Help with minor league draft

[JRM4833]

For a number of reasons, in my 18 team auction league this year I decided to play 100% for the future for fun. I've made a number of trades to stack up on prospects and minor league draft picks. I need help with my 3rd rounder now. Here is my team and my minor league roster after 37 picks:

C - Javy Lopez - $28
1b - Justin Morneau - $25
2b - Keith Ginter - $1
3b - Garrett Atkins - $1
SS - Russ Adams - $1
RF - Burnitz - $2
CF - Damon - $20
LF - Wilkerson - $19
Util - David Dejesus - $5

P - Ben Sheets - $34
P - L Hernandez - $9
P - B Wagner - $24
P - Luis Ayala - $2
P - Adam Eaton - $4
P - Randy Wolf - $5
P - Tony Armas, Jr. - $1
P - Matt Mantei - $1
P - Miguel Batista - $7

BN - Hee Sop Choi - $1
BN - Adam LaRoche - $1
BN - Nick Johnson - $2
BN - Rickie Weeks - $11
BN - Joey Gaigthright - $5

Minor League Roster:
1. Felix Hernandez
2. Ian Stewart
3. Prince Fielder
4. Stephen Drew
5. Chris Nelson
6. Jeff Niemann
7. Adam Miller

Cap remaining: $24
$27 cap space traded

Here's the draft so far:

1. Delmon Young-OF-Tampa Bay
2. Felix Hernandez SP - SEA
3. Daric Barton-1b/C Oakland
4. Joel Guzman-SS-Dodgers
5. Ian Stewart-3b-Col
6. Andy Marte 3B Atlanta
7. Prince Fielder 1B Milwaukee
8. Matt Cain SP San Francisco
9. Lastings Milledge, of, Mets
10. Jeff Francoeur, OF Braves
11. Brandon McCarthy - SP - White Sox
12. Huston Street RP Oakland
13. Hanley Ramirez-SS-Boston
14. Jared Weaver SP Angels
15. Chad Billingsley SP Dodgers
16. Kendry Morales 1B/OF/DH
17. JJ Hardy SS Brewers
18. Ervin Santana
19. Yusmeiro Petit SP Mets
20. Stephen Drew-SS-?Arizona?
21. Kyle Davies RHP Atlanta
22. Chris Nelson SS Colorado
23. Ian Kinsler-2b/SS Tex
24. Mike Hinckley, P, Nationals system
25. Jeff Neimann-SP-TB
26. Jason Kubel-OF-Min
27. Jeremy Hermida OF, FLA
28. Jose Capellan SP Brewers
29. Zack Duke SP Pirates
30. Felix Pie OF Cubs
31. Carlos Quentin Diamondbacks
32. Skipped - 24 hour limit
33. Clint Everts SP Nationals
34. Skipped - 24 hour limit
35. Adam Miller SP Indians
36. Brian McCann - ATL
37. Mark Teahan - KC

Who do you think I should grab at this point? I was thinking possibly Homer Bailey, hoping that 2 of my SPs would eventually become studs. Would that be going to SP crazy? Also looking at Jeff Mathis simply because of his position. Also looking at Eric Duncan, Edwin Encarncion, Cole Hamels, Brian Dopirak, Brian Anderson, etc..

Any help would be very appreciated. Thanks.

[2k4cubs]

I like Hamels out of the guys you ranked.

[warrick95]

JRM,

A question or two...

First, what are the keeper implications of this league? How would the draft next year work out if you decided to keep more of the players? The main point I'm getting at is...what's a better idea...taking higher ceiling prospects farther away from the majors, or those closer? Catcher is a very scarce position, but if you're able to secure an early draft pick for next season, taking Jeff Clement (USC) after he gets drafted isn't a bad option. I like Jeff Mathis quite a bit, but he did take steps backwards last year. If this is not an option...well...that definitely makes Jeff Mathis a more intriguing pick.

Cole Hamels and Homer Bailey are both exceptional pitchers. To be honest, I'm rather surprised that Hamels has lasted that long. I thought somebody would reach for him early, not even caring about his injury situation. Homer Bailey is farther away, although he's polished for a prep product. He K'd two per frame in his HS senior year, too.

Pitchers really never are too much of a sure thing, so a surplus of them isn't a horrible idea at all, if you're going to splurge somewhere.

By the way, is there any way for you to swing a deal for Joe Mauer?