Jeremy Stark
In a draft barren of offensive talent, the Mad Popes are thrilled to have the switch-hitting third baseman fall into their laps so late in the first round. Stark, an almost carbon copy of current Sacramento starter at the hot corner, Lawrence Roger, will have plenty of time to develop in the minors before being needed for the BBA club when Roger completes his arbitration years (current projections have the Popes spending money on their young talented outfielders rather than Roger). The pick provides the Popes a ready-made heir-apparent at a premium position.
Random pedestrian's take: "Is he from Game of Thrones?"
Yuu Suzuki
A selection that surprised many even inside the Basilica at Muskrat Slough, the Popes again went after one of the few viable offensive talents in the draft by drafting an oddly rated corner infielder with their second pick in round one. Advanced scouts within the organization believe Suzuki has the potential to hit at a high average at the BBA level, along with a powerful homerun stroke. His lack of gap power coupled with the patch he wears over his left eye has some worried he may not be a viable player at the highest level.
Random pedestrian's take: "So, like, he only hits pop-flies? Like some fall for a single in front of the outfielders and the others fall into stands? Dumb."
Round 2, 72nd Overall -- LHP Mitch Bond, 16 y/o
Round 2 (Supplmental, Gonzalez), 77th Overall -- LHP Roy Nealy, 16 y/o
Two 16-year-old southpaws with profiles that could push then into the roll of a solid bullpen piece if their time as a starter doesn't work out. If they can gain velocity on their fastballs, they could become quite nasty.
Random pedestrian's take: "I once dated a girl named Honey Ryder. Talk about a girl that liked being on her Nealy's..."
Round 3, 108th Overall -- RHP Sam Terrell, 17 y/o
Round 4, 140th Overall -- RHP Josh Reynolds, 17 y/o
Round 5, 172nd Overall -- RHP Ronald Jones, 17 y/o