In a surprise move (or not depending on how cynical you are) the Illinois Chow Chows selected Dmitri Young in the 8th round. This is Young's second (or third depending on how you count) stint with the Chows.
Conspiracy theorist point out that Brad Sherlag's fascination with Young began late in the 2006 season when the Chows traded Saloman Torres to Georgia for Dmitri Young and a 6th round pick. Roadkill GM Johnny Miller recalled the trade talks saying "yes a 6th rounder was involved but the Chows were insistent that Dmitri be part of the deal."
When asked about the 2006 trade, Brad Sherlag's recollection was "we traded Torres for a 6th and let Georgia choose which player to send the Chows in return." When we told Sherlag what Mr. Miller said about the deal, Brad got a little defensive "Johnny Miller is a friend of mine and is an honest person. I would never say Johnny isn't telling the truth about this. Perhaps Johnny is misremembering our conversation." When pressed further, Sherlag said "I have never asked for Dmitri Young back in a trade."
Fast forward to the 2008 draft -- in the second round Brad Sherlag selected D. Young. There was instant uproar in Illinois and when Sherlag returned back to draft HQ after a day of leisure (while his staff was busily working the draft), he quickly claimed that he thought he was drafting Delmon. After talks with Commissioner Beard, it was decided the Chows would select Billy Butler instead of Young. But had Sherlag gotten his man all along and bowing to public pressure cooked up the D. Young mistake?
Commissioner Beard has stated that his office will launch an investigation. If Sherlag is found guilty, he could be forced to give up Young, Butler or future draft picks. Is Dmitri Young worth all this?
An angry Sherlag held a press conference and said, "Look we were just trying to get the best pinch hitter on the board in the 8th round. Plus Dmitri, his agents and his attorneys have been calling us non-stop since the draft snafu. That article in Hawaii talking of lucrative roster bonuses has Dmitri's people threatening legal action. We jus wanted the best hitter available and to avoid any litigation. I can't believe what a mess this has turned into. I'll tell you what needs to be investigated -- why can't we have first names on the draft system? This is the 21st Century do we really need to just use first initials
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3 comments:
Misremembering?!? great stuff!
If I recall the Roadkill needed Torres as part of rebuilding the 'pen for a deep run in the playoffs and an eventual NASBL title.
Dmitri was the odd man out when he was sporting a chilly .214 BA at the time of the trade. The change of scenery must have worked as his BA surged to .226 with the Chows.
Now that he's had time to reflect on this wacky draft (being told he was drafted only to be recinded when the front office meant any Young (Delmon, Chris,etc.) other than him it should be an interesting ST.
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