[meh]

Jefferson Division:

Charleston Old Boys:
Prediction: 2nd

The Old Boys were unique during the 1st round of the draft, as they proved to be the only organisation to select a postional player with their first choice. It came in the form of outfielder Jerry Murphy, who is likely to be a tough at-bat for opposing pitchers, though he could be caught shy in the field with mediocre arm strength.

Charleston managed to piece together a roster costing them just shy of $200,000 making them the third highest payroll in the league. They managed to nab the leagues premier catcher in the form of 26y/o Ed Abshire, who along with Murphy collate for $50,000 worth of salary. Another big earner is the 'Neighbor' - Russ Ramsey, as the 35y/o pitcher made a stellar career out of the amateur games pre-CBA. He has a 2 year deal, that sees him head up a talented young staff. Backing him up will be Texan 'lefty' Pat Nelson, who at 26 is entering his prime.

In the minors, the Old Boys can call upon another Texan pitcher Mike Pearce to be the star of the pack, in a somewhat average looking roster at Greenville.


Louisiana Tigers:
Prediction: 4th

Pitcher Mike Miller was the Tigers first pick, but it will be postional players Theron Mathieu (2B) and Ray Spinner (LF) that will shine for a Tigers team that is the 2nd highest payroll in the league.

What Louisiana have done is picked a team for 'now'. This is evident when you can see just 1 Tiger recommended by scouts in the leagues prospect list, that being Bob Self a outfielder ranked 88 / 100.

The Tigers have gambled, but the problem they will face is a gamble based on middling 'vets, who may not have the appetite to fight their way through a tough division. Its not a bust situation for the wealthy franchise, but a rebuild in 1902 may be in order if things dont pan out to well this time around.


Mobile Baymen:
Prediction: 3rd

Mobile have actually managed to knock together a good looking team, as they have some of the leagues best postional players and a workmanlike pitching crew onboard.

Second baseman Phil Hepburn, catcher Judd 'Beast of Burden' Alexander and outfielder Herbert Cole all rank highly in scouts opinions going into the draft. Somehow Mobile were able to select all 3, and then add both Jerry Walker (ranked the leagues top pitcher) and Jon Cole, another in the top 20 pitching ranks.

The Baymen then managed to construct a well-sought after roster of young guns, as pitching prospects; Tyler Wilder and Lowell Hames look set to make the grade, whilst infielder John Lafave adds another piece to a good-looking AAA system in Birmingham.


Montgomery Capitals:
Prediction: 5th

The leagues first ever pick went to the Capitals, who promptly selected Logan Moore, a pitcher from the North, which is likely to alienate the softening fanbase in what is the Confederate Capital.

Their next 2 picks also saw 'outsiders' coming in to play, as pitcher Dan Joy and Shortstop Harlan Miles joined up to start their careers in Monty'. From then on the Capitals turned their attention to youth and managed to pick a good crop of prospects, before slumping to select the dregs of the draft to fill out a cheaply assembled roster.

Moore is probably their only hope of success, whilst the team will need good fan support to sustain a place in the Dixie League.


Tennessee Volunteers:
Prediction: 1st

Tennessee have spent the leagues highest amount on selecting the best on offer, as they topped $210,000 to sign players such as; outfielders Forrest Peterson, Irwin Mikell and pitcher Bill Barr. Alongside Barr in the rotation is the leagues oldest player in 39y/o Royce Culley. Royce was destined to remain a farm worker, after a few injuries left him as a spot player in his towns team during the 1890s, however after being convinced into giving the game one last shot, he activated himself for the draft and wound up on a potential league powerhouse.

What the Volunteers have in experience, they lack in youth. The roster is full of 30 somethings and the AAA system is devoid of any talent. Memphis is a baron wasteland of no-hopers, hoping to get a shot. It may be a 1 year wonder for the Vols' but everyone remembers the first ever Champions.


Texas Veterans:
Prediction: 6th

They may be Veterans but Texas have the best minor league system of the lot. Texas have appeared to chuck in the towel for the opening round, to comeback with a stronger and more stable lineup. They hold the rights to 4 of the top 10 pitching prospects as of draft day.

17y/o Tim Stultz, 18y/o Brady Cooke, 20y/o hometown boy Tyler Murphy and 18y/o Dave Taylor are all headed for the big time, if the scouts have their way. Add to this 19y/o Shortstop Walt Roberts from Kentucky and you have a hell of a lineup playing in Galveston.

As for the majors, it may be a tough stretch, but keep an eye on Bill Dixon, as the outfielder should generate his fair share of runs to keep the Vets ticking by. Last but by no means least.