1. Carolina Colonists (hollinn) - 3B Hector Alejandro Jr. 20 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
The future 2040 NL MVP has made a verbal commitment to sign a rookie contract with the Colonists. Alejandro Jr. is predicted to emerge as a top-tier, perhaps Hall of Fame, talent for the burgeoning Colonists franchise - assuming that GM hollinn’s personality blowups and overconfidence don’t get in the way of potential success. Reports coming out of Parts Unknown state that Alejandro, Jr. is a stud, scholar, gentleman, and particularly well-endowed.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
When considering age, this selection makes quite a bit of sense for Carolina. They are a team with a bright future, but very few assets equipped to compete right now. However, they already have former first rounder Matias Vianna at 3B (though he IS 3 years older than Alejandro Jr.), and it is very hard to pass on Stephenson, Carvalho, or Naza at #1. This pick will ultimately be judged on Alejandro Jr’s development and the rate of influx for high end third basemen in future draft classes. The one thing that the Colonists have going for them is the lack of depth at third base (though there is also one at shortstop), so this is odd, but due to the lack of depth in THIS class, this is still an OK pick, and may set up Carolina for a Top 3 pick in 2032, which is ultimately more valuable than anything that is available this season.
Pick Grade: B-
2. Portland Loggers (nikobiko) - SS Lance Stephenson 23 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
Recently taking the helm for the Loggers, GM nikobiko has a number of holes to fill to turn the franchise around. Considered by many as the clear-cut top talent of this year’s draft, Lance Stephenson will likely prove to be the staple of the infield for the Loggers franchise as they rebuild.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
Portland benefits from Carolina’s odd selection as they begin their rebuild. The team has slipped the last two season due to a lack of organizational depth, and Stephenson will likely be the lone bright spot next season. Expect Portland to be active in free agency as well, as they are set to have $51M in cap space this offseason. The only downside here is the age of Stephenson. Unless Portland can add multiple first round picks in the next two seasons (preferably higher picks), Stephenson’s early years will have been wasted. Picking up the top position player in the draft at #2 should be enough to snuff out any worry.
Pick Grade: A
3. St. Louis Cardinals (kevin374) - SP/RP Tata Carvalho 20 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
New Cardinals GM kevin374 learned first-hand that money doesn’t buy happiness, or in this case wins, as the former GM of the big-market ball club Tokyo Rising. Kevin374 seeks a fresh start and challenge starting as the new Cardinals GM. Developmental 20 y.o. pitcher Tata Carvalho could anchor the developing Cardinals rotation for years to come, and be the franchise ace.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
A St. Louis franchise mostly devoid of young talent, Carvalho gives the Cardinals the best of both worlds. He will step into the rotation immediately as the ace of the staff (pending any free agent acquisitions or trades), and will likely stay there for the next 15 years. He is one of the best young arms to come out of the draft in years, and his ceiling is absolutely ridiculous. This may be a steal at #3.
Pick Grade: A+
4. Boston Red Sox (pencesylvania76) - SP Oswaldo Naza 24 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
Continuing with the new-GM theme, the Red Sox franchise is now led by GM pencesylvania76, though pence is jumping from a position accompanied success (and two rings) with the Astros ball club. Pencesylvania76 has made a number of shrewd moves to shift the focus of big-market BOS from winning and spending now, to developing a young roster that in a few years can begin to contend with the juggernauts of the AL East. As his first pick of three in the first fifteen overall, Pence may choose Naza here - a quality pitcher ready to step in immediately in the rotation, perhaps as their ace, with some room still to grow. Naza better be ready to pitch in the unfriendly confines of Fenway Park, however.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
The Pencesylvania76 era in Boston began rather ingloriously, but he once again demonstrated the magic and GM prowess that earned him 2 World Series titles in his first 5 years in the league, picking up young studs such as right fielder Patrick Black, relievers Rob McMonigal and Joe McFarlane, and first baseman Ernesto Domingo to add to the BoSox superstar young starters Moses Alou and Eli Varnes, as well as 2 additional Top 15 selections this year. Naza gives Boston another young superstar arm in the rotation, and Naza will likely become the team’s ace right out of Spring Training. In a division that includes the perennial powerhouse and now reigning World Series Champion Toronto Blue Jays, more pitching is never a bad thing.
Pick Grade: A-
5. San Antonio Alamos (jabarwick) - SP Edmund Tolliver 24 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
Alamos GM jabarwick has been putting together young pieces over the past couple seasons to make the Alamos more competitive in the fiesty AL South. Lacking a true ace, jabarwick may select ‘Sir’ Edmund Tolliver to lead his rotation.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
The infamous Brandon O’Brien blockbuster is still hurting San Antonio’s ability to rebuild. They added right fielder Isaac Bershawitz to the mix in last year’s draft, but missed out on the top arms in the draft. This year, they don’t make the same mistake twice. Tolliver immediately becomes the team’s ace (a common theme with Top 5 pitchers), and fits the rotation’s rebuild timeline to a tee. Bob Darwin and Desean McCoy will be better able to contribute next season, and a rotation that won’t have a pitcher over the age of 24 next season is going to be very difficult to contend with 2 years down the road.
Pick Grade: B+
6. Texas Rangers (yogigator70) - LF Alan Carrot 23 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
Also in the AL South, the yogigator70-led Rangers have spent a few seasons acquiring talent to push towards being competitive. LF Carrot would be a solid addition in the lineup - Carrot can already hit the ball, and could emerge with great power numbers as he develops, as well.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
This is a bit odd for Texas. Carrot is good, and has a high ceiling, but Jom Zito-Araujo is still on the board here, and there is too much of a drop off in fielding ability between the two for the argument in favor of the slight power advantage (and I mean SLIGHT) for Carrot to make any sense. That being said, perhaps Texas looks for him to develop into a solid DH for the future, and one cannot argue with his offensive upside. Curious selection, but the argument is understandable.
Pick Grade: C+
7. Detroit Tigers (apathetix) - 1B Jose Guerrero 23 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
Acquiring a youthful roster last offseason, GM apathetix struggled to be competitive last year. Apathetix’s arrival in Detroit was controversial, and getting the squad focused on baseball may have been a challenge. Next season his players should continue to grow, and
the addition of another young talent such as 1B Guerrero will bolster the strength of the Tigers lineup.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
Ignacio Aja’s rookie of the year season was the lone bright spot in Detroit this past year. The team showed marginal improvement after 2 straight 1st Overall selections (Aja in 2030 and Jim Speith in 2029), but still has far to go. Because they fell out of the Top 5 in the draft, they cannot add to their rotation, their biggest area of need, so Guerrero actually makes a lot of sense here. John Oliver is nothing even remotely close to the answer at first base for the Tigers, and the team seems to be comfortable moving forward with Javi Salas, Ben Jameson, and Leo Diego Villa in the outfield. An argument can be made for selecting one of the two remaining high end outfielders on the board, but the team has almost zero power hitting in the system, and Guerrero should be an anchor in the middle of their lineup for the next decade.
Grade Pick: A-
8. Brooklyn Americans (beansnap) - SP William Gainsborough 22 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
GM beansnap has been building a solid core group of young players that can start to make some noise in a few seasons. A pick here to beef up his rotation with a player like Gainsborough could continue this trend.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
Brooklyn is still reaping the benefits of the Karsten Whitson deal with Seattle two years ago, and the key piece in the deal, first baseman Haven Fielder, looks like he will be ready to take the next step in two years or so. However, if the Americans want to compete, they need to improve their rotation, because Russell Clooney isn’t getting any younger, and there isn’t much depth behind him. Gainsborough escaped the top of the draft, and this looks like a perfect situation for him. He won’t be forced to carry the rotation for the first few years, which will allow him to develop into a great #2 down the road, or even the team’s ace. Smart pick for a young team on the rise.
Pick Grade: A
9. Boston Red Sox (pencesylvania76) via Sao Paulo - 3B Marcel Jakubowicz 24 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
With his second of three early picks, pence may choose to pick up a talented bat for his infield, such as 3B Jakubowicz.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
Boston doesn’t have a third baseman on the roster other than former 2nd rounder Gaspar Espinosa and rental Joshua McKinnon. Jakubowicz is a bit older than GM Pencesylvania probably would like, but his speed and offensive upside definitely make up for that. With his rotation already taken care of, Pence can afford to gamble on the much older Jakubowicz, perhaps thinking that he can make a run at the highly touted Mitchell Marvin next year.
Pick Grade: B
10. Los Angeles Dodgers (wahoowasp) - 1B James Maher 23 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
A disappointing season for the Dodgers has wahoowasp picking here at 10. Known for being a veteran club, wahoowasp may begin to change that over the next few seasons. A good start may be to pick a hitter such as Maher, who could spend time developing behind James Dean.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
With few immediate holes outside the pitching staff, Los Angeles should look to grab the best player on the board here at #10, or look to trade back. This is not it. Maher is good, but won’t be an impact player, and you cannot waste a Top 10 pick on that if you are the Dodgers. This is where the team should grab either Jom Zito-Aruajo or Christopher Loach to develop behind Francisco Peguero and Dave Winfield Jr, in order to ensure that they have someone to take over in 2 years when Peguero likely sputters out of starting ability.
Pick Grade: C-
11. Minnesota Twins (titans) - SP Henry Moore 23 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
A bit of an enigma, Twins GM titans made a small bit of noise this past season in the AL North, and ended the season only four games back of second place in the division. Titans could add some depth to the rotation, so a pick here like Moore would make sense.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
This is another team that could benefit from selecting one of the right fielders here, but they also desperately need rotational depth. Moore will definitely help behind Miguel Orrintino and David Cone Jr, as Tsuyoshi Yada’s tenure as the team’s ace is mostly likely over. This is a solid pick for a team that almost made the playoffs this season.
12. Miami Marlins (tvega) - RF Jom Zito-Araujo 23 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
Tvega took charge of the MIA franchise with hopes of turning their short-term assets (Vetter, Manfredi) into long-term ones to circumvent their salary cap struggles. Despite making things interesting in the laughing-stock AL South this past season, the franchise seems to have an eye on rebuilding. Addition of a solid hitter like Zito-Araujo to pick up the reins for when Manfredi is inevitably lost to free agency in a couple seasons would be a smart move.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
This is undoubtedly the steal of the draft. JZA has Top 5 ability, and combines offensive upside with excellent fielding prowess. While former NL MVP and long time Marlin Mario Manfriedi still has plenty of gas in the tank, he will enter the final year of his contract this coming season. Zito-Araujo gives Miami an insurance policy in right field, and a possible replacement down the road should they choose to move on from Manfriedi (that is doubtful though). JZA may even get a chance to start this season for a Marlins team that suffered this year after another management change.
Pick Grade: A+
13. Chicago White Sox (keefers) - RF Christopher Loach 23 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
The White Sox had a bit of a downswing last season, and as a result are picking here in the 13 spot. This club could use some talent at the corner outfielder positions, so the addition of a player like Loach would be a nice plug into the lineup.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
The White Sox pulled a major blockbuster with Seattle at this year’s trade deadline that gave them another 1st Round Pick, so this pick gives them a bit of leeway to choose the best on the board. That is what they do here. Loach is another Top 10 talent that slipped due to some odd choices, and GM keefers will jump at the chance to add a dynamic corner outfielder to the mix in Chicago.
Pick Grade: A
14. Chicago Cubs (shamsyfan) - LF Fuku Yukio-Arinori 20y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
The next pick stays in Chicago with Cubs GM shamsyfan at this spot. With a solid club all around, the Cubs don’t have an obvious weakness. Shamsyfan may go with value here, with perhaps a quality young outfielder like Yukio-Arinori.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
A year after the Cubs won their first ever division championship, they fell back into their old habits. They still have an MVP candidate centerfielder in Tino Morales, two crafty veterans in catcher Sebastian Landry and right fielder Jacob Ladder, and the top 3 in their rotation are about to enter their prime. However, one can always use just a little more depth. That being said, this is another pick that misses quite badly. Yukio-Arinori is too far away from being an impact player to help the Cubs back to the playoffs, and the most glaring need is at third base. Perhaps Chicago should have looked at Orlando Tejera here rather than going young.
Pick Grade: C
15. Boston Red Sox (pencesylvania76) via Osaka (auction) - SP Shane Spencer Jr. 23 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
For his first round hat trick, GM pence may pick for value here at 15 and add a player like Spencer Jr to add to his rotation.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
With their third 1st Rounder, the BoSox will look to add depth. Shane Spencer Jr is a low walk guy, but has a tendency to give up too many hits. He has a lower ceiling than some other pitchers still on the board, so perhaps Boston is looking for a long reliever here. This pick doesn’t make much sense, so the only reasoning here would be a misinterpretation of WHIP. Pence misses with his 3rd pick.
Grade Pick: D+
16. Toronto Blue Jays (rxk192) via Tokyo Rising - SP/RP Matsuo Teru 20 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
The rxk192-led Blue Jays finally did it - after several seasons of disappointments in the playoffs, the squad took their first ring. With a penchant for making annoyingly smart moves, GM rxk192 will surprise many with his pick here (from Tokyo) at 16. A developmental pitcher like Matsuo Tero would provide rxk with a southpaw to add to his rotation when his veterans leave for free agency in the next couple seasons.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
This must be the highest a World Champion team has made a selection in the draft in the history of the league. Teru could work here, because GM rxk192 would be able to give him the necessary time develop into a contributor, but I don’t think that this is the direction rxk will go in. The top reliever in the class, Ujehari Wochu, is still sitting there at #16, and as All-Star Theodore Watson heads to free agency this offseason, rxk should probably add another high end young reliever to pair with Tino Arrubarruena moving forward. Another option would likely be speedy left fielder Rui Salles, as rxk continues his highly publicized quest to get faster.
Pick Grade: C+
17. Washington Nationals (bvega) - RP Thomas Stone 23 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
Recently instituted GM BVega has breathed some life into the Nationals franchise. With a versatile roster that only needs a piece or two to compete in the playoffs, BVega has many options here in the 17 slot. He may surprise and choose a player that can contribute immediately, such as southpaw Stone out of the bullpen.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
Washington thrived under new management this season, coming close to a playoff berth. The bullpen is an area of strength, and Okuba Toshimichi is still on the board here. I think that Toshmichi gives rotational depth to develop as an insurance policy as the Nationals rotation gets older.
Pick Grade: D
18. San Antonio Alamos (jabarwick) via Baltimore - LF Rui Salles 23 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
Having traded his speedy leadoff hitter (Derek Beauprez) for 2B Joe Cassar, GM jabarwick may wish to add speed to the Alamos lineup. If this is the case, LF Salles would be a smart pick here.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
If Salles makes it to #18, this is a steal for San Antonio. By the time he is ready offensively, Salles should make for an excellent leadoff or #9 hitter to contribute on the basepaths. Solid pick regardless for a team that really just needs to wait another year or two before they can compete.
Pick Grade: B+
19. New York Yankees (fazeshiftalec) - RP Stuart Mill 20 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
GM fazeshiftalec has quietly (well, for the Yankees) been amassing a deep and talented squad with a youthful foundation. His squad has no immediately transparent weaknesses, but could find some talent here in the form of Mill to bolster his bullpen.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
I think that it can be understood that New York is one of only a few teams that would be willing to take a reliever this high in the first round. ED Redpath is on pace to be the best reliever in the game for the next decade, and I see nothing wrong with adding a secondary reliever to grow along with him. Mill is a high strikeout guy out of the pen, and could possibly develop into a playoff closer. However, with Ujehari Wochu AND Ronald Jennings still on the board, there is no reason to reach for Mill. Take the best reliever here, not the third best.
Pick Grade: B-
20. Mexico City Aztecs (tactracer) - 3B Orlando Tejera 23 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
While Aztecs GM tactracer often makes virtually no sense, his front office moves generally do. With a lack of long-term talent at 3B, a pickup like Tejera would be a solid addition to contribute to another playoff run in the AL South.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
Tejera is a good player, and Mexico City doesn’t have a quality third baseman on their roster. This is a smart pick that may help the Aztecs get back into the playoffs.
Pick Grade: B+
21. Atlanta Braves (rsauve1028) - RP Ronald Jennings 20 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
Fresh from his playoff appearance as the NL South champ, Braves GM rsauve1028 has a deep roster with a blend of veteran and developing talent. Rsauve1028 could keep his hold on the NL South and add a southpaw to his bullpen with heaps of potential in Jennings.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
Atlanta surprisingly took the NL South this year after attempting to rebuild and restock their roster. Jennings has a high ceiling, and would absolutely help the Braves bullpen. However, again, Ujehari Wochu is still miraculously on the board here. Take the best reliever, regardless of age.
Pick Grade: B
22. San Francisco Giants (crad1984) - SS Renny Olivier 25 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
M.I.A. (AWOL?) GM/commish crad1984 held off SEO to win the NL West last season on the back s of a strong veteran core and NL Cy Young winner/stud Ramon Elizando. With the loss of start SS Brewer to free agency, crad1984 could bring in Olivier to contribute immediately in the infield.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
San Francisco is deep, and have very few holes. That being said, just because a team is deep doesn’t mean that they can afford to waste a first round pick so badly. This is possibly the worst selection in the draft. Oliver is old, has a slow progression, and will never contribute enough to warrant this pick. Awful. This will never happen.
Pick Grade: F
23. Shanghai Crowned Cranes (wcp909) - 1B Takeshi Kaneshiro 20 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
Shanghai GM wcp909 battled in the ultra-competitive AL West to capture a wild card spot this past season. With a roster now in/past their prime, wcp909 could use some youth to complement his versatile roster. A pickup like 1B Kaneshiro (who has dropped considerably far in this mock) could be an excellent addition to step in once Tucker leaves for free agency in a couple seasons.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
Kaneshiro makes a bit of sense here, but won’t play for some time with former AL Rookie of the Year Howard Tucker firmly planted as the starting first baseman. This is a solid depth pick for a playoff competitor, but what the problem could be is the lack of pitching depth in both the draft and on the Crowned Cranes roster.
Pick Grade: C+
24. Chicago White Sox (keefers) via Seattle Cascades - 2B Kessier Cho-liang 22 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
With a second pick of the first round from a trade with SEA, keefers could beef up his infield that has no real options at 2B with a player like Cho-liang.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
Interesting pick here for Chicago, as they do not have a quality second baseman on their roster. However, Walter Moriera is sitting here, and gives more depth in the outfield for when recently acquired Mario Sosa retires. Cho-liang is a bit of a reach, but fills a need for the ChiSox.
Pick Grade: B-
25. Carolina Colonists (hollinn) via Seoul Red Devils - RP Ujehari Wochu 23 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
The Colonists gave up two veteran pitchers to pick up Seoul’s first rounder here at 25. As his second of three picks in the first round, the Colonists must build a bullpen to compete in a few seasons, so a pick like Wochu could provide a high-quality option in relief.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
First of all, Wochu will never fall this far. Secondly, this is clearly a fabrication by the GM who made this mock in order to pick up the best reliever in the class. There were three other relievers who were taken so far in the mock, so Wochu would have gone then instead of now. A reliever in this situation would be ideal, but this is ridiculous.
Pick Grade: N/A
26. New York Mets (the_goat) - RF Eddie Gordon 20 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
Only a couple seasons out from a championship, the_goat’s Mets stayed competitive this past season only to be knocked out by rgregman’s Rockies in the second round of the playoffs. A developmental pick like Gordon could emerge as a quality corner outfielder in a few seasons.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
The Mets have a good outfield to compete now, but don’t have the youth behind it to develop for 3-4 years down the road. Gordon isn’t anything special right now, but will be able to contribute if he is given the time to develop properly.
Pick Grade: B-
27. Milwaukee Brewers (sirburt) - SP Bario do Rio Aranha 22 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
Considered by many as the surprise of this past season, the Milwaukee Brewers made some legitimate noise in the AL playoffs. Next season, the Brewers bring their core back and could use an additional piece in their rotation like Rio Aranha.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
Rio Aranha will add to an already weak rotation in Milwaukee. It is truly a shock that they made it as far as they did in the playoffs with the rotation that they had. Though he is far from the top prospect in the draft, he is good enough to be a contributor for quite some time. This is a great pick this deep in the draft.
Pick Grade: A-
28. Los Angeles Angels (harry86) - RP Friedrich Jevons 23 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
The Angels, led by GM harry86, have remained competitive with a solid roster all around and a blend of veteran and young talent. Jevons would be a nice addition to the bullpen and could pick up some nice innings for a number of years.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
The Angels have a great rotation and a passable offense, but their bullpen is weak compared to many other playoff contenders. Jevons is developmental, and will need 2-3 seasons to truly be an impact arm in the bullpen, but he will be key for Los Angeles moving forward.
Pick Grade: B+
29. Miami Marlins (tvega) via Philadelphia Phillies - SP/RP Jim Spurgeon 20 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
By giving up veteran star Silas, tvega acquired this pick at 29. Miami has plenty of holes, but picking a developmental starter like Spurgeon would add some much needed help in the rotation.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
With ace Eric Vetter hitting free agency, the Marlins need to prepare their rotation for the future. Spurgeon will take some time to develop, but he should contribute down the road for a Marlins team that looks to be in the beginning stages of a rebuild. This is a good pick this late.
Pick Grade: B
30. Carolina Colonists (hollinn) via Houston Astros - SP/RP Ian Huntley 20 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
With a relatively weak draft class overall, the number of options by pick 30 will be few. The Colonists may make a value pick here, and draft a pitcher like Huntley.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
With a young and potent rotation, this is just like giving candy to a baby for the Colonists. Huntley gives them a potent rotation in 2 years, making the Colonists of 2034 the fear of the National League.
Pick Grade: A-
31. Colorado Rockies (rgregman) - SP Josh McNabb 22 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
The Rockies, led by GM rgregman, surprised many by a run to the World Series. Though they lost handily to rxk192’s Blue Jays, many people took notice that rgregman consistently puts together solid squads and can win year in and year out. Again, I predict another value pick here such as McNabb.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
This is a Rockies team that surprised many by not only making it to the World Series, but by avoiding a sweep at the hands of the dominant Toronto Blue Jays. McNabb is a value pick at #31, but he makes their rotation deadly a year or two down the road.
Pick Grade: B
32. Toronto Blue Jays (rxk192) - 1B Willey McAvoy 20 y.o.
Hollinn’s Take:
With veteran stars at almost every position, picking a young developmental player is no issue. A player here like McAvoy would make a lot of sense and could eventually be a replacement for star Pedro Hernandez.
Sfascetta’s Analysis:
This is a depth pick for Toronto, who really shouldn’t need anything else at this point. McAvoy can sit and develop behind League Batting Champion Pedro Hernandez for a few years before becoming a contributing member to the World Champion Blue Jays.
Pick Grade: B
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