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Players with BLB Experience:
Pitcher - SP Pat Evans (PHI) - Currently ranks as the 3rd best pitcher in baseball. Doesn't turn 27 until April. He's also already signed to a very nice extension at 5-years $50M. He's durable. 99 MPH velocity. 74% groundball. Very High Leadership.
Runner up would be Johnny McDade (PAW). He's a little bit younger, not a leader but is very close to Evans otherwise. It's almost a toss up. I also considered Willie Fajardo and John Talley because they are younger but if I had this high of a pick, no way would I draft a player who is fragile.
Position Player - OF Ricky Murillo (CAR) - He's the best hitter in baseball, hands down. His defense is average, his durability is average, he has very low leadership, he turns 28 in May...but his bat is so damn good that there is no one else I would rather have.
I considered young infielders because the good ones are so hard to come by (Jimmy Kidwell, Sullivan Smart, Andy Garcia, etc) but if you have a chance to land the best hitter in the game who is just entering his prime, you do it.
Player with no BLB Experience:
Prospect - IF Bobby Marrero (LAD)
If I have built my franchise with a soon to be 28 year old hitter, and soon to be 27 year old pitcher, I don't want a prospect who is still down in Single or Double-A. Marrero won't turn 20 until December but he hit .380 with a 1.109 OPS in Double-A and .288 with a .804 OPS in Triple-A this year. Very High Leadership. Switch hits. Has some speed. Very versatile defensively, potentially DWI level at 2B and LF. OSA and my scout have his power potential at a "7".
I considered SP Jaylen Mitchell (PAW) because he is clearly the best pitching prospect in the game and BLB ready...but I just wouldn't use this high of a pick on a pitcher who is fragile. Also CF Jimmy Gray and SP BJ Engstrom but they are probably a year or two away still. Wouldn't want to waste Evans/Murillo's prime years.
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