The 2026 DMBL draft kicked off Monday with history-making selections.
Showing posts with label draft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label draft. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Sunday, January 11, 2026
2026 draft lottery mostly holds to form
This year's draft lottery provided little surprise with only two lottery teams swapping positions within the top 10.
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Draft history was made last week
It was bound to happen sooner or later. For the first time in DMBL history, an ineligible player was selected No. 1 overall in the annual draft.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
2012 Round 1 Review
They say you really can't grade a draft until a few years later but that doesn't stop the gasps and guffaws in the war room that some picks bring. And what better time to review last year's first round selections than on this revered holiday that is draft day. (The asterisk indicates the player was protected this past offseason.)
1. Lucas Duda*, OF, Amityville
The Ant Slayers maneuvered up to pry away the top pick from Hopatcong and move up just one slot, for the price of a 2013 second-rounder. Duda had a excellent rookie campaign, bashing 25 home runs and 32 doubles, with 96 RBIs and 90 runs scored (the latter two categories best among rookies). He hit a reasonable .261 while most all of his damage was done against righties, slugging .496, as the Ant Slayers primary first basemen.
Duda finished fourth in the Pat Listach Rookie Of the Year Award voting, earning a 1st-place vote and a 3rd-place vote (6 points). Amityville must still believe in the lefty power bat, protecting him in the offseason, but he's not likely to see action with the big club.
2. Brandon Beachy*, SP, Bridgewater
This pick originally started with Amityville but after a flurry of picks changed hands between the Ant Slayers and Hopatcong and Bridgewater, it was the Mallers who ended up with it. Beachy was impressive, finishing with a team-high 16 wins (leading all rookies) against 7 losses and a sketchy 4.84 ERA and 1.48 WHIP. Still an impressive year, mind you, with 220 Ks in 182.1 innings and 32 starts. Most of his success came in the first half, propelling the rookie into the starting role for the Diamond League all-stars, gaining 10 votes, just ahead of Philly's Roy Halladay, with nine.
Beachy tied for 5th in Listach voting (with Corey Luebke, Al Albuerqueue and Craig Kimbrel, all garnering one 1st-place vote (5 points). He was dealt to Las Vegas in the offseason for a slew of draft picks where he's expected to team with the likely top pick in this year's draft, Kris Medlen.
3. Jemile Weeks, 2B, Newark
The best thing you can say about Weeks was that he led all rookies in at-bats (662) and plate appearance, starting 160 games at 2B for the Sugar Bears. He did pop 36 doubles and collect 181 hits in an otherwise mediocre season that saw him hit .273. Weeks was a 50-50 chances to steal a base: he swiped 18 bags -- but also was caught 18 times! He was pretty aggressive at the plate too, striking out 115 times against just 25 walks.
4. Cory Luebke, SP/RP, Hopatcong
The Floating Fish ended up with the #4 pick after all the jockeying between Amityville and Bridgewater. And they probably couldn't be happier. Luebke turned it on in the second half of the season (10-2, 2.67 ERA, 133 Ks, 104.2 IP) to help Hopatcong to its first-ever division title. He finished the year 13-8 with a 3.74 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and a league-leading 242 strikeouts despite 80 walks in 33 starts, good enough for someone to cast a 1st-place ballot for him in ROY voting. Unfortunately, it must have all taken a toll on the lefty because he will miss the 2013 DMBL season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
5. Philip Humber, SP, Arkansas
Humber flew under the radar much of the year as Beachy, Luebke and others garnered the spotlight, but led all rookies in decisions, going 15-13, with a 4.21 ERA and 1.39 WHIP and logging 220 innings in 32 starts for the Golden Falcons. It wasn't enough to make a ROY ballot, but a successful season nonetheless, the only Arkansas starter to post a .500 record and leading the squad in wins. Someone did recognize his success, casting a 3rd-place vote for him in ROY balloting.
6. Vance Worley, SP, Blue Ridge
Worley was much in the same boat as Humber: not the stellar season of others, but quality for the Bombers. He went 12-10 with a solid 4.19 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. He had more wins than rookie teammate Jeremy Hellickson (11), but Hellickson like many of last year's ROY candidates was drafted as a prospect the previous year. Worley was rewarded with 4 votes on the all-star ballot, falling short of making the team.
7. Brandon McCarthy*, SP, Newark
McCarthy original broke in with Vancouver in 2006 as a second-round pick and then took a few years off., bouncing around reserve lists before getting tapped by the Sugar Bears. He finished with a rather pedestrian record at 10-8, despite a 3.57 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. He also got some love in all-star voting, with 4 ballots, but fell short. He logged 189.1 innings in 27 starts fo the Sugar Bears. The pick originally belonged to Marietta
McCarthy was protected but not by Newark. He was dealt to Sardine City in exchange for closer Jason Motte just before the deadline.
8. Emilio Bonifacio, SS, Hillsborough
The speedster was eligible in center as well but made 132 starts for the Hit Men at shortstop. He swiped 16 bags but was caught 12 times and scored 61 runs. He batted .250 with just 16 doubles and same number of triples as home runs -- 4. The switch-hitting Bonifacio was impressive against lefties, hitting .325 with a .392 OBP but struggled versus right-handers, hitting just .224 with an equal .273 in OBP as well as SLG in 362 at-bats.
9. Brett Lawrie*, 3B, Livingston
There are no stats to review for the third-base prospect, since the expansion Livingston franchise went with an ineligible selection for its first-ever draft pick. At a minimum, he's expected to platoon at third base against left-handers.
Unless the franchise -- which changed its name from Last Place to the Lords of Swing since last year's draft -- selects another third basemen today, Lawrie could very well be thrown out to the hot corner in his rookie campaign and just plug away.
10. Ivan Nova, SP, St. Louis
Nova put together a season as good as you could hope for from a rookie starter for an expansion team. He finished 13-9, leading the team in wins, to go along with a 4.63 ERA and 1.34 WHIP. He also made 31 starts, which included two complete games and a shutout, nearly reaching the 200-inning plateau (196.1).
11. John Mayberry, CF/1B, Vancouver
His power numbers were similar in some respects to the top pick, Duda, and even outhomered him by one (26) to lead all rookies in long balls. He also drove in 60 RBIs and scored 63 runs, along with whacking 18 doubles. Overall, he hit .257 and slugged .489, with an OPS of .833.
Mayberry was serviceable against right-handers with a .766 OPS (.239/.342/.424), but was a lefty killer with a .993 OPS (.298/.352/.641), though interestingly, he split his 26 homers evenly between both sides of the plate. He mainly patrolled right field for the Fisters but also saw some spotty time in the corner outfield positions, figuring in 123 games overall.
This pick originally belonged to the Carolina Mudcats (who have since been renamed Rowdy Roddy Pipers), but sent to Vancouver along with a 5th rounder this year in exchange for center fielder Adam Jones.
12. Javier Vazquez, SP, Sardine City
It was a season full of surprises for Vazquez. First, he was taken in the first round pick, then the 35-year-old made the all-star team. Overall, he finished 9-12, tossing 189.3 innings in 31 starts. He logged a 1.22 WHIP and 3.90 ERA. He added to his career numbers, breaking into the top 25 in several all-time categories, including wins, game starts and innings.
He found success in Sardine City, where he fashioned an 8-5 record with a 2.90 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 20 starts (13 quality starts). But it all came apart after he was shipped to Bridgewater in exchange for Doug Fister, who had struggled for the Mallers. What ensued was perhaps the biggest reversal of fortunes in recent memory.
Vazquez went just 1-7 in 11 starts (3 quality) for the Mallers, including a 6.45 ERA and 1.55 WHIP. Meanwhile, Fister twirled 10 quality starts among his 13 starts for the Straphangers, including two shutouts, going 7-3 with a 2.29 ERA and 1.09 WHIP, keeping Sardine City in the playoff hunt until late in the season.
13. Mike Carp, 1B, Vancouver
Carp saw action in the outfield and first base for the Iron Fist but primarily served as the DH during his 44 games in Vancouver. There wasn't much to distinguish his 2012 season: .245/.307/.358, with 3 home runs and 22 RBIs, and it didn't make much difference whether he was facing a left-hander or a righty.
14. Marco Scutaro*, SS, Hoboken
If you had to guess which first-rounder would most likely be protected in the next offseason, it's a safe bet you would not have gone with the 36-year-old journeyman utility infielder. Scutaro had his moments for the Cutters, starting 111 games at shortstop, splitting time in a platoon with Ramon Santiago, who played against lefties. But eventually he lost playing time to J.J. Hardy after he was acquired from Philly in a deadline deal.
Scutaro's overall line wasn't pretty (.233/.287/.328) but he did smack 24 doubles. Most of his success was found against lefties, with an .813 OPS (.329/.356/.457), despite limited action (70 at-bats). This season he's also eligible at 2B.
15. Aaron Crow, RP, Arkansas
The young fireballer struck out 86 batters in 77.1 innings but only managed a 4.89 ERA and a dreadful 1.68 WHIP (thanks to 51 walks). He appeared in 58 games, logging two saves, and going 1-4 for the Golden Falcons.
Philly originally held this pick but handed it over just before the 2012 midseason trade deadline in a blockbuster deal that brought them David Wright and Johan Santana, among others.
16. Josh Collmenter, SP, Hopatcong
After the dust settled in the Hopatcong-Las Vegas-Bridgewater exchange, the Floating Fish ended up with two first-round picks, including the final pick in the round.
Collmenter teamed with Luebke and Josh Tomlin to give the Floating Fish an impressive, if improbable, no-name rotation that rewarded the franchise with a deep run into the playoffs. Collmenter wasn't going to win any award with his numbers but every rotation needs an innings-eater. He was 13-12 despite a 4.47 ERA, and twirled three complete games among his 32 starts. He ranked second on the team in innings pitched (217.1) and had a respectable 1.24 WHIP. Interestingly, three of Hopatcong's starters finished with 13 wins.
So, what say you, a year later, who was the best pick of the 2012 first round? The worst?
1. Lucas Duda*, OF, Amityville
 |
| Duda arrived hoping his batting and some fashion sense rubbed off on the Ant Slayers. |
Duda finished fourth in the Pat Listach Rookie Of the Year Award voting, earning a 1st-place vote and a 3rd-place vote (6 points). Amityville must still believe in the lefty power bat, protecting him in the offseason, but he's not likely to see action with the big club.
2. Brandon Beachy*, SP, Bridgewater
This pick originally started with Amityville but after a flurry of picks changed hands between the Ant Slayers and Hopatcong and Bridgewater, it was the Mallers who ended up with it. Beachy was impressive, finishing with a team-high 16 wins (leading all rookies) against 7 losses and a sketchy 4.84 ERA and 1.48 WHIP. Still an impressive year, mind you, with 220 Ks in 182.1 innings and 32 starts. Most of his success came in the first half, propelling the rookie into the starting role for the Diamond League all-stars, gaining 10 votes, just ahead of Philly's Roy Halladay, with nine.
Beachy tied for 5th in Listach voting (with Corey Luebke, Al Albuerqueue and Craig Kimbrel, all garnering one 1st-place vote (5 points). He was dealt to Las Vegas in the offseason for a slew of draft picks where he's expected to team with the likely top pick in this year's draft, Kris Medlen.
3. Jemile Weeks, 2B, Newark
The best thing you can say about Weeks was that he led all rookies in at-bats (662) and plate appearance, starting 160 games at 2B for the Sugar Bears. He did pop 36 doubles and collect 181 hits in an otherwise mediocre season that saw him hit .273. Weeks was a 50-50 chances to steal a base: he swiped 18 bags -- but also was caught 18 times! He was pretty aggressive at the plate too, striking out 115 times against just 25 walks.
4. Cory Luebke, SP/RP, Hopatcong
The Floating Fish ended up with the #4 pick after all the jockeying between Amityville and Bridgewater. And they probably couldn't be happier. Luebke turned it on in the second half of the season (10-2, 2.67 ERA, 133 Ks, 104.2 IP) to help Hopatcong to its first-ever division title. He finished the year 13-8 with a 3.74 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and a league-leading 242 strikeouts despite 80 walks in 33 starts, good enough for someone to cast a 1st-place ballot for him in ROY voting. Unfortunately, it must have all taken a toll on the lefty because he will miss the 2013 DMBL season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
5. Philip Humber, SP, Arkansas
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| Maybe he didn't duplicate his no-no but Humber had a quality year for the Golden Falcons. |
6. Vance Worley, SP, Blue Ridge
Worley was much in the same boat as Humber: not the stellar season of others, but quality for the Bombers. He went 12-10 with a solid 4.19 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. He had more wins than rookie teammate Jeremy Hellickson (11), but Hellickson like many of last year's ROY candidates was drafted as a prospect the previous year. Worley was rewarded with 4 votes on the all-star ballot, falling short of making the team.
7. Brandon McCarthy*, SP, Newark
McCarthy original broke in with Vancouver in 2006 as a second-round pick and then took a few years off., bouncing around reserve lists before getting tapped by the Sugar Bears. He finished with a rather pedestrian record at 10-8, despite a 3.57 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. He also got some love in all-star voting, with 4 ballots, but fell short. He logged 189.1 innings in 27 starts fo the Sugar Bears. The pick originally belonged to Marietta
McCarthy was protected but not by Newark. He was dealt to Sardine City in exchange for closer Jason Motte just before the deadline.
8. Emilio Bonifacio, SS, Hillsborough
The speedster was eligible in center as well but made 132 starts for the Hit Men at shortstop. He swiped 16 bags but was caught 12 times and scored 61 runs. He batted .250 with just 16 doubles and same number of triples as home runs -- 4. The switch-hitting Bonifacio was impressive against lefties, hitting .325 with a .392 OBP but struggled versus right-handers, hitting just .224 with an equal .273 in OBP as well as SLG in 362 at-bats.
9. Brett Lawrie*, 3B, Livingston
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| Lawrie was ineligible for Livingston last season anyway, so WTF, why not? |
Unless the franchise -- which changed its name from Last Place to the Lords of Swing since last year's draft -- selects another third basemen today, Lawrie could very well be thrown out to the hot corner in his rookie campaign and just plug away.
10. Ivan Nova, SP, St. Louis
Nova put together a season as good as you could hope for from a rookie starter for an expansion team. He finished 13-9, leading the team in wins, to go along with a 4.63 ERA and 1.34 WHIP. He also made 31 starts, which included two complete games and a shutout, nearly reaching the 200-inning plateau (196.1).
11. John Mayberry, CF/1B, Vancouver
His power numbers were similar in some respects to the top pick, Duda, and even outhomered him by one (26) to lead all rookies in long balls. He also drove in 60 RBIs and scored 63 runs, along with whacking 18 doubles. Overall, he hit .257 and slugged .489, with an OPS of .833.
Mayberry was serviceable against right-handers with a .766 OPS (.239/.342/.424), but was a lefty killer with a .993 OPS (.298/.352/.641), though interestingly, he split his 26 homers evenly between both sides of the plate. He mainly patrolled right field for the Fisters but also saw some spotty time in the corner outfield positions, figuring in 123 games overall.
This pick originally belonged to the Carolina Mudcats (who have since been renamed Rowdy Roddy Pipers), but sent to Vancouver along with a 5th rounder this year in exchange for center fielder Adam Jones.
12. Javier Vazquez, SP, Sardine City
It was a season full of surprises for Vazquez. First, he was taken in the first round pick, then the 35-year-old made the all-star team. Overall, he finished 9-12, tossing 189.3 innings in 31 starts. He logged a 1.22 WHIP and 3.90 ERA. He added to his career numbers, breaking into the top 25 in several all-time categories, including wins, game starts and innings.
Vazquez went just 1-7 in 11 starts (3 quality) for the Mallers, including a 6.45 ERA and 1.55 WHIP. Meanwhile, Fister twirled 10 quality starts among his 13 starts for the Straphangers, including two shutouts, going 7-3 with a 2.29 ERA and 1.09 WHIP, keeping Sardine City in the playoff hunt until late in the season.
13. Mike Carp, 1B, Vancouver
Carp saw action in the outfield and first base for the Iron Fist but primarily served as the DH during his 44 games in Vancouver. There wasn't much to distinguish his 2012 season: .245/.307/.358, with 3 home runs and 22 RBIs, and it didn't make much difference whether he was facing a left-hander or a righty.
 |
| Marco Scutaro was just pscyhed to remain with Hoboken this offseason, |
If you had to guess which first-rounder would most likely be protected in the next offseason, it's a safe bet you would not have gone with the 36-year-old journeyman utility infielder. Scutaro had his moments for the Cutters, starting 111 games at shortstop, splitting time in a platoon with Ramon Santiago, who played against lefties. But eventually he lost playing time to J.J. Hardy after he was acquired from Philly in a deadline deal.
Scutaro's overall line wasn't pretty (.233/.287/.328) but he did smack 24 doubles. Most of his success was found against lefties, with an .813 OPS (.329/.356/.457), despite limited action (70 at-bats). This season he's also eligible at 2B.
15. Aaron Crow, RP, Arkansas
The young fireballer struck out 86 batters in 77.1 innings but only managed a 4.89 ERA and a dreadful 1.68 WHIP (thanks to 51 walks). He appeared in 58 games, logging two saves, and going 1-4 for the Golden Falcons.
Philly originally held this pick but handed it over just before the 2012 midseason trade deadline in a blockbuster deal that brought them David Wright and Johan Santana, among others.
16. Josh Collmenter, SP, Hopatcong
After the dust settled in the Hopatcong-Las Vegas-Bridgewater exchange, the Floating Fish ended up with two first-round picks, including the final pick in the round.
Collmenter teamed with Luebke and Josh Tomlin to give the Floating Fish an impressive, if improbable, no-name rotation that rewarded the franchise with a deep run into the playoffs. Collmenter wasn't going to win any award with his numbers but every rotation needs an innings-eater. He was 13-12 despite a 4.47 ERA, and twirled three complete games among his 32 starts. He ranked second on the team in innings pitched (217.1) and had a respectable 1.24 WHIP. Interestingly, three of Hopatcong's starters finished with 13 wins.
So, what say you, a year later, who was the best pick of the 2012 first round? The worst?
Friday, May 4, 2012
The way-too-early Round 1 preview!
"If the 2013 draft was held today, who would be the first overall pick?"
What a ridiculous question! We're one month into the season. No one has even qualified yet!
But still...
Who would be the first overall pick?
Alright, let's do it. The way-too-early predictions for the first round of the 2013 Draft!
Note that none of these guys is actually available to be picked up as a free agent right now, so don't get all excited. We're strictly looking at guys who we know will be available in 2013.
1 Lance Lynn, SP: This St. Louis starter has all the ingredients you look for in a #1 pick -- he's relatively young (25), he was a highly touted prospect (the Cardinals' 1st round pick in 2008), and he throws hard (358 K in 414.1 minor league innings). But if he keeps pitching like this, he'll be a slam dunk. Lynn is a perfect 5-0 in five starts this season, with a sparkling 1.60 ERA and 0.77 WHIP. He's struck out 30 guys in 33.2 innings while just walking seven. Lynn also had a pretty good year in 2011 -- 3.12 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 11 BB, 40 K in 34.2 IP -- but in only 18 games and two starts, not nearly enough to qualify.
2 Bryan LaHair, 1B: The Cubs first baseman is hitting a ridiculous .381/.459/.794 (1.253 OPS!) to start the season, with 8 2B and 6 HR in just 63 AB. If he keeps up that pace, he'll definitely be the #1 overall pick! While no one is expecting LaHair to put up Ruthian numbers, you can't totally dismiss his start as a fluke -- he put up huge numbers in Triple-A last year (.331/.405/.664, 38 HR, 109 RBI in 456 AB), then followed it up with .288/.377/.508 in the bigs, albeit in just 59 at-bats. Overall, he's put up a .295/.362/.503 line in 3,624 minor league ABs. And that's the downside -- he'll be 30 in November, having spent the last six seasons stuck in Triple-A.
3 Wade Miley, SP: While Arizona prospects Trevor Bauer and Tyler Skaggs get all the attention, Miley is actually in the majors -- and off to a great start! The 25-year-old southpaw was named N.L. Rookie of the Month for April after going 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA and 0.81 WHIP. Miley began the year in the D-backs bullpen, giving up 7 hits and 4 walks with just 2 Ks in 8.2 innings. Then he was moved to the rotation, where he's been amazing -- 0 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 13 K in 12.1 IP!
4 Drew Smyly, SP: The Tigers' 2nd round pick in 2010, Smyly has catapulted to the majors after posting a 2.26 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 131 K in 127.2 minor league innings. The southpaw has been terrific so far in Detroit, allowing just 3 ER in his first four starts (1.23 ERA, 1.18 WHIP). He's struck out 22 while walking 8.
5 Jose Altuve, 2B: Altuve doesn't make a lot of prospect lists because he stands just 5'5" -- but he uses his size to his advantage, with a career .386 OBP in the minors. The 21-year-old second baseman hit .361/.388/.569 in 144 ABs in Double-A last year, then was promoted to the majors where he hit .276 (but with just a .654 OPS) in 234 PAs, leaving him just 16 shy of being eligible. So far this season, he's hitting an astounding .358/.404/.526 (.930 OPS) for the Astros, with 11 of his 34 hits going for extra bases (7 doubles, 3 triples, and one inside-the-park home run).
6 Anthony Bass, SP: This 24-year-old righty is just 1-3 so far this season, but that's not his fault -- he's got a 2.30 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. Bass just missed qualifying last year, with 27 games and 48.1 innings -- with 3 more appearances or 1.2 more innings, he'd be eligible (and likely already on a roster, given his 1.68 ERA and 1.28 WHIP). Bass has struck out 27 in 27.1 innings so far this year.
7 A.J. Ellis, C: A career minor league catcher, this real-life Crash Davis has spent the last four years putting up tremendous numbers in Triple-A -- .310, with a .441 OBP -- but has never been eligible for the DMBL. The 31-year-old may finally get his chance this year, after getting off to a .306/.449/.468 start in 79 plate appearances with the Dodgers.
8 Shane Robinson, CF: Another long-time minor leaguer, the 27-year-old Robinson is hitting a robust .394/.444/.545 (.990 OPS) this season, building on his fine season in Triple-A last year (.309/.378/.495).
9 Barry Zito, SP: Zito has been a huge disappointment in MLB and DMBL for a long time. Now 34, the southpaw is finally off to a good start, with a 1.76 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in his first five starts. The only downside is he's struck out just 15 (and walked 13) in 30.2 IP, but it's still a huge improvement over the beatings he's received for the past five seasons or so.
10 Chris Davis, 1B: Joining the long parade of prospects who repeatedly broke our hearts over the years, the oft-drafted Davis is finally off to the start so many had hoped for him (.316/.368/.595, .963 OPS). Davis, still only 26, hit .266/.305/.402 in 210 MLB PAs last year, but tantalized fans with a ridiculous .368/.405/.824 (1.229 OPS) line in Triple-A. Now with the Orioles, is this finally the year Davis recaptures the promise of his rookie campaign, when he hit .285/.331/.549 as a 22-year-old?
11 Adam LaRoche, 1B: Another DMBL veteran, LaRoche is a famously bad starter (.765 OPS in the first half, .889 OPS in the second half over nine MLB seasons). To that end, LaRoche put up a .546 OPS through May last year -- and then missed the rest of the season, leaving him with just 177 PAs. But for whatever reason, LaRoche is off to a monster start with the Nationals this year -- .311/.392/.511. Maybe this will be the first time since 2006 that the 32-year-old first baseman has an OPS over .900?
12 Duane Below, RP: This 26-year-old lefty has yet to allow a run, a walk, or an extra-base hit in 2012. In 12 innings, Below has struck out 9 while posting a 0.00 ERA, 0.58 WHIP, and .333 OPS.
13 Luke Scott, DH: This left-handed hitter does one thing well -- mash righties. He's been a platoon hitter in several DMBL seasons, and will be back to do that again next year after getting off to a .348/.404/.783 start vs RHP with the Rays. (Against lefties, he's his usual helpless self, hitting .130 with a .471 OPS.) Scott had an ugly year last year, hitting just .220 with a .703 OPS in just 236 plate appearances. He might have to keep up that 1.000+ OPS line against righties to be considered first-round material, though, as the soon-to-be 35-year-old has only played DH this year.
14 Tony Campana, CF: This 26-year-old center fielder's career minor league OBP (.358) is actually higher than his career minor league SLG (.354), which tells you a lot about his game -- put the ball on the ground and run like hell. Said to be one of the fastest guys in the majors, Campana stole 24 bases in 26 attempts last year -- in just 143 ABs. So far this year, this Chicago Cub is 7-for-7 on the basepaths and hitting .355 with a .394 OBP.
15 Robbie Ross, RP: Another lefty reliever, Ross's MLB career is off to a perfect start as he's 4-0 after eight appearances. The 23-year-old has a 1.74 ERA and 0.77 WHIP in 10.1 innings and has been equally deadly against lefties (.190 BA) or righties (.143 BA).
16 Darren O'Day, RP: You may have forgotten about him after an ugly year last season (5.40 ERA in 16 games), but O'Day was a quality middle reliever in 2009 (1.84 ERA, 1.01 WHIP) and 2010 (2.03 ERA, 0.89 WHIP). It looks like he'll be returning to the DMBL in 2013 as he's off to an outstanding start (0.71 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, 6 H, 3 BB, 13 K in 12.2 IP). The right-hander has faced 17 lefties so far this year and retired 15 of them.
As we noted above, no one has actually qualified for the 2013 season yet, so some or all of these guys could be ineligible by the time next season starts. Or they could follow up their amazing Aprils with miserable Mays. We'll find out next February!
What a ridiculous question! We're one month into the season. No one has even qualified yet!
But still...
Who would be the first overall pick?
Alright, let's do it. The way-too-early predictions for the first round of the 2013 Draft!
Note that none of these guys is actually available to be picked up as a free agent right now, so don't get all excited. We're strictly looking at guys who we know will be available in 2013.
 |
| Lance Lynn |
2 Bryan LaHair, 1B: The Cubs first baseman is hitting a ridiculous .381/.459/.794 (1.253 OPS!) to start the season, with 8 2B and 6 HR in just 63 AB. If he keeps up that pace, he'll definitely be the #1 overall pick! While no one is expecting LaHair to put up Ruthian numbers, you can't totally dismiss his start as a fluke -- he put up huge numbers in Triple-A last year (.331/.405/.664, 38 HR, 109 RBI in 456 AB), then followed it up with .288/.377/.508 in the bigs, albeit in just 59 at-bats. Overall, he's put up a .295/.362/.503 line in 3,624 minor league ABs. And that's the downside -- he'll be 30 in November, having spent the last six seasons stuck in Triple-A.
3 Wade Miley, SP: While Arizona prospects Trevor Bauer and Tyler Skaggs get all the attention, Miley is actually in the majors -- and off to a great start! The 25-year-old southpaw was named N.L. Rookie of the Month for April after going 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA and 0.81 WHIP. Miley began the year in the D-backs bullpen, giving up 7 hits and 4 walks with just 2 Ks in 8.2 innings. Then he was moved to the rotation, where he's been amazing -- 0 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 13 K in 12.1 IP!
4 Drew Smyly, SP: The Tigers' 2nd round pick in 2010, Smyly has catapulted to the majors after posting a 2.26 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 131 K in 127.2 minor league innings. The southpaw has been terrific so far in Detroit, allowing just 3 ER in his first four starts (1.23 ERA, 1.18 WHIP). He's struck out 22 while walking 8.
5 Jose Altuve, 2B: Altuve doesn't make a lot of prospect lists because he stands just 5'5" -- but he uses his size to his advantage, with a career .386 OBP in the minors. The 21-year-old second baseman hit .361/.388/.569 in 144 ABs in Double-A last year, then was promoted to the majors where he hit .276 (but with just a .654 OPS) in 234 PAs, leaving him just 16 shy of being eligible. So far this season, he's hitting an astounding .358/.404/.526 (.930 OPS) for the Astros, with 11 of his 34 hits going for extra bases (7 doubles, 3 triples, and one inside-the-park home run).
6 Anthony Bass, SP: This 24-year-old righty is just 1-3 so far this season, but that's not his fault -- he's got a 2.30 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. Bass just missed qualifying last year, with 27 games and 48.1 innings -- with 3 more appearances or 1.2 more innings, he'd be eligible (and likely already on a roster, given his 1.68 ERA and 1.28 WHIP). Bass has struck out 27 in 27.1 innings so far this year.
7 A.J. Ellis, C: A career minor league catcher, this real-life Crash Davis has spent the last four years putting up tremendous numbers in Triple-A -- .310, with a .441 OBP -- but has never been eligible for the DMBL. The 31-year-old may finally get his chance this year, after getting off to a .306/.449/.468 start in 79 plate appearances with the Dodgers.
8 Shane Robinson, CF: Another long-time minor leaguer, the 27-year-old Robinson is hitting a robust .394/.444/.545 (.990 OPS) this season, building on his fine season in Triple-A last year (.309/.378/.495).
 |
| Barry Zito |
10 Chris Davis, 1B: Joining the long parade of prospects who repeatedly broke our hearts over the years, the oft-drafted Davis is finally off to the start so many had hoped for him (.316/.368/.595, .963 OPS). Davis, still only 26, hit .266/.305/.402 in 210 MLB PAs last year, but tantalized fans with a ridiculous .368/.405/.824 (1.229 OPS) line in Triple-A. Now with the Orioles, is this finally the year Davis recaptures the promise of his rookie campaign, when he hit .285/.331/.549 as a 22-year-old?
11 Adam LaRoche, 1B: Another DMBL veteran, LaRoche is a famously bad starter (.765 OPS in the first half, .889 OPS in the second half over nine MLB seasons). To that end, LaRoche put up a .546 OPS through May last year -- and then missed the rest of the season, leaving him with just 177 PAs. But for whatever reason, LaRoche is off to a monster start with the Nationals this year -- .311/.392/.511. Maybe this will be the first time since 2006 that the 32-year-old first baseman has an OPS over .900?
12 Duane Below, RP: This 26-year-old lefty has yet to allow a run, a walk, or an extra-base hit in 2012. In 12 innings, Below has struck out 9 while posting a 0.00 ERA, 0.58 WHIP, and .333 OPS.
 |
| Luke Scott |
14 Tony Campana, CF: This 26-year-old center fielder's career minor league OBP (.358) is actually higher than his career minor league SLG (.354), which tells you a lot about his game -- put the ball on the ground and run like hell. Said to be one of the fastest guys in the majors, Campana stole 24 bases in 26 attempts last year -- in just 143 ABs. So far this year, this Chicago Cub is 7-for-7 on the basepaths and hitting .355 with a .394 OBP.
15 Robbie Ross, RP: Another lefty reliever, Ross's MLB career is off to a perfect start as he's 4-0 after eight appearances. The 23-year-old has a 1.74 ERA and 0.77 WHIP in 10.1 innings and has been equally deadly against lefties (.190 BA) or righties (.143 BA).
16 Darren O'Day, RP: You may have forgotten about him after an ugly year last season (5.40 ERA in 16 games), but O'Day was a quality middle reliever in 2009 (1.84 ERA, 1.01 WHIP) and 2010 (2.03 ERA, 0.89 WHIP). It looks like he'll be returning to the DMBL in 2013 as he's off to an outstanding start (0.71 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, 6 H, 3 BB, 13 K in 12.2 IP). The right-hander has faced 17 lefties so far this year and retired 15 of them.
As we noted above, no one has actually qualified for the 2013 season yet, so some or all of these guys could be ineligible by the time next season starts. Or they could follow up their amazing Aprils with miserable Mays. We'll find out next February!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Ineligible But Unavailable
Looking ahead to the 2010 draft? Having dreams about rebuilding your team around Tommy Hanson, Nelson Cruz or Pablo Sandoval?
Sorry... they're already gone! A number of rookies (and some veterans) managed to survive all the way through the Trading Deadline. It's not easy -- out of 65 ineligible players drafted, about half (32) are still on rosters.
Here are the guys you'll be crossing off your list, should they get protected:
Sorry... they're already gone! A number of rookies (and some veterans) managed to survive all the way through the Trading Deadline. It's not easy -- out of 65 ineligible players drafted, about half (32) are still on rosters.
Here are the guys you'll be crossing off your list, should they get protected:
- SS Elvis Andrus (VAN) .254/.316/.344, 19 SB
- P Andrew Brackman (BR) Struggling in A-Ball (1-10, 6.16 ERA, 1.70 WHIP)
- P Madison Bumgarner (AMI) 7-1, 1.56 ERA... but in Double-A
- P Trevor Cahill (AMI) 6-8, 4.50 ERA, 1.45 WHIP
- P Chris Carpenter (DC) Comeback Player of the Year? 8-3, 2.26 ERA, 0.91 WHIP
- OF Nelson Cruz (AMI) .270/.335/.550, 23 HR and 54 RBI
- P Neftali Feliz (SAR) 3.44 ERA, 1.27 WHIP in Triple-A
- OF Dexter Fowler (HIL) .257/.359/.389, 23 SB
- SS Rafael Furcal (MAR) .255/.327/.354
- P Yovani Gallardo (PHI) Picking up where he left off -- 3.28 ERA, 1.26 WHIP
- 3B Mat Gamel (HIL) .239/.336/.407 in 131 PA
- OF Brett Gardner (MAR) .278/.353/.397, 19 SB
- DH Travis Hafner (BR) .284/.380/.516, but only 179 PA
- P Tommy Hanson (DC) 16th pick is paying off: 5-0, 3.00 ERA, 1.27 WHIP
- P Phil Hughes (SAR) 3.63 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, but needs 3 more starts to be SP
- 1B Nick Johnson (DC) .305/.415/.421, and has stayed healthy for 393 PA!
- 1B Matt LaPorta (CAR) Back in minors after hitting .190/.286/.286
- OF Cameron Maybin (DC) Back in minors after hitting .202/.280/.310
- P Andrew McCutchen (BR) .296/.351/.458, 9 SB, 0 CS
- P Rick Porcello (NJ) New Jersey native is 9-6, 4.40 ERA, 1.49 WHIP
- C Jorge Posada (NWK) .282/.369/.517 in 244 PA
- P David Price (LV) 3-4, 4.86 ERA, 1.64 WHIP in 10 starts
- OF Colby Rasmus (SAR) .265/.315/.450, 11 HR, 34 RBI
- 1B/3B Pablo Sandoval (BR) .322/.371/.551, but only 3 games at catcher so far
- P Max Scherzer (HIL) 5-6, 3.86 ERA, 1.375 WHIP, 103 K in 100.1 IP
- 1B Justin Smoak (SAR) Struggling after promotion to Triple-A (.133/.243/.233)
- P John Smoltz (NWK) End of the road? 1-3, 6.31 ERA, 1.44 WHIP
- OF Travis Snider (NJ) .242/.292/.394 in 108 PA
- P Steven Strasburg (PHI) Still hasn't signed with the Nationals
- C Matt Wieters (SAR) Not in the HOF yet... .244/.301/.374
- P Jordan Zimmermann (CAR) Now on DL... 4.63 ERA, 1.36 WHIP in 16 starts
- P Joel Zumaya (NJ) 4.94 ERA, 1.81 WHIP in 29 appearances... and back on DL
Monday, March 3, 2008
Draft Wrap
Now that everyone has recovered from the draft, teams are setting their initial lineups for the opening of Spring Training on Wednesday. All players have already reported to camp and have been getting to know their new teammates.
The 2008 draft was probably one of the longest in league history, stretching out for around five hours. Most of the blame fell on Stump Matiash as usual, but it's more fun to pick on him than the other guilty parties. Vegas owner Eric Wickstrom was effective at cracking the whip and getting the draft moving along. Thanks go out to Eric and the Pucci brothers for keeping the draft board up to date. Maybe we can start a new tradition of rotating draft locations each year.
Almost all rule changes were soundly defeated. Custom stadiums were nearly banned but were voted to remain by one vote. The lone rule change that made it through the cracks was the 2-year stadium lease. Curiously the 3-year lease was also defeated, but what a difference a year makes! The new rule locks the owner into a stadium for a minimum two year contract starting this season. If a team folds or gets new ownership, the lease is voided. A team picking a custom stadium can update their stadium next season when the new disk comes out. This is only an option for teams choosing a current stadium (i.e. 2007 Yankee stadium, but not 1999 Yankee Stadium). Teams cannot upgrade from a 1955 version of their stadium to a 1972 version or a 2008 version.
Look for the round-by-round draft recap to be posted by next weekend. We'll look at some of the more questionable picks at that point and try to find out who will likely get the Kei Igawa Award this year for biggest (and most overhyped, espeically by their owner) bust! If you don't know who we award the pick to for the '07 draft, well...take a guess.
The 2008 draft was probably one of the longest in league history, stretching out for around five hours. Most of the blame fell on Stump Matiash as usual, but it's more fun to pick on him than the other guilty parties. Vegas owner Eric Wickstrom was effective at cracking the whip and getting the draft moving along. Thanks go out to Eric and the Pucci brothers for keeping the draft board up to date. Maybe we can start a new tradition of rotating draft locations each year.
Almost all rule changes were soundly defeated. Custom stadiums were nearly banned but were voted to remain by one vote. The lone rule change that made it through the cracks was the 2-year stadium lease. Curiously the 3-year lease was also defeated, but what a difference a year makes! The new rule locks the owner into a stadium for a minimum two year contract starting this season. If a team folds or gets new ownership, the lease is voided. A team picking a custom stadium can update their stadium next season when the new disk comes out. This is only an option for teams choosing a current stadium (i.e. 2007 Yankee stadium, but not 1999 Yankee Stadium). Teams cannot upgrade from a 1955 version of their stadium to a 1972 version or a 2008 version.
Look for the round-by-round draft recap to be posted by next weekend. We'll look at some of the more questionable picks at that point and try to find out who will likely get the Kei Igawa Award this year for biggest (and most overhyped, espeically by their owner) bust! If you don't know who we award the pick to for the '07 draft, well...take a guess.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Draft Date Set
The Draft has been set officially for March 1st at 5:00 pm. It will be the first draft to take place in the evening - at least the first one we can remember. Some grumblings have already begun from fans of the Pro Bowling Tour. "I won't have room on my TiVo unless I clear off all those unwatched episodes of American Gladiator first" said an anonymous Newark Sugar Bear fan on WFAN radio. However, ESPN is getting giddy at the prospect of televising a draft where possibly every owner is in attendance, either live or online, including up to 11 possible live owners at the undisclosed Bridgewater location. Expected to make their first appearances at the live venue are New Jersey Team Buddah owner Mike Hornick and Sardine City Straphangers co-GM Chris Calvosa, as well as the long anticipated returns of the Pucci brothers. The Landsman brothers will uncharacteristically not be present, but will be online via satellite.
Friday, December 14, 2007
What is a first overall pick worth?
It's always nice to win the lottery and get your pick of the litter in the first round. It would seem certain that you will get a top notch player - well certain at the time. How often does that pick really pan out? We'll take a look at the last ten drafts to see how our owners did...
In 2007, Honolulu selected pitcher Jered Weaver. Weaver had a solid rookie season and is looking as a likely keeper, so Honolulu did ok with this pick...for now.
Westwood's selection of Zach Duke was looked at as a no-brainer at the time, but Duke was mediocre for the Deductions in 2006 (8-8, 4.74) and was shipped off to Newark before the trade deadline. Duke fared much better for the Sugar Bears (5-1, 3.40), but wasn't protected for the 2007 season. South Boston drafted Duke on a flier, but he only got into a few games in relief and looks like a non-factor for the 2008 season.
Arkansas traded up to get the first overall pick in 2005, sacrificing C.C. Sabathia and six quality draft picks in order to get David Wright. That goes to show you what the Falcons thought of the young third baseman. For the most part, they were right to covet Wright as he has turned into a stud, possibly the best third baseman currently in the DMBL.
Tijuana had the first pick in 2004 and chose lefty Dontrelle Willis. It was a tough decision between Willis and Brandon Webb, who was drafted number two by Phoenix. In hindsight, he probably should have gone with Webb, who is a solid member of the Philly rotation now, but Willis did provide some decent seasons for the Banditos, even if his rookie year was a disaster. It remains to be seen if Willis is protected by new owner Tom Zagenczyk, though a productive 2008 season does not look to be in the cards.
In 2003, Harrison made a miscalculation by picking Vicente Padilla. Why was it a miscalculation? Because the third pick (that's right Junior Spivey was taken next) was none other than two-time Ben McDonald Award winner Johan Santana. Padilla was thoroughly mediocre in '03 (7-12, 4.31). Don't blame the Rats too much. No one knew Santana would be that good, but ouch, that still has to hurt.
2002 was another no-brainer as Philadelphia selected rookie phenom Albert Pujols. Pujols has been a fixture in the Endzone Animal lineup since day one and led the team to their first Morris Division title this year. Pujols is a perennial Mitchell candidate.
In 2001, Vatican City shocked the DMBL by picking reliever Kaz Sasaki with the first overall pick. Sasaki wasn't a bad pick, per se - he did save 57 games in three season with the franchise. But most of the league had been speculating over whether Jeff D'Amico or Barry Zito would claim the number one spot. It's not a true bust of a pick, more like a brain fart.
Carolina selected starter Tim Hudson in 2000 and as a testament to the Mudcats drafting prowess, Hudson is still a member of the Mudcats. Hudson has accumulated a 90-80 record over his eight seasons with a solid 4.20 ERA and 953 strikeouts. In 2004, Hudson won the Ben McDonald Award for his excellent 17-3, 2.08 season, the only award winner of the bunch so far.
In 1999, Columbia selected their second Hernandez brother in their franchise history. Two years earlier, the Crusaders picked Livan Hernandez in the first round of the draft. El Duque fared no better than Livan in his rookie season (7-19, 4.97) and was traded the following season. Duque has hung around in the league and has had some success. In 2000, he had a solid year for the Hawaii Volcanoes (15-6, 3.99) and was 16-9 in 2005 split between Las Vegas and Stanhope.
Finally in 1998, the Phoenix Dragons successfully drafted Nomah first overall, a player that would become a cornerstone for the struggling franchise. Garciaparra was a fan favorite and was still playing with the team until the franchise was dissolved in 2006.
| Year | player | Team | Yrs w/ team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Jered Weaver | HON | 1+ |
| 2006 | Zach Duke | WWD | 1/2 |
| 2005 | David Wright | ARK | 3+ |
| 2004 | Dontrelle Willis | TIJ | 4 |
| 2003 | Vicente Padilla | HAR | 2 |
| 2002 | Albert Pujols | PHI | 6+ |
| 2001 | Kaz Sasaki | VAT | 3 |
| 2000 | Tim Hudson | CAR | 8+ |
| 1999 | Orlando Hernandez | COL | 1 |
| 1998 | Nomar Garciaparra | PHX | 9 |
In 2007, Honolulu selected pitcher Jered Weaver. Weaver had a solid rookie season and is looking as a likely keeper, so Honolulu did ok with this pick...for now.
Westwood's selection of Zach Duke was looked at as a no-brainer at the time, but Duke was mediocre for the Deductions in 2006 (8-8, 4.74) and was shipped off to Newark before the trade deadline. Duke fared much better for the Sugar Bears (5-1, 3.40), but wasn't protected for the 2007 season. South Boston drafted Duke on a flier, but he only got into a few games in relief and looks like a non-factor for the 2008 season.
Arkansas traded up to get the first overall pick in 2005, sacrificing C.C. Sabathia and six quality draft picks in order to get David Wright. That goes to show you what the Falcons thought of the young third baseman. For the most part, they were right to covet Wright as he has turned into a stud, possibly the best third baseman currently in the DMBL.
Tijuana had the first pick in 2004 and chose lefty Dontrelle Willis. It was a tough decision between Willis and Brandon Webb, who was drafted number two by Phoenix. In hindsight, he probably should have gone with Webb, who is a solid member of the Philly rotation now, but Willis did provide some decent seasons for the Banditos, even if his rookie year was a disaster. It remains to be seen if Willis is protected by new owner Tom Zagenczyk, though a productive 2008 season does not look to be in the cards.
In 2003, Harrison made a miscalculation by picking Vicente Padilla. Why was it a miscalculation? Because the third pick (that's right Junior Spivey was taken next) was none other than two-time Ben McDonald Award winner Johan Santana. Padilla was thoroughly mediocre in '03 (7-12, 4.31). Don't blame the Rats too much. No one knew Santana would be that good, but ouch, that still has to hurt.
2002 was another no-brainer as Philadelphia selected rookie phenom Albert Pujols. Pujols has been a fixture in the Endzone Animal lineup since day one and led the team to their first Morris Division title this year. Pujols is a perennial Mitchell candidate.
In 2001, Vatican City shocked the DMBL by picking reliever Kaz Sasaki with the first overall pick. Sasaki wasn't a bad pick, per se - he did save 57 games in three season with the franchise. But most of the league had been speculating over whether Jeff D'Amico or Barry Zito would claim the number one spot. It's not a true bust of a pick, more like a brain fart.
Carolina selected starter Tim Hudson in 2000 and as a testament to the Mudcats drafting prowess, Hudson is still a member of the Mudcats. Hudson has accumulated a 90-80 record over his eight seasons with a solid 4.20 ERA and 953 strikeouts. In 2004, Hudson won the Ben McDonald Award for his excellent 17-3, 2.08 season, the only award winner of the bunch so far.
In 1999, Columbia selected their second Hernandez brother in their franchise history. Two years earlier, the Crusaders picked Livan Hernandez in the first round of the draft. El Duque fared no better than Livan in his rookie season (7-19, 4.97) and was traded the following season. Duque has hung around in the league and has had some success. In 2000, he had a solid year for the Hawaii Volcanoes (15-6, 3.99) and was 16-9 in 2005 split between Las Vegas and Stanhope.
Finally in 1998, the Phoenix Dragons successfully drafted Nomah first overall, a player that would become a cornerstone for the struggling franchise. Garciaparra was a fan favorite and was still playing with the team until the franchise was dissolved in 2006.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Draft Lottery
Yesterday was the 2008 Draft Lottery to determine the draft order of the first eight teams in the first round. The big winner was Blue Ridge, who moved all the way up from fourth to first overall. If you checked it out last night, there has been more information added since, so you may want to go back and read up. The Lottery was started five years ago in a way to discourage teams from tanking games in order to get a better draft pick - not that it worked much on Las Vegas or Sardine City. Blue Ridge, with a good potential keeper list already, could really help themselves out with a strong draft, or possibly flip the pick for more draft picks. It should be interesting either way.
Lots of rumors are flying about the Mitchell Report. Many current and former DMBLers are being named, but don't worry, there will be no suspensions from the DMBL front office since steroids are not illegal under the current league constitution.
Lots of rumors are flying about the Mitchell Report. Many current and former DMBLers are being named, but don't worry, there will be no suspensions from the DMBL front office since steroids are not illegal under the current league constitution.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Monday Musings
Well Draft Day has come and gone, and now we look forward to Spring Training. The 2007 Draft may have been one of the longest in the history of the DMBL/Microleague. We'll post some draft analysis at a later date, after the draft results have been posted. Let's take a look at some of the post-draft fallout.
The Mighty Men wasted no time and have made Kerry Wood a record holder, though I doubt he would be proud of this one. Wood was released before the draft was even finished, making him the fastest to be released after being drafted. The Mighty Men realized they were at their inelligible limit, so they decided to cut Wood so they could draft Josh Hamilton and Micah Owings. Oh yeah, they also traded off Kevin Kouzmanoff to the Golden Falcons to create another opening. The Mighty Men drafted 8 inelligible players in this year's draft!
Sunday, the Bushslappers made the first post-draft pickup and invited Mark Mulder to camp. We don't expect Mulder to see any action in the spring, but maybe D.C. thinks that Mulder can rebound and show something. Will he be worth holding onto? Probably not, but he's worth a spring roster spot, for now.
The Sugar Bears, meanwhile, were disgusted that newly-drafted outfielder Nate McLouth showed up out of shape. McLouth was cut in favor of former Golden Falcon catcher Javier Valentin. McLouth was quite upset with the move and even stated that the Sugar Bear fitness policy was impossible to live up to. "They draft you and send you a case of Super Golden Crip cereal and expect you to not gain a few pounds?" said an irate McLouth. Sugar Bear skipper Don Mattingly noted that no one expected McLouth to eat the entire case of cereal in one night.
The newest DMBL team, the Sardine City Straphangers, pushed their roster to the maximum by signing journeyman infielder Alex Cintron. The Straphangers have launched a new radio show, From the Tunnel, to inform fans of the latest dugout gossip. You can read all about it on their team notes page.
Meanwhile in Vancouver, the Iron Fist invited former Vancouver draftee Kevin Mench and DMBL rookie Jose Bautista to camp to try out for some platoon roles. "We needed some players that could hit lefties" said manager Darren Daulton. Bautista is expected to platoon with Mike Lowell and Mench will share time in the outfield. Neither one has high hopes to make the final team, but hope they can show something and land a spot on another DMBL team.
The Mighty Men wasted no time and have made Kerry Wood a record holder, though I doubt he would be proud of this one. Wood was released before the draft was even finished, making him the fastest to be released after being drafted. The Mighty Men realized they were at their inelligible limit, so they decided to cut Wood so they could draft Josh Hamilton and Micah Owings. Oh yeah, they also traded off Kevin Kouzmanoff to the Golden Falcons to create another opening. The Mighty Men drafted 8 inelligible players in this year's draft!
Sunday, the Bushslappers made the first post-draft pickup and invited Mark Mulder to camp. We don't expect Mulder to see any action in the spring, but maybe D.C. thinks that Mulder can rebound and show something. Will he be worth holding onto? Probably not, but he's worth a spring roster spot, for now.
The Sugar Bears, meanwhile, were disgusted that newly-drafted outfielder Nate McLouth showed up out of shape. McLouth was cut in favor of former Golden Falcon catcher Javier Valentin. McLouth was quite upset with the move and even stated that the Sugar Bear fitness policy was impossible to live up to. "They draft you and send you a case of Super Golden Crip cereal and expect you to not gain a few pounds?" said an irate McLouth. Sugar Bear skipper Don Mattingly noted that no one expected McLouth to eat the entire case of cereal in one night.
The newest DMBL team, the Sardine City Straphangers, pushed their roster to the maximum by signing journeyman infielder Alex Cintron. The Straphangers have launched a new radio show, From the Tunnel, to inform fans of the latest dugout gossip. You can read all about it on their team notes page.
Meanwhile in Vancouver, the Iron Fist invited former Vancouver draftee Kevin Mench and DMBL rookie Jose Bautista to camp to try out for some platoon roles. "We needed some players that could hit lefties" said manager Darren Daulton. Bautista is expected to platoon with Mike Lowell and Mench will share time in the outfield. Neither one has high hopes to make the final team, but hope they can show something and land a spot on another DMBL team.
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