MLB Fastball 03.28.06: 2006 Positional Outlook - Pitchers
Posted by Neil Borenstein on 03.28.2006
We wrap it all up with the pitchers!
We have reached the final week of the 2006 Positional Outlook in MLB Fastball. Somewhere along the way I realized this was probably a big mistake since the feedback I have received projects me looking like a damn fool, even though these lists are simply my opinion. But hey, I appreciate everybody telling me how they feel, and we will once again take a look at the Feedback Machine before moving on to this week's look at the top five pitchers from both the American League and the National League.
First, here's one that I just received in response to the third basemen column:
Now, although I am quite well aware that I carry a heavy bias because I am a huge Mets fan, but David Wright certainly has a case for the best third basemen in the NL. Through a quick stat-check on espn.com, you can learn that, last year, David Wright led 3B among at bats, runs, hits, RBI, stolen bases, batting average, on-base percentage, was second in doubles (joe randa beat him out 43-42), third in walks (behind Ensberg and Glaus), third in slugging (behind Ramirez and Ensberg), third in OPS (behind Ensberg and Ramirez) and was fourth in home runs (where Glaus, Ensberg and Ramirez ranked above him). So, of 12 major batting categories, Wright led the NL among third basemen in 7 of them, and was top 3 in 4 of the 5 other categories, only slacking to #4 in HRs. I think those numbers grant him some discussion of best 3B bat in the NL.
And how about Wright in the field? A human highlight reel, but that does not always equate to consistency. He had a .948 fielding percentage. Not great, but not terrible. Seventh in the NL, but, of the 3 third basemen who writers demanded rank higher than Wright, only Ensberg had a better fielding percentage. Wright also did lead the league in errors, with 24, to Ramirez's 16 and Ensberg's 15. However, one must also consider that Wright played 12 more games then Ensberg and 41 more than Ramirez! Oh, and 104 more than Rolen. Of course errors are going to occur when you get 40 more attempts then Ensberg and 108 more than Ramirez! Wright had 31 more put-outs then Ramirez. So, by making loads more plays, Wright was, in fact, hurt in statistical categories in the eyes of the readers.
Granted, this is one year. Ensberg's numbers could also be considered fluke-ish, considering he had never had more than 25 HRs (up to 36) or 66 RBI (up to 101) in a season. He also doubled his previous high of strike outs (60 to 119). But Wright only turned 23 in December. As mentioned, Wright performed remarkably well in his 60 games in 2004, and appears to be a potential superstar in 2006. I personally feel he's a future MVP candidate. He can hit for average, he can hit for power and RBIs, and he makes every recap show around because of his insane plays. If the Mets succeed, it will be because David Wright is the backbone of the franchise for the next 15 years.
Wright put up better batting numbers then Rolen, Ensberg, and Ramirez last season. His fielding numbers weren't quite up to par, but he played much more often, leaving himself open to more errors. Wright is also 4 years younger than Ramirez, 7 years younger than Ensberg, and 7 years younger than Rolen. Putting up these numbers at such a young age does not come every day.
Sorry to write you a novel, I just had to get that off my chest.
- Chris R.
Chris, I could not agree with you more.
I can certainly understand why people have reservations about placing Wright in the number one spot, but he has proven during his time that he is a big offensive player. And, as you noted, while inconsistent with a sub par fielding percentage, Wright can make highlight reel plays at the hot corner.
The stats you provided basically gave more depth to the argument, and Wright should not be dismissed by people as the top third baseman in the National League.
And now feedback about the outfielders:
Well, I hope that you knew that my comment about all those yanks being on your list was merely sarcasm, but I actually did figure in Sheff at the #1 spot on your list, and Manny being #2. I don't know why I thought that you'd realistically place Damon ahead of Ichiro (which I really did think you'd do) but I can't complain TOO much about your list.
Call me biased again, but I think that Sheff's gonna have a TERRIBLE year, considering the guys ahead of him are going to have trouble getting on base (although Johnny "OW my shoulder hurts" Damon might be a bit faster this year now that he's more streamlined) so Sheffield actually DOES NOT make my list. Here's how I saw the AL Outfielders:
5. Vernon Wells. TOR Great player, but he's going to get lost in the shuffle. Not everyone on the Jays is going to be helped by all those additions.
4. Ichiro. SEA Cash money (or is that Japanese Yen?) as long as you aren't looking for the long ball. The guy is the king of slap-happy hitting, and he is all but a lock to lead the league in doubles and triples every year. And I see him realistically besting his hits total from last year and having a shot at .400+ avg. (although I see him falling just short at .397 or so)
3. Carl Crawford TB. He's the reason that the 'Rays don't go 0-162, (or at least one of the MAIN reasons) highly underrated, and a real guy to watch in '06!
2. Manny Ramirez BOS. SURPRISE! Yes, I think Manny is the man when he's got his whittled down oak tree in hands, but when he's got that rawhide on his left hand that is where the trouble starts. The best hitter in Baseball? Right now it's hard to argue that. Head case? NO argument there, what with "Manny being Manny" and all. If he could just figure out what he really WANTS, he's the best player in baseball, but the fact that he wants out of Boston (and has for what seems like the entire time he's been on the Red Sox) and his lax play in left field make him # 2 outfielder in the AL.
1. Vlad Guerrero. Ana. Cannon for an arm, hits for average, power, has a great glove, and has speed to burn, Vlad is truly a five tool player who is going to carry the LA of Ana Angels to new heights. He is THE MAN!!!
As an aside note, what do you think of the Arroyo for Pena deal? I think that it's a HORRIBLE trade that should have never happened. Bronson is so over in Boston that we even forgave him for that almost decent CD he put out. The guy even took what would have been a pay CUT to stay in Red Sox nation, so why give up on him? So that David Wells can keep b*tching about his spot in the rotation? So that they can rush Jonathan Papelbon to the majors and ruin his chances at being the star that he should be? I'm almost shocked that Pappelbon wasn't the one traded as it is, Theo seems to have taken a DUH pill recently because I see no logic in making this deal, aside of assuring that a 43 (I think) year old David Wells (who has said that he wants to go to the west coast anyway) can bitch, whine, moan and lose MORE games for The Sox, that is if he stays healthy enough to pitch as it is. I still say that a Wells and Manny trade for Vlad Guerrero would be a great deal (THEO are you listening??) but if the Angels have a clue they wouldn't bite on that anyways. I say, find a way to rid the Sox of that overweight whiner Wells, and bring in a shortstop who isn't a lifetime .240's hitter. Yeah, we've got plenty of offense, but I don't see the 'Sox going far with Gonzalez at short.
Sorry about that tirade against David Wells, and my half a**ed solutions to the Red Sox problems, but then again, that's why I am a fan, so I can b*tch about the team, and still support them, even when Wells is on the mound with Wily Mo Pena in right because the team has no faith in Trot Nixon against lefties (give him a damn shot!)
Well, I guess the NL suffers again. Here's the list before I go though:
5. Ken Griffey Jr. CIN (hopefully last year wasn't a fluke!!)
4. Jason Bay Pit. (superstar in the making, and this year he's proving it!)
3. Andrew Jones ATL (With a glove like that, and a bat that resembles even his normal stat, he's still one of the best!)
2. Bobby Abreu PHI (I'm just glad that he didn't end up on the Sox, because Bronson and Trot would be on Philly, and they are, well one is now, two of my faves on the Sox. But Abreu is showing that even if Philly isn't taking their team seriously at times, he is still one of the greatest outfielders out there!)
1. Carlos Beltran NYM (Last year was a fluke, and he is going to turn it around. I see MVP type numbers from him this year!)
Well, there you have it, and before you ask, Bonds is out because I see him crumbling under the pressure and quitting the game before the All Star break.
The Outcast Legend The Wolf!
First off, Outcast, Gary Sheffield is not going to have a bad year. And be fair, just because Johnny D's wearing the pinstripes now, that doesn't mean he's all of a sudden going to suck. In fact, since the Yankees are better than the Red Sox, if anything, Damon is only going to get better! And how you can keep Sheffield off the list is a bit of a mystery to me considering he's been so clutch for the constant AL East Division winners. But hey, it's your list, and I'll respect it even if I don't agree with it.
One thing I will kind of call you out on is Carl Crawford at #3. I don't understand for the life of me why people are so "gaga" over this guy. First off, the Devil Rays may not be 0-162, but they aren't exactly striving for anything over fifth in the AL East on a yearly basis. He can't get them out of the basement of the division, so it's not as if he's GOD to this team. Also, last season was his best year, and it consisted of 15 home runs, 81 RBIs, and 46 stolen bases. Now I will give him credit for his defensive play, but when you've got outfielders that can smash 30+ homers and a over 100 RBIs a season, Crawford just doesn't stand out to me as somebody I would rank very highly on a list – a list you kept Gary Sheffield off of. I think Crawford gets a lot of undeserved credit and while I think he could be much more of an impact player on a different team, he has not exactly proven to me that he's deserving of top five status in the American League.
I am, however, okay with Vladdy going number one on your list. He doesn't rank first on mine, but I can certainly see why you or anybody else would put him there.
As far as the Wily Mo Pena for Bronson Arroyo trade is concerned, if I were a Red Sox fan, I would be elated. Pena is one of the most underused players in the entire league. And considering he came from the Cincinnati Reds, that's absolutely bogus. This man can kill the ball with his swings, and I have no doubt in my mind that if he were granted the opportunity to start 150+ games for a team in the majors, he would hit 35+ home runs and over 100 RBIs a season. Now granted, his batting average could use some work, but he is a tremendous power hitter that has never really been given his chance. Unfortunately, he won't get his chance in Boston either with Trot Nixon playing in right field and Coco Crisp in center, but Pena has starter qualities. And sure, it stings to lose a guy like Arroyo who Boston got attached to. But that's sports. You're going to lose players you like in order to better the team. But let's be honest, it's not hard to find a starter that throws in the 4.00 range in ERA. Arroyo is not a stud pitcher by any means, and he can easily be replaced.
Your National League list really worries me. First off, you're much more confident than me that Ken Griffey, Jr. isn't going to get injured again. He managed to get in a good year with 35 home runs, but he still only played 128 games, which is magnificent compared to what he normally gets in. Originally, I wanted to put Carlos Beltran high on the NL list, but last season really worried me. It could have been a fluke, and this season might be better for him, but to place him where you have him requires that he hit 35+ home runs, nail around 105 RBIs, hit at least .280, and steal around 35-40 bases. And that's not normal numbers for Beltran. He could get there, but I'm not completely confident he will.
Just when I think you've got it with your 3rd base lists you go and do this. I don't have too much beef with the AL list, but I have major beef with your NL list. Here's how I would have went.
AL
1) Manny Ramirez
2) Vladamir Guerrero
3) Sheffield
4) Ichiro
5) Hideki Matsui
5a) Carl Crwaford- This guy gets no love, but look at the numbers and tell me he's not deserving.
NL
1) Jason Bay- I have no idea how this guy was not on your list. He's a 5-tool player who puts up great numbers for a horrible team; if he played on a more high profile team I guarantee he's your #1. Quick bit of trivia for you. Name the players last season who hit at least .300/ 30 HR/ 100 runs/ 100 RBIs/ and 20 steals. That would be A-Rod and Jason Bay, but I'm sure there's a good reason he's not on the list.
2) Abreu
3) Carlos Lee
4) Andruw Jones
5) Bonds- Even though I hate him, he can hit. I don't think he's gonna get that many AB's because they'll rest him. I'm tempted to put Adam Dunn here if he could cut down the K's, but he's one of only 4 guys to hit 40 HR's and drive in 100 runs and score 100 runs.
Chris B.
Okay, I'll give you Bay could be featured on a top five list. He won't be featured on mine, but that's because I would take the players I put on my list ahead of Bay any day of the week at this point. But I won't kill you for placing Bay on a top five. But you've got to be on the crack pipe to put Bay number 1! Andruw Jones, a man who hits mid-30's in home runs and around 100 RBIs in a regular season is ranked fourth on your list, but Bay, who hit 30 once is number one? Now I ranked Jones fifth on mine, so I'm not going to glorify this guy, but I find it kind of hypocritical to take a guy who had one major season and rank him above guys who have had numerous stellar seasons. Again, you want to put Bay on a list, hey, that's fine. But number one is WAY too high. He is no higher than fourth at this point in his career.
And now we move on to the final position for the 2006 Positional Outlook in MLB Fastball. I want to send out this disclaimer right now. This is a top five of starters and relievers for each league, which means we're looking at A LOT of pitchers. So please, do not send me emails bitching to me about your team's favorite guy not ranking number one or whatever you're going to complain about unless you feel my list is absolutely horrendous and you start losing sleep over it. Like I've said many times, I appreciate everybody's opinion, but I'm envisioning getting crucified a million times over and it's impossible to please everybody considering all of the pitchers in the majors. But then again, I guess that's the challenge!
Top Pitchers in Major League Baseball
American League
5. Bartolo Colon – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Bartolo Colon of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim has been a truly crucial addition to the west coast team since he arrived there in 2004.
Colon has not won less than ten games since his rookie year in 1997 with the Cleveland Indians, and his ERA has only gone over 4.00 twice during his career after that first season.
Since arriving in Anaheim, Colon won 18 games in 2004 and 21 games last season, a mark that had a lot do with him receiving the AL Cy Young Award. Of course, the fact that he only lost eight games and provided a 3.48 ERA helped with the achievement. His 157 strikeouts places him eighth overall in the AL last season.
Unfortunately, Colon was unable to make the Angels' postseason roster last year, something that could have been a definitive factor in them losing so easily against the White Sox. Regardless, Colon made his mark during the regular season.
Colon is a very tough pitcher to hit off of, and I see no reason to believe that Colon can't win around 18 games, possibly more in 2006. An ERA of around 3.70-3.80 seems about right for next season as well, and his strikeout total could hit around 170. He may not be as dominant of a pitcher as he was in 2005, and he may not be a contender again for the Cy Young as other pitchers really step up, but he is still going to be the ace for a very good Angels' team, and he's going to be that ace because he provides very solid pitching at the top of the rotation.
4. Mark Buehrle – Chicago White Sox
If I was going to put any White Sox pitcher on this list, I really want that pitcher be Freddy Garcia. I absolutely love what Garcia offers, and the man looks so much like The Rock that it's ridiculous. But then I looked at the stats of Chicago's pitchers. And even knowing prior that Mark Buehrle was the ace, I couldn't quite figure out an argument for putting Garcia on this list ahead of Buehrle. And so, I won't give you one. Instead, I'm just going to put Buehrle at the number four spot because he deserves to be here.
Since entering the league in 2000 with the White Sox, Buehrle has worked his way to the top of the starting rotation. He began starting games in 2001, and has not won fewer than 14 games since beginning his career as a starter. In 2001, he won 16 games, he took 19 wins in 2002, grabbed 14 wins in 2003, pitched for 16 wins in 2004, and won 16 games in 2005. In those same years, Buehrle only has one season with an ERA over 4.00, and he has a career ERA of 3.63. Plus, the man can strike out batters at a rate of around 150 a season, which is not too shabby.
Last year was by far Buehrle's best all-around season. He managed to go 16-8 with a 3.12 ERA and struck out 149 batters. He also had a WHIP of 1.18, which is the second best of his career.
Basically, this man is crazy good, and his stuff was a huge part of the White Sox World Series winning team. Of course, he is surrounded by a bunch of other great pitchers in the starting staff, which can either take pressure off of him or put more on him, depending on how you look at it. Regardless, Buehrle should win around 18 games and do it with a 3.50-3.60 ERA and 130-ish strikeouts. If the White Sox are going to repeat, Buehrle is going to have to be on his game, and numbers like that will show that he is.
3. Mariano Rivera – New York Yankees
Not Randy Johnson, not Mike Mussina, and sure as hell not Kyle Farnsworth mean more to the New York Yankees' entire pitching staff than Mariano Rivera. But even more so than his importance to the Yankees is his status as the absolute best and most consistent closer in at least the American League, possibly even the entire league of Major League Baseball.
Rivera has twice had save totals in the 50's, four times had save totals in the 40's, twice had save totals in the 30's, and once had a save total of 28 (which came in a season where he only played in 45 games). He has also had an ERA below 2.00 six times over the past ten years.
Last season was an absolutely amazing year for Rivera, who managed to go 7-4 and save 43 games, but he did it while nailing a career-low ERA of 1.38, which really ranks as number one compared to pitchers who played in the same ballpark of games as Rivera.
If I were to have once concern with Rivera it would be that he's 36 years old, meaning he's getting up there in age. But for next season, that's not going to be a factor, and probably won't be for another two or three years. He should manage to save within the mid-40 range, and do it with an ERA well below 2.00, possibly in the area of 1.70-1.80.
The Yankees always head into the season with their pitching staff being surrounding by huge questions marks – that is except for Rivera who is always one big walking exclamation mark. No closer in the American League is better than him, even if Joe Nathan is on the path to that feat. Right now, Rivera is solid, and he will continue to be so for the Yankees in 2006.
2. Johan Santana – Minnesota Twins
Johan Santana of the Minnesota Twins kind of came out of nowhere about three seasons ago to prove to be not only a solid pitcher, but to be one of the best starting pitchers in the American League.
In 2003, Santana started 18 of the 45 games he played in, and he completed the year with a 12-3 record and 3.07 ERA. The season before, he started 14 games of 27 games played in, and had a 8-6 record with a 2.99 ERA. But in 2004, he became a full time starter, and oh boy did he come onto the scene.
In 2004, Santana started all 34 games he played in, and he went 20-6 with a 2.61 ERA. In addition to that, he struck out 265 batters and had a WHIP of .92. That was enough for him to be declared the 2004 Cy Young Award winner, and it established him as one of the top fantasy picks across fantasy baseball, going in the first round in many drafts for the 2005 season.
His 2005 numbers were not as good as his 2004 stats, but he still performed pretty damn well last year. Of course, what has become the trend for Santana is that he produces a lot better Post All-Star break than he does Pre All Star break, and last season pretty much solidified that.
He went 16-7 in 33 games and had a 2.87 ERA with 238 K's and a WHIP of .97. He also had three complete games and threw two shutouts last year.
For Santana, excellence is expected. As I stated before, Pre All-Star game is rocky territory for him, as his performance after the All-Star games tends to be significantly better. From a fantasy baseball stand point, don't draft Santana too early, and if you miss him, look to trade for him right around the break since history proves he will heat up then.
I could see Santana going for around 18 wins like the number four and five pitchers I have on this list, but his ERA should be about 2.60-2.70, and he will strike out 250+ batters.
1. Roy Halladay – Toronto Blue Jays
The 2003 Cy Young Award winning Roy Halladay of the Toronto Blue Jays is the best starting pitcher across the American League.
Halladay was pretty much on pace to win the Cy Young Award again for the 2005 season until he suffered a left leg injury that required him to miss a good portion of the season. Otherwise, he was running with a 12-4 record in 19 starts along with a 2.41 ERA and 108 strikeouts.
Halladay can flat out make hitters look silly when they step up to the plate, and he's proven throughout his career that he has the stuff every pitcher in the majors wishes they could have. His ERA does not always lead one to conclude that, but he's got a nasty fastball and knuckle-curve that are simply incredible.
The only worry I have with Halladay is his ability to get in 33 or 34 starts in a season. Last year he only got in 19 and the season before that he had 21. Of course, some pressure comes off his shoulders with a legitimate starting rotation in Toronto, including the newest addition in A.J. Burnett. But Halladay is the ace, and unless he can be healthy enough to start around 34 games, there are going to be problems for the Blue Jays.
Pending he can get in those 34 starts, I'd say that he should win no less than 20 with an ERA of 2.70-2.80 and around 225 strikeouts.
National League
5. Brad Lidge – Houston Astros
Brad Lidge of the Houston Astros has killer stuff for a closer. Some might even rank him above Mariano Rivera as the top closer across the entire majors. I will not be one of those people, but there is no denying that Lidge is absolutely dominant on the mound.
He came in to save games during the 2004 season, and ended up with 29 of them. Along with that, he had a 1.90 ERA and 157 strikeouts, which was absolutely incredible. It helps that he can bring the heat with one hell of a fastball and slider, and he took that momentum as the undisputed closer of the Astros into 2005.
Last season, he got in 70 games, and managed to go 4-4 with 42 saves and did it with a 2.29 ERA while striking out 103 batters.
Lidge should continue his success next season, probably compiling around 45 saves or so with a 2.20-ish ERA. His strikeout totals will be huge, and he will continue to climb the ladder of closers across the majors.
4. Jake Peavy – San Diego Padres
Jake Peavy of the San Diego Padres led the National League in strikeouts last season, and he also went 13-7 with a 2.88 ERA.
Two seasons ago, Peavy did an even better pitching job, going 15-6 with a 2.27 ERA. His strikeout total was lower, but overall, Peavy pitched better in 2004.
While I believe the 24-year-old is still growing and will continue to get better every season, he is leading the Padres as their ace, and he will have to be top-notch in order for them to make any noise in the NL West, the division they just so happened to lead last season.
I think Peavy should accumulate about 15 or 16 wins next season with a 2.50-2.60 ERA. His strikeout totals will probably be lower, but I think he can get to around 200 by season's end.
3. Eric Gagne – Los Angeles Dodgers
This may be unpopular considering Brad Lidge is number five, but one injury plagued season is not enough for me to remove the best closer in the National League tag from Eric Gagne.
Gagne truly broke out in 2002 when he was able to save 52 games as the Dodgers' closer, and he did it with a 1.97 ERA. The next season, Gagne produce 55 saves for the Dodgers, and did that with a 1.20 ERA. In 2004, Gagne had 45 saves, all with a 2.19 ERA. And let's not forget, the man tossed over 100 K's in each of those seasons.
Last year, Gagne was only able to work 14 games. He had injury problems. But does that automatically drop him as one of the most dominant closers in the league? Absolutely not. If he can remain healthy, he's better than Lidge, and Gagne could reach the 50 save mark again with an ERA in the mid-1.00's.
Gagne is a guy who is going to fly under the radar in 2006, at least to begin with, considering he missed so much of 2005. But people should not forget about what this guy offered the game. And even in only 14 games last season, he still managed to get eight saves with a 2.70 ERA.
2. Pedro Martinez – New York Mets
The older he gets, the more fragile he gets, but Pedro Martinez knows how to be a solid starting pitcher. He bring that with him to the New York Mets, who were able to revel in what he gave them last season.
Martinez needs some pampering, but the Mets will give that to him if he can repeat what he offered last season. He went 15-8 with a 2.82 ERA and 208 strikeouts in his first year with the Mets. Martinez is more than capable of pitching better than that even, and I figure he should get about 18 wins with a 2.30-2.40 ERA and about 250 strikeouts.
Despite his need for extra rest, Martinez delivers when he's on he mound, and nobody can deny that. It seems like last year people were waiting for him to falter after leaving the Boston Red Sox, but he never did. This year, it's not going to happen either.
Martinez has been one of the best and most reliable pitchers of the last ten years, and he will continue to be one for New York in 2006.
1. Chris Carpenter – St. Louis Cardinals
It's hard to believe, but Chris Carpenter is the ace of a St. Louis starting pitching staff that consists of Mark Mulder, Jason Marquis, Jeff Suppan, and Sidney Ponson.
Last season, Carpenter became a member of the 20-win club, finishing with 21 victories and only five loses while having an ERA of 2.83 and finishing second in the NL with 213 strikeouts.
Nobody would have ever thought Carpenter was capable of such things when he was with Toronto, but playing for St. Louis has made him a much better pitcher. His 2004 numbers were pretty damn good too, going for 15 wins and a 3.46 ERA.
Carpenter's win total will be slightly smaller, probably more around 17 or 18, and his ERA should go up a bit to around 2.90, but overall, Carpenter is going to be very good at the top of St. Louis' staff this year. His strikeout total should reach 200 again, and he's going to continue to grow and become consistent with the Cardinals with each passing year. The 2005 NL Cy Young Award winner is going to prove that he is one of the most dominant pitchers in the NL.
Fantasy Draft
We're done with the Positional Outlook, and I had my fantasy baseball draft last night, so I figured I would share what I ended up with after the draft was complete. This team is in a Yahoo! league:
C – Ramon Hernandez
1B – Todd Helton
2B – Alfonso Soriano
SS – Miguel Tejada
3B – Hank Blalock
OF – Aubrey Huff
OF – Torii Hunter
OF – Geoff Jenkins
Util – Mike Lowell
Bench – Jeromy Burnitz
SP – Roy Halladay
SP – Freddy Garcia
RP – Joe Nathan
RP – Billy Wagner
P – Tim Hudson
P – Mark Mulder
P – Zach Duke
Bench – Mike Mussina
Bench – Mike Gonzalez
Bench – Jeff Suppan
Bench – Esteban Loaiza
I think I made out pretty well, opting to go for a nice infield mix right away, and holding off on pitching and OF for while. I did get a little panicky with closers since you can't really tell what's going to happen with them until draft day comes. They could either fly right off the board in the first few rounds or hang around a little bit. I took Nathan fifth round and Wagner sixth, which is a little tight considering I could have taken a pretty nice outfielder at that point. But otherwise, my infield is pretty sweet, and I've got a nice, deep pitching staff that is numerous in the starting department. The Mike Lowell pick made me feel dirty though since I have a policy of not taking Red Sox players in baseball and not taking New Jersey Devil players in hockey, but I picked him up in the 18th round, and I couldn't pass up the chance to get a guy who could rebound big time. I'm not saying he will, but he could. In other words, I'll be looking to trade him!
Send all comments, questions, and suggestions to br7qbsteelers@yahoo.com.
