Teams Power Ranking - Season 2

I call this Power Ranking, but this is only a simple list of the teams ordered from the team that had the biggest improvement to the team that had the smallest improvement.

National League
1. San Diego Padres (+22)
2. Philadelphia Phillies (+10)
3. Florida Marlins (+9)
4. New York Mets (+7)
4. Houston Astros (+7)
5. St. Louis Cardinals (+5)
6. Milwaukee Brewers (+0)
7. San Francisco Giants (-1)
7. Pittsburgh Pirates (-1)
8. Montreal Expos (-2)
9. Atlanta Braves (-6)
10. Washington D.C. Nationals (-8)
10. Arizona Diamondbacks (-8)
11. Los Angeles Dodgers (-9)
12. Chicago Cubs (-10)
13. Cincinnati Reds (-23)

American League
1. Baltimore Orioles (+31)
2. Seattle Mariners (+21)
3. Cleveland Indians (+18)
3. New York Yankees (+18)
4. Toronto Blue Jays (+14)
5. Boston Redsox (+4)
6. Anaheim Angels (+1)
7. Detroit Tigers (-1)
8. Tampa Bay Rays (-6)
8. Oakland Athletics (-6)
9. Chicago White Sox (-7)
10. Kansas City Royals (-12)
11. Colorado Rockies (-14)
12. San Juan Tiburones (-16)
13. Texas Rangers (-18)
14. Minnesota Twins (-19)

Season 2 Draft Review Countdown: Picks 16-1

Let's pick up where we left off...ready for pick number 16.

Pick 16: Los Angeles Dodgers (NL) - Owner: jamesb007

Carlos Gandarillas Los Angeles Dodgers Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Kenner, LA Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Dodgers spent their first pick in the draft on what could be their future ace. Gandarillas is projected to have great command of his pitches and with his ability to keep the ball out of the air, the defense behind him will have plenty of opportunities to rack up GG votes.

Pick 15: Philadelphia Phillies - Owner: Estrada13

Anthony Moore Philadelphia Phillies Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Laquey, MO Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Phillies picked up Moore out of the JUCO ranks. This is a very good grab in the middle of the round. With four above average pitches, this kid should be able to mix it up enough to keep hitters guessing. Add into the mix that he has great makeup and pinpoint accuracy, Moore could be a very dominant pitcher when he matures a bit more.

Pick 14: Toronto Blue Jays (AL) - Owner: jpveronn
LORENZO GONZALES - Has not signed as of 1/19/2011

Pick 13: Detroit Tigers (AL) - Owner: gnocc

Monte Milner Detroit Tigers Age: 20 B/T: R/R Born: Corning, CA Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Tigers have grabbed themselves an amazing defensive player in Milner. This kid could be a perennial GG winner. He won't thrill with his bat, but he should be a regular in the lineup due to his tremendous glove.

Pick 12: Florida Marlins (NL) - Owner: kumbiakings

Freddie Schlereth Florida Marlins Age: 20 B/T: S/R Born: Canyon Country, CA Position(s): 2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Kumbiakings went out and got their future starting 2b with this pick here. Schlereth will provide an above average bat with power and play stable defense. He has good speed and sweet mustache to boot.

Pick 11: New York Mets (NL) - Owner: dirtyhill03

Les Diaz New York Mets Age: 18 B/T: S/L Born: Mooresville, IN Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Mets have added a nice SP piece with Diaz. This kids has a full arsenal of pitches, with five above average pitches to choose from. Will he be the staff ace in the future? At only 18 years old, he has plenty of time to develop into that. Mets' fans are thinking positive!

Pick 10: Washington Nationals - Owner: burk

Phillip Durham Washington D.C. Nationals Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Sandusky, MI Position(s): P (SP4) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

This is the part of the draft that we will see mostly all pitching come off of the board. The Nationals didn't quite get their Strasburg with this pick, but Durham will be a very reliable pitcher. In the worst case scenario, he would be an end of the rotation innings eater. Best case, he will probably top out as a two or three starter, which isn't much to complain about!

Pick 9: Oakland Athletics - Owner: peltier

Bob Hiatt Oakland Athletics Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Montgomery, NY Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The A's used the 9th pick in the draft to land Hiatt, an 18 year old pitcher coming out of high school. Four plus pitches and great command will help this kid land in the majors in a few seasons, depending on how quick his makeup will let him develop. Will peltier use Hiatt as a building block or a bargaining chip ala Billy Beane?

Pick 8: Seattle Mariners (AL) - Owner: willsauve
ERNIE ROSALES - Has not signed as of 1/19/2011

Pick 7: St. Louis Cardinals (NL) - Owner: habsfan1

Matt Redding St. Louis Cardinals Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: Powell, WY Position(s): 2B/CIF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

WOW! That is all I can say about this kid. He was originally listed as a CF, but has been moved to 2B to start his career. This move could be just to develop his defensive skills or as a permanent home. Either way, I think there could be some GG's in this kids future. My one nit-pick with Redding is that you would like to see his RH split a little higher, but with his batting eye, LH split, and power ratings, he should have no problem becoming a cornerstone player for this franchise.

Pick 6: Arizona Diamondbacks (NL) - Owner: scottermcray

Justin Jacquez Arizona Diamondbacks Age: 19 B/T: S/R Born: Mcalester, OK Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The D-backs went out and snatched up Jacquez from the JUCO circuit. It looks like scootermcray has moved Jacquez to the closer's role for now. Is this a permanent spot for him? If not, it is most likely his spot for now until he lifts up this stamina a bit. If so, he might be one of the most versatile closers this game has seen. Great command and four above average pitches will help this youngster move right up the rankings and into the ML in a couple of seasons.

Pick 5: Houston Astros - Owner: gerald007

Jimmie Rodriguez Houston Astros Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Marblehead, MA Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Are we looking at a future HOF here? Just from project ratings alone, I certainly think so. I know it is the 5th pick of the draft, but the Astros may have the steal of the draft right here. A great defensive catcher with great power and good batting ratings. What is not to like about this kid?

Pick 4: Baltimore Orioles (AL) - Owner: tswayne11

Ricky Duffy Baltimore Orioles Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Warwick, RI Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Baltimore fans can stop hiding bodies in the vacants at least for a while. The team is playing well right now and they were able to add this future ace with the 4th pick in the draft. If groomed properly and he hits his projected ratings, Duffy will be contending for Cy Young awards every season.

Pick 3: San Diego Padres (NL) - Owner: royfranklin

Daryle Duffy San Diego Padres Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Lake Geneva, WI Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Padres are touting this pick as "The Better Duffy" as they had a choice between Daryle and Ricky. They both had sweet facial hair, but I think the Padres went with the sideburns as a tie breaker. It is really splitting hairs trying to decide between the two, but the main differences I see here are that this Duffy has a bit better health and makeup ratings. That could ultimately push "The Better Duffy" to be better. We shall see. Maybe the two will meet when they start in the All-Star game?

Pick 2: Boston Red Sox - Owner: qtip32

Brett Kerr Boston Redsox Age: 20 B/T: R/R Born: Little Chute, WI Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

I saw someone comment on the World Chat about the fact that the Red Sox and Yankees had the first two picks in the draft. In real life or in HBD, that seems like it shouldn't happen. Kerr is planning on making this a fluke and took an ad out in the local paper with a headline of "These Sox Don't Fade." Here is looking forward to a couple of seasons down the road when this kid makes his ML debut. I'm sure it will probably be against the Yankees and ESPN will have the coverage, like always!

Pick 1: New York Yankees (AL) - Owner: mamidu

Herbert Buckley New York Yankees Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Greensboro, NC Position(s): P (SP2) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

With the first pick, you have the ability to pick the best player available. The Yankees did just that. Buckley will be able to hit the ML in a few short seasons and really anchor the pitching staff for a long time to come. Let's just hope that he doesn't succumb to the pressures of listening to Mike Francesa bash him on air if he happens to have an off game!

Season 2 Draft Review Countdown: Picks 32-17

The Gary Carter Season 2 Amateur Draft was held last week and now that most of the first round picks have had a chance to sign, let's take a look at who went where. I am going to start at pick 32, the last pick in the first round, and countdown to pick 17. On the next review, I will start at pick 16 and countdown to 1. Here we go:

Pick 32: Anaheim Angels (AL) - Owner: ronaldb03

Jake Williams Anaheim Angels Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: State Center, IA Position(s): 2B/1B/LF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

With the last real pick in the first round, the Angels went out and picked up a very nice, future ML, 2B in Williams. With above average defensive skills and above average batting splits and power, Williams could find himself in the starting lineup in the future. If not a starter, he will definitely be a very good bench/role player.

Pick 31: Colorado Rockies (AL) - Owner: bigdaddysalm

Miller Edwards Colorado Rockies Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Mulvane, KS Position(s): 3B/2B/COF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Rockies picked up a solid utility player in Edwards. He won't thrill you with any one thing, but can do a lot of things above average. If the Rockies ignore his lack of power, Edwards could find himself carving out a long career as a utility player.

Pick 30: Atlanta Braves (NL) - Owner: RisingStar1

Eddie Reilly Atlanta Braves Age: 19 B/T: S/L Born: Flossmoor, IL Position(s): CF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Atlanta went out and picked up this speedster with the 30th pick in the draft. Reilly will most likely be a candidate for a Gold Glove if he stays in CF. When you combine his batting splits with his speed, Reilly could turn a lot of singles into doubles and doubles into triples.

Pick 29: Cleveland Indians (AL) - Owner: wonderin32

Jamie Ross Cleveland Indians Age: 21 B/T: R/R Born: Newton, KS Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

With the 29th pick, and their 2nd of the draft, the Indians took the last pitcher of the first round (first of the review though!). Ross has solid projected numbers, but what worries me is that he is 21 years old and his makeup won't help him improve as much as he can. Still Ross could see some time at the ML level, even if it is in the role of an innings eater.

Pick 28: Kansas City Royals (AL) - Owner: northerngaul

Daryle Willis Kansas City Royals Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Hays, NC Position(s): CF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Royals went out and picked up Willis, an 18yr old CF, with the 28th pick. Will he stay at this position throughout his career? I'm not 100% sold that he will due to his lack of speed for that position. Either way, this kid could win some Silver Slugger awards with his plus power rating. Nice grab here late.

Pick 27: Oakland Athletics - Owner: peltier

Raymond Duffy Oakland Athletics Age: 19 B/T: L/L Born: Cuyahoga Falls, OH Position(s): CF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

And one pick before Kansas City, the A's go out and pick up their own slugging CF. The main difference between Duffy and Willis is the extra speed Duffy possesses. I'll be interested to see which of these two young, talented CFs has the best career.

Pick 26: Minnesota Twins (AL) - Owner: dh0220

Jair Flores Minnesota Twins Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: Bonner Springs, KS Position(s): DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Twins pick up a stud DH with this pick. Flores isn't going to win any sprints in practice, but with his batting splits and power, he probably won't be too worried about trying to leg out an infield single. Move the walls back and add some height to them when the Twins come to town.

Pick 25: Anaheim Angels - Owner: ronaldb03
DIXIE PLESAC - not signed as of 1/17/11

Pick 24: Chicago Cubs - Owner: shesaid

Albie Villafuerte Chicago Cubs Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Braidwood, IL Position(s): 1B/COF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Villafuerte was listed as a RF in the pre-draft rankings, but shesaid has wisely moved Albie to 1B with his amazing lack of speed. I don't know that I've seen anyone that slow in a long time, myself excluded of course! Villafuerte has some awesome power though, so we might see Villafuerte face off with Flores in the HR Derby in the future.

Pick 23: San Juan Tiburones (AL) - Owner: bignr37

Braden Cash San Juan Tiburones Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Plainwell, MI Position(s): 2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

San Juan picks up a nice speed/defense prospect here with Cash. With his plus RH batting split, this kid could see a lot of time in the lineup. I look for a lot of plus plays on defense as well.

Pick 22: Montreal Expos (NL) - Owner: sirius07

Steve Carver Montreal Expos Age: 19 B/T: S/R Born: Orland Park, IL Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Commish went out and picked up a solid all-around JUCO SS with this pick. Again, he is the type of player that won't do one thing great, but will do a lot of things well. Teams need these kinds of players and Les Expos (my extent of using French) are no exception. Carver could be a pleasant power surprise though.

Pick 21: Chicago White Sox (AL) - Owner: cinmark44

Patrick Xavier Chicago White Sox Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Flora, IL Position(s): P (SP3) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

At pick 21, the White Sox were determined to grab a pitching prospect and they certainly grabbed one with a lot of potential. Xavier rates out to have plus control and plus against right handed hitters. With three above average pitches, he could find himself in long relief out of the bullpen or at the end of the starting rotation.

Pick 20: Texas Rangers (AL) - Owner: jeanpaul22

Buzz Hogan Texas Rangers Age: 21 B/T: S/L Born: Galesburg, IL Position(s): P (SP2) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

What's all the buzz about? Well, in Arlington, it is about young Hogan. The Rangers were looking to add pitching depth to their organization and that is what they did here in the first round. Hogan will most likely hit the Majors in his career, but I do worry a bit about his splits. Here is to me being wrong (as I usually am)!

Pick 19: Cleveland Indians (AL) - Owner: wonderin32

Rafael Tejera Cleveland Indians Age: 22 B/T: L/R Born: Plymouth, NH Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Indians first pick of the draft comes here at pick 19. Tejera is a kid that may just be a season or two away from making his way onto the ML roster. He is listed as a SS, but probably is best suited for another position. This kid's bat should be something special though.

Pick 18: Pittsburgh Pirates (NL) - Owner: mowbs69

Manny Christenson Pittsburgh Pirates Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Diamond Bar, CA Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Pirates really cashed in here with Christenson. This kid projects to be a middle of the rotation pitcher, at the worst. I'm not super thrilled about his splits, but with his pinpoint control and the ability to keep the ball out of the air, Christenson could quickly become the Man(ny) once he makes it to the ML squad.

Pick 17: Kansas City Royals (AL) - Owner: northerngaul

Floyd Hatcher Kansas City Royals Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: Storm Lake, IA Position(s): RF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Northerngaul used the first of his two picks in the first round to grab a good looking RF in Hatcher. With plus speed this kid could be trouble on the base paths. You'd like to see his RH split and batting eye a little higher, but he should do well enough to warrant a starting role with the Royals in a few seasons. Plus, he is from around the area, so that should attract a few more fans to Kauffman during the hot Summer days!

Season 2 - Free Agency Review

Chet Lieber (1B) – Milwaukee Brewers
Lieber got 75 millions for 5 years. He is a great power hitter, but he is average in defensive. Since he is playing in the NL league, he has to play at first base. Last season, Lieber hit more than 40 home runs, and this year he is going for more. This is a nice addition for the Brewers.

Keith Roa (LF) – Baltimore Orioles
Roa is a very good left fielder, and was signed by the Orioles. His contract last for two seasons, and worth 15 millions, including a 5 millions bonus for the first year. This guy can hit the ball and also run on the bases. His first season in San Juan was not bad at all, with 24 home runs and 22 stolen bases. He may reach the same numbers this year.

Sidney Capps (P) – Oakland Athletics
Capps signed a 5 years contract, including a team option for a total of 42 millions. Last season was not a good one. He was traded and finish with a losing records. His second season seems to go the same way. Capps has a nice control and one good ball. He is also a left-handed pitcher. This is a good starting point for the Athletics if they want to win in their strong division.

Tony Gomez (P) – Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers made a nice signing in Gomez with a 5 years contract with player option for a total of 44 millions. Gomez has all the abilities for a starting pitcher. He can throw a lot of balls, has a good control and two nice pitches. Therefore, if the Tigers didn’t keep him in shape, Gomez may decrease fast and he may be overpaid for his last two seasons of his contract.

Doc Patterson (P) – Cincinnati Reds
This is a huge signing. A 5 years contract with mutual option for a total of 62 millions. At the age of 30, the Reds will have to keep a high training budget to allow Patterson to keep the pace. This guy may become overpaid in his lasts seasons of his contract.

Johnnie Buckley (P) – Milwaukee Brewers
This is a very interesting contract, only two years for 14 millions. Buckley has all what it needs to start in the ML. His 21 wins last season make me think that the Brewers made the best deal with this signing. Even if his second season didn’t start very well, I’m sure that he will be a great pitcher.

Stu Morgan (P) – San Diego Padres
The Padres got Morgan for about 13 millions with a player option and a no-trade clause. This right-handed pitcher has a great control and he is good against righty. His first season in the ML was not bad, but this year is he doing much better. He is on a pace for a great season.

Collin Walsh (SS) – Cincinnati Reds
Walsh signed a 5 year contract with mutual option for a total of 35 millions. It seems that the Reds still want their division title for season 2. Walsh is a good defensive shortstop and can hit the ball.

Miguel Velazquez (P) – Pittsburgh Pirates
This young pitcher was not supposed to be free agent, but for the good of the Pirates, he was left unprotected at the end of the first season. Velazquez signed a 5 years contract of 36 millions. At 24 years old, he is a promising ML pitcher. His current contract will end, and Velazquez will still be a great pitcher. The Pirates made a great deal here.

Welcome - Season 2

Hi all!

I'm proud and happy to annonce that the second season of Gary Carter will start very soon. We lost some owners, but some fresh blood is coming. So, I'm glad to introduce the new owners for the upcoming season, mamidu(New York Yankees), peltier(Oakland Athletics), bignr37(San Juan Tiburones), gerald007(Houston Astros), kumbiakings(Florida Marlins) and dirtyhill03(New York Mets).

Now, I would like to say that the rules have not changed, and you still have to follow them. On that, I wish all of you a great season in Gary Carter.

Thanks!
Ben

Amateur Draft Review (First Round)

#1 - Jesus Rodriguez (SP – San Diego Padres)
This guy has what it needs to be a #1 ML starting pitcher. His high control and split will surely help him in the future, as his two very good pitches, a fastball and a slider. His high durability may help him pitching more often. We may see him in the ML in about one or two seasons.

#2 - Diory Andino (SP – Chicago White Sox)
We can say that it’s a very good pick here, despite his average overall rating. This lefty pitcher is very good against lefties and righties, and also has a very nice control. His knuckleball is awesome. He has a great future ahead of him. I see him in the ML in about 3-4 years, depending on how he develops.

#3 - Buddy Conrad (LF – Philadelphia Phillies)
Buddy can easily hit but not run. He has a high contact and power, and is good against both left and right hitter. Nothing much to say that he will do what he learned to do, hitting the ball.

#4 - Bubba Everidge (RP – New York Yankees)
Bubba is an interesting closer or setup man. He has a good control and a great curveball. His real problem will be against the lefties. Hw will be in the ML one day for sure.

#5 - Ivan Roque (2B – Arizona Diamondbacks)
This guy was scouted has second baseman, but his defensive abilities may end him in the left field or at first base. His offensive abilities are very good, and will be on base most of the time while stealing some bases. Ivan will be in the 20-20 club for many seasons.

#6 - Manny Heilman (RP – Washington Nationals)
This left handed pitcher will be a good closer or setup man with his high control, and two great pitches. Manny is good against lefties, but may have some troubles against righties. Therefore, that will not stop him reaching the ML in about 1-2 seasons.

#7 - Delino Prieto (SS – Pittsburgh Pirates)
One of the best prospects of this first amateur draft, Delino is the shortstop that everyone would like to have. He is great while playing on the field, and can also help the team with his bat. It will take few seasons before seeing him in the ML, but he will find his way to the bigs.

#8 - Marino Tavarez (C – Houston Astros)
Marino is the first catcher to be draft, and it’s not a wasted pick. Usually catchers are good defensively or offensively, but this guy is very good in both. Excellent pick here for the Astros.

#9 - Ricardo Tapies (LF – Cleveland Indians)
This guy will be on base most of the time with his high contact and eye. His average power may give him some homeruns, but not much. Defensively, he will do the job in the left field, but may end at first base later in his career.

#10 - Lenny Waterson (2B – Cincinnati Reds)
This offensive second baseman has all it needs to be a very dangerous power hitter. His defensive ratings may give him some errors on the field unless he is moved to another position, like left field. Despite of that, you want this guy in your team to add some power to your lineup.

#11 - McKay Alexander (CF – Minnesota Twins)
This fast center fielder is what you need for your leadoff spot. This lefty hitter can also be very good against right-handed pitcher, which is a very good thing. His average health may keep him from playing entire seasons, but who knows. Using a high medical budget may help the team keeping him in the lineup.

#12 - Bruce Liddi (2B – Seattle Mariners)
Bruce is a very good hitter, which could be in the third spot of the lineup. This guy may hit his twenty homers every season, but his durability may keep him on the bench for few matches. He is young, but will reach the ML with a good training budget.

#13 - Chip Beckwith (RP – Oakland Athletics)
It’s hard to say if Chip will reach the ML with his very low control, but his split and pitches may save him some times. If he had a better control, I would have say that he was a great closer, but his future is uncertain. Let’s see where he is in 2-3 seasons.

#14 - Tony Kent (SP – St. Louis Cardinals)
Tony has the potential of a major league player. He can start games more often than others, and has a great control. The only missing thing is another great pitch. He will have to do with only a super fastball. Hitter will wait for the right pitch, and may hit some extra homers.

#15 - Justin Cooper (SS – Boston Redsox)
Justin is a very nice pick with his average offensive abilities. He will mostly help the team on the field. There is nothing more to say.

#16 - Vicente Franco (SS – Milwaukee Brewers)
I’m not sure if Vicente will reach the major league, but at least he can help the team with his defensive abilities. I see him as a replacement player that can play almost everywhere.

#17 - Jack Bailey (SP – Texas Rangers)
This is a very nice pick for the Rangers. Bailey will be a dominant pitching in the ML in few seasons. Since his stamina is not very high, he may not have much completed games, but he will have some quality starts. This left-handed pitcher his better against the lefties, but can do well against the righties.

#18 - Peter Lukasiewicz (SP – Cleveland Indians)
Having already drafted a left fielder, the Indians got a very interesting pitcher in Lukasiewicz. I have two concerns about him. First, his durability is a little bit low, and he will have to start every five games. There is no possibility to run four pitchers rotation with him. The second thing is that he may have some troubles against righties. Despite all this, Peter will be a good pitcher for the ML.

#19 - Lorenzo Mangual (SP – New York Mets)
This is another left-handed pitcher, but unlike many others, he is very good against both lefties and righties. This could help his low control. Mangual will reach the ML for sure, but we can’t say when exactly.

#20 - Vernon Sewell (SP – Baltimore Orioles)
Sewell is a great pick for the Orioles who are in need of some deep in their farm system. He has a high durability, a nice control and a great first pitch. He will have to take care of the righties that could hit him more often.

#21 - Pat Jefferson (2B – Houston Astros)
This is the second pick for the Astros who got a catcher sooner in the draft. Jefferson is a power hitter that can hit on both side of the plate. He can play at second base, but may end in the left field later. Already at 20 years old, he may reach the ML in 2-3 seasons if he develops normally.

#22 - Bryant Holder (SS – Florida Marlins)
Holder was drafted as a shortstop, but he is more a third baseman. His offensive abilities are nice, and he can play against lefties and righties easily. He is young and it could take few seasons for Holder to be ready for the big league.

#23 - Brian Gray (SP – Texas Rangers)
Another left-handed pitcher for the Rangers who is still having some troubles against righties, but has a awesome control, and four very good pitches. We won’t know the answer before few seasons, but Gray may be better than Bailey if he stays healthy.

#24 - Greg Nichols (RF – Montreal Expos)
First drafted has right fielder, Nichols may end playing in the left field since his defensive abilities are not very good. On the offensive side, he can hit the ball from both side of the plate, and run well on the bases. Does this guy will have time to reach his projection or not? At 22 years old, he has less time to do it, unless the Expos spend a lot of money in their training budget.

#25 - Shaggy Flores (C – San Francisco Giants)
He is an average defensive catcher that can also help the team by hitting the ball. Flores is able to hit any type of pitchers, right or left. There is nothing more to say except that he is an average player, offensively and defensively, but will be in the ML for sure.

#26 - Rafael Carrasco (LF – Atlanta Braves)
Defensively, this guy will be a very good left fielder, but may not help enough a team offensively to do the big league. He is a good hitter against lefties, but will have some problems against the righties. The Braves could use him in the game against lefties only.

#27 - Mark Pavano (LF – Tampa Bay Rays)
This is another player that is better against the left-handed pitchers. I’m not sure that Carrasco will stays in the left field. His defensive abilities would lead him to the first base duty. He has some speed and can run on the bases easily. So, having him in the lineup against a lefty pitcher may be very useful.

#28 - Stump Stokes (SP – Los Angeles Dodgers)
This pitcher is more a long relieve pitcher than a starter. His low durability and average stamina may earn him a spot in the ML, but not as a starter. Also, his high control may help his average split. I’m curious to see what’s the future is reserving for him.

#29 - Victor Golub (SP – Kansa City Royals)
This right-handed pitcher has an average control and stamina, so it is almost impossible for him to end as a starting pitcher in the big league. The better he can hope is to have a long reliever role in the bullpen. He has a very good split and one great pitch, but not much.

#30 - Vinny Forster (C – Atlanta Braves)
This second pick for the Braves is a nice pick. Forster will hit the ball and get on base, but he is missing some defensive abilities. Despite all that, this is a guy that you want in your team.

#31 - Dickie Killian (SS – Toronto Blue Jays)
This guy is a good shortstop defensively, and can also help the team with his bat. He won’t be a superstar, will reach the ML if everything goes well for him. The Blue Jays will have to be patient with him.

#32 - Steve King (C – San Juan Tiburones)
Nothing to say since I’m not seeing his ratings yet.

Team's Pace Review (First Half - AL)

I have split teams into three categories, the over .500, the average, and the 100+ loses.

Over .500
Minnesota Twins
Chicago White Sox
Detroit Tigers
Cleveland Indians
Tampa Bay Rays
Kansas City Royals
San Juan Tiburones
Colorado Rockies
Anaheim Angels

Average
Toronto Blue Jays (No more on the road to 100+ loses)
Boston Redsox
Texas Rangers
Oakland Athletics

100+ Loses
New York Yankees
Baltimore Orioles (Still on the road to 100+ loses)
Seattle Mariners (Still on the road to 100+ loses)