Chicago Cougars (FABL)

[ayaghmour2]

3rd Round, 38th Overall: CF Doug Bennett: After reaching with two pitchers in the second round, I decided for my third round pick I'd do an adjusted best available player. Just like last season, I managed to snag an outfielder viewed as a first round talent. Even better, I got a player who more fits my style in 21-year-old Doug Bennett. A two year starter at the Columbia Military Academy, Bennett hit .272/.375/.366 with 19 doubles, 9 triples, 2 homers, 69 RBI's, 68 walks, 30 strikeouts, and 68 steals. I wish he had more power, but the lefty has excellent bat speed, excellent foot speed, and a decent contact tool. Of course, as with most center fielders I select, he's a tremendous defender as well. He's not the most exciting prospect, but he's got a high floor and should progress through the system quickly.

4th Round, 54th Overall: SS Lee Scott: There was a rush of catcher selected between my two picks, so I ended up not grabbing a catcher after all. Still, likely one will be taken before the 10th round, but none of these three picks were used on catchers. This was the last hitter, but I went to the high school level to draft a tiny shortstop with an outstanding glove. Just 5'6'', 140, the 18-year-old Scott was a three year starter who hit .471/.519/.779 with 41 doubles, 15 triples, 6 homers, 84 RBI's, and 83 steals. Each season he did something best, highest average in '35, highest OBP in '34, and highest slugging this season, and he added a homer each season. He doesn't walk or strike out much, just 25 and 12 respectively, although 15 and 7 of those came his first year as a sophomore. He's one of those put the ball in play and dart out of the box type hitters. I really want the power to develop, but even if it doesn't, he's basically an Ivan Cameron and if those guys get any sort of boost to their offensive ratings, they can turn into a star fast. I should stipulate that Scott does have offensive talent, a very similar hit tool to Bennett with equal speed. He'll probably have to take his lumps in La Crosse for a few years before advancing, but I think he'll be worth the wait.

5th Round, 70th Overall: LHP Rube Wood: See! I don't hate lefties! Not only that, I ended up selecting three of the four high school arms I initially covered when the draft pool was released. I originally planned on taking a hitter, but when the 18-year-old was still available, I couldn't pass him up. He had a dominant senior season, but hasn't gotten much love from OSA or my scout Marv Branson. The six foot southpaw was 6-2 with a 0.98 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 25 walks, and 135 strikeouts in 82.1 innings pitched. It was the only season he started all his games and he posted his best ERA, WHIP, K/9, wins, and WAR. He finished his Middlesex career 14-4 with a 1.46 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 79 walks, and 306 strikeouts across 215.1 innings pitched. What drew me to Wood were his off-speed offerings, which profile as much better pitches then his high 80s fastball. That's not to say the fastball isn't good, but his curve makes good hitters miss and his change drops out of the zone at the last instant. Walks could potentially be an issue, he did post a 4.4 BB/9 last year (2.7 the other two), but Wood is a high risk, high reward pick that might be the last new pitcher for a bit. There are still a few arms I like, but I think I go with a catcher next and hopefully one Chicago kid before the human portion ends. We have a pick in each round left except the 8th, but I'll be looking to keep adding more picks if it helps clear up some of the farm logjam.

[ayaghmour2]

Draft is about to finish up, I added an 8th and 10th from the Gothams for Gussie Harris, but we'll start with a top prospect report:

LF Dave Haight (171st Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 13th Round, 207th Overall (1932)
Alma Mater: Dallas HS Rangers

One of the few active players from Alaska, 22-year-old Dave Haight had a shortened season due to a strained hamstring, but when on the field, he produced with the bat. In 67 games with the Baby Cougars, he hit .378/.423/.544 with 17 doubles, 9 triples, 4 homers, 7 steals, and 52 RBI's. He then spent his last 21 games in Lincoln, where he hit an even better .385/.434/.582 (171 OPS+) while falling just one PA shy of the century mark. He was homerless, but added 8 doubles, 5 triples, 4 steals, and 15 RBI's to his season totals. Haight is an okay defender, but his strength comes in his ability to spread hard contact to all fields. I'm hoping he'll hit for more power as he managed 16 in 1934 down in La Crosse, but a lot of hitters never match their C ball numbers again. Haight has all the talent to play in the big leagues, but with how prevalent players like him are, he may never get the shot he deserves.

CF Elias Canady (174th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 8th Round, 126th Overall (1932)
Alma Mater: Portland HS Lumberjacks

He's finally starting to hit his stride! The every tinkering Elias Canady looks to have found a swing he likes, as the soon-to-be 22-year-old excelled with the Legislators. He hit .284/.383/.445 (122 OPS+) with 11 homers and 76 RBI's across 582 plate appearances. Of course, his glove never had issues, and he put up another impressive +12.5 zone rating and 1.063 efficiency out in center. Canady's success has come from his mentality, he never shows any lack of effort, has a good head on his shoulders, and his teammates love him. His plate discipline is solid and this new found power is exciting. He once looked like a big time home run hitter, 12 as a sophomore and 15 as a junior, but as a senior in high school he managed just three. He matched that his first season, but has increased the next years before he matched his last year total despite the previous season containing time in Class C and B. He's starting to rise up our prospect ranks, and while I may have to have him start the season in Lincoln, I know he's ready for tougher competition.

CF Orlin Yates (179th Overall)
Acquired: Via Trade with New York (1935)
Drafted: 9th Round, 131st Overall (1932)
Alma Mater: Travis College Bucks

Yates may be the oldest of our top 50 prospects, but just like nearly every other one of them, he's part of that 1932 draft class. Originally selected by the Gothams, he was one of the three returning pieces for Tom Taylor who worked his championship magic. A lefty thrower and swinger, he's an elite defender with dazzling speed, a strong eye, and a decent hit tool. He started his '36 season in Mobile, batting .302/.389/.426 (115 OPS+) with 15 doubles, 7 triples, a homer, and 8 steals. That was enough for a promotion to Milwaukee, where he put together a pretty similar line in a little more time. This time he hit .305/.382/.447 (118 OPS+) with a similar 17 doubles, 7 triples, and 13 steals. The big change came in the run production categories, where he homered 4 times and drove in 43 runs. This is a common jump for righty hitters, Mobile suppressed righty power while Milwaukee's homers are league average, but they have similar .975 and .980 factors. If it wasn't for our power friendly park, I'd say Yates will never hit more then 5 homers in the big leagues, but I don't think he'll ever reach double digits. He's on the 40 and will have a chance to win the starting job, but with a huge logjam in the minors, he may have an inside track to a roster spot because he can function as the strongside in a platoon with Marty Roberts or Roy Moore. Both of those guys have a bit higher upside, so would still get some time against righties, but this would be a really good job to maximize value (especially Yates/Roberts since Yates and Moore are very similar) of a current weakness. Of course, all this could be null and void if Carlos Montes goes on a tear seizes the job himself.

RHP Pug Bryan (201st Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 2nd Round, 28th Overall (1934)
Alma Mater: Dallas HS Rangers

If only I just promoted him... In his 20th Milwaukee Start, the Lincoln College alum Pug Bryan fractured his elbow, and potentially put his big league career on ice. Don't get me wrong, the kid was flat out dominant in AAA, 8-3 with a 3.38 ERA (131 ERA+), 1.18 WHIP, 31 walks, and 58 strikeouts. All this came after just 24 professional starts the year before and only 4 above A ball. But of course, all that could be irrelevant if his arm doesn't heal. Pre-injury, Pug was probably the second most untradeable minor league prospect, but I'm not sure it'll stay the case. Of course, not every arm injury will turn you into Tommy Wilcox, and I'm hoping he can return to the strong five pitch pitcher he once currently was. He's got excellent command, is able to generate a ton of swing and misses, and if he doesn't, all he does is roll up groundballs. The only flaw he had was his stamina, he's not an inning eater by any means, and an arm injury could really hamper that. He averaged just over 6 innings a start, which might make it hard to pitch him every four days.

CF John Jonson (202nd Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 3rd Round, 37th Overall (1935)
Alma Mater: Grange College Mustangs

Another guy with a premature ending to his year, Johnson ruptured a finger tendon in his 111th appearance of the year. Our 3rd Rounder from last year, he skipped La Crosse to get started in Lincoln. He looked more then capable at the plate, slashing .329/.388/.507 (123 OPS+) with 20 doubles, 15 triples, 9 homers, 13 steals, and 79 RBI's with a capable +6.2 zone rating and 1.025 efficiency out in center. Johnson has a good eye and a decent hit tool, but he's another outfielder in a continuing growing stack of solid potential options. He looks like the perfect fourth outfielder with the potential to develop into a mid level starter.

[ayaghmour2]

6th Round, 86th Overall: C William Rollins: Here's the catcher! I wanted to give Steve Mountain a partner down in La Crosse, so the switch hitter will get all the starts against lefties and a couple of the starts against righties. It's not going to quite be a 50-50 split, but I do want them to get relatively equal playing time. Rollins showed a little pop as a senior with 5 homers and a .408/.523/.748 batting line. He was a two year starter and hit .412/.523/.711 with 29 doubles, 7 homers, and 54 RBI's. He is a reliable pitch receiver who at the plate should be able to lay off bad pitches. That doesn't stop him from striking out, leading to a low average, but he should have a consistently above average OPS+.

7th Round, 99th Overall: SS Eddie Curtis: I didn't initially plan on selecting Curtis, but when your nickname is "Slick Eddie" and you hit over .500, it's definitely worth the lottery ticket. In 66 prep games he hit .503/.543/.758 with 36 doubles, 17 triples, 2 homers, 65 steals, and 83 RBI's in 331 plate appearances. He's a little older then most high school seniors, 19 in November, so perhaps he can rise through the ranks. He never really came across my radar, so I don't really have much to say about him, but he's got experience at second, third, and left too and my scout thinks he could be a bench role.

8th Round, 113th Overall: RF Chick Browning: Technically the Gothams took him, but the Chicago kid is heading home to play for his hometown team. I don't usually like corner bats, but I wanted to bring in a hometown kid who I could develop slowly. He may not play every day this upcoming season, but I do hope to get the lefty at bats at La Crosse, especially against righties. Browning had a decent high school career, hitting .452/.523/.687 with 9 homers and 85 RBI's across 353 plate appearances. He has experience at all three outfield positions with good plate discipline and the potential to hit over .300. I'm hoping he can develop more power, but with Chubby Hall entrenched at right in La Crosse at least to begin the season, he may have to move around a lot or potentially pick up some first base time.

9th Round, 134th Overall: C Diego Bernal: I didn't intent to move Gussie Harris, but knowing that I'd likely be able to replace him in San Jose with Diego Bernal, I was comfortable making the swap. A three year starter at the College of San Diego, Bernal hit .256/.365/.351 with 23 doubles, 10 homers, and 94 RBI's across what could be a full FABL season. I waited a little too long and I missed out on some of the better college catchers like Jim Hall, Les Randall, and Bob Ray Jr., but I love the eye and I hope he can develop into something more.

10th Round, 149th Overall: LHP Joe Ferrara: Wanted one pitcher and one hitter to finish my portion of the draft. I started with the pitcher, and I debated between the best current and future listed "starter" and best current and future listed "bullpen" player available. It would have been the Chicagoan Nelson Bailey, but he was selected in the 9th Round by the other Chicago team. That turned me to another southpaw, Holyoke's Joe Ferrara. He started all 40 of his high school games and despite a "down" 1936, he still finished 23-4 with a 1.93 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 57 walks, and 221 strikeouts. Unfortunately 102 of his 221 strikeouts came his sophomore year, but he's traded off some of the strikeouts for better control. I have zero expectations for Ferrara, but while I initially might use him out of the pen, I do want to see if I can turn him into a potential starter. This pick can be thought of as sort of an experiment and I wonder if the drop off has to do with one of his pitches dropping potential. If so, he may end up being decent if he develops a fourth pitch because he does look to have impressive stuff.

10th Round, 150th Overall: 3B Ralph O'Neal: After trading Hank Stratton, we don't really have many other natural third basemen left in our system. I do really like Phil McKenna and even Jocko Pollard, but none of the other guys really have much upside. I decided to take a high risk, high reward pick in the Harvey, North Dakota native. He wasn't really on my radar, but considering he only started as a senior there wasn't too much to go off. He did have a nice year though, batting .451/.528/.758 with 12 doubles, 4 homers, and 31 RBI's. He walked (15) three times as much as he struck out (5) and even though my scouts not the biggest fan, he does really like his eye and contact tool. He does not look like one to strikeout much and he still shows a little pop. Of high school third basemen, only Gothams 7th Rounder Bill Dalton (not to be confused with their #1 overall prospect Billy Dalton who also happens to play third) hit more homers this year then him. O'Neal could luck into some at bats at either infield corner, but even if he doesn't play much this season, he'll get a shot if the other options aren't performing.

[progen]

Originally Posted by ayaghmour2

6th Round, 86th Overall: C William Rollins: Here's the catcher! I wanted to give Steve Mountain a partner down in La Crosse, so the switch hitter will get all the starts against lefties and a couple of the starts against righties. It's not going to quite be a 50-50 split, but I do want them to get relatively equal playing time. Rollins showed a little pop as a senior with 5 homers and a .408/.523/.748 batting line. He was a two year starter and hit .412/.523/.711 with 29 doubles, 7 homers, and 54 RBI's. He is a reliable pitch receiver who at the plate should be able to lay off bad pitches. That doesn't stop him from striking out, leading to a low average, but he should have a consistently above average OPS+.

7th Round, 99th Overall: SS Eddie Curtis: I didn't initially plan on selecting Curtis, but when your nickname is "Slick Eddie" and you hit over .500, it's definitely worth the lottery ticket. In 66 prep games he hit .503/.543/.758 with 36 doubles, 17 triples, 2 homers, 65 steals, and 83 RBI's in 331 plate appearances. He's a little older then most high school seniors, 19 in November, so perhaps he can rise through the ranks. He never really came across my radar, so I don't really have much to say about him, but he's got experience at second, third, and left too and my scout thinks he could be a bench role.

8th Round, 113th Overall: RF Chick Browning: Technically the Gothams took him, but the Chicago kid is heading home to play for his hometown team. I don't usually like corner bats, but I wanted to bring in a hometown kid who I could develop slowly. He may not play every day this upcoming season, but I do hope to get the lefty at bats at La Crosse, especially against righties. Browning had a decent high school career, hitting .452/.523/.687 with 9 homers and 85 RBI's across 353 plate appearances. He has experience at all three outfield positions with good plate discipline and the potential to hit over .300. I'm hoping he can develop more power, but with Chubby Hall entrenched at right in La Crosse at least to begin the season, he may have to move around a lot or potentially pick up some first base time.

9th Round, 134th Overall: C Diego Bernal: I didn't intent to move Gussie Harris, but knowing that I'd likely be able to replace him in San Jose with Diego Bernal, I was comfortable making the swap. A three year starter at the College of San Diego, Bernal hit .256/.365/.351 with 23 doubles, 10 homers, and 94 RBI's across what could be a full FABL season. I waited a little too long and I missed out on some of the better college catchers like Jim Hall, Les Randall, and Bob Ray Jr., but I love the eye and I hope he can develop into something more.

10th Round, 149th Overall: LHP Joe Ferrara: Wanted one pitcher and one hitter to finish my portion of the draft. I started with the pitcher, and I debated between the best current and future listed "starter" and best current and future listed "bullpen" player available. It would have been the Chicagoan Nelson Bailey, but he was selected in the 9th Round by the other Chicago team. That turned me to another southpaw, Holyoke's Joe Ferrara. He started all 40 of his high school games and despite a "down" 1936, he still finished 23-4 with a 1.93 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 57 walks, and 221 strikeouts. Unfortunately 102 of his 221 strikeouts came his sophomore year, but he's traded off some of the strikeouts for better control. I have zero expectations for Ferrara, but while I initially might use him out of the pen, I do want to see if I can turn him into a potential starter. This pick can be thought of as sort of an experiment and I wonder if the drop off has to do with one of his pitches dropping potential. If so, he may end up being decent if he develops a fourth pitch because he does look to have impressive stuff.

10th Round, 150th Overall: 3B Ralph O'Neal: After trading Hank Stratton, we don't really have many other natural third basemen left in our system. I do really like Phil McKenna and even Jocko Pollard, but none of the other guys really have much upside. I decided to take a high risk, high reward pick in the Harvey, North Dakota native. He wasn't really on my radar, but considering he only started as a senior there wasn't too much to go off. He did have a nice year though, batting .451/.528/.758 with 12 doubles, 4 homers, and 31 RBI's. He walked (15) three times as much as he struck out (5) and even though my scouts not the biggest fan, he does really like his eye and contact tool. He does not look like one to strikeout much and he still shows a little pop. Of high school third basemen, only Gothams 7th Rounder Bill Dalton (not to be confused with their #1 overall prospect Billy Dalton who also happens to play third) hit more homers this year then him. O'Neal could luck into some at bats at either infield corner, but even if he doesn't play much this season, he'll get a shot if the other options aren't performing.

Like the breakdown of each player you selected, and your philosophy on choosing that player. Good read!!

[ayaghmour2]

Originally Posted by progen

Like the breakdown of each player you selected, and your philosophy on choosing that player. Good read!!

Thanks for the kind words!

[ayaghmour2]

A few notes before the reports. We finished the human portion of the draft, but the AI portion will be run tomorrow. I can't wait to see Pete Papenfus (and of course, the rest of the class) in their Cougar affiliate uniforms and I'm hoping a few of the new pieces can enter the top 500. Even thought the top levels of our farm is mostly position players, we have a ton of pitchers from 36-44 (376-483) with just #43 prospect Johnny Waters ruining the pattern.

1B Cuno Myer (233rd Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 22nd Round, 351st Overall (1932)
Alma Mater: Norfolk HS Navigators

There were a ton of hitters I loved in the 1932 draft, but Myer was not one of those. Still, he's turned into a decent enough prospect to stick with the team despite just 26 games in 1933. Myer's Achilles heel is his defense, which is probably a dead giveaway on why I didn't love him. My scout did, so I didn't cut him, and after a breakout 1936 he's just another decent season away from from turning into a decent prospect. He hit .372/.430/.513 (136 OPS+) in San Jose with 11 homers and 104 RBI's. This was just his second first season, both at San Jose, but they couldn't have been further apart. His defense has "imrpoved" the past three season, with his efficiency going from .750 to .858 to .902 this year. The most impressive part of the .750 was it came with a -15 zone rating in just 71 games. That's basically Ray Ford (.731 efficiency in just 28 games) at second this year, and I don't want to see that at first of all positions. Of course, if he hits like this he can be the perfect every day pinch hitter who has pop from both sides of the plate.

LHP Mutt Clabough (260th Overall)
Acquired: Via Minor League Free Agency
Drafted: 8th Round, 124th Overall (1932)
Alma Mater: Mobile HS Commodores

I was a little shocked the Kings released Clabough after just one season, and after shuttling through the independent leagues in 1934, I saw one of my former draft targets sitting in the FA pool last season. Unfortunately, he had a pair of six week injuries and only made 9 starts that season. He did have a small DL stint this year, but managed 8 starts in San Jose and 14 more in Lincoln. He was near perfect with the Cougars, 6-0 with a 2.64 ERA (198 ERA+), 1.16 WHIP, 10 walks, and 22 strikeouts in 58 innings pitched. He did take some lumps in Lincoln, but finished with an almost average 4.31 ERA (98 ERA+). Mutt was 5-4 with a 1.42 WHIP, 31 walks, and 32 strikeouts in 104.1 innings with the Legislators. I'm working him as a starter, but with a changeup and forkball as his third and fourth pitches plus the bullpen/emergency starter role for current, he may never develop a third pitch. The lefty does have a nice low 90s fastball and he does a good job keeping the ball on the ground. He looks to be a fastball dominant pitcher who may end up overthrowing that pitch.

3B Phil McKenna (310th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 5th Round, 76th Overall (1934)
Alma Mater: Coastal Carolina

The trade for John Lawson made Phil McKenna's present murky, but his future was aided with the trade of Hank Stratton. A fast riser, I initially thought McKenna would be a first round selection in the 1933 draft, but decided to wait until 1934 before leaving the Dolphins. He rose through our system quick and his longest trip has been Milwaukee. He didn't start there this season, but hit .285/.360/.425 (106 OPS+) with 6 homers and 63 RBI's in 439 trips to the plate. This kid is beyond developed with his plate discipline, 43 walks to just 13 strikeouts and he's got decent extra base pop too, doubling 30 times and even tripling 3 times despite his complete lack of speed. He spent all his Milwaukee time (save for 7 innings) at the hot corner and put up an average 0.8 zone rating and .991 efficiency which is the best mark so far. He could start for us now (Lawson non-withstanding), but he's got the potential to hit over .330 with almost 100 walks. I'm a huge fan of him, my scout loves him, but OSA, the prospect rankings, and likely other GM's across the league don't feel the same way. He'll start his season in Milwaukee, but if Lawson is hurt he's the one getting the call. Not Jake Moore. Not Harry Simmons. Not Johnny Turner. I don't think McKenna is better then Stratton by any means, but I'm excited for his eventual debut next season.

CF Oscar Panduro (310th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 10th Round, 158th Overall (1935)
Alma Mater: Bluegrass State Mustangs

I try to take a Chicago kid every human portion of the draft. For some reason it almost always ends up being an outfielder, but the Bluegrass State alum is not your typical outfielder. Sure, he plays all three outfield positions, but he's also got experience at first, second, and short, so that likely means third is an option too. Panduro got a game at all six of those positions this season, with nearly identical appearances in center (56) and right (57) with over a dozen starts and substitutions out in left. He also spent about half his time in La Crosse, the other half in San Jose, and he mashed at both levels. The La Crosse numbers were impressive, .383/.446/.557 (146 OPS+) with 18 doubles, 7 triples, 4 homers, 7 steals, and 47 RBI's in 285 pre-promotion plate appearances. Of course, the production dropped a bit, but he still hit a well above average .368/.388/.498 (121 OPS+) with 22 doubles, 2 triples, 4 homers, 3 steals, and 62 RBI's. This stint was a bit longer, 308 PA's, and the only real difference was the walks and strikeouts. He went from 28/16 to 11/29, a little sign for concern. In his two college seasons he was 31/6, so he has the history of strong plate discipline that makes me think it's just a little bump in the road.

LF Billy Jordan Jr. (330th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 13th Round, 197th Overall (1935)
Alma Mater: Sacramento Dragons

Another Chicago kid! He may have been a 13th Rounder, but he was the #1 guy on my list for that round because not only is he from Chitown, but his dad threw 296.1 FABL innings for us split between in 1911, 1915, and 1916, but 248.2 of those came in an excellent 1915. He spent 1917-1921 in Mobile with excellent results, but for some reason he never got another shot. Jordan Jr. doesn't really look like a good prospect, but he's a good kid that some people see something in. He had a horrible season in La Crosse though, batting just .306/.340/.367 (75 OPS+) with 10 doubles, 2 triples, 2 homers, and 40 RBI's across 350 plate appearances. He's definitely going to lose out on playing time if he hits like this for much longer, but I can't really see my self ever releasing him.

Of course, we're about to get a ton of new with the draft class, but this will be the last offseason draft, so for next year's top 30, there will be little to no change from when the offseason prospects are announced and the eventual Opening Day prospect list. Even now, just a few sims after the list I used, a ton of guys have bounced around. Joe Foote and Tommy Wilson keep bouncing in and out of the top 100 while Bill Scott and Stumpy Beaman have jumped up a bit. The most interesting one is Joe Brown, who's bounced from around 250 to out of the top 500 to back up to 257. Still, there's always so much excitement seeing the new draft class signed and then seeing where they find themselves. I'm really, really hoping that Papenfus checks into the top 15 or 20, but that may just be a pipe dream. I have zero expectations for either of my 2nd Rounders to be ranked in the top 200, I usually have beef with the way they rank pitchers (especially before they start playing games), but I could see third rounder Doug Bennett joining Pete in the top 100. Probably no other top 200 prospects, but Lee Scott was a 3rd Rounder on the mock (actually ahead of Pete) and Eddie Curtis was a 5th Rounder. Newt Jackson actually was listed as a 5th Rounder (didn't realize this until after I wrote the zero expectations part), so perhaps a few of them slide in. For the rest of the draft, I pick 6th in each round, plus first and tenth in the 11th. The 1st pick is kind of helpful, I'll get who my super smart computer generated scout thinks is the best player that us mere humans missed out on. I usually love when he gives an all pitcher round and I'm really hoping since they are all "or" he'll just take one pitcher and then go best available. There are a handful of guys I hand selected that I want to take a flier on, but for the most part, auto pilot here on out. I'll do a short blurb on each of the remaining picks tomorrow, but chances are there's a few that get just a sentence or two.

[ayaghmour2]

On purpose, I have a lot of guys I need to sign. Of course, the top five rounds need signing bonuses and then both Eddie Curtis and Chick Browning will need bonuses while I also will need to convince one of my 11th Rounder to join us. I then purposely drafted a ton of impossible to sign guys, taking up our 14th, 16th, 18th, 21st, and 22nd pick. This was more to avoid useless picks that will be released. I think in total there were eight impossible guys left, so I managed to get a majority of them. So far one of the signed prospects sneaked in to the top 500, with 10th Rounder Ralph O'Neal sliding in at 29th and 314th respectively. OSA does like him, but he's not one of the guys that I was heavily scouting. Granted, I spent more time selecting my last two picks then probably the rest of the picks combined, so it looks like the time paid off. Here are the rest of the hopefully Hall of Fame worth 1936 class:

11th Round, 161st Overall: RHP Norm Brown: Technically the Dynamos drafted him, but this pick was supposed to be ours from the Joe Masters trade. I considered the six foot lefty earlier in the draft as he's a six pitch pitcher with extreme groundball tendencies and a FABL quality repertoire. A three year starter at Bayou State College, his best season was 1935, despite it being the only season he didn't start all his games. He finished his collegiate career 19-13 with a 3.84 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 130 walks, and 179 strikeouts in 333 innings pitched. He could rise through the system rather quickly, but their isn't too much upside their. Still, Brown is considered (at least by the Dynamos scout) as the best player left, so perhaps he blossoms into something better.

11th Round, 164th Overall: RHP Bob Leonard: My scouts view of the best pitcher available, we picked up Bob Leonard with our pick. A three year starter at Chesapeake State, he had two rough seasons before a decent junior year. He was 8-4 with a 3.76 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 46 walks, and 102 strikeouts in 117.1 innings pitched. These are pretty strong numbers, especially the strikeout numbers, as his 1936 total was more then double the previous two seasons. Like Brown, Leonard has an FABL quality repertoire, but he has five pitches as opposed to six. His curveball is his best pitch, but sometimes he floats it out and it gets absolutely hammered. That's what happened the first two seasons, but I'm hoping that's because his pitches weren't as good.

11th Round, 169th Overall: C Walter Loera: It sort of worked! After my scout got his pitcher, he went to the next best hitter. He'll be 18 in about a week and I'll have to convince him to sign, but he's an interesting enough prospect. He could hit around .290 and develop into an excellent receiver behind the plate. He doesn't seem to be the brightest bulb of the bunch, but he hit .452/.491/.615 with 4 homers and 90 RBI's in three years at Lubbock.

12th Round, 180th Overall: RF Hank Quicksey: This was one of the guys I actually wanted as I wanted to take a flier on his massive pop. Other then Si Crocker and Wal Messer, only Hank Quicksey managed more then 5 homers in high school this season. He's a big time lefty slugger who hit .408/.434/.692 with 6 homers, 16 steals, and 34 RBI's. This was only half the total he hit as a sophomore, but finished his prep career at Corry with 22 homers, 49 steals, and 98 RBI's. He hit .422/.477/.769 while getting a little time at first, left, and center as well. He might not play much this year, but this kid has two really good tools (power and speed), but he almost never walks. Chances are he ends up a low minor journeyman, but it's impossible to ignore that power.

13th Round, 196th Overall: RHP Art Gilbert: He doesn't really have three pitches, so chances are the Buena Vista grad won't ever amount to much. Was 5-3 with a 2.33 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 31 walks, and 85 strikeouts in 81 innings. If he was drafted lower, I'd cut him right away, but I'll let my scout get his way at least at the beginning. He may end up released later, but for now he'll get a shot to stick.

14th Round, 212nd Overall: 2B Grover Taylor: Committed to Shenandoah Valley State, I do plan on letting him honor that commitment. A two year starter at Donora, the switch hitter hit .407/.500/.709 with 4 homers, 34 steals, and 46 RBI's. College should do him well.

15th Round, 228th Overall: LHP Juan Campos: Three seasons at Carbondale and he didn't really do much of anything. He was 11-22 with a 5.58 ERA, 1.70 WHIP, 163 walks, and 160 strikeouts in 323 innings pitched. Nothing he does really looks like a big league starting pitcher and he'll look for employment elsewhere.

16th Round, 244th Overall: CF Cliff Kraft: Enrolled into Smithfield College for the Spring semester, Cliff Kraft will look to improve on his .381/.496/.753 batting line as a high school senior. He did have 3 homers, 28 RBI's, and 23 steals, but it's not really worth wasting a ton of money trying to bring him in. OSA sort of likes him, so perhaps he flies up draft boards by time he's eligible to be selected three seasons from now.

17th Round, 260th Overall: 3B Morrie Graves: A three year starter at Hempstead, Graves hit .289/.343/.355 with 24 doubles, 5 homers, 30 steals, and 86 RBI's in 689 trips to the plate. Looks to be an all bat, no glove kind of player. My scout thinks he could be a bench bat, so I'll let him hang around for a little. If he does have something going for him, he has the green arrow in La Crosse (only draftee so far with one) and will start the year in San Jose.

18th Round, 276th Overall: CF John Harris: A high school senior committed to the Columbia Military Academy, where 3rd Rounder Doug Bennett attended. Not the greatest numbers, 5 homers, 72 RBI's, and 20 steals with a .444/.509/.639 batting line. Not a very exciting prospect and my scout flat out said "It's hard to see much potential in him." Perhaps he becomes the next Doug Bennett?

19th Round, 292nd Overall: 2B Marty Acton: #1 in the draft alphabetically by last name, Marty Acton had a great sophomore season where he hit .525/.554/.832 with 16 doubles, 3 triples, 3 homers, 9 steals, and 30 RBI's. He didn't hit another homer, but finished his Pelham Manor career with a .485/.506/.690 with 20 steals and 87 RBI's in 336 PA's. He's a switch hitter, so that'll keep him on the roster for now, but he'll have his work cut out for him if he wants to be a big leaguer.

20th Round, 308th Overall: RHP Joe Stuart: This guy really, really sucks, but since Joe Stuart is a Chicago kid with three capable pitches that makes me forget the fact that he was 9-14 with a 6.13 ERA, 1.79 WHIP, 131 walks, and 102 strikeouts in 220.1 innings pitched. Zero expectations here, but I wanted to give him a shot so I wasted my 20th on him. He's got an awesome personality too, so perhaps he'll work his way into a legitimate prospect position.

21st Round, 324th Overall: LF Joe N Evans: Another impossible guy, he's committed to Eastern Florida. A one year starter who hit .411/.504/.653 with 13 doubles, 2 triples and homers, and 23 RBI's. Nothing else interesting about him.

22nd Round, 340th Overall: RHP Jack Allen: One year starter who was 6-4 with a 3.06 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 73 walks, and 73 strikeouts. That would be a good season if he was already at Utah A&M, not committed there. Not sure there were any prep guys with a higher ERA.

23rd Round, 356th Overall: LF Gary McMillin: Two year starter at Minns College. Hit .276/.373/.496 with 23 doubles, 10 triples, 15 homers, 74 steals, and 74 RBI'S. Probably ends up released, but he'll stick around for now.

24th Round, 372nd Overall: 2B Charlie Rogers: Three year starter at Red River State. Hit .268/.343/.350 with 5 homers, 74 steals, and 114 RBI's. Swings too early in counts and likely ends up a FA by time C ball starts back up.

25th Round, 388th Overall: RF Dick Jurs: There's something off-putting about this name, but the Carlyle alum hit .411/.476/.589 with 4 homers, 44 steals, and 74 RBI's. Nothing too special, but my scout thinks he could be a decent bench bat. Probably the last time his name is mentioned.

Up next will be the Rule-5 draft. We set our rosters tomorrow, but the draft isn't run until the day after. I wanted a few more roster spots after I activated George Johnson from the 60, so I DFA'd Pete Walker and Bill Kline. I debated doing the same with Chuck Matthews and Wally Larkin, but they can both start. We then have Independent and Minor League Rule 5 before Spring, so it's almost back to fake baseball. Our prospects also seem to be trending up, as we moved up to #2 in the farm system ranks. Hal Wood cracks the top 40 to give us 4 in that group with Bill Scott hopping in at 50. I am so happy that no one wanted him, as I definitely offered him for some not so great players. The current count is 44 in the top 500, but I'm not sure we'll add much to that total since a pair of last year's drafted arms our in the bottom 20 and will likely be knocked out.

[ayaghmour2]

We added five new players, most likely won't keep their roster spot, but that's not the biggest news! We have a new top prospect! Checking in at 7th behind Walt Messer, Rufus Barrell II, Sal Pestilli, Al Tucker, Billy Woytek, an Heinie Zimmer is none other then Pete Papenfus! Now the 7th highest ranked prospect in the league, he's right above John Edwards (who's a spot above Billy Hunter) and ranks as the 2nd best pitching prospect in the FABL. We're one of four teams (Cannons, Pioneers, and Dynamos) with a pair of top 10 prospects, but we did end up dropping to 4th in system wise. A few other guys signed, Eddie Curtis checks in at 322 and a few of the Rule-5 guys sit behind him.

I did lose prospects this time, with arms Walker Pearce and Chet Peacock being selected by the Sailors and Gothams, but I can't see either team keeping them for the whole season. Pearce had struggles in A ball, and while Peacock looked good in AA, he generally puts up sub-optimal numbers. I don't mind losing either guy, so it wouldn't matter if they made the opening day rosters, but I know not all of my picks will last that long.

LHP Ed Myers: A 10th Round selection by the Minutemen in 1932, aside from one start in 1933, each season he appeared into 28 or more games, all at the same level. 1936 was AA Worcester where he was 13-11 with a 3.58 ERA (121 ERA+), 1.28 WHIP, 48 walks, and 94 strikeouts in 223.2 innings pitched. A Kenosha, Wisconsin native, Myers is a developed three pitch starter with excellent groundball abilities. His changeup is his best pitch and he does a good job locating it. He also mixes in a cutter and curveball, but I wish he could pitch deeper into games. Only two of his starts this season got through eight, but he didn't surpass 110 pitches in any of his starts. He could be an nice lefty pen option, but he's not the only new arm.

RHP Jim Baggett: A 15th Round pick of the Foresters back in 1932, Baggett has been on my radar for a while and my scout think she could be a decent back of the rotation starter. He's got excellent command and the exact same three pitch arsenal as Ed Myers. Baggett throws harder, a high 80s cutter that gets swings and misses, and he struck out a career best 63 with 48 walks in 179 innings in AA Portland. The numbers were just average, 9-13 with a 4.53 ERA (97 ERA+) and 1.32 WHIP, and he's made 25 or more appearances each season, all at the same level. These first two guys are really similar, just one is a lefty and the other a righty.

LHP Clarence Crane: Another 1932 pick and another Minuteman, Crane was their 4th Round selection out of Liberty College, and he was reliable with Worcester this year. Crane was 18-13 with a 3.75 ERA (115 ERA+), 1.34 WHIP, 108 walks, and 116 strikeouts in 288 innings pitched. Unlike his teammate, Crane is an innings eater who will keep pitching until his results tell him he needs to be relieved. A four pitch pitcher, his changeup is his most reliable pitch, but he's also got a nice 90 mile per hour fastball. I hope he can improve his command, usually averaging about 3.5 walks per nine, which is definitely something that could be improved on.

3B Russ Griffin: The only hitter of the bunch, Griffin was a 13th Round selection in 1932 by Toronto. With AA Chattanooga, Griffin hit .318/.374/.438 with 6 homers, 74 RBI's, 50 walks, and just 6 strikeouts. Griffin is outstanding at avoiding strikeouts, just one season with 11 or more strikeouts so far. He's not a great defender, definitely capable at third, but he's got a little experience out in right too. He's got a great hit tool, great eye, and I think he has the best chance of making the team just because I've cut a bunch of by bench options.

RHP Jonah Brown: All five players just happened to be 25 and part of the 1932 draft class. Brown was the Foresters 11th Round selection and made 30 starts in AA Portland this season. He was 9-12, but with a 4.08 ERA (108 ERA+), 1.41 WHIP, 62 walks, and 54 strikeouts in 187.2 innings pitched. He's a tall and intimidating 6'4'' righty with a nice low 90s fastball that he locates at the knees to generating a lot of grounders. His curveball has great break, but sometimes he has issues with command and he can't always locate his secondary stuff. My scout actually thinks he's the most developed of the bunch, so perhaps the fifth selection makes the team, but it's going to be a fun Spring sorting through all these new and potentially helpful arms.

[ayaghmour2]

I usually don't take a guy in this portion of the draft, but I decided to add soon to be 25-year-old CF Aart MacDonald from the Tulsa Roughnecks. A native of Aruba, MacDonald bounced around a ton in the independent circuit, but spent the last three seasons in Tulsa. He hit .232/.344/.452 (103 OPS+) with 40 homers, 117 steals, and 209 RBI's across 1,442 plate appearances. The biggest pull is his defense, as MacDonald recorded a +21.6 zone rating and 1.100 efficiency last season and has a 55.1 and 1.096 career mark. My scout is a huge fan, but MacDonald is not much of a contact hitter and he'll never hit for a high average. His best plate skill is his discipline, but he's able to catch balls in center that most outfielders wouldn't even dream of. Especially in our stadium, a strong center fielder is almost a necessity, and he's one of the best. The power could develop as well, which could turn into a better defensive version of Tom Taylor.

I also made a pair of waiver claims, a former Cougar and a Chicagoan. Starting with the former Cougar, 1929 2nd Rounder Joe Johnson returned to the organization that drafted him. Part of the Bobby Sprague trade, injuries really crippled Johnson who's hit just .258/.318/.362 (80 OPS+) with 12 homers, 31 steals, and 132 RBI's in 1,109 plate appearances. The switch hitter is also a capable defender, +15 zone rating and 1.027 efficiency in 254 games out in center. The second was a pitcher I've wanted to acquire for a bit, former Sailor Oscar Morse. A 33-year-old vet, Morse has pitched in 8 FABL seasons with over 200 innings in each year except his first and most recent. He's been a pretty reliable option, 106-98 with a 3.90 ERA (112 ERA+), 1.38 WHIP, 591 walks, and 508 strikeouts in 1,840.1 innings pitched. A tall 6'4'' righty, Morse is a three pitch pitcher who does a great job keeping the ball on the ground. He's likely going to slide into the three spot in the rotation ahead of Hardin Bates. This will also make it next to impossible to keep many of the Rule-5 pitchers, but with a nine man staff I can see one or two guys breaking camp.

EDIT: All my unsigned players announced where they will attend college. Grover Taylor will attend Shenandoah Valley State, Cliff Kraft will attend Smithfield College, John Harris will attend Columbia Military Academy, Joe N. Evans will attend Eastern Florida, and Jack Allen will attend Utah A&M. All five will be eligible to be selected again in the 1939 draft.

[ayaghmour2]

I made a pair of trades, but brought back only one player (and a pick) in an effort to consolidate our system a little. I'd love to move a few more farm guys, ideally packaging them for a pick, but I still like what I was able to do. I sent Phil McKenna and Mutt Clabough to the Dynamos for Hod Seagraves and then Neal Wilkinson to the Kings for a 10th Round Pick. The 10th is a sneaky valuable pick, mainly for me, because there is always something valuable left over, you just have to search for it (like Ralph O'Neal). Having a second pick allows me to gamble on one hitter and one pitcher, and sometimes a guy who's better then what I took earlier. Of course, this was all about freeing up organizational spots (rather trade a decent piece then cut a bench piece), so any value coming back is gravy.

Looking at the 19-year-old Seagroves, if the Dynamos didn't take him 45th overall, it would have been him instead of Lee Scott as our 4th Round selection this season. He was just a one year starter at Lake Park High School, but the Chicago kid hit .484/.548/.791 with 11 doubles, 4 triples, 3 homers, 12 steals, and 25 RBI's. Wasn't sure if him or House the Mouse (Norman Houser) was the best Chicagoan in the pool, but I'd like to bet on the 6'2'' middle infielder. He's an athletic second basemen who consistently makes solid contact with a little bit of pop that I think we can develop. He's not a great defender, but he's above average and can fill in off the bench at second, left, or center if needed. Our La Crosse infield is one of the few spots that could use some help, and he'll get every day reps there at second. I do really like McKenna, but I didn't like him wasting away in AAA with no real shot to break into the lineup. Third is wide open for McKenna in Detroit, just the powerful Claude Merrill between him and everyday at bats. Clabough and Wilkinson are both decent arms, but you only really need 6 to 8 arms in total. I saw my future rotation as Sullivan-Wallace-Parker-Rankin with Beaman and Foote on hand as well, but now enter Pete Papenfus and Bill Scott's emergence and now the rotation seems even murky for Rankin. Even Art Saunders and Dan Everett look like quality big league pieces, plus the guys the prospect rankings hate like Pug Bryan, Grover Donahue, Newt Jackson, Roy Carey, and Doc Smith. I expect to "lose" these trades in terms of talent, but we'll "win" by getting more of our quality guys development time. And you can never have too many hometown guys!

[ayaghmour2]

Spring Training is right around the corner, but we have one final event before baseball games; the independent draft. I almost feel bad, but we went to Tulsa again, this time grabbing 24-year-old shortstop Jorge Camargo. Instead of cash going their way, this time it is 23-year-old outfielder Bud Taylor. Taylor was our 9th Rounder in 1931 and he hit just .270/.320/.414 (96 OPS+) with 9 homers and 76 RBI's in 435 trips to the plate at Lincoln. Playing time likely would have been scarce for him, so this works well for both of us. Looking at Camargo, he's a switch hitter from the Dominican Republic who also spent his whole season in A ball. He hit a slightly better .256/.360/.376 (99 OPS+) with 2 homers, 49 RBI's, and 50 stolen bases. In about two and half seasons with the Roughnecks he hit .274/.359/.390 (93 OPS+) with 111 doubles, 17 triples, 4 homers, 120 steals, and 147 RBI's. His defense is capable at short, but he may end up at third base. I love how he can hit from both sides, his speed is top of the line, and my scout thinks he'll "unleash his obvious talent" on both sides of the field.

Throughout the offseason I've made a ton of 40-man roster changes, so here's an updated look at the 40 Cougars with the best shot at securing an Opening Day roster spot:

RHP Jim Baggett
RHP Hardin Bates
RHP Jonah Brown
LHP Clarence Crane
RHP Milt Fritz
RHP John Hartz
RHP George Johnson
LHP Dick Lyons
LHP Ace McSherry
RHP Oscar Morse
LHP Ed Myers
RHP Allen Purvis
RHP Dave Rankin
RHP Dick Sexton
LHP Johnny Walker
RHP Tommy Wilcox
C Red Jackson
C Ed Pinkham
C Curt Squillante
C Mike Taylor
1B Ray Ford
1B Johnny Waters
2B Bill Ashbaugh
2B Russ Combs
2B Paul McClain
2B Johnny Turner
3B Russ Griffin
3B John Lawson
SS Jorge Camargo
SS Clyde Hinzman
SS Ollie Page
LF Doc Love
LF Leo Mitchell
CF Joe Johnson
CF Aart MacDonald
CF Roy Moore
CF Marty Roberts
CF Bert Wilson
CF Orlin Yates
RF Rich Langton

Ending things off with some good news. My scout has finally warmed up to Papenfus, finally getting past the "#5 starter" thought that was definitely misplaced. Not only did he had another mile to his fastball (98-100), but he's very high on him just like the report accuracy; "Papenfus' ceiling is immense - future rotation anchor." I just wish I could hit the fast forward button on his development...

[ayaghmour2]

Fake baseball is back! Hope is in the air as all 16 FABL clubs report to Spring Training with hopes of competing in the upcoming season. Unfortunately, those hopes are very slim in this part of Chicago, but we do enter camp as the defending CA Spring Training champions. The 40 man all reported, but I did have 20 non roster invitees to work with. Here are the rest of the group:

RHP Pug Bryan
RHP Hap Goodwin
RHP Bobby Love
LHP Dick Reid
RHP Bert Sweet
C Johnnie Williamson
2B Duke Fowler
SS Billy Hunter
LF Bill Alexander
CF Carlos Montes

Not a huge group, but some intriguing prospects in Pug Bryan and Johnnie Williamson, plus of course top 10 prospect Billy Hunter. Most of these guys won't get too much time, but I want Pug to get at least one start, Williamson a few games, and Hunter will probably get semi-regular time. After initially deciding against it, I ended up bringing Carlos Montes into camp. I really want to give him the job, but I don't want to have to option him (or open up a 40 spot). We do have a lot of spots open for competition, but below are the locks for a roster spot:

RHP Hardin Bates
RHP Milt Fritz
LHP Dick Lyons
RHP Oscar Morse
RHP Dave Rankin
2B Bill Ashbaugh
3B John Lawson
SS Ollie Page
LF Doc Love
RF Rich Langton

Yep, that's it. Lots of spots available, and there are a few guys that are almost guaranteed a spot. Roy Ford would be one of those, but him and Leo Mitchell will compete for the first base job. Pitching is a mess, I want all my Rule-5 picks and will not be able to keep them, plus I really don't want to option Tommy Wilcox to AAA. We've also got four catchers between 30 and 34 who will fight for two spots. Mike Taylor has the advantage of being a lefty, but he may be the worst of the bunch. Paul McLain likely ends up at second, but if Billy Hunter excites, perhaps he takes short and Page moves to second. Center field is also wide open, the current "lead" a Yates-Moore platoon, but six guys will be fighting for at bats. Below are the guys I can't option:

RHP Jim Baggett
RHP Hardin Bates
RHP Jonah Brown
LHP Clarence Crane
RHP Milt Fritz
LHP Dick Lyons
RHP Oscar Morse
LHP Ed Myers
RHP Allen Purvis
RHP Dave Rankin
LHP Johnny Walker
C Red Jackson
C Ed Pinkham
C Curt Squillante
C Mike Taylor
2B Bill Ashbaugh
2B Johnny Turner
3B John Lawson
LF Doc Love

Lot's of pitching decisions to make...

[ayaghmour2]

We're at the midway point of Spring Training, and the defending Spring champion Cougars sit at 9-4, one game behind the 10-3 Philadelphia Sailors, who might compete for an actual championship. We are playing really well, so that's a nice sign, and some of our positional battles are getting very interesting:

Position: Catcher
Spots Available: 2
Competitors:
Red Jackson: 3-13, 2B, 2 R, 2 BB
Mike Taylor: 2-13, RBI, R, BB
Johnnie Williamson: 2-7, RBI, R, BB
Ed Pinkham: 1-5, R, 3 BB
Curt Squillante: 0-4

Not a lot of exciting statlines here, with all the veterans really sucking it up. At least Pinkham has been walking, but a lot of weak contact overall with just a single extra base hit. I was hoping one of these guys would separate themselves from the pack, but Williamson has actually been the best backstop so far. And while technically I need to free up a 40 spot if I wanted him to break camp, at least two of these guys will be DFA'd/released regardless since none of them will accept an optional assignment. My scout thinks they are all good defenders, but Taylor has the slightest edge being the only righty. My guess is Jackson and Taylor end up platooning to start the season, but I'd imagine Williamson or maybe Harry Mead will be up by the end of the season. Mead is our 2nd best offensive prospect, and it really helps that it's at our weakest offensive position.

Position: Middle Infield
Spots Available: 1
Competitors:
Billy Hunter: 8-29, 3 2B, 6 RBI, 5 R, 2 BB
Paul McClain: 4-20, 2B, RBI, 3 R, BB

It's tough to call this a competition, but it's really just "Is Billy Hunter ready for the big leagues?" If yes, he'll man short while Page moves to second (where he's spent most of his spring), but if not, the slick fielding veteran Paul McClain will return to the keystone. Hunter's first week of Spring was dominant, but an 0-for-11 stretch this week dampened the excitement a bit. My scout thinks Hunter is big league ready and ranks his current rating higher then McClain, but I'm not sure I want to rush our franchise cornerstone. He wasn't all that great in his AAA stint and we aren't going to compete for a title. Still, without having to worry about service time, I do like having the best players on the field. He's got 11 days to convince me he's ready to be a Cougar, but even if he doesn't break camp, this will be year three of a top 10 prospect debuting (Mitchell in 1935, Ford in 1936).

Position: Center Field
Spots Available: 1-3
Competitors:
Roy Moore: 3-19, RBI, R, BB
Orlin Yates: 1-18, 2 RBI, 2 R, 3 BB, SB
Carlos Montes: 2-9, HR, 2 RBI, 4 R, BB, SB
Marty Roberts: 0-7
Joe Johnson: 1-5, R, 2 BB, 3 SB
Bert Wilson: 1-5, RBI, 2 R, BB, SB

Just like the catching position, there is absolutely no success so far. Luckily, it's a bunch of mid 20 year olds competing for spots as opposed to mid 30 year olds, so the struggling isn't too much of an issue. Right now it's looking like a Roy Moore-Orlin Yates platoon, but Carlos Montes could blow past Moore. My scout thinks Montes is the best of the group in terms of current and potentials, but Moore ranks as the 12th best FABL centerfielder and he put together a productive rookie season. Yates is the only lefty, but he hasn't hit anything which potentially kills the platoon idea. Joe Johnson looks to have an inside track to the 4th outfielders role, but Bert Wilson or Marty Roberts could take either the starting job or a bench position. They aren't the best defensively in center, so I'd prefer it more as a fill in role, but they'll continue to get at bats.

Position: Bench Spots
Spots Available: 3+
Competitors:
Leo Mitchell: 9-27, HR, 4 RBI, 4 R, BB
Paul McClain: 4-20, 2B, RBI, 3 R, BB
Roy Moore: 3-19, RBI, R, BB
Orlin Yates: 1-18, 2 RBI, 2 R, 3 BB, SB
Clyde Hinzman: 2-13, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, R, BB
Russ Griffin: 3-11, RBI, R, BB
Marty Roberts: 0-7
Joe Johnson: 1-5, R, 2 BB, 3 SB
Bert Wilson: 1-5, RBI, 2 R, BB, SB

A lot of overlap here, but there also a ton of options I have with the bench. You can throw Russ Combs, Johnny Turner, and Bill Ashbaugh in this group too, but them making the roster depends on other people's performance, not their own. I can't see Ashbaugh not making the roster, but like Turner, he's not really getting any spring time. I listed Leo Mitchell here, but he wouldn't really function as a bench bat. If Mitchell makes the team, he'd make at least three starts a week. The goal would be a start at first against righties, a start in right against righties, and a start in left where the park factors go against Doc Love. He doesn't have any minor league experience in right, but he's gotten a few games out there in the Spring. I don't know where he'll end up positionally, but I do like part of his new scouting report; "Ambitious projections may project Mitchell to be a franchise cornerstone left fielder." It continues a little worse "but he'll need to make big strides to do that, and based on current talent, may have trouble starting," but he's still just 23 with under 1,000 innings in the outfield. I wish he could develop his power a bit more, but it's only a matter of time before he surpasses Doc Love. I don't think it will happen, but I could eventually use a complex four player platoon with him, Mitchell, Langton and, Ford until then.

Looking at the rest of the field, Rule-5 pick Russ Griffin seems likely to earn a roster spot. He can man third and right, my scout really likes him, and he's hit well so far. What also helps is a lot of these guys can be optioned; Hinzman and Johnson have one left and all the young guys have two or three. That will really help Johnny Turner, who can't be set down, but there are a lot of moving pieces left. Once I know if Hunter will make the team or not, I think everything else will eventually fall into place.

Position: Pitching Staff
Spots Available: 4-5
Competitors:
Jonah Brown: 1-0, SV, 10 IP, 6 H, ER, 5 BB, 4 K
Clarence Crane: 1-0, 9 IP, H, 6 BB, 2 K
Pug Bryan: 8 IP, 7 H, 4 R, ER, 4 BB, 6 K
Dick Sexton: 1-0, 8 IP, 4 H, 4 BB, 4 K
Ace McSherry: 6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Allen Purvis: 0-2, SV, 6 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Jim Baggett: SV, 5 IP, 4 H, ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Ed Myers: 4 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 2 BB
Tommy Wilcox: 2 IP, 2 BB, K
George Johnson: IP, 2 H, ER, 2 BB, K
Johnny Walker: IP, BB, K

Lot's of competition here and I may end up going with a ten man staff at least to begin the season. Jonah Brown and Clarence Crane, two of the Rule-5 picks, have looked excellent and seem likely to secure a roster spot while veterans Ace McSherry and Allen Purvis have had their struggles. Pug Bryan has looked good in his two starts and will have two more left. My scout is a big fan, actually rating him our 5th best starting pitcher in terms of current ability. If he makes the roster, I'll likely use a 6-man rotation with three dedicated pen arms. I don't think I'll end up doing this with Pug's season ending injury last year, but if any of our starters struggle (namely Morse, Lyons, or Bates) Pug will be the first one up. I'm thinking the likely four pen arms will be Brown, Crane, McSherry, and Purvis, but that means no Tommy Wilcox or Johnny Walker. I'm not sure I'll be able to option Wilcox (he'll accept though) because of all he's been through, but it is being considered.

[StLee]

I'm rooting for Hunter to make the Big League cut. What better way to cut teeth than with the big-league team? If he's ready, he's ready!

I also want to express the same sentiment about your picks breakdowns as progen. I have been a bit behind reading dynasties due to being busy with a few projects/proposals this week, so I have only come on to write on my own as of late. I'm caught up now! Like I mentioned before, I have used your breakdowns as something to emulate in my own draft pick evaluations.

With that stated, I also look forward to what "Peter the Heater" becomes. I also see that you're loading up on arms in the first five rounds, so hopefully at least one of the other picks can develop some success for you in time. I hope Bennett and Lee Scott can develop as you expect, too.

[ayaghmour2]

Originally Posted by StLee

I'm rooting for Hunter to make the Big League cut. What better way to cut teeth than with the big-league team? If he's ready, he's ready!

Spoiler alert: he didn't make the team (first set of cuts will be out in a bit). His first week was awesome, was like 8-for-20 or something with a few extra base hits, but finished 3-for-27. I really wanted him to make the club, but hoping he'll be up in a month or so.

Originally Posted by StLee

I also want to express the same sentiment about your picks breakdowns as progen. I have been a bit behind reading dynasties due to being busy with a few projects/proposals this week, so I have only come on to write on my own as of late. I'm caught up now! Like I mentioned before, I have used your breakdowns as something to emulate in my own draft pick evaluations.

With that stated, I also look forward to what "Peter the Heater" becomes. I also see that you're loading up on arms in the first five rounds, so hopefully at least one of the other picks can develop some success for you in time. I hope Bennett and Lee Scott can develop as you expect, too.

I appreciate that! I wish I could emulate some of your storytelling, so it always feels good to know I'm able to help with a portion of a report I enjoy reading. But yeah, Pete is going to be exciting to watch. He's climbing up the prospect ladder and will probably be #3 in the league once the Opening Day list is published. The #1 guy should graduate 75 days into the season, so we may have the #1 prospect again soon. His other competition our former #1 and #2 overall picks, but I'd still side with him.

[ayaghmour2]

Non-Roster Invitees Returned
LF Bill Alexander
2B Duke Fowler
RHP Hap Goodwin
SS Billy Hunter
RHP Bobby Love
CF Carlos Montes
LHP Dick Reid
RHP Bert Sweet

Yes, the big one sent down is Hunter. After a nice start to his Spring, he hit just .238/.277/.310 in 47 trips to the plate. He did drive in 8 with 3 doubles, 3 walks, and 2 strikeouts, but most of the good stats came in the first week of the Spring. He'll start the season in Milwaukee, but after a month or so, if he's hitting he'll be up. Fellow first rounder Carlos Montes also had his struggles, just 3-for-18 with a homer, steal, and a pair of RBI's. He's just 21 and in his third pro season, so it's not all that bad. He'll start the season in either Mobile or Milwaukee depending on who makes the Opening Day roster. None of the other guys we're really expected to make the club, but were used to hopefully keep the team healthy.

Players Optioned
SS Jorge Camargo
RHP John Hartz
CF Aart MacDonald

Nothing too exciting here. Didn't expect Camargo or MacDonald to make the team, both were playing with Independent Tulsa, a Class A team. Hartz did well in AA, but with all the exciting and more developed arms (*cough* Pug Bryan) and a handful of interesting arms that could not be optioned still in camp, he wasn't getting much time anyways. All three of these guys are having their first option used.

Remaining Roster
RHP Jim Baggett
RHP Hardin Bates*
RHP Jonah Brown
RHP Pug Bryan
LHP Clarence Crane
RHP Milt Fritz*
RHP George Johnson
LHP Dick Lyons*
LHP Ace McSherry
RHP Oscar Morse*
LHP Ed Myers
RHP Allen Purvis
RHP Dave Rankin*
RHP Dick Sexton
LHP Johnny Walker
RHP Tommy Wilcox
C Red Jackson
C Ed Pinkham
C Curt Squillante
C Mike Taylor
C Johnnie Williamson
1B Ray Ford*
1B Leo Mitchell
1B Johnny Waters
2B Bill Ashbaugh*
2B Russ Combs
2B Paul McLain
2B Johnny Turner
3B Russ Griffin
3B John Lawson*
SS Clyde Hinzman
SS Ollie Page*
LF Doc Love*
CF Joe Johnson
CF Roy Moore
CF Marty Roberts
CF Bert Wilson
CF Orlin Yates
RF Rich Langton*
*Guaranteed Spot

39 remain, 23 will survive, 11 know that they'll start the season in Chicago. The other 28? Well, they get Brooklyn, Montreal, Philly, and Toronto to prove themselves. I'll cover the positional battles in my next post and there are a lot of exciting ones. A few vets will be battling for roster spots while the youngsters fight to start. Left are two non-roster invitees, all five Rule-5 Picks, and six guys out of options. Of course there are also the guys who wouldn't accept an option (including some of those out of options) which will make the roster shuffling more interesting. Most of those guys wouldn't get much time in AAA anyways, so I'd be more then okay DFA'ing and/or cutting to help clean up the clutter. I basically have all minor league levels except AAA set, but all of it will be changed if certain guys end up in the minors. Then are the dreaded cuts, my least favorite part of controlling a team, as I tend to have a lot of players I like. The minors are overflowing, but I do have a handful of older guys I'm okay letting go.

[DD Martin]

We are both in a similar spot right about now. I pulled the plug on a few more guys, but still it looks similar

[ayaghmour2]

With the roster thinned out a little more and just four games left in the Spring, a lot of the guys fighting for spots will get more playing time while guys like John Lawson, Doc Love, and Rich Langton will get a few days off. Ollie Page will still get a few games at second and Ray Ford at first, but I'm going to be getting in as many center fielders to a game as possible and potentially multiple catchers. On the pitching side, I usually like giving my arms four starts, but with all the pitchers still in camp I'm giving the starting five the week off.

Position: Catcher
Spots: 2
Leader: Mike Taylor: 4-22, 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB
Rest of the Pack:
Red Jackson: 3-17, 2B, 2 R, 2 BB
Curt Squillante: 0-10, BB
Johnnie Williamson: 2-8, RBI, R, 3 BB
Ed Pinkham: 2-7, RBI, 2 R, 4 BB

Right now it's shaping up to be a Mike Taylor and Ed Pinkham platoon, but really anything could happen here. Taylor is the "lead" as the only lefty and seems likely to start the season in Chicago. Pinkham's plate discipline has came up big while Red Jackson really underperformed as I thought he'd win the starting job. Johnnie Williamson has held his own, but he's likely set to start the year in Milwaukee. Like Billy Hunter, however, he could be up quick if he's hot to start the season and whichever loser wins this job isn't.

Position: Centerfield
Spots: 2-3
Leader: Roy Moore: 7-29, 3B, 3 RBI, 3 R, BB
Rest of the Pack:
Orlin Yates: 4-28, 2 SB, 6 RBI, 3 R, 4 BB, 2 SB
Marty Roberts: 1-13, 2 RBI, R, BB
Bert Wilson: 4-11, RBI, 2 R, BB, SB
Joe Johnson: 1-7, R, 2 BB, 3 SB

He isn't having the greatest Spring, but with Orlin Yates' struggles, his excellent defensive ability, and past big league experience, Roy Moore seems set to start Opening Day in center for the second straight season. Bert Wilson has had a great Spring and seems likely to take the 4th Outfield spot, but I'm not sold on his everyday defense out in center. There's potentially a third spot available determined on Leo Mitchell. The former top 10 prospect is fighting for a utility role, but he'd function as the 5th outfielder if he made the team. That would send Yates, Roberts, and Johnson to AAA, but with no Mitchell one would secure the last spot. Mitchell has hit well in the Spring, but the previous trio can fill in at all three outfield spots where Mitchell just can handle the corners.

Position: Backup Infield
Spots: 2-3
Leader: Leo Mitchell: 11-40, HR, 4 RBI, 3 BB
Rest of the Pack:
Clyde Hinzman: 4-19, 3 2B, HR, 4 RBI, 2 R, 3 BB
Russ Griffin: 3-17, RBI, R, 2 BB
Johnny Waters: 5-16, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
Russ Combs: 3-11, 2 RBI, R
Bill Ashbaugh: 0-2
Johnny Turner: 1-2

While technically the leader, unfortunately Mitchell is the one I'm most comfortable optioning. He's just 23 (24 in May), is loaded with future potential, but also doesn't have a clear shot of playing time. We have a ton of outfielders that will be in AAA and I want him spending time in the outfield not just at first. But in the majors, he's likely stuck with only three or four starts a week instead of everyday at bats. He's more developed then all our bench players (and probably Paul McLain and whoever catchers or plays center), but he's not better then Ford or Love (yet, it's close), despite boasting a higher upside.

For the rest of the bench, it's all about mixing and matching. Even though a healthy Ollie Page can play seven games a week, I will need one of Turner or Hinzman to make the club to fill in at short. I'm definitely not comfortable with Russ Combs spending any sort of time at short, and with Turner out of options, he seems likely to get a spot. Mitchell making the roster makes it harder for Ashbaugh and Griffin, both guys who are unable to go to Milwaukee. I also may end up with 10 pitchers (at least to start), so a lot it still up in the air.

Position: Pitching Staff
Spots: 4-5
Leader: Pug Bryan: 12 IP, 9 H, ER, 7 BB, 8 K
Rest of the Pack:
Clarence Crane: 2-0, 14 IP, 2 H, 7 BB, 6 K
Jonah Brown: 1-0, SV, 12 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 4 K
Dick Sexton: 1-0, 12 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 10 BB, 8 K
Jim Baggett: SV, 9 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 4 K
Allen Purvis: 1-2, 9 IP, 10 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 4 K
Ace McSherry: 8 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Ed Myers: 6 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Johnny Walker: 1-0, 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 7 BB, 1 K
Tommy Wilcox: 2 IP, 2 BB, K
George Johnson: IP, 2 H, ER, 2 BB, K

These Rule-5 guys can really throw! Sure, Ed Myers has had some issues, but if I didn't include walks you might think that Clarence Crane was the next Rabbit Day! Even with the seven walks, him and Jonah Brown have been everything I wanted so far. Crane seems to have earned the first pen spot and Brown isn't all that far behind him. Baggett has looked good, but he'll get a start as an audition for the roster. Ed Myers has been roughed up and may be on his way back to Boston, but none of that matters. What matters is Pug Bryan! Not only is he still in camp, my Manager thinks he should be my #3, my scout thinks he should be my #5, and I still think he's going to be a total stud. He's also getting a start this week (first one) and unless he completely implodes it's looking like he'll keep that third spot in our rotation. This would create a Rankin-Fritz-Bryan-Morse-Lyons-Bates rotation, leaving three (maybe four) bullpen spots up grab. And if Brown and Crane make the roster, that means at least one of Purvis or McSherry doesn't make the cut. Plus Wilcox, Walker, and the fragile leader George Johnson. I'm leaning towards Purvis with the third pen spot, but all the guys pitching the next four games will be the guys fighting for a spot.

We may not have a sim tomorrow, so Opening Day is shaping out to be Wednesday with the first week of games on Thursday. I'm anxiously awaiting the start of this season as I'm ready for our next crop of youth to take the next step. There could be a lot of sub 25-year-olds joining and re-joining the roster throughout the '37 season as we can hopefully begin to compete for the '38 (or at least '39) season.

[ayaghmour2]

After a 14-10 Spring, good for second (behind the 17-7 Sailors) in the Continental Association, the lucky 23 below will make the trip to Chicago:

RHP Jim Baggett
RHP Hardin Bates
RHP Jonah Brown
LHP Clarence Crane
RHP Milt Fritz
LHP Dick Lyons
RHP Oscar Morse
RHP Allen Purvis
RHP Dave Rankin
C Ed Pinkham
C Mike Taylor
1B Ray Ford
1B Leo Mitchell
2B Bill Ashbaugh
2B Paul McLain
2B Johnny Turner
3B Russ Griffin
3B John Lawson
SS Ollie Page
LF Doc Love
CF Roy Moore
CF Bert Wilson
RF Rich Langton

Yes, no Pug... But I don't expect him to spend all that much time in AAA. His last start wasn't all that great, and he was a little lucky to have such a sparkly ERA. None the less, I expect him up pretty soon. I kept four of our Rule-5 guys, but chances are one of Brown or Baggett doesn't last the entire season. Clarence Crane was nearly flawless, 18 scoreless innings with just 3 hits. He struck out 9, but did walk 8. He's also the pens only lefty, with Dick Lyons the only other lefty on the staff.

Johnny Waters managed to hit .381/.409/.476, but since I went with Mitchell, he ended up as the last cut. I was leaning towards Russ Griffin (who may eventually get sent back to Toronto), but he can play third and right while Waters plays first and right. And while we technically only have four outfielders on the roster, Waters, Ford, Griffin, and Mitchell can all man a corner and I don't really expect our outfield to get all that tired with the built in off days. I also found another way to sneak Leo Mitchell into the lineup, giving Ford the occasional day at second over McLain. We do look weak defensively, but that's really because the gloves (minus Moore) are developing their bats in the minors. Williamson, Hunter, Jordan, Roberts, Montes, and Yates all have up arrows and are superior defenders to their Cougar counterparts (again, minus Moore). We do have an outstanding offense, however, so expect a lot of high scoring games in Chicago.

We got one of our Rule-5 picks, Chet Peacock, back. Walker Pearce is still on the Sailors, but that's because he's suffering shoulder inflammation. He's missing at least four more months, so his Rule-5 time will have to carry over into the 1938 season. I had to DFA a bunch of guys, including George Johnson, Johnny Walker, Ace McSherry, Red Jackson, and Curt Squillante. I started to shape up my minors, but there are a lot of impending cuts. The goal for today was to get the starters lined up and then deal with the spare parts tomorrow. Probably about 15 or so cuts plus 10 or so scrubs dedicated to filling injuries.

[ayaghmour2]

The Dynamos were looking for a starting pitcher and I asked their GM if they were interested in Hardin Bates, as I was looking for a way to get Pug on the active roster. He offered a similar package to what I gave up for Pug, a pitching prospect and a 7th, but the pitcher was a bit younger then I wanted as I have a lot of guys in A, B, and C that I want to give innings to. I think the other pitcher will be better, but instead I get a 24-year-old in Luis Sandoval who I can send down to AAA to replace Pug. He was someone I was looking at in the independent draft last year, and the Dynamos got him in the earlier minor league portion. He made four starts in Detroit. but spent most of the season in AAA Newark. Sandoval was 10-9 with a 4.24 ERA (111 ERA+), 1.41 WHIP, 40 walks, and 64 strikeouts in 170 innings pitched. He's a sidewinding righty who throws an excellent mid 90s cutter and sinker. Sandoval is an extreme groundballer due to his excellent movement and ability to work down in the zone.

But more importantly, the now 24-year-old Pug Bryan will enter the middle of the Cougars rotation and is scheduled to finish our first home series of the season against the Sailors. Our 2nd Round selection in 1934, Bryan flew up our system before a fractured elbow ended his excellent 20 start season in Milwaukee. His spring numbers were strong, working to a 1.65 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 8 walks and 13 strikeouts in a a pair of starts against both the Saints and Kings. He did allow four unearned runs, but we may see some errors in the infield as Pug will roll up a lot of grounders. McLain, Lawson, and Page are all decent fielders, but it isn't quite a gold glove defense. Still, his strikeout numbers have been very impressive as he's able to work his way out of jams. I'm hoping this is the beginning of a long and successful big league career for Pug, but he's just the first of many young arms on the way up. I expect Harry Parker to join him later in the season, with potentially Stumpy Beaman and Karl Wallace as well. My scout thinks they can all pitch in Chicago, and OSA even gives Parker an ETA of 1937 (Wallace and Beaman for next year). I don't necessarily "love" our rotation, but I'm a lot more comfortable with it now then I have been in a long time. Rankin-Fritz-Pug should be a nice 1-2-3 and the vets behind them should be able to hold up. No one will mistake it for the Kings or Foresters rotation, but these five won't allow homers and they can be plentiful in Chicago.