Draft Reports by
Maracay Fighting Jalapenos from the
Venezuela League
GM Jeff Han
World Baseball Hierarchy’s draft is just underway and 56 active general managers are all scrambling to find the players that will hopefully be the cornerstone of their franchise. As we all know the baseball draft is a totally different animal from any sports. The players that are drafted are players that most likely won’t see any time in the big show for a couple of years. Baseball drafts have the least percentage of players making it to the major leagues yet to watch the player you drafted grow into that special and talented player you were hoping for.
56 owners in 7 different leagues, the off season starts now. These are boys that will become men in due time. The future in these boys’ talent can potentially put their team back on the map and skyrocket them to the top of the pyramid. The team that has the top pick is looking for future franchise players that will be the face of their team and city for a long time.
Is there a guarantee in the draft? No, definitely not but these players are the fans hope for excitement in years to come. The draft is all about the future and nothing else. 56 owners are looking to rebuild or retool their farm system. 56 owners are looking to find their future star.
--------------------
An interview with
Bonao Bananas GM of the Dominican Republic League,
Mathew Hartley, he has been the general manager of the Bananas for more than two years now and his team may be heading for a new direction
Jeff Han (JH) with the Q: You have traded away superstar
Domingo Deltoro and let
Ricardo Rodriguez hit the free agent market. Is it safe to say that your team is rebuilding?
Mathew Hartley (MH) with the A: Anyone who lets two players of that caliber would have to consider themselves 'rebuilding,' at least to some extent. However, by losing those two players, Bonao has freed up money for the first time in the history of the franchise. We look to be major players in free agency, and are guaranteeing our loyal Banana fans that last year's embarrassment will not be repeated.
JH: Considering that this is a major overhaul, what timetable are you giving yourself to give an adequate run to become a serious contender in WBH?
MH: Optimistically, 2011 will be our year. With a tight salary cap across the board, free agents are always acquirable to those that have the money. The plan for this year is to have a simple team with all the pieces to get the job done, while still having money left over. Then next year, I plan on keeping the team much intact, and adding a few key guys to bolster the lineup and pitching staff.
JH: With the first pick overall in the Dominican Republic League, what is your take on
CF Jorge Hinojesa?
MH: We are extremely excited to pick up Jorge. He's as good as it gets offensively, and in the WBH, speed to go along with the ability to put the bat on the ball is something to be reckoned with. Add in his powerful bat, decent glove in the field, and his youth, Jorge will be a staple for many years to come.
JH: What is your outlook on the Dominican Republic League draft overall? Is there substantial talent in the draft?
MH: Quite honestly, I'm very happy with the draft pool. Obviously, there are many jealous folk around of the players that were available for the first two picks, but beyond that, the pool is much deeper than I have seen it in years. The fact that in the fourth round, I will be able to pick up a player, who will contribute someday, though on the bench, is truly rare. Many joked that the
Dominican Republic was as bad as it got talent-wise last year, and maybe the gods agreed, and are smiling on us.
JH: What kind of message do you want to give to potential general managers that are interested in this league?
MH: If you think you're on of the best GM's around, then we want to see what your made of; that is, if you're up to the challenge. Whether you're looking for a friendly atmosphere, or a competition at the highest level, you need to join the WBH today. With 56 active GM's divided into 7 sub-leagues, all fighting for their chance to reach the
United States of America, the fights never get old.
JH: Thank you for your time on draft week.
MH: You're welcome and good luck the rest of the way!
------------------
If you're interested please come to our website, have a look around and click on 'Join' to apply...
http://wbh.allsimbaseball3.com/