Julian Javelina 2010 Free Agent Draft Recap

The Julian Javelina went into the 2010 Free Agent Draft knowing they needed to make a change. After several years of trying to win one year at a time with only sparing success, the Javelina staff decided it was time to build a team that could win over a 2-3 year extended period. In that vein, GM Jamie Hoyle set out to trade all his assets (and some of his dead weight) with an eye on the future. The end result was adding five extra draft picks, including four in the first six rounds. This is a recap of what he did with those picks.

Pick 1.2 - Ryan Zimmerman: Hoyle targeted Zimmerman from the get go with an eye on locking up a burgeoning young 3B and building his team around him. He got his man and will give the 25-year old a five year contract. Zimemerman will be the cornerstone of the offense, and is expected to provide healthy production in the BA, HR, RBI, BB, and R categories.

Pick 1.14 - Brian Roberts: When he laid out his draft plan, Hoyle did not expect to see a player the caliber of Brian Roberts sitting there for him in this spot. Imagine his surprise when Roberts was available. Roberts will provide top-end production at his position in the BA, R, BB, SB categories and also ample production in HR and RBI. There is speculation the 32-year old may be considered for a 3-year contract.

Pick 2.3 - Shin-Soo Choo: Hoyle's initial plan was to draft Gordon Beckham in this slot, but he also didn't anticipate taking Roberts at 1.14 and having a shot at Choo at 2.3. There was no hesitation in taking Choo, who will get a 2-year contract. Choo slipped due largely to his potential military service, but probably also because he doesn't have any one skill that stands out. Still, the Javelina will take his .290, 20 HR, 90 RBI, 80 BB, 20 SB, 80 R and, well, run with it.

Pick 2.14 - AJ Burnett: The Javelina staff originally planned on selecting a bat here, but they didn't expect to see Burnett still available. A pitcher of Burnett's quality was too good to pass up. He'll anchor an otherwise young staff on a 2-year deal.

Pick 3.3 - Jered Weaver: Prior to making their trades, the Javelina mapped things out and figured Weaver would be available at this spot. When he was, they took one of their favorite young pitchers without hesitation. Again, Weaver will get a 2-year deal and team up with Burnett atop the rotation.

Pick 4.3 - Francisco Cordero: Early on the Javelina anticipated having a shot at drafting upstart out fielder Carlos Gonzalez in this spot, and they didn't miss by much (he went at 3.10). With Gonzalez gone and no bats really standing out, the team opted to grab one of the four or five best closers in the draft. Cordero figures to anchor the bullpen on a 2-year contract.

Pick 5.3 - Adam LaRoche: Having traded Adrian Gonzalez and missed out on Billy Butler and Michael Cuddyer, the Javelina opted to take one of the few reliable 1B in this draft. LaRoche is a virtual lock for .275, 25 HR, 85 RBI, 70 R, 65 BB which, in a 1B-thin draft, is pretty good. LaRoche will not get a contract but a solid season could land him an extension.

Pick 5.14 - Josh Willingham: Like LaRoche, Willingham may not turn heads, but has proven productive when healthy. The team figures a full season of regular duty hitting in a lineup with Zimmerman and Dunn should allow him to approach familiar numbers; .270, 24 HR, 75 RBI, 65 R, 60 BB. Nothing special, but productive for a 4th outfielder. He will enter the season as a starter, but figures to battle for playing time with some younger players.

Pick 6.3 - Hideki Matsui: The bats were dwindling at this point in the draft, so the opportunity to grab a 25 HR, 90 RBI offensive player was too good to pass up. The team anticipated Matsui going somewhere in round 6, so they were planning on taking him here if available. Like LaRoche and Willingham, Matsui will not be offered a contract. His potent bat could be used as trade bait at the deadline depending on how the season develops.

Pick 6.5 - Mark DeRosa: DeRosa is the fourth in a run of five straight offensive picks. The team liked him here because of his productivity, but also because he provides depth and positional flexibility (OF, 1B, 3B, DH). He also will note receive a contract.

Pick 7.3 - Bengie Molina: The team felt pretty good about how their roster was shaping up at this point, didn't see any pressing needs, and decided to simply select the best available bat on their board. Molina will provide crucial depth at catcher should Soto not bounce back, but will not be offered a contract.

Pick 8.3 - Johnny Cueto: Cueto will serve as the team's #4 starter. His splits are not great, but his stuff is. He will not receive a contract, but a good season will put him in position to receive an extension. The team feels he is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential.

Pick 9.3 - Kyle Blanks: Young, powerful, and a fulltime player. This slugger, who hit 10 HR in less than 150 AB's last season, figures to play his way into an outfield spot (or DH) at some point. The team will be hoping he plays well and earns an extension slot.

Pick 10.3 - Todd Coffey: Solid if unspectacular set-up man. He'll help in a few categories.

Pick 10.15 - Daniel Bard: Reliever with closer potential. Should be a solid setup man.

Pick 11.3 - Joel Pineiro: Solid fifth starter on a contender. Should solidify the back of the rotation.

Pick 12.3 - Marco Scutaro: Returns to the team that made him a starter last year. Solid backup.

Pick 13.3 - Mike Adams: Nasty, nasty, nasty. Will provide HLD and K, could get some saves.

Pick 14.3 - Rafael Betancourt: Another reliable setup man. Should give the team a good pen.

Pick 15.3 - Jon Garland: Solid, durable, dependable 6th starter. Should provide 200 solid IP.

Pick 16.3 - Jake Fox: Big time power potential with PT. Figures to hit 20+ HR off the bench.

Pick 17.3 - Freddy Sanchez: Consistent 2B when healthy. Good backup.

Pick 18.3 - Ross Ohlendorf: Another innings eater to come off the bench. A little upside.

Pick 19.3 - Desmond Jennings: Hoping to "steal" some speed late. Probably won't make it out of ST, but worth a shot.

All in all, the Javelina had a pretty successful draft. They were able to secure some very nice building blocks for 2011 in the first four rounds. They spent a few rounds focusing on stability, depth and (hopefully) trade value. Then Hoyle was able to grab a couple promising young hitters and pitchers in the mid-to-late rounds. Julian will assign six contracts this year, and should have at least five possible extension-worthy players. Hoyle should also have some nice trade pieces to work with at the deadline.