Way Too Early 2022 Mock Draft

With the league in a state of infancy, there’s no telling how important amateur drafts are going to be to a team’s success down the line. However, there’s one fact you can’t dispute: adding talent is never a bad thing. There’s a ton of talent in the high school and college ranks this year, a huge step forward from the last half-decade. Young kids are falling in love with baseball again, and with the idea of going pro a reality once more, young players are jumping at the chance to get drafted as young as 14 years old.

But who will pick who? It’s too early to tell exactly how the CBA’s inaugural season will shake out, but a month into games we’ve got an idea of which teams are for real, and which teams are merely posers. Using BNN’s recently released April 11 Power Rankings, here’s how we see the first round of 2022’s Amateur Draft shaking out. NOTE: No trades are reflected in this mock draft. It’s strictly the reverse order of the current Power Rankings.

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1.1 – Houston Moondogs select P Scott Golden, Miami University

A lot has been written about Golden over the years, from his abilities as a hockey player to his golden arm. Probably destined to go #1 overall as a High School Senior, Golden got a little bit more seasoning with the powerhouse Miami Hurricanes. He’s off to a fast start this season, not allowing any runs in his first two outings in South Beach.

Houston would love to add an arm like Golden. Currently they’ve got Chris House at the top of the rotation, and not much else. Two starters have an ERA over 9.00, which is definitely not going to help much down the stretch. With Eddie Garrett retiring after the season, Scott Golden would have a spot in the Major League rotation on day one.

1.2 – Los Angeles Chilis select RF Juan Salazar, Oregon State University

LSU Ace Seth Paddock is probably the better player, but LA has been surprisingly capable on the mound on the young season, perhaps an indicator of some bounce back ability for the Chilis. An area the Chilis haven’t had much production in so far however has been the outfield. Salazar is an immediate upgrade there for the big league ballclub.

With some scouts giving Salazar 80 grade speed, It’s a bit confusing as to why he’s played in Right Field for most of his career at Oregon State. Beaver coach Matt Jenkins cites Salazar’s arm as a big reason why. “He’s got a cannon for an arm.” Jenkins said, “He’ll chase down an impossible ball in the gap, and then nail the runner tagging up from third. He’s a complete package defensively.”

1.3 – Bay Area Pandas select SP Seth Paddock, Louisiana State University

Although not nearly as cerebreal as Miami’s Golden, Seth Paddock can flat out pitch. Most of his success comes from his ability to throw strikes at a highly consistant rate, all while featuring 98 MPH gas. Paddock recently added the rarely seen Forkball to his repertoire, and it’s already had hitters in the college ranks in fits. “It’s impossible to hit!” Says teammate Matt Flood, “I’ve seen it a few times in batting practice. Let’s just say I’m glad he’s on my team.”

BAP have been BPA for the majority of their existence, opting for young, high-upside talent over established big league regulars. They’re off to a surprisingly decent start, considering most my sources throughout the league pegged them to finish dead last in the inaugural season. Adding an arm like Paddock is certainly a move GM Travis Ritchie would love to pull off. Unlike Golden, Paddock likely will need at least a half season in the high levels of the development system before he’s ready for the big leagues, but once that Forkball is ready, look out CBA.

1.4 – San Diego Skylarks select SS Troy Weber, University of South Carolina

Multiple scouts I’ve talked to about Carolina’s SS Troy Weber brought up the name Omar Vizquel when talking about Weber’s defense. It’s true – this guy’s glove is legit. Those same scouts were quick to tell me not to sleep on the other facets of his game, however – he’s a 70 grade runner, and a 55 grade bat. That sort of production at Shortstop is exactly what every CBA club should be looking for.

San Diego has to be please with what they’ve seen from the club so far this season. Despite their record, production has been higher than the projections across the board. They’re weak up the middle though, which is something GM Luke Hutchison will need to address one way or another in the not-so-distant future. If Weber is on the board for the Skylarks, it’s hard to see them not heading this direction.

1.5 – Miami Warriors select SP Dave Wheaton, Babe Ruth Indianapolis

The first high school player comes off the board to Miami, and it might be the arm with the most upside in the entire draft class. At 15 years old, Wheaton is already the definition of a crafty lefthander. He won’t blow past hitters with his fastball, but the funkiness level of his four pitch selection is off the charts. His best pitch is his cutter, which he locates on a dime up and in on opposing hitters hands. His slider is almost as good, and he commands it just as well.

Wheaton would be a project for the Warriors of South Beach. You might argue that Miami should be drafting for the most immediate impact, but sources around the league think Miami might surprise with their overall record in the inaugural season, and might even sneak into the Silver League. Selecting a high school arm might not pay off right away for the warriors, but its a perfect pick if you think their window for contention is a few years in the future.

1.6 – Chicago Gale select CF Jesus Gomez, University of South Carolina

The second Gamecock comes off the board, and like his counterpart Troy Weber, Jesus Gomez has a very well-rounded game. His standout skill is his eye, which when combined with his 70 grade speed, makes him a bonafide leadoff candidate for any CBA team. His defense is also very solid in Center Field, which makes him a cornerstone player that any team can build around.

A cornerstone player is exactly what Chicago needs. After the infamous ‘mistake’ draft pick in the inaugural draft, the Gale need to hit this one out of the park. Gomez is a player that could have easily been swapped with Luis Guerra as that first selection for Chicago, and if he’s available here, it’s a no brainer. Rory Blas has not been getting the job done in the leadoff spot for the Gale, and Luis Guerra is likely to miss the season due to injury. This is the perfect ‘wipe the board clean’ pick.

1.7 – Iowa Predators select CF Justin Jordan, Howard University

Although Howard University doesn’t have the gravitas that South Carolina has, a lot of scouts value Justin ‘The Hawk’ Jordan higher than the previous pick Jesus Gomez. He gets his nickname from the insane vision he exhibits in the strikezone – this guy doesn’t swing at bad pitches. He’s also a speed demon in the outfield, and can get to just about any ball. His lack of power was what led to his ultimate lack of D1 scholarships, but coaches at Howard say he’s been working hard in the weightroom, and that’s starting to show in his statline. There’s a little more pop in that bat than a lot of scouts saw in high school, and he’s starting to get a few 50-55 power grades from some scouts.

The difference between Iowa and Chicago in these two picks is that Iowa doesn’t really have a ton of weaknesses in their current lineup. This is truly a Best Player Available pick, and it’s one that doesn’t necessarily need to pay dividends right away. Iowa has time to devote to growing a player like Jordan, and getting him into games against better competition than he’s currently facing at Howard.

1.8 – Austin Outlaws select SS Ryan Gomar, Oregon State University

Ryan Gomar isn’t an imposing physical specimen like his teammate Juan Salazar, taken number two overall in this fake draft. He won’t beat Salazar around the bases, or in a home run derby. In fact, Gomar will be the first to tell you that his success in the college ranks isn’t from natural physical gifts – its from the hard work he’s put in along the way. Coaches at OSU have said time and time again that Gomar is by far the hardest worker on the team, and it shows in both is approach at the plate, and his deft, fluid skills in the field.

Austin could definitely use a guy who thinks with his fundamentals first. A team built on raw power and physical ability, a guy like Gomar could go a long way to helping Austin climb out of the lower third of CBA teams. Like most teams, Austin has been somewhat weak up the middle to date. Gomar not only provides big league defense on day one, but will be able to hold his own at the plate as well. This would be a very nice pick for Austin.

1.9 – Atlanta Swarm select SP Harry Galbraith, Florida State University

“He’s got the best changeup I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen my fair share of changeups.” One former MLB-player-turned-scout said to me recently about Galbraith. While it might not rank #1 on my own personal list of changeups, there’s no denying Florida State’s ace has a wicked offspeed pitch. Darting down and in slightly toward opposing right handed batters, it’s almost impossible to hit. Galbraith is still trying to master getting it over the plate on a consistant basis, but if he can nail that down, watch out.

Atlanta was struck with tragedy when their franchise player and #3 overall inaugural pick Mike “Win” Quinn went down for the season. Doctors are saying it may be even longer than 12 months for Quinn to fully recover, and even then, he may never be the same pitcher Atlanta took so high in that first draft. Although Galbraith doesn’t seem to posess the same level of talent Quinn has, it’s safe to say that he’d fit right into Atlanta’s now-struggling pitching staff.

1.10 – Wichita Weasels select 1B/DH Dermott Main, AABC Phoenix

Another highly-hyped prep school prospect, it’s highly unlikely that Demott Main falls all the way to Wichita at 10. If he does, Wichita immediately becomes the owner of one of the best prospects in baseball. His story should be familiar to most of you – a foreign exchange student from Australia, Dermott had never picked up a baseball bat until he came over to the states two years ago. The kid is a natural. Scouts have compared his swing to a young Ken Griffey Jr., and he’s hitting bombs in high school just like Griffey did.He’s got serious legitimate 80 grade raw power, and has show the ability so far to translate that into game situations. He doesn’t have a real position – his defense is still very raw. However, he’s played an admirable first base for his AABC team, and could realistically stick there with enough development.

Wichita gets a steal here in this mock draft. Although he won’t impact the team immediately, Main should become Wichita’s Main Man after a little seasoning in the D-Leagues.

1.11 – Sacramento Golden Bears select C Alejandro Pena, Vanderbilt University

Pena, or Captain Commodore as his teammates refer to him, has been a shining example of the team leader catcher for the Vanderbilt Commodores. “He handles the pitching staff so well.” Head coach Freddie Lacientos said, “And he’s the guy we point freshmen to if they’ve got any questions about the college baseball lifestyle. He’s been a real treat.” Pena’s biggest skill is his grit – he’s a fantastic defensive catcher, and like his coach said, he knows how to handle a pitching staff. He’s also got one of the most advanced approaches at the plate, which makes him even more valuable for a CBA club.

Sacramento already has Anotnio Amaya behind the plate, but he’s been struggling offensively this season, and the coaching staff in Sacramento has been rumored to be struggling with coaching him. He’s been known to go rogue and work with the pitching staff in ways the coaching staff has explicitly told him not to, potentially hampering the development of some of the Golden Bears pitchers. Pena is the exact opposite of Amaya – a potential team Captain who could take charge of the entire team on day one. His sort of leadership is exactly what Sacramento would want behind the dish.

1.12 – Cincinnati Royals select SP Craig Tipler, AABC Atlanta

Another high school arm comes off the board at 12. Tipler’s work ethic has been praised by coaches and scouts alike, pointing to his drive to be great as foreshadowing to a great CBA career. Tipler doesn’t have one skill that stands out, but everything is good across the board. His slider in particular shows great promise, and it’s been a quality out pitch against AABC competition.

Cincinnati seems to have the pieces in place to be a contender, but that hasn’t been the case so far in 2022. GM Jordan Barhorst has to think that his every day players will start producing soon enough, so this pick is more about the future than it is the present. Tipler has the upside of a #2 or #3 starter, which is invaluable in the CBA.

1.13 – Denver Wolves select SP Carlos Rodriguez, Vanderbilt University

Rodriguez is an intriguing prospect for a few reasons. The left-hander from the Dominican Republic moved to the US at a young age, and has been getting coverage from baseball outlets for a while for some of the nasty stuff he’s got in his repertoire. The caveat for him has always been the control, and he still hasn’t really shown any signs of mastering that at Vanderbilt. There’s no denying the stuff – especially from the left side. Some scouts have said the stuff behind his changeup is better than FSU’s Harry Galbraith, but it’s useless if he can’t get it over the plate.

To say Denver’s pitching staff has struggled early on is an understatement. They’re in desperate need of a reliable starting picher, their best so far being Miguel Martinez’s 4.67 ERA. If Denver wants to compete in the Silver League next season, they’ll need at least one reliable arm. While the control issues make Rodriguez far from reliable, if he can figure it out, he’s good enough to be Denver’s ace.

1.14 – DC Eagles select SP Alexis Escamilla, Arizona University

Escamilla, surprisingly, is the favorite pitcher coming into the draft for more than one scout I’ve talked to. When asked why they’d take Escamilla over Golden or Paddock, each of them cited his work ethic and personality, in combination with his raw pitching ability. Escamilla has been a leader everywhere he’s been, anchoring the rotation for three AABC titles and a NCAA Championship in Arizona. “He’s the guy you have to fight the urge to let him go out there and pitch every day,” said coach Mark Rugiello, “If you gave him the option, he’d be the team’s only starting pitcher.”

The top of the Eagles’ pitching staff has been lights out so far this season. Ben Perez is drawing a few MVP votes, and Aaron Hannah has been lights out as well as of late. Adding Escamilla – an arm that might feature top end stuff, but intangibles out the wazoo – would be a shrewd pickup by DCBC.

1.15 – New York Road select SS Zach Sweeney, University of Virginia

Zach Sweeney might be the most humble shortstop I’ve ever met. When I asked him what his goal was when he walks up to the plate, he answered it like a pro: “I just try to drive the ball into the gap, and run as hard as I can.” It’s a good strategy for Sweeney, who definitely has wheels. Some scouts have an 80 hit grade on Sweeney, and it’s easy to see why. He’s already a master at stretching singles into doubles, and doubles into triples. He’s set the UVA single-season record for inside-the-park homeruns at 7, all while playing an admirable shortstop.

New York finds themselves right in the middle of the pack – not exactly where they’d thought they’d be after hearing they’d get the #1 pick in the amateur draft. Ivan Nava has been okay at shortstop, but could easily slide over to second to accomodate the better player in Sweeney. It’s unlikely he lasts this long, as I’m sure there are more than a few teams in love with his personality and leadership.

1.16 – Brooklyn Bulldogs select SS Andy Rodriguez, Babe Ruth Boston

Andy Rodriguez is probably the most under-the-radar high school player in the draft pool. Some of this is due to his adversion to the limelight – he’s never done press, and prefers to shower his teammates with praise rather than take on any himself. He’s a very solid ballplayer though, with great power from the shortstop position.

It’s a good match for Brooklyn, who has been getting production all over the field, with the exception of their middle infielders. Rodriguez is an almost immediate upgrade, who should be quick-to-the-pros with a few weeks of seasoning in the D-Leagues.

1.17 – Boston Rogers select 3B Jesse Robison, Oregon State University

Jesse is a ballplayer’s ballplayer. He flies around the field with reckless abandon, and routinely makes highlight reel plays at third base. His teammates love him, and routinely cite him as the glue that keeps OSU together. His speed is easily 80 grade, and he makes enough contact with the ball that he’s constantly a pain on the basepaths. He won’t walk much, but he should hit enough in the CBA to still be a major factor for his future team.

If Robison falls to 17, Boston will potentially have the steal of the draft. Due mostly to Robison not working out well defensively up the middle, as well as a lot of teams picking before the Rogers having solid third basemen, we’re mocking one of the fastest players alive to slip this far. Fans in Boston would love Robison, and he’d quickly become a team leader for the Rogers.

1.18 – Philidelphia Liberty select SP/CF Noah Hicks, University of Arkansas

The first two-way player comes off the board at 18. Scouts are still out on if they prefer Hicks more as a pitcher or position player. A 70-grade runner, he’s got the speed and defensive ability to be a lock down center fielder, although his arm could be a little stronger. He’s only average with the bat, but can run into a few home runs here and there, and avoids striking out with the best of them. It’s his pitching arm that has gotten him this far, however. Hicks features a nasty cutter and an above average curveball. Coaches say he’s working on his offspeed offering, which would be a requirement for pitching in the rotation at the next level.

If Hicks falls to Philly at 18, he’ll likely join the team as a pitcher. The Liberty have a solid outfield producing at a high level early on this season, and there’s no reason to think the trio there will lose any of that current production. The caveat is the offspeed stuff – Philly obviously would want a rotation piece this high in the draft, and unless Hicks develops that offspeed pitch, he’s likely a back-of-the-bullpen option at best.

1.19 – Detroit Motors select SP David Williams, Grayson University

Flying under the radar in the NJCAA is two-pitch wonder David “Wild Card” Williams. Scouts are completely befuddled by Williams, mostly because he’s been one of the most decoration starting pitchers in NJCAA history while only featuring two pitches. Those two pitches, however, are both extremely nasty fastballs. The four-seam fastball sits around 94 with some of the weirdest movement some scouts have ever seen on the pitch. His splitter is even nastier, looking exactly like the four-seamer out of the hand, but featuring extremely late sinking action that almost always misses the bat. Williams is the two-time defending NJCAA Pitcher of the Year, and has won three titles with the Grayson Rams. Scouts obviously would love to see a third pitch, and coaches say if anyone has the dedication to learn another pitch, it’s Williams. He just simply hasn’t needed to do it yet.

If the Detroit Motors think they can get Williams to learn a third pitch, this is a no-brainer. Williams could start as the #5 pitcher in Detroit right now, which is saying something, as Detroit has one of the top team ERAs in the league. The worst case scenario for Wild Card is a lock-down, elite closer. Some scouts are put off by the competition level, but I think both of those pitches are high-quality out pitches in the CBA today.

1.20 – Indianapolis Hawks select SP Sergio Cerna, Cochise College

A deep cut comes from the San Bernardino Valley, where Segio Cerna has been dominating hitters at Cochise College for three seasons. Not quite able to nab a Pitcher of the Year award (mostly due to the phenomenal guy selected right before him), some scouts claim Cerna has been robbed at least twice of that award. Featuring a wonky 95-mph fastball, and one of the biggets hammer-curves I’ve ever witnessed, Cerna’s one-two punch is certainly on par with David Williams’. The difference between the two is the third offering. Cerna has a rarely-used changeup that could be a difference maker for some teams. Some scouts believe if Williams committed to learning a third pitch, it’d automatically be better than Cerna’s changeup. But the fact that Cerna has been using the pitch for years with some effect means a lot to quite a few CBA teams.

Indianapolis would likely be completely ecstatic with either of the two pitchers going back-to-back here. Cerna, in my opinion, isn’t as seasoned or as ready for the big leagues as Williams is, but that third pitch is something scouts, coaches and GMs alike will likely cite when bumping Cerna up their draft boards. The Hawks have been struggling with starting pitching outside of Xavier Frade, who has been lights out. These two would make a wonderful 1-2 punch for the future.

1.21 – Dallas Devils select 2B Miguel Aponte, Oregon State University

Aponte is one of the two fantastic middle-infielders featured in Oregon State’s lineup. Aponte, for my money, is the better of the two due to his advanced approach at the plate, and smooth, easy demeanor on defense. Scouts say there’s not a ball hit to the right side of the field that Aponte can’t reach. He’s also known to be a little flashy with the glovework, something that catches the ire of his coaches from time to time. He’s fun to watch, and a more than competant ball player, which is what every GM wants.

Aponte seems like the perfect player for Dallas GM Kyle Mefford. Known to like players who show personality out on the field, Aponte would slot right into second base for Dallas and never look back. He’s probably an immediate gold-glove candidate for one of the better teams in the CBA. You’ve got to worry a little bit about his personality becoming a little larger-than-life, but he should be a solid pro regardless.

1.22 – Mexico City Chupacabras select C Joe Marshall, Arizona University

Marshall is another catcher with a slick glove behind the blate, a solid arm, and an advanced approach at the plate. He’s led Arizona deep into a few playoff runs, including a National Championship, and head coach Mark Rugiello claims he’s the “Smartest player I’ve ever coached.” Marshall won’t be a masher at the plate, but his skills as a catcher and a leader of men can’t be refuted.

Mexico City is deeply in need of some quality Catching work. Surely watching what Marshall has been able to accomplish over the years with Alexis Escamilla at Arizona gives the coaching staff at MCBC some idea of how he could also work with young superstar Brendon Six. Six has been struggling so far this season, and whispers in Mexico City blame a lot of that on the shoddy catching ability of Adam Reich. Seizo Yamagata is a quality backup, but likely no more than that. Marshall plugs into the lineup on day one, and likely stays there until he calls it quits.

1.23 – Portland Axeman select C Matt Davis, University of South Carolina

A lot that was said about Joe Marshall can also be said about Matt Davis. Davis is part of a two headed monster at Catcher for the Gamecocks, often seen as the more offensive threat of the two. Davis can hold his own behind the plate though, and handles the pitching staff very well. His coaches rave about his leadership ability, as well has his advanced plate approach. “I’m definitely a patient guy up there”, says Davis, “I wait for a pitch to hit. If I get it, I can usually barrel it up. If not, I’ll take my walk as well.”

Portland has also been getting next to no production out of their Catching staff this season. Catching was light in the inaugural draft, so Portland may be one of the few clubs who were rumored to be punting on Catcher, hoping to grab one of the high quality Catchers available in the 2022 draft. Portland would certainly be welcoming to Davis. He’s going to have a long, successful career, barring injury.

1.24 – Oklahoma Mammoths select RF Abe Caputo, UCLA

Abe Caputo could easily be playing for a CBA team right now. His Offense and Defense are both plus-plus, with some scouts even lauding him with an 80 hit tool matched with a 70 power tool. As good as the bat is, the defense might be even better. Caputo has a cannon for an arm, and has the opportunity to set the NCAA career record for outfield assists this season.

It’s a homerun pick for Oklahoma, who is seemingly a match made in heaven for Caputo. With so many Mammoths clicking on all cylindars, this is truly a Best Player Available pick for OKBC. Caputo should realistically go much higher than this in the draft, but with so many teams fielding outstanding Right Fielders, he could potentially slip all the way to 24. If so, the Mammoths should crush this pick.

1.25 – Midwest Plainsmen select LF Marco Rondon, University of Virginia

Another back-to-back pick that compares well to the pick before him, Rondon is basically a lesser-defensive version of Abe Caputo. Scouts see a little more power in Rondon’s bat, but not as much contact ability. Still, most scouts I’ve talked to seem to think Rondon will carve out a solid CBA career. The defense isn’t really an issue – he can stick in LF – but he’ll likely need to transition into the DH role on a team with better defensive options.

Midwest also takes the best player available approach, and lands one of the biggest power bats in the draft. You’d have to think they’d love to have this pick play in the field, as Chad Michaels already has the DH spot locked down. With Michaels ready to retire, however, this becomes an easier pill to swallow at 25.

1.26 – Carolina Aces select SP Qi-Chao Kuang, Cal State Fulerton

The Man of Many Pitches somehow falls right into Carolina’s lap at 26. The number of pitches the Taiwanese pitcher features in his repertoire differs depending on who you’re talking to. He mixes up arm angles with all of these pitches, effectively multiplying that number by however many different arm angles he can effectively deliver from. This is all while throwing 97-mph gas with his fastball. The most interesting pitch is one that scouts and coaches alike don’t even have a name for. It most closely resembles a Forkball, but with a little bit of knuckling action to it.

Kuang would fit in very well with just about any CBA team, but Carolina gets him in this mock draft. He’ll fit nicely in a Carolina starting 5 that has struggled despite the team’s stellar record.

1.27 – Salt Lake City Snappers select 1B John Davies, Oklahoma State University

The best defensive first baseman goes late in the first round to Salt Lake City. A switch-hitter (naturally), Davies is your prototypical slugger at the plate – very little patience, but a good enough contact grade that he should be able to hit for a decent average in the CBA. When he makes contact with the ball, it goes a very long way. More of a doubles guy than a homerun hitter in-game currently, most scouts believe Davies will grow into the homers when he’s placed on a CBA weightlifting program.

Salt Lake has made a very conscious effort to only allow switch hitters on their roster. This trend continues with the selection of Davies, who should slot in very nicely into the middle of this switch-hitting lineup. A plus side for SLCBC is Davies natural abilities on defense at First Base. He’s won the NCAA Gold Glove award multiple times, and likely will add a few more when he hops to the CBA.

1.28 – Arizona Thunderbirds select CF Mark Hawkins, Grayson University

Grayson has been one of the better players in the NJCAA since he entered a few seasons ago, but has been overshadowed by his teammate David Williams. If not for Williams, Hawkins would likely have accrued a few Player of the Year honors himself. He’s a well rounded player, featuring a plus hit tool, plus speed, and plus-plus defense in Center Field.

He fits well into the Arizona lineup, especially since this is likely a best player available pick. Arizona is off to a hot start, and it doesn’t look like they’re slowing down anytime soon. Current CF Chris Taylor is hitting .400, so if this is the pick, Hawkins can either force the hot-hitting Taylor to a different position, or assume one himself.

1.29 – Great Lakes Monsters select RF Guan-Pei Yao, AABC San Francisco

A great pick here out of the High School ranks, “Ratface” Yao might have the best nickname in the draft. He might also be one of the best up-and-coming sluggers the CBA has seen in its short life. He hasn’t played much defense at AABC San Fran, filling in at 1B every once in a while. Head Coach John Summit has said it’s to let him focus on his calling card – hitting. And boy can Yao hit the snot out of the ball. “Some of the balls I’m surprised we ever find!” said teammate Greg Bailey, “We’ve got a dog out past the fences that chase down his homers – he’s usually worn out after a few minutes of BP.”

Great Lakes is currently in a position to draft for the future, since so many things are going right for them currently. One thing they are missing is a true power hitter in their system – someone with undeniable 80 grade power. While some scouts have been a bit more reserved about Yao’s power, mostly due to the fact he’s only ever faced High School pitching, more than a few have mentioned Yao’s strength as some of the best they’ve ever seen from a 17 year old. It’s a great pick for GLBC, and a dream for the future while thier present is so bright.

1.30 – Florida Giants select SP Juan Lozada, AABC Reno

One of the best prep arms to enter the draft, Lozada has earned the nickname “Mr. Clean” from his teammates. “The stat sheet is always so clean when he’s done.” said Reno Catcher Mark Koehn, “So many innings of his are no hits, no runs, no errors.” A lot of Mr. Clean’s 0’s are due to his nasty slider, which has some of the most horizontal break some scouts have seen in a long time. It completely overmatches high school hitters, and will likely do the same at the next level.

Florida gets their cake and can eat it too with this pick. If they’re picking last, they’re probably happy regardless of who they are able to draft. But if Lozada falls to the Giants, it’ll be the cherry on top of a perfect year. While still a few seasons away from contributing at the big league level, Lozada likely becomes one of the team’s top prospects, and plans are immediately made for his arrival in Jacksonville.