With the number one pick in the draft, the San Francisco Slingers selected...
JORGE BENITEZ, DH (Unsigned)
So, let's talk about the man, the myth, the legend. Christened as the second coming of Nerio Turner, Timo Phillips and Jesus Christ, wrapped into a 6-2 frame, Benitez projects out to be a 90+ player. He has everything but a glove and speed, but maybe that's moot when you have the ability to park any pitch that comes near you. It's also worth noting that commish mark3313 stunned the world with this pick. I mean, he didn't take a shortstop?2. ROYCE OLIVER, SS (Unsigned)
A five-tool, Timo Phillips-type player, Oliver also boasts at 29 control rating. You know, just in case reigny wants to make him into a pitcher. According to my scouting, Oliver's temper is projected to drop. That could be fun. Wouldn't it be cool to look at a box score one day and see:
Royce Oliver struck out on called strike three. Oliver ejected for punching ump in the nuts.
3. GIOVANNI THOMAS, P ($3.82m; RL assignment)
A power pitcher with Clemensesque temper numbers (I don't know what my problem is...I'm obsessed with the temper rating). Thomas' current rating is better than most of my starting pitchers. Given his ratings, has that Randy Johnson "The Early Years" feel. Dominant velocity but gives up spectacular home runs. With any luck, he'll reach his control projections. Also, has a cheezy mustache.
4. BRIAN TANAKA, P, (unsigned)
I've never seen a sinker-slider-change pitcher with velocity ratings as good as his. I would be a little concerned by the health ratings, but then again, my draft strategy was shit. Has a low temper number, which I'm sure has nothing to do with the fact that he grew up in Center City Philly. Also has cheezy mustache.
5. SCOOTER EASLEY, SS ($3,630,000; Rookie)
Has five-tool potential, but not with the same robust numbers as Royce Oliver. Also could be hampered by overuse of eye black (check his photo). Could be a better centerfielder than shortstop.
6. JESSE JACKSON, CF ($3,540,000; Rookie)
The Reverend...wait a second. They made Jesse Jackson a white guy. That's funny. Anyhow, another guy with five tool skills. What caught my eye was his bunt numbers, of all things. This guy has leadoff written all over him.
7. DANNY PHILLIPS, P ($4,000,000; LoA)
Phillips was the top player on my board, so I'm happy that he dropped to seven. He goes 90+ in stamina, control and velocity, has good health figs and could actually be a gold glove candidate on the hill. He won his debut for me.
8. BARRY HERNDON, P ($3,350,000; LoA)
A finesse pitcher, Herndon has all the makings of a good, reliable pitcher. A Jamie Moyer type. He's at LoA right now and has lost his first two. But, he's got SOOO much room between his current and potential numbers.
9. PASCUAL ALONSO, P ($3,250,000; Rookie)
This guy is all about placement. His velocity numbers are sub-50, but his control numbers could be the best in the draft. He projects 60+ on four different pitchers. And he's a lefty.
10. MATTY ORTIZ, SS ($3,160,000; Rookie)
Ortiz lacks the speed thing. I mean, he's not Benitez slow, but he doesn't have the five-tool speed. But, his glove will keep him in contention with the other shortstops in the top ten.
