Justin Upton makes the list, but where?

The 25 round MLB draft took almost several weeks to finish. Over the coarse of the draft several teams made a mark with picks that have the potential to land them ahead of the pack, single handedly, given the production that could come and the draft position in which they were taken. Below are my top 10 “steals” of the MLB Draft.

Justin Upton, Rightfield, Arizona Diamondbacks (94th Overall – BigH)

Justin Upton has all the tools to be one of the very best Outfielders in the league. Starting the 2008 season on a tear, Justin went on a mid season funk, but turned on the heat again in the final 6 weeks of the season. While he won’t give you his potential numbers in full this season, Upton projects to be better then his elder, B.J. B.J Upton was a 2nd round pick, 4 full rounds ahead of Justin.  I believe Justin Upton is a Dynasty format, went a lot later then most thought he would, certainly myself. Most have his production around .270/18/90/89/25. For a 20 year old, those numbers will have given BigH a return to be encouraged for the future about. Justin should leap frog BJ in the coming season(s) and will give BigH a return on his value that will be unlike any i’ve seen in the draft.

Nelson Cruz, Rightfield, Texas Rangers (106 Overall - codename)

Tore up the Minors all of last season until he got the call to the Rangers late last season. His tear didn’t hault and Nelson continued to mash his way into a huge sleeper role this season for fantasy baseball. Projected to be batting cleanup for the Rangers, Cruz will have plenty of oppurtunities to drive in runs. With All-Stars Josh Hamilton and Ian Kinsler setting the table, those RBI’s could be amoung the leaders in the American League if Cruz doesn’t lose his status as the teams cleanup hitter. Bill James pegs Cruz as a .280/ 28/80/90 player this season and I feel that could the low end as the ball park and oppoutunity is there to drive in well over 100 runs. I don’t expect more then 30HR’s but if someone told me that I could land a .270avg, 30HR, 85R, 90+RBIS in the middle of the 7th round, I would be estactic.

Elijah Dukes, Rightfield, Washington Nationals (166th Overall – Donniebaseball)

Yet another rightfielder makes my list. This time Elijah Dukes is the man of the hour. His Big Swing and Massive frame gives him 30+HR potential (Paced 30 Homeruns last season with a 500AB season). Combine his Power, and his speed, Dukes has the potential to be a 30/30 player this season with a full season of At-Bats. His health always has been an issue but it appears he’s posied for a break out season.  Dukes is fighting for full time Atbats out in Washington but figures to get regular playing time. With Adam Dunn in town to protect Dukes, and to give the offense a bump, Dukes I feel will give a return around .280/30HR/70R/90RBI/25SB. Those are very lofty numbers and again, if Dukes gets the ATbats, don’t be shocked to see him go off and explode to the scene. Don’t forget he’s very young still, and his value is also increased in a dynasty format. Drafted in the 11th round, that would worthy of a top 3 Steal pick.

Pat Burrell, DH Tampa Bay Rays (183rd, codename)

When Pat Burrell signed with the Rays, his value went up a lot more then had he signed elsewhere. Anytime you have Carlos Pena, Carl Crawford, Evan Longoria to set the table for you, your going to have all the chances in the world to put up a solid season line. This won’t be any different for Pat Burrell. If you look at his career numbers, He’s always been amoung the better offensive players, hitting over 27 HR’s 5 times, Batting in 85 or more 7 times. He won’t contend for a batting title, however he will get you a solid amound of walks to split the difference. Tampa is a solid park for hitters to hit in and I expect his numbers to right in line of where they usally are with a increase of RBIs and Rs. You can’t get that kind of production ofton in the 12th round and I feel this could be one of the difference making picks for 2009.

John Smoltz, Starting Pitcher, Boston Red Sox (277th Overall, Skoodog)

Don’t sleep on his age, John Smoltz has recovered well from his injury last season and is in a fantastic place to end his career strong. His rotation spot is secure when he takes the mound for the 1st time, which will be Early May. As a proven #1  starter his entire career (minues his closer years) and was just as dominate in his starts last season before his injury. Even missing 1 month, John Smoltz will see around 22-27 stars and in those starts, playing on one of the best offenses in the league, he could mass 13-15 Wins. Playing in the Al East will likely jump his ERA above his career average. However when you draft a pitcher in the 18th round, and you have a legit chance of getting 15 Wins, 3.40 ERA and 175 K’s, that a steal by anyones definition.

Chris Perez Drafted by Blue Crew

The young fireballer from the Cardinals was very strong in the bullpenn after getting the call last september for St Louis. Not eligable for the MLB draft, Perez was thought to be a top 25 pick in the MiLB Draft. However, pick after pick, Chris Perez waited, and waited, and…waited. His wait came to end when Krono picked in the 4th round, and snagged the young flame thrower.

As one of the few MiLB selections that will pay off immediatly, Perez is thought to be the Cardinals opening day closer. Could be the steal of the draft.

Michael Bowden Traded Twice In One Afternoon

The front office of the Kickin Kinslers has been pretty busy today. Already dealing away Ryan Howard in a 7 player blockbuster deal, the Kickin Kinslers just completed it’s second trade of the afternoon.

The details? Well, Newly aquired Michael Bowden who came over in the Ryan Howard trade, left just as quick as he came.  New address? DrBillVille! Here is how the exactl details broke down

Michael Bowden, Christian Guzman for Alex Gordon and the 98th overall MiLB pick.

From the Kick’in Kinslers GM:

We are sad to see such a promising pitcher leave our organization. Michael Bowden was brough over in great faith when we traded Ryan Howard. However, as any GM should be, a deal came along that strenthens our overall team in the present and in the future. Alex Gordon is regarded as a high potential 3B and going into his junior season, figures to take a big leap this season. Also serving as a 1B, he will help subside the loss of Howard at that position.

Jay Bruce Traded To Kickin Kinslers

It was a landmark day today in the rotoworld dynasty series league as two GM’s linked up for a trade of the ages. When it was all said and done, 7 players changed teams, and the outlook of both teams vastly changed with doing so.

Here is how it broke down:

Ironmike and Brett have agreed to trade Billy Butler, Jay Bruce, Max Scherzer and Michael Bowden to Fontaine for Ryan Howard, Brad Hawpe, Daisuke Matsuzaka, and the 7.99 MiLB pick.

It’s an interesting trade but mutually benifitial. Steve Lamontagne, GM of the Kick’in Kinslers saw a glaring need to bring in someone who can help his BA issue while not dropping off the world in power either. Getting Jay Bruce is a fantastic move according to Steve, as he’s one of the youngster power players in the leagues and can do everything well. He won’t smash 50 HR’s like Ryan Howard will, But really who can? He mentioned he would be happy with Bruce’s 30-35 HR potential and get a +.25 in BA throughout the course of the season.

Mad Max Vs Dice K? Probally could go either way. However with Chad Billingley already torching fontaines WHIP, we will be excited to bring in Mad Max’s low whip. His K ratio is amoung the best in the league and he should prove to be an ace for many season.

Fontaine will miss Brad Hawpe, who is quietly and very good player. Falls under the Radar but shouldn’t as he will give a very solid line every season.

Krazy Kick'in Kinsler 3 SP Power Rankings

Now that the MLB draft is nearing it’s conclusion. It’s almost time to sit back and evaluate whose got the upper hand in which areas. In this edition, we’ll focus on the 3 SP position we roster.

Max_Murder stands out as someone who probally has a nice combination, selecting Cole Hamels and Brandon Webb with his 2nd and 3rd round picks. Hamels is fresh off the World Series titles and a new pay day. Don’t think for a second he will be any less effective after signing this big deal, Hamels should be, by all viewable resourcs and trends, be in the mix for the Cy Young. I have some concerns with Webb’s work load over the past 6 or so seasons. He’s been worked more then Roy Halladay, and thats saying a lot. You can’t deny history, and history shows Webb is a game changer and will be amoung the best 10 pitchers this season. Scott Baker, a pretty under rated SP from Minnesota round out his 3, which probally puts his team in the top tier of the league with SP alone.

Sya’s need a big return from Liriano, and hope that the 2008 version of Cliff Lee shows up. Jake Peavy is a horse, allbeit, a 6 inning horse. There’s some serious question marks on this teams pitching stability. I wouldn’t bank on another Cy Young calibur season from Cliff Lee, and Jake Peavy probally won’t pitch more then 160 Innings unless he can get himself past the 6th on a more consistant basis. Liriano has yet to even pitch more then 121 innings in a season, and is still in the recovery stages of his Tommy John. Thankfully, and to sya’s pleasure, pitchers have came back better then ever after a Tommy John operation, ala Rich Harden. As it stands, This combination ranks in the bottom tier.

BigH must have a love affair with being stressed all baseball season. Why else would you roster Scott Kazmir AND Justin Verlander as your two anchors? Maybe he drank some of Skoodog’s Kool-Aid (Rich Harden AND Ben Sheets, more on this later) However, Both these pitchers have the ability to be top 10 SP’s and when right, will launch any team to the top tier of pitching. Add in the Martini loving Joba Chamberlain, whose slotted to be a start in the bronx this season, they also have some some serious question marks. These question marks I think are less risker then some of the other combinations around the league. I believe Verlander and Kaz make big impacts for BigH this season.

Code Of Hammurbi decided to go with Roy “doc” Halladay. He’s really the only realiable SP he’s got at the moment. Erik Bedard was once regarded as a #1 SP, however injuries and ineffectivness have deminished his value a great deal. He’s got a long way to go before he’s the Erick Bedard the stuck out 220 batter in only 180 innings as in Oriole. Justin Duchscherer is a pretty solid pitcher, and would be more valueable if we was the closer. He simply can’t pitch enough innings to warrent his spot as a #3 SP. 2008 was his 1st season as a starter and totaled 22 starts, and 141 innings. I’m a betting man, and my money is I would bank too much more then what he gave last season. With two BIG question marks, and one horse, Code Of Hammurbi needs to bring in some more pitching if he wants to compete.

Krono87 stuck a deal with the Kick’in Kinslers that brough in Clayton Kershaw. The jury is still out on Kershaw. He need to develope a 3rd pitch and get a grip on his control before he will be of too much value, but his long term dynasty value is off the charts. With Kershaw are two Chi-Town starter, John Danks and Gavin Floyd. Both of these pitchers had nice season’s a year ago and look to build off them. Like Kershaw the jury is still out on them. I think Danks will get a better return then Floyd, which probally won’t get Krono the return of a #3 that they’re hoping for this season. One thing is for sure, all three pitchers have pretty high ceilings, and as long as they can brace for the bumps in the road, all three pitchers will be fine. I like the Long term outlook better then the 2009 outlook.

Donniebaseball snagged the break out pitcher from Los Angeles, Ervin “The Other Santana” Santana. Ervin showed to have tempered the road splits that snaged his progression 2 season’s ago, and made big strides n route to a top 15 season a year ago. Everything points to his continued success and the only knock on Santana probally will be his Win total, as a weakend Angel offense will now probally stuggle for the runs that they once had come a dime a dozen (see his run support). James Shields could be one of the most under the radar guys in baseball. Manager continously over look this guy and he just always come back to haunt them. He’s capable of being a #1 fantasy pitcher, but on this season hes a #2, and that will only help this teams SP strength. If Aaron Harang can return to form, which I believe he will, this season is just outside the top tier of the best SP combination of the league.

Blue Crew set the eggs in the Adam Wainwright basket. After reaching the 200 innings pitched milestone in 2007, Wainwright got injured last season and managed just 20 starts and 132 innings. Those innings were dominate innings, (see his 3.21 era) although in order for his status as a true #1, his BB’s need to come down, as it’s a WHIP killer, Wainwright can be a horse if he stays healthy. Josh Johnson fro Florida has a nice ceiling, I think he played a little over his head. Battered hit nearly .280 off him, and he walked 27 batter in 87 innings, killing his whip. Jered Weaver rounds out the 3rd SP, and again, it’s the theme of the show, his celing is high, and probally pitched the best that we will see from him last season. Some could argue for or against, but one thing is for certain, with some added control and another out pitch, Jered will be dominate. Otherwise, he’s no more valueable then the elder Weaver in his Detriot days.

The Twins from Mass, IronMike and Brett, landed two star pitchers in Gallardo and Lester. Yovani maybe have been injured, but there is no way around his talent. He’s got the potential and the ability right now to be a top 10 pitcher and with the brewers #1 rotation all his, this could be the season the Gallardo steps in and cements his arm as the #1 pitcher for the Brewers for years to come. Jon Lester went from cancer, to being the most effective pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. I don’t think it will fade either, as i fully expect Jon Lester to be again, the most effective SP for Boston. Jon Lester really got only one knock, and that is he won’t Strike out a lot of batters, barely reaching 150 in well ovr 200 Innings last season. Ironmike prepared for this and with Gallardo and the Mad Max, the Strike Out has been equalized. Which leads me to Mad Max himself. The young Gun from Arizona will get to the big show full time this season. Thought to be the Diamondbacks #3 SP this season, Mad Max should be a valueable asset for this team. Their will be bumps along the way, but went the road gets re-paved and the it’s smooth sailing, Mad Max could be one of the best pitchers out west in a few seasons. His 2009 outlook looks a big cloudy, probally more bumps then smooth sailing, but if Tim Lincecum can make a immediate impact, Mad Max has his chance to shine in the sun aswell. This is a very strong 3 SP punch, and I would rank this in the top tier of the league.

quickster was one of just 2 mangers to spend their 1st round pick on a SP. The 1st SP off the board went to quickster, which was Johan Santana. It’s hard to argue this pick, as he’s clearly been the best SP in the league for several seasons. Quickster clearly is hoping for a break out season from King Felix, who seems as if he’s been around for a decade but is only 22 years old. Could thisbe the season that we see what we have been talking about since 2005? My money is on that he makes a stride, but won’t be what we all want him to be just yet. I think he will likely be fine as the #3 SP on this team, I mean it’s hard to argue when you have King Felix as you 2nd best SP, right? Matt Cain has the most talent outside of Lincecum on the Giants. He had a very good season a couple years back, but took a step back in regression last season, partly to do injury. A return to form is in order, and I believe it’s going to happen. As a pitcher I got sniped on, Im bitter sweet on his praise. Santana, Felix, and Cain. If all goes well, quickster has some gamers and a serious dose of SP studs.

Shawnzo likes what Joh Lackey has to offer. Honestly, who can blame him? Even with his injury, and a slight step back, he was still a very good pitcher in a division that should let him see some weak offenses all season. Javier Vazquez probally had one of his most unlucky season’s last year. If you watched any game he pitched it was clear that the defense didn’t help out Javier at all. His % were all in line for his career stats and now that he’s in Atlanta, as the ace of the Braves, who by the way have some pretty slick defense, Vazquez should be happy with new home. Of couse, Ryan Howard, and David Wright might say hello sometimes.. The final SP is from the same division, Mr Brett Myers. Who apparently only decides to be a star SP when he gets sent down to the minors. I wouldn’t bank on what we saw in the last couple months. I also would bank on what we saw in the 1st couple months. Myers to me, is a #4 SP, and shouldn’t be used as a must start, instead as a spot starter. This is a middle of the pack combination as I see it.

codename likes what Dan Haren is drinking. As I do too. Historically he regresses in the 2nd half, and his 4.09 pos all-star ERA compared to his 2.72 pre all-star ERA shows the same. If Haren is going to be a true #1, he’s got to show that he’s a #1 when it counts, when leagues are won, in august and september. Josh Beckett didn’t show up the way redsox nation was hoping for, posting a 3.97 pre all star ERA dna 4.19 post allstar ERA. Like Haren, Beckett needs to show up when it counts. There is no award for winning the 1st 3 months of the season. Matt Garza is going to be a star this season and codename nabbed him right before I was aiming to. Made big strides last season and should make even more strides this season. I want to say that this team is a tier 1 SP in the 1st 3 months, but a mid tier in the last 2. But overall, you really can’t go wrong with Dan Haren and Josh Beckett as your achors.

Whatever Skoodog is smoking, pass it to me. Rich Harden AND Ben Sheet together? It’s like a sick affair. Their isn’t ever a happy ending. Reports have it that Rich Harden is already close to have an shoulder operation. Sheets can’t even find employment. Maybe Kevin Slowey can save the day?? Right now, this ranks last in the league. Sorry Skoodog

Specter rosters Zack Grienke. A nice yougn SP who does everything well. With the added offense out in KC, he might push for a career year in wins. I wouldnt be shocked to see 15-17 wins this season. From depression to impression. Its the Kack Grienke Show. Carlos Zambrano slipped some in the draft, which is understandable considering his erractic pitching. Up on minute, down the next. It’s a roller coaster, and he needs to be watched on a gane to game basis. Jurreins is Pitcher that I think wil break out this season. Not to the point of a Cliff Lee, but to a point where he could challenge Javier as the teams true #1 pitcher. He has all the tools to be just that. It’s just a matter of time.

fontaine stepped on the Chad Billingsley bandwagon. 200IP, 200K low 3′s ERA, 24 years old, ace of the dodgers, whats not to like? Oh… his 1.35 WHIP. Yikes. Well atleast they drafted Dice K. Sub 3 ERA, 18 Wins, plays on a team with a top offense, nice K ratio… Whats not to like? Oh his 1.32 WHIP. Yikes. Roy Oswalt should temper that WHIP as he’s always been a nice impact WHIP pitcher. Bounced back from a slow start to be on the NL best pitcher, again. Only 32, Oswalt is primed to have another strong season. Billingley, DiceK and Oswalt? Pretty strong combination.

Blackhawk went young and nasty. I think maybe he and R Kelly had a conference call. Nontheless, they have Tim Lincecum and Edinson Volquez. Ehh… Nasty is an understatment. Two guys that could challenge for the Cy Young award. I don’t think Edinson fade down the stretch will slow his 2009. He’s got nasty stuff and he will be amoung the best 15 pitchers again this season. A nice compliment to these two pitchers is Carmona from Cleveland. He has K’s on lock down, and since Carmona won’t offer much in that way, Carmona will help in other areas if he can get his game back on strack. Win’s ERA and WHIP will all be helped from Carmona, unless of course a regression comes again. A regression that I don’t believe will come at all. A very SOLID 3 SP Combination.

CdnFa, Dublin, TitatiumMan, whoever…This team has once true Ace, CC Sabathia and two other SP that I have my doubts will pitch up the level that they pitched at last season in AJ Burnett and Ricky Nolasco. Burnett is a nice pitcher on a strong offense, but his history has shown that he’s very unpredicable and extremely untrustworthy. The return will be nice if he stays on par, but thats a big IF. Nothin in Rocky Nolasco’s minor league trends indicate to me that he will shut down his opponets like he did in his stint last season. He could very well come out, and shine , but then again, he could fall back on his minor league trends and be a 4.40/1.30 pitcher. With the way the Marlins ruin arms, I wouldn’t hold my breathe…

So, heres my 3 SP Combination Power Rankings going into Feb.

1. max_muder
2. Blackhawk08
3. Ironmike/Brett
—————
4. Fontaine
5. donniebaseball
6. quickster12
7. codename
8. BigH
————–
9. Shawnzo
10. sya
11. blue crew
12. Specter
13. Krono87
14. dublin/CdnFan
—————
15. Code Of hammurbi
16. Skoodog

Miguel Tejada finally found a home

Miguel Tejada was the player nobody wanted it seemed. Slipping all the way until the 21st round, 328th overall. Having feel so far shocked some managers, including Krazy Kinsler’s Gm Steve Lamontagne. “After seeing Miguel Tejada get selected in the 11th round, 220th overall in TBD’s Dynasty, and In the 17th round of sya’s league, lasting until the 328th pick was pretty surprising, especially in a contract season where Tejada will be looking for his last big Pay-Day”. -Steve Lamontagne

Tejada could be a solid pick with the value he was drafted at. Even with the production from last season, he would have rewarded Ironmike and Brett well. I think we will see several increases, and could reep high dividends for the Iron Clad.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia

The draft keeps going along, and the Kickin Kinslers keep picking up offensive players and leaving there pitching to chance. Already with a solid offense, GM Steve Lamontagne has picked up Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Xavier Nady, Carlos Guillen and super utilty man, Felipe Lopez in consecitive rounds to give his offense depth.

” I feel theirs always an influx of pitchers that show up in the season, and the fact remains that there are a lot of quality MR’s remaining to be drafted. I’m happy to bring in such offense while I have the chance” -GM Steve Lamontagne

Can Rich Harden avoid the Injury-bug?

The theme of this draft has been reaching for the young star players, and the players who are ofton injured, but could reep some high rewards. One GM, Skoodog did this all too ofton, most noteably, Rich Harden. A top 10 SP when he’s on the mound, but as his past 4 seasons have indicated, he just can’t be trusted to give a full season’s worth of production. Case in point, Hardens considering shoulder surgury, and it’s just january.  I wouldn’t be too optimistic on a return of even what he did last season.

Joel Zumaya, the highly touted reliever from Detriot is in much of the same sense, like Rich Harden. Another reach to draft Joel, but a reach that could again, reep some nice return if he can pitch out 65+ innings.

CHad Billingsley Head's To The Kick'in Kinslers

Krono and Fontaine stuck a deal a few round back that included 3 players, all of which are dodgers. Did Clayton finally get moved out of Kinsler Land?

The Krazy Kick’in Kinslers were optimistic about Clayton Kershaw after the spent their 5th round pick on this rising star. As the draft went on, the need for a 3rd, proven starter was more in order according to GM Steve Lamontagne. ” I wanted to bring in another starter that I could bank on all season in every area, and outside of an above average WHIP, the 24 year old Bills, fit the Bill.”

Going to Krono was Dodger Closer, Johnathan Broxton and the before mention pitcher, Clayton Kershaw.

“Overall, I like what this trade did for my teams balance. With the amount of MR’s that are out there for grabs, losing Broxton won’t hurt as much as paring Bills with Oswalt and Dice-K will help. Looking around the league, I don’t see a SP treo that compares.” -GM Steve Lamontagne

John Smoltz Drafted 277th

John Smoltz, the newest Boston Red Sox pitcher, will be on the shelf to start to the season. However, being picked in the 18th round, should deliver some nice return value once he takes the mound for the sox. Had Smoltz been 100% we’re probally talking about his draft selection anywhere from rounds 11-14. Certainly, it’s a risk, but the reward is there aswell. Nice Pick by Skoodog.