Lugnuts - Draft

The Draft

Here is who I drafted. For the whole draft, click here.

I would have to say that I’ve got a pretty good infield after this draft. I am weak at catcher, but so are a lot of people. I had hoped to get Joe Mauer of the Twins or Victor Martinez of the Indians in the 18 th or 19 th round, but they were taken in the 18 th with the two picks right before me. Who would have guessed!

I am writing this in the middle of May, but let’s see if I can recreate some of the thought that went into the selection process.

Well, this is what I was fearing. I was put 6 th in the draft order. Now, that is better than the poor guy at 14, but I was kind of hoping for either top 4 or towards the end. Sounds odd, but I wasn’t sure what I would do with the pick. I also can’t believe that that Soriano went first. I can see A-Rod over Pujols, but I really was a bit surprised at Soriano. I guess that owner is a little upset that he isn’t running as much to start the season.

Round 1, I had been thinking that Helton was who I would gun for if I got slotted somewhere in the 5-9 th range. He was available so I took him.

Round 2 was a tough one for me. Prior was still on the board and I debated this for a bit before going with Rolen. I decided that I should go with the offense and I would be able to pick up pitching in later rounds and via free agency.

Round 3, Tejada is still on the board. I’ll take him.

Round 4, I had hoped to snag Jeff Kent but he went a few picks earlier. I go with Brian Giles because I know I need an outfielder and he has been consistent. Looking back, maybe I should have taken Richie Sexson, who went with the next pick, but if I thought an outfielder was more important.

Round 5, I decide to invest in a pitcher. I go with Zito. I wanted Pettitte, but he went two picks before me.

Round 6, I decide to get another arm. Wade Miller is available and I am hoping he will improve under the eye of Clemens. He had huge potential.

Round 7, I decide that I should address second base. I know that Jose Reyes will be switching there so I can move him after the first week. Too bad I didn’t know he was injured as bad as he is. But I thought this would net me some high runs scored and a good second baseman.

Round 8, Well, I’m not guessing just yet, but a majority of the guys I had really wanted are now off the board. I go for another pitcher, Brandon Webb. He had a great year last year and the D’backs are counting on him as their #2 man in the rotation.

Round 9, I had my eye on Carl Everett, hoping he would have a phenomenal season now that he is out of the spotlight and in Montreal, but he was taken first in this round. I need another outfielder, so I pick up Corey Patterson hoping he will have a 30-30 season.

Round 10, Looking back, I’m not sure why I was so obsessed with getting a second baseman in this round. Although I remember that there were none left, but I guess I was a little anxious about that first week without one while Reyes gained eligibility. Or Reyes must have already been on the DL. Regardless, I got Adam Kennedy as the second basemen were pretty much gone.

Round 11, Dontrelle Willis is still available. I’ll take him. My pitching staff is looking a little young, but they might have some potential.

Round 12, Now I’m looking to fill up that outfield. Shannon Stewart is still available. Didn’t he come in second or third in the MVP race last year. That should work.

Round 13, Time to get my relief pitcher. Tim Worrell is available. He will be setting up Wagner in Philly, but we don’t score saves and his ERA should be low. He looks good.

Round 14, Time to add a little more outfield depth. Jay Gibbons was good for close to 100 RBIs last year. I’ll take him.

Round 15, Another pitcher would be good. Redding has great potential and Jimy Williams named him the #5 starter before spring training. Let’s hope he can harness that potential.

Round 16, How about another young pitcher – Adam Eaton of the Padres. They’ve been picked by a few to win the NL West. If they do, this guy will be a great low round pick.

Round 17, I’ve been waiting for someone to get him, but noone has. I’ll take Pat Burrell. I bet he comes back. If not, I didn’t waste a high pick on him.

Roudn 18, Damn it! Both the guys I had hoped to get for catcher are now gone – in the last two picks!!! Victor Martinez and Joe Mauer. Well, I wanted the young shortstop from Oakland, Bobby Crosby, so I’ll get him and figure out catcher later.

Round 19, I better get a catcher. Hey Bengie Molina had like 75 RBIs last year. That’s not bad at all. He should do the job as well as a young catcher. Less potential, but that’s ok.

Round 20, Time to speculate on someone. How about Jeff Weaver. I almost pulled the trigger on him in the 18 th and 19 th, but since he is still here I’ll go with him. I have to use the “P” word again though. I think he might have some potential. So does LA. Why else would they get so little back for Kevin Brown (ignoring the $ issue).

All done. That only took about two and a half hours. But at the end we were moving fast. I had to guess a bit, but that’s ok. The team looks ok. A little weak in the outfield, but a strong infield and what could be a pretty good pitching staff.