DRAFT ANALYSIS
2. Lance Berkman, Astros first baseman: Once Johan was gone, I committed to drafting hitting early. There's much to like here — consistent power and average, plays half his games in a hitter's park, multiple position eligibility and now has Carlos Lee hitting behind him.
3. Matt Holliday, Rockies outfielder: Move over Todd Helton, there's a new big stick in town, and he's entering his prime. Gotta love Coors Field, his historically good average and the bonus of double-digit steals.
4. Bobby Abreu, Yankees outfielder: I was debating between him and Jimmy Rollins, but the average made the difference for me. Pieces are in place for a great year — a short right field porch, great surrounding lineup and a manager who'll run.
5. B.J. Ryan, Blue Jays closer: Once K-Rod, Mariano Rivera and Joe Nathan were drafted, he and Wagner were ready to go in my queue. He solidified himself as a bona fide stud closer last year with a microscopic 1.37 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and a healthy 10.7 K/9.
6. Garrett Atkins, Rockies third baseman: Among third baseman last year, he was second in average, first in runs, and second in RBI. I'll take that in the sixth round, and once again, you gotta love Coors Field.
7. Chone Figgins, Angels outfielder: I needed steals, so I was looking at Pierre. But when he disappeared, Figgins was the choice to get my steals. Had fourth highest stolen base total last year and it should remain in the Top 5 as long as Mike Scioscia is still there.
8. Jim Thome, White Sox designated hitter: I'm investing in hitting still and all Thome knows how to do is to whack the ball. Last season, the DH role proved perfect for him and as long as he remains healthy, I expect .280-90-40-100.
9. Jason Schmidt, Dodgers starter: My first starting pitcher is getting older, but he is consistent, moves to a pitcher's park and will get better run support. A great value in the ninth round and the 20th starting pitcher selected in this draft.
10. Rich Harden, A's starter: I’m somewhat rolling the dice on this pick, but if he remains healthy, he can put up Top 10 fantasy pitcher numbers. He's still young and he’s got the stuff.
11. Cole Hamels, Phillies starter: I'm salivating at his K/9 and his K/BB ratio that he pitched in his rookie year at only 23 years of age. He's a lefty with good command and is backed by an excellent lineup.
12. Eric Gagne, Rangers reliever: Since this draft is so early in the season, I am not afraid to take a flier on a closer, as I know there will be closers becoming available. The 12th round may be a little early, but he has the upside of being the best closer in baseball.
13. Andy Pettitte, Yankees starter: Pettitte + Yankees = Wins. K/9 is still healthy, as is Mariano Rivera and the Yankees offense.
14. Michael Barrett, Cubs catcher: After Mauer, Martinez, McCann and Posada, there's a fair amount of parity amongst the catchers. His OPS tells me he has some pop and that he can put up consistent numbers.
15. John Patterson, Nationals starter: Many of the starters I selected have injury histories, but very high upsides. Patterson is no exception. If he plays, he'll put up numbers.
16. Mark Teahen, Royals third baseman: Has five category potential as well as multiple position eligibility potential, which is important in a league with very little bench space.
17. Mike Cameron, Padres outfielder: Looked to round out the outfield with a 20-20 type of player. Seems to be more disciplined at the plate the last couple of years.
18. Corey Patterson, Orioles outfielder: Looked for a backup source for steals. It seems like unfulfilled potential that's been around forever, but he is in his still only 27.
19. Orlando Cabrera, Angels shortstop: Only thing missing is some power, but I'll take that in the 19th round to round out my infield.
20. Jose Valverde, Diamondbacks closer: Could be dominating and should come out of spring training as the closer.
21. Kelvim Escobar, Angels starter: Undervalued because of win total, but his numbers are quite solid.
22. Austin Kearns, Nationals outfielder: Should be hitting cleanup in Washington, entering prime years.
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