2011 RotoHead League Baseball Draft Review

	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.