Pick 17 – Kansas City Royals Selection: INF Miguel Tejada The Kansas City Royals enter this draft in a familiar position—up against the cap, juggling decisions on several veterans, and somehow still managing to keep almost everyone they actually want. It’s a delicate dance they’ve performed for years, and once again their offseason will hinge on a handful of contract decisions that could meaningfully reshape the roster. But this pick?...
Pick 16 – Chicago Cubs Selection: 2B José Vidro Cubs fans felt the heartbreak. After a miserable start to 1996, Chicago transformed into the hottest team in baseball down the stretch, surging back into contention and ultimately missing the playoffs by the slimmest of margins. Given how the season began, the fact that they were even in the conversation should be celebrated—but try telling that to a fanbase starving for October baseball. If...
Pick 15 – Cleveland Spiders Selection: CF Torii Hunter The Cleveland Spiders return to the clock for their second first-round selection, having already secured some much-needed pitching help earlier in the draft. Now, with the opportunity to diversify their rookie class, the focus shifts naturally to the offensive side of the board. And at Pick 15, the Spiders find themselves in a very clean, very logical spot. With Marquis Grissom hitting...
Pick 14 – Boston Red Sox Selection: SP John Thompson The Boston Red Sox enter this offseason in a state of transition—if not full reconstruction. With the front office openly shopping nearly the entire roster outside of Barry Bonds, Mike Cameron, and Édgar Rentería, this is a club still searching for an identity, a direction, and frankly, a foundation. When a team has this many needs, the draft board is wide open....