2011 Draft Recap - Rounds 8-20

Round 8: Pick 8.1 - Sergio Romo, RP

Though not considered an 'elite' set-up man, Romo fills the eighth inning role on the defending World Champions. He is extremely durable and consistent and has nasty stuff., averaging moe than a K/IPHe should help in nearly ERA, WHIP, K, H.

Projections: 2.50 ERA, 4 W, 25 H, 60 IP, 70K

Round 8: Pick 8.13 - Ryan Madson, RP

Like Romo, Madson bridges the gap between the middle relievers and closer on one of the best teams in the NL. He is as durable and consistent as a reliever can be. Like Romo he should help in ERA, WHIP, K and H. He may also sneak in a few saves.

Projections: 2.65 ERA, 4 W, 20 H, 65 IP, 75 K, 5 S

Round 9: Pick 9.13 - Will Venable, OF

As the sixth OF, Venable will provide a great deal of speed and a little power. Like Torres, he would very well find himself earning regular playing time if he shows he can be consistent. He's shown the ability to provide ample speed and power, he just needs to stay healthy.

Projections: .260, 16 HR, 65 RBI, 35 SB, 60 R, 60 BB

Round 10: Pick 10.13 - Clayton Richard, SP

Though not overpowering or extremely noteworthy, Richard makes for the ideal #5 starter. He's durable, has pretty good stuff, and rolls a ton of ground balls. He also misses a decent number of bats. His main issue is his command. He could take a big step forward if he can be more efficient with his pitches and reduce the walks.

Projections: 195 IP, 3.95 ERA, 13 W, 160 K, 1.35 WHIP

Round 11: Pick 11.13 - Takashi Saito, RP

The Brewers are a trendy pick in the NL Central with the arrival of Greinke, and Saito figures to pitch the eighth inning most nights the Brewers have a lead. He's battled injuries recently, but had a great year last season in Atlanta and has undeniably nasty stuff. He will contribute healthy ERA, WHIP, K and H totals - and could potentially figure into save situations if Axford struggles.

Projections: 75 IP, 2.75 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 85 K, 25 H

Round 12: Pick 12.13 - Jonathon Neise, SP

One of the lone pitching bright spots for the Mets last year; Neise is young, improving rapidly and capable of being pretty darn good. Like Richard he isn't overpowering, but he misses a fair number of bats and gets ground balls. Should be a nice upside pick as my sixth starter.

Projections: 178 IP, 11 W, 4.15 ERA, 155K, 1.30 WHIP

Round 13: Pick 13.13 - Darren O'Day, RP

This pick came down to O'Day, Belisle and one or two others. Ultimately, I felt O'Day was in the best position to get the most hold opportunities on a potential contender - even if he doesn't strike people out. He's not overpowering or exciting; just effective. The one concern here is guy who rely on deception as much as he does tend to have shorter shelf-lives (see: Meredith, Cla).

Projections: 65 IP, 2.75 ERA, 46 K, 26 H, 1.05 WHIP

Round 15: Pick 15.13 - Alexi Casilla, 2B/SS

I was concerned the reserve middle infielders were about to fly off the board, so I took the guy I felt had the best opportunity to earn regular time and surprise some people this year. The timing turned out to be perfect. He should play SS for the Twins and have an opportunity to steal some bases and score some runs. He'll provide valuable depth at 2B and SS.

Projections: .275, 4 HR, 35 RBI, 25 SB, 70 R

Round 16: Pick 16.13 - AJ Pierzynski, C

Nothing special here, just a solid veteran catcher to back up Soto. One thing about AJ, he's pretty consistent.

Projections: .265, 9 HR, 56 RBI, 40 BB, 40 R

Round 17: Pick 17.13 - Brandon Belt, 1B

This amounts to taking a flyer on a top prospect. No position for him now, but there is a good chance the Giants need him to replace Huff or Burrell at some point this year. Hopefully he "Posey's" his way into the lineup by June.

No Projections at this time.

Round 18: Pick 18.13 - Ryan Webb, RP

Big arm, good stuff, and pitching in a bullpen that sorely needs him. Needs to refine command and be more consistent, but has closer written all over him. Given Nunez's track record, Webb could find himself closing sometime this year. The strikeouts should come with experience.

Projections: 65 IP, 3.35 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 5o K, 20 H, 8-10 Saves

Round 19: Pick 19.13 - Lorenzo Cain, OF

One of the last everyday OFers on the board. Cain showed some promise in a late season cameo last year. Should help some in Avg, SB, R, and maybe BB. Just depth with some upside.

Projections: .285, 8 HR, 45 RBI, 25 SB, 70 R

Round 20: Pick 20.13 - Jeremy Guthrie, SP

Guthrie took a step forward last season, limiting his HR and pitching deeper into games. The stuff is there, expectations are fairly low. He's my seventh SP and the hope is I never or rarely have to use him. Just another durable guy who should give me 190-200 IP if needed.

Projections: 200IP, 12 W, 3.95 ERA, 125 K, 1.20 WHIP

Javelina Draft Recap: Rounds 1-7

With the first seven rounds of the 2011 Free Agent Draft nearly complete, it's time to take a look at the picks the Javelina have made and how they might impact the team going forward.

Round 1: No Pick

This pick was traded to Olivet for Andre Ethier in a move that should sure up the Javelina outfield for the next 2-3 years.

Round 2: Pick 2.1 - Kelly Johnson, 2B

The Javelina were aggressive in trading up in the second round, always intending to select Johnson in this slot. Johnson figures to provide above average production for a second baseman in every category except stolen bases. He will receive a 2-year contract from the organization.

Projections: .275, 20 HR, 75 RBI, 75 BB, 10 SB, 85 R.

Round 3: No Pick

This pick was traded to the Oviedo Knights in a deal involving Alfonso Soriano.

Round 4: Pick 4.14 - Ryan Dempster, SP

The plan all along was to target a SP who could provide 190+ quality innings and help in all categories. The team was pleased to find Dempster still sitting there in this slot, who should make an excellent #3 behind Gallardo and Weaver. He will receive a 2-year contract from the club.

Projections: 195 IP, 3.75 ERA, 14 W, 185 K, 1.30 WHIP

Round 5: Pick 5.3 - Gio Gonzalez, SP

Gio was one of two or three starting pitchers the club was targeting with this pick, so they were pleased to get him. The young lefty enjoyed a breakout 2010 season, posting best totals in IP, ERA, W, K and WHIP. Look for the 25-year old fireballer to refine his command in 2011 and build on last season. He will receive a 2-year contract.

Projections: 205 IP, 3.50 ERA, 13 W, 180 K, 1.25 WHIP

Round 5: Pick 5.13 - Scott Rolen, 3B

Though not a star anymore, Rolen is still very productive and should put up good numbers playing another season in Cincy. He's clutch RBI man and will hit for a solid average. He is not expected to receive a contract, but should play a key role in the DH/UTIL rotation. He'll also provide good insurance for star 3B Ryan Zimmerman.

Projections: .280, 21 HR, 85 RBI, 50 BB, 70 R

Round 6: Pick 6.13 - Ike Davis, 1B

Management was fairly surprised to find the budding 1B and former Sun Devil still available at this spot and decided it was time to pull the trigger. Like Rolen, Davis figures to receive plenty of time at the UTIL spot and provides solid insurance for Paul Konerko. He figures to help in the RBI and BB categories as the club waits for his power to develop. He will receive a 2-year contract.

Projections: .275, 22 HR, 80 RBI, 80 BB, 70 R

Round 7: Pick 7.13 - Andres Torres, OF

The former Javelina returns home. The club liked Torres for his speed and considered him a solid 5th OFer with the ability to contribute when needed. He could also figure into the UTIL rotation and might even supplant Alfonso Soriano depending upon how the later performs in the early going. His speed figures to prove valuable. He will not receive a contract.

Projections: .265, 15 HR, 60 RBI, 50 BB, 25 SB, 75 R

2001 eMLB Mock Draft #3

1. South Texas Heat: Prince Fielder, 1B

There is a great deal of chatter about Berg taking a SP to prepare for 2012, but I don't see it. Halladay may be the best player in this draft on some boards, but I am not a believer in drafting a pitcher #1 overall in a league driven by offense. It might make more sense to give Fielder a 3-year contract given the depth of next year's draft, but I'm guessing he gets a five year deal.

2. Mid Michigan Tigers: Tim Lincecum, SP

It could be Halladay or Lincecum here, but I think Lincecum's youth wins out. Though I am not a big believer in giving SP three year contracts, I think Lincecum gets one in this case. It's risky, but the rewards could be just a great.

3. Charlotte Orios: Chase Utley, 2B

There has been talk that Broskey would take a pitcher here, but I don't think so. I believe his last minute trade for Jimenez allows him to feel comfortable passing in Halladay and instead taking the star 2B. Utley is getting up there in age, but he'll probably get a 3-year deal in this spot.

4. San Antonio Fire Ants: Roy Halladay, SP

Sankey has a solid offensive core in place and needs pitching with Santana due to miss a few months to start the year. Halladay, Johnson, Santana would be a formidable 1-2-3 if Santana comes back healthy.

5. Olivet Killer Eagles: Adam Dunn, 1B

I think Larry traded up for Dunn, and I think he finds himself in an excellent spot to gamble a little. He can still get his man in Dunn here and play a little chicken with the next few picks to see if he can get Kemp or Werth at 9. In my opinion, what Larry does here has a big impact on the next 4-5 picks.

6. Arizona Desert Swarm: Matt Kemp, OF

I personally think Kemp is a little overrated (lazy) and is probably a better pick at 6 than he would have been in the top four. Loads of potential here, but I don't believe he 'gets it' enough to be a star. Still, a solid 3-year player for a team in need of outfield help.

7. Springfield Flying Squirrels: Jimmy Rollins, SS

Anson's plan comes together and he gets his SS.

8. Hackensack Bulls: Kendry Morales, 1B

Like I've said before, as much as Ben might like pitching, he'd be foolish not to take a bat of some sort here. Frankly, James Loney sucks. Morales makes all the sense in the world here and is a solid 3-year player.

9. Olivet Killer Eagles: Jayson Werth, OF

Larry's plan comes together and he gets the two guys he wanted most. I think Dunn is a better pick than Kemp at 5 because you know what you're getting, and I think Werth is a better all around fantasy player than Kemp. So Larry gambles and gets two great 3-year players, both of whom I believe are better players than Kemp.

10. Rochester Red Sox: CC Sabathia, SP

There is lots of speculation about Buccholz here - and I've bought into it - but I agree with Renner in that it doesn't make sense. There are five or six pitchers in this draft who are better than Buccholz right now, starting with the big fella. He can get Buccholz in the second round.

11. Rochester Red Sox: Derek Jeter, SS

It would kill Rich to take two Yankees here, but they are probably the best players on the board at this point. I don't think either Buccholz or Elsbury make sense this early.

12. Springfield Flying Squirrels: Mat Latos, SP

It comes down to Latos and Kershaw, and you can't really go wrong with either.

13. Olivet Killer Eagles: Clayton Kershaw, SP

With Latos and CC gone, Larry opts for Kershaw.

14. South Texas Heat: Carlos Santana, C

I don't buy Berg taking Alvarez here because I believe he can be had later. I know Berg is high on Santana and with the general lack of talent at C, I think he opts to fill that spot.

15. Dallas Red Birds: Mariano Rivera, RP

I don't really think anyone else makes sense for Doyel here. He pretty much has to take him to atone for the Soriano deal.

16. Hackensack Bulls: Heath Bell, RP

The last remaining stud closer is off the board to end the first round.

Javelina Complete Busy Winter Meetings

The Winter Meetings came to a close last night, which means it's time to recap the moves made by GM Jamie Hoyle and assess the impact those moves stand to have on the Javelina roster. The team made the following moves during the meetings:

Acquired Andre Ethier (3/12) for pick 1.13

Entering the meetings, Hoyle realized two things; he needed to improve his offensive core and most of his team stands to be draft-eligible after 2011. That made it imperative for the GM to add a potent bat who could team with Ryan Zimmerman beyond the 2011 season. Enter Ethier; a slugging outfielder who is just entering his prime. In the supposed 'post-steroid era', adding a corner outfielder capable of blasting 30 HR is no small feat. Ethier figures to remain a Javelina for the duration of his contract.

Acquired pick 5.03 for Francisco Corder0 (2/11)

Not particularly enamored with his duo of closers and in need of a few open contract spots, Hoyle decided it was time to clean out the bullpen. It's difficult to tell what the team will get with 5.03 at the moment, but it's probably safe to assume it will be either a starting pitcher or a bat of some kind.

Acquired pick 4.14 for Huston Street (2/11)

Again, the open contract spots and ability to extend two players trumped the need for two closers. Once again, the team is reasonably confident it should be able to secure a solid starting pitcher or offensive weapon at this point in the draft.

Acquired pick 2.01 and 8.01 for pick 2.13 and 4.13

For the Javelina, the ability to move up twelve slots in the second round of a thin draft was huge. They accomplished their goal, and their ability to secure an additional 4th round pick made the decision that much easier. It's safe to assume the team will draft offense in this part of the draft.

Acquired Alfonso Soriano for pick 3.13, 14.13, and Kyle Blanks (2/11)

With this move the Javelina successfully completed their 4-man outfield and managed to find a taker for young Kyle Blanks. The benefit of this deal is two-fold - first, the team acquired another outfielder capable of hitting 25+ HR; second they opened up a sixth contract spot which will enable them to offer two extensions following the 2011 season. Anytime a team can add that much offense and free up contracts, it's a win-win.

All-in-all, a very successful Winter Meetings for the Javelina. With his 4-man outfield complete and infield substantially so, Hoyle now finds himself in the enviable position of being able to draft the best player available rather than drafting based entirely on need. Hoyle figures to focus almost entirely on starting pitching and offensive depth with his remaining picks.

2011 eMLB Mock Draft #2

We've seen a number of first round picks traded back and forth during an eventful Winter Meetings, so it looks like it's time for another installment of my mock draft. Here is how I see things panning out...

1. South Texas Heat: Prince Fielder, 1B

Let's see - Berg traded a year of Hanley Ramirez and possibly two years of David Wright to gather enough ammo to trade up for that #1 pick; is there any doubt who he'll take. The big first baseman is his pick and is greeted with a brand-spanking new 5-year contract.

2. Mid Michigan Tigers: Roy Halladay, SP

I had Keith pegged for picking Matt Kemp all off-season, but he's been aggressive in trading for outfielders and is thin on SP. My guess is Keith snaps up Halladay and hands him a 3-year contract.

3. Charlotte Orios: Chase Utley, 2B

As usual, Chris Broskey has been extremely active in the Winter Meetings. His moves (also as usual) have seemed a little scatter-brained, but it looks like his plan is coming together. He winds up with Chase Utley at #3, which was his likely target all along.

4. San Antonio Fire Ants: Tim Lincecum, SP

I think this pick ultimately comes down to Lincecum and Kemp, and Sankey goes with the right-hander. I'd guess Lincecum is a lock for a 3-year contract.

5. Olivet Killer Eagles: Matt Kemp, OF

I think Larry traded up with designs on drafting Adam Dunn and was shocked to see Kemp still sitting there for him. After an internal debate Larry takes Kemp and gives him a 3-year contract.

6. Arizona Desert Swarm: Adam Dunn, 1B/DH

I frankly have no idea what Josh wants to do here, but he could use a long-term option at 1B and he needs some power. Dunn is the best option. Another option would be Kendry Morales.

7. Flying Squirrels of Republic: Jimmy Rollins, SS

Anson has filled most of his holes in the Winter Meetings, but a glaring hole remains at SS. I believe he pulled the trigger on the deal with Squire to ensure himself of landing Rollins. Does he risk the 3-year contract on Jimmy? My guess is yes.

8. Hackensack Bulls: Kendry Morales, 1B

Femmel is big on SP, but he's already got a good foundation on the mound. To put it simply, no fantasy owner worth his salt would be content relying on James Loney at 1B. Morales gets a 3-year contract.

9. Olivet Killer Eagles: Jayson Werth, OF

I have to believe the temptation to sure up his outfield is too much for Larry to ignore here. Werth gets a 3-year contract.

10. Rochester Red Sox: Clay Buccholz, SP

Ummm....duh. The biggest homer in the league locks up the Sox bright young SP the first chance he gets. No brainer. Is he confident enough to give him a 3-year contract?

11. Rochester Red Sox: CC Sabathia, SP

I think this pick probably comes down to two Yankees here - Sabathia and Jeter. Jeter is the bigger need, but Rich can't resist a chance to have Haren, Buccholz and Sabathia in the same rotation.

12. Flying Squirrels of Republic: Mat Latos, SP

This pick comes down to Latos and Kershaw, and you can't lose with either one. Anson just misses out on CC and opts for the hard-throwing right hander.

13. Olivet Killer Eagles: Clayton Kershaw, SP

Larry's plan works out and he gets a promising young SP with his third first round pick. Does he give him a 3-year contract?

14. South Texas Heat: Derek Jeter, SS

I have to believe Berg was hoping for either Latos or Kershaw to call to him, but he's content taking the top SS on the board. At 36, Jeter probably only warrants a 2-year deal.

15. Dallas Redbirds: Mariano Rivera, RP

Though he would probably disagree, Doyel almost has to take Rivera here to atone for his Rafael Soriano gaffe in the Winter Meetings. He can't afford to let anyone else grab Rivera.

16. Hackensack Bulls: Roy Oswalt, SP

Like I said earlier, Femmel loves his SP. Oswalt is arguably the best on the board at this point and would give Femmel a formidable 1-2-3 of Lester-Wainwright-Oswalt.

Julian Introduces Ethier, Soriano

After struggling to keep pace offensively for much of the 2010 season, Julian GM Jamie Hoyle decided early in the offseason he had to aggressively scour the trade market for players who could provide a little more thump to their lineup. The organization is confident they have addressed those needs with the additions of Andre Ethier and Alfonso Soriano.

Either, 28, owns a .291 career batting average and has averaged approximately 25 home runs and 89 runs batted in over the last three years. A graduate of Arizona State University, Ethier has proven himself to be a reliable run producer at the Major League level and excels in the clutch (.283, 20 HR, 191 RBI career with RISP). He is expected to hit third (between Choo and Zimmerman) in the Julian lineup.

"We're very excited to have Andre in Julian," exclaimed GM Jamie Hoyle. "He's a fine young player and a proven performer at this level. He and Zim should provide a formidable 3-4 tandem."

For his part, Ethier is excited to join a team coming off a winning season and a playoff run.

"They were good to me in Olivet," said Ethier. "But it's nice to know this team was in the playoffs last season and has a chance to go back. There is a lot of talent here, it should be a fun season.

Soriano, 35, is a .277 career hitter who has averages 26 home runs and 70 runs batted in during his 12 year career. Soriano was at one time among the most feared power/speed combinations in baseball, but his speed has eroded with age and injury. Even without the speed, Soriano remains a power threat who is capable of carrying a team for 2-3 weeks during a hot streak. He will most likely hit somewhere near the bottom of the order.

"It was important to us to lock in our outfield heading into the draft," said Hoyle. "Alfonso helps lengthen our lineup with a little extra power. You can really never have enough guys capable of reaching the seats."

Soriano expressed excitement over his new surroundings in a brief, written statement.

"I am very excited to be in Julian and look forward to helping my team win," said Soriano. "This is very good team with championship goals, I just hope I can do my part to make that happen."

Report: Julian to Acquire OF Help

Sources within the organization have indicated that Julian Javelina GM Jamie Hoyle tonight is nearing an agreement on a deal that would bring in a fourth outfielder. It is believed the deal involves Hoyle trading a draft pick and Kyle Blanks in exchange for a power hitting outfielder. Stay tuned for updates as they become available.

Julian Announces Four Trades

The Julian Javelina have released a brief statement announcing four trades. The team has agreed to the following trades thus far:

Francisco Cordero (2/11) traded to Mid-Michigan Tigers for pick 5.3

Huston Street (2/11) traded to South Texas for pick 4.14

Andre Ethier (3/12) acquired from Olivet for pick 1.13

Picks 2.13 and 4.13 traded to Atlantic Surge for picks 2.1 and 8.1

The team is expected to issue press releases on each individual deal during the course of the Winter Meetings and still hopes to complete one or two more deals. Ideally the team would like to move outfielder Kyle Blanks and add one more contract in his place, presumably either a SP, 2B or OF.

Julian Trading Up?

There are whispers around eMLB that the Julian Javelina have agreed in principal to a trade that would move them near the top of the second round of the upcoming draft. Details have not yet been made available, but it's believed the Javelina have secured one of the first five selections in the second round.

Javelina Ready for Meetings

The Julian Javelina front office is ready for the start of the Winter Meetings. While unconfirmed, it is believed the team could announce as many as five trades before the Meetings close and the draft is opened. The team has not been shy about its desire to add offense prior to the draft, nor have they denied their interest in moving Francisco Cordero, Huston Street and Kyle Blanks. One thing is for sure - Julian is a hot bed of activity this winter.