[ayaghmour2]

I won't like, I'm very upset with how the draft happened, as for some reason the draft timer shrunk to 15 minutes for the 3rd and 10 for the 4th, and since for some other reason it turned on at 8 eastern, I wasn't able to make either of these two picks, and had to frantically scramble to make my 5th while barely awake. Easily ruining my weekend, I'll try not to take it out on these pitchers, who I wanted, just definite not with my 3rd, and probably not with my 4th. We're also doing all 20 rounds in StatsPlus now (actually already through the usual 10), but since I'll review the guys again in the Summer, I'm not going to mention any of the last 10 rounds. We could actually get some useful guys here though, but no more late gems from the six months of development.

3rd Round, 42nd Overall: LHP Swede Cheatham
School: Monroe Cheesemakers
1951: 8-1, 90.2 IP, 1.09 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 17 BB, 123 K
Career: 16-2, 180.1 IP, 1.05 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 37 BB, 263 K

"If he's the worst arm in the staff, it likely means you have a very good rotation, but not someone you want pitching a big game for you."

That's pretty much always the case for whoever fills the last spot in our rotation, as Swede Cheatham is a solid arm, but not an ace or even a #2. Another ultra-young selection, Swede doesn't turn 17 until March 11th, just a month older then second rounder Jack Gibson. A four pitch groundballer, I think he'll fill the middle of a rotation, especially if he can add a little velo. An 88-90 sinker is solid, but if it's in the 91-93 range it could prove lethal. I really like his change and curve, giving him three plus pitches, but I like his decent slider too. Even better, his command looks great, and in his junior season he walked just 4.5 % of the hitters he faced. That led to a 7.2 K/BB ratio, and in 12 starts he was 8-1 with a 1.09 ERA. He was 8-1 as a sophomore too, and between the years he has a 1.05 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and 263 strikeouts. High school pitchers are risky, and there were some legit bats here, but I guess I shouldn't be too sad about landing another quality pitcher. Along with the talent, he's unshakeable on the mound, showing poise and confidence, while not afraid to take it to the next level when the situation calls for it. It could take him five plus season to sniff the majors, but the mix of stuff and command is enticing enough, and when you add the ground ball abilities he could really develop into an excellent pitcher.

4th Round, 58th Overall: RHP Milt Lane
School: Potomac College Pelicans
1951: 6-4, 95.1 IP, 3.40 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 30 BB, 90 K
Career: 17-7, 225.1 IP, 3.12 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 71 BB, 232 K

Our first college pitcher, Milt Lane pitched two seasons at Potomac College, going 17-7 with a 3.12 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 232 strikeouts. A four pitch pitcher, Lane has the makings of a trusty back-end or number five starter, leaning heavily on a developing change. His fastball and sinker can be located well, and his slider can be tough on same side hitters. He doesn't dominate guys like Swede might be able to, but he's our first pick close to contributing. Maybe a few seasons out, he's sort of a boring pitcher, but that shouldn't be taken as too much of an insult. He's steady and reliable, expected to provide quality innings. No real strength, but no obvious weakness, Lane will actually be 22 on draft day, and I'm debating sending him straight to Lincoln. He's still a junior, so the 6'2'' righty isn't one of the college arms who are selected and don't sign. I'd love to see him pitching in the 90s, he's topping out at 89 now, but adding velo isn't a must. He has a great foundation, leading me to believe he'll be a solid organizational arm, but he doesn't have the upside of some of the bats I would have wanted to take here.