[ayaghmour2]

11th Round, 174th Overall: SS Chief Raffa
School: Phoenixville Phantoms
Commit School: Eastern State
1950: .404/.466/.629, 104 PA, 8 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 23 RBI, 35 SB
Career: .413/.472/.602, 474 PA, 33 2B, 10 3B, 8 HR, 101 RBI, 93 SB

I was pretty sure I was going to get Reggie Woodis, so I didn't adjust this pick. Chief Raffa was Dixie Marsh's shortstop pick, but I'm not as fond of the four year starter. He never hit above his .423 average as a freshman, same for his .487 OBP, and neither are all that impressive. Despite that, Dixie thinks he has a "good knack for barreling the ball" and he addresses his ability to hit to all fields. OSA thinks he's a solid defender, which does give him some additional value, and he is a plus runner on the base paths. Add in a solid work ethic, and I can see why the scouts are willing to overlook his modest numbers. I doubt he'll play much in our system this year, but I will not be allowing him to fulfil his commitment to Eastern State.

12th Round, 190th Overall: RHP Don Vincent
School: Southington Generals
Commit School: New Haven State
1950: 5-1, 64.2 IP, 2.09 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 24 BB, 92 K
Career: 9-3, 134.1 IP, 1.94 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 50 BB, 193 K

The 12th Round was the one where Dixie wanted a pitcher, and he took the 5'7'' righty Don Vincent. A two year starter at Southington, he split time between the pen and the rotation, going 9-3 with a 1.94 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 193 strikeouts. That's not the most impressive stat line, but he does have an interesting five pitch arsenal that could be refined. His command isn't great, and could get in the way, but I think I can overlook that for now. It's definitely something that can be improved on, and Dixie likes his change, slider, sinker, and cutter. We do have a lot of guys that need innings, but my guess is most pitchers after this aren't going to have stuff that comes close to his.

13th Round, 206th Overall: 3B Bubba Holland
School: Chester Presidents
Commit School: Federal University
1950: .426/.491/.653, 118 PA, 11 2B, 4 HR, 32 RBI, SB
Career: .426/.496/.647, 469 PA, 38 2B, 4 3B, 14 HR, 114 RBI, 21 SB

If name quality translated to baseball quality, Bubba Holland would be a top prospect, but instead the four year grad from Chester projects to be nothing more then a bench piece. This is a pick based on athleticism, as he's a strong kid who can hit the ball hard, even if he's a bit too aggressive at the plate. This may prevent him from being anything more then an average contact hitter, so he'll either have to improve or discipline or hit enough homers where it doesn't matter. Both is preferred, but he needs playing time for that, and I'm not sure we have that for him. OSA does view him as a decent supplemental piece, so I am leaning towards offering him a contract and giving him a chance to hit work hard on the bench, and take advantage of what time he receives.

14th Round, 222nd Overall: RHP Slim Foster
School: Laclede Trappers
1950: 7-7, 131.1 IP, 4.18 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 43 BB, 112 K
Career: 17-19, 348.2 IP, 4.54 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, 155 BB, 291 K

The first AI pick from the college ranks, I think I'm letting the junior go back to school. I've never heard of Laclede, which tells you something about the quality Foster is facing, so his 4.18 ERA and 1.48 WHIP leave plenty to be desired. Especially considering both were personal bests, he doesn't seem to be much of a legit prospect. Working to his advantage is his height, as he stands 6'3'', and his 3.89 FIP is actually three percent better then average. He does have a nice slider, but his fastball sits in the mid-80s and there's not much else. I'm not sure what I'm going to do hear, and he may be one of the last guys I decide what to do on.

15th Round, 206th Overall: 3B Abas Abaghian
School: Tipp City Bees
Commit School: Central Ohio
1950: .424/.495/.750, 111 PA, 11 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 2 SB
Career: .405/.488/.616, 492 PA, 39 2B, 5 3B, 13 HR, 115 RBI, 16 SB

Another four year starter, Abas Abaghian is committed to Central Ohio, where former Cougars Freddie and Al Jones attended college. He does show impressive extra base power, hitting five homers with 18 extra base hits in 22 games, It was a career high for homers and he matched his previous bests for doubles and triples. Both OSA and Dixie think he can hit his way into a lineup, as along with the power he has a good eye and make hard contact. He won't hit for a high average, but if the power develops, there's a chance he could find his way into a big league lineup. Even though it may be best for him to hit the campus, I'm leaning towards bringing him along, allowing him to use our facilities and hopefully develop his power.