[ayaghmour2]

If you polled Figment GM's, and asked them what the two most controversial first round picks, you'd probably get Eddie Quinn and Del Burns. Now, the two pitchers will be linked together forever. Burns, along with Art Saunders and Arnie Scurlock, will pack their bags and head to Washington in exchange for "Caveman" Eddie Quinn. The 33-year-old was selected 2nd overall in the first ever human draft, as the then Toronto manager traded up to grab the Kings pick to select Quinn. This shocked most, as Quinn likely would have still been available at Toronto's pick, and they gave up a lot of assets to secure the pick. The drama may have gotten to him early, as he struggled as a minor leaguer, but it didn't stop him from debuting in 1930. His first two seasons in Toronto were almost entirely out of the pen, but he became a full time starter in 1932 and has made 30 or more in all but one subsequent season, and he won 20 games for the first time this season.

Quinn started in Toronto, then went to Cleveland, before three seasons in Washington. He was best with the Foresters, going 43-35 with a 3.47 ERA (130 ERA+), 1.35 WHIP, 243 walks, and 304 strikeouts in 783.1 impressive innings. In total, he has thrown 2,184 and started 253 of his 360 appearances. He's 119-122 with 14 saves, a 3.80 ERA (113 ERA+), 1.42 WHIP, 745 walks, and 838 strikeouts. Last year was one of his better ones, 20-10 in 35 starts before a torn labrum ended is season. It was the first injury of more then five days for the 33-year-old, but finished with 106 walks, 107 strikeouts, and a 3.31 ERA (127 ERA+) and 1.38 WHIP. This has got him ranked 13th in the current top 20 pitchers list, between Lonardo (6th) and Lyons (16th). We will slot Quinn in the three spot, and he really lengthens our rotation. I love Pete Papenfus, but his walks are still way too much of a problem, and he was elite as a stopper. He's just 21, and most 21-year-olds are not the best at starting games in the big leagues, plus Dick Lyons won't be getting any younger. Sure the 39-year-old is still great, but of course there will be a time where he will need to be replaced in the rotation. Adding Quinn gives us a more then capable option to start games, and he's been very durable up until his recent injury. Behind Quinn will be veteran Milt Fritz and young righty Harry Parker, giving us arguably the best rotation in the CA. Plus with the Jones brothers waiting in AA ready to replace Lonardo, Lyons, or Fritz when the time comes, and it made me a little more comfortable giving up two talented young pitchers. I think Burns and Saunders have the chance to be very good pitchers, but I think we have a chance to win now and I have to jump on this opportunity. Our pitching depth should help us survive injuries that occur, although our team has pretty durable pitchers who have stayed rather injury free. I think we won't be making any more major moves this offseason, but I can definitely see a few minor deals working themselves out as I construct my Opening Day roster.

The draft also starts today, and seven players have been picked. All ten were on my scouts top ten, which I'm not sure is a good or bad thing. I had by database updated to include the new draft class, including some players who will be picked before every playing a high school or college game. We pick 12th and 28th in the January Draft, and I don't really know who I will take, as most of the guys I wanted have been taken. I've focused more on the regional round, but since we had a better record then the Chiefs, we don't have priority in any area. Luckily there are two Illinois guys I like enough for this round, so if they survive the two rounds, I will be able to get at least one of them.