| by Khang Do | | | |
| | | | |
| Our 1st Annual RotoHead League draft was held Wednesday, March 23, 2011. |
| The league is a 12 team mixed 5x5 snake draft with weekly lineup changes. Standard 23 starters with 3 reserves and 2 DL spots. |
| | | | |
| Game Plan: | | | |
| Get Hitting, Hitting, Hitting and then more Hitting with lots of Power and Speed…Aim for 280 HR and 200 SB |
| Draft 2 SP and 8 hitters in first 10 rounds. Get 3 closers from rounds 12-18. Get 2-3 up and coming pitchers and fill the rest of the staff from the waiver wire. |
| In 12 team leagues, you can always fill your last rotation spot on the waiver wire. Just make sure you draft a solid 1-2 punch to balance your whip and era. |
| Avoid rookie pitchers until the last few rounds, and when in doubt draft for K's. And Don't forget pitching is a plenty and most importantly UNPREDICTABLE!! |
| Drafting for Position Scarcity is nice, but don't reach. |
| | | | |
| Round 1 | | | |
| 1 | Albert Pujols (StL - 1B) | Latino Magic | | The best and the safest pick. |
| 2 | Hanley Ramírez (Fla - SS) | FoF Marine errs | | At age 27, MONSTER season ahead . |
| 3 | Troy Tulowitzki (Col - SS) | The sequel | | 2 months awesome, 2 months figuring it out, 2 months on the DL. Worth the risk? Debatable. |
| 4 | Carl Crawford (Bos - OF) | Memphis Houn... | Like to get 30 HR from a first rounder, but Crawford in Boston makes him the exception |
| 5 | Miguel Cabrera (Det - 1B) | Gramsci's Re... | | Will have best overall stats when all is said and done. |
| 6 | Adrián González (Bos - 1B) | Darren's Team | | Has never produced 1st or 2nd round stats and shoulder a concern but playing in Boston justifies pick. |
| 7 | Evan Longoria (TB - 3B) | Meats | | Nice value at scarce position. |
| 8 | Ryan Braun (Mil - OF) | Stretch44 | | No longer a sexy pick, but at 27 he is primed for a career year. |
| 9 | Robinson Canó (NYY - 2B) | El Norte | | In a year where steals can be had late, I'd rather have Cano over Tulo to fill my 1st round MI spot. |
| 10 | Carlos González (Col - OF) | sunset dirtbags | | Tripe crown threat justifies first round ranking, but his all out play guarantees time on the DL. |
| 11 | Joey Votto (Cin - 1B) | jags | | Solid pick at #11, will regress slightly but his 10+ steals will make up for it. |
| 12 | David Wright (NYM - 3B) | Malfeasants | | I see him out producing Longoria (and that's no knock on Evan.) |
| | | | |
| Favorite pick: Robinson Canó | | | |
| Questionable pick: none | | | |
| | | | |
| my pick: I was planning on taking Robinson Cano but when Ryan Braun fell to me, I couldn't pass on the 5 category stud. |
| I am a strong believer in positions scarcity, but when in doubt go with overall talent. |
| Outfield may appear deep but you can never have too many stud OF'ers. Team Owners with stud OF'ers are always in the money. |
| You can't win your league in the first round, but you can cripple it…So limit your RISK factors. Save the ooh's and ahh's for the middle to late rounds. |
| | | | |
| Round 2 | | | |
| 1 | Josh Hamilton (Tex - OF) | Malfeasants | | 1st round talent, injury risk tolerable in 2nd round. |
| 2 | Ryan Zimmerman (Was - 3B) | jags | | Solid, steady, plays 3B… not much upside, but not much downside either, ideal for 2nd round. |
| 3 | Álex Rodríguez (NYY - 3B) | sunset dirtbags | | Health and rejuvenated step in spring justifies pick. And he's still A-Rod...at least for one more year. |
| 4 | Tim Lincecum (SF - SP) | El Norte | | Can't argue with 240+ k's, low whip, low era, and potential for wins…best is yet to come. |
| 5 | Prince Fielder (Mil - 1B) | Stretch44 | | He'll be back to 40hr/130 rbi's…which will mean he'll hit .290 to boot. |
| 6 | Mark Teixeira (NYY - 1B) | Meats | | Dominated in a down year for him…35hr/110r/110rbi's a lock…so is a lousy April. |
| 7 | Nelson Cruz (Tex - OF) | Darren's Team | | Talent unquestionable, injury always the concern. |
| 8 | Roy Halladay (Phi - SP) | Gramsci's Re... | | The best and safest of the pitchers…although Phillies woes are concerning. |
| 9 | Ryan Howard (Phi - 1B) | Memphis Houn... | May feel pressure to fill Utley and Werth's shoe's…but I think he has one more year of elite in him. |
| 10 | Matt Holliday (StL - OF) | The sequel | | Mr. Dependable a solid pick to combat the injury risk of drafting Tulo in round 1. |
| 11 | Matt Kemp (LAD - OF) | FoF Marine errs | | Will be top rated OF by season end…at age 26, Kemp is ready to threaten 40/40, but be happy with 35/30. |
| 12 | Félix Hernández (Sea - SP) | Latino Magic | | Most talented pitcher should get better run support. |
| | | | |
| Favorite pick: Matt Kemp | | | |
| Questionable pick: none | | | |
| | | | |
| my pick: I already penciled in Prince for Round 2; however, I was tempted to take Kemp. |
| 1st base is the deepest position. But it's also the positions that features the best power hitters in the game. |
| And Elite Power with a solid batting average is golden. So don't hesitate, in fact I urge you to get an elite 1B. |
| | | | |
| Round 3 | | | |
| 1 | Dustin Pedroia (Bos - 2B) | Latino Magic | | Love him in Round 3. |
| 2 | Justin Upton (Ari - OF) | FoF Marine errs | | Upside aplenty. |
| 3 | Joe Mauer (Min - C) | The sequel | | Love the .340 average ,high run/rbi totals but 10 HR's may be the norm playing at Target Field. |
| 4 | Jon Lester (Bos - SP) | Memphis Houn... | Cy Young winner for AL. |
| 5 | Jacoby Ellsbury (Bos - OF) | Gramsci's Re... | | Must hit .300, MUST steal 50 SB, MUST hit 10HR to justify pick. |
| 6 | Buster Posey (SF - C,1B) | Darren's Team | | Must build on 2010 season to justify pick. |
| 7 | Ian Kinsler (Tex - 2B) | Meats | | First round skills, the risk is worth the reward here. |
| 8 | Andrew McCutchen (Pit - OF) | Stretch44 | | If he hits 20 HR's, it's a great pick, otherwise a bit of a reach. |
| 9 | Kevin Youkilis (Bos - 1B) | El Norte | | With 3rd base eligibility around the corner, this is a great pick. |
| 10 | José Reyes (NYM - SS) | sunset dirtbags | | Legs are back, if he's going to rebound, it'll be this season. |
| 11 | Shin-Soo Choo (Cle - OF) | jags | | All aboard, this guy never disappoints (perfect late 3rd round pick.) |
| 12 | Dan Uggla (Atl - 2B) | Malfeasants | | Position scarcity, CHECK…More Power, Check…I like. |
| | | | |
| Favorite pick: Kevin Youkilis | | | |
| Questionable pick: Jacoby Ellsbury (only because he would have lasted at least 2 more rounds) |
| | | | |
| my pick: I reached a bit for McCutchen and I would have reached even further for Jason Heyward. |
| I almost took Youk since his injury risk was well worth the reward late in the 3rd round. |
| I like to have 90 HR's and 60 SB's while limiting my batting average risk after the first 3 rounds. Position Scarcity is just a bonus for me in the first 3 rounds. |
| With Braun, Prince, and McCutchen, I feel I have achieved my goal. Of course if you take a pitcher, you make up for that in round 4. |
| | | | |
| Round 4 | | | |
| 1 | Cliff Lee (Phi - SP) | Malfeasants | | Nice value for Round 4. |
| 2 | Adam Dunn (CWS - 1B) | jags | | He may not be an elite 1b, but no one questions his elite power. |
| 3 | Brian McCann (Atl - C) | sunset dirtbags | | If you miss out on Position Scarcity with your first 3 picks, you can make up for it at catcher. |
| 4 | Víctor Martínez (Det - C,1B) | El Norte | | DH'ing should help out his over all numbers and make his .300 average a bigger impact for your team. |
| 5 | Clayton Kershaw (LAD - SP) | Stretch44 | | Hello, Mr. 2011 Cy Young Award winner. |
| 6 | Hunter Pence (Hou - OF) | Meats | | He is quietly becoming Elite. |
| 7 | Rickie Weeks (Mil - 2B) | Darren's Team | | Risk/Reward worth it for 20/20. |
| 8 | Josh Johnson (Fla - SP) | Gramsci's Re... | | Top 5 pitcher easy…durability only concern. |
| 9 | Brandon Phillips (Cin - 2B) | Memphis Houn... | 20/20 with less risk then Weeks. |
| 10 | José Bautista (Tor - 3B,OF) | The sequel | | Where's the love? Sure he is due to regress, but 3rd base eligibility and 35 HR's? Enjoy! |
| 11 | Jason Heyward (Atl - OF) | FoF Marine errs | | Will be drafted in the first round next year. |
| 12 | Justin Morneau (Min - 1B) | Latino Magic | | Will be day-by-day everyday of the season…otherwise investment worth it as he can be elite. |
| | | | |
| Favorite pick: Jason Heyward | | | |
| Questionable pick: Ricky Weeks (taken before Phillips makes it questionable but upside is still there.) |
| | | | |
| my pick: I don't like taking pitchers with my first 4 picks. But I love value, and I'm extremely high on Kershaw this year. |
| In hindsight, I wish I took Heyward, as I believe he will go bonkers this year. |
| I call Round 4 your inventory check round. While it's a good idea to start balancing out your roster, don't do it at the expense of obvious talent. |
| | | | |
| Round 5 | | | |
| 1 | Drew Stubbs (Cin - OF) | Latino Magic | | I'm not in on the hype for Mr. Stubbs, he's still a year away. Still a lock for 15/30, and upside for 30/40. |
| 2 | Billy Butler (KC - 1B) | FoF Marine errs | | FoF has 4 potential 30/30 players, and he now adds BA stabilizer Butler. Any power would be a bonus. |
| 3 | Ubaldo Jiménez (Col - SP) | The sequel | | Can he build on last year? I think so. |
| 4 | Justin Verlander (Det - SP) | Memphis Houn... | Guy's filthy, proven, and k's galore. |
| 5 | Jay Bruce (Cin - OF) | Gramsci's Re... | | Power a premium and he's got a lot of it. Love Bruce Almighty. |
| 6 | CC Sabathia (NYY - SP) | Darren's Team | | Solid and being a Yankee always a plus. |
| 7 | Carlos Santana (Cle - C) | Meats | | A bit of a reach, but the rewards are 1st round caliber. |
| 8 | Tommy Hanson (Atl - SP) | Stretch44 | | A bigger reach, but talent is all there. |
| 9 | Jimmy Rollins (Phi - SS) | El Norte | | On the downside, but still better them most in their upside years. |
| 10 | Paul Konerko (CWS - 1B) | sunset dirtbags | | At age 35, his glory days are over, but 35 jacks and 100 rbi's still in the cards if you can find the deck. |
| 11 | Derek Jeter (NYY - SS) | jags | | Mr. Yankee is on a mission, and this may be his last good one, but a good one indeed. |
| 12 | Andre Ethier (LAD - OF) | Malfeasants | | The guy is good, but a star in the making he is not. |
| | | | |
| Favorite pick: Justin Verlander | | |
| Questionable pick: Andre Ethier | | |
| | | | |
| my pick: I make it a point to only draft 1 pitcher in the first 10 rounds, but after I was foiled by Meats with Carlos Santana, |
| I went into panic mode and took Tommy Hanson. In hindsight, I would have reached for Mike Stanton as elite power is rare. |
| | | | |
| Round 5 is the start of the "reach" rounds. And as long as you didn't reach or take too many risk leading up to this round, |
| Round 5 is a great time to risk it. No worse feeling then holding out a round for value only to see your player taken before your turn comes around again. |
| You can make up for your reach in the next 2 rounds as plenty of talent awaits, you just have to know how to grab it. |
| | | | |
| Round 6 | | | |
| 1 | Jayson Werth (Was - OF) | Malfeasants | | Potential 30/20 player slips…sure we've seen the best of Werth, but in the 6th round a great value. |
| 2 | Zack Greinke (Mil - SP) | jags | | If the ribs aren't serious, A nice pickup. I don't like taking chances on pitchers who are already injured. |
| 3 | Brian Roberts (Bal - 2B) | sunset dirtbags | | Capable of bouncing back in a big way in potent Oriole lineup. A reach in round 6 due to injury |
| 4 | Ichiro Suzuki (Sea - OF) | El Norte | | The old man still puts up the numbers. |
| 5 | Adrián Béltre (Tex - 3B) | Stretch44 | | Injuries and poor performance after signing contract legit concerns…but in rd. 6th, he's worth the risk. |
| 6 | Álex Ríos (CWS - OF) | Meats | | 20/30 with decent average? I'm in. |
| 7 | Brian Wilson (SF - RP) | Darren's Team | | Best closer in baseball last year but always tough to do it again. |
| 8 | Mike Stanton (Fla - OF) | Gramsci's Re... | | POWER, POWER, POWER!! And at 21, He hasn’t even scratched the surface…WOW! |
| 9 | Martín Prado (Atl - 2B,3B) | Memphis Houn... | Solid contributor, 2b/3b eligibility a plus. |
| 10 | David Price (TB - SP) | The sequel | | Borderline elite, but I think he has a down year. |
| 11 | Pedro Alvarez (Pit - 3B) | FoF Marine errs | | Can't deny a man who reaches for power (butler pick allows for this.) |
| 12 | Chris Young (Ari - OF) | Latino Magic | | No one gets excited about him, but 30/30 potential and entering PRIME years? Great value here. |
| | | | |
| Favorite pick: Mike Stanton | | | |
| Questionable pick: Brian Roberts | | |
| | | | |
| my pick: Beltre was as on my do not draft list, but in the sixth round I felt the risk was worth the reward. Wanted Stanton but couldn't justify him over Beltre. |
| I feel when everyone hates on a player, that's when you get the most value (and vice versa). |
| I would have loved to have gotten both Beltre and Stanton with my 5th and 6th pick. |
| | | | |
| As you can see, your reaches in round 5 can be remedied in round 6. |
| Key to taking a "reach" player in rounds 5-7 is that you must feel the pick can reward you with top 20 results. |
| | | | |
| Round 7 | | | |
| 1 | Jered Weaver (LAA - SP) | Latino Magic | | Elite talent at a discount. |
| 2 | Aaron Hill (Tor - 2B) | FoF Marine errs | | Bounce back in the cards, but a reach. |
| 3 | Kendrys Morales (LAA - 1B) | The sequel | | Risk worth reward here. |
| 4 | Alexei Ramírez (CWS - SS) | Memphis Houn... | 20/20 and a good average AND a SS? Nice! |
| 5 | B.J. Upton (TB - OF) | Gramsci's Re... | | This is the Upton you want this year. Tutelage from Rod Carew will translate to a 280+ average. |
| 6 | Neftali Feliz (Tex - RP) | Darren's Team | | He will close and dominate. |
| 7 | Curtis Granderson (NYY - OF) | Meats | | 30/20 real possibility. |
| 8 | Colby Rasmus (StL - OF) | Stretch44 | | See above. |
| 9 | Mariano Rivera (NYY - RP) | El Norte | | Mr. Reliable. |
| 10 | Cole Hamels (Phi - SP) | sunset dirtbags | | Could outshine his staff. |
| 11 | Mat Latos (SD - SP) | jags | | Great skill set, but I think he is due for big sophomore slump. |
| 12 | Yovani Gallardo (Mil - SP) | Malfeasants | | Could this be the year he puts it all together? |
| | | | |
| Favorite pick: B.J. Upton | | | |
| Questionable pick: Aaron Hill | | | |
| | | | |
| Round 8 | | | |
| 1 | Michael Young (Tex - 3B) | Malfeasants | | As long as he stays in Texas, he will hit. |
| 2 | Dan Haren (LAA - SP) | jags | | Not a fan, but stats always there |
| 3 | Joakim Soria (KC - RP) | sunset dirtbags | | Solid and elite. |
| 4 | Aramis Ramírez (ChC - 3B) | El Norte | | If healthy, 30/100 with decent average possible. |
| 5 | Pablo Sandoval (SF - 1B,3B) | Stretch44 | | A slight reach, but Panda is back and ready to kick ass…But temper expectations for a return of 2009 stats. |
| 6 | Carlos Mármol (ChC - RP) | Meats | | K's galore |
| 7 | Mark Reynolds (Bal - 3B) | Darren's Team | | Going to the Orioles will help, Striking out 200 times won't. |
| 8 | Heath Bell (SD - RP) | Gramsci's Re... | | Solid and elite. |
| 9 | Shane Victorian (Phi - OF) | Memphis Houn... | 15/30 and .280 average, great value here. |
| 10 | Francisco Luciano (Min - SP) | The sequel | | Great pick for a potential Cy Young candidate. |
| 11 | Max Scherer (Det - SP) | FoF Marine errs | | Again, Great pick for potential Cy Young candidate. |
| 12 | Matt Cain (SF - SP) | Latino Magic | | And again, a great pick for a potential Cy Young candidate. |
| | | | |
| Favorite pick: Francisco Liriano | | |
| Questionable pick: Pablo Sandoval | | |
| | | | |
| my picks: Rasmus and Panda both a reach but I see potential top 30 value from both with risk of course. |
| OK, so maybe Cain and Scherzer won't be Cy Young candidates, |
| but the point is if they were your first pitchers taken, you'd be fine and your offense would probably be top notch. |
| | | | |
| Round 9 | | | |
| 1 | Delmon Young (Min - OF) | Latino Magic | | STRONG pick, but his power (or lack thereof) leaves me wanting more. |
| 2 | Shaun Marcum (Mil - SP) | FoF Marine errs | | Loved him last year, in a good situation this year but I'm betting on a letdown. |
| 3 | Kelly Johnson (Ari - 2B) | The sequel | | Solid 5 cat player without any fanfare. |
| 4 | Chris Carpenter (StL - SP) | Memphis Houn... | He is on the decline, but still very good. |
| 5 | Matt Wieters (Bal - C) | Gramsci's Re... | | Slight reach, but a well calculated one. Should progress nicely in 2011, but breakout in 2012. |
| 6 | Ian Desmond (Was - SS) | Darren's Team | | 20/20 if you believe the upside…I think what you see is all your going to get..10/15 with a decent average. |
| 7 | Nick Markakis (Bal - OF) | Meats | | It appears everyone seems be off the Markakis Bandwagon…I'm all in on a .300, 20/10 100,100 season. |
| 8 | Elvis Andrus (Tex - SS) | Stretch44 | | Speed with average, power coming in 2012. |
| 9 | Casey McGehee (Mil - 3B) | El Norte | | If healthy, should come close to last years numbers. |
| 10 | Vladimir Guerrero (Bal - OF) | sunset dirtbags | | Not as good of a situation as last year, but not a bad one either. Guy can still rake. |
| 11 | Jonathan Papelbon (Bos - RP) | jags | | I have concerns, but then that's the life of being a closer. |
| 12 | Stephen Drew (Ari - SS) | Malfeasants | | Upside still there, but we kept saying that about his brother too. |
| | | | |
| Favorite pick: Nick Markakis | | | |
| Questionable pick: Ian Desmond (take before Andrus makes it questionable) |
| | | | |
| Round 10 | | | |
| 1 | Adam Lind (Tor - 1B,OF) | Malfeasants | | Power potential there…Plate discipline in question. |
| 2 | Vernon Wells (LAA - OF) | jags | | The excitement is gone, but he's still serviceable |
| 3 | Roy Oswalt (Phi - SP) | sunset dirtbags | | Nice value for a top of the rotation pitcher. |
| 4 | Corey Hart (Mil - OF) | El Norte | | Production is there, upside and average may not be. |
| 5 | Geovany Soto (ChC - C) | Stretch44 | | Decent pop with a decent average. |
| 6 | Brett Anderson (Oak - SP) | Meats | | When he pitches, he dominates. |
| 7 | Carlos Quentin (CWS - OF) | Darren's Team | | If he can put it altogether, 30+ bombs and a decent average is not out of reach. |
| 8 | Brett Gardner (NYY - OF) | Gramsci's Re... | | Not just a speed guy, he can help in every category. |
| 9 | Mike Napoli (Tex - C,1B) | Memphis Houn... | Take the power and hope for less then 400 ab's so he doesn’t kill your average. |
| 10 | Francisco Rodríguez (NYM - RP) | The sequel | | Thought he'd get traded to Texas (no longer the case since Neftali's staying in the pen.) |
| 11 | Kurt Suzuki (Oak - C) | FoF Marine errs | | Bounce back? I don't thinks so. |
| 12 | Gordon Beckham (CWS - 2B) | Latino Magic | | Bonce back? I do think so. |
| | | | |
| Favorite pick: Gordon Beckham | | |
| Questionable pick: Kurt Suzuki (serviceable #1 catcher but could have waited on him) |
| | | | |
| my picks: Andrus and Soto. I figured it was time to get Position Scarcity with immediate upside. |
| I am not an Elvis Andrus fan, but after losing out on B.J Upton, I felt I needed to make up that speed in the infield with a player that wouldn't hurt my average. |
| Wanted to have at least one catcher who had 20 HR pop with decent average. |
| | | | |
| Rounds 9-10 prove to be the start of the sleeper rounds, aka. " Searching for CarGo." Quentin, Gardner, and Beckham have the upside, |
| but not to the extreme of all 5 categories of a CarGo. |
| | | | |
| Round 11 | | | |
| 1 | Jonathan Broxton (LAD - RP) | Latino Magic | | Stud or dud? Who knows, but that's the price you pay for saves. |
| 2 | Chad Billingsley (LAD - SP) | FoF Marine errs | | Great pitching still to be had and without the risk at this point of the draft. |
| 3 | David Ortiz (Bos - Util) | The sequel | | Old man fancy still producing. |
| 4 | John Axford (Mil - RP) | Memphis Houn... | Love his situation, needs to harness his control. |
| 5 | Jonathan Sánchez (SF - SP) | Gramsci's Re... | | Still gets no respect, 220 k's and improving every year. |
| 6 | Gio González (Oak - SP) | Darren's Team | | Fellow teammates say he's got the most talent of the staff. |
| 7 | Starlin Castro (ChC - SS) | Meats | | Talent unquestionable, but the power might have to wait a few more years. |
| 8 | Adam Jones (Bal - OF) | Stretch44 | | Potential still there, but focus not always there. |
| 9 | Torii Hunter (LAA - OF) | El Norte | | He keeps going and going and going. |
| 10 | Ryan Dempster (ChC - SP) | sunset dirtbags | | 200 k's are there but era and whip not one bit desirable. |
| 11 | Chone Figgins (Sea - 2B) | jags | | Bounce back due, and so is 3b eligibility. |
| 12 | Ben Zobrist (TB - 1B,2B,OF) | Malfeasants | | Bounce back due, and 2b eligibility a major plus. |
| | | | |
| Favorite pick: Chad Billingsley | | | |
| Questionable pick: Ryan Dempster | | |
| | | | |
| Round 12 | | | |
| 1 | Neil Walker (Pit - 2B,3B) | Malfeasants | | Some think his 2010 was a fluke, I think he can build from it. |
| 2 | Aubrey Huff (SF - 1B,OF) | jags | | See above. |
| 3 | Daniel Hudson (Ari - SP) | sunset dirtbags | | Sophomore slump to start but figures it out by the end. |
| 4 | Wandy Rodríguez (Hou - SP) | El Norte | | Not a lot of love for Wandy, but the guy is solid. |
| 5 | Jose Tabata (Pit - OF) | Stretch44 | | Potential there but his boast of more power to come may sap his average. |
| 6 | Jeremy Hellickson (TB - SP,RP) | Meats | | Sophomore slump? Not likely as he's still considered a rookie , All in in on this cat. |
| 7 | Carlos Lee (Hou - 1B,OF) | Darren's Team | | Nice value here. |
| 8 | Howie Kendrick (LAA - 1B,2B) | Gramsci's Re... | | Upside? Not much, downside? Not much…Now that the hype is gone, expect a mini surge in production. |
| 9 | Chase Utley (Phi - 2B) | Memphis Houn... | A decent value here. But that could change dramatically one way or the other in a few weeks. |
| 10 | Michael Bourn (Hou - OF) | The sequel | | 1 trick pony time and at great value (don't trust 1 trick ponies to put back to back quality seasons.) |
| 11 | Ricky Romero (Tor - SP) | FoF Marine errs | | Upside is there. |
| 12 | Miguel Montero (Ari - C) | Latino Magic | | Won't hurt you and could very well help. |
| | | | |
| Favorite pick: Jeremy Hellickson (albeit a bit early, the upside is huge) |
| Questionable pick: Jose Tabata (love the pick, but could have waited 3 more rounds) |
| | | | |
| Round 13 | | | |
| 1 | Matt Thornton (CWS - RP) | Latino Magic | | Risk/reward |
| 2 | Edinson Vólquez (Cin - SP) | FoF Marine errs | | Talent there, so is the inconsistency. |
| 3 | Rajai Davis (Tor - OF) | The sequel | | See Bourne. |
| 4 | Nick Swisher (NYY - OF) | Memphis Houn... | Still in an awesome lineup. |
| 5 | Michael Cuddyer (Min - 1B,3B,OF) | Gramsci's Re... | | 3b eligibility semi justifies the pick. |
| 6 | Madison Bumgarner (SF - SP) | Darren's Team | | Excellent value. |
| 7 | Austin Jackson (Det - OF) | Meats | | May regress,but may not. |
| 8 | Chris Pérez (Cle - RP) | Stretch44 | | risk/reward |
| 9 | J.J. Putz (Ari - RP) | El Norte | | risk/reward |
| 10 | Juan Pierre (CWS - OF) | sunset dirtbags | | See Bourne |
| 11 | José Valverde (Det - RP) | jags | | risk/reward |
| 12 | Ángel Pagán (NYM - OF) | Malfeasants | | If he comes close to 2010, this is a great value pick. |
| | | | |
| Favorite pick: Matt Thornton (have a feeling he will be an elite closer this year) |
| Questionable pick: Edinson Vólquez (love upside, just taken few spots too early) |
| | | | |
| Round 14 | | | |
| 1 | Carlos Peña (ChC - 1B) | Malfeasants | | One trick pony after an off year? Bounce back time! |
| 2 | Jason Bay (NYM - OF) | jags | | Upside is gone but will still put up serviceable stats. |
| 3 | Adam LaRoche (Was - 1B) | sunset dirtbags | | Solid first baseman for the price. |
| 4 | Matt Garza (ChC - SP) | El Norte | | Nice value. |
| 5 | Huston Street (Col - RP) | Stretch44 | | risk/reward |
| 6 | Ricky Nolasco (Fla - SP) | Meats | | Always a risk, but in this round the upside is big. |
| 7 | Phil Hughes (NYY - SP) | Darren's Team | | It's good to be a Yankee |
| 8 | Ted Lilly (LAD - SP) | Gramsci's Re... | | Nice K's, low WHIP and ERA? Minor injury risk, but otherwise SOLID |
| 9 | Luke Scott (Bal - 1B,OF) | Memphis Houn... | In a great park on an up and coming lineup. |
| 10 | Brad Lidge (Phi - RP) | The sequel | | risk/reward |
| 11 | Brandon Morrow (Tor - SP) | FoF Marine errs | | K's are massive, injury concerns are too. |
| 12 | Travis Snider (Tor - OF) | Latino Magic | | Power is a premium now and Snider has it. |
| | | | |
| Favorite pick: Ted Lilly (I can't believe he lasted this long) |
| Questionable pick: Brad Lidge (Safer pick closers still available, I know that's an oxymoron) |
| | | | |
| my picks: Adam Jones, Jose Tabata, Chris Perez, and Houston Street. |
| Love the potential of Jose Tabata and Adam Jones. Wanted 2 solid closers with job security and potential of 30 wins |
| Wanted 2 solid closers with job security and potential of 30 saves each. Not the Closer Elites but I'm hoping at least one succeeds. |
| | | | |
| Rounds 11-14 yields a lot of the 2nd tier closers that don’t have a track record or have a history of injuries. But at this point |
| you just have to bite the bullet. At least at this part of the draft, losing your closer isn't as devastating as losing a closer taken in the 5-8th rounds. |
| These round also exemplifies the quality of pitching still available. |
| | | | |
| Round 15 | | | |
| 1 | Josh Beckett (Bos - SP) | Latino Magic | | |
| 2 | Ryan Raburn (Det - 2B,OF) | FoF Marine errs | | 25 HR's with a decent average? Quite possible and 2B eligible |
| 3 | Ryan Franklin (StL - RP) | The sequel | | risk/reward |
| 4 | Tim Hudson (Atl - SP) | Memphis Houn... | Old man still got it. |
| 5 | Manny Ramírez (TB - OF) | Gramsci's Re... | | Old man may still got it. |
| 6 | Andrés Torres (SF - OF) | Darren's Team | | Stat's comparable to McCutchen, but that may have been his career year. |
| 7 | Clay Buchholz (Bos - SP) | Meats | | Another reason you can wait on pitching. |
| 8 | Brian Matusz (Bal - SP) | Stretch44 | | Future's bright, may take til 2012 to breakout. |
| 9 | Leo Núñez (Fla - RP) | El Norte | | risk/reward |
| 10 | Bobby Abreu (LAA - OF) | sunset dirtbags | | No upside, but a fantastic 4th outfielder. |
| 11 | Francisco Cordero (Cin - RP) | jags | | risk/reward |
| 12 | Hiroki Kuroda (LAD - SP) | Malfeasants | | Solid and perfect to solidify your rotation. |
| | | | |
| Favorite pick: Ryan Raburn (playing time in question, production is not) |
| Questionable pick: None | | | |
| | | | |
| Round 16 | | | |
| 1 | John Jaso (TB - C) | Malfeasants | | Serviceable. |
| 2 | Joel Hanrahan (Pit - RP) | jags | | K's a plus. |
| 3 | Drew Storen (Was - RP) | sunset dirtbags | | He will close and end up with 25+ saves. |
| 4 | Jason Kubel (Min - OF) | El Norte | | Power is there and so is a bounce back season. |
| 5 | Jhoulys Chacin (Col - SP,RP) | Stretch44 | | Potential immense. |
| 6 | John Danks (CWS - SP) | Meats | | Solid backend or rotation. |
| 7 | Brett Myers (Hou - SP) | Darren's Team | | Solid for backend or rotation. |
| 8 | Craig Kimbrel (Atl - RP) | Gramsci's Re... | | He will close and end up with 25+ saves. |
| 9 | Andrew Bailey (Oak - RP) | Memphis Houn... | Health only (yet big) concern. |
| 10 | Grady Sizemore (Cle - OF) | The sequel | | Risk with not much reward. |
| 11 | Brandon League (Sea - RP) | FoF Marine errs | | Could hold on to the job. |
| 12 | Rafael Furcal (LAD - SS) | Latino Magic | | GREAT value! |
| | | | |
| Favorite picks: Jhoulys Chacin, Craig Kimbrel, Drew Storen |
| Questionable pick: Grady Sizemore | | |
| | | | |
| Round 17 | | | |
| 1 | Jonny Venters (Atl - RP) | Latino Magic | | |
| 2 | Justin Smoak (Sea - 1B) | FoF Marine errs | | |
| 3 | Jordan Zimmermann (Was - SP) | The sequel | | |
| 4 | Colby Lewis (Tex - SP) | Memphis Houn... | |
| 5 | Michael Pineda (Sea - SP) | Gramsci's Re... | | |
| 6 | Magglio Ordóñez (Det - OF) | Darren's Team | | |
| 7 | Matt Capps (Min - RP) | Meats | | |
| 8 | Joe Nathan (Min - RP) | Stretch44 | | |
| 9 | Garrett Jones (Pit - 1B,OF) | El Norte | | |
| 10 | Ian Kennedy (Ari - SP) | sunset dirtbags | | |
| 11 | Javier Vázquez (Fla - SP,RP) | jags | | |
| 12 | Brandon Lyon (Hou - RP) | Malfeasants | | |
| | | | |
| Favorite picks: Jordan Zimmerman, Colby Lewis, Michael Pineda, Ian Kennedy, Joe Nathan |
| Questionable pick: Justin Smoak (upside is there, but would have been available several rounds later) |
| | | | |
| Round 18 | | | |
| 1 | C.J. Wilson (Tex - SP) | Malfeasants | | |
| 2 | Fernando Rodney (LAA - RP) | jags | | |
| 3 | John Buck (Fla - C) | sunset dirtbags | | |
| 4 | Jake McGee (TB - RP) | El Norte | | |
| 5 | Dexter Fowler (Col - OF) | Stretch44 | | |
| 6 | Ryan Madson (Phi - RP) | Meats | | |
| 7 | Jaime García (StL - SP) | Darren's Team | | |
| 8 | Aroldis Chapman (Cin - RP) | Gramsci's Re... | | |
| 9 | Koji Uehara (Bal - RP) | Memphis Houn... | |
| 10 | Trevor Cahill (Oak - SP) | The sequel | | |
| 11 | Carlos Beltrán (NYM - OF) | FoF Marine errs | | |
| 12 | James Shields (TB - SP) | Latino Magic | | |
| | | | |
| Favorite picks: CJ Wilson, Aroldis Chapman, Jake McGee |
| Questionable pick: None | | | |
| | | | |
| my picks: Brian Matusz, Jhoulys Chacin, Joe Nathan, Dexter Fowler |
| Thrilled to get both Matusz and Chacin. Been waiting a round too late on them in my 2 previous drafts only to miss out on them. |
| Love the upside but don't like that both have been labeled "sleepers/breakouts" almost everywhere which worries me. |
| Hard to live up to the hype. But I believe these two are up to the task. |
| I was thrilled to get Joe Nathan as my third closer. Hoping for a Billy Wagner-like return. |
| Dexter Fowler was taken a few rounds too early, but I believe he's going to breakout one of these days…hopefully sooner then later. |
| | | | |
| Overall, Rounds 15-18 delivered quality starting pitchers with upside galore. Once again proving that quality pitching can be had late |
| These pick along with the remaining rounds 19-26 will play the biggest role to your overall success (so choose wisely!) |
| | | | |
| Round 19 | | | |
| 1 | Chipper Jones (Atl - 3B) | Latino Magic | | |
| 2 | Logan Morrison (Fla - OF) | FoF Marine errs | | |
| 3 | Coco Crisp (Oak - OF) | The sequel | | |
| 4 | Scott Rolen (Cin - 3B) | Memphis Houn... | |
| 5 | Asdrubal Cabrera (Cle - SS) | Gramsci's Re... | | |
| 6 | Miguel Tejada (SF - 3B,SS) | Darren's Team | | |
| 7 | Ike Davis (NYM - 1B) | Meats | | |
| 8 | Ian Stewart (Col - 3B) | Stretch44 | | |
| 9 | Sean Rodriguez (TB - 2B,CI,OF) | El Norte | | |
| 10 | Gaby Sánchez (Fla - 1B) | sunset dirtbags | | |
| 11 | Jorge Posada (NYY - C) | jags | | |
| 12 | David Aardsma (Sea - RP) | Malfeasants | | |
| | | | |
| Favorite picks: Logan Morrison, Coco Crisp, Ike Davis, Sean Rodriguez, Gaby Sanchez, Ian Stewart |
| Questionable pick: None | | | |
| | | | |
| Round 20 | | | |
| 1 | Kevin Gregg (Bal - RP) | Malfeasants | | |
| 2 | Carlos Zambrano (ChC - SP,RP) | jags | | |
| 3 | Ervin Santana (LAA - SP) | sunset dirtbags | | |
| 4 | Johnny Cueto (Cin - SP) | El Norte | | |
| 5 | Tsuyoshi Nishioka (Min - 2B,SS) | Stretch44 | | |
| 6 | Chris Iannetta (Col - C) | Meats | | |
| 7 | David Freese (StL - 3B) | Darren's Team | | |
| 8 | Brandon Belt (SF - 1B) | Gramsci's Re... | | |
| 9 | Carlos Ruiz (Phi - C) | Memphis Houn... | |
| 10 | Chris Sale (CWS - RP) | The sequel | | |
| 11 | Jorge De La Rosa (Col - SP) | FoF Marine errs | | |
| 12 | Alfonso Soriano (ChC - OF) | Latino Magic | | |
| | | | |
| Favorite picks: Kevin Gregg, Tsuyoshi Nishioka | | |
| Questionable pick: None | | | |
| | | | |
| Round 21 | | | |
| 1 | Alex Gordon (KC - 3B,OF) | Latino Magic | | |
| 2 | Alcides Escobar (KC - SS) | FoF Marine errs | | |
| 3 | James Loney (LAD - 1B) | The sequel | | |
| 4 | Juan Uribe (LAD - 2B,3B,SS) | Memphis Houn... | |
| 5 | Tim Stauffer (SD - SP,RP) | Gramsci's Re... | | |
| 6 | Yadier Molina (StL - C) | Darren's Team | | |
| 7 | Marlon Byrd (ChC - OF) | Meats | | |
| 8 | Frank Francisco (Tor - RP) | Stretch44 | | |
| 9 | Daniel Bard (Bos - RP) | El Norte | | |
| 10 | Tyler Colvin (ChC - OF) | sunset dirtbags | | |
| 11 | Anibal Sánchez (Fla - SP) | jags | | |
| 12 | Mike Aviles (KC - 2B,SS) | Malfeasants | | |
| | | | |
| Favorite picks: Alcides Escobar, Frank Francisco, Tyler Colvin (a great last round flier, but regardless I like) |
| Questionable pick: None | | | |
| | | | |
| Round 22 | | | |
| 1 | Hong-Chih Kuo (LAD - RP) | Malfeasants | | |
| 2 | J.P. Arencibia (Tor - C) | jags | | |
| 3 | Edwin Jackson (CWS - SP) | sunset dirtbags | | |
| 4 | Jake Peavy (CWS - SP) | El Norte | | |
| 5 | Danny Espinosa (Was - 2B) | Stretch44 | | |
| 6 | Will Venable (SD - OF) | Meats | | Don't sleep on this guy!!! |
| 7 | Álex González (Atl - SS) | Darren's Team | | |
| 8 | Kila Ka'aihue (KC - 1B) | Gramsci's Re... | | |
| 9 | Omar Infante (Fla - 2B,3B,SS,OF) | Memphis Houn... | |
| 10 | Cliff Pennington (Oak - SS) | The sequel | | |
| 11 | James McDonald (Pit - SP) | FoF Marine errs | | |
| 12 | Luke Gregerson (SD - RP) | Latino Magic | | |
| | | | |
| Favorite picks: J.P. Arencibia, Will Venable, Kila Ka'aihue , James McDonald |
| Questionable pick: None | | | |
| | | | |
| Round 23 | | | |
| 1 | Denard Span (Min - OF) | Latino Magic | | |
| 2 | Brian Fuentes (Oak - RP) | FoF Marine errs | | |
| 3 | Kyle Farnsworth (TB - RP) | The sequel | | |
| 4 | John Lackey (Bos - SP) | Memphis Houn... | |
| 5 | Travis Wood (Cin - SP) | Gramsci's Re... | | |
| 6 | Adam Wainwright (StL - SP) | Darren's Team | | |
| 7 | Rafael Soriano (NYY - RP) | Meats | | |
| 8 | Mitch Moreland (Tex - 1B) | Stretch44 | | |
| 9 | Miguel Olivo (Sea - C) | El Norte | | |
| 10 | Plácido Polanco (Phi - 2B,3B) | sunset dirtbags | | |
| 11 | Nyjer Morgan (Was - OF) | jags | | |
| 12 | Alexi Ogando (Tex - RP) | Malfeasants | | |
| | | | |
| Favorite pick: Denard Span | | | |
| Questionable pick: Adam Wainwright (not a keeper league...you kidding me?) |
| | | | |
| my picks: Ian Stewart, Tsuyoshi Nishioka, Frank Francisco, Danny Espinosa, Mitch Moreland |
| Couldn't resist Ian Stewart in Rd. 19 and will place him on my reserves. If he pans out, that's 30 HR's . |
| I then got my MI and 2B slots filed with Nikioka and Espinosa. Nishioka is still only 26 so his peak years are still to come. |
| Espinosa could be a major score going 20/20 or a major dud hitting under the Mendoza line. |
| | | | |
| Rounds 19-23 close out the starters with a bundle of sleepers and fillers. When I get to this late in the draft I always draft for upside. |
| Maybe only 1 or 2 pan out, but those that pan out can reap huge rewards. |
| The flops can easily be replaced on the waiver wire. Playing it safe here will safely place you out of the money. |
| | | | |
| Round 24 | | | |
| 1 | Tyler Clippard (Was - RP) | Malfeasants | | |
| 2 | Mike Minor (Atl - SP) | jags | | |
| 3 | Freddie Freeman (Atl - 1B) | sunset dirtbags | | |
| 4 | Johan Santana (NYM - SP) | El Norte | | |
| 5 | Bud Norris (Hou - SP) | Stretch44 | | |
| 6 | Michael Morse (Was - 1B,OF) | Meats | | |
| 7 | Cody Ross (SF - OF) | Darren's Team | | |
| 8 | Peter Bourjos (LAA - OF) | Gramsci's Re... | | |
| 9 | J.D. Drew (Bos - OF) | Memphis Houn... | |
| 10 | Jarrod Saltalamacchia (Bos - C) | The sequel | | |
| 11 | Cameron Maybin (SD - OF) | FoF Marine errs | | |
| 12 | Yunel Escobar (Tor - SS) | Latino Magic | | |
| | | | |
| Favorite picks: Freddie Freeman, Bud Norris, Michael Morse, Peter Bourjos |
| Questionable pick: None | | | |
| | | | |
| Round 25 | | | |
| 1 | Jesus Montero (NYY - C) | Latino Magic | | |
| 2 | Jonathon Niese (NYM - SP) | FoF Marine errs | | |
| 3 | Derek Lowe (Atl - SP) | The sequel | | |
| 4 | Carl Pavano (Min - SP) | Memphis Houn... | |
| 5 | Erick Aybar (LAA - SS) | Gramsci's Re... | | |
| 6 | Marco Scutaro (Bos - 2B,SS) | Darren's Team | | |
| 7 | Sergio Romo (SF - RP) | Meats | | |
| 8 | Jake Fox (Bal - C,1B,OF) | Stretch44 | | |
| 9 | Freddy Sánchez (SF - 2B) | El Norte | | |
| 10 | Lorenzo Cain (KC - OF) | sunset dirtbags | | |
| 11 | Raúl Ibañez (Phi - OF) | jags | | |
| 12 | R.A. Dickey (NYM - SP) | Malfeasants | | |
| | | | |
| Favorite picks: Jesus Montero, Jonathon Niese | | |
| Questionable pick: None | | | |
| | | | |
| Round 26 | | | |
| 1 | Ryan Doumit (Pit - C,OF) | Malfeasants | | |
| 2 | Eric Young (Col - 2B,OF) | jags | | |
| 3 | Mike Moustakas (KC - 3B) | sunset dirtbags | | |
| 4 | Derrek Lee (Bal - 1B) | El Norte | | |
| 5 | Seth Smith (Col - OF) | Stretch44 | | |
| 6 | Reid Brignac (TB - 2B,SS) | Meats | | |
| 7 | Bronson Arroyo (Cin - SP) | Darren's Team | | |
| 8 | Wilson Ramos (Was - C) | Gramsci's Re... | | |
| 9 | Jordan Walden (LAA - RP) | Memphis Houn... | |
| 10 | Michael Brantley (Cle - OF) | The sequel | | |
| 11 | Alex Avila (Det - C) | FoF Marine errs | | |
| 12 | Brandon Webb (Tex - SP) | Latino Magic | | |
| | | | |
| Favorite picks: Michael Brantley | | |
| Questionable pick: None | | | |
| | | | |
| my picks: Bud Norris, Jake Fox, Seth Smith | | |
| Bud Norris still has to learn how to be a pitcher, but if he figures it out, He could be a steal. |
| Norris is only my 5th starter, so I'll be scouring the wire for the next hot prospect or crafty veteran who won't hurt me. |
| I'm not worried as there are plenty of quality pitchers still available. |
| Jake Fox's eligibility at catcher intrigued me for and end game pick. I'd rather play a catcher with no at bats, |
| then one who has 500 + at bats with a .240 average. |
| Seth Smith in Colorado could bounce back nicely with decent power. Although, he'll probably be the first guy I put on waivers. |
| | | | |
| Bottom line: In a 12 team league, everyone has a good team regardless of the mistakes made along the way. |
| So don't get too down on your team or too ecstatic about your team, you've only set the foundation.. |
| You still have lots of managing to do, and in the end that will decide the winner! |
| | | | |
| Let the games begin. | | | |
