Slackjawed Yokel Leader
ID: 52347519 Thu, Mar 18, 2004, 18:30
21.01 Scott Williamson, P, Bos
Williamson fit nicely into my plan of supplementing my 5 strong starters with solid middle relievers. I was considering him last time around, so I was happy to get him here. He'll probably get a couple saves, but why I drafted him was his high K-IP ratio, and his low ERA and WHIP. Incidentally his numbers in Boston last year don't look too good, but with his role clearly defined this year, hopefully he'll revert back to his former self.
2
beastiemiked
ID: 262411016 Thu, Mar 18, 2004, 20:06
21.02 Johnny Estrada, C, ATL
He's having a great spring and should catch the majority of games for Atlanta. He hasn't had too much big league experience but I figured he couldn't do worse than any of the other catchers left in the draft. With a couple of teams yet to pick a catcher I figured there was a good chance he wouldn't make it back to me so I grabbed while I could.
3
Tosh Sustainer
ID: 57721710 Thu, Mar 18, 2004, 20:44
21.03 Lance Carter, P, TB
It’s tough to find a pitcher (my 9th overall) at this point in the draft that will do more good than damage, but I hope Carter is one of them. He had a solid season last year after assuming the closer role, but finds himself as the set-up man for Danys Baez. I would not be surprised (and almost expect) that he will get 12-15 saves, and maybe more if Baez cannot do his job. Improvements in WHIP and ERA are also likely. I’m satisfied with this pick.
4
Mattinglyinthehall
ID: 217351118 Thu, Mar 18, 2004, 21:04
21.04 Rob Hammock - C - AZ
If Craig Wilson's playing time winds up being as scant as some predict, Hammock might come in very handy as someone to sub in when The Pirates are facing tough righties. I made this pick right before I read a report that the Pirates may be talking with the Mariners about a deal for Kendall, which would obviously increase Wilson's value considerably. Regardless, Hammock hit well as a rookie in 200 at bats last year and I suspect he might contribute some counting stats and possibly with a little luck, some trade value should Craig Wilson become a more prominant figure in the Pirates' lineup.
5
blue hen
ID: 4300290 Thu, Mar 18, 2004, 23:24
21.05 Jesse Crain, RP, MIN
Crain was the closer at University of Houston in 2002. He was then drafted by the Twins and a guy named Ryan Wagner took over the closer role. Maybe you've heard of him. The word on the street is that Crain throws even harder than Wagner, and that was blatantly obvious by the way he absolutely demolished Double-A hitters in 2003, to the tune of a 0.69 ERA and 56 strikeouts and 13 hits in 39 innings. Crain maintained his strikeout rate with decent peripheral numbers upon moving to Triple-A.
As Baseball Prospectus put it, "The amount of time it takes him to break into the Minnesota pen, and then into the closer role, could be breathtakingly short." Clearly, I am banking on some ineffectiveness by Joe Nathan, which isn't asking for all that much, is it? The question wasn't whether I'd rather have Jesse Crain than J.C. Romero, but how long I could wait until I took Crain. I've been sitting on him for quite a few rounds (just ask Chris or Smallwhirled), and now, in the 21st round, the choice was completely obvious.
You can take your light-hitting shortstops, your rookie catchers, and your middling middle relievers. I want a player who has a chance to have serious impact by the end of the season, or even by midseason. I want Jesse Crain. And hard as it was to keep my mouth shut about him, I got him.
6
Caper Donor
ID: 1535108 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 09:15
21.06 Rondell White-OF-Det
Ron-DL was the best OF left. He will produce solid OBP and SLG. The number of runs he scores will depend on how healthy he can stay. I thought he would be someone I would avoid, because of his injury history, but he seemed a good risk this late. He would be a really good value if he could stay around enough to get 500 AB's. We shall see.
7
Peter N. Sustainer
ID: 17103420 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 10:14
21.07 Adam Everett Everett will serve as my MI. Playing half of your games at Minute Maid Park certainly won’t hurt your stats if you are a hitter. I’m hoping this is the case with Everett. While he’s more known for his defense, I do believe he can be an adequate MI.
8
smartone @work Donor
ID: 29452720 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 11:11
21.08 Michael Barrett, C, CHC
By doubling the number of catchers on my roster I'll be able to platoon between Johnson's All-Star like Coors number and a lower-ranked catcher to obtain a Posada-like average. The positive side is that I used the 19th & 21st round picks for "a Posada". The negative side is that I will have to allocate 25% of my bench for a Catcher. Barrett had a horrible year, coupled with injuries in MTL. He was traded to OAK but was immediately shipped to CHC. Prior to his last injury, Barrett started to show some signs of improved hitting (who cares about "D" here, anyways) and I hope that the scenary change will help him to return to his "glory" days. Oh, well, spring training numbers are nothing more than wishing thinking, but I won't have any complaints if he hits 50-75 points below his spring numbers of .364 (AVG) and .591 (SLG).
9
smartone @work Donor
ID: 29452720 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 11:21
from J:
21.09 Wilson Alvarez, RP, LA
I've had my eye on Alvarez for a while. As a Dodger, I also knew that Ref had his eye on him. This guy was incredible last year with a 2.37 ERA and 1.08 WHIP and about 8K's per 9 in just under 100 innings. He's got some amazing home/away splits so maybe I'll just use him for home games.
10
jumpball
ID: 330592710 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 13:36
21.10 Tom Glavine, P, NYM
12
Species
ID: 330592710 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 13:37
21.11 Darrell May, P, KC May is a solid pick here. In the second half of 2003, May posted fantastic numbers: 9-4 record, 3.55 ERA and a fantastic 1.126 WHIP. He's a bit of a journeyman, so who knows where those numbers came from, but he posted them nonetheless.....and in one of the best hitters parks in the AL last year, Kaufman Stadium. Moving the fences back in May's case is a good thing.
I'll gladly take Rotowire's projected 11 wins (although I think he can top that), 3.72 ERA and 1.207 WHIP.
May comes close to fitting my 'preferred profile'.....he IS on a contending team, does have a nice offense behind him, but the bullpen is a mess. Two out of three ain't bad, especially in the 21st round.
13
Ref
ID: 330592710 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 13:40
21.12 Alex Gonzalez, SS, ChC I needed a shortstop.
That's about the extent of my rationale. My starters are injured. AGonz is a notorious free-swinger who strikes out a lot. His OBP is hideous. The saving grace is that he sometimes connects and he plays for one of the better teams it seems. His SLG isn't too bad considering he's often walking back to the dugout from the batter's box. But bottom line, I had to have a SS and he seemed to be the best available to have any hope to help me immediately.
14
Guru
ID: 330592710 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 13:42
21.13 Carl Pavano, P, Fla
I was hoping to land Darrell May with this pick, but Species took him 2 picks ago. I considered reverting to fill my catcher or MI hole. But nahhh, maybe next time. I want one more starter.
Pavano has never fulfilled his lofty hype when he was the pitcher dealt from Boston for Pedro Martinez. But he’s still only 28, so it’s not too late. And last year, he didn’t suck, especially at home. Offer me 12 wins, 130 Ks, 4.00 ERA and 1.30 WHIP , and I’ll take it.
If you could trade your 21-24 round picks for this guy would you do it?This fella ranks just below Curt Shilling in my ratings.He also brings my projected innings up to just 5 below the league maximum.I could write a single rationale for each of these players, but frankly it would not be that helpful to the overall discussion.I considered talking about their hobbies/hometowns or the possibility that each would be the closer by year end, but I would just be filling space.The four of these guys are owned in a combined 4.2% of ESPN leagues!Put together though, their value is equal to that of a first rounder.
Pick
Name
Team
IP
Wins
Saves
ERA
WHIP
K
Rank
21.14
Kerry Ligtenberg
Tor
63
4
3
3.2
1.22
52
291.00
22.03
Rheal Cormier
Phi
82
4
3
2.9
1.16
65
371.00
23.14
Rafael Betancourt
Cle
65
4
3
2.8
1.19
60
385.00
24.03
Chris Hammond
Oak
64
4
3
2.4
1.18
51
396.00
Total
274
16
12
2.83
1.186
228
18
darkside Dude
ID: 3590317 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 15:09
21.15 Akinori Ohtsuka - RP - Sdg
When I took him he wasn't the setup man but with information of the past few days, it's looking like he'll give the ball to Hoffman. I was willing to get him before that, so now I'm quite pleased that I decided to draft him. I only know what I read on rotowire, but it sounds promising. Was a top closer in Japan with remarkable control. They're projecting an ERA of 3.04 and WHIP of 1.085, both of which will come in handy if anywhere near that. Those things, mixed with the fact he's setting up Hoffman, who's certainly an injury risk, makes him a quality late round pick. If he can keep those ratios fairly low and pick up a few wins and/or saves, then I'll be happy.
19
KrazyKoalaBears Leader
ID: 517553018 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 15:15
21.16 Tomokazu Ohka - P - MON
I think a lot of people got scared off by his 2003 season (10-12, 4.16 ERA, 1.397 WHIP, 118 K), but I'm expecting more of a return to his 2002 form (13-8, 3.18 ERA, 1.240 WHIP, 118 K). The fact that he's had EXACTLY 45 BB and 118 K for the past 2 seasons gives me confidence that he'll put up those numbers again. And if he does, then I see no reason for him not to be able to put up 12-15 wins and a 3.50 ERA and 1.25 WHIP.
I picked him up just about where I wanted to, but the Rotowire update that he had pitched so well against DET and the fact that he has pitched so well this spring gives me more confidence about this pick.
20
KrazyKoalaBears Leader
ID: 517553018 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 15:20
22.01 Chad Bradford - P - OAK
I suspect that without the injury, he would have gone a couple rounds earlier. I took a small chance on him given the injury updates I had been reading and it looks like he'll be back in time for Opening Day or very close to it.
In Bradford, I obviously get a guy who will lower my staff ERA and keep my staff WHIP stable. He should also be good for some wins and a few saves given the way OAK seems to like to win ball games. I won't expect the 7 wins he got last year, but I will certainly take Rotowire's projection of 5 wins and 10 saves. Personally, I'm more optimistic about 5 wins and 5 saves with a little under a K/IP.
21
darkside Dude
ID: 3590317 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 15:41
22.02 Enrique Wilson - SS - NYY
As with many of the draft picks this late, Wilson fills a position I needed filled. Pickings were quite slim for a MI by the 22nd round, but given the number of people who still needed a MI, I wanted to get mine now. The main thing Wilson has going for him is the fact that he plays for what should be a very high scoring offense. He has lots of things to count against him...he'll be hitting 9th, his career numbers are horrible (.358 slg and .297 obp), he doesn't have a lock on the 2B job, etc. But, he's been hitting very well in spring (when I drafted him he was hitting .500, but we all know that means nothing), and had already stolen 4 bases, so I'm hopeful that perhaps his poor hitting has something to do with the fact that he never got regular AB's. I'm hoping for slg in the .375 range and an obp of at least .300, and higher if I'm really lucky. It was a thin position to start with and after 21 rounds it was almost transparent, he's the best I could do.
22
Trip Donor
ID: 13961611 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 16:08
22.03 Rheal Cormier - RP - Phi
See 21.14
23
Guru
ID: 330592710 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 16:28
22.04 Jason LaRue, C, Cin
Time to pay the piper. I probably should have filled my middle infield opening first, since every other team already has a catcher. But four teams have already nabbed a second catcher, LaRue is the only one left that I’m interested in (and I use the term loosely), and I can’t find a middle infielder that I care about. So LaRue it is.
Of the few catchers remaining, LaRue looks to me like the only one with a realistic shot to slug above .400. Last year, he was much better at home (.331 OBP/.483 SLG) than on the road (.310/.349), so maybe I should bench him on the road. He was also much better against righties (.333/.438) than lefties (.288/.381), even though he hits righthanded. So maybe I should start him only at home against righties. That would probably only give me 150 AB, but they might be productive ABs!
24
Ref Donor
ID: 539581218 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 16:43
22.05 Brian Anderson, P, KC
There were pitchers that I had rated higher, but my gut just wouldn't let me let him pass me by. He really helped me at the end of the year in G20. He pitched better than expected for Cleveland then continued it in KC after he was traded. He is the opening day starter and with the fences being moved back, I expect him to be even better. I think he has the potential to win 15 games this year. If he can repeat his era and whip from last year, I'd be happy.
25
Species Leader
ID: 7724916 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 16:49
22.06 Julio Mateo - RP - SEA
An unsung hero in the Mariners' pen in 2003, Mateo was everything. Three-inning 'long' man, plain middle relief, setup, everything. He posted a highly impressive 0.96 WHIP and 3.15 ERA in 85.2 IP last year. He gives up a tone of gopher balls - 14 last year - but hey, one solo shot every third inning is still only a 3.00 ERA!
I just needed some innings, K's and low ratios with this pick, and I got a prime one. His lack of wins and saves make him low in Rotowire's projections, but on MY team his projected 2.85 ERA and 0.937 WHIP are just what the doctor ordered.
26
jumpball Leader
ID: 49346417 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 19:10
22.07 Chad Fox, RP, Fla [placeholder]
27
J Leader
ID: 49346417 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 19:16
22.08 Laynce Nix, OF, Tex
For a change I'm taking a chance on a rookie, all my other "risks" are old guys. This guy is supposed to be the Rangers' starting center fielder. Rotowire seems to think he'll hit about 25HRs and strike out ALOT, which is shown by their below .300 OBP projection! Oh well, ya never know, who else is there to take?????
28
smartone
ID: 292331411 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 20:43
22.09 Kevin Mench, OF, TEX
I wanted to draft a realible SP but couldn't find anyone... so I ended up with an OF as an added insurance. Why Mench? well, he didn't have a huge 2003 (I think that he was on my TSN team for a short stint), his spring numbers are medicore, BUT, there is a pretty good chance that he'll hit in 81 games (300 ABs) in Arlington. He'll start on my bench, and if he plays well he will be "honored" to play next to Bonds (if healthy...) on my fantasy starting line-up... if not - he'll jump to the (FA) pool.
29
Peter N. Donor
ID: 257161713 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 22:09
22.10 Kurt Ainsworth, SP, BAL
I realize that Spring Training Stats don't hold much weight, but I also think that you can't ignore them either. Ainsworth has looked very good early for Baltimore. Before getting injured last year, he pitched very nicely for San Fransisco. A nice sleeper at this point for me.
30
Caper Donor
ID: 1535108 Fri, Mar 19, 2004, 22:32
22.11 Ryan Franklin-SP-Sea
He does not get many K's but he has had WHIP's of 1.277 or less the past 3 seasons. His ERA has been 4 or less and he got almost no run support last year. If I could just have last years stats, 3.57 ERA 1.226Whip 11 wins and only 99 K's I would be satisfied this late in the draft. If the team actually would support him with a few runs and those stats, I would be ecstatic. Those stats with 200+ innings pitched looked better than the middle relievers I was eyeing at the time.
31
blue hen gettin laid
ID: 53255202 Sat, Mar 20, 2004, 04:03
22.12 Rickie Weeks
Yes he's in the minors but that's good. He won't be weighing down my rate stats. And if he comes up, he'll hit. Basically, I figured I could get a crappy middle infielder or I could sacrifice the 50 runs and RBIs he might get and take a placeholder later. Which is what I did. Originally it was going to be Nick Punto (come on, you can't claim he might go in the next round or so) for the symbolism of "punting" the position, but after Crain I ran out of players and figured I may as well just take Weeks in case he got called up. I kind of look like an idiot, but I'm not - this is all according to plan.
32
Mattinglyinthehall
ID: 217351118 Sat, Mar 20, 2004, 07:37
22.13 Jose Jimenez - P - Cle
I heard the news that Wickman was out for the first half with still about 5 picks to go before this one. I'm determined to stay in good standing in saves and in order for me to do so with Graves and Borowski as my top guys, I'll need to pick up extra ones as often as I can. If the new closer Riske falters or isn't available, the 9th should default to Jimenez, who has experience.
33
Tosh
ID: 43220198 Sat, Mar 20, 2004, 11:15
22.14 Brian Roberts, 2B, BAL
The length of Robert’s stay on my team is most likely dependent on Jerry Hairston’s finger. I would certainly like to find a multi-position player to fill one of these last few slots, but there don’t appear to be any. Roberts was a solid fantasy performer last season when he had his shot, and perhaps he’ll get a shot this season, though the Orioles acquisition of Tejada limits his playing opportunities.
34
beastiemiked
ID: 330592710 Sat, Mar 20, 2004, 16:15
22.15 Mike DeJean, P, Bal [placeholder]
35
Slackjawed Yokel
ID: 330592710 Sat, Mar 20, 2004, 16:16
22.16 Tino Martinez, 1B, TB
23.01 Matt Lawton, OF, Cle
36
beastiemiked
ID: 330592710 Sat, Mar 20, 2004, 16:16
23.02 Jolbert Cabrera, 2b, LA [placeholder]
37
Tosh
ID: 330592710 Sat, Mar 20, 2004, 16:17
23.03 Jon Garland, P, CHI-A
The White Sox #3 starter has a solid fastball, a nasty sinker, and seems to be working on an effective changeup. Maybe this will be a semi-breakout year for him, or maybe he’ll continue to be the average fantasy starter that he has shown the previous two seasons. We’ll have to wait and see.
38
Mattinglyinthehall
ID: 330592710 Sat, Mar 20, 2004, 16:18
23.04 Brian Fuentes, P, Col OK, maybe I'm taking this hoarding of setup men plan of mine a little too far, but here's another guy in line for saves on a team where the closer has a shaky hold on the job. Moreover, he has nice potential to emerge as a stud, if given the opportunity.
39
Slackjawed Yokel Leader
ID: 52347519 Sat, Mar 20, 2004, 16:46
22.16 Tino Martinez, 1B, TB
23.01 Matt Lawton, OF, Cle
With my previous set of picks I had filled my hitting slots, and with the pitchers I have, I should be very close to the innings pitched limit. So here I wanted to get another corner infielder as a backup for Palmiero, and another hitter. Once again I picked up a couple of veterans who should provide decent percentages.
I'm not looking for either of these guys to be regulars in my lineup. But by drafting a bunch of geezers on my team, I need to be prepared for injuries. Also, with there being no limits on the number of games for hitters, I want to fill my bench with guys who I won't be hesitant to put in the lineup, and who know how to get on base and drive in runs. Hopefully Tino will rebound a bit with a return to the American League and to his hometown. And Lawton still puts up good numbers when healthy, and had quite a few hot streaks last season, which I will be happy to ride this year.
40
blue hen
ID: 4300290 Sun, Mar 21, 2004, 21:56
23.05 Ramon Castro
I definitely wanted a backup catcher with Piazza on my team and Castro is more than sufficient. He's a great hitter, but hopefully he'll play enough to help me. The criminal charges scare me a bit, but I'd rather have him than say, Larue or some lesser catcher. Castro has a chance to explode and that's fine with me.
24.12 Gabe Kapler
It's simple. Trot Nixon is out, and Kapler will play. Kapler is a good hitter but teams like the Red Sox are smarter than teams like the Brewers, so that's where Kapler goes. He will start for the Sox, but not for my RIBC team, but on a team wrought with age and injury history, a sure bet like this is good to have.
25.05 Alex Gonzalez (FLA)
Case of vaginitis for the Hen. Sorry if that's crude - I can be more so if you like. I wanted to dump my MI slot (even drafting Nick Punto to signify "punting" the position) and that's actually why I took Weeks. But to get the better Alex Gonzalez 5 rounds after the other one was taken? That's a coup.
41
Species Leader
ID: 7724916 Sun, Mar 21, 2004, 22:23
23.11 Marquis Grissom - OF - SF
With Trot Nixon out for a month I thought it wise to secure a backup who will play. Not only does Grissom fit that bill, but it is possible that he will start the season batting 3rd in the Giants lineup. If Ray Durham gets on base like he should, Grissom ought to see TONS of pitches to hit as he is hitting in front of Barry Bonds. You could do worse for your 6th outfielder.
24.06 Adrian Beltre - 3B - LOS
One of these days he may live up to his potential. But for now, in a 16-team league and as the 370-th something pick he is a decent value at this point. I was concerned a round or two ago about my primary 3b, Mark Teixeira, having some neck problem that could have delayed his season, and contemplated a 3b 2 rounds ago. The one I wanted to take way back then was still here now, so I jumped on him. He could be my first waiver wire cut, or could be a useful pawn for trade or use in my lineup.
25.11 Paul Quantrill - RP - NYY
I was quite surprised he was still around at this point, given the premium on quality middle relief. My guess is that Rotowire's rather pessimistic projections for him (3.32 ERA, 1.228 WHIP) put him out of a few people's minds. Given that he sported a nifty 1.75 ERA and 0.983 WHIP last year I think he is a value pick at the end of the draft. Even his 3-year averages of 6 wins, 2.51 ERA and 1.165 WHIP would be nice at this point.
42
Peter N. Donor
ID: 257161713 Sun, Mar 21, 2004, 22:42
23.07 Josh Towers
Towers is another sleeper of mine at starting pitching. Just looking to boast my pitching with this pick. He went 6-1 and boasted a 3.42 ERA in eight starts at the end of last year for Toronto. I'm hoping for more good things to come for Towers.
24.10 Tony Batista
Batista's OBP is terrible, but his power numbers can't be ignored. For a backup, I could do worse. Hopefully I don't need to use him too much. He'll backup for me at UTIL and CI.
25.07 Pokey Reese
I did the "Hokey Pokey" with my last pick. I've read that he will fill in for Nomar at SS some this year. I'm hoping he can also become eligible at SS. This will oubviously add some value for him. He's a stolen base threat too. He'll play backup for me at 2B, SS, and MI.
43
Slackjawed Yokel Leader
ID: 52347519 Sun, Mar 21, 2004, 22:56
24.16 Eric Young, 2b, Tex
It's not certain how may at bats Young will get with Texas going with its younger players. But he should play somewhat regularly as a utility guy who can fill in at second base or in the outfield. He'll strictly be a sub for me as well. Maybe he'll swipe some bases the days he's in the lineup.
25.01 David Weathers, P, NYM
This pick was probably a reach (but I need someone to drop later...). Having owned Looper in a couple of leagues last year, I know that he has some bad streaks; so maybe Weathers will be able to have some stints as closer.
44
Tosh Sustainer
ID: 57721710 Mon, Mar 22, 2004, 00:49
24.14 Ty Wigginton, 3B, NY-N
If Wiggington can improve his plate discipline and cut down on his strikeouts, he should put up at least average fantasy numbers, and I consider getting him at the end of the 24th round a coup for me. Wigginton set Mets rookie records for hits (146), doubles (36), extra base hits (53) and at-bats (573).
25.03 Ron Villone, P, Sea
This is the sort of pick that happens when you are on a laptop in a hotel, trying to race to a taxi enroute to the airport. There aren't many players left at this point, and I should have done better. A certainty to be cut early in the game.
45
darkside Dude
ID: 3590317 Mon, Mar 22, 2004, 08:13
23.15 Chris Reitsma - RP - Cin
With Wickman hurt, I need someone else who has a shot at getting saves who won't obliterate my whip/era numbers. I don't know for certain that Reitsma will do that, but figure it won't hurt to find out. Graves has the job and Reitsma and Wagner will get the ball in the late innings...I guess I'll just let things play out and see if he's useful to my team.
24.02 Michael Tucker - OF - Sfo
I was going to take Quantrill here, but thought he might make it back to me...again, I was wrong. Tucker seems to be assured decent playing time to start the year with Hammonds hurt. There were times last year w/ KC that he looked pretty decent, especially for a 24th round pick. I'm especially hopeful that he'll get me some SB's (he had 23 2 years ago!)as well as a slg somewhere above .400 and obp around .330.
25.15 Steve Kline - RP - Stl
I was running out of players/ideas. Kline doesn't want to be a closer, so even if Izzy gets hurt, I don't think it'll be him that gets the ball. But, he is projected to have a moderately reasonable whip and era and pick up a few wins and saves. Good enough for my last pick.
46
KrazyKoalaBears Leader
ID: 517553018 Mon, Mar 22, 2004, 09:29
23.16 Oscar Villarreal - P - ARI I really don't care if he's in the rotation or in the bullpen, my main reason for picking him up was his ERA and WHIP and potential for about .8-.9 K/IP. If he's in the bullpen, I figure he's good for 5+ wins. If he's in the rotation, I'd push it to 10+. Either way, for a 23rd round draft pick, I'm happy.
24.01 Bobby Kielty - OF - OAK Billy Beane likes him and so do I. A solid OBP with some power potential. If he hits #2 in the order, he'll take a hit in RBI, but will likely raise his R total. Six one way, half a dozen the other for me. I wanted Kielty more for a replacement role (Bigbie insurance) than an everyday role and I think he more than fits the bill.
25.16 Neifi Perez - SS/2B - SFO 2B was the only position I was left with, besides C, where I didn't have a backup. I didn't like any of the C leftover and figured I would have to sacrifice the C stats if Kendall gets injured. If Kendall doesn't get injured, he should be good for 150+ games, so I certainly wouldn't be picking up a C to fill in for his days off (30+/-) just to have that spot filled. What small gains I would make in R, RBI, and HR would be horribly offset by OBP and SLG.
So why Perez? He's certainly not significantly better than the C options, but I wanted someone in case Polanco went down. I definitely wasn't coveting Perez with this pick, but I wasn't coveting any of my other options either. Mr. Insignificant in this draft is fairly insignificant for my team at this point in time.
47
Guru
ID: 330592710 Mon, Mar 22, 2004, 09:58
23.13 Ben Broussard, 1B, Cle I was prepared to fill my middle infield opening with this pick, but there were three available names that I couldn’t choose between. I figured that at least one of them would survive through 6 more picks. Maybe all three. So what’s the rush?
Broussard is admittedly a “homer” pick. At age 27, he has plenty of upside, and this will be the year he has to start showing it. Power numbers will be fine. Plate discipline needs to improve, as does his performance against lefties. He will share the 1B/DH role with Travis Hafner, and should get full-time at bats as long as he continues to earn them. I’ll probably start him on my bench and see how it goes. A good risk to take with pick #365, IMHO.
24.04 Mark Ellis, 2B, Oak As I expected, my three MI candidates are still available. So my choice is to take one now, or to let it slide to be bitter end.
Screw it, I’ll take Ellis. The worst part is that he might be a regular all year, get 600 plate appearances, and really screw up my averages.
Or, maybe he’ll be OK. We’ll see. But when 15 other astute managers have passed him by for 371 picks, it’s hard to be too positive.
25.13 Paul Shuey, RP, Los I considered picking up a backup catcher or middle infielder. But the remaining options all seemed like waiver wire quality, so why bother? They're unlikely to disappear if I need them.
Instead, I decided to take someone that I would be willing to activate from the get-go. Shuey should be a solid setup man, has a good K-ratio, pitches in a good pitchers park, and always seems to get more than his fair share of wins for a middle reliever. And, he used to play for Cleveland.
48
Ref Donor
ID: 539581218 Mon, Mar 22, 2004, 11:19
23.12 Aaron C. Guiel, OF, KC
I'm not exactly why this guy fell so far as his projections were pretty good in all of the places I saw him. This year as a starter from the get-go, I plan to use him quite a bit though he is my 5th OF. Last year, he has a .346 obp and .489 slgp. Too much may be getting made about pushing the walls back a smidge as he only hit 15 homers anyhow last year. Double his ABs this year and this could be one of the best sleeper picks of the draft.
24.05 Casey Blake, 3B/1B, Cle
This is my backup 3B. This guy surprised me last year. He does strike out a lot, but has put up some great power numbers. He also gets the starting job from Day 1 this year and being so young, I think he has a ton of up-side. I expect his obp and slgp to improve a bit. Could even overtake my starter for some time if he gets hot. This also could be a big sleeper.
25.12 Darren Dreifort, P, LA
This guy has shown flashes of brilliance over his injury-riddled career. He has great stuff, yet has never put together that dynamite season he should have before getting the HUGE salary. He hasn't pitched much this preseason and is going to start out in long-relief. There was talk of him taking Mota's setup role since he was hurt and hasn't thrown in two weeks, but Mota reported no pain on Sat. and will prob get his setup job back. It also occurred to me that of all the pitchers LA has, Dreifort has always been the one that has been talked about as the hardest to hit. If anything should happen to Gagne, Dreifort has some nasty stuff. At worst, Dreifort gets hurt again or never gets in the game and he gets tossed back. But I expect him to do long relief and get a starting job back soon. I do not like Jeff Weaver recently and have never liked Ishii. Dreifort still may not be effective, but last year he was very effective before he reverted to his old ways of landing on the DL.
49
Mattinglyinthehall Leader
ID: 1629107 Mon, Mar 22, 2004, 11:28
25.04 Scot Shields - P - Ana
As a reliever, Shields has been nothing short of flat-out nasty. In 13 starts last year, he was somewhat lees spectacular, but his numbers were good enough that he could certainly step it up if he makes the rotation. If not, I mkay have grabbed a top setup guy in the last round.
50
Trip Donor
ID: 13961611 Mon, Mar 22, 2004, 11:48
25.13 Grant Balfour - SP - Min
Grant is a strikeout pitcher with potential playing in a weak division. I should be able to spot start him against Cleveland and Detroit without worry. However he doesn't even have a guaranteed spot right now and will probably become cut bait before the season starts.
51
Caper Donor
ID: 1535108 Mon, Mar 22, 2004, 12:15
23.06 Jason Lane-OF-Hou
A more wishful pick here. This guy can flat out hit and Houston has nowhere to play him right now. He is taking some balls at first to give him more options to play. His projections are solid and I am banking that one or more of that old group of Astros will miss some time this year. Biggio and Bagwell are both old and it is almost probable that one of them will miss some time this season, at least that is my bet here.
24.11 Ron Belliard 25.06 Juan Rincon Belliard is a mediocore MI who I will drop when a better option shows on the waiver wire. I felt a little thin in the infield and took the first starter I saw left as I rushed to make a selection. Rincon is a middle reliever who may provide some ERA for the team. He is another guy who will start on the bench and may just be a waiver wire drop waiting to happen.
53
beastiemiked
ID: 262411016 Mon, Mar 22, 2004, 21:15
I didn't really think too hard about these picks so I'm going to keep my rationales short.
22.15 Mike Dejean, P, BAL
DeJean sucks but so does Julio. Hopefully Julio will suck worse.
23.02 Jolbert Cabrera, 2b, LA
Redo? Terrible pick. I'm going to claim that I was drinking while making this pick.
24.11 Brandon Claussen, P, Cin
Potentially a stud. Minimal risk. Was very surprised he was still around.
25.02 Bill Hall, 2nd, MIL
Tearing the cover off the ball in Spring training while Counsell is playing terrible. If Hall doesn't secure a starting role he'll be dropped however I think he's going to get the nod over Counsell.
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