1987 and On: The Replacement Era

[Vris]

Okay, quick stuff before I post the beginnings.

1) This uses 6.12 as I'm too cheap to get 6.5. Just ask Akrobat.
2) 1987 is semi-random as I wanted to go through the 90s in a fictional setting.
3) Most of what you are reading is going to be fictional, but there are some real life elements mixed in.
4) If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask. This isn't perfect. If all works out in the end, I might even turn it online. Though I've never done that before, so who knows.

Without further ado....

[Vris]

October, 1986

METS COMPLETE MIRACULOUS COMEBACK!
Win 1st WS in 17 years


Bill Buckner will never live this down.

The first baseman's error in the tenth inning of Game 6 broke a 5-5 tie and let the Mets tie the World Series at 3 games apiece. Yesterday, the Mets completed the championship victory with an 8-5 win, in Boston, over the AL champion Red Sox. This marks the 2nd World Championship for the Mets, their first being in 1969, 7 years after their inception. The Red Sox are again on the short end of the stick, as they haven't won a championship since 1918, 68 years ago.

This marks the end of the 1986 season. However, the commissioner has been very adament in wanting to put an end to free agency. Of course, the players believe free agency has been the best thing to happen to the game in some time. Lots of discussion is apparent for the offseason, with some players even talking about hanging up their cleats for the season if free agency is done away with.

[Vris]

January, 1987

PLAYERS DON'T GET THEIR WAY
Will sit out the next season


Baseball has seen a dark day. It looks as if there will not be a 1987 season.

Baseball's commissioner has been very adament in wanting to get rid of free agency, trying to bring the reserve clause back into play, saying: “Baseball has seen an increase in offense, and a decrease in player loyalty.” With the reserve clause in effect, players will not be able to move from team to team, unless he was traded or outright released. The players did not favor the idea and instead, will sit out the season indefinitely. The commissioner has not found a remedy to having baseball for the 1987 season. The players will not get paid for striking.

[Vris]

March 1, 1987

THERE WILL BE BASEBALL!
Replacement players to take the field


In an unprecedented move, baseball's commissioner has decided that there will be baseball in 1987, no matter how they get the players.

Baseball's commissioner, today, decided that the MLB will adopt an age old rule, saying that if the players strike, then the commissioner can hold a replacement draft, with players between the age of 17-25, to fill in the void left by the striking major leaguers. A notice has been sent out to high schools and colleges across America and Canada, urging the top prospects to come out to the special tryout being held on March 15.

The 3 day event will test all skills a player needs to possess to be a top-flight major league player. Scouts and GMs from all 26 major league clubs will be attendence, grading each player on a 2-8 scale, with 8 being the best. For the draft, a lottery will be held, with each team getting a fair and equal chance at the top pick. It will be a serpentine draft, as each team will need to stock their system. The draft will be held on March 19, after the 3-day tryout.

[Vris]

March 18, 1987

DRAFT TOMORROW
Who is eyeing who?

With the MLB draft order still undecided, here is a position-by-position breakdown of the players to keep an eye on (scouts ratings are based on a 2-8 scale, Contact/Power/Eye; or in the case of pitchers: Stuff/Control/Movement).

Catcher

1.Jose Porcaro (17 years old, 5/7/8 over 5/7/8)
--Best pure catcher in the draft, though his defense leaves a little to be desired. Amazed scouts with his ability to put the ball to whichever field he wanted. Has power to all fields

2.Robert Kent (18 years old, 4/3/6 over 6/6/8)
--Needs a little bit of work, but does have the talent to play now. Probably is better suited to sit another year as he isn't as polished offensively as Porcaro. Is a better defender, and has an average arm. Incredible patience and knows how to take a walk just as good as anyone.

3.Tyron Beck (21 years old, 4/3/4 over 5/7/7)
--Like Kent, isn't as developed as Porcaro, but should be able to make an impact.. Better defender than both, sacrifices his body to block all pitches. Threw a strike from his knees from the backstop to second base to nail a would-be base stealer. Scouts were more impressed with his speed running the bases, being a catcher and everything.

4. Bruce Stoltenberg (22 years old, 5/6/8 over 5/6/8)
--Is ready to play and produce now. Will start almost immediately. Is very similar to Porcaro in all aspects, though is quicker around the bases and has a better throwing arm. Also is a great bunter, something he prides himself on.

5.Larry Thomas (17 years old, 5/7/8 over 5/7/8)
--Possess many of the same skills, and talents, as all the other catchers. However, he is not as experienced as he only played one year of high school ball. Has a below-average throwing arm and no speed or other useful skills. His new-ness to the game affects his ability to call the right pitches in certain situations. English is his second language, to French.

Other names to look out for:
Charles Klahn (5/6/7 over 5/6/7)
Jim Dunn (5/5/6 over 5/5/6)
Florentino Heredia (4/2/4 over 5/4/6)

[Vris]

March 18, 1987

DRAFT TOMORROW
cont..

1st Baseman

1.Eric Ludwick (17 years old, 7/8/8 over 7/8/8)
--This kid has all the tools to be a successful major leaguer. Can hit for average and power, as well having the patience of a saint. Can watch the closest pitches go by without fear. Average defender, but defense is not the first skill needed for a first baseman. Has no speed and is a notorious pull hitter. Defenses will have a nasty shift to defend him, though he is a switch hitter.

2.Earl Gillard (17 years old, 7/7/5 over 7/7/5)
--Another young, switch-hitting first baseman. Has great power to all fields, and can hit for average as well. Doesn't have as good as an eye as Ludwick, but covers more range defensively and is an excellent base stealer. Can go from 1st to 3rd on a single very easily.

3.Austin Ellis (22 years old, 7/7/7 over 7/7/7)
--Another offensively gifted 1st baseman, this recent college graduate can do it all. Wowed the crowed with a 525 ft homerun in batting practice. Is only right handed, but can hit the ball all over the field. Slow footed and doesn't really cover first base very well. Probably better suited for DH.

4.Fernando “King Kong” Chavez (25 years old, 7/8/8 over 7/8/8)
--A monster with the bat. Also older and more experienced. Not a liability defensively either, as he can cover his position fairly well. Rarely lets and errant throw get by him. By far the most polished 1B in the draft.

5.Clinton Pizzo (18 years old, 6/7/8 over 6/7/8)
--Native to Italy, Pizzo is going to be a fine player. Has power to all fields, and is known to spread the ball all over the outfield. However, he is slow and is known to hit into a few double plays. Another defensive liability, has problems going to his right to field a ball.

Other names to look for
John “Thrifty” Marrs (4/3/6 over 6/6/8)
Johnny Melvin (3 /4/5 over 5/7/7)
Jose Valdecilla (6/7/6 over 6/7/6)
Richard Eckhardt (6/8/7 over 6/8/7)

[Vris]

March 18, 1987

DRAFT TOMORROW
cont...


Second Baseman

1.James Neil (22 years old, 6/6/6 over 6/6/6)
--Extremely gifted lefthander, as he can play shortstop as well as second, though not nearly as proficiently. Probbly has a few GG up his sleeve in the next few years, as well as a few stolen base titles. Can beat out the slowest of slow rollers. Bunting is a skill, though his knack for bunting for a hit needs work.


2.Dustin Harrell (17 years old, 3/3/6 over 6/7/8)
--Has the potential to be the best 2nd baseman ever, offensively, but needs work. Defense is shaky to put in the middle infield, and has a poor arm. Not very fast, as he finished poorly in the run around the bases. Has trouble bunting in pressure situations. Could be great if he lives up the hype, though.

3.Dennis “Thumper” Miles (17 years old, 4/3/4 over 5/6/7)
--Nicknamed “Thumper” for his habit of thumping his leg when he's sitting down, Miles has the tools to be a decent 2nd bagger for a long time. Can play short as well, but 2nd is his natural, more gifted position. Is extremely quick on the bases, and can read a pitcher like no one's business.

4.Eduardo Cajigas (21 years old, 3/3/4 over 6/7/7)
--Not a bad 2B, but his range is limited. Confuses himself with the shortstop often. Has some good wheels and can fly when needed. Though he was a college 2nd baseman, he was actually an accomplished high school pitcher, and can throw pretty well in a pinch if need be.

5.Juan Mendoza (20 years old, 6/6/8 over 6/6/8)
Mendoza can handle a bat from either side of the plate very well. Has extreme patience and can take a walk just as well as he can hit. However, defense is a problem. He has no range and can barely make the throw from 2nd to 1st on a double play. He has no speed nor can he bunt. Should be replaced in later innings for a better fielder.

Other names to look for
Terry Palen (5/6/8 over 5/6/8)

[Vris]

March 18, 1987

DRAFT TOMORROW
cont...



Third Baseman

1.Ramon Romo (20 years old, 4/4/5 over 6/8/8)
--Has the talent to put the ball over any fence in the league. Can also play 2nd base if needed, bu prefers 3rd. Has a cannon for an arm and makes the hardest plays look relatively easy. Should sit a year behind a more experienced player to get the feel for the game more.

2.Harold “Ice Cold” Waldron (17 years old, 7/8/8 over 7/8/8)
--Generally regarded as the top hitting prospect in the replacement draft, is ready to play now and play often. Needs the bat in his hands in the biggest situations and usually comes through. Defense isn't a liability, but can be worked on. Has a great arm to get the ball to first. No speed, but that's about the only thing he can't do.

3.Zachary “The Sorcerer” Mericle (17 years old, 6/7/8 over 6/7/8)
--Nicknamed “The Sorcerer” because he makes some magical things happen with the bat, Mericle is a fantastic player. Not only proficient at 3rd, but can play 1B and SS if absolutely needed to. Could win a gold glove at any of those positions. Can run the bases well and has the speed to score from 1st base. Has a great arm and can get the ball across the diamond. Finds a way to get on base when he's at the plate and will make it around usually.

4.Blake Dittrich (18 years old, 6/7/6 over 6/7/6)
--Not quite as good as the ones above him in this list, Dittrich is still a damn fine player. Adequate defensively, but can be inconsistent with the bat. A little bit of speed, but not enough to go ape over. Will be a fine backup plan once the big guys at 3rd are taken.

5.Sabas Salas (22 years old, 4/4/5 over 5/7/8)
--Salas is a fine talent, but is exceptionally weak defensively. He also needs to work on his offensive skills to get them up to wear they should be for this level. He is not a first round pick, more of a late round, “hope and see”.

Other names to look for
Christian Housel (3/3/3 over 5/7/5)
Ruben Franco (4/4/4 over 5/7/6)

[Vris]

March 18, 1987

DRAFT TOMORROW
cont...


Shortstop

1.Bill Jowett (22 years old, 6/7/6 over 6/7/6)
--Great knack for hitting the ball and getting on base. Excellent range defensively, but can be a little sloppy. Can also play 2B and 3B very well, and has an excellent arm to throw across the diamond. A fantastic runner, should be able to steal upwards of 30 bases a year.

2.Christopher Chenier (17 years old, 6/7/8 over 6/7/8)
--Can hit the ball a long, long way. And a lefty to boot. Is what all players should strive to be offensively. On defense, he is very weak. Can't cover much ground, and has never played another position. A weak arm, but can get enough on it to throw across the field. Adequate speed and base running ability, but nothing really overly special.

3.Harry Zeledon (19 years old, 5/6/7 over 5/6/7)
--Another fine offensive specimen. Can play 2nd as well as SS, and both to gold glove capacity. Scoops up just about everything sight. Will probably short hop a throw or two to first, so should be paired with a very good defensive first baseman. Has glaring speed; can really book it around the bases.

4.Oliver Parrino (18 years old, 5/5/7 over 5/5/7)
--Has excellent bat control. More than adequate power and finds a way to get on base. Can bunt very well. His defense is average and needs to be worked on. Not the fastest, but has good instincts.


5.Raymond Carmean (20 years old, 5/5/4 over 5/5/4)
--Better suited to be a 2nd baseman as he has great range on the right side of the infield. Can play short, just not as well. Does have a great arm. Not great shakes offensively, but can get on. Above average speed and base stealing ability. Can do damage when he gets on base. Can bunt pretty well too.

[Vris]

March 18, 1987

DRAFT TOMORROW
cont..

Leftfield

1.Randall Cullen (21 years old, 6/7/8 over 6/7/8)
--Randall is your typical 5-tooled player. He can hit for average, as well as power. He has phenomenal patience at the plate. He pretty much knows what to do when he steps up to bat. Not only that, but he is not a liability in the outfield. Has great range and ability to play both left and right field. The only thing about his defense that was questioned over the 3 days was his arm. It's not the greatest in the world. On top of all that, he can run around the bases just as fast as anyone. It's a deceptive speed though. He has great vision and can read a pitcher very well.

2.Mark Goldblatt (20 years old, 5/8/8 over 5/8/8)
--Mark is a phenomenal talent. He wowed the scouts this past weekend with is ability to hit any pitch out of the park. His batting average is a little weak, but he makes up for it with his excellent eye. Not the fastest thing in the world, but can hold his own on the basepaths. His defense is average, if not a little better. Has never attempted another position other than leftfield though, so he shouldn't try any other one in the majors.

3.John “Mauler” Bowden (18 years old, 6/7/8 over 6/7/8)
--The sky is the limit for Mauler. An incredible lefthanded pull hitter, really does some damage when he's att he plate. Pitchers are scared to throw to this guy, fully expecting him to knock into next week. Defensively, he can hold his own. Above average range and rarely lets a ball get by him. Can also play rightfield, but not nearly as well. Has an above average arm. Almost nailed a guy at first.

4.Thomas Olszewski (21 years old, 6/7/7 over 6/7/7)
--Another lefty, Thomas should be fine starting in the big leagues. His average and power are more than ready. He's only an average defender, so that needs a little work. His arm is fantastic though, as he threw a strike from leftfield to the plate in warmups. He's not that fast, and can barely lay down a bunt.

5.Gil Alvardo (23 years old, 5/7/8 over 5/7/8)
Can play both leftfield and rightfield equally, which is about average. Has a cannon for an arm though, can really unload. Another great offensive specimen, and can book it around the bases hardcore. Can't bunt to save his life though, better suited as a #2 or #8/9 guy in the lineup.

Others to check out
John Carpino (6/6/8 over 6/6/8)
Larry Seawell (5/5/6 over 5/5/6)

[Vris]

March 18, 1987

DRAFT TOMORROW


Centerfield

1.Gary Marmol (17 years old, 4/4/6 over 6/8/8)
--Gary is a great talent, but there is no telling if he can live up to it. He has shown signs of being a powerful hitter, but there is the new factor. His defensive range is skeptical, as he can play centerfied and rightfield, but not great shakes at either position. His speed is adequate. He needs to develop though. Maybe time in the lineup, maybe taking a year to watch the big boys.

2.Javier “The Law” Abreu (18 years old, 4/3/4 over 6/7/6)
--Another kid right out of high school, Javier has flashed great moments. Again, he needs some work. There is no questioning his ability to play the position, as he can cover it with the best of them. His arm is fine, as he can reach home on one bounce. Speed is also not a question with him, but he has some problems reading the pitcher and was picked off countless times in tryouts. Scouts still like his ability and are willing to give him a shot.

3.Tommy “Sticky Hands” Bellantoni (17 years old, 6/8/8 over 6/8/8)
--If anyone is more ready to play, I haven't met him. “Sticky Hands” is going to have a long, prosperous career as a ballplayer. He can whack the ball all over the field wherever he wants. He is limited by being strictly right handed, but that's hardly a shortcoming. His range in centerfield and rightfield are nearly unmatched, but he tends to try to put on a show and instead of actually catching the ball, dives over or under it resulting in extra bases. Hopefully he can work on that. He has great speed, but sometimes forgets to go or get a jump on the pitcher. Can score from first with ease on slow rolling base hit though.

4.Mark Ridgeway (17 years old, 6/6/7 over 6/6/7)
--Ridgeway is going to be a dependable outfielder for a numerous amount of years. Maybe not a superstar, but he should be decent enough to hold his job. His defense is fine, but hardly gold glove quality. He's not the fastest along the bases, but not the slowest either. His arm is incredibly weak throwing from the outfield, and he is limited to only centerfield. It should be interesting to see how he develops as he gets older.

5.Andreas Linares (22 years old, 5/6/7 over 5/6/7)
--Andreas is a fine player. Not first round good, but should put up solid numbers. He can get on base and find his way to home. Again, bunting is not a strength. Neither is defense, really. He has average range at centerfield and rightfield, with solid fielding at both. His arm is above average, so he can get it the ball back in the infield.


Other names to look for:
Bill Neilsen (5/7/4 over 5/7/4)
Cosme Rius (5/5/7 over 5/5/7)
Juan “King Kong” Font (3/3/4 over 5/6/7)
Raymond Secor (5/5/7 over 5/5/7)

[Vris]

March 18, 1987

DRAFT TOMORROW
cont...

Rightfield

1.Tom Palermo (21 years old, 7/4/8 over 7/4/8)
--Can mash the ball, but average power. Can't muscle it out of the park like a lot of these players. Makes up for it with a fantastic eye. Can play all 3 outfield defensive positions, though he has much better range at rightfield than any other. His arm is weak and is errant at times. Great bunter, but not much speed to speak of.

2.Alberto Paniagua (17 years old, 6/7/7 over 6/7/7)
--Much more power than Polermo, but otherwise on par with him. His defense is not something to write home about, as he lets a lot of balls bounce past him. Very fast, but makes a lot of bad decisions on the base paths and forgets how many outs there are constantly.

3.Robert Fraser (19 years old, 7/7/6 over 7/7/6)
--Should start right away. Has great talent. Scouts were really high on this guy. Again, just an average defensive outfielder, but certainly an offensive whiz. Not much speed and not much skill otherwise.

4.Castor Punal (20 years old, 4/2/3 over 5/4/5)
--Not nearly in the same class, offensively, as the aforementioned. But is great in the field. Can tract down any ball in right or left field, and can gun down anyone running the bases. Is fast as anything and should be able to steal a lot of bases for a high percentage. Needs to find ways to get on base, though, or might be a career pinch hitter.

5.Deon Zorrilla (21 years old, 5/6/6 over 5/6/6)
--Could be serviceable 3rd or 4th outfielder. Excellent bat control, and can lay down a perfect bunt everytime. Otherwise, he doesn't have too much going for him. Not a very good defender, and has a poor arm. Below average base runner.

[Vris]

March 18, 1987

DRAFT TOMORROW
cont...


Starting Pitcher

1.Clyde Cupples (22 years old, 8/7/6 over 8/7/6)
--Should dominate. Has electric stuff and should blow down any hitter. Can field his position well. The knock on him is the endurance factor. Scouts are pretty unanimous in believing he will not finish a game, and will have a hard time going past 5-6 innings a start. How this effects his draft position is unknown.

2.Anthony “Cutter” Petrovich (18 years old, 8/6/7 over 8/6/7)
--Nicknamed “Cutter” because of the nasty movement on his fastball, should not have a problem at all. The only knock on him is that he's relatively young and hasn't faced stiff competition. Has excellent stamina and will finish a few games. Gives up just as many ground ball outs as fly outs. Poor fielder. And the fact that he is a lefty is even more intimidating. Scouts are calling him the #1 prospect in the draft.

3.Tim Dille (21 years old, 7/7/5 over 7/7/5)
--Another top spect, Dille is going to be special. Definitely a ground ball pitcher, needs to be surrounded by a top flight infield. His endurance isn't questioned. Not a great fielder, but can hold his own. Has been clocked out at 99 MPH on his fast ball.

4.Robert “Bones” Burrill (23 years old, 4/4/4 over 7/6/6)
--Needs some work, but should be nice to watch in a couple years. Needs to watch the big guys play as he never played professional ball before now. Horrible fielder, as his windup leaves a lot to be decided. Quality endurance. More of a fly ball pitcher.

5.Nicholas Morris (7/6/7 over 7/6/7)
--Ready now to contribute. Will last long into games and has a nasty 12-6 curveball. Gives up a fly ball to ground ball at about a 3-1 ratio, as noticed in the 3 day stretch. Positions himself to field well after each pitch, and can handle a bat decently (for a pitcher) if he goes to a NL club.

6.Brian “Seaweed” Oliver (22 years old, 6/6/7 over 6/6/7)
--Origins of nickname are unknown. Another one who can handle a bat and can bunt very well. Can hold runners on, which is a must for a righty. Better with his changeup than his fastball (clocked in at 91 MPH). Not a bad defender for a pitcher.

7.Larry Kowalsky (20 years old, 7/7/6 over 7/7/6)
--Nasty splitfinger that is impossible to hit. Again, the endurance factor is an issue, as he tires fast and easily. A lefty, so holding runners on is no problem. Fine fielder.

8.Benji Massa (23 years old, 4/4/4 over 8/6/6)
--Fantastic talent and has a great future. Would be ideal coming out of the bullpen to start his career, to build up the endurance. A superb bunter and an excellent fielder, could win a gold glove in that regard. Needs to work on his stuff though to fulfill his talent.

9.Tony “Cosmos” Rosado (20 years old, 7/7/5 over 7/7/5)
--Scouts are really high on this guy. Has superb stuff and a ridiculous slider. Finishing games should be no problem for this guy. An excellent fielder, and a lefty. So he has a lot going for him.

10.Benito Rivera (19 years old, 4/5/3 over 8/6/4)
--Has a high ceiling, but needs work to get close to his potential. Moderate endruance, so he should be able to rest the bullpen when needed. Another fly ball type pitcher and an excellent bunter. Defense needs work.

Other names to look for:
Todd Burnett (7/6/7 over 7/6/7)
Larry York (7/6/7 over 7/6/7)
Alberto Martinez (7/4/6 over 7/4/6)
Craig Weaver (5/4/6 over 7/5/7)

[Vris]

March 18, 1987

DRAFT TOMORROW
cont...


Middle Relief

1.Francisco Maestas (22 years old, 4/2/3 over 8/6/6)
--Overpowering at times, but needs work. Above average endurance for a reliever, can almost get a ground ball at will. Can actually hit a little if needed, but can't bunt. Can't field spectacularly.

2.Alex Rios (17 years old, 3/2/4 over 7/6/6)
--Just out of high school, the kid needs some work. But he could be good. The endurance isn't a question, since he is projected to pitch out of a deep bullpen. Fielding is a problem, as his set after the pitch is awkward.

3.Luis Barrera (23 years old, 4/6/3 over 7/7/5)
--Another middle reliever with little to no experience. Can field his position well though. Can hold his own with the bat too, but probably won't be asked to do that much. His fastball is topped out at 91.

Others to watch for
Jairo Iglesias (5/5/5 over 7/6/7)
Douglas English (4/2/3 over 8/6/4)
Jimmy Jackson (7/6/6 over 7/6/6)

[Vris]

March 18, 1987

DRAFT TOMORROW
cont...


Closer

1.Leon Savala (18 years old, 7/7/7 over 7/7/7)
--Just an overpowering fastball and wicked curveball, this kid is going to be something special. Will have no problems finishing games for the right club. Excellent groundball capability. If needed, can swing the bat just as well as any pitcher.

2.Thomas Weldy (17 years old, 8/5/7 over 8/5/7)
--Can pitch some middle relief as well as close, but is much suited for closing as he really only has two pitches: fastball and changeup. Poor fielder, but won't be on the field all that much.

3.James Jenks (24 years old, 8/6/7 over 8/6/7)
--Dominant during the 3 day tryout. Would not give up a hit. Topped out at 97 MPH and blows it by hitters, keeping them off balance with a nasty curveball. Ends up with more flyballs than ground outs.

Other names to look for:
Lynwood Bradley (8/4/7 over 8/4/7)
Henry Hinrichs (7/6/5 over 7/6/5)
Manual Suarez (7/6/7 over 7/6/7)

[Vris]

PROJECTED DRAFT FINISH

1. SP Petrovich
2. 1B Ludwick
3. 1B Chavez
4. 3B Mericle
5. CF Bellantoni
6. SP York
7. 3B Waldron
8. SP Morris
9. LF Bowden
10. SS Chenier
11. 1B Gillard
12. 1B Ellis
13. SP Rosado
14. SP Oliver
15. RF Paniagua
16. SP Graybill
17. SP Daluz
18. RF Fraser
19. SP Betancourt
20. SP Dille
21. LF Cullen
22. SP Parsons
23. SP Jacinto
24. 2B Neill
25. 1B Pizzo
26. SP Leavens

[Vris]

March 19, 1987

YANKEES WIN LOTTERY
Expected to take pitching first overall


In a move that, frankly, surprised no one, the New York Yankees won the right to select first overall in the 1987 Replacement Draft. “It's quite an honor to be able to select first, giving us quite the edge over the rest of the ballclubs out there” was the official response out of the Yankee clubhouse. The American League franchise actually sent the least amount of scouts to the 3 day tryout, but were quite impressed with a number of the starting pitching prospects that were there. Notably, “Cutter” Petrovich, who many proclaim as the best of the players who are available. The Yanks are also eyeing the three slugging first basemen; Ludwick, Ellis, or Chavez.

The American League ended up with the first 4 selections, so look for the big hitters to go early. Texas nabbed the #2 selection, followed by Boston at #3 and Milwaukee at #4. The Atlanta Braves will finish out the top 5. Major League Baseball will be using a serpentine order, so the order flips for every round. In this case, the Yankees will have the first pick in all the odd rounds, but the last pick in all the even rounds. This adds a balance so it doesn't seem the teams who were randomly selected get an advantage at taking the top talent. The Replacement Draft will cover 60 rounds. The rest of the 1987 Draft Order:

1. New York (A)
2. Texas
3. Boston
4. Milwaukee
5. Atlanta
6. Cleveland
7. New York (N)
8. Houston
9. Minnesota
10. Toronto
11. San Diego
12. Chicago (N)
13. St. Louis
14. California
15. Seattle
16. Montreal
17. Philadelphia
18. Baltimore
19. Chicago (A)
20. Kansas City
21. Pittsburgh
22. San Francisco
23. Cincinnati
24. Los Angeles
25. Detroit
26. Oakland


(more will probably be coming probably tomorrow or by the end of the weekend)

[cknox0723]

nice write-ups, d00d. i have a league like this that i played with a bit when i thought the pale hose were gone -- just a random draft set in a random year, you know, but with the MLB teams, because i was too lazy to think of a good idea for a league. but it became a lot of fun! you follow players' careers and get attached, especially if you don't go too, too fast. (i found that going a week at a time was a nice pace) if you win, it is a struggle to keep "your guys" around and still finish at the top of the standings. if you lose, it is fun, to me, to follow the julio lugos of the world.

i played 10 years with that league, never made it past the first round of the playoffs. still fire it up occasionally.

so, erm, anyway, i will be looking forward to see how you incorporate the real-life elements into this. and what levels of the minors did you fill to create the league?

[Vris]

Originally Posted by Pale Hose Guy

and what levels of the minors did you fill to create the league?

Au contraire, mon ami.

1) New Custom League
2) Set up league to mirror 1987 league setup
3) Fictional Players
4) Edit like crazy

At this point I want to thank Pierre and Ankit. Their stuff was instrumental in the creation of this project.

[Vris]

March 20, 1987

YANKS TAKE PETROVICH
Get A+ on draft


The Yankees solidified their battery for years to come when they took pitcher Anthony Petrovich with the first overall selection in the draft, and followed that up with catcher Bruce Stoltenberg with the last pick in the second round. The Yanks were ecstatic to see Stoltenberg still around. “I thought he was a first round selection, at least top of the second, no doubt” said the New York GM.

The rest of the top 5 went not nearly as predicted, starting with Clyde Cupples taken second overall by the Texas Rangers. Scouts weren't too high on him at the beginning of the tryout, but after they watched his approach to taking the mound and he said he would work on developing his upper body strength, his stock soared. Texas didn't waste any time in nabbing him. Then it was a run on first baseman. The Red Sox decided to go with offense first and took the best hitter in the draft, Fernando Chavez. Seeing him go against Petrovich for the next ten years certainly looks like a lot of fun. The Brewers made a little noise when they took 1B/3B/SS Zach Mericle. Many expected them to take 1B Eric Ludwick at that point, who went fifth overall to the Atlanta Braves. Here is a rundown of the first two rounds:

1987 Draft Log (Rounds 1 and 2):

New York (A) pick: P Anthony Petrovich
Texas pick: P Clyde Cupples
Boston pick: 1B Fernando Chavez
Milwaukee pick: 3B Zachary Mericle
Atlanta pick: 1B Eric Ludwick
Cleveland pick: P Larry York
New York (N) pick: CF Tommy Bellantoni
Houston pick: P Larry Kowalsky
Minnesota pick: P Brian Oliver
Toronto pick: 3B Harold Waldron
San Diego pick: P Nicholas Morris
Chicago (N) pick: P Todd Burnett
St. Louis pick: LF John Bowden
California pick: P Tom Winkleman
Seattle pick: SS Christopher Chenier
Montreal pick: P Lonnie Daluz
Philadelphia pick: 1B Earl Gillard
Baltimore pick: LF Randell Cullen
Chicago (A) pick: P Tony Rosado
Kansas City pick: P Tim Dille
Pittsburgh pick: 2B James Neill
San Francisco pick: RF Robert Fraser
Cincinnati pick: SS Bill Jowett
Los Angeles pick: RF Alberto Paniagua
Detroit pick: 1B Austin Ellis
Oakland pick: LF Mark Goldblatt

Round 2:

Oakland pick: P Ward Ng
Detroit pick: P Robert Betancourt
Los Angeles pick: 1B Clinton Pizzo
Cincinnati pick: P Tommie Graybill
San Francisco pick: P Michale Parsons
Pittsburgh pick: LF Gil Alvardo
Kansas City pick: 1B Richard Eckhardt
Chicago (A) pick: LF Thomas Olszewski
Baltimore pick: P Michael Jacinto
Philadelphia pick: P David Mowrer
Montreal pick: 2B Juan Mendoza
Seattle pick: P Richard Leavens
California pick: CF Mark Ridgeway
St. Louis pick: P David Stewart
Chicago (N) pick: C Jose Porcaro
San Diego pick: SS Harry Zeledon
Toronto pick: P Thomas Graham
Minnesota pick: RF Tom Palermo
Houston pick: 3B Blake Dittrich
New York (N) pick: P Warren Cleghorn
Cleveland pick: C Larry Thomas
Atlanta pick: P Alberto Martinez
Milwaukee pick: P Chris Waters
Boston pick: P Joseph Tolliver
Texas pick: 2B Tony Mora
New York (A) pick: C Bruce Stoltenberg


Team capsules and a look at opening day coming up.