The Big Board: Jan. 18, 2010

We’re four weeks away from the 2010 ASB Classic, which means that general managers across the ASB landscape are in full scout mode, trying to determine which players will be the perfect piece of the puzzle and lead them to ASB immortality. After a year of compiling stats, evaluating potential as well as progress, we’re finally ready to lay out the first Big Board of who we believe will go where in the 2010 Draft.

1. Ted Williams (Bamford Bears) – the Bamford franchise has made no secret about eyeing this selection for the past 12 months. However, with a recent marginal performance and a strong showing by Babe Ruth, don’t be shocked if we see a change in coming weeks.

2. Babe Ruth (Aginville Sketchers) – while Aginville has shown an affinity for Mickey Mantle in the past, we believe they will turn over a new leaf this year with a proven winner and 2008 ASB Classic MVP Babe Ruth. John McGraw’s name is also being thrown around with Aginville management, and he may turn out to be a brilliant contrast to lifetimer Dale Murphy.

3. Mickey Mantle (Boggstown Boilers) – the Boilers are looking for a way out of this selection, but we think they’ll end up here and “settle” with Mantle. McKeon would love to go after McGraw or Bill Joyce, but he is somewhat handcuffed with lifetimer George Brett already playing 3B. McKeon would rather not have to move Brett to 1B, which would probably mean taking an outfielder, and Mantle is the best there is.

4. Bill Joyce – (Lincoln Square Devil Dogs) – Statistically, John McGraw will be tough to pass up in this spot, but the DD’s will eventually be seduced by the balance and surprising power of Bill Joyce.

5. Frank Thomas – (Jenks Wildcats) – Jenks ownership has been very public about their impression of Roy Cullenbine, and they really have no interest in 3B John McGraw with lifetimer Mike Schmidt in their back pocket. Jenks will again go with a high total bases player, and Frank Thomas is as good as anybody available.

6. John McGraw – (McCall Mudhens) – the Mudhens would LOVE to go after Bill Joyce, but we just don’t think he’ll fall this far, which still leaves an amazing 3B in John McGraw. McGraw’s on-base percentage is off the chart and will provide a nice addition to the top of any lineup.

7. Joe Kelley– (Jeetzton Beanbags) – the Beanbags have been pretty quiet about who they’re looking at in this draft, but they always produce savvy draft choices that usually fill a void at a thin position. Kelley is a very balanced player, with great on base percentage and total bases; and he can play anywhere in the outfield. This selection could create a potentially potent 3 and 4 spot in the lineup with lifetimer Dave Windfield.

8. Roy Cullenbine – (Fogelberg Falcons) – the reigning champs would be ecstatic to see Cullenbine fall this far in the draft. Cullenbine has become known as the poor man’s Mickey Mantle, serving all outfield positions and showcasing a strong propensity to get on base as well as drive in runs with his high total bases.