Season 41 Draft Grades (NL)

 

Anaheim Anteaters Grade: C-

                Anaheim had an unmemorable draft. Only notable selection was Ozzie Aspromonte with their first round pick. Aspromonte’s extensive injury history dropped him on many team’s boards even though he grades out to be a setup/CL. Hopefully Anaheim can find some bubble wrap to place this kid in so one day we can see him pitch in the Majors.

Jackson Generals  Grade: A-

                With two first round picks, Jackson selected High School catcher Tony Ortega and College 1^st baseman Daryle Adams. Given where Jackson was picking, they made out very well. Ortega has a future behind the plate coupled with a very good bat. Adams may be a below average fielder, but nothing he can’t make up with at the plate.

Scranton Schrutes  Grade: B-

                The Season 40 draft looked as if Scranton threw darts at a dart board hoping one stuck, drafting players with unlikely futures in the ML. Season 41 was a much different story. Drafting 19 yr old CF Dann Blackley and 22 yr old P Larry Street, both look to be nice complementary pieces to a championship roster who will not cost much, but also not kill you with their play. 

Montreal Smoked Heaters Grade: C

               In the second round, Montreal selected Bradley Gore out of Fair Valley High School. Gore had several scholarship offers to schools such as Vanderbilt and University of NC, but elected to join Montreal in hopes of continuing to develop a bat that is already devastating to opposing pitchers.

Chicago Fighting Owls Grade: A

                Chicago took power hitters Glavine and Velazquez in the second and third rounds, and with the second overall pick, they chose R.J Francis out of the University of Alabama. Francis was graded as the best hitting prospect in the draft, who will anchor the middle of Chicago’s lineup for seasons to come. Expect him in the majors sooner rather than later.

Philadelphia Penn Quakers Grade: C+

              Philadelphia had 4 first round picks and used them on two pitchers and two hitters. Livingstone and Crosby grade out to be back of the rotation starts, though Crosby will have to work on his control and ability to get Right handed hitters out. Coste absolutely dominated pitchers at Grand Canyon University…as a DH. The fielding instructor has his hands full with this one. If Coste can’t develop into an adequate first baseman, his time in Philadelphia will be short. All in all, this is the second consecutive draft where Philadelphia has stocked the farm system with essential talent. 

Houston Colt 45's Grade: C

                Houston had 3 picks in top 70 and picked up Darby Levine (2^nd Baseman), Willie Harris (P) and Luther Neilson (LF). Darby Levine at 6 is quit a head scratcher, as better options were still available to Houston. Harris and Neilson are nice finds for where they were drafted, and have potential to crack ML rosters at some point. 

Scottsdale Dirtbags Grade: D

                With only compensation picks, Scottsdale drafted Earl Hart and Luther Nixon. Luther Nixon is an above average fielder, but not much else. With a depleted farm system, these picks do little to improve it. 

Las Vegas Desert Dogs Grade: inconclusive

                With their first round pick unsigned, Las Vegas found a nice pick up in the 3^rd round with Dutch Gagne. Gagne, another Community College player, fell far on many draft boards. With potential boarder line splits, the power should be enough to propel him into a ML role.

Richmond Brewers Grade: Inconclusive

                It looks as if Richmond decided to punt the draft and dabble in IFA. If Richmond signs his picks, we will circle back. 

New York Empire Grade: B

             With four first round picks, New York went with the even approach drafting two pitchers Seanez and Costilla, and two hitters Bigley and Pimmental. A groundball pitcher, Costilla features a nice first pitcher and control. He has a few good years to continue his development. Pimmental was a nice find in the later round. Exhibits a nice eye and good contact. If Costilla and Pimmental stay off the DL , they will be nice additions to a ML roster. 

Syracuse Syndicate Grade: C

                Syracuse drafted two High School kids with their first two picks. Domingo Franco out of St. Mary’s high school is a well-balanced reliever who dominated his district with a cut fastball. Jim Haynes out of Chico HS lacks the defensive capabilities as a SS, and the bat of a 3^rd baseman. Syracuse’s development team will need to make a decision as to where best to develop his under-whelming skills.

Detriot Motors Grade: C-

                 With two first round picks, Detroit selected Henderson Park (RF) and Tex Brantley (SS). As a switch hitter, Park may see better success then a right handed hitter if developed into an every day starter. At minimum, Park will be a nice platoon against lefties. Brantley will have to develop at the plate more to be considered for a ML 3^rd baseman job. 

Trenton jakes jokers Grade: B

                With only 1 signed pick in the first 10 rounds, Trenton took Mckay Cannon (Rockingham Community College) with the 7^th overall pick. Mckay dropped on many teams boards due to his choice of going to community college, But Trenton saw the raw hitting ability of this kids and took a chance. Mckay may grade better as a corner outfielder due to his fielding deficiencies to play the hot corner.

New Orleans Breeze Grade: C+

                New Orleans selected John Cornelius and Morris Carlyle. At pick 15, Cornelius could be considered a steal if he can develop a pitch to pair with his curveball. Morris, a nice contact hitter, may be better suited for CF.

Sacramento Scorpions Grade: C

                Sacramento had 4 first round picks and elected to draft 3-4 year college players which may indicate a retooling rather than a tear it down rebuild. Melker; who was also on the University of Alabama team who won the College World Series championship, may be better suited for a corner outfield position and a bottom of the order slot. Ellenwood has a few development years left to work on his secondary pitch and his VR split to be considered for a low cost, back of the rotation arm.