Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Chows Trade Up to #1 Pick

Illinois Times - Illinois is on the clock!  For the first time in franchise history the Chows will be picking first in the NASBL draft.  "We are extremely excited to move up.  When it became clear that we had the second pick we wanted to move either up or down.  There is one guy we really, really liked above all else and a few guys we saw as pretty equal."

In exchange for the #1 pick, Illinois sends Slatington Wilson Ramos and the Chows first selection (#2 overall).  "We look at this as a vote of confidence for Salvador Perez.  We had two fine catchers, which is a nice situation to be in.  However we are committed long-term to Salvador Perez.  This is the second straight year we moved up to get our guy.  Last year we really wanted Perez and moved into a position where we thought we could get him.  This year we know who we are going to take.  Without a 2nd pick, the draft prep room will be pretty low key this year."

Chows GM Sherlag would not tell us yet who he is planning on taking.  The Chows holes seem to be 2B, 1B, SP and Closer.  While the club has some OF depth, the lack of power on the roster makes it tough to rule out going that direction.  Inside sources confirmed that the Chows are not looking at a closer with the first pick.

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