A Flock of Bluebirds 2041.8- Ammy Draft Rds. 1-5
May 19, 2041
Nashville had a pick in each of the first five rounds of the 2041 Ammy Draft as they look to add some semblance of young talent to their uninspiring minor league system.
Round 1, 19th Overall Pick: Ivan Ruiz (RHP)
Ruiz was an easy pick for Nashville at #19 overall. Three outstanding seasons as a starter in the International Finishing Academy along with his pure talent make him a top starting pitcher prospect. He's a hard thrower with the frame to pitch a bunch of innings. Ruiz has a four pitch arsenal, all of which are in different stages of development. Can the change develop? That's the usual question for any pitching prospect and Ruiz is no exception.
OFP: 55 (#3/#4 Starting Pitcher)
ETA: 2044
Round 2, 67th Overall Pick: Abay Azzouzj (RF)
Azzouzj was a two year High School star from South Africa who is quite intriguing. Though he's a righty, he profiles as an above average bat in all areas, and a propensity of putting balls in play more often than not. Currently he's a right fielder, but Nashville plans to utilize him all of the outfield corners, starting with third base. He's also a decent baserunner with good speed. Nothing about his intangibles jumps off the page in either direction.
OFP: 45 (Platoon/Utility Player)
ETA: 2045
Round 3, 121nd Overall Pick: David Velez (RHP)
At first glance, Velez doesn't look like much (4/5/6 POT as a SP). Digging a little deeper shows us that he's a sidearm pitcher with a four pitch arsenal. Could he start? Sure, but he's going to play up quite nicely as a reliever (most sidearm pitchers do). His stats have been pretty good overall, and with his intelligence being off the charts, maybe Velez can be a bumper?
OFP: 45 (#5 Starter/Low Setup)
ETA: 2045
Round 4, 163rd Overall Pick: Orlando Lopez (SS)
Lopez was pegged as a glove first prospect, which he is, but the Bluebirds see in him a player that can continue to develop as an offensive player. When you have a guy with the defensive skills Lopez has, mixed with an off the charts work ethic and he's a lefty bat, you take notice. Furthermore, the Nashville brass puts an emphasis on season by season progression in the amateur ranks and Lopez had a three year trend that raised lots of eyebrows in the draft war room.
OFP: 40 (Bench Player)
ETA: 2045
Round 5, 195th Overall Pick: Kane Thurman (RHP)
Thurman was a three year starting pitcher in high school and a pretty darned good one. Labeled as a SP going into the draft, he fell off the radar a bit before being scooped up by Nashville here. Obviously he'll be groomed as a reliever as he develops. He's a beast of a young man at 6'7" and at 197 pounds he can grow into his frame yet.
OFP: 50 (High Setup/Low Closer)
ETA: 2044
