Friday, June 29, 2018

CLUBWAKA VA Patriot Summer 18 Draft - Top 20 Males Big Board


Hi ALL!!!  So for this write-up / big board, we are including 20 instead of 15…not because we think the guys are special, or there are many more deserving guys, because the fielding rules call for 7/4, so we decided to include 5 more guys.

There are so many more good guys out there, tag them and get them to sign up so we can get 8+ teams!


For this exercise, one member of the draft team, stepped down from including his average, and reached out to a 3rd party who has a great feel on the game, so for this average, instead of AJ, we have Edge, so it is Jamie, Edge and myself.  As with the girl top 15, we have included our own top 20’s at the end of the post, and then the composite top 20.  The points from the top 20 were done in the same manner…where ranked 1 player gets 20 points and ranked 20th (21st in this case) gets 1 point.  One note – Everyone on the board had Brian Neal as 7th, so I have included in him the board/write-up as 7th…however…the points for the composite…skip 7th and 7th goes to 8th, and why 21 people are shown in all of our ranks and the composite. 



I think we again want to stress that these are all opinions, and none of us are draft captains, and all think arguments can be made for many adjustments of how it shakes out, so please feel free to come and chat with us at the draft on Sunday (while supporting the sponsor bar) and see how it shakes out compared to what we say and against the mock draft we will be holding!



Just as some minimal insight, Jamie and I (I think Edge too, I did not confirm) for defensive evaluations – considered if the player was able to play in the triangle, and if they were able to play multiple spots in the triangle.  Only being able to play OF or 1B did not increase your rank. 

On to the Big Board



1A – Gene Efird (57 Points) – The top pick the last two seasons, the second pick the season before that, and the top pick the season before that.  The draft history speaks for itself, I really shouldn’t have to say much about him.  In the top tier level for charging (he and Dom created that tier).  Can play other positions, however….if you’re drafting him, why?  Extremely good leadoff, extremely good in the 4/5 clean-up spot, possibly the biggest leg in the draft, elite speed, aggressive baserunner, elite athlete.  Vet, however extremely young and able to play all day at the same level.  Everyone knows how good and much an animal this guy is.  Really good team guy that fits in with everyone and every type of SITCH.  No one can H8 on this guy going first.


1B – Alex ‘AJ’ Jackson (57 points) – Alex Jackson, aka Savage Jackson, POP POP…..enough said.  AJ has been on a WAKA roll since the start of 2017, most recently taking home championships in Raptor (charging), Balls n Dolls (1B) and Peninsula (pitching).  A true 5 tool player, who has shown his ability to be put in the same leadoff category as anyone, one of the most consistent linedrive kickers/hole finders, extremely good in the 4/5 clean-up spot, possibly the biggest leg in the draft, elite speed, aggressive baserunner, elite athlete.  Can be put anywhere in the field and is a difference maker, in the draft, you have to be thinking charger.  Great coaching experience as a former draft captain (x2 or x3 and once a champ), and a centerpiece on the reigning draft champion team.  Really good team guy that fits in with everyone, and is extremely consistent for showing up and being present.  Number 2 of the big 4 as far as social goes…number 1 social would be the next fella….so lets get to him



1C – James ‘ Jimmy’ Wilcox (57 points) – ..hes the only one I think of when the…ALL THE WAY TURNT UP song comes on, and the true top of these in the first group on a social basis.  Another adjective to describe Jimmy – Rage.  As with AJ, Jimmy has been on a roll recently, also taking home championships in Raptor (1B – hurt), and Peninsula (Charging – hurt).  Another true 5 tool player, who can kick anywhere 1-7, can be in the top tier leadoff class, can be in the top tier 4/5 class, big leg, elite athlete.  Can be put anywhere in the field and is a difference maker, in draft, you have to be drafting him to charge or pitch.  Long time vet with tons of experience and in general a really good team guy that fits in with everyone.  He told me something in Denver that I doubt he remembers...however..yea...you take this guy, he is a winner, and he gets it done in anyway possible, a true SAVAGE.  I love playing with Jimmy, and relish any chance to be on any team (season long) or one day team.  Don't you dare think about hanging those travel cleats up sir.



4 – Dom Smith (51 points) – A Beast.  If you are a draft captain…and you get Dom at 4…meaning you get a second round pick earlier than those that got the guys above you…you walk away laughing at how good of a position you are in.  The top tier level of charging (He and Gene).  Can play other positions, however if you’re drafting Dom, you’re drafting him to charge.  Extremely great offensive player, anywhere in the lineup, top tier leadoff, 4/5 guy, one of the biggest legs in the draft, elite speed, aggressive baserunner, elite athlete.  Really great team guy that knows the game and other positions incredibly well and is a really positive teammate.  Former Draft captain of a team that made the playoffs last year, so draft him early and pick his brain!



5 – Geoff ‘DJ Burpee’ Moorheart (47 points) – He is DJing the freaking party!  Two words to describe Geoff…Beastmode…relentless, really that should be all I have to say.  He is an animal, and a true 5 tool player.  He is elite in the field, and an elite pitcher, catcher and 1B.  He can charge for you and can play 1B.  The thing for the panel that separated him from the top 4 was charger…however…lets be serious, you can find a charger / below average charger if you have Geoff behind the plate, or slinging flames as a southpaw from the mound.  An elite athlete, aggressive baserunner that is comfortable kicking anywhere 1-7.  Also a leftie kicker that bunts with both feet.  He was a draft captain (and won that season), so he has tons of experience and insight.  Most recently in the spring he is a champ on Fridays with Smoking Bunts. 



6 – Davin ‘Yes, I am over 21’ Field (45 points) – He is going to feel slighted that I am not writing as much for him…I shouldn’t have to, however he deserves it.  Everything I’ve said about the folks above…that is them when they were Davin’s age.  Still extremely young (23, I think), and new to kickball in general (think this is his 7-8th season..2.5 years ago?  Know he has been playing since he was 21).  On an optimal team, he is catching, however in draft, you are probably drafting him to charge.  He can play anywhere in the field, and at an elite level.  Former D1 college scholarship soccer player who is an elite athlete, aggressive baserunner, one of the, if not the biggest legs in the draft, can kick anywhere in the lineup, thrives in the 4/5 spot, incredible bunter.  Able to play all day at the same level.  Really great team guy, who is also part of the social scene, and fits in with everyone, and every type of SITCH.  Its his first peninsula season, Peninsula, you’ve been put on notice!



7* - Brian Neal (42 points*) – Heal quickly brother, the fields are not the same without your presence.  Hope to see you back in action in Chicago. 



7 – J Seid (41 points) – First round pick last year, and by the rankers, a first round pick this year, and it is well deserved.  J Seid is an extremely versatile player that can be put anywhere in the field, in draft, you should be drafting him to be your charger.  He can play at all spots of the infield.  More of a top of the lineup guy, he feels comfortable leading off, kicking second, etc.  Recent Spring champ on Smoking Bunts!!!



8 – Mario S (40 points) – Super Mario!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Just call him Eric Cosma lite.  He doesn’t play in the peninsula a ton as of recently, however he has some, and most of you may have seen him.  That was him on Fridays on PLB.  That was him winning the DEOC tourney with ISH last year.  That was him winning the other league’s A league and A league crossover game.  Dude is freaking so fast.  He normally plays outfield….I don’t think you have that luxury in draft, he can charge and catch (especially with his speed).  Kicking…you can put him anywhere in the lineup…he bunts 85% of the time and you see his speed, so of course he should bunt…I think he is a former soccer player…if not…believe me…dude can blast the crap out of the ball.  Another one you have been put on notice Wednesday peninsula. 



9 – Shane (33 points) – Shane this is going to be short because I’m tired of typing and the only one doing the write-ups vs what we did for the girls lol.  Shane went in the second round last year, we all have him slated for an early second round pick this year.  He’s a great teammate, who is super consistent and always positive.  More a top of the lineup guy, he can kick, and he can play anywhere in the field.  You are drafting him to be a part of your triangle, and lucky for you, he can play in all of the spots within the triangle, for me the order for him is probably catcher/pitcher/charger….rely on his survey to see if that is the case tho!  Most recently a Spring Champ on Mondays and Fridays, and Friday where he is the captain of the long term staple Smoking Bunts.  Plenty of experience to help coach new players.  



10 – Rosie (32 points) – Rosie is a beast behind the plate.  You should be drafting him to catch.  He can charge, and can pretty much anywhere in the field.  He is most comfortable kicking 1 or 2, so go ahead and put him in your leadoff spot and assume you have someone on to start every single game.  Great player, and great teammate to anyone that takes him.  Rosie, sorry this is shorter, you are a beast, I’m getting tired!



11 – Smitty (28 points) – Ole Smitty….Smitty…Smitty…Smitty…..haha.  Thankfully, you are not drafting him to be at the fields early to get warmed up and get reps with you…if you are….yikes!  ha, I kid, Smitty is a long term kickballer with tons of experience and tons of captaining experience and ability to help you on the sidelines and with instructions for new players.  You should be drafting him to catch.   He is a good OF and 1B and can charge, however you should be drafting him to catch.  He is the top of the order guy and kicks 2 in most of the lineups he is in…(that is..until he shows up late and yours truly has to kick 2 and goes 2/2 and 3/3 those games…ha, love you Smitty).  He can kick linedrives and put it out there when needed, however he is very good at getting his bunts down and is super reliable at the top of the order.  Former Draft captain.  Most recently spring Champ on Monday night and Friday night!



12 – Ryan Bass (27 points) – You should be drafting him to catch on your team.  Very skilled (all 5 of them) player who can play anywhere you need him on the field.  He is a lefty thrower, and can blast the ball with both legs and bunt with both legs.  Feel good putting him anywhere in the lineup 1-7 and he will produce.  Good, consistent reliable teammate that shows up.   Aggressive baserunner, one of the biggest kicking legs in the draft, one of the most surehanded outfielders (tho, again, you’re drafting him to catch), and top level speed and athlete.  As with Davin and Mario, VA Peninsula, you have been put on notice. 



13 – Travis (26 points) – oooooo…I get to talk about myself…yay…oh nay….haha.  I put below before our individual ranks my thoughts after my first 7/8 guys, so anyone with a bone to pick..yea….haha.  Still pretty new player who is growing and continues to work to improve, and is super happy/appreciated to be ranked where he is.  A draft captain last season, and the panel ranked me as a 4th round pick based on playing catcher….ive improved catching from that time, so still have that toolin my bad, and have made vast strides as a pitcher, and that was shown this spring (HI CARDIAC, LOVE YOU), to the point where I put myself with anyone else in the draft pitching (that is of course my opinion, and bias, however confidence level plays a factor pitching as I’ve come to find out).  Can play anywhere in the field at a good level, however you are most likely drafting to be in the triangle and be a difference maker pitching.  Bunting has improved a ton to where I do more than beat out bad bunts and can put it down 3 pretty regularly, and have always been comfortable going up 1.  Can kick in any spot in the lineup and finds holes with line drives more often than not, and more of a line drive kicker than blaster.  




14 – Nick Schmidt (23 points) – Kickball OG.  Reigning Draft Day Champ with Brunch life, and former (2x I think) draft captain, with invaluable captaining and strategy insight (former Hammerhead Captain as well if that is needed to be stressed).  Nick is a beast and super verstiale and valuable to anyteam.  He went in the 2nd last year, and the panel has him going in the second this year.  You should be drafting him to pitch, or play 1B.  He can pitch all day, and you don’t have to worry about him wearing down.  He is great at placing his bunts, has no problem going up 1 and is one of the most consistent line painters in the top 20.  He is a great kicker and thrives there….I would probably put him somewhere 4-6 in my lineup in draft.  However he is comfortable anywhere 1-7, tho he will tell you not to put him 1…based on his line painters…you can put him there if you have a need.  I personally enjoyed pitching against him this spring season Wednesday (hi Nick, love you)



15A – Lucas G (13 points) – Very athletic, very versatile player, who is a great teamguy.  His best spots are in the outfield (where he is a burner) or at 1B.  Can catch and charge if needed.  A top of the lineup guy who has a ton of speed and is an aggressive baserunner.  I have always loved playing with, and captaining Lucas last summer, draft him. 



15B – Brent W (13 points) – VA Peninsula living legend.  7 time winner of the prestigious Wentworth Cup.  Enough Said.  Seriously though…really great team guy who can gel with any team, really in any role…not as springy as he once was, so he’d probably prefer not to be drafted to charge or leadoff, however he can fill in there as needed and fill in and be a great contributor and team guy at any position.  Always love the teams I get to play on with Brent. 



17 – Jorts (11 points) – Availability concerns for the out of towner were the concerns of the rankers!  Long time vet who is a great teammate and great guy to play with.  Can absolutely get into the ball and blast the crap out of it, I am predicting….4 home runs minimum for Jorts inside beautiful war memorial this draft season. 



18 - Eddie Lopez (9 points) – You need an amazing teammate that shows up and kicks the crap out of the ball, wins championships, and brings the coolness level up?  Draft Eddie.



19 – Justin Schauf (7 points) – Long time cardiac staple that can fill in for you at any position on the field at a high level.  Very good offensive player who is very smart and knows what to do in any situation when kicking and running the bases, a very clutch player. 



20 – Matt Seaford (7 points)  - Long time pop pop staple that can play a ton of places in the field, mainly 1B, OF or pitching.  Very good offensive player who can blast the ball. 


***The last thing I wanted to note before you see our individual top 20’s…for mine….I felt like once you got to guy 7/8….9-14 you can make an argument for based on team need and I would not have a good counterpoint. 


Edge (AJ Fill in) Top 20 –

Gene

AJ

Jimmy

Dom

Geoff

Davin

Brian Neal*

J Seid

Mario

Shane

Rosie

Smitty

Nick Schmidt

Travis

Lucas G

Ryan Bass

Eddie Lopez

Jorts

Justin Schauf

Matt Seaford

Brent W.


Jamie Top 20 –

Jimmy

Gene

AJ

Dom
Geoff

J Seid

Neal*

Davin

Mario

Shane

Smitty
Rosie

Ryan Bass
Travis

Brent W.

Nick Schmidt

Matt Seaford

Jorts

Joe Stumpo

Justin Schauf

Adam Frantz


Travis Top 20 –

AJ

Jimmy

Gene

Dom

Davin
Geoff

Neal*

Mario

J Seid

Ryan Bass

Rosie

Travis

Shane

Nick Schmidt

Smitty

Lucas G.

Brent W.

Eddie Lopez

Jorts

Justin Schauf

TJ Bowman


Composite Top 20 (with point total) –

Gene – 57

AJ – 57

Jimmy – 57

Dom – 51

Geoff – 47

Davin – 45

J Seid – 41

Mario – 40

Shane – 33

Rosie – 32

Smitty – 28

Ryan Bass – 27

Travis – 26

Nick Schmidt – 23

Lucas G – 13

Brent W. - 13

Jorts – 11

Eddie Lopez – 9

Justin Schauf – 7

Matt Seaford - 7

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