Who are you targeting at each position? (1 Viewer)

[E-Z Glider]

Lets just assume 12-team, 5x5, mixed league. The league Im in is salary cap auction draft and we use OBP instead of AVG (so my picks will be skewed that way a bit).

Obviously you cant have one of the studs at each position, so who are you looking at as value picks? I'm not going to call them sleepers, but someone who is outside the top 5 that you think will outperform their value, and why?

Ill start with Catcher...

Chris Iannetta - slowly took over the catching duties last year and was pretty much the full time catcher by the end of the season. had nice numbers last year and should see more AB's this year.

Pablo Sandoval - has over 10 games at catcher last year so he qualifies in my league. 20+HR and 80+RBI potential out of a catcher isnt bad.

 

[Eephus]

Lets just assume 12-team, 5x5, mixed league. The league Im in is salary cap auction draft and we use OBP instead of AVG (so my picks will be skewed that way a bit).

Obviously you cant have one of the studs at each position, so who are you looking at as value picks? I'm not going to call them sleepers, but someone who is outside the top 5 that you think will outperform their value, and why?

Ill start with Catcher...

Chris Iannetta - slowly took over the catching duties last year and was pretty much the full time catcher by the end of the season. had nice numbers last year and should see more AB's this year.

Pablo Sandoval - has over 10 games at catcher last year so he qualifies in my league. 20+HR and 80+RBI potential out of a catcher isnt bad.

I think you're overstating the power potential of Sandoval. He's never hit for that kind of power in the minors. He's still a good option if he's C eligible in your league: the Giants need his bat in the lineup.

 

[MAC_32]

C - Sandoval and Ianetta are two of the three values highlighted on my sheet, with Napoli's shoulder issue driving his value back to reasonable levels I think he's become a value again too.

1B - Not much, Votto and Ryan Howard Light (Carlos Pena) are the only in the top 150 I see potentially turning a nice profit. Conor Jackson and Paul Konerko a bit later, if you want to get real nuts you can gamble on Hank Blalock's DH role keeping him healthy all year.

2B - Robinson Cano, Kelly Johnson, and Rickie Weeks (if your team can support his average)

SS - Jhonny Peralta, seems to be drafted after Furcal-Tulo-Drew-Young-Hardy-Jeter and his end value should be about the same. Hey, you're not drafting his defense! Felipe Lopez if you're looking deep - leading off for the DBacks and could put up a double double.

3B - Alex Gordon (post hype), Edwin Encarnacion (if he's mashing Dusty will keep sending his ####ty defense out there anyway), Mark Reynolds (see, Encarnacion)

OF - A lot, actually. I could list dozens, just cherry pick guys at the end of each tier...I'll list a few anyway. Jayson Werth (Corey Hart-like numbers several rounds later), Shin-Soo Choo, and Raul Ibanez. The end-game OF's are plentiful and quality too.

Any closer with a secure job drafted after pick 150.

Already did starters in the other thread, the one arm I'm trying to get in every league is Joba. So far I'm 3 for 4.

 

[pantagrapher]

A few of the guys I like were mentioned in this post today on Rotoworld, so I'll just quote:

Chase Utley, 2B. Second round? Yes please. My projection only calls for 525 ABs.Matt Kemp, OF. Fourth round is pretty early, but a strong AVG, 20 HR, and 30 SB puts him in the running for the top 5 outfielders. And who's to say a power breakout isn't on the way for the 24 year-old?Jay Bruce, OF. I think he can jack 30 HR and steal 10+. I'll take that in the ninth round.Chris Davis, 1B/3B. Sixth round, still like him. If he hits 30 HR with 100 RBI you won't regret buying the hype.Mike Napoli, C. 14th round, 20+ HR from the catcher spot. I like him even with a .248 AVG.Joey Votto, 1B. If you're going for a 1B in this 6-7th round tier, go for Votto's upside (and speed).Nelson Cruz, OF. Obviously I'd prefer him to go in the 20th round rather than the 11th. But the guy has a shot at 25 HR and 15 SB.Jayson Werth, OF. Similar story to Cruz, but he's going a little later in drafts.Ryan Doumit, C. Pretty solid starting catcher for the 11th round.Derek Jeter, SS. He's not what he once was, but he'll help you and is going around the 9th.Matt Wieters, C. Hype shouldn't necessarily scare you off. Give me 375 ABs of Wieters and a month of replacement level and it was easily worth an 11th round pick.Kelly Johnson, 2B. As an 18th round pick he still doesn't get proper respect.Mark Reynolds, 3B. Does .259-28-85-85-8 work for you? That'd be worth more than a lot of 3Bs going before him (Reynolds goes in the 22nd).Adam Jones, OF. I'll board this bandwagon, love the power/speed types and he's going in the 16th.Felipe Lopez, 2B. Any 2B power/speed guy deserves better than the 27th. And it's always nice to play your home games in Arizona.Ramon Hernandez, C. Nice value in the 22nd round, moving to Cincy.Ryan Spilborghs, OF. Double digit power speed possibility, undrafted in most leagues.Adam LaRoche, 1B. Maybe the cheapest 25 HR you'll find on draft day. Can he shake the slow starts for his contract year?Justin Upton, OF. My projection for him isn't amazing, but can't you just see him going crazy? It's only a 19th round pick.Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C. Another where my gut feel beats my projection. Might be ready for a breakthrough.

 

[E-Z Glider]

Lets just assume 12-team, 5x5, mixed league. The league Im in is salary cap auction draft and we use OBP instead of AVG (so my picks will be skewed that way a bit).

Obviously you cant have one of the studs at each position, so who are you looking at as value picks? I'm not going to call them sleepers, but someone who is outside the top 5 that you think will outperform their value, and why?

Ill start with Catcher...

Chris Iannetta - slowly took over the catching duties last year and was pretty much the full time catcher by the end of the season. had nice numbers last year and should see more AB's this year.

Pablo Sandoval - has over 10 games at catcher last year so he qualifies in my league. 20+HR and 80+RBI potential out of a catcher isnt bad.

I think you're overstating the power potential of Sandoval. He's never hit for that kind of power in the minors. He's still a good option if he's C eligible in your league: the Giants need his bat in the lineup.

Last year he had 23 HR's spread over 3 levels, granted only 3 were above AA. I dont really expect him to get 20, but I think the potential exists. I also think he will have high RBI and Run totals if he produces because the Giants will find a way to keep his bat in the lineup if he's hitting. Only a handful of C's will go above 500AB's, and Sandoval could/should be one of them (again, if producing).

 

[Eephus]

Lets just assume 12-team, 5x5, mixed league. The league Im in is salary cap auction draft and we use OBP instead of AVG (so my picks will be skewed that way a bit).

Obviously you cant have one of the studs at each position, so who are you looking at as value picks? I'm not going to call them sleepers, but someone who is outside the top 5 that you think will outperform their value, and why?

Ill start with Catcher...

Chris Iannetta - slowly took over the catching duties last year and was pretty much the full time catcher by the end of the season. had nice numbers last year and should see more AB's this year.

Pablo Sandoval - has over 10 games at catcher last year so he qualifies in my league. 20+HR and 80+RBI potential out of a catcher isnt bad.

I think you're overstating the power potential of Sandoval. He's never hit for that kind of power in the minors. He's still a good option if he's C eligible in your league: the Giants need his bat in the lineup.

Last year he had 23 HR's spread over 3 levels, granted only 3 were above AA. I dont really expect him to get 20, but I think the potential exists. I also think he will have high RBI and Run totals if he produces because the Giants will find a way to keep his bat in the lineup if he's hitting. Only a handful of C's will go above 500AB's, and Sandoval could/should be one of them (again, if producing).

Agree. He'll be batting every day in the middle of the Giants' (anemic) batting order so the opportunities will be there. I just don't expect a lot of HRs.The worst case scenario is that he's really bad defensively at 3B and ends up in a timeshare at 1B.

 

[E-Z Glider]

1B

Joey Votto - his numbers were OK last year, but he spent most of the season batting 7th. by the end of the year he was hitting 3rd and killing the ball. he should spend the entire season in the heart of the order this year. unfortunately, i dont think he's a very well kept secret and you may have to overpay to get him, but i still think it will be worth it.

Carlos Pena - mainly because of our OBP rule, but he's still a legitimate power threat who I think will provide value.

Outside of the big 3, Ill probably keep an eye on Fielder due to his upside over guys like Teix (comfy new contract), Youk (power regression?), Berkman (getting old), Morneau (power regression), Lee (doesnt run anymore).

ETA - I also like Adam LaRoche, but he's 3B eligible in my league, so Ill get to him later.

 

[MrPhoenix]

ETA - I also like Adam LaRoche, but he's 3B eligible in my league, so Ill get to him later.

I think you're confused with his brother Andy.

 

[E-Z Glider]

ETA - I also like Adam LaRoche, but he's 3B eligible in my league, so Ill get to him later.

I think you're confused with his brother Andy.

Hmmmm. I think you're right. Adam should be undervalued at 1B, but not as attractive as he would have been at 3B.Anyone have any thoughts on Billy Butler? Any reason to believe he'll turn things around?

 

[Eephus]

ETA - I also like Adam LaRoche, but he's 3B eligible in my league, so Ill get to him later.

I think you're confused with his brother Andy.

Hmmmm. I think you're right. Adam should be undervalued at 1B, but not as attractive as he would have been at 3B.Anyone have any thoughts on Billy Butler? Any reason to believe he'll turn things around?

Butler hit pretty well after his stint in the minors last year (.305/.341/.476 post all-star break). He's probably not going to hit more than 20 HRs but should help in the other categories (except SBs). He could provide comparable numbers to Loney or C. Jackson (except SBs again). On the downside, a medium power 1B like Butler can turn into Lyle Overbay if he loses a little bit of AVG and a handful of HRs.

 

[MAC_32]

ETA - I also like Adam LaRoche, but he's 3B eligible in my league, so Ill get to him later.

I think you're confused with his brother Andy.

Hmmmm. I think you're right. Adam should be undervalued at 1B, but not as attractive as he would have been at 3B.Anyone have any thoughts on Billy Butler? Any reason to believe he'll turn things around?

Butler hit pretty well after his stint in the minors last year (.305/.341/.476 post all-star break). He's probably not going to hit more than 20 HRs but should help in the other categories (except SBs). He could provide comparable numbers to Loney or C. Jackson (except SBs again). On the downside, a medium power 1B like Butler can turn into Lyle Overbay if he loses a little bit of AVG and a handful of HRs.

Loney and Jackson should score a lot more runs than Butler too.

 

[Eephus]

ETA - I also like Adam LaRoche, but he's 3B eligible in my league, so Ill get to him later.

I think you're confused with his brother Andy.

Hmmmm. I think you're right. Adam should be undervalued at 1B, but not as attractive as he would have been at 3B.Anyone have any thoughts on Billy Butler? Any reason to believe he'll turn things around?

Butler hit pretty well after his stint in the minors last year (.305/.341/.476 post all-star break). He's probably not going to hit more than 20 HRs but should help in the other categories (except SBs). He could provide comparable numbers to Loney or C. Jackson (except SBs again). On the downside, a medium power 1B like Butler can turn into Lyle Overbay if he loses a little bit of AVG and a handful of HRs.

Loney and Jackson should score a lot more runs than Butler too.

I can see the argument for CoJack but not for Loney. Butler and Loney have comparable OBP and will probably both be batting in the 5-7 range of the order. The Dodgers scored 700 runs last year compared to 691 for the Royals.

 

[E-Z Glider]

ETA - I also like Adam LaRoche, but he's 3B eligible in my league, so Ill get to him later.

I think you're confused with his brother Andy.

Hmmmm. I think you're right. Adam should be undervalued at 1B, but not as attractive as he would have been at 3B.Anyone have any thoughts on Billy Butler? Any reason to believe he'll turn things around?

Butler hit pretty well after his stint in the minors last year (.305/.341/.476 post all-star break). He's probably not going to hit more than 20 HRs but should help in the other categories (except SBs). He could provide comparable numbers to Loney or C. Jackson (except SBs again). On the downside, a medium power 1B like Butler can turn into Lyle Overbay if he loses a little bit of AVG and a handful of HRs.

Loney and Jackson should score a lot more runs than Butler too.

I can see the argument for CoJack but not for Loney. Butler and Loney have comparable OBP and will probably both be batting in the 5-7 range of the order. The Dodgers scored 700 runs last year compared to 691 for the Royals.

so who are your value plays at 1B, Eephus?

 

[Eephus]

ETA - I also like Adam LaRoche, but he's 3B eligible in my league, so Ill get to him later.

I think you're confused with his brother Andy.

Hmmmm. I think you're right. Adam should be undervalued at 1B, but not as attractive as he would have been at 3B.Anyone have any thoughts on Billy Butler? Any reason to believe he'll turn things around?

Butler hit pretty well after his stint in the minors last year (.305/.341/.476 post all-star break). He's probably not going to hit more than 20 HRs but should help in the other categories (except SBs). He could provide comparable numbers to Loney or C. Jackson (except SBs again). On the downside, a medium power 1B like Butler can turn into Lyle Overbay if he loses a little bit of AVG and a handful of HRs.

Loney and Jackson should score a lot more runs than Butler too.

I can see the argument for CoJack but not for Loney. Butler and Loney have comparable OBP and will probably both be batting in the 5-7 range of the order. The Dodgers scored 700 runs last year compared to 691 for the Royals.

so who are your value plays at 1B, Eephus?

I like Konerko as a rebound candidate. He struggled through some injuries during the first half of 2008 but his second half stats were decent. Yahoo has him at #195 which seems pretty low.Adam Laroche (Yahoo #220) seems like a good value proposition. He'll hit in the middle of the order and should be good for 25+ HRs.Nick Johnson (#789), Helton (#899) and Chris Duncan (#991) are bargain basement guys who will produce if healthy. I wouldn't target them but if they're decent UT or BN options in most leagues (provided you have a DL slot).

 

[MAC_32]

ETA - I also like Adam LaRoche, but he's 3B eligible in my league, so Ill get to him later.

I think you're confused with his brother Andy.

Hmmmm. I think you're right. Adam should be undervalued at 1B, but not as attractive as he would have been at 3B.Anyone have any thoughts on Billy Butler? Any reason to believe he'll turn things around?

Butler hit pretty well after his stint in the minors last year (.305/.341/.476 post all-star break). He's probably not going to hit more than 20 HRs but should help in the other categories (except SBs). He could provide comparable numbers to Loney or C. Jackson (except SBs again). On the downside, a medium power 1B like Butler can turn into Lyle Overbay if he loses a little bit of AVG and a handful of HRs.

Loney and Jackson should score a lot more runs than Butler too.

I can see the argument for CoJack but not for Loney. Butler and Loney have comparable OBP and will probably both be batting in the 5-7 range of the order. The Dodgers scored 700 runs last year compared to 691 for the Royals.

How many runs/game did the Dodgers score after acquiring Manny vs. before the trade?I think Loney's in for a lot more R's scored with Ethier (300/365/485) and Blake (275/345/450) probably batting behind him than Butler is with Olivo/Buck (240/285/405) and Callapso (265/320/330) batting behind him.

 

[Eephus]

ETA - I also like Adam LaRoche, but he's 3B eligible in my league, so Ill get to him later.

I think you're confused with his brother Andy.

Hmmmm. I think you're right. Adam should be undervalued at 1B, but not as attractive as he would have been at 3B.Anyone have any thoughts on Billy Butler? Any reason to believe he'll turn things around?

Butler hit pretty well after his stint in the minors last year (.305/.341/.476 post all-star break). He's probably not going to hit more than 20 HRs but should help in the other categories (except SBs). He could provide comparable numbers to Loney or C. Jackson (except SBs again). On the downside, a medium power 1B like Butler can turn into Lyle Overbay if he loses a little bit of AVG and a handful of HRs.

Loney and Jackson should score a lot more runs than Butler too.

I can see the argument for CoJack but not for Loney. Butler and Loney have comparable OBP and will probably both be batting in the 5-7 range of the order. The Dodgers scored 700 runs last year compared to 691 for the Royals.

How many runs/game did the Dodgers score after acquiring Manny vs. before the trade?I think Loney's in for a lot more R's scored with Ethier (300/365/485) and Blake (275/345/450) probably batting behind him than Butler is with Olivo/Buck (240/285/405) and Callapso (265/320/330) batting behind him.

"A lot" is open to interpretation. OBP is the most important factor for Rs. PAs are just as important as the guys following i the batting order. Barring injuries, Loney is unlikely to work his way consistently into the heart of the order. If Butler is better than Guillen, Gordon or Jacobs, he could easily be batting 3rd or 4th.All things being equal, I prefer Loney but when you're talking about a difference of five rounds, I think Butler is the better value.

 

[MAC_32]

ETA - I also like Adam LaRoche, but he's 3B eligible in my league, so Ill get to him later.

I think you're confused with his brother Andy.

Hmmmm. I think you're right. Adam should be undervalued at 1B, but not as attractive as he would have been at 3B.Anyone have any thoughts on Billy Butler? Any reason to believe he'll turn things around?

Butler hit pretty well after his stint in the minors last year (.305/.341/.476 post all-star break). He's probably not going to hit more than 20 HRs but should help in the other categories (except SBs). He could provide comparable numbers to Loney or C. Jackson (except SBs again). On the downside, a medium power 1B like Butler can turn into Lyle Overbay if he loses a little bit of AVG and a handful of HRs.

Loney and Jackson should score a lot more runs than Butler too.

I can see the argument for CoJack but not for Loney. Butler and Loney have comparable OBP and will probably both be batting in the 5-7 range of the order. The Dodgers scored 700 runs last year compared to 691 for the Royals.

How many runs/game did the Dodgers score after acquiring Manny vs. before the trade?I think Loney's in for a lot more R's scored with Ethier (300/365/485) and Blake (275/345/450) probably batting behind him than Butler is with Olivo/Buck (240/285/405) and Callapso (265/320/330) batting behind him.

"A lot" is open to interpretation. OBP is the most important factor for Rs. PAs are just as important as the guys following i the batting order. Barring injuries, Loney is unlikely to work his way consistently into the heart of the order. If Butler is better than Guillen, Gordon or Jacobs, he could easily be batting 3rd or 4th.All things being equal, I prefer Loney but when you're talking about a difference of five rounds, I think Butler is the better value.

I don't disagree with that, I disagreed that he'd put up comparable numbers.

 

[E-Z Glider]

ETA - I also like Adam LaRoche, but he's 3B eligible in my league, so Ill get to him later.

I think you're confused with his brother Andy.

Hmmmm. I think you're right. Adam should be undervalued at 1B, but not as attractive as he would have been at 3B.Anyone have any thoughts on Billy Butler? Any reason to believe he'll turn things around?

Butler hit pretty well after his stint in the minors last year (.305/.341/.476 post all-star break). He's probably not going to hit more than 20 HRs but should help in the other categories (except SBs). He could provide comparable numbers to Loney or C. Jackson (except SBs again). On the downside, a medium power 1B like Butler can turn into Lyle Overbay if he loses a little bit of AVG and a handful of HRs.

Loney and Jackson should score a lot more runs than Butler too.

I can see the argument for CoJack but not for Loney. Butler and Loney have comparable OBP and will probably both be batting in the 5-7 range of the order. The Dodgers scored 700 runs last year compared to 691 for the Royals.

so who are your value plays at 1B, Eephus?

I like Konerko as a rebound candidate. He struggled through some injuries during the first half of 2008 but his second half stats were decent. Yahoo has him at #195 which seems pretty low.Adam Laroche (Yahoo #220) seems like a good value proposition. He'll hit in the middle of the order and should be good for 25+ HRs.Nick Johnson (#789), Helton (#899) and Chris Duncan (#991) are bargain basement guys who will produce if healthy. I wouldn't target them but if they're decent UT or BN options in most leagues (provided you have a DL slot).

Forgot about Nick Johnson. I actually like him a lot (high OBP guy). If he's healthy to start the season, Ill go after him.Hadnt really thought about Konerko. If he comes cheaply, I might take a chance.

 

[E-Z Glider]

2B

Im pretty set on paying for Utley here. i have him pegged for top 2B in 2009 and think the injury just helps me get him cheaper.

other guys I like

Alexei Ramirez - free swinger, reminds me of soriano.

Rickie Weeks - just make it a full season and the stats will be top 5

Ian Stewart - his lack of a clearly defined position makes him a must-buy in keeper leagues. he'll never go this cheaply again. i may even plug him in at 3B

Not really looking at much else. Asdubal Cabrera maybe? Barmes? Anyone else you like?

 

[Eephus]

2BIm pretty set on paying for Utley here. i have him pegged for top 2B in 2009 and think the injury just helps me get him cheaper.other guys I likeAlexei Ramirez - free swinger, reminds me of soriano.Rickie Weeks - just make it a full season and the stats will be top 5Ian Stewart - his lack of a clearly defined position makes him a must-buy in keeper leagues. he'll never go this cheaply again. i may even plug him in at 3BNot really looking at much else. Asdubal Cabrera maybe? Barmes? Anyone else you like?

I like Felipe Lopez (Yahoo #257). He could be a 15/15 guy with 80 Rs batting leadoff for Arizona. Brian Roberts is in tier of his own below the top four and above a bunch of guys with more question marks (Alexei, Uggla, Kendrick, etc.). Yahoo has him at #37 which seems about right but he'd be very good value if he slips a little into round #5.

 

[MrPhoenix]

I like Felipe Lopez (Yahoo #257). He could be a 15/15 guy with 80 Rs batting leadoff for Arizona.

I think for redraft leagues he's a fairly safe pick. He's playing on a 1 year contract and I think a good reason for his good performance after the Cards picked him up was because he was miserable playing for Washington.I think he'll have a bit of a chip on his shoulder still. When he signs a longer-term contract after the year, who knows.

 

[E-Z Glider]

2BIm pretty set on paying for Utley here. i have him pegged for top 2B in 2009 and think the injury just helps me get him cheaper.other guys I likeAlexei Ramirez - free swinger, reminds me of soriano.Rickie Weeks - just make it a full season and the stats will be top 5Ian Stewart - his lack of a clearly defined position makes him a must-buy in keeper leagues. he'll never go this cheaply again. i may even plug him in at 3BNot really looking at much else. Asdubal Cabrera maybe? Barmes? Anyone else you like?

I like Felipe Lopez (Yahoo #257). He could be a 15/15 guy with 80 Rs batting leadoff for Arizona. Brian Roberts is in tier of his own below the top four and above a bunch of guys with more question marks (Alexei, Uggla, Kendrick, etc.). Yahoo has him at #37 which seems about right but he'd be very good value if he slips a little into round #5.

Im seeing Roberts touted by some as the #1 2B in fantasy. I like him, especially in a contract year, but I cant imagine him slipping anywhere.I had Lopez last year. I like to hit-n-run with those types of players.

 

[Limp Ditka]

2BIm pretty set on paying for Utley here. i have him pegged for top 2B in 2009 and think the injury just helps me get him cheaper.other guys I likeAlexei Ramirez - free swinger, reminds me of soriano.Rickie Weeks - just make it a full season and the stats will be top 5Ian Stewart - his lack of a clearly defined position makes him a must-buy in keeper leagues. he'll never go this cheaply again. i may even plug him in at 3BNot really looking at much else. Asdubal Cabrera maybe? Barmes? Anyone else you like?

I like Felipe Lopez (Yahoo #257). He could be a 15/15 guy with 80 Rs batting leadoff for Arizona. Brian Roberts is in tier of his own below the top four and above a bunch of guys with more question marks (Alexei, Uggla, Kendrick, etc.). Yahoo has him at #37 which seems about right but he'd be very good value if he slips a little into round #5.

Im seeing Roberts touted by some as the #1 2B in fantasy. I like him, especially in a contract year, but I cant imagine him slipping anywhere.I had Lopez last year. I like to hit-n-run with those types of players.

Roberts signed an extension if I'm not mistaken

 

[trogg78]

2B- Brandon Phillips

 

[Eephus]

1.01 2B- Brandon Phillips

fixedSeriously, there are four elite 2B options in mixed leagues. Most lists have Phillips after Utley, Kinsler & Pedroia. Trogg: would you slot Phillips higher than any of these guys?

 

[trogg78]

1.01 2B- Brandon Phillips

fixedSeriously, there are four elite 2B options in mixed leagues. Most lists have Phillips after Utley, Kinsler & Pedroia. Trogg: would you slot Phillips higher than any of these guys?

I don't see what Hanley's got that BP doesn't, except a few points in average.

 

[trogg78]

1.01 2B- Brandon Phillips

fixedSeriously, there are four elite 2B options in mixed leagues. Most lists have Phillips after Utley, Kinsler & Pedroia. Trogg: would you slot Phillips higher than any of these guys?

I think Utley, Phillips and Kinsler are the top 3 2b. They could end the season in any order and I wouldn't be surprised. I don't think Pedroia should be in the conversation with them, but I do think Pedroia is a great second baseman.

 

[E-Z Glider]

Thoughts on Ian Stewart for this season?

 

[pantagrapher]

Thoughts on Ian Stewart for this season?

He's hitting well and someone told me he's 2B eligible on Yahoo. He was pretty up and down last season. I'm intrigued, but probably won't target him.

 

[Grahamburn]

A few of the guys I like were mentioned in this post today on Rotoworld, so I'll just quote:

Chase Utley, 2B. Second round? Yes please. My projection only calls for 525 ABs.Matt Kemp, OF. Fourth round is pretty early, but a strong AVG, 20 HR, and 30 SB puts him in the running for the top 5 outfielders. And who's to say a power breakout isn't on the way for the 24 year-old?Jay Bruce, OF. I think he can jack 30 HR and steal 10+. I'll take that in the ninth round.Chris Davis, 1B/3B. Sixth round, still like him. If he hits 30 HR with 100 RBI you won't regret buying the hype.Mike Napoli, C. 14th round, 20+ HR from the catcher spot. I like him even with a .248 AVG.Joey Votto, 1B. If you're going for a 1B in this 6-7th round tier, go for Votto's upside (and speed).Nelson Cruz, OF. Obviously I'd prefer him to go in the 20th round rather than the 11th. But the guy has a shot at 25 HR and 15 SB.Jayson Werth, OF. Similar story to Cruz, but he's going a little later in drafts.Ryan Doumit, C. Pretty solid starting catcher for the 11th round.Derek Jeter, SS. He's not what he once was, but he'll help you and is going around the 9th.Matt Wieters, C. Hype shouldn't necessarily scare you off. Give me 375 ABs of Wieters and a month of replacement level and it was easily worth an 11th round pick.Kelly Johnson, 2B. As an 18th round pick he still doesn't get proper respect.Mark Reynolds, 3B. Does .259-28-85-85-8 work for you? That'd be worth more than a lot of 3Bs going before him (Reynolds goes in the 22nd).Adam Jones, OF. I'll board this bandwagon, love the power/speed types and he's going in the 16th.Felipe Lopez, 2B. Any 2B power/speed guy deserves better than the 27th. And it's always nice to play your home games in Arizona.Ramon Hernandez, C. Nice value in the 22nd round, moving to Cincy.Ryan Spilborghs, OF. Double digit power speed possibility, undrafted in most leagues.Adam LaRoche, 1B. Maybe the cheapest 25 HR you'll find on draft day. Can he shake the slow starts for his contract year?Justin Upton, OF. My projection for him isn't amazing, but can't you just see him going crazy? It's only a 19th round pick.Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C. Another where my gut feel beats my projection. Might be ready for a breakthrough.

 

[MAC_32]

In Yahoo leagues Felipe Lopez is a $ bench option. Eligible everywhere except C and 1B. Allows those who like to use a lot of their bench for pitching (me) an extra bench spot or two.

 

[higgins]

 

[SouthJersey]

 

[E-Z Glider]

SS

Not a lot to get excited about here if you miss out on the top 3.

I like the upside of Drew and Tulo to possibly outperform their general projections. Will also keep an eye on Furcal if people forget about him.

Anyone else to keep an eye on?

 

[Eephus]

SSNot a lot to get excited about here if you miss out on the top 3.I like the upside of Drew and Tulo to possibly outperform their general projections. Will also keep an eye on Furcal if people forget about him.Anyone else to keep an eye on?

I don't see a whole lot of difference between Drew/Tulowitzki and Peralta/Hardy, particularly if Peralta bats cleanup. There's a higher chance of a breakout with the younger players but I don't like overpaying for potential. If you use Yahoo ratings, Peralta and Hardy are available 2-4 rounds after Drew & Tulowitzki.Other value guys include Greene (Yahoo #184), O. Cabrera (#200), E. Renteria (#245), F. Lopez(#257) and Lowrie (#274). Bottom feeder options include Andrus, Brandon Wood, Betamit, Jerry Hairston Jr., Nomar, Burriss if they see regular playing time.

 

[the moops]

1.01 2B- Brandon Phillips

fixedSeriously, there are four elite 2B options in mixed leagues. Most lists have Phillips after Utley, Kinsler & Pedroia. Trogg: would you slot Phillips higher than any of these guys?

I think Utley, Phillips and Kinsler are the top 3 2b. They could end the season in any order and I wouldn't be surprised. I don't think Pedroia should be in the conversation with them, but I do think Pedroia is a great second baseman.

Your obsession with Phillips is bordering on insanity.Pedroia bests him in AVG (by 60 points mind you), RUNS (by close to 20). Phillips beats him in SB (by 10), HR (by 5-10). Their RBI numbers should be similar.You seem to be completely ignoring batting average, and partially ignoring runs when you talk about Phillips.

 

[updater]

Now that my drafts are over....

Kendry Morales 1B LAA - 25 year old Cuban slides in for Tex. He has not been overly impressive early on, but he has the tools and with a regular job he could FAR out-shine his draft position

Juan Rivera - OF -LAA considering how cheap you can get him, he could be very good value

Seth Smith - OF COL - would not be the the first COL OF to go off out of nowhere and he goes dirt cheap

Luis Castilla - The guy's a gamer and his GM believes in him. Look at his history and last season definitely looks like an abberation. Could easily be a top 10 2B at a top 20 price

 

[trogg78]

1.01 2B- Brandon Phillips

fixedSeriously, there are four elite 2B options in mixed leagues. Most lists have Phillips after Utley, Kinsler & Pedroia. Trogg: would you slot Phillips higher than any of these guys?

I think Utley, Phillips and Kinsler are the top 3 2b. They could end the season in any order and I wouldn't be surprised. I don't think Pedroia should be in the conversation with them, but I do think Pedroia is a great second baseman.

Your obsession with Phillips is bordering on insanity.Pedroia bests him in AVG (by 60 points mind you), RUNS (by close to 20). Phillips beats him in SB (by 10), HR (by 5-10). Their RBI numbers should be similar.You seem to be completely ignoring batting average, and partially ignoring runs when you talk about Phillips.

Batting average and runs can fill bench spots...Brandon Phillips will have a decent average and crush the Power Cats.

 

[guru_007]

SSNot a lot to get excited about here if you miss out on the top 3.I like the upside of Drew and Tulo to possibly outperform their general projections. Will also keep an eye on Furcal if people forget about him.Anyone else to keep an eye on?

I don't see a whole lot of difference between Drew/Tulowitzki and Peralta/Hardy, particularly if Peralta bats cleanup. There's a higher chance of a breakout with the younger players but I don't like overpaying for potential. If you use Yahoo ratings, Peralta and Hardy are available 2-4 rounds after Drew & Tulowitzki.Other value guys include Greene (Yahoo #184), O. Cabrera (#200), E. Renteria (#245), F. Lopez(#257) and Lowrie (#274). Bottom feeder options include Andrus, Brandon Wood, Betamit, Jerry Hairston Jr., Nomar, Burriss if they see regular playing time.

Every league I've drafted, I've just about entirely passed on shortstop. Granted, I didn't have any top 5 picks to grab Ramirez, but I passed on Reyes and Rollins every draft too.SS is a position that is deep, and tons of guys at the bottom or entirely undrafted could produce decent numbers (.300 average, 10-15 hr's, 10-15 sb's.)I've pre-annointed Edgar Renteria as comeback player of the year. He's relatively young still, at 33, and has shown the ability to hit. Last year was a huge disappointment in the AL, but now he is back to the NL where he has spent most of his career. This guy batted .332 with a .390 obp just two years ago in Atlanta. Lofty expectations in Detroit, but he never got comfortable, now he is back in the NL and in the heart of the lineup, albeit a weak lineup. I got him in the 19th round and am fine with him as my starting ss. Very easily could hit .300 with 15 hr's and 15 sbs, 80-90 runs and rbis. I'll let someone else draft Drew 12 rounds earlier for a few extra homers, and a few less sb's.Lopez is good for multi-position eligibility, but I'm not sold on him. I tried to get him late, but it didn't work out and I'm not sold on him yet. He is just a few years removed from all start type production, but he was has been so underwhelming the past 2 years, I wouldn't count on him as a starter.

 

[guru_007]

1.01 2B- Brandon Phillips

fixedSeriously, there are four elite 2B options in mixed leagues. Most lists have Phillips after Utley, Kinsler & Pedroia. Trogg: would you slot Phillips higher than any of these guys?

I think Utley, Phillips and Kinsler are the top 3 2b. They could end the season in any order and I wouldn't be surprised. I don't think Pedroia should be in the conversation with them, but I do think Pedroia is a great second baseman.

Your obsession with Phillips is bordering on insanity.Pedroia bests him in AVG (by 60 points mind you), RUNS (by close to 20). Phillips beats him in SB (by 10), HR (by 5-10). Their RBI numbers should be similar.You seem to be completely ignoring batting average, and partially ignoring runs when you talk about Phillips.

I'm not on the Trogg level of love for Phillips, but I certainly believe Phillips is a better fantasy bet than DP. And I am a Red Sox homer.If you draft Pedroia, you are paying for last year's stats. That cannot be over stated enough. Last year is the ceiling for Pedroia, imo. .326 average is attainable again, but this guy has never hit for power at any level (meaning over 7-8 hr's). Ideally, you grab Pedroia, you are hoping for a high average, let's say .330, 8-10 hr's, 10-15 sb's, 115 runs and 60-70 rbi's. And your're drafting him at least a full rounds earlier than Phillips, sometimes two rounds.A healthy Phillips can hit close to .300 (he hit .288 two years ago, so lets say .285), with 35 hr and 30 sb potential. He should score 100 or so runs, and should drive in 100 or so runs. I'll readily give up 35-40 points in average to gain 25 homers, 15 sb's, and 30 rbi's. A fantasy team gets something like 8000 ab's per year, so 600 ab's is something like 7.5% of your yearly ab's and 40 points in average will not have a drastic effect on the average. For a sleeper 2B, I'll take a chance with O-Dog, Orlando Hudson. I think of him as Dustin Pedroia-lite. He should hit for a high average, with minimal pop, a little speed, and hopefully, if at the top of the Dodgers offense, score a bunch of runs. of course, he is a pretty big injury concern, so ideally you can't count on him as a starting 2b, but makes a great mi option late.

 

[the moops]

And your're drafting him at least a full rounds earlier than Phillips, sometimes two rounds.

Trogg drafted Phillips with the 4th pick in the 2nd round. Exactly one pick after Dustin Pedroia.Obviously, if you can get Phillips one, or two rounds after Perdoia, you jump at the chance.

 

[Eephus]

SSNot a lot to get excited about here if you miss out on the top 3.I like the upside of Drew and Tulo to possibly outperform their general projections. Will also keep an eye on Furcal if people forget about him.Anyone else to keep an eye on?

I don't see a whole lot of difference between Drew/Tulowitzki and Peralta/Hardy, particularly if Peralta bats cleanup. There's a higher chance of a breakout with the younger players but I don't like overpaying for potential. If you use Yahoo ratings, Peralta and Hardy are available 2-4 rounds after Drew & Tulowitzki.Other value guys include Greene (Yahoo #184), O. Cabrera (#200), E. Renteria (#245), F. Lopez(#257) and Lowrie (#274). Bottom feeder options include Andrus, Brandon Wood, Betamit, Jerry Hairston Jr., Nomar, Burriss if they see regular playing time.

Every league I've drafted, I've just about entirely passed on shortstop. Granted, I didn't have any top 5 picks to grab Ramirez, but I passed on Reyes and Rollins every draft too.SS is a position that is deep, and tons of guys at the bottom or entirely undrafted could produce decent numbers (.300 average, 10-15 hr's, 10-15 sb's.)I've pre-annointed Edgar Renteria as comeback player of the year. He's relatively young still, at 33, and has shown the ability to hit. Last year was a huge disappointment in the AL, but now he is back to the NL where he has spent most of his career. This guy batted .332 with a .390 obp just two years ago in Atlanta. Lofty expectations in Detroit, but he never got comfortable, now he is back in the NL and in the heart of the lineup, albeit a weak lineup. I got him in the 19th round and am fine with him as my starting ss. Very easily could hit .300 with 15 hr's and 15 sbs, 80-90 runs and rbis. I'll let someone else draft Drew 12 rounds earlier for a few extra homers, and a few less sb's.Lopez is good for multi-position eligibility, but I'm not sold on him. I tried to get him late, but it didn't work out and I'm not sold on him yet. He is just a few years removed from all start type production, but he was has been so underwhelming the past 2 years, I wouldn't count on him as a starter.

Renteria and Lopez are very similar cases. Both are starting over with new teams and currently have defined roles at the top of the batting order. Both are coming off disappointing seasons (although Lopez had a strong month and a half after he got out of Washington). Renteria had a higher established value but is four years older. Both can be had late in drafts this year. It's really a gut call as to which one will be better this year. As a Giants fan and Renteria owner, I hope you're right.

 

[guru_007]

And your're drafting him at least a full rounds earlier than Phillips, sometimes two rounds.

Trogg drafted Phillips with the 4th pick in the 2nd round. Exactly one pick after Dustin Pedroia.Obviously, if you can get Phillips one, or two rounds after Perdoia, you jump at the chance.

As I prefaced my post with, I don't have the Trogg-like love for Phillips, but I would draft him over Pedroia in any 5x5 league.

 

[E-Z Glider]

3B

Pay for a stud or go dumpster diving. Most of the good young guys are kept in my league making it even tougher.

Thoughts on these guys?

Figgins - how many SB's do you pay for?

Huff - horrible '07, great '08 - any chance he repeats '08?

Cantu - is he really a 30HR guy? he's locked into cleanup, so RBIs should increase

Andy Laroche - i confused him with his brother earlier, but he's having a killer spring. Used to be an untouchable prospect, no?

Who else you like?

 

[MAC_32]

3BPay for a stud or go dumpster diving. Most of the good young guys are kept in my league making it even tougher. Thoughts on these guys?Figgins - how many SB's do you pay for?Huff - horrible '07, great '08 - any chance he repeats '08?Cantu - is he really a 30HR guy? he's locked into cleanup, so RBIs should increaseAndy Laroche - i confused him with his brother earlier, but he's having a killer spring. Used to be an untouchable prospect, no?Who else you like?

Figgins - pay for 30 SB's, his SB/year looks like a bell curveHuff - I wouldn't pay for a repeat of 08, I'd pay for 07 + 5-7 HR'sCantu - I think 08 is his power ceiling, but 25 bombs is very doable, I have him down for similar numbers as Huff but several rounds cheaperLaRoche - a guy I'm looking at late/cheap because of the unknown, haven't gotten him yet because I've filled out my CI's by then but if I'm short a CI late I'm looking at him, Fields, Tracy, and McPhersonBlalock and Reynolds are the ones who seem to keep ending up on my teams...

 

[guru_007]

3BPay for a stud or go dumpster diving. Most of the good young guys are kept in my league making it even tougher. Thoughts on these guys?Figgins - how many SB's do you pay for?Huff - horrible '07, great '08 - any chance he repeats '08?Cantu - is he really a 30HR guy? he's locked into cleanup, so RBIs should increaseAndy Laroche - i confused him with his brother earlier, but he's having a killer spring. Used to be an untouchable prospect, no?Who else you like?

Huff and Cantu I'm avoiding like the plague. Cantu has power, but can kill averages quickly. Huff is a hitter, but at 32, I think I'd rather have someone else chasing last year's stats.I had Figgins last year in all my drafts, and he did a good job of killing me. But, when healthy he gets on base a lot, steals a lot and scores a lot. This year it seemed like I missed him by a round or two every draft, probably subsonciously not wanting him again.This year at 3B, I waited very, very, very long to grab guys. I took Wigginton (reluctantly) in one draft, as his multi-position eligibility can help. He's a year younger than Huff, and hopefully can produce a 280+ average, 25 hr's and similar runs/rbi's. Plus I took him a lot, lot later than Huff went (got him 17th round, Huff went 5th round).Also targetted Reynolds and Atkins as late round pickups. Got each in one league, but in one league, Reynolds went like 11th round or something crazy.I also like LaRoche, but would like him as a backup, not a starter.

 

[E-Z Glider]

3B

Pay for a stud or go dumpster diving. Most of the good young guys are kept in my league making it even tougher.

Thoughts on these guys?

Figgins - how many SB's do you pay for?

Huff - horrible '07, great '08 - any chance he repeats '08?

Cantu - is he really a 30HR guy? he's locked into cleanup, so RBIs should increase

Andy Laroche - i confused him with his brother earlier, but he's having a killer spring. Used to be an untouchable prospect, no?

Who else you like?

Figgins - pay for 30 SB's, his SB/year looks like a bell curveHuff - I wouldn't pay for a repeat of 08, I'd pay for 07 + 5-7 HR's

Cantu - I think 08 is his power ceiling, but 25 bombs is very doable, I have him down for similar numbers as Huff but several rounds cheaper

LaRoche - a guy I'm looking at late/cheap because of the unknown, haven't gotten him yet because I've filled out my CI's by then but if I'm short a CI late I'm looking at him, Fields, Tracy, and McPherson

Blalock and Reynolds are the ones who seem to keep ending up on my teams...

what's his story? 42 bombs last year... he gonna play?

 

[MAC_32]

3B

Pay for a stud or go dumpster diving. Most of the good young guys are kept in my league making it even tougher.

Thoughts on these guys?

Figgins - how many SB's do you pay for?

Huff - horrible '07, great '08 - any chance he repeats '08?

Cantu - is he really a 30HR guy? he's locked into cleanup, so RBIs should increase

Andy Laroche - i confused him with his brother earlier, but he's having a killer spring. Used to be an untouchable prospect, no?

Who else you like?

Figgins - pay for 30 SB's, his SB/year looks like a bell curveHuff - I wouldn't pay for a repeat of 08, I'd pay for 07 + 5-7 HR's

Cantu - I think 08 is his power ceiling, but 25 bombs is very doable, I have him down for similar numbers as Huff but several rounds cheaper

LaRoche - a guy I'm looking at late/cheap because of the unknown, haven't gotten him yet because I've filled out my CI's by then but if I'm short a CI late I'm looking at him, Fields, Tracy, and McPherson

Blalock and Reynolds are the ones who seem to keep ending up on my teams...

what's his story? 42 bombs last year... he gonna play?

May be a career AAA/AAAA player, but at his price I'm willing to pick him up late and find out. From what I've read it sounds like the Fish are going to give him a shot before Gaby Sanchez, which makes sense given Sanchez's lack of experience, so Cantu would start the season at 1B and McPherson at 3B.

 

[Eephus]

3B

Pay for a stud or go dumpster diving. Most of the good young guys are kept in my league making it even tougher.

Thoughts on these guys?

Figgins - how many SB's do you pay for?

Huff - horrible '07, great '08 - any chance he repeats '08?

Cantu - is he really a 30HR guy? he's locked into cleanup, so RBIs should increase

Andy Laroche - i confused him with his brother earlier, but he's having a killer spring. Used to be an untouchable prospect, no?

Who else you like?

Figgins - pay for 30 SB's, his SB/year looks like a bell curveHuff - I wouldn't pay for a repeat of 08, I'd pay for 07 + 5-7 HR's

Cantu - I think 08 is his power ceiling, but 25 bombs is very doable, I have him down for similar numbers as Huff but several rounds cheaper

LaRoche - a guy I'm looking at late/cheap because of the unknown, haven't gotten him yet because I've filled out my CI's by then but if I'm short a CI late I'm looking at him, Fields, Tracy, and McPherson

Blalock and Reynolds are the ones who seem to keep ending up on my teams...

what's his story? 42 bombs last year... he gonna play?

The 42 HRs were in Albuquerque, which is one of the most extreme power parks in AAA. McPherson probably will continue to struggle for playing time. I think he could be productive if he gets ABs either through injury or Gaby Sanchez bombing at the major league level. But with McPherson, there's always the concern that he'll be the one who gets hurt.

I like Kouzmanoff (Yahoo #271) and Laroche (1071) as lowball plays.

 

[E-Z Glider]

3BPay for a stud or go dumpster diving. Most of the good young guys are kept in my league making it even tougher. Thoughts on these guys?Figgins - how many SB's do you pay for?Huff - horrible '07, great '08 - any chance he repeats '08?Cantu - is he really a 30HR guy? he's locked into cleanup, so RBIs should increaseAndy Laroche - i confused him with his brother earlier, but he's having a killer spring. Used to be an untouchable prospect, no?Who else you like?

Figgins - pay for 30 SB's, his SB/year looks like a bell curveHuff - I wouldn't pay for a repeat of 08, I'd pay for 07 + 5-7 HR'sCantu - I think 08 is his power ceiling, but 25 bombs is very doable, I have him down for similar numbers as Huff but several rounds cheaperLaRoche - a guy I'm looking at late/cheap because of the unknown, haven't gotten him yet because I've filled out my CI's by then but if I'm short a CI late I'm looking at him, Fields, Tracy, and McPhersonBlalock and Reynolds are the ones who seem to keep ending up on my teams...

thoughts on Blalock? sounds like he will mostly be DH and alternate with Cruz in the 4/5 spot in the lineup. what's his potential upside?