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0 Subject: RIBC 2015: Draft Rationale Collection Thread

Posted by: Guru
- [330592710] Tue, Mar 17, 2015, 16:44

RIBC managers: Please post your rationales in this thread. Rationales are due on a two round lag (i.e., when you make you 3rd round pick, your 1st round rationale is due. You can post any rationale sooner than that if you wish.

Do not worry about placeholders or keeping things in the proper sequence. This is just a place to collect rationales, which I will then transfer over to the formal rationale thread in the proper sequence. This approach has worked well for the past several seasons, and I now have a somewhat automated method for making those transfers.

Remember that you should refrain from mentioning undrafted players. If you feel that your rationale requires that, then hold it back until the player has been drafted - unless the player mentioned is clearly undraftable this year.
Only the 50 most recent replies are currently shown. Click on this text to display hidden posts as well.
[Lengthy or complex threads may require a slight delay before updating.]
179ksoze
      Leader
      ID: 04619323
      Sat, Mar 28, 2015, 20:55
18.02 Rodriguez, Alex - NYY - 3B

Oh why the heck not. I needed one more hitter to fill out my starting lineup, needed another 3B eligible player, he's hitting well this spring and not creating a distraction... could he... maybe... be a worthwhile fantasy player this year? If he has an OPS anywhere near .750 and stays healthy DHing he'll be a steal this late in the draft.

19.15 Lohse, Kyle - MIL - SP

Looking for my fifth SP here, I had a few queued up prior to leaving for work this morning including Paxton, Peralta, Cain and Miley. Lohse was the only one left when my turn came. He should be good for nearly 200 innings with a decent WHIP, hopefully a few K's and an ERA that won't hurt too much.

20.02 Davis, Rajai - DET - OF

This pick was nothing more than a cheap grab at some SB's from the bench. I think I'm light in that category, Davis... if healthy... will help as he's tallied +/- 80 over the last two years.
180Tosh
      Leader
      ID: 057721710
      Sat, Mar 28, 2015, 23:49
19.13 Qualls, Chad, RP, HOU
They have not announced a closer yet in Houston, so I will buy a lottery ticket with pick #301. He had a 43:5 K:BB ratio in 2014 in 51.1 IP, and added 19 saves. May the odds be ever in my favor.


20.04 Santana, Ervin, SP, MIN
Santana will be the #2 starter for Minnesota, and has some decent projections for K/9 and the ratios. Maybe the Ws will follow.
181kdl212
      ID: 4129915
      Sun, Mar 29, 2015, 00:54
20.06 Ike Davis, 1B, OAK
Needed another hitter who wasn't on the DL. Counting on Billy Beane magic here. Ike has had years to get over the Valley Fever. With my upside glasses on, I see a 70/70 season with a .750 OPS. More likely - I drop him for a starting pitcher 13 days into the season.

Once again, almost went outfield, but there were a half dozen guys who all looked the same, so I let them pass in the hopes that others would make the decision for me. The roster crunch I feel at the end of the draft each year is painful. Once again, I see plenty of outfielders, starters and relievers still on the table who I'd be happy to roster (and more than can possibly be drafted), and garbage everywhere else.

Note to future self: don't draft an injured OF like Josh Reddick in the 19th. It's a waste!
182mailedfoot
      ID: 531322718
      Sun, Mar 29, 2015, 08:59
19.12 Micah Johnson, 2B, CWS

Still needing a MI, I select Michah Johnson. Johnson looks to have the inside track for the White Sox second base position. He has impressed with the bat this spring and has the potential for 25 plus SB and plenty of runs if he can hold the job all year.
183mailedfoot
      ID: 531322718
      Sun, Mar 29, 2015, 09:16
20.05 Wilmer Flores, SS, NYM

I considered a number of options with this pick and finally decided to take Flores as a backup at SS and depth for MI. Flores wielded an impressive bat in the minors and after a slow start at the major league level last year, he did finish strong the last month. Hoping he carries this over and has a breakout year. I also considered Jace Peterson here and might have actually selected him instead but didn't realize he is SS eligible in ESPN.
184mailedfoot
      ID: 531322718
      Sun, Mar 29, 2015, 09:27
21.12 Jesse Hahn, SP, OAK

I had a small group of starting pitchers in my queue heading into this pick and Greene and Iglesias were at the top. Seeing them both selected before me, I decided to add Hahn as my fifth starter. He has gotten some preseason buzz from a few writers and will be pitching his home games in a favorable park, so hopefully he comes through.
185youngroman
      ID: 57047243
      Sun, Mar 29, 2015, 10:56
20.14 Kevin Kiermaier, OF, TB
with the need of at least 2 more outfielders it was finally time to at least pick the first of those 2. there are still enough options left to pick in future rounds. the question is do you take one that hits for averages or do you pick a speedster. I went with one that can do both but will probably just be near or below average everywhere. this means I still need another base stealer for my team.
186youngroman
      ID: 57047243
      Sun, Mar 29, 2015, 10:57
21.03 Kyle Hendricks, SP, CHC
with the need of more starting pitchers I looked at ones that are projected to have a good ERA/WHIP (3.70, 1.25) and that were lighting it up in spring training. near the top of my list was Kyle Hendricks. there were a few players higher but I believe they are more likely to survive 26 more picks than Hendricks. we will see if I am right.
187Dave R
      SuperDude
      ID: 3010361110
      Sun, Mar 29, 2015, 12:42
Sorry for not keeping up with these, been away and spent all day yesterday traveling. At least I was able to keep up with my picks

18.07 J.J. Hardy SS BAL

We do need 3 MI types in this format, and thought I would address it now. There is reason for concern, as Hardy is now 32, and last year had a down year for him by his standards. Prior to that, Hardy had averaged 26 HR's and 75 RBI's in three seasons as an Oriole. I also check last years draft and he was an 8th round selection.

Digging deeper, he didn't go yard until late June, after that hit 9 long balls and drove in 37 over the rest of the season. So what was wrong?

So here we are in round 18. Is Hardy and aging player on the decline, or one that got off to a rugged start, and has bounce back potential. He still plays in a great hitters park, for a great offense, certainly worth a shot here

19.10 Juan Legares OF NYM

As a Yankee fan it's always tough to draft a Met. But I had Juan ranked as the top selection here, and gives me my 5th OFer.

Penciled in as an everyday player for the Mets and batting leadoff, I think it's upside city. Juan improved his average last year 39 points and his OPS 70 points over 2013. That's nice, and maybe a sign of things to come. He might offer more steals than thought as he swiped 9 over the last 18 games last year.

He should get well over 500 plate appearances, and I'm expecting 50 RBI's, 80 runs, and 20-25 SB's. The ratios might not be great, but this is round 19.

Also, he's been tearing it up this spring, not necessarily meaningful, but offers some optimism for continued growth

20.07 Chris Owings SS ARI

Shortly after drafting Harding, I read about some shoulder injury. So what do I do, draft a SS with injury concerns of his own.

Supposedly Chris will be ready for the season opener, but might not have the starting gig at SS. Which means he'd most likely be shifted to 2nd. Owings offers a nice blend of power and spend here, and if he becomes 2nd base eligible, could wind up being a nice pick in round 20

21.10 Tony Watson RP PIT

Relievers in this format are useful, even if they don't offer saves opportunities. They can significantly help with ratios, and offer K's without eating your innings limit. I think I just grabbed one of the better ones.

Watson clearly has no path to closer behind Melancon, short of an injury, but that's OK. He somehow managed 10 W's last year, but I'm not expecting a repeat. He pitched to an ERA of 1.63 and WHIP of 1.02. I'm not expecting a repeat of that either.

But I am expecting more great ratios, better than a K per inning, and a few saves, when Melancon is rested


22.07 Carlos Martinez SP STL

I had Martinez at the top of my queue here, but wasn't sure I wanted to make the pick when I set it up. It wasn't clear as to whether he would be a starter for the Cardinals, or relegated to the bullpen. But I read about an injury to "undrafted ", which could open the fifth SP slot for Carlos.

Carlos is regarded as one of the Cardinal's best young pitchers. Even as a RP, Martinez offers great value, as he has the stuff to start or come out of the bullpen. I think he's worth a shot as our draft winds down.




188Graydog
      ID: 2315871
      Sun, Mar 29, 2015, 12:57
18.10 Duffy, Danny, SP, KAN

Duffy put up great ERA and WHIP numbers last but his advanced stats showed a different - not so pretty story. There is definitely risk that Duffy will not produce an ERA near last years (2.53) but in round 18 you need to gamble.

19.07 Ottavino, Adam, RP, COL

I read that he may be the number one handuff for Hawkins in Colorado. I'm betting against Hawkins, not that this strategy has worked in the past but he is another year older.

20.10 Waldon, Jordon, RP, STL

Number two in the Cardinals pen and should put up excellent peripheral stats.
189holt
      ID: 12262110
      Sun, Mar 29, 2015, 13:05
15.16 Bobby Parnell, RP, NYM

Parnell should be ready to rejoin the bullpen by mid to late April and there's a good chance that he will be slotted back into the closer role. Mejia is going to have to be lights out to retain the job. Terry Collins has very clearly said that it is Parnell's job to lose, and that once he is back in late april/early may that he will step back into the closer role. I almost took Mejia on my Rd 13/14 turn but I just couldn't do it. I'm more confident that Parnell will have the job.


16.01 Steven Sousa, OF, TB

Sousa hit .350/.432/.590 in AAA last season with 26 steals in 346 AB and was dealt away from WAS where he was blocked. Just turned 25 and he's set to be the starting RF. He's struggling in spring training but Tampa really doesn't have any other option. I don't think they want *undrafted 4th OF* manning RF all year.
190holt
      ID: 12262110
      Sun, Mar 29, 2015, 13:20
17.16 Carl Crawford, OF, LAD

Still needed more OF's and I never feel bad having Crawford in my lineup (it's when he's on the bench that it sucks). Crawford still has wheels and can still hit. .300/.339/.429 last year with 23 SB. Those numbers would have been better if he could just stay off the DL.

18.01 John Jaso, C, TB

Need catcher. I think Jaso will get more playing time than most other C's as he's slated to be Tampa's DH this season. Kind of projecting something like .360/.400 but I like that he won't be behind the plate. 3 of his 5 MLB seasons he has had OBP's from .372 to .394 and if he can do that again that would be huge.
192kdl212
      ID: 3927222
      Sun, Mar 29, 2015, 13:59
21.11 Pedro Strop, RP, CHI
If I didn't already have 42 injured guys on my team, I would've picked Markakis, but I needed one more non-injured outfielder. There still seemed a half dozen that looked similar, so I deferred. I only have 4 starting pitchers, but there are so many of them available throughout the year that it didn't seem worth one of my precious remaining draft slots.

So I looked to catcher (someone to play while Wieters gets all better) and reliever. Strop was amongst a big group of relievers with high strikeouts. No special reason to take him over the others.
193kdl212
      ID: 4129915
      Sun, Mar 29, 2015, 18:51
22.06 Alejandro de Aza, OF, BAL
The fourth third begins - filling out my starting spots. Still need a healthy OF (my disgust for Josh Reddick grows) and a catcher. De Aza, Bourn, Stubbs and 2 undrafted guys almost convinced me to wait some more. I'm going to dump one of these outfielders by mid-April anyway. But I got it over with.

I considered emailing other managers and offering Reddick + my 23rd and in exchange for their 22nd and 23rd, but I wasn't sure it would be well received. Anyone want Reddick for a SP?
194JeffG
      ID: 41228917
      Sun, Mar 29, 2015, 19:08
21.09 Balfour, Grant- RP - Tam
Sort of a handcuff for potential interim closer Brad Boxberger. Now I have two of the closer by committee members. Wish I had more to say about Balfour, he had a chance to be a regular full time MLB closer but has never been able to hold on to that for long

22.08 Morales, Kendrys - 1B - KC
One of my favorite parts of a draft is when a missed pick is made. All of a sudden that 'moving up' a slot has everyone picking a bit more quickly, 1 hour between picks becomes 5. I think we did half a round when holt missed the turn, and then a few picks more when holt surfaced before we died down to our normal pace. Anyway, I did not 'move up', but got the backup I wanted nonetheless. Kendrys should see playing time as KC's DH and does have a little pop where he could help with production. It just has to be on days my regulars have an off day or get a day of rest

23.09 Bastardo, Antonio - RP - Pit
Another pseudo handcuff for the Bucs and my closer Melanson. Actually I do not think he'd be the guy looming, but he does have a good K rate as we all pick our interchangable MR

24.08 Wilhelmson, Tom - RP - Sea
Nothing to see here, just another interchangable MR and again I try to pick mine with good K rates as the WHIP boys are gone
195mailedfoot
      ID: 531322718
      Sun, Mar 29, 2015, 20:49
22.05 Travis Snider, OF, BAL

Snider was once a touted prospect but has never really put it together. He's moving to a more hitter friendly park this year and if he can produce, should get plenty of ABs for the Orioles. He slashed .264/.338/.438 last year and is still only 27, so I am hoping this is his year.
196mailedfoot
      ID: 531322718
      Sun, Mar 29, 2015, 20:59
23.12 Drew Stubbs, OF, COL

Selected Stubbs for outfield depth as he put up solid numbers over 132 games last year including 20 SB. I'm thinking he will play a similar role again this year and will try to take advantage of his Coors Field starts.
197Dave R
      SuperDude
      ID: 3010361110
      Sun, Mar 29, 2015, 21:29
23.10 Steven Vogt 1B OAK

Not sure what I'm getting here.

I know I'm getting a player who caught 47 games for Oakland 2 years ago and only 15 last year, splitting time also at 1st and in the OF. I'm getting a player who had an OPS of .920 and hit .350 for the first part of the season before suffering foot and knee injuries, although he continued to play, albeit somewhat hampered, finishing the season with an OPS of .752

I hope I'm getting a player who hopefully regains his catcher eligibility sooner than later, and has an OPS somewhere between his torrid start last year and finishing average. I'm not sure if he becomes a platoon player for the A's, but with the ability to play 1st and in the outfield should get plenty of AB's.

If not he becomes waiver fodder.
198Dave R
      SuperDude
      ID: 3010361110
      Sun, Mar 29, 2015, 21:39
24.07 Josh Collmenter SP ARI

Let's see, opening day starter for D'Backs, won 11 games last year, has a career ERA of 3.42, WHIP of 1.15 over 516 innings. Not known as a strikeout pitcher, but managed nearly 6.5 per 9 innings

Round 24 , why not?
199kdl212
      ID: 4129915
      Sun, Mar 29, 2015, 23:46
23.11 Jason Castro, C, HOU
A necessity since the catcher I already drafted, Wieters, will start the year on the DL. I drafted Castro in the 14th round last year, and he was total garbage. If he's garbage again this year, I'll drop him quickly and won't have wasted a middle-round draft pick on him. Would've been happy if Norris or Montero had lasted until here.

I had told myself I wouldn't draft a second catcher before round 24, and had Buchholz at the top of my queue, but foolishly pulled the trigger on Castro in the 23rd, and missed out on Buchholz (to a guy who had already drafted 6 starting pitchers!). Really mismanaging the last few rounds of this draft.
200kdl212
      ID: 4129915
      Sun, Mar 29, 2015, 23:55
24.06 Junichi Tazawa, RP, BOS
Maybe Uehara never gets healthy this year. And maybe Mujica stops getting so inexplicably lucky. And maybe Tazawa takes over the closer role and ends the season with 20 saves. Most probably, none of that happens, and even if it does, I'm unlikely to have tazawa on my roster by the time the third maybe comes to pass.
201Evan
      ID: 101522414
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 08:59
22.12 Matt Garza, SP, MIL

Can he stay healthy for a whole season? At this late point in the draft, I needed arms and I thought he had the most talent.

He has pretty decent numbers and it all comes down to health for him.

202Graydog
      ID: 2315871
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 09:20
21.07 Iglesias, Raisel, SP, CIN

Could start the year in the rotation and give me a couple of starts. Pretty much an unknown as to how much or if he can be productive this year. At this point in the draft the likely hood of anyone staying on my roster all year is minimal so I went for a straight out gamble.

22.10 Chen, Wei-Yin, SP, BAL

16 wins and a 3.54 ERA in 2014. Maybe he can do it again?

23.07 Smoak, Justin, 1B, TOR

With Tomas struggling I was looking for some depth at CI. I decided to gamble on two Blue Jays late. I went for Smoak this round even though he has proven to be a below average hitter over his career. He should get most early starts at first against righties and his fly ball tendencies could prove productive in Rogers Centre.

24.10 Valencia, Danny

The 2nd half of my Blue Jay play. Valencia has mashed lefties over his career, 870 OPS. He should get plenty of starts against lefties and provide me some solid part time numbers.
203Evan
      ID: 101522414
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 09:24
23.05 Miguel Montero, C, CHC

Wasn't convinced on my catcher so I picked another catcher. Montero should hit in a good part of the lineup and could be a sleeper.

He has a decent OBP projection of .330 and should be a good source of RBIs.
204Evan
      ID: 101522414
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 09:26
24.12 C.C. Sabathia, SP, NYY

My 7th Yankee... Yikes... I was about to grab Henderson Alvarez but KDogHall made different plans for me.

Man this is a tough one to defend, I just didn't know any other starters I should pick. He hasn't looked good in awhile.

We'll see how this goes but I don't anticipate him being on my roster too long.
205Evan
      ID: 101522414
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 10:12
25.05 Zach Duke, RP, CWS

David Robertson insurance. As simple as that...

He has put up good numbers as a relief pitcher, averaging nearly a strikeout per inning with a relatively low WHIP.

It seems that if D-Rob goes down, Duke would be the guy.
206Graydog
      ID: 2315871
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 10:46
25.07 Loup, Aaron, RP, TOR

Continuing my bizarre trend of trying to own Blue Jays with limited value.... The jays closer Cecil has been experiences shoulder soreness all spring. Loup appears next in line if Cecil needs a break.
207Dave R
      ID: 161562013
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 11:42
25.10 John Jay OF STL

John Jay, why not with pick 25.10 ( or the 394th selection )

It seems like he is fully entrenched as the starting CF for the Cardinals, his possible competition seems relegated to a bench role. Last year he managed an OPS of .750, due mainly to an excellent on base average .372, something sorely lacking on my team.

Rotowire has him projected for over 500 AB's, and last year he even spent September batting leadoff or 2nd. He can run, having stolen 19 bases in 2012.

To quote Rotowire " If Jay can stay healthy and rack up at-bats at the top of the lineup, he could crack 100 runs in 2015 to go along with a solid batting average and OBP.

Wishful thinking, probably, but with the last pick what's to lose. He'll probably be dropped for the best available free agent at some point.

Or, maybe not
208kdl212
      ID: 3927222
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 13:19
25.11 Dan Haren, SP, MIA
Having a TSN Ultimate flashback here, as I look to fill out my squad with a .50 pitcher who isn't going on opening day who I could hold for a couple of weeks and maybe even make some money on. Haren looks to have a decent first 3 starts lined up, and he's traditionally been easy on the WHiP. Who knows, maybe in cavernous Miami, he can have a mini-renaissance.

The better move might have been to gamble on another reliever, but there will be plenty of action on that carousel soon enough.

209youngroman
      ID: 57047243
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 13:27
22.14 Edward Mujica, RP, BOS
it is still unclear if Uehara will be ready for the start of the season. looks like he won't. so I grabbed the likely backup in the hope to get some cheap saves early on.

Update: 15min after I picked Mujica it seems that Uehara was declared out for the start of the season. Now I hope that Mujica really gets the call and converts.

Update 2: a few hours later the coach confirmed that Mujica will be the closer while Uehara is out. great!
210youngroman
      ID: 57047243
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 13:28
23.03 Danny Farquhar, RP, SEA
I searched for a closer in waiting that strikes out more than a batter per inning. this way he is even valuable as long as he is not the regular closer. The setup man that stood out was Danny Farquhar.
Fernando Rodney isn't the youngest anymore. his last 3 seasons were a major success, but the seasons before were not special (ERA > 4.00, WHIP > 1.50). If he falls back to his old standards he may not stay long as the closer. this is my hope.
211youngroman
      ID: 57047243
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 13:32
24.14 Odubel Herrera, OF, PHI
I can use one more outfielder who may see regular usage in my Util slot. It seems that Herrera was good enough to beat out the competition at CF for the Phillies. If this is really the case I get a starting centerfielder really late in the draft. are any other such players available? no. did I know of the existence of the name Odubel 24 hours ago? no. could this turn out as a steal? yes!
212youngroman
      ID: 57047243
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 13:39
25.03 Emilio Bonifacio, SS/OF, CWS
I thought about picking up a starting pitcher, but I decided that I still can pick up the one of the hot ones a few days into the season. no need to guess that player now.
looking through some depth charts Bonifacio is ranked #2 or #3 on any position other than C. this means in case any of these 7 players gets some rest he may be playing. he will likely gain eligibility at more positions than he currently has. I see him as a very poor man's Ben Zobrist. because of that he may be the player out as soon as I want to add that hot new starting pitcher that nobody thought of drafting him, but that has a 0.00 ERA after his first 2 starts.
213Tosh
      Leader
      ID: 057721710
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 15:18
21.13 Markakis, Nick, OF, ATL
Last weekend I was away from the computer most of the time. This weekend, it’s pretty much the entire weekend. I left on Saturday morning with about 70 players in a queue. With no way to sort, nor an easy way to keep up on current news ... I feel like I’m throwing blind darts right now.

Markakis has moved to Atlanta, and has a full-time job at the top of the lineup. He’ll score runs, but as he gets older, the power has faded. He’ll be a starting OFer for me until Hunter Pence returns, then he’ll be a utility guy.


22.04 Johnson, Chris, 3B, ATL
I don’t have a backup 3B, and it appears more and more likely that my starting-3B, Anthony Rendon, might not start the season healthy enough to play. So a need to grab a (hopefully) short-time 3B replacement. He was the NL runner-up for the batting title in 2013, but seriously regressed last season. Maybe he can regain a little of that contact rate, and stop striking out 26% of the time.


23.13 Broxton, Jonathan, RP, MIL
He’s merely a handcuff for one of my closers, KRod. He’s had a couple recent seasons as a good closer. Right now, he’s just a pretty decent set-up guy.


24.04 Howard, Ryan, 1B, PHI
How the mighty have fallen. Not that long ago, he was a 2nd round pick in RIBC. Now he’s the 372nd player picked. He still projects to get most of the playing time at 1B for Philly, apparently is in good shape, and will provide some power for my roster.


25.13 Burnett, A.J., SP, PIT
Rotowire currently has him ranked # 297 in their updated rankings. I’ll take him at pick #397, and hope he can maintain a K/9 ratio of around 8.0, and improve on his pitiful 2014 BB/9 ratio of 4.0
214Uptown Bombers
      ID: 81262014
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 16:26
22.13 Evan Marshall RP ARI

I'm hoping for a bullpen implosion in Arizona and for Marshall to emerge as the next closer. The write-ups on him have been positive and the speculation that Reed will be unable to hold the closer position makes this a worthy round 22 gamble.

23.04 David Freese 3B LAA

I'd like a back-up at 3B and while there were a few other names I considered, I decided on the relatively unexciting Freese. I think I know what I'm getting with him and while it's nice to draft for upside, I wasn't terrible convinced any of my other options offered realistic upside. I'll settle for the mediocrity of Freese and hope that i don't have to rely on him too much or that someone on the waiver wire proves to be more appealing.

24.13 Seth Smith OF SEA

As my seventh OF, I view Smith as a plug-in when guys are sitting, on off days, or when the matchup favors him. Smith has much greater splits against righties and so might prove useful in those circumstances.

25.04 Jeurys Familia RP NYM

I have little faith in Mejia, though as a Met fan, I'd like to hope that Mejia never waivers and holds on the position all year. The other name in the pen to consider, Parnell (drafted long ago)is coming back from injury. So if Mejia bombs, and I'd expect a short leash considering the expectations of the Mets to contend for a wild card, and Parnell struggles to recover, I think Familia would be next in line. That's multiple ifs and maybes, but it's round 25.
215JeffG
      ID: 41228917
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 18:33
25.09 Middlebrooks, Will - 3B - SD
Don't really have plan B if my 3B Ari Ram (12.08) falters. Middlebrooks seems to have won the position battle for the Padre third baseman which gives me an option, not a good option, not a great option, but an option.

216ksoze
      Leader
      ID: 04619323
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 18:38
21.15 Drew, Stephen - NYY - SS

Filling some back up roles here, he'll cover me at SS and 2B. He had an OPS of .777 as recently as 2013, maybe he can top .700 this year since he's actually agreed to be part of a team before mid-season.

22.02 Leake, Mike - CIN - SP

I put twp SP's in my queue to take as what might be my last SP in the draft, rightly guessing that holt wouldn't take a pair of them on the turn. Buchholz was the other. I think Leake has a bit more potential upside with what will likely be a better WHIP/ERA and more K's.

23.15 Shaw, Bryan - CLE - RP

Guess I might as well take one of the last "2nd in line" closers left, if Allen goes down, apparently Shaw is next. With any luck his ERA and WHIP will help a little and he'll snag a few wins.

24.02 Buchholz, Clay - BOS - SP

The heck with it. I'll take a 7th SP and see what happens, I can always swap one of my last ones into someone else if something better comes along. His BAABIP was way over his norm in 2014, and was pretty good over the last half of the year... maybe he's got more upside than Leake. He's the opening day starter for the Sox, though I'm not sure that's a great selling point.

25.15 Asche, Cody - PHI - 3B

All things being equal with no injuries, 3B is still likely my weakest position at the end of the draft. Unless Chisenhall hits somewhere closer to the first half of 2014, or ARod is better than anyone thinks is reasonable, I'm in trouble there. Not that I'm expecting Asche to make up the difference, but if Chisenhall is 2014 second half Chisenhall, and ARod sucks, Asche and a .700 OPS might be an upgrade. Blah.
217mailedfoot
      ID: 531322718
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 19:25
24.05 Ryan Rua, 1B, TEX

It looks like Rua is starting the year as the Rangers left fielder but is listed as a 1B in ESPN. If he sticks and keeps hitting he will provide more depth for me at CI and OF as soon as he gains OF eligibility. Another guy who's having a good spring, hopefully it carries over.
218mailedfoot
      ID: 531322718
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 19:32
25.12 David Carpenter, RP, NYY

Picked Carpenter to help with Ks and ratios; he figures to be one of the Yankees high leverage relievers, so maybe I can get a few wins from him along the way. If Betances continues to have problems I may even luck into a few saves.
219filthy
      ID: 4157202
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 21:16
20.16 Jordy Mercer, SS, PIT

Started slow but had a decent year last time around. Aside from the slow first half of 2014, Mercer has been a pretty decent hitting MI so far in his career. Job appears safe despite the Kang signing. Last remaining shortstop option from the MI's I had been considering really clinched the Mercer pick for me.
220filthy
      ID: 4157202
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 21:23
21.01 Daniel Norris, SP, TOR

Lot of offense and relief options I should be considering here. Just grabbed an MI. Was looking at Rosario for a backup C, but he's gone. Was looking at Qualls for relief, but he's gone. Plenty of other options out there, as well as outfield options, but even when stretching to pick Aaron Sanchez last pick, I almost stretched to pick up Norris instead. He's still around now, so why not? Nothing but promise surrounding this guy. Last year, I lost 2 starters during the draft, so I'll either deal with my excess SP eventually or leave it to the baseball gods.
221filthy
      ID: 4157202
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 21:33
22.16 Logan Morrison, 1B, SEA

Always had promise, and still not old yet. Missed most of first half last year, but started to hit pretty well once the rust was shaken.

Michael Bourn was also looking nice here, as I really did need another OF for some sweet lineup flexibility, but he was gone. Being pretty set on speed makes Morrison a nice consolation. Could qualify at OF eventually, but I'm not banking on it. Added depth at CI if the Cubs keep Bryant down is a key factor here too. Cron insurance, between Morrison and Cron, my CI spots should survive the early going. Then some nice depth for filling the Util spot once Bryant's in business.
222filthy
      ID: 4157202
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 21:43
23.01 Miguel Castro, RP, TOR

Still looking for a backup at C, 2B, another OF, and some RP depth with 3 picks to go. I'm fine if I fill all of these with free agents, and will likely stream through most of my last picks by summer, no matter how much I like them right now.

Iannetta or Montero or nothing, safe to wait. Giavotella or Infante or nothing, again safe to wait. I'm not seeing much at outfield. Guerrero as a nice Util option maybe. Broxton or Castro both seem like they could slip into some saves at some point though, so they start standing out.

Brewers' closer role seems to be a little jinxed in recent years, so I've been thinking about Broxton for quite a while now as a late pick. But the unknown is so hard to resist. Castro sounds like he's gonna be a gem. Top righty option in the pen, could sneak into some saves even if Cecil kills it. Jays' closer role has been uneasy for ages as well, and I figure this year will see a few passes of the baton too.
223filthy
      ID: 4157202
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 21:46
24.16 Chris Iannetta, C, LAA

Wanted to get 2 more tickets to closer lottery here, but already with 11 pitchers, and no bench bats, that would be dumb. I'll be streaming through options in no time anyway!

Iannetta surviving gives me a backup to Martin. Sounds like Iannetta will play more this year, and his bat is pretty solid, so he'll be good insurance for Martin. Probably even sneak into my Util spot for awhile.
224filthy
      ID: 4157202
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 21:53
25.01 Johnny Giavotella, 2B, LAA

Winning the job so far, with a decent minor league hitting career, and finally out of KC, might not be a bad pickup for MI insurance. Could hit better than my shortstops, and gives the lineup ultimate flexibility. The possible upside put him over Infante in my ranks. If not for Giavotella, I'd have gone for JLamb or RSoriano and forgone the roster flexibility for now. OF & RP depth remaining a work in progress as the picks run out.
225RJ
      ID: 54219222
      Mon, Mar 30, 2015, 23:56
22.15 Jonathan Villar, SS, HOU
Saw him as a decent sleeper middle infield option. I was also considering Guerrero here who went a few picks later. Villar posted a 7hr/17sb season in around 300 at bats. I've heard he's also being looked at in the outfield a little bit. Hoping for Villar to be a good utility guy. I'll give him some time to see if anything develops.

23.02 Francisco Cervelli, C, PIT
Now the man in Pittsburgh, Cervelli should be giving me an above average OPS for a catcher. I'm hoping for ~110 games if possible but I was the last manager to take a catcher and don't mind going fishing on the wire if necessary. I did like Cervelli here though there were other options as well. I also contemplated just waiting until the very last pick for catcher but opted to at least secure someone I liked as an option. Granted he's a big injury risk.

24.15 Billy Burns, OF, OAK
Current OAK OFs are injury prone and Burns shows big speed upside. Given some playing time, could be some bargain speed here.

25.02 Colby Rasmus, OF, HOU
I've always kind of rooted for the guy and he's showing good patience this spring with an uncharacteristic 9bb/4k ratio. If he can improve on his OBP even a little he could be a bargain though he is certainly streaky. I think Houston is a good place for him though. Also from a strategic standpoint I wanted to bolster my OF.
226holt
      ID: 12262110
      Tue, Mar 31, 2015, 02:48
19.16 Turner, Justin 3B LAD

Hastily through together a queue and ended up with two thirdbasemen on the turn. Ah well. In 288 AB last season Turner went .340 .404 .493. I'd be shocked if he did that again but with the 304th overall pick of the draft, whatever, I'll draft him and see if I can get some use out of him fo a while. Shame he only has 3b eligibility in ESPN right now.


20.01 Plouffe, Trevor 3B MIN

Plouffe had modest numbers of .258 .328 .423 last season but had 80 RBI to go with it. I wanted to draft another pitcher here but was in a hurry and botched my queues. No big deal. Maybe it's for the best.



21.16 Peralta, David OF ARI

I had Peralta for a while last season and he had some nice hot streaks. In six seasons in the minors he went .347 .392 .547. He swipes the occasional base and seems like a very solid bat to me. Makes a lot of contact.


22.01 Norris, Derek C SDG

Just getting another option at catcher to fill in at bats with Jaso. His OPS outlook and playing time seemed to be the best option at C at the time, and I got some good use from him last season while he was mashing.


23.16 Peavy, Jake SP SFO

I needed another SP and Peavy had the best credentials of the bunch. He had a 2.17 ERA & 1.04 whip after joining the Giants last season. Hope he pitches more like that and not like the guy with the 4.72 ERA when he was with the Red Sox. 33 years old, lifetime 3.53 ERA and 1.19 whip. I'll give him a chance.


24.01 Ho Kang, Jung SS PIT

Just a random 24th rd pick. Best hitter in Korea. Unfortunately they aren't as good at baseball as the Cubans. Anyway, he does have power. Hopefully he can get some playing time and get his game together. He does have a cool looking swing and is a shortstop. I don't need any other justification for the 369th pick of the draft.



25.16 400 O'Day, Darren

Tried to find starting pitcher but none of them screamed draft me so I just picked up the best reliever I could scrounge up. 1.70 era & 0.89 whip with 9.6K/9 & 4 saves last season and solid career numbers. Second in line for saves after Britton. Good enough for Mr. Irrelevant. #400 of the draft. G'Day.
227Evan
      ID: 101522414
      Tue, Mar 31, 2015, 09:36
10.12 Ryu, Hyun-Jin - LAD - SP

I must have forgotten to do my write-up about this one...

I needed a second starter and selected him without knowing his injury. He will be shut down for (2) weeks and be reevaluated.

If he is healthy, he is an underrated pitcher in fantasy who should provide me with high strikeouts and a low WHIP.
228beastiemiked
      ID: 5911312710
      Thu, Apr 02, 2015, 23:00
14.09 Wade Davis, KC, RP
Best setup guy in baseball. If KC struggles there's a chance he gets traded and would most likely be a closer. Even if he goes the whole season with zero saves he's a great ratio guy.

15.08 Wilson Ramos, WAS, C
The Tony Tulowitzki for catchers. He just can't stay healthy. If he ever figures out the health potion he could put up a 25 homerun season.

16.09 Adam Lind, MIL, 1b
The prototypical platoon bat. He's a beast vs righties and a bust vs lefties. I plan on sitting him vs almost all lefties so he should be a very nice asset in OBP and Slg. With thin benches it's harder to draft the platoon guys but at 1b/CI it's not too hard to get pickup a few games from the waiver if I start falling behind in GP at those positions.

17.08, Jose Ramirez, Cle, SS
I love Jose Ramirez. His bb/K rates are nuts for a kid his age. He was a very good hitter in the minors with speed. Even when Lindor is ready I doubt Ramirez will be losing playing time.
229beastiemiked
      ID: 5911312710
      Thu, Apr 02, 2015, 23:14
18.09 Jose Fernandez, MIA, SP
I know others were thinking about him. He fell a long time as holding him in a league with short benches and no DL spot can be brutal. I think he's worth the gamble in the 18th round. If he has setbacks I'll obviously drop him as I don't have much invested. If he comebacks by June then he should be putting up better numbers than almost all the setup men being drafted.

19.08 Wade Miley, BOS, SP
His stats say he should be better than his ERA and WHIP were last year. In Boston he should get more wins. I drafted him in every league I'm in as I just feel he could breakout this year.

20.09 Eric Young Jr, OF, ATL
He stole 46 bases in 2013. The Braves will suck so he's going to get playing time. He's a killer in Slg % but he should add enough value to make up for it in runs and SBs if he bats leadoff for the Braves.

21.08 Pat Neshek, RP, HOU
This was a bit of a gamble as I was hoping he'd win the closer battle in Houston. I knew regardless he'd still be someone that should provide good ratios. Houston paid a decent chunk for him so I wouldn't be surprised if he picked up some saves.

22.09 Allen Craig, OF/1b, BOS
How the mighty have fallen. It's crazy how one horrible, rotten, no good season can do to a guys value. Can he recover any of that value he used to have? He was definitely hurting last year but he's always been a bit of a wuss so maybe he never duplicates his early success.

23.08 Yusmeiro Petit, SFO, RP
I was a little surprised he was still out there. He was #2 MVP in the Giants postseason last year. I don't see how the Giants keep him ffrom the rotation this year.

24.09 Scott Van Slyke, LAD, OF
He's the bad part of a platoon. However, he's shown he's a good hitter regardless of who he's ffacing. Unfortunately, he's in the worst spot ppossible for an outfielder. Hoping there are ssome injuries or trades to clear him up a more regular spot.

25.08 Jon Singleton, HOU, 1b
He was optioned to AAA so he'll probably be ddropped. Was just a late flier in the hopes he ccould put up the huge OPS numbers he's shown in the minors.

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