The Morning Offering - June 9, 2005

Written by The Fool on June 09, 2005

You likely didn’t spend as much time online watching the MLB first year player draft as The Fool did. So, here are a few names plucked from the first round that you should know for your next opportunity to grab a free agent for your fantasy baseball team.

Ryan Zimmerman, 3b, Washington Nationals: The fourth pick in the draft, out of the University of Virginia, Zimmerman has already signed with the Nationals and will start his professional career in Class AA. That’s high for a 20-year-old, folks, no matter how much success he’s had. It shows how much faith the Nats have in Zimmerman, who not only has shown the ability to man the hot corner defensively but has swung a wooden bat with authority. He was the top hitter on Team USA last summer. He could make his major league debut before the end of the season, though it’s more likely that it will wait until next year. But you never know.

Craig Hansen, RHP, Boston Red Sox: The St. John’s closer was considered one of the players closest to the major leagues heading into the draft, but teams were obviously scared off because of his agent, Scott Boras. So Hansen, who pitches in the mid to high 90s, slipped all the way to the Red Sox at 26th in the first round. If Hansen signs soon and gets on the mound in the minor leagues, he could be pitching in Fenway come late September as part of a bullpen that could use a boost.

Joey Devine, rhp, Atlanta: The Braves were another playoff team with a shaky bullpen to go the college closer rout, taking Devine out of N.C. State right after the Sox took Hansen. Like Zimmerman, a fellow all-ACC performer, Devine has already signed, and he’ll join the high Class A Myrtle Beach Pelicans next week. He struck out 72 batters in 48 2/3 innings last season for the Wolfpack, and showed enough for the Braves to use a rare early pick on a college player. While the team is making no promises, many expect Devine to be in the embattled Braves bullpen by September. You could be looking at Atlanta’s closer of the future.

Rockin’ the record books
Here’s a phrase you won’t often read on Rotogods.com: Let’s hear it for Alex Rodriguez. (I wouldn’t be surprised if another Rotogod edits that line out)

In all of the hubbub surrounding Barry Bonds – who has yet to play a game this season – and his chase of Hank Aaron’s career home run record, ARod has slipped under the radar while having one of his best power seasons. But he landed back in the spotlight on Wednesday night by hitting career homers Nos. 399 and 400, making him the youngest player in major league history to hit that mark. In fact, Rodriguez won’t turn 30 until July 27.

And though he shouldn’t expect a cake from Rotogods.com, you have to marvel at ARod’s accomplishments. And barring injury or some other unforeseen development, Rodriguez has the best, most realistic shot at tying Aaron at 755 homers and eventually passing him than any other player whose name doesn’t rhyme with “Harry Honds.” He’s more than halfway there, he’s not yet 30 years old, and he doesn’t have injuries, tax problems and steroid accusations weighing him down.

Perhaps, in our rush to crown and at the same time crucify Bonds, we’ve forgotten about one of baseball’s most consistent and impressive performers.

Make sure to read Jayson Stark’s much-more eloquent and informative look at ARod and his chances of breaking Aaron’s record over at ESPN.com.

-- Written by The Fool on June 09, 2005