The inaugural American League Baseball draft has begun, and the first three rounds have completed. This month we will review the first three rounds of the draft.
San Francisco Sky Sox-Selecting 1st
Round 1: SP-Ron Bryant, 26
The Sky Sox went with local lefty Ron Bryant as the first pick in the inaugural draft. The lefty appeared poised for a breakout season in 1972.
Round 2: SP-Gaylord Perry, 35
The Sky Sox selected another former Giants pitcher, 35 year-old Gaylord Perry for the first pick in the second round.
Round 3: 1B-Dick Allen, 31
In the third round, San Francisco added some offense and power, selecting 1B Dick Allen. Allen hit a career high 40 HR in 1966 for the Philadelphia Phillies, while driving in 110 runs and hitting .317
Overall Grade: C-
The Sky Sox went two former Giants pitchers with their first two selections, when better pitchers were available. Bryant has never won more than 7 games in a season, and Perry turned 35 last September. Both questionable selections if San Francisco is looking towards its future. While Allen is one of the best sluggers in the game, he is been a clubhouse distraction for the teams he has played for.
Philadelphia Freedom Eagles-Selecting 2nd
Round 1: SP-Jim Palmer, 28
The Freedom Eagles are looking to Palmer to provide veteran leadership to the Eagles rotation. In Palmer’s last full season, he went 20-9 with a 2.68 ERA.
Round 2: SP-Don Sutton, 28
Philadelphia continued the current run of starting pitchers, selecting 28 year-old Don Sutton, who won 17 games during the 1971 season.
Round 3: C-Johnny Bench, 26
Philadelphia selected two time MVP, 5 time All-Star, and 4 time Gold Glove Winner Bench with their third selection. Bench hit a career high 45 home runs in 1970, and should provide both solid offense and solid defense.
Overall Grade: A
Philadelphia selected two starting pitchers both capable of winning 20 games, and a Gold Glove catcher who happened to win two MVP awards, forming a solid foundation in which to build the team on.
Houston Stars-Selecting 3rd
Round 1: SP-Catfish Hunter, 27
The Stars are hoping former Oakland A’s All-Star Catfish Hunter can continue his winning ways. Hunter was 21-4 during the 1971 season.
Round 2: 2B-Joe Morgan, 30
Houston selected 30 year-old second baseball Joe Morgan as the first non-pitcher in the draft. The three-time all-star played nine seasons with Houston, before moving to the Reds.
Round 3: C-Joe Ferguson, 27
Houston selected rookie catcher Joe Ferguson with their third pick. Ferguson appeared briefly with the Dodgers during the 1970, 1971, and 1972 seasons, but never was able to obtain the success the Dodgers believed he was capable of.
Overall Grade: B
The Stars first two selections were solid, giving them a legitimate ace, and solid defense up the middle. The Stars overvalued Ferguson, who should have been available for several more rounds.
Cincinnati Locomotives-Selecting 4th
Round 1: SP-Vida Blue, 24
The Cincinnati Locomotives went with 24 year-old Catfish Hunter’s former teammate, Vida Blue with the #4 pick. Blue won the Cy Young award in his dominant 1971 season, going 24-8 with a 1.82 ERA.
Round 2: SP-Steve Carlton, 29
The Locomotives selected 29 year-old Miami native Steve Carlton with their second round pick. Carlton won 20 games with the Cardinals during the 1971 season, and joins right hander Catfish Hunter to form a powerful 1-2, righty-lefty combination at the top of the rotation.
Round 3: 2B-Jorge Orta, 24
Cincinnati selected rookie 2B Jorge Orta with the third selection. The Locomotives feel that Orta will be able to anchor the middle of their infield for several years, and believe he will develop into a solid hitter, if he can cut down on his strikeouts.
Overall Grade: B
Cincinnati will feature a powerful 1-2 punch at the top of their rotation, with two twenty games winners both in the prime of their careers. Selecting Orta with their third selection was a bit of a reach, but if he develops, they will have a solid second baseman for years to come. Cincinnati fans were disappointed the team passed over Pete Rose, who was rumored to be their top target for their third selection.
San Jose Bees-Selecting 5th
Round 1: SP-Ken Holtzman, 28
San Jose went with veteran started Ken Holtman at the number five slot. Holtzman played seven seasons with the Chicago Cubs before joining the Oakland A’s during the abbreviated 1972 season.
Round 2: SP-Louis Tiant, 33
The Bees added former Red Sox veteran, “El Tiante” to their rotation. Tiant won 21 games during his best season.
Round 3: 1B-Mike Jorgenson, 25
San Jose selected slick fielding first baseman Mike Jorgenson with their third selection. Jorgenson played two seasons with the New York Mets, before moving to the Montreal Expos for the 1972 season. Jorgenson showed signs of developing into a solid hitter for the Expos, and San Jose hopes he will continue to improve at the plate.
Overall Grade: B-
San Jose drafted two solid starters, and a capable first baseman with their first three selections. The Bees are expecting the two veteran pitchers to anchor their staff. Tiant is capable of dominating, but has struggled at times.
Chicago Colts-Selecting 6th
Round 1: SP-Bart Johnson, 24
The Chicago Colts surprised everyone and went with youth and selected former White Sox starter Bart Johnson. The Colts hope Johnson can rebound from a poor first half during the 1972 season, and return to his 1971 form where he was 12-10 with a 2.93 ERA.
Round 2: SP-Bill Hands, 33
The Colts selected 33 year-old former Cub, Bill Hands. Hands won 20 games in his best season during 1969.
Round 3: LF-Bob Bailey, 31
The Colts selected Bailey to play LF, despite having played the majority of games at third base in recent years. Bailey hit 28 home runs during the 1970 season, but his power numbers and average dropped in subsequent years.
Overall Grade: C
The Colts first three did not excite many Chicago fans. Many believe Johnson’s successful 1971 season was a fluke, and that Hand’s best days are behind him. Bailey also struggled after his breakout season, and his defense is a liability. Best case scenario: Johnson and Hands both rebound and win 18-20 games, and Bailey finds his home run stroke in the friendly confines of Wrigley. Likely scenario: Johnson and Hands will struggle at the top of the rotation, and win 15 games combined. Bailey’s declining offense fails to make up for his poor defense in the outfield.
Dallas Mavericks-Selecting 7th
Round 1: SP-Nolan Ryan, 26
The Mavericks went with Texas native Nolan Ryan with the #7 pick. General Manager Lou Gorman spoke highly of Ryan, “Nolan came in and worked out for us several times, and really has some electric stuff. We expect him to continue to develop and perform as our #1 starter.”
Round 2: SP-Dave Pagan, 24
The Mavericks surprised everyone taking former Yankees draft pick Dave Pagan. Pagan was originally drafted as a starter by the Yankees, but has shown questionable endurance during his time in the minor leagues.
Round 3: RF-Jeff Burroughs, 22
Dallas selected former overall #1 pick Jeff Burroughs with their third selection. The Mavericks believe Burroughs is capable of hitting 30-40 home runs, while driving in 100 runs and hitting .300.
Overall Grade: B
The Mavericks got the top of the rotation ace that they wanted in Ryan, and Burroughs has put on impressive power displays in his pre-draft workouts. Their grade would be higher if they didn’t select Pagan with their second pick. Dallas hopes Pagan will be helped out pitching with Ryan, but we expect Pagan will spend more time working out of the bullpen.
San DiegoSea Wolves-Selecting 8th
Round 1: SP-Wilbur Wood, 32
The Sea Wolves picked fan favorite Wilbur Wood with their first round pick. Wood, is known for his rubber arm and knuckleball, pitched 334 innings in 1971 winning 22 games with a 1.91 ERA. Wood was on pace for over 400 innings during the 1972 season.
Round 2: C-Carlton Fisk, 26
The Sea Wolves made former Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk the first catcher selected in the draft. San Diego believes Fisk will continue the success he showed during the abbreviated 1972 season, and be their catcher of the future.
Round 3: LF-Richie Zisk, 24
San Diego believes Zisk is ready to play everyday in the outfield, and has the plate discipline to develop into a .300 hitter with decent power.
Overall Grade: A-/B+
San Diego had a solid first three rounds of the draft, selecting three players that should get plenty of playing time this year. Wood is an inning eating, knuckleballer, who should give opposing batters fits. Both Fisk and Zisk have bright futures, but one has to question the selection of two hitters in the first three rounds, unless they feel the novelty of having a Fisk and Zisk will help them sell merchandise.
Fort Worth Cowboys-Selecting 9th
Round 1: SP-Tommy John, 30
The Cowboys will turn to Tommy John to lead their staff this year. The veteran pitcher has spent time with the Indians, White Sox, and Dodgers during his 10 year career.
Round 2: 1B-Willie Stargell, 33
The Cowboys chose former Pirates slugger Willie Stargell with their second round pick. Stargell hit 48 home runs during the 1971 season.
Round 3: LF-Hank Aaron, 39
The Cowboys chose perhaps the greatest home-run hitter of all-time with their third selection, picking Hammerin’ Hank Aaron, which is sure to give opposing pitchers nightmares when thinking of facing Stargell and Aaron back to back.
Overall Grade: A/B
Fort Worth is going with a win now mentality, selecting three veterans with their first three picks. Tommy John should prove to be a capable number one starter, and a combination of Stargell and Aaron in the middle of the line-up is guaranteed to excite fans and hit many homers. Current Grade: A, Long-Term Grade: B
Los Angeles Titans-Selecting 10th
Round 1: SP-Joe Coleman, 26
The Titans selected former Tiger hurler Joe Coleman. Coleman went 20-9 during the 1971 season, and posted a 3.15 ERA.
Round 2: RF-Reggie Jackson, 27
The Titans selected slugger Reggie Jackson with their second round pick. Jackson hit a career high 47 homers during the 1969 season, and is one of the best sluggers in the game.
Round 3: C-Bill Freehan, 32
Los Angeles selected former Gold Glove winner Bill Freehan with their third selection. Freehan was a 9 time All-Star and 5 time Gold Glover for the Detroit Tigers.
Overall Grade: B
The Titans reunited former battery mates Coleman and Freehan and added slugger Reggie Jackson. Coleman had his two best seasons working with Freehan. The selection of Freehan was questionable because of the wear and tear put on Freehan’s body from his years behind the plate.
Boston Pilgrims-Selecting 11th
Round 1: SP-Carl Morton, 30
The Pilgrims chose former Expos hurler, Carl Morton as their number one pick. Morton won 18 games during his best season with the Expos.
Round 2: CF-Jimmy Winn, 31
Boston hopes Winn will give them a good combination of power and speed in center. Winn has career highs of 37 homers and 43 stolen bases in ten seasons with Houston.
Round 3: C-Cliff Johnson, 26
Boston selected rookie catcher Cliff Johnson with their third round selection. The Pilgrims hope Johnson can develop into a solid starting catcher, with a decent bat.
Overall Grade: C
Boston had a disappointing first three rounds of the draft, selecting an aging starter, aging centerfielder, and an unproven catcher. The Pilgrims have already started to receive backlash from the Boston fans and press.
Bronx Bombers-Selecting 12th
Round 1: SP-Tom Seaver, 29
The Bombers selected former Met Tom Seaver to lead their rotation. Seaver was 20-10 during the 1971 season, with a league best 1.76 ERA. Tom Terrific was runner up for the Cy Young during the 1971 season, and won the Cy Young during 1969.
Round 2: 2B-Rod Carew, 28
The Bombers selected anti-Bomber, Rod Carew with their second selection. Carew, a six-time all-star, former rookie of the year, and two-time batting champion, will is expected to get on base frequently for the Bombers.
Round 3: CF-Bake McBride, 24
The Bombers added rookie centerfielder Bake McBride with their third selection. McBride is a speedy centerfielder, with a good batting eye, but not much power.
Overall Grade: A-
The Bombers selected a dominant frontline starter with Tom Seaver, and added two hitters that should provide them with lots of hits, but little power. If the Bombers pick up a big bat to drive in their singles hitters, they should score plenty of runs.
St. Louis Redbirds-Selecting 13th
Round 1:SP-Ken Brett, 25
The Redbirds selected Ken Brett with their first round pick, hoping the former prospect can finally live up to expectations.
Round 2: SP-Marty Pattin-30
The Redbirds selected another pitcher in the second round who has struggled with consistency and failed to live up to expectations. They hope Pattin can improve on his career best 14 wins.
Round 3: LF-Willie Horton, 31
St. Louis selected former Tigers slugger Willie Horton with their third round selection. The Redbirds hope Horton can rebound from a dismal 1972 season in which he was hitting .230 at the time of the lockout.
Overall Grade
The Redbirds grabbed two pitchers who could have been drafted in lower rounds. Brett was a first round pick for the Boston Red Sox, who struggled in the majors, looking overmatched. Pattin is at best a number four starter on most teams. Unless St. Louis can pick up some better pitchers during the latter rounds, their pitching will struggle. Horton appears to be on a steady decline, bottoming out in 1972. While he should hit better, he will not be the middle of the line-up bat the Redbirds need.
Baltimore Renegades-Selecting 14th
Round 1: SP-Jon Matlock, 24
The Renegades chose former Mets lefty Jon Matlock with their number one pick. Matlock was in the midst of a breakout season with the Mets in 1972, before the lockout.
Round 2: 3B-Mike Schmidt-24
Baltimore selected Mike Schmidt with their second pick of the draft, believing that Schmidt was ready to man the hot corner for them. Schmidt had many impressive pre-draft workouts for several teams, and was believed to be high on many teams draft lists. Schmidt has shown impressive power, good defense, decent speed, and a good eye.
Round 3: CF-Cesar Cedeno, 22
Baltimore continued their trend of selecting youth, picking speedy, gold-glove winning, centerfielder Cesar Cedeno with their third pick. Baltimore believes Cedeno is capable of hitting 30 homers and stealing 30 bases, while hitting .300, and providing gold glove caliber defense.
Overall Grade: A
Baltimore had an excellent early draft, proving they are not afraid to take chances and build a strong team for the future. Baltimore should have a solid nucleus which they can build around.
New York Skyliners-Selecting 15th
Round 1: SP-Jim Rooker, 31
Veteran lefty Jim Rooker was the first round pick of the New York Skyliners. Rooker has shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the Royals, but has struggled with his consistency.
Round 2: 1B-Willie McCovey-35
New York selected former Giant slugger with their second round pick. The Skyliners hope that McCovey will be able to give them 25-30 home runs and drive in 100 runs as their clean-up hitter.
Round 3: CF-Al Oliver, 27
New York selected 27 year-old former All-Star Al Oliver with their third selection. New York expects Oliver to anchor their outfield, and provide solid offense.
Overall Grade: B-
New York made three questionable picks, but each has a good chance to succeed in New York. While McCovey is a solid middle of the line-up bat, his age makes his early selection a surprise. Oliver is a solid, but not spectacular centerfielder.
San Antonio Wranglers-Selecting 16th
Round 1: SP-Frank Tanana, 24
The Wranglers went with another lefty starter, 24 year old Frank Tanana with their first pick. The Detroit native was one of the top pitching prospects for the California Angels, working his way through the minors.
Round 2: SP-Bill Butler-26
San Antonio surprised everyone with their second round selection of Bill Butler. Butler had a solid rookie season with the Royals, winning 9 games, but has struggled with injuries and consistency since.
Round 3: RF-Ron Bloomberg, 25
San Antonio selected Ron Bloomberg with their third round selection. Bloomberg has struggled during the 1972 season, and proved to be a defensive liability for the Yankees.
Overall Grade: D-
San Antonio had a poor start to their draft. It is too early to tell whether Frank Tanana will pan out as a top of the rotation starter, but the selections of both Butler and Bloomberg came at least 10 rounds too early. In a city with no previous professional team, San Antonio needs to do a better job drafting, or they will fail to attract fans.
Austin Westerners-Selecting 17th
Round 1: SP-Clay Kirby, 25
Former Padres starter Clay Kirby was selected by the Westerners in the first round. Kirby won 15 games for the Padres in 1971.
Round 2: SP-Burt Hooton-23
Austin selected former Cubs first round draft pick Burt Hooton with their second round pick. Hooton made his debut for the Cubs during the 1971 season winning his first two games, with no losses. Hooton pitched well in the 1972 season, but suffered from poor run support.
Round 3: LF-Joe Lahoud, 26
The Westerners surprised everyone selecting Joe Lahoud with their third pick of the draft. Lahoud hit 14 home runs for the Red Sox during the 1971 season, but only managed a .215 average.
Overall Grade: F
Austin followed San Antonio in the draft, and like San Antonio, had no previous professional baseball team. Austin selected two decent starters, and an average outfielder, who wouldn’t start for most teams. Failing to draft a “star” player will hurt Austin both on the field, and at the gate. Poor drafting for a team trying to bring in fans to a new city.
Detroit Mustangs-Selecting 18th
Round 1: SP-Jim Kaat, 35
The Mustangs went with experience selecting veteran Jim Kaat as their top pick. Kaat won at least 10 games for eleven straight seasons for the Minnesota Twins, and was a three time all-star.
Round 2:: LF-Ralph Garr-28
Detroit selected speedy left fielder Ralph Garr with their second pick. Garr hit .343 during the 1971 season with the Atlanta Braves, with 30 stolen bases.
Round 3: CF-Mickey Rivers, 25
The Mustangs selected another speedy outfielder with their third selection, bringing in former Angels centerfielder Mickey Rivers. Detroit feels Rivers will be capable of hitting .300 and stealing 30-40 bases at the top of the order, giving them a solid top of the line-up.
Overall Grade: B-
Detroit selected veteran starter Jim Kaat in the first round, and two outfielders in the second and third round. While Garr and Rivers should solidify the outfield for many years to come, we question the need to select two outfielders in the first three rounds.
Chicago Storm-Selecting 19th
Round 1: SP-Bert Blyleven, 24
The Storm will look to 24 year-old Bert Blyleven to lead their rotation for many years. Blyleven won 16 games in 1971.
Round 2: RF-Reggie Smith, 28
The Storm selected former Red Sox slugger Reggie Smith with their second pick. Smith is a former gold glove winner, who hit for a good average with solid power numbers.
Round 3: 2B-Bobby Grich, 24
Chicago selected former first rounder Bobby Grich with their third pick. Chicago believes Grich will be a candidate to lead-off, and play gold glove caliber defense at second base.
Overall Grade: A-
The storm went with pitching and defense with their first three picks. Former 16 game winner Bert Blyleven should be the ace of the staff for many years to come. Reggie Smith should provide some power along with solid defense, and Grich has a good glove, good speed, and decent pop for a second baseman.
Los Angeles Wildcats-Selecting 20th
Round 1: SP-Don Gullett, 22
The Wildcats drafted another young ace selecting Don Gullett, who won 16 games during the 1971 season.
Round 2: SP-Ray Sadecki, 33
The Wildcats selected veteran pitcher Ray Sadecki with their second pick. Sadecki, a former 20 game winner, will provide veteran leadership for the pitching staff, and Los Angeles hopes he can team with Gullett to form a good 1-2 punch.
Round 3: 1B-Carl Yastrzemski, 34
Los Angeles selected former Red Sox legend Yastrzemski with their third pick. Yastrzemski has won six gold gloves in the outfield, and has hit more than 40 home runs three times in his career. Los Angeles plans to play Yastrzemski at 1B this year, where he is a capable fielder with some experience.
Overall Grade: B
The Wildcats hope to have selected their ace of the future in Gullett. Gullett will team with Sadecki in the rotation, and should provide a solid combination. Yastrzemski’s best years are behind him, but is still a solid third round pick, because of his bat.
Recap
With the first three rounds completed, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Bronx all appear to have teams capable of competing for the East Division title, at this early stage. The Chicago Storm appear to be the team to beat in the Central Division. Fort Worth and San Diego look to top their respective divisions in the Western League. There are many more players that will be added, so it is premature to make predictions.
Join us next month as we recap the draft, and look forward to the season ahead.