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reds1 · 08-13-2019, 03:01 AM

WELLINGTON, Dec. 6 – Although he’s just in his first year on the job, Sherburn Tigers’ GM Jack Clayton is fully aware that the choices he and Scouting Director Bill Gunter make in this year’s Amateur Draft will have a direct affect on the fortunes of the organization in the ensuing years. He is also aware that the team needs to start getting the best ‘bang for its buck’. Over the past four seasons, the Tigers have drafted no lower than 8th. However only one player, 25-year old 2B Jack Burt (.346/.393/.492, 1 HR, 31 RBI, 21 BB, 3.3 WAR – 2nd overall in 1947-48), is finally approaching his initial lofty expectations. In fairness, last year’s 4th overall pick, 24-year old RHP Bradley Strawson (7-8, 3.48 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 3.89 FIP) is having a promising year – his first full season in the majors. But Sheburn’s farm system remains one of the weakest in the ULB (13th overall) and its been eight years since they drafted their last true cornerstone player: two-time Satchel Paige Award winner and six-time All-Star, 28-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (8-7, 2.64 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 3.37 FIP), their 4th overall pick from 1942-43.

“When an organization selects high in the draft over several consecutive years, obviously you would expect them to have at least have a deep farm system. For whatever reason, that hasn’t happened with the Tigers”, acknowledged Clayton. “But it’s not always about draft picks that simply don’t pan out. We have drafted outstanding players, such as [Fort Richmond Generals’] SP Roberto Taváves and [Kingston Pelicans’] SP Dana Listman who were either traded or released outright with, shall we say, an ‘unbalanced’ return – or no return at all. We need to change that. We need to change the culture of how we approach the draft here – and that starts with me. It’s not just about the first round either. We need to look at all our selections as assets that we can’t afford to squander. And [Tigers’] ownership is committed to that philosophy as well.”

This year’s Amateur Draft affords a perfect time to test that ‘philosophy’, as the Sherburn Tigers enter the proceedings with the first overall pick. The Pearl Sound Hotel in Wellington hosts the 15th Annual Draft, welcoming not only the Tigers’ contingent, but general managers and scouting directors from the other 15 members of the United Leagues.

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Here is a brief overview of the 16 players taken in the first round:

1st Pick – Sherburn Tigers:

3B Archie Eridge (34/74) – 23-years old; 6’-1”, 210 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.

With his first professional pick, GM Jack Clayton selected third baseman Archie Eridge from Hespeler. Eridge is considered a dynamic player with well above -average contact potential and an excellent eye at the plate. With decent defense at the hot corner and some home run power potential, scouts feel he has the talent to develop into a franchise cornerstone player. He will report to Sherburn’s AA team, the Hannon Greyhounds.

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2nd Pick – Pulberry Trolleys:

C Paul England (22/70) – 21-years old; 5’-11”, 195 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.

After drafting first overall last year, the Trolleys selected second this time. With their first pick, they went with Braeland City’s Paul England. England’s calling card is his offense, as he has above -average contract skills, a smooth swing, quick hands and good pitch recognition. He also has a good sense for the zone and a high ceiling. England projects well both on the field and at the plate. He gets his start with the AA Hopetown Islanders.

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3rd Pick – Hespeler Stars:

IF/OF Clive Yarwood (20/70) – 20-years old; 6’-0”, 185 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.

The Wellington-born Yarwood was selected by the Stars. Yarwood offers an elite balance of offense and defense at either third base and in leftfield. Scouts like his swing and his ability to draw a walk and get pitches to hit by laying off the bad stuff. He heads to Hespeler’s AA club, the Muir Electrics.

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4th Pick – Queensland Eagles:

OF Hal Dhu (20/80) – 18-years old; 5’-8”, 150 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.

Dhu hails from the small town of Avening in the north-west province of Norfolk. But he will be heading to the east side of the country as the Queensland Eagles selected him 4th overall. Dhu’s greatest strength is his game changing speed on the base paths and above-average contact potential. Although not the strongest defensive player, he boasts a powerful throwing arm and range. Scouts who have seen him feel he has the dynamic tools to make an impact in the majors. He starts with the AA Innerkip Oysters.

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5th Pick – Braeland City Monarchs:

IF Nicholas Malcolm (26/66) – 22-years old; 5’-10”, 175 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.

The Monarchs go with Sherburn’s Nicholas Malcolm, a plus infield defender who know his way around the base paths despite not being blessed with blazing speed. When fully developed, he should have an above-average eye and contact ability, drawing 60 walks a season and batting around .290. Scouts are concerned of his proneness to injury however. He heads off to the AA Kingsville Royals.

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6th Pick – Wellington Athletics:

IF Brayden Docking (21/64) – 21-years old; 5’-10”, 175 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.

The host team selects Docking from Pulberry, who scouts feel can be an impact player at the major league level. Docking projects to be an infielder with good contact potential, plate discipline and defense at either second or third base. He reports to the AA Evansville Clowns.

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7th Pick – Cambria Cannons:

1B Jay Durham (28/72) – 22-years old; 6’-1”, 220 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.

The second Wellington-born player to be selected in the first round, Durham projects to be an elite first baseman. He has a quick bat that can handle most fastballs with above-average strike zone recognition. However, off-speed stuff may challenge him. The Cannons have assigned him to the AA Vandecar Spurs.

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8th Pick – Kingston Pelicans:

IF/OF Chris Ramsbottom (20/72) – 21-years old; 5’-9”, 170 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.

The Pelicans select the speedy Ramsbottom from Cobourg with their first pick. In addition to his plus running speed and ability to steal a high number of bases, he’s expected to be a very athletic outfielder. He has good patience at the plate and knows his strike zone well. He has a very promising future and gets his start with the AA Elgin Angels.

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9th Pick – Stratford Barons:

C Hollis Chase (20/63) – 18-years old; 6’-1”, 195 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.

The second catcher selected in the draft, Chase should develop respectable contact and strike zone recognition. With further development, the Queensland-native should one day make an impact in the majors. He will begin his development with the AA Brockville Bears.

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10th Pick – Balmoral Giants:

LHP Euan MacKenzie (41/73) – 23-years old; 6’-1”, 200 lbs.; Bats LH/Throws LH.

The first pitcher selected, MacKenzie has the potential to be a top reliever in the United Leagues, with an outstanding changeup and above-average fastball. With great stuff and top-notch movement, he should whiff his share of batters and keep the ball in the park. The Wellington-native heads to the Giants’ AAA ballclub, the Canterbury Seals.

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11th Pick – Brunswick Legends:

IF/OF Jay Mitchell (20/59) – 21-years old; 6’-0”, 195 lbs.; Bats LH/Throws RH.

The Legends select Mitchell, a solid hitter with hard contact and slightly above-average defensive skills, especially in the outfield corners. He also has good plate discipline and should draw his share of walks. Although not projected to be an all-star, the Sherburn-native has the potential to develop into a big league regular for the bulk of his career. He’s off to the AA Jarvis Smokers.

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12th Pick – Cobourg Red Stockings:

LHP Ethan Hoyes (39/68) – 21-years old; 5’-10”, 175 lbs.; Bats LH/Throws LH.

The second and final pitcher selected in the first round as well as the fourth Wellington-native, Hoyes has the stuff and movement to become a dominant reliever in the major leagues one day. Like Euan MacKenzie selected earlier, Hoyes is blessed with an outstanding curveball and a terrific fastball that should serve him well. His first assignment will be with the AA Cardiff Crushers.

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13th Pick – Embro Suns:

1B Damien Whetter (20/67) – 18-years old; 6’-4”, 220 lbs.; Bats LH/Throws RH.

The Suns go with the young Whetter from Fort Richmond. Whetter has the potential to be an above-average contact hitter with a good eye and some pop. But with no speed and limited defensive ability, Embro is no doubt hoping his bat fully develops. He starts his development with the AA Lythmore Atoms.

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14th Pick – Downie Chiefs:

IF Harley Truman (34/59) – 23-years old; 5’-9”, 170 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.

The Downie Chiefs select Harley Truman from the small town of Woodham in Norfolk. Truman appears to have already developed his potential enough that he may reach the majors very soon. He boasts a nice balance of tools, as he has above-average contact potential, impressive speed, solid hands and defensive ability, especially at second base and shortstop. He gets his start with the AA Minto Tribe.

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15th Pick – Fort Richmond Generals:

IF Morgan Tyreman (20/58) – 21-years old; 5’-10”, 170 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.

The Hespeler-native Tyreman has the chance to be an above-average big-league shortstop. While he may struggle to make consistent contact, he his blessed with a good eye, solid defensive ratings and a strong arm. He is off to the AA Marburg Mustangs.

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16th Pick – Wolseley Unions:

IF/OF Kaituoe Mowan (24/56) – 22-years old; 5’-10”, 180 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.

The last pick in the first round saw the first foreign-born player selected in the draft; the speedy Mowan from Fiji. Second base is viewed as his strongest position to compliment his impressive range and arm. Scouts also like his bat, with his speed and ability to square up the ball. The Unions have assigned him to their AA Waterloo Whips.

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Here are the standings at the end of games on December 31:

08-13-2019, 03:01 AM	#524
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,919	WELLINGTON, Dec. 6 – Although he’s just in his first year on the job, Sherburn Tigers’ GM Jack Clayton is fully aware that the choices he and Scouting Director Bill Gunter make in this year’s Amateur Draft will have a direct affect on the fortunes of the organization in the ensuing years. He is also aware that the team needs to start getting the best ‘bang for its buck’. Over the past four seasons, the Tigers have drafted no lower than 8th. However only one player, 25-year old 2B Jack Burt (.346/.393/.492, 1 HR, 31 RBI, 21 BB, 3.3 WAR – 2nd overall in 1947-48), is finally approaching his initial lofty expectations. In fairness, last year’s 4th overall pick, 24-year old RHP Bradley Strawson (7-8, 3.48 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 3.89 FIP) is having a promising year – his first full season in the majors. But Sheburn’s farm system remains one of the weakest in the ULB (13th overall) and its been eight years since they drafted their last true cornerstone player: two-time Satchel Paige Award winner and six-time All-Star, 28-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (8-7, 2.64 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 3.37 FIP), their 4th overall pick from 1942-43. “When an organization selects high in the draft over several consecutive years, obviously you would expect them to have at least have a deep farm system. For whatever reason, that hasn’t happened with the Tigers”, acknowledged Clayton. “But it’s not always about draft picks that simply don’t pan out. We have drafted outstanding players, such as [Fort Richmond Generals’] SP Roberto Taváves and [Kingston Pelicans’] SP Dana Listman who were either traded or released outright with, shall we say, an ‘unbalanced’ return – or no return at all. We need to change that. We need to change the culture of how we approach the draft here – and that starts with me. It’s not just about the first round either. We need to look at all our selections as assets that we can’t afford to squander. And [Tigers’] ownership is committed to that philosophy as well.” This year’s Amateur Draft affords a perfect time to test that ‘philosophy’, as the Sherburn Tigers enter the proceedings with the first overall pick. The Pearl Sound Hotel in Wellington hosts the 15th Annual Draft, welcoming not only the Tigers’ contingent, but general managers and scouting directors from the other 15 members of the United Leagues. -------- Here is a brief overview of the 16 players taken in the first round: 1st Pick – Sherburn Tigers: 3B Archie Eridge (34/74) – 23-years old; 6’-1”, 210 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH. With his first professional pick, GM Jack Clayton selected third baseman Archie Eridge from Hespeler. Eridge is considered a dynamic player with well above -average contact potential and an excellent eye at the plate. With decent defense at the hot corner and some home run power potential, scouts feel he has the talent to develop into a franchise cornerstone player. He will report to Sherburn’s AA team, the Hannon Greyhounds. -------- 2nd Pick – Pulberry Trolleys: C Paul England (22/70) – 21-years old; 5’-11”, 195 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH. After drafting first overall last year, the Trolleys selected second this time. With their first pick, they went with Braeland City’s Paul England. England’s calling card is his offense, as he has above -average contract skills, a smooth swing, quick hands and good pitch recognition. He also has a good sense for the zone and a high ceiling. England projects well both on the field and at the plate. He gets his start with the AA Hopetown Islanders. -------- 3rd Pick – Hespeler Stars: IF/OF Clive Yarwood (20/70) – 20-years old; 6’-0”, 185 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH. The Wellington-born Yarwood was selected by the Stars. Yarwood offers an elite balance of offense and defense at either third base and in leftfield. Scouts like his swing and his ability to draw a walk and get pitches to hit by laying off the bad stuff. He heads to Hespeler’s AA club, the Muir Electrics. -------- 4th Pick – Queensland Eagles: OF Hal Dhu (20/80) – 18-years old; 5’-8”, 150 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH. Dhu hails from the small town of Avening in the north-west province of Norfolk. But he will be heading to the east side of the country as the Queensland Eagles selected him 4th overall. Dhu’s greatest strength is his game changing speed on the base paths and above-average contact potential. Although not the strongest defensive player, he boasts a powerful throwing arm and range. Scouts who have seen him feel he has the dynamic tools to make an impact in the majors. He starts with the AA Innerkip Oysters. -------- 5th Pick – Braeland City Monarchs: IF Nicholas Malcolm (26/66) – 22-years old; 5’-10”, 175 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH. The Monarchs go with Sherburn’s Nicholas Malcolm, a plus infield defender who know his way around the base paths despite not being blessed with blazing speed. When fully developed, he should have an above-average eye and contact ability, drawing 60 walks a season and batting around .290. Scouts are concerned of his proneness to injury however. He heads off to the AA Kingsville Royals. -------- 6th Pick – Wellington Athletics: IF Brayden Docking (21/64) – 21-years old; 5’-10”, 175 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH. The host team selects Docking from Pulberry, who scouts feel can be an impact player at the major league level. Docking projects to be an infielder with good contact potential, plate discipline and defense at either second or third base. He reports to the AA Evansville Clowns. -------- 7th Pick – Cambria Cannons: 1B Jay Durham (28/72) – 22-years old; 6’-1”, 220 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH. The second Wellington-born player to be selected in the first round, Durham projects to be an elite first baseman. He has a quick bat that can handle most fastballs with above-average strike zone recognition. However, off-speed stuff may challenge him. The Cannons have assigned him to the AA Vandecar Spurs. -------- 8th Pick – Kingston Pelicans: IF/OF Chris Ramsbottom (20/72) – 21-years old; 5’-9”, 170 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH. The Pelicans select the speedy Ramsbottom from Cobourg with their first pick. In addition to his plus running speed and ability to steal a high number of bases, he’s expected to be a very athletic outfielder. He has good patience at the plate and knows his strike zone well. He has a very promising future and gets his start with the AA Elgin Angels. -------- 9th Pick – Stratford Barons: C Hollis Chase (20/63) – 18-years old; 6’-1”, 195 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH. The second catcher selected in the draft, Chase should develop respectable contact and strike zone recognition. With further development, the Queensland-native should one day make an impact in the majors. He will begin his development with the AA Brockville Bears. -------- 10th Pick – Balmoral Giants: LHP Euan MacKenzie (41/73) – 23-years old; 6’-1”, 200 lbs.; Bats LH/Throws LH. The first pitcher selected, MacKenzie has the potential to be a top reliever in the United Leagues, with an outstanding changeup and above-average fastball. With great stuff and top-notch movement, he should whiff his share of batters and keep the ball in the park. The Wellington-native heads to the Giants’ AAA ballclub, the Canterbury Seals. -------- 11th Pick – Brunswick Legends: IF/OF Jay Mitchell (20/59) – 21-years old; 6’-0”, 195 lbs.; Bats LH/Throws RH. The Legends select Mitchell, a solid hitter with hard contact and slightly above-average defensive skills, especially in the outfield corners. He also has good plate discipline and should draw his share of walks. Although not projected to be an all-star, the Sherburn-native has the potential to develop into a big league regular for the bulk of his career. He’s off to the AA Jarvis Smokers. -------- 12th Pick – Cobourg Red Stockings: LHP Ethan Hoyes (39/68) – 21-years old; 5’-10”, 175 lbs.; Bats LH/Throws LH. The second and final pitcher selected in the first round as well as the fourth Wellington-native, Hoyes has the stuff and movement to become a dominant reliever in the major leagues one day. Like Euan MacKenzie selected earlier, Hoyes is blessed with an outstanding curveball and a terrific fastball that should serve him well. His first assignment will be with the AA Cardiff Crushers. -------- 13th Pick – Embro Suns: 1B Damien Whetter (20/67) – 18-years old; 6’-4”, 220 lbs.; Bats LH/Throws RH. The Suns go with the young Whetter from Fort Richmond. Whetter has the potential to be an above-average contact hitter with a good eye and some pop. But with no speed and limited defensive ability, Embro is no doubt hoping his bat fully develops. He starts his development with the AA Lythmore Atoms. -------- 14th Pick – Downie Chiefs: IF Harley Truman (34/59) – 23-years old; 5’-9”, 170 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH. The Downie Chiefs select Harley Truman from the small town of Woodham in Norfolk. Truman appears to have already developed his potential enough that he may reach the majors very soon. He boasts a nice balance of tools, as he has above-average contact potential, impressive speed, solid hands and defensive ability, especially at second base and shortstop. He gets his start with the AA Minto Tribe. -------- 15th Pick – Fort Richmond Generals: IF Morgan Tyreman (20/58) – 21-years old; 5’-10”, 170 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH. The Hespeler-native Tyreman has the chance to be an above-average big-league shortstop. While he may struggle to make consistent contact, he his blessed with a good eye, solid defensive ratings and a strong arm. He is off to the AA Marburg Mustangs. -------- 16th Pick – Wolseley Unions: IF/OF Kaituoe Mowan (24/56) – 22-years old; 5’-10”, 180 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH. The last pick in the first round saw the first foreign-born player selected in the draft; the speedy Mowan from Fiji. Second base is viewed as his strongest position to compliment his impressive range and arm. Scouts also like his bat, with his speed and ability to square up the ball. The Unions have assigned him to their AA Waterloo Whips. -------- Here are the standings at the end of games on December 31: __________________ United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 08-13-2019 at 03:04 AM.