Saturday, March 26, 2011

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
1Albert Pujols (StL - 1B)Latino MagicThe best and the safest pick.
2Hanley Ramírez (Fla - SS)FoF Marine errsAt age 27, MONSTER season ahead .
3Troy Tulowitzki (Col - SS)The sequel2 months awesome, 2 months figuring it out, 2 months on the DL. Worth the risk? Debatable.
4Carl Crawford (Bos - OF)Memphis Houn...Like to get 30 HR from a first rounder, but Crawford in Boston makes him the exception
5Miguel Cabrera (Det - 1B)Gramsci's Re...Will have best overall stats when all is said and done.
6Adrián González (Bos - 1B)Darren's TeamHas never produced 1st or 2nd round stats and shoulder a concern but playing in Boston justifies pick.
7Evan Longoria (TB - 3B)MeatsNice value at scarce position.
8Ryan Braun (Mil - OF)Stretch44No longer a sexy pick, but at 27 he is primed for a career year. 
9Robinson Canó (NYY - 2B)El NorteIn a year where steals can be had late, I'd rather have Cano over Tulo to fill my 1st round MI spot.
10Carlos González (Col - OF)sunset dirtbagsTripe crown threat justifies first round ranking,  but his all out play guarantees time on the DL.
11Joey Votto (Cin - 1B)jagsSolid pick at #11, will regress slightly but his 10+ steals will make up for it.
12David Wright (NYM - 3B)MalfeasantsI 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
1Josh Hamilton (Tex - OF)Malfeasants1st round talent, injury risk tolerable in 2nd round.
2Ryan Zimmerman (Was - 3B)jagsSolid, steady, plays 3B… not much upside, but not much downside either, ideal for 2nd round.
3Álex Rodríguez (NYY - 3B)sunset dirtbagsHealth and rejuvenated step in spring justifies pick.  And he's still A-Rod...at least for one more year.
4Tim Lincecum (SF - SP)El NorteCan't argue with 240+ k's, low whip, low era, and potential for wins…best is yet to come.
5Prince Fielder (Mil - 1B)Stretch44He'll be back to 40hr/130 rbi's…which will mean he'll hit .290 to boot.
6Mark Teixeira (NYY - 1B)MeatsDominated in a down year for him…35hr/110r/110rbi's a lock…so is a lousy April.
7Nelson Cruz (Tex - OF)Darren's TeamTalent unquestionable, injury always the concern.
8Roy Halladay (Phi - SP)Gramsci's Re...The best and safest of the pitchers…although Phillies woes are concerning.
9Ryan 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.
10Matt Holliday (StL - OF)The sequelMr. Dependable a solid pick to combat the injury risk of drafting Tulo in round 1.
11Matt Kemp (LAD - OF)FoF Marine errsWill be top rated OF by season end…at age 26, Kemp is ready to threaten 40/40, but be happy with 35/30.
12Félix Hernández (Sea - SP)Latino MagicMost 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
1Dustin Pedroia (Bos - 2B)Latino MagicLove him in Round 3.
2Justin Upton (Ari - OF)FoF Marine errsUpside aplenty.
3Joe Mauer (Min - C)The sequelLove the .340 average ,high run/rbi totals  but 10 HR's may be the  norm playing at Target Field.
4Jon Lester (Bos - SP)Memphis Houn...Cy Young winner for AL.
5Jacoby Ellsbury (Bos - OF)Gramsci's Re...Must hit .300, MUST steal 50 SB, MUST hit 10HR to justify pick.
6Buster Posey (SF - C,1B)Darren's TeamMust build on 2010 season to justify pick.
7Ian Kinsler (Tex - 2B)MeatsFirst round skills, the risk is worth the reward here.
8Andrew McCutchen (Pit - OF)Stretch44If he hits 20 HR's, it's a great pick, otherwise a bit of a reach.
9Kevin Youkilis (Bos - 1B)El NorteWith 3rd base eligibility around the corner, this is a great pick.
10José Reyes (NYM - SS)sunset dirtbagsLegs are back, if he's going to rebound, it'll be this season.
11Shin-Soo Choo (Cle - OF)jagsAll aboard, this guy never disappoints (perfect late 3rd round pick.)
12Dan Uggla (Atl - 2B)MalfeasantsPosition 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
1Cliff Lee (Phi - SP)MalfeasantsNice value for Round 4.  
2Adam Dunn (CWS - 1B)jagsHe may not be an elite 1b, but no one questions his elite power.  
3Brian McCann (Atl - C)sunset dirtbagsIf you miss out on Position Scarcity with your first 3 picks, you can make up for it at catcher.
4Víctor Martínez (Det - C,1B)El NorteDH'ing should help out his over all numbers and make his .300 average a bigger impact for your team.
5Clayton Kershaw (LAD - SP)Stretch44Hello, Mr. 2011 Cy Young Award winner.
6Hunter Pence (Hou - OF)MeatsHe is quietly becoming Elite.
7Rickie Weeks (Mil - 2B)Darren's TeamRisk/Reward worth it for 20/20.
8Josh Johnson (Fla - SP)Gramsci's Re...Top 5 pitcher easy…durability only concern.
9Brandon Phillips (Cin - 2B)Memphis Houn...20/20 with less risk then Weeks.
10José Bautista (Tor - 3B,OF)The sequelWhere's the love? Sure he is due to regress, but 3rd base eligibility and 35 HR's? Enjoy!
11Jason Heyward (Atl - OF)FoF Marine errsWill be drafted in the first round next year.
12Justin Morneau (Min - 1B)Latino MagicWill 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
1Drew Stubbs (Cin - OF)Latino MagicI'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.
2Billy Butler (KC - 1B)FoF Marine errsFoF has 4 potential 30/30 players, and he now adds  BA stabilizer Butler.  Any power would be a bonus.  
3Ubaldo Jiménez (Col - SP)The sequelCan he build on last year? I think so.  
4Justin Verlander (Det - SP)Memphis Houn...Guy's filthy, proven, and k's galore.
5Jay Bruce (Cin - OF)Gramsci's Re...Power a premium and he's got a lot of it.  Love Bruce Almighty.
6CC Sabathia (NYY - SP)Darren's TeamSolid and being a Yankee always a plus.
7Carlos Santana (Cle - C)MeatsA bit of a reach, but the rewards are 1st round caliber.  
8Tommy Hanson (Atl - SP)Stretch44A bigger reach, but talent is all there.
9Jimmy Rollins (Phi - SS)El NorteOn the downside, but still better them most in their upside years.
10Paul Konerko (CWS - 1B)sunset dirtbagsAt age 35, his glory days are over, but 35 jacks and 100 rbi's still in the cards if you can find the deck.
11Derek Jeter (NYY - SS)jagsMr. Yankee is on a mission, and this may be his last good one, but a good one indeed.
12Andre Ethier (LAD - OF)MalfeasantsThe 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
1Jayson Werth (Was - OF)MalfeasantsPotential 30/20 player slips…sure we've seen the best of Werth, but in the 6th round a great value.
2Zack Greinke (Mil - SP)jagsIf the ribs aren't serious, A nice pickup.  I don't like taking chances on pitchers who are already injured.
3Brian Roberts (Bal - 2B)sunset dirtbagsCapable of bouncing back in a big way in potent Oriole lineup.  A reach in round 6 due to injury
4Ichiro Suzuki (Sea - OF)El NorteThe old man still puts up the numbers.
5Adrián Béltre (Tex - 3B)Stretch44Injuries and poor performance after signing contract legit concerns…but in rd. 6th, he's worth the risk.
6Álex Ríos (CWS - OF)Meats20/30 with decent average? I'm in.
7Brian Wilson (SF - RP)Darren's TeamBest closer in baseball last year but always tough to do it again.
8Mike Stanton (Fla - OF)Gramsci's Re...POWER, POWER, POWER!! And at 21, He hasn’t even scratched the surface…WOW!
9Martín Prado (Atl - 2B,3B)Memphis Houn...Solid contributor, 2b/3b eligibility a plus.
10David Price (TB - SP)The sequelBorderline elite, but I think he has a down year.
11Pedro Alvarez (Pit - 3B)FoF Marine errsCan't deny a man who reaches for power (butler pick allows for this.)
12Chris Young (Ari - OF)Latino MagicNo 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
1Jered Weaver (LAA - SP)Latino MagicElite talent at a discount.
2Aaron Hill (Tor - 2B)FoF Marine errsBounce back in the cards, but a reach.
3Kendrys Morales (LAA - 1B)The sequelRisk worth reward here.  
4Alexei Ramírez (CWS - SS)Memphis Houn...20/20 and a good average AND a SS? Nice!
5B.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.
6Neftali Feliz (Tex - RP)Darren's TeamHe will close and dominate.
7Curtis Granderson (NYY - OF)Meats30/20 real possibility.
8Colby Rasmus (StL - OF)Stretch44See above.
9Mariano Rivera (NYY - RP)El NorteMr. Reliable.
10Cole Hamels (Phi - SP)sunset dirtbagsCould outshine his staff.
11Mat Latos (SD - SP)jagsGreat skill set, but I think he is due for big sophomore slump. 
12Yovani Gallardo (Mil - SP)MalfeasantsCould this be the year he puts it all together? 
Favorite pick:  B.J. Upton
Questionable pick:  Aaron Hill
Round 8
1Michael Young (Tex - 3B)MalfeasantsAs long as he stays in Texas, he will hit.
2Dan Haren (LAA - SP)jagsNot a fan, but stats always there
3Joakim Soria (KC - RP)sunset dirtbagsSolid and elite.
4Aramis Ramírez (ChC - 3B)El NorteIf healthy, 30/100 with decent average possible.
5Pablo Sandoval (SF - 1B,3B)Stretch44A slight reach, but Panda is back and ready to kick ass…But temper expectations for a return of 2009 stats.
6Carlos Mármol (ChC - RP)MeatsK's galore 
7Mark Reynolds (Bal - 3B)Darren's TeamGoing to the Orioles will help, Striking out 200 times won't.
8Heath Bell (SD - RP)Gramsci's Re...Solid and elite.
9Shane Victorian (Phi - OF)Memphis Houn...15/30 and .280 average, great value here.
10Francisco Luciano (Min - SP)The sequelGreat pick for a potential Cy Young candidate.
11Max Scherer (Det - SP)FoF Marine errsAgain, Great pick for potential Cy Young candidate.
12Matt Cain (SF - SP)Latino MagicAnd 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
1Delmon Young (Min - OF)Latino MagicSTRONG pick, but his power (or lack thereof) leaves me wanting more.  
2Shaun Marcum (Mil - SP)FoF Marine errsLoved him last year, in a good situation this year but I'm betting on a letdown.
3Kelly Johnson (Ari - 2B)The sequelSolid 5 cat player without any fanfare.  
4Chris Carpenter (StL - SP)Memphis Houn...He is on the decline, but still very good.
5Matt Wieters (Bal - C)Gramsci's Re...Slight reach, but a well calculated one.  Should progress nicely in 2011, but breakout in 2012.
6Ian Desmond (Was - SS)Darren's Team20/20 if you believe the upside…I think what you see is all your going to get..10/15 with a decent average.
7Nick Markakis (Bal - OF)MeatsIt appears everyone seems be off the Markakis Bandwagon…I'm all in on a .300, 20/10 100,100 season.
8Elvis Andrus (Tex - SS)Stretch44Speed with average, power coming in 2012.
9Casey McGehee (Mil - 3B)El NorteIf healthy, should come close to last years numbers.
10Vladimir Guerrero (Bal - OF)sunset dirtbagsNot as good of a situation as last year, but not a bad one either. Guy can still rake.
11Jonathan Papelbon (Bos - RP)jagsI have concerns, but then that's the life of being a closer.
12Stephen Drew (Ari - SS)MalfeasantsUpside 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
1Adam Lind (Tor - 1B,OF)MalfeasantsPower potential there…Plate discipline in question.
2Vernon Wells (LAA - OF)jagsThe excitement is gone, but he's still serviceable 
3Roy Oswalt (Phi - SP)sunset dirtbagsNice value for a top of the rotation pitcher.
4Corey Hart (Mil - OF)El NorteProduction is there, upside and average may not be.
5Geovany Soto (ChC - C)Stretch44Decent pop with a decent average.
6Brett Anderson (Oak - SP)MeatsWhen he pitches, he dominates.
7Carlos Quentin (CWS - OF)Darren's TeamIf he can put it altogether, 30+ bombs and a decent average is not out of reach.
8Brett Gardner (NYY - OF)Gramsci's Re...Not just a speed guy, he can help in every category.
9Mike Napoli (Tex - C,1B)Memphis Houn...Take the power and hope for less then 400 ab's so he doesn’t kill your average.
10Francisco Rodríguez (NYM - RP)The sequelThought he'd get traded to Texas (no longer the case since Neftali's staying in the pen.)
11Kurt Suzuki (Oak - C)FoF Marine errsBounce back? I don't thinks so. 
12Gordon Beckham (CWS - 2B)Latino MagicBonce 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
1Jonathan Broxton (LAD - RP)Latino MagicStud or dud? Who knows, but that's the price you pay for saves.
2Chad Billingsley (LAD - SP)FoF Marine errsGreat pitching still to be had and without the risk at this point of the draft.
3David Ortiz (Bos - Util)The sequelOld man fancy still producing.
4John Axford (Mil - RP)Memphis Houn...Love his situation, needs to harness his control.
5Jonathan Sánchez (SF - SP)Gramsci's Re...Still gets no respect, 220 k's and improving every year.
6Gio González (Oak - SP)Darren's TeamFellow teammates say he's got the most talent of the staff.
7Starlin Castro (ChC - SS)MeatsTalent unquestionable, but the power might have to wait a few more years.
8Adam Jones (Bal - OF)Stretch44Potential still there, but focus not always there.
9Torii Hunter (LAA - OF)El NorteHe keeps going and going and going.
10Ryan Dempster (ChC - SP)sunset dirtbags200 k's are there but era and whip not one bit desirable.
11Chone Figgins (Sea - 2B)jagsBounce back due, and so is 3b eligibility.
12Ben Zobrist (TB - 1B,2B,OF)MalfeasantsBounce back due, and 2b eligibility a major plus.
Favorite pick: Chad Billingsley
Questionable pick: Ryan Dempster
Round 12
1Neil Walker (Pit - 2B,3B)MalfeasantsSome think his 2010 was a fluke, I think he can build from it.
2Aubrey Huff (SF - 1B,OF)jagsSee above.
3Daniel Hudson (Ari - SP)sunset dirtbagsSophomore slump to start but figures it out by the end.
4Wandy Rodríguez (Hou - SP)El NorteNot a lot of love for Wandy, but the guy is solid.
5Jose Tabata (Pit - OF)Stretch44Potential there but his boast of more power to come may sap his average.
6Jeremy Hellickson (TB - SP,RP)MeatsSophomore slump? Not likely as he's still considered a rookie , All in in on this cat.
7Carlos Lee (Hou - 1B,OF)Darren's TeamNice value here.
8Howie 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.
9Chase Utley (Phi - 2B)Memphis Houn...A  decent value here. But that could change dramatically one way or the other in a few weeks.
10Michael Bourn (Hou - OF)The sequel1 trick pony time and at great value (don't  trust 1 trick ponies to put back to back quality seasons.)
11Ricky Romero (Tor - SP)FoF Marine errsUpside is there.
12Miguel Montero (Ari - C)Latino MagicWon'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
1Matt Thornton (CWS - RP)Latino MagicRisk/reward
2Edinson Vólquez (Cin - SP)FoF Marine errsTalent there, so is the inconsistency.
3Rajai Davis (Tor - OF)The sequelSee Bourne.
4Nick Swisher (NYY - OF)Memphis Houn...Still in an awesome lineup. 
5Michael Cuddyer (Min - 1B,3B,OF)Gramsci's Re...3b eligibility semi justifies the pick.
6Madison Bumgarner (SF - SP)Darren's TeamExcellent value.
7Austin Jackson (Det - OF)MeatsMay regress,but may not.
8Chris Pérez (Cle - RP)Stretch44risk/reward
9J.J. Putz (Ari - RP)El Norterisk/reward
10Juan Pierre (CWS - OF)sunset dirtbagsSee Bourne
11José Valverde (Det - RP)jagsrisk/reward
12Ángel Pagán (NYM - OF)MalfeasantsIf 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
1Carlos Peña (ChC - 1B)MalfeasantsOne trick pony after an off year? Bounce back time!
2Jason Bay (NYM - OF)jagsUpside is gone but will still put up serviceable stats.
3Adam LaRoche (Was - 1B)sunset dirtbagsSolid first baseman for the price.
4Matt Garza (ChC - SP)El NorteNice value.
5Huston Street (Col - RP)Stretch44risk/reward
6Ricky Nolasco (Fla - SP)MeatsAlways a risk, but in this round the upside is big.
7Phil Hughes (NYY - SP)Darren's TeamIt's good to be a Yankee
8Ted Lilly (LAD - SP)Gramsci's Re...Nice K's, low WHIP and ERA? Minor injury risk, but otherwise SOLID
9Luke Scott (Bal - 1B,OF)Memphis Houn...In a  great park on an up and coming lineup.
10Brad Lidge (Phi - RP)The sequelrisk/reward
11Brandon Morrow (Tor - SP)FoF Marine errsK's are massive, injury concerns are too.
12Travis Snider (Tor - OF)Latino MagicPower 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
1Josh Beckett (Bos - SP)Latino Magic
2Ryan Raburn (Det - 2B,OF)FoF Marine errs25 HR's with a decent average? Quite possible and 2B eligible
3Ryan Franklin (StL - RP)The sequelrisk/reward
4Tim Hudson (Atl - SP)Memphis Houn...Old man still got it.
5Manny Ramírez (TB - OF)Gramsci's Re...Old man may still got it.
6Andrés Torres (SF - OF)Darren's TeamStat's comparable to McCutchen, but that may have been his career year.
7Clay Buchholz (Bos - SP)MeatsAnother reason you can wait on pitching.
8Brian Matusz (Bal - SP)Stretch44Future's bright, may take til 2012 to breakout.
9Leo Núñez (Fla - RP)El Norterisk/reward
10Bobby Abreu (LAA - OF)sunset dirtbagsNo upside, but a fantastic 4th outfielder.
11Francisco Cordero (Cin - RP)jagsrisk/reward
12Hiroki Kuroda (LAD - SP)MalfeasantsSolid and perfect to solidify your rotation.
Favorite pick: Ryan Raburn (playing time in question, production is not)
Questionable pick: None
Round 16
1John Jaso (TB - C)MalfeasantsServiceable.
2Joel Hanrahan (Pit - RP)jagsK's a plus.
3Drew Storen (Was - RP)sunset dirtbagsHe will close and end up with 25+ saves.
4Jason Kubel (Min - OF)El NortePower is there and so is a bounce back season.
5Jhoulys Chacin (Col - SP,RP)Stretch44Potential immense.
6John Danks (CWS - SP)MeatsSolid backend or rotation.
7Brett Myers (Hou - SP)Darren's TeamSolid for backend or rotation.
8Craig Kimbrel (Atl - RP)Gramsci's Re...He will close and end up with 25+ saves.
9Andrew Bailey (Oak - RP)Memphis Houn...Health only (yet big) concern.
10Grady Sizemore (Cle - OF)The sequelRisk with not much reward.
11Brandon League (Sea - RP)FoF Marine errsCould hold on to the job.
12Rafael Furcal (LAD - SS)Latino MagicGREAT value!
Favorite picks: Jhoulys Chacin, Craig Kimbrel, Drew Storen
Questionable pick: Grady Sizemore
Round 17
1Jonny Venters (Atl - RP)Latino Magic
2Justin Smoak (Sea - 1B)FoF Marine errs
3Jordan Zimmermann (Was - SP)The sequel
4Colby Lewis (Tex - SP)Memphis Houn...
5Michael Pineda (Sea - SP)Gramsci's Re...
6Magglio Ordóñez (Det - OF)Darren's Team
7Matt Capps (Min - RP)Meats
8Joe Nathan (Min - RP)Stretch44
9Garrett Jones (Pit - 1B,OF)El Norte
10Ian Kennedy (Ari - SP)sunset dirtbags
11Javier Vázquez (Fla - SP,RP)jags
12Brandon 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
1C.J. Wilson (Tex - SP)Malfeasants
2Fernando Rodney (LAA - RP)jags
3John Buck (Fla - C)sunset dirtbags
4Jake McGee (TB - RP)El Norte
5Dexter Fowler (Col - OF)Stretch44
6Ryan Madson (Phi - RP)Meats
7Jaime García (StL - SP)Darren's Team
8Aroldis Chapman (Cin - RP)Gramsci's Re...
9Koji Uehara (Bal - RP)Memphis Houn...
10Trevor Cahill (Oak - SP)The sequel
11Carlos Beltrán (NYM - OF)FoF Marine errs
12James 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
1Chipper Jones (Atl - 3B)Latino Magic
2Logan Morrison (Fla - OF)FoF Marine errs
3Coco Crisp (Oak - OF)The sequel
4Scott Rolen (Cin - 3B)Memphis Houn...
5Asdrubal Cabrera (Cle - SS)Gramsci's Re...
6Miguel Tejada (SF - 3B,SS)Darren's Team
7Ike Davis (NYM - 1B)Meats
8Ian Stewart (Col - 3B)Stretch44
9Sean Rodriguez (TB - 2B,CI,OF)El Norte
10Gaby Sánchez (Fla - 1B)sunset dirtbags
11Jorge Posada (NYY - C)jags
12David Aardsma (Sea - RP)Malfeasants
Favorite picks: Logan Morrison, Coco Crisp, Ike Davis, Sean Rodriguez, Gaby Sanchez, Ian Stewart
Questionable pick: None
Round 20
1Kevin Gregg (Bal - RP)Malfeasants
2Carlos Zambrano (ChC - SP,RP)jags
3Ervin Santana (LAA - SP)sunset dirtbags
4Johnny Cueto (Cin - SP)El Norte
5Tsuyoshi Nishioka (Min - 2B,SS)Stretch44
6Chris Iannetta (Col - C)Meats
7David Freese (StL - 3B)Darren's Team
8Brandon Belt (SF - 1B)Gramsci's Re...
9Carlos Ruiz (Phi - C)Memphis Houn...
10Chris Sale (CWS - RP)The sequel
11Jorge De La Rosa (Col - SP)FoF Marine errs
12Alfonso Soriano (ChC - OF)Latino Magic
Favorite picks: Kevin Gregg, Tsuyoshi Nishioka
Questionable pick: None
Round 21
1Alex Gordon (KC - 3B,OF)Latino Magic
2Alcides Escobar (KC - SS)FoF Marine errs
3James Loney (LAD - 1B)The sequel
4Juan Uribe (LAD - 2B,3B,SS)Memphis Houn...
5Tim Stauffer (SD - SP,RP)Gramsci's Re...
6Yadier Molina (StL - C)Darren's Team
7Marlon Byrd (ChC - OF)Meats
8Frank Francisco (Tor - RP)Stretch44
9Daniel Bard (Bos - RP)El Norte
10Tyler Colvin (ChC - OF)sunset dirtbags
11Anibal Sánchez (Fla - SP)jags
12Mike 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
1Hong-Chih Kuo (LAD - RP)Malfeasants
2J.P. Arencibia (Tor - C)jags
3Edwin Jackson (CWS - SP)sunset dirtbags
4Jake Peavy (CWS - SP)El Norte
5Danny Espinosa (Was - 2B)Stretch44
6Will Venable (SD - OF)MeatsDon't sleep on this guy!!!
7Álex González (Atl - SS)Darren's Team
8Kila Ka'aihue (KC - 1B)Gramsci's Re...
9Omar Infante (Fla - 2B,3B,SS,OF)Memphis Houn...
10Cliff Pennington (Oak - SS)The sequel
11James McDonald (Pit - SP)FoF Marine errs
12Luke Gregerson (SD - RP)Latino Magic
Favorite picks: J.P. Arencibia, Will Venable, Kila Ka'aihue , James McDonald
Questionable pick: None
Round 23
1Denard Span (Min - OF)Latino Magic
2Brian Fuentes (Oak - RP)FoF Marine errs
3Kyle Farnsworth (TB - RP)The sequel
4John Lackey (Bos - SP)Memphis Houn...
5Travis Wood (Cin - SP)Gramsci's Re...
6Adam Wainwright (StL - SP)Darren's Team
7Rafael Soriano (NYY - RP)Meats
8Mitch Moreland (Tex - 1B)Stretch44
9Miguel Olivo (Sea - C)El Norte
10Plácido Polanco (Phi - 2B,3B)sunset dirtbags
11Nyjer Morgan (Was - OF)jags
12Alexi 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
1Tyler Clippard (Was - RP)Malfeasants
2Mike Minor (Atl - SP)jags
3Freddie Freeman (Atl - 1B)sunset dirtbags
4Johan Santana (NYM - SP)El Norte
5Bud Norris (Hou - SP)Stretch44
6Michael Morse (Was - 1B,OF)Meats
7Cody Ross (SF - OF)Darren's Team
8Peter Bourjos (LAA - OF)Gramsci's Re...
9J.D. Drew (Bos - OF)Memphis Houn...
10Jarrod Saltalamacchia (Bos - C)The sequel
11Cameron Maybin (SD - OF)FoF Marine errs
12Yunel Escobar (Tor - SS)Latino Magic
Favorite picks: Freddie Freeman, Bud Norris, Michael Morse, Peter Bourjos
Questionable pick: None
Round 25
1Jesus Montero (NYY - C)Latino Magic
2Jonathon Niese (NYM - SP)FoF Marine errs
3Derek Lowe (Atl - SP)The sequel
4Carl Pavano (Min - SP)Memphis Houn...
5Erick Aybar (LAA - SS)Gramsci's Re...
6Marco Scutaro (Bos - 2B,SS)Darren's Team
7Sergio Romo (SF - RP)Meats
8Jake Fox (Bal - C,1B,OF)Stretch44
9Freddy Sánchez (SF - 2B)El Norte
10Lorenzo Cain (KC - OF)sunset dirtbags
11Raúl Ibañez (Phi - OF)jags
12R.A. Dickey (NYM - SP)Malfeasants
Favorite picks: Jesus Montero, Jonathon Niese
Questionable pick: None
Round 26
1Ryan Doumit (Pit - C,OF)Malfeasants
2Eric Young (Col - 2B,OF)jags
3Mike Moustakas (KC - 3B)sunset dirtbags
4Derrek Lee (Bal - 1B)El Norte
5Seth Smith (Col - OF)Stretch44
6Reid Brignac (TB - 2B,SS)Meats
7Bronson Arroyo (Cin - SP)Darren's Team
8Wilson Ramos (Was - C)Gramsci's Re...
9Jordan Walden (LAA - RP)Memphis Houn...
10Michael Brantley (Cle - OF)The sequel
11Alex Avila (Det - C)FoF Marine errs
12Brandon 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.

1 comment:

  1. Love the draft breakdown. Looks like I had 8 "favorite picks" to your liking, but also 4 "questionable picks".

    -FoF Marine errs

    ReplyDelete