Forum: base
Page 19043
Subject: RIBC 2007: Draft Rationales (rounds 21-25)

  Posted by: Guru - [330592710] Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 16:04
Rationales for rounds 1-5

Rationales for rounds 6-10

Rationales for rounds 11-15

Rationales for rounds 16-20
 
1Philsphan
Donor
ID: 301442416
Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 23:14 		Sorry Guru, I posted this in the other thread by mistake.

21.01 Mike Lowell, 3B, BOS
This too was going to be my Catcher pick, but I also needed a B/U 3B. Seeing Lowell’s name near the top of my depth chart at this point was hard to ignore. Again, this is another low-risk pick imho. He had a fairly decent bounce-back year last year. Anything close to the numbers he had in ‘06 (80/79, .339/.475) and I will be content with the production of my 21st pick.
 
2StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Tue, Mar 20, 2007, 23:57 		21.02 Kenny Rogers, SP, DET

What's not to like about Kenny ROgers in the 21st round? Pitched in the World Series last year and looked fantastic, even after wiping off the "mud". Should easily be a 15 game winner with a low ERA and good whip. So he only K's about 1/2 batter an inning, I can live with that as this point. He's old and fades in the second half, but I know what to be looking for.
 
3Athletics Guy
ID: 281162612
Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 03:31 		21.03 Ryan Church, OF, WAS

There are a lot of question marks in my outfield. So I decided to address that issue with this pick. Ryan Church should fill in nicely as an .800+ OPS player if one of my other OF picks fizzles out. So far, he's struggling this spring and it might actually cost him his starting job. In round 21, I had nothing to lose by taking him.
 
5Trip
Leader
ID: 13961611
Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 08:41 		21.04 - Mike Timlin, RP, BOS

When healthy he's the favorite to close in Boston. That could change at any second, but if he can pull it off, this is a bargain.
 
6Flying Polack
Sustainer
ID: 378582811
Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 14:17 		for Dave R:
21.05 Brendan Donnelly RP BOS
This pick seemingly may have lost some of it's luster with today's news that Papelbon will agian close for the Red Sox. The hope was that Donnelly may emerge as the full time closer, or at worst, stumble into a dozen saves or so.

2004 and 2005 were stellar years for Donnelly, posting a superb ERA and WHIP each year and averaging better than a K/inning combined. There was a dramatic drop off last year, possibly due to age.

Even with the Papelbon news, this pick could turn out OK if he reverts to the Donnelly of 2004 and 2005. If not, well........

 
7Flying Polack
Sustainer
ID: 378582811
Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 14:18 		21.06 Adam Loewen, SP, Bal
Well, I had to take Loewen here. I wanted to take him with my 20th pick, but I was worried Inge wouldn’t make it past Philspan who still needed a CI (he took Lowell, I don’t know if he was looking at Inge).

I was ecstatic when Loewen made it back to me. He’s looking very good in spring training 13/3 K/BB ratio in 8 innings. He’s also had a full off season to work with Leo Mazzone and won’t be pitching in the World Baseball Classic. I’m very excited about the upside of my pitching staff now with Cabrera, Loewen, and Perez.
 
8Bags
ID: 2500120
Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 14:32 		21.07 Mike Pelfrey, SP, NYM

I wanted a high upside SP and Pelfery is one of the last who will be starting the season. He has been walking a too many hitters in spring training and his SO's haven't been as good as his career minor league numbers. I think he can settle down once the season starts and will be good for the Mets.
 
9blue hen
Leader
ID: 710321114
Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 14:37 		for Peter N:
21.08 Brandon McCarthy, SP, TEX
This was a sleeper pick at pitcher of mine going into the draft. And yes, this is a homer pick. I'll go ahead and say that up-front. :-) Texas traded away a prized prospect for this guy and I have to believe our management has a clue as to what they are doing. I'm not ready to start drawing comparisons to Jack McDowell like I've been reading, but I still expect him to be a nice spot start for me as my 6th man. People are weary of him pitching in Texas. Well, so am I which is why I'll likely start him on the road until he shows me that he can be effective at home.
 
10blue hen
Leader
ID: 710321114
Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 14:43 		21.09 Dan Johnson, 1B, OAK

Everyone's sleeper a year ago, I think Johnson has a lot of value. There aren't a lot of at-bats to go around in Oakland, but Piazza and Bradley and [undrafted X 4] are all pretty injury prone. I think Johnson will play about 150 games and put up an 850 OPS. That's pretty solid at this point in the draft. I only have one hitter left, and I am targeting the guy I also considered for this spot: Luis Gonzalez.
 
11holt
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 16:01 		21.1 Mike MacDougal RP CWS
Jenks has been really bad this spring, and MacDougal was pretty good last year (1.55 era, 0.93 whip). control probs seem to be a thing of the past, and he's good for a K per inning.

Jenks is already on thin ice. OZZIE on Jenks:

"When you don't have your velocity there, you have (to have) command, and he doesn't have either one. You have to start stepping it up. Two weeks ago, I said, 'We have a long time. We have a couple of weeks.' Now it's time to go out and perform. I'm not saying he's not my closer, but I want to see better stuff."
 
12Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 16:02 		21.11 ~ Shea Hillenbrand, 1B/3B, LAA

Shea Hillenbrand is a player whose position eligibility makes him seem better than he is. He doesn’t have a lot of power, or a lot of speed … but I only intend on starting him if I am unable to get to 162 games at 1B or 3B. His second-half playing time is already in question, but he starts the season as the Anaheim DH.
 
13Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 16:24 		21.12 Cliff Lee, SP, Cle

He had an inconsistent 2006, and will start the year on the DL. Still, if he just has a year similar to the last one, he’s not a horrible pick in round 21. If he could regain something like his 2005 numbers, he’s a steal. He’s only 28, so it’s not like he should be on the performance downslope yet.
 
14Building 7
Sustainer
ID: 171572711
Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 16:38 		21.13 Nook Logan, OF, WASH

We were going to name our kid Nook. I forgot to mention about these rationales…....don’t believe anything I say. Looking for more steals or trade bait here. Plus I’m going to need a full-time 5th outfielder with the likes of injury-prone Manny, Baldelli, and Podsednik.
 
15KrazyKoalaBears
ID: 15023167
Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 16:43 		21.14 Aaron Heilman, RP, NYM
Believe it or not, I'm drafting him as a RP and hope he stays there. I was considering Jenkins with this pick, but seeing that JTSERB (1 RP) and RocketRichard (possible need for MR) would likely fill in some RP holes, I decided to pull the trigger on Heilman.

Realistically, I'm hoping for some improvement from Heilman. His 2006 showed 4 W, 7.55 K/9, 3.62 ERA, 1.161 WHIP. I think Rotowire's projections of 7 W, 7.95 K/9, 3.41 ERA, and 1.147 WHIP are right in line with my thinking and it's what I drafted him for.

There was some question about some elbow tendinitis, but he seems to be okay. He's said it may flare up now and again, but I can handle that as long as he doesn't hit the DL for an extended period of time. Like Rincon, I just want a decent amount of wins, K/9, ERA, and WHIP for minimal IP investment and I think I'll get it.

With JTSERB and RocketRichard both taking RPs that were on my radar after this pick, I'm even more glad I took Heilman before Jenkins.
 
16KrazyKoalaBears
ID: 15023167
Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 16:46 		21.15 A.J. Pierzynski C CWS
Placeholder
 
17KrazyKoalaBears
ID: 15023167
Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 16:47 		for filthy:
21.16 Fernando Cabrera RP CLE
Big, strikeout machine who had his first real setback last year. If he can rebound and learn from that he has the chance to be a star, even last year he was considered as closer so I am sure at some point this year he will earn himself another shot, hopefully the opportunity presents itself.

22.01 Andy Marte 3B CLE
Another young Indian, why not. Really needed some CI depth here and there wasn't much left to choose from, surprised Marte even lasted. From everything I have heard, this guy is gonna be real good one day. I just hope that it is while he's on my team!
 
18KrazyKoalaBears
ID: 15023167
Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 16:47 		22.02 Kerry Wood RP CHC
Placeholder
 
19KrazyKoalaBears
ID: 15023167
Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 16:48 		22.03 Geoff Jenkins, OF, MIL
It's speculatin' time!

The roster is full and it's time to go find some guys who are very high risk/very high reward. Everybody has CLEARLY steered away from Jenkins because of his 2006 and because of talk of a platoon role with Mench. But, all Jenkins has done since the start of Spring Training is show his old form to the tune of 12 Gm, 9 R, 9 RBI, .448 AVG, and .517 SLG. If Jenkins can keep this sort of thing going and put in a year more like 2005 or 2003 (hey, it's an odd year this year!), then he will be an absolute steal in the 22nd round.

But, the reality is that it SHOULDN'T matter too much. I already have a guy to fill my Util spot and I already have the 4 OFers I need. Right now, Jenkins is projected to be a hole-filler if/when I need him. But, if he keeps hitting like he is, I'm not going to hesitate to bench someone else, even if it's just when Jenkins is facing righties.

And it's a good thing I took Blake instead of Jenkins in the 17th round...
 
20Building 7
Sustainer
ID: 171572711
Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 17:09 		22.04 Scott Thorman, 1B,OF, ATL

I needed a 1B bad, and you guys hogged all the good ones. My team needs some youth on it anyways. So y'all forced me to pick this guy. When he has a big season, you will all regret leaving him for the 22nd round.

Since Atlanta traded LaRoche, they must feel good about this guy filling in. We'll see. I'm not usually big on rookies in fantasy baseball. I like to see how they do awhile, and by then, if they're any good, someone else has taken them.
 
21Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 17:15 		22.05 Esteban German, 2B/3B/OF, KC

I have my 12 starting hitters in place already, and have been filling out my pitching staff for the past 4 rounds. There is one chink in my hitting armor, however; Felipe Lopez won't have eligibility at 2B to start the season, even though he’s slotted to be the Nats starting second baseman. So, while waiting for Lopez to gain his 2B credentials, I need someone to fill that hole.

Mathematically, Esteban German was on the top of my list of available 2B-eligible players. However, I’ve generally been discounting him as an option because, although he’s eligible at 2B, 3B, and OF (and played about 25 games at each position last year), he’s not yet slotted to be a starting regular. However, that mix of positions could be really useful for my team, so I decided to probe further.

He’s been ripping the ball this spring with an OPS of almost .900 in 51 AB. That may sound ridiculous, but in 331 PA last season, he posted an OPS of .848. In addition, I think he’s likely to open the season at 2B, since the undrafted guy who has the 2B job on paper is recovering from knee surgery. And since that’s precisely the time that I need a second sacker, how convenient! If he continues to hit well, the Royals will find a way to keep his bat busy. And if he doesn’t,… well, then I won’t care anymore.

The downside, of course, is that he ends up as only a spot starter. And he does play on the Royals, which can’t help his offensive output, no matter how well he hits on his own. He’s not the kind of hitter who is going to be driving himself in. But he seems to fit the bill for what I need at this juncture, and there’s always the possibility that he works out much better than anticipated.

Then again, for a 21strounder, is there any such thing as a “downside”?
 
22Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 21, 2007, 18:06 		22.06 ~ Garret Anderson, OF, LAA

One of the rules I generally follow late in the draft is selecting younger players with breakout potential. I broke that rule with Anderson because most of the good-upside guys are already off the board. Hitting in the middle of the Anaheim lineup will give him RBI opportunities, but like many members of my team … doesn’t like to walk to first base.

I really wanted to add Calero, Crain, or Farnsworth and thought one of them would last until my next pick. As it turns out, they didn’t even make it though round 22.
 
23StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 01:01 		For holt
22.07 Kiko Calero RP OAK
I've always been a Calero fan. what were the redbirds thinking when they shipped haren and calero to OAK for mulder? wow. Calero is good enough to be a closer somewhere. hope he gets a chance sometime in his career. I just drafted him for good era/whip and good K/9. career numbers: 3.10 era, 1.13 whip, 217K in 197 IP.
 
24StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 01:02 		For blue hen

22.08 Luis Gonzalez OF LAD
Here's my real sleeper this year. Sure, he's 39, playing in a pitcher's park, and trying to hold off some young kids. But he did hit 52 doubles last year, and while I can't envision another 57 homer season, I think LuGonz's power is still there. He walks enough to be dangerous, and put up a .934 OPS just three years ago. That's probably too much to ask at this point, but I do expect a bit of productivity here.
 
25StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 01:04 		For ttucowboy

22.09 Henry Owens RP FLA
He's been having a great spring training battling with a few others for the closers spot in Florida. I'm hoping he can get me a few saves and not hurt the ERA and WHIP. Not expecting much from him, but this good turn out to be a sweet pick if he can win the closers job.
 
26StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 01:05 		For Bags

22.10 Gerald Laird C TEX
Laird was like the 16th catcher taken. I believe that he could finish the season as a top 10 catcher. How does that help me when I already have Piazza? I'm not sure. I expect at some point Piazza will miss a few games and I will need a catcher. Also at this point in the draft Laird was miles above any other hitter I could have drafted. If Piazza hits as well as expected I might have to roll with to catchers starting on my team.
 
27StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 01:09 		For Flying Polack

22.11 Chad Orvella RP TAM
 
28StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 01:10 		For Dave R:

22.12 Mike Napoli C LAA
I had been avoiding a catcher like the plague for several rounds, deciding that I could grab one at any time, with little drop off. I had thought of grabbing Napoli several rounds earlier, so it worked out.

Last year in 99 games, Napoli drove in 42 and scored 47 runs, while posting an OBP of .360 and SLG % of .455. He even stole 2 bases ;)His batting average will suck, but displays a good eye which will hopefully drive up his OBP. Power doesn't seem to be an issue.

 
29StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 01:12 		For trip

22.13 Kyle Farnsworth RP NYY

A strikeout an inning reliever who should be able to vulture an unfair share of wins due to the Yankee's unfair lineup advantage, Farnsworth should also grab a few saves for me as well. While Rivera has been as dependable as they come, so has his yearly pre-postseason shutdown.
 
30StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 01:12 		For AthleticsGuy

22.14 Jesse Crain RP MIN
I thought my pitching looked pretty strong, but there's always room for improvement. There were quite a few middle relievers available who could strengthen my team, so I'm glad I waited this long. I wasn't looking for anyone who could potentially take over a closer spot by opening day. Honestly, if there was one of those left, I didn't see him. Instead I focused on pitchers with high strikeout rates and low WHIP. I thought Jesse Crain was the best available, so I picked him.
 
31StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 01:15 		22.15 Nick Punto, 2B,SS,3B MIN

With this pick I was wanting a utility player but he needed to have SS eligibility to back up Glaus. Punto can get some steals and is on a good team. Hopefully I won't need to use him much, but I don't think he will hurt me when I do. Really just trying to add some depth now.
 
32Philsphan
Donor
ID: 301442416
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 09:41 		22.16 Gregg Zaun, C, TOR
The only question in my mind is will he still be on my roster May 1.

23.01 Chad Qualls, RP, HOU
I am coming up on my mythical projected innings max, so I was looking for a solid setup man. With Lidge still somewhat unsteady, there are any number of pitchers that can possibly close for Houston. So maybe Qualls gives me some cheap saves and 6-8 wins along the way.

 
33StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 11:49 		23.02 Randy Wolf, SP, LAD

I wanted to round my rotation out with a pitcher that has upside. Randy Wolf fit that bill nicely. If you just looked at his recent stats there would be nothing of interest, however, go back a few years and he looks much better. Moving to a pitchers park in LA should help. I'm not expecting a lot, maybe 12 wins, 140Ks. I think a lot is going to depend on his ability to throw strikes. If he does that then his whip and era could be pretty good. If not, well, there is always a bench spot open on my team.
 
34StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 11:52 		For Athletics Guy

23.03 Jon Rauch, RP, WAS

Similar to my last pick, I just wanted to get a boost in my ERA, WHIP and K's. Jon Rauch was on my roster for much of last season and he really impressed me. I just hope his heavy workload from last season didn't wear him out too much. If something were to happen to Chad Cordero, Rauch might find himself in the closer's role. Looking over the Nationals roster, nobody really jumps out as closer material except for Rauch. If I get some saves here, it would be a nice bonus.
 
35Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 11:59 		for Trip:
23.04 Clay Hensley, SP, SDG

It always gets me when I hear comments that there is no one available at this point in the draft. I always find myself torn between 3-4 guys with the late picks especially. Hopefully most of the guys I'm looking at will be available on the free agent wire, when it comes time to cut bait with my sea of MRs.
 
36StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 16:23 		For DaveR

23.05 Jason Kubel OF Min

Late rounds always seem to be about trying to catch lightning in a bottle. Kubel apparently will be the lefty platoon of Minny's DH and may get additional OF AB's.

His knee injuries seem to be behind him and he has hit .385 this spring. 400 AB's could translate into 60 runs and RBI's with a decent OPS
 
37StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 16:24 		For Flying Pollack

23.06 Jose Guillen, OF, Sea
I had a one man queue with Jason Kubel, unfortunately Sanfordors was thinking the same way. I needed an outfielder here to back up Bonds. Guillen is a starter, but who knows how good he’ll be come back from Tommy John surgery. He does have a bit of upside, not too many guaranteed starters left with upside. If he bombs out, oh well.

 
38Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 17:28 		for Bags:
23.07 Reed Johnson, OF, TOR
I'm not sure how this guy will work out for me, but he is the lead off hitter and should play full time. At this point in the draft anyone who can play full time is worth a shot.
 
39Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 17:28 		for Peter N:
23.08 Adam Kennedy, 2B, STL
Kennedy will serve as a backup MI for me. Derosa's flexibility allows me to move him around should an injury occur and insert Kennedy into the MI slot. He's with STL know and that won't hurt his numbers offensively. He was also one of the few remaining MIs with a decent projected OBP and a starting job out of the gate.
 
40Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 17:29 		for blue hen:
23.09 Yuniesky Betancourt, SS, SEA
I had Betancourt last year, and although they said he was going to run more, he really didn't. I think he could get some steals and actually think he might take over as a regular in my middle infield at some point. He definitely gives me depth in that area. I'm also expecting about 30 steals. The best part is some other managers told me they were looking at Yuniesky when I took him.
 
41Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 17:29 		for holt:
23.10 Rafael Betancourt, RP, CLE

I'm really short-handed on SP's so I'm trying to fill as many innings with good era/whip as possible. Betancourt should be 2nd in line for save chances if/when Borowski goes down. career numbers: 3.26 ERA, 1.16 whip, 233K in 229 IP.
 
42Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 17:30 		for Tosh:
23.11 Kevin Gregg, RP, FLA
I really wanted R. Betancourt here, but missed him by one pick. Kevin Gregg is a LIMA-type reliever with high K/9 numbers. With the Florida closer role still up in the air, I might as well join the sweepstakes, and maybe I’ll get some saves out of him eventually.
 
43Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 17:31 		23.12 Jason Westbrook, SP, Cle
I’m evidently trying to corner the market on the Cleveland pitching staff. (How’d I manage to miss Sabathia?)

Westbrook will have spurts when he pitches like an ace, and then he’ll get torched. From what I’ve seen, that pretty much defines his spring training as well.

He’s only 29. Maybe he’ll develop some consistency yet.
 
44Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:32 		for Building 7:
23.13 Todd Coffey RP CIN
I read somewhere he may have a chance to close. If that does not pan out, I'll probably cut him. Cincinnati pitchers scare me.
 
45Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:33 		for KKB:
23.14 Scott Hairston, OF, ARI
I'm actually writing this BEFORE I make my pick because no matter what happens, I need to take care of a developing situation...

Rotowire: Quentin has a small tear in the labrum of his left (non-throwing) shoulder, and will not swing a bat for about 10 days [...] [Quentin]'s clearly a risk to begin the year on the DL, and if rest doesn't heal the injury, this could affect his performance this season.

CLEARLY, I need to fill in this potential hole in my OF. I could easily do this with Jenkins, but Jenkins is a bit too high risk/high reward to fill in the hole of my 11th Round pick. With just one more pick before it's my turn, I'm hoping Scott Hairston will land in my lap as he should be the guy filling in for Quentin and his OPS is pretty sweet. My other options are Shawn Green and Jay Gibbons, but I'd have to research both a bit more before deciding.

If Hairston falls to me, I'll be VERY happy and his OPS and fill-in role for Quentin will be enough of a rationale. If not, I'll be writing more after this sentence...

Okay, one more sentence: THANK YOU! :)
 
46Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:34 		for JTSERB:
23.15 Nate Robertson SP DET
 
47Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:34 		for filthy:
23.16 Scott Eyre RP CHC


24.01 Damaso Marte RP PIT

 
48Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:35 		for JTSERB:
24.02 Matt Thornton RP CWS

 
49Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:35 		for KKB:
24.03 Jeff Baker 1B COL
Okay, so he's not qualified at 1B right now, but if I need him, it means he'll be filling in for Helton and should either already have 1B eligibility (through filling in at the ends of games; 10 games) or get it quickly enough (5 starts).

This wasn't as desperate a need for me as Hairston became, but I decided to look over my roster for potential injuries and Helton stuck out at me. Baker filled in for him in ST and should do the same if Helton's injury causes him to land on the DL. Baker was a monster in his 57 AB last year and put up a respectable .877 OPS in AAA (482 AB). If he needs to fill in, I'll count on him for something around an .850 OPS, which won't COMPLETELY fill in for Helton, but it would make Helton's abscence a bit easier to take. It would also prevent me from scouring the FA list for anybody even remotely getting playing time.

Here's hoping I can drop him in May or so...

 
50Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:35 		for Building 7
24.04 Ryan Garko 1B CLE
I needed a 1B bad, and you guys hogged all the good ones. My team needs some youth on it anyways. So y'all forced me to pick this guy. When he has a big season, you will all regret leaving him for the 24th round.
 
51Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:36 		24.05 Jason Kendall, C, Oak

A filler when the Dodgers have an off day, or when I know that Russ Martin has a day off. Kendall plays a lot, so the odds are as good as any that he’ll be playing on those key dates. He’s one of the few full time major leaguers who posted an OBP (.367) that was higher than his slugging percentage (.342) last year.

I wouldn’t want him as a full time catcher, but maybe I can catch lightning in a bottle if he plays well on those dates when I need him to fill in. And he won’t get enough at bats on my team for his wimpy slugging to matter.

He’ll also probably be the first hitter I drop when something better comes along.
 
52Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:37 		for Tosh:
24.06 Juan Uribe SS CWS
OK. So he might have shot a guy. And he turned in the lowest OPB in the majors in 2006 among players with more than 100 games played. But he also suffered a number of injuries, so I’m writing up 2006 as a lost injury-year. So far in 2007, Uribe has put up .356/.537/7 runs/10 RBIs. Maybe he’s recovered after all …
 
53Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:37 		for holt:
24.07 Ryan Madson RP PHI
I don't know what I was thinking here. I drafted Madson last year and he stunk. I guess I was thinking that Gordon might go down and Madson could be in line for some saves. problem is, I may cut Madson long before that happens. I need more SP's (especially now that it has been announced that Papelbon is going back to the pen) but I can't fix that during the draft. going to have to fix it with FA's during the season. I should have just taken Wily Mo Pena or Jamey Carroll.
 
54Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:38 		for blue hen:
24.08 Mike Stanton RP CIN
I also had Stanton for a spell last year and he did fine. Looks like he's split closer duties with David Weathers to start, but he's as good a bet as any to get a few saves in that bullpen. That's why I got him, and that's exactly what you look for in a 24th round pick.
 
55Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:38 		for Peter N:
24.09 Kevin Mench OF MIL
He was nicknamed Shrek in Texas and thats why I drafted him. Seriously, he has some potential and has plenty of pop in his bat. He is facing a possible platoon situation so it'll be interesting to see how that pans out. I liked him in Texas, but this will probably be my first cut.
 
56Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:38 		for Bags:
24.1 Frank Catalanotto OF TEX
I wasn't really thrilled with this pick. I like "Cat" as a player but am not sure what kind of fantasy impact he will have. My best case is that Wilkerson plays like crap again this year and Cat gets moved to an everyday player. I don't want any of that to happen though. As a Rangers fan we need Wilkerson to produce this year.
 
57Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:39 		for Flying Polack:
24.11 Matt Garza SP MIN
Another pitcher with great upside? Why not? Don't know whether he makes the club out of spring training, eventually he'll get a job once Gardenhire realizes both Ortiz and Ponson suck. I don't expect that to last past April. Hopefully I can keep a roster spot open for him until then.
 
58Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:39 		for Dave R:
24.12 Juan Salas RP TAM

 
59Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:39 		for Trip:
24.13 James Loney 1B LAD

Before making up my queue for the last two rounds I wrote up a one sentence rationale on all the players I was considering and ended up reordering based upon those rationales. The top two were who I flipped flopped on the most, and I ended up getting 2 of my top 3. They follow below:

1. Matt Garza - This year's Liriano
2. James Loney - On fire this spring, Top 10 PECOTA comps include: Adrian Gonzalez, Justin Morneau, Aramis Ramirez, Garrett Atkins
3. Tom Gorzelanny - Best source for K's and decent rats left

While I was disappointed Garza didn't make it to me, I was kind of hoping I would get Loney with that pick. I don't understand how the Dodgers aren't starting the season with Loney, especially given his nice spring. While I hope to have jettisoned the Marlins/Red Sox relievers tomorrow morning, I may test my patience and see how long I can hold on to Loney.

 
60Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:39 		for Athletics Guy:
24.14 Jamey Carroll 2B COL
I wanted to add some depth to my MI and I decided to take a chance on Jamey Carroll. If Kaz Matsui struggles (as he usually does), Carroll can get regular playing time again. That would give me more flexibility in who I can put in my starting lineup.
 
61Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:40 		for StlCards:
24.15 Kip Wells SP STL

Had to get a homer pick in there somewhere :)
Wells is a lot like my last pick of Wolf. Coming off an injury, has potential, and moving to a better situation. In Wells case he is moving to the defending WS champs (had to get that in) and is slated to be there #2 pitcher. He gets to work with Dave Duncan and will learn to throw first pitch strikes or else have to answer to Chris Duncan ;)

With Wells you really don't know what you are getting. Just about everything has been said about him from promising starter to a risky gamble. When the Cards signed Carpenter originally I had a hard time understanding why based on the stats, so I'm hoping they see something in Wells that I don't. First strike pitches and throwing to contact should certainly help Wells in my mind. I can imagine 200IP, 15W, 140Ks, 4.2ERA, 1.3whip. Time will tell, but I like his potential for wins and k's if nothing else.
 
62Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:40 		for Philsphan:
24.16 Jay Payton OF BAL
Currently in a platoon situation with Corey Patterson, but he is here strictly as insurance. This pick was a mistake. Why didn't I pick Wily Mo here???


25.01 Jon Lieber SP PHI
With the news of Freddie Garcia’s arm problems yesterday, Lieber suddenly had some value. I had him last year and his early season blowups nearly ruined me. So, lesson learned (or is it?), but I hope Lieber has some incentive here to perform well since he knows he’s being showcased for a trade that probably will never happen now.
 
63Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:41 		for StlCards
25.02 Wily Mo Pena OF BOS
With this pick I wanted someone that had potential to be an impact player on my team. I looked mainly at the corner infield position and had a couple of guys in mind, but in the end big Wily Mo on a potent Boston team was just too good to pass up. Afterall, how long will it be until JD Drew slips on the dugout steps or gets a hangnail? Actually I envision playing time as a reserve outfielder and even read they are working him at 3B. His bat is well suited to slugging categories so I just need to wait until he gets a shot. Worth a chance with my last pick.
 
64Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:41 		for Athletics Guy:
25.03 Jose Lopez 2B SEA
While I wouldn't call 2006 a breakout year for Jose Lopez, it was decent for such a young player in his first season as a starter. He's only 23-years old, so chances are he's only going to get better. At the very least, Lopez gives me another alternative in case Vidro doesn't perform up to my expectations.
 
65Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:41 		for Trip:
25.04 Tom Gorzelanny SP PIT

Gorzelanny has had an awful spring, which may be the reason he lasted this long. Funny that KKB mentioned that he wanted him, as he took Billingsley who was a few slots down in my queue. Barring a hot start, I expect for Gorzellany to hit the waiver wire shortly. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as I hope to compete with Blue Hen for the transactions title again this season.

 
66Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:42 		for Dave R:
25.05 Mark Ellis 2B OAK

 
67Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:42 		for Flying Polack:
25.06 Todd Linden OF SFO
A little Barry Bonds insurance. Linden has been tearing the cover off the ball in spring training. As the Giants 4th OFer he is someone I can spot start for Barry Bonds, or release without much remorse.
 
68Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:42 		for Bags:
25.07 Jonathan Sanchez RP SFO
This guy should be the Giants 5th starter and starting over Ortiz. Maybe at some point this year it will happen. In the mean time he is supposed to be in the bullpen. The other reason I took a chance on him was his K rate in the minors being very high. That is all.
 
69Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:43 		for Peter N:
25.08 Paul Lo Duca C NYM
If the season goes the way I hope it will, I won't need LoDuca. However, it doesn't hurt to get a backup catcher and he's solid.
 
70Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:43 		for blue hen:
25.09 Matt Kemp OF LAD
I have Kemp for one reason and one reason only. He backs up Gonzalez in real life, and he backs up Gonzalez on my team. As a prospect, I'm not too big on Kemp, but the Dodgers have been known to make mistakes, and if they decide Kemp is a better option than Gonzalez, I'll be ready. I've been targetting this pick for a while, but I knew there would be no rush for Kemp's services, so I am happy to get him here.

I found a decent sleeper who is still not drafted, but I might just wait and grab him off waivers.

 
71Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:43 		for holt:
25.1 Erick Aybar SS LAA
great speed (he's stolen 50 bases a couple times in the minors) and solid bat. right now it looks like he'll be a super-utility guy the way Figgins used to be. it's also possible he could be traded to a team looking for a full-time SS (he's also rated pretty highly defensively). who knows? maybe it's a year too early for him and I cut him right away.
 
72Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:44 		for Tosh:
25.11 Adam Miller SP CLE
Whew. Last guy. I still need about 150 IP, and maybe Miller will give them to me. He pitched lights out this Spring with 14 scoreless innings, but starts the season in AAA. He’ll probably be the first call-up from Buffalo if Cleveland needs a starter. Now I just wonder if I have the patience to wait until then before I cut him.
 
73Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:44 		25.12 Craig Biggio, 2B, Hou

I had planned to nab Duaner Sanchez here as a backstop to Billy Wagner, but just before making the pick, I noted that he was shut down today after experiencing shoulder pain in a bullpen session. So I figured I’d try something else.

Biggio gives me a third extra hitter, which is more than I usually carry. But he does provide an extra 2B, which then gives me a redundant hitter at any position. Once Felipe Lopez qualifies at 2B, Biggio will probably be expendable. But he should be a serviceable hitting sub in a pinch.
 
74Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:45 		for Building 7:
25.13 Arthur Rhodes RP SEA
I thought this guy retired a few years ago. May be in the mix for saves if Putz goes down. I also considered many other players who will now be on waivers. It looks like a great batch of players and I look forward to adding many of them to my team.
 
75Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 23, 2007, 16:45 		for KKB:
25.14 Chad Billingsley RP LAD
Realistically, I wanted Gorzelanny here, but I'm fine with Billingsley. Either way, I wanted a guy with good K/9 potential and someone I thought had a good chance of filling in the 150 IP or so I have available. With picking Billingsley, I'll need to add someone else at some point to fill in all of those 150 IP, but that's fine since I won't likely keep all 3 of my hitter picks from rounds 22-24, particularly since 2 of them are injury back-ups.In the end, good K/9, ERA, and WHIP potential, with some W likely thrown in.
 
76filthy
ID: 27224243
Sat, Mar 24, 2007, 17:08 		for JTSerb:
25.15 Zack Greinke SP KC

 
77filthy
ID: 27224243
Sat, Mar 24, 2007, 17:15 		25.16 Jose Valentin 2B NYM
I still needed some backup at the middle infield and in the outfield and one guy stood out like a sore thumb. I probably wont use him in the outfield but it's nice to have the option. Plus Jose Valentin saved me so many times last year from a horrifying MI situation. He actually gets a full time job this year, for now at least, and gets to bat in quite a potent lineup. I think that's worthy of being the final pick of the draft.