Saturday night drinking with the scouts ay the Barleymoe
             Tonight Elijah Craig is joined by Johnny Walker, Jack Daniels and George Dickell

    Elijah: Welcome gentlemen, what do think we should discuss tonight.
    Johnny: I think the way the league is drafting is changing, Elijah.
    Elijah: How so Johnny; it's the same system it's always been.
    Johnny: In the first 44 seasons only two catchers were chosen with the first five picks of the draft.
    George: Yes that was seasons 8 and 21 when catchers were the top pick in each draft.
    Jack:  That would be, Bert Canseco in season 21 and Jose Viriato in season 8; both Hall of Famers.
    Elijah: That doesn't tell me how it has changed. Get to point Johnny.
    Johnny: In the last 5 years, 4 catchers have been drafted in the first five picks. I'd say that is probably because the owners value catchers more than in previous years.
    George: Whether that is true about the owners it does put four players in direct comparison to each other.
    Elijah: Who are the players Johnny?
    Johnny: In season 45 sonofthebear drafted Royce Howell with third pick and signed him for $3629 million. In season 47 pimpbotlove with the fifth pick drafted Erick Standridge and paid him a bonus of $3630 million. Last season bwb53 drafted Ernie Buckleywith the fourth pick for $3720 million. And this year with same pick and same money dyoungquist signed Wes Howell.
     George:Are either Royce or Wes related to Thurston.
     Jack : George be serious, please.
     Elijah: Have any of you guys scouted any of these catchers?
     George: Elijah, although Wes Howell was scouted as a catcher, Boise is using him as a dh for their AA team.
     Jack: As good as Wes Howell is he is blocked by Jeff Park and Deven Perez and wouldn't make it to the big leagues for many seasons. Both those guys are very young and better defensively. I also scouted the other Howell,Royce. He's in his fourth season and has won 2 silver slugger awards.
     Johnny: I've scouted Ernie Buckley. He is going to be a big time power hitter hurt by his home ball park.
     George: I think Erick Standridge maybe the best of the bunch. He hits for both average and power.
     Elijah: Well let's make sure next year we have a session to see how these guys are progressing.