It’s draft time in most leagues, so I hopped over to Yahoo’s fantasy baseball mock draft center this week to run a standard 12-team snake. This is a one-catcher, three-outfielder league with no middle infield or corner infield spots but two UTIL spots. 5x5 scoring -- AVG, R, HR, RBI, SB and W, ERA, WHIP, K, SV. As standard as a fantasy baseball league gets. My picks are highlighted ...
Round 1
1.1 Mike Trout, OF, Angels
1.2 Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Tigers
1.3 Giancarlo Stanton, OF, Marlins
1.4 Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates
1.5 Clayton Kershaw, SP, Dodgers
1.6 Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Diamondbacks
1.7 Jose Abreu, 1B, White Sox
1.8 Jose Altuve, 2B, Astros
1.9 Carlos Gomez, OF, Brewers
1.10 Jose Bautista, OF, Blue Jays
1.11 Felix Hernandez, SP, Mariners
1.12 Adam Jones, OF, Orioles
Round Analysis: I got the first overall pick by random and made the no-brainer call on Mike Trout. He’s a five-category filler with all-time-great upside at age 23. Other observations … Clayton Kershaw is usually the only first-round pitcher, but he was joined here by Felix Hernandez. 11th overall for Hernandez is probably a reach in a standard 12-team league, but it’s not egregious or anything. King Felix is our second-ranked starting pitcher behind Kershaw and he sits 17th overall in our Top 250. There aren’t going to be many shocking first-round picks if you’re playing in a serious league.
Round 2
2.13 Edwin Encarnacion, 1B, Blue Jays
2.14 Max Scherzer, SP, Nationals
2.15 Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Cubs
2.16 Robinson Cano 2B, Mariners
2.17 Yasiel Puig, OF, Dodgers
2.18 Hanley Ramirez, SS, Red Sox
2.19 Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies
2.20 Madison Bumgarner, SP, Giants
2.21 Adrian Beltre, 3B, Rangers
2.22 Michael Brantley, OF, Indians
2.23 Anthony Rendon, 3B, Nationals
2.24 Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Yankees
Round Analysis: It felt a little wrong selecting outfielders with my first two picks in a three-outfielder league, but I’ve always been a fan of a “best available” early-round draft strategy and Jacoby Ellsbury fit that bill. Ellsbury is kind of a poor man’s Trout, capable of filling all five of the standard offensive scoring categories. I expect his second season in New York to be better than his first. Other observations … Troy Tulowitzki isn’t going to fall this far in many leagues. Sure, he’s an injury risk, but the four-time All-Star carries a clean bill of health into 2015 and he hit .340/.432/.603 with 21 home runs in 91 games last season. That’s an MVP pace at the shallowest position for fantasy production. Hanley Ramirez is also a good value here. He’s going to play left field in Boston but will retain his shortstop eligibility in most leagues.
Round 3
3.25 Stephen Strasburg, SP, Nationals
3.26 George Springer, OF, Astros
3.27 Josh Donaldson, 3B, Blue Jays
3.28 Ian Desmond, SS, Nationals
3.29 Chris Sale, SP, White Sox
3.30 Bryce Harper, OF, Nationals
3.31 Buster Posey, C, Giants
3.32 Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Dodgers
3.33 Ryan Braun, OF, Brewers
3.34 David Price, SP, Tigers
3.35 Freddie Freeman, 1B, Braves
3.36 Justin Upton, OF, Padres
Round Analysis: I usually like to grab one sure-fire ace near the top of a draft and then wait a while to begin filling out the rest of my rotation. Stephen Strasburg dropping into the third round allowed me to follow that plan. He has some of the best swing-and-miss stuff in the majors and I can pencil him in for well over 200 strikeouts with outstanding rate stats and a high win total. Other observations … I know first base isn’t as deep as it once was, but Freddie Freeman at 35th overall is cringe-worthy. He slugged only 18 home runs in 162 games last season and the Braves’ lineup lost Jason Heyward, Evan Gattis, and Justin Upton this winter. Guys like Eric Young Jr. and Jonny Gomes aren’t going to provide Freeman with as many RBI opportunities.
Round 4
4.37 Zack Greinke, SP, Dodgers
4.38 Albert Pujols, 1B, Angels
4.39 Corey Kluber, SP, Indians
4.40 Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Rockies
4.41 Corey Dickerson, OF, Rockies
4.42 Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies
4.43 Jordan Zimmermann, SP, Nationals
4.44 Billy Hamilton, OF, Reds
4.45 David Ortiz, DH, Red Sox
4.46 Aroldis Chapman, RP, Reds
4.47 Johnny Cueto, SP, Reds
4.48 Prince Fielder, 1B, Rangers
Round Analysis: I went dynamic with my first two offensive picks -- Mike Trout and Jacoby Ellsbury -- so my mission here in the fourth round was to grab the best raw power bat on the board. Prince Fielder is recovered from last year’s neck surgery and capable of a huge comeback season in one of the most power-friendly home parks in the majors. Other observations … Nolan Arenado at 42nd overall may be favorite value of this entire draft. He put up an .828 OPS, 18 home runs, and 61 RBI in 111 games last season at age 23. We have him at 21st overall in our Top 250. You’ll notice that there were three Rockies drafted consecutively in this round. The allure of Coors Field.
Round 5
5.49 Jose Reyes, SS, Blue Jays
5.50 Cole Hamels, SP, Phillies
5.51 Craig Kimbrel, RP, Braves
5.52 Joey Votto, 1B, Reds
5.53 Starling Marte, OF, Pirates
5.54 Jon Lester, SP, Cubs
5.55 Matt Kemp, OF, Padres
5.56 Adam Wainwright, SP, Cardinals
5.57 Todd Frazier, 3B, Reds
5.58 Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays
5.59 Yoenis Cespedes, OF, Tigers
5.60 Dee Gordon, 2B, Marlins
Round Analysis: I try not to reach for shortstops, but I’m certainly not against grabbing one early if the price is right. Jose Reyes fell into my lap here at 49th overall; we have him ranked 30th. The 31-year-old pumps a little more speed into my roster and carries great run-scoring potential as the leadoff man in a potent Blue Jays lineup. Other observations … Matt Kemp is going way too high for my liking this year. He had a tremendously productive second half last year for the Dodgers, but a physical this winter revealed arthritis in both of his hips and the Padres’ Petco Park is going to sap some of his power. There are too many good options on the board to pick him in the fifth round of a 12-team, three-outfielder league.
Round 6
6.61 Matt Harvey, SP, Mets
6.62 Ian Kinsler, 2B, Tigers
6.63 Christian Yelich, OF, Marlins
6.64 Víctor Martinez, 1B, Tigers
6.65 Nelson Cruz, OF, Mariners
6.66 Greg Holland, RP, Royals
6.67 Matt Holliday, OF, Cardinals
6.68 Kyle Seager, 3B, Mariners
6.69 Mookie Betts, OF, Red Sox
6.70 David Robertson, RP, White Sox
6.71 Jason Heyward, OF, Cardinals
6.72 Pablo Sandoval, 3B, Red Sox
Round Analysis: Pablo Sandoval is a good bet for home runs, RBI, and a decent batting average in Boston. He was a pretty valuable fantasy third baseman during his time in San Francisco’s pitcher-friendly AT&T Park. Now he’ll play half of his games at hitter-friendly Fenway Park. Other observations … The parade of closers is in full swing, with Aroldis Chapman going in the fourth round, Craig Kimbrel going in the fifth round, and Greg Holland and David Robertson being selected here in the sixth round. I like to sit out of the initial run on these guys, especially when it happens so early. There are too many high-impact players on the board to opt for a reliever.
Round 7
7.73 Jason Kipnis, 2B, Indians
7.74 Julio Teheran, SP, Braves
7.75 Mark Melancon, RP, Pirates
7.76 Jorge Soler, OF, Cubs
7.77 Gerrit Cole, SP, Pirates
7.78 Charlie Blackmon, OF, Rockies
7.79 James Shields, SP, Padres
7.80 Kris Bryant, 3B, Cubs
7.81 Alex Gordon, OF, Royals
7.82 Dellin Betances, RP, Yankees
7.83 Hisashi Iwakuma, SP, Mariners
7.84 Jake Arrieta, SP, Cubs
Round Analysis: Jason Kipnis was a first-round pick in some leagues last year after tallying 17 home runs, 84 RBI, and 30 stolen bases in 2013. He was a disappointment in 2014, but he is a worthwhile gamble for 2015 at 73rd overall. Other observations … Another draft, another very early selection for Kris Bryant. I get it -- he has tremendous power potential and is crushing balls this spring in the Cactus League -- but it’s pretty rare for a young hitter to make a seamless jump from the minors to the majors. I’ll wait until 2016 to hop on this train. The Cubs are expected to call him up around two weeks into the 2015 season.
Round 8
8.85 Kole Calhoun, OF, Angels
8.86 Brian Dozier, 2B, Twins
8.87 Jeff Samardzija, SP, White Sox
8.88 David Wright, 3B, Mets
8.89 Chris Carter, 1B, Astros
8.90 Jay Bruce, OF, Reds
8.91 Alex Wood, SP, Braves
8.92 Jonathan Lucroy, C, Brewers
8.93 Carlos Santana, 1B, Indians
8.94 Tyson Ross, SP, Padres
8.95 Cody Allen, RP, Indians
8.96 Devin Mesoraco, C, Reds
Round Analysis: You don’t have to reach for a catcher in a one-catcher league. It’s a deep position this year. Devin Mesoraco racked up 25 homers and 80 RBI in 114 games last season and seemed like a good value here at the bottom of the eighth round. Other observations … I was actually hoping Carlos Santana would fall a few more spots to my draft position. He got off to a really slow start in 2014 yet still managed 27 home runs and 85 RBI. Santana should be a force this year as the cleanup man in a strong Indians lineup.
Round 9
9.97 Sonny Gray, SP, Athletics
9.98 Matt Carpenter, 3B, Cardinals
9.99 Trevor Rosenthal, RP, Cardinals
9.100 Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals
9.101 Evan Gattis, C, Astros
9.102 Alex Cobb, SP, Rays
9.103 Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox
9.104 Jacob deGrom, SP, Mets
9.105 Gio Gonzalez, SP, Nationals
9.106 Drew Storen, RP, Nationals
9.107 Marcell Ozuna, OF, Marlins
9.108 Chris Davis, 1B, Orioles
Round Analysis: After focusing on position players for several rounds, it was time to grab my second starting pitcher. Sonny Gray boasts a 2.99 ERA and 250 strikeouts in 283 career major league innings and he makes his home starts in the most pitcher-friendly stadium in the bigs. Also, he’s only 25 years old. Other observations … I like the Chris Davis pick at 108th overall. He’s flying under the radar in drafts this spring because of his messy 2014 season, but this is a guy who finished with 53 home runs and 138 RBI in 2013. Dustin Pedroia is another good value at 103rd overall. He should have a big bounceback in him.
Round 10
10.109 J.D. Martinez, OF, Tigers
10.110 Brett Gardner, OF, Yankees
10.111 Masahiro Tanaka, SP, Yankees
10.112 Alexei Ramirez, SS, White Sox
10.113 Yan Gomes, C, Indians
10.114 Kolten Wong, 2B, Cardinals
10.115 Manny Machado, 3B, Orioles
10.116 Huston Street, RP, Angels
10.117 Mark Trumbo, OF, Diamondbacks
10.118 Garrett Richards, SP, Angels
10.119 Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers
10.120 Carlos Carrasco, SP, Indians
Round Analysis: I wasn’t dead-set on grabbing my third starter in this round, but Carlos Carrasco was too intriguing to pass up. He registered a 1.69 ERA and 117 strikeouts over his final 112 innings last season. Other observations … Kolten Wong ranks 37th in our Top 250, yet he lasted until the 114th pick in this draft. That’s a steal for a second baseman with 20-homer, 20-steal ability. I also like the value on Mark Trumbo at 117th overall. He has a clean bill of health and should mash home runs this year at Chase Field.
Round 11
11.121 Steve Cishek, RP, Marlins
11.122 Koji Uehara, RP, Red Sox
11.123 Howie Kendrick, 2B, Dodgers
11.124 Andrew Cashner, SP, Padres
11.125 Hunter Pence, OF, Giants
11.126 Matt Adams, 1B, Cardinals
11.127 Phil Hughes, SP, Twins
11.128 Starlin Castro, SS, Cubs
11.129 Hyun-Jin Ryu, SP, Dodgers
11.130 Neil Walker, 2B, Pirates
11.131 Glen Perkins, RP, Twins
11.132 Salvador Perez, C, Royals
Round Analysis: I finally jumped into the closer pool, and the water was warm. Steve Cishek owns a 2.65 ERA and 9.9 K/9 in 257 2/3 major league innings and he’ll be closing games this year for a much-improved Marlins team. Other observations … I was debating drafting Koji Uehara instead of Cishek, but there are some things that scared me off. Uehara turns 40 years old just before Opening Day and he surrendered 10 earned runs over his final 7 2/3 innings last season. There’s too much risk there of a full-on breakdown.
Round 12
12.133 Shin-Soo Choo, OF, Rangers
12.134 Anibal Sanchez, SP, Tigers
12.135 Kenley Jansen, RP, Dodgers
12.136 Yadier Molina, C, Cardinals
12.137 Fernando Rodney, RP, Mariners
12.138 Jayson Werth, OF, Nationals
12.139 Doug Fister, SP, Nationals
12.140 Josh Harrison, 3B, Pirates
12.141 Ben Zobrist, 2B, Athletics
12.142 Eric Hosmer, 1B, Royals
12.143 Brandon Moss, 1B, Indians
12.144 Joaquin Benoit, RP, Padres
Round Analysis: I like to grab my two main closers back-to-back when the opportunity presents itself. Just to sort of get it out of the way. Joaquin Benoit is 37 years old, but he posted a dominant 1.49 ERA and 10.6 K/9 in 54 1/3 innings last season and the Padres made a whole bunch of upgrades to their roster this winter. I’m thinking 40 saves will be within reach for him. Other observations … I don’t like the Jayson Werth pick at 138th overall. He’s on his way back from shoulder surgery and I’m not optimistic about what his power numbers are going to look like in his age-36 season. Werth ranks 179th in our Top 250.
Round 13
13.145 Leonys Martín, OF, Rangers
13.146 Brian McCann, C, Yankees
13.147 Brandon Belt, 1B, Giants
13.148 Mike Fiers, SP, Brewers
13.149 Justin Morneau, 1B, Rockies
13.150 Daniel Murphy, 2B, Mets
13.151 Chris Archer, SP, Rays
13.152 Lucas Duda, 1B, Mets
13.153 Lance Lynn, SP, Cardinals
13.154 Collin McHugh, SP, Astros
13.155 Jimmy Rollins, SS, Dodgers
13.156 Jonathan Papelbon, RP, Phillies
Round Analysis: I was seeking general offensive upside here in the 13th round after spending four consecutive rounds on pitchers (two starters, two closers). Leonys Martin is a decent candidate for one of those classic age-27 breakouts. And if that doesn’t happen, he’ll still be good for 30-plus steals. Other observations … Brandon Belt isn’t getting much love in drafts this year after appearing in only 61 games last season, but he’s a nice snag at 147th overall. The 26-year-old is healthy and tearing up the Cactus League this spring. He had a 139 OPS+ in 2013 and the Giants are going to lean on him in 2015.
Round 14
14.157 Yordano Ventura, SP, Royals
14.158 Ian Kennedy, SP, Padres
14.159 Ben Revere, OF, Phillies
14.160 Mat Latos, SP, Reds
14.161 Jered Weaver, SP, Angels
14.162 A.J. Pollock, OF, Diamondbacks
14.163 Alex Rios, OF, Royals
14.164 Javier Baez, 2B, Cubs
14.165 Melky Cabrera, OF, White Sox
14.166 Avisail Garcia, OF, White Sox
14.167 Joc Pederson, OF, Dodgers
14.168 Adam LaRoche, 1B, White Sox
Round Analysis: I picked up speed in the last round, so my focus here was power. Adam LaRoche had 26 home runs and 92 RBI with the Nationals in 2014 and I think he can top both of those numbers on the south side of Chicago. U.S. Cellular Field is a power-friendly stadium. Nationals Park is not. Other observations … I’ve seen Javier Baez drafted earlier than 164th overall, but I’d still call this a reach. He batted .169/.227/.324 with 95 strikeouts last year in his first 52 major league games and the swing-and-miss trend has continued this spring. I love the bat speed, but I don’t think the 22-year-old is ready quite yet.
Round 15
15.169 Michael Wacha, SP, Cardinals
15.170 Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Brewers
15.171 Gregory Polanco, OF, Pirates
15.172 Drew Smyly, SP, Rays
15.173 Lorenzo Cain, OF, Royals
15.174 Justin Verlander, SP, Tigers
15.175 Homer Bailey, SP, Reds
15.176 Scott Kazmir, SP, Athletics
15.177 Jose Quintana, SP, White Sox
15.178 Mike Napoli, 1B, Red Sox
15.179 Xander Bogaerts, SS, Red Sox
15.180 Santiago Casilla, RP, Giants
Round Analysis: Time for another starting pitcher. Michael Wacha’s shoulder is obviously a concern, but he has looked healthy and sharp this spring and he’ll be a massive steal for me if he flirts with 200 innings in 2015. The 23-year-old right-hander owns a shiny 3.04 ERA, 1.159 WHIP, and 159 strikeouts in 171 2/3 career major league frames. Other observations … Gregory Polanco and Xander Bogaerts are a couple of our favorite post-hype sleepers. They both had incredible minor league numbers and are very capable of breaking out in 2015. Good values here in the 15th round.
Round 16
16.181 Francisco Liriano, SP, Pirates
16.182 Wilin Rosario, C, Rockies
16.183 Danny Santana, SS, Twins
16.184 Zach Britton, RP, Orioles
16.185 Francisco Rodriguez, RP, Brewers
16.186 Brandon McCarthy, SP, Dodgers
16.187 Russell Martin, C, Blue Jays
16.188 Wade Davis, RP, Royals
16.189 Jake Odorizzi, SP, Rays
16.190 Jean Segura, SS, Brewers
16.191 Rusney Castillo, OF, Red Sox
16.192 Adam Eaton, OF, White Sox
Round Analysis: I’m probably higher on Adam Eaton than most, but I’ll stick by it. He’s a well-rounded player who will bat leadoff this year in a very good White Sox lineup. I’m banking on 100-plus runs scored, some stolen bases, and a good batting average. I also think some of his line drives will turn into home runs. Other observations … Francisco Liriano was the bargain of the offseason in my eyes -- he re-signed with the Pirates for three years, $39 million -- and I also think he was a bargain in this draft. The 31-year-old left-hander is good for an ERA under 3.50 and more than a strikeout per inning. That’s ace-like if he makes it to 200 innings.
Round 17
17.193 Michael Pineda, SP, Yankees
17.194 Wil Myers, OF, Padres
17.195 Matt Shoemaker, SP, Angels
17.196 Jake McGee, RP, Rays
17.197 Jose Fernandez, SP, Marlins
17.198 Hector Rondon, RP, Cubs
17.199 Tyler Clippard, RP, Athletics
17.200 Jhonny Peralta, SS, Cardinals
17.201 Neftali Feliz, RP, Rangers
17.202 Michael Cuddyer, OF, Mets
17.203 Danny Salazar, SP, Indians
17.204 Erick Aybar, SS, Angels
Round Analysis: I don’t need to run through Michael Pineda’s past injury issues. There’s obviously some risk that he’ll be a bust for me. But the 26-year-old right-hander has looked healthy this spring and he owns a 3.17 ERA, 1.015 WHIP, and 232/62 K/BB ratio in 247 1/3 career major league innings. Worth a shot. Other observations … Everybody loves Jose Fernandez, and for good reason, but I’m flat-out ignoring him in drafts this year. He’s not going to rejoin the Marlins until mid-to-late June and even the best pitchers typically struggle in their first year back from Tommy John surgery.
Round 18
18.205 Sean Doolittle, RP, Athletics
18.206 Addison Reed, RP, Diamondbacks
18.207 Khris Davis, OF, Brewers
18.208 Ervin Santana, SP, Twins
18.209 Kyle Lohse, SP, Brewers
18.210 Matt Cain, SP, Giants
18.211 James Paxton, SP, Mariners
18.212 Andrew Miller, RP, Yankees
18.213 Tanner Roark, SP, Nationals
18.214 Matt Wieters, C, Orioles
18.215 John Lackey, SP, Cardinals
18.216 Yasmany Tomas, OF, Diamondbacks
Round Analysis: Yasmany Tomas is still very much a mystery and has struggled defensively at third base this spring in Diamondbacks camp, but I love the fit of his power bat at Chase Field. If he gets me 30 home runs, I won’t care where he’s playing in the field. Other observations … I guess Tanner Roark is worth the gamble at some point, but I’m not keen on drafting a pitcher who doesn’t have a rotation spot. If all of Washington’s starters remain healthy, Roark will be a long reliever throughout the 2015 season. And there’s no fantasy value in that role.
Round 19
19.217 Jesse Hahn, SP, Athletics
19.218 Ken Giles, RP, Phillies
19.219 Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies
19.220 Shelby Miller, SP, Braves
19.221 Tony Watson, RP, Pirates
19.222 Torii Hunter, OF, Twins
19.223 Coco Crisp, OF, Athletics
19.224 Wily Peralta, SP, Brewers
19.225 Marlon Byrd, OF, Reds
19.226 Rick Porcello, SP, Red Sox
19.227 Oswaldo Arcia, OF, Twins
19.228 Alcides Escobar, SS, Royals
Round Analysis: Being able to get Jesse Hahn in the 19th round is exactly the reason I’m waiting on starting pitching this year even more than in years past. Hahn posted a 3.07 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 70 strikeouts in 73 1/3 innings last season for San Diego. I’m projecting more of the same in Oakland over about 160-170 frames. Other observations … I don’t understand the Tony Watson pick. Mark Melancon is a very steady closer for the Pirates and this was planned as a non-holds league. Ken Giles is a fine setup man to grab here in the 19th round because Jonathan Papelbon could be on his way out of Philadelphia, but Watson does nothing for me.
Round 20
20.229 Austin Jackson, OF, Mariners
20.230 Rajai Davis, OF, Tigers
20.231 Desmond Jennings, OF, Rays
20.232 Billy Butler, 1B, Athletics
20.233 Brett Lawrie, 3B, Athletics
20.234 Steven Souza, OF, Rays
20.235 Pedro Alvarez, 1B, Pirates
20.236 Steve Pearce, 1B, Orioles
20.237 Jenrry Mejia, RP, Mets
20.238 Chris Tillman, SP, Orioles
20.239 LaTroy Hawkins, RP, Rockies
20.240 Brett Cecil, RP, Blue Jays
Round Analysis: I felt really good about my offense and rotation at this point, so I decided to dip back into the closer market. Brett Cecil was named the Blue Jays’ ninth-inning man in mid-March and I think he’ll rack up saves in bunches this year on an improved Toronto team. Other observations … Steven Souza is one of our favorite sleepers for the 2015 fantasy baseball season and he was a nice value here at 234th overall. The 25-year-old outfielder batted .350/.432/.590 with 18 homers, 75 RBI, and 26 stolen bases in 96 games last year at Triple-A. Chris Tillman going 238th overall is yet another example of this year’s starting pitching depth. Over the last two seasons, Tillman has averaged a 3.52 ERA, 1.226 WHIP, and 164 strikeouts in 207 innings. He’s only 26.
Round 21
21.241 Micah Johnson, 2B, White Sox
21.242 Denard Span, OF, Nationals
21.243 Dalton Pompey, OF, Blue Jays
21.244 Joe Mauer, 1B, Twins
21.245 Michael Morse, 1B, Marlins
21.246 Carlos Beltran, OF, Yankees
21.247 Adam Lind, 1B, Brewers
21.248 Ryan Howard, 1B, Phillies
21.249 Martin Prado, 3B, Marlins
21.250 Drew Hutchison, SP, Blue Jays
21.251 Rougned Odor, 2B, Rangers
21.252 Dexter Fowler, OF, Cubs
Round Analysis: There are some nice cheap-speed values on the board this year, and I landed my personal favorite here in the 21st round. Micah Johnson, 24, stole 84 bases in the minors back in 2013. He’s expected to be Chicago’s primary second baseman and he could bat second at times in a potentially potent White Sox lineup. Other observations … Dalton Pompey is another attractive cheap speed option. He racked up 43 steals last year in the minors and he’ll open the 2015 season as the Blue Jays’ starting center fielder. Joe Mauer going 244th overall? How the mighty have fallen.
Round 22
22.253 Chase Headley, 3B, Yankees
22.254 J.J. Hardy, SS, Orioles
22.255 Miguel Montero, C, Cubs
22.256 Carl Crawford, OF, Dodgers
22.257 Curtis Granderson, OF, Mets
22.258 Jedd Gyorko, 2B, Padres
22.259 Matt Garza, SP, Brewers
22.260 Henderson Alvarez, SP, Marlins
22.261 Wilson Ramos, C, Nationals
22.262 Arismendy Alcantara, OF, Cubs
22.263 Mark Teixeira, 1B, Yankees
22.264 Kevin Gausman, SP, Orioles
Round Analysis: I rounded out my rotation here with 24-year-old right-hander Kevin Gausman, the fourth overall pick in the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft. Gausman was rushed to the majors, so his numbers aren’t all that sparkling, but the upside is obvious when you watch him pitch. He should be ready to take that next step in 2015. Other observations … If you want an example of why you should wait on a catcher in a one-catcher league, check out this round. Miguel Montero and Wilson Ramos both promise high-level production.
Round 23
23.265 Luke Gregerson, RP, Astros
23.266 A.J. Burnett, SP, Pirates
23.267 Joe Nathan, RP, Tigers
23.268 Drew Stubbs, OF, Rockies
23.269 Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B, Indians
23.270 Dallas Keuchel, SP, Astros
23.271 Wei-Yin Chen, SP, Orioles
23.272 Derek Norris, C, Padres
23.273 Jason Hammel, SP, Cubs
23.274 Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds
23.275 Mike Leake, SP, Reds
23.276 Nick Castellanos, 3B, Tigers
Round Analysis: It’s rare that I’ll draft four closers in a 23-rounder, but I wasn’t going to pass up Luke Gregerson with my final pick. He had a 2.12 ERA in 72 1/3 innings last season with the A’s and I think he’ll be a very good source of saves this season on an improved Astros team. Other observations … Joe Nathan is the closer on a loaded Tigers team, but he’s 40 years old and posted a 4.81 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 2014. He has also been getting knocked around this spring. I’d rather draft the Tigers’ next-in-line guy, former Royals and Rangers closer Joakim Soria.