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| Posted by: wolfer
- [146213121] Thu, Mar 17, 2016, 20:35
Please post here. |
| | | 1 | RoboGuru
ID: 23152129
Thu, Mar 17, 2016, 21:35
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1.03(3) - Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, ARI
Top 3 were all good options. Chose 3 to have an earlier even round pick. Queue was Trout, Harper, Goldy and that was the way it played out. Had hope one of the top two would allow Harper to fall to me.
2.14(30) - Dee Gordon, 2B, MIA
Once Price and Marte went in the 3 picks before mine, my draft list changed. With only 2 owners (both of which went OF in Round 1) picking before I select again, I expect Springer or Blackmon should get back to me at 35. Most projections have Gordon higher than this. I was somewhat bearish on him, but 30 seemed like a good spot to secure an elite MI.
3.03(35) - JD Martinez, OF, DET
Divided between OF and SP with this pick. 4 person queue was Springer/Blackmon/Martinez/DeGrom. Also looked at a trade with Valkyrie for 3.07 that would make this decision very easy and allow me to sit out Rounds 4 and 5 while traveling. With no trade and Blackmon and Martinez left in my queue, I went for the bigger slugging numbers since I'm not stressed for steals at this point.
4.14(62) - Chris Archer, SP, TB
Early thoughts for this pick were to address SP. Initial targets are Archer, Carrasco, or Syndergaard. Hitting prospects that could change my mind include Tulo or Heyward. When my first choice (Archer) was still available, I hastily took him.
5.03(67) - Eric Hosmer, 1B(CI), KC
My haste at 62 cost me here. I was looking at Carpenter at one of these picks and should've pulled the trigger at 62. Worst case scenario is that I got Syndergaard instead of Archer (little chance that both of the two teams picking would take a SP, since they both had one already). Hosmer was the best available hitter. I briefly thought of starting the Closer run, but I never like to be the first in that boat.
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| | | 2 | Thumqer
ID: 48151419
Fri, Mar 18, 2016, 08:20
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1.01 (1) Mike Trout, OF
There are two reasons I wanted the top pick. First reason is Mike Trout, who I haven't been able to get in leagues since his rookie year. Second reason is that it's my first draftime draft so I liked I could have the double pick to help me get used to it all.
2.16 (32) Jacob deGrom, SP
I knew most of my top picks would be bats, and I found I liked a pitcher better here. Was torn between him and Harvey, Kluber, and Cole, but went deGrom as I think he's had the most consistent results of the 4 and has added fastball velocity as recently as last year
3.01 (33) Robinson Cano, 2B
Knew I wanted a bat and the other options around this time were OF. Went with the bat where the position is weaker. Also liked that he was himself in the second half of last year.
4.16 (64) Ryan Braun, OF
Wasn't planning on taking him, but I had him ranked much earlier so it seemed to be a value pick. In his prime and gives me something to expect out of him at this stage of his career since he's a proven asset. With a deep league I wanted boring proven players
5.01 (65) Prince Fielder, 1B
Basically same exact justification as Braun above. Know what to expect of him and I preferred him over the remaining options after him.
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| | | 3 | Nerfherders
ID: 161121811
Fri, Mar 18, 2016, 13:49
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1.11 (11) Carlos Correa, SS HOU
I didn't have much choice in my draft position, picking next to last, so I chose the position closest to the middle. At 11th I wasn't sure what I was going to get, but I am very pleased when Correa fell this far down the draft. He is the clear #1 SS in a group that doesn't currently have alot of talent overall.
2.06 (22) Mookie Betts, OF BOS
I would have happily taken one of the big sluggers if they came back around to me, but they did not, so I settled for one of the best young all-around players in the league. Betts is very much like Correa in many ways, with slightly less power. This solidified my strategy to go young where I could.
3.11 (43) Miguel Sano, OF? MIL
Continuing the theme of going young, I took another player coming off a great rookie season. Sano's position is a little up in the air (He is much more valuable in Yahoo! leagues because he qualifies at 3B), but even if he ends up at DH he is still valuable in this slot. His upside is tremendous and there is no limit to his power potential.
4.06 (54) Felix Hernandez, SP SEA
I have never owned King Felix before in any league, so this is new for me. The guy is a horse. Sure, maybe he is starting to decline a little and has alot of innings on his arm, but he has never had a significant injury and he just goes out there and gets it done every year. I just hope he can do it for one more season.
5.11 (75) Adrian Beltre, 3B TEX
Speaking of a player who just gets it done every year, we have Adrian Beltre. This goes against my strategy of going young, but heck, the guy is so consistent and 3B is so shallow after the first 6 or 7, that I couldn't pass him up here. He may be the most underrated player in history - did you know he currently has a higher bWAR than Ken Griffey Junior?
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| | | 4 | Taxman
SuperDude
ID: 029463114
Fri, Mar 18, 2016, 19:40
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1.05 (5) Anthony Rizzo, 1B, CHC
With 5th choice for draft pick, could have any pick after 3rd, save for #6, I chose 5th trying to get close to middle, but staying in play for a 5 tool banger. Rizzo has 4.5 tools with just a smattering of steals hitting 3rd in maybe best line up in MLB, and at age 26, is still peaking in all cats.
2.012 (28) Justin Upton, OF, DET
Wanting to establish strong foundation in OBP and SLG cats early in the draft AND intentionally ignoring three Ace NYM's SP available, I took Upton, a poor man's Rizzo also with 4.5 tool shed scheduled to bat near top of another potent line-up. Upton, @ 28, continues the young and healthy theme. I've always tried to stay away from players with injury history, recent or otherwise because missing stats from an early (top 4 rounds) draft pick in a league this deep will doom you to bottom of league.
3.05 (37) Corey Kluber, SP, CLE
Needing to address pitching, (and Seattle Zen having taken Matt Harvey 3 picks earlier) I chose Kluber over Cole. I regretted the choice as soon as made it. I had Cole 30 slots higher than Kluber who brings K to the table, but Cole should bring home 3-5 more W and have better peripherals. It's a classic result of not following your personal cheat sheets and getting rattled in a draft after someone takes the player off th top of your queue. Pox on Zen. I don't think Kluber is bad, just think Cole is significantly better.
4.12 (60) Freddie Freeman, 1B ATL
After the Kluber-Cole screw up, I decided to strictly follow my cheat sheets. Available at pick 60 was my 33rd ranked player, Freeman. I wanted to go pitching with Archer or Syndergaard (my rank @57 & 72 respectfully), but the dye was cast..highest ranked player gets drafted. I had high hopes Syndergaard would make it 9 picks back to me. Freeman, another 26 yr old and a doubles machine, is someone I've never had on a fantasy team, problem solved. He adds to existing OBP/SLG foundation as my CI.
5.05 (69) Yasil Puig, OF, LAD
In round 3, Seattle Zen (might be the south end of north bound Seattle Slew) had began a run of odd round thefts off top of my queue..this round spiriting Syndergaard at 5.02 leaving me no choice than going back to highest my rated player. I had Puig rated 42nd and at pick 69 this feels like another bargain, just not help to under manned pitching staff. BUT....Puig is a gamble (injury/performance/off-field)...however, if you don't play, you can't win. The opposite is true if you draft badly. IF (big if) Puig delivers what his talent promises, my team s/b among best in hitting categories. We will talk pitching later.
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| | | 5 | Species
Dude
ID: 07724916
Fri, Mar 18, 2016, 21:33
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1.12 (12) Manny Machado, 3b, BAL
I chose the 12th spot over the 11th (and 13th thru 15th) with a very specific round 1/2 combination in mind. For round 1 I really wanted one of the big four third basemen - Donaldson, Arenado, Machado or Bryant. I wasn't expecting Manny Machado to be there at 12, that's for sure. I will gladly take this stud as a cornerstone to my team.
2.05 (21) Edwin Encarncion, 1b, TOR
I love it when a plan comes together. After securing my top 3b at 12, most mocks suggested that one of the top seven 1b (Goldy, Rizzo, Miggy, Abreu, Votto, Edwin and Davis) would be there with this pick.....and it worked. I chose Edwin over Davis due to slighly higher projected OBP and a sense of stability - I'm still a little spooked by Davis' weird 2014.
3.12 (44) Nelson Cruz, OF, SEA
I had already turned my card into the Commissioner and assumed I had Miguel Sano here.....only to get the rug pulled out from under me....at the top of the stairs.....and endure a horrible tumble backwards. I queued up Cruz as a backup due to his strong ratios and decent counting stats. I expect regression from 44 bombs due not lower than 35 and the corresponding SLG. I had Cruz over Cespedes and CarGo because I just don't think they will repeat their seasons as easily as Cruz can. I did give fleeting consideration to a starter here but felt on the short turn I could wait.
4.05 (53) Carlos Carrasco, SP, CLE
I definitely wanted an ace to anchor my staff. I had my choice of Strasburg, Felix, Archer and Syndergaard here as well, but chose the incredible ascension of Carrasco and his strong strikeout rate. I love that he will have a full season of Lindor and Urshela playing defense in that infield.
5.12 Gregory Polanco, OF, PIT
An upside pick. If he doesn't improve this pick is a flop. But I like him to take a step up as part of a strong Pirates offense and wanted to get some semblance of speed onto my team as well. I am hoping for more like 20 HR and if he can get 30 SB then this is a great pick. 12 HR and 22 steals then this sucked booty. I gave modest consideration to a MI here but felt I could wait.
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| | | 6 | Jordan7361
ID: 521531216
Fri, Mar 18, 2016, 23:03
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1.09 (9) Andrew McCutchen, OF PIT
In the lottery, at the 10th pick, I was just gunning for best available. I knew I would be near the middle and hence have somewhat evenly timed picks. My options were McCutchen, Stanton, or Correa. I already have Correa in another league and have never owned Cutch. Being a Pirates fan, I had to go for it.
2.08 (24) Buster Posey, C/1B, SF
My goal in every draft this year is to own Posey (C/1B) or Schwarber (C/OF) as my catcher due to increased ABs. Posey’s ADP is around 29, so I figured it was time at 24. I wanted Cano, but assumed (correctly) that Schwarber wouldn’t be there at 56.
3.09 (41) Corey Seager, SS, LAD
Since I passed on Correa, I wanted to have the second most exciting young shortstop in the game. I’ve been seeing him go from 50-65 in the drafts I’ve completed. A reach at 41? Maybe. A regret at 41? Hell no!
4.08 (56) Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, LAD
10 straight years with 150+ games. He’s 6 days older than me and is strong in 4 categories. Once this guy slows down, I’ll feel older. Keep going A-GON!
5.09 (73) Sonny Gray, SP, OAK
I watched the list of available top tier pitchers diminish, so I knew it was time to grab my ace. He was the best available at the time and was 99.3% owned. Plus, Sonny was my favorite character in The Godfather.
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| | | 7 | slizz
ID: 3556212
Sat, Mar 19, 2016, 01:07
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Draft Slot Selection
I had the #10 pick and I was slightly disappointed as it likely meant I wasn't getting my boy, Anthony Rizzo. Rizzo's draft slot has been all over the place, going as high as 4 to as low as 11. In order to even have a shot at him, I had to select a slot as high as possible. There are 12 players I would be happy with taking, and if I selected the 12 slot and Rizzo fell past #10, I wouldn't forgive myself. My rankings as I was selecting the spot were as follows:
1) Goldy - Due for a 40 HR season, 20 SB, Infield Eligiblity.
2) Harper - Awesome
3) Rizzo
4) Trout - OFDeclining SB totals and he gets caught alot. That bat though...
5) Machado
6) Donaldson
7) Stanton
8) Bryant
8) McCutchen
10) Correa (own in G20, don't want)
11) Arenado (own in G20, don't want)
12) Kershaw
Don't get me wrong, Kershaw is awesome and by far a premium player, but I hate taking a pitcher early. I feel the loss in OPS% / OB% is greater than the dropoff from Kershaw to a pitcher in round 3...
Why target Rizzo? He is double digit SB, 35 HR+, and with marginal improvements from last year (completely doable as his BABIP was ONLY .289), he could be a MVP candidate. Taxman obviously thinks the same as me, and got the best value in the first round.
1.10 - Giancarlo Stanton, OF, MIA
Well...I obviously didn't get Rizzo, so I started to crunch the numbers and was surprised Giancarlo was still there considering the SLG% component of RIBC. Same with Machado and Bryant (Congrats, Species!). I was all in on Manny (3B eligibility), 20 SB, and that loaded O's lineup. However, I was worried I might get Crush Davis in the second based on ADP, and going O's back to back isn't ideal for me. Additionally, Stanton has nearly .100% more SLG based on his 2015 stats:
Machado: .359 / .502
Stanton: .346 / .606
I figure that Stanton, if healthy, will chip in about 10 SB while mashing the ball. While it is hard to pass up on Manny, I couldn't pass up the power upside of Giancarlo.
2.07 - Crush Davis, 1B/OF, BAL
My contention is that the first thing to go is power. You can makeup the other categories, but getting premium power is awful tough to get back. My 2nd round queue was as follows:
1) Votto - OB% could approach .500 in that putrid reds lineup, and he will have to steal bases to manufacture runs.
2) Abreu - All around solid player. Lowest ceiling but highest floor. Consistent.
3) Encarnacion - Some risk with age, but should mash.
4) Crush - strikes out a ton, but that power makes it palatable.
Good thing I didn't take Machado...Crush is the last of the ELITE power bats in the infield and easily puts me ahead of the pack on the SLG%, RBI, and HR race. Between he and stanton, I could have 80+ HR, 240 RBI, and a ton of runs. While I am slightly slow at this point in the draft, the SB guys tend to fall and I made a bet I could grab one later...
3.10 - Carlos Gomez, OF, HOU
I had a personal matter I was attending to and this pick was made in haste so I didnt hold up the draft. I had Cano on autopick and while Cano went early, there was no chance he was ever gonna make it back to Thumqer, so good pick by him.
My projection tool had him higher than anywhere else and its possible he could still steal 30 SB while hitting 20+. Easily justifies the draft slot if I get that type of production. If I could do it over again, I would've went Strasburg in his contract year push, followed by Heyward, and Polanco in the 5th.
4.07 - Jason Heyward, OF, CHC
I am all in on J-Hey. My thoughts? The power of a Joe Maddon ran team.
Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo were largely not considered burners, but with Maddon, they were and tore up the basepaths.
Dexter Fowler is a scrub. Maddon somehow made him a legit fantasy option and allstar.
Jason Heyward is a consistent 15 HR / 25 SB guy. With Maddon, what will he be? Dare I say 20 / 30+ SB? If he can make Dexter Fowler a star, what can he do with an actual star?
Betwen Heyward and Gomez, I haven't hurt my power #'s, but added approximately 50-60 SB between the two of them. My hitting is looking pretty darn good.
5.10 - Danny Salazar, SP, CLE
I screwed up, and immediately told Species that as I was picking Heyward no matter what. He thought I lucked out Archer fell to me, but I knew I wouldn't get Heyward in the 5th. Well, it was now or never for a SP. Like I stated above, I should've went SP in the 3rd and Heyward / Polanco at 4 / 5.
As far as Salazar goes, He's continually got better each season, and if he continues on this trajectory, I should have a low end SP1 on my hands. I'm bullish on the kid and he throws some serious gas. Hard to believe that he's the #3 SP in Cleveland when he could easily front a couple staffs in the MLB.
I'm still complaining to Species about wanting a mulligan on round 3. Grrr.
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| | | 8 | Seattle Zen
ID: 301361318
Sat, Mar 19, 2016, 19:09
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I do well in the years where I get one of the first picks in round 1. I’m very glad to get to pick number 2. My top 4 players were Trout, Harper, Goldy and Kershaw, just as our draft went. 1.02.2 Bryce had the monster year everyone has been anticipating last year, an OPS over 1100, wow! He’s the best bet for a four digit OPS and I believe the Nationals will score more runs this year, so I could imagine 200+ RBI/Runs. I remember when I first saw his youtube video of a 16 year old Bryce launching bombs in a major league stadium, thinking, “hey, this guy is the same age as my daughter.” He has already earned more than she ever will and he hasn’t signed his big contract yet… and she has the college degree :(
Looking over the next 30 picks, none of them are terrible. Every pick is defensible. I probably would not have taken Carlos Correa or AJ Pollack that high, but they could very well be smart picks. I am very jealous of Roboguru, I would trade my Harper and Springer for his Goldy and Dee Gordon. When I went to bed Saturday night, I have visions of Gordon stealing 2nd dancing in my head, but it was for naught. It came down to a coin flip between 2.15.31 George Springer and JD Martinez. I like the idea of getting 25 or more stolen bases with an OPS over 800. I want a SP here, too, so rather than take a third straight outfielder, I went with 3.02.34 Matt Harvey. I also love Jose Fernandez and Strasburg, the only two arms left that I think might outperform Harvey, but Jose will have a IP limit and Strasburg’s arm is has a natural innings limit built in. Plus, going out in Brooklyn after the games with Harvey is bomb, he’s the top chick magnet in MLB. Further upset with Roboguru landing JD Martinez, get out of my brain, dude!
Again, the next 30 picks are all quite defensible. So, Diligad, did you figure that since Strasburg was from San Diego, he can speak Spanish with Cabrera, Bautista and Fernandez in the clubhouse? As I head off to work I have a short list of players I want, Troy Tulo, A Gonzalez, 4.15.63 Matt Carpenter, Fab Five Freddy Freeman, Ryan Braun, and 5.02.66 Noah Syndergaard. As I sit watching the computer refresh the draft and ignore clients as they sit in jail, boom, there goes Gonzo, Tulo and Freeman. How has Braun lasted so long? He had a great season last year and should also be good for 25 steals with a OPS over 800. But there are so few third basemen that I like this year. And I figure I will get both of them. Damn you, Thumqer, you need a U after a Q and you need to keep your mitts off Ryan Braun! I’m perfectly content with Thor, two Mets starters already, wow.
The next 30 picks have no obviously terrible decisions. Our league takes pitching a little earlier than I’m accustomed to and earlier than the other RIBC’s. Closers are starting to leave the board. I have a two person Q, 6.15.95 Ben Revere and David Ortiz. I am a huge Ortiz fan in this format, he is a ++ contributor in four categories. I’m willing to pick amongst the chaff for a closer in rounds 8 & 9 if I can get both of them. Damnit, there goes RoBoGuRu again taking Ortiz right before me. Looking back, maybe I took Revere too soon, my buddy JeffG in AAA ESPN took him at 10.15.159! DAMN! But steals, steals, steals!
I’m perplexed at this point. I only have one infielder so far, but I have a list of infielders I’m interested in a little lower down the sheet. I decide to go with a top closer, I have 7.02.98 Zach Britton as my fourth favorite RP, but it is a coin flip between him and T Rosenthal. Watching four more RP go right after Zach makes me feel a little better.
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| | | 9 | RoboGuru
ID: 23152129
Sun, Mar 20, 2016, 00:37
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One other observation I made at the time of my 5th pick:
Draft note: After 67 picks, we have selected the top 65 players according to FantasyPros combined rankings. Only the two Seagers (Kyle #72 and Corey #88) were taken "early" at this point.
That's some pretty solid drafting by everyone!
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| | | 10 | slizz
ID: 3556212
Sun, Mar 20, 2016, 16:48
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RoboGuru - Whats the fun of a draft without a few reaches? :)
You reach and are right - you're a genius.
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| | | 11 | Slizz
ID: 52001222
Sun, Mar 20, 2016, 21:44
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6.07 (87) - Rougned Odor, 2B, TEX
Whats that smell? The 2B's after Odor! You knew I couldn't resist to make a play on his last name. That said, with the way RIBC is setup, he is the last decent 2B to be had that will provide 5 category contributions. In standard AVG/OB% leagues, the player to be had is Kolten Wong due to the value he will provide at such a shallow position. But, for whatever reason, Wong doesn't get the favorable projections in the SLG% department that Odor does. As a result, this felt like a natural fit for me as the dropoff from Odor to every other 2B is significant.
7.10 (106) - Tyson Ross, SP, SD
Always overlooked and undervalued, yet Tyson keeps chugging along with 200k/seasons and churns out QS after QS. I knew I needed to get more pitching with Salazar anchoring my staff. Ross hopefully will provide me with that as he will strikeout a ton of hitters, won't hurt my ERA, and if he repeats 2015, will gie me two top 25 starters. That said, every pitcher at this point has his warts. Tyson has two: BB/9 and declining velocity. If he can maintain his velocity from 2015 while reducing his BB/9 marginally, he will easily exceed this draft spot.
8.07 (119) - Brandon Belt, 1B, SF
Was really happy to lockup my CI spot with Belt. He plays on a contender, hits in the middle of the lineup, hits the ball very hard (top 10 in hard contact in MLB), and is at the point in his career where most players take that leap in power. I could see him equaling Eric Hosmer's 2015 production...If he continues on the trajectory he was last year, Belt will be a top 75 player. If not and he plateaus, he will be solid for the 119th pick.
9.10 (138) - Andrew Miller, RP, NYY
I'm sure this pick left a lot of heads scratching as he's only going to be the setup guy for the NYY. I thought long and hard about selecting Jake McGee instead, but there were plenty of RP left to get saves. Of all the top RP left, Miller was the only one who would give 60-70 IP with a sub 1.00 WHIP (0.85 proj). He should generate 8-10 saves and if he's absolutely lights out, could retain the job on a permanent basis. If not, he will at least provide me with juicy ratios to balance out the WHIPs of Salazar and Ross.
10.06 (151) - Jake McGee, RP, COL
I am a huge McGee fan and think he is among the best relief pitchers in the MLB. Coors does not scare me because McGee throws the 2nd highest percentage of fastballs (don't remember the source) next to Zach Brittons lethal sinking fastball. Why does this matter?
The reason pitchers fail in Coors is because the thin air creates more hanging curves/sliders than any other park. If a pitcher does not spin the ball perfectly, it will almost be guaranteed to hang. Pitchers in Florida, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Seattle, etc can get away with that. In Denver, they dont. As a result, the hitters are able to tee off on those hanging pitches. Ubaldo Jimenez had no issues in 2010 when he threw 98-100mph gas and I don't expect the thin air to impact a fastball pitcher like McGee.
The irony of this is that Colorado management continues to get players like Kyle Kendrick, Jorge de la Rosa, Jaime Moyer, and junk type pitchers that rely on their offspeed offerings to get batters out. It baffles me that they don't pick flamethrowers in the draft or the offseason for that reason...
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| | | 12 | Slizz
ID: 52001222
Sun, Mar 20, 2016, 21:49
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And addendum to the McGee pick -- I fully planned on going Joc Pederson at 10. I figured AJ Ramos would go (injury and might not pitch in spring training scared me off) and he did. Once Street and K-Rod went right before me, I feared another closer run would happen leaving me hung out to dry. So, I took the bird in hand with McGee.
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| | | 13 | RoboGuru
ID: 23152129
Sun, Mar 20, 2016, 22:11
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6.14(94) David Ortiz, DH(UTL), BOS
I expect the first closer run to be in full affect by the time this pick comes around. I probably need to take an RP here or at 99, depending on who is available at this pick. Other routes will be SP2 or OF2/DH.
As the pick approached my sights narrowed on Hamels/Ross at SP or Ortiz/Ellsbury, since I felt I could wait til 99 for an RP without missing out on this tier. Had Pence made it to me, he would've been the easy pick. It came down to a very close call between Ortiz/Ellsbury/Hamels and I decided OF and SP were plenty deep and went with the counting numbers and ratios from Ortiz.
7.03(99) Aroldis Chapman, RP, NYY
This pick comes down to RP or SP2. I usually choose to not chase saves(which I could've done at 67), but this seems like the right spot to get a top 10 closer without reaching or sacrificing too much at other positions. I'm actually disappointed in the amount of choice I have at this pick, as their are 5 that I could take, but I suppose Taxman and wolfer could be making the same calculation I am here. Britton was one of the options, but of the remaining 4 it came down to Chapman or Robertson, because of their higher K potential. Chapman is obviously elite, but carries a 30 game suspension and 2 solid mates in the bullpen that could stand in his way when he returns. I'm betting on him at this discounted draft slot.
8.14(126) Kole Calhoun, OF, LAA
This round of picks likely projects to be OF2 and SP2. Early targets include Calhoun, Ramirez, Choo, Hamilton, and Dickerson at OF and Richards, Liriano, and Martinez at SP. Lucroy is also a possibility.
As the pick approached, the scope narrowed to Calhoun/Richards with fallbacks of Hanley/Liriano. Then I just needed to decide what was the best way to get the best two, considering the 2 teams selecting between my 2 picks. I went with Calhoun here assuming that both owners wouldn't take SP, and if they did, likely not both the ones I was hoping for.
9.03(131) Garrett Richards, SP, LAA
Richards made it back to me! This turn worked out pretty much to plan. Had Lucroy still been on the board, I may have had to think a little longer on these picks.
10.14(158) Jung Ho Kang, SS/3B, PIT
Immediate thoughts for this round are to fill at least one of my open IF positions. There aren't a lot of candidates that slot in at this stage of the draft, so I will focus on Ho Kang, Crawford, and a trio of possible Catchers. An RP2, SP3, or OF3 are also possibilities on this turn.
As the pick approached, I began to hope for Crawford, but he went off the board 3 picks before me. I was split on Jung Ho Kang, McCullers, and Betances. My need at IF seemed more pressing (even though he will start the season on DL and I will need to draft his fill-in later in the draft). His position flexibility allows him to fill all 3 of the remaining openings I had, as well. This pick was my first(and probably only) "reach" of the draft. My rankings had him better suited for my next pick at 163, but I wanted to make sure I got him and I thought I could get my other picks at that slot.
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| | | 14 | Seattle Zen
ID: 301361318
Mon, Mar 21, 2016, 12:11
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I only have one infielder at this point, but I’m not freaking out, I figured it would likely go down this way. A lot of the profitable infielders on my ledger are going to be drafted after the first one hundred picks. I do want a 1st baseman soon as I see 12 of them are already off the board and teams are taking a second guy for their CI. I like Lucas Duda a lot in this format, great walk percentage and slugging. Bam, he’s gone. Brandon Belt, same thing, bam, he’s gone.
Who I REALLY want is Elvis Andrus and his plus speed at SS. He was actually ranked third behind Correa and Tulo on my list, that’s how much I like him. Do I take him at 127 and take the chance that my first baseman will get snapped up by Thumqer? But he already has a SS and a 2nd. So I decide to give my heart a workout and take 8.15.127 Hanley Ramirez and wait around the turn for 9.02.130 Elvis Andrus. I have loved Hanley for years. He man can absolutely rake! He is a top twenty bat when healthy and while that caveat can be the death knell for any roto team, I figure that he is much less likely to hurt himself over at first base. He’s only 32, did you see the numbers he put up for the Dodgers? Or what he was doing last year for the Sox before he was hurt? I could imagine a 900 OPS with a 800 OPS floor, lots of RBI. He won’t qualify at first until a few weeks into the year.
This Elvis is a hero to me. He is likely to end up in the top ten in steals and should have an OPS of 700. That’s a top 3 shortstop in April.
I knew I was going to take my second closer with my next pick. My goal was to pick a guy who would not go under the knife less than 24 hours after I make the pick… I failed. I choose 10.15.159 Brad Boxberger over Glen Perkins and Sean Doolittle because his “blip” of poor performance last year was less worrisome than Perkins’ and Doolittle is in the enviable position of being a closer for the pathetic A’s. If he stinks, he may lose his job or kill your ratios. If he is lights out, he’ll get traded and be a set up man. Lose/lose.
11.02.162Hisashi Iwakuma. Well, this is the fifth year in a row I have drafted my favorite Mariner in RIBC. Yes, I have taken him each year he has been in the US and four of the five he has been profitable. He’s riskier this year, his control and ability to strike out batters depends on his health and his back can ache during the year. I envision a few more wins for him and the M’s.
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| | | 15 | Seattle Zen
ID: 301361318
Mon, Mar 21, 2016, 14:11
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I want a second baseman and I have my heart set on Neil Walker, but Jordan takes him. It is right before I pick that I learn that Boxberger will be out for two months after surgery. There are a few closers still available, do I take a chance on a bottom of the list closer? I don’t really want to. Looking at the RP column in the Draft Grid, we have a few teams who are either punting saves by choose or accident. The way I see my situation is I now have 1.8 closers and that should be good for middle of the pack in saves if this was a draft and hold league. I have had success choosing a MR who ends up taking over the closer role, you can’t count on it, but it does happen. I don’t need to finish in the top 3 in saves, I am going to focus on bats.
12.15.191 Ryan Zimmerman. I like him as my corner infielder. I am surprised to see that he is actually younger than Hanley, only 31. The guy knocked in 73 runs last year in only 346 abs. I like his chances for 800 OPS and even if he doesn’t have a whole season of at bats, I will take what he offers. He has been successful in every attempted steal in the past three years!! Dusty Baker is going to have him as a 5 category anchor for the Nats, I believe in Zimmerman!
Didn’t get Walker, but batting lead off for the Dodgers, 13.02.194 Howie Kendrick is not a bad consolation prize. He never takes a walk, so I have always stayed away in RIBC, but he hits well enough that his OPS is consistently around 750. He is capable of double digit steals and with a former speedster for a new manager, I could imagine him getting back there. I was also thinking about Brandon Phillips, but I still don’t believe in his resurgence. Something ain’t right when the Reds tried to trade him twice this winter and he said “no”. That sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.
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| | | 16 | slizz
ID: 3556212
Mon, Mar 21, 2016, 14:35
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11.10 (170) - Joc Pederson, OF, LAD
I can't tell you how happy I was to get Joc here. I flirted with taking Joc at 10.07, but the potential closer run scared me off, so I took McGee instead. McGee was my Rd 11 target so to get both was a nice coup for me. Why joc? Joc was the player/prospect to watch going into the 2014 season and rewarded the LAD with an ops% north of 1.00...he also 30 bags in consecutive seasons in the minors. When he got promoted to the show, he promptly asserted his dominance and looked to be the next star. Then MLB pitchers adjusted to him to the point where he was useless at the plate. My hope is that he counters the adjustments they made and he resembles somewhat what he did in the minors 22/31 and 33/30. I am confident that his OB% will be around .350 and, hopefully, his slugging gets up to .450 again while sprinkling in 10+ SB. If he can do that, this will be an awesome selection.
12.07 (183) - Byron Buxton, OF, MIN
This pick is more about upside then it is about actual skill. He is the consensus #2 prospect in the MLB and this is the type of pick that could make my season. If he doesn't work out, he's my 5th outfielder who I can deploy in a platoon type split. The talent is there for 50 SB, and if he can tap into it like Mike Trout did his second season (give that about a 10% chance because hes nowhere near as talented as trout at the plate), he will be a plus bat too...either way, its more about upside here.
13.10 (202) - Taijuan Walker, SP, SEA
My #3 starter. Really curious to see what RIBC AA's resident Mariners fan Seattle Zen has to say about this pick. I am bullish on Walker because he throws gas, has no innings restriction, and has straightened out his control issues. Not every top pitching prospect can be like Jose Fernandez and dominate from the minute they set foot on the field. I'm hoping that the adjustment period Taijuan Walker went through is behind him and dominance lies ahead. Either way, he's a solid cog to a 16 team rotation.
14.07 (215) - Carlos Rodon, SP, CHW
Homer pick here. Also good value at pick 215. Rodon is like Jekkyl and Hyde -- his first taste in the show was meh as his season ERA was 3.75 with a 1.44 whip. Early on, he walked a ton of batters (nearly 14% and cut that to 9%)...eventually, things just clicked and his ERA during his last 8 starts was 1.81, WHIP below 1.3, and a K/9 around 10. I'm hoping that he builds upon 2015, develops into a frontline starter, and carries my ChiSox to the playoffs!
1) Sale
2) Quintana
3) Rodon
Solid playoff rotation. If those batters can get on base for Abreu & co...look out!
15.10 (234) - Kevin Gausman, SP, BAL
Anyone who has played in leagues with me know this is my boy. I feel this is the year that Gausman finally breaks out...as per Dynasty Guru:
Dominant right-handed starting pitchers tend to have several things in common. They throw hard, they get swings and misses, and they induce weak contact. Last year, Kevin Gausman displayed the characteristics of an ace. A league average strand rate and a couple of extra fly balls leaving the yard kept his ERA and ERA estimators up enough to hide his strengths from less savvy owners.
According to PITCHf/x, Gausman’s average four-seam fastball velocity in 2015 was the 8th hardest among pitchers who pitched 110 innings or more, tied with Matt Harvey and Carlos Martinez.
His 2015 swinging strike rate was 10.9 percent, 26th among pitchers who pitched as many innings or more. His zone contact rate of 83.8 percent tied for 10th best among pitchers in that same group. The list of right-handed starting pitchers in 2015 who had better swinging strike and zone contact rates than Gausman is short and pretty eye-opening, with the exception of one guy who should probably be in the bullpen: Max Scherzer, Chris Archer, Danny Salazar, Matt Harvey and Rubby de la Rosa.
According to Fangraphs’ soft-hit rate, Gausman induced soft contact on 23.5 percent of the balls he allowed in play. That was fourth best among pitchers who pitched 110 innings or more in 2015, behind Dallas Keuchel and in front of Jake Arrieta.
Hoping i'm finally right. I feel like the guy who keeps doubling down at the Roulette table thinking his # or color is eventually going to hit.
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| | | 17 | Seattle Zen
ID: 301361318
Mon, Mar 21, 2016, 14:46
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These five picks look like they were taken by a guy who plays in keepers leagues... haha :)
Slizz - I think you took Walker at a spot that will probably give you value, he is the 160th guy off the boards in NFBC, you got him in the second half of the draft. The M's have had a long list of starting pitching prospects the last ten years who have just not panned out, well, except Pineda in NY. Walker is not built like a SP, the M's and you are hoping that he delivers anyways.
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| | | 18 | Slizz
ID: 52001222
Mon, Mar 21, 2016, 14:51
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I got a chuckle out of that comment because it's 100% true...I stand by 4/5 of those picks!
Buxton was a "swing for the fences" pick. If it doesn't pan out, it doesn't pan out...haha
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| | | 19 | Slizz
ID: 52001222
Mon, Mar 21, 2016, 15:28
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I got a chuckle out of that comment because it's 100% true...I stand by 4/5 of those picks!
Buxton was a "swing for the fences" pick. If it doesn't pan out, it doesn't pan out...haha
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| | | 20 | Nerfherders
ID: 161121811
Mon, Mar 21, 2016, 18:16
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6.06 Kenley Jansen, RP LAD
A bit of a closer run started and I saw names off the board but did not see Jansen's. I was like, "Wait is he hurt? Why wouldn't he be the first or second off the board?" After reviewing his medicals I took him here, and think I got a great value, like the 5th or 6th closer taken. I have had terrible luck drafting closers in RIBC leagues, so hopefully this pick will turn things around for me.
7.11 Michael Brantley, OF CLE
My first reach of the draft, and only because of an injury. Otherwise this is a no brainer top 60 pick. Brantley can do a little bit of everything and this league favors those kinds of players, so when he does come back he should be a great value here. The downside is that I have to account for the injury later in the draft.
8.06 Ben Zobrist, 2B CHC
I've never owned Zobrist. I think his position flexibility meant that he was taken much earlier than I would have usually valued him at, but this year he was still here in the 8th round. He's going to bat at the top of probably the best offense in the NL, so even if he does decline slightly, his counting stats will probably be up. Just a good, solid player.
9.11 Francisco Liriano, SP PIT
I am not wild about this pick. I knew I needed a SP here but I was underwhelmed by what was left in the draft at this point (and at every point after this). I keep having flashbacks to the guy that consistently put up 5 ERA's, and wondering when or if that might happen again. At the very least he is going to strike people out, and that still has some value.
10.06 Francisco Rodriguez, RP DET
K-Rod! I haven't owned K-Rod in a very long time, not since he earned that nickname. Nowadays he is a very different pitcher, but he can still get guys out. I haven't had great luck with Detroit relievers in recent years so I am hoping that luck, and my general luck with closers, turns around this year.
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| | | 21 | Species
Dude
ID: 07724916
Mon, Mar 21, 2016, 19:31
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6.05 (85) Jeurys Familia, RP, NYM:
Oooops. I was working off my phone between meetings. I saw Cody Allen go and just kind of assumed the top few had gone. If I had noticed that Jansen was available I would have taken him. Kind of a bonehead move. That said, Familia was great....plays for a strong team that will be in a lot of close games and should rack up 40+ saves.
7.12 (108) Cole Hamels, RP, TEX:
I'm glad I got in on the closer run early, as 7 more went between these picks. Lots of SP have gone in the last couple of rounds too, and Hamels stood out as one of the last #1 SP out there. While I don't like his ballpark, he has a great offense and strong infield defense to go with a nice bullpen (Tolleson / Keone / Dyson). Book 14 wins!
8.05 Lucas Duda, 1b, NYM:
I really contemplated my first middle infielder here (with Ben Zobrist, who went next, atop my list), but felt there was enough depth in that 2nd/3rd tier we were in the middle of so I decided to grab a power bat here. Duda's average sucks but he is in the .350 OBP range, and with a .450+ SLG he is one of the few .800 ops guys left. You can never have too much power in this league, so I felt it important to snatch him here.
9.12 Daniel Murphy, 2b, WAS:
Welp.......let's list the MI that went between these picks: Zobrist, LeMaheiu, Andrus, Wong, Forsythe. Needless to say this 'run' distracted me from what I probably should have done here, which was pick my 2nd closer. But I like Murphy from an OPS perspective and I've had him ranked ahead of many of the names taken ahead of him, so I had better not get greedy. Take him. Move on.
10.05 Huston Street, RP, LAA:
Thankfully only one more closer (Ramos) went off the board between these picks. Street was one of the only "stable" closers left on the board (K-Rod to me is smoke and mirrors - Papelbon is a nutjob) so I snagged him. He is boring and not awesome, but racks up saves. I remember drafting him in G20 right after the A's drafted him out of Texas in 2005. Not dominant stuff but gets the job done.
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| | | 22 | Jordan7361
ID: 521531216
Mon, Mar 21, 2016, 20:24
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6.08 (88) Matt Kemp, OF, SD
Rougned Odor was #1 in my queue and went right before me at 87. There are two things I didn’t expect with my 6th pick: 1. to draft my 2nd OF and 2. Matt Kemp to be available. I feel he’s going to have a huge year and just couldn’t pass on him.
7.09 (105) Evan Longoria, 3B, TB
One of my goals in this draft was to have my infield (standard, not including MI/CI) completed by round 8. I felt that Longoria was the best available 2B/3B out there. Plus, he’s durable.
8.08 (120) DJ LeMahieu, 2B, COL
Another reason I took Longoria was that I figured either DJ LeMahieu or Kolten Wong would be available at 120. Low and behold, they were both there. I was tossing back and forth on this one. DJ’s higher OBP and friendlier ballpark sealed the deal.
9.09 (137) Billy Hamilton, OF, CIN
I pondered him at 88. I passed on him at 105. I stuck with my plan on pick 120, but saw him still out there just starting at me. This is a dice roll pick, but I told myself if he gets 50+ SBs, I’ll be satisfied. 57 last season, ESPN projects 57 this season. CBS projects 80. I’m hoping for 50 low end and 100+ potential. He’ll most likely hurt me in 3 out of 5 categories, but them steals…
10.08 (152) Michael Pineda, SP, NYY
For my 10th pick, I was gunning for my SP2. Drew Smyly was #1 in my queue, but went at 142. I thought about Iwakuma, but decided to go with Pineda because of his age and higher strikeout rate.
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| | | 23 | RoboGuru
ID: 23152129
Wed, Mar 23, 2016, 15:43
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11.03(163) Lance McCullers, SP, HOU
After the previous pick, I still have 4 routes I could take with this pick. With 3 picks left before I select, my queue still includes SP3, RP2, OF3, and C. 3 of the 4 picks between my picks were SP, but none were the one I wanted. I figured that depth at OF and lack of urgency at C allowed me to wait on those two positions. I hope Betances makes it back to me and may regret this pick if he doesn't.
12.14(190) Corey Dickerson, OF, TAM
Likely targets this time around are OF3, RP2, or a few select IF(3B/MI) if they fall to me.
The IF targets (Duffy, Walker, Perez) were all drafted. Dickerson was considered last time around so I'll jump this time. Another target from the previous round (Betances) was also available and tempting. If he skates by the next 3 picks, it will be him or Matt Wieters.
13.03(195) Dellin Betances, RP, NYY
Considering that I almost took him at 158/163, I am thrilled to have the option at 195. Combined with Chapman, I get the numbers of an elite SP(with Saves in place of a couple wins) without the first round price. I may need to look for another closer next time around, if any survive the next 27 picks.
14.14 (222) Starlin Castro, SS/2B, NYY
Early hopes for these two picks are a couple MI(Castro), a C(Wieters), or a second closer(Storen). SP4(Corbin/Garcia) and OF4(Bruce/Gordon) are also options.
Try as I might, I can't justify Wieters yet. At this point there isn't much separation between available Catchers and all have question marks. Looking at the draft grid, I feared wolfer would take this pick from me. He opted for Trumbo and I got my top choice at this slot. Over the last few rounds, I have seen many of the MI coming off the board above their ranks and ADPs. I hate to reach and am very happy to fill my SS spot with what appears to be a rank/ADP value (200/190 respectively). Both of my SS eligible players have eligibility at other positions as well, giving me roster flexibility.
15.03 (227) Drew Storen, RP, TOR
Top prospect for this pick is Storen. I'm obviously hoping/projecing that he wins the job over Osuna. If this draft were a few weeks later, we would have clarity on that, but the winner of the job would not be available at 227. If I didn't have the glaring whole at MI, I may have opted to take both TOR relievers at this point to hedge my bet. Both offer decent peripheral numbers if they aren't closing, making them useful/ownable either way. Garcia is intriguing, as he offers very good numbers when/if healthy. His problem is staying healthy.
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| | | 24 | RoboGuru
ID: 23152129
Wed, Mar 23, 2016, 15:47
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16.14(254) Steven Souza Jr., OF, TAM
This pick projects to be SP4, OF4, or 3B/MI. I expect a lot of movement on the first 2 over the next 27 picks, so I won't settle on targets yet, but Plouffe or Lawrie could fill the need in the IF.
I was hoping for Garcia to fall to me, but Species had other plans. Now I'm hoping for Fiers. Also on the shortlist for this turn are Lawrie and Souza.
With both Garcia and Fiers coming off the board, I'm not overly excited about any SP at this draft spot. Souza could put together a 20/20 season, which would mean tremendous value at this point in the draft at OF4. This could've been Soler, if he had more secure playing time(thanks to Fowler's return).
17.03(259) Brett Lawrie, 2B/3B, CWS
Most logical pick here looks to be Lawrie. In the next few minutes, I will try to talk myself into someone else and prepare for the possibility that he may not make it to me. Not taking a SP here means I will definitely need to address SP4 in rounds 18 and/or 19.
Lawrie gives me another IF with position flexibility and a fill in at 3B until Jung Ho Kang returns.
18.14(286) Anibal Sanchez, SP, DET
Early hopes for SP at this pick are Heaney, Sanchez, Ross ,Wood, etc.
I did not expect the C run that occurred on this turn, so that likely eliminated that from a consideration this time around. With only one team below me without a C (and both above me), I dont see a need to address this until later (maybe at 20.14).
SP is the obvious hole on my team right now and Sanchez sits on top of all 3 rankings that I am following. I'm hoping that last year was a product of injuries and, with health, he can return to at least SP4 level numbers. This still leaves me shy of the 1000 IP minimum, so I am not done here.
19.03(291) Devon Travis, 2B, TOR
This guy was a stud last year before he got hurt. He won't be ready for Opening Day, so this doesn't solve my MI vacancy yet, but I will find a rental later that can bridge the gap. 5 months of batting in this line up should do plenty to justify a 19 round pick. I have tons of flexibility and depth at all of my IF positions, hopefully giving me some trade value once they are all healthy.
20.14(318) Rusney Castillo, OF, BOS
With 6 rounds left I have done a needs assessment. It seems my 6 picks will be C, MI/3B(rental), OF5, SP5/6, and RP4/5. I've already drafted 3 players that won't be in my lineup on Opening Day, so Bench depth and flexibility are key at this point. This pick project to be OF, SP, or RP at this point. They present the biggest upside, with C and short-term MI less important.
As the pick approaches, several RP are taken, as expected. At the top of my queue is Rusney Castillo, a classic post-hype sleeper. He was bad last year, but early reports this year seem promising. Its him or Werth for my OF5 spot. Wolfer made me sweat a little after seeing Werth go off the board a few picks earlier.
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| | | 25 | RoboGuru
ID: 23152129
Wed, Mar 23, 2016, 15:49
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21.03(323) Luke Gregerson, RP, HOU
Jeffress was my target here, as he should get some Saves, but Zen got revenge for all those picks in the early rounds. Gregerson is a solid fallback, as he will help in 3 categories, with the possibility of Saves if Giles falters. He owned that job last year and Giles is still relatively unproven. Nice pick by Thumqer with Heaney. He was on my short list of remaining SP.
22.14(350) Eduardo Rodriquez, SP, BOS
4 picks left and I still need a Catcher and and IF (2b, 3b, ss) to bridge the gap to my injured players. I probably also "need" an SP5 and SP6/RP5, though, at this point in the draft, most selections won't stay on rosters very long before something better presents on the FA list. Another option is to load up on the best hitters available and wait for hot starts from pitchers to help make that choice.
I took a flier on Rodriquez when the pick came to me while I was working. He was in my queue (along with Cashner) and made for an easy pick in a hurry. Word is that he worked hard on not tipping his pitches, so maybe we will see improvement in his numbers.
23.15(355) Koji Uehara, RP, BOS
I sware I'm not a Red Sox fan, despite picking 3 in the last 4 rounds. I am left with a need at C, but I'm the last one without a Catcher at this point and I could live with Ramos(lasik), Cervelli(OBP) or Montero at this point. I also still need to find a fill-in for my 2 injured IF, but I figured I would gamble and live with whatever falls to me at the last turn.
Uehara is a 3 category stud and is one Kimbrel injury away from being a top closer again. He will help keep my K-rate up and my ratios down.
24.14(382) Martin Prado, 3B, MIA
This pick looks to be my IF need. Eyes are on Prado and Freese. Prado feels like a pretty good rental to get me to JHK. I have a lot of flexibility to survive one or more of my players getting hurt or underperforming.
25.03(387) Wilson Ramos, C, WSH
Guess I have to draft a Catcher. Ramos had lasik eye surgery over the winter and is reporting much better vision at the plate. Hopefully that translates into better numbers.
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| | | 26 | Kyle
Leader
ID: 052753312
Wed, Mar 23, 2016, 15:49
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Rationales... Let's see. I wanted to draft at the end of so I didn't take up too much time, since I found out
As for ranking and such I took ZIPs, created a nice little formula using standevs for every stat we use and drafted the best available player, alternating Pitcher-Hitter until I started to need to fill positions. Since I've never had luck with closers was going to sit out on them and pick up value relievers who could end up sniping saves or taking over the closer role. I reached a little for Romo, mostly because I forgot he lost his job last year.
Overall I'm really pleased with my team. I'm predicted to have .328/.437 slashes with over 100 SBs and 850 runs and RBI. That should put me around the middle of the pack for counting stats and the percentages should be good for top 3. At least that's the way it's looking now...
On the pitching side my projected ERA is under 3.40 and my WHIP under 1.17. If I get 50 saves from my relievers that'd be great. If not, I should still get solid Ks and ERA/WHIP. I kind of ignored wins with my pitchers, but Sale, Cueto and Samardzjia should put up 50 combined if their teams give them run support. And as always having the shear number of starters I do should give me a chance to get Ws.
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| | | 27 | Kyle
Leader
ID: 052753312
Wed, Mar 23, 2016, 15:50
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Oops my first paragraph got cut off. I found out the offer we put on a house was accepted so I was going to be busy with doing stuff for that.
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| | | 28 | Seattle Zen
ID: 301361318
Wed, Mar 23, 2016, 17:59
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I WILL BE PROVEN RIGHT!
Okay, it is March 23rd and to this date no one else has drafted 14.15.223 Jose Reyes, who I took back on the 18th. Yes, it is now obvious that I stretched and equally obvious that the other leagues are crazy. He is set to go to “trial” for his DV case in early April. I am a criminal defense attorney, I know what percentage of DV assaults get convictions, it is remarkably low. I predict that Jose will not be suspended at all, if convicted, I imagine his suspension will be the same as Chapman’s, 30 games. I also except that even if he does not get suspended, I will need Jose to perform better than he has the last two years to make me a profit at #223, that makes this selection suspect. I probably could have landed him in the last 100 players as it seems that the entire roto community has forgotten that he is under contract with the Rockies, where his game will lead to a ton of extra base hits. I decided later to hedge by taking two more shortstops. If I were to do this again, I would have taken Cisek or Pat Corbin, or Mike Fiers, maybe Alex Gordon.
15.02.226 Jay Bruce. I don’t like Jay Bruce, show promise as a young kid with pop and then continue to get hyped even after multiple years of plain yogurt production. Why did I draft a guy who has had a below .300 OBP the past two years? Why do the Reds let you attempt steals when you get thrown out 40% of the time? It’s the counting stats, I guess. I will need 150 runs/rbi if this pick is to work. I was hoping to wait to my next pick to land Kyle Hendricks or Mike Fiers, damn, that didn’t work. Maybe take Alex Gordon or ARod. Wait and see…
I set a queue and went out on a Saturday night to drink alcohol and consume perfectly legal cannabis products with friends. There are four marijuana stores in Port Angeles and three others in our low density county. Not many of you remember that I was a tireless advocate for this very thing, legalization of the planet's greatest plant. I, for one, like how it has played out and am eager to see even more changes in the future, hopefully in your state, too. At this point in the draft I felt that I was going to get the guys I wanted, Kyle Hendricks or Mike Fiers, and I set Ian Kennedy, Jamie Garcia, and Clay Buchholtz after them, with the idea I would take a bat, either ARod, Napoli, or Chris Carter with the other pick. I check my phone and I get the “pick your position for 16.15.255 Ian Kennedy. Damn it! I had just read an article about how horrible he was last year for the Padres. But, I argued, he’s moving to an even better home field, has a much, much better defense and bullpen behind him… and he strikes out everyone. But he doesn’t get to strike out pitchers anymore. In my mildly intoxicated state, I changed my plan, oft times the beginning of a tale of great woe. I figured that since the arms I wanted are flying off the boards yet no one seems interested in my granite titans wielding mighty lumber knocking in runs yet unable to run themselves, well, maybe I should take two arms now and those cement shoes will be there next time. Welcome to the team 17.02.258 Clay Buchholz, let’s make your selection the theme of the next Captain Morgan commercial!
I like the selection of Brandon Phillips at 270, because I was contemplating taking him rather than Kendrick at 193. I also think Species pick of Jarrod Dyson was so wise that it will soothe A Ethier’s aching shins taken nine picks before.
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| | | 29 | Seattle Zen
ID: 301361318
Wed, Mar 23, 2016, 19:39
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There are only 30 teams, therefore there are only 30 batters slated to hit clean up. Bat clean up, hit balls while your teammates are on base, get RBIs. I have had a lot of success with late round picks of third tier first basemen who are slated to hit clean up, Aubrey Huff, Adam LaRoche (though I did get sick of his son Dylan always doing his homework and cleaning up around the locker room) George Scott, now I’m dating myself. 18.15.287 Mike Napoli has a great walk rate and is slated to clean up for the Indians. He was killing it in Spring Training and I was afraid that his strong performance would catch someone’s attention and cause him to get picked even though in the NFBC he is picked around #391. Chris Carter also has a great walk rate, is batting clean up for the Brewers and hits that damn ball a country mile… when he doesn’t strike out. Even with his great 13% bb rate, his OBP was only 307 because his batting average was .199! Carter was being drafted much earlier than Napoli, but I decided on the guy with the Avascular necrosis of the hip, because that doesn’t sound bad, right?
Time for a reliever who may be in line for saves. Hey, some schmuck got stuck with Brad Boxberger, who had surgery a few days ago, so some lucky guy will get the closer role until he returns, hey, he may even get Wally Pipped. So, who is the lucky guy, 19.02.290 Alex Colome, I presume. The guy was a poor starter, but once in the pen, he was damn good. Get me some saves, young padawan, that’s all I’m going to say about you.
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| | | 30 | Taxman
SuperDude
ID: 029463114
Wed, Mar 23, 2016, 22:16
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6.12 (#92) Hunter Pence, OF, SF
I need a pitcher here, but value shopping overtook building a balanced roster. I had Pence as a census top 30 OF/top 80 pick and went with the value over Familia & Lester. Can't be a bad thing to add @85 RBI/R early in 6th round. Must get P next round.
7.05 (#101)Mark Melancon, RP, PIT
Crud, odd round so Seattle Zen will crap on my plans again. Britton was the last of RotoWire's very safe closers, but NOT to my surprise the evil skipper of the NW swoops in again. Oh well, Melancon has held job for 2 years plus and is severe ground ball pitcher with good peripherals except K's. A wing and a prayer, but that is what RIBC is all about when you dally around. I'm thinking @45 Saves for a play off contender with adequate infield defense.
8.12 (#124) Billy Burns, OF, OAK
Great no SZ to contend with. One of few targeted categories actually drafted in preferred range. Target here was Ben Revere, but SZ(who else) drafted him @ 6.15 @ pick #95. To be competitive in steals category requires 5-15 steals through much of line up plus a dedicated steals player. Burns was the last (Hamilton better, but destroys all other categories) available and desirable to me since I loaded early on OBP/SLG/RBI. Burns clocked OK OBP last year @ .334, so in his sophomore season, I'm looking for 40 steals with a .290/.338/.370 slash.
9.05 (#133) Mike Moustakas, 3B, KC
Who needs pitching? I do, so best course of action is to fill 3B with another "Value Pick". That would be value to me in that Moustakas is in his age 27 year, and although a top 12 3B for 2015, I am betting on the age 27 "next step" much as Josh Donaldson did 2 years ago. If Moustakas can deliver a very doable 75/75 R/RBI in good KC lineup with a .350/.450 OBP/SLG, I will have struck gold in round 9.
10.12 (#156) James Shields, SP SD
Considered a bust last year in San Diego's pitchers paradise stadium, yet I would be happy with a repeat 216 K and 13 wins. I'm hoping he can keep the ball inside park more than he did last year to help his ERA and will rediscover the low (under1.20) WHIP of his youth. Will enjoy better defense this year, but will have to keep other team off board to win as Padres have one of weakest hitting line-ups in MLB.
11.05 (#165) Yu Darvish, SP, TEX
A crap shot pick. Darvish is about 12 months out from Tommy John surgery. Expectations are that he will make it back during his career. But this year, who knows? Reports from Texas are extremely positive about being ahead of schedule and able to throw a 20 pitch bull pen session this week. Still he is going to miss 4-6 starts at beginning of season with good odds of seeing some extra time between starts as he ramps up. He has an arsenal of of pitches to throw and that may take him longer to get ready.
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| | | 32 | Jordan7361
ID: 521531216
Thu, Mar 24, 2016, 01:01
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11.09 (169) Sean Doolittle, RP, OAK
I usually have one of the top 3-5 closers on every team I draft, but once the top tier went, I decided to wait on a RP. For Round 11, it was time. I thought about Ziegler because of a higher projected number of saves and high ground ball rate, but went with Doolittle because reports stated he was having a great camp. Plus, I’ve always liked the SOB. I don’t expect him to do much though. Sorry, had to…
12.08 (184) Neil Walker, 2B, NYM
A pitcher would be the rationale choice for this pick, but I saw middle infield becoming thinner. I considered Matt Duffy, but went with Walker because of better OBP/SLG. Also, I’ll always be a fan of Walker because of his Roberto Clemente connection. If you don’t know about, look it up.
13.09 (201) Raisel Iglesias, SP, CIN
There was no other player I thought about taking here. He has a respectable ERA, descent WHIP, and a high strikeout rate. I actually pondered Iglesias at pick 152. Still there at 201 with an ADP of 140? Don’t mind if I do!
14.08 (216) Luis Severino, SP NYY
Severino was one of the more exciting pitching call ups last season. I snagged him in a few leagues and he did well for me. I considered Kazmir at 201 and he was still there at 216, but I see more upside with Severino.
15.09 (233) Steve Cishek, RP, SEA
It was time to take my second closer. I knew I wasn’t going to get a top tier closer waiting this long, but figured I could snag up Cishek this round and get Benoit a few rounds later in order to lock up the Mariners’ saves. I’m hoping for numbers from Marlins days of past.
16.08 (248) Danny Valencia, 3B/OF, OAK
The top 3 in my queue were Valencia, Souza, and Bour. I needed both a CI, OF4, and UTIL, so Valencia allowed me the option of going any of the 3 routes in my next batter selection. In addition, Valencia had the highest projected OPS out of the available players.
17.09 (265) Andrew Bailey, RP, PHI
A closer in round 17? I sure hope so. Recent reports state that Bailey is the frontrunner for the closer job in Philly. This is a dice roll, but if he produces like he has in the past, this will end up being a steal.
18.08 (280) Luis Valbuena, 1B/3B, HOU
When I drafted Valencia in Round 16, I was eyeing up Valbuena in order to be able to shift Valencia to my OF4 slot. I didn’t think he’d last after I passed on him in Round 17.
19.09 (297) Darren O’Day, RP, BAL
Since all of my batting positions (except UTIL) had been filled, I decided to shift gears to set up RPs with good ERA/WHIP. Mr. O’Day was the best available.
20.08 (312) Tony Watson, RP, PIT
See rationale for pick 19.09. I didn’t expect Watson to be there the following round, but he was.
21.09 (329) Justin Bour, 1B (UTIL), MIA
This wasn’t a very exciting pick…but seriously…For my utility pick, I was gunning for Bour, Jaso, or Moss. I liked Bour’s age and upside, so he was the guy.
22.08 (344) Joakim Soria, RP, KC
At this point, the top 3 players in my queue were Soria, Siegrist, & Kela (in that order). I was targeting them due to good ERA, WHIP, and strikeout ratios. Also, they’re all next in line.
23.09 (361) Kevin Siegrist, RP, STL
Mr. Siegrist was still there 17 picks later, so I snagged him per above. Nuff said.
24.08 (376) Keone Kela, RP, TEX
Tolleson has been struggling in spring training, plus Kela is a formidable backup in the event of a Tolleson downfall or injury. Even if Kela is a set up guy all season, I feel he’ll get me around 6 wins and at least 2-4 saves. We shall see…
25.09 (393) Socrates Brito, OF, ARI
I’ve seen the one they call Socrates play in several grapefruit league games and he impresses me every time. I feel he deserves the starting LF job over Tomas. For now, he’s still in the running and outperforming Tomas. If he wins the job, I feel he has ROY potential. I hope this is the case so I can tell people I drafted him in Round 25.
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| | | 33 | Nerfherders
ID: 161121811
Thu, Mar 24, 2016, 16:27
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11.11 Travis D'Arnaud, C NYM
Continuing the trend of going young where I can, I wanted to get a catcher capable of putting up good numbers. If D'arnaud can stay healthy, this will be a great pick. Anything less and it gets dicey because my bench is very miniscule right now.
12.06 AJ Reed, 1B Hou
A week ago I had read some snippets that he might win the first base job, and then an article saying that at worst he may get sent down for the service time thingy. So this started getting me really excited. I had drafted Jose Abreu in 2014, and Kris Bryant in 2015, so I liked this kind of pick, and this would be a great steal in the draft to get someone who could put up the kind of numbers Reed is a capable of in the 11th round. Now, a week later, it looks like he might spend significantly more time in the minors than the service time minimum. So what do I have here? He was drafted in the 20th round in one AAA, and not yet in either of the other leagues, now sitting in the 17th round. The worst case scenario is September cup of coffee, by which he will be long gone from my team. Best case scenario is he is called up in May and crushes. I suspect something in between: An early June callup and he does play well, and probably makes this pick worth it in the 11th round, as long as I can stay relatively injury free until then.
13.11 Collin McHugh, SP HOU
I passed on pitching again in the 12th seeing what would fall in the 13th, and again, it wasn't much. I *really* wanted Betances here, but he was gone a few picks earlier. I struggled to find a pitcher I really felt comfortable with in this spot. I finally settled on McHugh because of his excellent 2014, and his good amount of wins last year. If he can put up 15 wins behind a very good team, this will be a dandy pick.
14.06 Dexter Fowler, OF CHC
I love Dexter Fowler. As a real player he's nothing much. A middling defensive CF who can get on base a bit but not much else. But in fantasy he is extremely underestimated. Consistently .350 OBP, always a good number of Runs, 15-20 SB, and a smattering of HR's, Last year was his career year and he was nearly a 20/20 guy. So now I have the 1-2 hitters in the Cubs lineup behind all those big boppers - I should score alot of runs between the two.
15.11 Adam Lind, 1B SEA
I was already starting to plan for AJ Reed's time in the minors by getting more 1B guys. Lind is another guy who I feel is better than his usual draft position. He went with .360/.460 with 87 RBI last year. Why is that good for 16th round or lower? I am not sure. Projections say .350/.450 with 70 RBI this year. Anyone projecting .800 OPS is good after the 10th round in my book.
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| | | 34 | Seattle Zen
ID: 301361318
Thu, Mar 24, 2016, 19:50
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I decided before the draft started that I was not going to take a catcher until a round in the twenties. I was not interested in paying the going rate for Posey and much less so for Schwarber who will probably sit out quite a few games as the Cubs outfield is crowded. Everyone else from #3-14 were interchangeable, therefore wait until the end. I had mentioned that I had my eye on 20.15.319 Chris Carter for quite some time. I think he could get his OBP up to .340 by simply maintaining his excellent bb% and getting a few more of his fly balls to land and a few more of his whiffs to hit the ball. He will get plenty of RBI with a healthy Ryan Braun hitting in front of him. This pick looked pretty damn reasonable as up in The Show, Blue Hen looked to me for inspiration and took “All he does is catch touchdown passes” in the 12th round at #183!!!
I was also interested in Melky Cabrera, willing to forgive him for the stinker of a season he bequeathed me last year, also disappointed I won’t get a chance on Hunter Strickland, Tony Watson, and Ervin Santana. But I do like 21.02.322 Jeremy Jeffress better than those because he was in the hunt for the closer job in Milwaukee, has great stuff and will be the closer as soon as Will Smith gets the yips. Well, well, look how low Joe Mauer has fallen. I’m saddened to say that Mauer was my first RIBC pick ever, 2010, catcher coming off his 1000 OPS season, which lead to him getting overpaid to such a staggering degree, Antoine Walker complained. $23 million for 2017, AND 2018…
The last second baseman I was interested goes to Punk – Spangenberg. Jay Sherby takes Pedro Alvarez 290 spots after Commish Judy takes him in the ESPN AAA league – she can’t get demoted :). Who in the hell are all these Tylers? Tyler White? Tyler Naquin?
I decided that I should shore up in MI in the very, very unlikely chance that everyone else is right and Jose Reyes does not start the season in CO. I like 22.15.351 Jose Iglesias because he can flat out hit, career .300 hitter. Yes, he missed a whole year because his shins hurt, but that is supposedly in the past. He doesn’t hit for ANY power, but he was the key player in the big Det/BoSox trade, he has a lights out glove, so he won’t lose his job and should score some runs.
But I just read a great story about 23.02.354 Nick Hundley, the guy predicts he will be the fifth best catcher this season. Yes, I swore that catchers were interchangeable, but now I suddenly really NEED Hundley. And Thumper doesn’t have a catcher, should I take Hundley at 22? Well, Realmutro is also a decent catcher, so if by chance Hundley gets taken, it’s not the end of the world. I’m sitting in court checking my IPad when I see I got Hundley. I had to suppress a FUKK YEAH! and fist pump! What other fantasy baseball experience is quite like the end rounds of a RIBC slowdraft???
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| | | 35 | Nerfherders
ID: 2211442615
Sat, Mar 26, 2016, 13:59
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16.06 JJ Hoover, RP CIN
I was looking for Starting Pitching here but as usual didn't see anything I had to have, and at the same time noticed JJ Hoover was still sitting there. He does have the closing job for what will be a very bad Reds team, but, he does have the job and hasn't been a terrible pitcher in his career. At this point in the draft getting even 10-15 saves from someone is a win.
17.11 Joe Ross, SP WAS
I had to get my 4th SP and scoured my draft list looking for a gem in a pile of rocks. I think I found one with Joe Ross, who was excellent in a half season last year and certainly has the tools to stay good.
18.06 Chris Colabello, 1B TOR
I was looking for another 1B fill my CI spot while Reed is out and I found someone I don't think anyone else has been looking at this draft season. Colabello was great last year, projects a solid OPS this year, and his only limitation is playing time. Plus he also has OF elig. which could help down the road. Right now he is projected to platoon with Smoak at 1B. Clearly not a great platoon partner.
19.11 Jose Peraza, 2B CIN
For the last five rounds I had been looking at MI and kept passing them off, not really finding anyone I had to have. At this point I had to have one, hopefully one with some upside I can project for decent numbers and maybe some steals since I am a little short there. Peraza certainly isn't the perfect candidate. With everyone healthy he has no position. But right now it looks like he could fill in for Billy Hamilton at CF, so my hope is that he plays so well in his first few weeks that they have to find a place for him to play.
20.06 JA Happ, SP TOR
Once we get into this part of the draft you are grasping at straws. This is my last SP spot and I didnt see anything particularly awesome here so I settled for Happ, who was out of his mind with PIT last year. I am hoping it means he found something or learned something there that he can take with him back to the Jays.
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| | | 36 | Nerfherders
ID: 2211442615
Sat, Mar 26, 2016, 14:13
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21.11 Brett Cecil, RP TOR
My plan was very clear from this point in the draft until the end. 3 RP's, one OF, and one hitter. Cecil was a mediocre starter but he has been a lights out RP the last couple years. he should be solid in this spot with good numbers.
22.06 Carlos Beltran, OF NYY
Beltran at this point has some pop, gets on base enough and you know, is an OF, so just what I need to play as my 4th OF for Brantley or the UT spot.
23.11 Yimi Garcia, RP LAD
Garcia had his struggles with HR last year but otherwise was a great reliever. He's young and has enough talent to work himself into the main setup role, which would mean being the handcuff for Jansen, if need be.
24.06 Desmond Jennings, OF TB
I was looking for another MI here but the guy I wanted, Solarte, was long gone, and I didnt see anyone else I really wanted, so I snagged Jennings here hoping he gets his 15/15 form back after an injury plagued 2015.
25.11 Tony Sipp, RP HOU
My queue started with Strop but he was taken just a few picks before, so settled for Tony Sipp. Very few of these 25th round guys stick so it's not a big deal if he doesn't as long as he doesn't have, like, a series of ridiculous meltdowns. He just has to keep doing what he's been doing.
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