7th of june 2019, the ABL draft. This year, the Jokers had the 16th pick and the 25th because of the signing of Colin St.John by Maple. The draft was depth enough and the scouting team was optimistic to select one or two players who could perform in the Jokers starting lineup in a near future.
For the first pick, the team decide to go with a pitcher. 3 names got their attention: Ramanathan, Burnett and Ubriani. Ramanathan was pick in 15th spot, so this push the decision between the others two. Our scout see them in a same range, a little bit more stuff for Ubriani but better movement and control for Burnett. The two have low stamina. Difficult decision but Ubriani told the scout that he would be reluctant to come in Vegas and signing him would be extremely hard. So the management decide to go with Austin Burnett. Will see what will be the futur impact of this decision. Burnett will never be a Cy Young winner but he could be a good #3 SP or an excellent middle reliever.
For the 25th pick, some good contact hitters were still available. The team spotted 3 guys they like very much: Rivera (2B), Henderson (CF) and Jones (LF). Rivera was picked by Montréal with the 24th pick. Again, management had to make decision between the two others. Our scout saw Henderson with a 19 contact potential, so the organisation decide to go with him. Jones was taken on the next pick by Seattle. The organisation are very happy to have Jeffrey Henderson. He was ranked #3 on our batter prospect list.
The others pick were more longshot. Hu "Stone" Situ is a kind of player Las Vegas organisation miss. High potential in contact, eye and avoid K. Many hitters in Vegas have power but base on ball are a concept they don't know. Situ could put a presence on the base and with a .521 and a .446 OBP in minor league, he could score many runs. But will he be able to translate that in ABL? Will see... Another pick Bai-Luo See-Too. This youngster surely can play defense but will he be able to hit in major? The challenge will be to develop his offensive skill if he want to play everyday. But there's a good chance that "C2" become at least, an utlity infielder in Vegas in two or three years.
So the job is now try to sign everyone. The offers are already send and since Vegas have enough money, they don't believe problem to have all of them in minor system soon.
