Power Rankings 12/23/2021

 

Commentary

The NL Playoff Race is mostly settled by this point, with the Scranton Schrutes as the only non-playoff team left in contention, though their path at 5 games back is narrow with only 7 games remaining. 

The only other NL teams whose fortunes could change are the Montreal Smoked Heaters and Syracuse Syndicate, who are separated by only 1 game in the NL North.

Conversely, three of the AL division races could swing in the season's final three days, with 4 games separating the Cincinnati Boom Sticks and Minnesota Millers, just 1 game separating the Baltimore Dry Docks and Iowa City Small Bears, and 2 games between the Mexico City Diablos and Atlanta Mental Patients.

Additionally, Minnesota, Iowa City, and the Tampa Bay Water Dogs are locked in a dead heat for the final AL wild card spot.

AL North and East Draft Grades!

 

Cincinnati Boom Sticks                   Grade: D+

Rd.1/Pck.27 Player Profile: Josh Mays - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.2/Pck.86 Player Profile: Sean Lasker - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

Cincinnati came into Draft night with 4 picks in the top 100, but was only able to sign two. At 27, Cincinnati picked slugger Josh Mays. Mays has very good hitting potential, but with an injury history the size of a CVS receipt, his health is a major concern for his future.

Minnesota Millers                           Grade: C-

Rd.1/Pck.17 Player Profile: Hooks Malone - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.1/Pck.46 Player Profile: Kenneth Girardi - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.2/Pck.71 Player Profile: Keith Wilkinson - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

In the first round, Minnesota selected two similar pitchers. Malone; a righty, has a little more potential then Girardi. Though Malone has a below average pitching reparatory, His VR and control can land him at the back end of a rotation.  With a second round selection, Wilkinson could be a decent bat at the plate versus lefties and a good base runner. With low contact and well below average eye, expect a lot of strike outs.

 

Pawtucket Terriers                          Grade: B+

Rd.1/Pck.14 Player Profile: Herman Bootcheck - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.1/Pck.44 Player Profile: Jedd Nappo - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.10/Pck.326 Player Profile: Joe Becker - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

In the first round Pawtucket selected the steal of the draft, Herman Bootcheck. A hard throwing righty out of Edison Community College, Bootcheck has a well-developed fastball and a developing slider. Solid VR/VL and decent control. He should be able to fill in at the top of the rotation as Player Profile: Hong-Chih Jung - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports career whines down. In the tenth round, Becker was given DITR which makes him a viable catcher for the minors. He should be able to help grow those young pitchers in Pawtuckets minors.

Rochester Whippets                       Grade: C-

 

Rd.1/Pck. 11 Player Profile: Don Wakeland - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

In the first round, Rochester selected Don Wakeland. With strong abilities in the field, at the plate, and on the base path; the only thing holding him back is his health. Wakeland plays a very demanding position and alongside a 162 game schedule, he may spend more time on the DL then on the field.

Baltimore Dry Docks                       Grade: A-

Rd.1/Pck.20 Player Profile: Juan Padilla - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.1/Pck.36 Player Profile: Kenneth Langston - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.1/Pck.40 Player Profile: Aubrey Franco - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.2/Pck.55 Player Profile: Wily Mo McGrady - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.2/Pck.57 Player Profile: Bum O'Halloran - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

With three first round picks, Baltimore was able to find 3 MLB future contributors. With their first pick, Baltimore drafted closer Juan Padilla. At 18 yrs old, Padilla lacks control but showcases a lively fastball, topping 95 on the gun, and a developing circle change. Padilla may never be able to fill a MLB closer role, but should be able to bridge the gap to the 9^th. With the 36 pick, Langston has the making of a back end SP, goof VR and a developing fast ball. With their last first round pick, 22 year old Aubrey Franco has the body of a corn stalk and may fit better in Iowa. Standing 6’7 buck 90, he show cases good range and a decent glove, subpar bat but at second base shouldn’t be too much of a drag. In round 2 Baltimore did a nice job drafting two players who can help his minors be competitive.

Indianapolis Swinging Hoosiers  Grade: C+

Rd.1/Pck.7 Player Profile: David Velazquez - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.1/Pck.41 Player Profile: Mac Kidd - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.2/Pck.62 Player Profile: Lewis Hallman - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.3/Pck.95 Player Profile: Paul Scalici - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.4/Pck127 Player Profile: Kendrys Trevino - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.5/Pck.159 Player Profile: Hank Winn - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.22/Pck.703 Player Profile: Rafael Sanabia - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

Season 42 was a much better draft haul and approach then last season for the Hoosiers. With the 7^th overall pick, Indy selected David Velazquaz, a soft throwing lefty that has wicked movement on his curveball. With good control and VL split for his age, he should develop nicely into a ML asset. With their second first round pick, Kidd doesn’t have any flashy pitches but should have no problem filling an AAAA role. Indy did a nice job with the rest of their picks filling out the minor league roster with cheap competent players who may be able to fill in for injuries. 

Iowa City Small Bears                     Grade: D+

Rd.2/Pck.76 Player Profile: Hal Carey - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

With no first round pick for the second straight year, there is no Clem Craig to salvage Iowa’s draft. In the second round, Iowa selected Hal Carey, a groundball pitching lefty. Carey has decent splits for a lefty but with no pitching flash and control, he is more likely to throw it into the ground then over the plate.

 

Pittsburgh Pilots                               Grade: C

Rd.1/Pck.18 Player Profile: William Sullivan - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.7/Pck233 Player Profile: Larry Fick - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

William Sullivan at 18 seems to be a good pick for Pittsburgh, a DH with some pop and solid VR/VL. Though the Pilots already have two young studs at first base and DH, not sure where he will end up in the lineup. In round 7, Pitts. Selected 19 yr. old second basemen Larry Fick. Fick has better potential in CF with his well-developed range and speed. He will have better success against lefties then righties as he matures. 

 

Power Rankings 12/14/2021

 

Commentary

The AL South is streaking, with three of its four teams making up this week's biggest risers. The AL East and Wild Card races gained some clarity over the last week, but remain jumbled. The NL North is a close race between the Montreal Smoked Heaters and the Syracuse Syndicate, though division races in the rest of the NL are all but officially wrapped up.

Top Risers

The Atlanta Mental Patients have won 9 of 10, climbing 6 spots in these rankings and comfortably in a Wild Card spot, despite a 3 game deficit in the division.

The Tampa Bay Water Dogs have also climbed 6 spots after winning 6 of 10, but remain 7 games out of the division lead and 2 games out of the second Wild Card.

Mexico City, Baltimore, and Iowa City each climbed 5 spots in these rankings, with the Diablos strengthening their grip on the AL South, the Dry Docks surging into a tie for 1st place in the AL East, and the Small Bears working their way back into the playoff conversation.

Top Fallers

The Minnesota Millers have dropped 8 of 10 and 6 in a row, falling from 6th in the power rankings to 18th and losing their playoff position. They are 3 games back of the second wild card and 4 games back of the AL North-leading Cincinnati Boom Sticks.

The New Orleans Breeze have lost 6 of 10 and can now virtually guarantee that they will miss the playoffs at 15 games out of the division lead and 11 games back of the second wild card.

The Pittsburgh Pilots have dropped 4 in a row and 7 of 10 to fall from first place to last in the very tight AL East race, yet remain only 3 games back of the division and the second wild card.

NL South and West Draft Grades!

 

Jackson Generals                             Grade:B

 

Rd.1/Pck.24 Player Profile: Andruw Klassen - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.2/Pck.78 Player Profile: Eric Coleman - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.8/Pck.271 Player Profile: Bosco Argyropoulos - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.12/Pck.399 Player Profile: Red Leach - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

With the 24^th pick, Jackson selected Klassen. Much like Player Profile: Vern Shunick - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports , Klassen looks like he will be an average hitter who can field the same positions. At 24, decent pickup. In the second round Jackson selected 18 yr. old Eric Coleman. Flashing decent hitting statistics and nice power, it will be interesting to see if he can develop as a catcher, or will need to move to another position. Round 8 selection is only notable for his name, who wouldn’t love a little Argyopoulos in your life? 12^th round selection Leach already received DITR. Having a good first pitch and potential with VR could land him a AAA/AAAA designation. Not bad for pick 399.

New Orleans Breeze                      Grade: D

 

Rd.1/Pck.21 Player Profile: Caleb Suppan - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.1/Pck.47 Player Profile: Luis Uribe - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.3/Pck.108 Player Profile: Dusty Flores - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.4/Pck.140 Player Profile: Bryan Couch - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

After multiple season of spending top draft capital on High School players, New Orleans elected to draft 3-4 year college players this season. With their first two picks, New Orleans selected Suppan and Uribe. With well below average splits and fielding, it’s hard to see him crack a major league roster, which is disappointing seeing as he was the 21^st pick in the draft. Much like Suppan, Uribe is a well below average hitter, though has some up side with his speed and fielding range. Much more forgivable at pick 47. At pick 108, New Orleans found reliever Dusty Flores. Flores has an elite slider and average curveball, He should be able to locate his pitches well and may struggle against lefties. Couch is a two pitch reliever who could make a ML roster one day with the right development coaching.

 

Houston Colt 45’s                             Grade: B-

 

Rd.1/Pck.13 Player Profile: Jay Walker - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.1/Pck.43 Player Profile: Trot Parkers - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.2/Pck.68 Player Profile: Matthew Wisler - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.4/Pck.133 Player Profile: Henry Worth - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

Houston did very well in this draft with only signing 7 of their 26 picks. In the first round Houston Selected Jay Walker. Walker may struggle in any skilled infield position and play a full 162 season with his low durability, but will excel at the plate; Any draw back can be overcome with his 30HR/100 RBI potential. In round 4, Houston selected Henry Worth, A high school lefty with a knuckleball/slider tandem. Worth is a very flawed player, but will be interesting to see how well his VR/VL can develop in 4 seasons.

Richmond Brewers                          Grade: D-

 

Rd.1/Pck.9 Player Profile: Jackie Mason - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.5/Pck.161 Player Profile: Courtney Fleming - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

With the 9^th pick, Richmond selected Jackie Mason out of Strother High School. Jackie has good groundball/Velocity to pair with good control and a fantastic first pitch. But a lefty with 30/30 splits will struggle as he progresses within the minor league. With other high ceiling players left on the board, it is hard not to scratch your head on this one. Courtney Fleming may have the potential to platoon as a lefty on righty bat.

Anaheim Anteaters                        Grade: C+

 

Rd.1/Pck.33 Player Profile: Charlie Lukasiewicz - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

With the 33^rd pick, Anaheim selected Lukasiewicz. Not only is he another player with a sweet name, but a pretty solid draft pick. Luka has pretty good potential as a fielding second baseman/CF. Luka’s bat is what makes him special, sporting a good VR/Eye for a 19 year that has the makings of a ML ball player.

Scottsdale Dirtbags                         Grade: C

 

Rd.1/Pck.5 Player Profile: Lariel James - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

Only coming away with 1 notable player, James looks to be a better version of Lukasiewicz. James already has a better range/glove making the transition to second base or CF much easier at his young age. James showcases a bit of pop with decent splits, but walking will not be one of his strong suits. 

Sacramento Scorpions                   Grade: C-

 

Rd.1/Pck.1 Player Profile: Landon Sweeney - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.2/Pck.54 Player Profile: Sal Pence - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

With the first overall pick, The Scorpions selected Landon Sweeney. Sweeney is a high flying speedster out of Seton Hall University. Sweeney should have no problems VL and showcasing that home run ability. He will have issues against righties coupled with a low eye and contact. With more complete players on the board, the first overall pick might have been a bit too high for him. In Round two, Sacramento selected Sal Pence. Pence could be a nice fill in player, but will always have trouble staying healthy which will hamper his career.

Las Vegas Desert Dogs                   Grade: A-

 

Rd.1/Pck.4 Player Profile: Anibal Castro - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.1/Pck.14 Player Profile: Enrique Liriano - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.3/Pck.92 Player Profile: Doc Pulsipher - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

After a disappointing season and draft last year, JT said BACK THAT DUMP TRUCK UP AND MAKE IT RAIN. JT issues 15.3 million dollars in signing bonuses for his two top picks, and it sure payed off. With the 4^th pick, Las Vegas selected Castro. Castro doesn’t throw anything flashy, but with decent control, splits and FB/Velocity, He should be able to fill out a rotation spot in the ML. With the 14^th pick, Las Vegas selected Liriano. Liriano has a nice fastball to pair with his control and VR. He may struggle a bit against Lefties, but with a good infield he should be able to help anchor a pitching staff. Pulsipher in the 3^rd round is a nice power bat and should be able to help fill a roster spot on a rebuilding team. 

Power Rankings 12/6/2021

 

Trending Up

The New Orleans Breeze jumped 12 spots, the largest move for any team by a large margin, on the strength of 9 wins in their last 10. Despite the streaking, they remain 8 games back of NL South division leader Jackson Generals.

The Pittsburgh Pilots have won 6 in a row and 7 of 10, taking a narrow lead in the AL East - 2 games ahead of the Baltimore Dry Docks, Indianapolis Swinging Hoosiers, and Iowa City Small Bears, all of which are tied with 55 wins.

The Salem Witch Hunts have climbed to number 2 in this week's ranking after winning 9 of 10 and 3 in a row.

Trending Down

Trenton jakes jokers have lost 11 games in a row, falling to 30th in this week's power rankings.

The Scranton Schrutes are the only team in the top half of this week's power rankings to have played worse than .500 baseball over their last 10 games. They remain 8th in this week's poll despite being 5 games back of the Philadelphia Penn Quakers and in prime position for a wild card berth.

NL North and East draft grades!

 

Syracuse Syndicate                         Grade: D+

Rd.2/Pck.73 Player Profile: Bobby Danks - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

Syracuse signed FA (A) Harry Cruz, losing their first round pick. With their second pick, Syracuse selected starting pitcher Bobby Danks out of Reseda, California. Danks; a hard throwing righty, fields a good 1-2 pitch combo with below average control and splits.

Montreal Smoked Heaters          Grade: C-

Rd.1/Pck.30 Player Profile: Boots Stephens - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.1/Pck.50 Player Profile: Jack Knight - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.1/Pck.53 Player Profile: Ehire Manto - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.21/Pck.693 Player Profile: Dee Dee Waters - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Montreal entered the Season 42 draft with 3 first round picks due to the departure of Renteria and Armas. With the three selections, Montreal drafted three high school prospects. Stephens and Knight both look to be below average hitters as Stephens could potentially fill the third base position defensively. With the 53^rd pick, Manto could fill a LRA/B postion fielding a good 1 and 2 pitch. Injuries will be his Achilles heel. In the 21^st round, Montreal Selected Dee Dee Waters, a nice late round find as he will have above average control, a fantastic fast ball and good curveball that can make up any split deficiencies.

Chicago Fighting Owls                    Grade: C

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Rd.2/Pck.56 Player Profile: Carlos Velez - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.3/Pck.65 Player Profile: Davey Parra - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

Chicago has yet to sign their first round pick, but in the second round found Carlos Velez. A right handed bat with good contact, VR and eye who will one day hold down a corner outfield position. The song wild thing is the first thought that popped into my head when analyzing Parra. Has the makings of being a serviceable ML Pitcher if not for the awful control.  

Detriot Motors                                  Grade: B-

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Rd.1/Pck.45 Player Profile: Reagan Keisler - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.2/pck.70 Player Profile: Eddie Holdridge - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

With two first round picks, Detriot selected Bryan Small and Reagan Keisler. Small looks to be more suited for the outfield with the potential of being an average to above average bat. Keisler will mash lefties with good contact and eye. In the second round, Detriot selected Holdridge. If Holdridge can make the transition to CF, he should be able to field the position adequately and be average at the plate. 

Philadelphia Penn Quakers          Grade: C

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Rd.2/Pck.80 Player Profile: Ryne Faulk - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.3/Pck.113 Player Profile: Lloyd Bulger - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.4/Pck.145 Player Profile: Timothy Parrish - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

Philadelphia’s first round pick elected not to sign, so they will be getting draft compensation for Season 43. With their second round pick, they chose Faulk, a switch hitting power hitter with decent splits but below average contact and eye. In the third round Bulger looks like a steal. The 18 year old has two decent pitches and a good VR. With good development he may work his way in a ML bullpen. Parrish, a switch hitting first basemen, may be able to fill a platoon role at the ML level.

Scranton Schrutes                           Grade: C

Rd.1/Pck.31 Player Profile: Vidal Rodriguez - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.2/Pck.85 Player Profile: Ivan Burks - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.3/Pck.118 Player Profile: Fred Leach - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

With their first pick, Scranton chose Vidal Rodriguez…OUCH. Rodriguez went on to sign the largest signing bonus from the 42 draft in the 31 draft slot. Rodriguez showcases an above average fast ball will good control, will be serviceable against righties and may struggle against lefties. Ivan Burks may be a nice tandem SP as he may struggle going deep into games. Burkes has a well-developed fast ball and within a few years may have a respectable VR/VL split. Fred Leach in round 3 seems to be a decent find for where he was selected. Though all-ready 22, may be a good candidate for DITR.

Trenton jakes jokers                      Grade: D+

Rd.1/Pck.23 Player Profile: Rob Rogers - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.3/Pck.110 Player Profile: Harry Matos - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

Trenton improved vastly last season, moving from picking top 10 to the 23^rd pick. With the 23^rd pick, they selected Rob Rogers. Rogers will have trouble connecting with the ball, but when he does, he will hit it a very very long way. With below average VR, his ceiling may be a platoon if he makes it to the ML. Matos was selected in the first round and if he can transition to CF and develop his contact and VR, he may find success.

 

New York Empire                             Grade: C+

Rd.1/Pck.12 Player Profile: Vern Shunick - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.1/Pck.35 Player Profile: Greg Spehr - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.3/Pck.100 Player Profile: Huston Gallo - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Rd.9/Pck.292 Player Profile: Grady Mullaney - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

 

With two first round picks, New York selected Shunick and Spehr. Shunick looks to be an average hitter who will one day field corner outfield/first base. Spehr; a ground ball pitcher, has two fantastic pitches in a sinker and changeup. Spehr will struggle to pitch every 5 days though but I am sure can be maintained. 9^th round pick Grady Mullaney has already received the DITR attribute and will no doubt help make New York’s farm system more competitive.