The New York Rangers have traded winger Alex Bourret to the Phoenix Coyotes for the 90th pick in the draft. Bourret was a former 1st round pick of the Atlanta Thrashers and was traded to the Rangers for Pascal Dupuis. With the 90th pick the Rangers took top Czech player defenseman Tomáš Kundrátek.
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All of this according to John Heyman of SI.com:
The Mets have agreed to terms with first-round draft choice Reese Havens, a shortstop from the University of South Carolina, SI.com has learned. The Mets will pay Havens, the 22nd overall pick in last week's amateur draft, a signing bonus of about $1.4 million.Goes on t say they are close to signing Brad Holt their third pick and haven't began negotiations with Ike Davis their first pick in the draft. If I believe correctly that is right around the same amount Havens wanted all the way back in 2005 when coming out of high school.
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Davis should moved through the system very quickly and start in Citi Field sooner rather than later unless the Mets decide they need to sign Mark Teixeira this off-season. He is very athletic and has good blood lines so hopefully he can fill out his potential as a slugging player in the middle of the lineup. Reese Havens reminds me of a bigger version of Dustin Pedroia. That is not a bad thing. He knows how to play ball and could possibly move to catcher where he would instantly become the best catcher in the system. If anyone can make the switch to catcher it is him.
Little disappointed they passed on Cole twice, Melville, Meyer, Galloway, Odorizzi, and Collier but only time will tell on this draft.
Picks to watch:
Eric Beaulac, rhp
Kyle Allen, rhp (hs)
Javier Rodriguez, of (hs)
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Jeremy Bleich might have been a stretch in the 2nd round, but the Yankees do have a need for a lefty in the system and for the 2nd straight year the Yankees took Scott Bittle (3rd round) a guy who just knows how to get outs.
Picks to watch:
Brett Marshall, rhp
Kyle Higashioka, c
David Adams, 2nd
Pat Venditte, lhp/rhp
Thats right Venditte is a reliever who can throw with both his right and left hand earning himself the nickname "The One Man Bullpen". A video of him can be seen here.
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I've switched my mind on this pick even though I like Tim Beckham better as a prospect. If the Rays weren't having such a good season I would have gone with Beckham, but Posey can reach the majors quicker and help this amazing team.
PIRATES MUST MAKE THIS PICK. PIRATES MUST MAKE THIS PICK. PIRATES MUST MAKE THIS PICK. PIRATES MUST MAKE THIS PICK.
I still think he is the top high school player in the draft and has one of the highest ceilings of anyone college or high school. The Royals drafted a SS 1st last season, but he should soon see a move to 3rd base opening up short for Beckham.
I would assume they do not want to spend a ridiculous amount again this year and it is not like they would be getting ripped of by taking this years best pitcher.
5. San Francisco Giants- Gordon Beckham, ss (Gordon Beckham)
Same reasoning as last time you have Angel Villanoca in the wings with no shortstop and Gordon Beckham is one of the better players in the draft who can reach the majors quickly.
6. Flordia Marlins- Yonder Alonso, 1st (Kyle Skipworth)
7. Cincinnati Reds- Aaron Crow, rhp (Aaron Crow)
8. Chicago White Sox- Justin Smoak, 1st (Justin Smoak)
9. Washington Nationals- Kyle Skipworth, c (hs) (Aaron Hicks)
10. Houston Astros- Shooter Hunt, rhp (Tim Melville)
11. Texas Ragers- Eric Hosmer, 1st (Shooter Hunt)
12. Oakland Athletics- Brett Wallace, 3rd (Brett Wallace)
13. St. Louis Cardinals- Christian Friedrich, lhp (Christian Friedrich)
14. Minnesota Twins- Zach Collier, of (hs) (Zach Collier)
15. Los Angeles Dodgers- Aaron Hicks, rhp/of (hs) (Gerrit Cole)
16. Milwaukee Brewers- Joshua Fields, rhp (Joshua Fields)
17. Toronto Blue Jays- Brett Lawrie, c/2nd (hs) (Connor Gillaspie)
18. New York Mets- Gerrit Cole, rhp (hs) (Eric Hosmer)
I say they go for the home run swing and take a chance on this kid. I could also she them trying to go for Tanner Scheppers if they are okay with his injury.
19. Chicago Cubs- Casey Kelly, rhp/ss (hs) (Jemile Weeks)
20. Seattle Mariners- Tim Melville, rhp (hs) (Andrew Cashner)
21. Detroit Tigers- Andrew Cashner, rhp (Alex Meyer)
22. New York Mets- Jason Castro, c (Ethan Martin)
They could get such better value here by taking Ethan Martin, Tanner Scheppers, Anthony Hewitt, and many others or trying to wait till their 3rd pick and take Nieto, but it seems the Mets are determined to take Castro here or at 18.
23. San Diego Padres- Lance Lynn, rhp (Lance Lynn)
24. Philadelphia Phillies- Brett DeVall, lhp (hs) (Brett DeVall)
25. Colorado Rockies- Anthony Hewitt, ss (hs) (Brent Hunter)
26. Arizona Diamondbacks- Jake Odorizzi, rhp (hs) (Kyle Lobestein)
27. Minnesota Twins- Jemile Weeks, 2nd (Dennis Raben)
28. New York Yankees- David Cooper, 1st (Tanner Scheppers)
The kid is built like a Yankee big, strong, has good power, an advanced approach at the plate, and works the count. Should be able to fill in soon for Giambi, unless Big Tex signs in which case he becomes a great trading chip.
29. Cleveland Indians- Dennis Raben, of (Tyson Ross)
30. Boston Red Sox- Reese Havens, ss (Reese Havens)
Were Listed in the DCPSR NBA Mock Draft
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So I have been looking around on Mock drafts for every sports (except football because the draft is already over) and some of the drafts are nice and make sense and some are just complete crap and look like the guy pulled names out of a hat. In terms of recent professional mock drafts here is Keith Law of ESPN:
18. New York Mets -- Jason Castro, C, Stanford
Interesting rumor of the week had a few top Mets people in to see Georgia at Vanderbilt before the SEC tournament, then spending the whole day up the third-base line, where you would stand to scout left-handed hitters … like Alvarez. The Mets covet Castro but probably could play the board here and try to grab him at No. 22 instead.
22. New York Mets -- Brett Lawrie, C/2B, Brookswood SS (Canada)
The Mets are looking for position-player depth, and Lawrie would be one of the better bats in their system, although his lack of a position is a long-term concern. He's not a catcher, so taking him behind Castro wouldn't be an issue -- Lawrie could at least return to second base to see whether he could handle that position with pro instruction.
28. New York Yankees -- Gerrit Cole, RHP, Lutheran H.S. (Orange, Calif.)
Cole is a top-half-of-the-round talent, but his bonus demands are expected to be large, and whispers about his makeup started when he signed with Boras. The Yankees aren't afraid of any of those things.
...#18 still seems way too early to pick Jason Castro for me. I am not sold on him and maybe at #22 I could handle it, but not #18. What is Keith Law smoking that he has the Mets taking Brett Lawrie(?) over young prep pitchers like Tim Melville and Gerrit Cole? and even young rising star Anthony Hewitt. As for the Yankees taking the best talent available is usually their philosophy, but it seems they want to take a LHP or a 1st baseman, none of those are filled with Gerrit Cole.
Here are consensus picks from over the internet on New York picks.
MLB:
Mets: Jason Castro,c, Standford and Joshua Fields, rhp, Georgia
Neither are flashy picks, but both are solid college players, Castro being a catcher and Fields a reliever. I don't really see them taking Fields after taking a lot of relievers the last couple of years, but you never know with 'good citizens'
Yankees: David Cooper, 1st, California
Cooper would fit in with every player on the New York Yankees right now. He is a slugging player, with a good eye at the plate, and great plate discipline.
NBA:
Knicks: Danilo Gallinari, SF, Italy
Despite reports that D'Antoni was not in love with him almost everyone seems to think the Knicks will still take him. The best(realistic) options for the Knicks would be (a)O.J. Mayo drops down to them at 6 (b) They trade Jamal Crawford for T.J. Ford and draft Eric Gordon to place SG.
NHL:
Islanders: Zach Bogosian, D, OHL
Competes, physical, strong, great skater, plays well on special teams, total package. Likes going end to end. Brings new meaning to the word 'poise'. Reverses direction well. Very athletic. Great positioning, understands angles. Led entire Petes team in scoring which is unheard of for a 17 year old Dman. One of the youngest in the draft class, future franchise D. Undisputed #2 in my opinion.
Style: Chris Chelios A- (sandbox)
Rangers: Mattias Tedenby, LW, SEL
Kid can flat out fly, but his game may be more suitable for international play. The "new rules" in the NHL give Tedenby a fighting chance. Good stick handeler, loves to deke. Owns enough offensive upside to be a top 20 pick. Needs to work on his awareness in non-transition situations. Lacks defensive play to be anything but at top 6 player. Will be a hit or miss. If I had to guess, I'd guess miss but his skillset still lands him at 15 because of potential.
Style: Yvan Cournoyer C -(sandbox)
Update: 2:22 Looking at this Lawrie kid he is not all that bad and seems to have some pop, but I don't see him able to shift and play 2nd as Keith Law suggests. It could be too much for him to handle.
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After Marlon Anderson hurt his hamstring in last night's game the Mets have called up 22-year old OF/1st baseman Nick Evans from AA. Evans was off to a blazing start, has cooled of since, but has still put up nice numbers with .292 with eight doubles, eight HR, and 31 RBI's. He is currently leading the team in RBI's, home runs, triples, and runs. I ranked him as the Mets 10th prospect.
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Get your popcorn ready because it is official Joba Chamberlain has begun the process of becoming a starting pitcher. Joe Girardi announced after the game that the process of stretching out Joba has started after he pitched two innings and threw 35 pitches in tonight's 8-0 win over the O's. There was speculation when the Yankees promoted highly touted relief prospects J. Brent Cox to Scranton and Mark Melancon to Trenton. This could be the beginning of the next great Yankee pitcher and when a top of the rotation of Wang-Chamberlain could ultimately become one of the best in the league, up there with Sabathia-Carmona, Webb-Haren, and King Felix-Bedard.
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I am going to guaranteethat the majority of these picks will be incorrect, but so will 80% of every one's picks.
...It's between Beckham and Posey in my eyes and the Rays are an organization who likes the high schoolers and Beckham is the best one in the draft and seeing as B.J. Upton has paid off they could be even more prompted to pick him.
...Top player in the draft Pittsburgh NEEDS to make this pick no two ways about it. If they do not their fans will go ballistic after they passed on Matt Weiters last year.
...Royals need a catcher pretty bad and Posey is a great guy to have in the organization. He is new to the position, but has played well behind the plate and has still hit.
...Top pitcher in the draft, will help with the rebuilding process and a fair price.>
5. San Francisco Giants- Gordon Beckham, ss
...Smoke or Alonso might be better value, but the Giants wont want to create a logjam with Angel Villanova at 1st and the Giants will need a shortstop with Omar Vizquel almost done.
6. Florida Marlins- Kyle Skipworth, c (hs)
...The only other catcher worthy of a 1st round selection fills the need in the Marlins organization.
7. Cincinnati Reds- Aaron Crow, rhp
... If Florida changes its philosophy and takes Crow the Reds will take Skipworth otherwise they take the best pitcher available.
8. Chicago White Sox- Justin Smoak, 1st
...Powerful 1st baseman who should help a really weak system and should be able to make an impact quickly.
9. Washington Nationals-Aaron Hicks, of (hs)
...Has a nice fastball, but with there being relatively no toolsy outfielders in this draft that is where his value is and the Nationals are a team who likes players like him.
10. Houston Astros- Tim Melville, rhp (hs)
...Top high school arm is just what the 'Stros need, other than a Beckham, but I don't see them falling.
11. Texas Rangrs- Shooter Hunt, rhp
...This is a possible destination for Hosmer, but the Rangers appear more focused on getting pitching and it helps Hunt is close to the majors.
12. Oakland A's- Brett Wallace, 1st/3rd
...Don't really know what they will do, but it is most likely going to be a college player and Wallace is one of the best available.
13. St. Louis Cardinals- Christian Friedrich, lhp
...Cardinals have OF depth and are lacking with the starting pitching and although Friedrich has some questions he could serve well in this system.
14. Minnesota Twins- Zach Collier, of (hs)
...Kinda like the A's I have no idea what they will be do, but Collier shouldn't be too expensive and the Twins are crazy so who knows.
15. Los Angeles Dodgers- Gerrit Cole, rhp (hs)
...Even though Cole may have the best STUFF of any pitcher in the draft his mechanics and Scott Boras may make the Dodgers shy away and take another high school pitcher like Alex Meyer or Ethan Martin.
16. Milwaukee Brewers- Josh Fields, rhp
17. Toronto Blue Jays- Conor Gillaspie, 3rd
18. New York Mets- Eric Hosmer, 1st(hs)
...Call be biased, but I have a gut feeling if he is there the Mets will take him despite other reports. There are only 3 other places I can see him going before here and that is Kansas City, Texas, and Chicago. This kid is a stud drawing comps to Kotchman, Adrian Gonzalez, and sometimes Teixeira this is a Scott Boras client with top 5 talent who is going to fall because if sign ability issues, but if he does New York should rejoice.
19. Chicago Cubs- Jemile Weeks, 2nd
2o. Seattle Mariners- Andrew Cashner, rhp
21. Detroit Tigers- Alex Meyer, rhp (hs)
22. New York Mets- Ethan Martin, rhp (hs)
...Meyer and Martin could switch positions if the Tigers feel like it, but right now we will go with this. Martin is a two-way player at 3rd and pitcher. Unlike Hicks his value is at his pitching, although his hitting is worthy of a 1st round selection. He has a big time fastball around 95 with projection to add more. He also features a curve and splitter <--- great pitch to have.
23. San Diego Padres- Lance Lynn, rhp
24. Philadelphia Phillies- Brett DeVall, lhp (hs)
25. Colorado Rockies, Brett Hunter, rhp
26. Arizona Diamondbacks- Kyle Lobstein, lhp (hs)
27. Minnesota Twins- Dennis Raben, of
28. New York Yankees-Tanner Scheppers, rhp
...Pretty Much the same pick as last year. Top 10 pick talent wise, but gets hurt and falls to the later portion of the 1st round. The Yankees have the ability to to pick knowing he is hurt because of their stacked minor leagues. He features a good sinker/slider combination.
29. Cleveland Indians- Tyson Ross, rhp
30. Boston Red Sox- Reese Havens, ss
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1. Fernando Martinez, of
Fernando Martinez was the top international signing back in 2005 and received a $1.4 million dollar signing bonus as a teenager. He has been rushed through the system playing at AA at the age of 18. F-Mart was impressive in spring, especially against lefties, and has played well so far in his career. He has great bat speed, which produces his power, and hits for a high average. He can steal the occasional base, but with likely have to move to right field from where is right now in center.
Potential: All-star RF with 25+, .290+ AVG, and 10+ steals
2. Jonathan Niese, lhp
Niese is a pretty big fellow at 6'4, but is not overpowering. He features a 89-92 fastball, a good change, and his bread and butter pitch a filthy curve. Niese's success comes off his fastball, but he can have control issues with it and his bad games result from. Because of his height there is still a change he gets that fastball in the 93-94 range and if he does watch out. He has that "it" factor and is just a gamer.
Potential: #2.5 starter
Carp burst on to the scene two years ago, but after a dismal season last year did not even make many prospect lists, however, after an amazing start to this season he has shown he can hit lefties and hit for power. He is still young (21) so he still has some projection, but not as much as two years ago.
Potential: Solid starter, nothing special
Kunz was the Mets 1st round draft pick last year coming out of Oregon State. He throws from a sidearm slot with a 93-95 sinking fastball, 84-86 mph slider, and low 80's change. His fastball and slider are overpowering pitches, while his change-up is an average pitch a best.
Potential: Closer
Rustich is a big power pitcher who features a 92-96 mph fastball, 82-85 mph slider, and a below average change-up. He had control and injury problems as a closer at UCLA, but because of his fastball/slider combo the Mets were thinking of making him a starter, but arm problems delayed that.
Potential: #3 starter or 8th inning set-up man
Vineyard is another '07 draftee out of HS. He possesses a 87-90 mph fastball with projection to add more, his best pitch the slider sits around 83 and racked him up the K's, and his change-up needs work to be successful. His progress will be delayed as he had season ending surgery on his arm.
Potential: #3 starter
Tejada does not have the best tools, but he knows how to play (ala Dustin Pedroia, David Eckstein, Jed Lowrie) He has great plate discipline, great defense, great speed, and hits it to the gaps. He is the kind of player that when he comes to th majors is a fan favorite.
Potential: Prototypical #2 hitter (SS/2nd)
Parnell is one of the pitchers with good stuff, but horrible control. He used to be a shortstop, but his 94 mph fastball and filthy slider moved him into the rotation. His fastball has good sinking motion and his slider late break. He needs to develop a 3rd pitch to become a successful big league starter. I have some concerns about his mechanics that seem similar to Rich Harden's.
Potential: #4 starter or Set-up man
9. Wilmer Flores, SS
Flores is a big kid for a 17-year-old at 6'3, but is really skinny only weighing 175 lbs. He has great-raw power, has average speed on the base paths, and is a plus defender. He was a top Latin signee so he has yet to play in the States. Needs to add some weight and muscle to reach full potential.
Potential: Power hitting SS/3rd baseman with decent speed
Evans has been a pretty consistent hitter in the system. He was a 3rd baseman, but with D.Wright there was no need for him there so he moved to 1st. A platoon of him and Mike Carp in Binghimton has forced him to try the outfield out. For him to make the big leagues he has to continue to hit like he has.
Potential: MLB starter on a pretty bad team (ala Kevin Millar right now)
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Jets signed:
RB - Jehuu Caulcrick
RB - Danny Woodhead
DE - Bryan Mattison
Giants signed:
WR- D.J. Hall
S - Nehemiah Warrick
DE - Antonio Reynolds
OT - Dylan Thiry
OT - Carnell Stewart
OG - Andrew Bain
OT - Glenn Bujnoch
DE - Wallace Gilberry
... The couple that stand out to be are D.J. Hall, Nehemiah Warrick, Wallace Gilberry, Danny Woodhead, and Jehuu Caulcrick. Gilberry could have gone in the 6th/7th round, Woodhead is FAST, strong, and seems to want to prove people wrong for being put down for his height (5'7) , Warrick is a big safety who was pretty highly thought of and actually has a chance to do something.
Tomorrow I will be doing a Giants draft review.
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I have decided to make an early season list of Mets and Yankees top prospects. I am starting with the Yanks.
Well I am starting to believe those "In Joba We Trust" t-shirts. This kid is a special arm. His 99 mph fastball jumps out of his hand and mid 80's slider and curve. All three pitches have great control and can be used as a strikeout pitch. No matter where he goes he will succeed and should be fun watching what he can do this season.
Potential: Ace starter or top closer in all of baseball
Like Betances, Jackson was a top talent drafted in the 8th round. Jackson shows above average speed, power, contact, and defense. His arm has been approving making him a boarder line 5-tool player and will most likely develop into one. This is definitely a kid to get excited about and would look nice in the new Yankee Stadium.
Potential: Exciting All-Star outfielder
Despite a wrist injury Tabata had an amazing year at High A last year. He hit .307 with 5 homers, 23 extra base its, 15 steals, and 33 walks. Being only 19 he showed great maturity and should see big league time sooner rather than later. His defense doesn't suck, but it is not the best either. His arm is pretty good and should get his share of assists.
Future: All-Star right fielder
The person with the lowest ceiling in Generation Trey, but was impressive in his short time up last year. He has a smooth, easy delivery and fires a 91 mph fastball, and average curve and slider. His best pitch is a change up with late movement. Wat makes him successful is his above average control the best in the system.
Potential: 3 or 4 starter
Horne has amazing stuff with 4 plus pitches. His fastball sits at 92-96, throws a devastating 12-6 curve, filthy slider, and solid change. Horne's HUGE problem is control. He has a hard time controlling his secondary pitches, but improved over last year.
Potential: 3 starter
Marquez may not have the upside of a Betances or Brackman, but he is much more of a safer bet. He throws a sinker sitting at 90-93 that does not induce that many ground balls, an amazing 76 mph change up, and a good curve. His curve isn't up to bar with the rest of his pitches, but his change up picks up the slack.
Potential: #3 innings eater
Sanchez was the main piece in the Gary Sheffield trade and was one of the top prospects in baseball at the time. He has over powering stuff with a 95 mph fastball and plus curve and change. His injuries have caused some set backs and it may ultimately cause a great talent to go to waste. It will be fun to see how he does when healty.
Potential: Dominant closer
This kid is a pure slugger. His power registers 80 on an 80 scale and is still only 19. He stands at 6'4 225, which might be a concern of him staying at the catcher position. It doesn't really matter where he plays he will hit bombs, just get him into the line up. His arm is plus so that may help him remain at the catching position.
Potential: Slugging 1st baseman/catcher
Another imposing pitcher who stands 6'9 and is very lanky. My favorite prospect in the organization and another person with amazing potential. His fastball, at 19 years old, sits around 94-97 and like Brackman features a plus knuckle curve, and pretty good change up. Scout.com thought he could go 2nd overall and the Yanks stole him in the 8th round. He has injury and control problems, but is only 19.
Potential: Ace starter
Brackman is a monster at 6'10 270 and has what I believe the highest ceiling of any player taken in last years draft besides David Price. He has legit ace stuff with a fastball that has hit 100 and sits at 95-97 range, a ludicrous spike(knuckle) curve, and a change-up that has plus potential. If he didn't have Tommy John Surgery he would rank much higher.
Potential: Ace Starter
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Rotoworld:
"The New York Daily News reports that Jason Vargas will likely miss three 
months following hip surgery.Vargas, who had a bone spur removed from his elbow in October, is expected to have surgery to repair a tear in his left hip"
This kind of sucks in a way. After Pelfrey and Armas, Vargas was next in case of injuries. Now after them who is going to come up? Adam Bostick? Jon Niese? Hopefully it won't matter, but you never know.
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Rangers.com
"Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that t
he club has agreed to terms with free agent forward Justin Soryal.
Soryal, 20, has skated in 56 games with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) this season, registering 15 goals and 22 assists for 37 points, along with 140 penalty minutes. He currently ranks sixth on the team in goals (15), fifth in assists (22), tied for fifth in points (37), and ranks second in penalty minutes (140)."
I didn't know anything about him and here are some videos I found:
I really like what I see from this kid. He is big and strong and looks like he has a nose for the net. He does not look like a real skill guy, but crashes the net and knows how to play the game. I also liked that he takes crap from no one and has no problem with dropping the gloves to stick up for himself or someone else and is fairly good at it. We have to remember Dan Girardi was an unsigned free agent and few years ago and now he is one of our top defensemen. Soryal reminds me of a bigger version of Sean Avery, maybe he will have the same results.... yeah okay, but it's fun to dream.
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Here is a great read from a poster named "squishy" at the hfboards. I am only posting the prospects I feel you should keep really close eyes on. If you want to read more click here.
P.A. Par
57GP 25G 36A 61PT +8 57PM
Through the first 60 games of the schedule Parenteau is leading the team in goals and points and was 4th in the league in points, 8th in goals and 12th in assists. It's hard to complain about a player who's leading the team in scoring, is amongst the league leaders, and is putting up points at better than a point-per-game pace. His knack for finding open teammates on the ice and getting passes through seemingly covered lanes is his best attribute, but with the good comes the bad, and from time to time those passes do get picked off. That's not such a bad thing in the offensive zone, but he tends to take the same risks with his passes in his own zone, which has at times gotten the Pack into trouble. He plays with a bit of an aggressive edge, and gets away with a lot of chippy little shoves and swats that undoubtedly get under opponents skin while -- for the most part -- going undetected by referees. Grade: A (A-)
Gre
52GP 21G 29A 50P +23 25PM
While Moore's breakout season can be seen as nothing short of a major success, it seems his play has dropped off a bit since the early part of the season when he was piling up points at nearly a point-per-game pace and was on a yo-yo ride between NY and Hartford. It may just be a matter of not playing with as much confidence as he did earlier in the season. It's got to be tough mentally to get the frequent call, but see only very limited opportunity on-ice when he was in NY. Still, through 60 games, he ranked 3rd on the Pack in points, and 19th over all in the league, and with 50 points has already doubled his 25 point output as a rookie last season. He's centered the Pack's top line for the majority of the season, and plays in all situations, including heading the Pack's top penalty killing unit, where his 4 goals have earned him 4th place in the league in shorthanded goals. His +23 ranked 2nd on the team and 4th in the AHL through 60 games, illustrating his skill as a good 2-way player, though through 12 games played during the month of February, he was only Even after being a plus in each of the previous months of the season. Grade: A- (A)
Dane 
56GP 18G 16A 34PT +20 149PM
Perhaps it was his late demotion to the Pack that caused Byers to get off to such a slow start this season. But ever since Ryan Callahan joined the Pack for 11 games back in January, Byers has been reborn, scoring at a steady point-per-game pace through January, and keeping up the pace through February even after Callahan returned to NY. His 5-game goal scoring streak (6 goals) in January ranks as the longest scoring streak on the Wolf Pack this season, and ranks 5th in the league among longest goal-scoring streaks for the season. Compare that to October, when he went 11 straight games without so much as a point. The vast majority of his goals have been of the garbage variety, scored from in close on either rebounds or deflections. In fact, it is Byers ability to set up in front of the net, take the abuse that comes with the location, and get the puck in the net that is his greatest asset. He's also a solid 2-way player, as his +20 (good for 4th on the team and 8th in the league) suggests. He plays in all situations and has proven willing and able to stand up for his teammates when the has arisen, as illustrated by his team-leading 149 penalty minutes. Grade: B+ (C-)
La
59GP 17G 17A 34PT +15 45PM
When I wrote my First Quarter grades post, there wasn't a player in Hartford I was more disappointed in. Korpikoski's gone a long way to redeem himself, in particular over the 13 games he played in February, when he finally started to put up points at a pace more befitting a 1st round draft pick playing his 2nd year pro (11 points in 13 games). He's been the ultimate utility player for the Pack this season, playing all three forward positions, on any of the Pack's three lines, with equal comfort level. He's one of the Pack's best penalty killers, and recently has started to get more regular power play time as a reward for his improved offensive play. He's still prone to holding on to the puck too long -- and losing it as a result -- but his shot has improved and he's more likely to use it now than he has been in the past. It will be interesting to see whether he's able to keep up the improved offensive production over the next 20 games and into the playoffs. If he does, a shot in the NHL shouldn't be far behind. Grade: B (C-)
Ale
49GP 8G 23A 31PT -2 73PM
Baring a late season turnaround, it will be impossible not to call Bourret's season a disappointment. On a couple of occasions it's looked like he was going to get on a roll and turn things around, but each time a some kind of minor injury has forced him out of the lineup for a game or two and knocked him off his stride. On the positive side, his six game-winners on the season rank him 1st on the Pack and 6th in the league in that category, and he has gradually been eating away at his at-one-time team worst -10. On the negative side, for every active, physical shift he plays, he plays three more where he looks at best disengaged and at worst completely invisible. He's got all the skills; great on-ice vision, a decent shot, good speed and a scrappy, physical playing style, but its still a matter of waiting to see if he's willing to put in the work to play at a consistently-engaged, high level on a nightly basis. Grade: C (D)
Arte
54GP 11G 18A 29PT +7 22PM
When I heard the Rangers had agreed to release Anisimov to play in the World Junior Championships, I was worried the return to the larger ice surface and Russian style of play might set him back in terms of his adjustment to the North American game. Just the opposite happened. Since returning from the Czech Republic he's shown steady and consistent improvement in all facets of his game. After going -4 in December, leaving him a -2 on the season at the time he left for the WJCs, he's climbed steadily into plus territory at +7. His defensive coverage has been spot on, and he's shown better anticipation at both ends of the ice, suggestion he's starting to think the game at AHL speed. He's been very good on faceoffs, after struggling early in the season, and is shooting the puck more. It's starting pay off, with 4 goals in his last 9 games, including a highlight reel goal against Springfield on February 13th that easily ranks at the head of the Pack's top 5 goals of the year. At 19, he's the youngest player in the AHL, but his 29 points are still good enough for 19th in the league in rookie scoring, while his 4 game winners tie him for 2nd on the team, and 5th in the league amongst rookies. He needs to continue to fill into his 6'3" frame and build his core strength, which will improve his balance and help him keep from getting knocked down as much as he currently does. It'll also allow him to win more battles along the boards, though he's shown improvement in that area as well. When you consider that he's averaging .54 points per game through February, compared to Brandon Dubinsky's average of .48 PPG through February a year ago (as a 20 year old rookie and without the difficulties of adjusting to a new language and playing style) it's hard not to get excited about his progress. Grade: B+ (B-)
Hu
53GP 12G 16A 28PT +4 136PM
Don't look now, but Hugh Jessiman is starting to resemble the power forward he was drafted to be. He's skating more confidently with the puck, driving to the net, throwing his considerable weight around and its paying off both on the scoresheet and in terms of earning ice time. What's most impressed me is the confidence and power with which he's skating off the boards or out of the corner with the puck and taking it to the net. While neither his play or the 28 points he's picked up scream "NHL Ready", for the first time in his almost three years as a pro its actually looking like the NHL is a possibility somewhere down the road. He still needs to work on being physically and mentally engaged on every single shift, and his skating and balance, while improved, could still be better. But he's played an integral part on the team this season, particularly in terms of being the team's primary tough guy since both Lessard and Fritz went down to injuries. He may never be a heavyweaight fighter, but his size and reach help him hold his own, and his willingness to step up and fill the role -- despite battling an elbow injury that he re-aggravates whenever he fights -- is to be commended. Grade: B (C)
B
58GP 8G 13A 21PT -1 70PM
Dupont started the season strong, but then hit a bit of a lull as the dog days wore on. He seemed to suffer most when the early season line of Dupont - Anisimov - Parenteau was broken up, and he slowly sunk down the dept chart to the point where he was one of the 2 spare forwards in the line up on a couple occasions. He went the entire month of December (10 games) without a point and picked up only a goal and assist through 13 games in January. During that time he often looked to be a half step behind the play. But recently things have started clicking for him and he's been getting more involved in the play at both ends of the ice. He's seen his ice time increase as a result to point that the he's seen playing time on the top two lines and power play again recently. A solid penalty killer who can play a physical game, Dupont's proven willing to drop the gloves, though it took until game 60 for him to finally win a clear decision. Grade: B- (B+)
Iv
46GP 5G 13A 18PT +4 45PM
If I were to describe Baranka's season in one word it would be "inconsistent". His skill is obvious, which is what makes him sometimes frustrating to watch. He can make a brilliant defensive play on one shift, and then come out on the next and turn the puck over in his own zone and cost his team a quality scoring chance against. For the 3rd consecutive season he's been dogged by injuries, missing 14 games over the course of the season thus far, most recently with a shoulder injury that caused him to miss 6 at the end of January. Grade: B- (B)
Mic
51GP 2G 6A 8PT -11 61PM
Sauer's game has suffered a bit as the season has progressed and expectations have increased. Capable of playing sound positional hockey one minute, he's also had more than a few moments where he's looked lost on the ice. A team worst -11 on a team with few players in the red, he's had the misfortune of putting 3 or 4 goals into his own net and has gets beaten one-on-one more than often than you'd like to see. He struggles to keep the puck in the offensive zone at times (both at even strength and on the occasional power play shift he is given), but has improved his physical play along the boards and around the net as the season has progressed. Grade: B- (B)
Mii
27GP 57GA 1484MINS 2.30GAA .916S% 2SO
Word that Wiikman had supplanted the since-departed Al Montoya as Hartford's number one goalie spread like wildfire through the Ranger nation, despite the fact that it wasn't necessarily 100% true. Wiikman certainly did get on a good roll in late November/early December, when he won his first 6 consecutive AHL decisions after getting a shot because of injuries to both Montoya and Chris Holt. He got on another hot streak in mid January, winning 6 of 7 starts, culminating in the week ending January 27th, during which he went 3-0-0 while recording two shutouts -- one against the top team in the league -- and stopping all but 1 of 93 shots he faced en route to being named the AHL's co-player of the week. In 9 games played in January Wiikman posted a 1.59 GAA and a .943 save percentage, rocketing up the standings for a brief stay at the top of the AHL goaltending ranks. A shootout loss on February 2nd gave Montoya an opening to get back in the net, and he stayed there for the next 5 games, picking up 5 consecutive wins before bowing out of the 6th with a groin injury. Since then Wiikman's struggled to play at the high level he'd attained consistently, alternating wins and losses or shootout losses through the next 7 games (though his teammates deserve as much, if not more, of the blame for that record as he does). He currently ranks 8th in the league in GAA and 11th in save percentage. His 2.30 goals against average is good for 2nd in the league amongst rookies. He's a fierce competitor who will never give up on a play, a trait that has allowed him to make some spectacular, game-saving saves. He's small and athletic, which allows him to get across the crease quickly. His positioning is sound, if not perfect, and he controls his rebounds pretty well, thought he could definitely be better. Not a big puck-handler, he's improved since earlier in the season when his adventures behind the net got him in trouble more than once. Grade: B+ (B-)
The two top prospects missing are obviously Alexei Cherepanov and Bobby Sanguinetti, but this is still an extremely good posts and we all thank him/her for it. (Pictures added by me)
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Here are great pics of top prospect Fernando Martinez courtesy of Matthew Cerrone:
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