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vickiroepke

A look back at the 2017 1st round picks

August 29, 2017 at 04:40AM View BBCode

I've never done one of these before but I have enjoyed similar write-ups in other leagues so i thought I'd give it a shot.

The 2017 draftees have 15 full seasons under their belt. Some may have retired by now and others may not have lived up to their potential. And there's those that have been a huge part of transforming their franchise into contenders or helped to extend many seasons of dominance.

This brief look back is meant to be fun and informative and to be a positive addition to our message board discussions. Please don't take anything written personally... besides it's only a game!! :)

(If the following list is only a partial it will be updated as time permits)

#1 [url=http://simdynasty.com/player.jsp?id=11427011]Billy Roenicke[/url] Oakland Farms Dairy

Billy was drafted at age 19 out of the great state of Michigan where he starred as a starting pitcher at Saline H.S. He spent 3 plus seasons moving through the Oakland minor league system before his call-up in early 2020.

After a couple of rough seasons he really started putting it together in 2022. 4 World Series rings, 172 victories and career era of 3.52 have made him a very reliable #2 starter for the defending champion Dairy with more success sure to come.


#2 [url=http://simdynasty.com/player.jsp?id=11427001]Marek Lepp[/url] St. Louis Estonians

A California boy, Marek was drafted out of Long Beach State where he led the Dirtbags to 4 consecutive division titles. He was thrust into the St. Louis starting rotation on day 1 and put together some respectable numbers in 2017. After a disappointing 2018 season and a stint as the part time closer in 2019 Lepp found a permanent home in the starting rotation and cruised to 27 victories over the next 2 seasons.

As luck would have it Lepp was traded back closer to home to play for Oakland prior to the 2022 season. Over the next 10 seasons he and his new best buddy Billy Roenicke would win 4 world championships. Marek announced his retirement following their most recent world series victory with an impressive 206-133 career mark.


#3 [url=http://simdynasty.com/player.jsp?id=11426997&statsorimps=stats]Jack White[/url] Cleveland Indians

Jack played his college ball in Texas where as a red-shirt freshman he set marks for consecutive appearances by a relief pitcher. A pure lefty specialist he once struck out 18 consecutive left handed batters over a 14 game span. For the Indians White never stepped foot in a minor league stadium and helped the big club to 3 world championships over his 8 plus seasons there.

Early 2025 saw Jack pack his bags for Brooklyn where he would make his mark as a very good closer. He recorded 174 saves over his final 4 seasons and in 2029 won the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year. After the 2030 season and 803 big league games Jack again packed his bags, this time to spend his days fishing on Lake Tawakoni.


#4 [url=http://simdynasty.com/player.jsp?id=11427010]Bert Williams[/url] Philadelphia Patriots

The first hitter picked in this draft came out of St Petersburg (junior) College in Florida. As a switch hitting outfielder Bert led the Titans in hits and doubles in 2015 and again in 2016. Being named the 2017 4th overall pick by the Patriots was certainly a big honor and a big surprise to most scouts.

Williams spent most of 3 full seasons working his way up the minor league ladder. After a couple of brief call-ups in 2019 Bert split time with the big league and their AAA affiliate in 2020. 2021 and 2022 found him only appearing in 7 big league games while recovering from a rash of minor league injuries.

Called up for good in 2023 he tried but failed to secure a full time role in the Patriot outfield. His time in Philly would come to an end in 2026 with a trade to the big apple and then in 2027 joined Jack White in Brooklyn. His pleasant presence in the clubhouse has made him a favorite among the fans on an aging Brooklyn squad.


#5 [url=http://simdynasty.com/player.jsp?id=11426999]Dane Bramage[/url] Brooklyn Charlies

Dane Bramage was found by a scout and drafted at age 27 while playing for the Seibu Lions in Japan. The slick fielding shortstop suffered a wrist injury early in his first full season and struggled at the plate the remainder of 2017.

Dane performed well enough to be named the starting shortstop each of the next 2 seasons. In 2020 he was moved to 3b to make room for future gold-glover Boots Sutherland. By 2021 the writing was on the wall as he mostly platooned at 3b only to see his playing time cut back more and more in 2022 and 2023.

Dane was DFA'd in early 2024 and retired quietly following the 2024 season.


#6 [url=http://simdynasty.com/player.jsp?id=11427038]Drummond Weintraub[/url] Kansas City Express

A Yankee fan since birth, Drummond played his high school ball for the Kingston Tigers. With plus range and a powerful bat KC was thrilled to steal him with the #6 overall pick. After 5 plus seasons in their minor league system and some growing pains as a big league shortstop, Weintraub's future still looks bright.

DW has won gold gloves in 2 of the last 3 seasons while mashing 222 career home runs and making the all star team 6 straight times from 2025 to 2030. Injuries have started to take their toll and a move to first base has been rumored but for now he remains a veteran presence in the middle of the Kansas City infield.


#7 [url=http://simdynasty.com/player.jsp?id=11427003]Jim Jones[/url] Detroit Auto Builders

Drafted just hours after his 19th birthday, Jones began his professional career on the mound in Detroit's minor leagues. Spending a full year at each assignment, Jones was an all star selection three straight seasons in A, AA and finally AAA.

Spring training 2020 found Jim competing for a starting position on the hill on the big team. A call to his parents and his high school classmates back in Omaha confirmed that the rumors were true and he would never look back. Over the next 11+ seasons and 340+ big league starts he became known as a gentle giant on the mound with a mid 90's fast ball.

As retirement drew near Jones' dream to play for a world series ring finally became a reality as he boarded a plane headed for Oakland. Arriving just before the roster deadline he managed to start 4 times in September and earn a spot on the hill In October. Jim won both of his starts for the 2031 World Champion Farms Dairy and secured his place in history before retiring later that fall.


#8 [url=http://simdynasty.com/player.jsp?id=11427022]Earle Ferguson[/url] Cincinnati Redlegs

Earle Ferguson was drafted right out of La Salle High School of Cincinnati by the hometown Redlegs. He spent 6 years and then some developing in their minors. After being called up briefly in 2022, Fergie made the most of his second and final opportunity in May 2023 hurling a sub 4 era in 61 appearances.

As a coveted left-handed middle reliever that can throw smoke Earle has gone on to toss over 650 innings of very effective ball appearing in close to 45% of his teams games. As the Redlegs appear ready to compete for the next several seasons expect "everyday" Fergie to be right there in the mix. A clubhouse favorite, his influence on the young staff has been priceless.


#9 [url=http://simdynasty.com/player.jsp?id=11426996]Toshikatsu Matsumoto[/url] Washington Cornhuskers

"Toshimoto" as his American teammates commonly referred to him, took little time to make his presence felt in Washington. The right-handed fireballer won the coveted rookie of the year award in 2017 while splitting time as a starter and reliever. Known mainly as a fastballer in Japan, Toshimoto developed a slider/curveball combination that was virtually un-hittable in the states. During seasons 2018 - 2020 he chalked up over 650 strikeouts in 112 starts winning 33 games during that stretch.

Despite Toshimoto's successes, Washington management was never quite able to put a supporting cast together to get them over the hump. Trade rumors began swirling in 2021 and although he never missed a start for Washington his final 3 seasons were marred by contract disputes and clubhouse grumblings. After surprisingly being DFA'd in early 2024 Toshimoto unsuccessfully tested the free agency market and eventually retired following the season.


#10 [url=http://simdynasty.com/player.jsp?id=11426998]Hiromi Yano[/url] New York Mess

Another Japanese import, Yano found his home in Queens after being selected as the #10 pick of 2017. A right-hander with a nasty splitter and a sparkling smile, Yano never met a stranger. Speaking excellent English he was most proud of perfecting the art of telling jokes... but his pitching wasn't bad either.

During a nine-year career Hiromi Yano amassed 725 innings of mainly middle relief with only 29 career starts. A lifetime era under 4 and 3 World Series rings capped off a mostly successful career. Minus a disastrous showing in the 2021 WS, his postseason era would have been an amazing 1.17. Yano was waived by the Mess in 2025 to make room for a new generation but has remained involved and relevant as a special assistant to the Mess' successful minor league system.


#11 [url=http://simdynasty.com/player.jsp?id=11427062]Dewey Fuhr[/url] Oakland Farms Dairy via trade from the Pittsburgh Crawfords

How do you spell 4 world championships? Oakland spells it P-I-T-C-H-I-N-G. Following a blowout 5 for 1 deal with Pitt prior to the 2016 season, Oakland scored another piece of their championship puzzle with pick number 11. It took only 3 years for Dewey Fuhr to go from pitching his final game for Chicago's Crystal Lake High School to making his first appearance for that up and coming Oakland squad.

Over the next few seasons Dewey would see more minor league time than big league time but by mid 2023 he was up to stay. A 5 time all star, including that partial 2023 season, he has showed he could start and relieve and has been used in both roles a lot. Now starting more than ever Fuhr won 15 games during the most recent 2031 championship season.

All this success should make a happy man out of Dewey, right? Recent public statements by Fuhr and his agent have surprisingly eluded to the possibility he may look elsewhere for postseason starting assignments if he doesn't get one from Washington soon... Stay tuned.


#12 [url=http://simdynasty.com/player.jsp?id=11427094]Ted Paccwa[/url] New York Dirty-Sox

As a senior at Middlesex High in Jersey Ted Paccwa caught all the scouts eyes. Power, speed, plus arm, he had all the tools. But what really sold the
Sox on this young catcher was his sweet swing and patience at the plate. After being drafted #12 overall in 2017 he headed to the minors where he tore it up batting well over .300 at every stop.

A September call up in 2021, Ted never looked back catching in over 75% of his club's games during a 5 season stretch. Following the 2026 season and 3 straight unsuccessful attempts to get to the World Series NY traded their All-Star catcher to Boston in what amounted to an 8 player swap.

In May of 2027, his first season in Beantown, Paccwa suffered a concussion and missed over a month. A rumored move to the outfield became a reality and the extra playing time paid off. An All-Star selection 4 consecutive seasons, 2 rings and an MVP award have made the Boston fans happy he came. Now what will he do for an encore?


#13 [url=http://simdynasty.com/player.jsp?id=11427050]Villem Ploom[/url] New York Dirty-Sox via trade from Chicago Werebears

A preseason 2014 deal involving 3 future #1 picks landed the Sox pick 13 of the 2017 draft and another high school superstar. The right-handed stud Ploom dominated the junior circuit with his low 90's fast ball and superb control. By Sept 2020 he was deemed ready for the majors and the Sox gave him a look down the stretch. However a couple of painful outings in the 2020 playoffs sealed his fate and he was traded to St. Louis mid October.

Villem became a workhorse in the Estonians rotation pitching 200 plus innings 8 straight seasons. After a very successful start to his 2029 campaign Boston came calling with a deal that St Louis couldn't refuse. Plooms dominance continued as a member of the Red Sox helping them win back to back World Series titles. Villem is destined to become a 200 game winner with 3000 ks an outside possibility as well.


#14 [url=http://simdynasty.com/player.jsp?id=11427074]Mike Ryan[/url] Montreal Canadiens

He may have spent his weekends patrolling the outfield for Quebec's own Beaconsfield Bisons baseball team. But it was evident that Mike Ryan was destined for bigger things. A 4 sport star with a 4.0 his future was bright and colleges across North America couldn't wait to get his name on their roster. The only roster that mattered to Mike however was the major leagues and when his name was announced as the 14th player picked in the 2017 draft by his beloved Montreal, well there was nothing anyone could say to change his mind.

Ryan spent 8 up and down seasons in Montreal's minor leagues. The numbers weren't there but his heart always was. A great clubhouse leader, Mike never gave up and finally got his chance in 2025. He didn't make the team out of spring training but as luck would have it he picked up the phone a week later and was headed to Montreal by sun down.

Mike split time in the corners of Montreal's outfield and in the process won 2 gold gloves. His defense was never an issue but he struggled with the bat hitting plus .240 only twice. Admittedly his best baseball seasons are now behind him, but there's more to come from this guy. Can you say management?


#15 [url=http://simdynasty.com/player.jsp?id=11427076&statsorimps=stats]Karl Averill[/url] Boston Red Sox

As the 15th pick in the 2017 draft Karl's time with Boston last only a few hours. Later that day he was dealt to Pittsburgh along with a couple other prospects for crafty veteran pitcher Tommy Barry and All Star backstop Sergio Plunk. The high school superstar athlete then spent 7 full seasons in the minors before breaking camp in spring 2024 as a part of the big club.

Averill has quietly been a steady force up the middle for Pittsburgh. A winner of 3 gold gloves at short with 6 consecutive all star appearances and a career BA over .300 it would seem all he has left to accomplish is a string of postseason appearances. Pitt has been mostly middle of the pack but could be ready to make a run. If so we know Karl will be leading the way on offense and in the clubhouse.


#16 [url=http://simdynasty.com/player.jsp?id=11427020]Vincente Cotter[/url] St Louis Estonians via trade from San Diego Missions

Drafted by the Estonians with a pick they received in a trade with San Diego 2 years prior, Vincente found his way back to the Missions in a trade prior to the 2019 season. After a quick ascent through their minor league system, this young rightie had nothing left to prove when he was promoted mid season 2020.

As a hard throwing short reliever he has incredibly appeared in over 850 games in his 11.5 seasons. He has been lights out in postseason with a tiny era of 1.76. An all star appearance and a world series ring caps off his successful career although he shows no signs of slowing down. What could use some slowing down is his divorce rate. Known to many as a womanizer and to his 3 previous wives as morally corrupt Vincente has left management scrambling more than a few times when rumors of his exploits hit the presses.

[Edited on 9-1-2017 by vickiroepke]
cmiller

August 29, 2017 at 05:33PM View BBCode

This is awesome; can't wait to see the rest of the 1st rd.
pwj

August 30, 2017 at 06:31PM View formatted

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Tremendous, thank you.

Being in Cincinnati, I love the LaSalle reference for Earle Ferguson. His high school exploits were big in the Enquirer sport section, and his draft by the hometown Redlegs this year got lots of local coverage.
Metsamess

August 31, 2017 at 07:00AM View BBCode

Love the player biographies.

Great job.
SouthSideSox

August 31, 2017 at 07:09PM View BBCode

This was very cool!

It will be interesting if you decide to look at the 2018 draft next season. That was perhaps the weakest draft I evaluated since entering this league. Would be interesting to see if any of those turds were pressed into diamonds.
FrosteeTBear

September 01, 2017 at 01:34AM View BBCode

Holy Dunkin Donuts, Vick!
Twogds

September 01, 2017 at 01:42AM View BBCode

well done
Ridge

September 04, 2017 at 09:50PM View BBCode

Fine job,
taxman

September 07, 2017 at 12:25AM View BBCode

Fun read. Thanks vick

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