Love and Didn't Love - Mike's Draft Recap

It’s nice having instant feedback after a draft. Here are my favorite and least favorite picks. 

Chris

Love: Charlie Morton at 70th overall and Francisco Alvarez at 97th overall. Morton has pitched at least 160innings the last 3 seasons with at least 180 strikeouts. The Braves are also very good. Alvarez hit 25HRs in 382ABs last season. Why can’t he hit 35 this year?

Didn’t Love: Nolan Gorman at 100 overall. I would have took Torres (119) or Paredes (105). Gorman strikes out a ton, Torres is going to bat behind Judge/Soto and is in a contract year. Paredes went 31HR 98RBI last year and plays 1B,2B,3B. 

Bobby

Bobby’s Favorite Pick: Nolan Arenado 48th overall. I agree with Bobby here. 3B isn’t deep in fantasy this season and grabbing a 25HR 90RBI floor here was nice. He also should be a great mentor to Bobby’s babies Jackson Holliday and Jackson Chourio. I also have to mention Bobby grabbing Mason Miller at 110 overall. Potentially the A’s closer and Yes, I know the A’s suck but Trevor May still had 21 saves for them last season. 

Bobby’s Least Favorite Pick: Don’t really have one

Didn’t Love: I thought Shota Imanaga was a reach at 38th overall. The first pitcher Bobby selects is a question mark. I would have took Gavin Williams here. 

Anthony

Love: Christian Encarnacion Strand 104th overall. CES hit 13HR 27RBI .270 once he got the call last season. Votto is gone and he plays in the second best hitters ballpark. Most projections have the 24 year old hitting 26HRs 90RBI .265AVG

Didn’t Love: Kodai Senga at 41 overall. Huge risk/reward here. Senga was terrific as a rookie last year but there’s no time table for his return. Going to sound like a broken record but give me Gavin Williams here. Senga 31 years old and Williams 24 years old.

Dave

Love: Eloy Jimenez at 130overall and Byron Buxton at 129 overall. There’s upside here if healthy. BIG IF! Both have tremendous power and play well to OPS.  

Didn’t Love: DeGrom at 118 overall. At 35 years old and coming off another Tommy John, I just don’t see the upside. He’s projected to return after the All Star Break. He hasn’t thrown 100innings since 2019. I would have went Christoper Sanchez (123) or Taj Bradley (140).

Adam

Adam loved George Springer 63 overall and Jose Berrios 61 overall. Springer went 20/20  and Berrios threw 189IP with a 3.65ERA. 

“Had a 2nd round grade on both of them, thrilled to get both!”

Didn’t Love: Jung 79th overall. 

“Good value, but there were other guys eligible at that position that were probably better and still available.  I’m just not a big Jung guy, thankfully I have Muncy who I really like. :) “

I don’t have an issue with the Jung pick. He hit  23HRs and I think there’s room to grow. 

Mike

Love: Bailey Ober 44th overall. I’ve bought the hype. 

Didn’t Love: James Outman 116th overall. I should have went pitcher here. Christoper Sanchez (123) was the pick. 

Tom

Tom’s Favorite pick is Paul Skenes 90th overall. Top pitching prospect in the game should be up during the summer. 

Tom’s least favorite pick: Noveli Marte 92nd overall. “I should have taken William Contreras” 

Tom trading up for Skenes was time consuming but brilliant. He left the draft with arguably the best hitting prospect and pitching prospect.  

I thought the Marte pick was fine. There’s a ton to like with Marte who should be a good source of stolen bases from 3B. 

Catcher Cal Raleigh went in the waiver draft and he hit 30homeruns last season.  

Josh

Love: There was a lot to like with Josh’s draft. Spencer Torkelson at 35. I know Josh regretted this pick but Tork hit 31HRs 94RBI last season and should only get better. 

Didn’t love: Evan Phillips and Alexis Diaz project as Top 10 closers but I don’t think he needed both after drafting Hader and Clase. Jazz Chisholm (pick 19) would have fit perfectly here.

Glenn

Glenn’s favorite pick-Sean Murphy 163 overall “maybe best catcher”

Mike’s Love: Zack Gelof 87th overall. Gelof went 14/14 last year in 270AB’s. 20/20 has to be the floor for this season. 

Glenn’s worst pick-Shane Baz 60th overall “crapshoot”

 **Right after the draft Baz tweaked his oblique and will miss time**

“Alan took the 4 pitchers I was eyeing before my Baz pick (Kelly, Rodon, Javier, Woo)” 

Matt 

Matt’s favorite pick was Realmuto  53 overall. 

Mike’s Love: Nick Castellanos 39th overall. 29HRs 106RBI last year. Hitting behind a full season of Harper ahead. 

Matt’s least favorite pick: taking Christian Walker over Justin Steele. 

I’ll agree with Matt because he already had Pete Alonso at 1B. He could have went with Steele who was terrific last season. 

Alan

Love: Bryan Reynolds 69th overall. J/K. I wanted to be like Bobby’s app. 

It sounds silly but I loved Logan Gilbert at 4th overall. The only pitcher Alan kept was Devin Williams. He needed a big arm and has to be thrilled he got one. 

Didn’t Love: Nick Lodolo 62nd overall. Lodolo has said his left leg still doesn’t feel right. I would have went Brandon Pfaadt. Young SP with upside. 

Cyrus 

Cyrus liked: “I loved getting Nick Pivetta in the 10th round. After his 2nd half adjustments he might be close to a 200k pitcher with good ratios.”

I agree and told Cyrus this was a steal. 3.27ERA over his last 80innings last year. 

Cyrus didn’t like: Alex Bregman 29th overall. “I should have taken another closer or maybe ober.” 

KEEPS GM Power Rankings 2024 

 

1)  Cyrus (333-283-34, .538%) 

It’s hard to go against someone that has won the ship back-to-back seasons. Oh, BTW he's picking 3x in the first 6 picks on Sunday and will have a rotation of Webb, Yamamoto, Miller, Ragans, Musgrove.  

 

2) Dave (376-243-31, .602%) 

I’m going to be honest-I did not realize how dominant Train has been over the last 3 seasons. He has the highest winning % over that span and would be #1 if Cyrus wasn't running a dynasty.  

 

3) Chris (321-292-36, .523%) 

If we are going Tier’s I would say this is the start of Tier 2. Heading into the season Chris has the strongest keepers in Soto, Witt, Tatis, Harper, Cole, Skubal. He’s also picking 9th overall on Sunday.  

 

4) Tom (322-292-36, .523%) 

Respectable record over the last 3 seasons for Tom but what if I told you that's with a 68-win season in there. All 3 of Tom’s hitters went at least 20HR 15SB last year (Robert, Carroll, Steer). He picks 2nd overall Sunday. 

 

5) Russo (341-268-41, .556%) 

Anthony heads into the season with arguably the best 2 power hitters in the game with Judge and Ohtani. Both are OPS monsters. Nola and Cease are coming off down seasons but remain two of the more dependable arms. Anthony owns the 8th overall pick Sunday. 

6) Alan (347-266-37, .562%)  

Someone with this good of a winning % over the last 3 seasons and he’s 6th? There are some question marks heading into the season. Goldy is 36 years old and hit 25HRs 80RBI in 593ABS, Vlad and Machado are coming off down years and the first starting pitcher on Alan’s team will be picked 4th overall.   

 

7) Glenn (298-311-41, .490%) 

The other champ over the last three seasons. Glenn heads into Sunday with a nice core of hitters in Olson, Devers, Garcia, Lindor and Ruiz. The other keeper? Corbin Burnes. My concern? Glenn’s draft doesn't start until pick 60. 

 

8) Adam (334-286-30, .536%) 

Some would argue (and Adam would certainly argue) that this is too low for someone who has made the playoffs 2 of the last 3 seasons. Perhaps. I can tell you Glenn’s title is what separates them for me. Adam heads into Sunday keeping 6 pitchers and doesn't pick until the 6th round.  

 

9) Mike (300-313-37, .490%) 

I will start Tier 3 here. I have 1 season above .500, I have one season at .500 and 1 season under .500. Blah. I don't pick until round 4 because of Glenn and Sandy Alcantara. Bo Bichette has nice hair but what type of season are we getting? Royce Lewis has 0 ACL’s. 

 

10) Bobby (271-327-52, .456%) 

Yes, the next family party will be awkward, but Bobby has 2 80-win seasons over the last 3 and goes into the season keeping 3 guys who might not be on the opening day roster. His first pick Sunday isn't until the 4th round.  

 

11) Josh (224-389-37, .373%)

I like the keepers for Josh heading into this season and he is loaded with draft picks BUT he has been under .500 each of the last three seasons. Enough said! 

 

12) Matt (205-407-38, .344%)

3 straight last place finishes for Matt but he does head into the season with terrific keepers from Tom. Alonso, Riley and Schwarber should provide plenty of pop. Until Matt finishes above last place or brings enough cheesecake for everyone, He’s 12 of 12.

League Info

League ID: 333191 Password:12345

2010 Keeps Fantasy Baseball League Keepers Announced

Dave: Alex Rodriguez, Chase Utley, Evan Longoria, Manny Ramirez, Ichiro Suzuki, and Kendry Morales


Chris: Mark Teixiera, Prince Fielder, Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Zach Greinke and Josh Johnson


Justin: Miguel Cabrera, Jose Reyes, Mark Reynolds, Tim Lincecum, Felix Hernandez, and Jon Lester


Hodge: Ryan Braun, Justin Morneau, Adam Lind, Brandon Phillips, Andrew McCutchen, and Clayton Kershaw


Kevin: Ryan Howard, Troy Tulowitski, Ryan Zimmerman, Cliff Lee, Chris Carpenter and Javy Vazquez


Bobby: David Wright, Josh Hamilton, Robinson Cano, Nick Markakis, Dan Haren, and Justin Verlander


Steve: Hanley Ramirez, Jacoby Ellsbury, Lance Berkman, Jason Bay, Kevin Youkalis, and Roy Halladay


Adam: Carlos Beltran, B.J. Upton, Jimmy Rollins, Carlos Lee, Aramis Ramirez and Victor Martinez


Matt: Carl Crawford, Joey Votto, Pablo Sandoval, Adam Jones, Ben Zobrist and Johan Santana


Rob: Adrian Gonzalez, Matt Holliday, Derek Jeter, Dustin Pedroia, John Lackey, and Yovani Gallardo


Anthony: Albert Pujols, Grady Sizemore, Ian Kinsler, Joe Mauer, Curtis Granderson, and Tommy Hanson


Glenn: Adam Dunn, Brian Roberts, Aaron Hill, Carlos Pena, C.C Sabathia, and Adam Wainwright

It's kind of a big deal...

Glenn trades Manny Ramirez to Dave for Adam Wainwright, straight up.

HERE'S AN UP CLOSE LOOK AT OUR MOCK

It's that time again. With the 2010 draft exactly one month away, its time to unveil our first mock draft of the new decade. While we have our crystal ball out, lets first look to see the projected keepers for each team:

Glenn: CC Sabathia, Aaron Hill, Adam Dunn, Manny Ramiez, Brian Roberts, Carlos Pena

Anthony: Albert Pujols, Grady Sizemore, Joe Mauer, Ian Kinsler, Curtis Granderson, Tommy Hanson

Rob: Matt Holliday, Adrian Gonzalez, Derek Jeter, Dustin Pedroia, John Lackey, Yovani Gallardo

Matt: Carl Crawford, Joey Votto, Johan Santana, Ben Zobrist, Pablo Sandoval, Adam Jones

Adam: Carlos Beltran, Aramis Ramirez, Victor Martinez, BJ Upton, Jimmy Rollins, Carlos Lee

Steve: Roy Halladay, Hanley Ramirez, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jason Bay, Kevin Youkilis, Bobby Abreu

Bobby: David Wright, Josh Hamilton, Nick Markakis, Robinson Cano, Dan Haren, Justin Verlander

Kevin: Ryan Howard, Troy Tulowitzki, Ryan Zimmerman, Chris Carpenter, Cliff Lee, Javier Vazquez

Hodge: Ryan Braun, Justin Morneau, Brandon Phillips, Jason Werthm, Andrew McCutchen, Adam Lind

Justin: Felix Hernandez, Tim Lincecum, Jon Lester, Jose Reyes, Miguel Cabrera, Mark Reynolds

Chris: Mark Teixeira, Prince Fielder, Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Zack Greinke, Josh Johnson

Dave: Alex Rodriguez, Chase Utley, Evan Longoria, Ichiro, Kendry Morales, Adam Wainwright

Based on these keeper projections, here is how we see round 1 going:

Glenn - Josh Beckett
While our newest member has a tough task in front of him, having two of the top 5 picks in the draft will certainly help. By keeping 5 hitters, he has put him self in a situtation where he has to take a pitcher with one of his two picks. Josh Beckett is the best pitcher in the draft and wont be available come pick #5.

Anthony - Clayton Kershaw
Coming of a tough year which saw him become a seller before Memorial Day, Russo enters the draft with 5 solid hitters. With his second round pick at the end of round 2, he is going to be forced to take a starting pitcher. While some in the front office are pushing for Ubaldo Jimenez, the thought of pairing emerging aces Tommy Hanson and Clayton Kershaw may be to tantilizing to pass up.

Rob - Andre Eithier
Let's face it, the crop of outfielders in this draft is weak. While there is talent at the top, the depth is just not there this year. The lack of great OF options along witht the fact that Rob is only keeping one (Holliday), points to him taking the top OF on the board with this pick. Coming off a 31 HR 106 RBI season, Eithier is the way to go here.

Matt - Matt Cain
The usually pitching-rich Matt is coming into 2010 with only Johan Santana in the fold. We know the organization emphasizes pitching and Cain is a young ace who flies under the radar as San Francisco's #2 stater behind Lincecum. Matt will take the top pitcher in the board in this spot, and that's Cain.

Glenn (from Adam) - Brian McCann
Having already addressed his need for another legitmate ace, Glenn will look to fill a position that very few teams will be able to do adequately. As far as catchers go, its Mauer, V-Mart, McCann, and then everybody else. With Mauer and Martinez being kept, drafting McCann here will add to what should be a solid offensive squad in '10.

Steve - Ubaldo Jimenez
Here is yet another team keeping only one pitcher which means this is another team looking to take the top starting pitcher left on the board. Ubaldo was quietly dominating in the second half last year and is top 10 fantasy starting pitcher in the making. Pairing Jimenez and Halladay would give Steve a dangerous 1-2 punch to build his staff around.

Bobby - Lance Berkman
Keeping 2 top class pitchers will allow Bobby to go offense in this spot. Having kept 2 OF, Bobby will be able to address his biggest need: first base. Berkman is not that far removed from being considered a fantasy stud and the 1B class in this draft is very weak. Gambling on the Big Puma in this spot could pay huge dividends.

Kevin - Shane Victorino
I'm not wasting time writing about Victorino; he can go eat a dick.

Hodge - Jake Peavy
By keeping 6 hitters, Hodge will have to take the best pitcher on the board here. Jake Peavy is only 2 years removed from a season where he won 19 games, had an ERA of 2.54, and struck out 240 in 223 innings. With Peavy returning to health this past year, he is absolutely worth a shot here.

Justin - AJ Burnett
Here is how we see this pick going. Justin will look for offense to supplement is ridiculous pitching staff, but wont find a player he is willing to take. He is set at SS, 1B, and 3B and no available 2B, OF, or C is worthy of a first round pick. So Justin will look to make his strength even stronger by adding arguably the top strike out pitcher in this draft.

Chris - Chad Billingley
We see this one playing out a lot like the pick before. Chris will look to add an OF, 2B, or 3B but the available players will still be available by the time his next pick rolls around. Team scouts have long been enamored with Billingsley's stuff and coming off a down year, this may be the only opportunity for Chris to grap the long-coveted SP.

Dave - Cole Hamels
Since he is keeping only one pitcher, Dave will look to that position here. The guess here is that he continues his love for all things Philadelpha and takes the former Phillies ace who was considered a top pitcher coming into 2009.

DRAFT DATE

The 2010 Keeper League Fantasy Draft is currently scheduled for Sunday March 7th at approximately 5:30 pm