2010 MWBL RE-DRAFT – (WHAT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED)

2010draftMid-West Baseball League Commissioner’s Office – Report submitted by Chris DeMecurio – Corktown Cycle. – October 15th, 2017

The rules are simple. I selected a player to draft with each pick in the 1st round of the 2010 MWBL Draft from the players that were actually selected somewhere in that draft. Minor league players had to make it up by the end of the 2012 season or it would be a waste of a pick no matter how good they were. Remember, it’s impossible to know what each owner would have actually done with a chance to re-draft, so I did my best to mix the players actual MLB career with their MWBL career and remaining potential. Let’s keep in mind this was for fun. With that said, go ahead and share your thoughts, and rip on some of my re-draft picks, but more importantly feel free to call out owners for their actual picks. (As I wasn’t in the 2010 draft)

Lets start with the guys who never made it up.
Anthony Rendon Rd 8 Fremont
Miguel Sano Rd 11 Iron City
Wil Myers Rd 1 Virginia
Jameson Taillon Rd 11 Chicago (Wouldn’t make it up for his 2013 draft either)
Marcell Ozuna Rd 12 Yonge StreetMike_Trout17.jpg

1. Pittsburgh Lumber Company: (From Detroit) Mike Trout OF LAA- Many MLB teams missed the five tool star in the entry level draft, but 49 picks came and went before Topeka selected Trout at 50 overall in the MWBL. Motor City (Took over for Topeka in 2011) has benefited ever since. A four time All Star and the 2013 NL MVP, and his career is far from over. This is what every MWBL franchise looks for when we spend an entire Saturday in February. Actual Pick Pedro Alvarez: CLG 3B. (Actual Trout:Rd 2 #50 to Topeka)

2. Detroit Crime: (From Elyria) Bryce Harper C H.S.- Detroit passed on a future superstar with the 2nd overall pick. A guy who could have helped them win an MWBL World Series. How does a franchise recover from such a huge mistake? They draft Bryce_Harper17.jpghim in the 2nd round. Thats exactly what Sergio did with the 35th overall pick (5th pick in round 2). We are all aware of the 3 year rule, so taking a high school phenom is a huge risk. So, Detroit gets it right, it just took them 1 round, and 6 years later is rewarded with a World Series ring (MVP of the series and the season for Harper). Actual Pick: Justin Smoak 1B Tex (Actual Harper: Rd 2 #35 to Detroit)

 

3. Hollywood Werewolves: Josh Donaldson C OAK- Since I’ve joined the league Hollywood has looked like a powerhouse to me, so picking 3rd seems unusual. Josh_Donaldson17Drafting Donaldson, would not have even seemed fair. But, It’s not like Steve botched the #3 overall selection by taking Starlin Castro. Actually, Donaldson was a diamond FAR beneath the rough, as he wasn’t selected until the 12th round of the MWBL draft. Not only was he selected in the 12th round, but was eventually released by the team who drafted him and thrown back into the 2013 draft! Hollywood would eventually go on to win the 2014 World Series without passing on the MWBL All Star and MLB MVP. Actual Pick: Starlin Castro SS CHC (Actual Donaldson: Rd 12 #317 to Long Beach)

4. Long Beach:Anthony_Rizzo17 Anthony Rizzo 1B BOS- I probably should have warned Peter to stay away from reading about picks 3-4 of this article. Rizzo has won a gold glove and been an All Star reserve twice in his brief MWBL Career. Rizzo does not show any signs of slowing down. Actual Pick: Ryan Westermoreland OF BOS (Actual Rizzo: Rd 6 #154 to Virginia)

Jonathan_Lucroy17.jpg5. Chicago Mobsters: (From Baystate) Jonathan Lucroy C MIL- This was the toughest choice thus far. Not only because it’s harder to get into the head of the MWBL commissioner, but because of the quality of players that will go over the next 10 picks. Normally, I would be looking at a nice starting pitcher here or a consistent hard, throwing grade 18+ RP, but I decided a catcher with a 2014 gold glove and 2015 all star appearance was too tough to pass up. Buster Posey is on his roster? Well, the Mobster manager sure knows his way around the trade market. Actual Pick: Jarrod Parker P ARI (Actual Lucroy: Rd 5 #135 to Long Beach)

6. Iron City Yinzers: (From Valdosta) Craig Kimbrel P ATL- Relievers are usual considered “up and down” players. However, this Craig_Kimbrel17.jpgdraft produced a few of those “keeper” type late inning relievers. Kimbrel’s ceiling is too high with the electric stuff he produces to pass on him at six. His 2017 MLB season continues to prove he will be among the elite moving forward making the All Star team in 6 of his 7 MLB seasons. His MWBL numbers have produced 196 saves and a career era of 2.00 thus keeping Valdosta very Happy to have a guy he can turn the ball to in the ninth. Actual Pick: Jeremey Hellickson P TB (Actual Kimbrel: Rd 9 #227 to Valdosta)

Michael_Brantley17.jpg7. Kentucky Head Hunters: (From Buffalo) Michael Brantley OF CLE: As a two time MWBL ALL-Star and 2014 Gold Glove, its fair to say Brantley at 7 is an absolute steel. Brantley can do it at all phases of the game. He fell to 8 because of his ability to stay on the field. Moving forward there is way too much potential, and I could see him going top 5 without blinking an eye. Actual Pick Ricky Romero P TOR (Actual Brantley: Rd 1 #25 to Hollywood)

Jason_Kipnis17.jpg8. Iron City Yinzers: Jason Kipnis Again, I could have had Kentucky going a coupe different directions here, but I felt Kipnis was the most complete player for a position that is tougher to fill. The 2014 All Star has a high defensive rating each year and an impressive 147 stolen bases since 2012. The season following the 2010 draft Kipnis was shipped to Pittsburgh, where he has played his entire MWBL career thus far. At age 30, may have took a step back, but years he given, with sneaky good numbers, will have made it worth this selection. Actual Pick: Ross Ohlendorf P PIT (Actual Kipnis Rd 5 #135 to Coconut Creek)

Dellin_Betances17.jpg9. Bethesda Bandicoots: Dellin Betances P NYY: Another reliever that is selected before our first starting pitcher. I have Nik, adding Betances, giving the Bandicoots a shut down closer they needed for years to come. Could possibly have turned the tide of the 2016 MWBL World Series and maybe saved the Bethesda bullpen collapse in game 4. Betances is a setup man currently for the Mobsters, and holds a career MWBL ERA of 1.87 . Actual Pick: Martin Perez P TEX (Actual Betances: Rd 6 #173 to Owensboro)

Ian_Desmond17.jpg10. Southbend Lynx: Ian Desmond SS WAS- Desmond has played many positions in his career thus far. During that time he remained an everyday player, despite having a down 2016 campaign. Desmond has a .268 career MWBL BA with 149 basses swiped. There were a couple other decent options for Brian here at 10, but Desmond was too versatile and has logged 938 games since the 2010 draft. Casey Kelly P BOS (Actual Desmond: Rd 1 #22 to West Coast)

Lance_Lynn17.jpg11. Clovis Wheat Kings: Lance Lynn P STL- The first starter goes at #11. This is a bit surprising, but I had to use what I’m working with. Lynn’s Tommy John made me shy at first, but his numbers overall will put him as a number 3 on a contender every season. He seems to be right where he left off in 2017 (MLB). After the TJ surgery Lynn was bounced around between a couple teams, but the 30 year old former MWBL rookie of the year has found a home in Long Beach. Actual Pick: Jenrry Mejia P NYM (Actual Lynn: Rd 5 #117 to Iron City)

Starlin_Castro17.jpg12. Owensboro Onslaught: Starlin Castro SS CHC- My first thought was Castro has had many ups and downs in his career, but overall it has been a very nice one. After starting on different teams to begin his career for several years, It seems like Starlin has found a home in both the MWBL and MLB moving forward. A 3 time all star in the MWBL, and looking like he isn’t going anywhere moving forward, and potentially could be a top 5-6 guy from this draft. Possibly, the best value based on my no good rankings. Actual Pick: Randy Wells P CHC (Actual Castro: Rd 1 #3 to Hollywood)

Brandon_Crawford17.jpg13. Elyria Indians: (Now the Southwest Detroit Fighting Chihuahuas) (From Jacksonville) Brandon Crawford SS SF- Crawford seems to fly vary far under the radar as one of the games better shortstops. I had to double check the numbers, but they do not lie. Lets not forget defense wins championships, and Crawford owns a .974 fielding percentage as an everyday SS. Only a career .252 hitter in the MWBL, but his 77 HR and his 318 RBI stand out. A two time gold glover and one time silver slugger with a career WAR of 19 already in MLB. A player many wouldn’t mind plugging in their daily APBA lineup. Actual Pick: Daniel Hudson P CHW (Actual Crawford: Rd 12 #329 to Northridge)

Zach_Britton17.jpg14. Virginia Sluggers: -Zack Britton P BAL- I may have gone a little too reliever crazy with 3 of the top 14 picks, and I’m sure this will never happen again. However, this is a rare draft where some of the games top young shut down pitchers are here for the taking. Britton got off to a slow start, but has been arguably the best relief pitcher the past few seasons. Sergio, probably looks back at this draft at what really sparked his 2016 World Series ring (Britton saved two of those games). Britton has 75 career MWBL saves, as he has been Detroit’s closer for only the past 3 seasons. During those seasons he has only given up 8 total home runs as a two time all star. Actual Pick: Wil Myers C KC (Actual Britton: Rd 3 #57 to Detroit)

Jeremy_Hellickson17.jpg15. Camarillo Quest: Jeremy Hellickson P TB- The Quest took Garrett Jones here, which was not a complete bust, but Hellickson gives you a guy you can plug into your rotation every single year. With a 3.62 career ERA he has never been great enough to be an ace, but he is a strike out machine (1003 k’s), who gets bounced around from team to team in both the MWBL and the MLB. Where will Hellickson end when the music stops next? Actual Pick: Garrett Jones 1B MIN (Actual Hellickson: Rd 1 #6 to Iron City)

Dee_Gordon17.jpg16. Brooklyn Ave Rascals: Dee Gordon SS LAD- Who wouldn’t want a player that can give you a .367 batting average and swipe 67 bases during a single season? That was Dee Gordon’s 2016 campaign. Speed, a good glove and gets on base. Columbus knows the value as a 1st round pick was needed as part of a package to trade for Gordon back in 2015. Actual Pick: Andrew Bailey P OAK (Actual Gordon: Rd 1 #26 to Clovis)

Drew_Pomeranz17.jpg17. Tijuana Bottle Rockets: Drew Pomeranz P CLG- Originally selected as an 8th round flyer out of college, Pomeranz has finally turned into a nice pitcher as of late. His career MWBL ERA is a 3.77, and that counts two very bad seasons early in his career where he played MLB ball in Colorado. Starting pitching is tough to come by, and the Bottle Rockets would be happy to grab him in this slot before the playoff teams grab whats left in round 1. Actual Pick: Darren O’Day P TEX (Actual Pomeranz: Rd 8 #212 to Brooklyn Ave)

Zack_Cozart17.jpg18. Topeka Talons: Zack Cozart SS CIN- Currently playing for his third MWBL franchise, Zack has had a couple rough patches in his short career thus far. However, South Bend may have pulled the trigger just at the right time. Cozart is having by far his best MLB season in 2017 exceeding all major batting categories from any previous season. Actual Pick: Josh Bell 3B PIT-Didn’t make it up in time. (Actual Cozart: Rd 9 #245 to Northridge)

Doug_Fister17.jpg19. Yonge Street Stalkers: Doug Fister P SEA- I feel like iv’e been looking at the present and future too much in this redraft. It’s time to focus on the past. Fister had many successful years up to this point. A very impressive MWBL era of 3.20. Like the MLB he has been bounced around a bit, but is looking to refine himself once again. Actual Pick: Jacob Turner P DET (Actual Fister: Rd 6 #155 to Camarillo)

Darren_ODay17.jpg20. Fremont Cannons: Darren O’Day P TEX- O’Day has been very reliable in the pen. The Cannons would love to lock up a guy who can be relied on every year as a setup man or closer. O’Day would have been a nice 7th & 8th Inning reliever for them.   O’Day has a career MLB era of 2.56. Actual Pick: Casey Crosby P DET (Actual O’Day: Rd 1 #17)

Justin_Smoak17.jpg21. Yonge Street Stalkers: (From Northridge) Justin Smoak 1B TEX- It is really hard to ignore 91 career MWBL home runs. No matter how bad the average is. Smoak was always supposed to be a big time talent, but never really took off. As the Crime had to finally part ways in 2014. In 2017 Smoak made his first MLB All Star game, so it is fair to say there is still some upside. Enough for Yonge Street to spend their 2nd of 4 first round picks on him. Actual Pick: Shelby Miller P STL (Actual Smoak: Rd 1 #2 to Detroit)

Michael_Leake17.jpg22. West Coast Swing: Michael Leake P CIN- Like Fister, Leake is never a guy that can blow you away. Won’t ever be a top 2 in your rotation, but he is a guy you can plug in for starts every season, as Muscle owner Jim knows well having Leake his entire career. Went with Leake over a couple position players because starters seem to be tough to get ahold of. Actual Pick: Ian Desmond SS WAS (Actual Leake: Rd 2 # 46 to Topeka)

Alex_Avila17.jpg23. Iron City Yinzers: (From Coconut Creek) Alex Avila C DET- What would Jonathan Mayo do? Ultimately, the catcher seemed to be the best bet in this spot. The only one left on the board and Avila has had a couple really good seasons. Including a 2012 All Star spot. His defense is above average and lets face it, catchers are tough to find. Actual Pick: Lonnie Chisenhall 3B CLE (Actual Avila Rd 3 #58 to Baystate)

Luke_Gregerson17.jpg24. Topeka Talons: (From Chicago) Luke Gregerson P SD- We’ve reached the spot in the draft that there a few good players, so its almost like reaching into a hat. But, I went with the reliever because his career MWBL numbers are just to fancy. The two time All Star has spent time with 5 MWBL franchises with an ERA of 2.53 and 86 saves (2 seasons as a full time closer). Actual Pick: Mike Minor P ATL (Actual Gregerson: Rd 4 #91 to Buffalo)

Angel_Pagan17.jpg25. Hollywood Werewolves: (From Pittsburgh) Angel Pagan OF NYM- Steve went with Brantley here, so he’s gonna have to take a step back on this pick. I went looking for a big bat, but there are not many left. Pagan may look like an ugly pick on the surface but lets go back in time. 70 Career MWBL HR and 145 bags swiped. Always decent speed and defense, so why not Pagan? Actual Pick: Michael Brantley OF CLE (Actual Pagan: rd 2 #55 to Severn)

Jose_Iglesias17.jpg26. Clovis Wheat Kings: (From Sacramento) Jose Iglesias SS BOS- Iggy is not a complete player, but a great defender at an important position. He’s never hit for power, but does make a lot of contact. Jose is still young enough to have a couple more nice seasons. Actual Pick: Dee Gordon SS LAD (Actual Iglesias Rd 2 #38 to Bethesda)

Logan_Forsythe17.jpg27. Yonge Street Stalkers: (From Severn) Logan Forsythe 3B SD- The Stalkers go with an infielder with 51 career MWBL home runs. He should be used well as one of those utility guys that can play a few positions. The Stalkers had many early picks & Forsythe would have solved some issues for the Stalkers. Actual Pick: Hank Conger C LAA (Actual Forsythe: Rd 6 # 151 to Southbend)

Jaime_Garcia17.jpg28. Yonge Street Stalkers: (From Kentucky) Jamie Garcia P ST- With his fourth first round pick I wanted to give Scott another decent starter to go along with Fister. Garcia has had a very good MWBL career. 871 K’s. At 31, we’re not sure how much Garcia has left in the tank but it’s sure worth the last pick in round 1. Plus at least its not some made up guy named Darnell James. Actual Pick Darnell James 3B, SD (Actual Garcia Rd 5 #126 to Virginia)

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