Friday, June 27, 2008
4 for 4 with 4 HRs!
Dan "The Franchise" Franco turns in one for the ages in the 6.26.08 game vs. Oklahoma's AAA team. Franco was 4 for 4 with 4 HRs and 7 RBIs. Asked for his thoughts on the game Franco simple said, "I'm ready for the show"
Draft Recap
It is the happiest time of the year for New Orleans fans... the Draft! Each season New Orleans fans basically only have the draft and minor league playoff runs to look forward to and the draft at least makes the nightly news. The Pelicans went into this draft looking to try and solidify their 3rd base situation. They were looking for a college player who would be ready in a couple of seasons. The Pelicans went into the draft with the 6th overall pick and ended up getting 7 players out of their Top 100 during the first 211 picks. However, doubt and controversy will linger over this draft for seasons to come. New Orleans had Trace Robertson at the top of their draft board based on need but many in the front office felt that Kordell Forbes should have been the top target. While still others wondered what the fuss was given that the Pelicans were drafting 6th. Both players were still on the board when New Orleans drafted at 6 and the advocates of drafting a 3B ended up winning out.
So on to the draft recap!
1. Trace Robertson - Rated as one of the top SS prospects Robertson will play 3B for the Pelicans. Not an overly flashy player but should bat for a nice average with some power. The biggest concern with Robertson is that he won't reach his arm strength and accuracy projections and New Orleans will be stuck with another 2B or light hitting OF.
2. Osvaldo Bennett - Another 3B but will probably end up playing 2nd or OF. Projects out as a solid bat and should be able to contribute at the big league level.
3. Calvin Stahl - Ehh, nothing special here but has an outside shot at making the bigs.
4. Vladimir Campbell - It pretty much goes without saying that this will end up being a wasted pick. Campbell doesn't have the defensive skills to make up for his lack of offense.
5. Robert Romano - Outside shot at making the big league team. Decent offensive skills might just be enough to make him a cheap bench player for a few seasons.
Long Shots
1. Jeff Stankiewicz - 18th rd pick that has a shot at being a setup man. However, already being 22 is a major disadvantage but could make the show if he progresses rapidly.
2. Homer Dunham - 19th rd pick that is in the same boat as Stankiewicz.
Most Rediculous
1. Wolf Ledesma - 24th rd pick that is being represented by his mother and is demanding $5.5 million!
So on to the draft recap!
1. Trace Robertson - Rated as one of the top SS prospects Robertson will play 3B for the Pelicans. Not an overly flashy player but should bat for a nice average with some power. The biggest concern with Robertson is that he won't reach his arm strength and accuracy projections and New Orleans will be stuck with another 2B or light hitting OF.
2. Osvaldo Bennett - Another 3B but will probably end up playing 2nd or OF. Projects out as a solid bat and should be able to contribute at the big league level.
3. Calvin Stahl - Ehh, nothing special here but has an outside shot at making the bigs.
4. Vladimir Campbell - It pretty much goes without saying that this will end up being a wasted pick. Campbell doesn't have the defensive skills to make up for his lack of offense.
5. Robert Romano - Outside shot at making the big league team. Decent offensive skills might just be enough to make him a cheap bench player for a few seasons.
Long Shots
1. Jeff Stankiewicz - 18th rd pick that has a shot at being a setup man. However, already being 22 is a major disadvantage but could make the show if he progresses rapidly.
2. Homer Dunham - 19th rd pick that is in the same boat as Stankiewicz.
Most Rediculous
1. Wolf Ledesma - 24th rd pick that is being represented by his mother and is demanding $5.5 million!
Another Disappointing Start
After a strong finish to last season hopes were high in New Orleans heading into this season. However, Cliff York went down before the season started and add an 0-7 start to that and it is more of the same in New Orleans. The Pelicans are 28-48 but there have been a few bright spots. The play of Pascual Tavarez, Rodrigo Seanez and Vasco Urbina has fans buzzing about the future. Look for the Pelicans to make a run at the playoffs in the next 2 to 3 seasons.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
