DRAFT ANALYSIS
2. Vladimir Guerrero, Angels outfielder: I was surprised Vlad slipped down to me. He's a guy who is pretty much guaranteed every season to put up good power stats while swiping a few bases.
3. Manny Ramirez, Red Sox outfielder: He missed 30-plus games last year, but you can count on terrific power stats every year from Manny. He'll even have better protection in 2007 with J.D. Drew hitting behind him.
4. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners outfielder: Never underestimate the power of a walk year. Ichiro stole 45 bases, scored 110 runs and hit at a .322 clip in 2006. He could post even better numbers in '07 to drive his value up.
5. Andruw Jones, Braves outfielder: Jones was an absolute steal at this point of the draft. Not only is he in a walk year, but he smashed 41 homers, 129 RBI and scored 107 runs in '06. Oh, and he's just turning 30 this season.
6. Hideki Matsui, Yankees outfielder: Before serious injury early last year, Matsui was an iron-man stemming from his playing days in Japan. He'll swat 25-30 homers while scoring over 100 runs and RBI in that impressive Yankee lineup.
7. Paul Konerko, White Sox first baseman: Finally, a pick that was used on someone other than an outfielder. Konerko is in his offensive prime and has hit at least 35 homers in the last three seasons. He's as solid as they come in the first base position.
8. Barry Zito, Giants starter: I think Zito has a legit shot of winning a Cy Young award while baffling NL hitters with that slick curveball. I have no qualms about him being my ace.
9. Gary Sheffield, Tigers outfielder: Couldn't pass up slotting one of the most dangerous bats in baseball in my first utility position. His big swing will leave the Tigers singing the praises of "Mr. Sheffield" more than Fran Drescher.
10. Tom Gordon, Phillies closer: With the way closers were coming off the board, I was a bit shocked to see that Flash was still available. If Philly can get a decent set-up man to bridge the gap, Gordon could easily post 40 saves.
11. Jered Weaver, Angels starter: Weaver dominated hitters after his call-up in 2006. Only concern is how he'll handle all the innings in '07, but the talent is unquestionable.
12. Jason Giambi, Yankees first baseman: I was certain he would be gone between the eighth and 10th rounds. I had an open utility spot left on my roster and although I had needs in other positions, I can't pass up those power numbers.
13. Jeff Kent, Dodgers second baseman: Kent battled injuries last year and will be 39 this year. But he underwent a conditioning program this winter to help him stay off the disabled list. It's a risk, but one with potentially huge rewards.
14. Mike Mussina, Yankees starter: I wanted a veteran pitcher to help off-set the sleeper pitchers I knew I was going to target. Moose had a great year in '06 and will once again benefit from all the run support the Yankees will give him.
15. Edgar Renteria, Braves shortstop: Wanting to close up some roster gaps, I landed '06 All-Star Renteria with this pick. I think the Braves are going to expect him to carry a larger load of the offense this season.
16. Jason Isringhausen, Cardinals closer: Needing a No. 2 closer, I took Izzy here hoping he'll bounce back from his hip injury. Despite last year's injury woes, he still finished with over 30 saves.
17. Chad Billingsley, Dodgers starter: Let the sleeper pitching picks begin. Billingsley was money in the second half and is playing on a team looking to go to the next level.
18. Anibal Sanchez, Marlins starter: You know you got talent when you pitch a no-hitter in your rookie year. Sanchez is a risk when you consider the innings he will pitch and the fact that he has arm issues already. But his ceiling is high.
19. Ryan Dempster, Cubs closer: When looking for a third closer, I knew I wanted someone on a team that could win a lot of games. The Cubs were very active this off-season, so I'm hoping that means plenty of save opportunities for Dempster with this revamped squad.
20. Jeremy Sowers, Indians starter: The last pitcher I selected is the crafty youngster in Cleveland. He dominated the minors and played great down the stretch. He could make waves this season.
21. Chris Snyder, Diamondbacks catcher: I needed to draft two catchers and I used my last two picks for this purpose. Snyder, a former top catching prospect, will battle rookie Miguel Montero for the position. Snyder currently has the inside track due to the big-league experience
22. Johnny Estrada, Brewers catcher: Estrada is in his prime years and is coming off a solid season. I really just wanted catchers who wouldn't hurt me in the standings and these last two picks fit the bill.
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