The Big Board: Jan. 25, 2010

We’re down to three weeks remaining before the 2010 ASB Classic. As debates and speculations swirl, some draft choices still seem to be up in the air. Here’s a look at our latest predictions as to how we think the picks will play out.

1. Ted Williams (Bamford Bears) – What was once a lock at the #1 spot, is now wavering between Williams and Ruth. This one could come down to a draft day decision, but at this point, we have no evidence to indicate the Bears are favoring Ruth, so we still believe Williams will be the overall first pick.

2. Babe Ruth (Aginville Sketchers) – This one is going to come down to Ruth vs. McGraw. Right now, it looks like Aginville is leaning toward an outfield heavy team with loads of power. Depending on where they think they can land in the career picks, Aginville may opt to go with McGraw to add the ultimate rabbit to a lineup in an effort to get plenty of baserunners on for lifetimer Dale Murphy.

3. Mickey Mantle (Boggstown Boilers) – We are confident that Mickey Mantle will be selected 3^rd overall, however it will not likely be with the Boggstown Boilers. Ownership is in negotiations with several teams lower in the draft. Rumors have suggested that a trade proposal could be on the table as early as next week, but it is likely teams will opt to wait until draft day to pull the trigger on a deal.

4. John McGraw (acquired for Bill Joyce) – (Lincoln Square Devil Dogs) – While not official, it looks like the Devil Dogs have agreed in principal to a deal that will send the coveted Bill Joyce to the Mudhens for John McGraw and a pony keg of Miller Lite.

5. Frank Thomas – (Jenks Wildcats) – Jack Clark has been rumored to be talking to Jenks ownership again, perhaps trying to win back a spot on the roster after a poor showing in the first round of elimination Sunday two years ago. Will he get a shot? At this time, it looks like Jenks is more likely to grab the more balanced, less strikeout-prone Frank Thomas.

6. Bill Joyce (acquired for John McGraw) – (McCall Mudhens) – the Mudhens will do most anything to get Joyce. It’s tough to imagine that the rumored deal with Lincoln Square will only cost them a pony keg. Perhaps there is some substance to the rumor about a “bj for B.J. deal”.

7. Rogers Hornsby– (Jeetzton Beanbags) – Why not? He was their selection in 2008, and it’s possible that the Beanbags want to not only take a great single season player, but also remove the best shortstop and one of the best second baseman from the career selections. After Hornsby’s play in the Holiday League, it is clear that he can carry a team on his back.

8. Billy Hamilton – (Fogelberg Falcons) – It looks like the Falcons may roll the dice and hope for a high selection in the career draft, which would allow them to go after the likes of Wade Boggs or Roy Cullenbine in the first round of black selections.