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illeracula · 01-04-2015, 01:50 PM

In 2016 we selected Ben Sanford in the first round of the first-year player draft, with the 14th overall pick. Sanford was going to be our next closer, with solid potential. Rookie Ratings: Stuff 7/20, Movement: 11/14, Control: 5/15. He had the makings to be top closer, or possible top starter for years to come. In 2017 he was named the #83 prospect in the DBL. We knew he had the stuff and the movement to become the pitcher we wanted, but did he have the control? In 2018 when the new ratings came out his control potential dropped from 15 to 9, and then in 2019 it dropped even more from 9 to 6.

At this point we were unsure if he would be the star player we were hoping. I do not like to carry pitchers without a control rating under 10. Then in 2021, after deciding he wasn't a good fit with us anymore, we shipped him off to the Christiana Blue Hens.

The Blue Hens wasted no time getting Sanford, now the #91 prospect in the game, on the hill. In 2021 Sanford pitched in 50 games, starting 5. He struck out 108 hitters in 84.0 innings and posted a 4-6 record, with a 3.75 ERA and 5 saves. A really solid rookie season.

In 2022, the Blue Hens made Sanford a starter and he had an impressive season, winning 11 games, against 8 losses, posting a 4.19 ERA in 34 starts. In 197.2 innings, Sanford allowed only 136 hits and struck out 208. However he did walk 161, for a season ending WHIP of 1.50.

In 2023, now 25 years old, Sanford is back in the rotation, the ace of the Blue Hens and is off to a red-hot start. In April Sanford started 6 games, going 4-1 and posting a 1.86 ERA. In 38.2 innings, Sanford has allowed 24 hits, struck out 33 and walked 29. His WHIP so far this year is 1.37.

If Sanford, a lefty, ever gains control he could be one of the games top starters. He currently has some of the top stuff in the game (20/20), with solid movement (15/15). His control is still developing (5/6), but may never end up being better than where it is now. The lefty throws the ball hard (96-98), gets grounders (72%), and has a top-notch fastball (20/20) and forkball (18/18), and mixes in a solid sinker (12/13).

I don't regret moving Sanford, in fact I am surprised at his early success. I will keep an eye on him and watch what he does for his career. His skill-set didn't fit what I look for in a player, but I always enjoy looking back on my #1 picks to see how they turn out.

I don't have a great track record with the draft so when I see a success it makes feel a little better.

01-04-2015, 01:50 PM	#888
illeracula Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Delaware Posts: 3,931	Ben Sanford - Player Profile In 2016 we selected Ben Sanford in the first round of the first-year player draft, with the 14th overall pick. Sanford was going to be our next closer, with solid potential. Rookie Ratings: Stuff 7/20, Movement: 11/14, Control: 5/15. He had the makings to be top closer, or possible top starter for years to come. In 2017 he was named the #83 prospect in the DBL. We knew he had the stuff and the movement to become the pitcher we wanted, but did he have the control? In 2018 when the new ratings came out his control potential dropped from 15 to 9, and then in 2019 it dropped even more from 9 to 6. At this point we were unsure if he would be the star player we were hoping. I do not like to carry pitchers without a control rating under 10. Then in 2021, after deciding he wasn't a good fit with us anymore, we shipped him off to the Christiana Blue Hens. The Blue Hens wasted no time getting Sanford, now the #91 prospect in the game, on the hill. In 2021 Sanford pitched in 50 games, starting 5. He struck out 108 hitters in 84.0 innings and posted a 4-6 record, with a 3.75 ERA and 5 saves. A really solid rookie season. In 2022, the Blue Hens made Sanford a starter and he had an impressive season, winning 11 games, against 8 losses, posting a 4.19 ERA in 34 starts. In 197.2 innings, Sanford allowed only 136 hits and struck out 208. However he did walk 161, for a season ending WHIP of 1.50. In 2023, now 25 years old, Sanford is back in the rotation, the ace of the Blue Hens and is off to a red-hot start. In April Sanford started 6 games, going 4-1 and posting a 1.86 ERA. In 38.2 innings, Sanford has allowed 24 hits, struck out 33 and walked 29. His WHIP so far this year is 1.37. If Sanford, a lefty, ever gains control he could be one of the games top starters. He currently has some of the top stuff in the game (20/20), with solid movement (15/15). His control is still developing (5/6), but may never end up being better than where it is now. The lefty throws the ball hard (96-98), gets grounders (72%), and has a top-notch fastball (20/20) and forkball (18/18), and mixes in a solid sinker (12/13). I don't regret moving Sanford, in fact I am surprised at his early success. I will keep an eye on him and watch what he does for his career. His skill-set didn't fit what I look for in a player, but I always enjoy looking back on my #1 picks to see how they turn out. I don't have a great track record with the draft so when I see a success it makes feel a little better. Attached Images __________________ --- Check out my OOTP dynasty, the DelMarVa Baseball League: DelMarVa Baseball League. and the spin off: DelMarVa Baseball League - 2037 WBC Tournament - Won by Team USA - New England. DelMarVa Baseball League - 2039 WBC Tournament - Won by Team USA - New England..