocity department and first pitch curveball. I'd expect to see a good number of K in the late innings with him. That control shouldn't give up many free bases either, so it will come down to his splits - which are decent given the other ratings. Healthy and very durable. 
• Jose Bazardo (Atl-24) his P1 stands out and might carry his lower control and decent splits. He'll see some years at the ML, at least in a SuB role worse case. 
• Nigel Leroux (Buf-23) shouldn't progress much more so if he's going to make it, next year will be the year. Good control and first pitch, handles lefties easily and okay or maybe average against righties. 
• Eli Mercedes (Phi-25) gets a shout out but likely becomes a back end bullpen guy if anything. 
• AA
• Logan Galloway (Aug-22) he's the best bullpen guy in AA; and just proves that Augusta has better pitching coaching at AA. Expect to see some moves out of this franchise soon - even if it's just promotions and going full speed into competiing. 
• Alex Homes (Vc-21) has very good control and first pitch, with a pretty decent second pitch and handles righties well; but will his struggle against lefties keep him from being a useful ML piece? Perhaps. 
• The rest likely need some more seasoning and expect to see on the list next year. 

The blog takes no responsibilities for decisions any owner makes based upon this article, it is intended for the enjoyment of its readers.

S60 Upcoming Draft

Gabrielle  O. Alvarez-Tillman - Contributing Reporter.

The S57 draft is but a few days away. Last year we looked at each of the teams and how they might be approaching the draft. This year, we'll adjust a bit and look at the top 17 picks to try and predict which route they'll go and who might be able to pick up a surprise pick. 

Draft season is just around the corner. This is the time of year that will make or break a season for teams like Tacoma, Mexico City, Dover, New York, and Montreal. As they continue a rebuild, a blown pick could set them back another season or two. Let's hope they don't "a pull a Mini" and are able to secure their picks this season. 

1. New York - The only time alexng6888 has drafted a college kid was his first year in the league, ever since it's been high schooler after high schooler. The crystal ball says for his 4th straight #1 pick he'll sign a HS kid for $4M and immediately place them in AAA. High School
2. Pittsburgh - The last two season's at pick 3, the team has gone with college COFers, there's a great chance that if we see a stud college pitcher; he's going to Pitt. College
3. Philadelphia - Philly hasn't had this high of a pick since S49 when they drafted #5 Mitch Dillard. But majority of the time they prefer the high ceiling of the high school kids, but still a small chance they grab another college kid. High School
4. Austin - Could be a sleeper pick here, with a small chance that High Schoolers go picks 1-3; Austin could end up with the top college kid in the draft. The last two years they've gone College but were HS the two years prior to that; all top 10 picks.  ?? (but think they go College - Hook 'em!)
5. Fargo - Welcome to the new owner, but our internet detectives have come up empty on any inside scope about him. A true wildcard!
6. Dover - The last time we did this article was S57 where Dover had selected 14 straight high schoolers in the first round but then he went and drafted 3 straight college kids in recent years. Does he switch back? We don't think so, we think this is a new trend. College
7. Chicago - Has slash drafted anything but high school kids in the first round? Nope. High School
8. New Orleans - Ploppie switched the franchise from drafting College kids under Mini to HSers in S55, we'd expect the trend to continue as the team has committed to rebuilding, don't be surprised if that extra scouting money lands them a college player. High School
9. Colorado Springs - Apparently the new trend is HS draftees and IFA spending. Look for top to grab a kid here. It was said. High School
10. Washington DC - Could go any way here given keltic44's history but given the the last three picks are likely HS, we think he ends up grabbing a college player. But this is another one we could be completely wrong on. College
11. Charleston - opie could really go either way with this one, he likely has the scouting for both. It very well could be 5 High Schoolers and 5 College kids drafted before him. ??
12. Columbus - back to back question marks on who to select, but this time does the franchise has the scouting? ??
13. Augusta - Another team that appears to flip flop between High School and College players, so your guess is as good as ours. ??
14. Tucson - Since taking over the franchise has only drafted one college guy and that was two seasons ago. We'll hedge our bets and go with a HS player, but again less certainty especially after three straight teams who could flip any direction. High School
15. Minnesota - The one season cmc drafted a college kid, he didn't even bother signing him. High School
16. Jacksonville - rwings has shifted the franchise from drafting college kids to high schoolers, at this rate it appears the league will be nothing but High Schoolers and International stars. High School
17. Vancouver - In a parallel alternate reality where Canada is actually a cool place to live, Vancouver who has favored college kids could end up drafting the #3-4 overall college player in the draft at pick 17! Imagine all the unknowns above going with HS drafts. Keep dreaming Canada, keep dreaming! College

There you have folks, the protected picks of the first round. 

Final toll:

8 - High School

4 - College

5 - Wild cards that the blog can't quite figure out. 

Pretty evened out draft, decent chance of someone slipping to a later pick. 

Good luck everyone!

S60 30 the new 20

 Jack Torrance - contributing reporter

The international market sure has changed over the years. The Yen is dropping, Canada still colors their money, and just like digital currency the international spending in Cobbfather is rising. What you used to be able to sign for a $15-20M bonus now takes you $25M minimum! With so many teams trying to build themselves into a contender, payrolls are kept at a bare minimum. Heck, look at Chicago who has a total of 2 players signed for more then $1M and one of them is an extremely streaky hitting poor pitching calling catcher who needs a walker to get down the first base line; which allows them to shift over $48M to prospects. But above them was Colorado Springs who made the first big splash with a $38.2M signing and they still have ~$12M in prospect budget to spend on the draft and potentially a 2nd IFA. Just below them both is New York who has yet to transfer, but doesn't need it to cover; with just shy of $48M. But when did it all change? Was it back in S51 when Huntington shelled out nearly $50M for Wei-Yin Wan? Perhaps but other teams were still only spending $10-15M that season. The following season, S52; we saw 4 players sign in the $20-30M range. S53 things continued to rise with 3 teams spending $30M+ and 3 teams spending $20M+. But it continues further back, Houston in S50 signed Diory James to a $30M+ bonus and nearly $30M to Carlos Soto in S48. Hard to pinpoint exactly when, you can definitely see a different train of thought by owners in the league. Nobody builds just through the draft anymore. We've seen two prospects sign so far this season and they've averaged $33M!! Congrats to Colorado Springs and Charleston for their early season signings. 

All numbers are rounded estimates but here are the projected top spenders on prospect bonuses. 

1. $50M - Colorado Springs
   
2. $48M - Chicago, New York
3. $40M - Augusta
4. $30M - Buffalo, Washington DC, Atlanta, Montreal, Charleston
5. $25M - Vancouver, Mexico City, Hartford
6. $20M - Fargo, Scottsdale

There you have it folks, seeing that list actually makes me wonder if this article should be titled 40 is the new 20. Good luck to everyone in their hunt for that International Model Player.

S60 On the Clock - redrafting S50

 Gabrielle  O. Alvarez-Tillman - Contributing Reporter.

Another year of our On The Clock series that looks back at decade old drafts. We finished out the half century anniversary of Cobbfather, S50.  Back then Jacksonville, then located in Monterrey  by merritr swept Tucson (now Scottsdale) in the World Series after upsetting #1 seed Atlanta and #2 seed Philadelphia. There were 18 Type A Free Agents!! Two less than the year before, yet only 6 of them landed the previous owner a first round pick. It was a busy celebration on the blog and unfortunately did not get to do a recap of that season's drafts. We at the blog still think it's better to trade an expiring contract them out out hope that you'll land a quality pick in the next season's draft. 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. There were 0 Type D picks in the first round; which means Round 2 started at pick #69. Of the 68 drafted, only 46 have seen time in the majors. 

All-in, this group has accounted for 25 all-star, 9 silver slugger, 3 gold gloves, 1 mvp, 0 cy young, 1 fireman, 1 rookie, 10 world series ring 

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

1. Huntington - Brett Humphries (SP)
• Paired nicely with the previous year's #1 pick Roger Simon (SP). Received the call to the majors in S53 where he started 29 games over 147 innings, going 7-9; which is also the last time he had a losing season. While the college and high school scouts were busy at work looking at pitchers, it appears the international scouts were busy looking at hitters. He's currently signed up with Huntington through S62 at a great price. 
• Stats: 194 games, 194 starts, 1083 ip, 75-4 366 bb, 1008 k, 1.18 whip, 3.34 era.
• Awards: None
• Redraft Pick: #1 Brett Humphries - 75-44, 1008 k, 1.18 whip, 3.34 era. Pitching is always tough to find, when you can find one like Humphries you take it. 
2. *El Paso (Mexico City) - Josh Hunt (SS)
• After drafting Batman, aka Adam West (SS) last year; Ploppie goes with Josh Hunt (SS). A few things these two have in common: Neither stay in El Paso for long and neither played much Shortstop in their career thus far. He was dealt to New Orleans in S52 under the direction of minihouston for Turner Pryor and Ronald Yearwood; both of whom are still with the franchise today - though now under the ownership of dakar and located in Mexico City.  In a true show of distaste for Joshua K Hunt, ploppie who had taken ownership of the New Orleans franchise in S55 traded Hunt in S57 only to reacquire him in S58, and to trade him again in S59. Ploppie must really hate Hunt and likes to put him through moving cities over an over again. Hunt has since signed a FA deal to play in Philly as that terrific team pushes for a pick outside the bottom 15. 
• Stats: 1369 games, .266 avg, 310 hr, 200 sb, 851 r, 887 rbi, 404 bb, 929 k. 
• Awards: 2x all-star, 2x world series ring, 2x silver slugger 3B
• Redraft Pick: #2 Josh Hunt - .266 avg, 310 hr, 200 sb, 851 r, 887 rbi. Still the best choice at this pick given the production. I debated him or Warren Cobb & Dilson Rojas but went with the power over the higher average. 
3. *Los Angeles (Salem) - Dilson Rojas (CF)
• This was the last year of the Nap before he sold the team to currently owner staeben.  Imagine taking over a franchise that might have a few bad contracts on its books but has a future MVP on its minor league roster. Hope staeben tipped well. Rojas got the call in S53 for a 90 game show case and the only season he played worse was this past season, S59. Hoping to capture some of that 40+ HR and .300+ average from years prior. Solid pick at #3, picking up this power hitting 2B. And he's not all power, he's picked up generally 20 steals as season as well.  
• Stats: 878 games, .291 avg, 233 hr, 133 sb, 645 r, 655 rbi, 387 bb, 413 k. 
• Awards: 3x all-star, 1x silver slugger 2B, 1x MVP
• Redraft Pick: #3 Dilson Rojas - .291 avg, 233 hr, 133 sb, 645 r, 655 rbi. Debating him or Cobb but slightly more power and less speed to pick up a CF makes sense. Well at least that's the position he was drafted as. 
4. Hartford - Warren Cobb (2B)
• Solid pick for the Hartford club in their final rebuild year before kicking it off to 90+ win seasons and an eventual World Series title last season. They alternated with the New Orleans franchise since S54 for World Series appearances and Cobb is one of the main reasons why. With a quick move into full steam ahead, Cobb was promoted in S52 for the final 119 games. Currently contracted with Hartford through S62.
• Stats: 1077 games, .300 avg, 201 hr, 222 sb, 923 r, 661 rbi, 575 bb, 620 k. 
• Awards: 5x all-star, 2x silver slugger 2b, 1x silver slugger lf, 1x world series ring
• Redraft Pick: #4 Warren Cobb - .300 avg, 201 hr, 222 sb, 923 r, 661 rbi. These three picks become personal preference or maybe just who has the better scouts to predict the future. 
5. Vancouver - Vince Saarloos (SS)
• Didn't take long before Saarloos was shipped off to Atlanta as the headline for Rando Powell...Rando who? Yup. But alas his time was up in Atlanta and he was shipped back to the Northwest but at least he stays Stateside in Tacoma for younger talent. We'll see what he can do in a pitcher's park with reigning MVP in the lineup with him, thoug he's used to have Moss and Crain so shouldn't be anything new. But who else is in that lineup? They could sure use another big bat or more speed to get on base and move up a bag to get in scoring position. 
• Stats: 912 games, .272 avg, 112 hr, 106 sb, 484 r, 484 rbi, 300 bb, 614 k. 
• Awards: 1x all-star, 1x gold glove 3b, 3x world series ring
• Redraft Pick: #12 Joshua Lough - 41-30, 92/119 sv, 1.07 whip, 2.81 era. Two solid relievers go next on our redraft. 
6. *Washington D.C. - Erik Henry (P) 
• Did not sign - Type D pick was used to select Daniel Federowicz. Will cover in detail next season. 
• Redraft Pick: #7 Whit Benoit - 55-29, 116/141 sv, 1.09 whip, 2.43 era. Some could argue this should be flipped around but the blog prefers the talents of Lough over Benoit. 
7. *Milwaukee - Antonio Lincoln (3B)
• Traded to Portland (Salem) in S54 but didn't see the majors until S57 at the age of 25 yrs old; what a run in the minors for this high schooler draftee. He's been a bit sporadic but he's true for 20 HR, that's for sure. He'll hit arbitration next season as the Bourbon Makers take on the Barons for the NL West crown. 
• Stats: 365 games, .274 avg, 65 hr, 24 sb, 208 r, 239 rbi, 114 bb, 268 k. 
• Redraft Pick: #5 Vince Saarloos - .272 avg, 112 hr, 106 sb, 484 r, 484 rbi. Numbers feel a bit inflated from that high power Atlanta offense but we'll give it to him. 
8. Helena - Whit Benoit (RP)
•  Benoit has been rather consistant in the majors the last few seasons for the Hot Doggies. Saving 20+/- games in basically 60 games a season over 120 innings. People may think relief pitchers are a dime a dozen but this was a solid pick for Helena, enough that he was extended last year until S63.
• Stats: 385 games, 733 ip, 55-29, 116/141 sv, 219 bb, 540 k, 1.09 whip, 2.43 era.
• Awards: 4x all-star
• Redraft Pick: #13 David Andrus - .295 avg, 201 hr, 0 sb, 514 r, 635 rbi. 
9. *Boston - Wilking Alvarez (SP)
•  Had a small tasting in S54 but outside a few relief appearances in S57, he's started ever since though I wish I could tell you he's improving with each season. His best season thus far has been S55 when the hitters didn't have enough scouting on him to know how to face him. He signed an extension last season so he's at least in Boston through S63 at $6.8M per.
• Stats: 159 games, 145 starts, 852 ip, 55-48, 203 bb, 603 k, 1.30 whip, 4.52 era.
• Awards: 1x all-star
• Redraft Pick: #14 Edwards Ferrara - .260 avg, 166 hr, 150 sb, 600 r, 481 rbi
10. Austin - Rene Rhodes (SP)
•  A quick S53 call for Austin as they seem to like to do; claimed off waivers during his Arb2 seasons but later released and signed as a free agent to Montreal who snagged him again this season on a cheap 2 year offer. 
• Stats: 219 games, 152 starts, 992 ip, 46-72, 375 bb, 675 k, 1.50 whip, 5.52 era.
• Awards: 1x gold glove P
• Redraft Pick: #18 Boone Maxwell - .289 avg, 180 hr, 47 sb, 498 r, 512 rbi
11. *New Orleans - Harold Foltynewicz (SP)
• Oh what could have been with this pick. It's rumored the NOOFs were eyeing Joshua Lough who went a pick after but went against their gut and grabbed Folty instead. But they used Folty to trade for Victor Ortega (who was claimed off waivers) from Portland (Salem) so who knows how things would have gone in that alternate universe. After just his Arb1 he was signed to an extension in S57 that's set to expire after next year. Unfortunately for Salem he's been more of an SP6 than anything. 
• Stats: 245 games, 245 starts, 1502 ip, 87-99, 625 bb, 1272 k, 1.41 whip, 4.67 era.
• Redraft Pick: #17 Hanser Whiten - 86-68, 931 k, 1.33 whip, 3.69 era.
12. Anaheim - Joshua Lough (RP)
•  The 5th straight pitcher taken after position players filled the top half of the top 10 picks. Didn't take Lough long to get to the majors, being called up for a quick 4 game stint in S52 moving into a full time bullpen role after that. He struggled with a high ERA in Anaheim but seems to have gotten that under control in Atlanta which is amazing given he not only increased the number of games pitched but also his innings. He has become a shut down late inning guy. Signed an extension in S58 to stick with Atlanta until S62 for nearly $10M per. 
• Stats: 456 games, 748 ip, 41-30, 92/119 sv, 233 bb, 746 k, 1.07 whip, 2.81 era.
• Awards: 2x all-star, 2x world series ring
• Redraft Pick: #19 Nestor Alou - 35-29, 59/81 sv, 522 k, 1.14 whip, 3.48 era.
13. *Colorado (Tucson) - Alejandro Belliard (SS)
• Did not sign - Type D pick was used to select Slade Lynch. Will cover in detail next season but hasn't played since S57 with less than 350 games under his name. 
• Redraft Pick: #8 Wilking Alvarez - 55-48, 603 k, 1.30 whip, 4.52 era. Not a great repick for Anaheim but so very pitchers in this draft.
14. *Wichita (Augusta) - Earl Hawkins (LF)
• Immediately promoted to HiA in S50 and then bumped to AAA for two stints before making the majors as the club transitioned to Augusta under new ownership but released shortly after his Arb1 year, signing a FA deal with New Olreans in S58; making it to the World Series; with an extension that takes him through this season as the club starts a rebuild. 
• Stats: 993 games, .269 avg, 149 hr, 71 sb, 463 r, 523 rbi, 315 bb, 660 k. 
• Redraft Pick: #25 Darby Hatcher - 34-20, 108/126 sv, 315 k, 1.19 whip, 3.43 era.
15. *San Juan (Charleston) - Alton Taijeron (P)
• Did not sign - No Type D pick either. Seems a bit of a waste for a protected top pick to not even get a Type D for the following year. 
• Redraft Pick: #72 Jemile Frandsen - .284 avg, 228 hr, 13 sb, 443 r, 575 rbi. I'd probably argue that he actually goes higher given the production but still a jump from the 2nd round to a top 15 pick? Great original selection by Hartford. 
16. *Monterrey (Jacksonville) - David Andrus (C)
• A little surprised we haven't seen a catcher or DH selected already.; while not the best or even league average pitch caller, he's still serviceable behind the plate. At the plate his power shows. Traded to Salt Lake City (Tucson) under ChillyWilly1's only season as owner. Makes you curious if rwings had taken over a season earlier, would he have made the same deal? Currently contracted through S61.
• Stats: 981 games, .292 avg, 201 hr, 0 sb, 514 r, 635 rbi, 444 bb, 659 k. 
• Awards: 3x all-star, 1x rookie, 1x silver slugger dh, 1x silver slugger c
• Redraft Pick: #
17. Montreal - Edwards Ferrara (LF)
• Fantastic pick this late in the first round, currently rated as an 81 OAV and he really seems to have turned on the jets the last two seasons. S58 he had 40 HR with 23 SB, S59 he had 31 HR with 29 SB. A bit streaky but that lower contact will do that to you. He's a main piece in Montreal's bid for the World Series and let's face it, probably all of Canada given what Vancouver is doing on the other side. 
• Stats: 939 games, .260 avg, 166 hr, 150 sb, 600 r, 481 rbi, 335 bb, 730 k. 
• Awards: 1x all-star, 1x silver slugger lf
18. Philadelphia - Matt Eiland (CF)
• First pick to not make it to the majors. 
19. Oklahoma City - Jason McGuiness (RF)
• Another fantastic pick this late in the draft given some of the talent ahead of him, this one an 83 OAV but that's a bit inflated for his talent level. Just hit Arb3 so we'll see if he's back again or even willing to resign with the NL powerhouse. His numbers are down as he's not getting the ABs anymore. 
• Stats: 722 games, ..245 avg, 72 hr, 212 sb, 332 r, 328 rbi, 192 bb, 466 k. 
20. Chicago - Douglas McCovey (SP)
• McCovey was quickly dealt in S 51 to Minnesota where he's heading into his Arb3 next season for Shawn Long who was a major part of the contending Chicago club. McCovey has been decently productive though doesn't long a ton of innings and hasn't won more than 5 games the last two seasons. 
• Stats: 159 games, 142 starts, 768 ip, 43-43, 219 bb, 549 k, 1.34 whip, 4.40 era.
21. Houston - Hanser Whiten (SP)
• Whitten was part of the Carmen Arnold trade back in S53 and the only piece back to Salem that's still with them. Makes you wonder if Salem is second guessing the deal. Can't live in the past, move on! Salem made sure Whiten didn't get a chance to move on by skipping all 3 arb years and signing him to an extension after his rookie deals that's set to expire after this season. 
• Stats: 207 games, 207 starts, 1201 ip, 86-68, 431 bb, 931 k, 1.33 whip, 3.69 era.
22. Oklahoma City - Boone Maxwell (RF)
• Ready for another journey? OKC traded him to Houston in S51, who traded him to Salem in S53 but traded for him back in S54. Two arb cases later he signed an extension this season to stay in Houston through S64. Thoug there are plenty of questions about steroid use and his S57 season; he added .148 to his SLG %. Previous career high in HRs was 29 and he got up to 50? Previous high average was .293 and he hits .324? That or maybe he finally wore Wild Thing's glasses. 
• Stats: 795 games, .289 avg, 180 hr, 47 sb, 498 r, 512 rbi, 276 bb, 441 k. 
23. Buffalo - Nestor Alou (RP)
• This seems to be a prototypical Buffalo pick, late in the first round but still adds value to the future ML team. All relievers have their ups and downs, and he's currently signed up through next season assuming his mutual gets picked up. 
• Stats: 445 games, 548 ip, 35-29, 59/81 sv, 157 bb, 522 k, 1.14 whip, 3.48 era.
24. Huntington - Albert Mayberry (RF)
• Mayberry has risen up with the rest of the Tropics prospects and platooned versus righties when needed, he averages close to 100 games a season and around 400 ABs but he brings the power; still topping 30 all but once. Signed an extension last season but landed on the DL a few days later. Likely to be around another couple of seasons assuming his option gets picked up. 
• Stats: 544 games, .267 avg, 175 hr, 0 sb, 366 r, 413 rbi, 269 bb, 457 k. 
25. *Tucson (Scottsdale) - Lisalverto Lobaton (RF)
• In typical fashion, the Tuscon owner didn't keep any prospects around his minor league club. His minors might as well been made up of homeless people. Lobaton was traded to  Houston S51 where he just went through his Arb3 case this year. We'll see if he's able to stick around any longer or if get tests the free agent market. 
• Awards: 1x world series ring
• Stats: 845 games, .287 avg, 97 hr, 154 sb, 503 r, 369 rbi, 250 bb, 293 k. 
26. Minnesota - Charlie Hinojosa (SS)
• Hino isn't a top of the order guy, but he's produced decently well for the ball club. Players should generally know if they are drafted by Minny, they will likely stay in Minny. Not 100% true, they have made 14 deals the last 20 seasons combined; but generally like to hold on to their own talent. But he has through S62 to prove himself. 
• Stats: 904 games, .270 avg, 82 hr, 59 sb, 396 r, 336 rbi, 256 bb, 578 k. 
27. *Washington D.C. - TJ Nick (CF)
• Like many of his drafted counterparts, he went through Arb2 last season and signed an extension this year; signing through S64. The production hasn't been great but he's logging innings and played in all 162 games for his first 4 seasons, though missed a few last year - playing in only 149 of them. What he offers is a low average, 10 HR, 50+ SBs, and 130+ strikeouts. 
• Stats: 797 games, .237 avg, 57 hr, 247 sb, 452 r, 257 rbi, 247 bb, 625 k. 
28. Pittsburgh - Rafael Chavez (SS)
• Chavez is another man on the move, traded to Tucson (Salt Lake City) in S56 then traded to Montreal S58 before being released prior to his Arb3 case and signing a free agent deal with the rebuilding New Orleans on a 4 year deal; which seems a bit crazy given his past production. But paid for his glove, that's for sure!
• Stats: 687 games, .238 avg, 54 hr, 39 sb, 232 r, 226 rbi, 154 bb, 431 k. 
29. *Scranton (Tacoma) - Richard Suzuki (P)
• Previous owner wasn't high on signing draft picks, no surprise here. 
30. Colorado Springs - Darby Hatcher (RP)
• What an interesting journey for Hatcher who won the S54 AL Fireman of the year Award, followed up with a solid S55 saving more games and his second straight All-Star appearance to get benched and demoted in S56 to AAA that following off-season just before S57 he was traded to Chicago who forgot to put him on the  roster with plenty of time and then lost him to the Rule 5 to Charleston were you can find him pitching after his Arb3 this season. We'll see if they decide to bring him back, considering his 73 games, 98 innings, 1.18 whip, and 2.94 era last season I'd assume he'd at last get some sort of shot to return to the Offspring. 
• Stats: 331 games, 394 ip, 34-20, 108/126 sv, 114 bb, 315 k, 1.19 whip, 3.43w era.
• Awards: 2x all-star, 1x fireman, 1x world series ring
31. *Tucson (Scottsdale) - Chris Martin (C)
• While I'd barely call him a catcher due to his low fielding rankings, he's routinely provided 35-40 HR for Montreal who selected him with their Rule 5 pick in S54. Solid Rule 5 and signed an extension last year just before his 3rd arb case and now playing in Canada (sorry guy!) until next season at $4.2M per. With his age, I assume Montreal will try to lock him up for another couple of years or someone will sign him; just watch for that power to drop because that's where his value resides at the plate. 
• Awards: 1x all-star
• Stats: 902 games, .258 avg, 213 hr, 0 sb, 433 r, 537 rbi, 299 bb, 574 k. 
32. Colorado Springs - Heiker Curtis (P)
• Did not sign - No Type D pick either. 
33. Huntington - Julius Lincoln (C)
• Drafted as a catcher but obviously transitioned to just a DH role. Huntingtin apparently didn't even want to go through Arb1 with Julius so Philly picked him up on a one year flyer. He's your typical power bat DH which is why he slipped to this point in the draft. He's slow, doesn't make good contact, and rarely hits lefties but that power and eye are rated highly. 
• Stats: 259 games, .254 avg, 59 hr, 0 sb, 158 r, 153 rbi, 96 bb, 175 k. 
34. *Washington D.C. - Ronald Wilson (CF)
• Released by DC just after Arb2; which means DC was on the books for his salary anyone. Strange released but New Orleans picked him up for league min only to release him before his final Arb case the following year. That allowed him to sign with Austin on a 4 year deal set to expire next year. 
• Stats: 800 games, .241 avg, 123 hr, 105 sb, 374 r, 406 rbi, 203 bb, 529 k. 
35. *New Orleans - Jeremy Choice (RP)
• Was traded to Minny in S52, then traded to Tuscon in S54, and finally traded to New York in S55 but released prior to Arb2 in S58 where he signed a minor league deal to play for Philly's rookie ballclub. But let's face it, his 2.5 years in New York prior was only a slightly better team than Philly's rookie team...or were they even better? 
• Stats: 138 games, 405 ip, 20-19, 4/4 sv, 152 bb, 227 k, 1.38 whip, 4.13 era.
36. *Colorado (Tucson) - Geovany Jacquez (SP)
• Another quick trade in S51 to Salem (Portland at the time) for Ryuu Komatsu + $3.8M, Jacquez had a short stint from late S53 to early S56 in the majors but has been stuck at AAA every since. Will likely retire in AAA at some point. 
• Stats: 85 games, 85 starts, 452 ip, 25-34, 148 bb, 280 k, 1.51 whip, 4.60 era.
37. Oklahoma City - Dan Scanlan (SS)
• Did not sign.
38. Santa Fe - Onan Igarashi (P)
• 7-0. Retired. 
39. Buffalo - Enos Haas (SS)
• Has been a full time player in Buffalo since S55 though only adds 7-8 HR and 10-12 SB with a .250ish average. He's been a positive fielder at 2B but slightly below average when shifting over to SS. His bat is more appropriate for SS. 
• Stats: 774 games, .250 avg, 32 hr, 66 sb, 293 r, 225 rbi, 231 bb, 628 k. 
40. *Tucson (Scottsdale) - Kirk Bass (P)
• 8-0. Retired.
41. Colorado Springs - Doug Evans (SP)
• 6-0. Retired. 
42. *Colorado (Tucson) - Josh Hale (RP)
• During his Arb2 season he was claimed off waivers by Tacomal who strangely got another two arbitration years out of him. Signed an extension last season to stay in pitcher friendly confines of Tacoma until S63. Thankfully its a team option so the Aroma can figure out if he's still helpful or not by then. Hopefully they've moved into contention by then, or rather they should be in contention by then. 
• Stats: 311 games, 355 ip, 23-37, 80/102 sv, 145 bb, 288 k, 1.46 whip, 4.55 era.
43. Buffalo - Aaron Cannon (1B)
• Over 5 ML seasons he only combined for 385 ABs in 150 games; not much use and eventually left for free agency this season; still waiting to be signed. 
• Stats: x games, .228 avg, 17 hr, 1 sb, 42 r, 45 rbi, 45 bb, 70 k. 
44. *Tucson (Scottsdale) - Roy Street (RP)
• The trend for then owner was to deal every prospect he could, and Street was no different; being dealt to their favorite trade partner in Houston during S51 who flipped him to Buffalo in S55 and traded to Jacksonville in S59. He signed an extension this off-season for 5/$22M.
• Stats: 339 games, 449 ip, 27-20, 19/37 sv, 127 bb, 315 k, 1.26 whip, 3.91 era.
45. Colorado Springs - Justin Anderson (SP)
• 10-0. Going strong in AAA.
46. *Tucson (Scottsdale) - Felix Monroe (RP)
• Are we surprised to see him traded to Houston? Probably no, Houston then traded him to Milwaukee in S53 where he just went through Arb2. We'll see if he sticks around for Arb3 or gets released since the franchise is now under new ownership. 
• Stats: 120 games, 157 ip, 7-8, 3/4 sv, 68 bb, 93 k, 1.43 whip, 4.57 era.
47. *Tucson (Scottsdale) - Sting Ainsworth (SP)
• He too was traded to Houston Helena in S52 where he just went through Arb1; though he has bounced down to AAA in S58 but recalled last season. Is he here to stay? 
• Stats: 83 games, 59 starts, 366 ip, 27-16, 100 bb, 228 k, 1.26 whip, 3.96 era.
48. *Tucson (Scottsdale) - Chase Watson (SS)
• Traded? You guessed it, to Houston in S51 and then flipped to Colorado Springs in S57. He just went through Arb1 and as long as he can stay cheap, the rebuilding Loins will keep him around otherwise its retirement for him even though he's a plus defender. I think the CS owner has more power and speed than this guy!
• Stats: 541 games, .234 avg, 1 hr, 2 sb, 118 r, 112 rbi, 173 bb, 422 k. 
49. *El Paso (Mexico City) - Taylor Towers (2B)
• Towers became a Rule 5 selection by Montreal in S54 and eventually released in S57.
• Stats:x games, .249 avg, 28 hr, 40 sb, 118 r, 104 rbi, 72 bb, 173 k. 
50. Helena - Del Allen (RF)
• Allen became your typical late flyer pick, made it through arbitration but then released and failed to find another club to sign with; but at least he has an award to his name. 
• Awards: 1x gold glove 1B
• Stats: 723 games, .266 avg, 30 hr, 207 sb, 376 r, 209 rbi, 196 bb, 289 k. 
51. *Boston - Alexander Sandberg (1B)
• Sandberg slipped through the cracks of many teams as an above average 1B that makes great contact and brings a fair amount of power to the plate. And he's no slouch on the basepaths, that makes up for his lower splits that lead to the extension he signed this season. 
• Stats: 727 games, .272 avg, 142 hr, 60 sb, 377 r, 449 rbi, 232 bb, 332 k. 
52. Austin - Elrod Wilson (SP)
• Like we've said before, once Austin drafts you they hang on to you. Wilson finally earned his promotion and just went through Arb1. 
• Stats: 119 games, 119 starts, 685 ip, 34-51, 235 bb, 489 k, 1.41 whip, 4.40 era.
53. *Wichita (Augusta) - Max Olivio (C)
• Acquired by Houston in S52 but dealt away in S55. His S57 extension is set to after next year but it won't be with Houston as he was dealt to Jacksonville. 
• Stats: 1000 games, .284 avg, 161 hr, 7 sb, 530 r, 462 rbi, 610 bb, 469 k. 
54. Montreal - Harry Belieau (LF)
• Finally called up to the majors with about as expected results. Should stick around for a couple of years while he's still cheap. 
• Stats: 122 games, .259 avg, 14 hr, 8 sb, 52 r, 54 rbi, 34 bb, 95 k. 
55. Philadelphia - Jay Norton (3B)
• Another player on the move was traded to Houston S51 (3 for 3 deal), traded to Portland (Salem) S53 (3 for 1) and finally released after his Arb2 seasons. 
• Stats: 797 games, .254 avg, 99 hr, 6 sb, 305 r, 396 rbi, 217 bb, 594 k.
56. Oklahoma City - Rich Rendon (CF)
• Life was good and then he got traded to Helena in a deal for 1B Pedro Alberro who was entering his Arb3 season. Rendon was then claimed in the Rule 5 by Tokyo (Scottsdale), offered back to Helena but declined and then claimed by the now Jacksonville franchise. They kept him the rest of the year but then dealt him to Augusta in S56 in a package deal for Jimmie Bryant. Rendon finally made the majors but was released prior to his own Arb years. 
• Stats: 442 games, .251 avg, 13 hr, 55 sb, 142 r, 115 rbi, 121 bb, 292 k.
57. Santa Fe - Jeremy Black (SS)
• 6-0. Retired.
58. *Tucson (Scottsdale) - Clint Knight (P) 
• Did not sign. 
59. Minnesota - LJ Wong (SP)
• 10-0. Still waiting on that promotion to the majors. The fans are ready for WONG time!
60. Dover - Willy Surkamp (2B)
• 6-0. Retired. 
61. Pittsburgh - Blake Cardona (2B)
• Did not sign.  
62. *Scranton (Tacoma) - Richard Suzuki (P)
• Again, no surprise pick wasn't signed. 
63. Columbus - Dixon Avery (RP)
• Left the franchise after S56 and signed to continual one year deals by the New Orleans franchise outside of this season. Still hoping to be signed. 
64. Oklahoma City - Tony Holloway (SP)
• Was called up to the majors in S54 where he pitched for 35 innings in 25 games, but he's only managed 40 innings combined in the 5 seasons since. Hope still lives with him!
• Stats: 43 games, 77 ip, 7-8, 5/6 sv, 25 bb, 51 k, 1.29 whip, 2.91 era.
65. *Tucson (Scottsdale) - Skeeter Christensen (P)
• Did not sign. 
66. Minnesota - Ike Eyre (2B)
• 5-0. Retired. 
67. Oklahoma City - Aaron Basile (SS)
• Still with the franchise after 10 years and found an promotion but was immediately hit by a 60-day DL stint. That's like winning the lottery and dying the next day. Or a black fly in your Chardonnay. Isn't it ironic? Don't you think?
68. *Tucson (Scottsdale) - Ken Randolph (P)
• Did not sign. 

Other notable picks:

• #69 - Mac Sitton (C) - Huntington
• Stats: 439 games, .305 avg, 59 hr, 0 sb, 251 r, 239 rbi, 171 bb, 192 k. 
• #72 - Jemile Frandsen (RF) - Hartford
• Stats: 1017 games, .284 avg, 228 hr, 13 sb, 443 r, 575 rbi, 264 bb, 493 k. 
• #102 - Roscoe Nicholas (RP) - *El Paso (Mexico City)
• Stats: 367 games, 389 ip, 17-21, 24/41 sv, 154 bb, 354 k, 1.36 whip, 4.11 era.
• #104 - Darrin Knight (C) - Hartford
• Stats: 654 games, .239 avg, 41 hr, 2 sb, 154 r, 161 rbi, 108 bb, 362 k. 
• #111 - Zoltan Shelby (3B) - *New Orleans
• Stats: 537 games, .242 avg, 80 hr, 4 sb, 202 r, 229 rbi, 147 bb, 459 k. 
• #368 - Kyeong Aoki (SP) - *New Orleans
• Stats: 195 games, 180 starts, 1226 ip, 78-71, 574 bb, 862 k, 1.47 whip, 4.43 era.
• #537 - Paul Lukasiewicz (LF) - Chicago
• Stats: 776 games, .269 avg, 116 hr, 27 sb, 339 r, 360 rbi, 219 bb, 219 k. 
• #551 - Osvaldo Polanco (P) - *El Paso (Mexico City)
• Stats: 155 games, 96 starts, 690 ip, 46-37, 4/4 sv, 233 bb, 413 k, 1.35 whip, 4.33 era.
• #635 - Ted Suppan (P) - Santa Fe
• Stats: 202 games, 147 starts, 954 ip, 55-49, 4/4 sv, 361 bb, 666 k, 1.43 whip, 4.92 era.
• Amazing find that this guy wasn't even a diamond and produced these numbers. 

Building a team from S50 draft.

C: #16 David Andrus

1B: #22 Boone Maxwell

2B: #4 Warren Cobb

SS: #5 Vince Saarloos

3B: #2 Josh Hunt

LF: #17 Edwards Ferrara

CF: #3 Dilson Rojas

RF: #5 Vince Saarloos

DH: #13 David Andrus

SP1: #1 Brett Humphries

SP2: #21 Hanser Whiten
SP3: #11 Harold Foltynewicz

SuA: #8 Whit Benoit

ClA: #12 Joshua Lough

For the Records - bold indicates leader in that category. Each is 10 seasons after they were drafted.
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 

S60 - Top Prospects

Gabrielle  O. Alvarez-Tillman - Contributing Reporter.

The blog writers seem to have less time these days as the blog editor seems to have shifted his staff to running the Tokyo Nomo, now known as the Scottsdale Sazeracs. But that said we are still here and will get articles up as we can; including this one about the top prospects in the league. Now we've ran all 4,324 through the computers - yes the computers, sorry Houston; not our fault they don't like NASA - and in record time of 0.00002 seconds it spit out this list of top Cobbfather prospects. That said, there are obviously going to miscalculations or omissions, it's part of any list. If we miss one of your guys, get over it; the blog isn't based in Canada and we aren't saying..."soar-ee". (EDITOR note: Is anyone actually Canadian here? - just having fun, don't want to offend). One last thing, the blog doesn't care where you have a player positioned currently, we base positions on where we think they should be played without being a detriment to the defense and the pitcher on the mound. 

By the way, this was done during the offseason, so some players may have changed teams. 

• Top Catchers
• Tier I
• Greg Thomson (R) - Huntington - AAA
• Graham Tatterree (R) - Atlanta - HiA
• Jose Johnson (R) - Mexico City - LoA
• Harry Belliard (R) - New Orleans - AAA
• Tier II
• Starling Mota (L) - Tacoma - AAA
• Anthony Febles (R) - Hartford - AA
• Emil Espinosa (R) - Minnesota - LoA
• Touki Terrell (S) - Jacksonville - AAA
• Top First Basemen
• Tier I
• Miguel Feliz (S) - Fargo - AA
• Tier II
• Nicky Anderson (L) - Mexico City - HiA
• Don Sano (R) - Tacoma - AAA
• TJ Bowman (R) - Mexico City - AAA
• Bronson Yamakazi (R) - New York - AAA
• JO Castro (R) - Charleston - AAA
• Radhames Sanchez (L) - Washington DC - RL
• Franklin Robertson (L) - Boston
• Top Second Basemen
• Tier I
• Al Vogt (R) - Minnesota - LoA
• Tier II
• Dewayne Jones (R) - Houston - AA
• Joakim Bocachica (S) - Tacoma - AAA
• Kid Kottaras (L) - Salem - RL
• Top Shortstops
• Tier I
• Gordon Eyre (R) - New York - ML (S60 #1 pick in Rule 5 this year)
• Duke Omogrosso (R) - Huntington - AAA
• Albert Dykstra (R) - Austin - LoA
• Tier II
• Jacob Helms (R) - Pittsburgh - AAA
• Viosergy Barrett (R) - Austin - AAA
• Top Third Basemen
• Tier I
• Lorenzo Mendez (R) - Buffalo - HiA
• Tier II
• Hector Pascual (R) - New York - AAA
• Malachi Mitchell (R) - New York - AAA
• Carl Walsh (R) - Hartford - LoA
• Freddy Smith (R) - Austin - AA
• Sid Jenkins (L) - Hartford - AAA
• David Parrott (R) - Scottsdale - HiA
• Top Left Fielders
• Tier I
• Chris Wagner (L) - Charleston - AA
• Reese Bruce (R) - Pittsburgh - AA
• Reid Taylor (R) - Charleston - AA
• Tier II
• Jamie Porter (R) - Buffalo - AAA
• Ali Hall (R) - Colorado Springs - AA
• Stephen Telford (R) - Washington DC - LoA
• Charles Suzuki (R) - New York - AAA
• Pascual Padilla (S) - Charleston - LoA
• James Bong (S) - Charleston - AAA
• Rob Wooster (R) - Montreal - LoA
• Top Center Fielders
• Tier I
• Larry Hall (L) - Tucson - AAA
• Tier II
• Dale Barker (R) - New Orleans - AAA
• Alex Terrero (R) - Tucson - AAA
• Hector Miles (L) - Fargo - AA
• Vic Martinez (S) - Atlanta - HiA
• Top Right Fielders
• Tier I
• Darrell Schneider (S) - Pittsburgh - LoA
• Stu Hawkins (L) - Montreal - LoA
• Tier II
• Kevin Walker (R) - Buffalo - AAA
• Top Designated Hitters
• Meh, the blog is now based in Scottsdale, an NL team. No need to rank DH, our fan base doesn't care about them. It's seems every team has 1-2 guys who can't field if their grandma's life depending on it but can smack the crap out of the ball. 
• Top Fielders (future Rule 5 picks)
• Tier I
• Kaleb Niese (R) - Chicago - RL
• Erisbel De Leon (R) - Houston - RL
• Mack Shackleford (L) - Boston - LoA
• Miguel Hernandez (L) - New York - HiA
• Know how New York doesn't care about this guy? He's not in AAA with every other prospect that will eventually make the majors
• Tier II
• Viosergy Barrett (R) - Austin - AAA
• Taylor Moss (R) - Buffalo - AA
• Greg Slotnick (R) - Fargo - AA
• Rafael Urena (S) - Boston  - AA
• Gene Parrish (R) - Vancouver - AAA
• Bronson Bang (R) - Chicago - HiA

Okay, and now for the pitchers. 

• Top Starting Pitchers
• Tier I
• Kes Baines (R) - Augusta - RL
• Dave Cisco (R) - Augusta - HiA
• Dane Santayana (R) - Atlanta - AA
• Marwin Villanueva (R) - New York - AAA
• Tier II
• Efren Gutierrez (R) - Dover - AAA
• Gene Newson (R) - Jacksonville - AA
• Leyson Gregorius (R) - Augusta - RL
• Andrew Blume (L) - Buffalo - AA
• Al Estrada (L) - Washington DC - AA
• Roland Lambo (L) - Scottsdale - AA
• Top Relief Pitchers
• Tier I
• Logan Galloway (L) - Augusta - HiA
• Todd Parrish (L) - Boston - HiA
• Tier II
• Souta Tuivailala (L) - Colorado Springs - HiA
• Todd Torreyes (R) - New Orleans - AA
• David Matos (R) - Augusta - AA
• Allen Roberts (R) - Tacoma - AAA
• Derrick Dydalewicz (L) - New Orleans - AA
• Alexei Reynoso (R) - Tucson - LoA
• Jose Bazardo (L) - Atlanta - AAA
• Julio Mangual (R) - Anaheim - LoA
• Rosell Perez (R) - Scottsdale - HiA
• Alex Holmes (R) - Vancouver - AA

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