2008 Mock Draft

It is that time of the year again fellas. I'd like to share with everyone who I feel will be chosen this year in LP2's 8th Annual Rookie/Free Agent draft. Today I will be mocking the top 5 picks in the draft. Two of them belonging to the powerhouse South Side Soldiers. This year what we have is a mixed of young players and veterans who are ready to lend a helping hand to all LP2 Teams. Probably one of the deepest draft in LP2 History but never the less risky as usual! "It's all about getting lucky, you don't know what you get despite each player's track history at the amateur level!" said John Colangelo, an LP2 consultant. With the first pick of the 2008 LP2 Professional Draft the Sun City Devils select....

1)Sun City Devils, Tim Linecum, PThere has been little rumors here and there about this organization moving the pick. Truth to be told is there is a lot of turmoil upstairs. Bobby Natural is definitely on the hot seat according to various inside sources within the organization. "It's all a matter of timing, the Devils would love to bring in a new GM but they are just unsure about whether they should do it before or after!" There's also rumors that the Devils might try to run a GM by committee kinda thing. One LP2 scout said "The Devils have been at the bottom of the cellar for many years, but they have the chance to pick a savior this year. Someone who can help David Ortiz as far as the marketing of this team goes. Rumors have it that Natural is enamored with Tim Linecum's nasty stuff. But at the same time they are not sure if they are ready to make the 22 year old their grand prize draft acquisition. "They are going to have to pay big bucks regardless of who they pick, I always say this is the best and worst spot to be in the LP2. I think Tim Linecum is a can't miss prospect who could very well shine in the LP2 in just his first year!" Will the Devils move the pick, pick a prized arm and break the bank or will they go with offense? "They will determine the rest of the draft, the Devils can go various routes as there are teams willing to meet the price to move up and pick first overall.

2)South Side Soldiers, Ryan Braun, 3BThis team is a pitching powerhouse! They are just solid everywhere but at 3rd base. Here comes the million dollar question? Should the Soldiers invest so high in 3rd baseman Ryan Braun? "It seems like a no-brainer to me!" said Braun's agent. "Ryan Braun is 24 years old, hits for huge power and played collegiate ball at one of the best universities in the Nation. He showed huge power potential by banging 34 dingers at UM last year and those numbers can very well carry over in his rookie year." It all seems nothing but a no-brainer. Many scouts around the league are terrified of the monster Braun can become defensively. "His defense is just disgusting! If it wasn't for his age I'd have to say he'd made a great DH!" It's been said before that Braun might be moved to the outfield by whomever selects him in this draft. But if the Soldiers come knocking on draft day I cannot see them moving Braun at all. "It's a risk they will have to take. Braun is an excellent hitter but when it all comes down he's pretty much a one dimensional player. I can see him being picked as high as 2 or as low as 9th. I am going to stay safe here and say that the Soldiers will go with Ryan Braun. "This move will definitely make them the favorites if they aren't already!"

3) Finger Lake Flashes, Phil Hughes-PIt is no secret the Flashes are hungry for arms. After their amazing season the Flashes are coming off their first ever World Series appearance. "Pitching is very thin for them this year and I assume they will be looking at a few arms. " The question is will they go for a veteran arm such as Daisuke Matsuzaka (15-12 4.40 ERA 201K) or will they go for the potential in Phil Hughes. I am going with Hughes simply because the potential in this kid is untapped. He's not a flamethrower like Time Linecum but that might be to his best advantage as we have seen what has become of guys like Kerry Wood and Mark Prior in the past. "Phil Hughes is an artist!" said one scout. I tend to agree, his slider is beautiful not to mention the command and control he poises on the mound. The Flashes are a smart organization and in my opinion they will not let Hughes slide down past 3rd.

4)South Side Soldiers, Hunter Pence, OFBeing that the Soldiers have so much pitching depth I think it will come down to them picking the best offensive player available. Barry Bonds is nearing retirement and Andruw Jones had miserable season. So it's safe to say that Matt will definitely go with Hunter Pence. Hunter is the type of player Matt likes, a 5-tool player. He can hit, he can run, he can hit for power and he can definitely play D. There is no going wrong with him this high in this draft. The only questions surrounding Hunter is his ability to stay healthy. He was hurt plenty of times throughout his collegiate career. It might be a result of his own blessing as he's a player that likes to give it all he has. "There is not a player that works harder then Hunter, he's just a student of the game. His father a disciplinarian has definitely rubbed off on him. This adds to the already stacked Soldiers offense. "They will be as dangerous as any other team I've ever seen in LP2 History, another 100 win season is not out of the reach!

5)Bristol Acciess- Joba Chamberlain, PSpeaking of powerhouses, we now have the Acciess on the clock. It is not a surprise that they are picking so high despite winning their division last year. The Acciess are known to be enamored with young talent. Otherwise known as the New England Patriots of the LP2, Geoff has been instrumental in building this franchise from scratch. "Everyone knows that Bristol will in the mix of things year in and out. They are an organization filled with great scouts and a great Owner/GM in Geoff." said an league source . I definitely see the Acciess picking the best talent available at this position. I just don't see many holes within this team and in fact knowing what I know about Geoff they will probably go with the best prospect available since they have no need for immediate impact. Joba Chamberlain fits right in and is a Geoff type of player. Geoff loves young arms and Joba is probably the most touted closer prospect ever in LP2 history. Some scouts are not convinced though. "He played little ball in a big market, he had an amazing outing but not enough for me to be convinced he can repeat year in and out. It does help him though that his college manager is one of Geoff's closest associates in the business.

I will cover the rest of the first round in our next edition of the official 2008 LP2 Mock Draft.