Self Editor

Forum: base
Page 20226
Subject: RIBC 2013: Draft rationales

Posted by: Guru - [330592710] Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 12:03

This thread will be for managers in the RotoGuru Invitational Baseball Challenge to provide the rationale for each pick.

Here are the ground rules:
1. Only managers in this league should post here. If you want to provide feedback (either from other league managers, or from those not in the league), put it in the discussion thread. (Non-conforming discussion in this thread will be deleted.)

2. Try to keep the pick rationales in the same order as the draft. We'll attempt to keep this thread 2 rounds behind the actual draft. With the lag, most comments should not have an impact on the draft in progress. However, if there are aspects of your pick that you feel need to be kept under wraps, feel free to protect that information. In particular, please avoid mentioning the names of any players who are still undrafted at that time of the post.

Please post your (2 round lagged) comments at the time you make your pick. For example, you should post your comments for your round 1 pick when you make your round 3 selection. If you are not ready to post at that time, then create a "placeholder" so that the next person is able to go ahead in sequence. When your post is ready, simply post it in the draft discussion thread and I can copy it over to the proper sequence.

If possible, please draft your rationale at the time your are making that pick. Not only does that allow you to remember your thoughts "in the moment", but it also makes it simple to copy and paste it when it is due, avoiding unnecessary delays and/or placeholders.

If your rationale is due and intervening placeholders have not been inserted, please insert them before posting your rationale. Simply post something like

for Guru
1.14 Giancarlo Stanton, OF, Mia

This makes it easy for me (or any moderator) to splice the eventual rationale in the proper place.

3. Once the draft is over, each manager is also encouraged to provide a general draft recap, at which time you can discuss your overall strategy, mention any undisclosed factors, comment on what worked out well and what didn't, etc.

The general format should be:
1.01 Mike Trout, OF, LAA
Several sentences of rationale.

In addition, along with your first player rationale, please comment on your rationale for your selection of draft order.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 18:25

for Da Bomb
I "won" the draft lottery and had my choice of draft selection. I decided to pick 1st because I wanted Mike Trout.

1.01 Mike Trout, OF, LAA
Mike Trout was the best player in fantasy baseball last year while only playing in 139 games due to starting the year in the minors. Although he had an unprecedented year last year for a rookie, his numbers were in line with what he did in the minors and he could be a "Lebron James" type of the MLB. His .963 OPS last year combined with a major league leading 49 SBs was unreal, and I'll take the chance he comes close to getting to those numbers again.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 18:27

for Evan

1.02 Miguel Cabrera, 3B, DET
The number one player on my board for obvious reasons. With my first round pick, I always want consistency (no risks) and Cabrera fits that bill perfectly. Even though 3B is relatively deep, there is no denying that Cabrera is on a tier of his own. Very pleased he wasn’t chosen number one and fell to me. He is the best anchor my team can get and will begin my strategy of loading up on hitters in the first few rounds.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 18:28

for Tosh

I was happy to draw an earlier draft slot, since I did not want to be in slots 6-12. Just too many similar players of similar value. With the second selection, I opted to draft third. I was just too wishy-washy between Trout, Cabrera, and Braun … so decided to take the leftover. Also seriously considered Cano at #4.

Pick 1.03 ~ Ryan Braun, OF, MIL

Once I processed my draft sheets, I was surprised to find that Braun was seeded fifth. Fielder and Votto both have enough of an OBP advantage that I ranked them slightly higher overall than Braun. Braun has very comparable percentage numbers to Cano but brings more steals. In the end, I decided a five-category base was more important than positional scarcity ... and went with Braun.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 18:29

1.04 Robinson Cano, 2B, NYY
I choose the 4th draft position with Cano in mind. I usually like to start these leagues with a solid performer from the MI. Aside from Cano there were many players that looked comparable so moving down in the draft order tempted me, but I felt safer going this way.

Cano’s best attribute is reliability. He plays just about every day and gives me a great boost in power from a position where power is not easily found. The Yankee lineup is looking less potent this year than in years past, but I’m not overly concerned with that.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 20:17

for tilt
I was happy to have an early selection. I have drafted first the last two years and finished first both times so was hoping to be on the top end again…..It didn’t quite work out but drafting 5th was ok with me, I knew there were 4 guys that I valued the most (picks 1-4) and if one of them slipped to me great if not im ok with my next level pick……

1.05 Joey Votto 1B CIN
I want a pretty high floor, chance of upside, min injury risk with my first round pick. Someone who gives me 5 cat numbers or dominates 3-4. Most of the traditional 5x5 rankings have him lower due to his lack of HR’s but since we use SLG and he is an OBP monster this really boosts his value IMO. His knees are healthy, please God, and he should be top 3 in OBP, top 15 in SLG 95+ runs and RBIs…..His OBP numbers will allow me to stretch a little when looking for value later in the draft. I considered Cutch, Kemp, and Fielder as well but Votto was at the top of that list from the start.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 20:18

for kokeshi

1.06 Matt Kemp OF LAD
I chose pick 6 because I thought there was a clear drop off after that point, I was hoping to get one of the top 5 guys that went because of Kemp's injury risk but Kemp will give me the power speed combo I am want to start with.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 20:19

for jkaye

1.07 Albert Pujols 1B LAA
It would be nice if he was running at this point, which was the main deterrent here. I also considered McCutchen, Cargo or Prince. Still, at the end of the day, Pujols was his former self from May 1 onward in 2012, and now has Josh Hamilton behind him. No reason to think he doesn't have another 380/550/100/100/8 season in him, more than satisfactory as a first round anchor. Ultimately, the hardest call was between him and Prince, since I determined that 1B was actually much thinner than OF, and that I could nab a pretty close imitation to McCutch/Cargo in round 2 or 3. Weird as it is to say for someone not currently able to run, but the tiebreaker was the 6-8 SB projected for Pujols vs the 1 for Prince. Otherwise, they have similar projections. Will be funny to look back on this in 6 months to see how crazy this sounds.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 20:21

for kdl212
Before the draft, I thought there was a top 3 (Braun, Trout, Cabrera), a next 3 (Votto, Fielder, McCutchen), and then about a dozen. So I was sad not to be in the top 6. I had the choice of 8 or lower, and strongly considered dropping to 10 or 12, but I've found happiness drafting in the middle. It gives me the illusion of foreseeing runs, and not having to wait 20+ picks between my turn. So I took 8. And in the end, it's not draft slot, but good luck on early round picks and productive midround picks that matters.

1.08 Prince Fielder 1B DET
As I said above, I was afraid at 8 that I'd be looking at a choice of Pujols or Kemp, and I really didn't want to have to make that call, but happily Fielder and his .400 OBP and .500 slugging fell to me. I'll take it. Almost pulled the trigger on McCutchen (but worried that his 2nd half numbers last year too much matched his 2011 numbers, and while they're still nice they're not .950 OPS nice), so I just took the big bopper and will roll from there.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 20:22

Pick 9. Spots left: 9-12, 15-16. Was hoping for 1, the slot that four RIBC winners finished first from last year, or top-4 but the random numbers did not cooperate. Went with 9 because it is the earliest available in round 1

1.09 Andrew McCutchen OF Pit

Thought pre-draft Votto (picked 1.05) may land here. For my round 1 pick, the offensive players I draft has to solidify both ratios and both run production numbers. When my turn came around I was deliberating between McCutchen, Giancarlo Stanton (and his outrageous SLG potential), and CarGo. In the end, I thought Cutch can give me the output a first rounder should in each of the production categories and 20 extra steals over the other two, and having played in 150+ games each of the last three seasons at 26 years old should once again prove durable.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 21:50

for blue hen
1.10 Jose Bautista, OF, Tor
I had two targets: Price Fielder and Andrew McCutcheon. I like both and figured one would make it to me. Of course, that would mean Bautista was already gone. I missed out on those two players, and got someone who I consider a better bet, but who I already have on another team (I often try to diversify). So I'm open to trade offers for Bautista, but I have faith that he'll be awesome.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 21:51

for mailedfoot
Took the 11th spot to be as close to the middle as possible, thinking also that it would give me the most options for the first round pick.

1.11 Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Col
Selected Cargo because he has consistently produced in 5 categories when healthy (fingers crossed). Should provide a balanced foundation for rest of my lineup. Also looked hard at Stanton but decided to go with Cargo's overall game.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 21:51

for dpr
1.12 Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Col
Pretty disappointed with my draft slot here as I am not too big a fan of Tulo and was hoping one of the guys before him would slip. Still, he offers good upside and fills the scarce SS position.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 21:52

for RotoGuru Jr.
1.13 Justin Upton, OF, Atl
I wanted Tulowitzki but already got sniped and it only took one round for my first of likely many. I don't particularly like going pitcher this early in a draft but don't love the value of any remaining players. Everyone seems to love Upton's ceiling but it feels like his ceiling is probably the same as CarGo and McCutcheon. Considering those guys went earlier though that makes this a viable pick for me.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 21:53

Pick #14: Nothing particular in mind. I figured I’d stay close to the end, as that allows me to think of the draft in terms of pairs of players. 14 is a lucky number, so I went there.

1.14 Giancarlo Stanton, OF, Mia
Was hoping to land a power hitter here, and Stanton fills the bill. At age 23, he’s already proven to be an elite power hitter. Perhaps the biggest risk is that with so much of the 2012 talent from the Marlins now elsewhere, Stanton will be easier to pitch around. Can he reproduce last year’s .361/.608? Maybe not, be he should be in that vicinity.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 23:38

for art of monk
1.15 Clayton Kershaw, SP, LAD
I did not like who I was going to get at 15. I was really targeting Tulo, thinking someone would take a SP. Once Tulo was taken I was surprised to see Stanton still on the board, but one pick in front of me. I considered Poesy as well. I went with Kershaw over Verlander, because the NL.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 23:39

for bmd
Had a choice between the 15th and 16th slot. Picked 16th since it's less time consuming being on the ends of the drafts.

1.16 Bryce Harper, OF, Was
Really wanted Harper here. Should improve on last years numbers and is a sneaky pick since he bumps his slg% up since he gets more triples than your average player.

2.01 Buster Posey, C, SF
Did not want Posey here. Went back and forth between a bunch of different guys. Would've taken Reyes but have Reyes in the G24 league and don't want to double dip and completely ruin my fantasy year. Posey is in the top tier by himself. If he duplicates last years numbers I'll be very happy.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 23:40

for art of monk
2.02 Evan Longoria, 3B, TB
I had him targeted from the start of the draft. I hope he can stay healthy. I thought about Reyes or Verlander, but thought I better get some power.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 23:41

2.03 Jose Reyes, SS, Tor
Looks like I’m going for last year’s Marlins lineup. Reyes, now 29, has moved north of the border. He loses out on Florida’s lack of a state income tax (apparently Ontario has a top provincial marginal tax rate of 13%), but his offensive stats may be helped by not having to bat behind a pitcher. He’s valuable in runs, steals, and OBP, and should be able to do so without torching RBI and slugging.

With Stanton and Reyes, I start my team with a nice combination of power and speed.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 09:53

For Rotoguru Jr.

2.04 Justin Verlander, SP, DET
Two picks in and I've already been sniped twice! I wanted Reyes badly! I felt like there is a drop off of hitting talent after Reyes so whoever I take here felt like a reach. I decided to go with Verlander since I would at least be having one of the top 2 starters. It seemed like every other position had multiple players available that were similar or just didn't have anyone worthy of a 2nd round pick.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 09:54

for dpr

2.05 Stephen Strasburg, SP, WAS
Planned to target one of the top 3 pitchers with this slot so was glad to see one still available. I was disappointed to see I had just missed out on Verlander however.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 09:56

for mailedfoot

2.06 Dustin Pedroia, 2B, BOS
Pedroia is another hitter who has the ability to contribute in at least 4 categories, is ranked top two at a relatively thin position, and still in his prime years. Considered Price pretty strongly here also.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 09:56

for blue hen

2.07 David Wright, 3B, NYM
Again, I had two targets: Bryce Harper and Evan Longoria. Neither one came particularly close. Even though Wright has been injury prone this week, there is a major dropoff after him. My next two choices were Jason Heyward and Adrian Gonzalez, both a peg down from Wright. Many sites even have Wright ahead of Longoria!

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 09:58

2.08 David Price, SP, TB

Blue Hen made the choice easier for me by grabbing Wright. Looked at a few other hitters (Beltre who was picked next, Josh Hamilton) but was kind of leaning starter here anyway since Price and Felix were still left from my Tier-1 SP. Both are durable work horses for their respective teams who should strike out 200+ batters in addition to having an ERA around 3.00 and a WHIP in the low 1.1x range. A great case can be made for either one in this slot. The very small thing that pushed me toward Price was playing for the Rays versus the Felix on the Mariners may be worth 4 extra wins

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 13:23

for kdl212

2.09 Adrian Beltre, 3B, TEX
I really wanted Pedroia here, since I took a big bopper in Fielder in round 1, but it wasn't meant to be. That left 3 Mariner-themed players: Beltre, Cliff Lee and Felix. I thought the "wait-on- pitching" meme would work in my favor and maybe Felix/Cliff would make it back to me in the third, so I went with Beltre. With news of Wright's injury, Beltre's valued seemed to get a slight uptick.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 13:24

for jkaye

2.10 Jason Heyward, OF, ATL
Definitely was targeting Heyward if I couldn't nab one of the "scarce" studs Wright and Pedroia. Heyward has a 400/500/100/100/20 season in his arsenal, and I would not be surprised if he was being taken in the top 10 of drafts next year. High upside pick, and after 2012 breakout, should be at least a reliable high floor-type OBP/SLG league player for round 2.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 13:25

for kokeshi777

2.11 Hanley Ramirez, SS, LAD
I wanted to get a short stop with this pick and I liked Ramirez's dual eligibility. I would of liked to have taken Hamilton and then get Zobrist next round but I didn't want to risk missing out on both Ramirez and Zobrist.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 13:26

for Tilt23

2.12 Josh Hamilton, OF, LAA
This pains me personally as a Ranger fan who saw first hand how inept he can be at times. I didn’t expect to have Hamilton this year. I took him last year at 3.01 and reaped the rewards. Even with his collapse at the end of the year he puts up MVP numbers for extended periods. That lineup is stacked and he will hit right in the middle of it, he is not changing leagues, not even changing divisions. Add that he faces the Astros more this year and he can reach his lofty projections even if he has to play in the sun. Wanted Beltre or Wright to fall to me but I knew that was wishful thinking. Almost took Adrian Gonzo but that guy frustrates me and is just too much of an unknown for me this early (yes I realize Hamilton is just as frustrating). Considered taking a SP here but Felix has been losing velocity and still plays in Sea so I will wait on SP for now.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 13:27

2.13 Felix Hernandez, SP, SEA

I’m not terribly happy with the way the last few picks went, as I would have preferred offense than my first pitcher. Additionally, there seems to be some concern with Felix’s drop in velocity and the amount of innings he has pitched in the past few years. Presuming that those issues don’t point to an elbow injury, Felix presents a great value here and an anchor to my pitching staff. I felt it was worth the risk. There are a few hitters that I have lumped together. None of them jumped out at me and I’ll likely have my choice of a few of them in round 3.

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 13:40

Pick 2.14 ~ Ian Kinsler, 2B, TEX

I’m hoping to add Kinsler, Edwin Encarnacion, and Ben Zobrist with my next two picks, but now realize I can’t figure that out. So lets pick one for now.
*** Zobrist - Five solid categories at MI, and it’s a fairly significant drop to the next tier of SS. But based on the other RIBC drafts (3.10, 3.15, 4.01, 3.15) … Zobrist will still be available at 3.03, so I pass for now.
*** Encarnacion - I’m a little suspicious of the sources of his 2012 power surge. I’m a little concerned about his injury history. I see a number of 1B still available that are perfectly acceptable. So I pass for now.
*** Kinsler - 2B is surprisingly deep this year, but Kinsler is the only one remaining that does not have a hole somewhere in his game. Although I passed on position scarcity with pick 1.03, I use it now, and draft Kinsler. Another five category star.

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 15:56

for Evan
2.15 Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, LAD
Went with a very good hitter who I think is a little undervalued this season. He hits cleanup in a very strong lineup and is a consistent hitter. Injuries were a concern last season but I’m banking that he will return to form. I also like that he has a high OBP. Gonzalez may not hit 30+ HRs anymore but I’m expecting 25 with over 100 RBI and close to 100 runs. Not a bad player to pair up with Cabrera.

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 15:57

for Da Bomb
2.16 Edwin Encarnacion, 1B, Tor
Don't like taking pitchers this early, so I'll look at the hitters. Encarnacion stood out as the best one remaining given his .941 OPS last year. It's a bit of a risky pick though given his career year last season, but Encarnacion was pretty stable Pre ASB vs Post ASB, and month by month last year, so I'm counting on him being a late bloomer as opposed to having a fluke year. Toronto's lineup is also improved which should give him better pitches to hit. Double digit steals from your 1B is a nice perk too.

3.01 Ben Zobrist, SS/2B/OF, TB
With 3 starting MI spots to fill among 16 teams, options get ugly if you wait. When the value is there for a MI in this format, I pounce. Zobrist has OPSs of .820+ 4 out of the last 5 years, and will also get you about 15 SBs. Throw in some position flexibility and I'm happy to add this productive and reliable MI to my squad.

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 15:57

for Evan
3.02 Starlin Castro, SS, CHC
I was not expecting to take him at all but I like to get at least one middle infielder with my first three picks. I was targeting Kinsler, Pedroia, or Hanley who were taken earlier. After looking up Castro, I was convinced that he could be a very solid choice. He has tremendous upside and has accomplished a lot while being so young at the SS position. I’m expecting HRs in the teens, SB in the 20s, and an almost .340 OBP. At a historically weak fantasy position, I figured it was a good move to make.

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 15:59

Pick 3.03 ~ Billy Butler, 1B, KC

Following up on rationale 2.14, I decide to reach for Ben Zobrist with this pick, and take him at least 10 picks earlier than seems warranted. I had to leave the computer, so even though I knew I would get Zobrist, I still had to have an emergency 3-man queue.

The queue was Zobrist, Encarnacion, Butler & Goldschmidt. Both Butler & Goldy are great young players with lots of upside. Butler has a better OBP. Goldy provides better Speed. Butler is going to bat higher in the lineup, so I go ahead and list Butler third on my queue.

Glad I set the emergency queue, since Zobrist & Encarnacion went at 2.16 & 3.01.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 16:12

3.04 Yoenis Cespedes, OF, OAK

I considered a few options, Bruce, Craig in particular. I knew I wanted some speed however, so I also thought about Ellsbury. Cespedes offered power numbers close to Bruce and Craig, even if those two should outperform him there and have a better track record. Cespedes will not give me the potential steals of Ellsbury, but I did not want the injury risk of Ellsbury since I did not consider Cespedes to be that much of a drop off. A repeat of last year’s numbers will be great, but if Cespedes plays a full year at the rate closer to his second half then this will represent great value. I don’t think that’s too far-fetched. He is in his prime, was nagged by injuries in the first half, and adjusting to the majors and a new country. I particularly liked reading that he “became one of three players to manage at least a .300 batting average with double-digit homers and steals after the All-Star break, joining Ryan Braun and Mike Trout.” We all know those other two went in the top 3, making this pick worth it.

Tilt23
ID: 280283018
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 19:53

3.05 Jay Bruce, OF, CIN

Well looks like I will be a reds fan this year. Bruce could lead the league in HR and keeps his OBP right where I need it to be while still driving in 100+ runs and scoring 90+ will even steal a base or two. He is entering his prime and has put up these numbers for a while now. Plays in a hitters park in a good lineup. No injury concerns. Whats not to like? Oh the fact that he strikesout a ton which can lead to slumps and means he has to walk a ton just to keep that respectable OBP……..buts lets not focus on that. My draft is going well, right where I want to be, was looking for Butler to fall to me but Tosh squashed that idea. Again almost took a SP with Cliff Lee as my ace, he was queued up…..but couldn’t pass up Bruce. Plenty of SP left.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 21:27

for kokeshi

3.06 Matt Holliday,OF, STL
I took Holiday because I thought he was the best pure power numbers left on the board and I wanted to have a strong offensive start.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 21:28

for jkaye

3.07 Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, WAS
Ultimately from value standpoint, Zimmerman won out over Hamels, BJ Upton and Adam Jones. Saw Zobrist went before this (who I perhaps misguidedly thought I could target at my next pick at 58), and could tell quality IF were going quick.

RZimm comes with a good degree of injury risk, but even with 1 DL stint and just140 gms last year he had 25/90/90.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 21:29

for kdl212

3.08 Cliff Lee, SP, PHI
I fully intended to treat this draft like last year - one starting pitcher in the first 10 rounds. But despite that strategy working last year (I'm still here) my hitting wasn't that awesome. At the same time, I figured that elite pitching would slide this year, so I promised to be open to zigging when others were zagging.

The result = Cliff Lee, who was awesome as usual last year but for wins (Cliff Lee 21 quality starts, 6 wins; Matt Cain 21 quality starts, 16 wins). He's awesome, he's a former Mariner, and I'm happy with him at #40. He came at the expense of Adam Jones.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 21:30

3.09 Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, ARI

So... no one wants pitchers? Since my last selection 15 of 16 picks were hitters and late round 2 early round 3 is when you usually see them fly off the board. I think this tier just so flat that there are too many interchangeable SPs in this next group you can get close to the same value by waiting a round. This group of managers is showing great restraint, no one is going to react and reach and I see it is going to be a challenging draft. So going into this pick without pitchers going off the board, everyone really dented my hitter queue. Almost took a second SP here in Hamels but didn't for the reason I just mentioned. Goldschmidt improved all his numbers in his sophomore season last year and at 25 I expect his numbers to climb again, although fantasy 'experts' are all over board on this guy. I've seen him ranked in standard 5x5 as high 21 in some places and as low as 75 in others but I feel the RIBC format works better for Goldy. He has some pop and should come close to .500 in SLG like he did last season and should drive in over 90 runs. He swiped 18 bases last year but I'm not buying into him repeating that many steals, but even 10 from my 1B is a bonus.

mailedfoot

for blue hen
3.10 B.J. Upton, OF , ATL
Jeffg strikes again! I was dead set on Paul Goldschmidt, and Jeff took him one pick before me. I had to do a quick adjustment, and Upton really stood out. I'm still mesmerized by his talent, and the upside of a .380 OBP with 30 homers and 30 steals. Even if he doesn't reach those numbers, Upton is still a big piece of my team's offense.

mailedfoot
ID: 2787117
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 11:02

3.11 Adam Jones, OF, BAL

Jones had his best year last year and is still only 26; I am hoping he can take another step forward and enter the realm of elite OFs. If he only reproduces last year, he still will contribute across the board. I feel like he fits with my first two picks to make a balanced nucleus for my hitters.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 13:05

for dpr
3.12 Chase Headley, 3B, SDG
This pick didn't do much for m at the time, and it does less for me now. Hopefully once healthy he can grow on last years season.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 13:06

for RotoGuru Jr.
3.13 Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Bos
If you're going to win in a 16-team league, you're gonna need to hit it big with certain picks. People don't win by drafting good players who put up equally good numbers. They win by drafting players who put up more than you expect. Ellsbury did that two years ago so I'm hoping he can do the same. At the very least, as long as he stays healthy he will give me plenty of speed with strong counting stats during the games he does play.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 13:06

3.14 Allen Craig, IB/OF, StL
Had hopes that Billy Butler might slide to here, but that wasn’t even close. Was looking for another power bat, and the two that have survived to this point are Craig and Aramis Ramirez. Their hitting profiles look pretty similar, so I went with the one who’s seven years younger.

He has a bit of a history of missing time due to injuries in both the minors and majors, but if he plays, he’s shown he will hit. I’d be happy with a repeat of last year’s .354/.522. The 1B/OF flexibility is icing on the cake.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 13:07

for art of monk
3.15 Anthony Rizzo, 1B, ChC
This was a little early to take him, but I didn’t think he would be available in 5.15 and I wanted him. I felt 1B dropped after him. I would have taken Upton or Jones if they were available. I had also hoped Butler would slip. This was a risky pick.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 13:08

for bmd
3.16 Cole Hamels, SP, Phi
So much for predraft strategy. I definitely did not plan on picking a SP with any of my first couple of picks. I'm not really a Hamels fan but figured he was a pretty damn safe pick for a lot of wins, ks and solid rates.

4.01 Brett Lawrie, 3B, Tor
Struggled again with the 2nd of my picks. Realized how much of an advantage the guys in the first couple of slots have in a league like this. Wanted to take somebody like Freeman, Hosmer, Davis here but felt it was slightly early for them and prayed one of them would make it back to me. Decided to reach with Lawrie. He's got 1st round potential. Hoping he can stay healthy and contribute in all 5 categories.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 13:08

for art of monk
4.02 Matt Cain, SP, SF
I really did not want to take another SP, but I could not pass on Cain. I considered Weaver or Gio and Phillips. I went with Cain once again due the NL. In hindsight I wish I would have taken Phillips.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 13:09

4.03 Michael Bourn, OF, Cle
I’m not sure if I’m crazy like a fox, or crazy as a loon. Probably the latter. Looking at the other RIBC league drafts, Bourn is going at least a round later than this. But my next pick is 27 picks away, so if I want him, I think it’s now or never. Even though I already have Reyes, it never hurts to bulk up on steals when you can do so without torching too many other cats. And according to the ESPN player rater, Bourn ranked #45 overall last year – while stealing only 42 bases. So it wasn’t a ridiculous steal total that propped up his rating.

Bourn is in Cleveland this year, so that makes him a homer pick for me as well. He’s also the third returning member from last year’s RIBC team. Not sure what to make of that, since that team was mediocre at best. But, what the hey? It’s easier to take chances when you have year-to-year immunity.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 14:34

For Rotoguru Jr.

4.04 Aramis Ramirez, 3B, MIL
I don't love Ramirez, but after looking through his past stats and who is available at 3B, this feels like a no-brainer considering there really is a huge drop off after him (and Sandoval). I also see I need to boost my slugging and RBIs after my Ellsbury pick so this just seems to make a lot of sense.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 14:35

for dpr

4.05 Joe Mauer, C, MIN
He had a nice rebound last year but has also had some blips in the past. Hopefully this is one of those good years for him and he stays healthy.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 14:36

for mailedfoot

4.06 Pablo Sandoval, 3B, SF
Looking at the 3B landscape, I felt like Sandoval was a last, best chance to get an OPS impact player at this position who did not have definite question marks. He's not really being drafted this high in most of the draft results I've looked at, but some projections would seem to warrant taking him here. Did not want to risk not having him available at the next pick, so I pulled the trigger.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 14:37

for bluehen

4.07 Jered Weaver, SP, LAA
People clearly waited on starting pitchers this year, and there were a veritable plethora at this point. Weaver was down at the end of last year, but still found his rankings ahead of the others (Yu Darvish was another one I looked closely at). In that case, he's a round four Weaver; if he gets back any of what he lost, he's a round two Weaver.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 14:38

4.08 Gio Gonzalez, SP, Was

Gio has been a model of consistency over the last three seasons not missing a start and compiling ERA and WHIPs and Wins always among the league leaders, while striking out close to a batter an inning. With two top 10 SP on my staff, I have a great core that gives me a nice jump on my league-mates in pitching.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 16:07

for kdl212

4.09 Yu Darvish, SP, TEX
So much for one starter in the first 10 rounds. I simply couldn't pass up Darvish here, even though there were about 6-8 pitchers I lumped all together still available. Assuming 200 innings, I get 225 strikeouts and, I imagine, better ratios this year. (stat geek warning) His WHIP, FIP and xFIP all dropped in the second half once he settled in, and a low left-on-base percentage elevated his ERA. Bottom line, I'm hoping I got my 2nd #1, 200k starter, and I have a little wiggle room to eye a low-K but good ratio starter later in the draft.

I considered a second basemen, but preferred to make my pick on pitcher and let the draft decide which second basemen made it back to me. Other option was Choo, but I'm always talking myself out of outfielders.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 16:07

for jkaye

4.10 Carlos Santana, C, CLE
Santana is a good OBP league play, and fills a need at a shallow position. He also could take a step up, and his ceiling is among the highest in MLB among the under 27 crowd. Similar to Heyward in his overall profile - good OBP, solid baseline, tons of upside.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 16:08

for Kokeshi777

4.11 Brandon Phillips, 2B, CIN
I was happy Phillips fell because I was able to complete my middle infield with productive guys and I felt I could wait and still get production at the corners.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 16:09

for Tilt23

4.12 Jason Kipnis, 2B, CLE
Well this might be that pick in the draft where you look back and go “yeah I screwed that up” or “wow I know what im doing, great pick.” I really don’t know which it will be. I was almost sure, positive, after I took Bruce last round that I was going to take a SP here. SP usually get put off in this league but I have found that you really need to have an anchor or you are relying on some late round picks or waiver wire picks to become stars. I almost took my anchor the last two rounds but was sticking to my plan of best player available for 5 rounds. I stuck with it and ended up with 3 OF and no SP. But I digress….. Kipnis….Got to 6 picks away from me and I had 4 SP ready to go (Gio, Yu, Weaver, and Bumgarner) in that order. I checked back in later and saw that the first three were gone and I started looking closer and got cold feet about my 4th pitcher so started thinking of going offense and realized how thin 2B was getting. Others might think there is plenty of depth but this position is full of players that I think underperform consistently and I hate to draft. I started looking and found Brandon Phillips was ranked the highest and was already contemplating taking my 3rd Red when he was snatched right before me…..That left Kipnis….I started looking deeper and like the kid, he walks he runs hits for power sure he wore down in the second half, the league caught up to him, but no injury concerns as long as he continues to grow this pick looks great. He was the last one in this tier for me. Once I decided to skip SP again I looked at some OF options with Gordon topping the list and almost took him here but decided I couldn’t stomach looking for a 2B later and chose Kipnis. I will get one of my next level SP next pick…

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 16:10

4.13 Madison Bumgarner, SP, SF

I was hoping Pablo Sandoval would have fallen to me here. If he had, I would have skipped pitching altogether with this set of picks and filled out my corner IF. He didn’t, so I have two 1B that I like and the teams that pick after me should leave me with one of them. I’m hoping Freddie Freeman survives. I suspect 1 or 2 pitchers might go around the turn and I have Bumgarner and Wainwright fairly close. There’s a chance both might go, so I’ll take one and hope I did the right thing. Bumgarner struggled down the stretch last year but I’ll chalk that up to fatigue and hope that the rest did him well. If so, he could challenge for the Cy Young and paired with King Felix, my pitching is fairly strong. I know the common wisdom in these leagues has been to wait on pitching. But the ratios have been trending downwards over the last few years, so if you want to be at the top of those categories you need to have a few key pieces. Sure, you could find good value on pitching later on, but my feeling is that those pitchers will likely be putting up ratios that would have been at the top of this league a few years ago, not now.

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 17:50

Pick 4.14 ~ Craig Kimbrel, RP, ATL

I am stepping into uncharted territory here. In all my years of fantasy baseball, I do not recall ever taking a closer so early. Certainly not in RIBC. I looked for every reason to not draft him. But he was one of the top players on my main draft chart. And on my backup chart. And on my double secret emergency backup. He was drafted in the other RIBC drafts at 3.04, 3.11, 4.05, and 4.08 ... so it looks like I am getting a bargain.

I had to double-check his 2012 numbers, to make sure I was not looking at his video game numbers. 16.6 K/9. 8.3 K/BB. 1.01 ERA & 0.89 WHIP. He’s as far above the #2 reliever as Cano is over the 2nd ranked 2B.

Maybe Kimbrel will be the start of a new trend for me. Closers rule.

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 19:56

for Evan
4.15 Shin-Soo Choo, OF, CIN
I always target Choo in fantasy. He always seems to be undervalued as he provides steady numbers across the board including a high OBP. Love him in the Reds lineup and playing half his games in that bandbox ballpark. He dealt with injuries last season and a DUI distraction. Love his 2013 value at pick #63.

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 19:57

For DaBomb
4.16 Aaron Hill, 2B, Ari
Continuing with my theme of grabbing a MI if the value is there. I see a sizable dropoff after he and Ian Desmond, and I go with Hill because he will draw more walks, is more established, and will likely spend more time hitting higher in the batting order.

5.01 Adam Wainwright, SP, Stl
Didn't see a hitter I had to have so I'll draft my first SP. Wainwright's overall numbers weren't great last year, but he pitched much better in the second half as he worked himself back into form after Tommy John surgery. Pitching in the NL gave him a slight edge over a couple other options I was considering.

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 19:58

For Evan
5.02 Freddie Freeman, 1B, ATL
I still hadn’t drafted a pitcher yet and was strongly debating doing so but I couldn’t resist Freddie Freeman batting in that revamped ATL lineup. I like him more than Rizzo and Craig who were drafted a round before. I expect a high OBP, 25-30 HR, close to 100 runs, and over 100 RBI. I really love the value of this pick and I can say my offense has a very solid foundation. Could use a pitcher though...

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 20:00

Pick 5.03 ~ RA Dickey, SP, TOR

I could say that I remember mocking the manager that drafted RA Dickey in RIBC last season. But I can’t ... because he went undrafted. He was drafted #162 (17th round) in my NL-only league. He went into the season with a career 41-50 record. And then he goes out and throws 230 Ks, a 2.73 ERA, and wins the freakin’ Cy Young Award. All while throwing the knuckleball 85% of the time. Baseball is a strange game.

I don’t even think Mrs. Dickey thinks his 2013 numbers will approach 2012. But as long as he doesn’t totally collapse, a Dickey/Kimbrel pitching combo should provide me a solid ERA/WHIP base that will compensate for that horrible #5 starter I’ll throw out there sometimes.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 20:32

5.04 Ike Davis, 1B, NYM

Was hoping for Freeman, had to settle for my second choice in Davis. Most ranking have them fairly close to each other, but Freeman is younger and could outperform his projections. Davis is likely at his ceiling. I picked up Davis from the scrap heap last year after his horrible start and he turned into a very good player for me. I’m hoping that last year’s slow start is behind him and he delivers a more consistent year in 2013. He has lots of power and walks quite a bit, so he is one of those players whose value is higher in our league as opposed to AVG leagues. My other consideration was Austin Jackson. I almost talked myself into switching my original plan and nabbing him for the runs scored and steals. In the end, I felt there was more depth at OF and I already had one on board, yet had no CI. I didn’t like the prospect of that going into the portion of the draft where I have to watch a long list of players disappear before my next turn.

Tilt23
ID: 280283018
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 21:23

5.05 Alex Gordon, OF, KAN

He doesn’t pitch does he? I was sure again I was taking a SP here but had Gordon fall in my lap. I almost took him last pick and you know how it is when you are this close to taking a guy and then he magically lasts til your next pick….hard to pass that up…….. he is a 5 category player, gets knocked for no HR but led the league in 2B last year, + SLG +OBP +runs good to average RBI and SB’s. Will be moving back to leadoff so more runs and SB to come and didn’t lose RBI production when he batted up there before so I was excited about Gordon as my 3rd OF. I stuck to my plan best player available for 5 rounds….. 3 OF no pitchers….lets see how the rest goes and hope there is still plenty of depth at SP like everyone says.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 21:41

for kokeshi
5.06 CC Sabathia, SP, NYY
My plan was to take a starter in round 5 or 6 I was looking at either Halladay or Sabathia. I perfered Sabathia but was comfortable enough with Halladay to wait but I culd't find anyone else I was happy with and I was not sure they would not both go off the board.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 21:42

for JKaye
5.07 Ian Desmond, SS, Was

Maybe a reach due to his position, but despite a poor OBP, he does have a nice 20/20 skill set and let's me ensure I have a reliable SS on my paper team going into the year.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 21:43

for kdl212
5.08 Jose Altuve, 2B, HOU
Each year in RIBC I have panicked and wasted a 5th or 6th round pick on a stinker of a 2B, only to have my 17th/18th round second baseman pick outperform my early selection. And each year I've finished top 4. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

This once again felt early too me, but experts like him, and he fit my needs b/c my team didn't have a stolen base to its name yet. I thought about a few shortstops, but it looked like there were enough in the current tier that one would trickle back to me in round 6.

Strongly considered Desmond Jennings and Austin Jackson, but again talked myself out of an outfielder.

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 21:46

5.09 Desmond Jennings, OF, TB

Last year in RIBC AAA I drafted Michael Bourn in rd 5 (selected 4.03 this year) and began my rationale like this "Is it too soon to grab what some have defined as a mostly one dimensional fantasy player? I usually draft offense for power and production early and then scrape the free agent pool in-season for a couple of guys who can provide cheap steals who kill all my other numbers. " Things worked out for me last season where Bourn stole 42 bases while scoring 90 runs, but was just shy of a .400 SLG and middle of the road in OBP. Jennings is a similar fantasy player, and I feel he can give me maybe a shade better in each of those numbers than Bourne did last year, although he is less of an OBP help. Now I just got to hope I can find picks in the lower rounds to offset the lack of SLG and RBI from this 5th rounder and offset the fact I also still have three MI left to draft.

mailedfoot

for blue hen
5.10 Eric Hosmer, 1B, KC
Really lucked into Hosmer. Early on, everyone was going for hitters, and then the pitcher run hit. That was when Hosmer should have gone, but he's still here now. Goldschmidt 3.09, Headley 3.12, adn Rizzo 3.15 are players I find similar to Hosmer, and went earlier. I just traded him for a king's ransom in a keeper league, so if he's actually awesome, at least I get one year of him here.

mailedfoot

5.11 Paul Konerko, 1B, ChW

Much like my last pick, I wanted a 1B who can be counted on for OPS. Many of the up and coming young guys I was looking at have already been selected. Konerko is not being drafted anywhere near this position in most drafts, but I think he can still do the job as long as he stays healthy. I also like the fact that he plays half his games in a hitters park. Possibly could have waited on him but didn't want to risk it.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 09:55

for dpr
5.12 Roy Halladay, SP, Phi
Hoping for a bounceback to at least be a quality number two. Last year was very discouraging but his control was always so good hopefully he can regain is form for his later years.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 09:55

for RotoGuru Jr.
5.13 Ryan Howard, 1B, Phi
I really like Hosmer and Davis but was not willing to reach for them last round. Howard feels like he fits the mold of a guy who is a gamble that can pay off. I'm going to hope last year was an achilles issue and his numbers from just 2-3 years ago are pretty ridiculous (140 RBI!). If he can get anywhere near that this is a great pick.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 09:56

5.14 Yadier Molina, C StL
I spent quite awhile wrestling with this pick, but after all was said and done, decided that Molina was my strong 1st choice, so I was happy that he survived. Molina had somewhat of a breakout year in 2012, ranking #55 overall on the ESPN player rater for this format, with gaudy ratios of .373 and .501. And 12 steals. And from a catcher! What’s not to like? Not expecting numbers quite so prodigious this year, but at pick #78, I don’t feel like I’m reaching at all.

My backup choice was Josh Willingham, but I though there was even an outside chance he would slide to round 7. Of course, he didn’t.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 10:28

for art of monk
5.15 Elvis Andrus, SS, Tex
I need to focus on hitting. I thought Choo or Gordon might make it back to me and I think I could have got Rizzo here, could be a huge mistake. I thought Mike might take Andrus or Rollins, so took the one I wanted and didn’t think he would take another OF. Should have taken Jackson here.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 10:29

for bmd
5.16 Austin Jackson, OF, Det
I was absolutely thrilled that AJax fell to me. He should be a shoe in for 100 runs if he stays healthy and is a plus in every category except RBIs. His slg % might regress a little but there's also a good chance he improves on his steal numbers from last year.

6.01 Max Scherzer, SP, Det
The mvp of my season last year. Probably was on a lot of the other teams that moved up this year. Absolutely crushed after his first few bad outing last year. The analysts absolutely love him. I'm not 100% sold on him but I love me a high k rate so decided to put my team in the running for top of the k rankings. Had a couple of guys I wanted to fall back to me. Asdrubal Cabrera was really close to being picked here. I thought there was a ok chance he makes it back to me since he's underrated for some reason. Unfortunately, he did not.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 10:29

for art of monk
6.02 Martin Prado, 2B, Ari
Another huge mistake on my part, I was so confident that Mike was not taking Jackson that I turned on my queue to wait just 20 minutes and then take Jackson. The pick happened during church and I got Martin. I did set the queue, no one to blame, but myself. He could still bring some good hitting. Some Flexibility with OF, 3B eligibility. Wish we were in yahoo and it would have been much flexibility with 2b, SS as well.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 10:30

6.03 Jon Papelbon, RP, Phi
There was a time in RIBC history when closer runs would have been well underway by now. But in recent years, the early demand has been more tempered, and this draft looks to be that way as well. Nevertheless, with 26 to go before I pick again, I want to get my first closer nailed down – and it never hurts to have an elite closer, if that phrase isn’t an oxymoron.

With Papelbon, I get someone with a long history of success, job stability, and a lot of Ks for a reliever. Some managers think that it’s unwise to pay up for saves, but in this case, I’m paying up for someone who will help in 4 cats. And with no starting pitcher yet on my roster, I need a good foundation in the pitching ratios and Ks from my relievers, so Papelbon fits well with that need.

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 15:27

For Rotoguru Jr
6.04 Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phi
I'm still not sure I like this pick. Mainly because Rollins really doesn't have the ability to win me the league, but he sure has the ability to lose it (with injuries or poor performance). I was between him and Asdrubal and Cabrera seemed to have just as much injury risk, although he is younger which at least makes me feel like he has the potential for "upside" which I look for in every pick. I worry that I drafted Rollins at a position that requires I get his upside, and not his safe projections.

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 15:29

for dpr
6.05 Rickie Weeks, 2B, MIL
Fills the 2b position nicely and gives me a strong middle infield.

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 15:31

for mailedfoot
6.06 Jordan Zimmermann, SP, WAS
Felt like I needed to address pitching at this point. Zimmermann is still a young guy with excellent control and I am hoping he can finish out this season better than he did last year. Should get plenty of opportunities for wins playing for Washington. Considered Chapman, but since his role is still not settled, I went this way instead.

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 15:33

for bluehen
6.07 Zack Greinke, SP, LAD
Injury issues, but if he's at all healthy, he's way ahead of the other options available now - next best to me was Gallardo. I expect to miss some time here (same with Wright), but the innings Greinke throws should be great.

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 15:34

6.08 David Freese, 3B, StL
I still have no MI and the longer I wait, the tougher a drain they will be on my overall numbers and was thinking Asdrubal Cabrera here (picked next), but looking at the 3B taken and left, I think after Freese the drop off is much greater. Making it though last season should shed him of his 'injury risk' label . He's a great player for OBP and at only 30 years old I'll be happy with a repeat of last season's 70R/80RBI performance even though various projections have those higher.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 17:42

for kdl212

6.09 Asdrubal Cabrera, SS, CLE
Not a high upside pick, but if I can get 80/80 with a half dozen stolen bases and decent percentages out of this slot, I'll take it. Saw him as the last of a tier, and another SS wasn't picked for 25 slots.

Would rather have waited on a SS, but in this league, players have a tendency to disappear five picks before it's your turn, and then you end up with someone like Luis Sojo in your lineup. The value on the board was still in starting pitching, but I couldn't justify a 3rd starter in the first 6 picks. Had Greinke slid to me, though, I would've taken the plunge.

Underwhelmed by my hitting at this point.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 17:43

for jkaye

6.10 Chris Sale, SP, CWS
Sale has ace upside, thanks to a breakout 2012 with close to elite ERA/WHIP and a K per inning. Not the most proven track record so there is some risk, but happy to have him as staff anchor after taking hitters with first 5 picks.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 17:44

for kokeshi777

6.11 Jason Motte, RP, STL
Relief pitchers were just starting to go off the board and it seemed like a good time to get in on the run. By taking Motte I felt like I got a guy in the first tier of closers.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 17:45

for tilt23

6.12 Kris Medlen, SP, ATL
We all say wait on SP but I feel you need to hit on a frontline starter and tend to take them earlier then most however this year I have put it off til now. From July on as a starter he went 9-0 with a 0.97 ERA. He is young and has potential ace stuff. He is back from TJ surgery so not sure how many innings he will get as he was on a limit last year and could be in line for a sophomore slump but the potential upside is too high to pass up. I put off SP for too long and while there is good depth I needed a pitcher from this tier and he gave the most upside. He is going to regress but his K/9 and K/BB is good so it shouldn’t be a fluke. Looks like the pitchers are starting to go now as my queue was cleared pretty quickly after this pick, happy I took one here.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 17:45

6.13 Alex Rios, OF, CWS

I knew I wanted two offensive players with this set of picks so the only question was which positions to go after. There are 3 catchers that I like more than the tier below them so I decided if that was an option, it would have to be in round 7. Looking at MI, there is not much I think warrants a selection at this point, despite my need at those positions. I also need CI, but didn’t think this was the best place for them. That left OF and I wanted someone who will contribute some steals and has power potential. Rios had a great year last year and while most projections expect him to regress this season, he is someone who helps across the board. I passed on Austin Jackson last round and Rios looked like a slightly lesser version of him just one round later.

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 17:50

I have always found in RIBC drafts that picks 5-7 are the hardest. In the first 4 rounds, it’s pretty easy. You may have to decide if you want to draft a SP, but most of the time you just draft the biggest gun on your list. But starting in round 5, you need to figure out a strategy based on who you now have. And so many different directions to go. There are MI, CI, and OF4 slots that need to be filled in addition to a normal roster. A closer run might be coming up soon. I keep reading that OF is not as deep as in the past. There are likely some noticeable holes in my stats projections that need to be addressed.

Pick 6.14 ~ Josh Willingham, OF, MIN

Even though my projections show me in a decent spot overall right now, they also show me in last place in RBIs and Runs. I am currently in a hurry, and cannot decide what strategy to follow. So I’m going to find a big hitter for now, and then figure out what to do in 5 more picks. There are several decent options at Catcher and 1B. There are also lots of options at OF, but I only see a few that I would consider a big bopper that doesn't have many holes. And almost all of them are over the age of 30, or have drug questions. But since there is a shortage of reliable power at remaining OF, I opt for one of them.

Willingham stayed healthy in 2012, and provided his career season of 35 HRs and 110 RBIs. He brings a good OBP to the table, and I expect just minimal regression. He should see plenty of opportunity hitting between Mauer and Morneau. Based on the other RIBC drafts, I took Willingham way too early. And in retrospect, I could have taken James Shields (drafted at 6.16) now, and Willingham (or someone else) at 7.03. Oh well. Willingham was a quick fix for my immediate need.

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 20:38

for Evan

6.15 Matt Moore, SP, TAM
I took my first pitcher with this selection. I don't like selecting pitchers early and felt this was the round to strike. Not a sexy name yet but there are high expectations for Moore in his second year. I'm expecting roughly a strikeout per inning, exactly what I'm looking for for my starting pitchers. I don't know what to expect with WHIP... that is my one unknown with him. Ultimately, I love that he was available this late in the draft.

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 20:40

for DaBomb
6.16 James Shields, SP, KC
Kansas City didn't trade one of the best prospects in baseball without getting a very nice return. Shields has developed into one of the best pitchers in baseball and his 448 strikeouts over the past 2 seasons is only surpassed by Verlander and Kershaw.

7.01 Victor Martinez, C, Det
Like MI, catcher is a shallow position that can really drain your percentage categories if you put it off. VMart missed all of last year due to injury, but Spring health reports are positive and he'll be the full time DH in Detroit, which should help keep him in the lineup. Should he stay healthy and put up numbers in line with his career .840 OPS, he'll make for pretty good value at this point in the draft.

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 20:40

for Evan -

7.02 Mat Latos, SP, CIN
Another pitcher I was surprised who lasted this long. Yes, he plays in a small park so his ERA may be a little elevated, but his low WHIP and strikeout potential is phenomenal. The fact that I waited until rounds 6-7 to select my starters was a good move in my opinion. I got the pitchers I targeted to pair with my strong hitters I selected in the first 5 rounds.

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 20:42

Pick 7.03 ~ Johnny Cueto, SP, CIN

I still show myself with a shortage at RBI and Runs. It’s also a long time until pick 8.14, and don’t really have a strategy yet. I consider Napoli & Wieters at Catcher, but decide it’s a deep category for now. I consider Utley at 2B, but he’s got the injury concerns. I consider Chapman at SP/RP?, but if he does become a closer, I don’t want two closers in my first seven picks. . [Note: Those were the next four players picked.]

Cueto is the last real ace on the board. He’s the last available top-20 pitcher at MLB.com, ESPN, and Rotowire. He has a 2.58 ERA since the start of 2011, about 7.0 K/9, and plenty of wins. I’m more concerned about injury than downside. He is a fine #2 pitcher for my squad.

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 21:08

7.04 Matt Wieters, C, BAL

I was looking at catcher last pick and now headed back to the long part of the draft for me, I decided to grab one and try to get an advantage at this position since I’ve lost ground on SS and 3B. Catcher is deep this year but I still think Wieters, Montero and Napoli warrant an earlier selection than the next tier. I chose Wieters because of potential. I’m hoping he takes another step forward this year and he finally delivers on the breakout that people have been discussing since he came to the majors. As I see it, this is a significant pick in the draft for me. If Wieters busts, then it will have been a wasted pick on a position that I am counting on to have an advantage on ¾ of the league.

Tilt23
ID: 280283018
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 21:48

7.05 Aroldis Chapman, SP, CIN

I had him last year and that worked out. He was the last SP in my queue, it was wiped clean between my picks. I was happy to take him. At the time I write this he is still a SP but could close again too. If he starts has the potential to be a 200 K guy or could blow out his arm. If he is the closer, which I think he will be, then he is a dominant closer second only to Kimbrel. Either way I need him. Fits the mold of pitchers I want, take the guy with the best stuff. With luck they will settle on something in the next couple of days so I have some direction for the rest of my team. I drafted him as a SP but I have a feeling he will close, if I don’t know in the next few days then my draft could end up being skewed. I feel I got a discount though since his role is up in the air and he certainly has the best stuff of anyone left.

100

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 22:33

for kokeshi
7.06 Mike Napoli, C, BOS
I thought maybe this would be the year I pass on Napoli but I needed a catcher and 1st baseman so Napoli fit well.

101

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 22:35

for JKaye
7.07 Chase Utley, 2B, Phi

Maybe my favorite pick so far. Utley managed a 365/420/48/45/11 line in 83 games/301 AB last year. Obviously that's a player worth a higher pick than 103 when extended for a full year. What clinched it for me was the 11 SB (in 12 attempts no less), proving to me that he was/is healthy. He will be hitting 3rd for a respectable lineup and will be one of the keys to my success if he is able to remain on field.

102

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 22:35

For kdl212
7.08 Nick Swisher, OF, CLE
Another slight reach, but he gets a bump in OBP leagues, and he's slated to bat clean-up, ideally knocking in my shortstop A. Cabrera. I was still without an outfielder, and had several I was choosing amongst. Almost went with Melky, bit I chickened out. If Swisher knocks in 90 with a 360/450 line, he'll be worth it here. If my draft strategy totally plays out, Swisher will be my CI, and I'll find 4 more outfielders sometime before the draft is over. We'll see.

I smelled a closer run coming and almost went with Rafael Soriano, to trigger it, but being in the middle of the draft allowed me to wait. If the run started, I was confident I'd be able to grab someone decent with my next pick.

103

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 22:38

7.09 Miguel Montero C Ari
Can't say I'm real excited about this pick. I still need SS and 2B but do not feel like I would get value here versus waiting. Too many closers still on the board, I have a queue of 5 at the current tier (Soriano, Nathan, Mo, Rodney, Puts) and one should make it back unless there is a run. So, like my last round selection I felt that the positional drop off after Montero is steep. Montero had a .391 OBP last season and continues to be productive in the middle of the DBack order, his power took a step back last season but even though I'm not doing cartwheels I see him as a solid pick.

104

mailedfoot

for blue hen
7.10 Mariano Rivera, RP, NYY
Given that I almost took Gallardo at 6.07, I was surprised to see him still around at 7.10. However, I could smell the closer run coming and jumped at the chance to get Rivera. Obviously, he's great and he's old. Everyone knows that. What sold it for me was the fact that even if he wasn't so good, he'd probably keep his job the whole year, barring injury. I can't say the same for any other closer out there.

105

mailedfoot
ID: 2787117
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 08:06

7.11 Yovani Gallardo, SP, MIL

Since I did not have one the top tier startere, I wanted to add another legitimate starter and I decided to select Gallardo. He is still young but was a little wobbly last year. Hoping he can put it all together. At the least, he should be a staff workhorse and give me some Ks. In retrospect, not a daring or glamorous pick; he needs to be good to justify this spot.

106

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 08:28

for dpr
7.12 Carlos Beltran, OF, StL
He will produce when healthy, the question is how many games I can get out of him. Finding a spare OF should be easier than other positions.

107

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 08:28

for RotoGuru Jr.
7.13 Dan Uggla, 2B, Atl
Uggla feels like one of the guys whose value is down after 1 bad year. I was thinking it was 2 bad years but he hi 36 home runs 2 years ago! If he can just keep his walks up, then his low AVG has no effect and he will put up great numbers and be great value at 2B.

108

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 08:29

7.14 Adam LaRoche, 1B, Was
Was hoping to land another power bat here, and they’re getting harder and harder to find. Looking at the other RIBC drafts, it seems like I’m a tad early on LaRoche. But only a tad. And since my other pick on this turn is going to be a pitcher, I think the power from LaRoche is worth locking down now.

Mark Trumbo was a consideration as well, but LaRoche’s better OBP tilts the decision his way.

109

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 09:38

for artofmonk
7.15 Trumbo, Mark, OF, LAA
I am a believer in LAA. They will score a lot with their lineup. He should have decent numbers with RBI’s and SLG%. . 1B and OF eligibility. I was glad to see some SP start to go because I would have been tempted to take another SP.

110

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 09:39

for bmd
7.16 Joe Nathan, RP, Tex
Knew a closer run was coming. He seemed one of the safer picks. Not thrilled but wanted a guy that wasn't going to get pulled from the job after 2 bad outings.

8.01 Chris Davis, 1B, Bal
Another guy I had from last year. See him improving on his numbers from last year. Could potentially be a top 5 1st baseman but not expecting it. I think he's underrated because of all his down years. Was looking at Trumbo as well but he was snatched prior to my pick. Pretty sure I was going Davis regardless.

111

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 09:40

for artofmonk
8.02 Cruz, Nelson, OF, TEX
I needed to focus on my hitting and OF. I am fan of Cruz. Ballpark and offense. I had considered another hitter, but he still has not been drafted. I am sure he won’t last much longer.

112

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 09:41

8.03 Rafael Soriano, RP, Was
I wanted a second closer, and my choice was between Fernando Rodney and Soriano.

The scariest thing about Rodney is his career history excluding 2012. Prior to last year’s ridiculous season, he had a mid-4 ERA for five straight years, and WHIPs in the 1.50 range. Wha’ happened? Would I be paying up for a one-year wonder? Of course I would be. Is that crazy?

Soriano has a much longer history of respectable results, and as the Nats closer, should get plenty of save opps. He’s also three years young than Rodney.

My heart says Rodney, but my brain says Soriano. For once, I’ll go with the brain.

Next round, I’ll pickup a starter. I think. (I did.)

113

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 12:34

for Rotoguru Jr
8.04 Dan Haren, SP, WAS
I seem to be big on the NL east! Had I known that Melky would fall this far, I might have drafted differently, but at this point I already have 2 OFs and I don't have a glaring need for the stats that Melky will bring at the 2 spot in the order (primarily Runs). I really like Haren this year, I'm banking on last year being an issue with health. He was extremely consistent and durable for a long time and he's back in the NL which always helps. Not to mention he's likely to match up with other teams #4 starters for a while. That feels like a lot of potential wins!

114

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 12:36

for dpr
8.05 Melky Cabrera, OF, TOR
Was he last two years all drugs or was there some skill growth there as well? I am hoping it was some skill obviously but can factor in some regression at this price, he was having a first round season before the suspension.

115

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 12:38

for mailedfoot
8.06 Jake Peavy, SP, CWS
Wanted to solidify my starting pitching and Peavy has been consistently good when healthy. Closr run occurred immediately after this pick, so, in retrospect, I could have waited.

116

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 12:39

for bluehen
8.07 John Axford, RP, MIL
Officially out of great options. Still some top closers around, but the run definitely hasn't started yet. Once Gallardo went, there were a few options I would have wanted, including Haren, Trumbo, Peavy, and Nelson Cruz, but they all went. So I went with Axford, and I now have two top closers as the run looks to be starting. This is much better than the third round run a couple years back.

117

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 12:42

8.08 Fernando Rodney, RP, TB
Kept my eye on the remaining tier 2 closers (aka group not named Kimbrel) with my last pick and there were still several to chose from. From my queue Rodney and Putz made it back here. Rodney like most of the top closers is someone who is good for the ratios and K rate and should be solid in his job if he can repeat his success after his 2012 'breakout' season. Of course like most closers, they can turn to c-LOSERS quickly and this risk is Rodney's past history makes him a perfect candidate. I really hate that arrow in the air thing he does after the final out, but I'll deal if he can shoot 35-40 arrows for me this year.

118

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 15:59

for kdl

8.09 Putz, J.J. RP ARI
That's 4 former Mariners in the first 8 picks. I despise drafting closers - the idea of paying such a high price for 60 innings, when every year there are plenty of saves lurking on the waiver wire, gnaws at me. So the run was happening, I figured I get in now and be done with it. Would've waited one more round on a closer if there was a big bat that had slipped, but I didn't see one. I had my eye on Michael Morse (former Mariner AND current Mariner), but it was too early.

119

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 15:59

for jkaye

8.10 Romo, Sergio RP SFO
Seems like a very reliable option to serve as save source number one. The closer run has begun. A Saves+Holds as one category would make fantasy more fascinating, and let talent in the day. Romo is good in any format, with that rant said.

120

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 16:00

for kokeshi

8.11 Johnson, Jim RP BAL
I wanted to pick up a quality 2nd closer and I though Johnson was the best guy on the board.

121

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 16:01

for tilt

8.12 Aybar, Erick SS LAA
There is the closer run. 5 closers off the board in order right before my pick. I couldn’t have been happier. There was not a closer that I would take to continue that run and it freed up the guy I really wanted. I needed a SS and Aybar was at the top of my list. He will be batting 2nd this year in a big offense. Runs OBP should go up and he gives me some much needed speed although not a ton. Was thrilled to get him here, the closers are obviously going to go quickly in the next two rounds but I don’t think I will take one yet just not enough certainty with those guys for this early.

122

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 16:02

for uptown

8.13 Espinosa, Danny SS WAS
MI is looking pretty slim, at least for the guys whose OPS will be over .700. I needed two starters so I figured best to grab one now, preferably a SS. I had Espinosa at the top of my list going into the round followed by Neil Walker and Aybar (who went just before my pick). I might grab one of those two guys and be done with this position next round. I’ll see how the turn goes. Espinosa’s dual eligibility helps, he’ll toss in a few steals, and he’s entering his prime years, so maybe I get lucky and he exceeds his projections. Ultimately, I’ll be happy at this point to get a repeat of last year.

123

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 16:03

Closer run in progress. But rather than play along, I see that before my next turn of picks, five other teams need a 3B, and four other teams need a SS. I just don’t think there is enough depth to go around so decide to take both this turn.

Pick 8.14 ~ Will Middlebrooks, 3B, BOS

There are a number of 3B to choose from, both young and old, and some have lots of upside. This shows in Middlebrooks' other RIBC draft results of 6.14, 8.04, 8.10 & still undrafted. But I think that Middlebrooks has the highest ceiling this year. He has real power, and should give more SBs than the other available players. But his OBP will probably frustrate me most of the season.

124

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 18:19

for Evan

8.15 Aoki, Norichika OF MIL
I was targeting this outfielder in this draft. Maybe I could have waited another round, but I felt this was the time to strike. He is an exciting player to watch and should provide me a decent source of steals without losing too much power. He also sticks to my theme of having high OBP players (he finished .355 OBP last season). Was considering Neil Walker here but felt there were similar 2B left on the board.

125

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 18:20

for DaBomb

8.16 Wilhelmsen, Tom RP SEA
9.01 Hanrahan, Joel RP BOS
16 team league means there are less than 2 closers to go around per team, and that doesn't count the handful of MLB teams that have unresolved situations. My goal is to get 3 closers with at least a somewhat stable job, which will ideally put me at the top or near the top in the saves category. The closer run was in full swing so I'll play it safe and get 2 now, with the hope a decent option remains for the next turn.

After evaluating a combination of previous season stats, health, closer experience, job stability, and some Spring Training numbers, Wilhelmson & Hanrahan were my favorite closers remaining.

126

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 18:20

for Evan

9.02 Holland, Greg RP KAN
Did NOT want to take a closer this early. I was spooked by the 4 in a row taken before my 8th round selection. I was afraid by the time it got back to me, I would have very little (or no choice) of a closer who has a “job”. Holland should be the man in KC. Who knows if he holds the job, just like any closer. There were many other players I wanted in this spot, but succumbed to the pressure. Absolutely my least favorite choice in my draft so far but one that I felt was necessary at the time.

127

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 18:21

Pick 9.03 ~ Alcides Escobar, SS, KC

Even though there were some other available SS I like better overall, I reach for Escobar [based on other RIBC drafts ( 8.09, 10.06, 11.12 & still undrafted)]. He fills a category I am short in, Steals. I feel my team can absorb his low SLG%, but his low OBP will hurt. He has 35-40 steal potential, which is more than the current tier of SS available.

128

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 19:09

9.04 Neil Walker, 2B, PIT

I started leaning this direction in round 8. As I researched MI, I was not comfortable with the remaining players. There are certainly some young players with upside, but waiting to grab the right one of those guys when we all have our eyes on them and are trying to outwit each other as to when to draft them made me consider just drafting my 3rd MI now and not having to deal with that issue later in the draft. Walker’s concern should boil down to health, as he has proven he can hit. His OPS is pretty good for a MI and his counting stats are projected to be at a level where they do not hurt the overall average of my team. He is a player entering into the prime years of his career and I can plug in someone when he misses his games. When he plays though, he is effective, so I felt it was safer pick, albeit a boring one. My other considerations were 3 OF’s. I just hope one of them makes it back to me next round. I also need to take a look at pitching, which I have ignored for quite a while now.

129

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 20:41

for Tilt23
9.05 Brandon Morrow, SP, Tor
Needed more pitching, closers are being taken too quickly IMO but while I have a lot of SP in this tier since I didn’t take one early I need to make sure I have plenty of depth in the middle teir. I need a strikeout guy too and Morrow fit that bill. He was dominant last year before getting hurt and has an injury history but looks good so far and TOR is really improved so should get some Wins too. I would have pushed a pitcher back again if Neil Walker fell to me but he went one pick before.

130

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 20:42

for kokeshi
9.06 Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Pit
Just like last year I waited too long to get a third baseman. Last year I passed on Alvarez and he hit 30 homers when I did not even think he would keep his job, I decided to take him this year.

131

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 20:42

for JKaye
9.07 Brett Gardner, OF, NYY
Pick 135 just looked good next to his name. Was able to get some double digit steals guys earlier and Gardner will help me blow out that cstegory while hopefully providing solid OBP and Runs. A middle class Michael Bourn.

132

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 20:46

for kdl212
9.08 Shane Victorino, OF, BOS
This feels like a reach, but he's been drafted much earlier all over the place. Maybe Fenway suits him, and he combines RBIs out of the 5 slot with 25 stolen bases. Or maybe he's over the hill and I get 18th round production here.

Had the recent report on David Ortiz been better, I probably would have rolled the dice on him here. The alternative was to get my stolen bases out of the MI slot and pick Everth Cabrera, but the 100 point SLUG difference led me to go with Victorino.

133

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 20:46

9.09 Ian Kennedy, SP, Ari
If it was two hours earlier, I had sold myself on picking up my RP2 (Street or Reed perhaps) but as I was deliberating while the pick was approaching I saw only 14 RP taken so plenty of "B" or "C" closers left. Again blowing off MI even though a couple more will get picked off before it returns back to me. So I ended up going with my third SP through 9 rounds. Not the way I planned, I usually get one in each set of 5 rounds, but I like Kennedy. He does not miss starts, has had 190 Ks each of the last 3 seasons and had a killer ERA and WHIP in 2011 with 21 wins, but fell back to earth last year in the ratios but still had very good W and K numbers.

134

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 22:57

for blue hen
9.10 Everth Cabrera, SS, Sdg
With this pick nearing, I was hoping to get another elite closer. Three remained: Wilhelmsen, Holland, and Hanrahan. Long way down to the Street/Perkins level below that. When all three went at the start of the 9th, I had to look elsewhere. I had no middle infielders yet, and there was a guy who led the NL in steals, likes to walk, has a guaranteed starting spot, and is under 27 waiting to be plucked. Happy to have Everth here.

135

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 22:58

for mailedfoot
9.11 Huston Street, RP, Sdg
At the back end of the closer run, I select Street to make sure I have someone who can gather a few saves to start the season. Street is not an overpowering guy, but has put up nice ratios on a consistent basis when healthy. He also gets to pitch half his games in Petco, so that has to be a plus.

136

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 22:58

for dpr
9.12 Tim Lincecum, SP, SF
I am starting to think I am less risk averse then everyone else? Anyone? I know the peripherals and the velocity don't paint a good picture but this is the guy with to CYs just a couple years ago? and still young? right?

137

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 22:59

for RotoGuru Jr.
9.13 Glen Perkins, RP, Min
At this point I need to grab closers because the closer run has officially started and will be over soon because they will all be gone. At this point there are a LOT of players on the board I like but the difference between me having 0, 1 and 2 closers is a significant amount of points as opposed to the amount of points having a slightly better OF will get me. I think Perkins has the best chance of keeping the closer job all year while having good ratios. I don't think the Twins will have opportunities but saves are saves and if he can get near 30 then this works.

138

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 23:00

9.14 C.J. Wilson, SP, LAA
If Perkins had still been available, I might have taken him as a third closer. But that temptation was removed.

Wilson is my first starter. Last year, he was drafted in the RIBC in early round 6, and actually pitched pretty well except for the month of August, with bone spurs being the likely cause. Arthroscopic surgery in October cleanup that up, and I’m hoping for a return to form. With a pitcher-friendly stadium, a strong defense, and a team that should be able to get him some runs, I’m looking for all of the ingredients of a solid starter.

139

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 09:44

for artofmonk
9.15 Addison Reed, RP, ChW
I hate to be at the end of a run, but I didn't feel i Could wait for another 30 picks. He closer job is pretty solid. Best of what was left.

140

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 09:45

for bmd
9.16 Matt Carpenter, 1B, StL
Been eyeing Carpenter for awhile. He should land the 2nd base job in St. Louis. With a OBP of .360+ and slg % of .450+ he'll be a top 5 2nd baseman. Hoping he gains eligibility early or else this pick will not be nearly as good.

10.01 Dexter Fowler, OF, Col
I think I've had Fowler on every single one of my fantasy teams for the past 3-4 years. If he repeats last years numbers he's a steal here. He led the league in babip which probably means he'll regress but it shouldn't be too bad since he has always had a high babip. Last year he batted 8th for awhile and this year he should leadoff. That should help his counting stat categories.

141

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 09:46

for artofmonk
10.02 Rafael Betancourt, RP, Col
Not a lot of competition. Hopefully the rocks will be better this year. I also would have considered lincecum, Wilson or gardener here.

142

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 09:46

10.03 Doug Fister, SP, Det
My SP2. Should provide solid starter ratios and wins. K rate is not as high as preferred, but the trade-off seems right. Once again, looking for some stability as a base for my pitching corps. Wilson & Fister probably give me the weakest 1-2 tandem in this league, but with Papelbon and Soriano in the pen, I feel like I’m building a respectable staff. Hopefully I’ll still feel that way in May.

My backup pitching choice was Lester, but I also had Markakis in my queue in case I couldn’t pull that trigger.

143

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 10:34

for RotoGuru Jr.
10.04 Jason Grilli, RP, Pit
I was between Grilli and Balfour as they're the only closers left I sort of trust. I was worried about Balfour being either traded or lifted from the role if he slumps at all. Grilli - I am worried may just not be effective as it looks like he had a weak 2nd half. I went with Grilli though because the competition behind him is pretty weak and the Pirates have allowed Hanrahan to put up 40 and 36 saves the last two years.

144

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 11:30

for dpr
10.05 David Ortiz, 1B, Bos
When he plays he will produce numbers much stronger then the alternatives available here. He is starting this year injured but hopefully will not miss much time. Headley injury makes this a bit riskier as I am starting with 2 injured CI(now 3).

145

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 11:32

for mailedfoot
10.06 Hunter Pence, OF, SF
Selected Pence as a third outfielder. He will bat in the middle of the Giants lineup and should be good for counting stats. Looks like he may have been a little unlucky last year with BABIP, so hoping for a bump up on his OPS.

146

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 11:33

for bluehen
10.07 Jayson Werth, OF, Was
This was easy. I was looking for more firepower, and I had two outfielders in mind, both with fantastic history but coming off bad years. Fortunately, Hunter Pence got taken right before my turn and left Werth sitting there for me.

147

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 11:35

10.08 Chris Perez, RP, Cle
Playing the saves game and getting my second RP. Perez is battling minor shoulder issues but is working towards being ready Opening Day. Chris' career numbers shows he is good for close to a K an inning and he has had nearly 40 saves each of his last two years in this role.

148

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 15:57

for kdl

10.09 Samardzija, Jeff SP CHC
I sure meant it when I said I was open to zigging and zagging this year. I never would have believed that I'd have 4 pitchers in the first 10 rounds, but here it is. One of only a handful of pitchers with 9+ k/9 and under 3 bb/9 (Verlander, Kershaw, Hamels, Sale, and Scherzer were the others), Samardzija gives me a 3rd potential 200 strikeout pitcher. This leaves me room to complement this staff with someone like Bob Tewksbury or Dan Quisenberry in Round 25.

The alternatives were Morse, Youkilis or Moustakas. Having gone away from former Mariners in Round 9, I should have got back on this year's them. That said, Morse should have made it back to me. Urgh.

149

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 15:58

for jkaye

10.10 Janssen, Casey RP TOR
I don't have any strong feelings about Janssen, but he is at least a warm body. Add an extra "S" for Saves, unlike my 13th round pick.

150

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 15:59

for kokeshi

10.11 Rosario, Wilin C COL
I was very surprised when

151

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 16:00

for Tilt

10.12 Youkilis, Kevin 3B NYY
He has been in my queue for a while, more as an after thought but always in my mind. I didn’t have a 3B yet and I needed someone that could produce true starter numbers. Youk is the only one left with that kind of upside. The risk is huge but getting him this late will be a little easier to stomach if he gets hurt or is ineffective half way through the year. Upside finally outweighed risk. I thought about pushing him off again but realized I would be upset if I didn’t get him.

152

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 16:01

For Uptown Bombers

10.13 Frazier, Todd 3B CIN
A positional need with some roster flexibility, Frazier offers some potential after a good season last year filling in. This year he is expected to be a starter, so I have hope that he will outperform last year’s numbers in the counting stats while still giving me good ratios. There were a few other 3B available who offer similar promise to Frazier so maybe I should have drafted Angel Pagan, who has been sitting at the top of my queue since last round. Going into this pick I was sure I would take Pagan, but also sure I wanted to take a pitcher with my next pick. I had to choose between Pagan, who I thought was the better value, and Frazier who fit my positional needs more. We’ll see how that works.

153

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 16:01

Pick 10.14 ~ Grant Balfour, RP, OAK

I intend to take a SP leading up to this pick, but the remaining closers are getting scarce, and Balfour appears to have the fewest question marks right now. He’ll provide good percentages, and hopefully 25-30 saves.

154

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 18:05

for Evan -
10.15 Lester, Jon SP BOS
I was surprised that he fell this far. I understand that he had a very un-Lester like season last year but he has an excellent track record. The word is that he looks dynamite this Spring; could it be the typical Spring Training “everyone’s in the best shape of their life” mumbo jumbo? But we have to remember that he is still the ace of the Red Sox. I know I will get a lot of innings out of him and a high amount of strikeouts. I am banking that his ERA and WHIP will decrease. At pick #159, I thought it was a good gamble.

155

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 18:07

for DaBomb-
10.16 Cishek, Steve RP MIA
My 3rd closer. Cishek was the last "unquestioned" closer on the board going into the season, so he'll do. After looking at the Marlins' lineup though, we'll see how many save opps he gets. They'll be the Houston Astros of the NL (now isn't that interesting to say).

11.01 Morse, Michael OF SEA
5 of my last 6 picks have been pitchers (2 SP, 3 RP), and I wanted to add a good bat. Morse battled through injuries last year but still put up some respectable numbers, and he is only a year removed from a .900+ OPS. I don't see him reaching quite those levels this year playing in Safeco for the Mariners, but I'll be happy if he produces somewhere in the middle of his last 2 seasons.

156

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 18:07

for Evan -
11.02 Rutledge, Josh SS COL
I hear great things about the kid. I needed a 2B which he will qualify for after he plays his first ten games (he is currently considered a SS). Having that duel eligibility will be great for my roster. It seems like he has a pretty firm grasp on the job and has tremendous power for a middle infielder. I wish his walk rate would be a little higher but love his potential as a breakout 2B player.

157

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 18:08

Pick 11.03 ~ Alejandro De Aza, OF, CWS

So many directions to turn, and so many players of comparable value to choose from! Despite needing a SP, CI, and MI ... I end up with De Aza. I am still short in Runs & SBs, and DeAza will address both. He’s not a power hitter, but does have decent gap power, so SLG% won’t drag too much.

158

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 21:26

11.04 Anibal Sanchez, SP, DET

I haven’t addressed pitching since round 4 and have ignored the serious closer runs of the last few rounds. I need another pitcher to build on what I expect to be a strength with King Felix and Bumgarner. I had a few to choose from that I felt were close in value. I choose Sanchez because I felt he was the safest, though I was tempted by Josh Johnson. I’m hoping one of my other considerations last until my next pick because I’d like to double up on starting pitching, though I doubt it. Sanchez should benefit from playing for a winning team in a losing division. I’m hoping to pick up a few extra wins on that basis alone.

159

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 23:10

for tilt
11.05 Jedd Gyorko, 2B, SDG
I was happy that he survived the turn and I knew if I wanted him I had to take him this round. He is certainly on other peoples radar as a big bat that will get 2B eligibility (tip of the cap to JeffG). He is a 3B playing 2B, I could care less if he can field the position I just want to know that he will hit like a 3B. By far the biggest bat left at 2B and with news that Headley is out for weeks with an injury it solidifies his position as a starter in that lineup. I had budgeted that my MI would provide me steals which Gyorko will not so I will have to adapt to that.

160

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 23:11

for kokeshi
11.06 Hiroki Kuroda, SP, NYY
I wanted a 2nd starter and was choosing between Kuroda and Johnson and I don't really know what Johnson will do moving to the AL East.

161

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 23:14

for jkaye
11.07 Jeremy Hellickson, SP, TAM
Deep into this draft, and I feel like the pieces are falling into place. Hellickson is a fun guy to have because he is so intriguing - he has the artistry of a Maddux, but the peripherals of Mark Buehrle, and yet the super-sabermetric (Fangraphs) numbers pointing towards an ascent for Hellickson. Yes, I am banking on IFFB% and SwStrk% being the keys to the universe, two things Hellickson does at an elite rate. His team defense is normally very good, and the team should win a lot of games. I like my chances.

162

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 23:15

for kdl212
11.08 Mike Moustakas, 3B, KC
This is an upside pick. Moustakas had an .800 OPS in the first half last year, and was then struck by an expelliarmus disarming spell, forcing him to bat against major league pitching with only the benefit of batting gloves. This led, unsurprisingly, to a serious drop in production - he had a .586 OPS in the second half.

Wait a minute, a .586 OPS? That's really bad. Have I lost my mind? There's plenty of solid, but unspectacular, hitting still on the board. Why not take a flier on Granderson, or replace the emptiness of missing out on Morse by drafting Kendrys Morales? Or perhaps draft a closer who will lose his job before the end of April. First instant regret choice of the draft.

My hope is that Moustakas hits all year like he did in the first half, and I get rewarded for my bravery the same way I was last year for drafting Dunn.

163

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 23:16

11.09 Howie Kendrick, 2B, LAA
I was ready to get Jedd Gyroko here but tilt snagged him 4 picks before. Time to scrape up some MI. He has a decent AVG potential but it does not translate well to OPB, but he has a little more 'power' than the 2B remaining and can steal in the teens. Buried in a loaded lineup will hopefully give him more R and RBI potential and 70/70 potential is much better than what is remaining

164

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 00:15

for blue hen
11.10 Derek Jeter, SS, NY
You knew somebody was going to take Derek Jeter. One of these years, he's going to fall off a cliff. But every year we say that, and every year he's right up there with the best. In the 11th round, to fill my MI slot, I think it's worth the gamble, especially when you look who was taken around him.

165

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 00:16

for mailedfoot
11.11 Salvador Perez, C, KC
Decided to bite the bullet and take a catcher. Perez has demonstrated the ability to make contact, shown some flashes of power, and figures to hit near the middle of the Royals lineup. I think he has tremendous upside and is a good value at this spot.

166

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 00:16

for dpr
11.12 Carl Crawford, OF, LAD
Hoping the change of scenery is all that crawford needs. He was a first round pick before going to Boston but has really fallen off. Coming back from an injury is risky but he should be ready for the start of the season. Hitting in a great lineup.

167

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 00:16

for RotoGuru Jr.
11.13 Josh Johnson, SP, Tor
This was a very tough one for me as there is a catcher I'm currently eyeing as great value and I see a lot of teams that still need a catcher, so a run could happen at any moment. However I think the catcher I want is still probably not being considered by most (or is he?). Then there is my need for a MI. I don't like anyone available, but at this point am I ever going to? So it comes down to Johnson or Granderson. Granderson feels like a luxury for me and at this point my roster still has needs. Johnson has two knocks on him. VERY injury prone and he is moving to the AL. Normally both of those are red flags for me, but I'm used to 10-team leagues where you don't need to take as many risks. In a 16-team league risk is pretty vital and Johnson could pay off HUGE with his talent level and I think the Blue Jays will be very good this year.

168

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 00:17

11.14 Nick Markakis, OF, Bal
I’d really like to find some more power. Markakis isn’t so much of a HR hitter, but he benefits in this format from his ability to hit the gaps. He did have several DL stints last year, but had generally been a 160 game player for most of his career, so I’m hoping that last year was the anomaly, and not the new normal – even though he’s missed the better part of spring training this year with a (slight) herniated disc in his neck. He still hopes to be ready for opening day, and since there really aren’t many other options that offer a strong OBP/SLG combo, I’ll charge ahead. Hoping for 80-80-.350-.460.

169

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 09:09

for artofmonk
11.15 Mike Minor, SP, Atl
He still has stud potential. Not sure if he would have been available later. He could be a bust like last year. I was hoping for moose, Kendrick or Johnson to fall to me. Loved the carpenter pick. I thought I could wait on him.

170

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 09:10

for bmd
11.16 Andrelton Simmons, SS, Atl
Was a little surprised to see him around at this point. He's Jose Altuve light but has a decent chance to surpass Altuve in production batting in a stacked Atlanta lineup. Not a huge SB threat but should hopefully get me between 10-20. Almost walks as much as he strikes out. Really loved this pick here.

171

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 09:10

for bmd
12.01 Adam Dunn, 1B, CWS
Hate hate hate this pick. I got sick of researching guys and picked the last guy I looked at. Was all set to take Segura on this go around but decided Simmons was more valuable since he's not going to be buried in the 8 hole like Segura might. Should've still taken Segura instead of this bum. Dunn used to be good. Had a bit of a comeback last year but still didn't put up that great of numbers for this league. There's probably a 20% chance or less he puts up similar numbers and that's scary. There's a decent chance he becomes unplayable if he starts hitting like 2011. Almost went with Berkman here but his knees scare me and Ron Washington is probably going to try to start him at 1st instead of just letting him DH every game. Plus, I have him in G20 and it's not as fun having the same guys in your leagues. Also considered Granderson but a broken arm doesn't seem like an easy injury for a hitter to recover fast from. Still would prefer to have him over Dunn at this point though.

172

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 09:11

for artofmonk
12.02 Andre Ethier, OF, LAD
I needed another bat. I think he will get good RBI'sand runs. I almost took granderson. I thought he might make it back to me.

173

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 09:11

12.03 Matt Harvey, SP, NYM
Taking a shot on a hot prospect who looks good on paper, looked good in three September starts in 2012, and has bee impressive this spring, with 24 Ks in 18 IP and a sub-1.00 WHIP.

I waited for a long time to take my first starting pitcher (round 9), but I’ve now got three in the fold, and Harvey offers the kind of upside that could make the strategy work out.

174

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 09:52

for RotoGuru Jr.
12.04 Curtis Granderson, OF, NY
I've been considering Granderson for about 4 rounds now. The fact that he continues to hang around I can't ignore anymore. I don't necessarily need his stats (RBI, Runs and SLG), but his output is pretty elite, especially compared to the next OF available (Cuddyer?). I feel a broken bone is a straight forward recovery and 5 months of Granderson with a fill-in could be a big pay-off with limited risk. I will just need to find a decent fill-in this first month which is tough with our slim bench spots, not to mention my team starting to get loaded with injury prone players (Howard, Rollins, Ramirez, Ellsbury, Johnson).

175

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 11:12

for dpr
12.05 Kyle Seager 3B, SEA
I decided it was time to stop taking risky picks and get a CI who I could plug in day 1. I don't know too much about him other than he was solid last season, but he fills a need.

176

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 11:14

for mailedfoot
12.06 Kendrys Morales, 1B, SEA
Morales struggled coming back from his injury last year but over the final two months of the season, he was hitting with a lot more power. Thinking he can at least be a platoon player at CI, if not a fixture depending on what he produces.

177

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 11:16

for bluehen
12.07 Cameron Maybin, OF, SD
Worst case, some steals. Best case, we have an all-around player who figures things out and becomes elite. Alex Gordon is a decent comp here, but with more steals. Didn't really have to think twice here.

178

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 11:19

12.08 Jason Kubel, OF, Ari
After computing the composite projections for my team so far I noticed I'm tracking better in R than RBI and better in OBP than SLG and some guys in the later rounds will likely not help RBI/SLG. Jason's power should help balance this out, should drive in 75ish and his home SLG of .563 last year is tough to overlook. Just noticed he is my fourth Dback.

179

kdl212
ID: 431462014
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 13:05

12.09 Michael Cuddyer, 1B/OF, COL
When I asked Siri who I should pick, she said "Fantasy baseball and free agency have ruined forever the truest form of sports enthusiasm, rooting for a single team, every year, no matter what. You should quit playing this game and just root for the Mariners."

She's right. So I picked Michael Cuddyer.

180

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 15:24

for jkaye

12.10 Brandon League, RP, LAD
I left League in my queue as a guy I would nab if he was there even after I had two closers in Romo and Janssen. But I think League is undervalued: he has had good closer seasons in Seattle and LA seems committed to keeping the other Jansen in the 8th inning.

181

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 15:25

for kokeshi777

12.11 Torii Hunter, OF, DET
I wanted to get another outfielder and I am hoping Hunter's move to Detroit will result in a high RBI total hitting behind Fielder and Cabrera.

182

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 15:26

for Tilt23

12.12 Angel Pagan, OF, SFO
I needed SB and there were still some speedsters out there. I didn’t get speed with my last pick so I knew my 4th OF was going to be a speed guy. Pagan gives me 30+ SB with 80 Runs and good ratios. He is a step above the others IMO because of his consistent playing time in the leadoff spot and just doesn’t kill your ratios like others. He had been on my list for a while but never pulled the trigger due to the fact that there were lesser speed OF out there. Didn’t look at this before I drafted him but in the AAA leagues he is going 40 spots earlier then this so maybe got some value with this pick too besides just steals.

183

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 15:26

12.13 Carlos Gomez, OF, MIL

I had Angel Pagan at the top of my queue since round nine, which scares me, as it means I might be way off this year on some of my evaluations. I passed on him 3 times. After round 11, I assumed that was it; Pagan was surely not making it back to me in round 12. So I started digging up articles on some of my other OF choices and that got me settled on Carlos Gomez. As I compared the two (because somehow Pagan was still available and my pick was getting closer), I actually talked myself into Gomez over Pagan. Pagan was the safer pick, yet his potential is maxed out. Gomez is the riskier pick, as he could bottom out. Or he could build on last year and offer some improvement. That upside convinced me to risk it on Gomez and I put him first in my autopick and Pagan second. Pagan ended up drafted one pick before me and I got a good laugh at that. I think Pagan was good value there and I hope Gomez is one too. Judging by the other RIBC drafts, I got him at a discount of a few rounds.

184

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 16:20

for Tosh

12.14 Alexi Ogando,SP TEX
I’m going to fill the SP3 and MI positions on this turn. It looks like Evan and DaBomb could use both the players I’m targeting, and I just need to decide which to pick first.

Ogando & Brett Anderson are the two guys I decide I’m looking at this round. Fairly comparable guys. I have Anderson with better ERA, and Ogando with a better WHIP and more Ks. Ogando was a starter in 2011, and earned an all- star slot. Maybe he will do the same next season.

185

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 16:21

for Evan

12.15 Ernesto Frieri, RP, LAA
I still hate picking up another reliever so early, but I felt like I had to with the run on closers. I was hoping to grab Frieri here and when it came back to me in the 14-15 rounds, I would grab Madson. That strategy failed me as he was taken before it wrapped around to me. Madson is having elbow problems and that is never good for pitchers. Frieri will probably start the season with the job and could potentially hold it for the season. Stranger things have happened...

186

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 16:22

for Da Bomb

12.16 Justin Morneau 1B, MIN
Have a couple positional needs (who doesn't?), but decided on taking one of the better hitters remaining. Morneau was coming back from injury last season and was battling the effects throughout the year, but still put up respectable numbers. If he repeats his numbers from last year he is still probably worth this draft selection, but Morneau has the potential to be much better. He's in the best shape he's been in a couple years (who isn't?) and has played really well this Spring and in the WBC. Also of note is that even in a down year last year, he still had an OPS of .902 against RHPs, so at worst I should have a great better side of a platoon.

187

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 16:23

for Da Bomb

13.01 Jeff Keppinger 2B, CHW
I still need a 3B and a MI and most options remaining are equally terrible, but Keppinger put together a quality season last year with an .800+ OPS. He'll be hitting at the top of a quality White Sox lineup and his positional flexibility is nice too.

188

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 16:24

for Evan

13.02 Emilio Bonifacio, OF, TOR
I really like this pick here. Because of his “utility man” background, I could see him playing all over the field in Toronto. He could become a guy I could plug into multiple positions later in the season. Ideally, I want him to win the 2B job and take that over. He is a major threat on the base paths and should score some runs. He absolutely kills me in power but I think I am well-balanced enough to take that risk.

189

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 16:25

for Tosh

13.03 Marco Scutaro, 2B, SFO
I didn’t draft Scutato because I like old guys with no power and diminishing plate discipline. I drafted him because this league requires a MI, and Scutaro is flexible with dual-position eligibility. As I scan the remaining available MIs, there are a lot of wildcards. I think Scutaro will probably be the most consistent over the course of the season.

190

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 16:25

13.04 Jon Niese, SP, NYM

I don’t have any closers (though I had Frieri first in my autopick queue for this round) so I feel it’s best to grab another pitcher here to help build the best ratios possible, as I expect I’ll be dumpster diving for saves all season. I almost took Niese in round 11 when I choose Anibal Sanchez over him and Josh Johnson (who is now gone). I lined up Niese, Harvey, and Brett Anderson as my 3 choices. Harvey got nabbed as well and Anderson went immediately after so I’m hoping in the right ballpark in terms of value after seemingly giving Pagan too much credit. As for Niese, I like his potential. He’ll struggle to get wins but as my fourth starter, I think he’s pretty solid.

191

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 18:59

for tilt
13.05 Brett Anderson, SP, Oak
Another guy that has been in my queue for a while but have not acted on. He is a high ceiling guy for me. Coming off surgery he came back in limited time last year and looked pretty good. Not a big K guy but can own the ratios esp playing in the cavernous Oakland. If he is all the way back, he can produce like a #1/2 starter instead of the 3/4th starter im drafting him as.

192

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 18:59

for kokeshi
13.06 Jean Segura, SS, Mil
I needed a shortstop to replace Hanley while he is out and Segura gave me some much needed speed.

193

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 19:00

for jkaye
13.07 Kenley Jansen, RP, LAD
I just couldn't resist the handcuff here, but in a deep league such as this, there's no question set-up men play a role and Jansen is easily the Kimbrel version of that role. Overall, felt his value on my team was worth waiting on some of the other positions I had queued up.

194

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 19:01

for kdl212
13.08 Brandon Belt, 1B, SF
A couple remaining "closers" to be had - Parnell? Marmol? Rondon? Veras? Only Parnell strikes me as someone with a spitting chance to hold the role all year, so I decide to pass, gambling on the closer carousel working for me in April. I mean, this year's Fernando Rodney or Tom Wilhelmsen or Frieri or Janssen (all undrafted in RIBC 2012, all with 20+ saves) is out there somewhere, right?

Seems wiser to use these middle round picks on offensive upside. It was down to 2 players: Adam Eaton and Brandon Belt. I really needed one more steals guy, and every single expert picks Eaton as a break-out guy, but I also felt like I needed a bit more bop, and power dries up faster than speed. Belt finally hit in Aug-Sep last year, and if he can move up to 5th in the order behind Posey, he could drive in 80-90 runs with good percentages. With the added bonus of offering 10-12 steals from a CI slot, I went with Belt and crossed my fingers that Eaton would make it back to me.

195

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 19:03

13.09 Coco Crisp, OF Oak
Scrambled a bit here with several hitters picked off my queue. So many positional needs but instead I am grabbing my fourth OF here. He should tack on some runs and 30+ steals at the expense of the ratios.

196

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 23:12

for blue hen
13.10 Bobby Parnell, RP, NYM
I had a two man queue: Kenley Janson and Brandon Belt. Both for overall quality, but not filling overall needs. Both should have been drafted earlier, but not over Werth, Jeter, or Maybin. Alas, both went just prior (Kenley was a good get by JKaye, who had just drafted League). So Parnell's the next best option. Not only do I think he'll get a bunch of saves earlier in the year, I think he'll supplant Francisco entirely by the end.

197

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 23:12

for mailedfoot
13.11 Alexei Ramirez, SS, CWS
13.11 Alexei Ramirez, SS, CHW Selected Ramirez to fill the SS position; I read somewhere that a large part of his troubles last year were with power pitchers and not getting around on the pitches because he was up in the batter's box. Supposedly, he is moving back in the box this year so we'll see if it helps. I think he has the potential for a rebound year.

198

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 23:13

for dpr
13.12 Jarrod Parker, SP, Oak
Was looking to add a pitcher and felt Parker was the best option. He does not offer the best K-rate but hopefully that can improve as he is young

199

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 23:13

for RotoGuru Jr.
13.13 Dustin Ackley, 2B, Sea
I considered Ackley with the last go round but considering the number of MI that went this time through, I need to lock him in. I don't like him much, but at the very least he has potential and hits at the top of the lineup with some speed. So combine potential with some runs and steals at a position that has almost nobody left and I need to pounce. It was either Ackley now or take a stab and hope undrafteds can become mediocre again or undrafted can stay healthy.

200

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 23:14

13.14 Manny Machado, 3B, Bal
Meh! My queue has been decimated lately – Niese, Anderson, Jansen, Crisp, Ackley.

Machado is only 20, and may be poised for a nice career. Whether he puts it together this year is speculative, but the ranks at 3B are already thin and I think it’s time to take a flier with some upside rather that settling for steady mediocrity.

Not really enthused about this pick, but at least I can stop looking for someone at 3B.

201

Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 00:43

for artofmonk
13.15 Ben Revere, OF, Phi
I neede some sb's. he should also produce good runs. I would have taken crisp. I thought I could wait on sp since their we're so many available.

202

Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 00:44

for bmd
13.16 Homer Bailey, SP, Cin
Really needed a 3rd SP here. Bailey should see ample opportunities for wins. Not a fan of him having to pitch in Cincy but I can always avoid really bad matchups.

14.01 Starling Marte, OF, Pit
Was a little surprised to see him around this late. Brings potential for 5 category success. Fits with my general strategy to pick guys that will contribute in SBs but not kill you in any of the other categories.

203

Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 00:44

for artofmonk
14.02 Jesus Montero, C, Sea
Needed a c and great value so late in the draft. Hopefully his bat will improve. I worry about sea offense,but in the 14th rd I can't complain.

204

Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 00:45

14.03 Ryan Madson, RP, LAA
I didn’t really want to take Madson, although it looks like the ranks of potential closers is getting pretty thin. I’m happy I got Papelbon and Soriano early. All of the available closer options seem to have a tenuous hold on the job (if they have it at all), and probably won’t constructively help any pitching cat other than saves even if they do close.

Madson returns from a year off from Tommy John surgery. The Angels signed him to take over the closer role when he’s ready – which looks like it won’t be during April, at least. Frieri will open the season in the bullpen, and he’s been getting roughed up in spring training, so perhaps Madson will get the nod sooner than later. Who knows? I decided I’d rather have 2/3 of a proven closer than 100% of a speculative one. I should know by the end of May whether this was a boneheaded pick or not.

205

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 09:56

for Rotoguru Jr
14.04 Adam Eaton, OF, Ari
I figured it would be between Berkman & McCann. I love the per-game stats that Berkman can put up in the Texas lineup, but I've already got a lot of old & injury prone players so that may not be the wisest move...yet. I've been targeting Brian McCann ever since that run on catchers in the 7th (Martinez, Wieters, Napoli & Montero). I expected this to be the round I take him but the only catcher taken this time through is J. Montero. I'm going to gamble one more time and see if he comes back to me, especially since I was hoping to target someone like Revere or Marte next round. Once those guys went, it felt like the time to pick up any speed left that can be beneficial to my team. My team needs speed and OBP right now which seem to be the two things Eaton is most likely to provide. With that in mind this feels like the right time to go for him.

206

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 09:56

for dpr
14.05 Carlos Marmol, RP, CHC
Well i missed out on all the respectable closer so decided to take what was left. I had him in a league last year for the end of the season and he put up nice numbers, expecting that to continue all this season is likely too much. Hopefully he can hold the job.

207

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 09:57

for mailedfoot
14.06 David Murphy, OF, TEX
Murphy is starting the year as one of the Rangers outfielders and has put up good numbers on a part time basis in the past, so I am willing to give him a shot and see what happens.

208

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 09:57

for bluehen
14.07 Jonathon Broxton, RP, Cin
As of this morning, it looks like they're moving Chapman to the closer role. But will he stay healthy? Will they want to move him back? This is a gamble, but if I can get a good closer in the 14th round, it's a win. Was looking at a variety of SP here; will have to get one later.

209

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 09:58

14.08 Garrett Jones, 1B/OF, Pit
After picking up Coco Crisp in the prior round figured I could use someone with power to balance out Coco's lack of it, although Jones is another player with rough OBP figures. Jones has both 1B and OF eligibility.

210

kdl212
ID: 431462014
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 13:26

14.09 Corey Hart, 1B/OF, MIL

My other top choice was Berkman (1B), but felt that Hart, even though currently injured, offered a better shot at more games played over the course of the season. I was hoping that Ichiro would make it back to me in the next round, but it wasn't meant to be.

211

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 16:29

for jkaye

14.10 Lance Berkman, 1B, TEX
Berkman and Youkilis have similar value in this league due to their almost guaranteed high OBP if they are in the lineup. Not totally counting on this pick panning out but the pickings are slim and there is a decent chance Berkman could be pretty productive for a season a la Beltran last year.

212

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 16:30

for kokeshi777

14.11 Ryan Vogelsong, SP, SFO
I wanted another starter and I think Vogelsong is a safe bet for good ERA and WHIP numbers pitching in SF.

213

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 16:31

for Tilt23

14.12 Bruce Rondon, RP, DET
News that Chapman will be the closer again in CIN came down today. I had predicted this but still relieved to hear it cause I missed the closer run entirely. I was even thinking about not drafting a closer and just piling up SP and RP and playing catch up after the draft or punting the category but with news that chapman will close I can now have a fighting chance in the saves dept and saw that Rondon and Fujiwwwwa fujiwaya fuji the guy in Chicago were my best options. I chose Rondon because I think he has the best chance of getting the job early and saves in april count the same as ones in august.

214

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 16:31

14.13 Kyuji Fujikawa, RP, CHC

I’ve ignored closer all draft, which by itself doesn’t scare me. Two years ago I punted saves altogether and won the whole thing. Last year saves was one of my strengths and I came in second. So I think you can do well in this format with either strategy. For me, it’s about getting relievers at the right price and this year I couldn’t pull the trigger on anyone when the closer runs were going on, so I skipped them altogether. Here, with the rest of my team starting to take shape, there are little to no options left except speculative ones. But in round 14, that feels about right. Marmol has been a source of discussion for a few years, this year being no different. Most of what I read about the situation expects Marmol to be seriously pushed for the spot by Fujikawa, who I know close to nothing about. But I’ll throw a dart and see what it hits.

215

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 17:32

for Tosh

14.14 Marco Estrada, SP, MIL
He’s a good, but not great SP, but a perfectly satisfactory #4 for me. Should provide decent ERA, good WHIP, and high Ks (8+/9IP)

216

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 17:32

for Evan

14.15 Ichiro Suzuki, OF, NYY
My all-Asian outfield is complete. Choo, Aoki, and Ichiro. I was thinking of taking Ichiro a couple rounds ago and absolutely thought he wouldn’t last to me again. I think this is great value here. Even though he is hitting in a lineup thats like a M*A*S*H* unit, he is penciled in as the #2 hitter and will get everyday at-bats. He seemed reinvigorated after his trade to the Yankees last season and played extremely well. I should expect a decent source of steals, a lot of runs, and he may surprise me with more RBIs than expected.

217

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 17:33

for Da Bomb

14.16 Michael Young, 3B, PHI
Need a 3B OR a MI (Keppinger can play either). Young was brutal last year, but played well in September thus giving me hope that he hasn't lost it just yet. He said he fixed a mechanical flaw in his swing so we'll see if that's true and it carries over to this year. Mainly though, Young is a proven major league hitter with rather recent success, which can't be said about most of the alternative options. He'll also be batting in the middle of the Phillies lineup so his RBI/Run numbers should be respectable if nothing else.

218

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 17:34

for Da Bomb

15.01 Juan Pierre, OF, MIA
I was all set to take an SP here as I only have 2, but after looking over my squad I get a little nervous about my speed. I do have Trout and a couple others that can give me 10-20 SBs, but one more big SB guy would do me well. Pierre and his 37 SBs last year was the best remaining. His .351 OBP last year (.346 career) is also welcome, but I do hate taking on his draining SLG. However, it's not like there is anyone else left projected to steal even close to 40 SBs that will be better in that department. It's also good to see that he will be batting leadoff for Miami.

219

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 17:35

for Evan

15.02 Wade Miley, SP, ARI
I admittedly don’t know much about Miley. I looked up his name and he is considered one of the better young pitchers in baseball. I’m also on the Arizona bandwagon this season and think their team can win the division. To do so, they will have to have strong pitching and Miley seems to be one of the top guns there. Was debating between Cahill (ARI) as well but figured there was more upside with Miley.

220

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 17:35

for Tosh

15.03 Chris Carter, 1B, HOU
Uggggghhhhh. The latest baseball news has the names “Ryan Braun” (my 1.03 pick) and “Biogenesis” in the same paragraph. I’m going to react in horror, and try to replace his stats now.

Carter was a high prospect with plenty of power for Oakland and appears to have a good track on a starting OF job in Houston. He hit 30+ HRs for three years in the minors, and 16 HRs in 67 MLB games in 2012. It’s definitely a wild card right now. Best case scenario is a good player with dual- position eligibility, and Braun plays the whole season. Worst case is RIBC AAA in 2014.

221

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 17:36

15.04 Josh Reddick, OF, OAK

Reddick offers a pretty good source of power at this stage in the draft and since I was concerned that Gomez (my 3rd OF) might disappoint, I was happy to take him. He has little track record, but seemed to find a home in OAK last year. Anything close to last year will be great. My team likely needs some help in OBP and Reddick doesn’t give me that but he offsets that with good power potential. It sets me up to take a high OBP at the expense of some power with one of my next picks. Now I have to go try and find that guy and hope no one else take him before my next pick.

222

mailedfoot

for Tilt23
15.05 Lance Lynn, SP, STL
He will start and he will strike guys out 9+K/9in last year. I need the strikeouts and feel I have good mix of high K guys and ratio guys. Hopefully that will work out. Should get some wins playing on a good team in STL. Thought about Veras to be my 3rd closer but he is the definition of a guy who will be out of the job by May and even if he keeps it the Astros wont win more then 65 games all year anyways, not much opportunity even for a good closer.

223

mailedfoot

for kokeshi777
15.06 Brandon Moss, 1B, OAK
I wanted to grab a 1st Baseman in case Napoli went down or I need to move him to catcher.

224

mailedfoot

for jkaye
15.07 Josh Beckett, SP, LAD
Just my 3rd SP in 15 rounds - versus 4 RP - but that's OK because there are inevitably good values to be had in the back end (and April FA) period of the draft. The question is whether they will end up on my team. Beckett had elite stats as recently as 2 seasons ago, and I think he was more effective after being traded to LA/NL/West which has the park and style combination that could make Beckett's stats more pleasant to the eye.

225

mailedfoot

for kdl212
15.08 Jed Lowrie, SS, OAK
Rolling the dice here - he produces when he's hurt, but he's hurt a lot. And it's not even clear he has a starting job. I'm gambling that this is the year he gets 500 at bats, out of the 2-hole in the lineup, and I'll take 340/440 with 80/65 out of the middle-infield at this point in the draft very happily.

The alternative was a gamble on Ruggiano, or pitching (Cobb, Cahill or Hudson).

226

mailedfoot

for JeffG
15.09 Tim Hudson, SP, ATL
Atlanta's ace is this low in the SP rankings because of his k/9 rate around 6.0, as he is mostly a ground ball pitcher, but he should otherwise contribute nicely to my aggregate ERA WHIP and W and I have a trio of strikeout heavy starters to balance it out.

227

mailedfoot

for blue hen
15.10 Jose Veras, RP, HOU
After the Broxton gamble, I decided to play it safe in the reliever space. Veras looks to be the closer for the Astros with good peripherals. I am sure he fell a bit because people don't think the Astros will win many games, but I find that bad teams generally give plenty of opportunities to their closers. Really happy to have found this pick in the 15th round.

228

mailedfoot
ID: 13252219
Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 20:30

15.11 Joaquin Benoit, RP, DET

Detroit's closer situation isn't exactly clear at this point, so I selected Benoit as someone who figures to be in the mix. He also provides a nice K rate and won't be too hard on the ratios. My intent was to take Alburquerque with my next pick to try and lock down the main alternatives to Rondon, but that plan lasted all of ten minutes before it was stymied by dpr.

229

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 08:51

for dpr
15.12 Al Alburquerque, RP, Det
Since I missed out on closers I figured I would take a shot with that Alburquque could be closer at some point. Likely forced into taking a chance because my closers were so lacking.

230

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 08:51

for RotoGuru Jr.
15.13 Alex Cobb, SP, Tam
I figure McCann will last to my next pick since every team picking has a solid catcher. I'm between Marcum, Cobb, Quentin and Ludwick. My team needs RBI now that I drafted Eaton, but I also only have 3 starters and one is injury prone Josh Johnson. Marcum has already had an injury scare so I think there is a chance he'll be available later (not the case). Cobb continues to trend up with solid stats projected all around on a strong TB team.

231

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 08:52

15.14 Mark Reynolds, 1B, Cle
Reynolds moves to Cleveland this year, where he’ll be the regular first baseman. His batting average is always a notorious liability, but he does know how to take a walk, and typically posts an OBP more than 100 pts higher. He doesn’t qualify at 3B in ESPN leagues, but I can use him at first as long as I move Allen Craig to the OF.

He got off to a hideous start last year, with a .466 OPS in the month of April, following a similarly futile spring training. After that, he returned to form, slugging .464 for the balance of the season. So far, he’s crushing the ball in spring training this year with a 1.077 OPS, so the signs point to a better start, and perhaps a return to his prior norms.

232

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 14:23

for artofmonk
15.15 Shaun Marcum, SP, NYM
Once again plentyof sp. I am need of a 2b and young got taken. I like Cobb and Pierre as well. I am still going with plenty of nl sp.

233

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 14:24

for bmd
15.16 Domonic Brown, OF, PHI
Brown is one of those guys that are drafted on their potential and not past success. It appears now he'll have regular playing time. When I drafted him it was still up in the air but he was having a monster spring so it was clear he was at worst going to platoon. He's a former top 10 prospect that hasn't lived up to his potential. That guarantees nothing and there's a very good chance he completely sucks again this year.

16.01 Vinnie Pestano, RP, Cle
A clear closer in waiting sitting behind a shaky closer with shoulder issues? Don't mind if I do. He could end up with 30+ saves or 2. Regardless, he should bring good ratios and a very good k/9 so even if he isn't a booty of saves the pick won't be a complete throw away.

234

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 14:25

for artofmonk
16.02 Justin Ruggiano, OF Mia
I wanted another sp, but I still need to work on my offense. I hope ruggiano can improve, he could be steal. He gives decent all around numbers. I thought McCann as a util player because when he is healthy watch out. I had Jesus remorse pick.

235

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 14:26

16.03 Trevor Cahill, SP, Ari
Still only 25. 61% GB% in 2012 - 3rd highest in MLB. Shed some weight over the offseason, and has pitched well this spring. Looking for 200 IP, 3.50 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 15 wins. 150 Ks. Yeah, I’d take that.

236

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 14:27

for RotoGuru Jr.
16.04 Brian McCann, C, Atl
I told myself to get McCann once the top tier of Catchers were left. I think there is even a chance he would have lasted one more round which would be great because I could use Ludwick or Quentin's RBIs, but it is not worth the risk as I don't like any of the remaining catchers after McCann. His value is way down despite last year being his first ever down season and it was due to injury. He is due back by April 16th. That's basically 8 games for a catcher. This feels like great value as long as he's healthy. I of course now am starting the season with a minimum of two injured players (Granderson & McCann). Since I made this pick it's now come out that McCann may be a little behind schedule and catchers just don't seem to be getting drafted. I now wish I had drafted Ludwick or Quentin or an RBI guy.

237

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 15:30

for dpr
16.05 Matt Garza, SP, CHC
I thought that a SP was a big need so I took this guy who has been around for awhile and hopefully can regain his prior form as he comes back from injury

238

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 15:30

for mailedfoot
16.06 ZACK Cozart, SS, Cin
Decided to fill the MI position with Cozart. He has shown some power for a SS but was rather disappointing last year (really poor OBP). There are some indications he was unlucky with BABIP, however, so am hoping for a better season this year.

239

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 15:31

for bluehen
16.07 Carlos Quentin, OF, SD
The guy I wanted was Trevor Cahill. I'd targeted starters a couple rounds back, with Beckett and Cahill as the main targets. But I went on a closer binge. At this point, none of the pitcher options were as good as the hitter options, so I took the best hitter available. Quentin has more upside than most hitters remaining, with injury risk. Since I'm ok with injury risk (see Wright, Greinke, and Jeter, also on this team), it was an obvious pick.

240

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 15:32

16.08 JJ Hardy, SS, Bal
UGH. I waited too long for a SS and am now I picking up scraps. I've seen some projections predict a 20+ HR season which would be nice from the SLG point of view (relative to shortstops remaining that is), but his OBP is scary low and I have to hope he can hold his number 2 spot in the Os order or it is going to impact the run potential. The SS free agent pool and trade market will be closely monitored this year for potential replacements.

241

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 18:33

for kdl212

16.09 Tommy Milone, SP, OAK
Not a strike-out pitcher, but luckily I don't need him to be. Good ratios, good home ballpark, and gets to face the Astros AAA lineup as well this year. Alternative was Burnett, who (outside of that 2 inning, 12 earned run outing) was a great waiver wire find for me last year.

Thought really hard about Span, who should score a bunch of runs and steal almost 20 bases with a nice OBP. And seeing that only 3 pitchers went between this pick and my next, I should've gone with Span.

242

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 18:34

for jkaye

16.10 Lorenzo Cain, OF, KC
Cain had a pretty respectable stat line in just 244 PA: .319/.419/27/31/10 ... so, even if he does not get any better but just plays everyday (650 PA), his 2012 stats project 80/80/25 in R/RBI/SB. There is also some upside for 2013, given that he turns 27 in April.

243

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 18:35

for kokeshi777

16.11 Denard Span, OF, WAS
I have always liked Denard Span he gives speed without killing your OBP

244

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 18:36

for Tilt23

16.12 Alfonso Soriano, OF, CHC
He still hits the ball hard when he makes contact. He will hurt my OBP but I can afford to take that hit, I can use the RBIs. Last guy that should give me 85-100 RBIs and there is even talk he could be traded to say the Yankees which would boost his value across the board. I am willing to take a chance here on a proven player to have one more year in him.

245

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 18:36

16.13 Yonder Alonso, 1B, SD

I need another CI, preferably with good OBP. I would have also considered Lorenzo Cain and Carlos Quentin but they didn’t make it to me. Alonso was near the top of my list and he is a young player with some upside. His OBP is expected to be strong. He feels lile a good value pick in round 16, but then again CI tends to be deep every year. I’m hoping Alonso takes a step forward and joins the ranks of promising young 1B in the National League.

246

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 20:18

for Tosh

16.14 Sergio Santos, RP, TOR
The first pick made on my trip. As the plane landed and was taxiing, I turned on the phone. I am on the clock. No time to take a look at the breaking news, so I take the top guy on my queue. There is only one reason I draft Santos, and that is the number ‘12’ I have under the Saves column. His projections are scattered throughout the internet. ESPN has him with 18. Fangraphs shows 11. MLB.com has 7. Rotowire has him with 5. Toronto has a couple viable closers, and the other guy is a little banged up. Maybe this pick will work out OK.

247

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 20:19

for Evan

16.15 Ryan Ludwick, OF, CIN
I realized that I hadn’t picked up a true power bat since round 5 with Freeman. I have lots of guys with speed who can provide runs and I knew that the rest of these power bats wouldn’t last much longer. Was also looking at Viciedo here. Ludwick is in a very strong lineup and hit 26 HRs in 112 games in 2012. If I get 26 over a whole season, I’ll be happy with that production.

248

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 20:19

for Da Bomb

16.16 AJ Burnett, SP, PIT
I was going to take Burnett before before I decided to shore up SBs last round with Pierre, so I'm glad he made it back around. After a very unsuccessful stay in NY, Burnett returned to the NL and resurrected his career. His 180 Ks last year was the highest of any SP remaining, and he supplemented that with a 3.51 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. I'll take those numbers again.

249

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 20:20

for Da Bomb

17.01 Andy Dirks, OF, DET
Dirks will likely be the primary LF in Detoit. He compiled an .857 OPS last year in 88 games. Even with some regression factored in, Dirks stands to offer good value at this point.

250

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 20:20

for Evan

17.02 Jonathan Lucroy, C, MIL
Decided to take my first catcher here. I knew I could have waited another round or two and liked other catchers that have yet to be taken but Lucroy’s value was perfect at this spot. I put him on the same level as Salvador Perez who was taken 6 rounds earlier. I also got Lucroy almost 100 spots past his ADP. He is a high average hitter who can get me 15-20 HRs. I think this is my best value pick so far. Just hope he stays healthy.

251

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 20:21

for Tosh

17.03 Matt Joyce, OF, TB
This pick was made in the parking lot of the rental car place, and Joyce was the top of the list. He’ll get regular playing time in the middle of the Tampa batting order. If I am a good fantasy manager, I will platoon Joyce and bench him versus lefties, since in 2012 he resembled Mario Mendoza against southpaws batting a crispy .209. At the age of 28, he is at the peak of his career, so maybe he can return to his 2011 All-Star status.

252

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 20:22

17.04 Trevor Plouffe, 3B, MIN

I wanted some protection at 3B since Frazier is less than a known commodity. It came down to Plouffe and Chisenhall. Most would probably agree that Chisenhall’s ceiling is higher than Plouffe, so that was tempting. But despite his hot spring, I don’t see why I should bite on Chisenhall when Plouffe performed much better in the majors already. Plouffe’s first half last year was great until he was derailed by injury. I’ll take a more balanced season and have the option of moving Frazier in and out of the lineup since he could be in for some reduced playing time.

253

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sun, Mar 24, 2013, 01:29

for tilt
17.05 Carlos Pena, 1B, HOU
Really didn’t know what to do with this pick. Nothing was just screaming at me. I needed to fill my CI spot and Pena was one of the last guys that I would be ok with penciling in. He is basically Adam Dunn light. Strikeout, walk, or home run is his game. Keeps his OBP up so wont hurt me like his batting avg would and will play and can help in a few categories basically not kill me. Looking back I would of taken Tehran here as I wanted to see if he could continue his blistering hot spring but he was taken later in the round. I think that could be a good pick.

254

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sun, Mar 24, 2013, 01:29

for kokeshi
17.06 Gordon Beckham, 2B, CWS
I needed a infielder with some position flexibilty and I am just hoping Gordon Beckham finally breaks out and becomes what he was supposed to be.

255

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sun, Mar 24, 2013, 01:30

for jkaye
17.07 Dayan Viciedo, OF, CWS
Not likely to help my OBP and does not run, but I do like his power this deep in the draft. Should be a good candidate for a .450 SLG/70 R/80 RBI, and at this point that's all I am looking for out of my 4th OF, as part of what has turned out to be a very solid offensive draft on paper. With Heyward/Gardner/Cain I have a good amount of SB in the OF so Viciedo is a good fit for balance.

256

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sun, Mar 24, 2013, 01:31

for kdl212
17.08 David Robertson, RP, NYY
Really happy with this pick. I've passed over and over again on relievers, and was happy to see this high strikeout guy waiting for me here. At the least, he'll get a few saves when Rivera is resting. At the best, he is this year's Rafael Soriano. I wish no in jury on Rivera, but as a 39 year old myself who struggles to stay active and not injured, I don't know how he does it.

Had he not been there, it would've been Hernandez (to handcuff Putz) or Gregerson.

257

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sun, Mar 24, 2013, 01:32

17.09 Koji Uehara, RP, Bos
A pick purely for his K/9 , sub 1.00 WHIP and terrific ERA. Koji is a lights out 7th or 8th inning guy who has done it in bandboxes in Baltimore and Texas and now moves to Fenway. Nowhere near the mix for Sox saves but I'll get great value out this 17th rounder and the 60 innings he'll throw this season.

258

mailedfoot

for blue hen
17.10 Oscar Taveras, OF, STL
This one is very basic. Last year, I drafted the top prospect in baseball at about this time, and rode Mike Trout to the title. Ditto.

259

mailedfoot
ID: 70341417
Sun, Mar 24, 2013, 09:18

17.11 Wil Myers, OF, TAM

Taking a chance that Myers is called up sooner rather than later and that he will hit for power when he gets here. Not sure how this will work out since roster spots are at a premium but going to take the gamble and see what happens.

260

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Mar 24, 2013, 13:50

for dpr
17.12 Mark Teixeira, 1B, NYY
Another injured CI is not what I needed but I figured the value here as too great to continue to pass up. Compare him to the rookies taken around him and who is likely to debut sooner and produce at a higher level. The talks of surgery are concerning however.

261

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Mar 24, 2013, 13:50

for RotoGuru Jr.
17.13 Derek Holland, SP, Tex
It looks like catchers are being just ignored by most teams now so I'm wishing I had taken the risk of letting McCann continue to slip so I could have gotten a Ludwick or big RBI guy. Even worse, it looks like I just lost Adam Eaton for 6-8 weeks so I now have 3 injured players to start the year. My 4 person bench is already pretty full. I now have a lot of needs a limited players left. I'm interested in Holland, Teheran, Smoak, Hicks, Griffin and Lind. The 2nd pick is going to be even tougher as I'm no longer sure Hicks will survive to my next round and there really aren't many OF left. I may be regretting this pick already.

262

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Mar 24, 2013, 13:50

17.14 Omar Infante, 2B, Det
I still need a 2B and MI. Can’t wait forever. Infante doesn’t offer much in any category, but he should play everyday, with low double-digit steals, a .400 SLG, .320 OBP, 70 runs and 60 RBI. That’s about as good as it gets for a round 17 middle infielder.

263

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Mar 24, 2013, 13:51

for artofmonk
17.15 Jhonny Peralta, SS, Det
I wanted infante, I thought he was mine. I needed a mi. The det offense should put up great numbers, I just hope Jhonny can get some numbers.

264

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Mar 24, 2013, 13:51

for bmd
17.16 Julio Teheran, SP, Stl
I've been eyeing Teheran for a few rounds. Didn't want to jump the gun too early like I might have had on a few of my other sleeper picks. He's a guy that has top of the rotation potential but isn't secured a starting job the entire season. With his spring and the fact he plays for a team where he should get plenty run support, he's worth the gamble here.

18.01 David Hernandez, RP, Ari
Another closer in waiting. He's behind a very solid closer but one that isn't the staple of great health. He should have good ratios and an excellent k/9 so like Pestano, even if he doesn't end up with a bunch of saves he'll still contribute to my team.

265

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Mar 24, 2013, 13:52

for artofmonk
18.02 Wandy Rodriguez, SP, Pit

All the sp start to look the same at this point. I just like the name Wandy and he is in the nl.

266

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Mar 24, 2013, 13:52

18.03 Drew Storen, RP, Was
I could go for a 5th starter here, but I don’t see anyone distinctive. Ditto for MI candidates, especially now that I’ve at least filled my 2B slot. I could also fill my utility hitting slot. But I suspect that setup relievers will start getting more popular, and there are still some that I’d like to have.

Storen should not only provide respectable ratios and Ks, but he’s a handcuff for Rafael Soriano, who has not been a model of durability over the years.

Just before making this pick, I learned that Jason Motte will likely open the season on the DL, and considered Mitchell Boggs here – but in the absence of knowing whether Motte’s situation is serious, I decided to stick with the plan.

267

mailedfoot

for RotoGuru Jr.
18.04 John Jay, OF, STL
Word has come out that I've lost Eaton for 6-8 weeks meaning I'm now without Granderson and Eaton for at least a month each. So I need OF help more than most. I'm between Jon Jay and Aaron Hicks. Jay could be a 3-category player which is pretty good at this point in the draft (runs, steals and OBP). As a lefty he could also be a nice platoon player when everyone is healthy. He also seems to have fallen a bunch from his ADP so he should be good value as well. I like Hicks and think he has a lot of potential, but I cant afford another OF that might not open the season as a starter and there is still a chance Hicks will fall to my next pick. (he didn't)

268

mailedfoot

for dpr
18.05 Mitchell Boggs, RP, STL
This is why I felt ok passing on established closers thoughout the draft. If you are paying attention at the right times there will be plenty of options to add saves as the seasons goes on. Just have to hope I am looking when the future news comes out.

269

mailedfoot
ID: 13252219
Sun, Mar 24, 2013, 21:22

18.06 Luke Gregerson, RP, SD

Handcuff for Street and a pitcher who figures to help with ratios and K rate even if he doesn't get saves.

270

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sun, Mar 24, 2013, 22:54

for bluehen
18.07 Frank Francisco, RP, NYM
I really liked BMD's picks at the turn, and texted him to tell him so. Two minutes later, I got a text that Mitchell Boggs was going to be the closer for the Cardinals. Naturally, if you guys had been on autodraft, I'd have gotten him. After Boggs went, Francisco was an obvious choice to handcuff Parnell.

271

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Sun, Mar 24, 2013, 22:57

18.08 Daniel Murphy, 2B, NYM
Still need to fill my MI position and even though Murphy may miss the first few weeks of the regular season because of injury, should be a serviceable source of both runs and RBIs, and has a decent OBP for a late round MI

272

kdl212
ID: 431462014
Sun, Mar 24, 2013, 23:05

18.09 Michael Saunders, OF, SEA
With Corey Hart hurt, I still have an open OF spot on my roster. This was probably my last chance to get an actual Seattle Mariner on my roster, and it's really an upside pick. Would love to get 20/20 again from him, with growth in OBP and SLUG. Not sure the shorter fences in right center will help him, but he was WBC Pool D MVP! Whether he hits leadoff or somewhere around 6 or 7, the homer in me really hopes this pick pays off.

273

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 09:27

for JKaye
18.10 Brian Roberts, MI, BAL
This is not the kind of pick I make with projections in mind. I need a MI and Roberts has been healthy this spring. Surprisingly to me, he is only 35 - I figured more like 38. So if he can stay on field, there is value to be had here. If not, I just hope he plays long enough for me to find a replacement.

274

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 09:27

for kokeshi
18.11 Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B, Cle
I still don't truly trust Pedro Alvarez and Chisenhall has been tearing it up this spring. It seemed like a good time to get a back up 3rd Baseman.

275

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 10:18

for Tilt23
18.12 Carlos Ruiz, C, Phi
I needed a catcher and planned on waiting til the latter 1/3 of the draft to get one. Ruiz will miss much of april on suspension but when he comes back should produce like a top 10 guy. I will fill in until then and happy that I waited on catcher with the depth here.

276

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 10:18

for Uptown Bombers
18.13 Leonys Martin, OF, Tex
I should probably take a pitcher, but I can’t choose between two of them. I expect at least one of them will make it back to me. If not, there are a few other choices just below them. On the other hand, I’ve become enamored with Martin as a sneaky source of steals and potentially much more. He’s in a battle for playing time, but as a young player performing well in spring training, I don’t see why he won’t receive the bulk of the playing time. Technically, he won’t start on my team as I took Plouffe last round to fill out my lineup. But as my 5th OF, I expect there will be plenty of chances to plug him in. In round 18, there is nothing wrong with a strong upside pick. My suspicions were that both Tosh and Da Bomb would be looking to add an OF with this set of picks and they both did. Whether or not they were considering Martin is unknown, but I’m glad I took they guy I wanted.

277

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 10:19

for Tosh
18.14 Michael Brantley, OF, Cle
Now it’s my turn for a couple picks, and the wedding starts in less than 90 minutes. Brantley just happened to be the top guy on my list, so I picked him. If I had had time to look at the remaining players I probably would have taken a backup corner infielder rather than a 5th OFer. But in Brantley, I get a full-time player that’s not super exciting but has some upside in steals.

278

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 10:19

for Evan
18.15 Ryan Cook, RP, Oak
I needed another reliever, preferably one who has the potential to close. It is too difficult to predict these things but I figured I’d throw a dart and hopefully hit big. Balfour may not be the steadiest closer and was hurt at the outset of spring training. Cook was amazing last year averaging over a strikeout per inning. I obviously drafted him based on his potential to close but even if he doesn't, he should still should give me good numbers.

280

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 10:21

for Evan
19.02 Kelly Johnson, 2B, TB
My first “official” 2B in the draft. I drafted Rutledge and Bonifacio to fill in 2B but neither of them qualify for the position yet. I’d expect Rutledge to get 2B qualification first with Bonifacio probably not far behind but I still need someone to hold the fort. I was hoping for Brian Roberts to fall here, figure he may be okay to start the season. I don’t expect much from Kelly Johnson but Tampa has a weird way of getting the best out of their players. Hopefully Johnson gets good playing time and at least provides some of the pop he has shown in the past.

281

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 10:22

for Tosh
19.03 Yunel Escobar, SS< Tam
So I’m back on the clock now, and the wedding starts in five minutes. I can see my sister and dad standing at the top of the stairs. The music is playing. Two cameras hang from my neck. I seem to remember seeing somewhere that my MI (Scutaro) was injured. So without any thought at all, I decide I need a backup middle infielder. Escobar is the highest ranked guy in my queue, so I take him. He won’t give me any significant power or speed, but he does have a reasonable OBP and will score runs while batting near the top of the Tampa lineup. And now I own two of the four Escobar’s in the Draftime database.

282

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 13:31

19.04 Hisashi Iwakuma, SP, SEA

I was hoping that I would not have to choose between Iwakuma and Clay Buchholz. Buchholz was once regarded as future ace but has tailed off since his breakout season. As SP #5, he still has some value, especially after the way he has pitched this spring. He has a less than stellar K/9 but what if this is the year he matches his minor league K rates? He was tempting me and based on the other RIBC drafts managers seem to value him more than Iwakuma. It felt wrong to draft Iwakuma over him but I did anyway. Both play for teams expected to lose more than win, so that part evened out. He performed well once converted into a starter last year. The deciding factors were the expectation of lower ERA figures and higher K/9 than Buchholz but by name brand alone, this felt off.

283

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 15:27

for tilt
19.05 Nolan Arenado, 3B, COL
Young kid that could get the starting job to start the year. If he does, this is great insurance for Youkliis and a good value pick. If he doesn’t will most likely end up being dropped cause cant afford to hold bench spots for AAA players. Purely upside pick

284

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 15:29

for kokeshi
19.06 AJ Griffin, SP, OAK
I needed a starter and I think Griffin has some upside and pitching in Oakland it is less likely he kills me in ERA if he regresses.

285

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 15:30

for jkaye
19.07 Colby Rasmus, OF, TOR

At pick 295, I am willing to take a 26 -year old who was .361/.498/85/66/12 in 2010. Granted, those numbers are a far cry from his .289/.400/75/75/4 last year but is he really that different of a player? He had a .494 SLG and 17 HR in the first half last year and just collapsed in the 2nd half. Another low OBP guy for me, but as my final offensive starter, I think Rasmus could be useful and if he can harness his FY 2010 and 1H 2012 performances, then this is a top 100 player.

286

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 15:32

for kdl212
19.08 Shelby Miller, SP, STL
When I made this pick, it wasn't clear that Miller was the team's fifth starter, but it was announced today that he is. This is another upside pick - I generally stay away from rookie pitchers, but Miller has 9k/9 stuff and plays for a team that should win a bunch of games. There's no innings limit looming, so I thought Miller offered the highest upside of the surprisingly decent selection of pitchers still on the board. I expect bumps and bruises along the way, but I'm hoping that this turns out at the end of the year to be a great value pick.

287

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 15:36

19.09 Justin Maxwell, OF, Hou
ESPN.com calls Maxwell "one of the sneakiest 20 HR/20 SB candidates in the game, albeit one who could ruin a rotisserie team's batting average" (or in our case OBP which is no better with Maxwell). At this point anyone available has a downside, but this seems like he is worth a shot as I start to stock my reserves.

288

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 16:55

for blue hen
19.10 Brandon McCarthy, SP, Ari
I have McCarthy in multiple other leagues. He's a big sleeper for me this year and is always underrated. I actually almost took him a couple rounds ago, but circumstance prevented it. Very happy to have gotten my third (!) starting pitcher this late.

289

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 16:55

for mailedfoot
19.11 Mark Melancon, RP, Pit
Melancon figures to be next guy in line for saves if Grilli were to falter. He had some disasterous outings early last year but pitched better in the 2nd half. Moving out of Fenway figures to help his stats some and he has been pitching well this spring.

290

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 16:56

for dpr
19.12 Luis Cruz, SS, LAD
He can play as my MI while also being a fill in for my injured CI to start the year. Stats won't be great but I like the compared to what was left and was going for the position eligibility

291

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 16:57

for RotoGuru Jr
19.13 Lucas Duda, OF, NYM
I very much was hoping Aaron Hicks would fall to me after seeing he went in the 300s in other drafts, but I guess we're playing with the big boys here. I'm not mad at getting Duda though. He had strong minor league numbers as well as rookie year, and last year he slowed down. I'm hoping the one year was an anomaly and he can get back to being a good OPS guy with some RBI because that's what my team needs most now. On top of that I always like having left handed batters that I can platoon once my entire team is healthy.

293

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 16:59

19.14 Ryan Doumit, C/OF, Min
It’s the C/OF eligibility that made this pick desirable. We have only 4 bench slots, and I prefer to use 2-3 of those for pitching. So having multi-position eligibility – especially for the catcher slot, which tends to be difficult to fill with games played – bodes well for Doumit’s utility. Beyond that, he should get plenty of ABs on the Twins – mostly at DH. His ratios should be constructive (.330/.460), so he’ll probably be an everyday player for me, as long as he’s an everyday player for the Twins. And 528 plate appearances in 2012 suggests that he should see plenty of action.

295

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 19:42

for artofmonk
19.15 Chris Nelson, 2B, Col

Needed a 2B. I like his eligibility at 3b as well. Could put up decent numbers if he keeps the starting job.

296

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 19:43

for bmd
19.16 Ryan Dempster, SP, BosDempster was never on my radar. I'm not a huge fant of him but in the end of the 19th round it's going to be hard to find a pitcher that has been as consistent as he has. He's switching to a bad division but I don't plan on throwing him out there every single start. He seems like the perfect fit at this time as I needed somebody that was a huge question mark.

20.01 Justin Smoak, 1B, Sea
Fences are moving in and Smoak will benefit. He's this year's Chris Davis. A guy that has always been though high of as a hitting prospect but never amounted to anything. He turned in a great September and is having a really good Spring. I'm kinda loaded at 1b right now but it'll give me some flexibility to sit some of my guys when a matchup sucks. Hopefully they can all produce and I can eventually trade one for a middle infielder that I desperately need.

297

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 19:43

for artofmonk
20.02 Darin Mastroianni, OF, Min
Cheap steals at this point of the draft. I did like plenty of other hitters or pitcher, but I didn't see any 20+ sb's left. He could get over 30.

298

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 19:44

20.03 Tyler Clippard, RP, Was
Although I still have a MI slot to fill – as well as a bench hitting slot – I want to continue filling out my pitching staff as well. Clippard should provide decent ratios, good Ks, and in the event that something happens to either Soriano or Storen, maybe even some Saves. He showed last year that he could fill the closer role if called upon.

The other RP I considered was Sean Marshall. Based solely on projected stats from several sources, Marshall would have gotten the nod. But I thought Clippard was a better fit for my team, given my interest in locking down the National’s closing crew.

299

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 19:49

for RotoGuru Jr.
20.04 Adam Lind, 1B, Tor
I had been targeting Smoak here. I fell into the trap of actually thinking he might fall to me but then had him snatched up. I still need a CI and it is slim pickins. I am between Moreland and Lind. The only word out of spring training on Moreland is that he's had quad problems. Adam Lind however seems to have lost weight in the offseason and is looking good. I don't expect a repeat of his 37 home run season, but at this point in the draft it is nice to know what he COULD put up in a best case scenario. I may end up targeting Moreland also so I can remove Lind when he faces lefties.

300

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 21:51

for dpr
20.05 Gerardo Parra, OF, ARI
I realized that I needed another outfielder and decided to get one that was left. He should do well with Eaton's injury and hopefully continues to get ABs all season.

301

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 21:52

for mailedfoot
20.06 Macier Izturis, 2B, Tor
Izturis is eligible at 3 IF positions and it looks like he will be playing quite a bit to start the season. With one spot taken by a guy who starts the year in the minors and my 3B battling injury issues, I like the flexibility Izturis gives me. He has been a decent hitter at times in the past and if he can give me some of that, I'll be happy.

302

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 21:53

for bluehen
20.07 Jemile Weeks, 2B, Oak
With Derek Jeter and Everth Cabrera as my only middle infielders, I have a potential problem on my hands. I had been looking at Kelly Johnson, but he went, so I had to scramble. Jemile Weeks seemed like a good pick, with steals and some athletic potential (no pun intended). Of course, Weeks was sent to AAA later that night

303

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Mon, Mar 25, 2013, 21:54

20.08 Sean Marshall, RP, Cin
Continuing to fill out my final pitching slots and again looking at middle relievers with a high K rate and good ratio help. I am taking saves potential out of the decision because it is tough to predict (not that guessing is a bad thing). There are several other similar pitchers that I equally liked in this regard and chose Marshall because his k/9 is consistently close to 10 with great ratios and I feel he is a reliable option due to his track record.

304

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 09:12

for kdl212
20.09 Alex Avila, C, Det
The only catcher all draft that I almost selected was Jesus Montero, and I think it's one year too soon for him. Avila overachieved in 2011. He lost his power last year. If he splits the difference, with a 365/430 line, I'll be plenty pleased. There were still enough catchers available that I almost passed again, but the selection of Doumit by Guru spooked me a bit, and the others offered either OBP with little power, or power with poor OBP. If I'm lucky, Avila gives me both.

The alternative was Venable/Stubbs/Bourjous/Pennington, for stolen bases, but I (rightly, for once) guessed that at least 2 would make it back to me.

305

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 11:27

for jkaye

20.10 Fiers, Mike SP MIL
Fiers had stats worthy of a higher selection but obviously there is some doubt whether he can repeat. Willing to gamble that he will duplicate his success as I look to fill out staff.

306

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 11:28

for kokeshi
20.11 Colvin, Tyler OF COL
He seemed to have a decent amount of pop for this late in the draft and I wanted to pick up another outfielder.

307

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 11:29

for tilt
20.12 Garcia, Jaime SP STL
If he can stay healthy he will produce like a #2- 3. His BABIP was .339 last year so his ERA and WHIP should go back down. This really just depends if he can stay healthy. Taking him here in the 20th round makes even half a season of good production bearable. SP with good stuff on a good NL team? Yes sir.

308

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 11:30

for uptown
20.13 Herrera, Kelvin RP KAN
Leading up to this pick I went on autodraft, as I was stepping away for a few hours. My thought process was that this is déjà vu all over again. Earlier in the draft, I had Angel Pagan at the top of queue for multiple rounds, but because of positional needs, kept passing him over. This time, it’s Clay Buchholz, who I almost took in round 19. But, I also want to nab a few high K relievers. Faced with the same decision as before, I put Herrera at the top of my list and waited for the results. The Royals have a few bullpen options behind Holland, who has struggled going into the season. While there are no immediate signs that Holland is in jeopardy of being yanked, I like Herrera’s sleeper status as someone who might get the chance to close if Holland’s struggles continue.

309

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 11:31

So first off ... thanks to whatever managers slowed down the draft on Saturday night and Sunday. I was able to travel via car, plane, and ferry all the way home, and did not have to make any more picks on my phone from an outdated queue list.

Pick 20.14 ~ Matt Harrison, SP, TEX
The other 15 RIBC managers must be slacking! How can they possibly leave an Opening Day starter still available late in the 20th round? Oh wait ... there are still 8 Opening Day starters still available? I guess that is not the sign of excellence it used to be! Harrison is not a big strikeout guy, but the percentages and wins are going to be very useful. Not great upside or downside, but good as my #5 SP.

310

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 11:47

for evan
20.15 Chen, Wei-Yin SP BAL
As a Yankee fan, I got to see lots of Chen pitch last season and I was impressed by what I saw. He has good control and should maintain a solid WHIP. He allowed exactly 1 hit per inning which is respectable considering the lineups he regularly goes up against. I'm expecting 140-150 strikeouts which isn't bad for a pitcher in the 20th round. He isn't a sexy name, but should provide me good numbers over the course of the season.

311

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 11:48

for da bomb
20.16 Bradley, Jackie OF BOS
One of Boston's top prospects, Bradley has had a huge Spring (1.190 OPS) and has likely played himself into an everyday job. Options are getting scarce, so I figure Bradley's upside was worth taking a flyer on.

21.01 Dozier, Brian SS MIN
My 4th MI is only eligible at SS now, but he'll be Minnesota's 2B so he should get full MI eligibility soon, and I've also seen him projected to hit 2nd. He was a dud hitting wise last year, but had almost a .900 OPS and 24 SBs in the minors in 2011. Dozier also has had a strong Spring with an OPS over .800. In case Keppinger doesn't replicate his success of last year or Michael Young doesn't regain some sense of form, Dozier may be a guy I can plug in.

312

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 11:48

for evan
21.02 Nunez, Eduardo SS NYY
I needed another infielder. Frankly, Nunez does not impress me much. His defense is atrocious but thank God fantasy doesn't score that negatively. The fact remains, he should get a lot of playing time. Already, he looks to be the starting SS as Jeter recovers and who knows if Jeter comes back. Even if he does, Nunez will probably play 3B occasionally to spell Youkilis (who is also a big injury risk himself). I'm expecting a good amount of stolen bases at the least from Nunez and not much else. Maybe I'll be surprised and get more runs and RBI than expected. I should have picked another middle infielder earlier.

313

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 11:50

Pick 21.03 ~ Rob Brantly, C, MIA

I’ve been playing chicken with a few managers at the catcher position. Now there’s just one manager left that has not drafted one. I’ve been eyeballing Brantly for awhile. Various stat projection sources all show him with 350-400 ABs. Yet I can’t find any articles about a timeshare at the position. Only articles about him hitting in the middle of the lineup. I guess I’ll find out next week.

314

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 15:30

21.04 Clay Buchholz, SP, BOS

That’s it, I’m taking him. After 2 rounds of thinking about it, Buchholz is on board. I should probably take Stephen Drew as a backup SS, but Drew’s status is far from solid so I don’t feel it’s worth it. On the other hand, Buchholz is still young, just a few years removed from a remarkable year, having a great spring that has seen his K’s increase, and is reunited with the pitching coach from his best season in the form of current manager John Farrell. In round 21, it seems like more than a fair gamble. I have found it useful to have 6 SP since the innings pitched limit is 1350 and I have more faith in a turnaround season from Buchholz than Drew even though there are plenty of options for a #6 starter and fewer SS options.

315

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 17:57

for tilt
21.05 Jared Burton, RP, MIN
Set up guy with the Twins. Will help in ratios and contribute with K’s. Can count on a few saves just based on the fact that Perkins is the Twins lefty specialist too so Burton could close a few games out. Love to see him get 8-12 saves even with Perkins healthy.

316

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 17:58

for kokeshi
21.06 Kyle Lohse, SP, STL
Was looking for more reliable starting pitching stories fill out my rotation and Lohse for years has pitched better than I thought he would.

317

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 17:59

for jkaye
21.07 Phil Hughes, SP, NYY
Hughes is high risk, high reward which pretty much summarizes my entire pitching staff. Still, I like the chances that one of these late SPs will hit even if they don't all do so.

318

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 18:00

for kdl212
21.08 Will Venable, OF, SD
I didn't see another 25+ steals guy without atrocious percentages on the board (and with an injured Hart I didn't have a spot to burn on Profar), so I reluctantly passed on Andrew Bailey and went with Venable. If you only played Venable on the road against righties last year, you got 370/525 + 13 steals out of him in just shy of 200 at bats. That's nice. But in this league, with the limited bench, it's hard to roster someone who you start so infrequently, especially when you are chasing the closer of the week and trying to find a short-term warm body at MI.

Maybe bringing the right field fences in and down will help his numbers at home so that he's worth 300-400 at bats.

319

JeffG
Dude
ID: 01584348
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 18:01

21.09 Edwin Jackson SP ChC
Looking for an SP5 and not really loving my choices. In prior seasons I always seem to find someone in May among free agents that ends up sticking on my team (last year it was Medlen) and perhaps this year will be no different but I wanted to go into the season with at least 5 active starters. Jackson has certainly been well traveled over his career but just signed a four year deal with the Cubs. He is a strike out/fly ball pitcher (uh oh, fly balls in Wrigley Field?!?) that has shown occasional flashes of being a front liner. I assume that is what Theo Epstein thinks he is paying for. Anyway, well worth a late round selection and someone who I will closely monitor with one eye while looking for that replacement upgrade with the other.

320

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 19:58

for blue hen
21.10 Brett Wallace, 1B, Hou
With Weeks demoted, I needed some more MI. However, there were no good options. I also had a need at CI, and Wallace fills that need well. I think several Astros will wind up with good numbers this year, and hopefully Wallace is one of them

321

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 19:58

for mailedfoot
21.11 Hyun-Jin Ryu, SP, LAD
Ryu figures to have a spot in the Dodgers rotation but is something of a question mark at this point. He is projected to have an ERA under 4, a WHIP under 1.3, and a K/9 of about 8, which looks good to me for this late in the draft. Pitching in the NL west also weighs in his favor.

322

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 19:59

for dpr
Darwin Barney, 2B, ChC
He fills the M slot as a player who should get regular ABs. Pretty unexciting player but who isn't at thi point?

323

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 20:03

for RotoGuru Jr.
21.13 Mitch Moreland, 1B Tex
Very pleased to see Moreland fall to me. I now have two left handed 1B (lind & moreland) I can platoon as needed while each has the potential to break out. This also fills out my final utility spot and will leave me with great matchup options once I have Granderson and Eaton healthy as i now have 5 left handed outfielders and 3 left handed 1B. I can now focus the rest of the draft on pitching and depth.

324

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 20:04

21.14 Stephen Drew, SS, Bos
I’ve waited long enough top fill me MI slot. After Drew, I don’t really see anyone would I who want at all – and even Drew has health issues that make his availability for opening day questionable. Nonetheless, seeing that bmd is still missing a 2B and MI (unless one of his players has secondary eligibility that I’m not aware of), I’d better nab Drew before the turn.

J.D. had a productive Fenway run for many years. Here’s hoping Stephen can rekindle some of the Drew family hitting without resurrecting the Drew family injuries.

325

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 22:05

for artofmonk
21.15 Peter Bourjos, OF, LAA
Starting Center OF for the angels. Should produce solids runs maybe as high as 80 and hopefull 20+ SB. I almost took him a couple of rds ago. He was my sleeper pick and couldn't wait any longer. I was very glad to see him still on the board.

326

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 22:06

for bmd
21.16 Logan Forsythe, 2B, SdgI desperately needed a 2nd baseman. Hell, I still need another MI as well. Freese came down hurt so my plan to use Carpenter at 2nd after he gains eligibility was severely hurt. Forsythe is a hail mary. He's hurt right now but says he'll be ready for the start of the season. His minor league stats indicate he's a decent hitter. I pray he plays and doesn't kill me in the ratio categories

22.01 Jurickson Profar, 2B, Tex
Another hail mary. Profar is going to start the year in the minors and he doesn't have a spot in the majors right now. Plus, he didn't hit well in spring training. That said, he's an injury or two away from getting the call up. I don't wish injuries on any players but I'll be celebrating if Kinsler or Elvis pulls a groin or has hamstring issues. If that doesn't happen in the first few weeks then there's a good chance Profar is hitting the waiver wire to rot on someone else's bench.

327

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 22:06

for artofmonk
22.02 Drew Stubbs, OF, Cle
Not sure I needed another OF, but I am hoping for a bounce back year. He had great numbers 09-11. 80 Runs, 18 HR, with 30 SB. I hope he can bounce back or his OBP, SLG% will kill me. Should get plenty of playing time and produce very well for a 22nd pick.

328

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 22:11

22.03 Todd Helton, 1B, Col
What? Todd Helton is 39? Now I feel old. I can still remember taking my two sons (when they were teens, I suppose) to see the Mets play the Rockies, and Todd Helton – perhaps a rookie at the time – had a big game, as I recall. Then again, my oldest son is now 31. Wow – I am getting old!

I’m just looking for an early season fill-in for injured players or guys on a day off. As far as I can tell, Helton is healthy and still starting at 1B for the Rockies. I know he no longer brings the stats you look for in a first baseman. But he does bring adequate stats for a day-by-day slot filler. Whether he’s a long term fixture on my roster? I’m guessing not, but we’ll see.

329

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 23:34

For Rotoguru Jr
22.04 Andrew Bailey, RP, BOS
Very pleased with how this round of picks went. I know there are no sure things available with relievers right now, but Bailey is a reliever with a track record as a successful closer who is playing behind a guy who struggled this spring. At the very least, if he is healthy he will help my counting stats and ratios. At the worst, I drop him when I see someone more valuable to pick up.

330

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 23:34

for dpr
22.05 Alberto Callaspo, 3B, LAA
I knew that I was still short at CI and drafted Callaspo as the bet available. Didn't realize that I actually was missing a 1b. The pick was a mistake.

331

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 23:35

for mailedfoot
22.06 Rick Porcello, SP, DET
Porcello has a history of being, at best, a marginal fantasy pitcher. But he was once a highly touted prospect, is still only 24, and apparently has changed his pitch repetoire to include a more effective curve ball. Based on his effective spring results and rumors that he could be traded to an NL team, I take him as a late round flier.

332

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 23:35

for bluehen
22.07 Cliff Pennington, SS, Ari
Well, I guess we have to fill that MI slot sometime. With Jeter hurt and Weeks demoted, Pennington become my second best infielder.

333

JeffG
ID: 307392321
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 23:37

22.08 Logan Morrison, 1B/OF, Mia
LoMo will not be game-ready until mid-April, but will be a good source for RBIs and SLG when he plays. Analysts are saying now that the outfield experiment with him is over and he will return to his more comfortable position at first base, he could finally break out to fulfill his initial high expectations. As the cleanup hitter and protection for Giancarlo Stanton he should get ample opportunities to make things happen. Right now with a full fantasy roster of hitters and LoMo currently occupying my fantasy bench, as a player with both 1B and OF eligibility he should greatly help me reduce the number of off days my roster would otherwise accumulate.

334

kdl212
ID: 582242522
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 23:55

22.09 A.J. Pierzynski, C, TEX
Had no plan whatsoever to draft 2 catchers, but when my turn came up, Pierzynsky was still in my queue, having not removed him when I chose Avila in Round 20. I poked around for a few minutes and didn't see any other hitters that looked interesting, and wondered if just maybe Pierzynski has decided to swing harder at pitches and take the results. He nearly tripled his strikeout rate last year while also tripling his home run output. Probably should've taken a starter or reliever, but what's left is quite a mixed bag, and I doubt I'll have the patience to keep any reliever or starter I draft from here on out that long.

I don't expect a 500 slugging percentage from Pierzynski again, nor do I even suspect that I'll carry him all year. Maybe he or Avila is trade bait, or a reluctant drop when roster pinches hit.

But maybe he keeps up the power in Texas and I'm able to squeeze an extra 100- 150 at bats out of the catcher spot this year. Those runs and rbi have gotta be worth a couple points in the standings.

335

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 27, 2013, 12:16

for jkaye
22.10 McDonald, James SP PIT
McDonald has had stretches where he put it all together in the past. The odds of him doing his over a full season are not great, but the seeds are there.

336

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 27, 2013, 12:17

for kokeshi
22.11 Peralta, Joel RP TAM
I wanted to get a good middle reliever to balance ERA and WHIP and Peralta has been solid for a couple years and gets you good strikeout numbers.

337

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 27, 2013, 12:18

for tilt
22.12 Hanson, Tommy SP LAA
My draft is starting to go on autopilot. I am not able to dedicate a lot of time to fishing out any last gems in the trash. Hanson is my 6th starter and has some upside. He COULD go back to how he was when he first came up and be a strong K guy with good peripherals on a good team with some wins. Or he COULD be what he appears to be, barely mediocre. Will see how it goes and spot start him to see if I can win the lottery.

338

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 27, 2013, 12:19

for uptown
22.13 Rosenthal, Trevor RP STL
Young, K potential, could be line for saves if a few things go wrong, could emerge as a starter with an injury: all these factors made me consider Rosenthal as a sleeper pick in round 23. I’d be happy with the emergence of a dominant set-up man that we saw last year. If something more comes of him, it’s a bonus.

339

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 27, 2013, 12:20

Pick 22.14 ~ Jonny Venters, RP, ATL
He’s been a pretty darn good setup guy the past three seasons and is a handcuff for my closer, Kimbrel. 10.5 K/9, 2.50 ERA, and 1.25 WHIP are very realistic expectations.

Edit - Dang it. Just a few hours after drafting Venters, he left the game with an elbow issue. Now Venters is most likely to be waived first.

340

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 27, 2013, 12:21

foe evan
22.15 Wells, Vernon OF LAA
I was debating Nunez or Wells during my last pick. I can’t believe Wells lasted all the way back to me. I understand Wells is a shell of his former self, but he is now the starting LF for the Yankees. This is the kind of guy who can provide all the counting stats if given 300-400 at bats. As I explained with my last pick of Nunez, the Yankees are so riddled with injuries I can see him getting so much playing time. I could be getting a OF who can provide 20-25 HRs, 60-70 RBI, 50 Runs, and 5-9 SB even with a poor average. I’ll gladly take that in the 22nd round. If he doesn’t do it, oh well, he’s my bench outfielder at the start of the season.

341

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 27, 2013, 12:22

for dabomb
22.16 Parmelee, Chris 1B MIN
This league is so deep. I find myself looking at projected starting lineups for a second time to see what/ if any players are available I don't despise.

Parmelee owned minor league pitching last year, and also performed well in a late season call-up in 2011, but really struggled in the majors in 2012. He's entering this season as the everyday RF, so we'll see if he's ready to be a productive major leaguer yet. I also considered Jordany Valdespin, but I already had 6 OFs.

23.01 Bedard, Erik SP HOU
I'm not really a fan of drafting late round run of the mill SPs. Sure, some will make out fine, but many will not be serviceable and I'd wait 1-2 starts first to see if I felt comfortable using them. I decide to take a flier on Bedard who at least has the potential (albeit how small) to be better than run of the mill. Bedard was a guy I used to target in that he was an asset when healthy, but then last year happened where he a complete bum. Nevertheless, all hope is not lost just yet as his K/rate was still great.

342

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 27, 2013, 12:23

for evan
23.02 Gee, Dillon SP NYM
Gee willickers, he is having a horrendous spring! Good thing I don’t give much consideration to spring stats. Before his blood clot caused him to miss most of the 2012 season, Gee was enjoying a breakout season. He had great strikeout/walk rates and has a good WHIP. I have a gut feeling with Gee and I could see him being the best pitcher on the Mets. He was my #1 SP available and I needed to fill in another spot in my rotation.

343

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Wed, Mar 27, 2013, 12:24

Pick 23.03 ~ Josh Donaldson, 3B, OAK
I realized that I only have one player that can play 3B, and I better get a backup. It looks like he’s got a steady job which is all I can ask for at pick # 355. Some people may have been scared away from his 1-20 Spring Training batting start. I prefer to focus on the 15-30 that followed it up.

344

Uptown Bombers
ID: 81262014
Wed, Mar 27, 2013, 13:47

23.04 Jordany Valdespin, OF, NYM

On Monday night I strolled into my local sports bar, where the bartender is the biggest Dodgers fan I know. We got to talking baseball and by the time I left, he had me convinced that I had to draft Yasiel Puig. Upon further reflection on Tuesday morning, I decided to go with Valdespin, who at least has a spot in the line-up to start the season. He should pick up 2B eligibility shortly into the season, which helps, and offers a nice combination of speed and power in round 23. As a Mets fan, I’ll be able to watch him daily and pull the cord if he is not getting it done. Shortly after writing this rationale I read that Puig has been sent to Double-A.

345

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:11

for Tilt23
23.05 JP Arencibia, C, Tor
With Carlos Ruiz my reg catcher out on suspension til end of april I need a fill in. JP will hit and is moving the the middle of the order 5th I think while lawrie is out. I will play him and hope he gets off on a hot start to rid out until Ruiz is back.

346

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:12

for kokeshis
23.06 Jason Vargas, SP, LAA
I just needed an innings eater that didn't kill era or whip, Vargas should pick up some wins with the Angel offense behind him.

347

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:12

for JKaye
23.07 Bud Norris, SP, Hou
A very high K pitcher who seems to be knocking on the door every year but never puts it together. Wins will be hard to come by but anyone missing this many bats has a chance to go up a level and he is still very young.

348

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:13

for kdl212
23.08 Phil Coke, RP, Det
There's no way Rondon doesn't melt down in April. He may not lose the job, but there will be a handful of save opportunities elsewhere. Maybe Coke gets 2-3.

349

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:14

for Jeffg
23.09 Mike Adams, RP, Phi
With my only 3B hurt to start the season I need to pick another one, but figured I'd wait another 12 hours or so and one more round to see if the Braves 3B situation gets better defined. So went with another middle reliever with a decent K rate. Adams has been a holds machine leading the league by a wide margin over the last 3 season so he seemed like as good a reliable choice as anyone left.

350

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:15

for blue hen
23.10 Tyler Flowers, C, CWS
Catcher is deeeeeeeeep. I had expected to get AJ Ellis or Alex Avila for this spot, but both went while I was worried about other problems. Flowers is fine - I actually rostered him for a long time in G20, when he alternated with AJ Pierzynski for playing time. He's no Buster Posey, but it's a lot later in the game.

351

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:15

for mailedfoot
23.11 David DeJesus, OF, ChC
DeJesus starts the year as the Cubs centerfielder and he has the ability to contribute a little in all five categories. I like his OBP skills and figured he could turn out to be a nice pick for this late in the draft.

352

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:16

for dpr
23.12 James Loney, 1B, Tam
To make up for my last pick I still needed a 1b and I think this is the only guy left who will get ABs. That said the guy sucks. Hopefully Ortiz comes back soon.

353

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:17

for RotoGuru Lr.
23.13 AJ Ellis, C, LAD
I love when a plan comes together! Once I drafted McCann I was eyeing AJ Ellis as my guy to fill in until McCann is healthy and on days that McCann doesnt play. I love that Ellis is a high OBP guy (.373 last year) so that I feel no guilt throwing him in on off days and my ratios wont take a hit. It is just a bonus that he seems to be having a great spring.

354

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:18

23.14 Edinson Volquez, SP, SD
In 2012, a 2.95 ERA, a strikeout per inning, and a .208 BAA – at home in Petco. On the road,… not so much. Will plan to use him as a situational starter at home or against weaker teams. Walks too many batters, but also induces a lot of ground balls. May want to check wind conditions as well, as gopheritis is a concern. Also, moving in and shortening the fences at Petco may torpedo this strategy sooner than later.

355

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:19

for artofmonk
23.15 Jason Hammel, SP, Bal
At this stage of the draft, I thought my queue would get the player I wanted. I thought I had Volquez, Edinson for sure. I think he is a good pickup at this point of the draft. Autopick was set for him and had Hammel next. I think he does have an upside with this pick on a much improved BAL team.

356

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:20

for bmd
23.16 Yasiel Puig, OF, LAD
He's hitting the cover off the ball this spring but there's no spot for him in the majors right now. He's mainly just a longshot pick that one of the LAD's gets hurt in the first few weeks. If they do then Puig could very well be called up.

24.01 Pete Kozma, SS STL
I needed another MI that wasn't going to start in the minors. Kozma hit really well when he was called up and is hitting well this spring. His minor league numbers are completely the opposite. Praying that he's one of the super rare guys that hits better in the majors than they did in the minors.

357

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:21

for artofmonk
24.02 Ellis, Mark, 2b, LA
I thought I might want to get a little insurance for MI. He probably should be on the WW, I think the Dodgers will score some runs and hopefully he will benefit. He could be a surprise.

358

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:21

24.03 Andrew Cashner, SP, SD
Time to speculate. High upside, potential bust. Throws in the mid-to-upper 90s, GB% around 50%. Good home park. The downside is health and durability. Not yet assured of a rotation slot, but worth a gambit in round 24, even if he starts in long relief.

359

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:22

for RotoGuru Jr.
24.04 Ervin Santana, SP, KC
I was between Cashner and Santana and someone finally made it easy for me by making the decision for me. Santana has had multiple individual seasons with a great deal of success and is in a contract year. His spring numbers are looking good and I like the Royals this year.

360

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:23

for dpr
24.05 Chris Young, OF, OAK
I think I have taken this guy in the 5th round of thse drafts in the past. He will struggle ith OBP but should give me decent counting stats considering how late I was able to draft him.

361

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:23

for mailedfoot
24.06 Nolan Reimold, OF, Bal
If he can stay healthy, Reimold could be a nice sleeper pick. He has hit well in the past and should get plenty of ABs as either an outfielder or DH to begin the season. My outfield is getting a little crowded with this pick, but felt Reimold's potential is worth it.

362

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:24

for blue hen
24.07 Billy Hamilton, SS, Cin
On the off chance he gets called up sometime this season, I look forward to his 20 steals in 8 games. Maybe HE can be the answer to my middle infield problems.

363

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:25

for JeffG
24.08 Chris Johnson, 3B, Atl
My only third baseman, David Freese, is starting the season on the DL so I need a fill in, hopefully only short term. Johnson has been in one of the more interesting and closely contested position battles this spring for Chipper Jones old spot, and certainly has the spring numbers to lock down the job outright except for the fact his competition for the position is putting up equally good spring numbers. Since the word today now is that the Braves are going to start the season with a platoon at third, I'm guessing that Johnson will see more at bats and maybe keeps playing at the same high level early in the season as he tries to prove he is worthy of the playing time.

364

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:26

for kdl212
24.09 Jake McGee, RP, Tam
Elite ratios.

365

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:26

for JKaye
24.10 Jamey Carroll, 2B, Min
Carroll is a great fit here with multiple pos eligibility and provides insurance for some of the riskier players (Berkman, Roberts).

366

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:27

for kokeshis
24.11 Joe Blanton, SP, LAA
Just like real baseball teams who pick up Joe Blanton he is just an innings eater at the back of my rotation to pitch every 5th day.

367

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:27

for Tilt23
24.12 Sean Doolittle, RP, OAK
Another high K reliever that I am looking to add some strikeouts. I think he is next in line if Balfour is ineffective even though most think it will be ryan cook. I just don’t think they like cook as a closer but that is just a hunch based on what ive seen and read. Even if he doesn’t get a save im pretty sure he will play on my team regularly

368

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:28

for Uptown Bombers
24.13 Aaron Crow, RP, KC
Between this pick and Herrera in round 20, I would be wise to start crafting a Greg Holland voodoo doll and sticking pins into its elbow. If that doesn’t work, Crow offers some K help and decent ratios.

369

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:29

for Tosh
24.14 ~ Juan Francisco, 3B, ATL
I don't know much about this guy. He is the lefty-hitter of a 3B-platoon. He's got some power. And he is on the new Yahoo 'sleepers' page. I'll add him for now.

370

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:29

for Evan
Pick 24.15 Scott Downs, RP, LAA
Wanted another reliever on my squad, preferably one who could back up the closer I have. I was hoping Crow would fall to me to back up Holland but he went two picks before me. I went with Downs. I already have stock in Frieri and the Angels already announced that the situation is closer by committee. Maybe I’ll pick up a few saves from Downs if Frieri A: isn’t the guy or B: shares the closer role. My save situation isn’t as good as I’d like it to be, and I’m really banking that Madsen struggles or doesn’t come back. If that is the case, I like the two Angels relievers I have.

371

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:31

for Da Bomb
24.16 Ross Detwiler, SP, WAS
I'd like another pitcher because I only have 8 to this point. Detwiler had very solid ratios last year (3.40 ERA 1.22 WHIP, 2.84 ERA at home) and was similarly productive in 2011 so there is a track record.

25.01 Travis Hafner, DH, NYY
The end of the line for Hafner and he definitely won't play a full season, but he can still be an asset in this league. "Only" had a .798 vs RHP last season, but was .886 in 2011. Maybe going to a contender(??) will help rejuvenate him some as it did to Ichiro, and I'm sure he doesn't mind the short right field porch.

372

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:31

for Evan
Pick 25.02 Scott Sizemore, 3B, OAK
Started off the draft with a 3B and didn’t take another one until now. I really like this pick to finish my draft. Why not take a flier on a potential starting infielder? Sizemore has very quietly been forgotten after an ACL injury. He was expected to share time with Donaldson but 2B Weeks and SS Nakajima have been sent down to AAA. That puts Lowrie at SS and gives Sizemore the chance to have the 2B job. Since my team is also weak at 2B/MI, Sizemore should get 2B eligibility on top of the 3B he already has. He almost slugs .400, has a .330 OBP, and can get me some nice counting stats all across the board. Overall, I think this is an under the radar pick with upside.

373

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:32

for Tosh
25.03 ~ Wade Davis, SP, KC
Davis was a mostly-blah starting pitcher for Tampa for a couple years, then saw good success as a middle reliever in 2012. Maybe he'll carry some of that success forward to a starting role with Kansas City.

374

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:32

for Uptown Bombers
25.04 Mike Carp, 1B/OF. BOS
Yikes, there were not many batters available I liked and none at SS, my largest need. I opted for Carp, who offers some positional flexibility and is expected to get some early playing time. I’ve had Carp for portions of the last two years and he has proven serviceable for short periods of time. Maybe I can get something out of him by playing the early matchups.

375

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:33

for Tilt23
25.05 Wilton Lopez, RP, COL
Another set up man. This one described as the cliff lee of RP. I needed some help in whip so ill take the 50 IP at a 1.00 WHIP. He is also next in line to close and the rockies will be sellers this year and Betancourt has a favorable contract and will be easy to move. This could be a sneaky play for saves if im patient.

376

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:33

for kokeshis
25.06 Cody Ross, OF, Ari
Ross had a really good last year and is moving to a good hitter's park. I think he will give me more solid production than grabbing some high upside rookie with my last pick.

377

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:34

for JKaye
25.07 Chris Iannetta, C, LAA
Iannetta profiles well in an OBP league and since my C, Carlos Santana is eligible at 1B/CI, I figured I'd roster a catcher who could afford me some additional roster flexibility and insurance against injuries to the aforementioned players I mentioned in the prior rationale.

378

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:34

for kdl212
25.08 Santiago Casilla, RP, SF
SF has always been careful with Romo, and he's looked pretty bad this spring, so maybe all those sliders have caught up with his elbow. Casilla was serviceable last year, and would, at the least, be the right-handed half of a closer committee.

379

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:35

for JeffG
25.09 Luke Scott, OF, TB
Just another potential bat to stock the bench. Tampa's DH provides good SLG and decent OBP support and his usefulness and ability to help the counting numbers will depend mostly on his manager (both Joe Maddon and me) deciding his playing time.

380

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:36

for blue hen
25.10 Rex Brothers, RP, Col
He's a pretty clear backup to the aging Betancourt in Colorado. Looking at relievers who went much earlier, I'm happy to get Brothers with this pick.

381

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:36

for mailedfoot
25.11 Jordan Pacheco, 1B, Col
Pacheco becomes my backup at the CI positions. He is a utility guy for the Rockies but figures to get a fair amount of playing time. He makes for a nice play against lefties and I like that he gets half his games in the Rockies park.

382

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:37

for dpr
22.12 Chad Billingsley, SP, LAD
Was looking for some innings with my last pick. Billingsley had a solid season last year after some rough years but I am hopeful h can keep it up.

383

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 10:58

for RotoGuru Jr.
25.13 Darren O'Day, RP, Bal
Anyone I draft at this point is highly likely to be dropped, so I might as well pick up someone who can be somewhat beneficial and easy to drop. O'Day has great ratios and could pick up a wayward win or save here or there until someone worthy of a pickup comes along. Best case scenario is Jim Johnson gets hurt or is ineffective and the Orioles give O'Day the job. The other option was picking up someone like Grandal or A-Rod and waiting til they are healthy, but I expect to need to drop them before I can reap the rewards of my patience.

384

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 11:02

25.14 Eric O’Flaherty, RP, Atl
Just a set up man who has been pretty dependable over the last few years. Hopefully he’ll help keep my pitching ratios under control. Any vultured saves or wins is gravy.

385

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 11:03

for artofmonk
25.15 Quintana, Jose, SP CWS
Took a complete flyer here. #5 for the CWS. He could move up in the rotation and could produce some good K's. I read a short article about his upside and said why not. 2nd to last pick in the draft so he is almost Mr. Irrelevant.

386

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Mar 28, 2013, 11:04

for bmd
25.16 Matt Adams, 1b, STL
Another fill in guy that'll probably be dropped barring some injury to Craig/Beltran/Holliday. He can mash but won't see but 1-2 starts a week. Would've taken Ervin Santana or Blanton with my 2nd to last pick if I knew neither would've made it back to me.

Forum: basePage 20226Subject: RIBC 2013: Draft rationales

Forum: base
Page 20226
Subject: RIBC 2013: Draft rationales