NPF Mock Draft And Preview

The 2019 National Pro Fastpitch College Draft is exactly a week away and it's time to predict who might be going where.

Only five of the six teams in the league will be drafting this year - the Canadian Wild of Southern Illinois won't be participating. It's important to keep in mind that while each team is looking for the best players, they also have certain needs. That could mean drafting players who can compete for the international affiliation, drafting players who can step up with current international players depart for tournaments or drafting local names to connect with fans.

Chicago Bandits

The Chicago Bandits finished last season 37-10 and were swept by the USSSA Pride in the Championship Series.  After trading fan-favorite Emily Carosone and Sammy Marshall to Cleveland in December, the Bandits acquired the No. 1 pick for 2019. Last year, the Bandits selected Paige Lowary with the No. 1 pick.

The team returns the majority of its roster including Brenna Moss, Jessie Scroggins and Kristyn Sandberg but should look to add a couple more pitchers, middle infielders and an outfielder.

USSSA Pride

The defending Cowles Cup champions enter the 2019 draft with an already deep roster but with international competition this summer, the Pride will look to find players who can step up when Keilani Ricketts Tumanuvao, Kirsti Merritt, Shelby Pendley and Sierra Romero all take their leave to compete for Team USA and Mexico.

The first round picks were acquired via trades with Beijing and the Aussies.

Cleveland Comets

The Cleveland Comets finished 10-38 last season. They were primarily associated with the Chinese National Team but recently announced their partnership with Mexico.

The Comets will most likely look to draft players who will be competing for the Mexican National Team along with players who will help fill out a roster that returns Gold Glove winner Jade Rhodes.

The first round pick was acquired via trade with USSSA.

Aussie Peppers

Last season, the Aussie Spirit finished in third place with a 16-32 record. During the offseason, Softball Australia announced a new partnership with the Mankato Peppers and will call Mankato home. Both organizations are looking to build a long-term brand. As of right now, Coley Ries is the only player listed on the roster but that will change soon. Look for the Peppers to draft multiple pitchers and power hitters.

Beijing Eagles

The Chinese National Team-affiliate recently announced a partnership with the Daytona Tortugas and will call Daytona Beach home this season. The team returns Victoria Draper who had a breakout rookie season, ranking top-three in hits (47) and top-five in batting average (.432). Look for the Eagles to draft some familiar names to go along with Draper and Angel Bunner.

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