...It's all part of my baseball fantasy....

[Qwikshot]

Last year sucked. No denying it. I got distracted and wasn't able to be around for the draft, result, a sucky team that sucked beyond all levels that sucked. Worse still, a bunch of owners that were reluctant to trade even spare parts...

This year will be different, this year, I will be there and draft, and trade and pluck the fruit off the waiver wire...

Thus begins my foray back into ESPN fantasy baseball...plus I plan to blog a few things on the side.

[Qwikshot]

Draft day...online.

Drafts are the high point of fantasy games. Frantically trying to decide who does what. Where will I draft from? Who will be there?

Love it and so it goes...

ROUND 1 (ding ding ding)

1 Albert Pujols, StL NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

Pujols is a given. He's number 1. You could argue maybe Arod, but I don't see anyway around it.

2 Alfonso Soriano, ChC Cleveland Bulldawgs

And then things went a little crazy. I don't see how anyone would draft Soriano at #2. He's an outfielder and they are a dime a dozen in baseball. Major reach and that's all I can say. This guy was an active drafter so I can't blame autopick.

3 Johan Santana, Min the fightn' phils.

Santana goes #3. Pitchers are a frightening gamble. This owner already has him on the trade block (?!?). Why draft him then, because I know you aren't going to get equal value.

4 Alex Rodriguez, NYY Brooklyn Cyclones

Not a surprise considering this guy is from Brooklyn, it's a safe pick. He may be looked as a disappointment but AROD is still a good fantasy player.

5 Ryan Howard, Phi EWC Ballerz

Howard grabbed by the loud mouth of the league. This guy was jabbering in text speak the entire draft. Still, active members are better than quiet ones.

6 Derek Jeter, NYY Bronx Bangers

Uh...little high me thinks. There is a better upside shortstop out there, but I won't complain. Jeter is a steady fantasy player and he's a rare position, but I just thought this pick could be better applied.

7 Jose Reyes, NYM Qtown Wardogs

My thought was do I go for Chase Utley or do I grab this guy. Reyes wins. I did think for a second for David Wright as well, but I was pretty confident that I'd find a good third basemen deeper in the draft (not stating I'd find one equal to Dave). Steals which burned me last year, I felt was covered.

8 Chase Utley, Phi nj dawg-e-dawg

No complaints here.

9 Vladimir Guerrero, LAA North Georgia Eagles

I believe this was an autopick. I'm not impressed with autopick. Bad autopick.

10 David Wright, NYM Camillus Katz

This is why autopick is bad. Amazing grab at the tail end of the round.

[Qwikshot]

"So whose up for Round 2" - Diego "Ice Age"

11 Carl Crawford, TB Camillus Katz

Carl Crawford was drafted in the second round...this is why the 1st overall pick is overrated. I could go on a lengthly diatribe but I won't. Nice grab, Camillus's owner should get a gold star.

12 Miguel Cabrera, Fla North Georgia Eagles

Good boy autopick. I believe Cabrera has 3b eligibility still.

13 David Ortiz, Bos nj dawg-e-dawg

Second round is looking better than the first in picks. This is why Ryan Howard was drafted too high. 1st basemen are as plentiful as outfielders in depth.

14 Carlos Beltran, NYM Qtown Wardogs

What is it with me and Mets? I hate the Mets. Beltran was fine for here. I took what I thought was the best player and I wasn't going to be drafting a pitcher this early. I also figured within the next few rounds I wouldn't even be looking at outfield again.

15 Carlos Zambrano, ChC Bronx Bangers

"He good" was the counterpoint to this head scratcher. He's good, but too darn early man.

16 Manny Ramirez, Bos EWC Ballerz

Someone is stocking up on home runs and rbi's.

17 Travis Hafner, Cle Brooklyn Cyclones

Unsurprising.

18 Mark Teixeira, Tex the fightn' phils.

Ticked me off last year and ruined my first half. I have no qualms drafting him in the second round, though I'm glad I didn't have to make such a pick. Should do well with Sosa protecting him (snicker snicker).

19 Grady Sizemore, Cle Cleveland Bulldawgs

Quiet solid pick, good for runs.

20 Jimmy Rollins, Phi NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

Some guys mocked this pick, but I don't think it's that much of a reach. Michael Young was disappointing last year, and Jimmy when he hits like a leadoff hitter is good for what ails ya, when he thinks he's batting cleanup, he's a headache. Must be a lot of Mets fans in this league.

[Qwikshot]

ROUND 3

21 Ichiro Suzuki, Sea NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

Contract year I think....good for average, runs and steals. With Pujols and Rollins and now Suzuki, this owner has a well rounded offense (though Rollins is a gamble).

22 Miguel Tejada, Bal Cleveland Bulldawgs

Not sold on this pick, third base is deep. There better position needs out there.

23 Jason Bay, Pit the fightn' phils.

No. He's a good fantasy player, but I wouldn't be grabbing him in the 3rd round.

24 Lance Berkman, Hou Brooklyn Cyclones

Ok, good RBI and homeruns. Should have fun with Carlos Lee in the lineup as well.

25 Matt Holliday, Col EWC Ballerz

Ok, plenty of outfielders though.

26 Chris Carpenter, StL Bronx Bangers

I think it's still too early for pitching, but compound that with Zambrana last round and Jeter in the 1st and this guy is going to be wondering where his offense is.

27 Justin Morneau, Min Qtown Wardogs

MVP drafted 3rd round, 1st baseman. This is why guy's like Howard and Ortiz just go too high. I like them, but I got this guy and a top SS and OF. Plus he isn't a Met.

28 Joe Mauer, Min nj dawg-e-dawg

I was intrigued by Mauer, but catchers are a dime a dozen. Just find one that won't hurt you as opposed to one that you need to provide points for your team. I decided Morneau was a better pick.

29 Derrek Lee, ChC North Georgia Eagles

Autopick. Derrek should play well this year, but I would've drafted him later (pounced on him midround).

30 Jorge Posada, NYY Camillus Katz

Did so well drafting, then got I guess worried over a catcher gap...needless pick

[Qwikshot]

ROUND 4

31 Jason Giambi, NYY Camillus Katz

He's a Yankee. There was better value.

32 Carlos Lee, Hou North Georgia Eagles

Carlos Lee is a quiet strength in fantasy league. Does a little of everything well. Good pick. (Autodraft gets a few right now and then)

33 Andruw Jones, Atl nj dawg-e-dawg

Contract year, and a decent grab.

34 Hanley Ramirez, Fla Qtown Wardogs

A few owners complimented me on this. In actuality, I was grabbing another shortstop when I still had positions of need (like pitcher). But his steals would solidify that category and the fact that Reyes is considered brittle allowed me the chance to have depth in a position that doesn't have a lot of good shortstops.

35 Chien-Ming Wang, NYY Bronx Bangers

See I have this team I call the Bronx Bangers and I want to draft a Yankee pitcher...because I don't know of many other players (besides accursed BoSox) other than Yankees. This is a reach...

36 Vernon Wells, Tor EWC Ballerz

Ballerz is grabbing mashers still.

37 Michael Young, Tex Brooklyn Cyclones

Disappointment last season but should hold his own.

38 Aramis Ramirez, ChC the fightn' phils.

I thought about this guy prior to grabbing Ramirez, but I still think I can grab a capable 3b.

39 Roy Halladay, Tor Cleveland Bulldawgs

Pitcher sighting...I would've gone after him over Wang. (Moving along).

40 Robinson Cano, NYY NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

Must grab a Yankee (least it's a high potential, scarce position)

[Qwikshot]

ROUND 5
41 Brandon Webb, Ari NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

This is the pitcher I would've gone for over all those (save Santana).

42 Paul Konerko, CWS Cleveland Bulldawgs

Ok.

43 Johnny Damon, NYY the fightn' phils.

Yanks are dwindling, must draft one....

44 Bobby Abreu, NYY Brooklyn Cyclones

See above...

45 Garrett Atkins, Col EWC Ballerz

Nice grab...

46 Ken Griffey Jr., Cin Bronx Bangers

Laughs all around.

47 Brian Roberts, Bal Qtown Wardogs

Decided the time was right for a second baseman.

48 Roy Oswalt, Hou nj dawg-e-dawg

Pitchers are seeping into the draft now.

49 Jake Peavy, SD North Georgia Eagles

See above, autopick.

50 Barry Zito, SF Camillus Katz

We now have a run on pitchers, aisle four.

[Qwikshot]

ROUND 6
51 John Smoltz, Atl Camillus Katz

See run on pitchers, round 5.

52 Rafael Furcal, LAD North Georgia Eagles

Autopick. Anyone think Furcal will repeat?

53 Victor Martinez, Cle nj dawg-e-dawg

Don't see the need to grab a catcher this high.

54 Jeremy Bonderman, Det Qtown Wardogs

Decided the time was right to grab a decent starter. Hope his arm doesn't fall off.

55 Mariano Rivera, NYY Bronx Bangers

Sigh. He is dependable, but early for relievers. Will it spark a run?

56 Carlos Guillen, Det EWC Ballerz

More mashing, good, must mash ball.

57 Jermaine Dye, CWS Brooklyn Cyclones

Quality pick.

58 Francisco Rodriguez, LAA the fightn' phils.

Guess the Rivera grab spooked him...

59 B.J. Ryan, Tor Cleveland Bulldawgs

Guess the Rodriguez pick spooked him...

60 Freddy Sanchez, Pit NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

This team is going to be well rounded...but I think it's early. This guy would've been safe to pick in a later round or two because most of these guys probably don't even know there's a team in Pittsburgh that plays baseball at a professional level.

[Qwikshot]

ROUND 7
61 Juan Pierre, LAD NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

Steals are getting harder to find....

62 Ryan Zimmerman, Was Cleveland Bulldawgs

Good player, crappy team...

63 Hideki Matsui, NYY the fightn' phils.

Another Yankee bites the dust...

64 Chone Figgins, LAA Brooklyn Cyclones

Multiposition player that plays poorly...at least he's steals.

65 Aaron Harang, Cin EWC Ballerz

Little high for my taste, but Ballerz finally gets a pitcher.

66 Carlos Delgado, NYM Bronx Bangers

Little high for my taste...

67 Brett Myers, Phi Qtown Wardogs

I grab the wifebeater, but he's going to be something this season.

68 Joe Nathan, Min nj dawg-e-dawg

Dependable reliever, quality pick.

69 Billy Wagner, NYM North Georgia Eagles

Autopick, run on relievers again.

70 Cliff Floyd, ChC Camillus Katz

The Cubs have Cliff Floyd...with Soriano, and Ramierz (and Mark Loretta)...he should do ok. (With a healthy Derrek Lee too).

[Qwikshot]

ROUND 8
71 Bobby Crosby, Oak Camillus Katz

There's better...

72 John Lackey, LAA North Georgia Eagles

Autopick.

73 Ben Sheets, Mil nj dawg-e-dawg

This guy played a full season yet?

74 Scott Rolen, StL Qtown Wardogs

Decent third baseman...check....championship team...check...bats along with Pujols...check....ok then.

75 Troy Glaus, Tor Bronx Bangers

I wonder if he has shortstop eligibility.

76 Brian McCann, Atl EWC Ballerz

Decent catcher...I'm still waiting on this position.

77 Huston Street, Oak Brooklyn Cyclones

Reliever...still a few decent ones out there...

78 Bill Hall, Mil the fightn' phils.

Poor man's Chone Figgens...I got nothing.

79 Dontrelle Willis, Fla Cleveland Bulldawgs

Amazing how one season could mess you up enough that people draft you this late...I was considering him where I drafted Rolen...

80 Paul Lo Duca, NYM NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

Not as impressed with this pick...

[Qwikshot]

ROUND 9
81 Corey Patterson, Bal NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

Will he repeat in steals...I don't think he will...the owner was grabbing on needs I think.

82 Jim Thome, CWS Cleveland Bulldawgs

Decent grab this late...see first base is deep. Stay healthy Jim.

83 Dan Uggla, Fla the fightn' phils.

Shocker last season, most don't think he'll repeat but he's still a nice grab.

84 Trevor Hoffman, SD Brooklyn Cyclones

Mulled the idea of grabbing him...but glad I didn't have to.

85 Raul Ibanez, Sea EWC Ballerz

Ballerz is going to be a dangerous team offensively...Ibanez is a solid player.

86 Joe Crede, CWS Bronx Bangers

Third base is deep...

87 Daisuke Matsuzaka, Bos Qtown Wardogs

Decided to gamble here...intriguing pitcher on a good team...worth a looksee.

88 Richie Sexson, Sea nj dawg-e-dawg

God I hate Richie Sexson, ruined my season last year...hits poorly except when he smashes the ball...I don't like boom or bust players.

89 Nick Swisher, Oak North Georgia Eagles

Autopick

90 Jorge Cantu, TB Camillus Katz

Uh, ok.

[Qwikshot]

ROUND 10
91 Alex Rios, Tor Camillus Katz

I like this pick. I told the guy I wanted Rios. His retort was "Haha". I wasn't that enamored. Still this is a good value pick...and I'll be like a vulture trying to get him.

92 Felipe Lopez, Was North Georgia Eagles

Question: You joined a league, that was only formed moments ago. Do you stick around the hour and prepare or go for autodraft? What do you do, what do you do?

Apparantly autodraft....Lopez could've gone later. And was more appealling when he was on the Reds.

93 Adam Dunn, Cin nj dawg-e-dawg

I was grateful not to be stuck with this hole in the average. Yes yes, home runs and RBIs a plenty...but god the batting average kills the overall rate.

94 Matt Cain, SF Qtown Wardogs

Fireballer, I want starters who are young but been in the game a season or two with high k rates and low injury rates.....would've rather had Cole Hamels (the Phillie in me, but he's a potential injury player).

95 Tadahito Iguchi, CWS Bronx Bangers

Better than Jorge Cantu taken at 90.

96 Rickie Weeks, Mil EWC Ballerz

Rickie sneezes and winds up on the IR. Not because of the sneeze but because the tissue breaks his hand....steal threat and first player the Ballerz takes (outside of pitching) that isn't a high RBI guy...(and this team is downright scary on offense).

97 Prince Fielder, Mil Brooklyn Cyclones

S'ok, should do well.

98 Chipper Jones, Atl the fightn' phils.

A gladiator nearing the end of his career, should be okay though.

99 C.C. Sabathia, Cle Cleveland Bulldawgs

I never hear much about this guy, but I guess when you call yourself the Cleveland Bulldawgs you'd know a thing or two...however I would've drafted....(see below)

100 Justin Verlander, Det NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

...this guy first...one hopes his arm won't fall off, but he's a great pick to end the round and take us halfway.

[Qwikshot]

ROUND 11
101 Bronson Arroyo, Cin NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

I marvel at Verlander and he lands this stinker to start round 11...there were better pitchers.

102 Brandon Phillips, Cin Cleveland Bulldawgs

This guy was in Cleveland's farm system before hitting big for the Reds...coincidence I think not....stick a great pick and should be a shortstop eligible player sometime into the season. (A great pick).

103 Cole Hamels, Phi the fightn' phils.

I liked Cole, was hoping to get him in this round...of course...this would be the team to grab him.

104 Gary Sheffield, Det Brooklyn Cyclones

Contract season, on the Tigers...helllllllllllllooooooo paycheck.

105 Jason Schmidt, LAD EWC Ballerz

Ok, should do well...Ballerz grab a pitcher.

106 Scott Kazmir, TB Bronx Bangers

New York pitcher that got away...arm troubles though.

107 Bobby Jenks, CWS Qtown Wardogs

First reliever...it's the White Sox...I'll keep an eye on consistency.

108 J.J. Putz, Sea nj dawg-e-dawg

I started a run....on relievers until...

109 Howie Kendrick, LAA North Georgia Eagles

Autodraft with a gamble....

110 A.J. Burnett, Tor Camillus Katz

Arm trouble...but good gamble.

[Qwikshot]

ROUND 12
111 Roger Clemens, FA Camillus Katz

A little early but a wise pick if he comes out of retirement...I would rather on someone else.

112 Jeff Francoeur, Atl North Georgia Eagles

Swing and a miss...autodraft is funny.

113 Felix Hernandez, Sea nj dawg-e-dawg

Good gamble, I admit, I forgot about him...probably because he didn't impress last season.

114 Chris Ray, Bal Qtown Wardogs

I load up on another quiet reliever...Ray has been solid...hope I don't jinx it.

115 Reed Johnson, Tor Bronx Bangers

Based on last year's stats you'd think starter...but he's a platoon player. Big mistake.

116 Chris Capuano, Mil EWC Ballerz

Fireballer that doesn't get as much recognition as Sheets.

117 Dan Haren, Oak Brooklyn Cyclones

Injury bug bit hard last season, but all the skills you'd want in a pticher.

118 Brad Lidge, Hou the fightn' phils.

Headcase...better draft Wheeler as back up.

119 Delmon Young, TB Cleveland Bulldawgs

He better hit balls better than throwing bats.

120 Mike Mussina, NYY NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

Must have a Yankee pitcher....I MUST!

[Qwikshot]

ROUND 13
121 Mike Gonzalez, Atl NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

Uh...I would've looked elsewhere...

122 Curtis Granderson, Det Cleveland Bulldawgs

He's not that good...

123 Michael Barrett, ChC the fightn' phils.

Decent catcher...not worried though.

124 Julio Lugo, Bos Brooklyn Cyclones

Desperate...but he has some speed.

125 Tom Gordon, Phi EWC Ballerz

Play "Flash Gordon" music from Queen...

126 Torii Hunter, Min Bronx Bangers

There's better...

127 Michael Cuddyer, Min Qtown Wardogs

Very happy with this pick...

128 Chris Young, SD nj dawg-e-dawg

Consistent and on a good team...

129 Chad Cordero, Was North Georgia Eagles

Bad team...there are a few better relievers out there...

130 Jon Garland, CWS Camillus Katz

Meh

[Qwikshot]

ROUND 14
131 Melky Cabrera, NYY Camillus Katz

Is he starting? I already counted 3 Yankee outfielders drafted.

132 Erik Bedard, Bal North Georgia Eagles

Computer takes a good pitcher.

133 Takashi Saito, LAD nj dawg-e-dawg

Broxton will be closing soon. Saito turned 37.

134 Jonathan Papelbon, Bos Qtown Wardogs

I think this is a good gamble...he does well as a starter I win...he struggles and does well in the bullpen nice...he struggles entirely bench, I'm almost positive someone would be willing to risk a flyer on him in a trade. I win.

135 Barry Bonds, SF Bronx Bangers

I will cringe when he breaks the home run record.

136 Nomar Garciaparra, LAD EWC Ballerz

Old, shouldn't catch lightning in a bottle twice right?!?

137 Adrian Gonzalez, SD Brooklyn Cyclones

Good pick

138 Francisco Cordero, Mil the fightn' phils.

I believe he's a closer.

139 Rocco Baldelli, TB Cleveland Bulldawgs

Will his body hold...

140 Lyle Overbay, Tor NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

Should do well...hyped in most fantasy mags.

[Qwikshot]

ROUND 15
141 Todd Jones, Det NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

Quality pick...I'd grab Zumaya as well though.

142 Jered Weaver, LAA Cleveland Bulldawgs

I think he's got arm troubles already.

143 Todd Helton, Col the fightn' phils.

Not the same player he used to be...but worthy of a bench spot.

144 Adam LaRoche, Pit Brooklyn Cyclones

Potential...but he's on the Pirates.

145 Josh Beckett, Bos EWC Ballerz

Will he perform?

146 Andy Pettitte, NYY Bronx Bangers

Yankee pitcher, trying to relive old glory...we'll see.

147 Brian Fuentes, Col Qtown Wardogs

I'm happy with the 3 relievers (four if Papelbonn comes back). They aren't flashy but they'll get the job done and I'm sure people will come knocking for trades.

148 Magglio Ordonez, Det nj dawg-e-dawg

Outstanding pick...I was liking him as well.

149 Ramon Hernandez, Bal North Georgia Eagles

Computer is filling his slots...moving along.

150 Freddy Garcia, Phi Camillus Katz

Guy is trying to find a reliever...takes starter instead...

[Qwikshot]

ROUND 16
151 Frank Thomas, Tor Camillus Katz

Guy redeems himself taking Thomas, will he repeat? Who cares at round 16. Again, showing the depth of 1st base.

152 Mike Cameron, SD North Georgia Eagles

Autopick, but gets a decent speed guy who's not going to screw up your average (Gathwright cough cough)

153 Eric Chavez, Oak nj dawg-e-dawg

Keep waiting on a breakout year...keep waiting.

154 Josh Barfield, Cle Qtown Wardogs

Depth and steals. He's playing with a good Cleveland offense...maybe some runs as well.

155 Ivan Rodriguez, Det Bronx Bangers

Another catcher gone...still not worried.

156 Joe Borowski, Cle EWC Ballerz

He's older than dirt, but he's Clevelands' closer.

157 J.D. Drew, Bos Brooklyn Cyclones

He's going to score points, but I don't like him.

158 Willy Taveras, Col the fightn' phils

Speed, and maybe a Colorado help to the average and homeruns...but not likely.

159 Kenji Johjima, Sea Cleveland Bulldawgs

Another catcher...s'ok. He's nothing special but will do fine.

160 Jacque Jones, ChC NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

Searching for speed.

[Qwikshot]

ROUND 17
161 Gary Matthews Jr., LAA NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

Funny sign a big contract, then find out he may be using ROIDS and down down you go.

162 Bob Wickman, Atl Cleveland Bulldawgs

Cleveland connection strikes again.

163 Brad Penny, LAD the fightn' phils.

Decent pitcher

164 Randy Johnson, Ari Brooklyn Cyclones

Remember when RJ was a force to behold...well, not anymore.

165 Adrian Beltre, Sea EWC Ballerz

Gobbling up more hitters...

166 Scott Proctor, NYY Bronx Bangers

Italized because it is SCOTT PROCTOR...this is like the time, the first time you fart in class and everyone looks and stares and laughs, because it happens, because you're a rookie in fantasy league and you guy with the guy you know rather than say any other capable fantasy leaguer...I would've even let it slide with Kyle Farnsworth...but man...it's your turn for everyone to laugh at you...(of course now he'll go on to win 40 games)

167 Pat Burrell, Phi Qtown Wardogs

Sigh...potential outfielders, Burrell though he antagonizes, does generally okay though.

168 Edgar Renteria, Atl nj dawg-e-dawg

Shortstop

169 Stephen Drew, Ari North Georgia Eagles

Autopick...

170 Sean Casey, Det Camillus Katz

Don't they have Chris Shelton?

[Qwikshot]

ROUND 18
171 Brandon Inge, Det Camillus Katz

Someone is a Tigers fan.

172 Chad Tracy, Ari North Georgia Eagles

Decent pick for the computer...

173 Brad Hawpe, Col nj dawg-e-dawg

Rivaled Holiday for a bit then petered out.

174 Nick Markakis, Bal Qtown Wardogs

Insurance for Burrell and higher ceiling...

175 Jeff Kent, LAD Bronx Bangers

Not a bad gamble...

176 Ray Durham, SF EWC Ballerz

Unlikely to followup...

177 Ervin Santana, LAA Brooklyn Cyclones

Good pick...

178 Rich Harden, Oak the fightn' phils.

Injury had him off the radar...

179 Ryan Freel, Cin Cleveland Bulldawgs

Supersubs are people too...

180 Anibal Sanchez, Fla NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

His shoulder hurts him...uhoh

[Qwikshot]

ROUND 19
181 Orlando Cabrera, LAA NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

Proof that you could find a shortstop this late in the draft....

182 Mike Piazza, Oak Cleveland Bulldawgs

This is the catcher I wanted...oh well.

183 David Eckstein, StL the fightn' phils.

Supersub, hurt...waste of pick.

184 Rich Hill, ChC Brooklyn Cyclones

Wild last season...I don't know.

185 Moises Alou, NYM EWC Ballerz

Solid pick...the Ballerz know their stuff.

186 Curt Schilling, Bos Bronx Bangers

Could've been had on the waiverwire.

187 Anthony Reyes, StL Qtown Wardogs

He's a gamble...I got jammed after Piazza...I should've gone with a postion player.

188 Aubrey Huff, Bal nj dawg-e-dawg

I don't know if he'll repeat.

189 Eric Gagne, Tex North Georgia Eagles

Computer with a worthwhile gamble.

190 Nick Johnson*, Was Camillus Katz

He's hurt, for a while...a reach.

[Qwikshot]

Final round...

ROUND 20
191 Jason Varitek, Bos Camillus Katz

Eh...still better catchers out there...but that'll do.

192 Josh Willingham, Fla North Georgia Eagles

Would've gone higher if he had catcher eligibility...but he's an outfielder now.

193 Marcus Giles, SD nj dawg-e-dawg

Remember when Giles was a steal...long time ago.

194 Russell Martin, LAD Qtown Wardogs

Catcher time...I grab one with steals...no complaints.

195 Dave Roberts, SF Bronx Bangers

Speaking of steals, think this guy has wheels still? In a limited role...yeah I do.

196 Omar Vizquel, SF EWC Ballerz

Ballerz did well, I cannot say enough.

197 A.J. Pierzynski, CWS Brooklyn Cyclones

Catchers...you can't win them, can't win without...

198 Jason Isringhausen, StL the fightn' phils.

Closer situation is shaky in St. Louis...no one took his replacement.

199 Armando Benitez, SF Cleveland Bulldawgs

Uh...ok, he is their closer.

200 Jose Contreras, CWS NEW YORK THE GREAT ONE

Finishes the draft....

[Qwikshot]

The Free Agent pool is deep...two more teams would've made things challenging...but I'll name a few free agents...:

Batters
Pedro Feliz
Craig Monroe
Hank Blalock
Austin Kearns
Brian Giles
Melvin Mora
Connor Jackson
Eric Byrnes
Kevin Youkilis
Scott Posednik (hurt)
Jhonny Peralta
Craig Biggio
Kenny Lofton
Mark Teahan
Alex Gordon


Pitchers

Javier Vazquez
Ian Snell
Dave Bush
Scott Olsen
Doug Davis
Kevin Millwood
Vicente Padilla
Gil Meche (snicker)
Kenny Rogers
Derek Lowe
Tom Glavine
Greg Maddux
Tim Hudson
Jonathan Broxton
Adam Wainwright
Joel Zumaya

So, needless to say...a lot is out there.

[Qwikshot]

"Breakdown, go 'head and give it to me..." Tom Petty

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Numbers in bold are the league leaders based on 2006 stats.
Numbers in red are league last based on 2006 stats.
Ballerz dominated in 3 stats; Great Ones in two. The Katz trail in two catagories.

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Bangers lead in two positions with Wardogs (me), Eagles and dawgs with one each.
Ballerz so dominant in hitting trail in two for pitching. Bulldawgs and Eagles both trail in one catagory apiece but Katz trails with a big fat zero in saves.

Also note Daisuke Matsuzaka whom I drafted did not pitch last season and wasn't added into the stat (I expect boosts to Wins, ERA, WHIP and Ks) and Papelbonn isn't closing this season (again boosts to Wins, ERA, WHIP and Ks and massive loss of saves).

[Qwikshot]

I participated in 3 drafts last night (two head to head).

The first one was just horrible, the guy who ran it must've been under 12 (public free ESPN league). But I decided to draft anyway, and while it was long and daunting, I managed to grab some great talent much to the chagrin of the league initiator and two of his knucklehead buddies (you go on and celebrate picking up Daisuke Matsuzaka in the 3rd round).

The head to heads were all business, while there was some chatter in the draft I'm posting about here (the others were pretty quick - some autodrafters). I may go into some depth about those drafts but I was consistent (In all drafts I picked near the end, including the end, and these drafts were snake drafts). The last draft seemed a little more difficult, but I can say that I feel better with who I have.

The keeper league from last year is supposed to be back on by Friday, so next week I may be drafting that as well. That was a rough team, but I got hope this season. I went all out on keeping position players (Ryan Zimmerman, Mark Teixeira, Justin Morneau, Alex Rios and Carlos Lee).

My final draft is with fraternity buddies and that isn't until March 28th, I figure that one will at least have some trade chatter. But I figure will being involved in a bunch of drafts, sooner or later you'll run into a bunch of decent players.