2015 MWBL RE-DRAFT – (WHAT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED)

Mid-West Baseball League Commissioner’s Office – Report submitted by Chris DeMecurio – Corktown Cycle. – July 15th, 2022

The rules are simple. I selected a player to draft with each pick in the 1st round of the 2015 MWBL Draft from the players that were selected somewhere in that draft. Minor league players had to make it up by the end of the 2017 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 done with a chance to re-draft, so I did my best to mix the player’s 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. 

Imagine how different the MWBL could have been if the guys listed below had made it up in time.  But, they did not, so they’ve automatically been eliminated from the redraft because they obviously would not have been worth it.  Keep in mind, that the redraft is not perfect.  It is just a different way to look at what could have been.  This is 12 rounds worth of players and 28 teams.  This is more to show how difficult it is to manage the chaos of Draft Day.  Since I had not been in the league yet in 2015, it makes it easy for me to laugh at your picks.  My day is coming though.

I will begin my always fun research project with a list of players that were drafted in 2015 that did not make it up in time.  

Willy Adames Rd 3 #71 to Triple Creek

Gleyber Torres Rd 8 #210 to Yonge Street

Mike Yastrzemski Rd 10 #254 to Grand Haven

  1. Jacob_deGrom22Traverse City Crusaders- Jacob deGrom P NYM- When it comes to these redrafts, we get to find out how off some of these prospects end up. However, deGrom holds his position as the number 1 overall pick, as he was back in 2015!  Somebody got it right, he must be dominating this league….Before we give too much credit, Shawn got to watch Jacob deGrom dominate and win the Rookie of The Year before having the chance to draft him.  That also means nobody owned him as a prospect.  A very rare case in this league. Actual Pick- Jacob deGrom P NYM

 

  1. Sacramento CapitalsFrancisco Lindor SS CLE – I keep scratching my head at this one.  When did George find time to own the 2nd overall pick?  Not only did Francisco_Lindor22the Capitals bottom out for a couple of years, but they got it right with this one by actually drafting Lindor #2.  Lindor has spent his entire career with Sacramento.  We are 2 for 2 on the 2015 redraft.  Will it keep it going? Actual Pick- Francisco Lindor SS CLE

 

 

 

 

  1. Dallas Cougars- Rafael Devers 3B BOS- We all do our research on prospects, and when it’s time to select one that falls to us in the later Rafael_Devers22rounds it always feels good. Most of these guys do not pan out even though we use many years waiting.  Devers was selected 102 overall.  Yes, he was dealt away by Sacramento in a deal that also involved a young player in George Springer, but that was back in 2016 in a huge deal that involved Max Scherzer, and Giancarlo Stanton among others.  Devers is the second-youngest player in this redraft (Still 25) and didn’t make it up to the bigs until his final year of eligibility in 2017 at age 20.   Actual Pick- Blake Swihart C BOS (Actual Devers Rd 4 #102 to Sacramento)

 

 

  1. Motor City Muscle- Walker Buehler P CLG- Buehler and Devers was a toss-up here at ¾ for me.  Both are still very young and both are already proven stars Walker_Buehler22and Devers is 3 years younger.  Buehler was selected 100 picks after Devers as a college player which makes it even more impressive.  I knew Buehler was good, but after reviewing his numbers again, he may end up making a case to be drafted #1 overall in this redraft if it was done after his entire career.  Buehler and Guerrero were just recently sent to Fremont in a package that included 7 players.  Will be fun to revisit that deal in the coming years. Syndergaard was taken here by Jim, and there was a time when this looked absolutely like the correct pick. (Still a good pick) Actual Pick- Noah Syndergaard P NYM (Actual Buehler Rd 8 #203 to Grand Haven)

 

 

  1. Trevor_Story22Southbend Lynx- Trevor Story SS COL- During my rough draft I missed that Story was actually in this draft.  But there he was sitting in the 7th round.  Will his numbers go down from here on out not playing in Colorado?  Does it even matter?  APBA doesn’t care what altitude you are in, so these numbers are in play.  169 home runs lead this draft class altogether (Tied with Lindor at time of submission). Actual Pick- Archie Bradley P ARI (Actual Story Rd 7 to Bethesda)

 

 

  1. Bethesda Bandicoots- Matt Chapman 3B OAK- Chapman has played in 4 complete seasons after his rookie year in 2017.  Three of those he was a gold glove Matt_Chapman22223B, two of those he was a platinum glove while winning the overall defensive player of the year once.  But he also hits with power with 120 total dingers.  Chapman was getting MVP votes in 2018 and 2019.  His batting numbers are down in 2022.  Playing in Toronto surrounded by a monster lineup in that park, I don’t expect them to stay down.  Actual Pick- Robert Stephenson P CIN (Actual Chapman Rd 8 #202 to Hollywood)

 

 

 

  1. Luis_Severino22Motor City Muscle- – Luis Severino P NYY- After the 2015 draft Severino posted a 2.45 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP in 99 innings between AA/AAA.  What a great feeling to watch your 1st round selection shine so quickly the Yankees called him up at the age of 21. He did not fail!  2.89/1.20 in 11 big league starts during his rookie campaign.  When healthy Severino has been electric and is still 28. Now, Jim would get Severino to pair with Bueller as opposed to Syndergaard and Kolek for years to come. Actual Pick- Tyler Kolek P MIA (Actual Severino Rd 1 #13 to Columbus)

 

  1. Fremont Cannons- Ozzie Albies SS ATL- This two-time Silver Slugger, two-time All-Star (2-time MWBL AS, and one-time GG), is everything you want out of Ozzie_Albies22your hitters/fielders.  I used the term plug and play a ton and that is exactly what Albies gives you. Albies is only 25 years old and the youngest player in this redraft!  He could continue to climb this draft list loaded with stars.  Throw in 63 Stolen bases and the fact he’s only been playing since 2017. How about a 9 defender at 2B.  Gives you a ton of flexibility elsewhere. How Tempe was able to keep winning and never trade this assist keeps me scratching my head.   Actual Pick- Yoan Moncada SS BOS (Actual Albies Rd 7 #188 to Tempe)

 

 

  1. Josh_Hader22Jersey Nor’easters- Josh Hader P HOU- Knowing that a player would become a reliever could hurt your draft stock. Knowing a player is going to have a career like Josh Hader changes the draft game entirely.  Including 2022 Hader has played in 6 seasons and is an absolute machine.  He is not an up/down RP where you hope lines up with a good staff and you can compete. His numbers are great every year.  How about 2021?  102 strikeouts in 58.2 innings.  He can strike out anybody, but the southpaw also has a career WHIP of 0.84! Nobody knows all of this better than Wally, who actually drafted him over 100 picks later Actual Pick- Yasmany Tomás 3B ARI (Actual Hader- Rd 4 #111 to Jersey)

 

  1. Selkirk Steelers- Noah Syndergaard P NYM- Thor’s numbers were electric out of the gate.  As he has slowed down due to injuries, he is still 29 years old.  He is Noah_Syndergaard22having somewhat of a bounce-back year so far in 2022 even though his strike-out numbers are down a bit. Starting pitchers go a long way to winning a title in any league.  Ken has built a nice team, but we can only wonder if drafting a player like Syndergaard (or just not drafting Dalton Pompey) would have helped to speed up that process? Are we about to have a run on Starting Pitchers?  Actual Pick- Dalton Pompey OF TOR (Actual Syndergaard- Rd 1 #4 to Motor City)

 

 

 

  1. Dansby_Swanson22Iron City Yinzers- Dansby Swanson SS CLG- Swanson had such high hopes of being labeled the #1 overall prospect for a while. After struggling a bit at the plate early in his career, Swanson is not hitting his stride. He will consistently give you a great defensive card. He is still under the age of 30 and is probably one of baseball’s most underrated players as he really has a complete game when his bat is alive. Interesting for a guy who was once considered overhyped.  Actual Pick- Michael Taylor OF WAS (Actual Swanson Rd 3 #77 to Elyria)

 

  1. Valdosta Snappers- Kyle Hendricks P CHC- In no way is this a flashy pick, but at some point, I must stop looking at the future and this draft Kyle_Hendricks22needs to be a “what have you done for me?” To answer that from 2015-2020 Hendricks threw nearly 1000 innings with a 3.17 era and a 1.11 WHIP.  His K rate is nothing flashy but also didn’t let runners get on all that much. To me, he is an underrated player that will boost a rotation for a playoff contender.  His has been trending downward recently, but it’s also not time to completely throw him away.  Actual Pick- Colin McHugh P HOU (Actual Hendricks- Rd 1 #17 to Jersey)

 

 

  1. Frank_Montas22Columbus Explorers- Frank Montas P CHW- The pendulum has swung from Hendricks to Montas.  By that, Hendricks has the numbers locked up from 2015-2020 while Montas seems to be hitting his stride right now.  His stuff has always been there, but he is finally starting to start pitching some longer stretches with durability.  Bill can’t get Severino this time, so he will settle with the best available starting arm. Will he get dealt from the A’s to a contender? Actual Pick- Luis Severino P NYY (Actual Montas- Rd 5 #130 to Triple Creek)

 

  1. Yonge Street Stalkers- Yoan Moncada SS BOS- Time to select what is behind door number 2 and continue to play the potential game.  Moncada has a very high Yoan_Moncada22ceiling, but we have also found a very low floor.   In 2022 he has yet to cross the Mendoza line, but in 2019 he was receiving MVP votes. At this point, Scott would take anything with a pulse with this selection, and I sure can relate. Pick- Yoan López P ARI (Actual Moncada Rd 1 #8 to Fremont)

 

 

 

  1. JoshE_Bell22Triple Creek Patriots- Josh E. Bell OF PIT -I didn’t realize Bell had a 37 HR year under his belt at the age of 26. He is off to a great start in 2022, so maybe Bell deserved to be a little higher.  He lands here at 15, and TPC would be happy to have him here.  Bell went to Pittsburgh with Yu Darvish in a deal that sent Justin Verlander to the Mobsters back in 2016.  Bell is still with Baltimore who used to be the Pittsburgh franchise. Actual Pick-Daniel Robertson SS TB (Actual Bell Rd 1 #18 to Chicago)

 

  1. Detroit Crime- Raisel Iglesias P CIN- Sergio has had a talented team for a little bit now.  He has had success either drafting RP, or trading for strong carded Raisel_Iglesias22arms. Iglesias is currently sporting an ERA north of 3.50, he still has a WHIP under 1.  His career WHIP is 0.99.  Plug him in the late-inning roles every year! Perfect fit for Detroit.  Actual Pick- Ken Giles P PHI (Actual Iglesias Rd 2 #29 to Sacramento)

 

 

 

 

  1. Chris_Taylor22Jersey Nor’easters from Pittsburgh- Chris Taylor SS SEA It’s tough to find an everyday player that always has multiple positions on his card.  Taylor’s best season at the plate wasn’t anything earth-shattering, but he is the mark of consistency.  You know you are getting 16+ HR, OBP in the mid/high 300s, a good defender that plays multiple positions, and somebody that can steal the occasional base.  Opposite Moncada, Taylor has a high floor and low ceiling.   Actual Pick- Kyle Hendricks P CHC (Actual Taylor Rd 2 #39 to Iron City)

 

  1. Chicago Mobsters -Blake Treinen P WAS- I will give Stray an electric arm midway through the first round.  Treinen has a flame arm and has kept his WHIP Blake_Treinen22"around 1.00 every year.  He had 1 forgettable season in 2019, but he is still a very solid reliever.  A lot more ups than downs for him. Also, very high innings pitched each year will help any APBA owner in those late innings. Stay tuned for my “What trades should have happened list for 2016”, we will find out where Stray moved Blake Treinen to.   Actual Pick- Josh E. Bell 1B PIT (Actual Treinen Rd 4 #95 to Iron City)

 

 

 

  1. Ender_Inciarte22Elyria (now Southwest Detroit) from New York – Ender Inciarte OF ARI- Elyria is about to construct a rebuild, so taking Inciarte here may not have been accurate.  You cannot deny 3 gold glove seasons in both MLB and the MWBL.  He has 118 career stolen bases So let’s give Brian Inciarte with this selection and see what an active owner does with him in the upcoming years.  Actual Pick- Christian Bethancourt C ATL (Actual Inciarte Rd 3 #66 to Chicago)

 

  1. Iron City Yinzers via Coconut Creek- David Peralta OF ARI- Peralta has been very consistent during his career, especially when it comes to hitting for David_Peralta22average.  He also stashed a 30 HR season to go along with a silver slugger and gold glove.  Nothing flashy here, but typically a 3 defender that can hit. He does have over 100 career HR as well. Shout out to former owner Jonathan Mayo who selected Mark Appel here and finally reached the majors in late June this year! Mayo had 5 picks in the first 2 rounds, and let’s just say, it was an off-year for the expert when it came to the top of the draft.  He did have some fantastic value picks in the later rounds. Look, I am allowed to bash him because I took over his team the next year.  That said, I am jealous that many of you got to play in the league with him.   My awful picks are locked and loaded right out of the gate for the 2016 redraft. Actual Pick-Mark Appel P HOU (Finally makes it up in 2022!) (Actual Peralta Rd 3 # to Bethesda)  

 

  1. Tucker_Barnhart22Traverse City Crusaders via Elyria- Tucker Barnhart C CIN- Arguably the best overall catcher in this draft, Barnhart has earned his stripes on the defensive side with 2 gold gloves and great ratings every year.   Actual Pick- Nomar Mazara OF TEX (Actual Barnhart Rd 3 #67 to Chicago)

 

  1. Manhattan Project- Amed Rosario SS NYM- Considering this was a time when Bob had a playoff roster, I think he would have likely selected a Amed_Rosario22player (Like Kevin Jepsen) with a good card that season or traded this pick for something comparable. But this happened to be the next player on my list, so we will give the Project a very young player with some potential remaining.  Rosario is very confusing, when you think he found the pop in his bat, his HR numbers fall. Hitting for average in 3 of the past 4 seasons, combined with his defense starting to show are all reasons why he may have been the former #1 overall prospect in baseball. Actual Pick- Kevin Jepsen P TB (Actual Rosario Rd 5 #125 to Long Beach)

 

 

  1. James_McCann22Traverse City Crusaders via Clovis- James McCann C DET- This could have triggered the run-on catchers.  Which took place until Round 3 in this actual draft.  7 Catchers went in round 3 (4 in a row, which included McCann) McCann hits better than the average catcher, and I can say the same defensively.  He has a great arm. I think I remember Shawn the former owner being a Tiger guy at heart.  I doubt TC goes with 2 catchers late in round 1, but he is no longer in the league so I wanted to make sure these guys got their due. Actual Pick- Alberto Mondesi SS KC (Actual McCann Rd 4 #75 to Fremont)

 

  1. Virginia Sluggers- Robinson Chirinos C TEX- After going back and looking at Virginia’s former 1st-round picks, Chirinos really doesn’t fit the mold of top-end Robinson_Chirinos22prospects, however, this draft is a lot different.  Chirinos isn’t going to wow you, and it is the MWBL, he is likely a backup catcher for a championship team, but a very important one.  For the C position, he can hit for avg and give you a lot of coverage.  He also posted 5 seasons with double-digit home runs.  2019 MWBL All-star Actual Pick- Nick Gordon SS MIN (Actual Chirinos Rd 3 #74 to Iron City)

 

 

 

  1. Miles_Mikolas22Fremont Cannons via Grand Haven- Miles Mikolas P TEX- I really like grabbing a starting pitcher here that not only gives you multiple seasons of coverage better than the average starter but also gives you a very low career WHIP and a nice 2018 season.  (2.83/1.07) Mikolas (33 years old) is on pace for another season just like that in 2022. Casey now leaves this 1st round with Albies and Mikolas.  I see a couple of playoff wins from 2015-2020 coming up in the Replaying of those seasons!  Actual Pick- Kennys Vargas 1B MIN (Actual Mikolas rd 7 #172 to Southbend)

 

  1. Triple Creek Patriots via Tijuana- Steven Matz P NYM- This is another pitcher similar to Mikolas where he had a couple of very nice seasons.  The downside to Steven_Matz22Matz is that his down years are very down.  We’re talking an ERA upwards of 9.00 in the shortened covid season (Still plays in our league) and a current ERA around 6.00.  Matz was a first-round pick and it turns out he was selected right around the same spot at 28.  Pat left this draft with 11 players (2 first-round picks).  He did find Frank Montas in round 5, and Dominic Leone in round 2, but Leone only gave him 2 good seasons before having to part ways.  He lost Willy Adames because he didn’t get called up in time.  Just a guess, but I have a feeling Pat would be happy to leave this draft with Chris Taylor and Steven Matz in round 1 if nothing else to flip them and load up on some youthful talent.  Actual Pick- Alex Meyer P MIN (Actual Matz Rd 1 #28 to Motor City)

 

  1. Jorge_Alfaro22Iron City Yinzers via Tempe- Jorge Alfaro C TEX– Maybe I am giving the catchers of this draft too much credit, or maybe I’ve paid a lot of attention to Alfaro since he was on my team his entire career.  Alfaro has bounced around everywhere, but one thing he can do is hit for average. A career .260 hitter.  I don’t think Alfaro should go any higher than 27, but I make the argument that catchers are so tough to come by, and Alfaro proved he can play in this league so I feel like 27-40 would be his range in this redraft, so let’s give Mayo a nice send-off with his last redraft pick in MWBL history and say he got it right. Actual Pick- Jorge Alfaro C TEX

 

  1. Motor City Muscle via Hollywood – Roberto Perez C CLE- I am giving Jim Perez at 28 because his defensive card is usually fantastic.  Bebo was a 2-time gold Roberto_Perez22glover and won the overall best defensive player of the yea one time.  2019 was a special year for Perez smashing 24 home runs and winning the gold glove. To be honest, I evaluated him much higher, but I had already done writeups from 25-27 and I liked what I had written, so here we stand! Actual Pick- Steven Matz P NYM (Actual Perez Rd 4 #109 to Grand Haven)

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