Please contribute on how Brooklyn drafted in 2008. Since I commented on everyone, I feel that it woud be helpful for everyone to comment on Brooklyn's New York Moabs' draft.
Yunel Escobar* Traded for C. Granderson
Rafael Betancourt
Ubaldo Jimenez
Adam Wainwright
Micah Owings
Manny Parra
Ross Detwiller
Jhonny Peralta
Bengie Molina
Matt Lindstrom
Chris Coghlan
Hank Conger
John Meloan
Let me know...
Showing posts with label Draft 2008. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Draft 2008. Show all posts
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Pottsylvania's Draft Results
Team's Good Picks:
Clearly addressing the bullpen and starting rotation was crucial, but the biggest draft improvement was the acquisition of SS Jose Reyes. Drafting Hideki Okajima and Manny Delcarmen in the second and third rounds was great. This adds depth to a horrible bullpen from a year ago. Now, Billy Wagner has two legitimate setup men in front of him, but little depth beyond that. The selection of Gil Meche adds a stable back end rotation starter who will eat lots of innings, but is very expensive in the next couple of years. Lastly, Carlos Gomez is a fun player to watch. Next season, Pottsylvania will have a dynamic duo atop the lineup with Reyes and Gomez. Combined, they could steal 150 bases alone.
Team's Bad Picks:
Everyone else. Ryan Theriot is a nice player that fills many roles, but he is not worth a fourth round selection. Much more could have been done with that draft slot. In fact he could have been on the board around the time of Brendan Harris' selection. Brian Barton was a horrible selection to start the sixth round. He was essentially let go in the Rule 5 draft from Cleveland, so why would he be drafted as high as he did. Brooklyn's management was considering the outfielder as a last pick overall if the draft had gone Brooklyn's way. It's a bad sign when he could get more playing time in BARB than in MLB!
Overall: C
This is a draft and pre-draft grade. I thought the acquisition of Jose Reyes, Manny Delcarmen and Hideki Okajima were some of the best in BARB. The selection of Gil Meche was nice, but the loss of Adam Wainwright was worse. With the only experienced OF being Juan Pierre, who is not seeing regular playing time in MLB, the selection of Carlos Gomez gives Pottsylvania a dynamic young outfield with Felix Pie and Matt Kemp. If that was all of Pottsylvania's draft, then an 'A' might be warranted. But, this is not all of the draft. The rest of the draft has poor positioning and draft slots. I do like the selection of Mark Mulder, only .25, but not so high. He would have been available later in the draft. Another good draft like this could propel Pottsylvania into the playoffs.
Clearly addressing the bullpen and starting rotation was crucial, but the biggest draft improvement was the acquisition of SS Jose Reyes. Drafting Hideki Okajima and Manny Delcarmen in the second and third rounds was great. This adds depth to a horrible bullpen from a year ago. Now, Billy Wagner has two legitimate setup men in front of him, but little depth beyond that. The selection of Gil Meche adds a stable back end rotation starter who will eat lots of innings, but is very expensive in the next couple of years. Lastly, Carlos Gomez is a fun player to watch. Next season, Pottsylvania will have a dynamic duo atop the lineup with Reyes and Gomez. Combined, they could steal 150 bases alone.
Team's Bad Picks:
Everyone else. Ryan Theriot is a nice player that fills many roles, but he is not worth a fourth round selection. Much more could have been done with that draft slot. In fact he could have been on the board around the time of Brendan Harris' selection. Brian Barton was a horrible selection to start the sixth round. He was essentially let go in the Rule 5 draft from Cleveland, so why would he be drafted as high as he did. Brooklyn's management was considering the outfielder as a last pick overall if the draft had gone Brooklyn's way. It's a bad sign when he could get more playing time in BARB than in MLB!
Overall: C
This is a draft and pre-draft grade. I thought the acquisition of Jose Reyes, Manny Delcarmen and Hideki Okajima were some of the best in BARB. The selection of Gil Meche was nice, but the loss of Adam Wainwright was worse. With the only experienced OF being Juan Pierre, who is not seeing regular playing time in MLB, the selection of Carlos Gomez gives Pottsylvania a dynamic young outfield with Felix Pie and Matt Kemp. If that was all of Pottsylvania's draft, then an 'A' might be warranted. But, this is not all of the draft. The rest of the draft has poor positioning and draft slots. I do like the selection of Mark Mulder, only .25, but not so high. He would have been available later in the draft. Another good draft like this could propel Pottsylvania into the playoffs.
Casseroles
The Team's Good Picks:
Brandon Phillips was the best pick in the draft. He is a clear upgrade to every secondbasemen other than Chase Utley. He has tremendous range and great hands, could have played shortstop too. Phenomenal pick especially with Orlando Hudson playing behind him. It's nice have a switch hitting defensive wizard off the bench. Geovanny Soto is another terrific pick as he could start right away. He has great power from the catcher position. Sergio Romo is another sleeper player who can really hurl. The reliever provides depth to a pitching staff that was horrible a season ago.
The Team's Bad Picks:
Ken Griffey Jr and Kelvim Escobar are really risky picks. I feel that Escobar had the kind of year that everyone thought he should have every year. He has tremendous feel for pitching. He will likely miss the entire season this year and that does not bode well for the future. He is a legitimate ace though if healthy and this team could make a run at the postseason. Griffey is the same way. Clearly management addressed the lack of lefthanded power with Griffey, but its a big 'if' if he plays 140 games. An outfield consisting of Hunter, Dye and Griffey is experienced and has some good bats.
Overall: A-
Very very good first draft for Landon. In fact there are many owners that could look at what he did. He drafted the best player for the weakest position. In that I mean that 2B is a weak fantasy position, and he took the second best player (best available). That was smart. He then selected the next Miguel Cabrera in Angel Villalona. On teams that are contending, which Casselton is a year away, selecting a keeper player like Villalona is a bad idea. On a rebuilding team, it is crucial to build around. Romo and Faustino De Los Santos are great picks. Santos has a cannon and could be a building block for the young Athletics team. Soto was another great pick. I like LaPorta but I wonder how LaPorta will fit into the Brewers' long term plans now that they have moved Braun to left. Lastly, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to draft players that can help now, in the near future, and a few years down the line. Very good draft that more teams need to look at.
Brandon Phillips was the best pick in the draft. He is a clear upgrade to every secondbasemen other than Chase Utley. He has tremendous range and great hands, could have played shortstop too. Phenomenal pick especially with Orlando Hudson playing behind him. It's nice have a switch hitting defensive wizard off the bench. Geovanny Soto is another terrific pick as he could start right away. He has great power from the catcher position. Sergio Romo is another sleeper player who can really hurl. The reliever provides depth to a pitching staff that was horrible a season ago.
The Team's Bad Picks:
Ken Griffey Jr and Kelvim Escobar are really risky picks. I feel that Escobar had the kind of year that everyone thought he should have every year. He has tremendous feel for pitching. He will likely miss the entire season this year and that does not bode well for the future. He is a legitimate ace though if healthy and this team could make a run at the postseason. Griffey is the same way. Clearly management addressed the lack of lefthanded power with Griffey, but its a big 'if' if he plays 140 games. An outfield consisting of Hunter, Dye and Griffey is experienced and has some good bats.
Overall: A-
Very very good first draft for Landon. In fact there are many owners that could look at what he did. He drafted the best player for the weakest position. In that I mean that 2B is a weak fantasy position, and he took the second best player (best available). That was smart. He then selected the next Miguel Cabrera in Angel Villalona. On teams that are contending, which Casselton is a year away, selecting a keeper player like Villalona is a bad idea. On a rebuilding team, it is crucial to build around. Romo and Faustino De Los Santos are great picks. Santos has a cannon and could be a building block for the young Athletics team. Soto was another great pick. I like LaPorta but I wonder how LaPorta will fit into the Brewers' long term plans now that they have moved Braun to left. Lastly, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to draft players that can help now, in the near future, and a few years down the line. Very good draft that more teams need to look at.
S-Marks the Spot
The Team's Good Picks:
James Shields and Brian Wilson are terrific picks. I question how Shields' changeup will translate into BARB. None the less, Shields is a great upgrade for Smart's rotation. Brian Wilson can be really effective for the valley's team. Let's just say Izzy and Fernando Rodney are not strangers to the Harden-Hermida List. Wilson could end up being the set up man on this team. He's a good pick that provides some bullpen depth.
The Team's Bad Picks:
The fact the team only had 5-6 picks. What happened? Two really horrible picks by this team are Miguel Tejada and JC Romero. First Romero is not unestablished, he has pitched for many years now. Romero is one of the more overrated players and his changeup could get rocked really easily. It seems to me that he wasn't really effective against lefties, thus does not help the team much. And where do I begin with Tejada? He may hit 35 jacks in the JuiceBox but seriously will be a result of the ballpark. Tejada also has some legal obligations with the Mitchell Report. Despite having the Iron Man award for baseball earlier in the decade, concerns about lingering wrist problems made him expendable from Yuma. He arm is also getting older, as there are concerns he can make some throws. Very risky pick.
Overall: D
SMart almost received an F. The youthful pick of James Shields and Brian Wilson saved the grade. Again how was there only 6 picks for this team? There is absolutely no middle infield depth, no starting pitching depth, and with injuries in the pen, no bullpen depth. I take it back, the infield has no depth at all. Prospects do not look good at all despite have a tremendous 3B. Perhaps he should try to trade the best player in the game and get anything he wants.
James Shields and Brian Wilson are terrific picks. I question how Shields' changeup will translate into BARB. None the less, Shields is a great upgrade for Smart's rotation. Brian Wilson can be really effective for the valley's team. Let's just say Izzy and Fernando Rodney are not strangers to the Harden-Hermida List. Wilson could end up being the set up man on this team. He's a good pick that provides some bullpen depth.
The Team's Bad Picks:
The fact the team only had 5-6 picks. What happened? Two really horrible picks by this team are Miguel Tejada and JC Romero. First Romero is not unestablished, he has pitched for many years now. Romero is one of the more overrated players and his changeup could get rocked really easily. It seems to me that he wasn't really effective against lefties, thus does not help the team much. And where do I begin with Tejada? He may hit 35 jacks in the JuiceBox but seriously will be a result of the ballpark. Tejada also has some legal obligations with the Mitchell Report. Despite having the Iron Man award for baseball earlier in the decade, concerns about lingering wrist problems made him expendable from Yuma. He arm is also getting older, as there are concerns he can make some throws. Very risky pick.
Overall: D
SMart almost received an F. The youthful pick of James Shields and Brian Wilson saved the grade. Again how was there only 6 picks for this team? There is absolutely no middle infield depth, no starting pitching depth, and with injuries in the pen, no bullpen depth. I take it back, the infield has no depth at all. Prospects do not look good at all despite have a tremendous 3B. Perhaps he should try to trade the best player in the game and get anything he wants.
The Oakey Doakies
The Team's Good Picks:
Ivan Rodriguez and Gio Gonzalez are good picks for this team. Pudge provides a reliable catcher with fantastic defensive skills. With Andrew Jones, Orlando Cabrera, Mike Lowell, Mark Ellis/Howie Kendrick, Eric Byrnes and even Nick Swisher, this team could be Barb's best defense. Pudge has a cannon and so does Cabrera and Jones. Pudge provides a very good veteran bat to a lineup taht could have some potential. Cause for concern would be Mike Lowell as there is a reason big years by veterans are called "Career Years" they don't happen every year. As for Gio Gonzalez, the little lefty can really rack of the strikeouts. If Oakland is a contending team, then Gonzalez's late season callup could rival Liriano and Gallardo's efforts in past years. Gonzalez, since there is depth in this rotation, could be used to find another hitter, perhaps Yuma's Adam LaRoche or Pottsylvania's Lyle Overbay.
The Team's Bad Picks:
Dan Ortmeier and Dana Eveland were poor draft selections. At most Ortmeier will be a role player, despite consistant playing time with MLB's worst franchise. Generally role player would be good, but the team already has Conor Jackson. I thought there are more durable and versatile players, like Casey Blake that could have filled Ortmeier's role better. And for Eveland, the lefty is overrated. I think his numbers will be good at home, but when Oakland travels, he will get rocked.
The Team's Best Pick:
Not trading the organization's young players. Oakeyland has the finest young nucleus in Andy LaRoche, Stephen Drew, Howie Kendrick, Carlos Gonzalez, with Gio Gonzalez, Matt Garza, and Dice K. All of these players will see significant playing time by year's end at the latest. I seriously doubt too many fanchises will have this kind of contribution from youthful players.
Overall: C+
Although the talent from Oakeyland's draft wasn't great, it filled team needs. The team's catching situation was pathetic. Pudge fills the defensive needs of the team and can produce offensively. For the future, Oakeyland must focus on getting a more youthful catcher, like John Buck perhaps. The excess middle infield talent allows the team to trade some players if the situation is needed. Getting younger should have been a focus for this team. The only player that could produce at a high level in three years time was Gonzalez. With only a handful of picks, youth should have been the focus after acquiring Pudge. Jackson is also a good pick for this team but Ortmeier was overkill.
Ivan Rodriguez and Gio Gonzalez are good picks for this team. Pudge provides a reliable catcher with fantastic defensive skills. With Andrew Jones, Orlando Cabrera, Mike Lowell, Mark Ellis/Howie Kendrick, Eric Byrnes and even Nick Swisher, this team could be Barb's best defense. Pudge has a cannon and so does Cabrera and Jones. Pudge provides a very good veteran bat to a lineup taht could have some potential. Cause for concern would be Mike Lowell as there is a reason big years by veterans are called "Career Years" they don't happen every year. As for Gio Gonzalez, the little lefty can really rack of the strikeouts. If Oakland is a contending team, then Gonzalez's late season callup could rival Liriano and Gallardo's efforts in past years. Gonzalez, since there is depth in this rotation, could be used to find another hitter, perhaps Yuma's Adam LaRoche or Pottsylvania's Lyle Overbay.
The Team's Bad Picks:
Dan Ortmeier and Dana Eveland were poor draft selections. At most Ortmeier will be a role player, despite consistant playing time with MLB's worst franchise. Generally role player would be good, but the team already has Conor Jackson. I thought there are more durable and versatile players, like Casey Blake that could have filled Ortmeier's role better. And for Eveland, the lefty is overrated. I think his numbers will be good at home, but when Oakland travels, he will get rocked.
The Team's Best Pick:
Not trading the organization's young players. Oakeyland has the finest young nucleus in Andy LaRoche, Stephen Drew, Howie Kendrick, Carlos Gonzalez, with Gio Gonzalez, Matt Garza, and Dice K. All of these players will see significant playing time by year's end at the latest. I seriously doubt too many fanchises will have this kind of contribution from youthful players.
Overall: C+
Although the talent from Oakeyland's draft wasn't great, it filled team needs. The team's catching situation was pathetic. Pudge fills the defensive needs of the team and can produce offensively. For the future, Oakeyland must focus on getting a more youthful catcher, like John Buck perhaps. The excess middle infield talent allows the team to trade some players if the situation is needed. Getting younger should have been a focus for this team. The only player that could produce at a high level in three years time was Gonzalez. With only a handful of picks, youth should have been the focus after acquiring Pudge. Jackson is also a good pick for this team but Ortmeier was overkill.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Eliminated the Competition?
The Team's Good Picks:
The team had an excellent draft so there is a lot to choose from. George Sherrill, Matt Guerrier, Chris Marrero and Steven Pearce were the best from the solid crop. Sherrill and Guerrier provide depth to a depleted bullpen. Both have tremendous bullpen matchups. Sherrill is closing games in Baltimore and will be a nice set up man or middle reliever in the northeast. Chris Marrero is a great prospect that will provide some trade bait and make a splash. Also, Pearce is a flexible player who can play in the outfield and first, with a solid bat.
The Team's Bad Picks:
I think Peter Moylan's numbers were far better than what will happen this season. He is ruthless on righties and has developed a changeup this spring. If he can use the change effectively, he may be a very good pitcher against lefties. Moylan does not project long term due to his frisby style technique. Also, despite Heath Bell's excellent numbers last season, he was worked very hard. I question whether his arm can hold up a few years. Owner's beware. Lastly Pedro Feliciano is deceptive and effective against lefties but is purely a situational lefty. If he is left in the game against Lexington's right handed lineup, yikes.
Overall: A-
Clearly depth in the bulllpen was crucial to a repeat run to the playoffs. Too many arms to list were drafted which creates favorable matchups late in games. Joe Thatcher could be a great pick as the Padres are phenomenal at scouting bullpen talent in their huge pitcher's park. The trade for Jon Lester will be a great deal for yaers to come. Lester will be a stable in the rotatoin and a great pickup against the left handed heavy Brooklyn's New York Moabs. I thought a little depth up the middle was needed, but the surplus of bullpen arms gives management tremendous flexibility in trade for more depth. Injuries should not be a problem for this team due to the depth.
The team had an excellent draft so there is a lot to choose from. George Sherrill, Matt Guerrier, Chris Marrero and Steven Pearce were the best from the solid crop. Sherrill and Guerrier provide depth to a depleted bullpen. Both have tremendous bullpen matchups. Sherrill is closing games in Baltimore and will be a nice set up man or middle reliever in the northeast. Chris Marrero is a great prospect that will provide some trade bait and make a splash. Also, Pearce is a flexible player who can play in the outfield and first, with a solid bat.
The Team's Bad Picks:
I think Peter Moylan's numbers were far better than what will happen this season. He is ruthless on righties and has developed a changeup this spring. If he can use the change effectively, he may be a very good pitcher against lefties. Moylan does not project long term due to his frisby style technique. Also, despite Heath Bell's excellent numbers last season, he was worked very hard. I question whether his arm can hold up a few years. Owner's beware. Lastly Pedro Feliciano is deceptive and effective against lefties but is purely a situational lefty. If he is left in the game against Lexington's right handed lineup, yikes.
Overall: A-
Clearly depth in the bulllpen was crucial to a repeat run to the playoffs. Too many arms to list were drafted which creates favorable matchups late in games. Joe Thatcher could be a great pick as the Padres are phenomenal at scouting bullpen talent in their huge pitcher's park. The trade for Jon Lester will be a great deal for yaers to come. Lester will be a stable in the rotatoin and a great pickup against the left handed heavy Brooklyn's New York Moabs. I thought a little depth up the middle was needed, but the surplus of bullpen arms gives management tremendous flexibility in trade for more depth. Injuries should not be a problem for this team due to the depth.
It's Still Hot in the Desert
Only because this is Yuma, read Devil's Highway...
Team's Good Picks:
There are a lot to choose from. Rafael Perez and Rohrbaugh are great picks. Obviously Perez was thought highly of as he was a first round selection. Rohrbaugh is a Braves farmhand who was a draft and follow. That means he was selected out of high school and chose not to sign with the Braves, but went to a junior college. This allows the Braves to sign him before he is eligible for re-entry into the draft. He is a good lefty who is the leader of a new young class of Braves arms. Daniel Moskos could rise quickly in the Bucs organization. He throws hard and is left handed and in my opinion would be a fantastic set up man like BJ Ryan. Another highlighted pick is Johnny Cueto. Cueto is a bulldog type pitcher which is probably necessary in the Great American Smallpark.
Team's Bad Picks:
Really none, but I would say that Matusz is the weakest pick. He is only in this category because he is still in college. As I have said before, drafting college players is bad in the 40 man roster era of BARB. Matusz, despite being a highly regarded arm, is still going to take a few years to reach the pros. He takes away a degree of freedom from roster flexibility.
Most Underrated Selection:
Carlos Carrasco could be this season's version of Yovani Gallardo. He has tremendous stuff and is in an organization that sorely needs arms. This was a great pick and beat Brooklyn to the punch.
Overall: A
There is little that gets past Chris come draft time. He had a phenomenal draft and continues to add players taht can contribute now, the near future, and down the line a few years. This creates a stable organization that makes the playoffs year after year. The depth that was created through solid deep drafts allows Yuma to trade an All-Star OF for a young shortstop and not miss a beat. Another excellent draft in the desert.
Team's Good Picks:
There are a lot to choose from. Rafael Perez and Rohrbaugh are great picks. Obviously Perez was thought highly of as he was a first round selection. Rohrbaugh is a Braves farmhand who was a draft and follow. That means he was selected out of high school and chose not to sign with the Braves, but went to a junior college. This allows the Braves to sign him before he is eligible for re-entry into the draft. He is a good lefty who is the leader of a new young class of Braves arms. Daniel Moskos could rise quickly in the Bucs organization. He throws hard and is left handed and in my opinion would be a fantastic set up man like BJ Ryan. Another highlighted pick is Johnny Cueto. Cueto is a bulldog type pitcher which is probably necessary in the Great American Smallpark.
Team's Bad Picks:
Really none, but I would say that Matusz is the weakest pick. He is only in this category because he is still in college. As I have said before, drafting college players is bad in the 40 man roster era of BARB. Matusz, despite being a highly regarded arm, is still going to take a few years to reach the pros. He takes away a degree of freedom from roster flexibility.
Most Underrated Selection:
Carlos Carrasco could be this season's version of Yovani Gallardo. He has tremendous stuff and is in an organization that sorely needs arms. This was a great pick and beat Brooklyn to the punch.
Overall: A
There is little that gets past Chris come draft time. He had a phenomenal draft and continues to add players taht can contribute now, the near future, and down the line a few years. This creates a stable organization that makes the playoffs year after year. The depth that was created through solid deep drafts allows Yuma to trade an All-Star OF for a young shortstop and not miss a beat. Another excellent draft in the desert.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Frostbite's Cold Bite
The Team's Good Picks:
Corey Hart obviously! He provides a difficult matchup for many teams. The multi-tooled outfielder has a cannon defensively and covers a lot of ground. He can fill in in CF for the oft-injured Carlos Beltran, give a day off to Magglio Ordonez in RF, or play alongside the two as an upgrade in LF. In the lineup, he could bat leadoff, second or sixth through eighth. His versatility in power, speed, average, and ability to make contact makes Hart one of the best picks of the draft!
The Team's Bad Picks:
A couple questionable picks, Jason Heyward, Brett Anderson, and Tanner Scheppers are all keeper prospects. None will contribute in the next two to three yeas. These type of players are going to have huge upside, great picks in last year formats, but take away degrees of freedom. Since the Squirrels invest time and energy into the three, it may be harder to cut these players if the organization needs a spot for players who may have less upside but can contribute.
Great Picks:
Besides Hart, Chris Perez and JR Towles were great picks. Both players have upside and will likely contribute this season. Perez will likely pick up a few saves this season but should be the favorite for saves next season. Towles is a hard nosed catcher who can hit and should provide depth at catcher and provide a day off for Victor Martinez, but keep Martinez's bat in the lineup.
Overall: B
Hart is vital, simply brings the grade up to a B by himself. Management did little to address middle infield depth and starting pitching. Jeff Kent and Edgar Renteria are counted on to provide many games alongside Michael Young. For the most part Kent has been healthy in his career, but his body has taken a toll as his defense has suffered in past years. Renteria cannot be counted on to play more than 100 games, but he is highly productive when in the lineup. If both get injured, will Reid Brignac be ready? And for the starting pitching, the team is still counting on Brad Penny and Ben Sheets to compete and fill out this rotation. At least one is counted on at a time to compliment a strong rotation of Felix Hernandez, Rich Hill, Tim Lincecum, and Shawn Hill. When both Sheets and Penny are in the rotation, this is a very strong and possible best rotation in BARB.
Corey Hart obviously! He provides a difficult matchup for many teams. The multi-tooled outfielder has a cannon defensively and covers a lot of ground. He can fill in in CF for the oft-injured Carlos Beltran, give a day off to Magglio Ordonez in RF, or play alongside the two as an upgrade in LF. In the lineup, he could bat leadoff, second or sixth through eighth. His versatility in power, speed, average, and ability to make contact makes Hart one of the best picks of the draft!
The Team's Bad Picks:
A couple questionable picks, Jason Heyward, Brett Anderson, and Tanner Scheppers are all keeper prospects. None will contribute in the next two to three yeas. These type of players are going to have huge upside, great picks in last year formats, but take away degrees of freedom. Since the Squirrels invest time and energy into the three, it may be harder to cut these players if the organization needs a spot for players who may have less upside but can contribute.
Great Picks:
Besides Hart, Chris Perez and JR Towles were great picks. Both players have upside and will likely contribute this season. Perez will likely pick up a few saves this season but should be the favorite for saves next season. Towles is a hard nosed catcher who can hit and should provide depth at catcher and provide a day off for Victor Martinez, but keep Martinez's bat in the lineup.
Overall: B
Hart is vital, simply brings the grade up to a B by himself. Management did little to address middle infield depth and starting pitching. Jeff Kent and Edgar Renteria are counted on to provide many games alongside Michael Young. For the most part Kent has been healthy in his career, but his body has taken a toll as his defense has suffered in past years. Renteria cannot be counted on to play more than 100 games, but he is highly productive when in the lineup. If both get injured, will Reid Brignac be ready? And for the starting pitching, the team is still counting on Brad Penny and Ben Sheets to compete and fill out this rotation. At least one is counted on at a time to compliment a strong rotation of Felix Hernandez, Rich Hill, Tim Lincecum, and Shawn Hill. When both Sheets and Penny are in the rotation, this is a very strong and possible best rotation in BARB.
Darwin's Draft Recap and Grade
The Team's Good Picks:
Clearly Darwin's management believes that the lineup needed an upgrade in the outfield to assist Jeff Francouer. The steals of Josh Hamilton and Rick Ankiel will provide some left handed power in the lineup. The pre-draft trade to acquire Milton Bradley for Josh Sweeney allows for some depth for the lineup down the road. PZ Myers will hope for 15-20 jacks from Josh Hamilton and solid defense and 20-27 homers from Ankiel. What cannot go underestimated is the defensive contributions of the two. Ankiel, a former pitcher who's story is well documented, has the league's second best arm, only to teammate Francouer. Hamilton, who can play center, can cover plenty of ground and has a very good arm.
The Team's Bad Picks:
I do not think there was enough done to address the bullpen. The Finches' Owner, S Hatfield, criticized other owners for some draft picks spent on bullpen arms. Well, Kevin Gregg cannot be counted on. The startingrotation has seen many injuries to start the season and the bullpen has had a lot of wear and tear, so injuries should be anticipated. Jeremy Accardo will be crucial to assist JJ Putz and John Broxton, but not enough was done here.
Questionable Picks:
The Finches selected 3B Pedro Alvarez who has several roadblocks. To be honest, Alvarez was not a player on many "lists" so his talent is somewhat unknown. From my understanding, he is in the Dodger's system. IF so, then he is behind Andy LaRoche, Nomar Garciaparra, Blake DeWitt, and Josh Bell. He must be a keeper prospect, but the 40 man rule kills keeper prospects, so this is a risky pick.
Great Picks:
The selection of Catcher Bryan Anderson was a terrific pick. He has a smooth left handed approach as a catcher. He is still a year or two away as the Cardinals do not need to rush him because of the defensive prowess of Yadier Molina, also a Finch. Be aware that there is a potential that all three catching prospects, Jeff Clement, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Anderson may move to first base, which I am guessing the management took into account as there is little long term depth behind David Ortiz and Lance Berkman. Both Ortiz and Berkman have had long injury issues and health concerns, so depth at both positions are crucial.
Overall Grade: C+
There was more depth concerns with this ballclub that management realizes. John Smoltz, Josh Johnson, Scott Kazmir, and Chuck James have had injury concerns before the start of the season! Yet, little was done to pick up some depth at the position. Franklin Morales and Johnathan Sanchez could fill in for a few starts, but should not be counted on in the rugged East. Chad Billingsley is likely going to start the season as the 3rd or 2nd slot in the rotation, which is asking a lot of a young player.
Clearly Darwin's management believes that the lineup needed an upgrade in the outfield to assist Jeff Francouer. The steals of Josh Hamilton and Rick Ankiel will provide some left handed power in the lineup. The pre-draft trade to acquire Milton Bradley for Josh Sweeney allows for some depth for the lineup down the road. PZ Myers will hope for 15-20 jacks from Josh Hamilton and solid defense and 20-27 homers from Ankiel. What cannot go underestimated is the defensive contributions of the two. Ankiel, a former pitcher who's story is well documented, has the league's second best arm, only to teammate Francouer. Hamilton, who can play center, can cover plenty of ground and has a very good arm.
The Team's Bad Picks:
I do not think there was enough done to address the bullpen. The Finches' Owner, S Hatfield, criticized other owners for some draft picks spent on bullpen arms. Well, Kevin Gregg cannot be counted on. The startingrotation has seen many injuries to start the season and the bullpen has had a lot of wear and tear, so injuries should be anticipated. Jeremy Accardo will be crucial to assist JJ Putz and John Broxton, but not enough was done here.
Questionable Picks:
The Finches selected 3B Pedro Alvarez who has several roadblocks. To be honest, Alvarez was not a player on many "lists" so his talent is somewhat unknown. From my understanding, he is in the Dodger's system. IF so, then he is behind Andy LaRoche, Nomar Garciaparra, Blake DeWitt, and Josh Bell. He must be a keeper prospect, but the 40 man rule kills keeper prospects, so this is a risky pick.
Great Picks:
The selection of Catcher Bryan Anderson was a terrific pick. He has a smooth left handed approach as a catcher. He is still a year or two away as the Cardinals do not need to rush him because of the defensive prowess of Yadier Molina, also a Finch. Be aware that there is a potential that all three catching prospects, Jeff Clement, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Anderson may move to first base, which I am guessing the management took into account as there is little long term depth behind David Ortiz and Lance Berkman. Both Ortiz and Berkman have had long injury issues and health concerns, so depth at both positions are crucial.
Overall Grade: C+
There was more depth concerns with this ballclub that management realizes. John Smoltz, Josh Johnson, Scott Kazmir, and Chuck James have had injury concerns before the start of the season! Yet, little was done to pick up some depth at the position. Franklin Morales and Johnathan Sanchez could fill in for a few starts, but should not be counted on in the rugged East. Chad Billingsley is likely going to start the season as the 3rd or 2nd slot in the rotation, which is asking a lot of a young player.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)