My first fantasy draft ever

[JoshDJays]

I'm new to fantasy sports and pretty much new to baseball but here is my team. Any advice on where I can improve would be much appreciated. I showed up at the draft late (didn't make it til the 8th round). Another additional question, how many pitchers should I carry? Who could I afford to flip for a closer?

Roster Positions: C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, OF, OF, OF, Util, Util, SP, SP, RP, RP, P, P, P, BN, BN, BN, BN, DL

Stat Categories: R, H, HR, RBI, SB, BB, IP, W, SV, H, BB, K

1. (1) Albert Pujols 1B
2. (24) Carlos Lee OF
3. (25) Derek Jeter SS
4. (48) Bobby Abreu OF
5. (49) Garrett Atkins 3B
6. (72) Carlos Guillén SS (Who I am dealing for an arm, probably Dontrelle Willis, what do you think of that?)
7. (73) Rickie Weeks 2B
8. (96) Jered Weaver SP
9. (97) Ramón Hernández C
10. (120) Josh Beckett SP
11. (121) Scott Podsednik OF
12. (144) Barry Zito SP
13. (145) Brian Fuentes RP
14. (168) Adam LaRoche 1B
15. (169) A.J. Burnett SP
16. (192) Joel Zumaya RP
17. (193) Dave Bush SP
18. (216) Josh Willingham OF
19. (217) Jon Garland SP
20. (240) Dave Roberts OF
21. (241) B.J. Upton 3B

[johntudor]

Wow, I think you did a really good job given this was your first draft. I like just about everything, just a few changes I'd consider...

I'm not nuts about Podsednik as your 3rd OF but Willingham's nice insurance. Between the two of them you'll be okay.

If the Guillen for Willis deal doesn't go, Guillen's your best option to shop for a closer. If it does, I'd look at moving one of your SPs. You've already got good depth there and you'll have flexibility to deal. (I'd shop Weaver out of that group, that's just me.)

I'd consider dropping Roberts or Garland for another middle reliever for holds if any decent options are free agents.

Nice job; good luck!

[fortune cookies]

Your team looks really good. I especially like how you get Puljos, Jeter, Abreu, Atkins while your not even picking! I wouldn't give up Guillen for Willis. I would probably either trade for a closer (like Hoffman/Street) or trade for a better starter.

[JoshDJays]

Appreciate the feedback guys.

For a mid-reliever what kind of guys do you recommend? What do you think of Scot Shields for that role?

[bravelaker]

I would also put weaver out there to see if i could get a closer or maybe another starting pitcher.