The perfect plan

[Big Willis 16]

The Perfect Plan-

Sunday, January 5th, 2003.


Early January, reports of the MLB and its players coming to an end had been sweeping across not only the United States, but 36 other countries. Commisioner at the time, Bud Selig, found that the league wasn't going in the right direction, and teams such as the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, etc. were getting too stacked, and would take over the league for many years to come, forcing people to stop watching Americas Pasttime.

So Bud Selig sat down with fellow Managers, Coaches, Board Members and one player representative from each of the 30 teams. At the meeting, everyone discussed the state of the league, and what the future had in store. It seemed as if each group of representatives had there own opinions and feelings.

The Managers and Coaches thought things were going great, and that the viewers would keep watching as long as the game is around and is competetive.

The Board Members thought it was a time for change, but being the dull minded baseball freaks they are, they had no ideas on what to do.

While the team representatives had all come up with what they saw as the "perfect plan." As each team rep. came up to speak, you could automatically point out, the reps. had this planned for a long time. And weren't coming in to get shut down.

Barry Bonds, team speaker from the San Fransisco Giants was elected as Team Rep. Captain. He had the duty of going up in front of the 150 plus members, and explain what the players had in mind.

It came down to the players wanting a restart of the league. They wanted the same pay, the same cities, ballclubs, managers, coaches, everything to stay the same. Except for the fact that they wanted a re-draft. They wanted to reset, release all, and do a fantasy draft.

At first the board was stunned at what Barry Bonds and the players had in mind. But as Barry kept speaking, his words were ringing in the ears of the members. A few comments here and there, and even a clap every once in awhile. Barry could tell his words were getting to everyone, and he knew he had to keep building off of it.

After several hours of sitting around, listening to Barry run his mouth off, commision Bud Selig decided to step up to the podium and explain his thoughts on the idea-

"I think what the players have came up with, is a wonderful idea. But if we are going to make this work, we are going to need full support from each and every man and woman in this room. We are going to need to get this thing off the ground, and get a draft up and coming as soon as possible. No lolly-gagging around. The first sign I see of this, the league won't happen. Baseball fans all around the world, will be shocked to hear this news, but if we are going to pull it off, we are going to have to have everything ready to present to them, before we go live with it."

A few weeks later, Bud came out with a memo for each and every person who attended that deal, along with all the players who were in the MLB to sign. Stating that they will go through with this, with equal pay, and keep everything the same. Every player, coach, board member, and manager signed the paper. The memo even noted that all mascots may stay. (yes, even the sausages that run around Miller Park)


Release-

The day finall came when Bud was ready to announce to viewers accros the world, that the MLB was going to release all players from every team and have a draft. Few viewers were mad, few were happy, most were stuck in between the decision of the re-draft. But after awhile, it grew on them.

A few weeks after the release to the press, media and viewers, Bud came out with the new draft order, and it goes as follows-

Cincinatti
Anaheim
Florida
Atlanta
Boston
St. Louis
Colorado
Los Angeles
Toronto
Oakland
Texas
New York (N)
Houston
Minnesota
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Cleveland
Detroit
Chicago (A)
Arizona
Chicago (N)
New York (A)
Tampa Bay
San Diego
Seattle
Philidelphia
Baltimore
Pittsburgh
San Fransisco
Montreal


With the release of the order, Bud and the players were ready to get the draft rolling.



(Information from how the draft went, will be next. Any comments would be appreciated, just don't be too harsh. I'm not much of a writer)

[thebigUNIT]

Yuck. Bud Selig (I hate'm, sorry). Good stuff, though.

[Big Willis 16]

lol who doesnt?

[jaxmagicman]

Florida gets the third pick, lets see. Reds take A-Rod, Angels take wait, who would be the second pick... Soriano, Prior, Schilling. I am not sure. Many other names.

[Kelric]

And the poor Expos still get ripped off.

[Rainey]

Who is going to go watch the stupid Expos anyway?

[Big Willis 16]

The first 10 picks-

A couple days after the draft order was announced, the draft began. It was shown live on T.V. around the world, and it set a record number for viewers in any sports draft in history. This is how the first round turned out.

#1- Cincinatti Reds- Vladimir Guerrero

With the number 1 overall selection in the 2003 draft, the Cincinatti Reds select Vladimir Guerrero. To me this was a halfway suprise. I expected them to go with Pedro, or A-Rod. But it no ways does that mean its a Suprise. Vlad is a 27 year old with 8 in hits and 12 in HR's. Expect him to be a leader in .BA and HR's for the next few years.

#2- Anaheim Angels- Alex Rodriguez

Selected at #2 by the Anaheim Angels is SS Alex Rodriguez. This was obviously a no brainer at number 2. A-Rod is only 27 with a 6 in hits, and 13 in homeruns. And is expected to break the Homerun record before he retires. He will tear up opposing pitcher's and wont back down from a challenge.

#3- Florida Marlins- Albert Pujols

With a shocker coming in at #3, Florida selects LF Albert Pujols. Still no pitchers taken through three picks, Pujols was a suprise. But than again if I saw a 23 year old with 8 in hits, 12 in homeruns and 6 in walks, I would jump on it too. Look for him to give A-Rod a run for his money at the all-time HR record.

#4- Atlanta Braves- Pedro Martinez

Finall a pitcher is selected, and as everyone expected... its Pedro Martinez. He may be 31, but this pitcher is the most dominate starter in the league. He still has a good six-seven years left in him, and could possibly shutdown the first 3 picks on any givin night.

#5- Boston Redsox- Brian Giles

Another shocker to me, LF Brian Giles goes at number 5. Brother to Marcus Giles, Brian Giles is a small LF with tons of power. He can play the field and swing the bat. He may be 32, but his 6 in hits, 12 in HR's and 12 in BB's is a very scary thing.

#6- St. Louis Cardinals- Alfonso Soriano

Staying with the trend of selecting hitters, the Cardinals go with the powerful leadoff hitter, Alfonso Soriano. Alfonso is only 25, yet has 8 in hits and 10 in Hr's. He can lead off, or even bat in the three and on some teams the four spot. With a long future ahead of him, the Cardinals may have a franchise player in there hands.

#7- Colorado Rockies- Barry Zito

Barry Zito falling to pick seven sent a huge smile to the Rockies clubhouse. Being only 24 and having ratings close to Pedro is scary to any batter or team. He mixes his pitchers and changes speeds often. He rarely gives up homeruns. He has good control and can usually get his pitches right where he wants them.

#8- Los Angeles- Manny Ramirez

With the number eight overall pick, LF Manny Ramirez puts on a Dodgers uniform. At age 30, with ratings of 8 hits, 12 HR’s and 7 in walks, any team would be happy to get Manny. There are absolutely no weaknesses to his game offensively, and his defensive work at Leftfield is without equal. A natural hitter, Manny will cover the plate well. Manny is a guy fans come to the park to watch abuse fastballs.

#9- Toronto Blue Jays- Jim Thome

When I saw Jim Thome go at number 9, I was shocked. But as I went and looked at his ratings, a 6 in hits, 14 in HR’s and 12 in BBs I would love to have Jim on my team. Jim is a great player and a great person to have in the clubhouse.

#10- Oakland Athletics- Sammy Sosa

Surprisingly falling to number 10 is Sammy Sosa. I expected him to go top seven, but falling to number 10, the A’s are very happy. Sammy is a 35 year old power hitter, with seven in hits and 15 in homeruns. Although he may accidentally grab a corked bat every once in awhile, he will be a great addition to the Oakland A’s.

Surprise of the first ten picks- Barry Bonds not getting drafted, and only two pitchers being selected.


(Coming up- picks 11-20)

[scoobz0202]

Yes! Cincinnati! Weeee!

[Big Willis 16]

11-20

#11- Texas Rangers- Mark Buehrle

With the 11th overall pick, the third pitcher was taken. But to my surprise it was SP Mark Buehrle. At age 24, Mark could really anchor any staff. He keeps his stuff down, and allows very few runs per game. The only downfall to Mark’s game is right handed batters beat up on him worse than lefties.

#12- New York Mets- Jim Edmonds

12 picks through the draft, three pitchers have been taken, but now the second Jim will go. CF Jim Edmonds is an all-around good ball player. He can play CF almost as good as anyone, and will hit plenty of homeruns. Look for the Mets to build around him, and have him bat clean-up.

#13- Houston Astros- Curt Schilling

Is it just me, or do Curt and Houston not go together? Well only time will tell, but with the 13th overall pick, the Astros selected SP Curt Schilling. While he is aging fast, Schilling will strike out plenty, and will be the ace of this team. Houston has a great starter, but how long will he be around?

#14- Minnesota Twins- Shawn Green

The biggest surprise so far, is RF Shawn Green going #14 before Barry has even been selected. Green may prove me wrong and put his six in hits and 11 in HR ratings to play. At age 30, Green could surprise many and be a top player in the game.

#15- Milwaukee Brewers- Carlos Delgado

Going at number 15 is 1B Carlos Delgado. Being able to get hits, homeruns and walks is everything the Brewers were looking for. And that’s what they get in Delgado. Hitting his prime at age 30, Delgado still has a year or two to improve his game, and bring the Brewers to the top.

#16- Kansas City Royals- Eric Chavez

At number 16, the Royals decided to keep the surprise factor in tact. At 25 with five in hits, nine in homeruns and six in walks, it isn’t apparent to me why Chavez went at 16. He has a .961 fielding percentage at third base and has a huge contract. Could Chavez prove me wrong and play with his heart, not his ratings?

#17- Cleveland Indians- Randy Johnson

Finally at pick number 17 Randy Johnson will call Cleveland his home. Cleveland obviously has plans to win now, or else they wouldn’t pick up an old pitcher. He may be real old, but he does still have a lot of life in him, and will give any pitcher a run for the CY young.

#18- Detroit Tigers- Jeremy Giambi

Homerun hitting champion, Jeremy Giambi will go at number 18 to the Detroit Tigers. Having an old reputation of the worst team in the league, Giambi hopes to lead the Tigers to the WS in there first three seasons.

#19- Chicago White Sox- Barry Bonds

FINALLY! Barry Bonds goes at pick number 19. Although Bonds is 38, his 10 in hits, 19 in homeruns and 18 in walks would have made me pick this slugger in the top five. This right here is the steal of the draft. Bonds will destroy all homerun hitters this year, and could possibly break his own season walk record.

#20- Arizona Diamondbacks- Andruw Jones

Known not only for his homerun hitting, but also his great defensive skills, Andruw Jones goes 20th overall. Jones is possibly the best outfielder in the league, but the only thing that will be remained to see is if his tendency to strikeout often will improve.

[scoobz0202]

C'mon. Give me a sneak peak at what the Spankees got... Are you going 1-30, 30-1, or, 1-30, 1-30?

[Big Willis 16]

Your Reds got lucky. I decided to have the draft got 1-30, 1-30.

[Big Willis 16]

21-30

#21- Chicago Cubs- Pat Burrell

With a six in hits, and a 10 in homeruns, Burrell caught the eye of the Cubs, and was selected 21st overall. Pat is still 26 and has plenty of room to improve, and his .979 fielding percentage isn’t such a bad thing either.

#22- New York Yankees- Lance Berkman

Keeping up with the massive amount of pitchers being selected, Lance Berkman goes at number 22 to the New York Yankees. Previously known for being the powerhouse of baseball, how will the Yankees fair at number 22? Will they end up spending all there money after the first season on FA’s and restore them to the top?

#23- Tampa Bay Devil Rays- Hideki Matsui

Known as “Godzilla” to many, Matsui brings some international taste to the Devil Rays. Lou Piniella takes a big risk going for Matsui here, and may end up dying her hair another color before the season is over if he keeps making picks like this.

#24- San Diego Padres- Bobby Abreu

29 year old right fielder Bobby Abreu is the complete modern player. He can get base hits, hit homeruns, steal bases and even play a little defense. The Padres in my opinion should have taken a pitcher here, but going with the RF at number 24 wasn’t too bad of an idea.

#25- Seattle Mariners- Troy Glaus

Troy Glaus going to the Mariners brings them World Series experience. Glaus has been there before, and knows how to get it done. He will hit .300, get 30 hr’s and 100 RBI’s every year. Seems to be a good selection for the Mariners at 25.

#26- Philadelphia Phillies- Chipper Jones

Chipper Jones brings to the table what Bobby Abreu brought to the Padres. Chipper is an all-around player. He can play 3B or LF and will hit HR’s, get walks and strike out only every once in awhile. Being an old rival with the Phillies, Chipper wonders how long he will stay in Philadelphia.

#27- Baltimore Orioles- Austin Kearns

Going at number 27 is RF Austin Kearns. Kearns is only 22 and will have a bright future in Baltimore. He’s already got a seven in hits, and is one of the top prospects in the league. Will Baltimore stay young in this draft, or go with the old guys to help Kearns learn down the road?

#28- Pittsburgh Pirates- Roy Halladay

Another SP has finally been selected, and he will be heading to the Pirates. SP Roy Halladay brings a lot to the table, as he is young and has a bright future ahead of him. He’s a top prospect in the league right now, but could still anchor this Pirates staff. Nice steal at 28 for the Pirates.

#29- San Francisco Giants- Odalis Perez

Well what do you know; two starting pitchers have been selected back to back. Going at number 29 is dominating pitcher Odalis Perez. With nasty pitches, and lots of stamina, how many wins will Perez get this year?

#30- Montreal Expos- Derek Lee

Finishing off the draft at number 30, the Montreal Expos select Derek Lee. 27 year old Derek Lee has great fielding skills, but is only average at the plate. Looks to me like the Expos want to keep sending very few fans to the ballpark everynight.

[Big Willis 16]

As I feel it will take forever for me to write up the first 10 rounds of selections, I will just post who picked who, without write-ups from here on out. Not sure where I will stop yet.

Round 2-

#1- Cincinnati Reds- SS Migeul Tejada
#2- Anaheim Angels- SP Jason Jennings
#3- Florida Marlins- SP Greg Maddux
#4- Atlanta Braves- 1B Richie Sexson
#5- Boston Redsox- SP Jarrod Washburn
#6- St. Louis Cardinals- SP Randy Wolf
#7- Colorado Rockies- 1B Ryan Klesko
#8- Los Angeles Dodgers- SP Bartolo Colon
#9- Toronto Blue Jays- SP Roy Oswalt
#10- Oakland A’s- SS Nomar Garciaparra
#11- Texas Rangers- CF Carlos Beltran
#12- New York Mets- SP Mark Prior
#13- Houston Astros- CF Vernon Wells
#14- Minnesota Twins- SP Byung Hyun-Kim
#15- Milwaukee Brewers- RF Magglio Ordonez
#16- Kansas City Royals- SP Rodgrigo Lopez
#17- Cleveland Indians- 2B Jeff Kent
#18- Detroit Tigers- 3B Erik Hinske
#19- Chicago Whitesox- 1B Erubiel Durazo
#20- Arizona Diamondbacks- RF Gary Sheffield
#21- Chicago Cubs- SP Javier Vasquez
#22- New York Yankees- C Ivan Rodriguez
#23- Tampa Bay Devil Rays- RG Bobby Kielty
#24- San Diego Padres- LF Cliff Floyd
#25- Seattle Mariners- RF Ichiro Suzuki
#26- Philadelphia Phillies- SP Jeff Weaver
#27- Baltimore Orioles- 1B John Olerud
#28- Pittsburgh Pirates- CF Mike Cameron
#29- San Francisco Giants- 3B Scott Rolen
#30- Montreal Expos- SP Mike Mussina

[Big Willis 16]

Round 3-

#1- Cincinnati Reds- SP Josh Beckett
#2- Anaheim Angels- CF Ken Griffey Jr.
#3- Florida Marlins- CF Torii Hunter
#4- Atlanta Braves- LF Adam Dunn
#5- Boston Redsox- 1B Josh Phelps
#6- St. Louis Cardinals- 1B Mike Sweeney
#7- Colorado Rockies- RF J.D. Drew
#8- Los Angeles Dodgers- 1B Brad Fullmer
#9- Toronto Blue Jays- CF Mark Kotsay
#10- Oakland A’s- SP Kerry Wood
#11- Texas Rangers- 1B Rafael Palmeiro
#12- New York Mets- 1B Todd Helton
#13- Houston Astros- SS Edgar Renteria
#14- Minnesota Twins- CF Corey Patterson
#15- Milwaukee Brewers- SP Roger Clemens
#16- Kansas City Royals- C J.D. Closser
#17- Cleveland Indians- RF Jermaine Dye
#18- Detroit Tigers- SP Mark Mulder
#19- Chicago Whitesox- SP Wade Miller
#20- Arizona Diamondbacks- SP A.J. Burnett
#21- Chicago Cubs- C Mike Piazza
#22- New York Yankees- SP Derek Lowe
#23- Tampa Bay Devil Rays- SP John Lackey
#24- San Diego Padres- SP Joel Piniero
#25- Seattle Mariners- SP Ramon Ortiz
#26- Philadelphia Phillies- SS Derek Jeter
#27- Baltimore Orioles- SP Damian Moss
#28- Pittsburgh Pirates- 3B Edgardo Alfonso
#29- San Francisco Giants- CF Preston Wilson
#30- Montreal Expos- 2B Jose Vidro

[scoobz0202]

Cincinnati will rule all.

[Big Willis 16]

especially with josh beckett

[scoobz0202]

Dont knock it. Raining MVP mixed with Vlad the Impaler and its all over.

[thebigUNIT]

Great job with the first round recap. A lot of suprising picks..

[Big Willis 16]

Thanks.. yeah there was a lot.

[ctorg]

I'd be surprised if the teams agreed to that order and not a serpentine draft.