International Internet Baseball League – IIBL

After failing to make the playoffs in 2009 following a runner-up finish in the 2008 championship, Rosehaven landed the first pick in the IIBL 2010 player draft, termed by most observers as the Jason Heyward sweepstakes.

Rosehaven sends picks 13-1 and 18-112. Cambridge sends SP Mat Latos, SP Brett Cecil, DH/OF Johnny Damon, and pick 24-250.

“Jason Heyward is a generational prospect, a notch below ARod and Pujols, and this is one of the few times in IIBL history I felt there was a no-doubt first pick in the draft,” Rosehaven general manager Chester Caulder explained. “The RiverDogs were thrilled at the opportunity to land a player of Heyward’s caliber, but the team has so many holes to fill on its aging roster we also felt this is our best opportunity to improve several positions.

“Rosehaven opted to fill two big holes in its rotation with two young horses that we hope will anchor the rotation for years to come. And we were able to add a veteran hitter with some gas left in the tank. I feel bloodied by the deal, but I believe it is in the best long-term interest of the RiverDogs.”

Longfellows general manager Jay Patrick said, “It was a difficult decision for both teams to make this trade. Any time you make a big trade like this, both teams feel like they’ve been in a 15-round championship fight. I feel sufficiently bloodied, but Heyward is a player that comes along once in a decade. When you have a chance to grab a guy like that, you have to take it.

“Cambridge received several worthy offers for its abundance in quality starting pitching,” Patrick continued. “It was a tough choice, but ultimately only one team could offer the first pick in the draft and the rights to select Jason Heyward.”