Draft 2010

The Brooklyn front office came away ecstatic with the results of the draft. The organization came away with a sure-fire ace in Justin Verlander. In exchange for staple Roy Oswalt, catching prospect JP Arencibia, and a couple of eighth round picks, Brooklyn added a frontline pitcher that has a manageable salary over the next few seasons. He will immediately team up with Jon Lester, Scott Baker, James Shields, and Ubaldo Jimenez to form a very talented, young, experienced, rotation.

The Moabs drafted several key members moving forward and added to its organizational depth.
1) Casey Kelly, RHP
2) Sean Rodriguez, 2B/UTL
3) Francisco Liriano, SP
4) Compensated to Frostbite Falls for loss of Liriano
5) Julio Teheran, RHP
6) Jose Iglesias, SS
7) Alex Avila, C
8) Traded to St. Francis
8) Acquired via Worcester (loss of Saltalamacchia) Traded to St. Francis
Comp) Madison Youninger, RHP
Comp) Edward Salcedo, SS/3B

Clearly the organizational scouting spent time on hard throwing, high potential arms and toolsy, but gritty position players. Madison Youninger is described as extremely raw and unique for his powerful arm, good offspeed curve, and good feel despite relative inexperience. The organization is extremely high on Youninger and expect him to be a key in a couple of years. It is likely that the organization will take it slow with him. However, Kelly could impact the roster as early as September or next season, which is amazing considering his age and relative inexperience after giving up shortstop. One reason Kelly gave up playing everyday was Cuban Defector Jose Iglesias, who's glove is absolutely major league ready. He may not hit enough to be everyday BARB leaguer but simply can catch the ball enough to be extremely valuable. Potentially in Triple A Flint, Iglesias' double play partner may be Sean Rodriguez. If Rodriguez does not make the big league Brooklyn squad as a "super sub," his powerful bat should be an asset in Brooklyn soon enough.

Joining Kelly in the Flint rotation will be Julio Teheran. The organization has made it known that they try to avoid drafting Atlanta Braves prospects due to the management's deep feelings for the deep South's club, but Teheran was a Panamanian arm that could not be resisted. He has possibly the highest upside of any arm in the organization and to get him in the fifth round was an absolute steal. Fellow Brave, Edward Salcedo will compete to man the hot corner in Flint, but more likely will be reassigned to Double A Syracuse. He is a young powerful man who is expected to hit for serious power. Scouts have likened him similarly to a young Alex Rodriguez or Manny Ramirez for his lanky frame, quick bat speed from quick wrists and strong hands. Although drafted as a shortstop, he is likely to slide over to play 3B.

Alex Avila is another bulldog character type that will fit nicely in the system. He has tremendous upside after converting to catcher. He will be in competition along with non-roster invitees to be Brian McCann's primary backup. Lastly, the Moabs selected Liriano from the Frostbite organization. Although his stats do not stand out alone, he is a fierce competitor that can be truly filthy. He had a great winter and spring, and his value could not be ignored.