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ayaghmour2 · 05-19-2024, 09:50 PM

8th Round, 1119th Overall: SS Warren Ross
School: Central Ohio Aviators
1949: .270/.360/.378, 214 PA, 10 2B, 5 3B, 27 RBI, 39 SB
Career (COL): 267/.355/.376, 485 PA, 21 2B, 11 3B, HR, 62 RBI, 72 SB
Career (HS): .434/.515/.653, 266 PA, 27 2B, 9 3B, HR, 57 RBI, 66 SB

It took eight rounds until we brought in our first shortstop, as this pool had maybe five I liked, and they were all gone quite quick. I opted for Central Ohio's shortstop Warren Ross, who went to the same school as former Cougar Freddie Jones, and is a switch hitter who has been drafted before. And you know what team that was? You guessed it, the Chicago Cougars!

A 16th Round pick at the time, I actually considered signing him, as he was a switch hitter and projected to be a decent bench piece. That's pretty much still the case, though he's greatly improved his plate discipline and he's shown to make solid contact. Not much power, but he did have 33 extra base hits in 97 games, and I'm hoping he's worked on his defense as well. He's spent time at the three main infield positions, though neither OSA or Dixie comment on his defensive prowess. A nice improvement is his leadership, as Ross has developed into an excellent young man. He's the guy that can get people to shut up when they should be focused, as they're always interested in what he has to say. That trait is huge for someone who may never be a star, and it should help him stick around even after his regular at bats inevitably disappear

9th Round, 135th Overall: RHP Ben Helm
School: Sumter College Wildcats
1950: 6-4, 93.1 IP, 3.76 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 37 BB, 89 K
Career: 16-8, 226.2 IP, 3.53 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 83 BB, 217 K

I really didn't expect to select another pitcher, but like I said, the pool isn't too interesting at this point and Ben Helm actually is. Set to be a three year starter at Sumter College, Helm had a pretty impressive freshman season, where he went 10-4 with a 3.37 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 128 strikeouts. That's impressive work in a tough division, but in year two most of his numbers went in the wrong direction. His junior season will be big for him, as I want to see some positive regression, though OSA and Dixie are already somewhat fond of him. Both have him as a back-end starter, and if they're like me, they're a fan of his five pitch arsenal. OSA thinks all five of his pitches are solid, which may be a bit too generous, but the change and curve are the real headliners. They could be dominant pitches, and his high 80s cutter gives him three solid pitches to work with. The stuff is quite good, and possibly his only trait that's better then average, though I'm not sure that's enough to earn him a rotation spot. He'll be an interesting guy to watch, and I'd like to see what he can do in San Jose once he signs.

10th Round, 151st Overall: CF Alex Caraballo
School: Murphy Eagles
1950: N/A
Career: N/A

Finishing things out is Alex Caraballo, which could be the best or worst pick of the draft. Listed a center fielder, but without a positional rating at center field, Caraballo has yet to take a prep at bat, making him a great mystery to everyone. OSA is a fan, even with a quick scouting report, and you know what, here is the most important parts: "He has a lot of talent, and grades out as a plus contact hitter. He has raw above average power. Caraballo is projected to be an above average, everyday big league player."

I like the sounds of that! Sign me up!

Oh, I guess I already signed up by drafting him, huh?

Assuming he signs, I don't think he'll play much center field, likely finding himself in one of the corners. One thing I'm really excited to find out with him is his speed, as that added tool would increase his value immensely. I'll be scouting him a few times before the draft, the first report is expected in two weeks, and I'm hoping Dixie sees a lot of the same things OSA is excited by. Even if he doesn't, I won't be too upset, and worst comes the worse I don't even have to sign him. I doubt he'll fall that low, but at this point he felt worth the risk, and all that's left is to sit back and watch his eventual development.

05-19-2024, 09:50 PM	#1426
ayaghmour2 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 3,010	1951 Draft: Rounds 8-10 8th Round, 1119th Overall: SS Warren Ross School: Central Ohio Aviators 1949: .270/.360/.378, 214 PA, 10 2B, 5 3B, 27 RBI, 39 SB Career (COL): 267/.355/.376, 485 PA, 21 2B, 11 3B, HR, 62 RBI, 72 SB Career (HS): .434/.515/.653, 266 PA, 27 2B, 9 3B, HR, 57 RBI, 66 SB It took eight rounds until we brought in our first shortstop, as this pool had maybe five I liked, and they were all gone quite quick. I opted for Central Ohio's shortstop Warren Ross, who went to the same school as former Cougar Freddie Jones, and is a switch hitter who has been drafted before. And you know what team that was? You guessed it, the Chicago Cougars! A 16th Round pick at the time, I actually considered signing him, as he was a switch hitter and projected to be a decent bench piece. That's pretty much still the case, though he's greatly improved his plate discipline and he's shown to make solid contact. Not much power, but he did have 33 extra base hits in 97 games, and I'm hoping he's worked on his defense as well. He's spent time at the three main infield positions, though neither OSA or Dixie comment on his defensive prowess. A nice improvement is his leadership, as Ross has developed into an excellent young man. He's the guy that can get people to shut up when they should be focused, as they're always interested in what he has to say. That trait is huge for someone who may never be a star, and it should help him stick around even after his regular at bats inevitably disappear 9th Round, 135th Overall: RHP Ben Helm School: Sumter College Wildcats 1950: 6-4, 93.1 IP, 3.76 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 37 BB, 89 K Career: 16-8, 226.2 IP, 3.53 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 83 BB, 217 K I really didn't expect to select another pitcher, but like I said, the pool isn't too interesting at this point and Ben Helm actually is. Set to be a three year starter at Sumter College, Helm had a pretty impressive freshman season, where he went 10-4 with a 3.37 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 128 strikeouts. That's impressive work in a tough division, but in year two most of his numbers went in the wrong direction. His junior season will be big for him, as I want to see some positive regression, though OSA and Dixie are already somewhat fond of him. Both have him as a back-end starter, and if they're like me, they're a fan of his five pitch arsenal. OSA thinks all five of his pitches are solid, which may be a bit too generous, but the change and curve are the real headliners. They could be dominant pitches, and his high 80s cutter gives him three solid pitches to work with. The stuff is quite good, and possibly his only trait that's better then average, though I'm not sure that's enough to earn him a rotation spot. He'll be an interesting guy to watch, and I'd like to see what he can do in San Jose once he signs. 10th Round, 151st Overall: CF Alex Caraballo School: Murphy Eagles 1950: N/A Career: N/A Finishing things out is Alex Caraballo, which could be the best or worst pick of the draft. Listed a center fielder, but without a positional rating at center field, Caraballo has yet to take a prep at bat, making him a great mystery to everyone. OSA is a fan, even with a quick scouting report, and you know what, here is the most important parts: "He has a lot of talent, and grades out as a plus contact hitter. He has raw above average power. Caraballo is projected to be an above average, everyday big league player." I like the sounds of that! Sign me up! Oh, I guess I already signed up by drafting him, huh? Assuming he signs, I don't think he'll play much center field, likely finding himself in one of the corners. One thing I'm really excited to find out with him is his speed, as that added tool would increase his value immensely. I'll be scouting him a few times before the draft, the first report is expected in two weeks, and I'm hoping Dixie sees a lot of the same things OSA is excited by. Even if he doesn't, I won't be too upset, and worst comes the worse I don't even have to sign him. I doubt he'll fall that low, but at this point he felt worth the risk, and all that's left is to sit back and watch his eventual development.