[Highlander]

Philadelphia Athletics

SP1- Bobby Madritsch (28)- Arm injuries limited Bobby’s career to just 2004-2005, but his rookie season was pretty good. He was a 2nd round pick here based on the import of that rookie season, so hopefully he can stay healthy here.

SP2- Dave Danforth (29)- Dave played from 1911-1925 and is a 6th round selection by Philly. He had a pretty solid career over most of his seasons, but also lost a lot of time to injury, so he has a pretty fragile reputation. Lots of injury risk on these first two pitchers.

SP3- Mike LaCoss (28)- A 10th round pick, Mike played from 1978-1991. He was a pretty middle-of-the-road starter, but should be OK as a #3 guy here.

SP4- Joe Haynes (24)- Joe played from 1939-1952 and was kind of a combo starter/reliever. He was an 11th round pick here and if his skills continue to develop to his potential he could be pretty solid. There’s some work to do, however.

ST- Dietrich Enns (29)- Enns played in 2 different seasons…2017 and 2021. This import is from the 2021 season when he was a pretty good reliever over minimal innings. He has a fragile reputation as far as injuries, as well, so he seems to fit in on this team. If healthy, he could be a very good RP. The Athletics hope that is true as they spent a 4th round pick on him.

MR- Julio Machado (25)- Pretty much an all or nothing pitcher with huge stuff and terrible control, Julio’s career went from 1989-1991. He was a 27th rounder, so Philly isn’t expecting much.

LR- Bill Hoffer (30)- Bill’s career was from 1895-1901, so he just squeaked into this league. His first couple of years were huge, but he fell off quite a bit by the end. H was an 18th round pick and even that seems too high.

Reserve- Al Autry (24), Ed Correa (20), Bill Koski (19), Sam Narron (22), Adam Oller (28), Bronswell Patrick (27), Brad Pennington (25), Bill Travers (22)

C- Tom Turner (26)- Tom was pretty much a back up from 1940-1944 and his 17th round pick here shows he should have been one now, as well. He’s not a great catcher and doesn’t hit much….not a great combination.

1B- DJ LeMahieu (35)- A younger DJ would have been a great player to have, but by this point in his 2011-present career he’s been a shell of his former self at the plate. He is still a great fielder at 1st and pretty solid at 2nd and 3rd, but you’d like more from an 8th round pick.

2B- Jordy Mercer (30)- Jordy’s 2012-2021 career was pretty mediocre. He wasn’t a bad player but never really had a big season. His glove will be helpful at 2nd and he should hit just enough to be worth his 14th round pick.

3B- Ke’Bryan Hayes (25) should be the prohibitive favorite to win the Gold Glove at 3rd. He is amazing there. He’s not a bad hitter and has a little speed, so a good all around player for the 5 pick of the Athletics.

SS- Jose Pagan (36)- Jose played from 1959-1973, but never really stood out in any season. His glove is probably best suited at other positions and his age shows he is getting close to the end of his career. Not sure what they saw in him for a 12 round pick, but I don’t think they will get it.

LF- Joe Riggert (32)- Joe played in 1911, 1914 and 1919. His 1919 numbers were pretty strong in limited time and that is what this import is based on, so he could surprise with the bat. His glove is solid and he’s got speed as well….not bad for a 9th round pick.

CF- Melky Cabrera (29)- The 3rd round pick, Melky is not really suited to CF. He would be OK in the corner OF spots, but center is a stretch. His career was from 2005-2019 and while he didn’t have much power, he could definitely hit. Not an ideal 3rd rounder to me, but he should be productive.

RF- Christian Yelich (23)- This early version of Yelich hasn’t developed his power yet, but if he does….watch out. His career has gone from 2013-present and once he developed fully, he was a star. Philly spent their first pick on him, so they are hoping the development happens and those injury issues of the past few years don’t rear their head.

Bench
C- Bobby Hughes (28)....Round 22….1998-1999
C- Dewey Williams (28)....Round 30….1944-1948
C/1B- John Ellis (31)....Round 16….1969-1981
2B/3B- Todd Haney (28)....Round 29….1992-1998
2B/3B/LF- David Schneider (24)....Round 7….2023-present
3B/SS/RF- Hubie Brooks (26)....Round 15….1980-1994
IF- Jose Tena (22)....Round 24….2023-present
OF- Rod Myers (24)....Round 19….1996-1997
RF- Paul Meloan (22)....Round 21….1910-1911
OF- Jeff Salazar (28)....Round 28….2006-2009

Reserve- Earle Mack (24), Yurendell de Caster (26), Kid Butler (19), Gus Gil (29), Charlie Letchas (23), Whitey Whitelmann (23), Ed Boland (36), Bris Lord (23)