Early Draft Results

Well The Knights went into this winter meetings aiming to shed a few expiring contracts and work on the 2nd thru 5th rounds to maximize future. We had 9 picks in those rounds. The biggest goal was to find a few contracts from there. Never expecting to find ANY 3 year guys. Yet how this draft went the Knights were very surprised to see there were a few guys that might get 3 years depending on their spring goes. So onto the picks.

2.12 Pedro Alvarez 3B - The Knights first pick really wasn't hard choice. We could have played it safe with a player like Hunter or even a stud SP like Oswalt but in the end the took a highly touted 3B prospect with 30+ HR power. Reminds me of Aramis Ramirez. A few years down road. Shows a strong spring a 3 year is going to be a lock.

2.16 Roy Oswalt SP - Knights management do not like taking SP early because of how many breakout ones become available throughout year. Yet Oswalt was too good to be true at this spot. He will get a 2 year contract and even in Philly should have a solid year with 18-20 wins possible.

3.13 Grady Sizemore OF - Ok this is a player so many teams looked at but couldn't pull trigger. I seemed to have pushed this with every pick. A few years ago this guy was a 1st rounder producing 30/30 years. A true 5 tool player. Now completely healthy and only 28!! He can return to that level but there will always be question marks. If he proves in spring hes back another 3 year here.

3.16 Brandon Morrow SP - With pitchers like Baker and Hudson available Knights decided to try and fix a big issue with last years draft. That was the lack of K's. No other pitcher has his ratio and will help there but also a risk to ERA/WHIP and of course injury. Solid 2 year contract here..

4.8 Chris Perez RP - With only a few solid closers in the draft without any questions the Knights needed to secure one. Perez is a blossuming closer and with nobody else in the way should dominate with 35+ saves. Possible 2 year here..

4.16 Howie Kendrick 2B - Not a normal pick for the Knights here but when you look at his overall numbers hes a solid 2B. Possible 15/15 guy with 70+ runs and RBI. With what is left he will give me consistant number all year. He still could return to the 300+ hitter. Not sure if I will give a contract or not.

5.2 Juan Pierre OF - Last season MVP for the Knights returns again. not because we wanted to have him but again a player that fell in the draft way to far. With playing time intact and no signs of slowing down. 280+ hitter and 90+ runs and 50+ SB should have me dominating the SB stat with Reyes. Worked well last year. No contract though for him.

5.8 Jonathan Broxton RP - Last year going into season he was one of the best closers. Had a melt down 2nd half. Some think he was hurt and some think it was cause Torre over worked him and never recovered. Facts are hes 26 and could return to elite status.

The draft overall has been about grabbing value period. We went after highest upside with lowest risk. This has 2005 flashback. We used the same thinking but it backfired. All the gambles either got hurt or busted. This led to our only lottery position. This time around the risks are there but I think I have a much stronger core team for that to happen. The middle of the draft we will focus on our staff and adding solid bench..