Martins Maulers, A Fantasy Baseball Dynasty/Diary

[Suicane75]

Last year after many years of playing on Sportsline & CDM and doing pretty well in public leagues I decided to step up my fantasy experience and bought A team in the NFBC. I played in a mixed, 15 team league and was looking forward to the step up in competition. I had pretty much only played in NL only leagues up to that point so adding an entire league to go along with the increased caliber of my opponents was a welcome challenge. Well I got my ass kicked. I finished 12th in the league and was never really competitive. I made some poor decisions high in the draft (Ichiro, Lester, Marcum) and banked on rookies that took forever to crack the bigs (Lawrie & Ackley).

I spent the past couple of weeks debating whether I would just go safely back to the easier and more familiar leagues I'd done well in before. But in the end I decided to give it one more crack with the big boys. Only this year instead of regular online draft I'm doing a Slow Draft. One the draft starts each team has a maximum of 8 hour to make their pick.

I hope this format will allow me to take some time and better examine each pick before I make it. It'll also allow me to study as I go without the pressure that pesky 90 second time limit. The draft order will be released at some point this morning and the draft itself will start sometime later today. I'll be using this thread to track the draft as I go and my teams performance over the course of the season.

The draft is 50 rounds. 23 starters and a 27 man bench with no roster moves. 5X5.

2C, 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, CI, MI, 5OF, UT, 9P

[Suicane75]

Ended up with the 14th pick in a draft that starts at 6pm tonight which I don't mind. Having no idea how the drafting is gonna go but I'm hoping that one the 3 elite pitchers are on the board (Halladay, Kershaw, Verlander) Ideally I'd like to nab one of them and a 5 tooler like Cargo or Upton in the 2nd. We'll see how it plays out.

[Suicane75]

This is Martin. He won both leagues he entered last year and made fun of me for my crappy team. He agreed to be my co pilot for this league in exchange for naming rights. It's cool though, cause all he really asks for in lieu of winnings is a good supply of Happy Meals and Fishsticks.

[Suicane75]

My pick is up. All 3 of the pitching studs are there so I can wait till it comes back to me to grab one of them. The interesting choice I have with this pick is that Granderson is still on the board and Cargo is not. I want to look hard at Hanley, Reyes or Kinsler here but I don't have the balls to pull the trigger on any of them as my offensive corner stone. So I guess I have to decide between Upton and Granderson. I'll think on it for a few.

[Suicane75]

Went with Upton at 1.14. Now to see what 15 does.

[Suicane75]

Kershaw and Longoria went with the next 2 picks which leaves me Verland or Hallladay unless I wanna go with Granderson here.

[Suicane75]

Damn, I really want to grab one of those pitchers but Grandersons run/rbi potential is something to really consider, even if he regresses to .250 30/20

[Suicane75]

The axiom of course is never pay for pitching. And there will almost certainly still be a few aces to choose from when this comes back around. I think I'm talking myself into Granderson here.

[Suicane75]

I'm gonna gamble here and grab Granderson. I count 10 guys that I'd be comfortable having as my top pitcher and I can just hope that they don't all go in the next 26 picks.

[Suicane75]

Well, the slow draft thing has become interesting for me. I figured having more time to pick would make me more comfortable with my selections. But I'm finding that I'm still doing a ton of waffling and second guessing. I'm also not using the amount of time I thought I would. It seems whenever I look at a player the first thing that pops into my mind is the worse case scenario.

Anyhoo, two of my five outfield spots are now filled with potential 5 toolers so I'm happy. I'm happy. Martin is happy. He told me to stop being so pessimistic.

[Suicane75]

Verlander was the last of the big 3 to go at 2.10. Every year I see someone take David Wright in the 2nd round and every year I chuckle some.

[Suicane75]

So we're at 3.2, 12 picks away from me and I'm starting to fret some because I don't think my short list is going to make it. Sabathia, Weaver, Haren, Hamels, Holiday & Cruz would be that short list of guys.

[Suicane75]

6 spots ahead of me. Weaver, Haren, Hamels & Cruz are still on the board.

[Suicane75]

Interesting 3rd round so far. Santana went before Napoli. Crawford, BJ Upton and Jay Bruce have been picked before Cruz or Pence which surprises me a bit. Brandon Phillips just went at 2.11. Only two picks ahead of me now with 3 of the pitchers I have short listed available so this should work out fairly well for me.

[Suicane75]

All 4 of those guys were there at 3.14 and I went with Weaver. Price and Haren were taken on the turn so I've got a decision to make here. Do I go with Hamels or one of the Brewers aces? Do I take the risk with Cruz? Or do I something else like go with Castro or Andrus? Sandoval? Gonna have to think on this for a few moments.

[Suicane75]

Went with Cruz here despite really considering my other options. The fact is I believe he's got a monster season in him at some point and I'll probably draft him high every year till he pays off.

[Suicane75]

Castro went with the next pick. I'm hoping there isn't a run on or CI, MI spots over the next 26 picks. Having drafted 3 OF with my first 3 position players is gonna leave me reaching at some point for infielders.

[Suicane75]

One of my faults every year is my inability to pull the trigger on non top tier MI in the early rounds.

[Suicane75]

For anyone interested, here's how the first 3 rounds went down.

1 Matt Kemp - LAD [CF]
2 Miguel Cabrera - Det [1B]
3 Albert Pujols - LAA [1B]
4 Troy Tulowitzki - Col [SS]
5 Joey Votto - Cin [1B]
6 Jacoby Ellsbury - Bos [CF]
7 Robinson Cano - NYY [2B]
8 Ryan Braun - Mil [LF]
9 Jose Bautista - Tor [RF]
10 Adrian Gonzalez - Bos [1B]
11 Prince Fielder - Det [1B]
12 Carlos Gonzalez - Col [LF]
13 Dustin Pedroia - Bos [2B]
14 Justin Upton - Ari [RF]
15 Clayton Kershaw - LAD [SP]

1 Evan Longoria - TB [3B]
2 Curtis Granderson - NYY [CF]
3 Ian Kinsler - Tex [2B]
4 Hanley Ramirez - Mia [SS]
5 Roy Halladay - Phi [SP]
6 Giancarlo Stanton - Mia [RF]
7 Mark Teixeira - NYY [1B]
8 Jose Reyes - Mia [SS]
9 David Wright - NYM [3B]
10 Justin Verlander - Det [SP]
11 Adrian Beltre - Tex [3B]
12 Andrew McCutchen - Pit [CF]
13 Cliff Lee - Phi [SP]
14 Josh Hamilton - Tex [LF]
15 Tim Lincecum - SF [SP]

1 Felix Hernandez - Sea [SP]
2 Matt Holliday - StL [LF]
3 Carlos Santana - Cle [C]
4 CC Sabathia - NYY [SP]
5 Mike Napoli - Tex [C]
6 Eric Hosmer - KC [1B]
7 Carl Crawford - Bos [LF]
8 B.J. Upton - TB [CF]
9 Ryan Zimmerman - Was [3B]
10 Jay Bruce - Cin [RF]
11 Brandon Phillips - Cin [2B]
12 Hunter Pence - Phi [RF]
13 Brett Lawrie - Tor [3B]
14 Jered Weaver - LAA [SP]
15 David Price - TB [SP]

[Suicane75]

Heres how round four played out.

1 Dan Haren - LAA [SP]
2 Nelson Cruz - Tex [RF]
3 Starlin Castro - ChC [SS]
4 Cole Hamels - Phi [SP]
5 Stephen Strasburg - Was [SP]
6 Pablo Sandoval - SF [3B]
7 Dan Uggla - Atl [2B]
8 Alex Gordon - KC [LF]
9 Zack Greinke - Mil [SP]
10 Asdrubal Cabrera - Cle [SS]
11 Elvis Andrus - Tex [SS]
12 Yovani Gallardo - Mil [SP]
13 Aramis Ramirez - Mil [3B]
14 Michael Bourn - Atl [CF]
15 Desmond Jennings - TB [LF]



Still 8 picks left till I'm up but the following intriguing pitchers remain on the board,
Ian Kennedy
John Lester
CJ Wilson
Matt Cain
Ricky Romero
Madison Bumgarner

And then there are the risk/reward guys like,
Matt Moore
Josh Johnson
Adam Wainright
Yu Darvish

[Suicane75]

Round five saw a run of Catchers go. Montero, McCann and Posey all went within 6 picks of me so I bit the bullet and took Mauer. The turn saw Kennedy and Cain go so I figured I best not gamble and took CJ Wilson. Looks like I'm gonna be an Angel fan this year. Oh yeah, through six rounds I still have no infielders.

[Suicane75]

6 spots away from me in the 7th round. Looking at Ackley and Hardy plus I want to grab a closer here. Mariano, Pap, Kimbrell all gone. Axford and Hardy would be nice here.

[Suicane75]

Got exactly what I wanted with Axford and Hardy. Also got annoyed as the slow draft is proving to be slower than I expected.

Next round through is probably going to have to be a pitcher and some speed.

[Suicane75]

Round 5
1 Alex Rodriguez - NYY [3B]
2 James Shields - TB [SP]
3 Rickie Weeks - Mil [2B]
4 Howie Kendrick - LAA [2B]
5 Matt Wieters - Bal [C]
6 Michael Young - Tex [3B]
7 Craig Kimbrel - Atl [MR]
8 Brian McCann - Atl [C]
9 Ben Zobrist - TB [2B]
10 Jimmy Rollins - Phi [SS]
11 Michael Morse - Was [1B]
12 Buster Posey - SF [C]
13 Miguel Montero - Ari [C]
14 Joe Mauer - Min [C]
15 Matt Cain - SF [SP]

Round 6
1 Ian Kennedy - Ari [SP]
2 C.J. Wilson - LAA [SP]
3 Madison Bumgarner - SF [SP]
4 Jon Lester - Bos [SP]
5 Paul Konerko - ChW [1B]
6 Chase Utley - Phi [2B]
7 Adam Jones - Bal [CF]
8 Lance Berkman - StL [RF]
9 Adam Wainwright - StL [SP]
10 Shin-Soo Choo - Cle [RF]
11 Matt Moore - TB [MR]
12 Kevin Youkilis - Bos [3B]
13 Josh Johnson - Mia [SP]
14 Alex Avila - Det [C]
15 Corey Hart - Mil [RF]

Round 7
1 Jonathan Papelbon - Phi [MR]
2 Erick Aybar - LAA [SS]
3 Ichiro Suzuki - Sea [RF]
4 Mariano Rivera - NYY [MR]
5 Mat Latos - Cin [SP]
6 Mark Reynolds - Bal [3B]
7 Jayson Werth - Was [RF]
8 Chris Young - Ari [CF]
9 Brett Gardner - NYY [LF]
10 Gio Gonzalez - Was [SP]
11 Alexei Ramirez - ChW [SS]
12 Yu Darvish - Tex [SP]
13 Drew Storen - Was [MR]
14 John Axford - Mil [MR]
15 Shane Victorino - Phi [CF]

[Suicane75]

About 5 picks away from me in round 9. My concern is that the starting pitching is starting to thin. Zimmerman, Sanchez, Marcum, Beckett and Kuroda are still available. I'm tempted to grab two of them here on this turn.

[Suicane75]

Got to me in round 9 and I really wanted Zimmerman but I knew I needed some speed somewhere. Jemile Weeks was still available but I thought it was a bit too soon so I decided to grab Coco Crisp. With Cruz, Crisp and Mauer this is starting to look a lot like my team last year which sucked. Oh well. The guy right behind on the turn already had 5 starters so I figured Zimmerman would make it back to me and he did and I grabbed him.

Heres how rounds 8 and 9 turned out,

Round 8
1 Drew Stubbs - Cin [CF]
2 J.J. Hardy - Bal [SS]
3 Michael Cuddyer - Col [RF]
4 Dee Gordon - LAD [SS]
5 Joakim Soria - KC [MR]
6 Daniel Hudson - Ari [SP]
7 Cameron Maybin - SD [CF]
8 Ricky Romero - Tor [SP]
9 Freddie Freeman - Atl [1B]
10 Jason Heyward - Atl [RF]
11 Billy Butler - KC [DH]
12 Andre Ethier - LAD [RF]
13 Chris Carpenter - StL [SP]
14 Matt Garza - ChC [SP]
15 Ike Davis - NYM [1B]

Round 9
1 Brandon Beachy - Atl [SP]
2 Paul Goldschmidt - Ari [1B]
3 Andrew Bailey - Bos [MR]
4 Melky Cabrera - SF [CF]
5 Sergio Santos - Tor [MR]
6 Danny Espinosa - Was [2B]
7 Tommy Hanson - Atl [SP]
8 David Ortiz - Bos [DH]
9 Adam Lind - Tor [1B]
10 Jose Valverde - Det [MR]
11 Josh Beckett - Bos [SP]
12 Michael Pineda - NYY [SP]
13 Cory Luebke - SD [SP]
14 Coco Crisp - Oak [CF]
15 Heath Bell - Mia [MR]

[Suicane75]

It's still about 20 picks away from coming back to me but I wonder if grabbing Bryce Harper might be an idea.

[Suicane75]

Two guys whom I had targeted, Jemile Weeks and Ervin Santana went right in front of me so instead of going with plan B of Kuroda and Ackley I said fuck it and swung for the fences. I grabbed Bryce Harper and then Yonder Alonso on the way back. More than likely I jumped too early on both of them but I'd rather jump early than late.

[Suicane75]

14 picks ahead of me now, just waiting for the guy on the turn.
I'm aiming for Encarnacion and Kuroda this go round.


Round 10
1 Joel Hanrahan - Pit [MR]
2 Jordan Zimmermann - Was [SP]
3 Peter Bourjos - LAA [CF]
4 J.J. Putz - Ari [MR]
5 Derek Jeter - NYY [SS]
6 Jesus Montero - Sea [C]
7 Yadier Molina - StL [C]
8 Carlos Beltran - StL [RF]
9 Emilio Bonifacio - Mia [SS]
10 Ryan Madson - Cin [MR]
11 Dexter Fowler - Col [CF]
12 Carlos Lee - Hou [LF]
13 Huston Street - SD [MR]
14 Jordan Walden - LAA [MR]
15 Carlos Marmol - ChC [MR]

Round 11
1 Kenley Jansen - LAD [MR]
2 Neil Walker - Pit [2B]
3 Rafael Betancourt - Col [MR]
4 Brian Wilson - SF [MR]
5 Jason Kipnis - Cle [2B]
6 Jason Motte - StL [MR]
7 Jeremy Hellickson - TB [SP]
8 David Freese - StL [3B]
9 Jeff Francoeur - KC [RF]
10 Shaun Marcum - Mil [SP]
11 Nick Markakis - Bal [RF]
12 Jemile Weeks - Oak [2B]
13 Ervin Santana - LAA [SP]
14 Bryce Harper - Was [RF]
15 Jhonny Peralta - Det [SS]

[Suicane75]

Round 12
1 Mike Moustakas - KC [3B]
2 Yonder Alonso - SD [LF]
3 Brandon League - Sea [MR]
4 Joe Nathan - Tex [MR]
5 J.P. Arencibia - Tor [C]
6 Logan Morrison - Mia [LF]
7 Anibal Sanchez - Mia [SP]
8 Max Scherzer - Det [SP]
9 Austin Jackson - Det [CF]
10 Derek Holland - Tex [SP]
11 Brandon Morrow - Tor [SP]
12 Mark Trumbo - LAA [1B]
13 Adam Dunn - ChW [DH]
14 Ubaldo Jimenez - Cle [SP]
15 Aaron Hill - Ari [2B]

[Suicane75]

Every day the same guy holds our draft up for hours. It really is disappointing. I swore I wasn't gonna check ADP but after knowing I made two reaches the past round(s) I checked it and it appears that I drafted Alonso and Harper about 75 spots higher than everyone else. Oh well. Assuming both guys get 400 at bats I think I'll be happy.

[Suicane75]

The team so far.

C- Joe Mauer
C-
1B-
2B-
SS- JJ Hardy
3B-
MI-
CI-
OF- Justin Upton
OF- Curtis Granderson
OF- Nelson Cruz
OF- Bryce Harper
OF- Coco Crisp
UT- Yonder Alonso

P- Jared Weaver
P- CJ Wilson
P- Jordan Zimmerman
P-
P-
P-
P-
P-
P- John Axford

Alonso will move to the 1B/CI spot when he becomes eligible.

There are about 6 closers left but I'm not gonna grab one this time around. Really hope Kuroda and Encarnacion are still there when my spot comes around (7 picks).

[Suicane75]

It has started to occur to me that I must have been smoking crack the previous round. Man, the reach for Harper I can sort of justify, but for Alonso too? That may have cost me my season.

Anyway, I got who I wanted this time around in Encarnacion and Kuroda but I gave serious consideration to nabbing Kendrys Morales. I didn't do it, the guy on the turn did, I may kick myself for that.

It seems one of the guys is punting saves, there are 4 closers left and 3 teams (including me) with less than 2 of them. I may be able to go another 2 rounds before nabbing another which I would prefer.

I have no idea who my targets on the next go round are. Gonna sleep on it.

[sovereignstar v2]

Lonely dynasty is lonely.

[sovereignstar v2]

I think Mauer is gonna hit 40 this season. Double plays that is.

[Suicane75]

Stop being racist towards me. Joe added 20 pounds of muscle. Muscle Joe= Big Year Joe.

16 picks away from me now. Guerra and Johnson are the closers left so I'll have to grab one of them if they're left. Maybe Glen Perkins...............

You never want to use the words "If I'm lucky enough to get Jim Johnson" when it comes to your fantasy squad.

[Suicane75]

10 picks away now. Angel Pagan got scooped up, I was hoping he'd fall but it's not to be. Hoping Guerra falls to me. As for the other pick I have no idea. Kelly Johnson is still out there but I don't wanna carry a .220 average.

[Suicane75]

Ugh. It came to me and I grabbed Javy Guerra which pleased me. But on the way back I was really stumped. I got enamored with John Mayberry and drafted him. I wish I had drafted Ben Revere. Anyway, I have 7 OF's right now. Alonso will move to first but I'd still like to grab Revere to give me some extra speed.

[Suicane75]

Round 13
1 Colby Rasmus - Tor [CF]
2 Kyle Farnsworth - TB [MR]
3 Nick Swisher - NYY [RF]
4 Brett Myers - Hou [SP]
5 Alex Rios - ChW [CF]
6 Jaime Garcia - StL [SP]
7 Chris Perez - Cle [MR]
8 Grant Balfour - Oak [MR]
9 Doug Fister - Det [SP]
10 Frank Francisco - NYM [MR]
11 Martin Prado - Atl [LF]
12 Dustin Ackley - Sea [2B]
13 Torii Hunter - LAA [RF]
14 Edwin Encarnacion - Tor [3B]
15 Kendrys Morales - LAA [1B]

Round 14
1 Gaby Sanchez - Mia [1B]
2 Hiroki Kuroda - NYY [SP]
3 Chris Iannetta - LAA [C]
4 Delmon Young - Det [LF]
5 Matt Thornton - ChW [MR]
6 Jose Tabata - Pit [LF]
7 Ryan Roberts - Ari [3B]
8 Yoenis Cespedes - Oak [CF]
9 Stephen Drew - Ari [SS]
10 Johnny Cueto - Cin [SP]
11 Matt Capps - Min [MR]
12 Ryan Howard - Phi [1B]
13 Justin Masterson - Cle [SP]
14 Matt Joyce - TB [RF]
15 Wilson Ramos - Was [C]

Round 15
1 Yunel Escobar - Tor [SS]
2 Lucas Duda - NYM [RF]
3 Angel Pagan - SF [CF]
4 Wandy Rodriguez - Hou [SP]
5 Jason Kubel - Ari [RF]
6 Kelly Johnson - Tor [2B]
7 Clay Buchholz - Bos [SP]
8 Johan Santana - NYM [SP]
9 Brandon McCarthy - Oak [SP]
10 Neftali Feliz - Tex [MR]
11 Ted Lilly - LAD [SP]
12 Geovany Soto - ChC [C]
13 Brennan Boesch - Det [LF]
14 Javy Guerra - LAD [MR]
15 Addison Reed - ChW [MR]

[Suicane75]

Man, I'm really pissed at myself. I think I've made some bad decisions that could cost me. As it stands I'm not too hyped for this team. I've got too many OF's, and what's worse is that I'm not even sure why I have one of them (Mayberry) when Willingham or Revere would have been a better choice. I would need Mayberry to go for 25-15 to make it a decent pick. Ugghhh. I still need speed I think but I neglected getting any in the MI so now I have to scramble there or just let it go.

17 picks away and my focus right now is on Bud Norris and Chris Sale. I'd love to add two potentially big K guys to my staff.

[Suicane75]

Well Sale went early in the round and Norris got picked right before me. Added Johnny Giavotella who scouts as a good contact hitter with some speed and is slated to hit 2nd in a pretty decent Royals lineup so........yeah. After the turn I needed to grab a pitcher so I nabbed Scott Baker and just hoped that this is one of those years where his ERA stays nice.

[Suicane75]

Well it's time to make some reaches/wishes/hope for the best picks so this turn round I grabbed Aroldis Chapman and needing some speed in the infield I grabbed Chone Figgins and will simply pray that being back in the leadoff spot puts some sparkle back in his game.

Round 16
1 Brandon Belt - SF [1B]
2 John Mayberry - Phi [LF]
3 Daniel Bard - Bos [MR]
4 Jim Johnson - Bal [MR]
5 Alejandro De Aza - ChW [CF]
6 Russell Martin - NYY [C]
7 Vance Worley - Phi [SP]
8 Jhoulys Chacin - Col [SP]
9 Justin Morneau - Min [1B]
10 Trevor Cahill - Ari [SP]
11 Mitch Moreland - Tex [1B]
12 Mike Adams - Tex [MR]
13 Ben Revere - Min [CF]
14 Gavin Floyd - ChW [SP]
15 Jason Bay - NYM [LF]

Round 17
1 Mike Minor - Atl [SP]
2 Allen Craig - StL [LF]
3 Ian Desmond - Was [SS]
4 Ryan Doumit - Min [C]
5 Alcides Escobar - KC [SS]
6 Mike Trout - LAA [CF]
7 Jarrod Saltalamacchia - Bos [C]
8 Tim Hudson - Atl [SP]
9 Chris Sale - ChW [MR]
10 Vinnie Pestano - Cle [MR]
11 Josh Willingham - Min [LF]
12 Carlos Quentin - SD [RF]
13 Bud Norris - Hou [SP]
14 Johnny Giavotella - KC [2B]
15 Daniel Murphy - NYM [1B]

Round 18
1 Chad Billingsley - LAD [SP]
2 Scott Baker - Min [SP]
3 Dayan Viciedo - ChW [RF]
4 John Danks - ChW [SP]
5 Colby Lewis - Tex [SP]
6 Vernon Wells - LAA [LF]
7 Kurt Suzuki - Oak [C]
8 Ryan Dempster - ChC [SP]
9 Mark Melancon - Bos [MR]
10 J.D. Martinez - Hou [LF]
11 Francisco Liriano - Min [SP]
12 Jake Peavy - ChW [SP]
13 Alfonso Soriano - ChC [LF]
14 Jonathon Niese - NYM [SP]
15 Nick Hundley - SD [C]

Round 19
1 Chris Heisey - Cin [LF]
2 Tyler Pastornicky - Atl [SS]
3 Justin Smoak - Sea [1B]
4 Edinson Volquez - SD [SP]
5 Trevor Bauer - Ari [SP]
6 Michael Brantley - Cle [CF]
7 Alexi Ogando - Tex [SP]
8 Gordon Beckham - ChW [2B]
9 Carlos Pena - TB [1B]
10 Chipper Jones - Atl [3B]
11 Chase Headley - SD [3B]
12 Tim Stauffer - SD [SP]
13 Mark Buehrle - Mia [SP]
14 Aroldis Chapman - Cin [MR]
15 Mike Leake - Cin [SP]

C- Joe Mauer
C-
1B- Yonder Alonso
2B- Johnny Giavotella
SS- JJ Hardy
3B- Edwin Encarnacion
MI-
CI- Chone Figgins
OF- Justin Upton
OF- Curtis Granderson
OF- Nelson Cruz
OF- Coco Crisp
OF- Bryce Harper
UT- John Mayberry

P- Jared Weaver
P- CJ Wilson
P- Jordan Zimmerman
P- Hideki Kuroda
P- Scott Baker
P- Aroldis Chapman
P-
P- Javy Guerra
P- John Axford

[Suicane75]

Round 20
1 Lorenzo Cain - KC [CF]
2 Chone Figgins - Sea [3B]
3 Sergio Romo - SF [MR]
4 James Loney - LAD [1B]
5 Salvador Perez - KC [C]
6 Jonathan Sanchez - KC [SP]
7 Jair Jurrjens - Atl [SP]
8 Ryan Vogelsong - SF [SP]
9 Jon Jay - StL [CF]
10 Jonathan Lucroy - Mil [C]
11 Chris Davis - Bal [1B]
12 Carlos Ruiz - Phi [C]
13 Phil Hughes - NYY [SP]
14 Juan Nicasio - Col [SP]
15 Jose Altuve - Hou [2B]

Was really hoping Lucroy or Ruiz would make it back to me for my 2nd catcher spot but it wasn't to be.

Round 21
1 Sean Rodriguez - TB [SS]
2 John Buck - Mia [C]
3 Mike Aviles - Bos [3B]
4 Marco Scutaro - Col [2B]
5 Matt Harrison - Tex [SP]
6 Mike Carp - Sea [1B]
7 A.J. Pierzynski - ChW [C]
8 Miguel Olivo - Sea [C]
9 Edwin Jackson - Was [SP]
10 Devin Mesoraco - Cin [C]
11 Erik Bedard - Pit [SP]
12 Jed Lowrie - Hou [SS]
13 Ryan Raburn - Det [LF]
14 Ramon Hernandez - Col [C]
15 Zack Cozart - Cin [SS]

Still needing a 2nd catcher I decided to grab Hernandez here. I was hoping Cozart would survive the turn but since he didn't I went with Drew Pomeranz.

Round 22
1 Ricky Nolasco - Mia [SP]
2 Drew Pomeranz - Col [SP]
3 Raul Ibanez - NYY [LF]
4 Marlon Byrd - ChC [CF]
5 Nyjer Morgan - Mil [CF]
6 Rafael Furcal - StL [SS]
7 Ivan Nova - NYY [SP]
8 Jason Vargas - Sea [SP]
9 Robert Andino - Bal [2B]
10 Jerry Sands - LAD [LF]
11 Nolan Reimold - Bal [LF]
12 Todd Helton - Col [1B]
13 Cliff Pennington - Oak [SS]
14 Rick Porcello - Det [SP]
15 Homer Bailey - Cin [SP]

Still needing a MI I was not too pleased when Andino and Furcal went. I may have to settle for a Padre here as both Bartlet and Hudson are still on the board. 4 picks away from me right now and I'm looking Kotchman as I'm sort of short on CI and his avg/rbi/run potential is pretty good.

[Suicane75]

Round 23
1 James McDonald - Pit [SP]
2 Omar Infante - Mia [2B]
3 Luke Hochevar - KC [SP]
4 Travis Snider - Tor [LF]
5 Brent Morel - ChW [3B]
6 Eduardo Nunez - NYY [SS]
7 Pedro Alvarez - Pit [3B]
8 Danny Valencia - Min [3B]
9 Denard Span - Min [CF]
10 Brad Peacock - Oak [SP]
11 Francisco Rodriguez - Mil [MR]
12 Aubrey Huff - SF [1B]
13 Jarrod Parker - Oak [MR]
14 Casey Kotchman - Cle [1B]
15 Mat Gamel - Mil [3B]

Grabbed Kotchman here as I began to get worried about my RBI's and I figure he'll be in the heart of that order.

Round 24
1 Eric Thames - Tor [LF]
2 Tyler Clippard - Was [MR]
3 Lonnie Chisenhall - Cle [3B]
4 Cody Ross - Bos [LF]
5 Alexi Casilla - Min [2B]
6 Roger Bernadina - Was [CF]
7 Alex Gonzalez - Mil [SS]
8 Carlos Zambrano - Mia [SP]
9 Garrett Jones - Pit [RF]
10 Gerardo Parra - Ari [LF]
11 Will Venable - SD [RF]
12 Seth Smith - Oak [RF]
13 Randy Wolf - Mil [SP]
14 David Murphy - Tex [LF]
15 David DeJesus - ChC [RF]

Grabbed Clippard on the turn cause any time you can nab 100+ K's from a reliever it's a good thing.


Round 25
1 Chris Capuano - LAD [SP]
2 Felipe Paulino - KC [SP]
3 Josh Thole - NYM [C]
4 Roy Oswalt - Phi [SP]
5 Danny Duffy - KC [SP]
6 Ty Wigginton - Phi [3B]
7 Alfredo Aceves - Bos [MR]
8 Scott Rolen - Cin [3B]
9 R.A. Dickey - NYM [SP]
10 Alex Presley - Pit [LF]
11 Andres Torres - NYM [CF]
12 Jason Bourgeois - Hou [CF]
13 Adam LaRoche - Was [1B]
14 Jordan Schafer - Hou [CF]
15 Yorvit Torrealba - Tex [C]

I wanted to add some speed and was planning on taking both Bourgeois AND Schafer here to assure myself of whoever the Astros starting center fielder was but Bourgeois was taken 2 spots before me. I sort of panicked at that point and grabbed Schafer, again going against what the whole point of being in a slow draft was supposed to be about for me.



Round 26
1 Fautino De Los Santos - Oak [MR]
2 Bryan LaHair - ChC [RF]
3 Jason Bartlett - SD [SS]
4 Francisco Cordero - Tor [MR]
5 Josh Tomlin - Cle [SP]
6 Jonny Venters - Atl [MR]
7 Henderson Alvarez - Tor [SP]
8 Anthony Rizzo - ChC [1B]
9 Jeff Niemann - TB [SP]
10 Jeff Karstens - Pit [SP]
11 Brian Matusz - Bal [SP]
12 Nick Punto - Bos [2B]
13 Ian Stewart - ChC [3B]
14 Placido Polanco - Phi [3B]
15 Julio Teheran - Atl [SP]

I really needed to fill my MI spot but I kind of fell in love with the quiet power potential of LaHair here.

Round 27
1 Jesus Guzman - SD [1B]
2 Glen Perkins - Min [MR]
3 Bobby Abreu - LAA [RF]
4 David Robertson - NYY [MR]
5 Domonic Brown - Phi [RF]
6 Aaron Harang - LAD [SP]
7 Brian Fuentes - Oak [MR]
8 Orlando Hudson - SD [2B]
9 Kyle Lohse - StL [SP]
10 Shelby Miller - StL [MR]
11 Ryan Lavarnway - Bos [C]
12 David Hernandez - Ari [MR]
13 Nolan Arenado - Col [3B]
14 Darwin Barney - ChC [2B]
15 Brian Roberts - Bal [2B]

I had Barney targeted as soon as I took LaHair and I'm glad he was there. I like the way he hits, he's not much else in any other category but what can I do.

[Suicane75]

Round 28
1 Bartolo Colon - Oak [SP]
2 Tyler Greene - StL [SS]
3 Bruce Chen - KC [SP]
4 Tommy Milone - Oak [SP]
5 Ryan Hanigan - Cin [C]
6 Matt LaPorta - Cle [1B]
7 Josh Collmenter - Ari [SP]
8 Freddy Sanchez - SF [2B]
9 Nate Schierholtz - SF [RF]
10 Wilin Rosario - Col [C]
11 Wilson Betemit - Bal [3B]
12 Chris Volstad - ChC [SP]
13 Derek Lowe - Cle [SP]
14 Brett Jackson - ChC [CF]
15 Casey McGehee - Pit [3B]

I still needed some infield depth so I took Greene here, although I was thinking heavily about taking Rosario. Greene would have likely still been there when it came back around. Hrmmp. Bret Jackson was also on my list of "guys I hope are there when it comes back around", but it wasn't to be.


Round 29
1 Wilton Lopez - Hou [MR]
2 Marco Estrada - Mil [SP]
3 Luke Scott - TB [LF]
4 Chris Narveson - Mil [SP]
5 Rajai Davis - Tor [CF]
6 Josh Donaldson - Oak [C]
7 Clayton Richard - SD [SP]
8 Jesse Crain - ChW [MR]
9 Jacob Turner - Det [SP]
10 Maicer Izturis - LAA [2B]
11 Josh Reddick - Oak [RF]
12 Juan Rivera - LAD [LF]
13 Rod Barajas - Pit [C]
14 Wily Peralta - Mil [SP]
15 Jason Castro - Hou [C]

Turner and Estrada were guys I hoped would be there for me but when they weren't I nabbed Peralta. It's not exactly like the Brewers staff has a history of staying healthy, but Estrada is first in line, whatevs.

Round 30
1 Ryan Ludwick - Cin [LF]
2 A.J. Ellis - LAD [C]
3 Trevor Plouffe - Min [SS]
4 Hisashi Iwakuma - Sea [SP]
5 Kevin Slowey - Cle [SP]
6 Randall Delgado - Atl [SP]
7 Craig Gentry - Tex [CF]
8 Fernando Salas - StL [MR]
9 Philip Humber - ChW [SP]
10 Jeremy Guthrie - Col [SP]
11 Brent Lillibridge - ChW [RF]
12 Rex Brothers - Col [MR]
13 Endy Chavez - Bal [CF]
14 Kyle Blanks - SD [LF]
15 Alberto Callaspo - LAA [3B]

Safe pick here as I only have my two starting catchers on the roster and neither of them are what we would call sturdy. So at least I got a 'for now' starter.

Round 31
1 Tyler Flowers - ChW [C]
2 Kris Medlen - Atl [SP]
3 Jeff Samardzija - ChC [MR]
4 Alex Cobb - TB [SP]
5 Brian Bogusevic - Hou [RF]
6 Joe Blanton - Phi [SP]
7 Mark Ellis - LAD [2B]
8 Kevin Gregg - Bal [MR]
9 Andy Dirks - Det [LF]
10 Tony Campana - ChC [CF]
11 Joaquin Benoit - Det [MR]
12 Derrek Lee - Pit [1B]
13 Chris Parmelee - Min [1B]
14 Brandon Wood - Col [3B]
15 Hector Noesi - Sea [MR]

I drafted Brandon Wood. That probably speaks volumes about how I've done in this draft.

[Suicane75]

Round 32
1 Danny Hultzen - Sea [SP]
2 Joel Peralta - TB [MR]
3 Travis Hafner - Cle [DH]
4 Juan Pierre - Phi [LF]
5 Wade Davis - TB [SP]
6 Greg Holland - KC [MR]
7 Guillermo Moscoso - Col [SP]
8 Matt Lindstrom - Bal [MR]
9 Kelly Shoppach - Bos [C]
10 Clint Barmes - Pit [SS]
11 Sean Marshall - Cin [MR]
12 Shelley Duncan - Cle [LF]
13 Tsuyoshi Wada - Bal [SP]
14 Brandon Allen - Oak [1B]
15 Travis Wood - ChC [SP]

Really wanted Hultzen here but he got snatched right before me so I took Peralta and am fairly happy. Farnsworth being Farnsworth and all.

Round 33
1 Kerry Wood - ChC [MR]
2 Zach Britton - Bal [SP]
3 A.J. Burnett - Pit [SP]
4 Johnny Damon - TB [DH]
5 Brett Anderson - Oak [SP]
6 Jake Arrieta - Bal [SP]
7 Grady Sizemore - Cle [CF]
8 Jon Rauch - NYM [MR]
9 Jimmy Paredes - Hou [2B]
10 Manny Ramirez - Oak [LF]
11 Brett Cecil - Tor [SP]
12 Ruben Tejada - NYM [2B]
13 Dillon Gee - NYM [SP]
14 Carl Pavano - Min [SP]
15 Wei-Yin Chen - Bal [SP]

A fuck ton of SP's went in this round, all of whom I would have preferred over Pavano but you get what's left and with Baker being injured I needed another starter.


Round 34
1 Julio Borbon - Tex [CF]
2 Brayan Pena - KC [C]
3 Hank Conger - LAA [C]
4 Andrew Cashner - SD [SP]
5 Jamey Carroll - Min [SS]
6 Lance Lynn - StL [MR]
7 Koji Uehara - Tex [MR]
8 Santiago Casilla - SF [MR]
9 Willie Bloomquist - Ari [SS]
10 Nathan Eovaldi - LAD [SP]
11 Jeff Keppinger - TB [2B]
12 Charlie Morton - Pit [SP]
13 Justin Turner - NYM [2B]
14 Chris Getz - KC [2B]
15 Paul Maholm - ChC [SP]

Took Pena here when the news of Salvadores injury hit. With Mauer and Hernandez as my catchers I can probably use two backups.

Round 35
1 Jordan Pacheco - Col [3B]
2 Andrelton Simmons - Atl [SS]
3 Kevin Millwood - Sea [SP]
4 Kosuke Fukudome - ChW [RF]
5 Aaron Crow - KC [MR]
6 Laynce Nix - Phi [LF]
7 Skip Schumaker - StL [2B]
8 Franklin Gutierrez - Sea [CF]
9 Jordan Lyles - Hou [SP]
10 Jose Molina - TB [C]
11 Joey Devine - Oak [MR]
12 Dallas Braden - Oak [SP]
13 Vincent Catricala - Sea [3B]
14 Leonys Martin - Tex [CF]
15 Kyle Seager - Sea [3B]

I liked getting Martin here although the Rangers have a lot of outfield depth.

Round 36
1 Brett Wallace - Hou [1B]
2 Kyle Kendrick - Phi [SP]
3 Starling Marte - Pit [CF]
4 Chris Snyder - Hou [C]
5 Andy Oliver - Det [SP]
6 Vladimir Guerrero - Bal [DH]
7 Antonio Bastardo - Phi [MR]
8 Eric Young - Col [LF]
9 Luke Gregerson - SD [MR]
10 Carlos Gomez - Mil [CF]
11 Taylor Green - Mil [3B]
12 Casper Wells - Sea [RF]
13 Dustin Moseley - SD [SP]
14 Brett Pill - SF [1B]
15 Manny Banuelos - NYY [SP]

If Kendrick ever gets a shot at regular starts he'll be a steal this low. Blocked by Joe Blanton, heh.

Round 37
1 Welington Castillo - ChC [C]
2 Wil Myers - KC [RF]
3 Lou Marson - Cle [C]
4 Javier Vazquez - Mia [SP]
5 Jorge De La Rosa - Col [SP]
6 Joe Saunders - Ari [SP]
7 John Jaso - Sea [C]
8 Lyle Overbay - Ari [1B]
9 Brendan Ryan - Sea [SS]
10 Al Alburquerque - Det [MR]
11 Matt Adams - StL [1B]
12 Tyson Ross - Oak [SP]
13 Tyler Skaggs - Ari [SP]
14 Juan Francisco - Cin [3B]
15 Adam Kennedy - LAD [2B]

Took Francisco, should have taken Todd Frazier.

[Suicane75]

Round 38
1 Francisco Cervelli - NYY [C]
2 Chris Young - NYM [SP]
3 Ryan Theriot - SF [SS]
4 Alex Liddi - Sea [3B]
5 Todd Frazier - Cin [3B]
6 Eric Sogard - Oak [3B]
7 Brandon Crawford - SF [SS]
8 Jerome Williams - LAA [MR]
9 Tony Gwynn Jr. - LAD [LF]
10 Yuniesky Betancourt - KC [SS]
11 Travis d'Arnaud - Tor [C]
12 Brandon Inge - Det [3B]
13 Mike Pelfrey - NYM [SP]
14 Don Kelly - Det [3B]
15 Brandon Guyer - TB [RF]

Read in a few spots that Young may sign with the Mets soon so why not take a flyer. If he's healthy he's a decent pick.
Round 39
1 Chris Coghlan - Mia [CF]
2 Jose Constanza - Atl [RF]
3 Tony Sipp - Cle [MR]
4 Brian Duensing - Min [SP]
5 Andy Pettitte - NYY [SP]
6 Collin Cowgill - Oak [LF]
7 Daniel Descalso - StL [3B]
8 Wade LeBlanc - Mia [SP]
9 Scott Downs - LAA [MR]
10 Casey Blake - Col [3B]
11 Dustin McGowan - Tor [SP]
12 Chris Johnson - Hou [3B]
13 Gerrit Cole - Pit [SP]
14 Chris Nelson - Col [2B]
15 Jose Lobaton - TB [C]

I already had Brandon Wood, so why not grab Nelson and pray for some instability in the Rockies infield.

Round 40
1 Jonathan Herrera - Col [2B]
2 Cory Spangenberg - SD [2B]
3 Matt Belisle - Col [MR]
4 Jesus Flores - Was [C]
5 Jerry Hairston Jr. - LAD [3B]
6 Evan Meek - Pit [MR]
7 Eric O'Flaherty - Atl [MR]
8 Sam Fuld - TB [LF]
9 John Lannan - Was [SP]
10 David Ross - Atl [C]
11 Eric Surkamp - SF [SP]
12 Daisuke Matsuzaka - Bos [SP]
13 Brett Hayes - Mia [C]
14 Garrett Richards - LAA [SP]
15 Matt Harvey - NYM [P]

I don't know shit and Spangenberg except that he's very young and speedy and that the Padres middle infield is about 100 years old.

Round 41
1 Andruw Jones - NYY [LF]
2 Tyler Colvin - Col [RF]
3 Andrew Miller - Bos [SP]
4 Rafael Soriano - NYY [MR]
5 Bobby Parnell - NYM [MR]
6 Matt Downs - Hou [3B]
7 George Kottaras - Mil [C]
8 Wilson Valdez - Cin [2B]
9 Drew Smyly - Det [SP]
10 Bronson Arroyo - Cin [SP]
11 Eduardo Sanchez - StL [MR]
12 Russ Canzler - Cle [3B]
13 Blake Beavan - Sea [SP]
14 Kyle Drabek - Tor [SP]
15 Ryan Sweeney - Bos [RF]

Just last year Drabek was a highly touted prospect, I'll take a flier on him in the 41st round.

Round 42
1 Norichika Aoki - Mil [LF]
2 Fausto Carmona - Cle [SP]
3 Jonathan Singleton - Hou [LF]
4 Barry Zito - SF [SP]
5 Darren Oliver - Tor [MR]
6 Shawn Kelley - Sea [MR]
7 Jake Westbrook - StL [SP]
8 Ramon Santiago - Det [2B]
9 Kyle McClellan - StL [SP]
10 Freddy Galvis - Phi [2B]
11 Steve Cishek - Mia [MR]
12 Greg Dobbs - Mia [3B]
13 Freddy Garcia - NYY [SP]
14 David Cooper - Tor [1B]
15 Mike Fontenot - SF [SS]

Carmona, Heredia, whatever the hell his name is. Chances are he'll be back at some point. Maybe he wont suck.

Round 43
1 Nick Franklin - Sea [SS]
2 Brian Dozier - Min [SS]
3 Jason Hammel - Bal [SP]
4 Rick Ankiel - Was [CF]
5 Everth Cabrera - SD [SS]
6 Brad Ziegler - Ari [MR]
7 Alex White - Col [SP]
8 John Baker - SD [C]
9 Randy Wells - ChC [SP]
10 James Paxton - Sea [SP]
11 Michael Fiers - Mil [MR]
12 Charlie Furbush - Sea [SP]
13 Luis Mendoza - KC [SP]
14 Hak-Ju Lee - TB [SS]
15 Derek Norris - Oak [C]

Like Spangenberg, I know nothing about Lee, but I do know the Rays middle infield is pretty shitty so who knows.

Round 44
1 Yasmani Grandal - SD [C]
2 Edward Mujica - Mia [MR]
3 Zack Wheeler - NYM [SP]
4 Hideki Matsui - Oak [DH]
5 Charlie Blackmon - Col [LF]
6 Jeff Baker - ChC [2B]
7 J.A. Happ - Hou [SP]
8 Octavio Dotel - Det [MR]
9 Jonathan Broxton - KC [MR]
10 Jake McGee - TB [MR]
11 Liam Hendriks - Min [SP]
12 Ronny Paulino - Bal [C]
13 Nick Blackburn - Min [SP]
14 Chris Carter - Oak [1B]
15 Juan Uribe - LAD [3B]

Mujica could be in line for some saves if anything happens to Heath Bell so why not.

Round 45
1 Jose Lopez - Cle [3B]
2 Marc Rzepczynski - StL [MR]
3 Reid Brignac - TB [SS]
4 Kelvin Herrera - KC [MR]
5 Robinson Chirinos - TB [C]
6 Kevin Correia - Pit [SP]
7 Nate McLouth - Pit [CF]
8 Jose Iglesias - Bos [SS]
9 Gerald Laird - Det [C]
10 Jack Wilson - Atl [2B]
11 James Darnell - SD [3B]
12 Jeremy Jeffress - KC [MR]
13 Conor Jackson - Tex [1B]
14 Tyler Chatwood - Col [SP]
15 Mike Montgomery - KC [MR]

I read that Chatwood was hitting 97 on the gun, that's almost 100.


Round 46
1 Chris Denorfia - SD [RF]
2 Anthony Gose - Tor [CF]
3 Will Middlebrooks - Bos [3B]
4 Graham Godfrey - Oak [SP]
5 Matt Carpenter - StL [3B]
6 Joe Benson - Min [LF]
7 Henry Blanco - Ari [C]
8 Reed Johnson - ChC [RF]
9 Xavier Nady - Was [1B]
10 Jack Hannahan - Cle [3B]
11 Chris Resop - Pit [MR]
12 Bill Bray - Cin [MR]
13 Chris Tillman - Bal [SP]
14 Tom Gorzelanny - Was [SP]
15 Trayvon Robinson - Sea [LF]

Don't know much about Gose except that he's a decent prospect and the Jays will probably be sellers come the trade deadline so maybe he gets a month or two of PT.

Round 47
1 Jason Marquis - Min [SP]
2 Kyle McPherson - Pit [SP]
3 Livan Hernandez - Hou [SP]
4 Miguel Sano - Min [3B]
5 Kila Ka'aihue - Oak [1B]
6 Jason Donald - Cle [SS]
7 Ross Detwiler - Was [SP]
8 Jonny Gomes - Oak [LF]
9 Casey Janssen - Tor [MR]
10 Anthony Bass - SD [MR]
11 Rafael Dolis - ChC [MR]
12 Luke Hughes - Min [2B]
13 Gregor Blanco - SF [CF]
14 Gary Brown - SF [CF]
15 Grant Green - Oak [SS]

If Brown gets a September call up and I need some steals, this will be a good pick.