Lots of changes in the order of things in the first round since my last mock draft, so I thought I'd update things a little. Here is how I see things going down:
1. New Jersey Refuse Rehabilitation Clinic of Wisconsin: Evan Longoria
This is a stone cold lock. Storlie would be a fool to take anyone else.
2. Julian Javelina: Ryan Zimmerman
There has been speculation that I would take Votto here. While he is enticing for sure, there are always 1B to be found in this league; 3B is much harder to fill in my opinion (unless you collect them like Berg). Zimmerman is my pick, book it.
3. Michigan Miracles: Ian Kinsler
I always thought Renner would take Kinsler, and his trading Uggla just cinches it for me. Much like when he took Rios, he's drafting based entirely on upside here. That can get you in trouble (see: Rios), but I think it works out for Renner. A solid 3-year guy at a tough position to fill.
4. Carolina Yankees: Joey Votto
We know Wofford won't take a Red Sox with his first pick, so Youk is not an option. There have been rumors about him taking a SP here, but I think that's a smoke screen. His best two options if things pan out as expected are either Votto or Phillips. Phillips represents more of a need, but with Berkman getting older (34 in two weeks) and showing some wear and tear, Votto seems like the way to go.
5. South Texas Heat: Brandon Phillips
Berg wants Votto, wouldn't mind Youk, but needs Phillips for the long haul with Zobrist a FA at the end of the year. He already has a lot of interchangeable parts at 1B/3B/DH, so I think Berg feels comfortable taking the 25/25 2B and locking him up for three years.
6. Dallas Rebirds: Zack Greinke
Doyel has Ryan Howard under contract, he just traded Brandon Webb, and he has historically valued pitching over offense. Oh, happy day - Steve gets his man. I'm guessing me moves to keep him around for at least three years, too.
7. Springfield Flying Squirrels of Republic: Kevin Youkilis
Springfield would do well to get Youk here and play him at 3B. I don't think he takes a pitcher here, and he'll value the best available bat. Hard to argue with a 25-30 HR 3B/1B/UTIL guy at #7. Votto doesn't make sense because of the presence of Tex here, but I wouldn't rule it out entirely.
8. Mid Michigan Tigers: Justin Verlander
This could really be Verlander, Haren, Felix - all are of similar skill sets. Something tells me the "Michigan" in Keith convinces him to grab Verlander while he can. This would give him a top three of Lee, Verlander, Dempster - not bad.
9. North Texas Rangers: Andre Ethier
Adrian is so predictable. He clearly traded up here hoping for one of three scenarios to develop - (1) Votto falls to 9, (2) swing a deal with Renner for a shot at Kinsler, (3) swing a deal with Berg or Wofford for a shot at Votto. Just a hunch, but none of the above happens here. He stays put and opts to get the best young power hitter available at this spot. Ethier will get a three year deal from Adrian as soon as he sets foot on North Texas.
10. Encinitas Beach Bums: Felix Hernandez
I think Darren takes Felix here no matter what. He's building for 2011 and 2012 right now, so taking guys like Carlos Lee, Ichiro, or Abreu don't make sense because they are all aging some. Felix is young, strong, and there isn't any uncertainty about what he'll be two or three years down the line.
11. Wisconsin Brewers: Carlos Lee
Storlie probably wanted Andre Ethier here, but he's not available. He doesn't need pitching with Peavy, Cain and Lilly under contract. He does need another solid outfielder. Abreu and Ichiro don't provide enough power for him, so he goes with a familiar face. Lee is a little risky as a 3-year guy in my opinion, but not enough to preclude Storlie from making him one.
12. Encinitas Beach Bums: Adam Jones
I think Darren takes Jones and slaps a 3-year contract on him. Jones has a lot of promise, but is still figuring things out. His power is still developing, and he doesn't run as much as some would like. I think he ascends to 20/20 this year and bares a similarity to Mike Cameron, just with a higher average. I am not sure he has the power to hit more than 25, but time will tell.
13. Olivet Killer Eagles: Dan Haren
Yet another team sticking with a familiar name. Haren is a stud, and will make for a killer 1-2 punch atop Larry's rotation. This is another SP who get land a 3-year contract.
14. Julian Javelina: TBD
Plenty to choose from here. I could land a stud SP, a promising young 1B, a good outfielder. Only time will tell.
15. New Jersey Mets: Brian Roberts
I think pitching makes the most sense, and is a clear need for Mike, but he will go with his favorite 30+ 2B. Not that he's a bad pick, but more of a 2-year guy at this point.
16. ES Blacksox: Tommy Hanson
Hanson might be the hottest name heading into this draft. He's young, gets plenty of hype, and has great stuff. Like I said, ES has a history or taking exciting young pitchers toward the middle or bottom of round one (Felix, Hamels). I think he snags Hanson here without hesitation.
3 comments:
Not bad Hoyle. I still think it would be hard for Keith to pass up on OF. His glaring weakness despite all those contracts.... Maybe Keith would hint if he would actually show his face around these parts!
Like a lot of the low active owners they still feel the draft is the only way they can improve and as I posted in my blog you see constant patterns from the less active. Mainly cause every 3 years you lose almost everybody if you don't make moves before its to late.. What people don't understand and I think this is part of the problem. They feel like they are LOSING a player when in reality all they are doing is adding a draft pick and replacing him. Now your not going to get full value for your guys as most TRY right Hoyle ;)?? Still if you know your shit you might be able to...People slip all the time.
I don't think I am the only one why tries to get full value - am I, Reynolds? :) Some who shall remain nameless even try to get full value x 2...
That said, I do think most would agree I am generally reasonable. I am willing to reduce expectations if it makes sense for me to do so.
Post a Comment