Feb
22
2009
The Braves, once believed to be short on pitching, have made some big moves and now have Derek Lowe, Jair Jurrjens, Javier Vazquez and Kenshin Kawakami in the top four spots. Five pitchers look to battle for the last spot. Jorge Campillo, Charlie Morton, Jo-Jo Reyes and James Parr have big league experience but it’s right handed pitching prospect Tommy Hanson who has the highest ceiling.
Expect Campillo to win the job out of spring training, Campillo was 8-7 with a 3.91 ERA last year. Hanson should be ready at midseason - he dominated two levels last season striking out 163 in 138 innings. Once he reaches the show expect him to stay there - even after the return of ace Tim Hudson.
Jan
23
2009
Original Picks
26 Craig Hansen Boston Red Sox
27 Joey Devine Atlanta Braves
28 Colby Rasmus St. Louis Cardinals
29 Jacob Marceaux Florida Marlins
30 Tyler Greene St. Louis Cardinals
New Picks
26 Boston Red Sox - Joey Devine, RHP - ERA star for Oakland last year would be an awesome addition to the Red Sox relief core.
27 Atlanta Braves - Chase Headley, OF - Solid bat is the type of guy who could bring consistency to an inconsistent outfield.
28 St. Louis Cardinals - Micah Owings, RHP/Raker - Owings would be a solid back end starter as well as a potent #8 hitter for Tony LaRussa.
29 Florida Marlins - Steven Pearce 1B - He’s ready for the big leagues and should drive in runs while making outs in a Florida RBI man type of way.
30 St. Louis Cardinals - Clayton Richard, LHP - Went 12-6 with a 2.47 ERA in the minors last year before a rough run in the big leagues.
Jan
16
2009
Kennedy wouldn’t reach the first round this time.
Original Order:
21 Ian Kennedy New York Yankees
22 Colton Willems Washington Nationals
23 Maxwell Sapp Houston Astros
24 Cody Johnson Atlanta Braves
25 Hank Conger Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Original Order:
21 New York Yankees - Jordan Walden, RHP - Hard throwing Walden looks like he could be a difference maker in the near future after a strong performance at two levels in 2008. Kennedy is already persona non grata in New York.
22 Washington Nationals - Greg Reynolds, RHP - Still has potential despite tough year in Colorado’s Coors Field.
23 Houston Astros - Jeff Samarzdija, RHP - Powerful righthander rode his high 90’s fastball to the major leagues in 08, could be an impact starter or reliever in 09.
24 Atlanta Braves - Cedric Hunter, OF - Would be just another strong outfielder in the stable of Atlanta outfielders.
25 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - Hank Conger, C/DH - Angels officials love Conger, who battled injury and wasn’t able to catch much in 2008. His bat will dictate his success in 2009.
