DRAFT ANALYSIS
2. Mark Teixeira, Rangers first baseman: Probably could have gotten slightly better at this pick. But being a Rangers fan, I am alright with it. I see Big Tex having a year like 2005 rather than '06. 3. Joe Nathan, Twins closer: Top reliever on my board, his chances may drop a bit but he is lights-out when he's on the field.
4. Jason Bay, Pirates outfielder: Reaching his prime and now has a little more protection with Adam LaRoche batting cleanup
5. Michael Young, Rangers shortstop: Underrated, top shortstop at that point in the draft.
6. Brian Roberts, Orioles second baseman: Wanted to sure up my infield with these back-to-back picks, one of my main sources of steals.
7. John Lackey, Angels starter: Very consistent, a lot of K's.
8. Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals third baseman: Probably should have gotten pitching here, but I love Zimm and think he might help with steals more than you'd think.
9. C.C. Sabathia, Indians starter: Some injury concerns but is a stud when he is on the mound.
10. Brett Myers, Phillies starter: Huge upside, if he can avoid hitting his wife again. Almost a strikeout per inning.
11. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers outfielder: This is when I realized my outfield was slim. Mags is getting a bit old, but he finally seems healthy and now has Gary Sheffield batting behind him.
12. Michael Cuddyer, Twins outfielder: Was a diamond in the rough for me last year. That being said, probably cannot repeat last season. Should still be solid across the board.
13. Kenji Johjima, Mariners catcher: Had not drafted a catcher, I thought he was the best available.
14. Raul Ibanez, Mariners outfielder: See Cuddyer (probably cannot repeat last season. Should still be solid across the board.)
15. Brad Penny, Dodgers starter: See Sabathia, I am hoping his back problems don't creep up, love him in that ballpark and the other parks in the NL West (except Coors).
16. Ervin Santana, Angels starter: Huge upside.
17. Richie Sexson, Mariners first baseman: Value pick, guaranteed 35-100 guy. Will kill the batting average, but Adam Dunn was drafted 123 picks earlier and has similar numbers.
18. Dave Roberts, Giants outfielder: One word: Steals.
19. Salomon Torres, Pirates closer: Not my first choice for a No. 2 closer, but I handcuffed myself. Now that Gonzalez is gone, he may have a shot.
20. Akinori Otsuka, Rangers reliever: As a Rangers fan, I am cheering for Eric Gagne. But if he falters...
21. Octavio Dotel, Royals reliever: See Torres, he has a chance to have a decent season but also has a chance to BOMB! Did have a 10.80 ERA with the Yankees last season.
22. Ronny Paulino, Pirates catcher: Hey, last round catcher. I will take a guy who hit .310.
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