June 17, 2056
by Banjo Jackson
Nashville, TN
The Bluebirds have had a seemingly good track record in recent drafts under the helm of GM Chad Nason despite usually picking towards the end of the draft. They hope this year’s selection is no different. With international free agent signing canceled this season, the eligible players were thrown into the amateur draft pool. The Birds decided to draft an international free agent anyway after being impressed by a 17 year old Aruban pitcher named Jaak Lagerweij. They right hander doesn’t scream blue chip prospect, but Nashville’s front office believe he has the potential to be a quality asset within the organization.
RHP Jaak Lagerweij
“The pickings are pretty slim by the time we’re on the clock,” said Nason. “We were ecstatic to see Jaak fall to us with the 27th pick. There’s been a lot of talk amongst other GMs across the league about how weak the drafts have been, but there are diamonds in the rough if you know where to look.”
Nason is, of course, speaking to the ongoing dispute with league officials about the quality of players being introduced to the league. The influx of talent in the league by mega drafts in the late 2030’s have made some GMs accustomed to a first round filled with all star quality amateurs. Now that those superstars are beginning to age out of the league, the average quality of players across the league is lower.
Phoenix Talons GM @jiminyhopkins
Lagerweij has good movement and control, but below average stuff, however, the front office hopes his stuff improves as he grows as a player. He already throws 95-97 MPH so he might not have a ton of room for velocity gains, but he’ll make his money inducing groundballs. The Aruban boasts a fastball, sinker, slider, and changeup which should all improve as he develops into a complete pitcher. At worst, the Bluebirds think Lagerweij will be a useful arm out of the bullpen. Everyone can agree that his greatest asset is his major league quality mutton chops. Through 3 games in rookie ball, the righty is 2-1 pitching 6 IP each outing with a combined 16 K and 3.00 ERA.
