Catcher

Just because Jorge Posada had a big game against Tampa Bay and then a respectable one at KC, it doesn’t mean that he should be getting back on your fantasy squad anytime soon. 

Carlos Santana remains a perfect option for managers.  His batting average may be a little low but his production in other categories is excellent.  Just think, if he could get his average to at least .260, he would transcend hitting at the position.

Victor Martinez is day-to-day with his knee injury but it doesn’t seem to be slowing him down as his average is sky-high even though he doesn’t have a lot of homeruns.

With more good news for catchers, it is safe to say that Brian McCann is going to return to his normal self after being activated off the DL just a few days ago.

First Base

Thank you very much I am the number one player at 1^st base again, says “The Machine” Albert Pujols.  After his horribly slow start, he sits back atop of the NL for homeruns with 30.  

Billy Butler had a lucky homerun against the Yanks that caused some mild controversy on the airways, but in regards to his overall play for the month he isn’t doing your fantasy team much good.  This would be an opportune time to give him a rest.

Other guys who are on the up and up would include: Paul Goldschmidt, Lucas Duda and Carlos Pena. On the flip side of the equation are those guys who don’t seem to be getting the job done. Todd Helton still has the average that owners want but his power numbers don’t provide much value. The opposite but the same can be said for Justin Morneau as his average is well below his career mark, this just isn’t his year.

Second Base

Well, Dan Uggla came back to earth with his hitting streak coming to an end at 33 games. He followed that up with another three game streak but that was it.  His numbers are going to return to normal by seasons’ end which will please many.

Jason Kipnis owners saw his numbers return to earth as well, but that was because he was sitting out with an oblique problem.  Once he is back in the lineup he should return to normal form.

Regular playing time hasn’t been an issue for Ramon Santiago as he has been impressing each and every time he steps up to the plate.  Finding a way to get him on your squad for the time being is a good idea. 

Neil Walker has seen his production go down just as all the other Pittsburgh Pirates have which is a little disappointing knowing their early season success.

Outside of hitting homeruns, Ben Zobrist is having a career year in a few important categories and with a week with weak teams on the schedule look for a boost in those stats.

Third Base

Chipper Jones may have started the season off poorly, but in August alone his splits are .382/.647/1.052.  Swing a trade with someone if you can’t pick him up easier.

It looks as if Eduardo Nunez may have seen the end of his extensive playing time this year, which is until someone else is out of the lineup.  Only problem is that his poor fielding keeps him off the field, it’s a coin flip.

Third basemen are dropping like flies with all the injuries so let’s take a look at some healthy players who could provide a spark.  David Freese, Brett Lawrie and Ryan Zimmerman are among the few players who are producing and are healthy as well.

In case anyone is unaware, we are going to provide you with a list of players who are on the 15 Day DL as of 8/20: Kevin Youkilis, Daniel Murphy, Adrian Beltre and Chase Headley are all top 15 players at the hot corner who are out for an extended period of time so proceed with caution until these guys are healthy.

Shortstop

Number one shortstop Jose Reyes doesn’t look like he is going to return early enough in the scoring period to get you any production this week so sit him down. 

Hanley Ramirez looks to be in the same boat, but ESPN is starting to report that he is done for the year.

If Alex Gonzalez hit a few more homeruns there is no doubt that managers would pick him up for his services but he just doesn’t possess the power.  The good news is that the Braves are going up against a poor Chicago pitching staff so maybe the power will show.

His nagging left ankle slowed J.J. Hardy down for a few games but he looks to be back producing at a normal rate, so don’t do anything drastic with the lineup moves.

Keep an eye on Alcides Escobar.  He has been getting on base a lot as of late and when he does, he has got the speed to steal some bases and put himself in position to score runs almost at will.

Outfield

Outfielders have not exactly been hitting out of their mind this past week with only four guys producing over a 10 rating according to ESPN’s ranking system, and one of those guys is Casper Wells.  It may be tempting to reward him for the four game homerun streak but it isn’t a good idea.

Jay Bruce is a guy who has a bat that disappears at times.  He is only hitting .230 away from home this year and only playing six games with a few of those away doesn’t add up to a successful campaign.

And now, as always with the number of outfielders, we highlight who is HOT and who is NOT.

Hitters heating up are: Jose Constanza, Eric Thames, Tony Gwynn, Cameron Maybin, Nick Markakis and Justin Upton, all of who have been swinging the bat and keeping owners happy.

Of course there is a flip side.  Bobby Abreu, Johnny Damon, Jason Heyward, Hunter Pence and Ichiro Suzuki have not impressed at all this week but given the fact that most of them are veterans, a bounce back is more than reasonable to expect.

One very cool new aspect of this year’s derby though is that for the first time, the participants in the contest will be selected by a captain from each league. The 2009 winner, Prince Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers will pick the NL squad while 2010 champion David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox will pick for the American League.

I like this idea, as I think the players will take their selections seriously and take input from teammates and fellow players. They will have to take into consideration not only who is having a good slugging season this year, but who has a swing and the power conducive to a contest like this.

I’m not totally sure how the participants were selected in the past, but if I were Fielder and Ortiz, this is how I would pick the teams. (Also if I were Fielder and Ortiz, I would be a very large person.)

National League

Fielder could go a couple different ways here, starting first with his teammate Ryan Braun. Braun has been one of the best hitters in the NL this season, with 16 homers and 60 RBI entering July. He could also pick guys like Matt Kemp, who is leading the NL in home runs, and Lance Berkman, who has had a resurgence this season.

However, if I were Fielder, I’d play for the win with young guys who can simply mash.

Jay Bruce

While not as complete a hitter as teammate Joey Votto, Bruce has emerged as the best slugger on the Reds. He has that leg kick and an easy swing, which I think would be perfect to turn on 82 mph fastballs in a home run derby.

Mike Stanton

He’s only 21 and may someday break the strikeout record, he has the potential to shatter home run records as well. I’ve seen and read accounts of his amazing power, and he could definitely be a staple of home run derbies for many years to come.

Michael Morse

Morse was a journeyman for a while, but has really seized his opportunity in just over a month of regular playing time for the Nationals. He has 15 home runs, good for 10th in the NL, in far fewer at-bats than the other league leaders.

American League

The first decision that Big Papi has to make is whether to include Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson on his squad. The two have combined for 46 home runs entering July, but Ortiz would have to play nice with Yankees, which he has proven he can do in the past. Ortiz could also side with new teammate Adrian Gonzalez, which would prove for an interesting foursome if those were to be the picks.

If I were picking the AL squad, I would go in a little different direction.

Jose Bautista

This one is a no-brainer. This guys is simply mashing this season and could do some serious damage in the derby.

Nelson Cruz

He has Home Run Derby experience, having participated back in 2009. Cruz is crushing the ball again this season, with 18 home runs in about 50 at-bats less than most of the leaders.

Adam Dunn

He might be having a pretty awful season, but a Home Run Derby could be just the thing that turns it around for Dunn. He’s never competed in a derby, and I’m not sure why, but I think he would be a spectacular addition to the AL squad.

If you were David Ortiz and Prince Fielder, who would you choose for the AL and NL Home Run Derby teams?

Stock Up

Eric Hosmer – 1B Royals

This on base machine has been moved to the 3-hole and should receive plenty more RBI opportunities. He earned the chance to be called up early and will continue to hit well. Look for similar numbers to Jason Heyward last year.

In the long term, he’s the real deal. Obviously, he should be targeted in keeper leagues.

Carlos Pena – 1B Cubs

He’s starting to turn it around but Carlos always seems to have home runs binges. You know the average will be terrible but next thing you know, he’ll still find a way to hit 30 home runs. So if you need power, buy now.

Kenley Jansen – RP Dodgers

With the injuries to Padilla and Broxton, Kenley should eventually take the closer role away from Matt Guerrier. The Dodgers play a lot of close games so Guerrier or Jansen would be the immediates short-term adds.

Jose Bautista – 3B/OF Blue Jays

Believe! He’s still going to hit over 40 home runs again this year and clearly shows the power every time he comes up to bat. The Blue Jays hitting coach is to thank for modifying Jose’s swing two years ago. His average will probably level out but his power is for real.

Curtis Granderson – OF Yankees

His home run power is there and he’s hitting lefties which is a great indication. He’ll go 30/20 this year with the short shelf in right field at Yankee Stadium.

Jay Bruce – OF Reds

Bruuuuuuuucce! Continues to hit home runs. He’s now up to 10 home runs and should continue to rake in that lineup and in the cracker jack box in Cincinnati.

Stock Down

Justin Morneau – 1B Twins

Finally hit his 2nd homer of the year. With so many other 1B options out there, he ne concussion away from being out a long time. Here’s your best chance to buy low but I wouldn’t sell him until after Joe Mauer comes back. Just remember he’s second half of the season hitter.

Nelson Cruz – OF Rangers

Will return from the DL this week. However, with his injury history enjoy the power and home runs in the short-term and then sell high. Unfortunately, another DL trip will arrive at some point this year.

Sam Fuld – OF Rays

Had a terrific start to the season but come back down to reality. Look for Desmond Jennings to be called up in early June if he continues to struggle.

John Lackey – P Red Sox

Hit the DL and it turns out this free agent signing by the Red Sox was never a good idea. An elbow strain has limited his velocity and should be dropped in almost all leagues.

Thus, I have gone through the ADP (average draft position) on ESPN and performed my own mock draft as if I owned the 6th pick in the draft. The criteria is that I can draft a player who is slotted 6-12 for the current round or 1-5 in the upcoming round (in essence “reaching” on a player based in their ADP position). This mock draft is based on a 12-team, 5×5, mixed league.

Below, you will see the ADP laid out by round. Beneath each round I make my selection and then explain why I made that pick. As always, the comment section is yours to ask questions or seek advice.

There can be no more procrastinating on your fantasy baseball draft strategy. All of our drafts are coming, so it’s time to start doing the heavy lifting and get prepared.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 1

1 Albert Pujols 1B
2 Hanley Ramirez SS
3 Alex Rodriguez 3B
4 Chase Utley 2B
5 Ryan Braun OF
6 Mark Teixeira 1B
7 Matt Kemp OF
8 Prince Fielder 1B
9 Evan Longoria 3B
10 Miguel Cabrera 1B
11 Ryan Howard 1B
12 Tim Lincecum SP

My Pick – Prince Fielder, 1B, MIL. In a 5×5 league I like getting a guy who can hit 40 HRs, drive in 120 RBIs, hit .300, and score 100 runs. It doesn’t get much better than Prince in this spot.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 2

13 Joe Mauer C
14 David Wright 3B
15 Carl Crawford OF
16 Ian Kinsler 2B
17 Troy Tulowitzki SS
18 Mark Reynolds 3B,1B
19 Jacoby Ellsbury OF
20 Matt Holliday OF
21 Jimmy Rollins SS
22 Jose Reyes SS
23 Victor Martinez C,1B
24 Roy Halladay SP

My Pick – Matt Holliday, OF, STL. Gotta love getting Holliday for the entire year hitting behind Pujols. Another player who will give you that category spread you look for with the HR, RBI, AVG, SB, and R.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 3

25 Justin Upton OF
26 CC Sabathia SP
27 Jason Bay OF
28 Grady Sizemore OF
29 Joey Votto 1B
30 Zack Greinke SP
31 Adrian Gonzalez 1B
32 Brandon Phillips 2B
33 Felix Hernandez SP
34 Ryan Zimmerman 3B
35 Kevin Youkilis 1B,3B
36 Jayson Werth OF

My Pick – Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, WAS. I was in a tough spot here because I really love Gordon Beckham much later, but the rest of the board doesn’t play out to take a SP here and I’ve already got my 1B. Zimmerman fits the player mold that I look for (at least 4 categories) with – .300 /30 HR/100 RBI/100 R.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 4

37 Justin Morneau 1B
38 Dustin Pedroia 2B
39 Ichiro Suzuki OF
40 Pablo Sandoval 3B,1B
41 Brian Roberts 2B
42 Dan Haren SP
43 Brian McCann C
44 Derek Jeter SS
45 Johan Santana SP
46 Justin Verlander SP
47 Adam Lind OF
48 Robinson Cano 2B

My Pick – Robinson Cano, 2B, NYY. I really love Cano this year and taking him over Pedroia, Hill, Roberts. I even think Cano will outperform Brandon Phillips this year. He fits the mold what I look for – HR, RBI, AVG, R. Notice that I am filling my power here at 2B, while knowing I can draft SB’s later on in the draft with tremendous value.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 5

49 Curtis Granderson OF
50 Nick Markakis OF
51 Aaron Hill 2B
52 Josh Hamilton OF
53 Kendry Morales 1B
54 Ben Zobrist 2B,OF
55 Adam Dunn OF,1B
56 Cliff Lee SP
57 Adam Wainwright SP
58 B.J. Upton OF
59 Jon Lester SP
60 Lance Berkman 1B

My Pick – Adam Wainwright, SP, STL – One of my Golden Rules in Fantasy Baseball is NEVER take a Starting Pitcher in the 1st 4 rounds of the draft. Round 5 always gives you great value as you are still getting an Ace pitcher, but 2-3 rounds later. Wainwright is an NL Pitcher which is what I also try to aim for. The beauty about him is that he is slotted in the #2 spot in the rotation so he doesn’t have to matchup with the other team’s ace, which allows him more W’s.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 6

61 Javier Vazquez SP
62 Aramis Ramirez 3B
63 Manny Ramirez OF
64 Andre Ethier OF
65 Nelson Cruz OF
66 Carlos Lee OF
67 Josh Johnson SP
68 Shin-Soo Choo OF
69 Jonathan Broxton RP
70 Jonathan Papelbon RP
71 Shane Victorino OF
72 Mariano Rivera RP

My Pick – Shin-Soo Choo, OF, CLE. Choo was my pride and joy last year as I pegged him for my top sleeper after his monster 2nd half in 2008 and he came through in a big way. I am leary of drafting a player who has jumped this much from previous year’s ADP, but Choo is the best player in this spot in the draft. I just took an SP, so Johnson isn’t an option, and neither is closer. The OFs in this spot are a little old for my liking.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 7

73 Chris Carpenter SP
74 Joe Nathan RP
75 Carlos Pena 1B
76 Bobby Abreu OF
77 Alfonso Soriano OF
78 Josh Beckett SP
79 Chone Figgins 3B
80 Derrek Lee 1B
81 Billy Butler 1B
82 Francisco Rodriguez RP
83 Tommy Hanson SP
84 Jake Peavy SP

My Pick – Tommy Hanson, SP, ATL. I’m taking my SP2 higher than I would like, but the rest of Round 7 is very weak IMO. I like Butler here, but taking my UTIL player this early is also not a practice of mine when I still need to fill starting positions. I’ll take my chances on Hanson who could end up being a top 10 SP vs. Peavy who could end up on the DL quickly.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 8

85 Michael Bourn OF
86 Dan Uggla 2B
87 Yovani Gallardo SP
88 Hunter Pence OF
89 Carlos Beltran OF
90 Andrew McCutchen OF
91 Adam Jones OF
92 Gordon Beckham 3B
93 Nate McLouth OF
94 Matt Cain SP
95 Matt Wieters C
96 Raul Ibanez OF

My Pick – Matt Wieters, C, BAL – Round 8 is loaded with top talent in McCutchen, Jones, Beckham, but OF is deep and I’ve got my eyes on a few other guys. Also, there are some nice arms in Hamels and Kershaw, but I just took Hanson. Beckham would be UTIL for me here, so the play is Wieters who should be a top 5 catcher with an outside chance to be top 3.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 9

97 Michael Young 3B
98 Clayton Kershaw SP
99 Torii Hunter OF
100 Cole Hamels SP
101 Joakim Soria RP
102 Heath Bell RP
103 Ubaldo Jimenez SP
104 Carlos Quentin OF
105 Jason Bartlett SS
106 Ricky Nolasco SP
107 Francisco Cordero RP
108 Alexei Ramirez SS

My Pick – Ubaldo Jimenez, SP, COL. Some nice talent here with Quentin and Barlett but I’d rather not take my chances on both of those players here. Ubaldo as my SP3 will matchup well against anyone. 15 Wins, 200 K’s, with reasonable ERA and WHIP numbers make him the play here.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 10

109 Alex Rios OF
110 Stephen Drew SS
111 Brian Fuentes RP
112 Brad Hawpe OF
113 Jason Kubel OF
114 Michael Cuddyer OF,1B
115 Wandy Rodriguez SP
116 Jorge Posada C
117 Jay Bruce OF
118 John Lackey SP
119 Jose Lopez 2B
120 Chad Billingsley SP

My Pick – Jay Bruce, OF, CIN. I was very tempted to pull the trigger on Bailey here; you read about my love for him in the Sleeper piece a couple weeks ago. But with Bruce being the #1 prospect in baseball just 2 years ago you simply can not pass on that upside knowing that you can buy Saves later on in the draft. The 30 HR / 100 RBI potential is there and could be realized this year with 500 at bats.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 11

121 Carlos Gonzalez OF
122 Andrew Bailey RP
123 Brandon Webb SP
124 Matt Garza SP
125 Ian Stewart 3B,2B
126 Johnny Damon OF
127 Denard Span OF
128 James Shields SP
129 A.J. Burnett SP
130 Kurt Suzuki C
131 Nyjer Morgan OF
132 Jered Weaver SP

My Pick – Nyjer Morgan, OF, WAS. Nyjer was a guy I picked up early on last year and I admittedly gave up on him too quick. Then the trade to Washington came and something changed. The Nats turned Nyjer loose and he found success hitting balls into the huge gaps. This is the year where you can get your SB’s later on in the draft with plenty of guys at 40-plus SB value. I try to get SB’s cheap but also with a guy who can hit .300 so that he isn’t a one trick pony.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 12

133 Jose Valverde RP
134 Rafael Furcal SS
135 Chipper Jones 3B
136 Russell Martin C
137 Carlos Marmol RP
138 Jair Jurrjens SP
139 Brian Wilson RP
140 Vladimir Guerrero DH
141 Howie Kendrick 2B
142 Huston Street RP
143 Miguel Tejada SS
144 Miguel Montero C

My Pick – Asdrubal Cabrera, SS, CLE. I didn’t like this spot in the draft at all. I was torn between Andrus and Cabrera here. But as you read in my sleeper piece on infielders, you know my love for Cabrera. I believe he can be a top 5 SS by the time the year is over. There were too many question marks here with other players or other positions were filled.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 13

145 Max Scherzer SP
146 Ryan Franklin RP
147 Billy Wagner RP
148 Geovany Soto C
149 Garrett Jones OF,1B
150 Elvis Andrus SS
151 Asdrubal Cabrera SS,2B
152 David Aardsma RP
153 Yunel Escobar SS
154 Scott Baker SP
155 Ted Lilly SP
156 Rafael Soriano RP

My Pick – Brett Anderson, SP, OAK. Usually I start reaching for players in round 12 as I did with Cabrera and here with Anderson. I’ve got most of my key pieces in play already so it is time to take some chances. Sure there will be guys who end up tanking, but if you can hit on 2-3 of these reach guys each year it’s the difference between winning a league and finishing out of the money. See my sleeper piece on Anderson from a few weeks ago. His ADP is really starting to move up and the “cat” is out of the bag with everyone now suddenly touting him. Remember though – you heard it here first!

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 14

157 Bengie Molina C
158 Roy Oswalt SP
159 Bobby Jenks RP
160 Chris Davis 1B
161 Brett Anderson SP
162 Rajai Davis OF
163 John Danks SP
164 Trevor Hoffman RP
165 Ryan Dempster SP
166 Edwin Jackson SP
167 Carlos Zambrano SP
168 Jorge Cantu 1B,3B

My Pick – Trevor Hoffman, RP, MIL. My first shot at taking cheap saves comes the way of Hoffman. I love Hoffman because he is a steady guy in a 1 yr league and he has no competition for the job.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 15

169 Neftali Feliz SP
170 Mike Napoli C
171 Chris Iannetta C
172 David Price SP
173 Juan Rivera OF
174 Scott Kazmir SP
175 Jermaine Dye OF
176 Orlando Cabrera SS
177 Randy Wolf SP
178 Gavin Floyd SP
179 Adrian Beltre 3B
180 Ryan Ludwick OF

My Pick – Neftali Feliz, SP, TEX. If I wasn’t already loaded at SP, I would have taken David Price here, but I also need to consider the RP slot. Feliz doesn’t have a defined role right now, but the one thing you do know is – tons of K’s, low ERA, low WHIP. So if he starts off in the pen or ends up in the rotation, or ultimately becomes the closer, you will get value from Feliz in 2010. It is a bit of a reach here, but the board played out that way.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 16

181 Orlando Hudson 2B
182 David Ortiz DH
183 Corey Hart OF
184 Jorge de la Rosa SP
185 Vernon Wells OF
186 Julio Borbon OF
187 J.P. Howell RP
188 Daisuke Matsuzaka SP
189 Rickie Weeks 2B
190 Mike Gonzalez RP
191 Frank Francisco RP
192 Clay Buchholz SP

My Pick – Clay Buchholz, SP, BOS. Another nice young arm who should thrive in the #5 spot for the Red Sox. This is a pick that could end up not panning out since Buchholz hasn’t proven to be able to last the full season, but he showed enough promise towards the end of last year that he is worth a flyer here. The K potential is too good to pass up, even though Porcello and Harden on the board here.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 17

193 Erick Aybar SS
194 Ryan Doumit C
195 Nolan Reimold OF
196 Joba Chamberlain SP
197 Todd Helton 1B
198 James Loney 1B
199 Rick Porcello SP
200 Tim Hudson SP
201 Rich Harden SP
202 Andy Pettitte SP
203 Colby Rasmus OF
204 Marco Scutaro SS

My Pick – Chad Qualls, RP, ARZ. I love cheap closers who don’t have anyone breathing down their neck. Qualls was a great setup man in 2008, but struggled to stay healthy in 2009.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 18

205 Jhonny Peralta 3B,SS
206 Fernando Rodney RP
207 Chad Qualls RP
208 Adam LaRoche 1B
209 Paul Konerko 1B
210 Yadier Molina C
211 Kevin Slowey SP
212 Juan Pierre OF
213 Matt Capps RP
214 Jeff Niemann SP
215 Erik Bedard SP
216 Francisco Liriano SP

My Pick – Francisco Liriano, SP, MIN. Everyone’s favorite sleeper SP this year and until he finally gets back on the horse and just drops off – people will still dream that the Liriano of 2006 will return.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 19

217 Casey McGehee 3B,2B
218 Brad Lidge RP
219 Johnny Cueto SP
220 Ben Sheets SP
221 Scott Feldman SP
222 Jonathan Sanchez SP
223 Alex Gordon 3B
224 Kerry Wood RP
225 Chris Coghlan OF
226 Ervin Santana SP
227 Everth Cabrera SS
228 Mark Buehrle SP

My Pick – Chris Coghlan, OF, FLA. I still can’t believe that Coghlan is being drafted this low after his monster 2nd half last year. Call it luck or anything you want, the guy can hit and even if he comes back to earth somewhat – the value you are getting with him here is tremendous. There is an outside chance he gets some playing time at 2B also, which boosts his value.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 20

229 Carlos Gomez OF
230 Nick Swisher OF,1B
231 Carlos Delgado 1B
232 Miguel Olivo C
233 J.A. Happ SP
234 Franklin Gutierrez OF
235 A.J. Pierzynski C
236 Mark DeRosa 3B,OF
237 Travis Snider OF
238 Placido Polanco 2B
239 Martin Prado 2B,1B,3B
240 Leo Nunez RP

My Pick – Leo Nunez, RP, FLA. I could have gone Prado here who I really like, but getting that 3rd closer was imperative. I’m not sure who else besides Nunez will close in Florida, so at least 25 saves should be garnered here.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 21

241 Maicer Izturis 2B,SS
242 Hideki Matsui DH
243 Mike Cameron OF
244 Jack Cust OF
245 Alcides Escobar SS
246 Scott Hairston OF
247 Josh Willingham OF
248 Chase Headley OF,3B
249 Buster Posey C
250 Ryan Theriot SS
251 Carlos Ruiz C
252 J.J. Hardy SS

My Pick – Alcides Escobar, SS, MIL. My sleeper pick for late steals over Cabrera who goes a few rounds earlier. Escobar can slide into the UTIL slot or if Asdrubal goes down with an injury he can play SS.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 22

253 Hiroki Kuroda SP
254 Joe Saunders SP
255 Octavio Dotel RP
256 Russ Branyan 1B
257 Joel Pineiro SP
258 Matt Lindstrom RP
259 John Baker C
260 Kevin Correia SP
261 Aaron Cook SP
262 Dexter Fowler OF
263 Garrett Atkins 3B,1B
264 Stephen Strasburg SP

My Pick – Kevin Correia, SP, SD. I love taking NL West pitchers late in the draft because they can’t hurt you. So many guys get picked this late and stay on your roster for 2 months max.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 23

265 Jeff Baker 2B,3B
266 Gil Meche SP
267 Cameron Maybin OF
268 J.D. Drew OF
269 Aroldis Chapman SP
270 Magglio Ordonez OF
271 Casey Blake 3B
272 Ricky Romero SP
273 Matt Thornton RP
274 Nick Johnson 1B
275 Joe Blanton SP
276 Alexi Casilla 2B

My Pick – Jason Heyward, OF, ATL. I really liked Stubbs in this spot, but again being round 23 might as well go for the homerun here with Heyward the #1 prospect in baseball. I’m not expecting him to see ATL until June, but once he does it should be a fun ride. Heyward has come into Spring Training at 245 lbs, which is a much bigger frame, and cause for concern. The power should increase, but Heyward has had some nagging injuries in the minors and I would hate to see that continue to follow him.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 24

277 Jason Heyward OF
278 Marlon Byrd OF
279 Jason Varitek C
280 Cody Ross OF
281 Homer Bailey SP
282 Brandon Inge 3B
283 Clint Barmes 2B
284 Ryan Madson RP
285 Ramon Hernandez C,1B
286 Drew Stubbs OF
287 Aaron Harang SP
288 Kevin Jepsen RP

My Pick – Ryan Madson, RP, PHI. Brad Lidge is on very thin ice after his struggles last year, which puts Madson within close vicinity of a closer’s role and makes him an excellent late round flyer for cheap saves. Plus, his peripheral numbers are good, so he adds value even if he stays in a setup role.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Round 25

289 Scott Downs RP
290 Kyle Blanks OF
291 Mark Teahen 3B,OF
292 Wade Davis SP
293 Barry Zito SP
294 Felipe Lopez 2B
295 Brian Matusz SP
296 Yorvit Torrealba C
297 Kelly Johnson 2B
298 Conor Jackson OF
299 Jarrod Saltalamacchia C
300 Freddy Sanchez 2B

My Pick – Brian Matusz, SP, BAL. Pretty slim pickin’s here at the end of the draft, but Matusz really offers some incredible value here with this late pick. Johnson could also be a nice value play here, but the pitcher is needed to fill out the roster.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy – ADP Mock Draft Roster

C MATT WIETERS 8
1B PRINCE FIELDER 1
2B ROBINSON CANO 4
3B RYAN ZIMMERMAN 3
SS ASDUBRAL CABRERA 12
OF MATT HOLLIDAY 2
OF SHIN SOO CHOO 6
OF JAY BRUCE 10
OF NYJER MORGAN 11
UTIL ALCIDES ESCOBAR 21
SP ADAM WAINWRIGHT 5
SP TOMMY HANSON 7
SP UBALDO JIMENEZ 9
SP BRETT ANDERSON 13
SP CLAY BUCHHOLZ 16
RP TREVOR HOFFMAN 14
RP NEFTALI FELIZ 15
RP CHAD QUALLS 17
RP LEO NUNEZ 20
RP RYAN MADSON 24

BENCH FRANCISCO LIRIANO 18
BENCH CHRIS COGHLAN 19
BENCH KEVIN CORREIA 22
BENCH JASON HEYWARD 23
BENCH BRIAN MATUSZ 25

The only older player I took in this draft was Trevor Hoffman because he was a closer, I got him late, and there is no one in Milwaukee hovering over his job. You will see that I tend to take younger players who are primed to break out. My pick of Tommy Hanson in the 7th round is a little uncharacteristic of me, in terms of taking a young SP that high, but I had to look at the board and I felt Hanson gave the best ceiling for any player in that spot.

I got my saves and steals late along with some upside potential bats and possible great SPs in Liriano and Matusz.

Following this blueprint for drafting and you will win your league year in year out.

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* – Prince Fielder photo credit: Allen Fredrickson / Reuters via NBC Sports

* – Jay Bruce photo credit: Bus Leagues Baseball

* – Francisco Liriano photo credit: Minnesota Twins baseball blog

 

Hope has been gone since mid-April for the Cleveland Indians, and clearly, it’s only getting worse as the Tribe is looking at a 100 loss season if they don’t play decently the rest of the way. This from a team considered by many to be the favorite in the AL Central and by some to be a pennant contender. Thanks, Eric Wedge. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out — in October.

 

The Cincinnati Reds limp into the break after a disastrous 2-5 east coast trip this week, which sent them fading into 5th place at 42-45. Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo need to continue pitching as well as they have recently, while Johnny Cueto needs to forget July for the Reds to compete the rest of the way.  

 

Though the loss of Jay Bruce – and the continued absence of Edinson Volquez — for an indeterminate amount of time with a wrist injury won’t help matters, Cincinnati is still just a few games behind first place St. Louis. So despite needing to leapfrog many clubs, there’s still hope in the Queen City for the first playoff games in Great American Ballpark’s history.

 

* – Indians fans photo credit: Clemson Girl Baseball