Rank 'Em: #1 Draft Picks

[Clay]

In honor of the 1992 Ammy Draft, this one might be easy to do because some of the newer guys have no history.... but let's do it....

RANK 'EM.... #1 Overall Draft Picks!!!

For Reference:

78 - Mel Woodbury
79 - Joe Aurillo
80 - Howard Haydon
81 - David Tardif
82 - Don Stevens
83 - Nate Magness
84 - Nakazo Sasaki
85 - Curt Dodson
86 - Don Leonard
87 - Ruben Rios
88 - Pete Fitzgerald
89 - Pat Dimmick
90 - Doug Coates
91 - Elman Amilakhori

[Carlos]

I have to look into this but having that number one overall pick means good things. That's the first thing I see off the bat.

[Ryan]

I have to look into this but having that number one overall pick means good things. That's the first thing I see off the bat.

I'll see what I can do to put you closer to it.

[Jake]

Just off a quick glance of their careers:

1) 78 - Mel Woodbury - No brainer for #1. One of the best.
2) 79 - Joe Aurillo - A few down years knock him out of contention for #1, but I think a clear #2 considering his career. Some of the younger guys may eventually knock him off, though. Looks like he's back in form though.
3) 86 - Don Leonard - Looking great so far in 92 and showing steady improvement over the years.
4) 85 - Curt Dodson - A guy I probably should have ranked lower. Has all the tools but not putting it together at a #1 level yet.
5) 83 - Nate Magness - Not as spectacular as many expected but a very solid career.
6) 81 - David Tardif - Injuries obviously have factored in, but like Magness a very solid career.
7) 89 - Pat Dimmick - Looking like he's going to be a beast.
8) 90 - Doug Coates - After about three more months I think he'd be about 5 spots higher.
9) 88 - Pete Fitzgerald - Hasn't put it together numbers wise, but there's still time.
10) 80 - Howard Haydon - Probably should swap him out with Dodson, but while he's shown flashes, hasn't put up numbers worthy of the #1.
11) 84 - Nakazo Sasaki - Hasn't played long enough or exceptionally enough for me to rank him any higher, plus when you move a guy for a third rounder before he hits FA, I think you have to take off a few points.
12) 91 - Elman Amilakhori - For whatever reason, I've never been that high on Elman. I think he was drafted more for his BLB readiness than what he'll become. That being said, some impressive stats in AAA and the BLB in a small sample size of 91. Once he comes back from injury, he would most likely move up a few spots.
13) 82 - Don Stevens - A long and above average career before age 26, but Stevens never came close to expectations, in Mississippi or Syracuse. May fit best as a MR. Not exactly #1 material.
14) 87 - Ruben Rios - By my scouts take, a total bust. Trying to put things back together in AAA with a nice start to 92, however.

All in all... I'm surprised how many of these guys panned out as "above average journeymen," if that makes sense.

[Carlos]

I'll see what I can do to put you closer to it.

Haha. Neither of us should be anywhere close anytime soon.

As for a ranking, it has to start with Mel Woodbury. The first overall pick and the best player in the league. Could argue he's the best player of all-time. Could argue.

[Lintyfresh85]

Keppel wants to have a word with you Carlos.

So does Rex Knight... in my mind, the most complete player to ever step onto the BLB diamond.

[Z]

9) 88 - Pete Fitzgerald - Hasn't put it together numbers wise, but there's still time.

You're right. This is the year though. Just watch.

[Clay]

Keppel wants to have a word with you Carlos.

Keppel is the best hitter of all time.... but I think there could at least be a conversation that Woodbury is the best player when you factor in all 5 tools.

[Carlos]

Keppel wants to have a word with you Carlos.

So does Rex Knight... in my mind, the most complete player to ever step onto the BLB diamond.

Hey, I said argue. Argue.

[Z]

Keppel is the best hitter of all time.... but I think there could at least be a conversation that Woodbury is the best player when you factor in all 5 tools.

Do we have any way of getting win share data for 1978-1981?