Drafting Strategies 101

Most everybody has a strategy heading into draft day. Whether or not you stick to that plan is a completely different matter.

Regardless of what you have planned heading into the big day, it’s usually best to have several different options at your disposal. Be prepared to change on the fly, based on how other owner’s act. Most every league has an owner or two who don’t go the conventional way, thus forcing you to react accordingly.

One particular strategy which you will inevitably see, is when an owner ‘bails’ on pitching. Meaning, they’ll fill almost all of their offensive positions, then fill in their pitching slots with the dregs of the baseball world.

In our first mock draft of the year, I put that strategy to the test to see if it can really work. The league is a 5x5, AL only rotisserie format. One thing that is good about this draft is that it isn’t all experts. How many of us do a draft with a room full of experts? None of us. There are always a couple of dummies and that is for certain in the following. If you are taking part in an experts draft, you’re probably getting paid for it and don’t need to read this.

Now, here are the results.

Round 1
Team 1-Alex Rodriguez-A gimme
Team 2-Miguel Cabrera-Hard to believe he’s 2nd best player in AL
Team 3-David Ortiz-Dip in HR’s last year…slowing down?
Team 4-Grady Sizemore-Would have been my number 2 overall
Team 5-Vladimir Guerrero-No more SB’s….I’ll pass
Team 6-Carl Crawford-Still waiting for that 25 HR season
Team 7-Josh Beckett-Good grief
Team 8-Magglio Ordonez-Steady, but he’s 34
My Team-Alex Rios-Stud
Team 10-Justin Verlander-Way too early

A few things to note from this opening round. First, the American League is much weaker than the National League. Times have changed. In a typical mixed league draft, A-Rod might be the only junior circuit player taken in the first round.

Second, two teams in this particular draft took pitchers with their first pick. Madness!!! Pitching is way too unpredictable to waste a first round pick on. I’m a Red Sox fan and I think team 7 was out of their mind taking Beckett. Post-season stats don’t help in fantasy. Don’t overpay for October heroics.

Team 10 took a flier on Verlander, who I personally like. I think he might be the second best pitcher in the AL this year. But to use your first round pick on a pitcher whose never had an ERA below 3.60 is pretty dumb.

My pick was Toronto outfielder Alex Rios, a five tool guy who has reached the magical age of 27. Rios’ numbers have gone up each year and I firmly believe he will make the leap from good to great this season.

Round 2
Team 10-Roy Halladay-Two picks, two pitchers….what?
My Team-B.J. Upton-Upward mobility and 2B eligibility….hooray
Team 8-CC Sabathia-Contract year
Team 7-Manny Ramirez-Ditto….Manny loves money
Team 6-Victor Martinez-There’s V-Mart than every other catcher
Team 5-Ichiro-Better Mariners should mean better Ichiro
Team 4-John Lackey-Seriously?
Team 3-Robinson Cano-Still improving….good pick
Team 2-Erik Bedard-My number 1 AL pitcher after trade to Seattle
Team 1-Curtis Granderson-A steal at 20

I never would have taken Upton so high if he wasn’t eligible at 2B. As an outfielder, there are better choices. But as a second baseman, he’s tops in the league.

The fact that someone took John Lackey ahead of Bedard stunned me. The same for Halladay, who struck out only 139 batters last year, compared to 221 for Bedard.

Curtis Granderson might score 200 runs hitting atop the murderers row in Detroit.

Round 3
Team 1-Nick Markakis-Solid, but does he really excite you?
Team 2-Derek Jeter-Hasn’t been worth this high a pick since 1999
Team 3-Brian Roberts-Runs and SB’s….more valuable if out of Baltimore
Team 4-Nick Swisher-My heart skipped a beat when I heard this pick
Team 5-Chone Figgins-So fast, but has only scored 100 runs once in a season
Team 6-Travis Hafner-He killed me last year….an enigma
Team 7-Jonathon Papelbon-Closer alert
Team 8-Torii Hunter-As dumb as the Angels G.M.
My team-Justin Morneau-Again, potential, potential, potential
Team 10-Francisco Rodriguez-3 picks, 3 pitchers…the anti-me

By the end of the third round, you should be able to read some owners. Team 7 is a Red Sox fan. His first three picks, Beckett, Manny and Paps. Find that guy in your league and take advantage of him.

Derek Jeter always goes way too early. In 2007, he hit 12 home runs and stole 15 bases. Would I draft him? Yes….in the 7th round.

As far as my pick goes, Morneau has had back to back 30 home run, 100 RBI seasons. Plus, once again, 27 years old. I think his average will bounce back and he’ll be in MVP contention again.

Round 4
Team 10-Vernon Wells-Way down in ’07…this could be a steal
My Team-Bobby Abreu-First pick I didn’t care for
Team 8-Ian Kinsler-20-20 2nd baseman don’t grow on trees
Team 7-Joe Mauer-7 HR catchers, on the other hand, do
Team 6-Scott Kazmir-Tampa should be better, but we’ve heard that before
Team 5-JJ Putz-Pronounced puts, not putts…he’s good
Team 4-Felix Hernandez-Only 22…better days ahead
Team 3-Fausto Carmona-Major pitcher run
Team 2-Carlos Pena-46 HR’s in ’07….he’ll be lucky to get 25 in ‘08
Team 1-Michael Young-Power numbers dipping….danger, danger

Why I took Bobby Abreu: he’ll score 100 runs, drive in close to 100 and steal 20 bases. Also, he’s in a contract year. Why I’m not happy that I took Abreu: he’s 34, hasn’t had a lick of power since the home run derby in 2005 and he’s a Yankee.

It may be hard, but if you want to win at fantasy, you’ve got to be the bigger man and not take things personally. That being said, I will never, ever, draft Mike Mussina(I hate you).

Round 5
Team 1-Paul Konerko-Why would somebody take Pena ahead of him?
Team 2-Chien-Ming Wang-Lots of wins, little everything else
Team 3-Daisuke Matsuzaka-Was ’07 the best he’s got? I hope not
Team 4-Carlos Guillen-SS eligible….compare with Jeter, seriously
Team 5-Dontrelle Willis-Couldn’t pitch in NL, so why take him?
Team 6-Mariano Rivera-Still alive
Team 7-Gary Sheffield-If wrist is okay, I’m okay with Sheff…’roids and all
Team 8-Jered Weaver-Only 25 and in weak division
My Team-Hideki Matsui-See what I said about taking things personal?
Team 10-Delmon Young-Loads of upside

I chose Matsui, but regretted it when I saw Young go next. He was my choice coming back in round 6. I should have jumped.

In less than 500 at bats last year, Sheffield scored went 25-75-107, plus he stole 22 bases. His average suffered because of the wrist and he’s only eligible this year at DH and he’s 39. I still think he’ll produce in this lineup and I like the pick.

Round 6
Team 10-Bobby Jenks-Shouldn’t have fallen this far
My Team-Jim Thome-DH only, but still capable of 35 and 100
Team 8-Kelvim Escobar-Elbow injury…no takebacks
Team 7-Javier Vazquez-Was better than you realize last year
Team 6-Joe Nathan-Good closer, lousy team
Team 5-Johnny Damon-Would be better if he didn’t throw like a girl
Team 4-Francisco Liriano-18 months later…what does he have for us?
Team 3-Mike Lowell-Love you Mike, but ’07 was a career year
Team 2-Adrian Beltre-Always starts slow and then…
Team 1-AJ Burnett-Injured himself watching the Super Bowl

What do all the starting pitchers taken in this round have in common? They all have serious question marks, especially when it comes to injury. And this is only the 6th round!!! Maybe this strategy will work after all.

Round 7
Team 1-Jorge Posada-’07 was a contract year…this year, real Jorge shows up
Team 2-Huston Street-A’s will win 60 games…can he save half of them?
Team 3-Kenji Johjima-He’s okay, but this is as good as he’ll get
Team 4-Jarrod Saltalamacchis-Jarrod on the other hand could be a monster
Team 5-Orlando Cabrera-He’ll run….that’s all I have to say about him
Team 6-Jermaine Dye-Old…I think he was in Vietnam
Team 7-Joe Blanton-He’s fat and the A’s stink…put it together
Team 8-Howie Kendrick-See below
My Team-Edgar Renteria-Old, but oh those Tigers!
Team 10-Kevin Youkilis-Solid, but unspectacular

The only thing that scares me about Renteria is his previous stint in the AL, where he stunk up the joint with the Red Sox. Hopefully, that year was an aberration. The Tigers may average 9 runs a game, which means 1 a game for Edgar, which means 162 for the year.

Now, onto Howie Kendrick. Frankly, I am sick of Howie Kendrick. Actually, let me rephrase that. I am sick of everyone acting like Howie is Honus Wagner reincarnate. Yes, he batted .322 last year. But what else did he do? 5 home runs, 39 RBI’s and 5 stolen bases. Marcus Giles did better than that and he can’t buy a job this year. So, in other words, Howie Kendrick, pass.

Round 8
Team 10-Alex Gordon-Team 10 snaked me again!
My Team-Jason Varitek-Hopefully second half was sign of a better ‘08
Team 8-Todd Jones-Ancient, but he does it for you every year
Team 7-Raul Ibanez-This year, he becomes a household name….maybe not
Team 6-James Shields-Another reason Rays are movin’ on up…under the radar no more
Team 5-Joe Borowski-Wasted pick….he’ll be out as closer by June
Team 4-Joakim Soria-Fireballer stuck in K.C.
Team 3-Josh Hamilton-Feel good story, but if you ask me, rehab is for quitters
Team 2-J.D. Drew-Seriously?
Team 1-Rocco Baldelli-Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice…..

Okay, I admit….Varitek was a mistake. I was stunned by the Gordon pick and had 90 seconds to come up with a pick. The first thing I looked at were catchers and I took who I thought was the best one left. Lesson learned….Pay attention boys and girls. Don’t let yourself get in this situation. Have a fallback pick in place, so you don’t have to rush and mess up. Ibanez or a closer would have been a much better pick. JD Drew wouldn’t have.

Round 9
Team 1-Michael Cuddyer-An integral cog in the extremely dull 2008 Twins
Team 2-Mark Teahen-A major disappointment in ’07….but still young enough to leap
Team 3-Andy Pettitte-No distractions this year for this guy or anything
Team 4-Placido Polanco-He gets a lot of hits and has a humongous head….nice combo
Team 5-Daniel Cabrera-Not if he was the last starting pitcher on earth
Team 6-Jeremy Bonderman-I like him, but he really, really stunk last year
Team 7-Curt Schilling-Who says starting pitchers are a gamble?
Team 8-Jose Guillen-Suspended 25 games and on KC….Ooh, ooh, give me him!!
My Team-CJ Wilson-Sleeper alert
Team 10-Jacoby Ellsbury-If Coco gets shipped out of town, this is a nice pick

Memo: CJ Wilson will be a top 5 closer in the AL this year. Every season, there are closers who come out of nowhere and Wilson is my pick in ’08. He’s got good stuff and doesn’t have much competition(Eddie Guardado? Puhlease) That being said, Wilson will probably lose his job before spring training is out.

Another note….please place Cabrera and Bonderman on the S.S. Kendrick. Stop telling us how electric these guys stuff is and figure out why they keep getting torched. Cabrera is a fantasy killer and has been for years. If you come out of the draft with this guy on your team, you might as well have flushed your entry fee down the toilet.

Round 10
Team 10-Pudge Rodriguez-Probably the last Tiger hitter you would want
My Team-Josh Fields-373 at-bats, 23 HR’s…pro-rate that!!
Team 8-Rich Harden-Speaking of injured pitchers
Team 7-Jon Garland-He’ll pitch, but well? Lots of wins, little K’s
Team 6-Aaron Hill-Don’t expect 17 homers again
Team 5-Ryan Garko-Nice 2nd half and entering his 27th year
Team 4-Evan Longoria-Looking more and more like starting 3rd baseman
Team 3-Phil Hughes-Not as good last year as everyone thinks
Team 2-Coco Crisp-Waste of a pick
Team 1-Joba Chamberlain-If he starts, he’s worth it…if not?

This is about where you start to see teams either take a chance on a guy with potential(Longoria, Fields, Hughes, Joba) or you take garbage(Pudge, Harden, Crisp). Unless it’s your job, don’t pick up garbage.

Round 11
Team 1-Jeremy Accardo-Filled in nicely, but BJ Ryan is trying to make it back
Team 2-Luke Scott-Good eye, could be a nice player in Baltimore
Team 3-Ramon Hernandez-Went from 23 HR’s to 9….washed up or no?
Team 4-Dustin McGowan-Nice, young pitcher who knows how to K
Team 5-Melky Cabrera-Never understood the offseason interest….boring
Team 6-Hank Blalock-27th year, repaired shoulder, nice 2008 coming, take the chance
Team 7-Gil Meche-Started out swell, but then turned into Gil Meche
Team 8-Mark Buehrle-Steady with little K’s….at least he’s durable
My Team-Jason Giambi-Somebody slipped something in my drink
Team 10-Dustin Pedroia-Sparkplug, team player…fantasy bore

McGowan and Scott could be gems. So could Accardo, but that all depends on what Toronto does with Ryan. If healthy, it’s BJ’s job. I really like Blalock and Giambi can’t be as bad as he was in 2007.

As far as my all hitting strategy, I’ve got 3 offensive spots left to fill (C, MI and OF). Then, we’ll see what kind of pitchers are left. As is, at least 20 pitchers have been picked that I wouldn’t want anywhere near my squad.

Round 12
Team 10-Frank Thomas-Should have taken him over Giambi
My Team-Adam Jones-5 category stud….hopefully it will be this year
Team 8-Jon Lester-Schilling injury increases value
Team 7-AJ Pierzynski-Just hope his teammates don’t knock his block off
Team 6-Julio Lugo-Another guy who should fare better in ’08 than ‘07
Team 5-Jeremy Guthrie-New number 1 in Baltimore
Team 4-BJ Ryan-Worth the gamble
Team 3-Garrett Anderson-The definition of ‘who knows?’
Team 2-Corey Patterson-No team yet, so value is TBD
Team 1-Troy Percival-From the ‘I can’t freakin believe it’ files

Lots of old guys in round 12. If there’s anything I hate, it’s old guys.

Round 13
Team 1-Aubrey Huff-Could still get you 20-80
Team 2-Jhonny Peralta-Finally, some youth….entering his prime
Team 3-Brian Bannister-This is around when all the Royals start to come out of hiding
Team 4-Yuniesky Betancourt-Boring
Team 5-John Buck-You’ll need Stan Musial to offset his batting average
Team 6-Lyle Overbay-Forgotten man, could be a bargain
Team 7-Gary Matthews Jr-Love me a .252 average
Team 8-David DeJesus-Loads of runs, yet he doesn’t run…odd
My Team-Zach Greinke-I counted….19 pitchers taken before him that I wouldn’t touch
Team 10-Ervin Santana-Good god….make that 20

Now wouldn’t you rather take a chance on a young guy like Greinke, who has shown he knows how to actually pitch, as opposed to somebody like Daniel Cabrera and Rich Harden? So far, this strategy is making me look like a genius.

Round 14
Team 10-Jason Bartlett-He’ll steal some bases while batting 9th in Tampa
My Team-Ian Kennedy-If Joba is stuck in the pen, Ian is a steal
Team 8-Shaun Marcum-My kind of pitcher…young, upside, K’s
Team 7-Bobby Crosby-BA in ’06: .229, BA in ’07: .226…catch the trend?
Team 6-Travis Buck-Best OF in Oakland…pretty depressing
Team 5-Bartolo Colon-Still no home, unless you count Taco Bell
Team 4-Milton Bradley-They say he’ll be okay to DH, but I doubt it
Team 3-Kevin Millwood-Estrada for Millwood, what a steal!
Team 2-Paul Byrd-No upside here
Team 1-Billy Butler-52 RBI’s in just over 300 AB’s…tough to do on KC

That there is one ugly round. Buck, Butler, Marcum and Kennedy could show some value, but most of the other guys will hurt more than help.

So far, my staff is made up of Greinke, Kennedy and CJ Wilson. All guys I’m happy to have and I didn’t have to sacrifice any of my offense. Way to go me!

Round 15
Team 1-Matt Garza-Highly touted…time to step it up a notch
Team 2-Mike Mussina-Do I even have to say it?
Team 3-Erick Aybar-Starting SS in ANA….if he learns how to get on, he’ll steal
Team 4-Jason Kubel-Could give you 20 and 80
Team 5-Nate Robertson-I’d rather have him than Dontrelle
Team 6-Kurt Suzuki-7 HR’s in just 213 AB’s…nice pop for the buck
Team 7-Eric Chavez-One time top 3B is now going after Kurt Suzuki…wow
Team 8-Mike Napoli-Love this pick…see memo to Mike Scioscia below
My Team-Mark Ellis-Best MI available…hope that ’07 wasn’t an aberration
Team 10-Carlos Quentin-Was a nice pick, until the ChiSox dealt for Swisher

This is more my kind of round. A lot of potential breakouts in round 15. Garza could be an ace. Aybar has stolen a ton in the minors. Kubel is a longtime prospect now given the chance to play. Suzuki needs to catch 100 games so we see what he can do. Quentin should be a starter, but with Ozzie Guillen as manager, I doubt it. Cross your fingers.

And onto Mike Napoli. The 26 year old has hit 26 home runs over the past two seasons in 487 at bats. So, if I’m not mistaken, give him that many at bats this season alone and I think it’s safe to say he’ll smack at least 20 bombs. Considering the dreck at the catcher position, that’s saying a lot. So let’s all focus our collective mojo towards Anaheim and try to convince Scioscia that we don’t want defensive specialist Jeff Mathis to be the starter. Screw the good glove, I want taters. Do it for us, Mike.

Round 16
Team 10-Jesse Litsch-Fifth starter in Toronto….that’s all I have
My Team-Jake Westbrook-WHIP is bad, ERA is okay, no K’s…but he should win
Team 8-Casey Kotchman-Missed 2006 with mono…what is he, 12?
Team 7-Melvin Mora-To answer your question, yes, he is still alive
Team 6-Jonny Gomes-The modern day Kevin Maas
Team 5-Jose Lopez-Numbers dipped across the board in ’07….he’s only 24, though
Team 4-Dioner Navarro-Good glove, no hit, no draft
Team 3-Richie Sexson-Now that’s what you call a freefall….what the heck, take a shot
Team 2-Jamie Walker-Could be closing or could be a worthless lefty specialist
Team 1-Joey Gathright-You can’t teach speed…obviously you can’t teach hitting either

I don’t even like looking at that round. Let’s just move on.

Round 17
Team 1-Adam Loewen-They put a new elbow in last year, so who knows
Team 2-Tim Wakefield-It might have been Tim’s elbow…he doesn’t use it
Team 3-Jerry Owens-Speedy, young OF who’s number 5 on the depth chart
Team 4-Jack Cust-Think Pete Incaviglia…nice late pick
Team 5-Casey Blake-Can you believe he’s 34 years old?
Team 6-Adam Lind-More wasted youth with no place to play
Team 7-Reggie Willits-Zero HR’s in 430 AB’s…back to the bench!!
Team 8-Juan Rivera-And guess who’ll be sitting next to Reggie?
My Team-Clay Bucholz-Please, no applause necessary
Team 10-Marlon Byrd-Think he’ll hit .307 and drive in 70 again? N-O

I’m liking this strategy more and more. I think I might try it in my big money league. The fact that Juan Rivera was chosen with five rounds to go should tell you one thing. Don’t wait to draft your outfielders!!! Load up and don’t get stuck with this kind of swill.

Round 18
Team 10-Kevin Slowey-Waste of a pick
My Team-Al Reyes-He was solid last year and Percival is working on his 4th shoulder
Team 8-Daric Barton-Should be starting 1st baseman…potential ROY
Team 7-Kenny Lofton-Makes me realize just how old I am
Team 6-Boof Bonser-Oooff
Team 5-Miguel Batista-He won 16 last year, but at a cost(1.52 WHIP)
Team 4-Dan Johnson-Another one who has fallen and might not have a job this year
Team 3-Brandon McCarthy-Another deal where the Rangers got hosed
Team 2-Asdrubal Cabrera-Fighting with Barfield to start at 2nd
Team 1-Gerald Laird-No chance of holding off my man Salty

With 4 rounds to go, I need a catcher and 3 pitchers. I’ve got 4 names circled, let’s see if they are there when I pick.

Round 19
Team 1-Kenny Rogers-Everyone wins on the Tigers, but that doesn’t mean they’re good
Team 2-Rafael Betancourt-There goes one of mine
Team 3-Franklin Gutierrez-He’s been touted a long time…time to prove it or lose it
Team 4-Hideki Okajima-Sweet numbers, but Paps ain’t going anywhere
Team 5-Scott Rolen-‘He could be the greatest 3rd baseman of all time!’ Yeah right.
Team 6-Pat Neshek-Another guy stuck behind a stud
Team 7-Alexi Casilla-I feel sorry for you
Team 8-Scott Baker-He has potential, which is more than I can say for many others
My Team-Gregg Zaun-A starting catcher in round 19? 10 homers is 10 homers
Team 10-Rod Barajas-You’d think my 3 year old son was drafting this team

Seriously….Rod Barajas? 3 picks to go and 3 pitchers needed. I have to say, I’m happy with what I’ve got so far.

Round 20
Team 10-Gustavo Chacin-Torn rotator cuff….bad ERA…why bother?
My Team-Jarrod Washburn-Solid last year, but I should have taken Gabbard
Team 8-Akinori Iwamura-Another guy I love….multipositional, will improve on ‘07
Team 7-Kevin Millar-He’s bringing ‘Cowboy Up’ back
Team 6-Scott Shields-Terrible last year….a dime a dozen
Team 5-Jose Contreras-Not if you put me on a raft and sent me to Cuba
Team 4-Jose Vidro-Nice BA, but the rest S-U-C-K-S
Team 3-Cliff Floyd-Bet you didn’t know he was in Tampa...bet you didn’t care
Team 2-Jeff Mathis-Go away!!
Team 1-Josh Barfield-Papa Jesse ain’t so proud anymore

Gabbard is still hanging there for me. Personally, outside of Washburn, all those pitchers taken that round absolutely rot.

Round 21
Team 1-Aaron Laffey-That’s more like it…at least he’s got a glimmer of potential
Team 2-Kelly Shoppach-He can hit, he’s just got V-Mart in his way
Team 3-John Danks-I didn’t realize the White Sox pitching was this bad
Team 4-Carlos Silva-Decent value but he couldn’t strike out my Aunt Tillie
Team 5-Jacques Jones-Went from 27 homers to 5….good buy low candidate
Team 6-George Sherrill-Super pick….could be closing in Baltimore
Team 7-Kason Gabbard-Arrrgh!
Team 8-Brendan Harris-At least I didn’t want him
My Team-Fernando Rodney-Todd Jones can’t go on forever and Zumaya is hurt again
Team 10-Mike Sweeney-Not on a major league team, but somehow he’s on the DL

A lot of nice bargains this round….Mainly among them Sherrill and Gabbard. I’m crossing my fingers that Todd Jones gets hit by a bus. On to the final round!

Round 22
Team 10-Justin Duscherrer-Huston Street ain’t that durable a dude
My Team-Troy Patton-Bedard trade opens door for uber prospect
Team 8-Curtis Thigpen-3 Blue Jays catchers get drafted….how?
Team 7-Cliff Lee-He was good before…can he find it again?
Team 6-Brandon Inge-Cabrera makes him a sub, but a darn good one
Team 5-Jose Molina-I hate catchers
Team 4-Scott Linebrink-2nd in line for saves in Chi town
Team 3-Joe Saunders-Escobar injury could make him a nice commodity
Team 2-Andy Sonnanstine-Top prospect, but fighting for a rotation slot
Team 1-Matt Albers-O’s bullpen is crowded…and crappy

So that’s it for mockup number 1. And as you can see, there are still a number of ‘decent’ players who didn’t get picked up
Some interesting guys who didn’t get picked:

Rafael Perez-RP-Cle, Kyle Farnsworth-RP-NYYBrad Wilkerson-OF/1B-Sea, Marcus Thames-OF-Det, Joe Crede-3B-CHI

Lastly, let’s take a look at my roster and see if you think this particular strategy worked

C-Jason Varitek
C-Gregg Zaun
1B-Justin Morneau
2B-Mark Ellis
3B-Josh Fields
SS-Edgar Renteria
OF-Alex Rios
OF-Bobby Abreu
OF-Hideki Matsui
OF-Adam Jones
OF-BJ Upton
UT-Jason Giambi
UT-Jim Thome
P-Clay Bucholz
P-Zach Greinke
P-Jarod Washburn
P-Ian Kennedy
P-Jake Westbrook
P-CJ Wilson
P-Troy Patton
P-Al Reyes
P-Fernando Rodney

I feel that my season will hinge on three players. Wilson, Bucholz and Kennedy. If both starters win regular spots in their respective rotations, they should provide wins, ERA and WHIP. Bucholz can help with K’s, but Kennedy is more of a junkballer. If Wilson becomes the closer I think he can be, then I’ll have a nice foundation to build around in saves.

If you ask me for a verdict, I would vote in favor of giving this strategy a shot. My offense is stacked. Jones, Upton, Rios, Abreu and Renteria will give me my steals. I’ve got power out the wazoo. If I can add a sleeper pitcher or two throughout the season, I’ll be fine.