With the Super Bowl just a day away, I’m looking forward to one thing and one thing only. Come on you Fantasy Baseball enthusiast, I’m not talking football! I’m anxious to see how my mock drafts are going to pay off when the shenanigans of live drafts start. I’m confident most of you reading this have experienced the mundane, quite boring on-line draft , as well as, the exciting and sometimes hectic live draft. Well let me tell you, I have quite the group of fellas every year talking their smack and wearing some ridiculous outfits that will bring luck to their draft AND their team when the season starts. It’s THEIR year! The saying that will get repeated over and over again on draft day.
But that’s what this time of year is all about! Your favorite player won’t get hurt again this year. He can’t. He wouldn’t. There is no way! Ugh! He will. (I’m not talking to you Matt Kemp fans, or am I?)
As the pitchers and catchers are a week away from reporting to camp, we are inherently optimistic! And that is a good thing. But remember on draft day to stay calm and keep your wits. No need to grab Kimbrel in the third round just because he is nearly unhittable or because your buddy is a braves fan and he really wants him. Let your buddy have him at that spot. Your team would be better served with a Choo, or Darvish (both going in 3rd round on average). Coming up on draft day, you HAVE to separate your ties with teams and players. If a personal favorite ends up on your team at a value spot, congrats. That’s called a win-win. This time of year is when your reputation is on the line. This is the time when you can let your buddies know that you are going to be a push over this year. You can’t win a league with a good draft, but you certainly can lose one. Every year, there are plenty of quality free agent pick ups but do some homework, draft well, and make it a tad easier on yourself for this year. Because remember, this is YOUR year!
Here are a few guys I’m really excited about, frustrated with, and/or keeping an eye on for when the draft day nears.
David Price – The elite AL lefty signed a one year deal, and witnessed the NL elite lefty (Kershaw) sign for over $30million a year. Watch out AL. This man is on a mission. His numbers were very encouraging coming back from his first D.L. stint last year. Odds of being a 20 game winner: 80% sure it happens.
Bryce Harper – “I want to get as big as a house” When a phenom talks like that, I’m listening. He is closing in on 245 pounds from what is being said. To see him as focused as ever to be the best, I can’t help but get excited by what a 150-155 games played season could look like. MVP numbers folks.
.300BA 100R 35HR 120RBI 15SB would NOT be a shock to many in baseball.
Robinson Cano– I’m shocked to see how many of my colleagues have jumped off his bandwagon a bit, all because of his team change. Yankee stadium is clearly a better hitters park but look at the lineup he was surrounded with last season. Not quite the 1920 Yankees lineup. He is the poster boy for consistency. With 2nd base being such a thin position, I have him my #3 overall player behind Miggy and Trout. Take his 25+HR and 100+RBI’s to the bank. Every other position has at least a few super stars. 2nd base, well there is Cano and the rest.
Aaron Hill – Since I just said Cano is in a class of his own, I’d like to give you a value pick. If Aaron Hill can stay healthy (remember we are being optimistic!) there is a history there that shows Hill can change a game. Hitting in Arizona never hurts you but around 8-10th round, he could provide a huge value. His upside is 30 HR and 100RBI hitting in the 3, 4, and 5 hole for the Dbacks.
Drew Smyly – If last year teased you, you will finally get what you have so desperately been waiting for. The trade of Fister gives Smyly his shot. The lefty will take his turn every 5 days and give his fair share of quality starts for the Tigers. I have him winning 14-17 his first year as a full time starter. His strikeouts/9 may dip a hair as he learns to pitch to contact at times to keep his arm in the game longer but his stuff is up there with the elite. Patience is a virtue.
Giancarlo Stanton – Unless you are in a keeper league, I just don’t see how things will get any better for him in 2014. No overhaul to the lineup and a more patient hitter just equals more walks for Stanton. If your league has OBP as a category, I guess I’d pick him up, but certainly not as early as I often see him go. 90% of HR will be solo shots. Why would you pitch to him? For most of you fantasy GM’s, just stay away. Fight the temptation. But definitely go to a Marlins game early and enjoy the BP show! I expect nothing more than last year’s stats. Good, but not outstanding.
Mark Teixeira – What have you done for me lately? So often in our society, that’s how it goes. But if you give me a healthy Teixeira in a lineup that includes Ellsbury AND Jeter at the top, we are talking plenty of RBI potential. I’ve seen him go in the 10th to 15th round rage. I’d be glad to go up a round or two if needed. It may seem like forever since he played but I assure you, he will be worth the pick. Could be one of the biggest “value picks” in this year’s draft.
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