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

Rd.1/Pck.10 Prospect Profile - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

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-

Rd.1/Pck.16 Player Profile: Bryan Small - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

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

Rd.1/Pck.26 Prospect Profile - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

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. 

Power Rankings 11/29/2021

 

Commentary

The Anaheim Anteaters are in a class of their own. Could end up being the best team in the history of Upper Deck and should be hands-on favorites to win the World Series.

Biggest Risers

The Atlanta Mental Patients climbed 8 spots over the last week, beginning at 20 and settling at 12 after having won 6 of 10. Atlanta is now firmly in the mix, but if the season ended today, however, they would be on the outside looking in - 1 game back of both the division leader and the second wild card.

Riding the strength of a five-game winning streak, the Minnesota Millers are among the league's hottest teams and jumped from 12 all the way up to 5. The Millers have established a nice cushion in the division.

Despite winning only 5 of 10, Salem Witch Hunts have done enough to climb from 13 to 6 in this week's rankings. Like Minnesota, they have also built a nice division lead.

Biggest Fallers

After ranking 5th in the previous rankings, the Baltimore Dry Docks are in a free fall, losing 6 of 10 and dropping from 1st place n the AL East into a three-way tie for the two wild card spots. They fell 9 spots to 14 overall, the biggest drop in these rankings.

The AL East took another significant hit with the Iowa City Small Bears, who are on a league-worst 5 game skid. They find themselves dropping from 10 to 17. They remain in the middle of the pack and in wild card position.

The Rochester Whippets are playing .500 ball over their last 10, though with other teams in the league climbing around them, the team fell from 11 to 18. They are two games out of a playoff position, but face a more significant hurdle in-division at 6 games back of Minnesota.

Power Rankings 11/23/2021

 

Commentary

There is a lot of volatility in this week's power rankings, which you would not expect this late in the season. Partially, that is due to a copy error where the L10 column contained team losses, rather than wins in the last 10 games.

Due to the volatility, however, I'll dive into the power ranking methodology briefly.

The power rankings are derived from a simple formula combining overall wins (W), wins in the last 10 (L10), and current streak (Streak). In order to keep the point scale relatively tight, one point is awarded for each overall win above the average number of wins league-wide. This allows better teams to be ranked higher than worse teams, in terms of win/loss record. 

To create some volatility, and to reward teams that are playing hot, an additional half point is earned for each win in the last 10, and a quarter of a point is added for the current streak. An active losing streak results in a quarter point deduction for each loss.

As an example, let's say that the average team has won 40 games.

• Team X has won 42 and has won 7 of their last 10, including 4 in a row.
• Team Y has won 43 but has won just 4 of their last 10, and has lost 3 in a row.

While Team Y has the better win/loss, Team X has been hotter in the last week, and that will show up in the rankings.

Team X Points: (42-40) + (7/2) + (4/4) = 6.5

Team Y Points: (43-40) + (4/2) + (-3/4) = 4.25

So even though Team Y is technically better, Team X gets a lift from its recent play. They would probably pass Team Y soon in overall W/L if the trend continued, so it also serves as a kind of bellwether.

A great example of this in the current standings is Mexico City and Chicago ranked ahead of Iowa City and Jackson. MC and Chicago both have 40 wins but have both won 6 of their last 10, while IC and Jackson are both skidding, despite having 41 wins.

Power Rankings 11/15/2021

 

Commentary

Syracuse Syndicate: Syracuse took advantage of their weaker schedule and ripped off 10 wins in a row, dethroning Anaheim. We will see if Syracuse can keep the momentum going as their next three series are against +.500 teams. 

Trenton jakes jokers: Trenton's free fall down the power rankings is akin to Phil Murphy's reelection bid. Trenton went 2-8 in their last 10 as they seen their team ERA skyrocket. with a series win against Detroit, Trenton hopes to gain some momentum and retake 1st in the division. 

Pawtucket Terriers: The Terriers have had a strong showing so far in season 42, riding their Ace Player Profile: Hong-Chih Jung - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports with 16 innings pitched, 2-0 and an .125 ERA. They will look to continue their success as they play 7 games against the Baltimore Dry Docks. 

 

Power Ranks 11/10/2021

 

Commentary

Anaheim Anteaters - New season, same result. The Anteaters retain their dominance on the power rankings board to start the season, Boasting the top offense and pitching staff in the National League. 

Trenton jakes jokers - Last seasons surprise is this years known quantity. The jokers sit on top of the NL East and second on the board.  Thus far, The Jokers are a well balanced team with an offense fueled by Player Profile: Rodrigo Dotel - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports and Player Profile: Rodrigo Dotel - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports and a pitching staff anchored by Player Profile: Ender Aquino - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Cincinnati Boom Sticks - The Boom Sticks are off to a sluggish start as they round out the AL North in last place. As we approach mid season and the weather starts to get warmer, Look for the Boom Sticks to start hitting their stride as Season 41 AL MVP/Silver Slugger Player Profile: Keith Gray - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports propels the team back into World Series contention.

Rochester Whippets -  The offseason saw the departure of long time owner jwperry and the introduction of npb7768. Perry finished his career in Upper Deck with a record of 2062- 2474 and three division titles. Npb takes over a well stocked farm system and a competitive roster that should be contending within the next few season. Look for the Whippets to populate the top half of the rankings this year.