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.