Brooklyn's front office has decided to petition the league's office in the off-season to do away with the 40 man roster. If a limit by the league is desired, then Caskey proposes a 35 man limit. The 35 roster would mean that only 35 players can contribute to the big league club. Anyone over 35 men would be kept for the keeper aspect of BARB. All players would still count against the $110 salary cap. The 35 man roster is sufficient to compensate for injuries, but doesn't hamper the keeper aspect that makes BARB so special. A major league organization has the majority of their players off of the 40 man roster, and only players on the 40 man roster can be placed on the 25 man roster.
The biggest reason is the injuries that Brooklyn has experienced this season. Despite being an atypical season, hopefully, the injuries have hampered BRooklyn's ability to compete. Having a half dozen or more prospects means that Brooklyn only has a couple of slots open. Consequently there was little the front office could do but sell for the future.
As for the 35 man roster, which is to be declared at the beginning of the season, it can be altered during the season. UNless a player is dealt or released, he must remain on the 35 man roster. Players not placed on the 35 man roster must only be prospects without a major league rating that qualifies them as eligible in BARB standards for both pitchers and hitters.
Example would be Cameron Maybin. He does not qualify for eligibility for Brooklyn despite brief experience in the majors; therefore, wouldn't be mandated to be placed on the 35 man roster. But, had he played with Florida since the All-Star break, he would have been eligible. In order for Brooklyn to utilize his talents, the front office would have to deal or cut a man on the 35 man roster. Maybin would need to be on the 35 man roster to be used on the 25 man roster.
The petition will occur at the League's Winter Meetings. It is a change that many owners have stated as necessary as a direct result of the 40 man roster.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
In a series of moves, the Moabs have acquired Carlos Carrasco, Christopher Marrero, Lastings Milledge, Mark Teahen, and four players to be named at a later date. Without compromising the names of the PTBNs, Brooklyn is positive that these deadline deals for bench and bullpen arms will cement Brooklyn a playoff spot next season.
The Logic
Well all that is the beauty of a league that determines which owners are taking expansion teams before the deadline. Brooklyn management, on one hand, is not taking an expansion team and is firmly implanted in the league and organization's future. On the other hand, the other set of brothers and another league official (although has been very silent to his credit) are taking expansion teams next season. What does this mean?
It means that Yuma and Lexawhatchacallits can sacrifice the future for the present. SO, a team like Brooklyn, who is invested beyond the year must make a decision to compete in the Arm's Race or acquire future talents that will be unestablished and dangerous next season.
The latter is exactly what Brooklyn management decided was necessary for livelihood. "Could we have competed and traded the like of Cameron (Maybin), CHris (Coghlan), Volstad, Ross (Detwiler), and Elvis (Andrus)? Yes. Instead we decided to pack it in, since we need to jump three teams for the East lead and 3 teams for the Wild Card (hint: the WC is not coming from the Central!!!)," said GM Eric Caskey. "So now while others are rebuilding with current, and need-to-be protected talent, Brooklyn can look to the future and realize that for next season, the East will look up at Brooklyn and so will the rest of the league, duh."
It was a strategic move to sacrifice this season. "We apologize to the fans and beg for their support. After all we can still score runs, we haven't traded starting pitching that has contributed this season, nor have we mortgaged the future, while strengthening it," exalted Caskey. "It will come down to the bullpen and our ability to catch the ball. And I guarantee if we fall out of it, we will be dreaded to play against down the stretch for others searching playoff spots."
It means that Yuma and Lexawhatchacallits can sacrifice the future for the present. SO, a team like Brooklyn, who is invested beyond the year must make a decision to compete in the Arm's Race or acquire future talents that will be unestablished and dangerous next season.
The latter is exactly what Brooklyn management decided was necessary for livelihood. "Could we have competed and traded the like of Cameron (Maybin), CHris (Coghlan), Volstad, Ross (Detwiler), and Elvis (Andrus)? Yes. Instead we decided to pack it in, since we need to jump three teams for the East lead and 3 teams for the Wild Card (hint: the WC is not coming from the Central!!!)," said GM Eric Caskey. "So now while others are rebuilding with current, and need-to-be protected talent, Brooklyn can look to the future and realize that for next season, the East will look up at Brooklyn and so will the rest of the league, duh."
It was a strategic move to sacrifice this season. "We apologize to the fans and beg for their support. After all we can still score runs, we haven't traded starting pitching that has contributed this season, nor have we mortgaged the future, while strengthening it," exalted Caskey. "It will come down to the bullpen and our ability to catch the ball. And I guarantee if we fall out of it, we will be dreaded to play against down the stretch for others searching playoff spots."
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
State of Affairs: Brooklynites
The injury bug has ripped apart the Moabs. Chien-Meng Wang and Adam Wainwright have joined Scott Baker and Fausto Carmona on the disabled list. Although Baker is within days of being back and Wainwright is out for only 3 starts, Wang may be out the rest of the season. In fact, Wang may be in a cast for the next six weeks.
GM Eric Caskey has said that the Moabs are not counting on Wang contributing this season. So, Brooklyn has purchased the contract of lefty starter Scott Olsen. Olsen will likely be the long man until the arm gets streched out.
Meanwhile, the Brookln rotation features four BARB rookies: Ubaldo Jimenez, Micah Owings, Manny Parra and Scott Baker. All four are expected to fill in and compete for a long-term position in the rotation once Wainwright and Carmona return to the lineup. "It is a open competition in a sense. They need to keep in mind that they have the luxury of a great offense and a good fielding team behind them," said manager Bobby Cox. "We expect to compete every night and expect Oswalt to step it up a notch."
The bullpen does get a boost today with the activation of Mike Gonzalez from the disabled list. Gonzalez will get some late-inning duty and look to stabilize an exhausted staff.
GM Eric Caskey has said that the Moabs are not counting on Wang contributing this season. So, Brooklyn has purchased the contract of lefty starter Scott Olsen. Olsen will likely be the long man until the arm gets streched out.
Meanwhile, the Brookln rotation features four BARB rookies: Ubaldo Jimenez, Micah Owings, Manny Parra and Scott Baker. All four are expected to fill in and compete for a long-term position in the rotation once Wainwright and Carmona return to the lineup. "It is a open competition in a sense. They need to keep in mind that they have the luxury of a great offense and a good fielding team behind them," said manager Bobby Cox. "We expect to compete every night and expect Oswalt to step it up a notch."
The bullpen does get a boost today with the activation of Mike Gonzalez from the disabled list. Gonzalez will get some late-inning duty and look to stabilize an exhausted staff.
Friday, May 16, 2008
13-12?
"Absolutely pathetic," said manager Bobby Cox.
Caskey has stated that the Moabs sought a fifth starter to fill into the rotation, but exclaimed that all the talent is now in the East. On paper, the Moabs have gone from a top 3 team to top 7, maybe, as the busy East GM's have been wheeling and dealing with the dumb desert. As for the next few weeks, Caskey and Cox have called up the starting rotation to go out there and "get it done." We need quality innings and we need timely hitting. "Just a couple of games ago, we had the highest scoring offense, but a barely above .500 record. THis means, someone isn't doing their job," said Caskey. "We need to start pitching unless they want to be moved."
Caskey has stated that the Moabs sought a fifth starter to fill into the rotation, but exclaimed that all the talent is now in the East. On paper, the Moabs have gone from a top 3 team to top 7, maybe, as the busy East GM's have been wheeling and dealing with the dumb desert. As for the next few weeks, Caskey and Cox have called up the starting rotation to go out there and "get it done." We need quality innings and we need timely hitting. "Just a couple of games ago, we had the highest scoring offense, but a barely above .500 record. THis means, someone isn't doing their job," said Caskey. "We need to start pitching unless they want to be moved."
Sunday, April 27, 2008
What a Start
Through four games, the Brooklyn Moabs are perfect. An undefeated start has given the organization the momentum which has been missing the last few seasons. Jacoby Ellsbury and Ichiro Suzuki are hitting wild atop the lineup. There are some questions that Ellsbury's start may make injured Curtis Granderson expendable. Other's claim that Jason Bay is now expendable. Regardless the crowded outfield may be a problem if Ellsbury continues to get on base. The Moabs are getting good starting pitching and are winning games.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Day One
Moabs win opener on road in Las Vegas. Fausto Carmona pitched very well limiting one of the league's best offenses. A 5-3 victory is a very good start to the season, as Brooklyn hopes to find the playoffs again. Helping Carmona was Ichiro Suzuki and Miguel Cabrera, who each had four hits.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Early Predictions!
Good News Brooklyn Fans
Early predictions have the Brooklyn Moabs as the team to beat out East. Easily the toughest division in BARB, the East looks to outscore many opponents. The bullpens are quite even, although Brooklyn has the least depth and talent in the pen. Please note that Brooklyn is missing Mike Gonzalez and Joel Zumaya. Their addition in the middle of the season will be great for the team down the stretch. But the difference maker is the starting rotation. Brooklyn has the most depth in the rotation with playable arms. In the long run, this will be a bitter battle of Easterners, but Brooklyn hopes that the longer the season lasts the more important the depth comes into play.
Early predictions have the Brooklyn Moabs as the team to beat out East. Easily the toughest division in BARB, the East looks to outscore many opponents. The bullpens are quite even, although Brooklyn has the least depth and talent in the pen. Please note that Brooklyn is missing Mike Gonzalez and Joel Zumaya. Their addition in the middle of the season will be great for the team down the stretch. But the difference maker is the starting rotation. Brooklyn has the most depth in the rotation with playable arms. In the long run, this will be a bitter battle of Easterners, but Brooklyn hopes that the longer the season lasts the more important the depth comes into play.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Two Adds to Depth
Brooklyn has completed a pair of deals with the hopes of improving the outfield. Jason Bay had an injury plagued season a year ago and now Curtis Granderson, acquired on Draft Day for top pick Yunel Escobar and change, will begin the season on the DL and could miss up to a month with a broken hand. GM Eric Caskey viewed the question marks as potential obstacles to winning the East.
On Draft Day, Brooklyn selected at least five starting pitchers to improve the team's depth. It made Jeremy Bonderman, a Moab since day one, expendable. Brooklyn dealt Bonderman and Kendry Morales to Casselton in exchange for OF Jacoby Ellsbury. Ellsbury will be the team's fourth outfielder as he adds speed and contact at the bottom of the lineup. Cox believes that there is power in his future as well, "Clearly Ells has a wonderful stroke. He has a good body to help his slight uppercut produce 10 to 15 homers annually." The Moabs also took Jarrod Washburn to clear Bonderman's salary. Washburn returned to the Moabs for only five minutes.
In the second deal, the Moabs swapped Jarrod Washburn and Joel Guzman to Black Mesa for outfielder Austin Kearns. While Granderson is on the DL, then Kearns and Ellsbury will platoon in right field. Kearns will also see some at-bats against lefthanders with DH. Since Brooklyn will not be using a DH at home, the New Yorker's front office wanted a strong bench. With Molina or McCann, Aki Iwamura, Jhonny Peralta, Jacoby Ellsbury or Austin Kearns, and Travis Buck, there is tremendous depth as well as lefties and righties. This bench paired with a dynamite lineup featuring all-stars at every position could have Brooklyn having the last laugh this season!
Crash Jackson
The Aftermath
On Draft Day, Brooklyn selected at least five starting pitchers to improve the team's depth. It made Jeremy Bonderman, a Moab since day one, expendable. Brooklyn dealt Bonderman and Kendry Morales to Casselton in exchange for OF Jacoby Ellsbury. Ellsbury will be the team's fourth outfielder as he adds speed and contact at the bottom of the lineup. Cox believes that there is power in his future as well, "Clearly Ells has a wonderful stroke. He has a good body to help his slight uppercut produce 10 to 15 homers annually." The Moabs also took Jarrod Washburn to clear Bonderman's salary. Washburn returned to the Moabs for only five minutes.
In the second deal, the Moabs swapped Jarrod Washburn and Joel Guzman to Black Mesa for outfielder Austin Kearns. While Granderson is on the DL, then Kearns and Ellsbury will platoon in right field. Kearns will also see some at-bats against lefthanders with DH. Since Brooklyn will not be using a DH at home, the New Yorker's front office wanted a strong bench. With Molina or McCann, Aki Iwamura, Jhonny Peralta, Jacoby Ellsbury or Austin Kearns, and Travis Buck, there is tremendous depth as well as lefties and righties. This bench paired with a dynamite lineup featuring all-stars at every position could have Brooklyn having the last laugh this season!
Crash Jackson
The Aftermath
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Is Darwin Brewing Drugs?
Yet another Darwin Finch was suspended for human Growth Hormone. Last season, Jeremy Jeffress and Juan Salas were suspended for steriod usage. This time, it is top prospect Jordan Schafer. Schafer, an elite prospect in the Braves system, had hopes of reaching the majors this season. So it begs the question: Is Darwin the BARB version of Oakland/San Francisco?
Friday, April 4, 2008
Completed Trade for an Ace
Looking to upgrade Brooklyn's starting rotation, management went out and re-acquired stud Justin Verlander. Verlander was traded two years ago straight up for Ryan Howard. Now Brooklyn dealt third starter Jeremy Bonderman, long reliever Scott Baker, fireballer Jeff Niemann, and prospects Joel Guzman and Jose Tabata. Clearly, Black Mesa was desperate for depth in the starting rotation and acquired three arms who will contribute for years to come. In addition, Black Mesa added a utility player in Guzman, who can play first, third, left and right. He has unbelievable raw power. And, Black Mesa adds Jose Tabata, who might get a September callup this season. He can be a real asset in the offseason.
Coming over with Verlander is OF Franklyn Gutierrez. GM Eric J. Caskey is proud of his scouting department: "Clearly this deal would not have been done without the accumulated depth of prospects from past drafts and deals." Baker was added as a player to be named later in which Brooklyn dealt young shortstop Stephen Drew for Joe Kennedy. The other four were acquired in past drafts, as Jeremy Bonderman has only known the Moab uniform: "We hope JB all the best. He was a joy to work with and hopefully the change of scenary will jumpstart his arm." For the short time, Gutierrez will serve as a platoon RF with Travis Buck. Both men are playing in a platoon until Curtis Granderson returns. Caskey also claimed that Brooklyn is now the team to beat in the East, "We have improved the starting rotation as Wang will be the team's fifth starter despite winning 19 games in the American League. Carmona will serve as the third starter behind Oswalt and Verlander, and Carm won 18 games and had the lowest ERA in the second half last season. Our rotation should be able to compete and could endure injuries better than ever before despite dealing three pitchers for Verlander. The bullpen is deeper than ever before as Brooklyn barely missed out of the playoffs a year ago with Bob Wickman and Joe Kennedy setting up. Now those two would have been cut from the roster. Also, the lineup is just as good if not better with Granderson, Jason Bay and Troy Tulowitzki."
Coming over with Verlander is OF Franklyn Gutierrez. GM Eric J. Caskey is proud of his scouting department: "Clearly this deal would not have been done without the accumulated depth of prospects from past drafts and deals." Baker was added as a player to be named later in which Brooklyn dealt young shortstop Stephen Drew for Joe Kennedy. The other four were acquired in past drafts, as Jeremy Bonderman has only known the Moab uniform: "We hope JB all the best. He was a joy to work with and hopefully the change of scenary will jumpstart his arm." For the short time, Gutierrez will serve as a platoon RF with Travis Buck. Both men are playing in a platoon until Curtis Granderson returns. Caskey also claimed that Brooklyn is now the team to beat in the East, "We have improved the starting rotation as Wang will be the team's fifth starter despite winning 19 games in the American League. Carmona will serve as the third starter behind Oswalt and Verlander, and Carm won 18 games and had the lowest ERA in the second half last season. Our rotation should be able to compete and could endure injuries better than ever before despite dealing three pitchers for Verlander. The bullpen is deeper than ever before as Brooklyn barely missed out of the playoffs a year ago with Bob Wickman and Joe Kennedy setting up. Now those two would have been cut from the roster. Also, the lineup is just as good if not better with Granderson, Jason Bay and Troy Tulowitzki."
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Brooklyn's Draft
Please contribute on how Brooklyn drafted in 2008. Since I commented on everyone, I feel that it woud be helpful for everyone to comment on Brooklyn's New York Moabs' draft.
Yunel Escobar* Traded for C. Granderson
Rafael Betancourt
Ubaldo Jimenez
Adam Wainwright
Micah Owings
Manny Parra
Ross Detwiller
Jhonny Peralta
Bengie Molina
Matt Lindstrom
Chris Coghlan
Hank Conger
John Meloan
Let me know...
Yunel Escobar* Traded for C. Granderson
Rafael Betancourt
Ubaldo Jimenez
Adam Wainwright
Micah Owings
Manny Parra
Ross Detwiller
Jhonny Peralta
Bengie Molina
Matt Lindstrom
Chris Coghlan
Hank Conger
John Meloan
Let me know...
Pottsylvania's Draft Results
Team's Good Picks:
Clearly addressing the bullpen and starting rotation was crucial, but the biggest draft improvement was the acquisition of SS Jose Reyes. Drafting Hideki Okajima and Manny Delcarmen in the second and third rounds was great. This adds depth to a horrible bullpen from a year ago. Now, Billy Wagner has two legitimate setup men in front of him, but little depth beyond that. The selection of Gil Meche adds a stable back end rotation starter who will eat lots of innings, but is very expensive in the next couple of years. Lastly, Carlos Gomez is a fun player to watch. Next season, Pottsylvania will have a dynamic duo atop the lineup with Reyes and Gomez. Combined, they could steal 150 bases alone.
Team's Bad Picks:
Everyone else. Ryan Theriot is a nice player that fills many roles, but he is not worth a fourth round selection. Much more could have been done with that draft slot. In fact he could have been on the board around the time of Brendan Harris' selection. Brian Barton was a horrible selection to start the sixth round. He was essentially let go in the Rule 5 draft from Cleveland, so why would he be drafted as high as he did. Brooklyn's management was considering the outfielder as a last pick overall if the draft had gone Brooklyn's way. It's a bad sign when he could get more playing time in BARB than in MLB!
Overall: C
This is a draft and pre-draft grade. I thought the acquisition of Jose Reyes, Manny Delcarmen and Hideki Okajima were some of the best in BARB. The selection of Gil Meche was nice, but the loss of Adam Wainwright was worse. With the only experienced OF being Juan Pierre, who is not seeing regular playing time in MLB, the selection of Carlos Gomez gives Pottsylvania a dynamic young outfield with Felix Pie and Matt Kemp. If that was all of Pottsylvania's draft, then an 'A' might be warranted. But, this is not all of the draft. The rest of the draft has poor positioning and draft slots. I do like the selection of Mark Mulder, only .25, but not so high. He would have been available later in the draft. Another good draft like this could propel Pottsylvania into the playoffs.
Clearly addressing the bullpen and starting rotation was crucial, but the biggest draft improvement was the acquisition of SS Jose Reyes. Drafting Hideki Okajima and Manny Delcarmen in the second and third rounds was great. This adds depth to a horrible bullpen from a year ago. Now, Billy Wagner has two legitimate setup men in front of him, but little depth beyond that. The selection of Gil Meche adds a stable back end rotation starter who will eat lots of innings, but is very expensive in the next couple of years. Lastly, Carlos Gomez is a fun player to watch. Next season, Pottsylvania will have a dynamic duo atop the lineup with Reyes and Gomez. Combined, they could steal 150 bases alone.
Team's Bad Picks:
Everyone else. Ryan Theriot is a nice player that fills many roles, but he is not worth a fourth round selection. Much more could have been done with that draft slot. In fact he could have been on the board around the time of Brendan Harris' selection. Brian Barton was a horrible selection to start the sixth round. He was essentially let go in the Rule 5 draft from Cleveland, so why would he be drafted as high as he did. Brooklyn's management was considering the outfielder as a last pick overall if the draft had gone Brooklyn's way. It's a bad sign when he could get more playing time in BARB than in MLB!
Overall: C
This is a draft and pre-draft grade. I thought the acquisition of Jose Reyes, Manny Delcarmen and Hideki Okajima were some of the best in BARB. The selection of Gil Meche was nice, but the loss of Adam Wainwright was worse. With the only experienced OF being Juan Pierre, who is not seeing regular playing time in MLB, the selection of Carlos Gomez gives Pottsylvania a dynamic young outfield with Felix Pie and Matt Kemp. If that was all of Pottsylvania's draft, then an 'A' might be warranted. But, this is not all of the draft. The rest of the draft has poor positioning and draft slots. I do like the selection of Mark Mulder, only .25, but not so high. He would have been available later in the draft. Another good draft like this could propel Pottsylvania into the playoffs.
Casseroles
The Team's Good Picks:
Brandon Phillips was the best pick in the draft. He is a clear upgrade to every secondbasemen other than Chase Utley. He has tremendous range and great hands, could have played shortstop too. Phenomenal pick especially with Orlando Hudson playing behind him. It's nice have a switch hitting defensive wizard off the bench. Geovanny Soto is another terrific pick as he could start right away. He has great power from the catcher position. Sergio Romo is another sleeper player who can really hurl. The reliever provides depth to a pitching staff that was horrible a season ago.
The Team's Bad Picks:
Ken Griffey Jr and Kelvim Escobar are really risky picks. I feel that Escobar had the kind of year that everyone thought he should have every year. He has tremendous feel for pitching. He will likely miss the entire season this year and that does not bode well for the future. He is a legitimate ace though if healthy and this team could make a run at the postseason. Griffey is the same way. Clearly management addressed the lack of lefthanded power with Griffey, but its a big 'if' if he plays 140 games. An outfield consisting of Hunter, Dye and Griffey is experienced and has some good bats.
Overall: A-
Very very good first draft for Landon. In fact there are many owners that could look at what he did. He drafted the best player for the weakest position. In that I mean that 2B is a weak fantasy position, and he took the second best player (best available). That was smart. He then selected the next Miguel Cabrera in Angel Villalona. On teams that are contending, which Casselton is a year away, selecting a keeper player like Villalona is a bad idea. On a rebuilding team, it is crucial to build around. Romo and Faustino De Los Santos are great picks. Santos has a cannon and could be a building block for the young Athletics team. Soto was another great pick. I like LaPorta but I wonder how LaPorta will fit into the Brewers' long term plans now that they have moved Braun to left. Lastly, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to draft players that can help now, in the near future, and a few years down the line. Very good draft that more teams need to look at.
Brandon Phillips was the best pick in the draft. He is a clear upgrade to every secondbasemen other than Chase Utley. He has tremendous range and great hands, could have played shortstop too. Phenomenal pick especially with Orlando Hudson playing behind him. It's nice have a switch hitting defensive wizard off the bench. Geovanny Soto is another terrific pick as he could start right away. He has great power from the catcher position. Sergio Romo is another sleeper player who can really hurl. The reliever provides depth to a pitching staff that was horrible a season ago.
The Team's Bad Picks:
Ken Griffey Jr and Kelvim Escobar are really risky picks. I feel that Escobar had the kind of year that everyone thought he should have every year. He has tremendous feel for pitching. He will likely miss the entire season this year and that does not bode well for the future. He is a legitimate ace though if healthy and this team could make a run at the postseason. Griffey is the same way. Clearly management addressed the lack of lefthanded power with Griffey, but its a big 'if' if he plays 140 games. An outfield consisting of Hunter, Dye and Griffey is experienced and has some good bats.
Overall: A-
Very very good first draft for Landon. In fact there are many owners that could look at what he did. He drafted the best player for the weakest position. In that I mean that 2B is a weak fantasy position, and he took the second best player (best available). That was smart. He then selected the next Miguel Cabrera in Angel Villalona. On teams that are contending, which Casselton is a year away, selecting a keeper player like Villalona is a bad idea. On a rebuilding team, it is crucial to build around. Romo and Faustino De Los Santos are great picks. Santos has a cannon and could be a building block for the young Athletics team. Soto was another great pick. I like LaPorta but I wonder how LaPorta will fit into the Brewers' long term plans now that they have moved Braun to left. Lastly, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to draft players that can help now, in the near future, and a few years down the line. Very good draft that more teams need to look at.
S-Marks the Spot
The Team's Good Picks:
James Shields and Brian Wilson are terrific picks. I question how Shields' changeup will translate into BARB. None the less, Shields is a great upgrade for Smart's rotation. Brian Wilson can be really effective for the valley's team. Let's just say Izzy and Fernando Rodney are not strangers to the Harden-Hermida List. Wilson could end up being the set up man on this team. He's a good pick that provides some bullpen depth.
The Team's Bad Picks:
The fact the team only had 5-6 picks. What happened? Two really horrible picks by this team are Miguel Tejada and JC Romero. First Romero is not unestablished, he has pitched for many years now. Romero is one of the more overrated players and his changeup could get rocked really easily. It seems to me that he wasn't really effective against lefties, thus does not help the team much. And where do I begin with Tejada? He may hit 35 jacks in the JuiceBox but seriously will be a result of the ballpark. Tejada also has some legal obligations with the Mitchell Report. Despite having the Iron Man award for baseball earlier in the decade, concerns about lingering wrist problems made him expendable from Yuma. He arm is also getting older, as there are concerns he can make some throws. Very risky pick.
Overall: D
SMart almost received an F. The youthful pick of James Shields and Brian Wilson saved the grade. Again how was there only 6 picks for this team? There is absolutely no middle infield depth, no starting pitching depth, and with injuries in the pen, no bullpen depth. I take it back, the infield has no depth at all. Prospects do not look good at all despite have a tremendous 3B. Perhaps he should try to trade the best player in the game and get anything he wants.
James Shields and Brian Wilson are terrific picks. I question how Shields' changeup will translate into BARB. None the less, Shields is a great upgrade for Smart's rotation. Brian Wilson can be really effective for the valley's team. Let's just say Izzy and Fernando Rodney are not strangers to the Harden-Hermida List. Wilson could end up being the set up man on this team. He's a good pick that provides some bullpen depth.
The Team's Bad Picks:
The fact the team only had 5-6 picks. What happened? Two really horrible picks by this team are Miguel Tejada and JC Romero. First Romero is not unestablished, he has pitched for many years now. Romero is one of the more overrated players and his changeup could get rocked really easily. It seems to me that he wasn't really effective against lefties, thus does not help the team much. And where do I begin with Tejada? He may hit 35 jacks in the JuiceBox but seriously will be a result of the ballpark. Tejada also has some legal obligations with the Mitchell Report. Despite having the Iron Man award for baseball earlier in the decade, concerns about lingering wrist problems made him expendable from Yuma. He arm is also getting older, as there are concerns he can make some throws. Very risky pick.
Overall: D
SMart almost received an F. The youthful pick of James Shields and Brian Wilson saved the grade. Again how was there only 6 picks for this team? There is absolutely no middle infield depth, no starting pitching depth, and with injuries in the pen, no bullpen depth. I take it back, the infield has no depth at all. Prospects do not look good at all despite have a tremendous 3B. Perhaps he should try to trade the best player in the game and get anything he wants.
The Oakey Doakies
The Team's Good Picks:
Ivan Rodriguez and Gio Gonzalez are good picks for this team. Pudge provides a reliable catcher with fantastic defensive skills. With Andrew Jones, Orlando Cabrera, Mike Lowell, Mark Ellis/Howie Kendrick, Eric Byrnes and even Nick Swisher, this team could be Barb's best defense. Pudge has a cannon and so does Cabrera and Jones. Pudge provides a very good veteran bat to a lineup taht could have some potential. Cause for concern would be Mike Lowell as there is a reason big years by veterans are called "Career Years" they don't happen every year. As for Gio Gonzalez, the little lefty can really rack of the strikeouts. If Oakland is a contending team, then Gonzalez's late season callup could rival Liriano and Gallardo's efforts in past years. Gonzalez, since there is depth in this rotation, could be used to find another hitter, perhaps Yuma's Adam LaRoche or Pottsylvania's Lyle Overbay.
The Team's Bad Picks:
Dan Ortmeier and Dana Eveland were poor draft selections. At most Ortmeier will be a role player, despite consistant playing time with MLB's worst franchise. Generally role player would be good, but the team already has Conor Jackson. I thought there are more durable and versatile players, like Casey Blake that could have filled Ortmeier's role better. And for Eveland, the lefty is overrated. I think his numbers will be good at home, but when Oakland travels, he will get rocked.
The Team's Best Pick:
Not trading the organization's young players. Oakeyland has the finest young nucleus in Andy LaRoche, Stephen Drew, Howie Kendrick, Carlos Gonzalez, with Gio Gonzalez, Matt Garza, and Dice K. All of these players will see significant playing time by year's end at the latest. I seriously doubt too many fanchises will have this kind of contribution from youthful players.
Overall: C+
Although the talent from Oakeyland's draft wasn't great, it filled team needs. The team's catching situation was pathetic. Pudge fills the defensive needs of the team and can produce offensively. For the future, Oakeyland must focus on getting a more youthful catcher, like John Buck perhaps. The excess middle infield talent allows the team to trade some players if the situation is needed. Getting younger should have been a focus for this team. The only player that could produce at a high level in three years time was Gonzalez. With only a handful of picks, youth should have been the focus after acquiring Pudge. Jackson is also a good pick for this team but Ortmeier was overkill.
Ivan Rodriguez and Gio Gonzalez are good picks for this team. Pudge provides a reliable catcher with fantastic defensive skills. With Andrew Jones, Orlando Cabrera, Mike Lowell, Mark Ellis/Howie Kendrick, Eric Byrnes and even Nick Swisher, this team could be Barb's best defense. Pudge has a cannon and so does Cabrera and Jones. Pudge provides a very good veteran bat to a lineup taht could have some potential. Cause for concern would be Mike Lowell as there is a reason big years by veterans are called "Career Years" they don't happen every year. As for Gio Gonzalez, the little lefty can really rack of the strikeouts. If Oakland is a contending team, then Gonzalez's late season callup could rival Liriano and Gallardo's efforts in past years. Gonzalez, since there is depth in this rotation, could be used to find another hitter, perhaps Yuma's Adam LaRoche or Pottsylvania's Lyle Overbay.
The Team's Bad Picks:
Dan Ortmeier and Dana Eveland were poor draft selections. At most Ortmeier will be a role player, despite consistant playing time with MLB's worst franchise. Generally role player would be good, but the team already has Conor Jackson. I thought there are more durable and versatile players, like Casey Blake that could have filled Ortmeier's role better. And for Eveland, the lefty is overrated. I think his numbers will be good at home, but when Oakland travels, he will get rocked.
The Team's Best Pick:
Not trading the organization's young players. Oakeyland has the finest young nucleus in Andy LaRoche, Stephen Drew, Howie Kendrick, Carlos Gonzalez, with Gio Gonzalez, Matt Garza, and Dice K. All of these players will see significant playing time by year's end at the latest. I seriously doubt too many fanchises will have this kind of contribution from youthful players.
Overall: C+
Although the talent from Oakeyland's draft wasn't great, it filled team needs. The team's catching situation was pathetic. Pudge fills the defensive needs of the team and can produce offensively. For the future, Oakeyland must focus on getting a more youthful catcher, like John Buck perhaps. The excess middle infield talent allows the team to trade some players if the situation is needed. Getting younger should have been a focus for this team. The only player that could produce at a high level in three years time was Gonzalez. With only a handful of picks, youth should have been the focus after acquiring Pudge. Jackson is also a good pick for this team but Ortmeier was overkill.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Eliminated the Competition?
The Team's Good Picks:
The team had an excellent draft so there is a lot to choose from. George Sherrill, Matt Guerrier, Chris Marrero and Steven Pearce were the best from the solid crop. Sherrill and Guerrier provide depth to a depleted bullpen. Both have tremendous bullpen matchups. Sherrill is closing games in Baltimore and will be a nice set up man or middle reliever in the northeast. Chris Marrero is a great prospect that will provide some trade bait and make a splash. Also, Pearce is a flexible player who can play in the outfield and first, with a solid bat.
The Team's Bad Picks:
I think Peter Moylan's numbers were far better than what will happen this season. He is ruthless on righties and has developed a changeup this spring. If he can use the change effectively, he may be a very good pitcher against lefties. Moylan does not project long term due to his frisby style technique. Also, despite Heath Bell's excellent numbers last season, he was worked very hard. I question whether his arm can hold up a few years. Owner's beware. Lastly Pedro Feliciano is deceptive and effective against lefties but is purely a situational lefty. If he is left in the game against Lexington's right handed lineup, yikes.
Overall: A-
Clearly depth in the bulllpen was crucial to a repeat run to the playoffs. Too many arms to list were drafted which creates favorable matchups late in games. Joe Thatcher could be a great pick as the Padres are phenomenal at scouting bullpen talent in their huge pitcher's park. The trade for Jon Lester will be a great deal for yaers to come. Lester will be a stable in the rotatoin and a great pickup against the left handed heavy Brooklyn's New York Moabs. I thought a little depth up the middle was needed, but the surplus of bullpen arms gives management tremendous flexibility in trade for more depth. Injuries should not be a problem for this team due to the depth.
The team had an excellent draft so there is a lot to choose from. George Sherrill, Matt Guerrier, Chris Marrero and Steven Pearce were the best from the solid crop. Sherrill and Guerrier provide depth to a depleted bullpen. Both have tremendous bullpen matchups. Sherrill is closing games in Baltimore and will be a nice set up man or middle reliever in the northeast. Chris Marrero is a great prospect that will provide some trade bait and make a splash. Also, Pearce is a flexible player who can play in the outfield and first, with a solid bat.
The Team's Bad Picks:
I think Peter Moylan's numbers were far better than what will happen this season. He is ruthless on righties and has developed a changeup this spring. If he can use the change effectively, he may be a very good pitcher against lefties. Moylan does not project long term due to his frisby style technique. Also, despite Heath Bell's excellent numbers last season, he was worked very hard. I question whether his arm can hold up a few years. Owner's beware. Lastly Pedro Feliciano is deceptive and effective against lefties but is purely a situational lefty. If he is left in the game against Lexington's right handed lineup, yikes.
Overall: A-
Clearly depth in the bulllpen was crucial to a repeat run to the playoffs. Too many arms to list were drafted which creates favorable matchups late in games. Joe Thatcher could be a great pick as the Padres are phenomenal at scouting bullpen talent in their huge pitcher's park. The trade for Jon Lester will be a great deal for yaers to come. Lester will be a stable in the rotatoin and a great pickup against the left handed heavy Brooklyn's New York Moabs. I thought a little depth up the middle was needed, but the surplus of bullpen arms gives management tremendous flexibility in trade for more depth. Injuries should not be a problem for this team due to the depth.
It's Still Hot in the Desert
Only because this is Yuma, read Devil's Highway...
Team's Good Picks:
There are a lot to choose from. Rafael Perez and Rohrbaugh are great picks. Obviously Perez was thought highly of as he was a first round selection. Rohrbaugh is a Braves farmhand who was a draft and follow. That means he was selected out of high school and chose not to sign with the Braves, but went to a junior college. This allows the Braves to sign him before he is eligible for re-entry into the draft. He is a good lefty who is the leader of a new young class of Braves arms. Daniel Moskos could rise quickly in the Bucs organization. He throws hard and is left handed and in my opinion would be a fantastic set up man like BJ Ryan. Another highlighted pick is Johnny Cueto. Cueto is a bulldog type pitcher which is probably necessary in the Great American Smallpark.
Team's Bad Picks:
Really none, but I would say that Matusz is the weakest pick. He is only in this category because he is still in college. As I have said before, drafting college players is bad in the 40 man roster era of BARB. Matusz, despite being a highly regarded arm, is still going to take a few years to reach the pros. He takes away a degree of freedom from roster flexibility.
Most Underrated Selection:
Carlos Carrasco could be this season's version of Yovani Gallardo. He has tremendous stuff and is in an organization that sorely needs arms. This was a great pick and beat Brooklyn to the punch.
Overall: A
There is little that gets past Chris come draft time. He had a phenomenal draft and continues to add players taht can contribute now, the near future, and down the line a few years. This creates a stable organization that makes the playoffs year after year. The depth that was created through solid deep drafts allows Yuma to trade an All-Star OF for a young shortstop and not miss a beat. Another excellent draft in the desert.
Team's Good Picks:
There are a lot to choose from. Rafael Perez and Rohrbaugh are great picks. Obviously Perez was thought highly of as he was a first round selection. Rohrbaugh is a Braves farmhand who was a draft and follow. That means he was selected out of high school and chose not to sign with the Braves, but went to a junior college. This allows the Braves to sign him before he is eligible for re-entry into the draft. He is a good lefty who is the leader of a new young class of Braves arms. Daniel Moskos could rise quickly in the Bucs organization. He throws hard and is left handed and in my opinion would be a fantastic set up man like BJ Ryan. Another highlighted pick is Johnny Cueto. Cueto is a bulldog type pitcher which is probably necessary in the Great American Smallpark.
Team's Bad Picks:
Really none, but I would say that Matusz is the weakest pick. He is only in this category because he is still in college. As I have said before, drafting college players is bad in the 40 man roster era of BARB. Matusz, despite being a highly regarded arm, is still going to take a few years to reach the pros. He takes away a degree of freedom from roster flexibility.
Most Underrated Selection:
Carlos Carrasco could be this season's version of Yovani Gallardo. He has tremendous stuff and is in an organization that sorely needs arms. This was a great pick and beat Brooklyn to the punch.
Overall: A
There is little that gets past Chris come draft time. He had a phenomenal draft and continues to add players taht can contribute now, the near future, and down the line a few years. This creates a stable organization that makes the playoffs year after year. The depth that was created through solid deep drafts allows Yuma to trade an All-Star OF for a young shortstop and not miss a beat. Another excellent draft in the desert.
Oh No, Another
Darwin closer JJ Putz has landed on the DL. THis is yet another Finches arm to hit the Harden-Hermida List. Could this be the year the overacheiving Finches miss out on the playoffs. If they do it'll be because of the pine.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
What Happens in Vegas Gets Praised!
The Team's Good Picks:
Kose Fukedome and Kelly Johnson are great picks. Matt Holliday, Alfonso Soriano, and Manny Ramirez have never dazzled anyone defensively, so a fourth outfielder is crucial in late innings. Fukedome fills that position well and his left handed bat could be a real asset off the bench. As for Johnson, he fills a gaping hole at secondbase. He can leadoff or bat lower in the lineup with tremendous patience, despite strikeouts. His defense is better than advertise. The one caution, although minor when it comes to a weak offensive position of second, is his streaky bat.
The Team's Bad Picks:
Clearly selecting a 35 year old catcher in the first round and paying him 30 percent more was a risky investment. What is worse, management did not target a younger catcher to grow into the new position. Michael Barrett does not start and is not a defensive catcher. Last year he fought with Big Z in Chicago, prompting a trade. He does have a good bat, but he is getting older as well and does not have a starting spot with the Padres. Also, the team is really shallow on the corners. Alex Gordon is a young stud who really struggled last season, but Prince Fielder is really coming into his own. If either suffers an injury, a trade is crucial to salvage the position. Lastly, the team did nothing to address lefty arms. Come late innings against Brooklyn, a team with heavy left handed bats, not having a lefty out of the pen could kill playoff hopes and runs.
Overall: A
The pitching rotation is solid with Ian Snell, Jered Weaver, AJ Burnett, Derek Lowe, and Brett Myers is one of the stronger rotations. Durability will be a concern as Weaver opened last season on the DL. Lowe and Burnett are not strangers to the Harden-Hermida Lists. Brett Myers will be crucial if Liriano returns to a healty rotation, as he may move to the bullpen with Rivera, Gagne, Qualls, Heilman and Morrow. The lineup can swing for the fences with the best of them (East teams and Yuma). There will be plenty of strikeouts but the team can make up for that with the stolen base with Soriano, Rollins, and Gordon. Depth and lefty arms should be a source of concern, but Vegas has the potential to challenge for a crown with this team healthy (but big question mark with health).
Kose Fukedome and Kelly Johnson are great picks. Matt Holliday, Alfonso Soriano, and Manny Ramirez have never dazzled anyone defensively, so a fourth outfielder is crucial in late innings. Fukedome fills that position well and his left handed bat could be a real asset off the bench. As for Johnson, he fills a gaping hole at secondbase. He can leadoff or bat lower in the lineup with tremendous patience, despite strikeouts. His defense is better than advertise. The one caution, although minor when it comes to a weak offensive position of second, is his streaky bat.
The Team's Bad Picks:
Clearly selecting a 35 year old catcher in the first round and paying him 30 percent more was a risky investment. What is worse, management did not target a younger catcher to grow into the new position. Michael Barrett does not start and is not a defensive catcher. Last year he fought with Big Z in Chicago, prompting a trade. He does have a good bat, but he is getting older as well and does not have a starting spot with the Padres. Also, the team is really shallow on the corners. Alex Gordon is a young stud who really struggled last season, but Prince Fielder is really coming into his own. If either suffers an injury, a trade is crucial to salvage the position. Lastly, the team did nothing to address lefty arms. Come late innings against Brooklyn, a team with heavy left handed bats, not having a lefty out of the pen could kill playoff hopes and runs.
Overall: A
The pitching rotation is solid with Ian Snell, Jered Weaver, AJ Burnett, Derek Lowe, and Brett Myers is one of the stronger rotations. Durability will be a concern as Weaver opened last season on the DL. Lowe and Burnett are not strangers to the Harden-Hermida Lists. Brett Myers will be crucial if Liriano returns to a healty rotation, as he may move to the bullpen with Rivera, Gagne, Qualls, Heilman and Morrow. The lineup can swing for the fences with the best of them (East teams and Yuma). There will be plenty of strikeouts but the team can make up for that with the stolen base with Soriano, Rollins, and Gordon. Depth and lefty arms should be a source of concern, but Vegas has the potential to challenge for a crown with this team healthy (but big question mark with health).
Black Mesa Ain't Gonna Be's
The Team's Good Picks:
Catcher Jason Varitek was the team's best pick. Clearly Doug Mirabelli was not the answer behind the plate. To get a switch hitting catcher that is a leader is huge for a young team. He can also provide the lineup with some depth behind Kevin Youkilis, Austin Kearns, Adam Dunn, Hideki Matsui and Justin Morneau. Despite many strike outs, this team will put up some runs and getting an offensive catcher is a tremendous steal.
The Team's Bad PIcks:
Instead of going with the favorite pick of Reed Johnson, or even Youkilis, I will criticize the draft strategy. On a rebuilding team, at least should be rebuilding, select offensive players from other teams kills the potential to add pitching depth and youthful players. Management did not address the team's pitching depth. The three man rotation of Justin Verlander, John Maine, and Ted Lilly is good enough to compete in the Central? but Kei Igawa is not an answer in the 4 hole. Who knows who is going to be in the fifth role. The thing that is for sure, the long reliever may end up with the most innings pitched on this team.
Overall: D+
The lineup will be a force in the weak Central?. If by some miracle of BARB Black Mesa reaches the playoffs, the rotation of Verlander, Maine, and Lily could be dangerous. The closer is as close to a sure thing with John Papelbon. He is set up by Takashi Saito, Brian Fuentes and Gustavo Chacin, which is pretty good. Clearly the problem is depth and I look for this team to trade some of the hitting depth for some pitching. Perhaps Ronald could approach Nick for SS Rafael Furcal!
Catcher Jason Varitek was the team's best pick. Clearly Doug Mirabelli was not the answer behind the plate. To get a switch hitting catcher that is a leader is huge for a young team. He can also provide the lineup with some depth behind Kevin Youkilis, Austin Kearns, Adam Dunn, Hideki Matsui and Justin Morneau. Despite many strike outs, this team will put up some runs and getting an offensive catcher is a tremendous steal.
The Team's Bad PIcks:
Instead of going with the favorite pick of Reed Johnson, or even Youkilis, I will criticize the draft strategy. On a rebuilding team, at least should be rebuilding, select offensive players from other teams kills the potential to add pitching depth and youthful players. Management did not address the team's pitching depth. The three man rotation of Justin Verlander, John Maine, and Ted Lilly is good enough to compete in the Central? but Kei Igawa is not an answer in the 4 hole. Who knows who is going to be in the fifth role. The thing that is for sure, the long reliever may end up with the most innings pitched on this team.
Overall: D+
The lineup will be a force in the weak Central?. If by some miracle of BARB Black Mesa reaches the playoffs, the rotation of Verlander, Maine, and Lily could be dangerous. The closer is as close to a sure thing with John Papelbon. He is set up by Takashi Saito, Brian Fuentes and Gustavo Chacin, which is pretty good. Clearly the problem is depth and I look for this team to trade some of the hitting depth for some pitching. Perhaps Ronald could approach Nick for SS Rafael Furcal!
Where's Samuel Adams?
The Arizona Lexington Diamondback somethings....
The Team's Good Pick:
Reliever Joba Chamberlain was the team's best draft pick. His talent is unhittable when he wants it to be. Will it be over the entire season? We will find out. The problem there are a lot of question marks concerning Chamberlain's role, future role, and durability over an entire season. IF he becomes a starter, can he throw 220 IP, which would be 21 IP less than CY Young winner CC Sabathia, and still be able to throw 97-100 mph? We simply don't know. Good pick in that you want to own Chamberlain and wait to figure out how he will dominate the most. The bad, giving up SS Jose Reyes, a catalyst to the offense and leader on defense. His replacement is the fading JJ Hardy. Perhaps, David Wright could lead off because Lexington could be this year's version of the SF Giants-- great starting pitching weak hitting!
The Team's Bad Pick:
This team better not get the injury bug that Darwin has this season, Brooklyn and Frostbite had last season, because there is ZERO depth on this roster. The bad pick is clearly Rich Harden. Where I like the gamble, I do not think it warrants a third round pick. Harden has proven two things. First, tremendous talent that can strike whoever he wants out. Second, sadly, is that Harden has proven to be permantly seated on the HARDEN List, with teammate Jeremy Hermida.
Skipping to OVERALL: C-
Before people jump on this evaluation, Ronald traded All-Star STUD SS Jose Reyes. The most important position player is most commonly considered the shortstop. He is a great player at such a young age. He is a switch-hitting leadoff man, with tremendous speed and suprising power, good average, a cannon for an arm, and amazing range. For Joba? He has not reached his talent, and won't for a year or two. Needed to address depth more than getting the league's best set up man down the stretch for the league's best shortstop. Really, Ramon Hernandez and Miguel Montero behind the plate, yikes! The outfield consisting of BJ Upton, Hunter Pence, and Carlos Lee is very talented. Lex might have six to seven right handed batters in a eight man lineup. The only lefty might be light hitting 2B Luis Castillo, yet management will likely opt for youthful Rickie Weeks. Lastly, the rotation, when healthy is likely the best in BARB, but concerns over health should be driving management nuts. Be on the lookout for the injury bug that has hampered the East contenders over the years. Since Lex changed cities in an attempt to get into the stiff East, they might get the East's BUG.
The Team's Good Pick:
Reliever Joba Chamberlain was the team's best draft pick. His talent is unhittable when he wants it to be. Will it be over the entire season? We will find out. The problem there are a lot of question marks concerning Chamberlain's role, future role, and durability over an entire season. IF he becomes a starter, can he throw 220 IP, which would be 21 IP less than CY Young winner CC Sabathia, and still be able to throw 97-100 mph? We simply don't know. Good pick in that you want to own Chamberlain and wait to figure out how he will dominate the most. The bad, giving up SS Jose Reyes, a catalyst to the offense and leader on defense. His replacement is the fading JJ Hardy. Perhaps, David Wright could lead off because Lexington could be this year's version of the SF Giants-- great starting pitching weak hitting!
The Team's Bad Pick:
This team better not get the injury bug that Darwin has this season, Brooklyn and Frostbite had last season, because there is ZERO depth on this roster. The bad pick is clearly Rich Harden. Where I like the gamble, I do not think it warrants a third round pick. Harden has proven two things. First, tremendous talent that can strike whoever he wants out. Second, sadly, is that Harden has proven to be permantly seated on the HARDEN List, with teammate Jeremy Hermida.
Skipping to OVERALL: C-
Before people jump on this evaluation, Ronald traded All-Star STUD SS Jose Reyes. The most important position player is most commonly considered the shortstop. He is a great player at such a young age. He is a switch-hitting leadoff man, with tremendous speed and suprising power, good average, a cannon for an arm, and amazing range. For Joba? He has not reached his talent, and won't for a year or two. Needed to address depth more than getting the league's best set up man down the stretch for the league's best shortstop. Really, Ramon Hernandez and Miguel Montero behind the plate, yikes! The outfield consisting of BJ Upton, Hunter Pence, and Carlos Lee is very talented. Lex might have six to seven right handed batters in a eight man lineup. The only lefty might be light hitting 2B Luis Castillo, yet management will likely opt for youthful Rickie Weeks. Lastly, the rotation, when healthy is likely the best in BARB, but concerns over health should be driving management nuts. Be on the lookout for the injury bug that has hampered the East contenders over the years. Since Lex changed cities in an attempt to get into the stiff East, they might get the East's BUG.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Frostbite's Cold Bite
The Team's Good Picks:
Corey Hart obviously! He provides a difficult matchup for many teams. The multi-tooled outfielder has a cannon defensively and covers a lot of ground. He can fill in in CF for the oft-injured Carlos Beltran, give a day off to Magglio Ordonez in RF, or play alongside the two as an upgrade in LF. In the lineup, he could bat leadoff, second or sixth through eighth. His versatility in power, speed, average, and ability to make contact makes Hart one of the best picks of the draft!
The Team's Bad Picks:
A couple questionable picks, Jason Heyward, Brett Anderson, and Tanner Scheppers are all keeper prospects. None will contribute in the next two to three yeas. These type of players are going to have huge upside, great picks in last year formats, but take away degrees of freedom. Since the Squirrels invest time and energy into the three, it may be harder to cut these players if the organization needs a spot for players who may have less upside but can contribute.
Great Picks:
Besides Hart, Chris Perez and JR Towles were great picks. Both players have upside and will likely contribute this season. Perez will likely pick up a few saves this season but should be the favorite for saves next season. Towles is a hard nosed catcher who can hit and should provide depth at catcher and provide a day off for Victor Martinez, but keep Martinez's bat in the lineup.
Overall: B
Hart is vital, simply brings the grade up to a B by himself. Management did little to address middle infield depth and starting pitching. Jeff Kent and Edgar Renteria are counted on to provide many games alongside Michael Young. For the most part Kent has been healthy in his career, but his body has taken a toll as his defense has suffered in past years. Renteria cannot be counted on to play more than 100 games, but he is highly productive when in the lineup. If both get injured, will Reid Brignac be ready? And for the starting pitching, the team is still counting on Brad Penny and Ben Sheets to compete and fill out this rotation. At least one is counted on at a time to compliment a strong rotation of Felix Hernandez, Rich Hill, Tim Lincecum, and Shawn Hill. When both Sheets and Penny are in the rotation, this is a very strong and possible best rotation in BARB.
Corey Hart obviously! He provides a difficult matchup for many teams. The multi-tooled outfielder has a cannon defensively and covers a lot of ground. He can fill in in CF for the oft-injured Carlos Beltran, give a day off to Magglio Ordonez in RF, or play alongside the two as an upgrade in LF. In the lineup, he could bat leadoff, second or sixth through eighth. His versatility in power, speed, average, and ability to make contact makes Hart one of the best picks of the draft!
The Team's Bad Picks:
A couple questionable picks, Jason Heyward, Brett Anderson, and Tanner Scheppers are all keeper prospects. None will contribute in the next two to three yeas. These type of players are going to have huge upside, great picks in last year formats, but take away degrees of freedom. Since the Squirrels invest time and energy into the three, it may be harder to cut these players if the organization needs a spot for players who may have less upside but can contribute.
Great Picks:
Besides Hart, Chris Perez and JR Towles were great picks. Both players have upside and will likely contribute this season. Perez will likely pick up a few saves this season but should be the favorite for saves next season. Towles is a hard nosed catcher who can hit and should provide depth at catcher and provide a day off for Victor Martinez, but keep Martinez's bat in the lineup.
Overall: B
Hart is vital, simply brings the grade up to a B by himself. Management did little to address middle infield depth and starting pitching. Jeff Kent and Edgar Renteria are counted on to provide many games alongside Michael Young. For the most part Kent has been healthy in his career, but his body has taken a toll as his defense has suffered in past years. Renteria cannot be counted on to play more than 100 games, but he is highly productive when in the lineup. If both get injured, will Reid Brignac be ready? And for the starting pitching, the team is still counting on Brad Penny and Ben Sheets to compete and fill out this rotation. At least one is counted on at a time to compliment a strong rotation of Felix Hernandez, Rich Hill, Tim Lincecum, and Shawn Hill. When both Sheets and Penny are in the rotation, this is a very strong and possible best rotation in BARB.
Darwin's Draft Recap and Grade
The Team's Good Picks:
Clearly Darwin's management believes that the lineup needed an upgrade in the outfield to assist Jeff Francouer. The steals of Josh Hamilton and Rick Ankiel will provide some left handed power in the lineup. The pre-draft trade to acquire Milton Bradley for Josh Sweeney allows for some depth for the lineup down the road. PZ Myers will hope for 15-20 jacks from Josh Hamilton and solid defense and 20-27 homers from Ankiel. What cannot go underestimated is the defensive contributions of the two. Ankiel, a former pitcher who's story is well documented, has the league's second best arm, only to teammate Francouer. Hamilton, who can play center, can cover plenty of ground and has a very good arm.
The Team's Bad Picks:
I do not think there was enough done to address the bullpen. The Finches' Owner, S Hatfield, criticized other owners for some draft picks spent on bullpen arms. Well, Kevin Gregg cannot be counted on. The startingrotation has seen many injuries to start the season and the bullpen has had a lot of wear and tear, so injuries should be anticipated. Jeremy Accardo will be crucial to assist JJ Putz and John Broxton, but not enough was done here.
Questionable Picks:
The Finches selected 3B Pedro Alvarez who has several roadblocks. To be honest, Alvarez was not a player on many "lists" so his talent is somewhat unknown. From my understanding, he is in the Dodger's system. IF so, then he is behind Andy LaRoche, Nomar Garciaparra, Blake DeWitt, and Josh Bell. He must be a keeper prospect, but the 40 man rule kills keeper prospects, so this is a risky pick.
Great Picks:
The selection of Catcher Bryan Anderson was a terrific pick. He has a smooth left handed approach as a catcher. He is still a year or two away as the Cardinals do not need to rush him because of the defensive prowess of Yadier Molina, also a Finch. Be aware that there is a potential that all three catching prospects, Jeff Clement, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Anderson may move to first base, which I am guessing the management took into account as there is little long term depth behind David Ortiz and Lance Berkman. Both Ortiz and Berkman have had long injury issues and health concerns, so depth at both positions are crucial.
Overall Grade: C+
There was more depth concerns with this ballclub that management realizes. John Smoltz, Josh Johnson, Scott Kazmir, and Chuck James have had injury concerns before the start of the season! Yet, little was done to pick up some depth at the position. Franklin Morales and Johnathan Sanchez could fill in for a few starts, but should not be counted on in the rugged East. Chad Billingsley is likely going to start the season as the 3rd or 2nd slot in the rotation, which is asking a lot of a young player.
Clearly Darwin's management believes that the lineup needed an upgrade in the outfield to assist Jeff Francouer. The steals of Josh Hamilton and Rick Ankiel will provide some left handed power in the lineup. The pre-draft trade to acquire Milton Bradley for Josh Sweeney allows for some depth for the lineup down the road. PZ Myers will hope for 15-20 jacks from Josh Hamilton and solid defense and 20-27 homers from Ankiel. What cannot go underestimated is the defensive contributions of the two. Ankiel, a former pitcher who's story is well documented, has the league's second best arm, only to teammate Francouer. Hamilton, who can play center, can cover plenty of ground and has a very good arm.
The Team's Bad Picks:
I do not think there was enough done to address the bullpen. The Finches' Owner, S Hatfield, criticized other owners for some draft picks spent on bullpen arms. Well, Kevin Gregg cannot be counted on. The startingrotation has seen many injuries to start the season and the bullpen has had a lot of wear and tear, so injuries should be anticipated. Jeremy Accardo will be crucial to assist JJ Putz and John Broxton, but not enough was done here.
Questionable Picks:
The Finches selected 3B Pedro Alvarez who has several roadblocks. To be honest, Alvarez was not a player on many "lists" so his talent is somewhat unknown. From my understanding, he is in the Dodger's system. IF so, then he is behind Andy LaRoche, Nomar Garciaparra, Blake DeWitt, and Josh Bell. He must be a keeper prospect, but the 40 man rule kills keeper prospects, so this is a risky pick.
Great Picks:
The selection of Catcher Bryan Anderson was a terrific pick. He has a smooth left handed approach as a catcher. He is still a year or two away as the Cardinals do not need to rush him because of the defensive prowess of Yadier Molina, also a Finch. Be aware that there is a potential that all three catching prospects, Jeff Clement, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Anderson may move to first base, which I am guessing the management took into account as there is little long term depth behind David Ortiz and Lance Berkman. Both Ortiz and Berkman have had long injury issues and health concerns, so depth at both positions are crucial.
Overall Grade: C+
There was more depth concerns with this ballclub that management realizes. John Smoltz, Josh Johnson, Scott Kazmir, and Chuck James have had injury concerns before the start of the season! Yet, little was done to pick up some depth at the position. Franklin Morales and Johnathan Sanchez could fill in for a few starts, but should not be counted on in the rugged East. Chad Billingsley is likely going to start the season as the 3rd or 2nd slot in the rotation, which is asking a lot of a young player.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Draft Day 2K8, K!
In the first round, Brooklyn's New York Moabs selected IF Yunel Escobar with the eigth overall selection, one spot ahead of the desperate Yuma Firebirds. The Moabs had two first round selections, and the second went to Rafael Betancourt. Betancourt will bolster a much maligned bullpen that really struggled getting the ball to Francisco Rodriguez, an all-star closer. "Clearly, the issue last season was getting the ball from the starters to the closer, we didn't" stated Manager Bobby Cox.
After the first round, the Moabs clearly focused on Starting Pitching as Ubaldo Jimenez, Adam Wainwright, Micah Owings, Manny Parra, Ross Detwiller, and Tom Gorzelanny went in succession. Rumor has it that Gorzelanny may be on his way out of Brooklyn. GM Eric Caskey commented on the starting pitching: "Clearly we wanted to upgrade our pitching all the way around. We feel that youthful depth in BARB is the new way to win."
The Moabs also risked losing several players, and brought back backups SS Jhonny Peralta and C Bengie Molina. Peralta thanked ownership for their offer, "There's no other place that I would like to be than here. We can win it all after this draft."
To complete the roster, the Moabs also drafted relievers Matt Lindstrom and Johnathan Meloan. Both players give the Moabs considerable flexibility as both are unestablished and both throw really hard. In addition to Meloan, the Moabs drafted two other prospects, Chris Coghlan and Hank Conger. Coghlan is a converted 3B who now plays 2B and has a textbook inside out swing, which allows him to take a lefthanded Derrek Jeter approach to the game. Conger is a switch hitting catcher who has a tremendous work ethic. Caskey believes that Conger can be a run producing, switch-hitting, defensive reliable, and leader. He also has the luxury to move slowly, as he is likely to start in AA Syracuse, as a result of Brian McCann's youth.
After the first round, the Moabs clearly focused on Starting Pitching as Ubaldo Jimenez, Adam Wainwright, Micah Owings, Manny Parra, Ross Detwiller, and Tom Gorzelanny went in succession. Rumor has it that Gorzelanny may be on his way out of Brooklyn. GM Eric Caskey commented on the starting pitching: "Clearly we wanted to upgrade our pitching all the way around. We feel that youthful depth in BARB is the new way to win."
The Moabs also risked losing several players, and brought back backups SS Jhonny Peralta and C Bengie Molina. Peralta thanked ownership for their offer, "There's no other place that I would like to be than here. We can win it all after this draft."
To complete the roster, the Moabs also drafted relievers Matt Lindstrom and Johnathan Meloan. Both players give the Moabs considerable flexibility as both are unestablished and both throw really hard. In addition to Meloan, the Moabs drafted two other prospects, Chris Coghlan and Hank Conger. Coghlan is a converted 3B who now plays 2B and has a textbook inside out swing, which allows him to take a lefthanded Derrek Jeter approach to the game. Conger is a switch hitting catcher who has a tremendous work ethic. Caskey believes that Conger can be a run producing, switch-hitting, defensive reliable, and leader. He also has the luxury to move slowly, as he is likely to start in AA Syracuse, as a result of Brian McCann's youth.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
The Twelve Moabs
Brooklyn's NY Moabs have unveiled its protected players. Ryan Howard and Francisco Rodriguez are the franchised Moabs, players that cannot be traded for the duration of their contract. The protected five, who cannot be traded for this season and get a salary reduction, are Chase Utley, Brian McCann, Ichiro Suzuki, Miguel Cabrera and Roy Oswalt. Lastly, the tradeable 10, who are protected and can be traded but do not have a salary reduction, are Chien Meng Wang, Damaso Marte, Jeremy Bonderman, Joel Zumaya and Jason Bay.
At the present time, the office has no comments on these players, more to come after FINALS....
At the present time, the office has no comments on these players, more to come after FINALS....
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Name Change
The Brooklyn Moabs have been inspired by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Moab organization has changed its name to Brooklyn's New York Moabs. There was some debate in the organization to keep the team Brooklyn Moabs, as there was also support for New York Moabs of Brooklyn. To keep it simple, the organization encourages the league to call the Moabs, Brooklyn Moabs.
Eric J. Caskey
General Manager
Eric J. Caskey
General Manager
Fly Away?!
Brooklyn ships LHP Mark Buehrle to Pottsylvania. The Moab GM, Eric J. Caskey suggests a steal. Brooklyn shed $13 Million in overall salary, while adding a mere 1.2 in Aki Iwamura. In addition to the utilityman, Brooklyn acquires two midround picks. Brooklyn picks up a 5th round pick and 7th round pick. Now, Brooklyn has two 1st rounder, two 4th rounders, two 5th rounders and gets back into the 7th round. "Aki will provide a much needed utility between 3rd and 2nd base, and provide as a defensive replacement for Miguel Cabrera late in games," stated Caskey.
Buehrle, on the other hand was not as happy: "First Edgar is traded to Frostbite, now I am traded to Pottsylvania? Where are these places? Is this some kind of joke?" The Moabs have stated repeatedly that the organization will forever be indebted to Mark Buehrle and Derrek Lee for their service to the organization.
Buehrle, on the other hand was not as happy: "First Edgar is traded to Frostbite, now I am traded to Pottsylvania? Where are these places? Is this some kind of joke?" The Moabs have stated repeatedly that the organization will forever be indebted to Mark Buehrle and Derrek Lee for their service to the organization.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Farewell, And Do not Hurt US
Slugging gold glove firstbaseman Derrek Lee has been traded to a rival. Upper management has been frustrated with recent productions in trade talks especially since there have been numerous lengthy discussions. Finally a trade was completed in less than ten minutes of negotiations. In exchange for Lee, the Moabs receive a 1st round and a 4th round pick for Lee and a seventh round selection. GM Caskey stated that it was an economical decision: "Lee was going to be exposed in the upcoming draft and the team was not going to pursue his services at the hefty price of 13.00. He is a great player that never seemed to fit comfortably in the Moab lineup, despite hitting anywhere from the 2 hole to 9th."
Ryan Howard is making less than 1 million for tremendous production. Lee never seemed to have the average the team was looking for. Hitting Coach Dave Magaden stated that Lee was even more expendable due to the renege of DBacks owner Ron Melkonian for Miguel Cabrera.
The Moabs acquired some flexibility to pluck from other teams and add customary prospect depth.
Ryan Howard is making less than 1 million for tremendous production. Lee never seemed to have the average the team was looking for. Hitting Coach Dave Magaden stated that Lee was even more expendable due to the renege of DBacks owner Ron Melkonian for Miguel Cabrera.
The Moabs acquired some flexibility to pluck from other teams and add customary prospect depth.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The Roster
No One has made it. Those that think they have job security must realize that the team has had a playoff drought of one year. That kind of production is unacceptable. Already, starting SS Edgar Renteria has been dealt. Miguel Cabrera, who has only been a Moab in five seasons in the leauge, has been rumored in numerous blockbusters. Another member of Moabs since league's inception is Roy Oswalt, who is the subject of numerous deals. Many members of the Moab's starting rotation and players whom have assumed a position on the team, will not be back. The Moabs are also taking interviews for potential Bobby Cox replacements. The team has been rumored to be looking for a new philosophy.
Bob Uecker
The Aftermath
Bob Uecker
The Aftermath
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Brooklyn Completes One of Four Trades
Brooklyn completed a deal with archrival Frostbite Falls Flying Squirrels. Brooklyn is known for their challenge trades in which both teams swap veterans hoping to get the better deal. Brooklyn sent oft-injured SS Edgar Renteria to solve the hole in Frostbite. The Dominican was quoted in Sports Graphic, "Great, Brooklyn wasn't cold enough for me, now I'm dealt to a place called Frostbite? Where is it anyway?" With multiple players at SS, and a $9 million tag, Renteria was expendable.
Brooklyn was said to have been looking for a more sure handed infield, and moving Troy Tulowitzki into the starting rotation is a good start. Brooklyn acquired LF Jason Bay. The Canuck battled through numerous injuries last season, but is still considered to be a productive player. Bay is confident of his skill: "It's obvious that Caskey sought my bat. I will have a great year coming back."
Although still unknown, Brooklyn looks to be protecting Brian McCann, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Miguel Cabrera, Jason Bay, and Ichiro Suzuki. Bay's right handed bat balances the lineup. THe penciled in lineup sets up with Ichiro in center, Utley batting second and playing second, Miggie batting third and playing third, Howard cleaning up, Bay protecting Howard. McCann's patience and contact will be a tough out following Bay, then Tulo will bat in the seventh or eigth position pending the right fielder. The Moabs boasted the top offense a season ago, so the lineup seems to be idle. There must be an upgrade in the starting rotation. There have been rumors that several trade discussions were concerned with the starting rotation.
John 'THE League Shot Me Up' Rocker
The Aftermath
Brooklyn was said to have been looking for a more sure handed infield, and moving Troy Tulowitzki into the starting rotation is a good start. Brooklyn acquired LF Jason Bay. The Canuck battled through numerous injuries last season, but is still considered to be a productive player. Bay is confident of his skill: "It's obvious that Caskey sought my bat. I will have a great year coming back."
Although still unknown, Brooklyn looks to be protecting Brian McCann, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Miguel Cabrera, Jason Bay, and Ichiro Suzuki. Bay's right handed bat balances the lineup. THe penciled in lineup sets up with Ichiro in center, Utley batting second and playing second, Miggie batting third and playing third, Howard cleaning up, Bay protecting Howard. McCann's patience and contact will be a tough out following Bay, then Tulo will bat in the seventh or eigth position pending the right fielder. The Moabs boasted the top offense a season ago, so the lineup seems to be idle. There must be an upgrade in the starting rotation. There have been rumors that several trade discussions were concerned with the starting rotation.
John 'THE League Shot Me Up' Rocker
The Aftermath
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Brooklyn Viewpoints
1) Salary Cap: I think we should keep it at $120. I will settle for $110, but $100 flat is too drastic a shift from one year to the next. We saw what happened last season when we increased the salary cap $20, it was too much. If we decrease it the same amount, we'll have the same result, too much of a change. Yes, the salary cap was too large last season but MLB salaries seem to be on the increase this season. A $10 reduction is acceptable as its a compromise. It's not too drastic but enough to make a difference. Essentially $10 is more than any of my starting pitchers.
2) Expansion: MUST fill current team vacencies prior to deciding on expansion. It does the league no justice to have a 'dead' team. The void left by Stanhill, or whoever, means that there are only 10 teams to trade with. If you are an owner like myself that does not like to trade within division, you are down an additional three teams, now only 7. SO, expansion only occurs if we have owners waiting for a team. We need to make sure that our eyes are not bigger than our stomachs.
3) Protection: I agree with Andrew's philosophy that protection should be based on say $45. In doing so, a team can protect a high profile player or two and the investments the team's made over the year. By investment I mean the players that were scouted and drafted as unestablished, that will be established this season. Every year in baseball, a team will couple 3 or so prospects and trade them to a failing team for a superstar. This season, for example, the Atlanta Braves traded 5 prospects (Andrus, Harrison, Saltalamacchia, Beau Jones, N. Perez) for Texeira and Mahay. This type of deal occurs every year in MLB, in fact just occurred when Swisher was dealt for three prospects. The question, why would any BARB team make this type of deal when the owner is unsure whether the investment can be protected? I feel the only to fairly protect such investments would be to have a $45 protection cap. In the end this should create parity as players enter the league making little then as they progress, so does their salaries. In BARB, bad teams (Example Eliminators a few years back), have high salaries but don't win, so rebuild with overall team salary of $30 (No joke look up Worcestor a few years back), then now a few years later as a contender, lots of salary questions. Best and most important off season question and solution.
3B) Can protect only 10, I have changed my position based on points I had overlooked. I do not buy into the fact however, that protecting only 10 creates "parity." Success by any team comes through drafting and trading. Sorry Jeff (I use because he admits it every time he's asked about it), a team's success comes from drafting Pujols over Polanco, not vice versa. By protecting 10, the idea is that it prevents any team from becoming to powerful.
4) For the Draft, I propose that multiple picks can be swapped for more or less picks. Again speaking to parity, teams must realize that in order to rebuild it takes more than one season.Some teams may realize their time to win is now. By having Team A allowed to trade for Julio Franco and Team B picking up a 10th and 12th round selection, both teams address needs. Also, look at the successful teams this season. All had a lot of players (41-Frostbite, 44- Brooklyn, 40- Worcester, 50- Yuma, 57- Darwin). Why? What does it mean? It means that for the duration of the season, injuries and bad trades do occur, thus depth is crucial. Its vitally important not just to replenish one's team, but to trade for a player when injuries do occur. Also think of it this way, by having more picks, it increases the probability of a bad team finding a diamond in the rough.
4B) Although MLB does not permit trading of draft picks, I think it would do BARB well to copy NFL's system. In the NFL, teams may trade one or more picks for one or more picks. For example, the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings swapped draft picks in the early nineties. The Vikins gave up something like 8 picks and 5 players for one player. The one was former Georgia RB Herschal Walker, who was overshadowed by the draft picks the Vikes gave to Dallas. Dallas selected Emmitt Smith, Darren Woodson, and Michael Irvin among others. Essentially the trade resulted in the Dallas Cowboys dominance in the 90s with Aikman and Jimmy Johnson. My point with this NFL lesson, is that MLB has 53 rounds in an attempt to get it right. BARB at most will have 12 rounds to get it right. As a GM, we need some flexibility to make trades and improve our ballclubs. Some teams have admitted taht they tend to have less time to scout players in preparation for the draft. They will have flexibilty to trade for players by swapping picks for players.
4C) Penalties during Draft: I think if a player is selected off another team, then not only is the next pick forfeited, but there is a 25% markup if seelcted in 1st round, 20% second, 10% third. This will be especially valuable if we had a $45 cap entering the draft. That is an X number of players can be protected as long as its under $45. It should benefit rebuilding teams.
GM Eric J. Caskey
Memo to BARB GMs
2) Expansion: MUST fill current team vacencies prior to deciding on expansion. It does the league no justice to have a 'dead' team. The void left by Stanhill, or whoever, means that there are only 10 teams to trade with. If you are an owner like myself that does not like to trade within division, you are down an additional three teams, now only 7. SO, expansion only occurs if we have owners waiting for a team. We need to make sure that our eyes are not bigger than our stomachs.
3) Protection: I agree with Andrew's philosophy that protection should be based on say $45. In doing so, a team can protect a high profile player or two and the investments the team's made over the year. By investment I mean the players that were scouted and drafted as unestablished, that will be established this season. Every year in baseball, a team will couple 3 or so prospects and trade them to a failing team for a superstar. This season, for example, the Atlanta Braves traded 5 prospects (Andrus, Harrison, Saltalamacchia, Beau Jones, N. Perez) for Texeira and Mahay. This type of deal occurs every year in MLB, in fact just occurred when Swisher was dealt for three prospects. The question, why would any BARB team make this type of deal when the owner is unsure whether the investment can be protected? I feel the only to fairly protect such investments would be to have a $45 protection cap. In the end this should create parity as players enter the league making little then as they progress, so does their salaries. In BARB, bad teams (Example Eliminators a few years back), have high salaries but don't win, so rebuild with overall team salary of $30 (No joke look up Worcestor a few years back), then now a few years later as a contender, lots of salary questions. Best and most important off season question and solution.
3B) Can protect only 10, I have changed my position based on points I had overlooked. I do not buy into the fact however, that protecting only 10 creates "parity." Success by any team comes through drafting and trading. Sorry Jeff (I use because he admits it every time he's asked about it), a team's success comes from drafting Pujols over Polanco, not vice versa. By protecting 10, the idea is that it prevents any team from becoming to powerful.
4) For the Draft, I propose that multiple picks can be swapped for more or less picks. Again speaking to parity, teams must realize that in order to rebuild it takes more than one season.Some teams may realize their time to win is now. By having Team A allowed to trade for Julio Franco and Team B picking up a 10th and 12th round selection, both teams address needs. Also, look at the successful teams this season. All had a lot of players (41-Frostbite, 44- Brooklyn, 40- Worcester, 50- Yuma, 57- Darwin). Why? What does it mean? It means that for the duration of the season, injuries and bad trades do occur, thus depth is crucial. Its vitally important not just to replenish one's team, but to trade for a player when injuries do occur. Also think of it this way, by having more picks, it increases the probability of a bad team finding a diamond in the rough.
4B) Although MLB does not permit trading of draft picks, I think it would do BARB well to copy NFL's system. In the NFL, teams may trade one or more picks for one or more picks. For example, the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings swapped draft picks in the early nineties. The Vikins gave up something like 8 picks and 5 players for one player. The one was former Georgia RB Herschal Walker, who was overshadowed by the draft picks the Vikes gave to Dallas. Dallas selected Emmitt Smith, Darren Woodson, and Michael Irvin among others. Essentially the trade resulted in the Dallas Cowboys dominance in the 90s with Aikman and Jimmy Johnson. My point with this NFL lesson, is that MLB has 53 rounds in an attempt to get it right. BARB at most will have 12 rounds to get it right. As a GM, we need some flexibility to make trades and improve our ballclubs. Some teams have admitted taht they tend to have less time to scout players in preparation for the draft. They will have flexibilty to trade for players by swapping picks for players.
4C) Penalties during Draft: I think if a player is selected off another team, then not only is the next pick forfeited, but there is a 25% markup if seelcted in 1st round, 20% second, 10% third. This will be especially valuable if we had a $45 cap entering the draft. That is an X number of players can be protected as long as its under $45. It should benefit rebuilding teams.
GM Eric J. Caskey
Memo to BARB GMs
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