Draft '09: In the Books!

You're looking at the 3rd and 2nd overall picks repectively, in the CPL '09 Draft (apparently auditioning as extras for the movie The Warriors).

A world-class event requires a world-class venue, and so the draft took place at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods in beautiful, woodsy Ledyard, CT. There was blackjack, fine-dining, scantily clad (southern Connecticut) women and about 270 cans of Miller Lite. In the end, approximately 230 players were selected over the course of two days of drafting.

The overall sentiment of owners leaving the draft was that this year it's anyone's league. Several teams seemed to have an improved approach in getting the most value for each of their picks, and that should create the most parity-ish season in the history of CPL.

Nonetheless, each team seemed to have its strength, with the Huner Killers having a ball-crushing infield and Bangkok Dangerous with a pitching staff that is poised to dominate. Fierce Deuce's improved draft approach didn't stop them from sticking with their tradition of old balls and drafting John Smoltz late in the game, while Mike Greenwell Power - a team going through a rebuilding era - drafted a host of players who had barely started shaving.

Some photos from the draft:

The Trophy passes hands.

Sweet sweet victory.... and beer.

Who will claim it next year?

Other great draft moments and team strengths may be left in the comments.