The Draft Underway

Yesterday afternoon we commenced an ATB first, the casual draft, to start off the grueling 28 round process.  Owners were allowed to begin drafting at their leisure, without slot time constraints.  This period will last until February 6, were we'll then need to adhere to strict predetermined time slots to move things along.  There will be no skips during the casual period.

The first four picks followed the blueprint of most ATB drafts.  Babe Ruth at #1, followed by Pedro Martinez or Barry Bonds at #2 and #3 in no particular order, then Mickey Mantle at #4.  If the typical path continues, we should expect Ted Williams and Lou Gehrig to fall next.

After that, things are likely to diverge from past drafts. Lady Baldwin is no longer a viable starter while Ross Barnes and to a certain extent, Fred Dunlap, have emerged as arguable Top 10 selections.  We should not neglect Rogers Hornsby either, a typical 8-11 pick and it'll be interesting the order in which these big-3 second basemen fall.

There are several options for those looking to take take a starting pitcher as well.  Outside of Martinez, only four other starters had ERA's under 3.15 and WHIP's under 1.20.  If you desire an elite starter the 79-Resims show the only true options are Greg Maddux, Bill Bernhard, Walter Johnson, or Addie Joss.

Looking back on the past two drafts, two other players have caught they eyes of owners for Top-10 picks - Jimmie Foxx and Honus Wagner.  The first basemen Double X hits for great power with good on base percentage while the Flying Dutchman is clearly the best shortstop on the draft board, batting .322 / .364 / .458 with Ex/74 defense.

Happy Drafting!