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Welcome to the Season 17 of the USMLB.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

American League South Draft Ranking

Houston Hitmen
The Hitmen selected pitcher Andrew Peterson as there first pick. Peterson has good control with a devastating fastball and the ability to induce a ground every time he pitches. Peterson is the 6th best pitcher in the draft and will probably be an All-Star before his career is over. The only question about Peterson is can he go long enough in the games before tiring out. Ranking A-
The Hitmen also selected pitcher Paul Witt in the second round. Witt has great control and will rely on his movement over power and will have hitters pounding the dirt all game. Witt is the 8th best pitcher in the draft and will probably be an All-Star before his career is over. The only question about Witt is can he go long enough in the games before tiring out. Ranking A-
The Hitmen got four solid major league players with there first five picks and with all but one player being signed the Hitmen had the best draft of any team this season.
Ranking A

Jacksonville RAIDERS
The RAIDERS selected pitcher Keith Pavlik as there first pick and second overall. Pavlik is going to be a workhorse; he has a great fastball and great control over all his pitches. Pavlik is the 20th best pitcher in the draft and could become an All-Star one day. The only question about Pavlik is sometimes he losses focus and his control goes with it and then he’s very hittable. Ranking C+
The RAIDERS also selected pitcher Kip Bishop still in the first round. Bishop is going to be another workhorse for the team, with a decent fastball and control. Bishop is the 56th best pitcher in the draft and will probably be and back-end of the rotation pitcher. The question about Bishop is how well he will do during the second and third time around the order as he is limit in the pitches he throws. Ranking D+
The RAIDERS only got one lineament major league player during the draft which might hurt them in the long run.
Ranking C-

Durham Bulls
The Bulls selected pitcher Paul Horton as there third round pick. Horton has master every pitched that he knows how to through and as excellent control to go with every one of them. Horton is the 16th best pitcher in the draft and could become a good closer one day. The question about Horton is that he doesn’t throw very hard and we really don’t know how that will affect his ability to close games. Ranking C+
The Bulls also selected pitcher Pedro Franco in the second round. Franco is a junk ball pitcher that loves to get ground balls every time the hitter touches the ball. Franco is the 25th best pitcher in the draft and could become a middle of the rotation type pitcher. The question about Franco is can he stay long enough in games to be really effective. Ranking C
The Bulls haven’t signed there number one draft pick Gregory Mayne but with a C- ranking it might be a good idea to let him go.
Ranking D+

Kansas City Bobcats
The Bobcats selected pitcher Rodney Nash in the first round. Nash is a hard throwing right-hander with good control and the ability to keep the ball down. Nash is the 26th best pitcher in the draft and could become a middle of the rotation type pitcher. The question about Nash is that beyond his fastball he’s really an average pitcher with nothing special. Ranking C
The Bobcats selected catcher Theo McGowan in the second round. McGowan is a defense catcher with a little pop in his bat when he makes contact with the ball. McGowan is the 158th best position player but is the best defense catcher in the draft. McGowan is going to be wizard behind the plate and will help any pitcher become a master but will the lack of offensive really hurt him in making the majors. Ranking C-
The Bobcats really went down hill after there first two picks really not picking up any one that will help them in the long run.
Ranking D-