Vlad vs. Manny

[Howie]

I was just wondering why Vlad is a consensus pick over Manny. Don't get me wrong, im a huge fan of Vlad, but the way i see things...

Runs: equal
HR: advantage Manny
RBI: advantage Manny
AVG: advantage Vlad
SB: advantage Vlad
Injury risk: advantage Manny (as he's not really an injury risk)

What are your guys opinions about this?

[pokerplaya]

I admittedly have chosen Vlad over Manny at pick three, but I do agree that you have good points. I guess it's just a feel pick, as I just keep expecting Manny to slow down considerably one of these years. I guess while Manny may be less of an injury risk, I just see Vlad as a 'safer' pick to put up .300 35 120 than Manny. But like I said, you do have a very valid point.

[Doughhead]

Good point. These guys are closer than some seem to think. I would also suggest that batting average isn't necessarily advantage Vlad.

[Pokey]

I was under the impression that Manny was the consensus pick over Vlad. That's how it should be, imo.

[orange12]

Alot that goes into Guerrero being drafted ahead of Manny is Vlad's potential. (Remember '01 and '02? Everyone expect him to be 40/40 one day.) When Vlad's healthy, his HR and RBI numbers are not that far off from Manny's but he bats alot higher and has greater speed as you mentioned. Also there's the issue of age. Vlad is still only 30 and in the prime of his career while Manny is a good 4 years older. At this point in Manny's career, people are going to draft cautiously knowing the inevitable years of decline can begin anytime in the next 2-3 years.

[thedude]

Good point. These guys are closer than some seem to think. I would also suggest that batting average isn't necessarily advantage Vlad.

Vlad ussaully has had slight edge in batting average the last few years. Last year was a slightly larger gap than normal.

I agree with the other people sentiments that Manny and Vlad are very close in value. Manny also of course has the risk that he could be traded midseason to a team with a weaker lineup.

[NZF]

All things being equal, Vlad should get another 50 AB's. Manny will sit for at least 10 games and maybe only PH in another 10.

At season's end that could prove the difference.

[dannyolbb]

Honestly, I'm picking Manny over Vlad this year. And I'm not taking either in my top 5 or 6.

[Yoda]

Vlad's younger and faster. If he plays a full season, he is better than Manny in Fantasy Baseball.

[baseballrich]

The reason Vlad is picked over Manny is 2 fold. First the SB is much greatr (imagined) with Vlad. Many believe he can stil steal 30. If I own him I hope he doesn't because of the injury factor. Second is the "head case factor". Again many believe that Manny will take a few games off (like he did a few years ago) if he gets ticked off - again. I do rank Vlad over Manny by 2 spots but you can't go wrong with either. PS - It's UNBELIEVABLE to see some of the pitches that Vlad hammers