With the minor leagues about to enter their phase of the world series, and their major league equivalents having moved on to round 2 already, I thought this was a good time to review the past season from season 13's draft class and how they stack up going forward.

Glen_Brett cracked Tampa's rotation out of spring training and put together a very solid rookie campaign in the majors. In 32 starts, Glen posted 12 wins to 8 losses, w/ a tidy 3.61 ERA and a very solid 184/68 strikeout to walk ratio. Brett lived up to his workhorse reputation by throwing 200+ innings for the second straight season with no signs of levelling off.

After an injury marred season 14, Walter_Pote bounced back w/ a respectable season in AA. Despite a lossing record (9-11), the surprise 2nd pick of the draft sported a sub 4.00 ERA w/ a solid 1.35 WHIP and a near 3:1 K to BB ratio. An early season trade to the Chicago organization highlighted Pote's resurection season as he aims to get back on track and prove he was not the reach so many scouts proclaimed him to be when his name went off the board, and thus far, Chicago's scouts claim to feel comfortable with his development and will remain patient to reap the full rewards of their trade.

Craig_Winston began the season laying the hammer to High A competition before a mid-season promotion to AA. Once in AA he took his game to another level besting his H-A numbers across the board. In 17 AA starts, Winston went 13-1 w/ a 2.63 ERA, and near 1.00 WHIP. While his K/9 & BB/9 numbers fell off a bit in the move from H-A to AA, he still put together a solid 2-1 K:BB ratio, recording over 8 strikeouts per 9 innings in AA. Scouts continue to rave about his development, which now includes (2) ++ pitches, and (2) above average to + pitches. While many feel he's ready for the show next year, the Bad Logos plan to give him 1 year of seasoning in AAA before a mid-may promotion in season 17.

When their draft spot came up, KC put a blind eye to all the pitching talent that season and pulled Zeke_Evans name out of the hat. With several top level pitchers drafted in season's past, KC had a big need at 2b and planned to let Evans fill that role. Despite a less than aspiring cup of coffee in the bigs, Zeke shined in AAA in season 15. Zeke's gap power started to display the home run power predicted of him when drafted with 32 long balls and 96 rbi. Though some question if Zeke will ever have the contact rate or batting eye to be a true leadoff hitter, once on base, he makes the best of it. His 20 stolen bases in 24 attempts in AAA this season is in line w/ his 82% success rate thus far in his minor league career. W/ exception range and a developing glove, expect to see Zeke turn more than his share of web gems as he looks ready to stick in the majors.

Arizona continues to take it 1 step at a time w/ season 13, 5th overall pick Lyle_Hines and Lyle has rewared them by improving his production at each step (Season 13 in rookie ball, 14 in low A, and 15 in High A). All Lyle did this year was post a 19-4 record in H-A along w/ a 2.39 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. Scouts continue to be pleased w/ this development. Expect Lyle to compete for the AA Cy-young next year, the AAA Cy-Young in season 17 and a spot in the major league all star game in season 18 at this pace.

After a 9 start stretch in AA as a 19 year old to end last season, Boomer_Conroy spent all season in AA and vastly improved his stat lines across the board, while continuing to improve his skill set. In 27 starts, Boomer went 12-7 w/ a 2.76 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and a 3 to 1 K:BB ratio. Consider Boomer ready for AAA along with much of Season 13's pitching class next year and a season 17 major league debut if not a cup of coffee next season.

Chad_Pride continues to throw dominating stuff in short stints as originally predicted by him in his post draft review. Despite averaging just 5.2 innings per his 29 starts, Chad was able to pickup 12 wins to just 8 losses with a 3.31 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and a sominating 8.6 Ks per 9 innings. In season 14, Chad managed 140 innings in 29 starts, this year he threw 160 innings in 29 starts; if he continues on the same pace, throwing 180 innings in AAA next year, he'll be ready for a 200 inning work load in the majors in season 13. While he may rarely pick up a complete game, his 6-7 innings a night should be filthy.

Despite being the 6th high school arm in season 13's draft, Vic_Pena was the 1st of the top level of starters to reach AAA and almost forced Portland to bring him up for the playoff push late in the year. In 17 AAA starts, Vic threw 100+ innings of 12 win, 4 loss ball. Top that with a miniscul 2.23 ERA and 1.13 Whip as well as a near 3:1 K to BB ratio and its easy to see why some think Pena might have the most stuff in this draft class.

Boots_Gonzales made a mid-season move from Cleveland to San Fran in season 14 and while his slash lines in his repeat peformance in AA leveled off to slightly worsening, Boots still put up numbers that continue to impress. 14-5 overall, w/ a 3.21 ERA and 1.14 WHIP show that Boots is ready for the jump to AAA and should debute in the majors in season 17 like most of his other fellow HS draftees of that season.

Season 13s premier closer Harold_Aspromonte has a season he'd like to forget. After his promotion from H-A to AA, Harold gave up a 1.62 WHIP and .300+ OAV. However, Scouts we've talked to insist that Harold's stuff remains nasty as ever and continues to improve and once he's contending for fireman of the year awards, we'll all forget his season 15 just as quickly as he'd like us to. The future remains bright for the back of Baltimore's bullpen.

Tacoma has taken the same approach with their top draft pick from season 13 Rene_Richardon moving him up 1 level a season w/ great results to back up their development approach. Rene went 13-2 w/ a sub 3.00 era and 1.17 WHIP in High A ball this season. Rene still struggles to recover between starts, but when he's on the mound he's dominating.

Overall, I'd say the cream of season 13's crop took a significant step up in production in season 15 almost across the board. Even going a bit deeper in the draft there we're many others worthy of mentioning and keeping track of. Expect season 17 & 18 to be a bumper crop of young talent enfusion into the majors.

Shortly after the draft, we had the original poll, with a pretty good turnout. Please read the previous blog post to get up to date and take a vote at which of the 10 pitchers you'd most like to have in your system.

The original results showed:
Glen Brett (12 votes)
Craig Winston (8)
Chad Pride (2)
Lyle Hines (1)
Vic Pena (1)
Harold Aspromonte (1)
Pitcher drafted later (1) (never did get a name of who the vote was thinking of so that I could add them to the notes/poll)

With a full season + under each kid's belt, lets see if we can't nail down these prospects future skill level a little more and take stock of where they as they begin to reach the upper levels of the minors and crack big league rotations.

The initial review can be found here: http://theplumpytimes.blogspot.com/2009/09/season-13-year-of-pitcher_25.html

Season 13's #1 overall pick, college righty Glenn_Brett is projected to headline Tampa's rotation at the tender age of 24. Despite just a season and a half of minor league conditioning, Glenn has displayed no hints of future major league dissapointment, striking out nearly a batter an inning while compiling 27 wins b/w AA & AAA.

Glenn's initial skill set at the draft looked like this: 82-71-62-77-75-68-72-63-48-24-54
Glenn's final skill projections are: 86-86-80-95-86-79-80-68-64-24-65

So perahaps his pitches won't be individually filthy, but given his exceptional vsR and more than solid vsL, along w/ great velocity and sink, its hard to imagin Glenn will be anything but a true #1. Projected to have 31 durability and 82 health, he should also last deep into games and challenge for the league title in complete games during his prime.

@ #2, Walter_Pote remains a true head scratcher even after the documents on the former Montreal owner began to leak onto the intranets. A near season long trip to the DL last year has left Pote's projections hard to evaluate. To date, he's managed just 80 professional innings in the lower minors, making 14 starts and posting an ERA around the price of a combo meal at your local drive thru.

At the time of the draft, Pote's skill set looked like: 56-66-53-45-34-36-70-65-54-56-38
Today, Pote's skills set looks like this: 65-63-54-46-36-36-71-67-56-57-40

If he can recover from his injury and close to his initial projections, he'll still make a decent back of the rotation inning eater, but there is as much of a chance of that as him becoming a AAAA lifer.

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The #3 pick came with a record $11 mil price tage, but to date the results have been worth it. From the start of spring training, all the way thru the low A world series, Craig_Winston managed to avoid lossing a single game. This season, Craig will take his skill set to High A, and eventually AA where the advanced opposition should be more in line w/ his current skill set.

Initial skill set: 57-52-53-55-26-78-79-67-43-39-0
Projected: 72-88-89-91-30-99-95-86-75-76-0

The sole issue w/ Winston is that he may tire attempting to go deep into games, but a projected upper 30s durability should allow him to recovery fully by his next start. Pair him w/ a solid setup man and closer, and Winstong should lead the league in wins more than once.

KC took the lone non pitcher in the top 11, Zeke_Evans, who still looks like a decent prospect, but outside of the focus of this study.

@#5, Arizona took Lyle_Hines who has been on the same time table as Winston to date, and shown similar domination of rookie ball and low A ball. Lyle starts the season out in High A, but looks ready to take off to the upper tier of the minors soon enough.

Initial skill set: 54-69-46-53-67-68-64-65-37-27-0
Projections: 79-94-61-73-82-83-79-80-52-42-0

Not the best of splits, barely acceptable for a middle rotation starter, but more than made up for w/ control, zip and sink on 2 + pitchers, and 2 average pitches. May get roughed up on occasion by deeper lineups, but should be well above average once he reaches the majors and has the ability to eat up a bunch of innings.

@#6, Boston took crafty lefty Boomer_Conroy who starts out this season in AA after a solid 9 start stint in AA at the end of last season. Outside of a rough 14 inning patch in Rookie ball to begin his carrer, Boomer has sported an ERA in the mid 3.00s every other step of the way.

Initial Skill set: 71-54-44-45-29-58-70-62-36-28-0
Projections: 97-79-65-61-34-70-78-73-52-44-0

Seems like a poor man's version of Lyle Hines, solid if not spectacular, Boomer should eat up plenty of innings and hold down a spot at the back side of Boston's rotation. Splits suggest he may struggle a bit as he reaches the majors.

Houston's selection of Chad_Pride w/ the 7th pick, is now Memphis' property to enjoy. Chad has flashed Ace like potential thru the first 2 steps of the minors, and now gets to take his game to High A ball like so many of his fellow high school draftees out of this class.

Initial Skill set: 48-53-46-53-74-66-63-56-38-11-0
Projections: 74-86-76-86-99-80-78-71-60-16-0

Chad lacks the stamina and durability to last deep into many games, but give him the bump for 6 or 7 innings and watch him shine.

While irock has been off training to fight the good fight, Vic_Pena has been progressing to give him a nice smile upon his return later this week. The 8th pick in the draft, Pena will challenge any of these pitches for top prospect, and thru 2 seasons of minor league ball has posted 22 wins to just 3 losses, including a dazzling 12-0 record in High A ball last year.

Initial skill set: (Didn't have enough info at the time of the initial writing, and he wasn't signed until late in his rookie year)
Projections: 87-83-59-78-35-80-84-79-69-32-0

Seems like his early time off last year (fill in coach didn't play him for a good chunk to start last year) may have set him back a bit. I'm thinking my projections are a bit short, otherwise his vsL will sneak up and make him just average rather than special.

With the 9th pick, Cleveland selected Boots_Gonzalez but has since traded him to San Fran. At the time of the draft, I said Boots was the definition of average, by which he'll do nothing to blow you away, but nothing that can be considerred a weakness and will be one of the kids that just puts up results year after year w/o the fan fair of some of his other draftees.

Initial skill set: 55-55-41-46-72-60-70-53-28-22
Projections: 70-87-61-66-91-69-82-63-43-37-0

less than ideal splits, but great zip and control w/ 1+ pitch. Solid, but not spectacular.

W/ the 10th pick, the first reliever was taken: Harold_Aspromonte Harold has lived up to the billing to date, successfully closing out 25 of his 30 save opportunities. His health remains a concern, but he's managed to stay away from the training table thus far.

I'll end the review there for now. There are several other solid pitchers highlighted in this draft in the previous review, but I mostly wanted to use this section to test my projection theory found in the forums and how it will hold up over time.

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My top five candidates for the HOF in Plumpy when our first voting happens in the next few weeks are:

1- Raymond Lofton, SP:

• 166 career wins
• 75% winning percentage
• 3 Cy Young Awards
• 6 All Star Appearances
• Career WHIP: 1.15
• Career ERA: 2.99

2- Daniel Ruffin

• 202 career wins
• 69% winning percentage
• 7 All Star Appearances
• 2076 strikeouts
• 1.21 WHIP/3.22 ERA

3- Nate Maduro

• 247 career wins
• 69% winning percentage
• 9 all star appearances
• 5 Cy Young Awards
• 212 strikeouts
• 1.29 WHIP/3.72 ERA

4- Jeff Wood

• 9 All Star Games/3 Silver Sluggers/1 Gold Glove
• 2894 Hits
• 1691 Runs
• .337 BAVG
• .418 OBP

5- Travis Garcia

• 7 All Star Games/5 Silver Sluggers
• 459 HRs
• 1367 RBI
• 1457 Runs
• .301 BAVG
• 1.041 OPS

6- Ivan Ortiz

• 2 MVP/4 All Star Games/5 Silver Sluggers/ROY
• 575 HRs
• 1697 RBI
• 1929 Hits
• .950 OPS

7- David Espinosa

• 3 All Star Games/2 Silver Sluggers
• 575 HRs
• 1642 RBI
• 1826 Hits
• .935 OPS

8- Vicente Jose

• 6 All Star Games/4 Silver Sluggers
• .921 OPS
• .418 OBP
• .301 Average
• 1797 Hits

9- Sammy Seguignol

• 8 All Star Games/5 Fireman of Year Awards
• 417 Saves
• 1.37 WHIP/4.33 ERA

W/ a fresh batch of draft prospects released to Plumpyville today, its time to take a quick look book at last season's stellar class and see how they're coming along one year later. Most of this kids are still several seasons away from the show, but most are begining to show why they were so thought of so highly heading into last season's draft.

Glen_Brett last season's #1 pick was thought to be MLB ready upon signing his contract, however Tampa Bay has decided to take things just a little slower than, making sure Glen received proper polishing before hitting the show. Glen started 16 games last season in AA before moving up to AAA this season. He's struggled a bit with his consitancy verse the tougher AAA hitters, however its appearances like his 8 inning, 12 strikeout performance over the AAA alcholics that keeps scouts drooling.

For his career: 14-6, 174 innings, 60Ks, 15 BBs, 1.19 WHIP, 3.67 ERA

Walter_Pote The Montreal franchise was shamed into a change in ownership after the rumors of Pote's scandelous pictures of previous owner Bulls7210 began to surface. It was those very pictures that lead to the overdraft of Pote with the 2nd pick. However, all was to be forgiven if Pote could prove to be anything more than AAAA fodder. There were also rumors of Walter's continued neck stiffness coming out of spring training, bringing back the amatuer draft scout's question marks on Pote's long term healthyness. Those fears reared their ugly head early this season as Pote's season 2 has been ravished by a herniated disk in his neck and will keep on the sidelines until next spring training. Walter split time b/w rookie ball and Low A last year, with 7 games in High A this season before the injury.

Thru limited time: 2-5, 3 SVs, 80 Innings, 68 Ks, 27 BBs, 1.72 WHIP, 4.50 ERA

Craig_Winston After holding out for a record $11.4 Mil signing bonus, Winston finally got around to showing his wares for the Shockers. Coming out of high school, many scouts insisted that Winston had the biggest upside in the draft, however his contract demands scared off many potential bidders. Atlanta took a gamble and was able to bring Winston into the fold. Winston spent a brief stint in Rookie ball, before ending last year in low A. He returned to Low A this season, with an expected mid-season call up to High A in the near future. So far, this bonus baby has lived up the billing, and looks to head the Atltanta rotation in a few more seasons.

23 Starts, 13-2, 118 Innings, 110 Ks, 34 BBs, 1.06 WHIP, 2.59 ERA

Lyle_Hines Another top flight HS phenom, Arizona selected Hines with the 5th pick overall. Durability, and conistancy are the keys to Hines success, however he lacks the top end durability one would like to see out of an ace, as well as a strong 3rd pitch. Lyle made a stellar debut in rookie ball last season, and though he's been touched up a bit by the more advanced Low A hitters this season, his slash lines all look solid.

23 starts, 11-3, 115 innings, 113 Ks/28 BBs, 1.34 WHIP, 3.37 ERA

Boomer_Conoroy The top HS lefty in last season's class, Boomer is on the fast track, having skipped over High A ball and started in AA in just his age 19 season. Boomer has everything you'd like in a pitching prospect, great stamina, solid control, a dominate fastball with solid complimentary pitches, and limited questions of health. After getting beat up in a brief stint in rookie ball last year, Conroy has improved his stat line at every level. At this rate, he may make an appearance in the show as early as next season.

23 games, 22 starts, 6-9, 108.2 innings, 101Ks/47 BBs, 1.56 WHIP, 4.22 ERA


Chad_Pride The 2nd Kansas pitcher taken in this draft, Pride is a flame throwing righty with superior control, 2 great pitches an average 3rd pitch and the occasional cutter that needs development. His only drawback is his limited stamina; Chad tends to tire out before getting out of the 6th. However what he doesn't provide in innings, he more than makes up for in quality. Chad was recently promoted to High A where thru 2 starts, he's thrown 9 shutout innings, while giving up just 7 hits.

22 Starts, 3-3, 93 innings, 96 Ks/20 BBs, 1.02 WHIP, 1.74 ERA

Vic_Pena Vic was a highly sought after righty from the Pittsburgh area who began to develop a social anxiety disorder and kept him away from the mound for the first part of the season. However, Vic has seemingly overcome his demons, and is back to terrorizing oppossing hitters on the Low A mound. Vic had the best combination of pitches, control, and stamina of last season's batch of HS pitchers, however his lower durability and struggle vs lefties helped him slid down the draft board a bit. None the less, with oppimum time b/w starts, Vic should frontline Portland's rotation in short order.

19 Starts, 10-2, 104.1 innings, 101 Ks/30 BBs, 1.25 WHIP, 2.76 ERA

Boots_Gonzales Boots is another HS right hander, this time out of California. Boots should eat up a ton of innings, while sliding nicely into the middle of Cleveland's future rotation in a few years. What Boots lacks in dominate skills, he makes up for with no glaring weaknesses. Just one of those guys that every team wished they had as their #2 or #3. After an up & down start in Low A last year, Gonzales has followed up his stellar spring with glowing reviews in AA ball this season.

22 Starts, 5-4, 101.0 innings, 97 Ks/35 BBs, 1.35 WHIP, 4.46 ERA

Harold_Aspromarte The top closer in last year's draft, and only reliever amongst the top 10 draft pitchers, Harold is absolutely filthy when on the mound. Questions still linger about his long term health, given his violent delivery, but to date, Harold has shown no wear while mowing down oppossing batters.

38 games, 2-3, 21/28 saves, 53 Ks/7 BBs, 0.93 WHIP, 2.40 ERA

Rene_Richardson The last of the super 10 pitchers, Rene is another HS righty w/ superior control and solid stuff. While many scouts project Rene to be a starter in the majors, Rene has begun his career almost exclusively out of the pen.

38 Games, 8-3, 6/7 saves, 71 Ks/18 BBS, 1.41 WHIP, 4.38 ERA

Jacksonville

News out of Jacksonville that Antonio Whang and Jaime Rogers are going to be let go is not surprising.

Coming off a 3 year deal, the 32 year old Whang will be an intriguing option for those looking for corner outfield help. Whang, a lifetime .289 hitter with 329 home runs, could provide a spark for some offense in the league.

After peaking with a 40 homerun campaign in season 11, Rogers decline was already evident until he suffered a ligament strain in his foot toward the end of the season. He should still garner interest from some American League team as a DH, as his potential to return to form is pretty good.

In a move forced by the play of Zues Thurman, Rolando Guerrero is now being actively shopped during the offseason. Guerrero’s appeal is simple as he is a power bat who can more than field his position. Furthermore, Guerrero is entering the last two years of his deal as he is due a shade under 16.5 million over the next two years (8.7 this season, 7.7 in the final year).

Montgomery

As Montgomery management has indicated in this and other venues, they are willing to trade one of the following minor leaguers (Chris Sinclair, Tike Burks, and Richie Washington) for ML help at SS and/or CF. Sinclair was once one of the bright spots from Philly, Burks was the crown jewel of the Portland system at one time, and Washington turned some heads in Montgomery’s rookie ball team last season.

Power hitter Francisco Alvarez will be a free agent and will likely garner some interest. The 33 year old last signed a deal that was in the range of 6 million annually. Alvarez is beginning to show signs of decline but is a very good hitter. He is a type B free agent.

Vancouver

Jalal Priest, second all time in saves, is going to test the FA market. Often inquired about Cody Young may become available if the right offer is made, as the Mounties try to make room for some of their younger arms in their rotation and bullpen.

Tacoma

The Deivis, Deivi Flores and Deivi Sanchez, are potentially available...potentially not (depends on the price and who within the Tacoma front office you talk to). Tacoma is also willing to move one of the following: Red Miller (327k obligation, not the $3mil that appears), Victor Donovan , or Ivan Rivas. Desi Nunez informed the team that he hates Tacoma's weather, but Tacoma might explore trade and sign possibilities. Word is they expect type B level compensation for him.

Among pitchers, solid reliever Roberto Parra (sub 3.00 ERA 3 years in a row) is available.

For everyone, looking for prospects of all types. Somewhat looking for a legit CF prospect 1st and SP 2nd, but open to all.

Trenton

Dennis Barkley informed the team he was going to test the market. The 32 year old second baseman hit .294, hit 22 home runs, stole 27 bases and scored 96 runs. Trenton wants to bring Barkley back and move him to the outfield, but it is unknown how much they will spend to keep him. Trenton is known to be keen on letting Bruce Mercedes be the everyday second baseman, but he has tough shoes to fill taking over for Barkley.

Entering the final year of a monster contract, Carlos Rivera is on the block. Trenton is willing to pay a significant portion of the contract, but they are rumored to be looking for starting pitching prospects in return. If Rivera moves at all, it will likely be mid-way through the season and for a lot less than the ideal package.

Rafael Baerga, fed up with being at AA “too long,” has forced the franchise’s hand. He demanded to be traded, and Trenton has sent out signals they might honor his request. They are thought to be looking for a pitching prospect commensurate with Baerga’s skill level.

With a few young bullpen arms on the horizon, word is out of Trenton that a year after demoting Lonny Aguilar to the set up role, he will indeed enter free agency without an offer from the Titans. Aguilar has 283 lifetime saves, and was locked into a 5 year 25 million dollar deal last time he was a free agent. He should expect to get at least the same sort of deal annually, the question will be over how many years.

Atlanta Shockers

There are serious doubts around the league that any deal will get done involving Zapata, Koloff, or Morales. Zapata only registered 11 home runs coupled with a .258 average (Zapata’s career average is .286), but is moving into the last year of a contract which will see Zapata earn 5.8 million. If Atlanta wants to move him, it remains to be seen whether Atlanta will continue to cut his checks even if he plays elsewhere. Morales may be even harder to move. Although cheap, Morales registered 16 homers last year on the heels of a season in which he only registered 18. He did improve his average, but the RBI count, among other categories is way down. Koloff’s move to Atlanta from Saint Louis didn’t go so well. Koloff’s home runs, rbi, average, and ops all plunged at a time where he’ll be entering his second time around in arbitration.

Jose Lee is a prime candidate for a bounce back year. With little protection in the Atlanta lineup, he struggled to get 16 home runs last year. In some scouting circles, there is high interest for a young first baseman like Lee…for the right price.

Andres James could garner a lot of attention. James has largely played second in Atlanta, but opposing General Managers can’t help but wonder if there is untapped potential in Center Field from the 25 year old. James is also appealing because he signed to a contract which sees the yearly commitment decrease over the length of the contract. Furthermore, when the current contract expires, James will be 27 years old. How many teams are able to lock up a young centerfield talent for almost the entire length of his prime years?

Looking for a guy who has averaged 31 starts per year? James Rollin might be your guy. The 32 year old righty is 91-75 and due 5.4 million this season and next. If he moves, look for him to be a great back end of the rotation starter on a contender.Kris Post is available. He will likely remain available.

Boston Stranglers

Coach Albert DeSalvo was very disappointed at the way the season ended. "We were leading the battle for the Wildcard spot and completely fell apart. We went 2-8 in our last 10 games, we lost our last 6 games. I questioned everyone on this team's manhood, they played worse than a bunch of Nancy-Boys." 81-81 is not how we wanted to finish.

General Manager Bill Buckner had this to say. "Overall we will be keeping a majority of the Nancy-Boys and try to make men out of them. Hall of Famer Shayne Judd is a free agent and will not be back with the team next season. We need pitching and better defense. Oswaldo Escobar & Ricardo Gonzalez were good pickups for us.We also traded for Felipe Crespo late in the season, he did not perform as we anticipated, but we are sure he will pitch much better next season. Pitching Coach Bill Lee stated, "We found out Crispy was going to Dunkin Donuts for breakfast & lunch, apparently there are no donuts in Cleveland, he just went nuts. He has dropped 15 lbs. since we changed his diet, his pitches have more "pop" and his change up is devastating.

"We are a playoff caliber team and hope to BE a playoff team next season. The AL East is the toughest division in the AL, making the playoffs will not be easy, it is our top priority, stated GM Buckner. "Just about everyone on this team can and will be traded if it improves our club."
Omaha SettlersThe Settlers, resigned to the fact that their second base by committee wasn’t going to work well will let Darrell Joseph, Brandon Glass, Orel Rivers, and Jim Ventura go. Joseph leads the class departing from Omaha as the lefty hit .285 with 19 home runs going into a contract year.Omaha is looking to be an active player in the trade market this offseason looking for a starting catcher and middle relief help. The rumors that RF Donn Neal of 2B/OF prospect Juan Sosa are available appear to be true.

Norfolk Needlefish

The Needlefish were waffling on whether to sign Ralph Lewis to a long-term extension, but ultimately decided on allowing Lewis to file for free agency without much of an offer.

Surprisingly, Norfolk may be dangling some top prospects in an effort to make a preseason deal to bring in a top catcher. After the post season collapse of the bullpen, relief may be a priority for the Needlefish.

Saint Louis Slumpbusters

There wasn’t much time to talk with new GM davecallahan, in between phone calls we got confirmation that they are in win now mode. Give him a call…er…trade chat if you think you got a deal for him.

AL MVP:

Favorite: Rolando_DeJesus The man of Jesus was tabbed by the computer as the frontrunner for AL MVP and really what's not to like 100 runs, 128 rbi, 50 homers for the playoff bound Kahunas.

My Pick: Marino_Astacio not only approached DeJesus' homer and rbi total by hammering out 46 homers and driving in 124 rbis himself, but Marino crossed home plate 20 more times in 15 less games while racking up 33 thefts on the basepaths. Astacio was the driving force behind Norfolk's 104 wins and 2nd seed in the playoffs.

NL MVP:

Favorite: Jeff_Hackman posted an eye popping 1.156 OPS while leading Chicago to their 4th straight East Division title. Jeff's steady approach lead to a .355 batting average w/ 45 homers and 124 rbi.

My Pick: Todd_Ford Seriously, what's not to love about 71 homers and 171 rbi? Perhaps the computer has just grown tired of putting the 5 time MVP's name at the top of the list. Will the voters give the man his due?

AL Cy Young:

Favorite: Einer_Pena If the 21 wins and 2.35 ERA are not enough to convince you, perhaps the sub 1.00 WHIP will tell you why Pena is set to win this award for the 4th straight season

My Pick: There really isn't a close 2nd to the season Pena put up for the AL's #1 seed. Just 3 more seasons before Pena strickes a max deal in free agency. Here's to counting your pennies until then.

NL Cy Young:

Favorite: Sandy_Menskie Sandy put up his best season since his season 10 Cy Young season posting 18 wins with a sub 3.00 ERA

My Pick: There were several canidates just a shade behind Sandy, but none that quite dominated on the mound to the same effect. Sandy is my pick.

Here is the predictions (pro-rated for 90 games) vs. reality for the AL teams I made predictions for in August. The upside: I had the right division leader in each division. while

Biggest surprise? Honolulu--Honolulu is a full ten games better than I predicted, is 20 games over 500, and currently has a sizable lead in the wild card race, while giving Oakland a reason to watch their rearview mirror.

Biggest disappointment? Chicago--The fatties made the playoffs last season, but are 4 games under 500 as we approach the all star break and are currently last in their division.

Biggest variance? Minnesota--The twin city squad has not been the team I thought they'd be (though they tend to turn it on the 2nd half, and are still up four games in their division). They are a full 13 games under where I thought they'd be through 90 games.

Here are the standings, with predictions followed by actual records:

Minnesota 62-38 49-41

NY 40-50 45-45

Portland 37-53 35-55

Montreal 34-56 33-57

Norfolk 61-29 55-35

Chicago 50-40 43-47

DC 47-43 47-43

Boston 45-45 48-42

Monterrey 50-40 49-41

Texas 41-49 38-52

San Juan 40-50 41-49

Atlanta 32-48 36-54

Oakland 56-34 59-31

Honolulu 45-45 55-35

Omaha 43-47 41-49

Arizona 35-55 41-49

If 1983 is the year of greatest NFL quarteback draft class, season 13 might just go down as the year of the greatest influx of pitching talent brought in thru the amatuer draft. In a world where a pitcher has been drafted 1st or 2nd overall in every season except 1, and where a pitcher has been drafted #1 overall over half the time, never has such an influx of pitching talent embarked on their Plumpyville!!!!!111 career as we've witnessed in the season 13 amatuer draft.

10 of the first 11 selections in the most recent draft were pitching prospects, not to mention a few more solid talents drafted just a shade later. In fact, with so much premium pitching talent drafted early on, one has to question the mental state of urbanwarrior, passing up all this talent with the #4 pick to take the only non pitcher at the top of the draft. Sure Zeke_Evans is a fine prospect in his own right, perhaps a regular all-star 2nd baseman, if not hall of famer, but will the esteemed Mr Urban Warrior be kicking himself in 3 seasons when he's looking to add 1 more piece to his starting rotation? Only time will tell.

So without further ado, we'll use this space to evaluate, track, adulate, and mock each of the first 10 pitchers over their careers in plumpville. Should any have their arms fall off while attempting a tribal warrior dance, thier owner will be suredly mocked, while if any should sign a Todd Ford, well below market value extension before testing the free agent waters contract, their owners will be strung from the festivus pole by their skivies and forced to beg for mercy.

With the #1 overall selection, Tampa Bay picked Glen_Brett a dominating righty on the fast track to the majors. Brett earned top draft pick status by displaying pinpoint control of his mid 90's sinker and 4 seam fastball, plus a major league level slider and curve, with the potential to turn them into + pitches on the major league level. Glen has started his career in AA with an initial pitching skill set of 82-71-62-77-75-68-72-63-48-24-54

Verdict: time to purchase that investment property on clearwater beach, with his combination of makeup and patience, Brett could be headlining the Tampa rotation into his late 30s or even early 40s.

Using the internet to gain access of Montreal's owner in comprimsing positions, Texas high school phenom Walter_Pote was able to strong arm his way from the bottom of the 1st round up into the #2 slot. Montreal owner bulls7210 claims this selection was based primarly on signability, rumors have already circulated about that night in South Padre Island. Pote projects as the classic "crafy lefthander" for while he has below average stuff, he has a vast arsenal of above average pitches to keep opponents off balance. While Pote's ceiling isn't quite as high as the other top pitchers, his combination of near perfect makeup and patience means he'll settle into Montreal rotation as a solid #3 or #4 pitcher and remain there for a long time. In a perfect world, this Jamie Moyer clone will continue to throw league average innings well into his 40's. While he's only 18, Pote high makeup have caught the eye of the daughter of the head basketball coach with an over-inflated ego at one particular haughty-taughty university in the mid west.

Verdict: Pote takes his initial skill set of 56-66-53-45-34-36-70-65-54-56-38 to rookie ball where he's still working out the kinks. While Montreal missed out on some of the top end talent, should Pote avoid arm injuries he'll be a solid fixture in the Montreal rotation for a good 15 seasons.

With the #3 pick, the Bad Logos selected Scott Boras client Craig_Winston arguable the top high school arm in the draft, concerns of his prima donna attitude were well founded when reports of his record $11+ millon signing bonus first surfaced. While never a threat to break a window with his fastball, Winston uses an overwhelming combination of sinkers, sliders and curves with near perfect control and great health. He'll never be a threat to lead the league in strikeouts, but with a solid defense behind him should project to something greater than Bronson Arroyo, dipsy-dooling his way thru the lineup, keeping opponents off balance from both sides of the plate while hopefully never missing a scheduled start due to injury.

Verdict: While the price tag is high, the projections certainly look to be worth the price tag. Winston will need about 4 seasons of grooming in the minors, but should be ready to dominate plumpyville in his early 20s. His starting skill set is: 57-52-53-55-26-78-79-67-43-39-0

At #5, Arizona selected Lyle_Hines another great pitching prospect with outstanding makeup and patience potentiall making him a fixuture on the Chase Field bump for 15+ seasons. Hines is a true "pitcher's pitcher" when he takes the mound, going all out with termendous velocity on two ++ pitches, an above average slider, and a workable changeup. While Lyle has a perfect history of health, he leaves nothing out on the mound, often tiring by the 7th inning and turning things over to the bull pen. Lyle has started his rookie league campaign in near perfect style sporting a skill set of: 54-69-46-53-67-68-64-65-37-27-0

Verdict: A great selection for Arizona, Lyle should dominate the first 7 innings each time out and could be a fixture in their rotation from age 22 thru his late 30s.

At #6, Boomer_Conroy was the 5th pitcher was selected by Boston skipper bobsquad. This highschool superstar out of Jersey is the son of former Maryland ace Mr Conroy, and was named after his father's one time college roommate. Another crafty lefty, Boomer uses pinpoint control with an array of 4 average to plus pitches to burn thru the competition. He has great sink on his fastball, and has the ability to take his team deep into games. Boomer's initial skill set at the time of draft was: 71-54-44-45-29-58-70-62-36-28-0

Verdict: While Boomer should be a solid contributer in the majors for a long time, bobsquad's lower HS and college scouting buget likely caused him to miss out on several higher end arms draft a few slots behind Boomer. Boomer should settle into a solid #2/#3 that can save the bullpen some innings by regularly going deep into games.

With the 7th selection, Texas takes the pride of Pittsburgh (Kansas that is) Chad_Pride While Pride lacks the ideal stamina of a true #1, his stuff screams rotation ace. Pride commands both sides of the plate with a screaming sinker, often topping out in triple digits, a plus slider and a devestating changeup. Chad also sports the occasional cut fastball, though rumors are the Texas coaching staff is trying to get Chad to ditch the 4th pitch and concentrate on his 3 main weapons. Chad initial pitching set is: 48-53-46-53-74-66-63-56-38-11-0

Verdict: Chad may have the most dominating stuff in the draft, however his lower stamina and low level of patience means he'll be hitting the free agent market well before his career is over. Texas went above slot bring Chad into the fold, but he'll no doubt be a solid centerpiece as zhawks rebuilds his new franchise

At #8, Portland adds high school sensation Vic_Pena out of Ft Washington, Pa. Pena's lower makeup and patience helped him slide to Portland at #8, but you won't find coach IRock complaining any time soon. Pena is a dominating righty, sporting a ++ spliter and slider combo along with a + curveball and below average changeup. Drafted into a club with a pitcher extreme park, Pena's sink should more than makeup for his lack of velocity. If Portland can put a solid defense behind him, he should challenge for 10 complete games a season.

Verdict: Another solid HS arm that's tough to knock. Perhaps the ideal draft pick for Portland's park, should reach the majors in 4-5 seasons and would be the #1 in most rotations.

With the 9th overall selection, pitcher #8 comes off the board to Cleveland. jjboogie drafts high school righty Boots_Gonzalez out of Cali. Boots perhaps defines the term major league average more than any other pitcher in the top 10. Aside from his great control and + changeup, Boots displays an ideal average stamina, splits, sink and stuff on his pitches. However, this is a good thing, as Boots also contains no weaknesses in his game either. With great patience and above average makeup, Boots should prove a solid #2 pitcher for Cleveland for a long time.

Verdict: With initial draft skills of 55-55-41-46-72-60-70-53-28-22, Boots likely won't be the guy you think of when facing a must win game 7, however, he's the guy you'll want on the mound in games 2 & 6 to give you a great shot at winning a postseason series. A great pick at #9, would have gone higher in most drafts.

At 10, Harold_Aspromonte was selected by New Jersey. I'm not sure I know what a Harry Aspromonte looks like, but I know this kid has the distinction of being both the first Juco and the first reliever selected in season 13. A dominating right hander with questionable health, Harry shuts down right handers w/ a mix of a devestating changeup and knee buckling slider. If Harry can spend more time on the bump than on the training table, he'll be a strong commoditiy for the Generals.

Verdict: If some consider it a sin to draft a reliever in the top 10, what would they consider a guy w/ big time health concerns? With solid stamina for a closer, and great durability, perhaps New Jersey can keep him from getting over-extended and thus keep him out of the infimary. His level of success will be largely determined by how much time he spends off the disablied list, because his skill set screams all-star closer. At the time of the draft, Harold's pitching skill set is: 26-64-55-68-80-74-78-65-0-0-0

Finally, with the 11th pick and 10th pitcher overall, Tacoma selects Rene_Richardson Similar to Boots Gonzalez, drafted ahead of him, Rene features mostly average stuff w/ great control and better stamina. However, Rene sports less than ideal durability, meaning he may need to slide into a 6 man rotation or limit his innings each start. He may struggle a bit verse lefties, but w/ super high makeup ratings, he's likely to reach most of his projections if given enough time to develop. Rene's initial skill line is: 66-58-37-45-75-63-56-52-28-37-0

Verdict: As mentioned before in the Boots review, Rene shouldn't hurt you on the mound, may even make the occasional all-star game, especially in Tacoma's pitcher friendly park, however he's not the guy you want to call upon in a must win game. Should settle into a solid middle of the rotation starter, may need to skip a start or two to ensure that he keeps fresh.

Others 1st round picks worth watching:
Jeff_Ausmus 14th overall; could have easily made the top 10 if he had just slightly better stuff
Denny_Yoshi 17 th overall; should fill in the middle of Washington's rotation in a few seasons.
Lucas_Peterson 20th pick, and Texas' 2nd pitcher this draft; Should fill in nicely behind Chad Pride, however like Pride he lacks ideal stamina, so zhawks better be on a long reliever hunt.
Esmalyin_Alveraz 27th overall, may be the best closer in the draft, but probably won't sign.
Wayne_Callaway 32 overall, dominat left handed closer, who may struggle a bit vs righties.

Since its probably a bit to early to do a true ranking of these kids until they get a minor league season or two under their belts, I'll summon my inner Smokey Robinson and provide a "Tiers of a Clown":
Polish up the bronze plaque, Cooperstown is calling:
Glen Brett
Craig Winston
Lyle Hines

Mario Soto: Gonna dominate for a period of time, but will be forgotten when hall of fame eligibility comes up:
Chad Pride
Vic Pena

No fluff, just stuff, mr reliable:
Boots Gonzalez
Rene (don't call me Russo) Richardson

Just give me a shot, to hell with the Doc:
Harold Aspertame

Not terrible, but leave something to be desired:
Walter Pote
Boomer Conroy

Please vote in the new poll, and we'll keep track, hopefully taking an annual vote thru their first several seasons in the majors as we track how these kids develop.