📍 Saturday, July 26th – Miliken Mills Park

Written by: DUCK MARTINEZ
Introduction

Welcome to the 2025 Annual Draft Tournament. This year's event takes place on Saturday, July 26th at Miliken Mills Park and features a mix of stars, veterans and new faces ready to make a name for themselves.

In what may be the most balanced draft tournament in recent years, every team has the tools to make a run. No shots at anyone — but ETSL Admin has dropped the official Power Rankings heading into the tourney.

If you're unhappy with your spot — prove the haters wrong.
If you're happy with your spot — come and show us why.

Here we go.

1. Thanga's Boys – “The Favorites with a Target”

Team Haran enters the tournament as the early favorite, thanks to a well-rounded draft that combined defensive consistency with offensive depth. The roster features a smart blend of battle-tested veterans and energetic young players, giving the team both experience and athleticism. It also helps that he is the best player out of the captain's and that should give them another edge over the rest of the squads. 

But history offers a warning — last year’s No. 1 pre-ranked team finished last. If the top players don’t step up under pressure, they could be next in line for an upset.

Grades: Defense: A- | Offense: B | Speed: B | Experience: B

Gem pick: Langston - a late-round sleeper, could play a pivotal part for Haran’s team success.

Star player pick: Rahul - will need to come through on both sides of the ball.

2. What Did I Miss? – “Redemption Season”

After a disappointing tournament showing last year, Shawn is back to reclaim his crown. Armed with a young, athletic roster, this team has the pieces to make noise. Shawn’s leadership and past success give them a strong foundation. The challenge? Inexperience could catch up in high-pressure situations, especially if Gogs, the team’s star, can’t carry the offense. A few veterans will need to step up and stabilize the team when things get tight. This is not a loaded roster like the previous ones Shawn had drafted but compared to the rest of the teams he still did really well and is poised to make a run. 

Grades: Defense: B | Offense: B- | Speed: B | Experience: B-

Gem pick: Manny - could be a real difference-maker if he can continue his stellar play.                                                                                                         

Star player pick: Gogs — his performance could swing the team’s fate entirely.

3. Great White Hope – “Defense Wins Championships?”

Team Derek is one of the most balanced and fundamentally sound squads in the tournament. With Ryan Brown (who has won the tourney 3 times in a row) leading the charge, there’s confidence and poise built into the core of this group. Defensively, they might just be the best team in the tournament, featuring strength across the infield, outfield, and up the middle with Derek or Jonny anchoring.

The big question mark? Offense. Their bats are solid but somewhat predictable. In a sport where runs win games, they’ll need some surprise contributions to truly contend.

Grades: Defense: A | Offense: B- | Speed: B | Experience: B-

Gem pick: Mike Brownhill — the type of guy who could sneak up and win you a game.

Star player: Ryan/Cory: If Ryan locks down the defensive side and Cory can deliver on the offensive side this team will be rolling.

4. Red Terror – “Dangerous if They Click”

Any team with Oso is a threat, and Team Vino has surrounded him with solid contributors and sneaky speed. If players get on base in front of Oso, they’ll generate offense quickly.
The lineup is well-balanced with a solid mix of vets and new faces, though they may face issues if the bottom of the lineup can’t adjust to the 1-1 count. Defensively, Jose is a stabilizing force in the infield and they will be relying on him heavily to anchor their defense. I just don't see enough protection in the lineup for Osocinco and the Franchise Tag might not come in handy enough.

Grades: Defense: B- | Offense: B | Speed: B | Experience: B-

Gem pick: Sarveen — a value pick who could bring clutch offense and stable defense.

Star player: Oso - One of the 5 best players in the league hands down and will look to carry his team to the promise land.

5. Rebels – “The Dark Horse”

They may be sitting at #5, but Team Nesan has all the ingredients for a Cinderella story. Veteran pitcher Nesan is a calming presence, and his ability to adjust the defense gives them flexibility. Joe, the #1 overall pick, will need to live up to the billing — and if he does, this team can hang runs on the board fast. 

Defensive gaps could make things difficult, but if the offense performs, they’ll be right in the mix come playoff time.

Grades: Defense: B- | Offense: B | Speed: B | Experience: B+

Gem pick: Tisant- Even though he is coming off an injury has been performing quite well in his respective tier and could play a big factor.

Star player: Joe — his performance could dictate their entire tournament.

6. Annamalai Brothers – “The Veteran Grindhouse”

Last in the rankings, but not in heart — Team Shanx is full of veteran players who know how to compete. Dylan and Dixie anchor what could be a quietly strong infield. Power is lacking, so expect this team to lean on small ball, smart base running, and experience.

The question is stamina — can the older legs hold up over a long tournament day? If so, this team could steal a couple of big wins. Shanx has yet to win one of these and so naturally we will be be betting against him until he does. 

Grades: Defense: B | Offense: B- | Speed: C | Experience: B+

Gem pick: Lemo — if he produces offensively, this team has enough know-how to surprise people.

Star player: Dylan - Will need to bring his leadership, defensive abilities and energy for this Cinderella story to be complete.