Post by Sha-Le Unique on May 5, 2014 21:50:45 GMT -5
Now that all the top FPR rank lists for each team has been completed, the next step is determining the stock of each potential FPR candidate and seeing which draft classes will more anticipated than others.
My criteria for this included the most logical FPR candidates for each team, other logical candidates for certain teams that are worth at least including, strength of draft classes and the number of potential FPR's in each class. Sure, some classes will have more potential FPR candidates, but are most of them strong and very likely FPR's? That's another thing I considered. Hope this all makes sense to everyone and isn't confusing at all...
Anyway, to start, here are some of the classes that barely missed the cut:
- 1964: Jim Palmer (BAL), Jerry Koosman (NYM), Steve Carlton (PHI), and Don Sutton (LAD) headline a very strong pitching class, while Rod Carew (MIN) will arguably be the top hitter. Not seeing more than 2 likely FPR's here though.
- 1965: Nolan Ryan (LAA) and Johnny Bench (CIN) are two very likely FPR's, but although this class nearly made the top 10, the lack of depth didn't help the cause.
- 1966: Just like 1965, this class includes two likely FPR's in Reggie Jackson (OAK) and Tom Seaver (NYM). Again, the lack of depth hurt this class from being in the top 10.
- 1973: Eddie Murray (BAL) will almost certainly be an FPR for the Orioles. He headlines this class with fellow real life HOF'ers Robin Yount (MIL) and Dave Winfield (SD). Yount and Winfield could be FPR's as well, but are certainly not as much of locks compared to Murray. This should be one of the better classes in the 1970s.
- 1976: 2 big names here in Rickey Henderson (OAK) and Wade Boggs (BOS). Henderson looks like a lock for an FPR, but Boggs might not be too high on Break's FPR list for the Red Sox. Not much depth here as well.
- 1984: Mark McGwire (OAK), Greg Maddux (ATL) and Tom Glavine (ATL) are the clear headlines here, but both Maddux and Glavine of course can't be reserved by the same team at the same time. McGwire could certainly make a case for being an FPR, but with all the options the A's will have, there's definitely a chance Big Mac gets passed over. Only one very likely FPR that will happen in this class.
- 1986: Bo Jackson was quite the offensive phenom in the mid-late 1980s, while Juan Gonzalez (TEX) and Matt Williams (SF) both had great careers. However, none of these guys are definite FPR locks.
- 1992: How did a class that includes Derek Jeter (NYY), David Ortiz (BOS), Jason Giambi (OAK) and Ichiro Suzuki (SEA) not make the top 10, especially being that Jeter and Suzuki are both likely to have brilliant hits? The answer is that only one of those players (Jeter) is a lock to be an FPR. The depth that the Red Sox and A's have will lead to Ortiz and Giambi very likely not being reserved. Ichiro is a toss-up, but definitely not a lock for the Mariners.
-2000: This class has so many people to consider. Jose Bautista (TOR), Cliff Lee (CLE), Hanley Ramirez (FLO), Chase Utley (PHI), Adam Wainwright (STL), Brandon Webb (ARZ), and Adrian Gonzalez (SD) just to name a few. However, as good as this class should end up being, Hanley Ramirez is the only real definite FPR lock.
-2005: This class is loaded with bats such as Ryan Braun (MIL), Andrew McCutchen (PIT), Troy Tulowitzki (COL), and Justin Upton (ARZ). While all four of these guys could very well end up being FPR's, this is so far down the road and three of these teams aren't even in the league yet. Two of them won't even be around until the 1990s. Thus, I just really don't see as much hype here.
And now the top 10:
10. 1993
Potential FPR's: Vladimir Guerrero (MON), Alex Rodriguez (NYY), Scott Rolen (PHI), Chris Carpenter (STL)
A-Rod and Vlad are the two major headlines here. Guerrero is pretty much a guaranteed FPR lock for the Expos, while A-Rod is very worthy as well. Many GM's in Chris' position would probably reserve A-Rod no matter what, but with Derek Jeter in the 1992 class, Chris will have to choose between one or the other. Being that Jeter is a lifelong Yankee and hasn't been under any PED scrutiny unlike A-Rod, it seems like A-Rod will not get an FPR. Nonetheless, his potential here could be amazing as well, so that should still lead to some hype. Rolen and Carpenter should be among the top picks as well.
9. 2009
Potential FPR's: Mike Trout (LAA), Stephen Strasburg (MON/WSH), Paul Goldschmidt (ARZ)
This class is so far in the future, but being that there is so much talent here, I had to include it here somewhere in the top 10. Trout will probably end up getting reserved by the Angels, just because he is that amazing of a player. Goldschmidt is also a likely FPR because of how few options the Diamondbacks will have. As for Strasburg, he might get passed over, but there will still be some hype for him as well. This class is too good to be left off.
8. 1982
Potential FPR's: Bret Saberhagen (KC), Jose Canseco (OAK), Dwight Gooden (NYM)
Saberhagen, Canseco and Gooden will almost certainly be the top 3 picks here and there should be a noticeable amount of hype for this class. Saberhagen is arguably the best pitcher in Royals history and an FPR would make a lot of sense for him. Canseco and Gooden are all quite FPR worthy themselves and all three of these guys were among the very best players in the 1980s. Canseco should be amazing with the great power and speed combo he will have. He was the first player to go 40/40 after all. And Gooden was the best young pitching phenom around in the mid-late 80s and was lights out at his peak. If I can avoid using an FPR on Seaver in 1966, I will reserve Gooden. Cannot wait to see Canseco and Gooden here.
7. 1987
Potential FPR's: Ken Griffey Jr. (SEA), Albert Belle (CLE), Jack McDowell (CHW), Craig Biggio (HOU)
Griffey singlehandedly puts the 1987 class this high on the list. I can't really think of many other players that will have as much hype as Griffey, who was one of the greatest players of all time. AL pitchers in the 1990s will fear him every time he's at the plate. The power potential could be through the roof and Griffey will provide world class defense in center field as well. Griffey is a definite FPR lock for the Mariners. Albert Belle could also be a lock for the Indians, but there won't be as much hype for him. Jack McDowell and Craig Biggio are two other FPR candidates for the White Sox and Astros, respectively. However, neither are as guaranteed as someone like Griffey.
6. 1971
Potential FPR's: George Brett (KC), Mike Schmidt (PHI), Jim Rice (BOS), Keith Hernandez (STL)
This one of the earlier classes that will draw a lot of attention. Brett and Schmidt are two of the greatest third basemen of all time and were the standard for their respective leagues at the position throughout their careers. I can't see either of them not getting reserved. Jim Rice also could be an FPR possibility, but knowing Break, he will probably pass on him in favor of the Red Sox greats he actually grew up watching. Defensive whiz Keith Hernandez played first base better defensively than anyone in baseball history. However, the Cardinals have better options than him and he will almost certainly get passed over. Hernandez should still be a very high pick in this class.
5. 1989
Potential FPR's: Frank Thomas (CHW), Jeff Bagwell (HOU), Jim Thome (CLE), Tim Salmon (LAA/CAL), Jeff Kent (SF)
This class features two definite FPR's in Thomas and Bagwell. They are two very obvious choices for their respective teams and the power potential for both should lead to a ton of hype for the 1989 class. And if that isn't enough, Jim Thome could be a possible FPR for the Indians and is another great hitter to look forward to. Tim Salmon and Jeff Kent are less likely to be FPR's, but will also be among the top picks in this heavy hitter class.
4. 1995
Potential FPR's: Roy Halladay (TOR), Carlos Beltran (KC), Johan Santana (MIN), Todd Helton (COL)
The 1995 class will be one of the most exciting classes for sure. Roy Halladay and Johan Santana were arguably the top two pitchers in the AL throughout the 2000s. Halladay is an FPR lock, but there's only a 50/50 chance for Santana depending if Adam prefers Joe Mauer in 2001 over him. Santana should still turn into an amazing pitcher here. On the hitting side, Todd Helton is a clear FPR for the Rockies and will almost certainly turn into one of the best hitters to ever be in this league. Carlos Beltran was a five tool center fielder in his prime, but it's not as definite that the Royals will reserve him, depending on what happens in previous draft classes.
Regardless, these four names will draw attention and hype without question.
3. 1988
Potential FPR's: Pedro Martinez (BOS), Carlos Delgado (TOR), Ivan Rodriguez (TEX), Mike Piazza (NYM), Jim Edmonds (STL)
Pedro Martinez, Carlos Delgado, Pudge Rodriguez and Mike Piazza all in the same class? Wow! All four of these superstars them could potentially become FPR's. Break will almost certainly reserve Pedro, I will definitely reserve Piazza, and I'm sure Delgado and Pudge will get reserved too. Just an amazing class here. Edmonds should easily be another top pick here as well and could provide similar power and defensive potential like Ken Griffey Jr.
2. 1999
Potential FPR's: Miguel Cabrera (DET), Albert Pujols (STL), Carl Crawford (TB), Justin Morneau (MIN), Josh Hamilton (TEX), Jose Reyes (NYM), Jake Peavy (SD)
In another loaded 90s class, there may be only two definite FPR locks, but boy will Miguel Cabrera and Albert Pujols be amazing here! There will be an unbelievable amount of hype for both without a doubt. Crawford and Peavy are both potential FPR's for their teams as well, but not as much of definite locks. Regardless, they, Morneau, Hamilton and Peavy will all be among the top picks for what will be a great draft down the road.
1. 1985
Potential FPR's: Roberto Alomar (TOR), Randy Johnson (SEA), Rafael Palmeiro (TEX), John Smoltz (ATL), Sammy Sosa (CHC), Barry Bonds (SF), Will Clark (SF)
As good as the other classes here will all be, the 1985 class clearly takes the cake. Randy Johnson and Barry Bonds are both extremely likely to get FPR's, and very strong cases could be made for Alomar, Palmeiro, Smoltz and Sosa. But even if not all of these guys don't get reserved, this is an amazing group of stars on both sides of the ball all in one class. Bonds and Sosa will be among the greatest sluggers this league will ever see. Johnson and Smoltz will be two future aces to look forward to. And Alomar and Will Clark are two more hitters that should be among the top 10 picks in the greatest draft we will see.
This is clearly the top draft to look forward to with so much potential for both hitters and pitchers. And if most of these guys do not get reserved, this is certainly the draft that is most worth tanking for.
Do you agree with these ranks? If not, please discuss how you would have ranked these draft classes!
Up next: FPR predictions!
My criteria for this included the most logical FPR candidates for each team, other logical candidates for certain teams that are worth at least including, strength of draft classes and the number of potential FPR's in each class. Sure, some classes will have more potential FPR candidates, but are most of them strong and very likely FPR's? That's another thing I considered. Hope this all makes sense to everyone and isn't confusing at all...
Anyway, to start, here are some of the classes that barely missed the cut:
- 1964: Jim Palmer (BAL), Jerry Koosman (NYM), Steve Carlton (PHI), and Don Sutton (LAD) headline a very strong pitching class, while Rod Carew (MIN) will arguably be the top hitter. Not seeing more than 2 likely FPR's here though.
- 1965: Nolan Ryan (LAA) and Johnny Bench (CIN) are two very likely FPR's, but although this class nearly made the top 10, the lack of depth didn't help the cause.
- 1966: Just like 1965, this class includes two likely FPR's in Reggie Jackson (OAK) and Tom Seaver (NYM). Again, the lack of depth hurt this class from being in the top 10.
- 1973: Eddie Murray (BAL) will almost certainly be an FPR for the Orioles. He headlines this class with fellow real life HOF'ers Robin Yount (MIL) and Dave Winfield (SD). Yount and Winfield could be FPR's as well, but are certainly not as much of locks compared to Murray. This should be one of the better classes in the 1970s.
- 1976: 2 big names here in Rickey Henderson (OAK) and Wade Boggs (BOS). Henderson looks like a lock for an FPR, but Boggs might not be too high on Break's FPR list for the Red Sox. Not much depth here as well.
- 1984: Mark McGwire (OAK), Greg Maddux (ATL) and Tom Glavine (ATL) are the clear headlines here, but both Maddux and Glavine of course can't be reserved by the same team at the same time. McGwire could certainly make a case for being an FPR, but with all the options the A's will have, there's definitely a chance Big Mac gets passed over. Only one very likely FPR that will happen in this class.
- 1986: Bo Jackson was quite the offensive phenom in the mid-late 1980s, while Juan Gonzalez (TEX) and Matt Williams (SF) both had great careers. However, none of these guys are definite FPR locks.
- 1992: How did a class that includes Derek Jeter (NYY), David Ortiz (BOS), Jason Giambi (OAK) and Ichiro Suzuki (SEA) not make the top 10, especially being that Jeter and Suzuki are both likely to have brilliant hits? The answer is that only one of those players (Jeter) is a lock to be an FPR. The depth that the Red Sox and A's have will lead to Ortiz and Giambi very likely not being reserved. Ichiro is a toss-up, but definitely not a lock for the Mariners.
-2000: This class has so many people to consider. Jose Bautista (TOR), Cliff Lee (CLE), Hanley Ramirez (FLO), Chase Utley (PHI), Adam Wainwright (STL), Brandon Webb (ARZ), and Adrian Gonzalez (SD) just to name a few. However, as good as this class should end up being, Hanley Ramirez is the only real definite FPR lock.
-2005: This class is loaded with bats such as Ryan Braun (MIL), Andrew McCutchen (PIT), Troy Tulowitzki (COL), and Justin Upton (ARZ). While all four of these guys could very well end up being FPR's, this is so far down the road and three of these teams aren't even in the league yet. Two of them won't even be around until the 1990s. Thus, I just really don't see as much hype here.
And now the top 10:
10. 1993
Potential FPR's: Vladimir Guerrero (MON), Alex Rodriguez (NYY), Scott Rolen (PHI), Chris Carpenter (STL)
A-Rod and Vlad are the two major headlines here. Guerrero is pretty much a guaranteed FPR lock for the Expos, while A-Rod is very worthy as well. Many GM's in Chris' position would probably reserve A-Rod no matter what, but with Derek Jeter in the 1992 class, Chris will have to choose between one or the other. Being that Jeter is a lifelong Yankee and hasn't been under any PED scrutiny unlike A-Rod, it seems like A-Rod will not get an FPR. Nonetheless, his potential here could be amazing as well, so that should still lead to some hype. Rolen and Carpenter should be among the top picks as well.
9. 2009
Potential FPR's: Mike Trout (LAA), Stephen Strasburg (MON/WSH), Paul Goldschmidt (ARZ)
This class is so far in the future, but being that there is so much talent here, I had to include it here somewhere in the top 10. Trout will probably end up getting reserved by the Angels, just because he is that amazing of a player. Goldschmidt is also a likely FPR because of how few options the Diamondbacks will have. As for Strasburg, he might get passed over, but there will still be some hype for him as well. This class is too good to be left off.
8. 1982
Potential FPR's: Bret Saberhagen (KC), Jose Canseco (OAK), Dwight Gooden (NYM)
Saberhagen, Canseco and Gooden will almost certainly be the top 3 picks here and there should be a noticeable amount of hype for this class. Saberhagen is arguably the best pitcher in Royals history and an FPR would make a lot of sense for him. Canseco and Gooden are all quite FPR worthy themselves and all three of these guys were among the very best players in the 1980s. Canseco should be amazing with the great power and speed combo he will have. He was the first player to go 40/40 after all. And Gooden was the best young pitching phenom around in the mid-late 80s and was lights out at his peak. If I can avoid using an FPR on Seaver in 1966, I will reserve Gooden. Cannot wait to see Canseco and Gooden here.
7. 1987
Potential FPR's: Ken Griffey Jr. (SEA), Albert Belle (CLE), Jack McDowell (CHW), Craig Biggio (HOU)
Griffey singlehandedly puts the 1987 class this high on the list. I can't really think of many other players that will have as much hype as Griffey, who was one of the greatest players of all time. AL pitchers in the 1990s will fear him every time he's at the plate. The power potential could be through the roof and Griffey will provide world class defense in center field as well. Griffey is a definite FPR lock for the Mariners. Albert Belle could also be a lock for the Indians, but there won't be as much hype for him. Jack McDowell and Craig Biggio are two other FPR candidates for the White Sox and Astros, respectively. However, neither are as guaranteed as someone like Griffey.
6. 1971
Potential FPR's: George Brett (KC), Mike Schmidt (PHI), Jim Rice (BOS), Keith Hernandez (STL)
This one of the earlier classes that will draw a lot of attention. Brett and Schmidt are two of the greatest third basemen of all time and were the standard for their respective leagues at the position throughout their careers. I can't see either of them not getting reserved. Jim Rice also could be an FPR possibility, but knowing Break, he will probably pass on him in favor of the Red Sox greats he actually grew up watching. Defensive whiz Keith Hernandez played first base better defensively than anyone in baseball history. However, the Cardinals have better options than him and he will almost certainly get passed over. Hernandez should still be a very high pick in this class.
5. 1989
Potential FPR's: Frank Thomas (CHW), Jeff Bagwell (HOU), Jim Thome (CLE), Tim Salmon (LAA/CAL), Jeff Kent (SF)
This class features two definite FPR's in Thomas and Bagwell. They are two very obvious choices for their respective teams and the power potential for both should lead to a ton of hype for the 1989 class. And if that isn't enough, Jim Thome could be a possible FPR for the Indians and is another great hitter to look forward to. Tim Salmon and Jeff Kent are less likely to be FPR's, but will also be among the top picks in this heavy hitter class.
4. 1995
Potential FPR's: Roy Halladay (TOR), Carlos Beltran (KC), Johan Santana (MIN), Todd Helton (COL)
The 1995 class will be one of the most exciting classes for sure. Roy Halladay and Johan Santana were arguably the top two pitchers in the AL throughout the 2000s. Halladay is an FPR lock, but there's only a 50/50 chance for Santana depending if Adam prefers Joe Mauer in 2001 over him. Santana should still turn into an amazing pitcher here. On the hitting side, Todd Helton is a clear FPR for the Rockies and will almost certainly turn into one of the best hitters to ever be in this league. Carlos Beltran was a five tool center fielder in his prime, but it's not as definite that the Royals will reserve him, depending on what happens in previous draft classes.
Regardless, these four names will draw attention and hype without question.
3. 1988
Potential FPR's: Pedro Martinez (BOS), Carlos Delgado (TOR), Ivan Rodriguez (TEX), Mike Piazza (NYM), Jim Edmonds (STL)
Pedro Martinez, Carlos Delgado, Pudge Rodriguez and Mike Piazza all in the same class? Wow! All four of these superstars them could potentially become FPR's. Break will almost certainly reserve Pedro, I will definitely reserve Piazza, and I'm sure Delgado and Pudge will get reserved too. Just an amazing class here. Edmonds should easily be another top pick here as well and could provide similar power and defensive potential like Ken Griffey Jr.
2. 1999
Potential FPR's: Miguel Cabrera (DET), Albert Pujols (STL), Carl Crawford (TB), Justin Morneau (MIN), Josh Hamilton (TEX), Jose Reyes (NYM), Jake Peavy (SD)
In another loaded 90s class, there may be only two definite FPR locks, but boy will Miguel Cabrera and Albert Pujols be amazing here! There will be an unbelievable amount of hype for both without a doubt. Crawford and Peavy are both potential FPR's for their teams as well, but not as much of definite locks. Regardless, they, Morneau, Hamilton and Peavy will all be among the top picks for what will be a great draft down the road.
1. 1985
Potential FPR's: Roberto Alomar (TOR), Randy Johnson (SEA), Rafael Palmeiro (TEX), John Smoltz (ATL), Sammy Sosa (CHC), Barry Bonds (SF), Will Clark (SF)
As good as the other classes here will all be, the 1985 class clearly takes the cake. Randy Johnson and Barry Bonds are both extremely likely to get FPR's, and very strong cases could be made for Alomar, Palmeiro, Smoltz and Sosa. But even if not all of these guys don't get reserved, this is an amazing group of stars on both sides of the ball all in one class. Bonds and Sosa will be among the greatest sluggers this league will ever see. Johnson and Smoltz will be two future aces to look forward to. And Alomar and Will Clark are two more hitters that should be among the top 10 picks in the greatest draft we will see.
This is clearly the top draft to look forward to with so much potential for both hitters and pitchers. And if most of these guys do not get reserved, this is certainly the draft that is most worth tanking for.
Do you agree with these ranks? If not, please discuss how you would have ranked these draft classes!
Up next: FPR predictions!
