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BaseballGB Fantasy League 2016: Draft Recap

by Mark George

Friday, March 18, 2016. 8pm. 14 teams, 280 players, one bag of chocolate raisins. It’s the BaseballGB Fantasy League draft.

At 7.30pm I logged into the draft room to find out what order Yahoo had put our teams in and was very pleasantly surprised to find my team at the top of the queue.

This solved any first round dilemmas as I knew I was taking Mike Trout. Looking at my mock draft results, I turned to the one where I had picked second out of 12 teams to see how things went there and to try to plan ahead as best as I could. With such a long wait between picks, I knew I would have to make my early selections count. I didn’t want to paint myself into a corner by taking too many players in similar positions if I could help it.

After Trout, I hoped that in rounds two and three I could grab some combination of Madison Bumgarner, Starling Marte, George Springer and Joey Votto, but whether any of them would make it back to me was another matter. I had also found in the mocks I had done that filling the left side of the infield had been tricky. If I could get a decent 3B early that would be a bonus, plus I was really keen on Lindor as my shortstop. I may have to reach a bit to get him though.

Round 1
1. Mike Trout (LAA – CF) Orpington Is…
2. Bryce Harper (Was – CF) Mighty Slugs
3. Paul Goldschmidt (Ari – 1B) Cheshunt Mal…
4. Manny Machado (Bal – 3B,SS) Richie’s RBI’s
5. Josh Donaldson (Tor – 3B) The Cheddar …
6. Clayton Kershaw (LAD – SP) NorthEast Ri…
7. Miguel Cabrera (Det – 1B) Weston-Super…
8. Anthony Rizzo (ChC – 1B) Norwich No II
9. Nolan Arenado (Col – 3B) Newcastle Kn…
10. Giancarlo Stanton (Mia – OF) Jesmond Denn…
11. Andrew McCutchen (Pit – CF) Batteries Es…
12. Carlos Correa (Hou – SS) Iron Men
13. Chris Davis (Bal – 1B,OF) Becknam Loll…
14. Jos̩ Bautista (Tor РOF)
The Bath Bom…
After drafting Trout I sat back to see if there were any first round surprises. Harper went over Goldschmidt while Machado went fourth overall, bringing the bonus of SS and 3B eligibility. After Donaldson, the Riverkings nabbed Kershaw at 6th overall. If you are going to take a pitcher in the first round, he’s the guy. Rizzo went 8th overall, and will be hitting in the heart of a stacked lineup. Slight surprise to see McCutchen fall outside the top 10, while Becknam went for Davis a fair bit earlier than I had expected. Monster power, but a low average…
Round 2
1. Kris Bryant (ChC – 3B,OF) The Bath Bom…
2. José Altuve (Hou – 2B) Becknam Loll…
3. Max Scherzer (Was – SP) Iron Men
4. A.J. Pollock (Ari – CF) Batteries Es…
5. Joey Votto (Cin – 1B) Jesmond Denn…
6. Mookie Betts (Bos – CF) Newcastle Kn…
7. George Springer (Hou – CF) Norwich No II
8. Edwin Encarnación (Tor – 1B) Weston-Super…
9. José Abreu (CWS – 1B) NorthEast Ri…
10. Buster Posey (SF – C,1B) The Cheddar …
11. Jake Arrieta (ChC – SP) Richie’s RBI’s
12. Dee Gordon (Mia – 2B) Cheshunt Mal…
13. Madison Bumgarner (SF – SP) Mighty Slugs
14. Starling Marte (Pit – CF)
Orpington Is…
… which is why pairing Davis with Altuve is a very good idea. Bath complete a nice 1-2 punch of Bautista and Bryant while my hopes of Votto vanish soon after. Newcastle fill two tricky positions of 3B and CF with their first two picks, while Springer is soon nabbed. MadBum might make it back to me, but no, the Slugs nab him. At least Marte is still there, so I take him instead.
Round 3
1. Chris Sale(CWS – SP) Orpington Is…
2. Jacob deGrom(NYM – SP) Mighty Slugs
3. Charlie Blackmon(Col – CF) Cheshunt Mal…
4. J.D. Martínez(Det – OF) Richie’s RBI’s
5. Corey Kluber(Cle – SP) The Cheddar …
6. José Fernández(Mia – SP) NorthEast Ri…
7. Matt Harvey(NYM – SP) Weston-Super…
8. Ryan Braun(Mil – OF) Norwich No II
9. Stephen Strasburg(Was – SP) Newcastle Kn…
10. Justin Upton(Det – OF) Jesmond Denn…
11. Nelson Cruz(Sea – OF) Batteries Es…
12. Robinson Canó(Sea – 2B) Iron Men
13. Miguel Sano(Min – 3B) Becknam Loll…
14. Noah Syndergaard(NYM – SP)
The Bath Bom…
I feel pretty much compelled to take an ace here, as I fear the rest of my targets will vanish in the long wait between picks. I think about deGrom but am swayed by Sale’s strikeouts. The Slugs nab deGrom straight away as the SPs start to fly off the board. Sano, a possible target for my next pick is nabbed early. I start looking down the player list and fear that by taking two OF, I may have painted myself into a corner as the players ranked around my next two picks are predominantly OF and SP, positions I have already filled. I’m happy to wait for my third OF but I know I need to make a start on my infield. Matt Carpenter would be nice, Adrian Gonzalez or Frazier too, but surely they will go?
Round 4
1. Adam Jones (Bal – CF) The Bath Bom…
2. Zack Greinke (Ari – SP) Becknam Loll…
3. Troy Tulowitzki (Tor – SS) Iron Men
4. Yoenis Céspedes (NYM – CF) Batteries Es…
5. Gerrit Cole (Pit – SP) Jesmond Denn…
6. David Price (Bos – SP) Newcastle Kn…
7. Carlos Carrasco (Cle – SP) Norwich No II
8. Carlos González (Col – OF) Weston-Super…
9. Matt Carpenter (StL – 2B,3B) NorthEast Ri…
10. Lorenzo Cain (KC – CF) The Cheddar …
11. Gio González (Was – SP) Richie’s RBI’s
12. Prince Fielder (Tex – 1B) Cheshunt Mal…
13. Jason Kipnis (Cle – 2B) Mighty Slugs
14. Adrián González (LAD – 1B)
Orpington Is…
I think Adam Jones is a nice pick here for Bath, while Iron Men back Tulo to have a healthy year in a very hitter-friendly stadium. Interesting to see Cole picked above Price, while the Riverkings nab Carpenter. The RBIs raise some eyebrows with Gio Gonzalez (taken ahead of King Felix and Archer among others). I am massively relieved that Gonzalez makes it to me and gratefully draft a 1B. And there is more good news…
Round 5
1. Todd Frazier (CWS – 3B) Orpington Is…
2. Chris Archer (TB – SP) Mighty Slugs
3. Carlos Gómez (Hou – CF) Cheshunt Mal…
4. Mark Melancon (Pit – RP) Richie’s RBI’s
5. Xander Bogaerts (Bos – SS) The Cheddar …
6. Kyle Schwarber (ChC – C,OF) NorthEast Ri…
7. Dallas Keuchel (Hou – SP) Weston-Super…
8. Maikel Franco (Phi – 3B) Norwich No II
9. Yasiel Puig (LAD – OF) Newcastle Kn…
10. Jason Heyward (ChC – CF) Jesmond Denn…
11. Félix Hernández (Sea – SP) Batteries Es…
12. Jacoby Ellsbury (NYY – CF) Iron Men
13. Cole Hamels (Tex – SP) Becknam Loll…
14. Eric Hosmer (KC – 1B)
The Bath Bom…
Frazier is still there, so I waste little time in grabbing him to complete my corner infielders. A huge stroke of luck. If he hadn’t been there I’m not really sure what I would have done. Possibly a second starter. Maybe Maikel Franco. The RBIs go very early with a closer, and it’s not Kimbrel, Jansen or Chapman but Melancon. I’m happy to wait much longer for saves and start thinking ahead for my next two picks. Another SP would be nice and I’d like to fill that hole at SS too.
Round 6
1. Corey Seager (LAD – SS) The Bath Bom…
2. Ben Revere (Was – CF) Becknam Loll…
3. Albert Pujols (LAA – 1B) Iron Men
4. Johnny Cueto (SF – SP) Batteries Es…
5. Brian Dozier (Min – 2B) Jesmond Denn…
6. David Ortiz (Bos – 1B) Newcastle Kn…
7. Danny Salazar (Cle – SP) Norwich No II
8. Matt Kemp (SD – OF) Weston-Super…
9. Christian Yelich (Mia – CF) NorthEast Ri…
10. Jon Lester (ChC – SP) The Cheddar …
11. Álex Rodríguez (NYY – Util) Richie’s RBI’s
12. Sonny Gray (Oak – SP) Cheshunt Mal…
13. Adrián Béltre (Tex – 3B) Mighty Slugs
14. Adam Wainwright (StL – SP)
Orpington Is…
I’d thought about drafting Lindor soon or possibly Corey Seager so my heart sinks when Bath nab the Dodger rookie. Surely this means Lindor may not be too far behind? Becknam go for Revere, which is a touch early for my liking when more powerful options  were still around. The RBIs take A-Rod very early. Yes, he had a nice rebound year, but he is limited to UT and there are plenty of other power options I would have gone for. As a later-round option, OK, but not in the first dozen or so rounds. Any hopes of Gray, Salazar or Lester making it to me are dashed, but Wainwright is still available for my #2 starter.
Round 7
1. Francisco Lindor (Cle – SS) Orpington Is…
2. Freddie Freeman (Atl – 1B) Mighty Slugs
3. Wade Davis (KC – RP) Cheshunt Mal…
4. Kendrys Morales (KC – 1B) Richie’s RBI’s
5. Kenley Jansen (LAD – RP) The Cheddar …
6. Craig Kimbrel (Bos – RP) NorthEast Ri…
7. Kyle Seager (Sea – 3B) Weston-Super…
8. Rougned Odor (Tex – 2B) Norwich No II
9. Ian Kinsler (Det – 2B) Newcastle Kn…
10. Tyson Ross (SD – SP) Jesmond Denn…
11. Jeurys Familia (NYM – RP) Batteries Es…
12. Hunter Pence (SF – OF) Iron Men
13. Elvis Andrus (Tex – SS) Becknam Loll…
14. Gr̩gory Polanco (Pit РOF)
The Bath Bom…
Looking ahead, I feel there is no way Lindor will still be around for my next pick, so I have a decision to make: reach a bit for him now or change tack? I decide to go for it and nab him rather than filling UT with Morales. More closers fly off the board as Davis, Kimbrel, Jansen and Familia all go in the same round. At this rate I’ll have to think about getting my first closer in the next couple of rounds. I have a hole at 2B but Odor and Kinsler are nabbed. There’s still Rendon…
Round 8
1. Anthony Rendón (Was – 2B,3B) The Bath Bom…
2. Michael Wacha (StL – SP) Becknam Loll…
3. Kole Calhoun (LAA – OF) Iron Men
4. Garrett Richards (LAA – SP) Batteries Es…
5. Evan Longoria (TB – 3B) Jesmond Denn…
6. David Robertson (CWS – RP) Newcastle Kn…
7. Cody Allen (Cle – RP) Norwich No II
8. Michael Brantley (Cle – CF) Weston-Super…
9. Carlos Rodon (CWS – SP) NorthEast Ri…
10. Shin-soo Choo (Tex – OF) The Cheddar …
11. Starlin Castro (NYY – 2B,SS) Richie’s RBI’s
12. Adam Eaton (CWS – CF) Cheshunt Mal…
13. Trevor Rosenthal (StL – RP) Mighty Slugs
14. Zach Britton (Bal – RP)
Orpington Is…
… but not for much longer. I weigh up taking my third OF, but targets Calhoun and Choo are also grabbed. The RBIs show their Yankee bias by drafting Starlin Castro. I think he’ll benefit from a change of scenery and regular playing time, but it’s rather too early for my liking. Three more closers are drafted in Robertson, Allen and Rosenthal, just as I was thinking Trevor may make it to me. I go back and forth and decide I had better grab my first closer. Zach Britton will do nicely.
Round 9
1. Marcus Stroman (Tor – SP) Orpington Is…
2. Hanley Ramírez (Bos – OF) Mighty Slugs
3. Francisco Liriano (Pit – SP) Cheshunt Mal…
4. Michael Pineda (NYY – SP) Richie’s RBI’s
5. Brandon Belt (SF – 1B,OF) The Cheddar …
6. Ken Giles (Hou – RP) NorthEast Ri…
7. Aroldis Chapman (NYY – RP) Weston-Super…
8. Andrew Miller (NYY – RP) Norwich No II
9. Ian Desmond (Tex – SS) Newcastle Kn…
10. Carlos Martínez (StL – SP) Jesmond Denn…
11. Jonathan Lucroy (Mil – C,1B) Batteries Es…
12. Justin Verlander (Det – SP) Iron Men
13. Billy Hamilton (Cin – CF) Becknam Loll…
14. Salvador P̩rez (KC РC)
The Bath Bom…
This is where it starts to get tricky. I don’t want to grab another closer right now, but there aren’t many hitters here at positions I haven’t already filled. In the end I opt for a third starter and take Stroman, encouraged by his return from injury in the playoffs. The Slugs roll the die on Hanley Ramirez still hitting while learning a new position at 1B, while the Sox take Chapman, whose draft place falls after his 30-game suspension. Norwich go for Miller immediately afterwards, and although he should close in Chapman’s absence,he will be back as a set-up guy when Aroldis is available. Newcastle take a punt on Ian Desmond, who has SS eligibility but will add OF in the hitter-friendly Ballpark in Arlington. Becknam go for more speed in Billy Hamilton.
Round 10
1. Raisel Iglesias (Cin – SP) The Bath Bom…
2. James Shields (SD – SP) Becknam Loll…
3. Collin McHugh (Hou – SP) Iron Men
4. Masahiro Tanaka (NYY – SP) Batteries Es…
5. Steven Matz (NYM – SP) Jesmond Denn…
6. Héctor Rondón (ChC – RP) Newcastle Kn…
7. Taijuan Walker (Sea – SP) Norwich No II
8. Jordan Zimmermann (Det – SP) Weston-Super…
9. Yu Darvish (Tex – SP) NorthEast Ri…
10. Alex Gordon (KC – OF) The Cheddar …
11. Dexter Fowler (ChC – CF) Richie’s RBI’s
12. Russell Martin (Tor – C) Cheshunt Mal…
13. John Lackey (ChC – SP) Mighty Slugs
14. David Peralta (Ari – OF)
Orpington Is…
I’m glad I took Stroman when I did as nine SPs go this round, including eight in a span of nine picks. Jordan Zimmermann is a nice value pick for the Sox. The rush on pitchers means some nice hitting options are available when my turn comes around. I think about Grichuk or Pederson but go for the underrated David Peralta to round out my OF.
Round 11
1. Ben Zobrist (ChC – 2B,OF) Orpington Is…
2. Jake Odorizzi (TB – SP) Mighty Slugs
3. Jeff Samardzija (SF – SP) Cheshunt Mal…
4. Curtis Granderson (NYM – OF) Richie’s RBI’s
5. José Quintana (CWS – SP) The Cheddar …
6. Yordano Ventura (KC – SP) NorthEast Ri…
7. Jonathan Papelbon (Was – RP) Weston-Super…
8. Dellin Betances (NYY – RP) Norwich No II
9. Joc Pederson (LAD – CF) Newcastle Kn…
10. A.J. Ramos (Mia – RP) Jesmond Denn…
11. Huston Street (LAA – RP) Batteries Es…
12. Brian McCann (NYY – C,1B) Iron Men
13. Francisco Rodríguez (Det – RP) Becknam Loll…
14. Khris Davis (Oak – OF)
The Bath Bom…
Still conscious of that hole at 2B I decide now is a good time to fill it with Zobrist, although I did also consider Wong. I’m pleased to get my infield sorted out, so the only hitters I now need are a UT, a C and probably just one bench hitter. A power hitter at UT might not be a bad idea next. Or d’Arnaud at C would be very nice. Maybe McCann at C but Iron Men put paid to that. More relievers are going too, so a second closer sometime soon might be a wise move.
Round 12
1. Patrick Corbin (Ari – SP) The Bath Bom…
2. Gerardo Parra (Col – CF) Becknam Loll…
3. Hisashi Iwakuma (Sea – SP) Iron Men
4. Kolten Wong (StL – 2B) Batteries Es…
5. Corey Dickerson (TB – OF) Jesmond Denn…
6. Travis d’Arnaud (NYM – C) Newcastle Kn…
7. Randal Grichuk (StL – CF) Norwich No II
8. Lance McCullers (Hou – SP) Weston-Super…
9. Byron Buxton (Min – CF) NorthEast Ri…
10. Shelby Miller (Ari – SP) The Cheddar …
11. Stephen Vogt (Oak – C,1B) Richie’s RBI’s
12. Scott Kazmir (LAD – SP) Cheshunt Mal…
13. Brett Gardner (NYY – CF) Mighty Slugs
14. Mark Teixeira (NYY – 1B)
Orpington Is…
The Knights destroy any hopes of a d’Arnaud/Tex combo but at least my UT target is still there. The Riverkings hope Buxton can live up to his promise with a gutsy round 12 pick. Gardner had been atop the player list for a while, but injuries had put managers off. Here though the Slugs decide he’s worth a shot.
Round 13
1. Glen Perkins (Min – RP) Orpington Is…
2. Addison Russell (ChC – 2B,SS) Mighty Slugs
3. Daniel Murphy (Was – 1B,2B,3B) Cheshunt Mal…
4. Brandon Phillips (Cin – 2B) Richie’s RBI’s
5. Dustin Pedroia (Bos – 2B) The Cheddar …
6. Jay Bruce (Cin – OF) NorthEast Ri…
7. Matt Duffy (SF – 2B,3B) Weston-Super…
8. Shawn Tolleson (Tex – RP) Norwich No II
9. Jason Hammel (ChC – SP) Newcastle Kn…
10. Drew Smyly (TB – SP) Jesmond Denn…
11. Brandon Crawford (SF – SS) Batteries Es…
12. Drew Storen (Tor – RP) Iron Men
13. Billy Burns (Oak – CF) Becknam Loll…
14. Michael Conforto (NYM – OF)
The Bath Bom…
With most of my hitting lineup sorted, and it feeling too early to get a catcher if I can’t have d’Arnaud or McCann, I decide to switch my focus to my pitching staff. I don’t want to run the risk of being short on closer options next time around, so decide to take my second reliever in Perkins, although I also considered Tolleson. Five middle infielders go in quick succession. Becknam take another speedy CF in Burns, while I like Bath’s Conforto pick. If I hadn’t already filled OF and UT, I’d have been tempted to grab him.
Round 14
1. Sean Doolittle (Oak – RP) The Bath Bom…
2. Jake McGee (Col – RP) Becknam Loll…
3. Josh Harrison (Pit – 2B,3B,OF) Iron Men
4. David Wright (NYM – 3B) Batteries Es…
5. Kyle Hendricks (ChC – SP) Jesmond Denn…
6. Lucas Duda (NYM – 1B) Newcastle Kn…
7. Wei-Yin Chen (Mia – SP) Norwich No II
8. José Reyes (Col – SS) Weston-Super…
9. Jung Ho Kang (Pit – 3B,SS) NorthEast Ri…
10. Kevin Pillar (Tor – CF) The Cheddar …
11. Luis Severino (NYY – SP) Richie’s RBI’s
12. Brad Boxberger (TB – RP) Cheshunt Mal…
13. Justin Turner (LAD – 1B,3B) Mighty Slugs
14. Julio Teherán (Atl – SP)
Orpington Is…
I had hoped Josh Harrison may still be around later for some flexibility off my bench, but no such luck as Iron Men nab him. The Sox take a punt of Reyes, despite his court case. The Maltsers take Boxberger, who will miss a few months but should be Tampa’s closer on his return. Although Teheran is stuck on a poor Braves team, I still think he should put up decent enough numbers as my #4 starter.
Round 15
1. Santiago Casilla (SF – RP) Orpington Is…
2. Darren O’Day (Bal – RP) Mighty Slugs
3. Jean Segura (Ari – SS) Cheshunt Mal…
4. Chris Bassitt (Oak – SP,RP) Richie’s RBI’s
5. Josh Reddick (Oak – OF) The Cheddar …
6. Tony Watson (Pit – RP) NorthEast Ri…
7. Matt Wieters (Bal – C) Weston-Super…
8. Marcus Semien (Oak – SS) Norwich No II
9. Mike Fiers (Hou – SP) Newcastle Kn…
10. Joe Ross (Was – SP) Jesmond Denn…
11. Yan Gomes (Cle – C) Batteries Es…
12. Kevin Gausman (Bal – SP,RP) Iron Men
13. Yasmani Grandal (LAD – C) Becknam Loll…
14. Ender Inciarte (Atl – CF)
The Bath Bom…
Incredibly, I have the option to take a third closer. This isn’t something I normally do, but Casilla feels like excellent value in round 15. I had originally planned to back up Britton with O’Day or get a set-up reliever like Watson to rack up the holds, but a third closer it is. Could be useful trade bit too. That leaves me with five picks left. I still need a C, a bench hitter, two SPs and another RP for holds. I have Grandal lined up for my next pick, only for Becknams to beat me to him. Bother! And this after O’Day and Watson both go.
Round 16
1. Brad Ziegler (Ari – RP) The Bath Bom…
2. Ian Kennedy (KC – SP) Becknam Loll…
3. Delino DeShields (Tex – CF) Iron Men
4. Matt Holliday (StL – OF) Batteries Es…
5. Roberto Osuna (Tor – RP) Jesmond Denn…
6. Jaime García (StL – SP) Newcastle Kn…
7. Kenta Maeda (LAD – SP) Norwich No II
8. DJ LeMahieu (Col – 2B) Weston-Super…
9. Mike Moustakas (KC – 3B) NorthEast Ri…
10. Alcides Escobar (KC – SS) The Cheddar …
11. Wilmer Flores (NYM – 2B,SS) Richie’s RBI’s
12. Jorge Soler (ChC – OF) Cheshunt Mal…
13. Kelvin Herrera (KC – RP) Mighty Slugs
14. Mike Leake (StL – SP)
Orpington Is…
Some SPs I had on my wish list, Maeda and Kennedy, both go but at least Leake is still available so I take him as my fifth starter. But before I draft him, I use the draft clock to look at my catching options. Could take a punt on Mesoraco returning from injury. Derek Norris is still there. Montero too. Tough choice. I was burned by having Mesoraco last year – and the Reds not putting him on the DL for ages when he clearly couldn’t play – so decide not to risk falling into that trap again. After clicking to draft Leake I decide to opt for…
Round 17
1. Miguel Montero (ChC – C) Orpington Is…
2. Arodys Vizcaíno (Atl – RP) Mighty Slugs
3. Brett Lawrie (CWS – 2B,3B) Cheshunt Mal…
4. J.J. Hoover (Cin – RP) Richie’s RBI’s
5. Andrew Cashner (SD – SP) The Cheddar …
6. Stephen Piscotty (StL – 1B,OF) NorthEast Ri…
7. Neil Walker (NYM – 2B) Weston-Super…
8. Byung-ho Park (Min – 1B) Norwich No II
9. Kevin Siegrist (StL – RP) Newcastle Kn…
10. Carson Smith (Bos – RP) Jesmond Denn…
11. Evan Gattis (Hou – OF) Batteries Es…
12. Will Smith (Mil – RP) Iron Men
13. David Hernández (Phi – RP) Becknam Loll…
14. Clay Buchholz (Bos – SP)
The Bath Bom…
… Montero. There are some interesting picks this round as the Slugs and RBIs show you can still find closers in round 17 while the Riverkings opt for the promise of Piscotty and Norwich take a chance on Park’s power potential.
Round 18
1. Kevin Kiermaier (TB – CF) The Bath Bom…
2. Héctor Santiago (LAA – SP) Becknam Loll…
3. Anthony DeSclafani (Cin – SP) Iron Men
4. Carlos Santana (Cle – 1B) Batteries Es…
5. Ketel Marte (Sea – SS) Jesmond Denn…
6. Pedro Strop (ChC – RP) Newcastle Kn…
7. Welington Castillo (Ari – C) Norwich No II
8. Steven Souza Jr. (TB – OF) Weston-Super…
9. Keone Kela (Tex – RP) NorthEast Ri…
10. Joaquín Benoit (Sea – RP) The Cheddar …
11. Wilson Ramos (Was – C) Richie’s RBI’s
12. Marco Estrada (Tor – SP,RP) Cheshunt Mal…
13. Domingo Santana (Mil – CF) Mighty Slugs
14. Mark Trumbo (Bal – 1B,OF)
Orpington Is…
The late rounds see teams fill up their bullpens and take a late gamble on youngsters such as Ketel Marte. I’m intrigued to see what Domingo Santana can do over a full season too. I had originally planned to take a player who could fill in at a number of positions as my bench hitter, but seeing Trumbo there and considering Teixeira’s injury woes, it’s not a bad idea to have a power-hitting back-up. I think Trumbo should enjoy Camden yards and has 1B and OF flexibility too.
Round 19
1. Sergio Romo (SF – RP) Orpington Is…
2. Devin Mesoraco (Cin – C) Mighty Slugs
3. Tyler Clippard (Ari – RP) Cheshunt Mal…
4. Adam Lind (Sea – 1B) Richie’s RBI’s
5. Brett Cecil (Tor – RP) The Cheddar …
6. Jedd Gyorko (StL – 2B,SS) NorthEast Ri…
7. Víctor Martínez (Det – 1B) Weston-Super…
8. Pedro Álvarez (Bal – 1B) Norwich No II
9. Álex Colomé (TB – SP,RP) Newcastle Kn…
10. Aaron Nola (Phi – SP) Jesmond Denn…
11. Denard Span (SF – CF) Batteries Es…
12. Kevin Quackenbush (SD – RP) Iron Men
13. Jimmy Nelson (Mil – SP) Becknam Loll…
14. Howie Kendrick (LAD – 2B)
The Bath Bom…
Still needing a reliever for holds, I opt for Romo, who could also pick up saves if Casilla falters, so a decent insurance policy hopefully. The Slugs take a punt on Mesoraco, while Victor Martinez could be a steal here for the Sox if he can stay healthy. Alvarez is an intriguing power option at Camden Yards for Norwich while Kendrick is good value for Bath.
Round 20
1. Steve Cishek (Sea – RP) The Bath Bom…
2. Alex Wood (LAD – SP) Becknam Loll…
3. Tanner Roark (Was – SP,RP) Iron Men
4. Pablo Sandoval (Bos – 3B) Batteries Es…
5. Blake Swihart (Bos – C) Jesmond Denn…
6. Zack Wheeler (NYM – SP) Newcastle Kn…
7. Jonathan Schoop (Bal – 2B) Norwich No II
8. Marcell Ozuna (Mia – CF) Weston-Super…
9. Eduardo Rodríguez (Bos – SP) NorthEast Ri…
10. Sam Dyson (Tex – RP) The Cheddar …
11. Melky Cabrera (CWS – OF) Richie’s RBI’s
12. Hunter Strickland (SF – RP) Cheshunt Mal…
13. Brandon Finnegan (Cin – SP,RP) Mighty Slugs
14. Hyun-jin Ryu (LAD – SP)
Orpington Is…

There are some really smart picks in the final round. Batteries Essential gamble on Sandoval, while I think Newcastle getting Wheeler is super smart. Schoop is underrated and has nice pop at 2B for Norwich, while Ozuna has 20+HR pop in CF in Miami let him play. Finnegan should start regularly for the Reds and Dyson is a nice holds option for the Chasers. I still want another starter to round out my staff and there are several options I’m happy with, some of whom went undrafted. I end the draft with Ryu, knowing he will miss the start of the season, but at least I can put him on the DL and add another arm from the free agent pool.

Overall, I’m happy with my team, feeling I’m reasonably strong across the board offensively. I fully appreciate how lucky I was to get Gonzalez and Frazier and am pleased I reached for Lindor. Starting pitching depth is pretty solid and happy to get three closers. Just need Teixeira, Sale and Wainwright to stay injury-free.

Reviewing the teams

Here are my thoughts on the other teams, in draft order:

Slugs – Harper appears to be only batter with a shot at 30HR/100RBI but rest of the lineup should contribute reasonably well. Maybe a lack of speed. Rotation really strong with MadBum, deGrom and Archer plus elite closer in Rosenthal and top holds options in O’Day and Herrera. Could pitch their way to another title.

Maltsters – Again, Goldschmidt may be only hitter to break 25HR/100RBI. Lots of speed. Have to hope rotation featuring Liriano, Kazmir and Estrada can stay healthy.

RBIs – SS could be a problem, unless Machado is moved there but no other 3B options at present. Pitching staff lacks rotation depth and a lot rests on Arrieta. Two closers but no holds options.

Chasers – That’s one strong infield. Outfield may lack a little pop but overall a nicely balanced offence. Good rotation, like the Kluber/Lester 1-2 punch. Saves could be an issue if Benoit doesn’t close.

Riverkings – Another strong infield with plenty of pop. OF may need another option if Buxton falters. Kershaw and Fernandez combo looks great and a very strong bullpen. When Darvish and Eduardo Rodriguez come back from injury, this team could really take off.

Sox – Some big bats in this lineup. Could be a tough team to out-hit if Miggy stays healthy and Weiters rebounds. SS an issue with Reyes plus a light pitching staff will have to deal with Chapman’s suspension and McCullers missing the start of the season. Well placed to use hitters as trade bait though.

Norwich – Decent spread of power throughout lineup, will hope Franco and Springer stay healthy and Grichuk, Park and Alvarez make the most of their opportunities. Very strong bullpen and banking on Salazar and Carrasco to build on impressive seasons.

Knights – Look a tough team to beat as offense is strong across the board and could be even better if Puig rebounds and Pederson can raise his average. Price and Strasburg as 1-2 punch plus a very strong bullpen,. A definite contender.

Jesmond – Looks a powerful lineup but SS a concern if Ketel Marte struggles. Loaded with promising young arms. Have to hope they build on last year’s win totals.

Batteries Essential – Outfield full of power, infield may struggle for pop. Quite a few nagging injury concerns. Only six pitchers but six good ones. Will need to consider using hitters as trade bait to fill out rotation and add set-up relievers.

Iron Men – Injury risk could make or break this team, as McCann, Pujols, Pence and Tulo are in the same lineup. If they stay healthy, look out. Saves could be lacking even if Storen closes.

Becknam – Speed. Lots of speed. Almost all the speed. Should protect the average from the likes of Davis and Hamilton but OF is lacking in power. Excellent rotation depth but just one closer. There could be plenty of trade bait here.

Bombers – Tough to draft at the back of the queue but did a nice job putting together a nice mix of power and speed. Rotation a bit of a concern as no starter won more than nine games last year, although Syndergaard will have a full year.

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5 comments

Matt Smith March 19, 2016 - 10:00 am

Thanks Mark; great write-up and interesting to read your thought process in drafting with the #1 pick.

I’m happy enough with how my Chasers are looking. It’s slightly conservative, I guess, but hopefully gives me a decent base to build on. Benoit was my one main gamble as I’m not overly convinced in Chisek’s ability to hold on to the M’s closer role (although whether that helps my team depends on how quickly Seattle are to change if it doesn’t start well!) so I’m expecting him to get me some saves. In any case, I think he’ll pitch really well and if saves don’t come my way in the early weeks, I like what I hope he’ll give me in the K, ERA and WHIP department and should make me strong to win the holds, so seemed a gamble worth taking.

I’ll write up a bit more about my draft in my Sunday column tomorrow.

Should be a fun season. Good luck to all!

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Steven C (Slugs) March 19, 2016 - 10:16 am

Well, I hope I picked better here than I did in my NCAA Tourney bracket (where I had Michigan St. winning it all). This post will probably be more fun to read in October.

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Mike March 19, 2016 - 3:05 pm

Good write up Mark. I’m reasonably happy with my team out of the draft. As you said I’ve got power across the board, but need some players to pan out.

Reason I took Miller early was in this league it doesn’t matter whether he gets saves or holds – as long as he pitches like the last two years he’ll be good value there.

Was thinking seriously about Kyle Seager when I took Franco, but happy to have the higher upside of Franco on board!

Good luck all!

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Weekly Hit Ground Ball: Living in a fantasy world | BaseballGB March 20, 2016 - 12:13 pm

[…] BaseballGB league had its draft on Friday night, as recapped by Mark George. You always like to set a draft as close to Opening Day as possible so that there’s a bit […]

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Garreth March 22, 2016 - 10:24 pm

Very happy with my lineup – effectively punted SS and Catcher leaving them so late, so I’m not really expecting all that much out of Swihart and Marte. They’ve both got upside, but I’ll happily chuck either to the waiver wire if they don’t pan out. Stanton, Upton and Hayward’s a lovely outfield triumvirate, and there’s stacks of breakout potential in the rotation as you noted.

As for the Cole/Price debate, I had them ranked next to each other, and suspect they’ll both end up around 15-16 wins, and a borderline sub-3.00 ERA apiece. Ultimately, age + NL pitcher breaks the tie for me.

Also, it’s only a matter of days before my first DL casualty of the year – shame about Carson Smith – I’d hoped for a good year setting up behind Kimbrel for him. Oh well!

Good write-up, and I’m looking forward to the season.

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