HARTLEY’S HART ATTACK – (“Steal of the Draft”) July 7th, 2023 EDITION 948

The “DRAFT” season remains upon us and the vocabulary remains the same year in and year out.

The 3-day MLB Draft begins Sunday, the CHL Import Draft was held on Wednesday, the NHL Draft was held last week, the NBA Draft took place last month, the WHL Prospects Draft was held in May, and the NFL Draft was featured in April.

When a player has the honour of having his name called, the general manager of the team that selected him likes to refer to his “Draft” dictionary.

Often the G.M. or his team representative uses clichés like “best player available”, “steal of the draft” “is honest and hardworking” or “his compete level is next to none” to describe the pick.

After all, in the public relations game that we all like to play, it’s about “putting the best foot forward” when discussing a prospect “who has character”, is “the complete package” with “plenty of talent” that, of course, “is a winner.”

Here are some of the other favourite terms when it comes to the “Draft” dictionary that is a staple in many sports.

( ) is a possible interpretation of the message:

“He is an impact player.” (We cross our fingers that continues at the next level)

“We had him rated higher.” (Is this damage control to boost the kid’s bruised ego?)

“We are very excited to get him.” (And puzzled why nobody else wanted him)

“The kid has grit.” (And with lots of luck could be a “diamond in the rough.”)

“He’s a scorer” (Oh, oh! Does he know the meaning of defence?)

“He’s strong defensively” (Sounds like he lacks offensive skill)

“He’s dedicated” (As long as he gets prominent playing time)

“He’s a mature young man” (Let’s hope a bigger stage doesn’t change that)

“He comes from a great family.” (A round of applause please for Mom and Dad)

“He was well worth the risk.” (Are there injury or law issues to be concerned about?)

“He has size” (That also comes in handy if he ever wants a job as a bouncer)

“He has good hands” (This is a sure sign he will deliver a strong handshake)

“He has a great vision” (Great! He can read a chart)

“He comes to play.” (Really? I thought he came to eat a burger or sit on the bench)

“He’s a hidden gem” (The nice term for longshot)

“He has plenty of “upside” (Will he reach his potential?)

“He likes to “win” (There aren’t many players that prefer to lose)

“He is a leader” (So is Edmonton Elks coach Chris Jones. What does that mean?)

..and an all-time favourite

“We couldn’t believe he was still there”. (Only because other teams did not want him)

I am sure you have your own notable list of “draft rhetoric”.

If by some chance you know of a prospect to recommend for a team make sure “He knows what it takes” and that “he’s a competitor”. 

FROM THE QUOTE RACK:

Joey Chestnut won the July 4th Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest, again, this time after a rain delay. Clearly, I’m missing something, but how does a hot dog eating contest need to have a rain delay?

*Comedy writer Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California

For the soon-to-be Las Vegas A’s, it keeps getting worse—dwindling attendance, projected 120-loss season, and now a perfect game threw against them. Their last days in Oakland are making the Expos’ last days look like Mardi Gras.

*Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

Another season of British lawn tractor racing, where competitors ride souped-up mowers, is well underway. Good drivers? Weekend after weekend, they all make the cut.

Hartley Miller is the news and sports supervisor plus morning news anchor for 94.3 the GOAT and Country 97fm. After growing up in Winnipeg, he has lived in Prince George for the last 44 years and completed his 10th season as the radio colour commentator on the Prince George Cougars home games. Hartley is the author of You Don’t Say (sports quotes).