Griz Are Growling

The Griz are ready for action - Draft Action that is. We reviewed the available draft list and narrowed our choice down to 2 primary players and added 3 more players and 2 pitchers to the mix to make it interesting. We had our fantasy interview with each of the players under consideration.

Delmon Young was the first to be interviewed. Last year at this time - we fore saw that Delmon was a player we wanted and could use. We followed him all season and he was our # 1 choice through July. We owed it to him to bring him in for an interview and ask what happened. We had expected more power numbers and though his batting average was fine - we thought he would do better. He claimed that Brian McNamee was unavailable to train him this season due to McNamee's new gig of preparing models for photo shoots and his combing hospital trash for used swabs and needles. Delmon stated he was new to the league and did not know who to turn to for proper training. Delmon indicated that he was looking forward to a long and happy career in the NASBL. Griz management has lowered Delmon in their rankings for the first pick - although we are sure he will get taken in the 1st round - probably by the Roadkill who just can seem to find enough rightfielders.

Ryan Braun was next to be interviewed. While Griz management heard about him late last spring - Griz management did not figure him to play in the majors in 2007. What are the chances that the Griz would draft Braun? The Griz don't need a 3B/DH - we are stocked with two impact 3B - World Series MVP Mike Lowell and Florida's (now Detroit's) slugging sensation Miguel Cabrera. The Griz reluctantly waived top prospect Dallas McPherson this winter. However, Braun surprised all by winning the NL Rookie of the Year after coming up and hitting more homeruns in 2/3 of a season than any Griz player has hit in a full season at Yellowstone Cavern Field (did anyone ever tell you why the stones are yellow?) Ryan peaked our interest and it is tough not taking his potential. However, we don't need him and he is only adequate against RHP.

Troy Tulowitzki accepted our invitation to Grundy County for an interview after we waived SS Jhonny Peralta. Peralta had the best hitting year last season of our returning SS, and cutting him could open a spot for the dynamic Tools-Guy. Griz management is hopeful however that last years hot SS phenom - Stephen Drew (who was every bit as popular then as Tulowitzki is now) will fulfill his/our dreams and be a big lefty bat with potential power at SS. We probably won't invite Troy to go house shopping in Grundy County.

We brought in former Griz 1b - Carlos Pena for an interview and to meet with the public. He joined us on our fan van as we conducted our wither caravan throughout Illinois. We asked him as a courtesy and to let our fans congratulate Carlos on his fine season last year with Tampa Bay. While we would love to put his bat in our line-up, we just can't justify bringing him back at this time (unless he slips).

So Inquiring minds want to know - where do the Griz go from here.

In the past we have passed on some of the best power hitters in the draft - including Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, Prince Fielder, and Adam Dunn. We have taken pitching in the past - but you couldn't tell that by our current pitching staff. We do not need an infielder or catcher. We do need Pitching, Pitching, and outfield help.

The Knight's recent cut and Griz Free Agent Signing of Mike Cuddyer fills one outfield spot, but he can't cover the whole outfield by himself. Does that put Delmon back in the picture? - Maybe.

We also recently held indoor sessions for the 2 hottest young pitchers available in this year's draft (at least by our estimation) Yovani Gallardo and Tim Lincecum. Both would be welcome additions to the Griz staff and could help get it back as one of the better league staffs.

We also looked at Dustin Pedroia - the only legitimate 2B in the draft. While Phillips had a 30/30 year and received a 2b-1, we have no one behind him. Pedroia could supplement Phillips OBP.

When the Commissioner updated the Draft Site last week we had narrowed our choice to two players, one from the list above and another player who caught our eye recently. We have pondered Pitching vs Hitting without much resolve. We thought we had held the draft up for 3 days and decided to just make a choice and live with it (right or wrong) and went to place the pick. We didn't want to hold the draft up any longer and possibly incur your wrath. Then we saw the draft was on "Hold." We checked two or three times a day each day after that to see if the Commissioner had opened the flood gates of talent - but still sit on our hands and go over our options. We received the Comish's email stating that the draft will begin February 15. we are relaxing. We will be out of town on the 15th, but we will try not to hold the draft up (long).

Best Wishes and Happy Drafting