[ayaghmour2]

9th Round, 129th Overall: RF Zeke Johnson
School: Crown Point Bulldogs
Commit School: Baton Rouge State
1946: .518/.576/.754, 133 PA, 14 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 39 RBI, 5 SB
Career: .513/.578/.753, 358 PA, 37 2B, 4 3B, 9 HR, 100 RBI, 16 SB

I think part of me knew that Zeke Johnson would survive the human portion, so I kept putting off drafting him in the human portion. It worked out well, as with the first pick in the round, I was able to secure him. A three year starter at Crown Point, he surpassed .500 in each season, with his .518 as a senior a career best. I love the hit tool, as the lefty can hit to all fields, and has the potential to challenge for batting titles. Tom Weinstock also feels he'll hit for above average power, but I'm not too sold yet. I can see him hitting double digits occasionally, but anything more then that seems unlikely. Despite the bat-first profile, he has some versatility, playing all three outfield spots and a little first base. While it seems like there's very little wrong with this guy, he does have a potential personality issue. He's not the brightest, nor a hard worker, so all this potential I'm writing about may be for naught. I have faith in our coaching staff and leadership core that we can keep him somewhat interested in his and the teams success. This may be an AI pick, but this has my stamp all on it, and despite his high demand, I will do whatever I need to help him break his commitment to Baton Rouge State.

9th Round, 134th Overall: CF Franklin Thomas
School: President's College Prairie Stars
1946: .303/.369/.472, 315 PA, 12 2B, 6 3B, 8 HR, 57 RBI, 34 SB
Career: .311/.375/.486, 603 PA, 23 2B, 12 3B, 16 HR, 108 RBI, 65 SB

Our middle of three third rounders, Franklin Thomas had a decent career nearby in Springfield, batting .311 with 16 homers and 108 RBIs in 120 games. He didn't play in one of the tougher conferences, but one thing competition doesn't really affect is your defense. Thomas is an excellent defender, offering above average defense in center due to his speed and reads off the bat. That gives him the fallback option of being a fourth outfielder, which is likely his ceiling as well. His hit tool is decent, and he may draw his share of walks, but none of his offensive tools are overly exciting. Thomas is a guy I was watching during the draft as he could be a useful organization piece, with some upside to play every day. He's likely set for San Jose and I imagine he'll get starts at all three outfield positions. Most levels will have a four outfield tandem, with only guys like Johnny Peters immune to regular days off.

9th Round, 140th Overall: SS John Price
School: Holy Cross Tigers
Commit School: Alabama A&T
1946: .469/.526/.704, 116 PA, 12 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 15 SB
Career: .456/.517/.697, 231 PA, 20 2B, 3 3B, 7 HR, 59 RBI, 32 SB

I'm a bit undecided on what to do with John Price. On one hand, you can never have too many shortstops, but on the other, he wants over $2k to break his commitment to Alabama A&T. This is money that may need to be spent elsewhere, but I think he could be a solid investment. 18 in just a few days, Price showed decent pop, and flashed his above average contact potential. He struck out just 11 times, half as often as he walked, and saw an increase to his doubles (8 to 12) and runs scored (38 to 44), If he can play good defense he'll spend a fair amount of time in our organization, but I don't anticipate many starts for him.

10th Round, 156th Overall: RHP Harry Beardsley
School: Arkansas A&T Badgers
1946: 8-4, 118.1 IP, 3.27 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 42 BB, 119 K
Career: 18-17, 341.2 IP, 4.06 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 178 BB, 290 K

It took ten rounds, but we finally selected a college pitcher! That lucky righty is Harry Beardsley, who Tom Weinstock has grown fond of since finishing his junior year. He looked much better then in his first two seasons, setting bests in wins, ERA, FIP (3.10), FIP- (77), walks, strikeouts, BB/9 (3.2), K/9 (9.1), and K/BB (2.8). A four pitch pitcher, he upped his fastball and sinker to 85-87 this year, with the latter his best offering. His slider and change, like his fastball, need plenty of work, but he has done a good job increase whiffs without losing command. If he can stop nibbling, Beardsley could find plenty of success, but for now he profiles as a back-of-the-rotation starter. His stuff is still a bit raw for a college arm, so he may start in La Crosse instead of San Jose. He'll get some starts, but may have to pitch a bit out of the pen, as we have plenty of guys we need to get innings.

11th Round, 172nd Overall: LF Charlie Harvey
School: La Salle Cavaliers
Commit School: Northern Mississippi
1946: .466/.542/.699, 120 PA, 9 2B, 5 HR, 31 RBI, 6 SB
Career: .471/.542/.683, 262 PA, 21 2B, 3B, 8 HR, 63 RBI, 12 SB

As a Chicago kid, Charlie Harvey was already on our radar, but with 5 homers as a senior, he jumped up most draft boards. We were able to get him in the 11th Round, and based on his bat, it could be a very strong selection. He doesn't have a record setting swing by any means, but he's a solid contact hitter who can really drive a mistake. As a corner outfielder he'll have to continue to punish hitters, as he won't offer much out in the field. The bat is good enough to force him into a lineup, but at bats may be hard to come by this season. If we can sign him I'd be happy, but it may be in his best interest to head to Northern Mississippi, where he can compete against some of the best players his age.

12th Round, 188th Overall: LF Jake Hewitt
School: McKinley Tech Trainers
Commit School: Cumberland University
1946: .448/.520/.667, 128 PA, 15 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 32 RBI, 15 SB
Career: .443/.522/.663, 497 PA, 53 2B, 4 3B, 10 HR, 117 RBI, 47 SB

Nothing against Jake Hewitt personally, but I'm going to spend the next few sims trying to lowball him to see how hard I can push an "Extremely Hard" to sign guy. We got Harvey the round before, so the McKinley Tech graduate is a bit redundant. The $1,500 he wants is best allocated elsewhere, and I'm going to see if a below slot $200 will tick him off enough to stop negotiating. If he signs for that, or even somewhere around slot if we have extra cash, I won't be upset, but you can only make the most of so many corner guys. Compared to Harvey he has a better eye and is quicker, but it comes at the expense of a weaker hit tool and limited power. A four year starter, he tallied just 10 homers in 98 games, but had an impressive 71-to-22 walk-to-strikeout ratio. Cumberland University has a good baseball program, so spending three years there could help mold him into a more well-rounded hitter.

13th Round, 204th Overall: RHP Ken Rasmussen
School: Frankford Pioneers
Commit School: Strub College
1946: 10-1, 115.2 IP, 1.40 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 38 BB, 154 K
Career: 32-10, 426.2 IP, 1.75 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 134 BB, 537 K

A four year starter at Frankford, Ken Rasmussen had his best season as a senior, going a career best 10-1 with a 1.40 ERA and 0.99 WHIP. Along with those three metrics, he set bests in starts (14), innings (115.2), hits (77), strikeouts, K/9 (12.0), and WAR (5.8). Rasmussen is a projectable pick, as he's a towering 6'4'' righty who sits in the mid-to-high 80s. His size and work ethic make it likely to believe he'll add some heat to his fastball, and if he can sit comfortably in the 90s it can be a strong pitch. Currently the heater is the obvious sidekick to his curve, which gets plenty of swings and misses. Rasmussen does a good job keeping the ball on the ground, and has the command to keep the ball in the park. Right now, we have plenty of more exciting options to start games, but he's a decent guy to have stick around and learn. His work ethic should rub off on his teammates, and I bet he'll be hitting the weight room on days he isn't scheduled to throw. He's demanding $1,500, and if I have to meet that I will. We didn't get many pitchers in the later rounds, and I think he's one of the ones that can contribute.

14th Round, 220th Overall: CF Al Lucas
School: Collins Tigers
Commit School: St. Ignatius
1946: .465/.517/.707, 119 PA, 11 2B, 5 3B, HR, 29 RBI, 31 SB
Career: .469/.523/.739, 246 PA, 24 2B, 13 3B, 2 HR, 57 RBI, 62 SB

A two year starter at Collins, Al Lucas is now the highest selected draftee from Collins in Mississippi, but whether he signs or not is the question. Working in his favor is his speed, as he was one of the fastest draft eligible players. The bat needs some work, as his pitch recognition skills need work and he's not going to offer much power. His ability to make contact is his best tool, but it might not end up being anything better then average. His value lies in his defense, as not only does his speed translate to range on the grass, he has a cannon for an arm. He's a good guy too, which paired with his versatility and speed will make him an organizational favorite.

15th Round, 236th Overall: RHP Lee Parker
School: Marysville Monarchs
Commit School: Central Kentucky
1946: 8-1, 94 IP, 1.63 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 25 BB, 133 K
Career: 34-7, 416 IP, 2.01 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 133 BB, 511 K

A four year starter, Lee Parker put up mediocre numbers his first three seasons, before taking a big step forward as a senior. This attracted scouts from Central Kentucky, but the Ohio native is interested in signing with us. Parker dropped his ERA by 70 points and his WHIP by 17, setting personal bests in K/9 (12.7), BB/9 (2.4), and K/BB (5.3). While some draftees are demanding more then four times their slot value, Lee Parker is demanding a more reasonable $450, just $120 more then its corresponding value. That makes him a low cost depth option to fill a pen spot, as I'm sure I can convince him to signing at slot. A five pitch pitcher, he's one of those guys who is a user of all, but master of none. Starting in the pen could be a benefit for Parker, as he could work on finding which of his five pitches can get good hitters out. He showed improved command this year, potentially shoring up a past issue of his. There's enough in his way to prevent him from being a good starter, but he could earn a spot after crafting his game in the pen.

16th Round, 252nd Overall: SS Ike Cartwright
School: White Haven Bears
Commit School: Miami State
1946: .440/.518/.637, 115 PA, 10 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 23 RBI, 12 SB
Career: .445/.528/.630, 505 PA, 39 2B, 8 3B, 7 HR, 110 RBI, 59 SB

A four year starter at the power house West Haven, Ike Cartwright's teammate Bert Heath was taken by the Cannons four rounds later, with teammates Frank Mark and Frank Kings eligible for next year's draft. White Haven had a graduate selected during Ike's sophomore season, with 6'5'' righty John Rosse going to the Kings in the 20th Round. He plays for the Marshalltown Maples, so if Cartwright signs, he may get to face his former teammate in a UMVA game. Tom Weinstock thinks Ike is a big league quality player, not someone you want to guarantee time to, but someone good enough to produce when counted on. He has a strong hit tool paired with good pitch recognition, and with his speed he can do damage on the basepaths. A natural shortstop, Cartwright started his career at third base, and that may be his final spot. I am interested in convincing him to forego his Miami State commitment, but a $1,500 bonus is a reasonably large chunk of cash.

17th Round, 268th Overall: LHP Joe Ament
School: Huntington State Miners
1946: 5-9, 125 IP, 5.47 ERA, 1.82 WHIP, 95 BB, 96 K
Career: 10-16, 229.1 IP, 5.61 ERA, 1.84 WHIP, 168 BB, 162 K

Joe Ament will be fun, as he's listed as easy to sign while demanding just the $290 his draft position corresponds with. I'm going to try to save some money there, offering him just $100 to see how he reacts. A hardworking southpaw, Ament struggled in a tough college conference, with an ERA higher then his win total in both of his seasons as a Miner. While not an overly exciting pitcher, he has a really good knuckle curve, and he best exemplifies a student of the game. He's not satisfied with his pitching, and he'll work his tail off until no one offers him a job. I like him as pen depth, as we'll need warm bodies in the lower minors.

18th Round, 284th Overall: SS Frankie Moore
School: Pittsburgh State
1946: .268/.337/.350, 208 PA, 7 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 38 RBI, 40 SB
Career: .276/.344/.372, 459 PA, 18 2B, 3 3B, 5 HR, 69 RBI, 73 SB

A two year starter at Pittsburgh State, Frankie Moore's best asset is his speed. He swiped 40 bases as a junior, and can run down any groundball hit near him. His defense makes him an asset to us, and not only is he great at short, but he's already gotten time at second and third, as well as left and right. A glove only prospect, he likely won't hit a lick, but for a utility guy you can definitely live with it. He's going to be tough to sign, but I do want him to be a Cougar. I'm starting off with a $500 offer to counter his $800 demand, but I'll move money around to get him in. I'm hoping he'll accept a lower amount, which could help me save some bucks on some of our better guys without worrying about them breaking things off.

19th Round, 310th Overall: LF Tommy Burt
School: Virginia Beach Marlins
Commit School: Darnell State
1946: .421/.492/.553, 133 PA, 8 2B, 2 3B, HR, 30 RBI, 7 SB
Career: .419/.495/.569, 490 PA, 35 2B, 4 3B, 6 HR, 105 RBI, 33 SB

A four year starter in high school, Burt didn't really do much, hitting under .430 in each season. He topped out at 2 homers, 10 steals, and 17 walks, but he at least managed to strike out five times or less in three of his seasons. We don't really need someone like him, so I fully expect him to enroll at Darnell State. I'm going to slip him a 20, see what he says, and then likely wish him best of luck.

20th Round, 316th Overall: RHP Pat Burnett
School: West Philadelphia Speedboys
Commit School: Chesapeake State
1946: 6-3, 89.1 IP, 2.42 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 30 BB, 92 K
Career: 13-6, 186.2 IP, 2.31 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 68 BB, 212 K

A two year starter at West Philadelphia, Pat Burnett couldn't keep his ERA below 2, but each season he struck out three times as many hitters as he walked. He's a three pitch pitcher, but the change isn't really a pitch. This destines him to a bullpen role, but there's one thing that could work out for him; he's 6'10''! Yes, almost a seven footer! It's the only reason I'm not offering him a dollar, He's very low priority to sign, as he's not much of a pitcher. But 6'10''!!! You don't see that everyday!

21st Round, 332nd Overall: CF Leo Anderson
School: Chester Clippers
Commit School: Baton Rouge State
1946: .455/.508/.682, 126 PA, 10 2B, 3 3B, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 23 SB
Career: .450/.508/.674, 372 PA, 36 2B, 9 3B, 6 HR, 90 RBI, 54 SB

Another high school outfielder, Leo Anderson has a pretty nice bat, hitting the ball hard and often. Off-speed stuff can still give him trouble, but he mashes fastballs and can catch up to most pitches. He's got great speed as well, so when he puts it in play he has the chance to pick up extra bases. He doesn't have the highest ceiling, but if he can continue to hit the ball hard, he could be a fringe starter. His defensive ability makes him an option to fill as a fourth outfielder, and his speed is worthy of late game pinch running. He's going to be tough to sign with money an issue, but he's not someone I'm going to intentionally piss off. Guys like him are very useful for filling out a bench, but three seasons at Baton Rouge State could propel him into the human rounds.

22nd Round, 348h Overall: RHP Matt Stinson
School: Western Florida Wolves
1946: 5-8, 256.1 IP, 6.20 ERA, 1.94 WHIP, 90 BB, 54 K
Career: 10-18, 256.1 IP, 6.11 ERA, 1.93 WHIP, 187 BB, 109 K

The college numbers aren't pretty, so I'm offering Matt Stinson half of what his slot. He said he's easy to sign, so that might be enough for him. If not, no biggie, as he could go back for his senior year. If not, he could eat innings for San Jose or La Crosse, holding a spot until someone more interesting comes around.

23rd Round, 364th Overall: 1B Bill Bloom
School: West Chester Golden Rams
Commit School: Maryland State
1946: .430/.508/.590, 118 PA, 8 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 27 RBI, 5 SB
Career: .442/.519/.640, 236 PA, 21 2B, 3 3B, 4 HR, 56 RBI, 9 SB

The only first basemen in the class, Bill Bloom hit just .430 as a senior, which is not enough for a first basemen. Sometimes the ball goes far when he connects, but the frequency of those connections vary. He's always watching better hitters in a way to improve his own game, but he's starting very far from the finish line. He's extremely hard to sign, so I'm going to give him just $50 to see how he takes it. College should treat him well, and Maryland State has a real good team.

24th Round, 380th Overall: 3B Ron Cooper
School: Waverly Knights
Commit School: Oklahoma Bible College
1946: .416/.491/.589, 108 PA, 8 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 6 SB
Career: .416/.494/.589, 470 PA, 37 2B, 4 3B, 7 HR, 98 RBI, 23 SB

A four year starter at Waverly, Ron Cooper didn't hit too much, with just one season hitting above .420. That was his sophomore year, where he slashed .426/.500/.532 with 7 doubles, a homer, and 24 RBIs. That's not much of a best year, but he's not really that exciting. He could end up with a good eye, but that's not going to be enough. I'm offering him $25, and chances are that offer won't improve much.

25th Round, 396th Overall: CF Aanand Adani
School: Spokane
Commit School: Fremont State
1946: .404/.454/.523, 122 PA, 11 2B, 3B, 23 RBI, 14 SB
Career: .415/.481/.563, 489 PA, 41 2B, 6 3B, 3 HR, 99 RBI, 29 SB

Would you believe me if I told you that Aanand Adani is not the first Aanand Adani to try to reach the FABL. The former Kings trainer also shares that name, and he spent there seasons in college before retiring without appearing in a minor league game. This Adani won't appear for us, as he hit just .388 last year and has no discernable skillset. In fact, his whole scouting report is "Originally drafted out of Spokane in 1946, Aanand Adani is a 6-foor-0, 165-pound center fielder. Adani will struggle to ever improve his below average hitting and fielding skills." Yep, feels like a 25th Round Pick! I slipped him a $5 bill post draft, but odds are the 17-year-old will spend his next three years at Fremont State.

As the weeks go by, I'll give updates on which guys sign, and which decide to hit the books instead. With all my current offers, we have $20,000 to spread between at least 18 other players. That means all the guys wanting $1,500 aren't going to get it, and about $7,000 will have to go to Frank Reece alone. Bob Allen is going to milk every penny out of us, but I think we'll be able to survive our little financial woe.