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amead17 · 02-07-2026, 12:23 PM

DRAFT COMBINE OPENS WITH LIMITED STAR POWER AS CLUBS PREPARE FOR FIRST YEAR PLAYER SELECTION
By George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times
December 13th 1916

With the first year player draft fast approaching, all eligible hopefuls have once again journeyed south for the annual two-day draft combine, where clubs will make their final assessments before selections begin. Early opinion among managers and scouts suggests that this year’s crop lacks the depth of immediate starting talent seen in recent drafts and appears thin in high-calibre future prospects.

Among those most likely to step straight into starting roles are pitchers Hod Eller and Hal Carlson, both of whom have drawn favourable attention for their readiness to contribute at once. At the plate, centre fielder Ray Powell stands as the lone batter widely viewed as a sure starter from the moment his professional career begins.

For clubs willing to invest time in development, the outfield presents the most intriguing possibilities. Centre fielders Ross Youngs and Alejandro Oms are the two names most frequently discussed among scouts, each possessing considerable potential despite their rawness and need for further refinement. Shortstop Dick Lundy has also earned mention as a player with the tools to become a major force in time, though he too may require patient development before assuming a regular role.

Beyond these few standout names, the overall talent pool is regarded as light, leaving clubs with difficult decisions as they attempt to balance present needs against future promise. None faces a greater challenge than St. Louis Cardinals manager David Stevens, whose club holds the first selection.

“We know this draft may not be filled with immediate stars,” Stevens remarked, “but our task is to find the player who best fits our club and who can grow with us. We will be looking carefully at those young men who show the right potential and character to help our team in the years ahead.”

As the combine unfolds, clubs will continue their evaluations, aware that even a thin draft class may still yield the players who shape the next era of the game.

02-07-2026, 12:23 PM	#745
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,275	DRAFT COMBINE OPENS WITH LIMITED STAR POWER AS CLUBS PREPARE FOR FIRST YEAR PLAYER SELECTION By George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times December 13th 1916 With the first year player draft fast approaching, all eligible hopefuls have once again journeyed south for the annual two-day draft combine, where clubs will make their final assessments before selections begin. Early opinion among managers and scouts suggests that this year’s crop lacks the depth of immediate starting talent seen in recent drafts and appears thin in high-calibre future prospects. Among those most likely to step straight into starting roles are pitchers Hod Eller and Hal Carlson, both of whom have drawn favourable attention for their readiness to contribute at once. At the plate, centre fielder Ray Powell stands as the lone batter widely viewed as a sure starter from the moment his professional career begins. For clubs willing to invest time in development, the outfield presents the most intriguing possibilities. Centre fielders Ross Youngs and Alejandro Oms are the two names most frequently discussed among scouts, each possessing considerable potential despite their rawness and need for further refinement. Shortstop Dick Lundy has also earned mention as a player with the tools to become a major force in time, though he too may require patient development before assuming a regular role. Beyond these few standout names, the overall talent pool is regarded as light, leaving clubs with difficult decisions as they attempt to balance present needs against future promise. None faces a greater challenge than St. Louis Cardinals manager David Stevens, whose club holds the first selection. “We know this draft may not be filled with immediate stars,” Stevens remarked, “but our task is to find the player who best fits our club and who can grow with us. We will be looking carefully at those young men who show the right potential and character to help our team in the years ahead.” As the combine unfolds, clubs will continue their evaluations, aware that even a thin draft class may still yield the players who shape the next era of the game.