DaBomb Leader
ID: 01584348 Mon, Mar 19, 2007, 11:08
21.01 Xavier Nady, OF, PIT
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2
MBT
ID: 24954318 Mon, Mar 19, 2007, 17:30
21.02 A.J. Pierzynski, C, CWS
I needed a catcher and AJ has a mean right hook. Plus he had the best OBP and SLG% combination of the catchers still available.
3
Cobwebs
ID: 24954318 Mon, Mar 19, 2007, 17:31
21.03 Mike MacDougal, RP, CWS
I wanted to get another reliever before the feeding frenzy begins. MacDougal had an outstanding second half last year setting up Bobby Jenks, while keeping a 1.80 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 25 innings with the White Sox. He’ll post nearly a strikeout an inning because of his fastball, and most importantly, he’ll get the nod if something should happen to Jenks.
4
C1-NRB
ID: 24954318 Mon, Mar 19, 2007, 17:32
21.04 Livan Hernandez, SP, ARI
I think this pick will round out my rotation.
Livan added a new pitch this off-season and has been working on it spring training. It’s a sinkerball. Hopefully it will counter his rising ERA and WHIP.
I’m looking for 12-15 wins and about 150 K. That would be a lot for the 21st round.
5
loki Leader
ID: 01584348 Mon, Mar 19, 2007, 22:19
21.05 Jon Rauch, RP, WAS
Just looking for another RP with save possibilities.
6
Weykool Leader
ID: 01584348 Mon, Mar 19, 2007, 22:20
21.06 Henry Owens, RP, FLA
Another RP flier pick (see Turnbow 19.06)
Already dropped him as the Closer spot went to Julio and I already have K-Rod and Paps.
7
Smith32 Leader
ID: 01584348 Mon, Mar 19, 2007, 22:20
21.07 Matt Garza, SP, MIN
Garza got a taste of the bigs last year after blowing through the Twins farm system. He didn't fare too well, but a lot was asked of him since the Twins were in the pennant race and sans Liriano at the time. He obviously has a lot of talent, but the question for both my team and the Twins will be how quickly Garza can translate that talent into on-field (and statistical) success. I'm not even going to project numbers here because he's such a crap shoot at this point. Purely a late-round gamble.
8
allhair allstars Leader
ID: 01584348 Mon, Mar 19, 2007, 22:21
21.08 Chad Billingsley, RP, LAD
After the somewhat unsavory picks of Blake and Lowell, I figured I should react harshly and go in the opposite direction. No more aging bats for me... I want a young, unproven pitcher instead!
Ok, I wasn't actually thinking this, but Billingsly was standing out a bit on my sheet and if things go my (his) way, this pick just might work out. He has tons of upside and will make an impact with his team... The only question in my mind is when will that impact be felt...?
9
Andrew Leader
ID: 01584348 Mon, Mar 19, 2007, 22:22
21.09 Scott Hatteberg, 1B, CIN
I wanted insurance from my week CI picks this draft. LaRoche is decent, but a little unproven. Tracy is sort of a wildcard and Kotchman is still just a young player who sat out most of last year. Hatteberg, famous for his part in Moneyball, is just what he was then. A value pick. He doesn't do anything spectacular, but at the end of the season you look at his numbers and wish he was on your team a little bit. He is hitting in the middle part of a pretty poor Cincinati lineup, but his rate stats should be good, and if Griffey and Dunn have healthy and productive seasons, he should be more valuable then just a CI backup.
10
Slackjawed Yokel Leader
ID: 01584348 Mon, Mar 19, 2007, 22:22
21.10 Mark Buehrle, SP, CWS
I checked and in my AAA league last year Buehrle was taken in the 7th round; of course he essentially imploded last season. Looking through his starts, he had 7 outings in which he gave up 7+ earned runs. My strategy will be to sit him for those starts. Actually, I'm hoping he returns somewhat to the form he showed in previous years; he's still just 28 and will be playing for a free agency paycheck.
11
ksoze Leader
ID: 01584348 Mon, Mar 19, 2007, 22:23
21.11 Al Reyes, RP, TAM
Very simply, I was looking to snag a few saves with this pick. Reyes was the guy I wanted with this pick and he got to me. It sounds like he might be the favorite to close games for the Rays so, what the hell. If he doesn't close, or if he fails, I'm sure you'll find him on the waiver wire soon.
12
Toral Leader
ID: 01584348 Mon, Mar 19, 2007, 22:23
21.12 Jacque Jones, OF, CHC
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13
JeffG Leader
ID: 01584348 Mon, Mar 19, 2007, 22:24
21.13 Carl Pavano, SP, NYY
My second consecutive pick I could have perhaps waited until round 24-25. I still need a catcher, and a backup 3B to Chipper (Inge should come back to me next pick). I really do not know what I can expect with Pavano as he has had quite a busy two years in the Bronx. But... IF he can stay healthy and not re-injure his shoulder, back, buttocks, elbow, foot, triceps, or ribs AND IF if he can avoid mishaps like car accidents, "heavy legs" from jogging for weeks only on grass, or run-ins with fans at rehab games, AND IF he can ignore the bad media like Mussina questioning his commitment, Torre questioning his priorities or the NY Times saying Pavano has no desire to pitch again, THEN this could be a good late draft steal ELSE add me to the list of people Pavano fooled. This is definitely a home-team selection, and he'll be my lone Yankee - that is unless he ends up getting traded.
14
Species Achiever
ID: 3590317 Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 07:42
21.14 Nelson Cruz, OF, Tex
Cruz is an absolutely perfect fit for my team here. As my 5th outfielder he will get PLENTY of action given that Bonds and Edmonds are on my team. Cruz had always been a solid prospect in MIL before being shipped to TEX in the Cordero/Carlos Lee deal. I had read that Washington said he would be a full time starter this year, so I bumped him up my cheat sheets.
Cruz had a nice year in AAA: .302/.378/.528 for a nifty .906 OPS including 20 HR and 17 SB in 104 games. He doesn't have to be a 25 HR guy for me to have good fill-in value - he just needs to play every day in order for me to make up as many OF games as I can.
15
darkside Achiever
ID: 3590317 Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 07:48
21.15 Kiko Calero, RP, Oak
Wanted a MR who would give me decent ratios and good K/9. Most of the top shelf MR had been taken already, but I'm not too disappointed to get Calero. He's 3rd in the A's pen behind Street and Duchscherer, but Duke's had a lot of injury problems over the last few years, so he's not THAT much of a long shot to vulture some saves. He's strikes out more than 1 per inning, so between that, and ERA in the mid-3's and a WHIP of about 1.2, he's one of the better MR options left on the board.
16
JL Achiever
ID: 3590317 Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 10:40
21.16 Aaron Hill, 2B, Tor
I waited to take my third MI and I'm paying for it. Aaron Hill seemed like the best option of the few remaining middle infielders that have everyday jobs. I'm not expecting much. He doesn't really do anything well and he doesn't appear to have any potential.
22.01 Frank Catalanotto, OF, Tor
I'm just taking a chance on a player that might contribute something meaningful. Cat's OPS was over .900 in 2001 when he was with the Rangers. He's back in Texas, so maybe he can return to his 2001 batting title form.
17
darkside Achiever
ID: 3590317 Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 10:47
22.02 Jesse Crain, RP, Min
As with Calero, I wanted some MR depth. Crain has a lot of upside, as was shown in 2005 when he vultured 12 wins with a 2.71 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. However, those numbers seemed to come at the expense of his SO totals (only 25 that year). He had a more realistic year in 2006--3.52 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 60 SO in 79 IP. One of the great things about him, though, is that he'll only be 26 in July. With 2.5 years in the show behind him there's little reason to think he won't improve on his 2006 numbers. I'd like to see a couple of wins (maybe even a save or 2) an ERA in the low-3's and a WHIP around 1.2. I think he'll also be good for 50-60 K's as well.
18
Species Achiever
ID: 3590317 Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 10:48
22.03 Dan Johnson, 1B, Oak
Johnson seemed destined for AAA after the A's signed Shannon Stewart, with Swisher ticketed for 1b. But with Kotsay and Kielty down, Swisher likely stays in the OF and 1b will be open for a battle between Johnson and Erubiel Durazo. I can't imagine Durazo beating him out, but who knows.
Johnson had consecutive 27+ HR, 110+ RBI seasons in AAA before his call up to the A's in 2005. He's been a patient hitter and projected to have strong OBP skills. For whatever reason it hasn't clicked, but the skills are there. I needed another CI but this could be a wasted pick....but all picks in these rounds have their share of warts - at least go with some high upside and hope you find a gem.
19
JeffG Leader
ID: 01584348 Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 10:49
22.04 Brandon Inge, 3B, Det
Needed Chipper insurance at 3B and needed a backup at the ready. I think may have waited too long. Please stay healthy Larry!
20
Toral Leader
ID: 01584348 Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 14:34
22.05 Brendan Donnelly, RP, BOS
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21
ksoze Leader
ID: 01584348 Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 14:34
22.06 Trot Nixon, OF, CLE
Thought I probably needed to take another OF before the end of the draft and Nixon seemed to be my best bet. Actually had Aaron Hill queued up ahead of him but JL snagged him at the end of the last round. Of course injuries are a worry with Trot but like most hitter picks this late, I'm hoping not to "need" to use him. If I do, however, he has the potential to help my OBP and score some runs.
22
Slackjawed Yokel Leader
ID: 01584348 Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 14:35
22.07 Geoff Jenkins, OF, MIL
Just looking for a bench player here that I can fill in for days off or injuries. Jenkins shouldn't hurt my OBP, but did fall off quite a bit last year in slugging. It looked like he got off to a fast start this spring, so may be trying to prove something.
23
Andrew Leader
ID: 01584348 Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 14:36
22.08 Terrmel Sledge OF SDG
He has a world of talent, but has had attitude problems and work ethic issues dog him for years. He is fighting for his life in SD right now, and is set to lead off for them. He has 6 homeruns this spring and hopefully can continue that into the season. I just hope that between Gomes, Kubel and Sledge 2 of them are worthy starting OF. They all have the ability and the motivation to do so now...so we'll see.
24
allhair allstars Leader
ID: 01584348 Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 14:36
22.09 Jeff Francis SP COL
Ok, I admit that I have no recollection of making this pick. Cigar-conditioned fridge or not, I try to make a habit of avoiding rocky pitchers. Ah, but Francis isn't your normal Rockies pitcher. Yet. I read that he's 16-8 at home over the last two years... Ah, but it's not as peachy as it could be, because that means he's 11-15 on the road. Can I pick 'em or what!
25
Smith32 Leader
ID: 01584348 Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 14:37
22.10 Placido Polanco, 2B, DET
I drafted Polanco in Rd 12 last year. Not a good investment. Hoping for better returns on a lesser investment here. Detroit has a good offensive lineup, and he is slotted to hit 2nd, which should lead to ABs and runs. He is having a great spring - which is great for rationales and probably not much more. A solid backup MI, although I will need Tejada to stay healthy since he is my only SS.
26
Weykool Leader
ID: 01584348 Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 14:37
22.11 Bartolo Colon SP LAA
Grasping at straws here.
Hoping he can gain some of his 2005 form after he sits out the first month.
27
loki
ID: 24954318 Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 15:48
22.12 Sammy Sosa, OF, TEX
Why not?
28
C1-NRB
ID: 24954318 Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 15:59
22.13 Shannon Stewart, OF, OAK
Once again, I had a pick lined up (Sammy Sooser) and loki swiped him right out from under me. This time I had a backup plan in place.
When I was doing my late-round research I came across Shannon Stewart still sitting out there. I dug a little deeper and liked enough of what I found to queue him up "just in case."
Shannon Stewart can earn a starting position on my team if he can produce batting second in the Swingin’ A’s lineup.
His SLG and OBP (and the A’s are all about the OBP) haven’t been starter’s numbers the last few years, but he seems to be recovering from a nagging case of plantar fasciitis . (I didn’t know what that was, so I googled it. Apparently I had it for a while last year, too.)
If he can stay healthy- playing home games on grass instead of turf will help- I think he can post an OBP of .370+ and score 80+/- Runs.
29
Cobwebs Sustainer
ID: 058358241 Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 16:08
22.14 Jake Westbrook, SP, CLE
This far in draft there’s not much to choose from if you need a SP. Looking for positive things to say about Westbrook, well, he’s won 15 games in each of the last 2 seasons, and he says that he feels strong and is having a great spring, correction, he was having a great spring until he got hammered by Tampa Bay earlier today. The negatives are that his WHIP has gone up the last 2 seasons, and he won’t help much in the K department. He should be OK though for a 5th starter, but will have his ups and downs, hopefully I can avoid the downs.
30
MBT Leader
ID: 01584348 Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 22:15
22.15 Dustin Pedroia, 2B, BOS
This will be my sleeper pick of the season. As a matter of fact, I almost slept past him myself. I was searching for a MI and realized that he has the 2B job all wrapped up in Boston. No matter where the bat him he should be productive in that lineup.
31
Da Bomb Leader
ID: 01584348 Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 22:16
22.16 Ryan Church, OF, WAS
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Da Bomb Leader
ID: 01584348 Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 22:17
23.01 Mike Pelfrey, SP, NYM
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24.16 Zack Greinke, SP, KAN
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25.01 Jay Gibbons, OF, BAL
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33
MBT Leader
ID: 01584348 Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 08:47
23.02 Vicente Padilla, SP, TEX
Moving to Texas last season seemed to help Padilla's production. His BAA dropped by 20 points, and his K/9 was a respectable 7.02. Now if he could just do something about that ERA he'd be a productive pitcher.
24.15 Yuniesky Betancourt, SS, SEA
Lots of potential with this pick. He's wrapped up the starting job in Seattle and although he's been batting 9th in the lineup this spring, I don't expect that to continue. This late in the draft I was just happy to get a MI with a starting job.
25.02 Joe Blanton, SP, OAK
Potential, potential, potential. Taking a flier on a guy like Blanton seemed like a pretty safe bet in the 25th. I'm not too concerned about his ERA, WHIP or wins, but I'd like to see him pick up a few more K's.
34
Cobwebs Leader
ID: 01584348 Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 08:48
23.03 Dustin Hermanson, RP, CIN
I was all set on taking Loewen or Hensley here, but when I heard the news that Hermanson had a good chance of becoming the closer, I couldn’t resist grabbing him. Getting a closer this late in the draft is hard to pass on. Hermanson did quite well when he was the closer for the White Sox 2005 notching 34 saves with a 2.04 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. If he can return to form Hermanson is a better option than Weathers and Stanton, and definitely worth the risk.
24.14 Clay Hensley, SP, SDG
I just took the player that I thought had the most value. I wanted Hensley and Gibbons for my 2 last picks, and valued Hensley more. Hensley had a 2.66 ERA and 1.33 WHIP after the break last year where his K/9 increased substantially. And with Maddux aboard as a mentor, I can see Hensley having a good year, and a sub 4 ERA and 1.30 WHIP are reasonable projections, I’ll take that in round 24, I actually feel more comfortable with Hensley than with Westbrook and Duke.
25.03 Ryan Theriot, Util, CHC
Since Gibbons, not surprisingly, didn’t make it back to me, I figured that this was a good time for a long shot. It’s probably a wasted pick, but there is some potential with Theriot. He could be a good source for steals, and is the Cubs #1 utility man. He only qualifies at 2B but can be used even at OF, SS, and 3B, so he could become a new DeRosa. Theriot posted some pretty good numbers last year, in only 134 AB he had 13 SB with .412 OBP .522 SLG .934 OPS. Who knows, maybe new manager Pinella will take a liking to Theriot and play him more frequently, and there’s always the possibility of a trade or an injury that will open up for added playing time. There were also some OF that I also considered without starting jobs but with potential, but since I already had 6 OF, including Youkilis, a MI seemed more logical. If it doesn’t work out, I’m sure there will surface other options in the FA pool during the season.
35
C1-NRB Leader
ID: 01584348 Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 08:49
23.04 Craig Counsell, Util, MIL
I was trying to steal some steals here. Counsell has had double-digit steals every year the last four seasons, even when he didn’t play every day.
I also look for him to pick up multi-position eligibility which is always a plus for a benchwarmer.
24.13 Andy Marte, 3B, CLE
I was looking for some CI insurance here.
I see a lot of upside with Marte. He needs to work on his OBP to be a fantasy starter, but I like his SLG potential.
25.04 Gregg Zaun, C, TOR
Backup C, good SLG last season. Hopefully will never see a game for me.
36
loki Leader
ID: 01584348 Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 08:50
23.05 Adam Lowen, SP, Balt
Young SP and Leo Mazzone--a good combination for a late round sleeper.
24.12 Chris Snelling, OF, WASH
At the end of the draft my plans were to try to find young players who will have a chance of starting and have the potential to have a breakout season. The player could be a pitcher or a hitter at any position.
25.05 James Loney, 1B, LAD
Same as 24.12
37
Weykool Leader
ID: 01584348 Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 08:54
23.06 Jamie Moyer, SP, PHI
As long as I was grasping at straws it makes sense that I would draft a straw man.
Have no idea what I was thinking so I really have nothing "rational" to explain why I made this pick.
Dropped him already and he is waiver wire material.
24.11 Jeff Mathis, C, LAA
Not too much to say here.
Wanted a back up for Mauer.
Just hoping he gets enough PT to warrant a 24th round pick.
25.06 Brad Eldred, OF, PIT
This is my flier/prospect pick.
He may start out in AAA but he has earned the right to be in the bigs.
Hoping the Bucs management do the right thing.
38
Smith32 Leader
ID: 01584348 Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 08:55
23.07 Mike Sweeney, Util, KAN
I believe Sweeney is healthy at the moment. Unfortunately the season doesn't start for another 10 days so there is still time for him to get hurt. CBS calls him "an injury-risk flier". I can platoon him with Craig Monroe in the UTIL spot when he is healthy. I believe he went in round 18 in the RIBC
24.10 Juan Rincon, RP, MIN
Rincon put up great middle relief numbers prior to last year, and then had an unexpected rise in WHIP last year with only a few wins. Like several other players on my roster, I am going to pretend last year didn't happen and hope for 2004-2005 pre-steroid testing era numbers and hope he found a new undetectable source for 2007.
25.07 Jason Kendall, C, OAK
JeffG and I played chicken for quite awhile on the catcher position. I decided I wanted Ianetta or AJ, and that when 1 of them was drafted, I would take the other. Well, they both went in between my picks, so I just decided to wait until Rd 25 because I didn't really care after those 2 guys. Kendall is good for OBP, runs, and SB, but horrendous in RBI and SLG. I think I am pretty strong at RBI / SLG, so I decided to take him for help in the other categories. My other choice at C went undrafted.
39
allhair allstars Leader
ID: 01584348 Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 08:56
23.08 Wily Mo Pena, OF, BOS
I had a really hard time drafting this team due to outside (work) constraints. For me to be THAT distracted from a baseball draft, you know things were hairy. At some point after the Howry pick, the madness at my office had hit a fever pitch and I was starting to wig in earnest. Looking back at this draft I think that an awful lot of things will have to go remarkably well in order for me to be seriously competitive in this league. My team may just be the scariest team I've ever actually drafted. No, that can't be. But it has that kind of feel about it. It'll be an interesting season, but I'm ready for an uphill battle.
Wily Mo seemed like a good idea at the time. I'm hoping for him to produce well with the at bats he gets, and perhaps if injury strikes the BoSox outfield, Pena will get a chance to shine.
24.09 Ben Zobrist, SS, TAM
I got into my mind that I needed a backup shorty for Orlando Cabrera in case he sucked, or for Aurilia, in case he sucked. Zobrist is slated to fill the 2 hole, and with a full season to bloom and grow (I'm channeling the Von Trapps right now...) he might just end up surprising some folk. And if that doesn't happen, he'll probably just suck as well. His time in the bigs last year was kinda crappy (yes, I AM known for my indepth analysis) but he was a high OBP player in the minors with decent speed. We'll see if things pan out for him this year. Get in line.
25.08 Ryan Madson, RP, PHI
Ryan Madson was a bit of a "dood, it was the last round" kinda pick for me. There's a decent chance he'll beat out El Pulpo for the setup job for the Phillie's Flash Gordon, which hopefully means he'll be hovering around in full-on vulture mode whenever the straight-brimmed Gordon can't take the bump. This might be more (or less) of a stretch than I think it is, but with my current closer setup, a little stretching is good.
Big props to all the guys who helped out keep the rationale threads in order. Obviously extra big props to JeffG for all his work!
40
Andrew Leader
ID: 01584348 Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 08:58
23.09 Chad Orvella, RP, TAM
He was throned the next super-closer in TB last year and then struggled with his command before being sent down to the minors for some seasoning. In a very unsure TB bullpen, his talent could have him racking up saves in a month or 2. If not, its the 23rd round, and I'll live
24.08 Juan Salas, RP, TAM
Basically the same as above. He has good stuff and a shot(albeit slim) at closing. He might get me some decent rate stats, but if not...oh well.
25.09 Jeff Suppan, SP, MIL
With the uncertainty of many of my starting pitchers, I decided to change up my traditional RIBC strategy and draft a 7th starter. He has had some good years and some bad years, but has generally been atleast above average each year when all is said and done. With Mike Maddux coaching him, and what should be a decent Brewers lineup, he may be a huge steal in the 25th round. Once again, not expecting anything...but still hoping.
41
Slackjawed Yokel Leader
ID: 01584348 Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 10:21
23.10 Tom Gorzelanny, SP, PIT
I'm not expected to plug him in the lineup, but he's got some potential - with some high strikeout totals in the minors. His numbers in AAA last year were awesome (2.35 era .943 whip), and acceptable with the Bucs (3.8 era, 1.31 whip). So, I'll see how he starts - I may have found a gem, or he may be waiver wire material.
24.07 Shawn Green, OF, NYM
Another veteran here who I can play when he gets hot. Also found out once I checked my team that he has 1B eligibility, so that's a plus.
25.10 Aaron Heilman, RP, NYM
Heilman is a player I've owned in the past couple of seasons. He does a solid job as a long-middle reliever, so should be a regular in my lineup.
42
ksoze Leader
ID: 01584348 Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 10:23
23.11 Mark Prior, SP, CHC
He's Mark Prior, man. There's probably a 97% chance he'll be worthless, especially at the beginning of the season. But what if he's not? What if he comes back, recovers and strikes out more then a batter an inning with an ERA and WHIP like '05? I see those #'s and think that I can't help taking a chance on him here. I realize he most likely won't help me, but based on his potential talent ceiling I suppose I might as well take a chance.
24.06 Mark Ellis, 2B, OAK
Felt I needed another backup IF here. Like I said two picks ago, I wanted Hill. With him gone I really had to scramble to find one that was projected to start and might not kill my OBP. Ellis was who I came up with. He might not kill it if he plays closer to '05 then '06. He finished '06 on a high note before getting hurt in the ALDS so hopefully he'll put up better #'s this year. Along with double digits in HR's he should score 70 - 80 runs too, most likely while cheering my team on from the bench.
25.11 Doug , 1B, NYY
Going for a final hitter here and there weren't too many starters left, none of whom were really worth a damn. He had an OBP of .359 with KC last year and he's the Yankees starting 1B which puts him somewhere at the bottom of an awesome lineup, that might help. That's about all I see that he has going for him, but I didn't see much else left at this point.
43
Toral Leader
ID: 01584348 Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 13:34
23.12 Julian Tavarez, RP, BOS
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24.05 Mike Timlin, RP, BOS
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25.12 Michael Wuertz, RP, CHC
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44
JeffG Leader
ID: 01584348 Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 13:38
23.13 Rondell White, OF, Min
Just looking for OF #6. If he stays healthy, Ron-DL will get plenty of PT in Minnesota. He still has a little left in the tank.
24.04 Matt Lindstrom RP Fla
I still need a catcher. Well, I guess it will be a round 25 pick. I just hope alot of people do not pick up backups and leave me really hung out to dry. Out of the remaining catchers undrafted, I have a list of 4, hoping Kendall makes it back. As for this pick, Lindstrom is in the Marlins closer battle or possible commitee with teammates Kevin Gregg and Henry Owens, or there are trade rumors that include Jorge Julio (currently in Az), and Armando Benitez (currently in SF, of late often on the DL) joining the Marlins. Just playing the odds I could sneak a few saves out of this slot if the pieces fall into place and Lindstrom becomes the guy (initially anyway).
25.13 Benji Molina, C, SF
I need to fill in my C position. I did not intend for it to be with pick 25 but it just ended up that way. Molina should be just as viable as any catcher selected round 13 or later.
45
Species Leader
ID: 01584348 Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 13:40
23.14 Kazuo Matsui, 2B, COL
Not much rationale here - just a shot in the dark and quite likely my first cut if I find someone hot out of the gate. But, on his own, Matsui does have some potential in a stacked Rockies lineup, so you could do worse as an end of the draft MI flier.
24.03 Kerry Wood, RP, CHC
With darkside still to pick I slapped together a 2-man queue. On top was Randy Wolf. Ooooooooops, so I got Wood instead. Again this is the type of 'all or nothing' flier you take late in the draft that you either hit or miss early and reap rewards or cut your losses.
25.14 Kip Wells, SP, STL
I read a blurb saying that Wells had looked great in the spring and might even be StL's #2 starter this year. This is a total flier and we'll see how it shakes out.
46
darkside
ID: 571157298 Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 13:59
23.15 Esteban German, 2B/3B/OF, KC
I didn’t have any intention going into this draft to have so many qualifiers at MI, but when it came to this pick I figured German would really add to my flexibility. With such a small bench it’s important to be flexible, so with him, Lugo, Teahen, Betemit and Cuddyer all having multiple position eligibilities, I’m really quite prepared for injury, off days, etc (which is already important since my 3rd OF, Carlos Quentin, is hurting and not swinging a bat for 10 days). Too, German has been a very solid producer. He was one of KC’s best hitters last year and that has carried over into the spring. He’s doing quite well and, with Grudz out for now, has a starting spot. The problem could be when Grudz comes back, but with German hitting as well as he is, and being as versatile as he is, they’ll find a way to get him in the lineup. He’s a solid guy to have on the bench.
24.02 Randy Wolf, SP, LAD
I wanted at least one more starting pitcher, but the pickings were slim. With Wolf it’s a risk/reward pick that is perfect for a 24th round selection. He’s been hurt for the last 2 years, but before that had been a very solid starter who put up decent SO numbers. Moving to LA and their pitcher friendly park will help him, especially since he’s a fly ball pitcher. If he keeps his ERA in the low 4’s and a WHIP in the 1.3’s with 120 K’s, I’d be happy. I can see him winning 10 games, so it was a worthwhile gamble at this stage of the game.
25.15 Matt Miller, RP, Cle
I thought long and hard about taking another starter here. I hope I don’t regret it, but the SP I was looking at were having good springs, but their history shows that is not the norm. If they carry it into the season, perhaps I’ll pick them up. Miller is an enigma. He’s actually very good when he plays, it’s just that he rarely plays for a long enough period of time to garner any attention. His 3 year averages are fairly impressive, though: IP/SO/ERA/WHIP - 33.6/30/2.68/1.162. But, he’s always derailed by injury. If he can stay healthy, he could be a great bargain for my last pick. His spring stats are sick 7.1 IP, 14 K’s, 3 hits, 2 ER. I don’t expect him to keep up 2 k’s per inning, but I like what I see so far.
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JL Leader
ID: 01584348 Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 14:07
23.16 Garret Anderson, OF, LAA 24.01 Jose Guillen, OF, SEA
I'm doing both of these picks with one rationale. Both players have put up solid numbers in the past, but have seen their production fall off in the past few years. Anderson is supposedly completely healthy for the first time in 3 years. A healthy Garret Anderson knocks in over 100 runs per year. He's old and brittle, though, so I'm not expecting much. Guillen is supposedly sane for the first time in 2 years. A sane Jose Guillen is a guy with a .900+ OPS. He's crazy, though, so I'm not expecting much.
25.16 Cliff Floyd, OF, Chi
Honestly, this was the last pick and I just randomly selected someone so the draft would end. Floyd is usually spectacular in the 18-20 games that he plays in before getting injured, but he'll be the first player that I drop when I see a better option on the waiver wire.