Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Draft Quick Hits, 2.25.2004
Orlando Cabrera, SS: Currently going 6-8 round (8th SS). YOU take him: As early as 3rd SS, no later than 6th SS. (Robinson said the ‘Spos are gonna run more. That means 30+ for O). The SS are goin’ early this year, so let the others take Jeter, Tejada, and Furcal while you’re drafting the big guns. Smile when you draft Cabrera. Hold smile until October.
Jose Vidro, 2B: Currently going 6-8 (6th 2B). YOU take him: 5-7 (4th 2B if you need power, 5th after Castillo if you need speed). 2B isn’t deep this year (is it ever?) Be
warned if you snub him—he could hit .335 this year.
Nick Johnson, 1B: Currently going anywhere from 12-18 round (15th 1B). YOU take him: really anywhere in there but know he’s a health risk. If he’s healty, he’s in the middle of the order and that could be huge. If he’s not, well, you might be glad you passed him up if you did.
Carl Everett, OF: Currently going mid teens (45th OF). YOU take him: 15th or so. Carl likes to play in the offensive parks and we’ve got two good ones. Key factor: watch his AVG vs. LHP. Trust me. Above .280 this year and watch out.
Rocky Biddle, P: Currently going late teens (67th P, 26th RP). YOU take him: It’s a little hard to say. Robinson has suggested letting him share with Ayala and Cordero. He didn’t say “bullpen by committee” but that’s what sharing means. I’d look elsewhere at this point for my saves. At this early date, it’s too risky.
Livan Hernandez, P: Currently going late teens (69th P, 44th SP). YOU take him: early to mid teens -- if the Expos have a major sleeper, it’s him. He’s way too good to be going 44th among the starters. Everyone knows him, but everyone underrates him. His ERA’s gonna be under 4.00, WHIP under 1.25, 150+ Ks, and if the bullpen holds (that’s a big if), he’ll push 20 wins. Don’t laugh, you’ll see.
Chad Cordero, P: Currently going early twenties (78th P, 30th RP). YOU take him: See Biddle.
Brad Wilkerson, OF: Currently going at clean up time (63 OF). YOU take him: Well, late if you need a 5th/bench OF. He could pop 20, but I think his power is waning. His OBP is good, but he strikes out—A LOT (3rd in NL in 2003). He’s gonna hit leadoff most likely, but that only means more runs if he quits striking out. At your own risk.
Tony Batista, 3B: Currently going at clean up time (13th 3B). YOU take him: Don’t. I know he’s hit at least 25 HR the last 5 years, but this is the year it stops. AVG sub-.250 for sure, maybe sub-.240. His SLG was .393 last year. That reeks. Bad. Only K-king Jose Hernandez had a worse OPS among regular 3B last year. Leave him alone. Trade for A-Rod.
Any deeper draft analysis you need—shoot me an e-mail.
Jose Vidro, 2B: Currently going 6-8 (6th 2B). YOU take him: 5-7 (4th 2B if you need power, 5th after Castillo if you need speed). 2B isn’t deep this year (is it ever?) Be
warned if you snub him—he could hit .335 this year.
Nick Johnson, 1B: Currently going anywhere from 12-18 round (15th 1B). YOU take him: really anywhere in there but know he’s a health risk. If he’s healty, he’s in the middle of the order and that could be huge. If he’s not, well, you might be glad you passed him up if you did.
Carl Everett, OF: Currently going mid teens (45th OF). YOU take him: 15th or so. Carl likes to play in the offensive parks and we’ve got two good ones. Key factor: watch his AVG vs. LHP. Trust me. Above .280 this year and watch out.
Rocky Biddle, P: Currently going late teens (67th P, 26th RP). YOU take him: It’s a little hard to say. Robinson has suggested letting him share with Ayala and Cordero. He didn’t say “bullpen by committee” but that’s what sharing means. I’d look elsewhere at this point for my saves. At this early date, it’s too risky.
Livan Hernandez, P: Currently going late teens (69th P, 44th SP). YOU take him: early to mid teens -- if the Expos have a major sleeper, it’s him. He’s way too good to be going 44th among the starters. Everyone knows him, but everyone underrates him. His ERA’s gonna be under 4.00, WHIP under 1.25, 150+ Ks, and if the bullpen holds (that’s a big if), he’ll push 20 wins. Don’t laugh, you’ll see.
Chad Cordero, P: Currently going early twenties (78th P, 30th RP). YOU take him: See Biddle.
Brad Wilkerson, OF: Currently going at clean up time (63 OF). YOU take him: Well, late if you need a 5th/bench OF. He could pop 20, but I think his power is waning. His OBP is good, but he strikes out—A LOT (3rd in NL in 2003). He’s gonna hit leadoff most likely, but that only means more runs if he quits striking out. At your own risk.
Tony Batista, 3B: Currently going at clean up time (13th 3B). YOU take him: Don’t. I know he’s hit at least 25 HR the last 5 years, but this is the year it stops. AVG sub-.250 for sure, maybe sub-.240. His SLG was .393 last year. That reeks. Bad. Only K-king Jose Hernandez had a worse OPS among regular 3B last year. Leave him alone. Trade for A-Rod.
Any deeper draft analysis you need—shoot me an e-mail.
