Cafeholics Mock Draft 2010

Welcome to the 4th Annual Cafeholics Mock Draft! At the start of January, 12 stalwart members of the Cafe got together to mock one another about a standard Yahoo roto draft. Being an early mock, there are some anomalies – Carlos Beltran, for example, was drafted a couple of days before the news about his surgery broke; the general consensus was that he would have fallen a good number of rounds further if the news had come out a couple of days earlier.

Here are the results – all comments welcome! I’ve put my own thoughts after the draft – hopefully they will inspire some responses!

Pick #	Player	Round	Team
1.	Albert Pujols (1B)	1	PogotheOstrich
2.	Hanley Ramirez (SS)	1	BChad
3.	Alex Rodriguez (3B)	1	DanLambskin
4.	Chase Utley (2B)	1	TheArtfulDodger
5.	Ryan Braun (OF)	1	TeddyBallgame
6.	Prince Fielder (1B)	1	BitterDodgerFan
7.	Ryan Howard (1B)	1	Aquaman2342
8.	Mark Teixiera (1B)	1	WaCougMBS
9.	Miguel Cabrera (1B)	1	AFleshnerFantasy
10.	Troy Tulowitzki (SS)	1	Ayebatter
11.	Evan Longoria (3B)	1	Chris8
12.	Matt Kemp (OF)	1	BigPimpin
13.	Ian Kinsler (2B)	2	BigPimpin
14.	Matt Holliday (OF)	2	Chris8
15.	David Wright (3B)	2	Ayebatter
16.	Tim Lincecum (SP)	2	AFleshnerFantasy
17.	Carl Crawford (OF)	2	WaCougMBS
18.	Jose Reyes (SS)	2	Aquaman2342
19.	Mark Reynolds (3B)	2	BitterDodgerFan
20.	Joe Mauer (C)	2	TeddyBallgame
21.	Grady Sizemore (OF)	2	TheArtfulDodger
22.	Adrian Gonzalez (1B)	2	DanLambskin
23.	Ryan Zimmerman (3B)	2	BChad
24.	Roy Halladay (SP)	2	PogotheOstrich
25.	CC Sabathia (SP)	3	PogotheOstrich
26.	Justin Upton (OF)	3	BChad
27.	Jacoby Ellsbury (OF)	3	DanLambskin
28.	Jimmy Rollins (SS)	3	TheArtfulDodger
29.	Joey Votto (1B)	3	TeddyBallgame
30.	Derek Jeter (SS)	3	BitterDodgerFan
31.	Zack Greinke (SP)	3	Aquaman2342
32.	Felix Hernandez (SP)	3	WaCougMBS
33.	Kevin Youkilis (1B/3B)	3	AFleshnerFantasy
34.	Victor Martinez (C/1B)	3	Ayebatter
35.	Justin Morneau (1B)	3	Chris8
36.	Jayson Werth (OF)	3	BigPimpin
37.	Pablo Sandoval (1B/3B)	4	BigPimpin
38.	Carlos Beltran (OF)	4	Chris8
39.	Dustin Pedroia (2B)	4	Ayebatter
40.	Ichiro Suzuki (OF)	4	AFleshnerFantasy
41.	Brian Roberts (2B)	4	WaCougMBS
42.	Adam Lind (OF)	4	Aquaman2342
43.	Dan Haren (SP)	4	BitterDodgerFan
44.	Brandon Phillips (2B)	4	TeddyBallgame
45.	Curtis Granderson (OF)	4	TheArtfulDodger
46.	Justin Verlander (SP)	4	DanLambskin
47.	Brian McCann (C)	4	BChad
48.	Josh Hamilton (OF)	4	PogotheOstrich
49.	Nick Markakis (OF)	5	PogotheOstrich
50.	Kendry Morales (1B)	5	BChad
51.	Aaron Hill (2B)	5	DanLambskin
52.	Johan Santana (SP)	5	TheArtfulDodger
53.	Adam Wainwright (SP)	5	TeddyBallgame
54.	BJ Upton (OF)	5	BitterDodgerFan
55.	Robinson Cano (2B)	5	Aquaman2342
56.	Jason Bay (OF)	5	WaCougMBS
57.	Cliff Lee (SP)	5	AFleshnerFantasy
58.	Nelson Cruz (OF)	5	Ayebatter
59.	Jonathan Broxton (RP)	5	Chris8
60.	Lance Berkman (1B)	5	BigPimpin
61.	Ben Zobrist (2B/SS/OF)	6	BigPimpin
62.	Joe Nathan (RP)	6	Chris8
63.	Derrek Lee (1B)	6	Ayebatter
64.	Carlos Lee (OF)	6	AFleshnerFantasy
65.	Adam Dunn (OF)	6	WaCougMBS
66.	Chris Carpenter (SP)	6	Aquaman2342
67.	Andre Ethier (OF)	6	BitterDodgerFan
68.	Aramis Ramirez (3B)	6	TeddyBallgame
69.	Manny Ramirez (OF)	6	TheArtfulDodger
70.	Alexei Ramirez (SS)	6	DanLambskin
71.	Jon Lester (SP)	6	BChad
72.	Shane Victorino (OF)	6	PogotheOstrich
73.	Mariano Rivera (RP)	7	PogotheOstrich
74.	Matt Wieters (C)	7	BChad
75.	Carlos Quentin (OF)	7	DanLambskin
76.	Chone Figgins (3B)	7	TheArtfulDodger
77.	Josh Beckett (SP)	7	TeddyBallgame
78.	Bobby Abreu (OF)	7	BitterDodgerFan
79.	Shin-Soo Choo (OF)	7	Aquaman2342
80.	Josh Johnson (SP)	7	WaCougMBS
81.	Dan Uggla (2B)	7	AFleshnerFantasy
82.	Jay Bruce (OF)	7	Ayebatter
83.	Cole Hamels (SP)	7	Chris8
84.	Ubaldo Jimenez (SP)	7	BigPimpin
85.	Yovani Gallardo (SP)	8	BigPimpin
86.	Adam Jones (OF)	8	Chris8
87.	Carlos Pena (1B)	8	Ayebatter
88.	Torii Hunter (OF)	8	AFleshnerFantasy
89.	Matt Cain (SP)	8	WaCougMBS
90.	Michael Young (3B)	8	Aquaman2342
91.	Javier Vazquez (SP)	8	BitterDodgerFan
92.	Tommy Hanson (SP)	8	TeddyBallgame
93.	Clayton Kershaw (SP)	8	TheArtfulDodger
94.	John Lackey (SP)	8	DanLambskin
95.	Andrew McCutchen (OF)	8	BChad
96.	Billy Butler (1B)	8	PogotheOstrich
97.	Jose Lopez (2B)	9	PogotheOstrich
98.	Gordon Beckham (3B)	9	BChad
99.	Jonathan Papelbon (RP)	9	DanLambskin
100.	Joakim Soria (RP)	9	TheArtfulDodger
101.	Hunter Pence (OF)	9	TeddyBallgame
102.	Wandy Rodriguez (SP)	9	BitterDodgerFan
103.	Ricky Nolasco (SP)	9	Aquaman2342
104.	Alfonso Soriano (OF)	9	WaCougMBS
105.	Francisco Rodriguez (RP)	9	AFleshnerFantasy
106.	Brandon Webb (SP)	9	Ayebatter
107.	Nate McLouth (OF)	9	Chris8
108.	Carlos Gonzalez (OF)	9	BigPimpin
109.	Ian Stewart (2B/3B)	10	BigPimpin
110.	Stephen Drew (SS)	10	Chris8
111.	Jered Weaver (SP)	10	Ayebatter
112.	Jair Jurrjens (SP)	10	AFleshnerFantasy
113.	Heath Bell (RP)	10	WaCougMBS
114.	Raul Ibanez (OF)	10	Aquaman2342
115.	Jorge Posada (C)	10	BitterDodgerFan
116.	Jason Bartlett (SS)	10	TeddyBallgame
117.	Chad Billingsley (SP)	10	TheArtfulDodger
118.	Brad Hawpe (OF)	10	DanLambskin
119.	Jake Peavy (SP)	10	BChad
120.	AJ Burnett (SP)	10	PogotheOstrich
121.	James Shields (SP)	11	PogotheOstrich
122.	Huston Street (RP)	11	BChad
123.	Max Scherzer (SP)	11	DanLambskin
124.	Alex Rios (OF)	11	TheArtfulDodger
125.	Jason Kubel (OF)	11	TeddyBallgame
126.	Brian Wilson (RP)	11	BitterDodgerFan
127.	Jose Valverde (RP)	11	Aquaman2342
128.	Elvis Andrus (SS)	11	WaCougMBS
129.	Russell Martin (C)	11	AFleshnerFantasy
130.	Roy Oswalt (SP)	11	Ayebatter
131.	Matt Garza (SP)	11	Chris8
132.	Andrew Bailey (RP)	11	BigPimpin
133.	Scott Baker (SP)	12	BigPimpin
134.	Brett Anderson (SP)	12	Chris8
135.	Rich Harden (SP)	12	Ayebatter
136.	Rafael Furcal (SS)	12	AFleshnerFantasy
137.	Carlos Marmol (RP)	12	WaCougMBS
138.	Miguel Montero (C)	12	Aquaman2342
139.	Francisco Cordero (RP)	12	BitterDodgerFan
140.	Ryan Franklin (RP)	12	TeddyBallgame
141.	Brian Fuentes (RP)	12	TheArtfulDodger
142.	David Aardsma (RP)	12	DanLambskin
143.	Billy Wagner (RP)	12	BChad
144.	Trevor Hoffman (RP)	12	PogotheOstrich
145.	Rafael Soriano (RP)	13	PogotheOstrich
146.	Bobby Jenks (RP)	13	BChad
147.	Frank Francisco (RP)	13	DanLambskin
148.	Geovany Soto (C)	13	TheArtfulDodger
149.	Mike Gonzalez (RP)	13	TeddyBallgame
150.	Chad Qualls (RP)	13	BitterDodgerFan
151.	Michael Bourn (OF)	13	Aquaman2342
152.	Adrian Beltre (3B)	13	WaCougMBS
153.	David Price (SP)	13	AFleshnerFantasy
154.	Leo Nunez (RP)	13	Ayebatter
155.	Scott Kazmir (SP)	13	Chris8
156.	Carlos Zambrano (SP)	13	BigPimpin
157.	Kerry Wood (RP)	14	BigPimpin
158.	Denard Span (OF)	14	Chris8
159.	Matt Capps (RP)	14	Ayebatter
160.	Brad Lidge (RP)	14	AFleshnerFantasy
161.	Ervin Santana (SP)	14	WaCougMBS
162.	Ted Lilly (SP)	14	Aquaman2342
163.	J.A. Happ (SP)	14	BitterDodgerFan
164.	Michael Cuddyer (OF)	14	TeddyBallgame
165.	Chris Davis (1B)	14	TheArtfulDodger
166.	Vernon Wells (OF)	14	DanLambskin
167.	Gavin Floyd (SP)	14	BChad
168.	Chipper Jones (3B)	14	PogotheOstrich
169.	Ryan Theriot (SS)	15	PogotheOstrich
170.	Ryan Dempster (SP)	15	BChad
171.	Aaron Harang (SP)	15	DanLambskin
172.	John Danks (SP)	15	TheArtfulDodger
173.	Daisuke Matsuzaka (SP)	15	TeddyBallgame
174.	Vladimir Guerrero (DH)	15	BitterDodgerFan
175.	Clay Buchholz (SP)	15	Aquaman2342
176.	Nolan Reimold (OF)	15	WaCougMBS
177.	Corey Hart (OF)	15	AFleshnerFantasy
178.	Octavio Dotel (RP)	15	Ayebatter
179.	Jason Frasor (RP)	15	Chris8
180.	Nyjer Morgan (OF)	15	BigPimpin
181.	Kevin Slowey (SP)	16	BigPimpin
182.	Howie Kendrick (2B)	16	Chris8
183.	Cody Ross (OF)	16	Ayebatter
184.	Miguel Tejada (SS)	16	AFleshnerFantasy
185.	Tim Hudson (SP)	16	WaCougMBS
186.	David Ortiz (DH)	16	Aquaman2342
187.	Rickie Weeks (2B)	16	BitterDodgerFan
188.	Edwin Jackson (SP)	16	TeddyBallgame
189.	Rick Porcello (SP)	16	TheArtfulDodger
190.	Ryan Ludwick (OF)	16	DanLambskin
191.	Juan Pierre (OF)	16	BChad
192.	Julio Borbon (OF)	16	PogotheOstrich
193.	Jonathan Sanchez (SP)	17	PogotheOstrich
194.	Francisco Liriano (SP)	17	BChad
195.	Randy Wolf (SP)	17	DanLambskin
196.	Adam LaRoche (1B)	17	TheArtfulDodger
197.	Ben Sheets (SP)	17	TeddyBallgame
198.	Derek Lowe (SP)	17	BitterDodgerFan
199.	Neftali Feliz (SP)	17	Aquaman2342
200.	Dexter Fowler (OF)	17	WaCougMBS
201.	Joba Chamberlain (SP/RP)	17	AFleshnerFantasy
202.	Garrett Jones (1B)	17	Ayebatter
203.	Brandon Morrow (SP/RP)	17	Chris8
204.	Asdrubal Cabrera (2B/SS)	17	BigPimpin
205.	Paul Konerko (1B)	18	BigPimpin
206.	Ryan Doumit (C)	18	Chris8
207.	Jorge De La Rosa (SP)	18	Ayebatter
208.	Erik Bedard (SP)	18	AFleshnerFantasy
209.	Jeff Niemann (SP)	18	WaCougMBS
210.	Wade Davis (SP)	18	Aquaman2342
211.	Brandon Lyon (RP)	18	BitterDodgerFan
212.	Mark Buehrle (SP)	18	TeddyBallgame
213.	Johnny Damon (OF)	18	TheArtfulDodger
214.	Trevor Cahill (SP)	18	DanLambskin
215.	Travis Snider (OF)	18	BChad
216.	Alex Gordon (3B)	18	PogotheOstrich
217.	Alcides Escobar (SS)	19	PogotheOstrich
218.	Marc Rzepczynski (SP)	19	BChad
219.	Colby Rasmus (OF)	19	DanLambskin
220.	Johnny Cueto (SP)	19	TheArtfulDodger
221.	Justin Duchscherer (SP)	19	TeddyBallgame
222.	Joe Blanton (SP)	19	BitterDodgerFan
223.	Cameron Maybin (OF)	19	Aquaman2342
224.	JP Howell (RP)	19	WaCougMBS
225.	Magglio Ordonez (OF)	19	AFleshnerFantasy
226.	Hiroki Kuroda (SP)	19	Ayebatter
227.	Bronson Arroyo (SP)	19	Chris8
228.	Matt LaPorta (1B/OF)	19	BigPimpin
229.	Mat Latos (SP)	20	BigPimpin
230.	Yunel Escobar (SS)	20	Chris8
231.	Chris Young (SP)	20	Ayebatter
232.	Phil Hughes (SP/RP)	20	AFleshnerFantasy
233.	Kurt Suzuki (C)	20	WaCougMBS
234.	Jason Heyward (OF)	20	Aquaman2342
235.	Rajai Davis (OF)	20	BitterDodgerFan
236.	Stephen Strasburg (SP)	20	TeddyBallgame
237.	Brian Matusz (SP)	20	TheArtfulDodger
238.	Franklin Gutierrez (OF)	20	DanLambskin
239.	JD Drew (OF)	20	BChad
240.	Mike Napoli (C)	20	PogotheOstrich
241.	Jermaine Dye (OF)	21	PogotheOstrich
242.	Placido Polanco (2B/3B)	21	BChad
243.	Bengie Molina (C)	21	DanLambskin
244.	Lastings Milledge (OF)	21	TheArtfulDodger
245.	Homer Bailey (SP)	21	TeddyBallgame
246.	Matt Lindstrom (RP)	21	BitterDodgerFan
247.	JJ Hardy (SS)	21	Aquaman2342
248.	Aroldis Chapman (SP)	21	WaCougMBS
249.	Joe Saunders (SP)	21	AFleshnerFantasy
250.	Ryan Madson (RP)	21	Ayebatter
251.	Carlos Delgado (1B)	21	Chris8
252.	Chris Iannetta (C)	21	BigPimpin

Comments

Round 1

Best value pick: Love Matt Kemp at #12 – I see him as the most productive OF this year.
Riskiest pick: I agree that Tulowitzki is a top-tier SS this year, but as a 1st-rounder? Not so sure.
Other comments: Perhaps odd, considering the depth at the position, that 5 of the top 9 picks were 1B.

Round 2

Best value pick: A number of these guys could easily produce 1st-round value this year, including Wright, Reyes & Sizemore.
Riskiest pick: The Ks and lack of track record mean I won’t be drafting Mark Reynolds this high.
Other comments: No surprise to see the top 2 starters off the board in this round.

Round 3

Best value pick: Happy to get Justin Morneau a full round later than Adrian Gonzalez. Rollins also looks good for Round 3.
Riskiest pick: Jeter had a great 2009, no doubt, but age has to catch up with him at some point.
Other comments: With Jayson Werth’s selection at #36, 5 Phillies went in the first 3 rounds.

Round 4

Best value pick: Not everyone agrees, but I like Curtis Granderson’s prospects with the Yankees.
Riskiest pick: Beltran was already a borderline pick here before the surgery news.
Other comments: Looking at how the draft is going, I’d recommend aiming to have at least one MI by now.

Round 5

Best value pick: Declining K-rate aside, Johan is still one of the best starters out there.
Riskiest pick: I’m not convinced Nelson Cruz is a top 60 pick yet.
Other comments: I took Broxton & Nathan to see if it would start a closer run. It didn’t! No need to reach for closers this year!

Round 6

Best value pick: Carlos Lee drafted after Nelson Cruz? Yes please!
Riskiest pick: Chris Carpenter needs to be healthy to justify this pick, and the track record isn’t good on that score.
Other comments: Quirky run on Ramirez’s in this round!

Round 7

Best value pick: I think Cole Hamels had more than his share of bad luck last year. Happy to get him as my ace this late.
Riskiest pick: Matt Wieters didn’t live up to the hype last year; seems very early to be taking him in a 1-catcher league.
Other comments: Carlos Quentin is an interesting player this year – is he back from his injuries or not..?

Round 8

Best value pick: No one really stands out in this round as great value.
Riskiest pick: Butler & McCutchen both seem to have a lot of hype about them this year, but is it justified?
Other comments: 8 rounds in and only 3 closers have been drafted.

Round 9

Best value pick: Hard to pick one out here, as there are several guys who could be great value, whilst also being huge risks…
Riskiest pick: …such as Soriano, Webb, and K-Rod.
Other comments: I believe Wandy Rodriguez can easily be a top-10 starter this year; if he makes it this far, grab him!

Round 10

Best value pick: Billingsley & Peavy were drafted as top 10 pitchers last year. Both have potential to get back to that point.
Riskiest pick: Ibanez had a horrible 2nd half of 2009 – is age finally catching up to him?
Other comments: Drew and Bartlett are probably the last guys I would be OK with as my starting SS this year.

Rounds 11/12

Best value pick: Can Alex Rios really be as bad in 2010 as he was in 2009?
Riskiest pick: Rich Harden: injury-prone + now pitching in Texas = not someone I’m targeting this year.
Other comments: Closer run began in earnest in Rd 12 – at one point, 9 picks in a row were closers!

Rounds 13/14

Best value pick: Love David Price in Round 13, and Chipper in Round 14 is definitely worth the health-risk.
Riskiest pick: Not a Happ believer at all.
Other comments: Chris Davis is an interesting pick here – if he has learned from the mistakes of last year, this could be huge.

Rounds 15/16

Best value pick: Big names on the way out, and only DH-eligible, but you have to like Vlad & Ortiz this late.
Riskiest pick: Nothing really stands out as overly risky in these rounds.
Other comments: Rickie Weeks continues to be drafted – one day he may even be fantasy-relevant!

Rounds 17/18

Best value pick: Pretty much everyone was after Ben Sheets this round!
Riskiest pick: Not surprised to see Liriano drafted, but will he ever be of value to a team again?
Other comments: Couple of interesting Free Agents drafted here (Bedard & Damon), whose value may change when they sign.

Rounds 19/20/21

Best value pick: Lots of good speculative picks here – especially like Ryan Madson as a potential source of cheap saves.
Riskiest pick: Risky picks are a large part of what these rounds are about!
Other comments: Huge surprise – by the end of the draft, Jorge Cantu did not have a team…

So there you have it: the first mock of the year to be published at the Cafe. Another one will be on its way shortly, but in the meantime, do let us know what you think about this draft and my own thoughts upon it, and hopefully it will be of use to you when your real drafts get underway.

17 Responses to “Cafeholics Mock Draft 2010”

Pogotheostrich says:

February 6, 2010 at 8:53 am

I was pretty happy with my team. The biggest thing I tried to do this mock was not to ignore BA like I have in the past. When it came back to me in the 2nd round it was obvious that everyone else was going hitter first and passing on SP. I couldn’t pass up Halladay there. I thought about Upton instead of Sabathia but I think it turned out well. No one should be able to touch my rotation. The same thing kind of happened with RP. I seemed like all 12 teams were playing a game of chicken. Chris blinked first and no one flinched. I was happy to wait on 3B and SS and end up with Chipper/Gordon and Theriot/A. Escobar. I didn’t go in with a specific plan just looking for value and wanting to make sure I didn’t torpedo my BA.

Favorite picks: Halladay (2nd), Borbon (16th), Alcides Escobar (19th)
Regrets: Ryan Theriot (15th) I could have waited longer and A.J. Burnett (10th) because Peavy went one pick earlier.
Fenway Punk says:

February 6, 2010 at 10:48 am

Pogotheostrich: By waiting nearly FIFTY picks between hitters… you’re gonna be playing catch-up in that department all year. Everyone feels happy with themselves after a draft… and you’re actually quoted in saying “I was happy to wait on 3B and SS and end up with Chipper/Gordon and Theriot/A. Escobar.” I have a feeling you won’t be singing that song come July. In fact, if this team were in a real league… I’m willing to bet one of your pitchers goes on the block in search of some added offensive help.
chris8 says:

February 6, 2010 at 10:51 am

The closer situation is fascinating this year. Ordinarily, I would never take two closers back to back like I did with Broxton & Nathan, but, as I said, I wanted to see if there would be any reaction. The fact that no one bit whatsoever suggests that there is no need to draft one before something like the 10th round at the earliest.
Fenway Punk says:

February 6, 2010 at 10:59 am

Upon further review… I’m REALLY liking TeddyBallgames team ( which sux cause you’re gonna look at the Beckett/Dice-k picks and call me a homer) Not the case. I will ALWAYS be a supporter of waiting til after the first 4 rounds ( and sometimes longer) before going for a pitcher, and TeddyBallgame ends up with a Wainwright/Beckett/Hanson trifecta by doing so. He’s also boasting a strong IF of Mauer, Votto, BPhillips, Barlett, and A-Ram, and a sexy OF headed by Braun and Pence. Winner winner, chicken dinner.
AquaMan2342 says:

February 6, 2010 at 12:03 pm

My best picks: Cano in the fifth and Ortiz in the 16th

Worst: Lilly (forgot he was hurt) and Carpenter only because I should have taken Aramis Ramirez.
AquaMan2342 says:

February 6, 2010 at 12:07 pm

Pogo- Looking at your early picks, I somewhat agree with Fenway Punk in that you are setting yourself up for disaster only because Hamilton was one of your picks coming around the turn in the 4th. He’s a legitimate injury risk and seeing that Bay was available I probably would have gone that way instead. Otherwise I personally don’t have a problem going Roy/CC where you did.
ayebatter says:

February 6, 2010 at 12:21 pm

This is the first 16 I drafted from the 10 hole. I felt missing out on one of the big bats in the 1st round would have me to chase power during the draft, so I did, taking bats in the 1st 8 rounds, while I played position scarcity at the same time. I did feel that picking 10th, that I was always a half a round ahead, or half a round behind on players I wanted. Here’s my thoughts as the draft proceeded.

C – Victor Martinez (3.10) …………..had him as a top 15 player at 1b – for my catcher spot yes !!
1B – Derek Lee (6.03) ………………..14 other 1b were off the board already, I’ll play with Lee
2B – Dustin Pedroia (4.03) …………..Utley/Kinsler are gone, 15/15/.300 at 2b
SS – Troy Tulowitzki (1.10) … Power bats were gone, so I took the best at the thinnest position
3B – David Wright (2.03) …………… the one guy left at 3rd that could give me 1st round numbers
OF – Nelson Cruz (5.10) …………16 OFs of the board at this point, & I had Cruz above 6 of them
OF – Jay Bruce (7.10) …………………. a round early, but I still needed power
OF – Cody Ross (16.03) ………………….25 HRs with a decent BA in the 16th, that helps
Utl – Carlos Pena (8.03) ……….. Come on, the AL homerun leader in the 8th, give me that action

SP – Brandon Webb (9.10)……..only arm left that IF HEALTHY, could crack the top 5 in pitching
SP – Jered Weaver (10.03)………..next best on my list
SP – Roy Oswalt (11.10)……………seems early, but my hitter spots are filled
SP – Rich Harden (12.03)…………..even in Texas, I like Hardens numbers
RP – Leo Nunez (13.10)……………the 24th closer off the board
RP – Matt Capps (14.03)…………..the 26th closer off the board
RP – Octavio Dotel (15.10)………..the 28th closer off the board

So that’s it, I think I’m a little light on speed, but a late round flyer on a guy like Everth Cabrera could cure that, I have a bunch of HR/R/RBI, and I think my BA will be fine. I have a lot of question marks on my staff, but so much upside it’s silly. I’d take this roster to battle any day.
Pogotheostrich says:

February 6, 2010 at 12:54 pm

If Hamilton is a complete bust then it could blow up in my face but I’d say that is more or less true of any 4th round pick. I’m curious what offensive categories I’m looking weak? I thought I was short on SB earlier in the draft so I have two burners on the bench. Maybe I’m just over estimating Hamilton, Markakis and Butler.

C – Mike Napoli
1B – Albert Pujols
2B – Jose Lopez
SS – Ryan Theriot
3B – Chipper Jones
OF – Josh Hamilton
OF – Nick Markakis
OF – Shance Victorino
UT – Billy Butler

BN – Julio Borbon
BN – Alex Gordon
BN – Alcides Escobar
BN – Jermaine Dye
Pogotheostrich says:

February 6, 2010 at 1:05 pm

BTW if I had to pick one team other than my own I like teddy ballgames team. I think he could use some more speed and I’m not in love with the RP but it looks good.
AquaMan2342 says:

February 6, 2010 at 1:33 pm

C – Miguel Montero
1B – Ryan Howard
2B – Robinson Cano
SS – Jose Reyes
3B – Michael Young
OF – Adam Lind
OF – Shin-Soo Choo
OF – Michael Bourn/Raul Ibanez
UTIL- David Ortiz

BN- Cameron Maybin
BN- Jason Heyward
BN- JJ Hardy

SP- Zack Grienke
SP- Chris Carpenter
SP- Ricky Nolasco
RP- Jose Valverde
RP- Neftali Feliz
P- Ted Lilly
P- Wade Davis
P- Clay Buchholz

I feel like my team hinges on Ortiz’s production. If he can hit the way he did after May last season, I really like my mix of power and speed mixed with great glue players (Choo, Young, Cano) after that. As far as pitching goes I personally think my rotation dwarfs everybody else’s (although Fleshner has a better Lincecum/Lee 1-2). I didn’t do enough with saves but there are so many closing jobs in question right now I’d just vulture anyways.

EDIT: I also love getting Heyward. Everything says he will be in Atlanta starting day, and there’s so many comparisons of him to Griffey that I don’t understand why someone wouldn’t have taken that chance a round or two before I did.
AquaMan2342 says:

February 6, 2010 at 1:44 pm

FWIW, I like teddy’s and BP (except for Werth) the most. Besides my own.
The Artful Dodger says:

February 6, 2010 at 4:51 pm

C – Geovany Soto (13.04)
1B – Chris Davis (14.09)
2B – Chase Utley (1.04)
SS – Jimmy Rollins (3.04)
3B – Chone Figgins (7.04)
OF – Grady Sizemore (2.09)
OF – Curtis Granderson (4.09)
OF – Manny Ramirez (6.09)
UTIL – Alex Rios (11.04)

SP – Johan Santana (5.04)
SP – Clayton Kershaw (8.09)
RP – Joakim Soria (9.04)
RP – Brian Fuentes (12.09)
P – Chad Billingsley (10.09)
P – John Danks (15.04)
P – Rick Porcello (16.09)

BN – Adam Laroche (17.04)
BN – Johnny Damon (18.09)
BN – Johnny Cueto (19.04)
BN – Brian Matusz (20.09)
BN – Lastings Milledge (21.04)

I’m lukewarm about my team, but seeing how this is the first draft of the season, I treated it as a feeling-out draft. I only took 2-3 players off the top of my head that was on my target list and let the rest go.

The only regret I have is not taking a top 1B, but that was also in due part to my fallback 1B options dwindling. I was really banking on Adrian Gonzalez, for example, to last at my early 3rd round pick. I think I could use some reliable power and I have a few risks in that regard. All in all, not a bad run.
teddy ballgame says:

February 6, 2010 at 6:18 pm

Thanks for the comments, guys. I would have liked to get a stronger RP, but the closer run coincided with where I was planning on taking my RP from the beginning, so there was nothing I could do at that point. Overall though, I’m definitely pleased with how this draft turned out for me.
B-Chad says:

February 6, 2010 at 10:37 pm

C- Brian McCann- happy to have an elite catcher
1B- Kendry Morales- if I can’t get one of the premier 1B I’m happy taking Morales
2B- Placido Polanco- just a placeholder for Beckham, would be a free agent after Beckham gained eligibility at 2B if this were played out
SS- Hanley Ramirez- Slam dunk second pick
3B- Ryan Zimmerman- love Zim filling 3B as he is among the best at the position
OF- Justin Upton- tantalizing power and put up surprisingly good SB totals last year. If he keeps making contact growth he’ll be even better!
OF-Andrew McCutchen- Risky pick with McCutchen, but his contact rate and walk rate after getting called up, coupled with his awesome speed were enough to sell me.
OF-Juan Pierre- Regular AB’s starting in Chicago should net him 50+ SB’s. Toss in a .300 AVG and 90+ runs if he leads off for the White Sox and I see him ending up on a lot of my teams this year.
UTIL- Matt Wieters- Reach, without question. I made the pick for a couple reasons though: 1) Was curious to see how my team would turn out with two potentially elite catching options. I hate giving away the games at catcher in roto leagues, so a bit of experimenting, and I think his bat is good enough to play in UTIL if he takes a step forward this year anyways. 2) Wanted to see if this would spark a run on the middle tier catchers like Posada, Montero, etc.

SP-Jon Lester- Thrilled with him as my ace, nice GB rate, K-rate is awesome and BB-rate is really good.
SP-Jake Peavy- Seemed like a nice value where I got him, certainly the move from PETCO will hurt him, but his K-potential is awesome, and he pounds the zone so his WHIP should be awesome.
RP-Huston Street- he’s my first closer rated outside of the “elite” territory, so I’ll gladly take him
RP-Billy Wagner- looked good coming back from injury, and long track record of dominance means I’m willing to gamble a bit on completely healthy return.
P- Bobby Jenks- Ozzie and Matt Thornton worry me, but Jenks did fine last year. If he’s healthy, should be a great option as a RP 3.
P- Gavin Floyd- Floyd is a big part of the reason I’ll be waiting to draft SP’s a bit. Took steps forward in K-rate, BB-rate and GB rate. Definitely think he’s flying under the radar… which is a-okay by me!
P- Ryan Dempster- Dempster, much like Floyd, is another nice GB with a healthy K-rate. He is a player that had fallen under my radar until I’d done some further digging in draft prep… flying under my radar no longer.

BN- Gordon Beckham (with the intention being that he’ll play 2B for me 5 games in)- Love him at 2B, solid contact and walk rates as a rookie last year. I think he’s got a shot to post something like a 20 HR 10 SB season with a nice AVG and strong run and RBI totals hitting in the heart of the Chi-Sox order
BN- Francisco Liriano- Probably could have waited a little longer, but the strong reports from winter ball will likely drive his MDP as we approach real drafts, and Liriano is a lotto ticket I’d like to try and cash
BN- Travis Snider- Wanted an OF with some power potential… hello Travis Snider.
BN- Marc Rzepczynski- Probably could have gone undrafted, but his K-rate and GB-rate are tantalizing. BB-rate was high, which is partly to credit for his high K-rate, so I’ll take the bad with the good at this point.
BN- J.D. Drew- Can’t ever seem to stay healthy, but such a solid hitter when he is. I definitely like the production I can get from Drew + free agent in the last round.

Not sure if I love how I got there, but pleased with my mix of speed and power from my bats, and no AVG black holes. Pitching has some risk, but I think the depth is good, and like having 3 relatively stable closers.

Looking at the other rosters, I like a lot of Teddys, but curious bench with no bats considering the level of talent from his top 3 SP’s. I like Aqua’s roster a good deal too, but wouldn’t feel comfortable with just the one closer or Michael Young at 3B. Otherwise like the makeup of the team a lot, and if Big Papi brings some thump, he’ll have a serious blend of power and speed.

Good mock, and a lot of fun. Looking forward to hopefully partaking in some more as they are a great draft prep tool.
BitterDodgerFan says:

February 7, 2010 at 6:07 pm

not really happy with my picks of mark reynolds and derek jeter but i felt the position tier too big of a drop-off if i waited too long at 3B and SS. i was hoping to get wright but when he got taken i had to grab the last upper tier 3B in reynolds. then i was planning on rollins when he got taken forcing me to take jeter to secure myself with a decent SS.
Dan Lambskin says:

February 8, 2010 at 8:18 pm

i’m fairly happy with the team…if i had to do it again i’d probably pass on Ellsbury for Rollins and go after SB later, especially as late as some guys fell

C – Benji Molina – in a 1C league i’m probably waiting until the end…even if the guy doesnt work out you can likely find a decent replacement or play the hot hand
1B – Adiran Gonzalez – AVG leaves a little to be desired, could be a beast if he gets dealt
2B – Aaron Hill – somewhat skeptical but past (albeit injury plagued) seasons show last year wasnt a fluke
SS – Alexei Ramirez – 20-20 could be there but kind of wish i would have waited
3B – Alex Rodriguez – not really another option
OF – Jacoby Elsbury – if i had to do it over again i go Rollins
OF – Carlos Quentin – if he’s healthy he could post MVP numbers
OF – Brad Hawpe – crowded OF, could get 1B elegibility. likely trade candidate could boost his numbers
UTIL – Vernon Wells – i’ll play him when he’s hot, bench him when he’s not

SP – Justin Verlander – i think he’s fianlly turned the corner for good…logged a ton of innings though
SP – john Lackey – should be starting the season healthy…move to AL East could hurt his numbers though
RP – Jonathon Papelbon – dont mind getting a stud closer where i took him
RP – David Aardsma – worried he’ll keep the job, but lots of later closers have even more ?’s
P – Max Scherzer – move to Comeria=good, move to AL=maybe not so good
P – Aaron Harang – coming of a few hard luck seasons…should help more than he hurts
P – Frank Francisco – i cant think of anything to say here

BN – Ryan Ludwick – was looking for some late power
BN – Colby Rasmus – taking a chance he breaks out
BN – Franklin Guiterrez – should be good for 15-15
BN – Trevor Cahill – not sure he’ll make enough of an impact, probably my 1st player cut
BN – Randy Wolf – not a bad bench option
ayebatter says:

February 17, 2010 at 1:07 pm

Looks like there should be some Cafe members sportin’ new ‘mock icons’.