Calzones and fans excited about first day draft results

[Matt]

Calzones and fans excited about first day draft results.

PEBA kicked off it's inaugural draft yesterday, and the hometown Calzones appear to have certainly done their homework. Despite not drafting until the 19th selection in round 1, both the Calzones and local fans were extremely excited about the results of the first 6 rounds.
"I think we accomplished most of what we set out to accomplish today" commented GM Matt Higgins. "We were able to identify players who give us a solid nucleus. Obviously, we had to react to the shifting winds in the draft, but we were able to draft 6 guys who are very solid and who are very young and definately have their best years ahead of them."
In the first round the Calzones selected left fielder Chris Weaver. "Weaver is a fan favorite, known for his hustle and great work ethic" said Gm Higgins. "Weaver gives us a solid bat that hits for good average, has terrific speed, and can hit almost anywhere in a batting order and be productive. He also plays excellent defense and does all the little things right. Just 26, the guy should be a mainstay in the Calzones lineup for years to come".
In round two, the Calzones felt they struck gold with SS Alejandro Ortega. "After Richardson left the board early in round one, we felt like we had to grab Ortega. He has an excellent blend of power and blazing speed." Ortega has played all over the diamond thus far in the 23 year old's career, and when asked where he might play for the Calzones, GM Higgins commented that while he knows Ortega prefers to play Ss, he actually believes Ortega's best position might be second base. He added "but, we'll see how that plays out."
calzones fans might be most excited about 3rd round pick RF Michael Smith. "This guy just has pure raw power from the left side" said Higgins, "in addition, he rates well above average in most every category and should provide us with a real threat in the middle of the order. He's a threat on the basepaths as well, and at just 26 years of age his prime years will be spent here in Laredo."
In round 4, the Calzones again reached for left handed power, grabbing 26 year old Catcher Manuel Gonzalez. Higgins told us he envisions the popular catcher spending more time at DH this season, especially with the addition of 5th round pick Catcher Rex Groves. "Groves was a guy we really liked, he's certainly one of the best defensive catchers in the league and he'll provide us with another solid left-handed bat in the lower part of the batting order."
The Calzones finished the day by picking 26 year old 3b Michael Kelly. Higgins told us "We had identified a need for some right handed power to balance the lineup somewhat after taking left handed bats with 4 of our first 5 picks. We also felt the premier third basemen were gone and the pickings were getting slim at the position. We identified several players we liked, but only Kelly offered the combination of above average right handed power and above average defensive skills that we were looking for."
Asked how he would rate the Calzones first 6 rounds, Higgins offered us a candid assessment. "I give us B+ for the first 6 rounds so far. We were able to get ourselves a decent nucleus without sacrificing defense, and all these guys are just entering their prime, so we're happy with that. On the down side, we have yet to get any pitching, and we still need to solidify ourselves in the middle of the infield and in centerfield. We'll be burning the midnite oil tonight before we head into day 2".
Calzones fans seemed even more optimistic about the draft. As one fan told this reporter, "We gonna mash!"