2007 Mock Rookie Draft

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Weaver, Hamels, Uggla, Markakis Headline 2007 Rookie Draft

With the 2007 rookie draft just under two months away, teams begin to spend most of their waking hours scouting and preparing for what is always an exciting and eventful time. This year, however, one team looks to have a leg up on the competition when it comes to top picks, as the Bristol Academicals own three of the top five picks, including the first and second overall. “It’s crazy that a team that is as good as the Accies can own three of the top five picks,” stated Matt Bracken, “Crazy.” While laying claim to three of the top five picks can leave many a jealous owner, some argue that this draft is not nearly as talented as previous ones. “It’s just not that deep,” continued Bracken, “but a top five pick should still land you a quality player.”

Headlining this year’s crop is Jered Weaver, who is long been held to be the best of the Weaver clan, which consists of him and his brother Jeff Weaver. “He’s pretty good,” stated one owner, “he has a lively arm and he may make an immediate impact on a ball club. I expect him to be the top pick, though the Accies don’t really need anymore pitching.” As most agree that Weaver will be the top pick, other players expected to compete for a place in history as a first round pick are said to include, but of course not limited to, Delmon Young, Stephen Drew, Cole Hamels, Dan Uggla, Joel Zumaya, Takashi Saito, Matt Garza, Mike Pelfrey, Troy Tulowitzki, Anibal Sanchez, Boof Bonser, Lastings Milledge, Nick Markakis, Howie Kendrick, Kenji Johjima, Josh Barfield, and Jon Lester. So, who will end up where? We won’t know for sure until draft day. However, where’s the fun in that? Half the fun is discussing the possibilities so below, find my 2007 Mock Draft. Of course, expect me to be wrong more often than not!

2007 Rookie Mock Draft:

• 1. Bristol Academicals: Jered Weaver, SP

The Accies have long been known to be hoarders of young arms, ala the Soldiers, so there’s no reason to expect anything different. Weaver can provide them with many options. They can start him to spell any of the other young arms, or use him in the pen. Expect him to make a number of starts, as players like Sheets, Harden and Sabathia are bound to miss some time.

• 2. Bristol Academicals: Cole Hamels, SP

Like the first pick, the Accies go after another young arm to sit on. Geoff Haddock has always liked the pitcher who can log the strikeout and Hamels fit’s the bill. However, with the cutdowns going to 20 in 2008, the Accies may revisit this policy and go after a young bat like Markakis.

• 3. South Side Soldiers: Dan Uggla, 2b

I fully expect the Soldiers to shop this pick, but if they keep it, they could open some eyes with a surprising pick of Uggla. The Soldiers have a boatload of two baggers, but other than Rickie Weeks, non look to make any impact at the MLB level. Uggla would fill one of their few visible holes.

• 4. Florida Christians: Delmon Young, OF

With Weaver and Hamels gone, the weak armed Christians draft an outfielder in an already crowed spot. If Hamels is still available at the 4th pick, expect the Christians to target him with this pick. Anibal Sanchez is also an option.

• 5. Bristol Academicals: Nick Markakis, OF

With Sheffield pushing 40 and Abreu’s power diminishing, the Accies draft a young outfielder with some power and a good glove. Bristol make also look to move this pick to either move up, or acquire future picks.

• 6. Birmingham Cloverleafs: Stephen Drew, SS

With the recent trades of Bill Hall and Carlos Guillen, the Leafs now have a big hole at short. Khalil Greene still hasn’t panned out and the younger brother of J.D. Drew may be a nice fit. Like Weaver, the younger brother is said to be the more talented of the due. Sanchez may be another option for a depleted pitching staff. Stay Tuned for the second half of the first round.

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Article By: Joe Chapman