Springfield Times Predicts the First Round of the NASBL Draft

Springield (AP) - Being that the Topes do not have a selection until the 31st pick in the NASBL draft as a result of a controversial mid-season trade to bring Rich Harden (who the Springfield press has labeled "a less talented version of Mark Prior") to the Topes fold, the Springfield Times has put together a mock first round to determine what the Topes will be missing out on. This year's draft talent may be the best in memory, with more than 30 players on the board having first round talent, making it one of the more difficult drafts to predict.
1. GCG
CF - B.J. Upton
The Grizz need outfielders badly…Upton is surprising #1 over Braun
2. GRK
3B/DH - Ryan Braun
Lefy pitchers will run and hide (or catchers will hold up four fingers)
3. NJT
1B - Carlos Pena
Not every year that production like this is available in the draft, let alone at #3
4. OJW
SS - Troy Tulowitzki
Omar's successor. Outlaw is happy to take him at #4
5. ILL
SP - Tim Lincecum
Young fireballer could be scary paired with Halladay for the Chows
6. PCM
OF - Hunter Pence
Will play LF for the Chin Music with Torii Hunter patrolling center
7. TRY
SP - John Maine
Will be the #2A of the staff behind Fausto and with the addition of Jared Weaver, will give the Haymakers the makings of a really good, really young staff
8. NYK
SP/RP - Yovani Gallardo
This level talent can't be passed up at #8
9. MSU
SP - Daisuke Matsuzaka
Dice-K would have been the #1 pick if the draft was held in April. Gyro-ball comes to Miami
10. LCC
Closer - Joakim Soria
All those bats don’t do you any good without a closer. This guy is one of the best and is only 23
11. LVI
OF - Delmon Young
21 years old. 2 at the cornes with a negative 4 arm. Wow
12. SPL
3B -Alex Gordon
The next George Brett? Allows Troy Glaus to be moved to DH where he belongs
13. ILL (via trade from VFS)
1B - James Loney
Honolulu wanted him, but Chows love the bat and glove
14. HHA
1B - Casey Kotchman
Stan's quest for 1's at every position gets closer to coming true
15. ILL (via Trade from SPR)
2B - Dustin Pedroia
On base machine will lead off for the Chows
16. DFW
CF - Chris Young
Just missed 30-30 in his rookie season. Great defensive Centerfielder