Post by Sha-Le Unique on Mar 23, 2014 16:57:31 GMT -5
Now we're at the NL Central, which will not exist as a division until the 1990s. All but one of these teams are currently in the league, with the one exception coming in less than 10 seasons. Here we go!
Chicago Cubs
Fergie Jenkins was one of the best pitchers in baseball throughout the 1970s.
1. SP Fergie Jenkins
Draft Class: 1962
Ratings: G/G/G/B/B, A duration
Fergie was one of the best pitchers in his generation, won a Cy Young Award and was a no doubt Hall of Famer. He is one of, if not the greatest pitcher in Cubs history and probably the first big Canadian baseball superstar. I can't see Matt A. passing him up and he will be a very solid selection.
2. 2B Ryne Sandberg
Draft Class: 1978
G/G/G/G/A/G, B speed, B steals, A range, Loyal
Ryne Sandberg was one of the most elite second basemen in the game during his career. He spent all but one season in his career with the Cubs, so he has to be loyal. Sandberg was a star both at the plate (1984 NL MVP, 7 Silver Slugger Awards, 10 All-Star selections) and with the glove (9 NL Gold Glove Awards). He was a big part of some good Cubs teams in the 1980s.
Sandberg seems to be a personal favorite for Matt, so I'm sure he will get reserved.
3. 3B Ron Santo
Draft Class: 1959
Ratings: A/G/A/G/G/G with D speed, D steals, A range, Loyal
Ron Santo is another guy Matt clearly would like to have on the Cubs. He was one of the best third basemen around throughout his career, despite the presence of Eddie Mathews also in the NL for much of his career. Santo was a great hitter and superb defender at the hot corner. He finally got his long awaited call to the Hall of Fame in 2012, but unfortunately, he was no longer alive to experience it himself.
Matt may only be able to reserve 2 of these 3 guys, so it will be fascinating to see what choices he ends up making. And as much of a big time slugger as Sammy Sosa was in the late 1990s and early 2000s, I can't see Matt reserving him over Fergie, Sandberg, or Santo.
Honorable Mentions: Sosa, Rick Sutcliffe, Mark Grace, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster
Cincinnati Reds
Pete Rose and Johnny Bench were mainstays in the "Big Red Machine" era.
1. 1B Joey Votto
Draft Class: 2002
Ratings: B/B/F/G/B/A, D speed, D steals, C range, Loyal
It will be a long time before 2002, but Joey Votto is clearly the best rated Red that Jeff could choose from. Brilliant in hits, doubles and walks is just awesome! Votto will also start with good in home runs and should play well defensively too. Votto is currently the face of the Reds and won the 2010 NL MVP Award. Will Jeff be patient enough to wait on such a stud like Votto? Time will tell.
2. C Johnny Bench
Draft Class: 1965
Ratings: A/G/F/G/A/G, D speed, E steals, A range, A throwing arm, D range @ 1B, E range @ 3B, Loyal
As I've said before, great catchers are a dime a dozen. Now that we know Jeff will stay put with the Reds, this has to be an easy reservation for him. Bench was one of, if not the best all-around catcher in baseball history. He had a great bat, hit a lot of home runs, made 14 trips to the All-Star Game, and won 2 NL MVP Awards in 1970 and 1972. Defensively, he was good behind the plate as anyone. He won 10 NL Gold Glove Awards and threw out 43% of all attempted base stealers throughout his career, which is simply remarkable.
Bench became a third baseman later on to prolong his career and made a similar number of appearances at first base, so he should be able to get those positions from the start. But again, Jeff would be crazy to not reserve Bench.
3. 1B/2B/3B/LF/RF Pete Rose
Draft Class: 1960
Ratings: G/G/G/F/G/B, D speed, D steals, D range @ 1B, E range @ 2B, E range @ 3B, B range @ LF, C range @ RF, A hustle, E gambling
Even before Bench, Jeff will have another decision to make early on with Charlie Hustle himself, Pete Rose. Rose was one of the best hitters to ever play the game, but unfortunately for him, he would later get banned from baseball for betting. He is currently ineligible for being inducted into the Hall of Fame as a result. Rose is the all-time leader in hits, games played, at-bats, and plate appearances over a 24-year career.
Rose was one of the main leaders of the "Big Red Machine" Reds teams in the 1970s that won back-to-back championships in 1975 and 1976. I bet Jeff will end up reserving him, but at the rate the Reds have been at, he may not even need an actual reservation to get Rose by 1960. Something for Jeff to keep in mind going forward...
With how awesome Votto should be and Bench being a catcher, Rose could be the odd man out. But again, if Jeff decides to lose as much as possible in 1959, he might end up being able to draft all three of these guys.
Honorable Mentions: Joe L. Morgan, Tony Perez, Dave Concepcion, Barry Larkin, Eric Davis, Adam Dunn, Jay Bruce
Houston Astros
Jeff Bagwell had one of the most unique stances of all time, but it helped him become one of the greatest first basemen ever.
1. 1B Jeff Bagwell
Draft Class: 1989
Ratings: G/G/F/B/B/A, C speed, B steals, D range, Brilliant batting stance, Loyal
Jeff Bagwell should be considered the greatest player in Astros history. He will soon be a Hall of Famer in the coming years or whenever the cranky voters get over themselves. Bagwell hit 449 career home runs, had 1,529 RBI and won an NL MVP Award and NL Gold Glove Award both in 1994. He spent his entire career with the Astros after coming from the Red Sox as a prospect in one of the most lopsided trades ever. He will definitely be deserving of the Minimal/Loyal combo for winning/loyalty.
This will be an easy call for Jenn to make in 1989. Bagwell was a beast and should be the player the Astros eventually build around.
2. 1B/OF Lance Berkman
Draft Class: 1997
Ratings: G/G/F/G/B/A, D speed, D steals, A range @ 1B, D range @ LF, E range @ CF, D range @ RF, Loyal
Lance Berkman is another relatively easy choice for Jenn to make 8 seasons later. Berkman played all over the outfield and later at first base. Berkman was an on-base machine with a career .406 OBP. He hit a lot of doubles and home runs as well. After spending most of his career with the Astros, he eventually won a World Series with the rival Cardinals in 2011. Berkman recently retired this year and should be up for Hall of Fame consideration down the road.
3. SP Roy Oswalt
Draft Class: 1996
Ratings: G/G/G/B/G, A duration, Loyal
While much of the Astros' history within the past 25 years has been best known for their hitting and the "Killer B's" in particular, the Astros also had a great starting pitcher to help lead the team for nearly a full decade. Roy Oswalt was the ace for the Astros for most of those seasons and has recently retired himself. He won 20 games in consecutive seasons from 2004-2005 and helped lead the Astros to their first ever World Series trip in 2005.
I can't see Jenn taking Oswalt over Berkman, but nonetheless, Oswalt would be a solid choice generally speaking.
Honorable Mentions: Mike Scott, Glenn Davis, Craig Biggio, Derek Bell, Carlos Lee
Pittsburgh Pirates
Willie Stargell was the greatest player in Pirates history not named Honus Wagner.
1. 1B/LF Willie Stargell
Draft Class: 1959
Ratings: G/G/F/B/G/F, D speed, E steals, C range @ 1B, D range @ LF, Loyal
I obviously will not be with the Pirates that much longer once the Mets come into the league. But one thing I will definitely do while still here is make sure that Willie Stargell is a Pirate. Stargell was one of the best hitters through much of the 1960s and 1970s. He hit 475 career home runs and won an NL MVP Award in 1979 at the ripe young age of 39. He also led the Pirates to two championships in 1971 and 1979.
If my Pirates don't end up playing well in 1958, I may not need to use points to reserve Stargell, but regardless, he will be a Pirate. He is more than deserving and as you'll see soon, the Pirates will not have the greatest options.
2. RF Dave Parker
Draft Class: 1970
Ratings: G/G/G/A/F/G, C speed, C steals, B range
Dave Parker was another big hitter for the Pirates in the 1970s. He won a batting title and an NL MVP Award of his own in 1978. Defensively, Parker had a gun in right field and his best defensive season was in 1977 with a career high 26 assists.
I could definitely see my eventual successor reserving Parker by then. But if he wants to be a lot more patient, another great option will be around later.
3. CF Andrew McCutchen
Draft Class: 2005
G/G/G/G/G/A with B speed, C steals, B range, Loyal
Andrew McCutchen is the defending 2013 NL MVP and led the Pirates last year to their first playoff appearance since 1992. McCutchen is a star right now. He can hit for contact and power, runs the bases well and plays Gold Glove defense.
Again, whether McCutchen gets reserved depends on whether the future Pirates GM values him more than Dave Parker. Both of those players would end up being great selections.
Honorable Mentions: Doug Drabek, Bobby Boonilla (pun intended), Jason Kendall, Pedro Alvarez
St. Louis Cardinals
"The Machine" will be a Cardinal and should be one of the best rated hitters ever.
1. 1B/3B/LF/RF Albert Pujols
Draft Class: 1999
Ratings: B/B/P/B/G/G, D speed, B steals, A range @ 1B, A range @ 3B, B range @ LF, D range @ RF
Brilliant in hits, doubles and home runs. Yeah Albert Pujols will get reserved by Matt C. in 1999. This is an obvious no-brainer. Pujols has already become one of the great hitters of both his era and all-time. He should easily reach 500 career home runs this year and already has 3 NL MVP Awards (2005, 2008 and 2009) and two championships in 2006 and 2011 under his belt. His time with the Angels has not gotten off to the best start, but hopefully, he will bounce back and hit like the Albert of old. Pujols should easily be a lock for the Hall of Fame.
2. SP Bob Gibson
Draft Class: 1957
Ratings: G/G/B/G/B, A duration, Loyal
Matt has already made it clear that he will reserve Bob Gibson in the upcoming 1957 draft and this is an easy choice for him as well. Gibson is the best pitcher in Cardinals history and one of the all-time greats. He won a pair of NL Cy Young Awards in 1968 and 1970 and two championships in 1964 and 1967. Gibson had 20+ wins in five different seasons and a career 2.91 ERA. He got inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981.
3. CF Jim Edmonds
Draft Class: 1988
Ratings: G/G/F/G/G/A, D speed, D steals, A range
As great as Hall of Famers Lou Brock and Ozzie Smith were, plus 1985 NL MVP Willie McGee, I'd still reserve Jim Edmonds over all of them. I doubt Matt will be able to reserve anyone else besides Pujols and Gibson, but if he were able to, Edmonds would probably be the best choice left.
Edmonds had a very good career and spent most of his time with the Cardinals. He hit well, blasted quite a few home runs and was one of the best defensive center fielders of his time. Like Pujols, Edmonds was part of the 2006 Cardinals championship team and helped the Cardinals get to the 2004 World Series as well.
Although overshadowed in his career by other center fielders like Ken Griffey Jr., Kenny Lofton and Bernie Williams, among others, Edmonds had a solid career of his own and was a big part of the Cardinals' success in the 2000s.
Honorable Mentions: Brock, Smith, McGee, Keith Hernandez, Matt Morris, Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright
The NL West rankings will come in 1957.
Chicago Cubs
Fergie Jenkins was one of the best pitchers in baseball throughout the 1970s.
1. SP Fergie Jenkins
Draft Class: 1962
Ratings: G/G/G/B/B, A duration
Fergie was one of the best pitchers in his generation, won a Cy Young Award and was a no doubt Hall of Famer. He is one of, if not the greatest pitcher in Cubs history and probably the first big Canadian baseball superstar. I can't see Matt A. passing him up and he will be a very solid selection.
2. 2B Ryne Sandberg
Draft Class: 1978
G/G/G/G/A/G, B speed, B steals, A range, Loyal
Ryne Sandberg was one of the most elite second basemen in the game during his career. He spent all but one season in his career with the Cubs, so he has to be loyal. Sandberg was a star both at the plate (1984 NL MVP, 7 Silver Slugger Awards, 10 All-Star selections) and with the glove (9 NL Gold Glove Awards). He was a big part of some good Cubs teams in the 1980s.
Sandberg seems to be a personal favorite for Matt, so I'm sure he will get reserved.
3. 3B Ron Santo
Draft Class: 1959
Ratings: A/G/A/G/G/G with D speed, D steals, A range, Loyal
Ron Santo is another guy Matt clearly would like to have on the Cubs. He was one of the best third basemen around throughout his career, despite the presence of Eddie Mathews also in the NL for much of his career. Santo was a great hitter and superb defender at the hot corner. He finally got his long awaited call to the Hall of Fame in 2012, but unfortunately, he was no longer alive to experience it himself.
Matt may only be able to reserve 2 of these 3 guys, so it will be fascinating to see what choices he ends up making. And as much of a big time slugger as Sammy Sosa was in the late 1990s and early 2000s, I can't see Matt reserving him over Fergie, Sandberg, or Santo.
Honorable Mentions: Sosa, Rick Sutcliffe, Mark Grace, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster
Cincinnati Reds
Pete Rose and Johnny Bench were mainstays in the "Big Red Machine" era.
1. 1B Joey Votto
Draft Class: 2002
Ratings: B/B/F/G/B/A, D speed, D steals, C range, Loyal
It will be a long time before 2002, but Joey Votto is clearly the best rated Red that Jeff could choose from. Brilliant in hits, doubles and walks is just awesome! Votto will also start with good in home runs and should play well defensively too. Votto is currently the face of the Reds and won the 2010 NL MVP Award. Will Jeff be patient enough to wait on such a stud like Votto? Time will tell.
2. C Johnny Bench
Draft Class: 1965
Ratings: A/G/F/G/A/G, D speed, E steals, A range, A throwing arm, D range @ 1B, E range @ 3B, Loyal
As I've said before, great catchers are a dime a dozen. Now that we know Jeff will stay put with the Reds, this has to be an easy reservation for him. Bench was one of, if not the best all-around catcher in baseball history. He had a great bat, hit a lot of home runs, made 14 trips to the All-Star Game, and won 2 NL MVP Awards in 1970 and 1972. Defensively, he was good behind the plate as anyone. He won 10 NL Gold Glove Awards and threw out 43% of all attempted base stealers throughout his career, which is simply remarkable.
Bench became a third baseman later on to prolong his career and made a similar number of appearances at first base, so he should be able to get those positions from the start. But again, Jeff would be crazy to not reserve Bench.
3. 1B/2B/3B/LF/RF Pete Rose
Draft Class: 1960
Ratings: G/G/G/F/G/B, D speed, D steals, D range @ 1B, E range @ 2B, E range @ 3B, B range @ LF, C range @ RF, A hustle, E gambling
Even before Bench, Jeff will have another decision to make early on with Charlie Hustle himself, Pete Rose. Rose was one of the best hitters to ever play the game, but unfortunately for him, he would later get banned from baseball for betting. He is currently ineligible for being inducted into the Hall of Fame as a result. Rose is the all-time leader in hits, games played, at-bats, and plate appearances over a 24-year career.
Rose was one of the main leaders of the "Big Red Machine" Reds teams in the 1970s that won back-to-back championships in 1975 and 1976. I bet Jeff will end up reserving him, but at the rate the Reds have been at, he may not even need an actual reservation to get Rose by 1960. Something for Jeff to keep in mind going forward...
With how awesome Votto should be and Bench being a catcher, Rose could be the odd man out. But again, if Jeff decides to lose as much as possible in 1959, he might end up being able to draft all three of these guys.
Honorable Mentions: Joe L. Morgan, Tony Perez, Dave Concepcion, Barry Larkin, Eric Davis, Adam Dunn, Jay Bruce
Houston Astros
Jeff Bagwell had one of the most unique stances of all time, but it helped him become one of the greatest first basemen ever.
1. 1B Jeff Bagwell
Draft Class: 1989
Ratings: G/G/F/B/B/A, C speed, B steals, D range, Brilliant batting stance, Loyal
Jeff Bagwell should be considered the greatest player in Astros history. He will soon be a Hall of Famer in the coming years or whenever the cranky voters get over themselves. Bagwell hit 449 career home runs, had 1,529 RBI and won an NL MVP Award and NL Gold Glove Award both in 1994. He spent his entire career with the Astros after coming from the Red Sox as a prospect in one of the most lopsided trades ever. He will definitely be deserving of the Minimal/Loyal combo for winning/loyalty.
This will be an easy call for Jenn to make in 1989. Bagwell was a beast and should be the player the Astros eventually build around.
2. 1B/OF Lance Berkman
Draft Class: 1997
Ratings: G/G/F/G/B/A, D speed, D steals, A range @ 1B, D range @ LF, E range @ CF, D range @ RF, Loyal
Lance Berkman is another relatively easy choice for Jenn to make 8 seasons later. Berkman played all over the outfield and later at first base. Berkman was an on-base machine with a career .406 OBP. He hit a lot of doubles and home runs as well. After spending most of his career with the Astros, he eventually won a World Series with the rival Cardinals in 2011. Berkman recently retired this year and should be up for Hall of Fame consideration down the road.
3. SP Roy Oswalt
Draft Class: 1996
Ratings: G/G/G/B/G, A duration, Loyal
While much of the Astros' history within the past 25 years has been best known for their hitting and the "Killer B's" in particular, the Astros also had a great starting pitcher to help lead the team for nearly a full decade. Roy Oswalt was the ace for the Astros for most of those seasons and has recently retired himself. He won 20 games in consecutive seasons from 2004-2005 and helped lead the Astros to their first ever World Series trip in 2005.
I can't see Jenn taking Oswalt over Berkman, but nonetheless, Oswalt would be a solid choice generally speaking.
Honorable Mentions: Mike Scott, Glenn Davis, Craig Biggio, Derek Bell, Carlos Lee
Pittsburgh Pirates
Willie Stargell was the greatest player in Pirates history not named Honus Wagner.
1. 1B/LF Willie Stargell
Draft Class: 1959
Ratings: G/G/F/B/G/F, D speed, E steals, C range @ 1B, D range @ LF, Loyal
I obviously will not be with the Pirates that much longer once the Mets come into the league. But one thing I will definitely do while still here is make sure that Willie Stargell is a Pirate. Stargell was one of the best hitters through much of the 1960s and 1970s. He hit 475 career home runs and won an NL MVP Award in 1979 at the ripe young age of 39. He also led the Pirates to two championships in 1971 and 1979.
If my Pirates don't end up playing well in 1958, I may not need to use points to reserve Stargell, but regardless, he will be a Pirate. He is more than deserving and as you'll see soon, the Pirates will not have the greatest options.
2. RF Dave Parker
Draft Class: 1970
Ratings: G/G/G/A/F/G, C speed, C steals, B range
Dave Parker was another big hitter for the Pirates in the 1970s. He won a batting title and an NL MVP Award of his own in 1978. Defensively, Parker had a gun in right field and his best defensive season was in 1977 with a career high 26 assists.
I could definitely see my eventual successor reserving Parker by then. But if he wants to be a lot more patient, another great option will be around later.
3. CF Andrew McCutchen
Draft Class: 2005
G/G/G/G/G/A with B speed, C steals, B range, Loyal
Andrew McCutchen is the defending 2013 NL MVP and led the Pirates last year to their first playoff appearance since 1992. McCutchen is a star right now. He can hit for contact and power, runs the bases well and plays Gold Glove defense.
Again, whether McCutchen gets reserved depends on whether the future Pirates GM values him more than Dave Parker. Both of those players would end up being great selections.
Honorable Mentions: Doug Drabek, Bobby Boonilla (pun intended), Jason Kendall, Pedro Alvarez
St. Louis Cardinals
"The Machine" will be a Cardinal and should be one of the best rated hitters ever.
1. 1B/3B/LF/RF Albert Pujols
Draft Class: 1999
Ratings: B/B/P/B/G/G, D speed, B steals, A range @ 1B, A range @ 3B, B range @ LF, D range @ RF
Brilliant in hits, doubles and home runs. Yeah Albert Pujols will get reserved by Matt C. in 1999. This is an obvious no-brainer. Pujols has already become one of the great hitters of both his era and all-time. He should easily reach 500 career home runs this year and already has 3 NL MVP Awards (2005, 2008 and 2009) and two championships in 2006 and 2011 under his belt. His time with the Angels has not gotten off to the best start, but hopefully, he will bounce back and hit like the Albert of old. Pujols should easily be a lock for the Hall of Fame.
2. SP Bob Gibson
Draft Class: 1957
Ratings: G/G/B/G/B, A duration, Loyal
Matt has already made it clear that he will reserve Bob Gibson in the upcoming 1957 draft and this is an easy choice for him as well. Gibson is the best pitcher in Cardinals history and one of the all-time greats. He won a pair of NL Cy Young Awards in 1968 and 1970 and two championships in 1964 and 1967. Gibson had 20+ wins in five different seasons and a career 2.91 ERA. He got inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981.
3. CF Jim Edmonds
Draft Class: 1988
Ratings: G/G/F/G/G/A, D speed, D steals, A range
As great as Hall of Famers Lou Brock and Ozzie Smith were, plus 1985 NL MVP Willie McGee, I'd still reserve Jim Edmonds over all of them. I doubt Matt will be able to reserve anyone else besides Pujols and Gibson, but if he were able to, Edmonds would probably be the best choice left.
Edmonds had a very good career and spent most of his time with the Cardinals. He hit well, blasted quite a few home runs and was one of the best defensive center fielders of his time. Like Pujols, Edmonds was part of the 2006 Cardinals championship team and helped the Cardinals get to the 2004 World Series as well.
Although overshadowed in his career by other center fielders like Ken Griffey Jr., Kenny Lofton and Bernie Williams, among others, Edmonds had a solid career of his own and was a big part of the Cardinals' success in the 2000s.
Honorable Mentions: Brock, Smith, McGee, Keith Hernandez, Matt Morris, Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright
The NL West rankings will come in 1957.