| Feature News |
Around the Bases: Week 14
A look into Tuesday's minor league draft
By Listen DePleyohs / Baseball Tri-Weekly
This week’s article was delayed because off the Annual EHCC Media camping trip. It is a chance for the people covering the EHCC, from Baseball Tri-Weekly, EHSPN, Behsball Tonight and some beat guys, to get a little break before the big minor league draft and stretch run. Generally, the trip is filled with intriguing discussions about the league and its players. Experts talking to experts around a campfire.
The trip usually has a canoe ride down a nearby river, but since Peter Gammo was lost at sea, he has become deathly afraid of water. Instead, we went to a bar.
With the Minor league draft in just a few days, I have decided to do a mock draft. I am hesitant to publish a draft, because I was intent on not releasing any minor league names. Instead, I will highlight the position I expect the teams to draft, and will hint on the player I believe will be drafted, but will not name them. Understand, this list is not from not from insider information. It is just speculation.
1. Quebec City – Starting Pitching
While the Piglets don’t need pitching, they also don’t need five minor league picks. Look for them to take a young starting pitcher here, but one with a lot of upside. With a need to pick a proven commodity at number 1, Quebec City will go with a bit name guy who, even though he is a question mark because of injury, projects to be a good to dominant pitcher.
2. Plymouth – First Base
If Bells GM Hunchback shows up, expect him to get the biggest name out there. While there a third baseman of equal prominence and they have holes at both positions, the first baseman is projected to be a more proven producer both home and away.
3. Rakeville – Starting Pitching
Another team that doesn’t need pitching, the Rockets make this pick in more of a defensive gesture. With pitching prospects limited, look for the Rockets to jump on a young starter now, instead of later in the draft.
4. Quebec City – Third Base
Scott Rolen is not getting any younger, and with his injury early this season and Quebec’s poor performance, it would be wise for the Piglets to grab a solid offensive producer that could contribute next year if necessary. This fellow could be the next David Wright, or Dallas McPherson, but given his home field, he could put up better numbers then both of them.
5. Tokyo – Shortstop
I was torn between whether they would go for outfield or infield help, since they have a need in both spots. Given the lack of any big power prospects close to the majors in the outfield, I felt say they will go with a big bat in the infield. This, soon-to-be, west coast slugger will hopefully bring some pop to the Oreos, and could give Tokyo one of the top young infields with Marte, Fielder and Barmes. There is always the chance Tokyo will go pitching, but their track record says offense.
6. Winston-Salem – Starting Pitching
They are young in the outfield. While they may look to the infield, I believe they will continue the push for starting pitching. With few MLB ready pitchers still available, look for them to go young with a fellow from Texas.
7. Rakeville – Shortstop
With four high-caliber shortstops available, Rakeville may take one in this spot. Their only holes are shortstop and first base down the line, so look for them to go young.
8. Tokyo – Outfield
Another pick that may go pitching, but I think they go for a solid hitting outfield who should be ready in 2006 or 2007. With two more picks later in the draft, they may save their project picks for then.
9. Weymouth – Shortstop
Their recent trade push for starting pitching makes me reconsider this pick, but as I have people picking, this guy should be available for Shaddupu. If the hold-out doesn’t drop this far, Weymouth will go Starting pitching.
10. Quebec City – Starting Pitcher
This is a tossup. Quebec City could go either way. With two picks at the top of the second round, they will; just take the highest on their draft board. I say starting pitching because I feel they have a name that they don’t want Las Vegas to get, if he is still available.
11. Las Vegas – Outfield
As much as the Doggs want to go pitching, I think they will find their top guys off the board and feel they can wait to get the pitcher they want. Look for them to go young, as their outfield is currently productive.
12. Bridgewater – Shortstop
If this player falls to Bridgewater, he could fill a hole that A-rod left when he moved to third. Another well-known guy who may be unappealing to EHCC teams, but because of the depth at the position, could be an excellent late-pick sleeper.
Listen DePleyoh's Mock Draft:
1. Adam Miller, SP
2. Daric Barton, 1B
3. Chad Billingsly, SP
4. Ian Stewart, 3B
5. Joel Guzman, SS
6. Thomas Diamond, SP
7. Brandon Wood, SS
8. Jeremy Hermida, OF
9. Stephan Drew, SS
10. Kyle Sleeth, SP
11. Conor Jackson, OF
12. Hanley Ramirez, SS
The games this week are nearly over, so I won’t break them down. That’s what happens when you go camping.
Transaction Wire
Tokyo picked up Edwin Encarnacion. As a top prospect at third base, he may be trade bait for next season with Andy Marte in the system. They also dropped SS Khalil Greene for David Dellucci.
Rakeville signed Scott Baker. Baker, along with Scott Olsen (Las Vegas) and Zach Duke (Tokyo) have been called up by MLB making the possible top picks ineligible for the EHCC minor league draft.
Las Vegas has dropped Mike MacDougal for Justin Duscherscherscherscher. They hope he will be able to snag some saves, but expect a good ERA and Whip influx.
In a series of trades, Weymouth has picked up three young pitchers. DJ Houlton, Jeremy Bonderman and Joe Blanton head to the island, but top second baseman Alfonso Soriano was one of the chips in the blockbuster deal.
Rakeville signed relievers Danny Kolb and Matt Belislie. While Kolb is behind Reitsma in Atlanta for the closer position, Belislie was recently named the Reds closer.
| 1. | Bridgewater | ( - ) |
| 2. | Rakeville | (+2) |
| 3. | Weymouth | (-1) |
| 4. | Quebec City | (-1) |
| 5. | Golden | (+1) |
| 6. | Las Vegas | (-1) |
| 7. | Tijuana | ( - ) |
| 8. | Bizton | ( - ) |
| 9. | Winston-Salem | ( - ) |
| 10. | Tokyo | (+1) |
| 11. | Plymouth | (-1) |
| 12. | Haverhill | ( - ) |
League Notes
-- With the recent success in Rakeville, parking prices have dramatically increased over the past week. Upset by the inconvenience, Rocket team officials have talked to the Rakeville City Council about connecting the stadium to the subway lines.
-- In an effort to excite Bizton about their current playoff push, the Markies have been selling giant foam fingers with “Border Patrol” on them. The phrase suggests they are going to shoot down Tijuana.
-- Only 5.5 games out of sixth place, Golden has redoubled its efforts to become a playoff team. Some speculate management has offered free taps in each player’s home if the Gryphons can make the postseason.
Listen DePleyohs writes a column for Baseball Tri-Weekly. His camping trip was actually cut short when it started raining. The rain was not the cause, but puppy doesn't like being wet.
