Current League Media Outlet

**Hotwheelz** · 10-26-2002, 07:52 AM

Well we need a place to talk about the draft right? So I started this thread. Come here to post your opinions, in a news article type of fasion, on trades, draft picks, or to start a rumor. Please dont bash anybody. And if you happen to have an article written about you, either putting down a trade or draft pick, please dont be offended, because it is all in fun. On the flip side, try and be as nice as possible. Alright, now have fun

**Hotwheelz** · 10-26-2002, 08:01 AM

Who Came Out On Top In The First Round? Find Out Here

Well the first round of the inaugural draft is in the books. There a few surprises, but for the most part the players that we would expect to be taken, WERE taken. Alex went first of course. If he wasnt, then somebody should be shot. We didnt have to wait long for our first surprise, because with the second pick in the draft the Mets chose Barry Bonds.....wait, no, they passes him up for Chipper Jones? We will wait to see how that turns out, but for the time, its still a mystery why Bonds was passed over. But dont fret, Bonds has a good home now.....the thin air of Coors. Can you imagine the kind of numbers he will put up? Its just breathtaking. So why was Alfonso Soriano chosen in the first round? I cant think of a good reason. The kid had an awesome 2002 season, but does that warrant a first round choice? I dont think so. Hopefully the Angels make up for that in the second round. Ill still debating whether or not this choice was as bad as the last two choices of the round. Glaus and Gonzalez in the first round? I dont think so. At first glance, I would have slated these two for the second round at most. Just think, they could have had Berkman

**bigboi_03** · 10-26-2002, 08:17 AM

Good article; I like it.

**Hotwheelz** · 10-26-2002, 08:32 AM

Originally posted by bigboi_03
Good article; I like it.

I think it will be a very fun way to criticize people without calling people out. Come in here, give our opinions, and not piss anybody off

and BTW, wheres your article BigBoi?

J/K

**knucklehead7** · 10-26-2002, 09:59 AM

Hottie, I like this a lot. But be careful not to reference people who have not been picked. Would you mind changing that?

Other than that, I appreciate the efforts. Would love to see an article on our new owners.

**Hotwheelz** · 10-26-2002, 10:18 AM

I took out the reference to an unpicked player

And Ill work on those articles a little later. If anybody else feels like doing it, then go ahead. At the moment Im sorting all my baseball cards. Taking out the good ones, and getting rid of the others. The rate Im going, the draft will be over by the time Im done here

**BigKahunaMan** · 10-26-2002, 01:39 PM

Phillips Leaving a Youthful Foundation, by Hook or by Crook...?

October 26, 2002
New York Post

New York Mets staffers are frantically working around the clock to access the team's computer network, after a mysterious computer virus apparently left by outgoing GM Steve Phillips locked down their new "Auto-Draft" software and substituted their desired draft choices for a list drawn up by Phillips.

With the Mets facing nationwide criticism for their #1 choice of Chipper Jones and interim GM Wu unavailable for comment, Assistant GM Darrell Darrington attempted to put a bold face on the situation.

"We're obviously pleased to get a young man of Chipper's talents, to fill positions in the outfield or the infield for years to come. Picking Barry Bonds would have been nice, but we prefer to play for not only this year, but the future as well. We would also like to have a team clubhouse, not 24 players plus one. Mr. Phillips wanted to establish a youth movement to win both this year and in future years. Unfortunately, he seems to have restricted his picks to players 30 or younger, which we're working on changing for Round 2. If not, we still believe we'll contend in the NL East."

When asked where his superiors were, Darrington responded: "They're trying to fix Steve's mess, and they're in contact with federal authorities regarding this act of sabotage. Mr. Wu will have more comments after the end of Round 2."

**y2kornhusker** · 10-26-2002, 01:57 PM

BKM, just an idea, next time attribute your columns to the National Enquirer, it makes you look more credible.

**BigKahunaMan** · 10-26-2002, 02:14 PM

Originally posted by y2kornhusker
BKM, just an idea, next time attribute your columns to the National Enquirer, it makes you look more credible.

Why not the Weekly World News too while we're at it?

**bigboi_03** · 10-26-2002, 02:39 PM

Originally posted by Hotwheelz

I think it will be a very fun way to criticize people without calling people out. Come in here, give our opinions, and not piss anybody off and BTW, wheres your article BigBoi? J/K

I need to go to work soon, but I will give my article afterwards.

I liked your article alot; actually, it would have been a perfect article had you taken out everything not involving Bonds and the Rockies.

(And, yes, I can imagine the kind of numbers that he will put up and it will be breathtaking.

)

**Hotwheelz** · 10-26-2002, 02:54 PM

The Time Has Come; Pick Of The Draft Award Is Awarded To.....

Well folks, even though we are only in the second round, I feel that it is my duty to award this award to the proud owner of Magglio Ordonez, Mr. Rferry. So how is it that one of the AL's best OF's falls this low in the draft? Nobody knows. File this one next to whether there is life on other planets. When we find an alien, hopefully they will know the answer. So what does Rferry get in this once in a lifetime find? Not only does he get one of the most powerful righthanded bats in the league, but he gets a young man with a career .305 average and nearly a .900 OPS

Hats off to you Rferry, you are a drafting God

**Chad** · 10-26-2002, 02:58 PM

Plus he is a good base runner.

**rferry** · 10-26-2002, 06:05 PM

thanks, I was a good base runner.

oh, do you know what Hottie and Knuck do on friday nights? I'm not going to say anything but Herbal Essences. PM me for the details.

**hydrostar** · 10-26-2002, 06:07 PM

**Chad** · 10-26-2002, 06:08 PM

I'm skeered.

**Hotwheelz** · 10-26-2002, 08:27 PM

Originally posted by rferry
thanks, I was a good base runner.

oh, do you know what Hottie and Knuck do on friday nights? I'm not going to say anything but Herbal Essences. PM me for the details.

Yeah i'd like to know those details

**bigboi_03** · 10-26-2002, 08:43 PM

There were three scond-round picks that really got my attention. The three guys were proven relatively young (definately not old) players. Here are my choices:

1. Roadman- Scott Rolen. Most likely will end up being our best third baseman, definately top three. Lots of power, lots of speed, Gold-Glove defense. By the way, did I mention that he is only 26?? In 2001, his numbers were .289 with 26 HRs and 107 RBI. Great pick!

2. Kl0pper- Nomar Garciaparra. I know, he was the first overall pick in the second round, so it wasn't a late pick. Still, baseball's second-best shortstop (IMO) is only 28 and should have been in the first round. Injured in '01, Nomar batted .372 (yes, .372, no mistype) in 2000 and added 21 HRs. He, too, is a youngster, 28, and is only going to improve.

3. bigboi_03- Ken Griffey Jr. Say what you want, but had anyone else picked Griff with a late second-round pick, I would still have put them at number three. Here, I truly believe that I am not biased. This guy would have been a top 10 (easily -top 5 IMO-) had we been doing the current draft thread at this time two years ago. And, remember, his 2002 season will not count against him, so even his "horrible" time with the Reds will be represented by a 40+ HR season in 2000 and a .286 with 22 HR '01 season. I will have a great time seeing him (or Bonds) break Aaron's record at Coors.

These are my top 3, even though you guys might (and probably

) disagree.

**roadman** · 10-26-2002, 09:18 PM

I don't disagree whatsoever, probably the 1st time we agree

j/k

thanks to the kudus- no doubt griffey dominated in the 90's

**bigboi_03** · 10-26-2002, 09:27 PM

Oh, yeah, I never got a chance to say it, but great idea wheelz. Matter of fact, I had the same idea last night, so great idea.

**BigKahunaMan** · 10-27-2002, 01:02 AM

Mets Take "Control" at End of Round 2, "Power" Into Round 3

Fans going gaga for Gonzo

by T. Author (BBSC CDL News)
October 26, 2002

New York, NY-

"Okay, Mets fans, let that breath out. You can relax now. We have our ace, and a huge power threat in the middle of the lineup."

Those were just a few of the big words from Mets Assistant GM Darrell Darrington at the news conference a few hours ago to announce the team's picks for Rounds 2 and 3, RHP Brad Radke in Round 2, and 57-home run LF Luis Gonzalez in Round 3. Perhaps some of Darrington's grin came from knowing that the computer virus shutting down the Mets' computers has finally been fixed, thanks to the quick thinking and programming skills of interim GM Wu and other staffers. Had it not been repaired, Gonzalez would surely be in the hands of another team by now.

Of course, getting a pitcher of Radke's caliber in a pitcher's park like Shea Stadium is surely grounds for celebration. With some of the best starters in baseball already taken, the Mets had to act fast, and they did, picking up a pitcher who has had a sub-4.00 ERA the last two years, no mean feat in the homer-happy American League.

Speaking of homers, with Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa already gone, the Mets went after one of the few major power threats remaining in Gonzalez, and they're obviously happy with him. Of course, rubbing Yankee fans' faces in Gonzo's World Series heroics on a daily basis might have something to do with that.

What comes next from the wild and crazy Met front office? Tune in for Round 4, and see...

**y2kornhusker** · 10-27-2002, 06:10 PM

When it came right down to it, the Mariners were very happy with their first three picks. One thing was odd, though, for the Mariners. Their first two picks were power hitters, including one of the best first basemen in baseball. Could this be a return to the days of power baseball for the Mariners?

The M's still have many holes to fill with 32 rounds remaining. They have yet to draft a veteran #1 starter, a leadoff man, a designated hitter, a contact hitter, a shortstop, a steal threat, relievers, etc.

But the important thing for the Mariners: even in Safeco Field, Jim Thome and Sammy Sosa are certain to hit 30-40 home runs. And with the aid of Safeco Field, Joel Pineiro is poised to become one of the best young starters in baseball.

**hydrostar** · 10-28-2002, 03:36 PM

WILL WE WIN NOW, OR LATER???
Kansas City Star
by Jason Whitlock

1st Round---> Mike Mussina (33 yrs, SP)
2nd Round---> Adam Dunn (22 yrs, RF)
3rd Round---> Paul LoDuca (29 yrs, C)

I just don't know what to make if this Royals ballclub just yet. Maybe it's too early on in the draft, but I am somewhat confused by this team's drafting strategy. With their first pick, the 6th overall, they made a bold and controversial selection in the form of veteran hurler Mike Mussina. Some think it was silly, others brilliant. Personally, Whitlock here thinks that it was a decent move, but one that had better pan out on the field. We could have had a serious slugger. We could have gotten some young talented arm like Mark Buerhle, who will be around for a long time.
General Manager Chris Jozwiak had the following to say about the Moose selection:

"I like this guy's attitude. He wins big games. He buckles down when the time comes for intensity. He has won 15+ games 7 times already in his career. We need that type of veteran presence in our rotation. Of course, the pitchers we are looking to take later on are considerably younger...but I want to make clear that we do not feel that Moose is over the hill in any way shape or form. He has some serious gas left in the tank!"

Whitty here loves the selections made in rounds 2 and 3. Dunn will hit longballs for KC for years. He is straight up gold late in the 2nd round! LoDuca is a tough nosed, hard hitting catcher who will also give us a .300 BA and at least 20+ HR's for a while too. Catchers are at a premium right now in baseball, at least the offensive variety, so this is a great pick too. I feel pitching is a concern area for us right now, and here's hoping the Royals can do something about that soon. But for now, I feel we are definitely a competitive ballclub, and one that will be a thorn in the AL Central's side for years.

Go Royals!

**Chad** · 10-28-2002, 04:08 PM

MIXED SIGNALS FROM TORONTO

Blue Jays try winning with a youthful approach

TORONTO, ONTARIO -- Blue Jays general manager Chad Strickland has heard the criticisms. He has head the opinions that he wasted his eight overall pick. Why didn't he get the big ace to head his pitching staff? Why didn't he get the middle of the order slugger? Both of those routes were still wide open after only seven selections had been made.

Instead, Toronto drafted Ivan Rodriguez, "the best catcher in baseball", according to - who else - Strickland. "We wanted a great catcher, and there simply aren't that many catchers in Major League Baseball that are head and shoulders above the rest. Until our pick only sluggers and aces had been taken, so it's not like we could have gotten the best pitcher or best slugger. But we did get the best something, and that happened to be catcher" he said in a press conference after the first round. Apparently Strickland thinks it will be easier to fill holes in other positions for him in later rounds when other teams are scrambling to find a catcher.

In the next two rounds, Toronot picked two pitchers. Both are young and "future aces, if not already" according to the GM. Strickland is happy with the right-lefty one-two punch that Joe Mays and Randy Wolf will provide at the top of his rotation.

What is next in store for the Blue Jays? Nothing is for certain but Strickland has made it clear that he is drafting for young talent -- while trying to field a competetive team now, which is no small task. Strickland reassured Jays fans that his youthful approach did not mean that the team would be sacrificing winning in the present. He was quoted, "Make no mistake, our first priority is to make our fans happy, and the best way to do that is to put a competetive team on the field in front of the fans."