Forum: base
Page 19796
Subject: RIBC 2009: Draft Rationales (Rounds 18-25)

  Posted by: Guru - [330592710] Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:09
Continuing for the next 8 rounds.

Rationales for rounds 1-8

Rationales for rounds 9-17
 
1Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:10 		for vampire weekend
18.01 Jordan Zimmerman SP WAS

Assuming Jordan gets a rotation spot and assuming he can keep up his torid spring efforts. Rough outing last time out...hope he responds strongly. I am sure I will have to suffer through some Cueto-like growing pains but what can you do.
 
2Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:11 		for coldwater coyotes
18.02 Cesar Izturis SS BAL
I finally took a SS. What a mess, he is going to kill my SLG%. Lets hope he can run at Baltimore and deliver 25+ SBs.
 
3Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:11 		for Bash Brothers
18.03 Mark Teahen 2B KAN
Again this was the Hudson-related pick (I don't know why I have so many hard feelings on Hudson, even though he plays for my beloved Dodgers). Teahen was said to be the front runner for the 2B job in KC. He is young and has shown good power potential. He even swiped some bases this spring. If he becomes the starter at 2B, this would probably be my best pick of the draft.
 
4Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:11 		for rheo
18.04 Jeremy Guthrie SP BAL
Needed another starter and I like his numbers. May not get many wins but the rest will be solid. Really thought of him as the best available, especially after Carmona went before him.
 
5Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:12 		for Species
18.05 Joe Saunders SP LAA
Not a strikeout pitcher, but to snatch a 15-ish game winner with (hopefully) a sub 4.00 ERA and sub 1.30 WHIP seemed like a good gamble. I like taking SP's who are on contending teams and have good bullpens to help promote the wins category.
 
6Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:12 		for dror
18.06 Russell Branyan 1B SEA
Branyan was a journeyman for years, and always produced strong power numbers. He is finally getting his chance to play everyday, and with 600 PAs should be able to top 30 homers. His OPS will be on the good side of 0.800, hopefully with 80-90 RBIs, depends where he bats in the lineup.

Branyan is the only 1B on my team right now, so I really hope this pick works out, or else I will be in big trouble not getting positive contribution from a power position.

 
7Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:12 		18.07 Cody Ross, OF, Fla
I have Ross as the best available hitter, and I still have one hitting slot open. He is slated to be a full timer this year, which will probably depend on developing a better ability to hit righties. He’s having a good spring, which is a good start. But as is the case with 18th round picks, there is downside to go with the upside.

Hoping for 75-85-.330-.500, with a handful of swipes.
 
8Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:14 		for filthy
18.08 Paul Maholm SP PIT
Too many relievers to choose from. I overlooked Olly Perez. Wandy is gone. There are some youngsters and injury risks out there. But I prefer a dependable innings eater. Maholm has shown improvement each year and is having a dynamite spring. Not a big strikeout guy but with 200 innings he could definitely help out. The new Pirates ace is now my number 5 starter, that sounds about right.
 
9Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:14 		for Bags
18.09 Michael Cuddyer OF MIN
I like this pick. Plagued by injuries last year Cuddyer was a huge fantasy disappointment. He will be hitting 5th so he should have some RBI opportunities. He should do well as my UTL player.
 
10Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:15 		for Philsphan
18.10 John Maine SP NYM
Last year I picked a Met pitcher to anchor my staff, which led me to a tie for 2nd in RIBC AAA. I couldn’t get him again this year, but I thought I would try another Met pitcher and see how it goes.

My thought process behind picking up Maine is since New York now has some strong relief help in Putz and K-Rod, maybe some of the starters can pitch with a little more confidence and not try to get 27 outs every time out. I firmly believe that Brad Lidge’s emergence in Philadelphia suddenly made a bad 2007 pitching staff into one of the better staffs in 2008.

An ERA below 4.00 and anything more than 10 wins will be the expectation for this pick.

 
11Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:15 		for Dave R
18.11 Manny Parra SP Mil

I've been eyeing Parra for a while, and even with that might have taken him early. Virtually every source I've read list him as a super sleeper in the SP department. Manny had a slow start and even slower finish last year, but an tremendous stretch where he was 8-0, with an ERA of 2.93 in 13 games.

So the talent is there, he's a hard throwing left, with a tendency to " walk on the wild side ". He also has an injury history, which fits him right in with team SANFORDORS. But he also has tremendous upside, which I felt was worth a gamble in round 18.

If he can harness his talent and control, and stay healthy, I envision 10-12 wins, 150K's,, and ERA around 4 and whip around 1.30.
 
12Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:16 		for Uptown Bombers
18.12 Seth McClung RP MIL
As this pick approached, I knew I wanted some bullpen help. I have plenty of set up men ranked above McClung, but I decided to speculate on saves. Hoffman is hurt and who knows how long that will play out. The latest report I read when picking confirmed that he would miss the start of the season and that McClung would be in the closer mix. I figure trying picking up a few saves in round 18 isn’t a bad idea, and since I don’t expect him to hold the closer spot for long, his sucky ratios won’t kill me all season. Of course, the best case scenario still exists as a possibility: Hoffman never fully recovers and McClung turns into this year’s Brandon Lyon, who I stole last year in the middle rounds. Far more likely scenario: this guy is my first cut.
 
13Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:17 		for JKaye
18.13 Justin Duchscherer, SP, Oak
To me there is no such thing as risk in the 18th round, so I figured I'd jump on board to see what type of reward I might get from a pretty fragile pitcher. Duch should be ready to go by the 1st or 2nd week of the season. No DL stint planned. I see no reason why he can't post respectable ERA/WHIP #'s (anything 4.0/1.3 or under works here), and while not an overpowering strikeout guy, he's not Aaron Cook either..
 
14Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:17 		for Da Bomb
18.14 Gary Sheffield OF DET
Sheffield was marred by a shoulder injury last season and his overall numbers were not pretty. He appears healthy so far this year and playing DH everyday will allow him to stay in the lineup as much as possible. I still think he has something left in the tank and he should be at least a serviceable 4th OF for my squad.
 
15Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:18 		for holt
18.15 John Smoltz SP BOS
Took him right after reports of his first bullpen session came out positively (he's already throwing all 5 of his pitches). He's still a long way off (two months) from joining the rotation so he'll just be dead weight on my roster for a while, but when he does return I'm expecting his usual greatness. his whip hasn't been over 1.19 since 1995, career 3.26 ERA. I think 120 IP, 12 wins, and great ratios are reasonable to expect. Well worth the 287th pick of the draft.
 
16Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:18 		for JL
18.16 David Aardsma RP SEA
19.01 Octavio Dotel RP CWS
I still needed a CI, but there didn’t seem to be anything here that wouldn’t still be available at my next turn. Aardsma is slated to be the closer for Seattle at the moment. I’m sure he will find a way to blow it, because it’s tough to keep a closer job when you’re barely a major league caliber pitcher. I need saves, though, so I’ll take it. Dotel’s K/9 is very helpful, his ratios aren’t bad, and he’s capable of being dominant.
 
17Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:18 		for holt
19.02 Kelly Shoppach C CLE
Catchers. Gross. I usually draft them really late, if at all. Then I cycle through a bunch of em trying to catch hot bats. Maybe Shoppach will stick with my team, maybe he won't. Not worried about it. He does have tremendous power and should get most of the playing time behind the plate, I guess. VMart will see a lot of time at DH or 1B. Shoppach had an .865 OPS in 352 AB last season. if he does that again that would be A-OK with me. Might have made a mistake though. Chris Perez was available here and might have been worth taking a shot on.
 
18Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:19 		for Da Bomb
19.03 Ryan Church OF NYM
Church was off to a career year last season with a Pre-All Star .882 OPS before complications from a concussion really slowed him down. He's set to be an everyday player again and if he stays healthy I wouldn't be surprised if this is his best season.
 
19Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:19 		for JKaye
19.04 Tommy Hanson SP ATL
At this point, I figured I'd roll the dice on Hanson making an impact at some point this season. It's hard not to see him get a chance. What he'll do with that chance, who knows. I am still a UTL player away from fielding a full offense, but there wasn't one guy who jumped out at me as the obvious pick. I have about a half dozen guys in mind and I figure one of them will be available in round 20.
 
20Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:19 		for Uptown Bombers
19.05 Erick Aybar SS LAA
I need a SS, so I might as well stop avoiding that before I have start throwing darts to pick one. Aybar is set to get the most playing time at short and could add 10-15 steals if he plays regularly. He’s young, having a good spring and might be ready for his best year to date.
 
21Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:19 		for Dave R
19.06 Dioner Navarro C TAM
I think I've waited long enough to fill the void in my catcher position. There are only a handful of catchers worth grabbing early in my opinion, and waiting until late to get one has served me well in the past.

Dioner had an awful start last year, but finished by batting .285 with an .815 OPS after the all star break to finish as the 12th ranked catcher. He doesn't have a lot of power but should post a decent OBP%. He'll probably top off around 60 Runs and RBI's, and as a switch hitter should play around 110 games.

 
22Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:20 		for Philsphan
19.07 Chris Perez RP STL
I’ve been watching Perez for the last few rounds now and decided to finally pull the trigger. La Russa has yet to tip his hand on who the closer will be yet, but with only one sure closer and a probable on my team so far, I figured that now is a good time to get another potential closer. Last year in the AAA PCL league I scooped up Brian Fuentes in the 19th Round and he was made the closer pretty early in the season and gave me a lot of saves and wound up giving my team a great boost. So maybe I can duplicate last year’s good fortune again with my 19th pick this year.
 
23Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:20 		for Bags
19.08 Skip Schumaker 2B STL
I am just looking for some MI depth. Played OF last year and was a below average OF. This year the Cards are moving him to 2B. I’m hoping a below average OF turns into an average hitting MI.
 
24Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:20 		for filthy
19.09 Jeff Baker 2B COL
Baker got a chance to play for a couple of months last year and his bat heated up with the regular playing time. He seems to struggle with limited appearances. It feels like something is definitely gonna happen with the Rockies offense soon. Some rumors of Baker heading to Philly. That wouldn't be so bad. Or if someone else goes and a spot opens up in Colorado that would be even better. Either way, if Baker can stick somewhere, he can be a valuable addition to my bench. My offensive picture is almost complete. Maybe another basestealer.
 
25Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:21 		19.10 Jon Rauch, RP, Ari
I need to fill in my pitching staff with some relievers who might get save opportunities if the incumbent closer falters or is injured. Rauch is one of those. There are another half dozen or so on my list of similar pitchers, and I have no idea how to rank them. But I had good luck with Rauch last year, so I’ll go back to that well again.
 
26Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 10:21 		for dror
19.11 Leo Nunez RP FLA
Nunez is not the type of RP I usually look for since he doesn't strike out too many hitters and his ERA/WHIP will probably not be spectacular.

What he does have, is a great chance to close games, possibly very soon. Matt Lindstrom was bad in the WBC, and then left with a shoulder injury. He situation is shaky at best, and Nunez is next in line.

 
27Species
      Dude
      ID: 07724916
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 12:34 		19.12 Jeremy Hermida, OF, FLA

I have liked Hermida for a couple of years since he put up Jay Bruce-like numbers in AA in 2005. In the minors he had very strong peripherals and even some steals. After battling some fluke injuries his first 2 major league seasons, I think there were some signs of a breakout approaching in the 2nd half last year. In the 19th round, there's nothing wrong with a flier on some upside.
 
28Species
      Dude
      ID: 07724916
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 12:35 		for rheo:

19.13 Bengie Molina, C, SF
I had hoped to get Navarro as my catcher but when he got snagged earlier I looked at the grid and saw the only teams without catchers were behind me. Looking at who was left I knew I had to grab Molina. Yeah he's old and yeah he might not reach the same numbers as last year and yeah he's really, really slow but I think he has another good year left in him.
 
29Species
      Dude
      ID: 07724916
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 12:39 		For Bash Brothers:

19.14 Scot Shields, RP, LAA
Time to build up the bullpen. Shields always has steady performance, although his rising WHIP is a bit of concern. He might squeeze out a few saves if the Angels keep playing those tight games.
 
30Species
      Dude
      ID: 07724916
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 12:40 		For coldwater coyotes:

19.15 Andy Sonnanstine, SP, TB
Finished 2008 very well. Not overpowering and relies on Tampa's great defense to get people out. He should contribute 13 wins with a 4.05 ERA and 1.28 WHIP.
 
31Species
      Dude
      ID: 07724916
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 12:41 		For vampireweekend:

19.16 Chris Getz, 2b, CWS
20.01 Jensen Lewis, RP, CLE
Needing an MI, Chris seems as good as anyone at this point. Able to earn the starting job and now hopefully will be able to keep it. Talk of him hitting high in the order which should help his numbers.

Kerry wood can't stay relatively healthy for 2 years in a row, can he? Jensen hopes not. Maybe one of the RP's I have will actually get some saves one day.

 
32Species
      Dude
      ID: 07724916
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 12:41 		For coldwater coyotes:

20.02 Carlos Villanueva, RP, MIL
One of my best picks of the draft. A good chance with Hoffman's precarious health that he will be the Brewers' closer for half the season. Even if he doesn't contribute saves he is a very good middle reliever and I can safely predict an ERA below 3.90 with some vulture wins.
 
33Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 14:38 		for Bash Brothers
20.03 Adam Lind OF TOR
Well, it's the 20th round, and I'd got only 3 OFers. Lind could be a serviceable 4th outfielder on my team considering his place in the middle of Jays' lineup. He's got power potential, but too bad he won't run much, which could be a devastating blow to my team.
 
34Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 14:39 		for rheo
20.04 Kenshin Kawakami SP ATL
With all my offense I needed to fill out my pitching ranks. I liked Kawakami here. He's on a good team and has had a great spring (minus the minor injury). Plus should be good early with no one seeing him before.
 
35Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 14:39 		for Species
20.05 Justin Masterson RP BOS
When I picked him it was up in the air still as to his role. It does seem as if he will be a reliever. That's fine with me. I expect a sub 3.00 ERA and sub 1.25 WHIP with decent K/9. If he ascends to a starter's role that's fine too.
 
36Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 14:39 		for dror
20.06 Andy LaRoche 3B PIT
After getting A-Rod and Chipper, I knew I have to get a late round 3B to fill in for their missed time. Laroche was the perfect candidate, since he is going to play every day right from the start. He was considered a top prospect in the Dodgers organization after tearing up the minors at every level, but for some reason it never translated into success in the majors. The ability is obviously there, and he has been on fire this spring so I'm optimistic.

If this pick works out the way I want it to, the combination of A-Rod, Chipper and Laroche at the 3B and CI positions will be worth much more then 2nd, 3rd and 20th rounders.

 
37Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 14:40 		20.07 Luis Castillo, 2B, NYM
I need pitching, so I took Castillo. Go figure.

Actually, the weakest aspect of my hitting is at middle infield (duh!!), especially Elvis Andrus, who is unproven and may end up with a 400 OPS and 3 steals. So I thought I should try to pick up a backup middle infielder if I could find one. As I was scavenging around, I noticed that Castillo was slated to start for the Mets, and maybe even leadoff (although that may turn out to be pure drivel.) He’s had a monster spring, and it seemed like a good idea at the time. If he can post an OPS of .892 in spring training, why not in the regular season?

About a month from now, I’ll probably think this was the dumbest pick I made.
 
38Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 14:41 		for filthy
20.08 Jordan Schafer OF ATL
A guy with enough upside to win a job and get some steals. 5th OF and Dickerson insurance. Probably should've went with Eric Byrnes, but I am caught up in the Schafer hype at the moment. Time to round out my pitching staff now.
 
39Philsphan
      ID: 372341120
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 22:45 		For Bags

20.09 Clay Bucholz, RP, BOS
Buchholz is having a great spring but his spot in the rotation depends on the health of Penny. I love his upside he just needs to gut in some games.
 
40Philsphan
      ID: 372341120
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 22:48 		20.10 Carlos Gomez, OF, MIN

Looking for about 20 steals and some power. Gomez looks like a good risk-reward here. It’s a crowded outfield in Minnesota and Gomez could be a victim of playing time if Span does really well. For a 5th OF this seems like a good play.
 
41filthy
      ID: 388531216
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 23:02 		for Sanfordors
20.11 Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B, SD
With no glaring holes at this point I had the flexibility to grab the highest rated player on my list, and one who was a starter. I also wasn't comfortable with my CI's and Kouz fit nicely at this juncture.

Kevin's a solid hitter, but one who's splits are dramatically different between Petco Park and road games. So significant, that he had a higher OPS by 138 points for road games. So I can sit him at home, or better yet hope he gets traded which is always possible with the Padres.

In any event, 70 runs, 85 RBI's, and OPS around .800 and 1 steal are my expectations. A little bit better if he's moved elsewhere.

 
42filthy
      ID: 388531216
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 23:03 		for Uptown Bombers
20.12 Chris Volstad, SP, FLA
Not a guy I know a lot about, but as I searched for my 5th SP, Volstad kept making a case. He’s young, looked good last year in limited duty and has been real good this spring. A lot of articles kept pumping him, saying he could be a sleeper, so I figured why not.
 
43filthy
      ID: 388531216
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 23:03 		for jkaye
20.13 Troy Glaus, 3B, STL
I wanted a 3B in this round to round out my top 12 hitters. Depth is important over the long season, so while Glaus will miss all of April, his contribution after that makes him a good fit for me. Worst case, he's insurance for Aramis Ramirez. Best case, he fits my CI or Util slot full time. His ratios have always been solid (career worst is .353/.453 and he still had 111 RBI that year), so while missing a month means a 20% markdown on counting stats, he still has value for this season.
 
44filthy
      ID: 388531216
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 23:04 		for Da Bomb
20.14 Freddy Sanchez, 2B, PIT
Sanchez is my 4th MI and I took him here in case one of my other MIs (Cabrera, Matsui, Renteria) starts off slowly. Not expecting much from Freddy but I saw him as the best MI left and he hits toward the top of the lineup.
 
45filthy
      ID: 388531216
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 23:05 		for holt
20.15 Luke Scott, OF, BAL
Seems I've had Scott on my ribc team's ever since he entered the league. I usually end up with "platoons" in the OF. You only want to start Scott against righties, but he's reliably a monster against them (.874 career OPS). Should be able to get 400 PA from him.
 
46filthy
      ID: 388531216
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 23:06 		for JL
20.16 Lyle Overbay, 1B, TOR
21.01 Gaby Sanchez, 1B, FLA
I needed to fill my CI spot, and these were just about the only CIs with a starting job and any upside. Overbay was a nice player a few years ago, but he’s been injured and ineffective. Maybe he bounces back this year. Probably not. I know nothing about Gaby Sanchez, other than the fact that he has no power and possesses a female first name. I’m assuming that he’s not a transvestite. Florida seems to churn out plenty of good young players, so maybe he’ll be something decent.
 
47filthy
      ID: 388531216
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 23:06 		for holt
21.02 Kosuke Fukudome, OF, CHC
I must have been rushed on this pick. There were other OF's I'd rather have, I don't like Fukudome, don't like the Cubs, don't really care if he has a good year or not. Anyway, I think he'll improve in his second year in the States. In Japan he was awesome (like 1.000 OPS + type awesome), and I think there's a fair chance of him pushing .400 OBP this year. The power, I don't know. .400-.450 slg seems possible. throw in the 12 sb from last season and he was worthy of being taken here (just in case his game does improve). I just see him on my roster and scratch my head though.
 
48filthy
      ID: 388531216
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 23:07 		for Da Bomb
21.03 Jose Guillen, OF, KAN

A streaky hitter but he has the capability to put up numbers and batting cleanup will help his RBI and Run totals.
 
49filthy
      ID: 388531216
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 23:08 		for jkaye
21.04 Rafael Perez, RP, CLE
I looked a several RP for this round but settled on Perez. He has a healthy K rate and got better as 08 went along. I don't expect him to close games even if Wood falters, but I figure he should still pick up a handful during the course of the year.
 
50filthy
      ID: 388531216
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 23:09 		for Uptown Bombers
21.05 Juan Cruz, RP, KAN
I am a little short of K’s when I look at my pitchers, so I decided to target a RP with good K numbers. Cruz and Rafael Perez jumped out. I had Perez listed first in my queue because I trust him more, but he was taken just before my turn. Cruz seems more volatile, but he has had two good seasons in a row and should help me out in that respect.
 
51filthy
      ID: 388531216
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 23:09 		for Sanfordors
21.06 Mike Pelfrey, SP, NYM
I couldn't pass on Pelfrey in round 21, could I? I had Jonathan Sanchez and Hafner on my radar, as well. Hafner could turn out to be a steal ( taken one pick later ) as could Sanchez, taken 2 rounds later. I decided to go with what I perceived to be the safe pick.

Pelfrey doesn't strike out a lot of hitters, but I thought I was already solid in the K department. But pitching for the Mets, I thought the win upside was worth the investment. Mike has a chance for 14-15 wins, and decent ratios. 120 or so K's.

 
52filthy
      ID: 388531216
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 23:10 		for Philsphan
21.07 Travis Hafner, UTIL, CLE

Pronk’s average draft position in kafenatid the last 4 years:

2006: 24
2007: 22
2008: 33
2009: 229

So, which one will I get?

 
53filthy
      ID: 388531216
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 23:11 		for DallasHomer
21.08 Chad Cordero, RP, SEA
I couldn’t pass up possible saves in the 21st round. He was going to sign with the Rangers this spring but turned down more money to pitch in SEA where they guaranteed him a shot at the closers role. He is expected back mid-May.
 
54filthy
      ID: 388531216
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 23:11 		21.09 Scott Rolen, 3B, TOR
Thought I was done with the offense, but I still wasn't confident enough with my 3B/CI situation going into the season. Baker and Fields are both far from locks to provide anything, so I figured I would throw another question mark player into the mix and see who comes out on top. I actually like Rolen's odds of ending up as my starting 3rd baseman. While it is a fuzzy memory by now, Rolen was once great and still shows flashes of greatness in between injuries. Potentially huge reward for very little risk. All offensive concerns are answered for the time being. Time for pitching, for real this time.
 
55Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 23:18 		21.10 J.P. Howell, RP, Tam
Now that I’ve got two setup relievers in Tampa, I guess I have to root for Troy Percival to falter (sorry holt). Just my luck, that will happen – and then Balfour will take over.

Nothing fancy here. Good ratios, good Ks. Probably won’t ever ascend to the closer role, but should provide a good foundation for my team anyway. And a few vultured wins would be nice.

 
56Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Sat, Mar 28, 2009, 22:52 		for dror
21.11 Ramon Hernandez C CIN
I had to get another catcher with Wieters starting in minors, but I always expected it to be a true late round garbage, the type that is barely even worth playing.

That's why I was so happy to get Hernandez here... His average draft spot in the RIBC is 17.10, and I have seen rankings list him as a top 10 catcher. He has shown good power in the past, and is now the unquestionable starter for the team with the top HR park in baseball.

Worst case scenarion, I end up with what I expected... a few Runs and RBIs with bad % untill Wieters comes up. Best case, not only is Hernandez a true positive contributer for those 2 months, but I also end up getting something in return for him.

 
57Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Sat, Mar 28, 2009, 22:53 		for Species
21.12 Bronson Arroyo SP CIN
Arroyo is a bit of an enigma. I had him last year and dropped him when he sucked through May. He of course turns it around and has a monster 2nd half. Obviously I am hoping that he continues that trend. He's a decent strikeout pitcher which I felt I needed after taking Saunders.
 
58Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Sat, Mar 28, 2009, 22:53 		for rheo
21.13 Matt LaPorta OF CLE
I need pitching but can't resist grabbing Laporta here. Hoping he's the Longoria/Braun of the year and that I don't get hit by too many injuries before he gets called up.
 
59Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Sat, Mar 28, 2009, 22:53 		for Bash Brothers
21.14 Jeremy Accardo RP TOR
Right before I picked Accardo, I heard that Ryan's pitches hit only around mid-80s, which was a major concern in the Jays' organization. Then a report claimed that Accardo could be the closer if Ryan falters. That's why I picked him.

Unfortunately hours later, several other sources named other potential closers, and Accardo wasn't even mentioned. This guy could be in the waiver's wire before he makes his first pitch in the new season.

 
60Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Sat, Mar 28, 2009, 22:54 		for coldwater coyotes
21.15 Brandon Wood SS LAA
I really need a better SS than C. Izturis so I decided to stretch and pick up Wood who qualifies at SS. The question is how many at bats will he get for the Angels. Hopefully I can manage my team to start Wood when he is in the starting line up.
 
61Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Sat, Mar 28, 2009, 22:54 		for vampire weekend
21.16 Jared Burton RP CIN
22.01 Gerald Laird C DET
Another potential saves candidate if the regular continues with perceived arm troubles. Not clear next in line but did pick up a handful last year. High K ratios in any event.

Gerald appears to finally have a gig without someone always looking over his shoulder. When used by the rangers, he put up decent numbers. Hopefully he can build on that and not worry about the organization touting his replacement by mid-may.

 
62Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Sat, Mar 28, 2009, 22:54 		for coldwater coyotes
22.02 Kelvim Escobar SP LAA
A good chance that he will be back in the rotation in early May. Apparently his fast ball is back so in the worst case he will produce as a middle reliever. Huge upside for 22nd. pick.
 
63Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Sat, Mar 28, 2009, 22:55 		for Bash Brothers
22.03 Jeff Francoeur OF ATL
Chipper said this guy's more clever this year, and Jeff echoed by saying that he felt being "dangerous" again. A return to form in sight? probably. And he is having a good spring thus far. Definitely worthy of a 22nd round pick.
 
64Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Sat, Mar 28, 2009, 22:55 		for rheo
22.04 Ryan Madson RP PHI
Wanted another reliever to try and keep the numbers down a bit. Thought about Matt Thornton here but I got him a in a couple of leagues so thought I'd go another way here.
 
65Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Sat, Mar 28, 2009, 22:56 		for Species
22.05 A.J. Pierzynski C CWS
Mauer insurance. Lefty stick. Plays a lot and puts up decent counting stats for a catcher. Hopefully I don't have to play him that much, but perhaps I can load up on C games for a while and maximize the position.
 
66Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Sat, Mar 28, 2009, 22:56 		for dror
22.06 Chris Duncan OF STL
I wanted another 1B, and Duncan was the one I thought had the most upside. When he plays, he will probably post above average power numbers. The problem is that it's still not clear whether that will happen everyday, so there is a very good chance Duncan will be my first cut if his playing time doesn't allow him to be usefull.
 
67Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Sat, Mar 28, 2009, 22:56 		22.07 Manny Delcarmen, RP, Bos
Another setup man with good ratios, about one K/IP, and possibly one sore Papelbon arm away from a closing job in Boston.
 
68Uptown Bombers
      Donor
      ID: 035616416
      Sun, Mar 29, 2009, 10:40 		for filty
22.08 Ryan Franklin RP StL
I remember watching Franklin pitch as a Mariner and he always seemed to find a way to lose. He always pitched much worse than his stats. He has managed to stick around and become a (kinda)valuable NL reliever though. Probably by mastering the art of recovering from a nightmarish outing. He is currently the veteran presence in a young bullpen. Franklin should at worst vulture a few saves amongst the inevitable rough patches that the youngsters will endure throughout the season. He might even hold the closers job at some point in the year. The young flamethrowers were around last year when Franklin somehow found his way into the closers seat for a while, no reason to think LaRussa won't shock us again.
 
69Uptown Bombers
      Donor
      ID: 035616416
      Sun, Mar 29, 2009, 10:41 		for Bags
22.09 Dustin Moseley SP LAA
The Angeles have had the injury bug strike their pitching rotation. I’ll give Moseley a shot and see what he can do. He could be cut if another starter emerges else ware.
 
70Uptown Bombers
      Donor
      ID: 035616416
      Sun, Mar 29, 2009, 10:42 		for Philsphan
22.10 Rafael Betancourt RP CLE
About as solid as they get for a middle reliever. ERA in the low 3’s, WHIP under 1.2, about a strikeout per inning. And maybe a save or 2 or 3.

I now have 4 Cleveland Indians on my team. I should probably root for them this year…

 
71Uptown Bombers
      Donor
      ID: 035616416
      Sun, Mar 29, 2009, 10:42 		for Dave R
22.11 Matt Thornton RP CHW
Middle relievers, closers I waiting were flying off the board, and I planned on picking one any way. Thornton may be in line for some saves if Jenks every gets traded or gets hurt, but he probably isn't first in line to be closer if that materializes.

Still, maybe a few vulture saves, better than a K/inning in miniscule ratios just found their way on my roster

 
72Uptown Bombers
      Donor
      ID: 035616416
      Sun, Mar 29, 2009, 10:43 		22.12 David Murphy, OF, TEX
This guy hit pretty well last year before getting hurt. He is slated to split time in the OF, but as a lefty hitter I expect him to get good playing time. Another young OF who hits for some power and steals a handful bases, so why not give him a chance.
 
73JKaye
      ID: 582492911
      Sun, Mar 29, 2009, 13:53 		22.13 Jason Kubel, OF, Min

Needed a 5th OF and someone I can count on for regular PT. Kubel
will sometimes sit vs lefties, but has good power and an OBP that is
pretty average but that won't hurt me. No speed to speak of, but he
can be a contributor to RBI for sure, hitting in the 4-6 range in the
lineup.
 
74Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 14:54 		for Da Bomb
22.14 Miguel Batista, RP, SEA

At the time I thought he had the best chance of winning the closer's role. Today, news came out that Morrow will be the closer so Batista will be cut.
 
75Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 14:55 		for holt
22.15 Hideki Okajima RP BOS
Just thought he looked too good to still be available so late. Should help pad my ratios and K's a little. Not really expecting much as far as W's and Sv's go but you never know. If Papelbon goes down he'd probably get the nod. I remember when good MR's used to start dropping like flies in round 15 or so. The times they are a changin' (?).
 
76Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 14:56 		for JL
22.16 Eric Byrnes, OF, Ari
23.01 Damaso Marte, RP, NYY

Byrnes stole 50 bases a few years ago. He was injured last year and he doesn’t have guaranteed playing time, but this is a low risk/high reward situation. Marte was awful in his short stint with the Yankees last season, but he’s a quality pitcher that could possibly step into the closer role if the aging Rivera is injured (although they would probably give that job to Joba).
 
77Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 14:56 		for holt
23.02 Travis Ishikawa 1B SFO
Pujols was still my only real firstbaseman (not planning to play I.Stewart at 1b much). There wasn't a wide selection available. Ishikawa is killing the ball this spring and also had a break-out season in the minors last year. Figured he was worth giving a shot. He may even have 10 sb potential. If he doesn't pan out, so be it.
 
78Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 14:57 		for Da Bomb
23.03 Kyle Lohse, SP, STL

Wanted another SP here, and Lohse's overall numbers last year were pretty good. 15 Wins, 3.78 ERA, 1.30 WHIP. He pitched much better at home last season so I may just start him there at least to begin with.
 
79Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 14:57 		for JKaye
23.04 Mark Ellis, 2B, Oak

Ellis gives me a 2nd 2B-eligible on the team and is among the last
projected starters available at this position. I'm sure he'll get plenty
of starts at 2B/MI for me so hopefully his OPS improves to 07
levels, because I can use his counting stats. Two straight years I've
had Duchscherer and Ellis - last year Duch worked and Ellis busted.
This year, both might be off my roster in the 1st half.
 
80Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 14:58 		for Uptown Bombers
23.05 Chad Tracy, 1B, ARI
I noted in one of my earlier rationales that I needed to find some late RBI potential. Murphy in round 22 is one of those gambles, but Tracy in this round speaks to my team needs even more. Tracy has been a good player in the past but unable to stay on the field. He came back from injury last year and contributed but he is supposed to be back to full strength this year. There is a little overcrowding in Arizona, but Tracy is expected to get consistent playing time. If that holds up, this could be a steal in round 23.
 
81Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 14:58 		for Dave R
23.06 Ben Francisco OF CLE
Is it just me or does it get harder to write these as the draft nears it's end.

I needed another OFer. Ben filled in admirably last year with the injuries to Hafner and Victor. Right now he seems penciled in as the starting leftfielder. At least Hafner's and Martinez's return shouldn't cut into that, although Garko could be moved on occasion to the OF. We'll see.

So it sounds like 400 AB's, runs and RBI's in the 50's and a dozen steals. Or maybe he hits the waiver wire

 
82Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 14:59 		for Philsphan
23.07 Brad Penny, SP, BOS

I don’t know what I was thinking here. I had Michael Bourn or Jesse Litsch penciled in for this spot, but went for the known name on a good team. I probably should have taken Bourn so I can get some steals, but I couldn’t justify a 2-3 point gain in steals with an offsetting 4-6 point loss in OBP and SLG. So when my 24th pick is due, both Bourn and Litsch are taken and I’m staring at Penny. I hope he doesn’t completely stink.
 
83Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 14:59 		for Bags
23.08 Jonathan Sanchez, SP, SFO

157K’s in 158 IP is good. 5.01 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP not so good. I’ll hang onto him for a bit and see if he can figure out how to lower his ERA/WHIP.
 
84Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:00 		for filthy
23.09 Scott Downs RP TOR
The ace of the Jays bullpen, Scotty Downs, now primed to start the season sharing the closers role. Definitely has the ability to take the role and run with it. Downs season ended poorly with a shelling and a fielding injury in the same game. But this guy has only pitched about 8 bad games out of his last 150. About as automatic as a relief pitcher gets. The Jays bullpen is built to have a lefty closing and hasn't had anyone lead the team in saves 2 years in a row since the Billy Koch days. I like Downs' to get anywhere between 10-30 saves.
 
85Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:00 		23.10 Takashi Saito, RP, Bos
Another setup man with good ratios, about one K/IP, and possibly one sore Papelbon arm away from a closing job in Boston.

 
86Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:01 		for dror
23.11 Sean Gallagher SP OAK
Gallagher was good at times last year, and has the ability to strike out. Hopefully with the right matchups and a little luck I will be able to squiz some quality innings out of him.
 
87Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:01 		for Species
23.12 Michael Bourn OF HOU
A bit of a SB flier who will not play unless his OBP can get at least into the .330's.
 
88Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:02 		for rheo
23.13 David Purcey, P, Tor

Named the second starter. Great minor numbers, and I've seen him on more then a few sleeper lists. It's late so young and upside is good enough for me.
 
89Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:07 		for Bash Brothers
23.14 Brandon Inge, C

I intended to draft a catcher in the last round, but guys kept taking 2 catchers made me a bit nervous. With Inge, I've got a catcher who plays everyday at 3B. I expect him to give me 80R/80RBI in the potent lineup of the Tigers. Of course I'll try to neglect the ugly OBP.
 
90Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:08 		for coldwater coyotes
23.15 Jody Gerut, OF, SD

Gerut is a big favorite of Baseball Prospectus. A solid reserve batter
for my team.
 
91Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:09 		for vampire weekend
23.16 Emilio Bonifacio 2B FLA
24.01 Sean Marshall SP CHC
Couple of fliers here. I have read everything from emilio being the starting third baseman to a backup to going to the minors. Could not really think of anyone else so hoping he can help. Marshall is a 5th starter on what should be a good team. If he does not bring anything to the table i will throw him to the curb and chase other things with the spot.
 
92Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:09 		for coldwater coyotes
24.02 Cla Meredith, RP, SD

While he is unlikely to ever repeat his 2006 performance, he should
be a solid reliever with an ERA of below 3.50 and a WHIP of around
1.25. There is also the possibility that he would pick up some
saves if Bell gets injured.
 
93Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:10 		for Bash Brothers
24.03 Fernando Rodney, RP

The 2nd consecutive Tigers taken. Who is the closer for them? I don't know. This guy pitches poorly but could be the closer by default before somebody emerges as the real stopper. I'll take those ugly saves and then make a quick jump off the terrible ship.
 
94Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:11 		for rheo
24.04 Jesse Litsch, P, Tor

Doesn't strike anyone out but he just keeps winning and putting up decent ratios. I had him last year and was good for me.
 
95Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:13 		for Species
24.05 Tony Pena RP ARI
Pena has always hovered around closer status in Arizona. Qualls does not impress me so I am taking a flier here. Still, Pena puts up decent ratios, including a reasonable K/9 so he can't hurt as a middle reliever even if he doesn't get any saves.
 
96Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:14 		for dror
24.06 Jeff Niemann RP TAM
Niemann is fighting for a rotation spot, but I actually prefer he doesn't get it. He is out of options and is too good to be released so he will start the season the majors, and while he probably will be average at best as a starter, he can be overpowering as a reliever. Anyway, I like his talent and don't mind tossing a 24th rounds pick on the chance he might break out, in whatever role he ends up getting.
 
97Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:15 		24.07 Chris Snyder, C, Ari
I was hoping to land Inge here, taking advantage of his C/3B/OF eligibility. But he was gone. I’m a little surprised to find Snyder still available. He doesn’t hit for a high batting average, but his OBA is about 100 points higher, and could end up hitting .350/450. He’ll be the #1 catcher in Arizona, although he probably won’t get enough ABs to be a full time fantasy starter. But hopefully his schedule will line up well enough the fit with Soto’s off days.
 
98Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:16 		for filthy
24.08 Brandon League RP TOR
I'm not confident about BJ Ryan this year, and while Downs is the current frontrunner as the next in line, I could see the team finding him more valuable as a setup guy. I personally like Brandon League as the top righty, and true closer in waiting, in the Jays pen. There are 2 rightys hanging around that have closed for the Jays before, but neither of them can throw a 99MPH heater. Noone else on the team can actually throw that hard, and League is far enough removed from his surfing injury that he might even be mature enough to handle an important role now. His breaking pitches are getting positive reviews this spring, and he will likely get a chance to emerge as the right handed part of a committee situation.
 
99Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:17 		for Bags
24.09 Ryan Sweeney, OF, OAK

I drafted him because it makes me laugh every time I say his name. Ryan Sweeney. Any way I need some hitting depth and Ryan Sweeney was just hanging out there. I hope Ryan Sweeney can fight off any other hitters who try to take his starting job away. I’m easily amused.
 
100Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:18 		for Philsphan
24.10 Pedro Feliz, 3B, PHI

Purely a superstitious pick here. Feliz has kind of become a good luck pick for me. I picked him last year in AAA, so I felt the need to do it again. I picked him a couple years ago in another league and I did well there too. He hits 7th in a potent lineup, has little protection behind him, but he got the game-winning RBI in Game 5. That’s enough for the 24th pick in my eyes.
 
101Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:19 		for Dave R
24.11 Marco Scutaro 2B Tor

I kind of misjudged here. I had narrowed my last two picks to Scutaro, and an outfielder, preferably Seth Smith or Felix Pie, plus a couple other options. I thought Scutaro might not make it back ( of course he probably might not even have been picked ) , so I opted to wait on Smith or Pie. Bad guess.

In any event there are three main reasons I wanted Marco:

1) 2B
2) 3B
3) SS

Eligible at 3 positions, he provides useful backup/insurance in case any of my infielders get hurt and / or suck. He's a starter. Last year in 500+ AB's he scored 76 runs, 60 RBI's, and stole 7 basis. His OBP was a decent .341, only his SLG% leaves a little to be desired. What do you expect for the 379th player taken.

I'd be happy with comparable #'s at this point.
 
102Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:24 		for Uptown Bombers
24.12 CJ Wilson, RP, TEX
Wilson was the closer for Texas last year but lost the job due to injury. He was not particularly good last year, but obviously the organization thought highly of him. This year he is slated to be the setup guy, he has pitched well in the spring despite a blister, and he gives me some sort of insurance on Francisco. I’m happily surprised to still find him available considering the number of RP’s flying off the board, not because he is good, but because of Francisco’s relative inexperience as closer, Wilson’s background in closing, and the value of saves in a league this deep.
 
103Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:25 		for JKaye
24.13 Scott Lewis, SP, Cle

Lewis is capable of quality starts. I'll manage match-ups heavily for
him, but his home park is favorable and he has excellent control. At
the very least, not a WHIP killer. He is my 7th SP, but with Duch
having surgery and Hanson starting in AAA, I'll need him to get
wins to keep up in the category.
 
104Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:25 		for Da Bomb
24.14 Koji Uehara, SP, Bal

Took a flyer on this guy. His stats for the Yomiuri Giants are pretty impressive and he's slated to be the #2 SP in Baltimore.
 
105Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:26 		for holt
24.15 James McDonald SP LAD
Another rookie long-shot. Looks like he'll be the fifth starter. His minor league numbers are filthy (over 1k/inning, sub 1.2 whip) and he threw a few shutout innings in the playoffs last year. Just taking a shot at some upside. There were a few other starters available with more of a track record but pitchers like that will be available all season long. I'll prob bench him til he puts up a couple good starts.
 
106Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:26 		for JL
24.16 Brett Anderson, SP, Oak
25.01 Mark Buerhle, SP, ChW

Anderson is one Oakland’s superprospects, and he is slated to start the season in the rotation. Young Oakland pitchers have a history of success, so it’s worth a flyer. Buerhle has a career ERA under 4.00 and he’s good for about 15 wins a year. I’ll take that in the 25th round.
 
107Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:26 		for holt
25.02 Seth Smith OF COL
Wouldn't be surprised if he puts up Brad Hawpe'ish numbers. Smith's OP in the minors is close to .900 and he could steal a few bags. He could pay off real nicely as a 25th rounder
 
108Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:28 		for Da Bomb
25.03 Brett Gardner, OF, NYY

Gardner's torrid Spring won him the Opening Day CF spot for the Yanks. He has the ability to steal 30+ bases but I'm interested to see how much power he will show as he supposedly had none but he's somehow hit 3 HRs in the pre-season.
 
109Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:29 		for JKayae
25.04 Felix Pie, OF, Bal

Too good a prospect not to at least get a roster spot in a deep
league. The change of scenery might be a good thing, though he
will have to fight for PT. But that won't matter to me with daily
lineup changes. Pie can get 10+ SB, and has OPS upside of 800
which would make him useful when he does start.

I did have Seth Smith as my top choice but he went 2 picks before
this.
 
110Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:30 		for Uptown Bombers
25.05 Emmanuel Burriss, SS, SF
There were some tempting OF’s on the board, but I decided to take Burriss to give me some support at the SS position. I had my eye on Scutaro, but as was covered in the discussion thread, Dave R took care of that at 24.11. Burriss is the favorite to start at 2B for the Giants, giving him added eligibility once the season starts. His biggest potential to help comes in the steals category.
 
111Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:30 		for Dave R
25.06 Ty Wigginton OF Bal

No Smith. No Pie. Not even Brett Gardner, named a starter today for the Yanks.

So my choices were Wigginton or * undrafted *. Ty seems destined to be a platoon player, he hits the crap out of lefties. But he's versatile, can play all infield positions other than SS, the outfield or DH.

He hit .285 last year with 23 HR's and 58 RBI's for the Astros, in only 386 AB's. He moves from one hitter friendly park to another. I figure somehow the Orioles get his bat in the lineup, be it at DH, to spell an aging Mora, or maybe Pie doesn't cut it. We'll see.
 
112Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:31 		for Philsphan
25.07 Macier Izturis, SS, LAAofA

I felt I still needed a backup MI, and Izturis was about the only one left. He has hit well over the winter in Venezuela, so maybe he gets hot and I can use him. He is not slated to start in Anaheim, but there is a reason why he was picked 391st in a 16-team fantasy league.
 
113Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:32 		for Bags
25.08 Taylor Teagarden, C, TEX

Handcuffing you catcher is like handcuffing your TE in football. What’s the point? I think that Salty will end up with the majority of the playing time but Teagarden could play more than the Rangers have let on.
 
114Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:41 		for filthy
25.09 Scott Linebrink RP CWS
Last pick for my team. I could see Jenks losing his job and I hoped to handcuff another White Sox reliever or two to him. Dotel and Thornton went too early for my liking but I obviously would've preferred them. However, I could see Linebrink getting the nod if the need arises. Dotel's a rollercoaster, and Thornton's the only lefty in the pen, while Linebrink was the setup man for the first half last year. His second half injury really threw off the year end numbers and the bullpen fell apart without him. He sounds like he is recovering enough to settle back into his setup role.
 
115Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:41 		25.10 Bill Bray, RP, Cin
I need a 5th starter, but I don’t know who to get. So I’ll take Bray as a placeholder until I can find a free agent starter in April.
 
116Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:42 		for dror
25.11 Edwar Ramirez RP NYY
Not much to say, I'm just hoping for some K's and a few volture wins without too many 1IP 5H 4ER lines.
 
117Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:42 		for Species
25.12 John Grabow RP PIT
I have Capps so I'm handcuffing here. He might not stay on my roster long but while he is hopefully he puts up some useful ratios.
 
118Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:53 		for rheo
25.13 Trevor Cahill, P, Oak

Last pick and wanted another pitcher so went with a young, top prospect. Worth keeping around to see if he can do much this year. Had about 6 other guys I was considering but I'll keep quiet since they're all still available.
 
119Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:54 		for Bash Brothers
25.14 Andrew McCutchen, OF

I intended to take a prospect I liked very much before finding out I was way short in SB. Some basestealers were still available, but they would flatten my OBP/SLUG like a big blow to my stomach. For a rookie, McCutchen's walk rate is very unbelievable in this spring. I knew he was sent down to AAA hours before I drafted him, but I was hoping a quick return to the Bigs for the young talent.
 
120Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:54 		for coldwater coyotes
25.15 Jerry Blevins, RP, Oak

Strong skills and a good addition to my pitching staff. My third middle reliever who will contribute 60 innings at a below 3.50 ERA with the occasional save and win.
 
121Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Tue, Mar 31, 2009, 15:55 		for vampire weekend
25.16 Juan Rivera OF LAA
Assuming he is fully out of the side memorabilia business and assuming that he can stay healthy for more than 5 minutes. Can put up big numbers - as a dh on a good club worth the last pick