National Holiday

Americans work too much. It’s easy to say, but in reality, when you compare labor in the U.S. to other countries around the world, we are way overworked.

Canada basically shuts down for the summer! Believe me, I know, because I grew up in Wildwood and had to endure the annual migration of the French Canadian every August. If you think people around here don’t know how to drive, you haven’t been stuck behind Jean-Pierre while he’s cruising down Rio Grande Boulevard in his speedo on a hot summer day.

I’m pretty sure ‘Je Me Souviens’ means ‘I’ve got my 3 brothers, 4 sisters, 6 kids, 2 wives and my in-laws in the back of this minivan. Look out.’

If you’ve never worked in retail and had to deal with a French Canadian, you haven’t lived. For some reason they think the United States is one giant yard sale, because all they wanted to do was barter.

‘Zis boogie board….20 dollars, is too much…I give you 5, okay?’

All day long.

But I realize now why they had to cut corners. Why they had to squeeze 4 families into their caravan like it was a clown car. It’s because they had 2 months of vacation and needed to ration out their cash.

Americans get a week, so we can go nuts for seven days. We’d better spend it now, because we’re not going to have another vacation for 8 months.

My point is we need to add some more free days to keep our workforce from imploding. And one of those days should be today….opening day in Major League Baseball.

I love the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

I hate being hung over the day after the Super Bowl.

I used to love watching all the Bowl games on New Years Day.

I love my kids and being there with them on Christmas morning.

But if you told me today that I was only going to have one day off all year long, I would have a hard time not picking Opening Day as that day.

From one to one, we’ve got games on the tele, non-stop. Teams you might not see again all season long. Who knows when I’ll get to see the Royals again?

In case you missed it, there have been three games played already, so technically, opening day has come and gone. But with those three games, we’ve already learned a ton fantasy wise.

-Until the Red Sox deal Coco Crisp, neither him nor Jacoby Ellsbury is going to have much value fantasy-wise. Terry Francona can’t bench Coco, because then he will lose him altogether. And Ellsbury is too good a talent to be sent back to Pawtucket. So for the time being, they’ll split time and you’ll be stuck getting just 3 games a week from one of your outfielders. Not fun.

-Manny Ramirez practiced yoga in the offseason to become more focused and its working. Either that or he realizes that if he dogs it this year, he’s going to lose out on 20 million dollars. Manny is much smarter than people realize. He might be quirky and a little off, but he understands the American monetary system like nobody else.

-Daric Barton knows how to walk and he looks perfectly content to do so more often than not. As an owner of Barton in several leagues, I wish he would swing away. A walk isn’t as good as a hit. Remember that, kids.

-Elijah Dukes doesn’t like the cold. It was a frigid 49 degrees in D.C. last night, but Dukes pulled a hammy, blaming it on the cold temps. He’s already been put on the D.L., leaving the Nats very thin in the outfield.

-Jon Rauch was given a shot to close last night when Chad Cordero couldn’t get loose. Rauch blew it. And if you remember, Rauch wasn’t all that successful last year filling in when Cordero was injured. Some guys are just meant to be setup men. If Cordero goes down again this year, don’t be surprised if Rauch doesn’t get the call to replace him.

-The Braves aren’t going to be as good as everyone thought. I felt this way before last night’s game, but all the pundits kept building them up. But really, after Smoltz and Hudson, who is in that rotation? Tom Glavine….Chuck James…Mike Hampton….Jair Jurrjens. I just don’t see it. Not when they have to play the Mets and Phillies 40 times.

-Some other stuff to watch today:

-The Blue Jays have a chance to live up to their pre-season hype, opening the year with a series in the Bronx. If they are for real, they can make a statement right out of the gate.

-The two teams who should battle it out all season in the NL Central get the rivalry started right away, as the Brewers visit the Cubs. Sheets versus Zambrano…good stuff.

-Livan Hernandez is the starting pitcher for Minnesota’s home opener. Time to get exicted Twins fans!!

-Juan Pierre and his 10 million dollar salary has been pushed to the bench by Joe Torre. Nobody is going to trade for him, so playing time for Pierre will end up coming via injury or a major slump by Ethier or Kemp. Too bad he can’t play third base, because right now, it’s a black hole for the Dodgers.

Pierre will be a terrific buy low candidate if he doesn’t play much in week 1. Swoop in and take him off the hands of some ticked off owner….by the time the season is out, Pierre will end up with at least 40 steals, no matter what.

-I’m officially boycotting anything Devil Ray. Evan Longoria hit nearly .400 this spring, yet the Rays send him back down to the minors, due to financial reasons. Willie Aybar is his replacement. Willie Aybar. Seriously. Willie Aybar.

-The savior toes the rubber for the Mets today as they visit the wretched Marlins. If Johan and the Mets lose this game, I will stay away from WFAN for the next week, because I can’t bear to hear the whining.

So break out the hot dogs and dust off the cotton candy machine that’s been sitting in the back of your closet. And say goodbye to your wife and kids for the next 6 months….I love you honey….We’ll talk again in October, I swear.

‘NEW JERSEY IS FOR LOVERS’ AUCTION RESULTS

As my first official practice as head coach of my daughter’s T-Ball team fast approaches, I’m left with a feeling of deep anxiety. I’ve already had a run in with one mother who can’t understand why her daughter isn’t paired with her best friend. To think I’m doing this pro bono. It’s a wonder anybody volunteers for this stuff.

How happy are the Blue Jays that they are stuck with Scott Rolen? I remember Ronnie Lott snapping his finger in an opponent’s facemask-a finger that would later have to be partially amputated. Lott missed two plays. Scott Rolen is out for most of April because his finger nail was ripped off. Can you believe that he and Larry Bowa didn’t mesh?

Hope you didn’t waste a draft pick on Kelvim Escobar. That’s all on you, Costa. Kelvim won’t be pitching this year. He’s even talking retirement. If John Lackey’s injury turns out to be more serious than anticipated, than you can write off the Angels for 2008.

The Red Sox finally lost! I got my Sox tattoo last fall when they were down 3-1 to Cleveland in the ALCS. They went on to win the final three of the series and then sweep the Rockies in the World Series. I was expecting 162-0, but Emil Brown stuck it to me. I guess the guy at the tattoo shop was lying when he said it was magical.

And yes, I did get up at 6 a.m. both days to watch the games from Japan.

Below are the results of the much anticipated ‘New Jersey is For Lovers’ NL only auction, held this past weekend in luxurious downtown Maple Shade.

Irish Creamers (Me)
C-JR TOWLES-$1
C-YADIER MOLINA-1
1B-PRINCE FIELDER-36
2B-RYAN THERIOT-5
3B-KEVIN KOUZMANOFF-1
SS-TROY TULOWITZKI-26
CM-JAMES LONEY-10
MI-MARK DEROSA-2
OF-PAT BURRELL-16
OF-ADAM DUNN-28
OF-JEFF FRANCOEUR-20
OF-CHRIS YOUNG-25
OF-LASTINGS MILLEDGE-12
UT-RICK ANKIEL-10
P-PEDRO MARTINEZ-17
P-RANDY JOHNSON-13
P-MATT CAIN-17
P-CHAD BILLINGSLEY-12
P-TOM GORZELLANNY-2
P-HIROKI KURODA-1
P-EDINSON VOLQUEZ-1
P-BRIAN FUENTES-1
P-CARLOS MARMOL-3

Best Value: Kevin Kouzmanoff for $1.
Worst Value: Randy Johnson for $13.

Overall, I’m ecstatic with this team. I punted saves when I saw a couple owners hording closers. I’ve got so many home runs that I’ll be able to make a deal for saves in the near future. Or I could just hold out for the inevitable Kerry Wood injury and gobble up Marmol’s 30 saves.

Dollar values were out of control in the early going, with 7 players going for $40+ and another 3 going for $39. I paid a reasonable 36 for Prince, but backed away from the big spenders, leaving loads of values including Kouz, Gorzellanny, Kuroda, Francoeur and Loney.

Mad Scientists (John)
C-CARLOS RUIZ-8
C-MICHAEL BARRETT-1
1B-ADRIAN GONZALEZ-22
2B-DAN UGGLA-18
3B-MARK REYNOLDS-1
SS-STEPHEN DREW-3
CM-CHASE HEADLEY-1
MI-MIKE FONTENOT-1
OF-SCOTT PODSEDNIK-2
OF-JOSH WILLINGHAM-14
OF-COREY PATTERSON-9
OF-XAVIER NADY-9
OF-MOISES ALOU-1
UT-JAY BRUCE-1
P-BRANDON WEBB-30
P-DAN HAREN-29
P-IAN SNELL-15
P-BRAD PENNY-16
P-BRETT MYERS-20
P-ADAM WAINWRIGHT-16
P-UBALDO JIMENEZ-1
P-JASON ISRINGHAUSEN-17
P-JOSE VALVERDE-25

Best Value: Mark Reynolds for $1.
Worst Value: Dan Haren for $29.

John spent a whopping 169 dollars of his 260 dollar budget on pitching, leaving little to no offense. 6 of his drafted hitters will start the year either on the bench or on the dl. That’s not a good thing.

But, obviously, there is pitching to go around. With 6 top flight starting pitchers, deals need to be made.

Slangin’ and Bangin’ (Randy)
C-DAVID ROSS-1
C-MIKE RABELO-1
1B-LANCE BERKMAN-31
2B-JEFF KENT-15
3B-GARRETT ATKINS-27
SS-ALEX GONZALEZ-1
CM-DALLAS MCPHERSON-1
MI-ADAM KENNEDY-1
OF-JUAN PIERRE-20
OF-NATE MCLOUTH-1
OF-SCOTT HAIRSTON-1
OF-JOSE BAUTISTA-1
OF-MARK KOTSAY-1
UT-MIKE JACOBS-1
P-JOHAN SANTANA-42
P-JOEL PINEIRO-2
P-CHRIS YOUNG-24
P-RICH HILL-18
P-JOHN PATTERSON-1
P-TOM GORDON-1
P-RAFAEL SORIANO-21
P-MATT CAPPS-20
P-BILLY WAGNER-28

Best Value: Nate McLouth for $1.
Worst Value: Billy Wagner for $28.

Another guy who went pitcher heavy, Randy went nuts early on, spending over 100 bucks before some teams even had a single player. That ended up leaving Randy with 12 dollars for 12 players.

Surprisingly, he was able to get some real value for those dollar players. Hairston, McLouth, Kotsay, Jacobs and Bautista won’t leave you giddy, but they’ll play. And Tom Gordon for a dollar could be a major steal.

South Philly Ballers (Joe)
C-YORVIT TORREALBA-7
C-RONNY PAULINO-3
1B-RYAN HOWARD-40
2B-RICKIE WEEKS-18
3B-CHIPPER JONES-23
SS-KHALIL GREENE-11
CM-NOMAR GARCIAPARRA-1
MI-KAZ MATSUI-10
OF-MATT HOLLIDAY-40
OF-KOSUKE FUKUDOME-15
OF-WILY MO PENA-3
OF-MATT DIAZ-1
OF-RYAN LUDWICK-1
UT-TY WIGGINTON-2
P-TED LILLY-17
P-JEFF FRANCIS-9
P-YOVANNI GALLARDO-12
P-AARON COOK-1
P-ORLANDO HERNANDEZ-1
P-JEFF SUPPAN-1
P-MANNY CORPAS-24
P-ERIC GAGNE-14
P-MANNY ACOSTA-3

Best Value: Ty Wigginton for $2.
Worst Value: Yorvit Torrealba for $7.

Joe’s first fantasy draft ended up being pretty successful. The Ballers did some unorthodox things during the draft, which kept owners on their toes. My suggested strategy for Joe to open the bidding for players he didn’t want was taken a little too literally when Joe brought up Aaron Cook in the fifth round.

Ed’s Bar and Swill (Todd G)
C-RYAN DOUMIT-3
C-CHRIS SNYDER-1
1B-ADAM LAROCHE-11
2B-FREDDY SANCHEZ-5
3B-DAVID WRIGHT-42
SS-JIMMY ROLLINS-39
CM-RYAN ZIMMERMAN-21
MI-LUIS CASTILLO-4
OF-CARLOS LEE-31
OF-COREY HART-32
OF-BRAD HAWPE-21
OF-MATT KEMP-18
OF-AARON ROWAND-7
UT-DAVE ROBERTS-1
P-DEREK LOWE-6
P-BEN SHEETS-11
P-ANDREW MILLER-1
P-KEVIN CORREIA-1
P-MANNY PARRA-1
P-JONATHAN SANCHEZ-1
P-CHRIS CAPUANO-1
P-AARON HEILMAN-1
P-TONY PENA-1

Best Value: Freddy Sanchez for $5.
Worst Value: Corey Hart for $32.

A late round bidding war drove up the price of Corey Hart, who was the last good outfielder available. Todd has too many Pirates and didn’t draft a pitcher until about the 14th round. $24 total spent on 9 pitchers. At least one of them is likely to sneak some steals (Pena).

Slobber Knockers (Todd T)
C-JOHNNY ESTRADA-1
C-MIGUEL MONTERO-1
1B-MARK TEIXEIRA-33
2B-BRANDON PHILLIPS-39
3B-TROY GLAUS-20
SS-RAFAEL FURCAL-25
CM-CARLOS DELGADO-9
MI-RONNIE BELLIARD-1
OF-HUNTER PENCE-28
OF-MICHAEL BOURNE-14
OF-RYAN FREEL-1
OF-JAYSON WERTH-1
OF-LUIS GONZALEZ-1
UT-PEDRO FELIZ-5
P-TIM HUDSON-19
P-JOHN MAINE-18
P-RANDY WOLF-3
P-GREG MADDUX-1
P-RYAN DEMPSTER-1
P-JASON MARQUIS-1
P-CHAD QUALLS-1
P-KEVIN GREGG-14
P-FRANCISCO CORDERO-23

Best Value: Pedro Feliz for $5. Hands down.
Worst Value: Troy Glaus for $20.

I like Phillips, but he’s just one year removed from being a reserve. I don’t think he deserves to be in the upper echelon of stars just yet. The fact that he went for the same amount as Jimmy Rollins was surprising.

Delgado is so undervalued that he is becoming a deal. 9 bucks for what he can do is a bargain. Even Todd couldn’t believe what he had done when he blurted out “Troy Glaus, 20 dollars.”

Costa 4 Life (Rich)
C-BENGIE MOLINA-6
C-JOSH BARD-1
1B-DEREK LEE-28
2B-MARCUS GILES-2
3B-ARAMIS RAMIREZ-27
SS-MIGUEL TEJADA-23
CM-TODD HELTON-22
MI-RAY DURHAM-1
OF-ALFONSO SORIANO-35
OF-FELIX PIE-8
OF-JIM EDMONDS-5
OF-MIKE CAMERON-1
OF-ANDRE ETHIER-1
UT-JOEY VOTTO-1
P-JAKE PEAVY-36
P-CARLOS ZAMBRANO-27
P-ROY OSWALT-27
P-BRONSON ARROYO-4
P-JOHNNY CUETO-1
P-DOUG DAVIS-1
P-CHRIS CARPENTER-1
P-DAVID RISKE-1
P-JUAN CRUZ-1

Best Value: Mike Cameron for $1.
Worst Value: Jim Edmonds for $5.

Even when Edmonds is healthy, he isn’t worth five dollars. Rich has 2-3-4-5 in the Cubs lineup, which is never a good strategy.

Cameron can go 20-20 and he only went for a dollar because he’s facing a suspension for the first month. My outfield was already filled….what’s your excuse?

Yogurt Boys (Chris)
C-RUSSELL MARTIN-30
C-PAUL LODUCA-2
1B-ALBERT PUJOLS-41
2B-KELLY JOHNSON-15
3B-EDWIN ENCARNACION-10
SS-JOSE REYES-43
CM-CONOR JACKSON-6
MI-ORLANDO HUDSON-5
OF-JASON BAY-19
OF-KEN GRIFFEY-11
OF-BILL HALL-4
OF-JEREMY HERMIDA-8
OF-CHRIS DUNCAN-4
UT-AUSTIN KEARNS-2
P-JOHN SMOLTZ-20
P-TIM LINCECUM-12
P-MICAH OWINGS-3
P-JASON SCHMIDT-6
P-BARRY ZITO-2
P-DAVE BUSH-2
P-KERRY WOOD-1
P-BOBBY HOWRY-2
P-BRANDON LYON-12

Best Value: Conor Jackson for $6. (lots of choices)
Worst Value: Russell Martin for $30.

$30 is a hell of a lot to pay for a catcher, even if it is Russell Martin. This team will be my biggest competition. Bargains galore!

Chris used the strategy of spending big at the gun (Reyes 43 and Pujols 41) and then laying back for about an hour. By then, he was able to steal Jackson-$6, Hall-$4 and Griffey-$11.

News broke that afternoon of Smoltz and an arm injury, dropping his value. Considering Peavy went for 36, Smoltz for 20 is grand theft, since he will probably miss just one start.

Everybody Loves Swartz (Steve)
C-BRIAN MCCANN-21
C-GEOVANY SOTO-5
1B-JEFF BAKER-2
2B-FELIPE LOPEZ-6
3B-RYAN BRAUN-37
SS-JJ HARDY-14
CM-YUNEL ESCOBAR-7
MI-TADAHITO IGUCHI-2
OF-CARLOS BELTRAN-33
OF-ERIC BYRNES-29
OF-RYAN CHURCH-3
OF-WILY TAVARES-2
OF-RANDY WINN-1
UT-JUSTIN UPTON-2
P-OLIVER PEREZ-15
P-AARON HARANG-25
P-TOM GLAVINE-1
P-CARLOS VILLANUEVA-1
P-KYLE LOHSE-1
P-JONATHON BROXTON-1
P-HEATH BELL-1
P-CHAD CORDERO-19
P-BRIAN WILSON-16

Best Value: Wily Tavares for $2.
Worst Value: Brian Wilson for $16.

Another team that I really like, which just goes to show that you CAN draft drunk. Possibly the worst starting first baseman in fantasy baseball history, but besides that, a team filled with nice values.

Tavares is just ridiculous for 2 bucks. Lohse and Villanueva are great 1 dollar pitchers. Winn is always undervalued and this was no exception.

The Olivo Garden (Mike)
C-CHRIS COSTE-4
C-JAYSON KENDALL-1
1B-CHAD TRACY-5
2B-CHASE UTLEY-39
3B-MARK LORETTA-1
SS-HANLEY RAMIREZ-45
CM-DAN ORTMEIER-1
MI-JACK WILSON-2
OF-ANDRUW JONES-20
OF-BRIAN GILES-7
OF-SHANE VICTORINO-22
OF-GEOFF JENKINS-11
OF-CAMERON MAYBIN-1
UT-ENDY CHAVEZ-1
P-COLE HAMELS-28
P-MARK PRIOR-2
P-SHAWN HILL-2
P-KYLE KENDRICK-1
P-PAUL MAHOLM-1
P-BRAD LIDGE-17
P-TREVOR HOFFMAN-19
P-PETER MOYLAN-3
P-TAKASHI SAITO-27

Best Value: Shawn Hill for $2.
Worst Value: Brian Giles for $7.

Giles has done a whole lot of nothing since 1998 and isn’t worth seven bucks.

For a Met fan, Mike took an awful lot of Phillies. Tracy, Loretta and Ortmeier form a pretty awful 1-2-3 punch at the corners.

Hanley ended up being the highest price player of the day, going for $45 whopping dollars. Soriano has never been a full time closer, so grabbing his understudy Moylan could end up paying nice dividends.

After a long, cold winter, the season is finally here. First game is Sunday night, Braves versus Nationals, followed by a whole slate of games on Monday. Be sure to call out sick, so you can sit home and watch all your guys go 0 for 4 and then trade them. Hooray!

LAST MINUTE NUGGETS

Before I get into the last minute things you should know before you draft this weekend, I wanted to talk a little about the Big Tourney.

I’m already out, thanks to Winthrop and Oral Roberts. I think next year I’ll make sure I’m in the room when Ziliani picks the teams out of the hat.

At least Winthrop was tied at the half with Washington State. I think they decided they would play the second half with just three players. Oral Roberts never got to within 20 of Pitt.

What are the odds of having two teams that you don’t know what state they are from or what their mascots are? That is never a positive sign. If I had to guess, I’d say Winthrop is based out of Aspen and their mascot is the Izod alligator. They just sound like a preppy school.

I’m pretty sure Oral Roberts play their home games in San Francisco and their mascot is a dental dam. Let me know if I’m right.

For the first time ever, I had my daughter fill out a bracket. She’s only 7, but I remember filling out my first bracket when I was 2. You’re never too young to learn how to be a degenerate gambler. Thanks Pop.

Anyway, her final pits Butler vs. Drake. She kept picking Butler because she enjoyed writing But over and over.

I wasn’t sure why she went with Drake, but then my wife made me look at the posters on her wall. Drake and Josh rule!!!

For posterity, my final 4 are UNC, Clemson, Pitt and UCLA, with Pitt winning it all. Just in case they do, I want to have proof. And if Drake ends up beating Butler in the final, you can reach me and my daughter in Vegas.

Now onto the important stuff….baseball. Who really cares about Easter anyway?

The MLB season officially kicks off at 4:00 a.m. this Tuesday, so if your draft isn’t run this weekend, you are out of luck. Hopefully you all plan on setting your alarms so you can see Big Papi and the crew demolish the A’s inside the Tokyo Dome.

The fact is I’m not really sure if the games are even going to be on TV. They better be or Comcast will be getting a nasty letter. If ESPN doesn’t carry these games, they should be ashamed. Do they really have something better to air at 4 in the morning? How many repeats of the 2003 World Series of Poker can one watch?

My AL only draft is tonight. My NL only auction is tomorrow. Do yourself a favor and take part in an auction sooner rather than later. There is nothing like heading into a draft knowing you can have Hanley, Howard, Rollins and Santana on your team if you really want. You most likely won’t win, but winning isn’t everything, right?

Breaking news out of Atlanta….John Smoltz is having some problems with his throwing shoulder. Smoltz has been through the wars and hopefully this is not anything too serious. But considering he’s a geriatric, you’ve got to be a little worried. He has barely pitched this spring and now he’s dinged up. Buyer beware.

Stop me if you’ve heard this before. Jeremy Hermida and Rickie Weeks are being slowed by injuries. Hermida will likely start the year on the DL with a hamstring injury. Take that all you humps who built him up as a breakout.

A deep sleeper for you AL only guys: Alexei Ramirez. It’s looking like he’ll be the starting second baseman for the White Sox. The Cuban defector knows how to hit and he’s been whacking the ball all spring. Unfortunately, he’s got hands like feet and can’t field a lick. I’m not a White Sox fan, so who cares. Right now, he’s only eligible as an outfielder, but in a couple weeks, that 2nd base eligibility will come in handy. Take him late.

I still can’t believe it, but it’s looking more and more like both Evan Longoria and Jarrod Saltalamacchia will be starting their seasons in AAA. If you are still wondering why the Rangers and Devil Rays are perennial roadkill, look no further than these decisions.

Josh Hamilton will finish the season as a top 20 overall player. Mark it down…and DRAFT HIM!

For those of you hoping BJ Ryan will be the man come opening day, I’ve got bad news. Ryan is still not game ready and there’s no definite timetable for him to be back in the majors. Bump up Jeremy Accardo….he’ll be closing at least for April, maybe longer.

John Patterson, the Nationals projected opening day starter, was flat out released on Thursday. He’s looked terrible this spring, but I’m still amazed that this happened. He’ll be signed somewhere (Houston has already spoken to him). I, personally, think he should be brought in by the Phillies. Eaton stinks and I’ve got a real bad feeling about Kyle Kendrick.

Looking for someone to grab in the final round of your NL only draft? Try Blake DeWitt, the likely starting third baseman for the Dodgers come opening day. Nomar is broken down and LaRoche is out until at least late May. DeWitt looks like the starter, unless some deals go down.

Ironically, in Chicago, the White Sox don’t want Joe Crede. Yet they continue to hold onto him and force stud Josh Fields back to the minors. I know you can’t just release Crede, but you’ve got to get rid of him. Especially if it means Fields won’t be in your lineup. There are plenty of teams that could use a third baseman. I think a deal will get done, so both Crede and Fields are worth drafting.

And lastly, take this little nugget into your AL and mixed drafts. Nick Markakis is terrific. A five tool masher who I’ve been pumping up all spring. But the O’s announced this week that hitting cleanup directly behind Nick will be the one and only Kevin Millar. How’s that for protection? I see your future Nick and it includes a whole lot of walks.

Sorry to say.

FOUL BALLS MIXED LEAGUE DRAFT RESULTS

Every league is different. It used to be that if you were in a fantasy baseball league, it was a standard, 10 team NL or AL only rotisserie format.

But with the emergence of the internet, fantasy players now have all kinds of options when it comes to their leagues. I’ve still got binders from the early days, filled with daily stats from every single team in our league. All done with a pencil and a calculator.

I’m a part of three big leagues. An AL only, an NL only and a mixed. First up was my mixed draft, which took place last weekend. The fact that it took me four days to write up a review should tell you I’m not happy with how it went.

First, the background. Foul Balls is a 12 team, mixed league, using a head to head format. One other important aspect to note is that teams have the ability to carryover 3 players each season.

Any player drafted in the 7th round or later is eligible to be kept for one additional season. The price is a forfeiture of a 12th, 13th or 14th round draft pick.

At the end of 2007, I sold off the majority of my potential keepers in a run for the title. I had a couple of guys I could have chosen to carryover (Brad Lidge, Hank Blalock, Matt Kemp), but in the end I chose not to keep any.

That being the case, I was at a major disadvantage come draft day. Studs like Ryan Braun, Josh Beckett and Brandon Phillips were all kept by various teams, while I was left with three additional draft picks. Whoop-dee doo.

On a side note, I hate keepers. If you are in a league and considering this idea, stay away. Far, far away.

Anyway, on to the draft. Each teams list of keepers will be presented in brackets in round 1.

Round 1

1-Alex Rodriguez (Scott) [Brandon Phillips, CC Sabathia, Brett Myers]
2-Hanley Ramirez (Randy) [Todd Helton, Curtis Granderson, Dan Haren]
3-David Wright (Blum) [Troy Tulowitzki, Jose Valverde]
4-Matt Holliday (Tom) [Russell Martin, Corey Hart, Alex Rios]
5-Jose Reyes (Babrisky) [Freddy Sanchez, Hunter Pence, Aaron Rowand]
6-Jimmy Rollins (Nate) [Carlos Pena, Erik Bedard, Francisco Liriano]
7-Chase Utley (Strumph) [Oliver Perez]
8-Johan Santana (Ziliani) [Ryan Braun, Brad Penny, AJ Burnett]
9-Miguel Cabrera (Lapinski) [Dustin McGowan, James Shields, Bobby Jenks]
10-Grady Sizemore (Keith) [Magglio Ordonez, John Smoltz, Chipper Jones]
11-Ryan Howard (Me) [none]
12-Albert Pujols (Bob) [BJ Upton, Josh Beckett, Fausto Carmona]

Things don’t start out well as the PBA Hall smells like gas. Not the kind that kinds from eating too much Taco Bell, but the kind that can kill you! We debated seating Blum in the kitchen where the burners are. Canary in a coalmine theory? But we decided against it because then we would be down to 11 teams.

As you can see, outside of a few teams, I was at a major disadvantage. Especially in the pitching department, with Beckett, Sabathia, Carmona, Bedard, Haren, and Shields off the board.

On the other hand, it’s always nice to see owners protect players who you wouldn’t pick if your life depended on it. Specifically, Brad Penny, Aaron Rowand and Brett Myers.

I was sure I was going to be stuck with the Albert Pujols dilemma at 11, but Keith saved me by picking Grady Sizemore. A gutsy move. Not a particularly bad one, but a gutsy one. That left Howard to fall in my lap and I was happy to pounce.

If there was one mistake in the round, I would chalk it up to Ziliani at number 8. Not that Santana isn’t any good, but since he already protected two pitchers, he was desparately in need of upgrading his hitting. When Miguel Cabrera is still on the board at the 8th pick, you need to take him.

Round 2

13-Prince Fielder (Bob)
14-David Ortiz (Me)
15-Mark Teixeira (Keith)
16-Jake Peavy (Lapinski)
17-Carl Crawford (Ziliani)
18-Alfonso Soriano (Strumph)
19-Vlad Guerrero (Nate)
20-Ichiro Suzuki (Babrisky)
21-Carlos Lee (Tom)
22-Lance Berkman (Blum)
23-Aramis Ramirez (Randy)
24-Carlos Beltran (Scott)

I can’t stop belching up the hot dog I had from 7-11 for breakfast. The guy at the counter actually asked me if I wanted a fresh one or one of the older ones. Do people actually prefer the nasty ones?

This league has a 5 game position qualification, so Ortiz will go in as my corner infielder. I felt like he was the best player on the board, though with Papi and Howard, I might have the only two guys in baseball that I could beat in a foot race. Steals, you will find out, are not going to be my forte.

Peavy went earlier than I thought he would. I figured closer to the end of the round. Pitching was funny all draft long.

Round 3

25-Manny Ramirez (Scott)
26-Eric Byrnes (Randy)
27-Robinson Cano (Blum)
28-Brandon Webb (Tom)
29-Cole Hamels (Babrisky)
30-Victor Martinez (Nate)
31-Travis Hafner (Strumph)
32-Derek Jeter (Ziliani)
33-Adam Dunn (Lapinski)
34-Justin Verlander (Keith)
35-Gary Sheffield (Me)
36-Jonathon Papelbon (Bob)

The first titanic fart of the morning comes between the Hafner and Jeter picks. I’m not sure who it was, but I’m willing to wager it was either Bob or Tom.

In round 3, things got interesting. Manny at 25 was a surprise, especially considering that Scott hates the Red Sox. Victor Martinez went way too early, but that’s been the case in almost every draft.

Then, Ziliani took Jeter. If this guy were named Bob Smith, he’d be drafted in the 10th round. But he’s Derek Jeter, so he always goes WAY too early. 12 homers, 73 RBI and 15 steals just doesn’t make my heart race.

Round 3 also saw the start of what would become a trend, with Strumph repeatedly taking players I had targeted four picks later. Hafner is going to be a monster this year and he qualifies at first base in this league.

I went into this draft knowing I had to go high risk/high reward. That’s what happens when you play from behind. Sheffield was a perfect pick for that strategy. Sheff was downright amazing last year before hurting his shoulder. It’s fixed and he’s not going to go anywhere near the outfield in ’08, so he should appear in at least 150 games. 30-100-100 is possible with the Tigers lineup.

Round 4

37-Francisco Rodriguez (Bob)
38-Nick Markakis (Me)
39-Chone Figgins (Keith)
40-Brian Roberts (Lapinski)
41-Ian Kinsler (Ziliani)
42-Justin Morneau (Strumph)
43-Derrek Lee (Nate)
44-Carlos Zambrano (Babrisky)
45-JJ Putz (Tom)
46-Bobby Abreu (Blum)
47-Carlos Guillen (Randy)
48-Garrett Atkins (Scott)

I’ve been doing drafts with Randy for a LONG time and let me tell you…he’s pretty horrible. That’s why I couldn’t believe it when, after 4 rounds, I had felt Randy had made 4 picks that I really liked. Maybe the gas has gotten to him.

I love when the inevitable closer run comes, especially in a mixed league draft, because there are so many. By the end of round 4, the top 3 closers were off the board. And I was still at least 8 rounds away from even considering taking one. You should do the same.

Markakis is a tremendous talent and still just 24 years old. I worry about his supporting cast, but I think he’s too good to let them bog him down.

Figgins qualifies at 2nd base in this league, along with 3rd and outfield, making him extremely valuable. Kinsler is the first good pick Ziliani made all day. Zambrano has looked top notch this spring, but I still think he’s a nutjob and don’t trust him.

Round 5

49-Roy Oswalt (Scott)
50-Aaron Harang (Randy)
51-Adrian Gonzalez (Blum)
52-Nick Swisher (Tom)
53-Chris B. Young (Babrisky)
54-Felix Hernandez (Nate)
55-Scott Kazmir (Strumph)
56-Joe Mauer (Ziliani)
57-Dan Uggla (Lapinski)
58-Daisuke Matsuzake (Keith)
59-Chris R. Young (Me)
60-Roy Halladay (Bob)

Scott originally picked John Lackey at 49, but someone in the room gained a conscious and pointed out Lackey was out until May, allowing him to rescind the pick. DON’T BE THAT GUY! (keith)

I was surprised Swisher went as high as he did, considering he was pretty skuzzy last year. I weigh more than Chris B. Young’s batting average, but I’m working on it. If by the end of the summer I still weigh more than his average, Young might be back in AAA.

I hate to keep picking on the guy, but seriously. Joe Mauer. He easily would have been available 3 rounds later.

I’m a huge fan of the Padres Chris Young. Do you realize that before he got injured last July, he had better numbers than Jake Peavy?

Round 6

61-Torii Hunter (Bob)
62-John Maine (Me)
63-Edgar Renteria (Keith)
64-Mariano Rivera (Lapinski)
65-Jeff Francoeur (Ziliani)
66-Brian McCann (Strumph)
67-Ryan Zimmerman (Nate)
68-Takashi Saito (Babrisky)
69-Javier Vazquez (Tom)
70-Jered Weaver (Blum)
71-Paul Konerko (Randy)
72-Michael Young (Scott)

Lapinski wants to order pizza and to my amazement, 11 fat guys in a room all say no. Even more stunning than the Jeter pick.

Looking back, I probably reached on John Maine. I am a big fan and I think he’ll end up the year a top 10 pitcher. But I probably could have gotten him the next time around. The only thing that worried me is that there are a couple of Met fans in this league, so they might have scooped him before me. I’m happy with the pick, but I also really liked Ryan Zimmerman. Great value in round 6!!

Jeff Francoeur looked like a nice pick, then he got hit in the face hours after Ziliani drafted him.

Round 7

73-Billy Wagner (Scott)
74-Shane Victorino (Randy)
75-Joe Nathan (Blum)
76-Rich Hill (Tom)
77-Jorge Posada (Babrisky)
78-Brad Hawpe (Nate)
79-John Lackey (Strumph)
80-Jim Thome (Ziliani)
81-Miguel Tejada (Lapinski)
82-Chad Billingsley (Keith)
83-Alex Gordon (Me)
84-Rickie Weeks (Bob)

One thing that not enough people do when preparing for their drafts is taking into account the fandom of other owners. It’s usually a more valuable tool in auctions, because you can really drive up prices that way. But in straight drafts, be prepared for guys to go off the board before they should (i.e. Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Shane Victorino).

Gordon is a special talent and this year has better players around him. 20-20 is very possible, which is rare among third baseman. Of the third sackers left on the board, only Gordon has the potential to really improve in ’08. For the rest, their best days area already behind them.

Round 8

85-Adrian Beltre (Bob)
86-Ben Sheets (Me)
87-Vernon Wells (Keith)
88-James Loney (Lapinski)
89-Hank Blalock (Ziliani)
90-Jason Bay (Strumph)
91-Andruw Jones (Nate)
92-Mike Lowell (Babrisky)
93-Howie Kendrick (Tom)
94-Delmon Young (Blum)
95-Coco Cordero (Randy)
96-Kelly Johnson (Scott)

I admit. I’ve bought into the reports that Ben Sheets has changed his arm slot to avoid future injuries, thereby looking healthier than ever before. That being the case, he’ll still end up on the D.L. at some point. Either he’ll trip on his pet guinea pig or get himself caught in his zipper. Like I said before, high risk/high reward. Please stay healthy.

Wells, Bay and Jones each bottomed out in 2007. I love the Wells pick, like the Bay pick and am horrified by the Jones pick. Not as much as the Howie Kendrick pick, though. In his last 600 major league at bats, Howie has 9 homers, 11 steals and 69 RBI. Do you really need that on your squad? I’ll take Kelly Johnson as my second baseman any day of the week.

Round 9

97-Jermaine Dye (Scott)
98-Jeff Kent (Randy)
99-Chien Ming Wang (Blum)
100-JJ Hardy (Tom)
101-Andy Pettitte (Babrisky)
102-Jacoby Ellsbury (Nate)
103-Rafael Furcal (Strumph)
104-Juan Pierre (Ziliani)
105-Ken Griffey (Lapinski)
106-Yovani Gallardo (Keith)
107-Josh Hamilton (Me)
108-Johnny Damon (Bob)

Strumph hoses me again, this time with my man Furcal. He’s going way undervalue and you need to make sure you don’t make the same mistake I did. There is no way on earth he should be going after middle infielders like Kendrick, Hardy, Weeks or Kent.

Wang is great value in round 9. He’s solid in ERA and WHIP, but he’s a lock for 18 wins. Andy Pettitte, on the other hand, is none of the above.

I though I was dreaming when Hamilton fell to me this late. He is a lock for 30 homers and a .300 average. Take that, Juan Pierre.

Round 10

109-Orlando Cabrera (Bob)
110-Khalil Greene (Me)
111-Kenji Johjima (Keith)
112-Trevor Hoffman (Lapinski)
113-Huston Street (Ziliani)
114-Hideki Matsui (Strumph)
115-Phil Hughes (Nate)
116-Ryan Garko (Babrisky)
117-Matt Cain (Tom)
118-Rafael Soriano (Blum)
119-Chad Cordero (Randy)
120-Pat Burrell (Scott)

I’m not a big Khalil Greene fan. But shortstops were going fast and he did go 27-97 last year. The lifetime .250 average will bite me in the behind, but I didn’t want to be stuck with Yuniesky Betancourt at my starting shortstop.

My plan to hold off on closers was going well, until this round when four more came off the board.

I’ve always loved Matt Cain, but he only could muster 7 wins LAST year, when the Giants were only half awful. This year, they are full blown awful, so who knows.

Round 11

121-Ted Lilly (Scott)
122-Tim Hudson (Randy)
123-Jeremy Hermida (Blum)
124-Placido Polanco (Tom)
125-Jason Giambi (Babrisky)
126-Jeremy Bonderman (Nate)
127-Tim Lincecum (Strumph)
128-Dontrelle Willis (Ziliani)
129-Willy Taveras (Lapinski)
130-Aaron Hill (Keith)
131-Randy Johnson (Me)
132-Jason Isringhausen (Bob)

Ted Lilly and Willy Taveras are both very undervalued and are steals in the 11th round. Especially considering the premium that is put on speed.

I didn’t think Giambi would even get drafted, let alone taken in the 11th round. I hope Babrisky paid his entrance fee in full.

I got some ribbing for my Randy Johnson pick, from of all people, the guy who took Dontrelle Willis. But riddle me this? Would you rather have Willis, who will guarantee you 200 innings and an atrocious ERA and WHIP, or Johnson who might not make it through the season, but when he does pitch, he’s still lights out? I know what I’m getting with Willis. Garbage. The Unit still has something to prove and if he can stay on the mound, much like Sheets, he’ll be a bargain.

Now, what I’ve been waiting all morning for. The supplemental draft. I have 4 of the next 8 picks and I need to make them count.

Round 12-13-14 (supplemental rounds for teams without 3 keepers)

143-Manny Corpas (me)
146-Matt Capps (me)
150-Brad Lidge (Strumph)
159-Kosuke Fukudome (Blum)
163-Joakim Soria (Strumph)
167-Joe Blanton (me)

In the end, my plan to hold off on closers worked, as I was able to steal Corpas and Capps in the supplemental draft. I consider both to be top 10 closers and I’m now in a position to compete in saves.

My next pick, Blanton, might be the one I regret the most in this entire draft. Starting pitchers were getting thin and I reacted wrong. Instead of taking who I thought was the best starter of a poor lot, I should have taken the best available player….in my rankings that would have been Edwin Encarnacion. I didn’t and I now regret it.

Round 15

169-Adam Wainwright (Bob)
170-Eric Gagne (me)
171-Kevin Youkilis (Keith)
172-Jon Lester (Lapinski)
173-Todd Jones (Ziliani)
174-Raul Ibanez (Strumph)
175-Joba Chamberlain (Nate)
176-Joe Borowski (Babrisky)
177-Edwin Encarnacion (Tom)
178-Jon Garland (Blum)
179-Kelvim Escobar (Randy)
180-Troy Glaus (Scott)

Ibanez and Encarnacion are both value picks this late in the game. Ibanez gets overlooked every year, but has become a legitimate hitter in Seattle. I don’t understand the Chamberlain pick, especially now that we know he is only going to work in a setup role. If there were a chance for the rotation, I would get it. Two of the worst closers on the planet were taken in round 15: Todd Jones and Joe Borowski. Jones is the better pick, only because he has no competition. Borowski is one blown save away from becoming Donnie Moore, but with a face.

Round 16

181-Adam LaRoche (Scott)
182-Bengie Molina (Randy)
183-Yuniesky Betancourt (Blum)
184-Brian Wilson (Tom)
185-Carlos Delgado (Babrisky)
186-Dustin Pedroia (Nate)
187-Kevin Kousmanoff (Strumph)
188-Matt Kemp (Ziliani)
189-Melky Cabrera (Lapinski)
190-Pedro Martinez (Keith)
191-Lastings Milledge (me)
192-Josh Willingham (Bob)

Randy breaks into a Barenaked Ladies song upon Tom’s pick of Brian Wilson. It’s a good thing we go way back or I’d never talk to him.

A lot of guys taken in this round who I have a deep disdain for. Delgado is toast. Willingham is an underachiever. And you all know how I feel about Melky ‘I don’t do anything particularly well’ Cabrera.

I was planning on taking Pedro to create the MASH unit along with Johnson and Sheets, but Keith beat me to the punch. Instead, I took a guy I really like who is playing with a chip on his shoulder. Milledge is a talent.

Round 17

193-Josh Fields (Bob)
194-Jhonny Peralta (me)
195-Michael Cuddyer (Keith)
196-Ty Wigginton (Lapinski)
197-Stephen Drew (Ziliani)
198-Yunel Escobar (Strumph)
199-Clay Buchholz (Nate)
200-Troy Percival (Babrisky)
201-Evan Longoria (Tom)
202-Rich Harden (Blum)
203-Jeff Francis (Randy)
204-Jarrod Saltalamacchia (Scott)

My final mistake of the draft. Escobar has much more potential and position versatility, compared to Peralta. Jhonny is not a terrible player, he’s just inconsistent. Match this with Blanton as my two picks I’d like back.

Wigginton deserves more love, if only because of his versatility. A bunch of people gave Randy a pat on the back for the Francis pick. I wasn’t one of them.

Round 18

205-Bronson Arroyo (Scott)
206-Michael Bourn (Randy)
207-Billy Butler (Blum)
208-Jonathon Broxton (Tom)
209-Chris Capuano (Babrisky)
210-Carlos Marmol (Nate)
211-Ian Snell (Strumph)
212-Mark Buehrle (Ziliani)
213-Bartolo Colon (Lapinski)
214-Rafael Betancourt (Keith)
215-Rick Ankiel (me)
216-Derek Lowe (Bob)

I can’t believe I was able to steal Ankiel in round 18. You can pencil in 30 and 90 right now. I’ve got homers out the wazoo.

I’m also very happy that Babrisky is in my division. I actually felt bad for him after the Capuano pick. This is what happens to you when you have a teenage daughter living under your roof. I can’t wait. 6 more years and I’ll be right there with him. If I make it that long.

Other round 18 gems: Bourne can easily steal 40 bases. Marmol will be the closer on one of the leagues best teams. Snell makes up for wins with strikeouts.

Round 19

217-Hiroki Kuroda (Bob)
218-Mark Ellis (me)
219-Geoff Jenkins (Keith)
220-Conor Jackson (Lapinski)
221-Brandon Lyon (Ziliani)
222-Orlando Hudson (Strumph)
223-Kevin Gregg (Nate)
224-Kevin Slowey (Babrisky)
225-Heath Bell (Tom)
226-Cameron Maybin (Blum)
227-BJ Ryan (Randy)
228-Jeremy Accardo (Scott)

The homers just keep coming for my squad. Too bad that’s all that there is. Ellis is a good value, 20 homers are possible. He’s just not very exciting.

My favorite pick of the round goes to Lapinski with Conor Jackson. A major breakout could be coming for the Arizona first baseman.

Scott hosed Randy by taking safety valve Accardo immediately after BJ Ryan. Ohh snap!

Round 20

229-Barry Zito (Scott)
230-Frank Thomas (Randy)
231-Gil Meche (Blum)
232-Colby Rasmus (Tom)
233-Ryan Theriot (Babrisky)
234-Adam Jones (Nate)
235-Tony A. Pena (Strumph)
236-Lyle Overbay (Ziliani)
237-Ramon Hernandez (Lapinski)
238-Shaun Marcum (Keith)
239-Akinori Iwamura (me)
240-Richie Sexson (Bob)

This round personifies why mixed leagues are so bizarre. Look at the names still available in round 20!

There were guys I liked better than Iwamura, but the fact that he will soon qualify at second base is what swayed me. He very well might be in my starting lineup sooner than later, over Peralta, Greene or Ellis.

Marcum is a nice pick this late in the game. He’s a four category pitcher that is just entering his prime. I also like Overbay to bounce back, but this is where you can typically get him in a mixed draft. No need to reach any higher for him.

Round 21

241-Corey Patterson (Bob)
242-Ian Kennedy (me)
243-Julio Lugo (Keith)
244-Jason Schmidt (Lapinski)
245-Jeremy Guthrie (Ziliani)
246-Ivan Rodriguez (Strumph)
247-Felipe Lopez (Nate)
248-JD Drew (Babrisky)
249-Greg Maddux (Tom)
250-Tom Gorzelanny (Blum)
251-Milton Bradley (Randy)
252-Ervin Santana (Scott)

Bob takes Corey Patterson, but isn’t sure what team he’s on. Not what you’d call a glowing reference. The fact is, Patterson is in a better situation now than last year, so Bob lucked out.

I took Ian Kennedy for one simple reason. In a league chockfull of Yankee fans, Kennedy could become an overnight sensation. If that happens, I’ll have a nice chip to play, as long as I don’t wait too long to pull the trigger. Fact is, he isn’t that good. Shhhh.

I really like the Pudge pick, as well as the Lugo pick. If Lugo qualified at second base, I would have taken him over Iwamura. Lugo’s 2007 numbers were deceiving. He wasn’t nearly as bad as the average looked. He had some type of tapeworm or something in spring training, which set him back the first two months. Once he got rid of the thing, he was dynamite. Expect more of the same.

There are several reasons I like the Pudge pick. The lineup and the contract. Pudge has proven over the years that he steps it up when he has that lingering contract. He’s reported to camp in top shape and should give you one more year of Pudge like numbers. My catcher is still out there, so I continue to hold out.

Round 22

253-Joey Votto (Scott)
254-Coco Crisp (Randy)
255-Austin Kearns (Blum)
256-Nomar Garciaparra (Tom)
257-Geovany Soto (Babrisky)
258-Casey Blake (Nate)
259-Justin Upton (Strumph)
260-Hideki Okajima (Ziliani)
261-Tom Glavine (Lapinski)
262-Bill Hall (Keith)
263-Chase Headley (me)
264-Felix Pie (Bob)

Randy has been waiting 10 years for this opportunity and he finally got it. Milton Bradley followed by Coco Crisp. He had it planned all along, I know it. I’m now officially ashamed to say I know him.

I think Babrisky could sense all the bad stuff I was thinking about his team, because he decided to screw me in round 22 by taking my boy Soto. You’ve got Posada!!! What do you need Geovany for? The pick threw me for such a loop that I blindly pointed at my sheet and it came up Chase Headley. Wasted pick.

Round 23

265-Erick Aybar (Bob)
266-JR Towles (me)
267-Ubaldo Jimenez (Keith)
268-Jack Cust (Lapinski)
269-Chris Duncan (Ziliani)
270-CJ Wilson (Strumph)
271-Kerry Wood (Nate)
272-Justin Germano (Babrisky)
273-Scott Rolen (Tom)
274-Carlos Gomez (Blum)
275-Carlos Ruiz (Randy)
276-Daniel Cabrera (Scott)

Towles was my fallback option at catcher. He’ll be okay, for now. I’ll probably have to make a deal with someone or wait for someone else to step up. Can you sense my confidence in JR?

Cust is a great pick. But the rest of the round is filled with bums.

Why didn’t Babrisky take Germano the previous round? Why is Germano even being discussed in a mixed league? Geovannnnnnnnnnnyyyyy!!!

Amusing fact: the last three pitchers drafted by Scott-Daniel Cabrera, Ervin Santana, Barry Zito. If there is a hell, this is its pitching staff.

Round 24

277-Nick Johnson (Scott)
278-David Eckstein (Randy)
279-AJ Pierzynski (Blum)
280-Pedro Feliz (Tom)
281-Jose Guillen (Babrisky)
282-Mike Cameron (Nate)
283-Aubrey Huff (Strumph)
284-Joe Crede (Ziliani)
285-Randy Winn (Lapinski)
286-Ryan Freel (Keith)
287-Johnny Cueto (me)
288-Ryan Doumit (Bob)

As bad as round 23 was, round 24 was filled with bargains. Johnson, Feliz, Guillen, Cameron, Huff, Crede, Doumit, Winn….all great late round picks.

I used round 24 to make that one pick to make me look cool. Johnny Cueto has been pitching lights out and chances are, he’ll be bounced back to the minors before May. But I just wanted to say his name. If he pans out, he pans out. But I doubt he’ll contribute. It’s always nice to have one guy like that per draft.

Round 25

289-Brandon Morrow (Bob)
290-George Sherrill (me)
291-Justin Duscherrer (Keith)
292-Mark Prior (Lapinski)
293-Luke Scott (Ziliani)
294-Brian Bannister (Strumph)
295-Zach Greinke (Nate)
296-Mark Loretta (Babrisky)
297-Wily Mo Pena (Tom)
298-Scott Olsen (Blum)
299-Homer Bailey (Randy)
300-Brendan Harris (Scott)

An honest to goodness closer in the final round? George Sherrill will end up being a great bargain. I don’t care how bad the Orioles are. He’s got great stuff and he’s got no competition.

Greinke is another sweet deal in round 25. He’s regained his stuff and if he pitched for anybody but the Royals, might actually make a fantasy impact.

All in all, I feel like I did what I had to do, considering my circumstances. Since it’s a head to head league, you can look at individual categories and try to gauge how you’ll do. I know that I’m hurting in steals, no question about it. I’m already working on that problem. I should flourish in the power categories. Batting average I should be okay.

My pitching staff will come down to the health of Randy Johnson and Ben Sheets. If they stay upright, I can pair them with Young, Maine and Blanton for a formidable front five. I feel very confident in my three closers, plus I’ve got Sherrill waiting in the wings if needed.

AL WEST FANTASY PREVIEW

My last divisional preview is listed below and we’re all getting ready for our drafts. But I have to address one thing before I get into the AL West.

I am going on record as hoping Shelly Duncan contracts a venereal disease in the near future. I know that by him being on the Yankees, everyone is going to say I’m only speaking out because of my Red Sox loyalty. But Duncan proved this week that he is a classless jerk and needs to be put in his place.

In case you missed it, in an exhibition game last week, the tenth string catcher for the Yankees had his wrist broken when the 12th string outfielder for the Rays barreled him over in a play at the plate. The Yankees hemmed and hawed about it being a spring training game and how guys shouldn’t be going all out.

I suppose they should be jogging around the bases and should be allowed to have a cooler in the outfield too.

Well, the next time the two teams played, Rays third baseman Evan Longoria got plunked in the back in the first inning. No big deal. It was a 80 MPH fastball in the midsection of his back. Fine….feel better now Joe?

But that wasn’t enough for Shelly Duncan, the Yanks scrubby backup firstbaseman. Later that same game, Duncan tried to stretch a single into a double. The throw came into second and Duncan was out by 10 feet. He then proceeds to slide into second baseman Akinori Iwamura, with his spikes aimed at his groin.

Here’s the problem. Anybody whose played baseball knows that this is something you don’t do. EVER. It is the epitomy of dirty play and shows that Duncan has no class whatsoever.

Now a lot of people are saying an eye for an eye. But I couldn’t disagree more. Mainly because the play in the first game wasn’t a dirty play. If that play happened during the regular season, would anyone have complained? No. But if Duncan goes in spikes to the cajones during a regular season game, he’s still going to get his butt kicked.

Not to even mention the fact that maybe the Yankees catcher shouldn’t have been blocking the plate. Don’t want to get bowled over? Don’t block the plate. Make a sweep tag.

If this were any other team, I’d be saying the same thing. It was just a classless act by a jerk with a big mouth, who can’t make it onto Sportscenter any other way. There is a reason Joe Girardi only lasted one season in Florida. Don’t be surprised if we see a repeat of that in the Bronx.

Seattle Mariners

2007 was a so-so year for the Mariners, but 2008 should see them return to the post-season. Management showed they want to win now, trading away top prospect Adam Jones for front line starter Erik Bedard. The lineup is old, pretty much across the board…so if there was ever a time to go for it, it’s now.

Projected Lineup

1-Ichiro-CF
2-Jose Vidro-DH
3-Adrian Beltre-3B
4-Raul Ibanez-LF
5-Richie Sexson-1B
6-Kenji Johjima-C
7-Brad Wilkerson-RF
8-Jose Lopez-2B
9-Yuniesky Betancourt-SS

It’s seven straight years of 200 hits or more for Ichiro. A model of three category consistency that is unmatched. Seven straight years of .300 or better, 30+ steals and 100+ runs. The fact that 203 of his 238 hits last year were singles shouldn’t matter to you. That’s just more opportunities for him to swipe second. Easily a second round pick in mixed leagues.

Jose Vidro, on the other hand, is washed up. He’s easily the worst DH in baseball and I can’t understand how Seattle doesn’t have someone, somewhere who can do more than he can. 6 homers, 59 RBI, 0 steals. Don’t expect any better this year.

Adrian Beltre gets passed over every year, simply because he hasn’t been able to live up to 2004 when he hit 48 bombs. Don’t make that mistake. Beltre is a consistent hitter who has now even stolen double digit bases the past two years.

Ibanez is another consistently overlooked guy. Maybe because he’s got a donkey face. I don’t really know. But after a wretched first half last year, he warmed up and finished with his second straight 100 RBI campaign. If he can avoid that early season slump, he is likely to go 30-100 again.

Richie Sexson had one bad season and now, he is going undrafted in many mixed leagues. Let’s take a look at the six years prior to 2007. I’ll take out 2004 because he only played 23 games due to injury. In the other five years, Sexson averaged 38 homers and 116 RBI. His batting average also came in at a decent .270. Sexson is a free agent to be in 2009. HE WILL BOUNCE BACK WITH AT LEAST 35 AND 100!! TAKE IT TO THE BANK.

Kenji Johjima is also in a contract year and should be looking for his big payday, since he will be 32 years old. The M’s will probably let him walk because Jeff Clement is ready to be a big league catcher, but for now, Johjima is a guaranteed top 10 mixed league catcher who should be drafted somewhere after the big 2.

Since breaking into the bigs, Brad Wilkerson has hit the home run with nobody on base. Wilkerson could easily hit 20 homers this year. He’s done it three times in his career already. But his career high in RBI in a single season is 77. The move to Safeco won’t improve his power numbers, so I’d stay away in mixed leagues.

Jose Lopez even drove in 78 runs one year and calling him mediocre is a compliment. The middle infield tandem of Lopez and Betancourt have little to offer outside of AL only leagues. Yuniesky might get double digit steals and his average won’t kill you. But it it’s power, RBI and runs you’re looking for, don’t go to Seattle.

Projected Rotation

1-Erik Bedard
2-Felix Hernandez
3-Carlos Silva
4-Miguel Batista
5-Jarrod Washburn

Erik Bedard has the opportunity to become the third best pitcher in fantasy baseball. Everything is in place for him. He’s already got the arm. He moves to Seattle, a pitchers haven. Plus he gets a contending team behind him, jettisoning the putrid Orioles. 221 K’s in 182 IP is no joke. 20 wins is definitely possible. In my opinion, the third pitcher off the board after Johan and Peavy.

Do you remember April of last year when Felix Hernandez looked like the second coming of Tom Seaver? Well things kind of went haywire following a May dl stint and Felix turned into Jerry Koosman in the second half. The addition of Bedard will help because now Felix isn’t shouldering the whole load. He’s still only 22 and will keep getting better.

It cost the M’s 44 million dollars to bring Silva to town and if they are going anywhere this season, he’d better earn his keep. Ever since getting dumped by the Phillies, Silva has become a solid starting pitcher. The best part about Carlos? He doesn’t walk anybody. The worst part? He doesn’t make anybody miss. No strikeouts here. Double digit wins are likely, but everything else is at or below average. AL only material.

First thing I have to say about Miguel Batista is that I can’t believe he is 37 years old. Seattle is his 7th team in 16 years and last year might have been his best. 16 wins, 133 K’s and an ERA just above 4. The 1.52 WHIP is a killer. Blame that on 85 walks. How you can pitch in the majors for 18 years and still walk a batter every other inning is beside me. He’s not going to get any better so proceed with caution.

Jarrod Washburn is Jarrod Washburn. Bottom of the AL only pool.

Bullpen

CL-JJ Putz
SU1-Arthur Rhodes
SU2-Eric O’Flaherty

There is nobody in this bullpen worth touching besides Putz. Statistically, his 2007 was amongst the greatest ever put up by a closer and there is no risk whatsoever of him losing the job. Putz should be the first or second closer off your board.

Los Angeles Angels

I don’t know why, but I just don’t like this collection of players in Anaheim. They seem to rely too much on Vlad and unfortunately, he’s not Montreal Vlad anymore. He’s still good, but those numbers he put up in Montreal were SICK! For that reason, I see them coming in a very close second to the Mariners.

Projected Lineup

1-Chone Figgins-3B
2-Gary Matthews Jr-DH
3-Vlad Guerrero-RF
4-Torii Hunter-CF
5-Garrett Anderson-LF
6-Howie Kendrick-2B
7-Casey Kotchman-1B
8-Mike Napoli-C
9-Erick Aybar-SS

Figgins hit .330 in 2007, 34 points higher than any other season in his career. I’m not saying I don’t like the guy. Anybody who can steal 50 bases is allright with me. I’m just expecting the average to come back to normal, around .290. Which makes him a 2 tool player, runs and steals. It would also be nice for someone as fast as Chone to reach 100 runs, something he has done just once in his career.

Sarge Jr. will be 34 this year. He’s a lifetime .261 hitter whose never hit more than 19 homers in a season and never driven in more than 79. He’s a big part of the reason I chose Anaheim to finish second.

Remember the year Vlad jacked 39, stole 40, batted .336, drove in 100 and scored 100? I do. This isn’t that Vlad. The steals are gone. The power is dropping. The injuries are mounting. Is he still good? Of course. Is he first round good? No way in hell.

Torii Hunter has always been one of my favorite fantasy players. I remember him making his way up the Twins system. I grabbed him in 2000 in a keeper league and he stunk. Then, in 2001, he made it and I was able to shove it in the faces of my competitors. 25 homers, 15 steals and close to 100 RBI are all doable. Among the second tier of outfielders.

1200 RBI and counting for Garrett Anderson who keeps plugging along, despite a pair of knees that would make Earl Campbell weep. His power has settled in the 15-20 range, but he still knows how to drive them home. If he can stay healthy, he’s a lock for 90 RBI and an average near .300.

I am so sick of hearing about Howie Kendrick. Everyone says the reason he didn’t break out last year was because of injury. He played in just 88 games. Well, if we pro-rate his stat’s over a full season, Howie would have chipped in a whopping 9 homers, 9 stolen bases, and 70 RBI. Can he hit .300+? Yes. Can he do anything else? Until he proves it, I’m not buying.

And you. Casey Kotchman. Do they get anymore ordinary than this? First base is a power position. My first baseman better hit more than 11 home runs. He’ll play everyday, but you won’t see him on the ESPN highlight reel very often.

I’m actually a fan of Mike Napoli. He strikes out a lot and kills a lot of rallies. But what do I care? I’m not an Angels fan. All I care about are the 10 homers and 5 steals in 219 at-bats. Even if he could just get 400 AB’s, that nearly 20 homers and 10 steals. How many catchers can say that? Last year, Russell Martin went late in drafts. This year, Mike Napoli will be that late round catching gem.

Last and by far least is Erick Aybar. They say he’s fast. Then why did he steal fewer bases than Mike Napoli last year? Pass.

Starting Rotation

1-John Lackey
2-Jared Weaver
3-Jon Garland
4-Joe Saunders
5-Ervin Santana

Last year was by far Lackey’s best, as it seems he has finally put his base on ball-itis out to pasture. Lackey felt a little soreness in his elbow this spring, just what you need to have him slip in your draft. A top 10 starter who has fallen on some boards. Take advantage.

Jared Weaver is my pick to be this year’s breakout pitcher. His numbers have been good in the past. This year will be great. Get on the bus.

Jon Garland’s numbers took a tumble last year so the White Sox shipped him to Anaheim for Orlando Cabrera. Garland never misses a start, but 98 K’s in over 200 innings last year scare me. He’s pitching for a contract, so a good year could be in store. I, personally, will take my chances elsewhere.

Joe Saunders has pitched real well this spring and could be another youngster ready to breakout. Health has been the issue in the past, so there is obviously some risk. Not mixed league worthy yet, but watch him out of the gate.

Ervin Santana completely went off the deep end last year, murdering fantasy teams with a 5.76 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP. Santana has the month of April to prove he belongs in the bigs. By may, Kelvim Escobar should be healthy and ready to return, meaning somebody will have to make room. Escobar deserves a bench spot in your mixed leagues, but Ervin does not.

Bullpen

CL-Frankie Rodriguez
SU1-Scott Shields
SU2-Justin Speier

If there is a save to be had in Anaheim, K-Rod gets it. Three straight years of 40+ saves is pretty amazing. His ERA and WHIP actually rose slightly last year, but consider he also gets you saves. 90 in 67 innings compared to Garlands 98 in 200. Do the math. K-Rod is miffed the Angels wouldn’t give him a contract extension, so he’s pitching for a payday. The third best closer in fantasy.

Oakland A’s

I wanted to put the Rangers third in this division. The A’s have stripped the team to the bone. No Nick Swisher. No Dan Haren. No Mike Piazza. Well, that’s actually a good thing. But still, this team has been ransacked and it will be a heated battle between them and the Rangers, not to see who comes in third, but to see who doesn’t come in last.

Projected Lineup

1-Mark Ellis-2B
2-Travis Buck-LF
3-Daric Barton-1B
4-Jack Cust-RF
5-Eric Chavez-3B
6-Dan Johnson-DH
7-Bobby Crosby-SS
8-Chris Denorfia-CF
9-Kurt Suzuki-C

When you start to go through the A’s lineup, you say to yourself ‘Hey, this isn’t that bad.’ But any team that has Chris Denorfia as their starting center fielder is in a heap of trouble.

Start with good old Mark Ellis. Ellis was better than a whole bunch of second baseman last year, going 19-76-.276. He also stole 9 bases. Still, like Aaron Hill in Toronto, Ellis gets overlooked. Don’t make the same mistake. Guys like Dustin Pedroia, Placido Polanco and Kaz Matsui are all being picked up on average ahead of Ellis. Why?

Travis Buck is a classic high potential, low threshold of pain guy. Buck looked swell last year when he was on the field. But a hamstring here, an elbow there, and Buck ended up with just 285 at-bats before he was shut down. He’s got the stick, but until he learns how to stretch properly, you can’t draft him.

It looked like Daric Barton might be heading down that same injury road. The ROY candidate injured his hand last year and the pain returned this spring. Fortunately, he has returned to action and should be fine. Despite hitting 4 homers in just 72 at-bats last year, Barton is not considered a power guy. More of an all around spray hitter. Good average, good with RISP. 15 homers might be the max, but he could push 90 RBI. Good enough for AL only.

Jack Cust is one of my favorite players in baseball. When he is hot, he is amazing. But when he is cold, he turns into Dale Sveum. If you’re league penalizes for strikeouts, then Cust is not for you. And you should find a new league, because that’s just a stupid rule. 35 and 100 are easily within reach….just ride out the rough patches.

The exact opposite of Jack Cust is Eric Chavez, a guy who deserves to rot. He’s only 30, but he acts as if he’s 102. After hitting the 100 RBI plateau in 4 of 5 years, Chavez has taken the injury bug to a new level the last two seasons. Anything that could happen to him, has. He’s already moaning this spring, so keep away if you know what’s good for you.

Dan Johnson and Mike Sweeney will likely split the DH duties. So 3 of the first 6 spots in the A’s lineup are filled with guys who can’t stay healthy. Good luck with that.

Remember when Peter Gammons predicted Bobby Crosby would be the MVP in the spring of 2006? Since that time, Crosby has amassed the following totals: 17 HR, 71 RBI, 82 runs, .227 BA. Make that 4 of the first 7 who are injury risks.

On pure principal, I refuse to even discuss Chris Denorfia. If you need me to tell you not to take him, you are in over your head.

At least we can end on a good not. I like Kurt Suzuki, especially in AL only leagues. 7 homers in just over 200 at bats is fine with me. The job is all his this year, so 15 homers could be in the works. I’ll take that any day of the week.

Starting Rotation

1-Joe Blanton
2-Rich Harden
3-Justin Duscherrer
4-Chad Gaudin
5-Dallas Braden

The best reason I can give you for taking Joe Blanton is that at some point this season, he will likely be dealt to a contender, where he can thrive. Blanton is a good pitcher who came into his own last year. Right now he’s a solid number 3 for your staff, but in a better spot, he could be a 2.

I’m going on the record saying this will be the year Rich Harden stays healthy. Harden has never pitched lousy. He just hasn’t pitched. 16 appearances since 2005. Not good. He’s made it through the first weeks of spring unscathed. At worst, you take him late and use him while he’s healthy in April. If he stays upright, great. He will.

Another guy I like a lot is Duscherrer. Justin was a starter his entire life until he reached the bigs. He had several good years in relief, but is now apparently very happy to be back starting. It may take him a while to build up his stamina, but he has the stuff to succeed.

I don’t want Chad Gaudin (100 walks in 199 IP) and the fifth spot is a crapshoot. It could be Braden it could be Lenny DiNardo. Whoever it is, AVOID.

Bullpen

CL-Huston Street
SU1-Alan Embree
SU2-Joey Devine

Street is firmly entrenched as the A’s closer and as long as he is healthy, he’s given them no reason to consider a change. He missed a little time last year with an elbow strain, but returned in August and threw without issue. Embree stepped in last year and picked up saves while Street was hurt, but talk this year is that Devine will be the one to get opportunites if there is a change at the top.

Texas Rangers

The Rangers have a real nice lineup. The Rangers have a real nice lineup. The Rangers have a real nice lineup. (notice I’m avoiding a certain something?)

Projected Lineup

1-Ian Kinsler-2B
2-Michael Young-SS
3-Josh Hamilton-CF
4-Milton Bradley-RF
5-Hank Blalock-3B
6-Frank Catalanotto-LF
7-Jason Botts-DH
8-Gerald Laird-C
9-Ben Broussard-1B

For the life of me, I can’t tell what Ron Washington is doing this spring. He’s got a talented group of hitters, but can’t seem to settle on a lineup. Therefore, I’ve put together what I think the lineup will look like.

Quietly, Ian Kinsler went 20-20 last year. He had a major power burst in the first half, then kind of tailed off, but the speed snuck up on me. Despite hitting just .263, his OBP was over .350, so he can work at leadoff. That will also mean an opportunity for more steals, which means Kinsler is a top 5 second baseman.

I love Michael Young, he is just straight on solid. But the truth of the matter is, his power has been dwindling. 24 to 14 to 9 in the HR category, which means he doesn’t get to bat third anymore. He can still hit .300 and drive in 90 runs from the two hole. Even steal a dozen bases. But I can’t bat you third if you aren’t getting to double digit homers. No longer an elite shortstop.

If you’ve paid any attention at all to spring training, you’ve seen Josh Hamilton tear it up. Hopefully the big guy saves some of those homers for the regular season. Hamilton popped 19 homers in less than 300 at-bats last year, so 30 should be no problem with a full time gig in hand. With Young and Kinsler getting on base in front of him, 100 RBI shouldn’t be a problem either.

It seems like just yesterday that Milton Bradley was having his knee torn up by then manager Bud Black. Now, Bradley is getting ready to be the cleanup hitter for the Rangers. Either as the DH or in right field. Chances are he’ll have to play DH for the first month of the season, giving Kevin Mench some playing time in right. But keep in mind that in 8 years in the majors, Bradley has reached 100 games played only twice. He’s an injury waiting to happen.

Hank Blalock can’t catch a break. After surgery to have a rib removed last year, Blalock then got into a car accident during spring training. He’s still young enough to prove he’s an everyday fantasy contributor and they are saying the procedure he had last year should help revive his power stroke. He’s been climbing up draft boards and will be a late round pick in your mixed league.

One to five, the Rangers are pretty solid. Then comes Frank Catalanotto, who somehow is still collecting a paycheck. He’s nothing more than an AL only outfielder, worth a few bucks at the end of your draft.

Jason Botts swings for the fences. Every single time he’s up. 59 K’s in 167 AB’s. 2 home runs. At least Jack Cust makes contact every once in a while. Botts has no job security and could be replaced at any minute by Mench or Nelson Cruz or some guy named Saltalamacchia.

Speaking of catchers….it’s looking more and more like Ron Washington wasn’t lying when he said the battle for catcher was wide open. Saltalamacchia is ready to play. Gerald Laird is another one of those ‘eh’ guys. Because Laird is hitting better in March, the Rangers are prepared to move Saltalamacchia (the guy they got in exchange for Mark Teixeira) to Triple-A. The list of draftable catchers has taken a serious hit.

Ben Broussard is a poor fantasy first baseman. The fact that they brought this guy in, despite the fact that Saltalamacchia can play first base, is puzzling to me. I’m beating a dead horse, I know. Ignore Broussard. Ignore Laird. I give up.

Starting Rotation

1-Kevin Millwood
2-Vicente Padilla
3-Jason Jennings
4-Brandon McCarthy
5-Kason Gabbard

Texas is where pitchers go to die. I wouldn’t have a single one of these guys anywhere near my fantasy staff.

Millwood is a greedy bum who won’t ever pitch well unless he is in a contract year.

In 2006, Padilla was in just that situation. His contract was up and he needed to serve up some piping hot nastiness. He went 15-10 with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. That was the best he could do. So the Rangers did what any wise franchise would do. They gave him a 3 year, 36 million dollar deal. In 2007, Vicente went 6-10 with a 5.76 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP. Two more years, coming at ya!

I thought Jason Jennings was pitching for the Atlantic City Surf. And then I saw his name pop up on the Texas roster and I felt bad for him.

Brandon McCarthy and Kason Gabbard are two prime examples of buying high. The Rangers jumped all over these young guys when their stock was at an all time high. Unfortunately, that was the highest it was ever going to get for either of these guys, because they both have average stuff. Good times all around in Arlington.

Bullpen

CL-CJ Wilson?
SU1-Eddie Guardado
SU2-Joaquin Benoit

As bad as the Texas starting rotation is, at least they know who their 1-5 will be come opening day. The bullpen is in disarray and time is running out to settle on roles.

CJ Wilson came into camp as the closer, but he’s been shut down with bicep tendonitis. Word is he is going to start throwing soon, but will he be ready by opening day?

Guardado has closed before, but that was a while ago. And he was old then, not to mention even older now.

Benoit looked to be second in line, but he has just started throwing again after complaining of a sore shoulder. Benoit was superb last year and seems better suited as an 8th inning guy. But he might not have a choice if Wilson isn’t ready to go in April.

AL CENTRAL FANTASY PREVIEW

Oh no, not my DuQuan!! If that didn’t break your heart seeing Dookie shooting up in the alley, you’re missing a chromosome. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you are doing yourself a major disservice by not watching ‘The Wire.’ Gutwrenching is all I can say.

If you thought you were having a bad March, just be grateful you’re not Kaz Matsui (anal fissure) or Felix Pie (testicular torsion?!?) That second one in particular makes me cringe and I have no idea what the hell it is.

My first ‘big’ draft is this weekend. A 12 team, head to head mixed leaguer. Here are my predictions for the first two rounds. I’ll recap next week and see how close I was:

1-A-Rod, 2-Hanley Ramirez, 3-David Wright, 4-Jose Reyes, 5-Jimmy Rollins, 6-Chase Utley, 7-Miguel Cabrera, 8-Albert Pujols, 9-Matt Holliday, 10-Johan Santana, 11-Ryan Howard, 12-Prince Fielder

Round 2
13-Carl Crawford, 14-David Ortiz, 15-Vlad Guerrero, 16-Grady Sizemore, 17-Ichiro, 18-Alfonso Soriano, 19-Carlos Lee, 20-Jake Peavy, 21-Mark Teixeira, 22-Lance Berkman, 23-Carlos Beltran, 24-Justin Morneau

Keep in mind that this is a keeper league and Ryan Braun, Brandon Phillips, BJ Upton and Magglio Ordonez (all potential picks in the first two rounds) were protected. Unfortunately, none of them by me, at picks 11 and 14.

Let’s roll into the AL Central. As always, teams are listed in order of predicted finish.


Cleveland Indians

The Tigers are the heavy favorites to win this division, but I still like the Tribe, for two simple reasons. Sabathia and Carmona. You can’t ever stress the importance of having two young horses atop your rotation, neither of which seem to ever get hurt or get blown out of games.

Projected Lineup

1-Grady Sizemore-CF
2-Asdrubal Cabrera-2B
3-Travis Hafner-DH
4-Victor Martinez-C
5-Casey Blake-3B
6-Ryan Garko-1B
7-Jhonny Peralta-SS
8-Franklin Gutierrez-RF
9-David Dellucci-LF

You’ve also got to love the fact that the Indians return the exact same lineup as they had last season when they made it to within one game of the World Series. Continuity is a lot more important than you realize.

It seems like Sizemore has been around forever, yet he’s only 25 years old. He finally stepped up the stolen bases last year, breaking the 30 barrier for the first time. His average dipped a little, but not enough for it to be a concern. He could easily be the first outfielder off the board in the AL. Mixed leaguers prepare to take him early in the second round.

Cabrera took over the second base job when Josh Barfield couldn’t hang. Cabrera doesn’t give you a ton of steals or homers, but he’ll get on base and score runs, which is what a good number 2 hitter is all about.

Hafner, Hafner, Hafner. The ‘No Country For Old Men’ lookalike ruined many a fantasy squad last year. Pronk went in the second round of most drafts in 2007, but his 24 homers and .266 average surprised everyone. Where the lefty slugger will go this year is a big question mark, but anywhere before the late third, early fourth would seem too early.

Every year, somebody goes out and grabs the top rated catcher way too early. This year, it will be Victor Martinez, thanks to his monster 2007. Russell Martin steals bases, but V-Mart does everything else and better. Problem is, he’s a catcher and crazy things happen to catchers. A nick here, a pull there. Victor has averaged over 550 at bats over the past three seasons and it’s about time it caught up with him. Just a hunch.

Casey Blake seems to me to be overrated by many. His numbers last season were nothing more than ordinary (18-78-.270). Throw in the fact he’s 34 and looks like Hillbilly Jim and I can’t endorse anything more than a late round flier. If he’s your starting third baseman, I’m sorry.

Ryan Garko, on the other hand, is just 27 and could bust out with 30 homers this year. 2007 was his first full year in the bigs and even then, he only got 484 at bats. That was mainly thanks to V-Mart taking over at first every couple of games, but hopefully that will change this year. Take him over stiffs like Carlos Delgado and Casey Kotchman.

Peralta bounced back last year from his sophomore slump of 2006 and made himself a top 5 AL only shortstop. Only 25, there is still room to get even better. 20-25 homers from your shortstop is fine with me.

If there is one weakspot in the Indians’ lineup, it’s with their corner outfielders. Gutierrez smacked 13 homers in just 271 at bats last year, but struck out 77 times along the way. Over a full season, he could go 20-20, or he could be back in Buffalo by June. Chances are he’ll stick and he’s definitely worth a couple bucks in AL only. Like I said, good outfielders are hard to find. Case in point, left field…David Dellucci or Jason Michaels, neither of whom deserve your attention.

Starting Rotation

1-CC Sabathia
2-Fausto Carmona
3-Paul Byrd
4-Jake Westbrook
5-Aaron Laffey

27 years old. Contract year. Increased strikeouts each of the last three seasons. 37 walks in 241 IP!! There is nothing bad to say about C.C. Hopefully he’s a Red Sock in 2009.

Carmona was atrocious in 2006. I know because I took a chance on him when the Tribe called him up and tried to make him their closer. So, in 2007, I stayed far away. Mistake. The move to the rotation made Fausto and fantasy owners very happy. I think his numbers have to go up a little bit, but it shouldn’t be much. A 3.06 ERA is not easy to duplicate.

Byrd reminds me of Wakefield…the numbers are ugly, but he’ll win games for you. None of that should change in ’08, just be prepared to take the good with the bad.

Westbrook missed time with an injury last year and wound up winning just 6 games. The good news is he looked much better after the injury then before. He’s been a model of consistency for many years and should get back to double digit wins this year.

Laffey is still too young and raw to bother with. He could prove valuable someday, just not yet.

Bullpen

CL-Joe Borowski
SU1-Rafael Betancourt
SU2-Rafael Perez

Borowski’s ERA and WHIP were awful last year, yet he still saved 45 games. Most of his bad stats came from a couple of really, really bad outings. But consider the fact that Cleveland has some very good relievers in the pen and not once did they remove Joe from his closer’s spot. That speaks volumes. The job is his, regardless of how dominant Betancourt is. Borowski is going way too late in drafts, but that’s good. Take advantage and get 40 saves in the 15th round. Be my guest.


Detroit Tigers

Even I can’t believe this lineup when I look at it. 1000 runs could happen. But the starting rotation scares the heck out of me. And don’t even get me started on the bullpen. It will end up costing the Tigers in the end.

Projected Lineup

1-Curtis Granderson-CF
2-Placido Polanco-2B
3-Miguel Cabrera-3B
4-Magglio Ordonez-RF
5-Garry Sheffield-DH
6-Carlos Guillen-1B
7-Edgar Renteria-SS
8-Ivan Rodriguez-C
9-Jacques Jones-LF

You see what I was saying about this lineup? Granderson broke the bank last year, hitting .302, scoring 122 runs, homering 23 times and swiping 26 bases. Not much more you can ask for, though history seems to indicate a repeat in average could be difficult.

Polanco reached 200 hits for the first time ever last year and batted a robust .341. Runs and average are about all you can rely on from Placido, but he’s above average in both.

The only thing that has people worried about Cabrera is the chance in leagues. If there is an adjustment period, expect it to be short lived. He’s a first round pick and maybe if you’re lucky, he’ll get off to a slow start and you can get him cheap off an impatient owner.

Ordonez was unreal last season and deserved more MVP consideration than he received. It’s not easy hitting .363. Don’t let him fall past the second round.

Sheff prior to his shoulder injury-.306, 23 home runs. Sheff after injury-.224, 2 home runs. Another guy who is going too late. If not for the injury last year, Sheff would have probably gone 35-110-.300. Know what? His shoulder is fine now. Steal’em.

This will be the last year you get to enjoy Carlos Guillen as a shortstop as he has officially moved his stone hands to first base. The move should help his sketchy health. A top notch pick who should go no later than the fifth round.

Renteria’s move to the AL didn’t work the first time and I’m a little leery about it this time as well. He doesn’t steal bases anymore and his power is so-so. His .332 average last year seems a little out of place and I wouldn’t take him unless desparate.

Pudge is in a contract year and this will be the last chance for him to get a big deal. Look for a bounce back, though considering last year’s numbers, that’s not all that great. Not a top notch option anymore.

Jones bottomed out in Chicago last year, going from 27 home runs to just 5. Funny thing is, most of the other typical numbers were there. Maybe a return to the AL will do Jacques some good.

Starting Rotation

1-Justin Verlander
2-Jeremy Bonderman
3-Dontrelle Willis
4-Kenny Rogers
5-Nate Robertson

Everybody loves Justin and deservedly so. The ERA needs to come down for him to be considered a true fantasy ace. 3.66 ERA is nice, but we need better. Bring it down half a point and he’s a second round pick. It’s all there for him to put it together.

We were all ready for Bonderman to make the leap in 2007, instead he fell off the cliff and his ERA blew up over 5. Only 25, it was only a year ago that Bonderman struck out 200 batters. Worth a mixed league pick, but not until the later rounds.

If there is a pitcher I am avoiding like the plague, it’s Dontrelle Willis. He simply looked worn out last season and by September, barely warranted NL only consideration. Do you know what a 1.60 WHIP does to a fantasy team over 200 innings? Since his amazing 2005, all the numbers have been dropping. A move to the AL will not help.

I was looking through a fantasy baseball book I had saved from 1990 and whose name did I come across? Kenny Rogers. Take that however you want to.

Nate Robertson completed the trifecta of Tigers pitchers whose stats went down instead of up in 2007. K’s, ERA, WHIP, wins. All down. The goggles are cool and all, but not cool enough for me to draft him.

Bullpen

CL-Todd Jones
SU1-Fernando Rodney
SU2-Joel Zumaya

And the final nail in the coffin for the Tigers. The bullpen is in shambles and there is no help in sight. What they need to do is trade Brandon Inge for some bullpen help, but who am I? It’s just spring training, but Todd Jones has been getting torched. Rodney has been shutdown with a sore shoulder. Zumaya still hasn’t recovered from his Guitar Hero injury. Somebody get Jim Leyland a Winston.


Chicago White Sox

I’m not sure what it is about this team, but I like it. I can’t put my finger on it, because their starting pitching is pretty crappy. Maybe it’s because Ozzie Guillen says he held back too much last year and this year that will change. Maybe it’s because I really like the moves they made in the offseason. Maybe it’s because I still have hope for Gavin Floyd. Yes, I am the one, I know.

Projected Lineup

1-Orlando Cabrera-SS
2-Nick Swisher-CF
3-Jim Thome-DH
4-Paul Konerko-1B
5-Jermaine Dye-LF
6-AJ Pierzynski-C
7-Josh Fields-3B
8-Carlos Quentin/Jerry Owens-RF
9-Juan Uribe-2B

After three productive seasons in Anaheim, Cabrera will move to the top of the White Sox lineup, a position he is not used to. Cabrera has the speed to thrive there, but his lifetime OBP is just .321. Still, he’s a nice fantasy player who should score 100 times, steal 25 bases and will even drive in a good number.

Swisher came over to the Second City in the Oakland purge. Never a great hitter for average, the move out of the Coliseum should help his power numbers. 30 homers should be a lock, but so should be a .260 average.

Thome took a step backwards in ’07, falling across the boards in all categories. He’s missed time each of the past three seasons due to injuries and at 37, don’t expect that to change. Strictly qualifies at DH, but still could go 35-100.

Nobody in the White Sox lineup tumbled as much as Konerko, going from 35-113-.313, to 31-90-.259. Not terrible, but the precipitous drop in average is worrisome.

Jermaine Dye has been written off more than most anybody, but he keeps coming back and putting up solid numbers. Dye missed some time with nagging injuries last year and fought off an awful first half to put up decent power numbers. Another guy whose batting average plummeted, his by 61 points!

Pierzynski is a guy I always try to avoid, but he always seems to be available on waivers (in mixed leagues, that is). He’s right on that cusp of mixed league catchers. There are better, younger options out there with more upside. AJ will hit 15, drive in 60 and bat .265. Why bother?

The Sox say that if they can’t move Joe Crede, Josh Fields might start the season in Triple A. I call bull*#*#. Fields hit 23 homers in just 100 games last year. Granted, he struck out once every 3 at bats, but that’s what rookies do. Sending him to Charlotte doesn’t serve anybody. Don’t believe what you hear. Fields will be starting for the big team come April.

Carlos Quentin was a big time prospect for Arizona who seemed to finally find a space to play in Chicago. Then, Jerry Owens started to hit and now nobody knows what is going to happen. For fantasy purposes, I personally want to see Quentin. We know what Owens can do….steal bases. That’s about it. Quentin has been touted for a long time and I’d like to see what he does with the opportunity.

I don’t know how Juan Uribe keeps hitting 20 home runs each year, but he does. But a .234 average over 500 at-bats is fantasy suicide.

Starting Rotation

1-Mark Buehrle
2-Javier Vazquez
3-John Danks
4-Jose Contreras
5-Gavin Floyd

As much as I’m rooting for the ChiSox, that is one awful 3-4-5 in their rotation.

Buehrle was awesome last year. Then he got a contract extension and he became awfully okay. He’s a nice 4th or 5th guy for your fantasy rotation. If he is your ace, you may as well dump out now.

Javy Vazquez is one of those head cases who can look masterful one moment, then simply tune out the next. Remember his years in Montreal? It seems like ages ago, but he had some amazing years. The only years, in fact, that can compare to what he did last year. He has the talent to repeat the success of 2007, but whether he does or not is a big ? If you want to find out, you’ll have to pay up, because he’s going real early in most drafts.

Danks, Contreras and Floyd combined to pitch 398 innings in 2007. If you were unlucky enough to come anywhere near any of them, you have my sympathy. We knew Floyd and Danks were lousy, but Contreras was even worse. Mainly due to the fact that he just kept on pitching!! I really can’t say what happened to Jose in June of 2006, but since then, he has possibly been the worst starting pitcher in baseball. Avoid all three, no matter what anyone tells you.

Bullpen

CL-Bobby Jenks
SU1-Scott Linebrink
SU2-Octavio Dotel

While the rotation struggles, the bullpen is actually a strength for the White Sox. Jenks’ K’s were down in ’07, but he made up for it in other categories, producing his best stats to date. 40 saves on this club is a statement. Throw in Linebrink, Dotel and Mike MacDougal and the Sox could win a lot of games if they can just have a lead heading to the 7th.


Minnesota Twins

I’m still mad at the Twins for giving away Johan and I would jump for joy if they somehow could finish behind the Royals. Unfortunately, it’s not going to happen.

Projected Lineup

1-Carlos Gomez-CF
2-Joe Mauer-C
3-Delmon Young-RF
4-Justin Morneau-1B
5-Michael Cuddyer-RF
6-Jason Kubel-DH
7-Mike Lamb-3B
8-Brendan Harris-2B
9-Adam Everett-SS

Let’s not avoid the elephant in the room. Nobody else is saying it, but I will. Carlos Gomez is nothing special. He is exceptionally fast and god bless him for it. But if you can’t get on base, how much is that speed going to help you? I’m glad the Twins are giving him the starting centerfield job, only because I’m a big believer in learning on the job. Anybody who boo-hoo’s and says they are going to ruin his psyche can jump in a lake. Toughen up kid. Show us you can do it or find another line of work.

Joe Mauer is up there with Derek Jeter as the most overhyped fantasy players around. Okay, Mauer hit .347 in 2006. But 13 homers don’t get me excited. 8 steals don’t drive me to call out his name. I’m beginning to think I’m biased against guys who have good averages and little else. Too bad. On the cusp of being a mixed leaguer. Don’t kid yourself into something he is not.

Delmon Young had a strange 2007. Known around the league as that guy who hit the ump with a bat in the minors, Young played in every game for the Rays last year and almost won the rookie of the year. The RBI’s were nice (93), the steals were okay (10), the average was fine (.288). But what happened to the power? (13) He’s apparently doing everything right in Minnesota and I think you would be wise to take Delmon as your third or fourth outfielder. The power stroke is there and he should find it this year.

Justin Morneau is top notch, but why a 50 point drop in average? He won’t hit .321 this year, but he also won’t hit .271. A top five first baseman.

When Cuddyer lost that 2nd and 3rd base eligibility, he lost me. Now, an average outfielder who could serve as your number 5. Another one of those ‘eh’ guys.

Jason Kubel finally got a chance to play full-time last year and guess what? Eh.

The Lamb, the Harris and the Everett. It sounds like a kids storybook, but in actuality, it’s a Midwest horror novel. Could you have three worse guys to close out your lineup? Definitely not worth your mixed league consideration.

Starting Rotation

1-Francisco Liriano
2-Livan Hernandez
3-Boof Bonser
4-Scott Baker
5-Kevin Slowey

God speed Francisco Liriano. You were awesome for that half a season in 2006, before your elbow turned to pulp. Someone will take you in every form of draft, most likely way too early. Until he proves he is healthy, there is no way he warrants such adulation.

I’m going to give you just one stat about Livan and that should be all you need to hear. In 204.1 innings, over 33 starts, he struck out 90 batters in 2007. See, I told you.

I would take Boof ahead of these other two if my draft were today. Reason 1-Third year pitcher. Reason 2-He’s always been able to strike guys out. Reason 3-Come on, his name is Boof!!

I hear Baker had a decent campaign in 2007. I wouldn’t know because I stayed far, far away, especially after 2006 (6.37 and 1.56). Another young guy who can strike guys out effectively. He also doesn’t walk anyone! I mean nobody. That is always fun. Worth a shot, but he’s no Boof.

Slowey barely belongs on the Twins, so he definitely doesn’t belong on your team.

Bullpen

CL-Joe Nathan
SU1-Pat Neshek
SU2-Juan Rincon

If you are in a keeper league, grab Neshek because he will almost assuredly be the Twins’ closer in 2009. Nathan is a free agent to be who can’t get a contract extension, those cheap punks. Since coming to Minny, Nathan has been a first rate closer and that will continue in ’08. 116 saves in 3 years, just 11 blown. Can’t complain about that.


Kansas City Royals

I kind of wish I was a Royals fan, because when they finally become good (and one day it will happen) it will be so incredibly sweet. Imagine sticking by this team all these ridiculously horrible years. And then finally, in 2031, they put it all together. Good times.

Projected Lineup
1-David DeJesus-CF
2-Mark Grudzielanek-2B
3-Mark Teahen-LF
4-Billy Butler-DH
5-Alex Gordon-3B
6-Jose Guillen-RF
7-John Buck-C
8-Ryan Shealy-1B
9-Tony Pena-SS

DeJesus was turning into a viable leadoff hitter and then, 2007 happened and DeJesus batted just .260. Not exactly what you want at the top of your order, especially when you consider he doesn’t steal bases or hit home runs. Still, he scores a lot of runs, somehow. The 2007 average could be an aberration. I guess we’ll find out.

Still chugging along is Mark Grudzielanek who year after year hits around .300, while doing nothing else of real fantasy value. More valuable in real baseball than fantasy. I hate guys like that.

I was a big Mark Teahen supporter heading into 2007. Did I draft him? God no, but I thought about it. But this year, I might, because he is really flying under the radar. The team is committed to him, despite just 7 homers last year. He still reached double digit steals and his BA was close to his norm. Only 26 years old, Teahen gets my seal of approval!

Apparently, Billy Butler quit his job on Access Hollywood to play for the Royals. I didn’t know he had it in him. Plus, he’s only 21! Another guy I like who can be had real cheap. Cheap is good!

Now, Alex Gordon won’t come cheap. He was awful in the first half of 2007, but he turned it around when the weather got warm. Considering how lousy he was to start the year, 15 homers, 60 RBI and 14 steals look pretty good. He went too early last year and will go even earlier this year. If he somehow slips through to the later rounds, he’s worth it. But don’t go crazy.

Did you know Jose Guillen went 23-99-.290 last year? I couldn’t believe it when I saw it, but there it was. He’ll miss the first 15 games due to the fact that he was a naughty boy, which means he’ll be even cheaper!! I love this team!

John Buck=cheap power!!! It keeps getting better and better. I know he batted .222, but if you can get 20 homers from your catcher, I say do it.

As opposed to Ryan Shealy who hit .221 and smacked just 3 home runs. He’s 28 and past his prime. I’ll take him if he’s free. Otherwise, ignore.

I refuse to even mention the shortstop. Dad should be ashamed.

Starting Rotation

1-Gil Meche
2-Brian Bannister
3-Zach Greinke
4-Brett Tomko
5-Jorge De La Rosa

Am I crazy or are the Royals top three starters the second best in the division? Better than the Tigers? Check. Better than the White Sox? Check. Better than the Twins? Check. Only Sabathia, Carmona and Byrd are better.

Meche is way undervalued. Despite being the butt of jokes after signing that contract before 2007, Meche stepped to the plate and proved us all wrong. He only won 9 games, but the Royals will be better and Meche could easily reach a dozen or more.

Bannister surprised everyone with a 12 win, 3.87-1.21 season. He doesn’t strike out a soul, but you can’t have it all. Anyway, those K’s will improve….not to 200, but more than 77.

Zach Greinke deserves a medal. After being mentally destroyed early in his career, Greinke grew a pair and turned his career around. He’s still just 24 which blows me away. In 3 years, he’s gone from being the next Bret Saberhagen, to retired, to comeback kid. Many will shy away from him, especially in mixed leagues, but you’ve got my word….he is worth it. Take him and love him.

Brett Tomko was born two days after me and I’m old as dirt. Remember when he was traded in a package for Ken Griffey? I’m pretty sure it was Junior, but it might have been Senior. If you do remember, then I don’t have to tell you to stay the heck away.

Boy, this rotation went downhill fast? What can I say about Jorge De La Rosa that will make you definitely stay away? How about this….his career WHIP is 1.74. If that doesn’t do it, you’re hopeless.

Bullpen

CL-Joakim Soria
SU1-Joel Peralta
SU2-Yasuhiko Yabuta

Soria has no real competition for the closer role, which is always nice. He could rack up a cheap 30 saves for you. Do not overlook. Peralta and Yabuta are able bodies, but nothing to take action on. Soria is the man.