Draft over-analysis

By Ken Klein

Started 2-10-04

Considering we seem to be at a standstill in our game playing – I decided it was time to do a little over-analysis. Obviously, everyone has so many different reasons – we all know what our daily lives entails and how little time there seems to be for our game time.

But allow me to begin.

My team

Value selections: D Young 12^th, Stairs 13^th, Jeter 17^th.

Good runs/game late in the draft.

Question marks: Sanders 4^th, Bradley 9^th

Sanders was likely a round or two too soon. He was the last of the power/speed corner outfielders. Bradley limited games.

Keith’s team.

Value selections: Berkman 8^th, Lee 12^th, Blalock 14^th, Baerga 17^th and Drew 19^th.

3 starters and 2 2/3 time starters all acquired late.

Question marks: Posada 7^th, Loretta 10th,

^{What will Posada’s value be as a +0. There were better SS’s available when Loretta was selected. He could prove me wrong with .280 average in the 2 hole but I doubt this will happen. He does have the flexibility of playing 2B when Giles sits – personally I feel his best role is as a limited player not a full time player.}

Bob’s team

Value selections: Sexson 11^th, Kent 13^th, Sosa 22^nd.

Some good power without much sacrifice.

Question marks: the only ? is selecting the 4^th and 5^th starting pitchers so late.

How much will this tax the bullpen? Bob does have experience with a high bullpen inning team. How will it affect playoffs? Bob will only have to start a 6Z once per 7 games.

Steve

Value selections: Varitek 18^th, Beck 24^th

There are some selections that are borderline value or a question mark. Let Steve and his management do their voodoo.

Question marks: Hidalgo 3^rd, Chavez/Hinske 11^th/12^th, late selection of a 2B

I guess not having to select a 2B until late is fine if you really make up the difference somewhere else. Hinske does have some value but very limited for a 3 defensive 3B. If Hidalgo could draw some walks I wouldn’t place him here.

Greg

Value selections: Ramirez 4^th, Huff 11^th , Mantei 20^th

I liked all 3 of these.

Question marks: A Jones 9th,

There were better CF out there when Greg took him. He does have some power but don’t expect much else.

Chris

Value selections: C Jones 10^th, Jenkins 13th,

Both will perform well for Chris.

Question marks: Tejada 9^th,

He likely would have lasted another round or two or three or four.

Graham

Value selections: Palmeiro 15^th, Payton 18^th, Redman 26th,

DH, Starting OF, quality backup.

Question marks: Rentaria 4^th, Lowell 9^th, Castillo 11^th, Hunter 17th,

Huh? Edgar too early in a draft deep with SS. Lowell too early for a guy that will likely only hit .210, What will Castillo do for you? Hunter probably would have lasted until round 25.

Matt

Value selections: Adams 12^th, Mientkiewicz 16^th, N Johnson 18^th

I liked all 3. I thought they were steals.

Question marks: Boone 3rd, A Boone 13th, late selection of 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th starters.

Both Boones have quality upsides but likely taken too soon. How much will a 8Z as a third starter hurt playoff chances. Hopefully for Matt, all ground balls with runners on turn in to double plays.

Dave

Value selections: Thomas 12^th, SS/3B combination

Thomas was a steal in the 12^th. Getting 3 good players late to fill 2 positions works well for Dave in the Berroa, Cintron, Koskie connection.

Question marks: Wells 5^th, Vidro 6^th.

Wells doesn’t walk much. This was likely Vidro’s worst season but he does draw the walks.

How do I see it?

East

Keith

Bob

Steve

Central

Dave

Greg

Matt

West

Ken

Chris

Graham

Wild Card race again is competitive.

Chris beats out Greg. Bob and Matt are pretenders, while Graham and Steve are out pretty early.

The Central turns out to be the closest division.

Ken beats Chris in round one.

Keith beats Dave

I beat Keith. Sorry Keith. You are still going to be cupless. You also need to change your lineup. Loretta should bat near the bottom.