Annual Draft Review - Season 11

The talent level of the class of season 11 was not considered to be very deep. In talks with some veteran scouts i was informed that this could be the worst crop in the past 4-5 seasons. Still there was good value to be had with the right amount of effort. The draft this season saw a focus on youth. There were 21 high school players drafted among the top 48 selections. The number of Juco players was up as there were a surprising 15 taken among the top 48. While the division 1 ranks saw just 12 players snatched up in the first round.

1.Indianapolis Colt 45's - Bernie Larson $4,000,000 MILB ****
The worst kept secret of this seasons draft was that the sweet swinging Rockford, OH product would go #1. A raw talent but expected for his age. Shows great ability to make contact and drive the ball to the opposite field. Will never be a liability on the base paths and has the potential to become a true franchise player. His offense is more advanced than his defense at this point. But the latter will come in time.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 13
Major League Comparison: Chase Utley
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
2.Memphis Chickasaws - Dorian Johnstone $4,780,000 MILB ***
A very raw HS prospect out of NY. A very fast runner who flashes good power potential and makes contact with the ball. Drafted as a 2B but his future likely lies at a corner OF position. Will end up being very productive throughout his career should he reach his potential.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 13-14
Major League Comparison: Matt Kemp
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
3.Washington D.C. West Wingers - Hugh Guerrero $5,000,000 MILB ****
The West Wingers paid a pretty penny to snag the rangy cali boy. A bit raw as it stands but has the potential to round into a complete player. Could play 2B or any of the OF spots. Once he finds a position it won't be much trouble for his bat to gain him recognition.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Major League Comparison: Ryan Braun
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
4.Houston Councils for Foreign Relation - Ken James $7,930,000 ****
A flat out stud of a pitcher. Has a sick curveball that dazzles hitters whenever he needs an out. Control and poise are staples of his game. Rarely gets distracted on the mound. Has the potential to be a top of the rotation starter if he can keep his penchant for giving up HR's in check.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 13-14
Major League Comparison: Zack Greinke
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
5.Cleveland Blazers - Napoleon Rogers $3,630,000 MILB ****
A very good college arm with the potential to be a very good ML pitcher. Possesses a very good fastball with a good curveball. Not going to light up the radar gun but will get you outs by keeping the ball down and controlling the strike zone.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Major League Comparison: Derek Lowe
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
6.Tampa Bay Tic-Tacs - Norm Pisciotta $3,540,000 MILB ***
A very good hitter. More drive the ball for singles,doubles and potentially triples than for power. Makes alot of contact and runs wild on the base paths when needed. Will do alot of things well but maybe not be elite at any one thing.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 13
Major League Comparison: Bobby Abreu
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
7.New York New York - Brad Haynes $5,986,000 MILB *****
One word is all that is needed to describe this player. ELITE... A flat out stud who will dominate once he fully develops. Rarely do you see a pitcher who can carry a franchise on his back go #7 but such is the case with Haynes. HOF potential.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 15
Major League Comparison: Johan Santana
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
8.Tampa Bay Tic-Tacs - Antone Hodges $3,350,000 MILB ****
Another potential franchise pitcher goes in this draft. Has a weakness vs right handers but the velocity and plus pitches can make up for it. He has 20+ game winner potential.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 15
Major League Comparison: Jake Peavy
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
9.Ottawa Primetimers - Dale Witt $3,250,000 MILB ***
The run on starters continues. The small in stature flamethrower gets tabbed as the pick here.
His overall pitches aren't the greatest but he can be effective enough to win a good amount of games.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 15
Major League Comparison: Dan Haren
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
10.Montreal Moose - Tony Hall $3,160,000 MILB ***
Has some control issues but otherwise a very good arm with 3 very good pitches. Will make a very good #3 starter or better in the future.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Major League Comparison: Jon Lester
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
11.Boise Land Sharks - Shooter Dixon $3,070,000 MILB *** 1/2
A long, lean and lanky pitcher with #2 starter potential. Doesn't throw at lightning speed but is productive in getting outs.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
12.Jacksonville PnBs - Bono Lavarnway $3,730,000 MILB ****
A potential franchise cornerstone as a position player. Will be a consistent player and should be up for all-star consideration year in and year out. Might even develop into a MVP candidate with the power potential.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 15
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
13.Las Vegas Immortals - Sergio Hennessey $2,880,000 MILB ***
A SS with good power potential. Not a very good hitter but the power and ability to make contact should help overcome the mechanical issues. Will be a good fielder and potentially anchor the infield defense.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
14.Salt Lake City Jazz - Lonny Landrum $2,790,000 MILB ***
A good reliever who works especially well vs left handers. Owns a plus 4 seam FB and will be a good innings eater.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
15.Helena Triple H's - James Coleman $2,690,000 MILB ***
A polished college arm with good control. Could be on the fast track to the show. Should be a very good long reliever or possible #4-5 starter.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 13
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
16.Richmond Sons of Virginia - Adrian Horton $3,250,000 MILB w/STI ***
Should develop into a fleet footed 3B with a solid bat. Will never be a great defensive player but can get you through a season.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
17.Burlington Coat Factory - Johnny Colangelo $2,501,000 MILB *** 1/2
One of the most complete OF's in this class. Just shy of being a potential 5 tool player. Should hit for power,average and be a great defensive player.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
18.Cincinnati Marauders - Ned Kirby $2,410,000 MILB ***
Has a bright future as a setup man in the majors. Doesn't have the stuff to be a closer but could be a key 8th inning man.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
19.San Antonio Sandbaggers - Frank Ainsworth $2,320,000 MILB ****
Drafted as a SS but will likely have to be moved to 3rd or the OF. One of the more complete hitters in the SS class. Should become a all-star threat in the future depending upon the position.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
20.Montreal Moose -Felipe Lind $2,220,000 MILB ***
Has the potential to be a good short reliever in the future. Not quite good enough stuff to be a closer and might not have enough to be the 8th inning guy. But will be a weapon out of the pen.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
21.Pittsburgh Outlaws - Willis Sosa $2,130,000 MILB ***
Should become a solid bullpen arm in the future. Not great at any one thing but is good or better at many others.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
22.Chicago Chargers - Ted Rigney $2,040,000 MILB ***
A tall and lanky LHP with good potential to improve. Could be a very good #2 or better if he can overcome his weaknesses against right handed hitters.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
23.Santa Cruz Banana Slugs - Esteban Rodriguez $1,940,000 MILB ***
Should be a good LR in the future. Good control with a solid array of pitches. Not a huge amount of upside but enough to be a ML pitcher.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
24.St. Louis Spirits - Miller Simpson $1,850,000 MILB ***
Shows a bright future as a 8th inning setup man. Has good command and possesses two plus pitches. Should be able to get the job done very efficiently.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 13
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
25.Burlington Coat Factory - Donaldo Bonilla $1,750,000 MILB ***
Will be a good defensive 2B with a solid bat. Will never wow you as a hitter but could develop into a above average addition to the lineup.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14-15
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
26.Cincinnati Marauders - Tito Downs $1,660,000 MILB ***
A very good hitter who flashes near elite power potential. Not a true catcher so his future may lay at DH.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
27.Portland Rainmakers - Brett Lukasiewicz Not Signed *
Major League Debut ETA: N/A
Injury Concern Level: N/A
28.Rochester MCA - Tim Smoltz $1,470,000 MILB ***
Has all the tools to become a star catcher except a glaring hole in durability. When he's on he'll be a dynamic hitter. But the lack of durability will cause him to be nothing more than a pinch hitter.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 13
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
29.Rochester MCA - Bart Lawrence $1,580,000 MILB ***
Has very good potential to be a leadoff hitter. Great contact hitter who can bunt and steal. Should be a pretty good defensive CF as well.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 15
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
30.San Diego Padres - Benjamin Cole $2,141,500 MILB ***
A groudball inducing arm with very good control. Doesn't possess the stuff to be a consistent starter but could do well in the mop up role.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 13
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
31.Florida Villians - Glenn Hoffman $1,821,000 MILB ***
A very adept fielding SS who flashes good power potential. Not close to being a complete hitter but the power can get him by.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14-15
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
32.Salem Blue Jays - Rob Sears $1,100,000 MILB ***
Classic leadoff type player here. Not going to hit for much power. Can bunt, steal, play defense and draw walks. Terror on the bases who could develop into a 50-60 SB threat.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Injury Concern Level: 1.0

Supplemental Round
33.Charlotte Bobcats - Gene Thompson $1,000,000 MILB ***
Will never be a great player but has a shot at becoming a contributor at the ML level. Has control and a plus 4 seam FB on his side. Will have to overcome other flaws to suceed though.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14-15
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
34.Texas Rangers - Wily Mo Barker $960,000 MILB ***
Quite possibly the best defensive shortstop in this draft class. Flashes power potential but lacks overall offensive polish. Has a chance to be a everyday ML SS but could end up as a utility.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14-15
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
35.Toronto Trail of Tears - Earl McPherson $920,000 MILB ***
A good value pickup this late. Should be a ok or better long relief pitcher. Possesses good control and is effective enough to get outs.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
36.Charlotte Bobcats - Yoo-Nah Shinjo $880,000 MILB ****
A poised college closer with all-star potential. Everything you want in a closer or setup man, The only issue could come in with his hair trigger temper. Sometimes loses control, but when he's calm he's lethal.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 13-14
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
37.Montreal Moose - Sammy Perez $840,000 MILB ****
This could possibly be the steal of the draft. If he can reach his potential he could become a lethal threat either as a SP or a elite bullpen arm. If he can harness his control to limit his wildness then you are looking at a dynamic player.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
38.Burlington Coat Factory - Rafael Arias $800,000 MILB ***
This pick continues a trend of franchises drafting players with great defensive potential but low bat capabilities. Gold glove potential with defense and can get around the base paths. A somewhat liability on offense but should find a niche at the ML level.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
39.Rochester MCA - Willie Knight $760,000 MILB ***
Defensive stalwart who can man any position except catcher on the field. A poor hitter to say the least but his glove should land him a spot on the ML roster once he fills out.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 15
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
40.Toronto Trail of Tears - Clarence Dorsey $720,000 MILB *
More than a puzzling pick here. Not good at control, no plus pitches to speak of. Throws very hard but is just that. A thrower and not a pitcher. Wasted of a pick.
Major League Debut ETA: Never
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
41.Cleveland Blazers - Geronimo Rivera $680,000 MILB **
A lanky control artist with low velocity and will induce a lot of ground balls. The issue however is that he will not throw hard enough to beat advanced bats. So when he makes a mistake it will be a big one.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14-15(possibly)
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
42.Helena Triple H's - Michael Chang $640,000 MILB ***
A solid college arm who has slight control issues. Very good potential as a LR but could fill in the rotation as a #3-5 in a ok staff.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 13-14
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
43.Richmond Sons of Virginia - Roy Green $600,000 MILB ***
A future ML utility man type. Drafted as a SS but doesn't possess the range needed for the position. Likely to be able to field every position sans SS,CF and 2B.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
44.San Antonio Sandbaggers - Tony Lopez $600,000 MILB ****
Getting the young C with pop this late is a absolute steal. Will have to be moved to DH as he is a horrible defensive liability at catcher. But the bat should make him a future allstar quality hitter.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
45.Durham Wolverines - Vern Norton $1,280,000 MILB **
A ok college arm. Will likely be a AAAA type unless he is a diamond in the rough down the line.
Major League Debut ETA: Never
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
46.Florida Villains - James Saitou Not Signed*
Major League Debut ETA: N/A
Injury Concern Level: N/A
47.Charlotte Bobcats - Cam Ellis $600,000 MILB *
A terrible pick this high. More of a slot guy for round 20-25.
Major League Debut ETA: Never
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
48.Charlotte Bobcats - Russ Moore $900,000 MILB ***
A slick fielding 2B with a decent bat. Has high defensive potential at CF as well. Should be a multi season utility guy in the majors. If not more.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 14-15
Injury Concern Level: 3.0


Star Ranking System & potential
***** - Hall Of Famer
**** - Perennial All Star
*** - Solid Major League Contributor
** - AAAA Type
* - Minor League Roster Fodder

Health Concern
5.0 - 0-44 Severe health issues. Potentially projection affecting.
4.0 - 45-59 Very serious health concerns with DL trips likely mutiple times during a season.
3.0 - 60-74 Average health but nothing that should be woefully alarming.
2.0 - 75-89 Solid health and shouldn't make many trips to the DL
1.0 - 90-100 Oustanding health with injuries few and far between. Not likely to be severely injured.