eMLB’s 2009 Preseason Rankings

Once again I do my preseason rankings. It is based on current teams lineups and baring a major catastrophe I feel most of the playoff teams will make it. As we all know nobody is perfect but I do get most right every year. The difference between teams 2 thru 5 is minor. Any of those teams I could make 2 or 5.

1. Mid-Michigan Tigers I was shocked after looking at his teams current lineup to see that Keith might have finally broken the jinx of making the eMLB playoffs. Yet top to bottom he has the most complete team leading into the season. They will have plenty of power when injury strikes to keep it going. With this group that will happen. Utley/Burrell will lead that department with Ichiro/Win taking the speed. I can see this team winning 5-6 hitting stats a week. That alone will keep him in every week. Pitching has a nice mix of Vets and youth. If I had to find a weakness it’s the closers and depth. Wilson is horrible and Percival we don’t know how long he will last. If he needs to use his depth he might need to trade some contracts to bulk up.

2. South Texas Heat Berg was able to move an expiring contract for another 1st and will help him for the next 3 years. Moving Utley/Dunn hurt overall but long term helped by getting Ramirez/Kazmir for longer. Still even with that he has a well rounded offense. Will need a few guys to rebound or step it up. Davis/Konerko/Hart. The teams weakness on offense will be BA and Speed. Still should lock up 3-4 each week. The SP is the real question mark. 4 of the top 5 SP have injury questions and age. They have 2 elite closers and good setup men for holds. What this team lacks is solid depth. They had Drew to help which is good but then nothing. SP pretty much the same.

3. New Jersey Mets I can’t be top this year. As the Tigers have too much fire power but with the moves I made and the depth I got I will once again make another playoff run. I don’t have any super studs. Most of the time my team doesn’t have that. Yet I don’t have any real weakness positions either. Power is split among the whole team and the same for speed. I could have 6 guys in double digits in SB. The hitting I should win 5 stats a week with only BB my weakness. SP is more solid this year then last. Have 2 ACE SP in Baker and Shields. Danks finally turned corner and will be a decent 3rd. Kershaw and Uehara I am hoping will be ok for back of the rotation fillers at least until Smoltz and Escobar come back. If they do I could have the best rotation in the league. The pen is deep with 3 closers and secured backup men. Should not be an issue all year unlike last season.

4. Olivet Killer Eagles Larry was pretty much AWOL last year but still managed some deadline deals that set him up going into draft. Having a decent draft position helped. Power is not going to be a problem for this team. Like the Mets they have a lot of mid range power. That will help keep this team up near top all year. They are a bit light on SB but nothing that can’t be adjusted if they need to. Outside of Guillen no real depth which is most teams issues. They have a good 1-2-3 punch in SP. C.C/Haren/Billingsley all solid. If Wandy can build and Maine can keep from walking he might have the best staff. The weakness is saves. They have one closer. The setup men will provide enough holds to keep him in contention each weak. The need for a 2nd closer will have to be addressed. The only reason they are not 2nd is BB/Saves/SB. Still they could easily make that up.

5. Julian Javelina Hoyle did a great job setting his team up for one more run. Sacrificing future for that shot might have put him in contention. As he got better value by taking expiring contracts then he would have if he took players in the draft. He has similar issues that olivet has. Power is solid with RUNS/RBI but SB is going to be an issue. Same for BB. No real BA issues and will win that most weeks. Trading for Oswalt will help the youngsters. If Young can bounce back he will be fine with a 1-2-3. Another issue will be Saves. One closer but good setup men. If Glaus comes back strong he might be able to move a player or 2 to get another closer or an SS that will help. That could move them up to winning the division. As it stands now he will be a Wild card.

6. Michigan Miracles Last year I had this team a playoff spot and totally disappointed. Now I don’t have as much high hopes but they are a bubble team right now. Overall the team is decent but need to make some moves to solidify their playoff spot. They have decent power/runs/rbi.. But BA/BB/SB is an area they could improve. Winning 3 stats a week on offense will usually not cut it as you need to rely on a staff and most teams can’t do that. They lack an ACE type player and will hope that staff can keep them in contention for ERA/WHIP. Lack of K’s will prove to be an issue as he uses more SP to offset it. Having 3 possible closers gives him depth and trade bait. The depth isn’t bad and could be used to improve other areas. Look for Renner to be active molding his team.

7. Gaylord Dingers Wagner fell apart last year as predicted. Lack of depth and questionable draft picks set him back. Yet at deadline they made some nice moves to put him back into contention. Once again they struggled in the draft but not as bad as last year. Still the top 3 hitting stats will be fine. SB should be ok as long as Furcal/Crawford return to form. BA could be an issue also. Still most weeks they will in the hitting. Now the reason I don’t have this team in the top 6. SP is all questionable. Not one proven guy to keep them going. Vazquez their top SP will need to return to form he saw once since his Expos days. I am not a believer. He has one closer and a shaky one. They can some how stabilize their staff and pen they could once again visit the playoffs.

8. Knoxville Possums I say it every year but if this was a dynasty league Pat would have an awesome team. His draft picks of future studs is on. The problem is theis league is only 2-3 year keeper league and usually he signs a 3 year contract only for them to turn it on at end of contract. Half of his offense is studs. The other is built on guys who miight someday be studs but most likely not now. Still offensively they will be in it every week. The SP on the other hand is one of the leagues worst. All of them have no long term success. Edinson is his best and is a good long term SP. Hopefully not 3 year for his sake. Wood/K-Rod is a nice pair of closers. Yet the setup men are weak for holds. If they can get some their SP to stabilize then they might be able to make a playoff run. Either way they are building a nice team for 2010.

9. Carolina Yankees Some felt Chris was distracted during the draft. I think he might have been a little. While he did a good job of trying to address all areas I don’t think he has enough horses to make a run. Top to bottom offensively he’s not that bad but very little improvement chances. If Wiggy can start and Maybin proves to be starter material this year it might help offensively. No real SB to take that stat every week and one guy to BB plus low BA makes each week a fight. The SP is this teams strength. Halladay/Zambrano anchors this team and if Lirano finally achieves his draft ranking they will be up there for ERA/WHIP/K’s. 2 solid closers and decent setup men finishes off their staff. They will need to make some moves hitting wise if they think they can make a run.

10. Nothside Ballas They did a nice job of addressing the 6 offensive stats but lack the amount of studs to make a playoff run. They have Fielder/Victorino/Youkilis but after that have real question marks. He will be competitive in the offensive stats each week except BB is lite. Look for them to take 4-5 offensive stats every week. Santana anchors this team and if can stay healthy will keep this team in ERA/K’s/WHIP each week. Johnson and Lester will by far help keep that stable. They have 2 closers but both are risky options. If they turn out to be decent and get another bat or 2 they might be able to make playoffs.

11. Dallas Redbirds Well Doyel was able to pull his team out of the lottery area with a decent draft. Addressed the major issues in the power department. Problem was he ignored the SB side. No way Holliday steals even 20 this year and Figgins alone can’t do it cause hes hurt a lot. They have good BB but BA is a major issue. If Pierre finds a fulltime gig he could move up a spot or 2. The SP used to be this teams focus but I think has more question marks this year. Risking Price so early means no real upside for him. Taking him at his high point can only lead to disappointment. Nobody questions his long term but the problem teams have is judging when. Price is a few years from studville. See King Felix. One closer in Bell and needs Ray to take over to get a 2nd. Holds will be issue as we don’t know how that will play out. Still if Doyel can make some moves and some pan out he might make it interesting.

12. Springfield Slammers I first thought this was going to be a playoff team but after I looked closer at them and the other teams I see he has a decent amount of work to do in order to make the playoffs. First needs Posada/Zimmerman/Jeter/Young all to improve back to what they were or should be. If that happens they can be bumped up a lot. Consistent hitting is an issue for them. They also lack another major SB threat after Upton. You can’t win SB on one guy every week. BA will be ok every week and BB is solid. They have a decent staff and K’s will not be an issue. Ok pen in 2 closers and decent setup men. Overall this team isn’t that bad but if they address some of their offensive issues I could see a run.

13. Encinitas Beach Bums Darren one day will put it together but this is another wash year. His top player AROD out until May probably knocked him down further then they should be but after him their offense is avg at best. Will be ok in the Runs/HR/RBI department and as long as Gomez hits he will be in the running for SB each week. No guy to help on the BB side and BA is avg. Team is anchored by Harden but we all know he won’t stay healthy. After Harden is Nolasco and Bedard. If their SP can stay healthy he will be a consolidation team. Locked up the Cubs closer and Francisco should be closing in Texas. Setup is not bad. Hopefully they make some moves to position them for next year.

14. North Texas Rangers Adrian tried to pull a Hoyle in trading his draft picks for better players but he gave more then he got. He has 5 great players on offense but it falls fast after that to the point his team will either be very hot or very cold. Making battles each week very difficult. Top 3 stats will be decent but SB/BA will be issues all year. Beckett his ACE but the rest are shots in the dark. He has 2 closers but setup is weak. No depth makes improvement difficult which is why they are down here.

15 Wisconsin Brewers Storlie will complain about this ranking but I have a hard time seeing how they can make a playoff run. Tea is built around Longoria/Reyes/Sizemore but then what’s left? Reyes and Sizemore will help this team win SB most weeks but they should have another speed guy. BB is below avg and BA is avg. Peavy and Cain anchor this staff and that’s not a bad 1-2 but Parra/Gallaher/Volstad allquestion marks. Most won’t be in the lineup by All Star. Capps is a nice closer and has Ziegler also for now but how long?? Setup ok.. I don’t think Storlie has the current horses now or the depth to make a run. Best bets for them is to make moves at deadline to get some good contracts for next year. Maybe the they make it back to playoffs.

16. ES Black Sox Well somebody has to be last and John by far has the worst team. Just look at the big 3 hitting and you can see that he doesn’t have the horses to compete. Has a few nice hitters but the rest is all avg. He will lose most of the hitting every week. Coles/King Felix lead this team then we have to wonder whats next?? One closer and some decent Setup but unfortunately not enough of a staff to offset the hitting loss. Hopefully John makes the moves to build on 2010.

2009 Mets Winter Meetings

The start of another season in eMLB. Already getting my draft together I find the team with a few more issues then I like. First moving Furcal for Renteria was a risky move that didnt pan out. Obviously a move I will be careful about next time but with his back issue. I think its for the best I dont have him. As for the rest.. Losing Wright and McCann was big. Both figure to be gone early and most likely will not be back in New Jersey. I am now left with a solid right side of the Infield. Lee and Roberts are near the top at their positions. On the left side all I have is Renteria. I feel confident he will rebound a bit and make a decent option at SS like he was projected last year when he went in round 3. The OF is strong. Hamilton a steal last year is my center part of it. Wells was hurt again and lost track from his MVP start. Should once again begin strong. Hunter Pence did everything I expected of him except for SB.. He hit 25HR and 80+ RBI. I dont think its expecting too much for the same excpet more SB. Jones is a real headcase. Talent but cant focus. Pedro my other bad contract is at the end but is solid for 5 innings. might make an ok 4th or 5th SP. Shields and Danks are top tier and will anchor my staff.


So going into the meetings I am stuck on either letting it play out where I sit or doing what it takes to move up.. I have a little room for error given the quality of the contracts and amount but looking towards future always in my sights as that is what keeps me competitive each season. If I am unable to move up I will most likely move back and try to get more picks or move a few players and work on this year. There is no untouchable player except for the guys I can not move. So have fun contact me with thoughts and ideas and I will see what works.. So far its been light on my side. I think partly because of my dominance over the years. Not many want to trade with me but thats ok. I know how to prepare for draft and that alone will help. Hamilton in round 4 last year is proof of that.

eMLB 2008 Preseason Rankings

eMLB 2008 Rankings and Previews


Every year I get scrutinized about my rankings.. The difference between playoffs and lottery is minor. I could easily see the 10 seed making it with a few moves off WW. I hope nobody gets offended because it is VERY close. I could see missing 3-4 teams who make playoffs. They always ask why do I put myself near the top?? Well Most wins in the league after 6 seasons. Most playoff appearances then any other team and tied for the most eSeries appearances and titles. Now I might not know the future but I have a pretty good eye for talent and do a lot of research. Sure, I make some picks that have people scratching head but I can say most of the time I am right on my hunches. The rankings below are not to deflate team’s expectations but more or less to let an individual where they could use help and what they did right. Understand I only predict playoffs.. I have been 9 for 12 the last 2 years. Now onto the 2008 rankings.


1. New Jersey Mets

Well did you expect less?? Last years team made the playoffs barely but almost every stud flopped.. Piazza got hurt. Lee never got into full swing. Hafner flopped. Roberts did well along with Wright but Furcal struggled. The OF wasn’t much better with Jones having a career worse year.. Still going into draft, we had solid players all around. We ended up retaking Pence and Jones back. We also added Wells in the offseason and Josh Hamilton as our 4th OF. Pitching is where we got stronger. Took workhorse guys early and High reward guys later. If Pedro and Patterson can stay healthy, watch out. With 3 Closers and 2 stud MR this could be my best team in 7 years. Playoff is a lock again. Health and depth will decide how far..

2. South Texas Heat

Once again, they are 2nd on my list. They had a solid core going into the meetings. First, he traded up to get Braun. Then moved Felix for a 2nd where he grabbed a BETTER SP at the same spot he was given. Acquiring Dye/Maine might be the best move for this year. They should have enough in every category to win most weeks. The only area going into the season is the SP strength. Sure Santana will be solid and Harang will follow suit but they have many question marks three thru five. Pen is decent but not spectacular. SB’s will be on the weak side with Lugo leading the way and Damon is aging. This is an area of improvement opportunity. Still they should walk into the playoffs.

3. Michigan Miracles

When your playing Roto H2H its key that you have a share of all the stats available. Not every week will HR’s carry you. You will need SB’s and Runs to help out on down power weeks. Well here is a team that is just like that. First look doesn’t seem to be solid but they covered all 12 stats to compete each week. No true 40+ HR hitter but if you have 6 guys with 20+ it does the same. SB is a little weak but nothing major. Pitching is solid but not spectacular. Closers might be this teams weak spot. Both guys are 38 or older and the 3rd is a long term question mark due to lack of experience. MR guys are solid and will help out some of the ERA’s of the SP.. Overall, this team has improved each year.

4. Northside TX Ballas

Here is another new owner that has put it together. Had a good draft pick last year and built on it this year. Team will be one of the better run scoring teams. They also have decent power but not top of the line. The weak point of this offense is probably BB and BA. The pitching overall is solid but pitching innings is a real question mark. Nobody threw 200IP for them. Saves are solid. Pitching will be a constant work in progress. Overall, this team will have its solid hitting to keep them in contention each week. If pitching falters they could find themselves them near lottery.

5. Wisconsin Brewers

God please shoot me for this ranking.. Justin is another owner who is finally putting it together. 2 years of solid drafting have done that. Even though he still has the occasional brain fart. IE Longoria.. Overall, with the solid moves during meetings and the good picks he has a solid team. .Runs/SB will be near the leagues elite levels. HR’s are going to be enough most weeks but avg at best. BB is decent and so is BA. Proven innings eaters in the staff and 2 closers even though they are not the most dependable. The room for improvement is SP depth and most likely hitting depth when injuries arise.

6. Julian Javelina

I like the moves Hoyle made. He finally saw the true value in every player instead of the possible upside. That will reward him with consistency. He will be near the top in most offensive stats. Areas of opportunity are going to be SB’s and BB.. Ichiro can’t carry this team and right now he’s looking at 2-3 a week. In addition, BB is very light. One guy had 80 or more BB. In Pitching K’s will be a little light and possibly Saves if Lyon doesn’t do well. Still they have enough depth in hitting to make moves to improve. Those few minor areas are why I do not have this team up at the top of the playoff seeding.

7. N. W. Lansing Eagles

This team fell apart last year by not being around much. Yet they became active just before the meetings and came up with a solid plan. They should be able to use this draft to make them a solid playoff team next season. Even with that I see them on the verge of making it this year. As far as hitting goes SB and BB is very light. Runs is also an area I see is in the bottom half of the league. Nice 1-2 punch with Cain and CC. If the young SP Billingsley and the Jap pitcher Kuroda can step it up they will be tough there.. The pen is a little iffy and probably why they are just outside of the playoff spots. Still plenty of time to fix what they need to in order to move up to the top 6.

8. Knoxville Possums

I like this team overall. They have done a nice job of contracts last year and filling the holes this year. Yet they missed a few areas which kept them out of the top 6. Runs and SB will be close to the leagues best. HR’s are solid. RBI’s are ok and, BA could be the leagues best. BB is very weak. The main issue I have with them is SP.. Not too many proven guys. This could be an issue with Wins/ERA/WHIP all year. Saves should be decent and Holds might be weak. If they can make a few moves on their pitching they might be close to a playoff spot. Hitting will keep them near 500 all year at least.

9. Encinitas Beach Bums

Here is another team that followed the mold of hitting first and pitching is 2nd. They should win most offensive stats every week. The weakest hole I see on this team hitting wise is BB and BA. Where this team’s weak points are is SP. That staff is very shaky at best and will be constant work all year long. They now have one closer but that could change every week. Decent holds will help. Still until they get balance, he will be fighting a .500 battle all year. If some of his later round hitters pan out maybe he can get a few more pitchers. At some point, I feel he will have to make a decision to commit to this year or next. I feel it will be the latter.

10. North Texas Rangers

I like what this team did overall to position themselves but trading rounds 2-4 will come back to haunt him. Yes he got solid players but unfortunately you need 20 starts every week to win. He has some great players but then it drops fast. HR’s is this team’s strength but the rest of his offense is average at best. Adrian’s pitching is like his hitting. He has 2 elite SP but then it drops off to 5 ERA guys. What is the purpose of having elite SP for 1-2 if the rest of your staff is question marks. They throw 8 shutout innings and then Millwood gives up 5 runs how does that help?? One Closer and One stud MR. I know they like their team but I think next year is this teams playoff chances.

11. Gaylord Dingers

Wagner had a game plan to work towards next year but not sure, he did a great job of that. He got his team in position to have more picks and more open contracts but not sure he executed his plan well. He seemed more focused on position then drafting best available. I think he secretly didn’t want to punt this year. This went against his drafting strategy he had in years past. He will have a solid power team and SB’s will be decent. BB isn’t very deep. Yet splitting 3 of the 6 stats isn’t that bad. The problem is pitching. He obviously was not concerned with them. He has 4 guys who threw for more then 100 innings and 2 of them not really well. No closer and K’s will be an issue. Still will be interesting to see his moves as he positions himself for next year.

12. Springfield Slammers

Here is a team going backwards. Will have decent runs/HR/RBI production every week but virtually no SB/BB guys. They could be at the bottom of the barrel. When you trade your 1st and then draft 3 pitchers in your next 3 rounds if hurts your hitting depth. So what we have here is a mediocre team because of it. Most of the pitching stats could be an issue especially if his young guys don’t step it up.. This could be one of the leagues worst ERA/WHIP teams. One closer right now doesn’t help his cause K’s should be ok. I see a lot of work to make this year work but more likely a build to next year could put them back up into contention.


13. Carolina Yankees

Last years winner took a huge step back. Mainly because he lost a lot of his contracts. Its not so much that this is team is really bad its more the fact he doesn’t do anything really well. That mediocre stats will keep him in fights every week but falling just short. This can get very frustrating. SP is built the same way as hitting. Wins are pretty good but K’s are weak and 1 closer won’t help much. ERA/WHIP should be competitive most weeks. I can see this team making moves at deadline to improve their position for next year run.

14. Mid Michigan Tigers

I like Keith’s Runs/HR/RBI stats. If this team could be based on them he’s a playoff team. Yet unfortunately there are 3 more offensive stats and besides Burrell’s BB the team is VERY weak on SB/BB. BA isn’t bad and should be in the leagues top half. Now we get to the part why they are in lottery area. They have guys with innings and Wins could be this teams bight spot. Not one legit K SP will hurt K’s. He has one Closer currently and no elite MR guy. ERA and WHIP are average at best. The draft didn’t help his long term unless Hardy returns to pre all star 07. Hopefully Keith stays active and makes some moves to prepare for 09.

15. Dallas Redbirds

I don’t really make any rankings based on how moronic the owners are. Yet Doyel still baffles me in how thinks he drafts a good team. Sure he was fortunate last year and basically handed Carolina an easy championship but I don’t see lightning striking twice. He will be active and sure find some diamonds by getting lucky but still that shouldn’t be enough to get him into the playoffs. He has ok runs but power is the leagues worst. Top RBI guy last year was 82. His speed in Crawford and Pierre who might not start. At least he has Cust. He will provide his BB. 2 guys who hit above 300. With his pitching which is this teams strong side. Solid innings and wins. No closer. Good MR and ERA/WHIP will be all over. The only thing Doyel has coming back for 09 is what he signs this year. Maybe he signs the right guys but I can tell you it won’t be much hitting.. At least good hitting.

16. ES Blackksox

Somebody has to be last I know. I am sure others see it but outside of Pena’s breakout year what else does this team have offensively? Most of the offensive stats will be at or near the leagues bottom. Could they improve?? Sure that’s why we play the games. If I had a crystal ball nobody would try after the overall winner. They will have Mauer back next year and hopefully Gordon takes a step forward. With the drafting heavy pitching early and then taking hitters with no power later it doesn’t bold well to next year. But this teams strength is its SP. He could very will move up a few spots with just them alone but unfortunately winning 3-5 games a week will not cut it.. The best this team could do is take 1-2 of his elite SP and trade them for hitters that would really improve his long term. Wonder if he will make any moves to do that??

eMLB 2007 Team Previews and Rankings

Well seems to be a yearly event where I go down and rank the teams 1-18. Last year I got 5 of the 6 playoff teams correct. Using the 12 categories, we have in eMLB. Obviously, I am unable to predict injuries or moves teams make for better or worse but for the most part teams are consistent. Will some heed my early year warnings?? Making the moves needed to fix the issues or will I be just that loud mouth know it all that people resist?? It’s baseball season. The weather is starting to warm up.. Teams have already made their moves and drafted their team. Now comes the long journey and ever changing of a team to improve. This year is the tightest year yet. I am having a hard time separating the top tier from bottom. I see 8 teams that could easily make playoffs and another 2-3 that are a few moves from moving up to the elite. I doubt we see any record breaking wins.. Though losses is a different story. Bice will challenge that I think.

1. New Jersey Mets

I can hear the talk now. Reynolds picked himself 1st what a shock. Still when you incorporate the 12 stats we use I don’t have one hole as of this moment. That of course could change due to injury. I do have a lot of high risk/reward pitching. Yet my hitting is at the top of the league. Only 1 other have amassed a hitting lineup like mine and he will be #2. Coming into the draft I made moves to set myself up for max contracts and POWER.. Possibly 3 guys with 40+ power. 5 more with 20+ capability. 5 guys expected to have 100+ Runs and 4 with 100+ RBI’s. Plus add the speed of Furcal/Roberts/Wright. The pitching is the ?? Each SP is a power SP and K’s shouldn’t be an issue any given week. The teams weakness is Health as all are injury question marks. Plus my 2 closers are coming back from major injury. Still if chips fall in line an Eastern title is a lock and should be deep in the playoffs.

2. South Texas Heat

This team is only a notch behind mine. The reason is SB and a little bit lesser in the SP area. His top 3 hitting categories are almost identical. BB are close and so is BA. He Should be top 5 in almost every offensive category. SP will need to step up especially in September when most young guys tire. 4 of his 5 starters are very young and only 1 has 200IP experience. This will be a constant fixing area. The pen looks stable. Gordon and Ray should do well as long as injuries don’t happen. With Gordon that will be once again the issue. As it was last year. Solid setup men will help keep those SP in line. Overall the team should win the Central. Could very well be a World Series finalist?

3. Encinitas Beach Bums

Bums have finally molded a World Series contender. They are reaching for their 1st division pennant. With some moves later in the season, this team should be up there all year. They have a solid dependable offense. Weakness is speed. An issue they don’t have to correct but might look to. Still a good shot at winning offense 4 of the 6 stats every week. SP will be good enough to get by. K’s are a bit weak but having a solid pen will help there and keep ERA/WHIP in line. Overall, I think they can win the West but will need to make moves late in the year to get some speed.

4. North Texas Rangers

A vastly improved team.. Finally the West coasters are catching up with the rest. They are producing a few teams that could contend for the league title. A nice combo of youth and vets will keep them in contention for the #1 spot. Howard helped this team move way up. Solid RUN/HR/RBI guys. Only 1 guy with BB will hurt and ok speed. Team as very questionable SP.. ERA/WHIP struggles will force them to make a move to acquire SP. A Solid pen. Should win Holds/saves most weeks. K’s is another issue. Still they have a shot to win the West title if they stay active and make the moves to improve them. Past history team has been afraid to make a move unless out of the playoff hunt. Will they change that this year??

5. Gaylord Dingers

Last years champ made some moves but more or less tried to position for next year. Only thing is he took a slight step back in doing so. Trading some valuable power and the need for speed cost him a little. Manny and Thome should help lead the offensive stats and Ichiro will keep them in SB contention but against teams with some speed he will lose that most weeks. Pitching is very young except for Mussina. 1 solid closer and Borowski who I feel will not hold job. Overall, this team should be in the playoffs but they have very little room for error. They are by far a weak team then in previous year.

6. Springfield Slammers

They made strides last year by making it into the playoff rounds for the first time in team history. With a few more off season moves and a solid draft, they will make another run at the playoffs. Still 1 slip or major injury and this team drops to the outside. They are 6th due to power.. Each week they hang on Soriano and Ramirez. After them, they don’t have a guy with 20+ HR power in the lineup. Solid Speed and will win that most weeks. BA is very good too. Their SP kept them in the playoff hunt. All have proved themselves though Hernandez won’t last all year. Pen is solid. Saves and holds every week and K’s are good most weeks. Team’s weakness is depth and will be an issue but if they stay ahead of the curve, they will once again take a shot at a title.

7. Julian Javelina (Formally Pacific Bombers)

Hoyle moved his team in hopes it will change his teams fortune. Yet the name change didn’t do it. It was the right moves and contracts. The once star eyed owner who reached for youth and usually over estimated their production finally draft the right combo to make them a contender. Will this be their 1st winning season? He will have a shot to beat out fellow friend in North Texas. This is a battle that surely to go down to the wire. Team is built around many avg guys. Another team without 40+ HR power but a bunch of 20-30 guys will keep him in the running for the offensive stats. Like a few others not 1 legit SB guy and Cameron their leading SB guy. Very weak on BB too.. That is probably only it for keeping them in the top 6. Pitching is solid and the steal of Santana will stable it. K’s and holds will be solid but another closer will have to be added. This team could win the West with a few moves and I can bet they will be worked on. Hoyle wants to shed the hardest working owner without a winning season monkey.

8. Michigan Miracles

Last years last place team made a HUGE jump. You can thank the #1 spot and a very deep draft along with a solid draft strategy without reaching too far. Last, years contract mistakes are going to haunt him this year. Players he assigned last year taking up valuable future but I guess that is a learning experience. Even with that, they have 4 30+ HR guys and solid RUNS/RBI guys. Tavares should keep him in the SB most weeks except against the better teams. BA will be a little of an issue. Since most do not hit 300 or better. SP is slightly above avg. he K’s are good and so are holds but Saves will be an ongoing issue. Even is Gagne lasts all year Weathers won’t. Still if they can make a few moves, a playoff shot isn’t out of the question but next year is looking bright for this team.

9. Olivet Eagle Killers

It’s a good thing Larry had a solid team prior to draft. As he was not around much for the draft and let his team slip. Still he can move up into the playoff spots if he takes advantage of the other owner’s mistakes. He might not have any 40+ HR power but 3 people should be 30+ and a number of 20+ ones. Speed will be an issue without a legit SB guy and inconsistency will get frustrating. BA is going to be one of the leagues best. BB will struggle. Still offensively, a split is possible against the better teams. SP is going to be an issue with Wakefield/Maine/Williams/Davis. K’s will be tough. No save guys and not a good group of MR. If it wasn’t for their offense, they would be further down.


10. Carolina Yankees

Carolina has been improving each year since 2004. Yet even with that, I feel they slipped a bit. They lost too many too FA combined with a less then stellar draft will keep them down this year. Team has 2 legit offensive threats and a ton of speed. Offense isn’t terrible and it will carry them most weeks. BA might struggle a bit. Teams major concern is pitching. This staff could get very ugly. They will struggle with ERA/WHIP and K’s are not that strong. . Currently 1 closer and their top setup guy already injured. If this team can correct the pitching some how they might make the playoffs but I think that is a long shot. Since it would take a few guys to do that and they don’t have the depth.

11. Knoxville Possums

Here is a team looking for their 1st post season and has slightly improved last few years. Yet their keepers were not very deep and will hold them back another year. Team did a very good job of drafting but when you start with almost nothing it’s hard to make a contender drafting late. Still this team has a promising upside for this year and even more next. Runs will be solid each week but HR’s and RBI’s might be an issue vs. the top half of the league. Ramirez gives them their only SB threat that is different then years past. Since that was a stat, they usually dominated. BB is also weak. Decent SP nothing really great and only 1 closer since Wainwright looks to be in the rotation. I like this team’s chance at winning consolidation round and another solid draft in 2008 could make them a contender.

12. Dallas Redbirds

Doyle still doesn’t do the homework needed to make his team a legit contender. Yes, he’s made the playoffs 3 times in 5 years but 2 of those were by a handful of games. Still the league is getting smarter and we all need to study in order to contend. This year once again didn’t and it shows. The big 3 stats will be a concern. RUNS/HR/RBI. 1 guy with 30+ HR power. Nobody who will have a lot of walks.. They have decent speed and BA. Staff is ok and K’s will be good. ERA/WHIP might struggle and only 1 closer. Team had a good draft spot and didn’t improve for future. Will be interesting to see what direction this team goes in during the year. Will they beef up for a run at consolidation round or dump guys for future?? I bet it will be the latter. Look for them to be a lottery team in the end.

13. Wisconsin Brewers

Justin is going to be mad at this ranking but unfortunately, he had nothing to start and can’t make it up in one year. Still he drafted with a promising future if he assigns solid contracts. Using a solid draft spot and once again drafting decent he might make a playoff run next year. He has ok power with Giambi and Fielder. Speed is ok but BB and BA is weak. Staff has question marks but Webb will help. He has only 1 legit closer as of right now.. Either way this team is a work in progress and if they can achieve .500 they should count this as an improvement as they haven’t had that since 2003.

14. Nor Cal Sluggers

Another team stuck in mediocre land. 3 guys with 30+ HR potential but then it drops off fast. BB will be a concern but solid speed. BA will struggle too. It seems like they draft the same way each year. Draft for pitching first and hitting 2nd. In 5 years it got him 2 playoff shots and 2 early round exits. Now they have a decent SP staff except for Morris. Stuck with 1 closer might be a problem. Weak holds guys won’t help there. Looking at this team from top to bottom a .500 season is a possibility but that is a reach. In this league, .500 gets you nothing.


15. Mid-Michigan Tigers

Keith has been the highest winning team to not make the playoffs but unfortunately, they are not improving. A draft deep in talent and hitting they failed to acquire the talent to improve them for 2008 and I am afraid will be a lottery team next year. They have possibly 1 40HR hitter and a few in the 20’s but that will cost him BA. No legit SB threat and BA will struggle. Walks will also be an issue. When Glaus is your leading candidate you are in trouble. SP won’t be terrible and they have good closers. I ca see them being moved for future. Still there isn’t enough upside for this team to make a significant progress to even make the consolidation round.

16. ES BlackSox

Winners of the West and their 2nd playoff appearance took a major step back. They lost most of their team and started over having a back end pick which hurt. This is what you call rebuilding. They have no power at all. 4 guys who will hit 20+ HR’s and nobody projected to score 100 runs or drive in 100 runs. Not 1 legit SB guy and BA will be only ok. Still there isn’t a lot to get excited about since they moved to the East. K’s will be ok and ERA/WHIP will be in the leagues bottom half. They have 3 closers and I can see them shipping one for future. Either way they are looking towards 2008.

17. Bay Area Big Dawgs

It was another disappointing year for Bay Area. They are still looking for that elusive playoff shot. With one winning season in 3 years, it’s not looking good for this year. Ortiz kept them from possibly being last. Still this team doesn’t have enough around it to even give them a remote shot at the playoffs. Combine that with lack of activity and you get a perennial lottery team. This year is no different. If they assign the proper contracts and avoid the mistake ones they might be able to turn this ship around next year. ERA/WHIP will be ok most weeks and K’s are all right but they only have 1 closer and setup men are weak. I hope that they make a few moves to position themselves for next year.

18. Columbus Stuff

The Stuff conceded 2007 at the end of last year and moved everything they could for a quick improvement. Yet they are left with a team that will struggle.. Outside of McCann and Dice-K his draft was less then adequate for a next year run. Uggla is a real question mark. He outproduced any of his minor years and his second half fell back to reality. I think a 250 20HR year is more his norm. Maybe I am wrong.. Yet I do not see the near term upside I guess Mr. Bice sees. I am glad he is in the East at least.

1st half of the draft so far for the Mets. Through round 19

Mets front office is pretty happy with the value taken so far. Still room for improvement could have been done.. Mets Seniior Vice President commented " We had a goal in the draft and that was to take value and best available early in the draft. We stuck to our guns but that semi hurt us". The Mets got a ton of value early in the draft but missed out on a quality closer. A hole the Mets will surely fix one way or another but lets review what they have done so far with the team they had before the draft and what they acquired during.

C:Mike Piazza (8th)
1B:Derek Lee (1st)
2B: Brian Roberts (3rd)
3B:David Wright (Keeper)
SS:Rafael Furcal (2nd)
OF:Andruw Jones (Keeper)
OF:Josh Willingham (Keeper)
OF:Mark Teahen (5th)
OF:Chris Young (7th)
DH:Travis Hafner (Keeper)
Bench: Ty Wiggington (10th)
Bench: Luis Castillo (12th)
Bench: Jose Guillen (12th)
Bench: Rondell White (17th)
Bench: Jack Wilson (19th)

SP:Rich Harden (Keeper)
SP:Kelvim Escobar (4th)
SP:AJ Burnett (5th)
SP:John Patterson (6th)
SP: Tom Gorzelanny (13th)
RP:Armando Benitez (8th)
RP:Jason Isringhausen (9th)
RP: Duaner Sanchez (13th)
RP: Michael Wuertz (14th)
RP: Luis Vizcaino (16th)
Bench: SP Adam Loewen (15th)
Bench: RP Bradon Looper (18th)
Bench: SP Scott Baker (20th)
Bench: RP Wes Littleton (21st)

Looking closer at the hitting the Mets have top quality at every position with only gambles in the OF. 3 Guys that could hit 40+ HR's is hard to do in an 18 team league. Willingham and Wright should hit 25-35HR's each.. Piaza set to DH should hit 25+ with 500AB's. Needless to say most weeks HR's/Runs/RBI won't be much of an issue.. Furcal/Roberts will lead my SB group.. 35+ from each.. Add 20 from Wright and possibly new OF Chris Young We should get 5-8SB's in a typical week. Solid BA guys top to bottom.. Most should hit near 300 except for a few like Jones/Young/Willingham/Piazza. The staff built is a huge risk/reward group. They could all have ERA's in the 3's but how many DL stints will they have?? Depth at SP will be another priority during the year. My RP includes Armando Benitez. A Closer with shot knees but still when he is in he will be getting saves. This value first theory hurt in that aspect as Closers have less value then SP or hitters.


Best Pick: Mike Piazza.. Traded up to snag him just before Nor Cal did.. Being in Oakland as a DH and batting 4th. He could revert back to 2001 and 2002 years.. 280 30HR 90RBI.. Pretty scary numbers in round 8 out of your catcher position!!

Worst Pick: Mark Teahen.. Don't get me wrong I love the kid but in round 5 where a quailty guy is critical since he was my #3 OF I am gambling on him I still feel he will be good for 290 25 85 with possibly 10SB.. He is slated to bat 3rd..


What's up next?? Well obviously we need to add some RP.. We also need a 5th SP.. Depth at the OF position is a must.. Multi INF back ups also..

5 Rounds of drafting... Lets see how people are doing.

Obviously some have more picks then others but I am gauging value of the picks they made not only will they help.. Since this is from my point of view obviously this isn't written in stone. :)


North Texas: C

1st: 1B Ryan Howard
1st: SS Michael Young
3rd: RP Bobby Jenks
4th: SP Josh Beckett

Adrian started out well with Howard. Nice 5 year keeper... Then I am not so sure from there.. Moved up to get a 2nd 1st round pick... Used it on homer pick Michael Young. Not that he is bad but passed on a better SS. Still not horrible.. Round 3 took a closer. Not a fan of a position that changes so much this early. Round 4 took mister inconsistency Josh Beckett. Passed on some really solid dependable starters.. I guess he is hoping he will improve on that 5+ ERA last year.
Overall: Started well but has faded..

Encinitas: B-

1st:3B Alex Rodriguez
2nd:SP Jason Schmidt
3rd:OF Tori Hunter
3rd:OF Michael Cuddyer
4th:SP Mark Buehrle

Bums had a nice spot at #2.. Used it to take mister consistent A-Rod.. Love him there. Traded back to get another pick early.. A little disappointed as the players he hoped didn't slip. Took Jason Schmidt but I think he could have gotten him 2 rounds later.. Homer pick?? Round 3 nabbed Tori Hunter and love this pick.. Great value in the 3rd as I had him going in the 2nd.. Cuddyer was also good but Mark Buehrle was bad. Another who could have waited.. 3 good picks and 2 bad..
Overall: Bums improved their hitting but still don't have the eye for pitching..

Brewers:B+

1st: SS Jose Reyes
2nd: 1B Prince Fielder
3rd: (traded for Giambi)
4th: 3B Joe Crede

Team is getting better at building a team.. Took Reyes in the 1st and somebody to build around for 5 years.. Moved up in round 2 to take Fielder. Can not complain but might be another year from stardom though its coming.. Traded his 3rd round pick for Giambi and got a better hitter then what was their.. Joe Crede was a solid 4th rounder.
Overall: Storlie made some nice moves and he will see the benefit this year. Only reason no A is because I think he reached for Fielder and could have taken Gordon or Teahen to build for future..

Bay Area Dawgs:B-

1st: 1B David Ortiz
2nd: SP Chris Carpenter
3rd: SP Dontrelle Willis
4th: 2B Howie Kendrick
5th: OF Barry Bonds

Am I seeing a trend?? Starts off well and then loses it?? Loved the 1st 2 picks.. Carpenter more then Ortiz since he was supposed to go there. Carpenter fell way too far.. 1st round talent in round 2.. Then not sure why Willis went this early.. Has red flags with his control.. Some think he is going to go through a burnout phase. Kendrick was a good pick.. Solid BA 2B.. Not a lot of pop or speed but should help Runs/BA. Bonds was a homer pick.. Any guy that only plays 3-4 days a week I feel is more of a liability then asset..
Overall: Got good marks from 1st,2nd,4th but flunked 3rd and 5th. Still they might be improving...

Michigan Miracles: A

1st: 1B Mark Teixiera
2nd: OF Vernon Wells
3rd: OF Gary Sheffield
4th: 3B Chipper Jones
5th: SP Rich Hill

Solid picks up and down.. Sheffield I think was a little early but not a big deal given he probably would have gone before he picked again.. Hill could be nice.. A little risk but in round 5 that's not a huge risk.. The only thing I see might be a mistake is future team.. 3 of the 5 will get contracts but he could have drafted to make sure all 5 are worthy.. Sheffield and Jones might not be given their age.
Overall: One of the few teams that get it when it comes to drafting for this league. You need to plan for future but also be realistic for NOW..

pacific Beach Bombers:B-

1st: OF Jason Bay
2nd RP Trevor Hoffman
3rd SP Danny Haren
4th OF Brad Hawpe
5th: DH Frank Thomas
5th: SP Ervin Santana

Pacific feels they had a very good draft and I think they did better then in past years but still a little inconsistency. Bay was a good pick bt pretty much a no brainer.. Hoffman I feel was a reach.. 2nd round in this draft is early for Hoffman. He might have been there in round 4.. He is older and this crowd shuns on the old.. Haren was a great pick in round 3.. Solid future SP.. Hawpe could be a bargin IF he doesn't platoon.. Right now he is set too.. Will be hard to get to 500AB's.. Thomas was draft as a little discount from last year.. Most experts feel he played for a contract and will struggle this year.. I feel same but as a 5th not bad. Santana not a huge fan this year.. Seemed to struggle in the 2nd half.
Overall: Pacific has improved. For a team 4 years in the league now has yet to make a run for the playoffs. I think this year they can get close at least.

South Texas Heat:B+

1st: 2B Chase Utley
2nd: OF Johnny Damon
2nd: OF Adam Dunn
3rd: SP Felix Hernandez
4th: RP Chris Ray
5th: 2B/3B/OF Ryan Freel

Overall Berg did a good job at grabbing value in most rounds. Utley the priemere 2B will be his 5 year.. Damon olrder but very stable. Dunn I think is going to fall on his face this year but Berg liked his power numbers. Will be at a cost. That 225BA will be tough to bring up.. Felix is no question a future star but when?? Some think this year. Some think next.. Still a solid risk/reward pick. Chris Ray in the 4th I don't like.. Had him last year and his K's slipped 2nd half.. warning signs. Still if he is ok he will produce decent saves. Freel is a good back up for 2 INF positions and a viable speed option in the OF.
Overall: Berg did very well only questionable picks were Dunn and Ray but should still put him in position to make a run..

Olivet Killer Eagles:C-

1st: OF Vlad Guerrero
2nd: OF Jermaine Dye
3rd: SP Curt Schilling
4th: SS Orlando Cabrera
5th: C Jorge Posada

I don't understand this team.. They started out drafting VERY well. Took Vlad and that was the best pick for him.. Then took Dye who is in a ontract year in the best park for HR's.. Career numbers??? Then he slid.. Curt Schilling is nice but a little early?? Should have been there in round 4 due to his age.. Cabrera is nothing special and in the 5th there is still guys equal to him.. Posada in the 5th was ok but I can see some better value and there are still 3-4 more catchers close..
Overall: They started out well but slipped fast. Seemed like he was distracted.. Cause the picks looked like they were not reasearched.

Dallas Redbirds:D

1st: OF Carlos Lee
2nd: (Traded for Carlos Zambrano)
3rd: 1B Lyle Overbay
4th: RP Joel Zumaya
5th: Ivan Rodriguez

The 1st pick was good.. Even though I am not a fan of Carlos he will do well in Houston.. Though not sure 40+ HR's as Doyle says is possible He will provide stable stats. Overbay in the 3rd not sure was good. If he produces as he is expected that is great he earned his value but any drop off and there is no profit.. Too much risk and little reward.. The 4th turned bad.. A RP non cluser this early?? WTF do we still have Broskey?? No value here. Not sure he can produce like a closer.. Ivan Rodriguez wasn't bad pick but like with Olivet he could have gotten equal later.. Not hard to find a 300 10HR catcher.. Name alone was a reason for this pick.
Overall: I don't see a lot of upside with this draft so far.. Lee and maybe Overbay will be ok.. That trade for Zambrano will hurt. Even if he does well in round 2 he could of locked up Haren/Sheets/Lackey for 3 more years.. Can you say OUCH!!!!

Nor Cal:B

1st: OF Grady Sizemore
2nd: SP Ben Sheets
3rd: SP Josh Johnson
4th: OF Corey Patterson
5th: OF Ken Griffey JR

Team had some ups and downs in this draft. I love Grady at 10.. Think that's value even in the 1st. A guy that will hit 30-40HR and steal 20-30 bases very soon is gold. Sheets in round 2 was a good pick.. Then not sure what happened in round 3.. Josh Johnson??? Way too early.. Then he rebounded and took Patterson in 4.. Love that pick.. Great value.. Then Griffey in the 5th.. I had at least 10OF ranked much higher.. Johnson and Griffey kept him from an A..
Overall the team did pretty good. I think he will regret taking Johnson that early.. Same with Griffey..

Mid Michigan Tigers:D

1st: SP Roy Oswalt
2nd: SP John Lackey
3rd: RP Takashi Saito
4th: 2B Tadahito Iguchi
5th: OF Jacque Jones

If this team had some sort of offense this draft might not be that bad.. Yet they don't which makes the picks they did a real mistake.. Oswalt was a good pick for them.. They got their ACE but they didn't take the well needed hitter in rounds 2 on up.. I think they got frustrated seeing the hitters targeted leave. Saito is a nice closer but why a 2nd at round 3?? Iguchi not sure why went so early? I have still a few more ahead of him in round 5.. Jones I liked.. Very good pick.. Oswalt and Jones kept him from an F.
Overall: It is going to be a LONG season for Tigers fans.. Some might be storming thee stadium asking for their money back on the season tickets or the GM's head on a plate.. :)

Knoxville Possums:B+

1st: SS Hanley Ramirez
2nd: RP B.J Ryan
3rd: OF Nick Markakis
4th: SPAnibal Sanchez
5th: RP Adam Wainwright

Knoxville has had a solid draft early on.. Ramirez was a solid pick at his spot and should be a 5 year.. BJ Ryan was the best RP on the board and well above any other.. Not a fan of taking that early but at least he is elite. Nick is a good pick. He should have a very good year and might even bat 3rd.. Sanchez I didn't like.. Already reports of arm injury and we haven't started.. I thinkhe would have fallen further as most knew he had an issue.. Wainwright is a good spot to be drafted but why a 2nd so early???
Overall: Team had a decent draft in rounds 1-2-3.. Only thing keeping them from an A was Sanchez could he could end up being a wasted pick..


Springfield Slammers:A

1st: SS Derek Jeter
3rd: 1B Todd Helton
5th: RP Bob Wickman
5th: SP Javier Vazquez

Team didn't have a 2nd and 4th round picks but what he did have he did well.. Jeter a solid 1st rounder.. Helton I had a 2nd rounder and getting him in round 3 is a steal in my opinion. Wickman in the 5th another solid pick.. Then with his 2nd 5th he took Vazquez who dropped too far IMO.. Should help a lot with that value.
Overall: Team did a good job at grabbing value in every round. Another team that stay focused on reality..


ES Blacksox:B-

1st: C Joe Mauer
2nd: OF Jeff Francouer
3rd: SP Erik Bedard
4th: 3B Alex Gordon
5th: 1B Ryan Shealy

Team has done a much better job at drafting future that isn't 2-3 years away.. Mauer in the 1st was a bit of reach. Had him going middle 2nd. Francouer was ok but Hunter by far would have been a better pick.. Bedard was good pick.. Gordon I think was taken in the right spot.. Shealy was a little early but I guess he wanted the 6/7 hitters of KC??
Overall: They have done a better job at reaching for now value over next year or the following. Still they can improve if they don't shun the older players.. :)

Carolina Yankees:B-

1st: OF Bobby Abreu
2nd: SS Felipe Lopez
3rd: SP Chuck James
4th: 3B Morgan Ensberg
5th: SP Tim Hudson

Carolina took a homer pick in round 1 with Abreu but it was teh right pick for them any way. Lopez in round 2 was a bit early in my book but I guess he wanted the speed.. Not a huge difference. James I wasn't a fan of in the 3rd.. Once again teams passed on proven SP for the unknown.. Ensberg was solid at that spot.. IN the 5th Tim Hudson was taken and I think WAY too early.. I had 20 or more SP ahead of him.. Now 2 seasons removed from last solid year.
Overall: Carolina was able to stay focused and picked up solid players to build around. James and Hudson the only real down picks and what kept them from an A..

New Jersey Mets: Not doing my own views since in my eyes I drafted well.. Except for my reach with Teahen..

Columbus Stuff:F

1st: SP Daisuke Matsuzaka
2nd: 2B Dan Uggla
2nd: C Briann McCann
3rd: 1B Scott Thorman
4th: SP Chien-Ming Wang
4th: RP Jonathon Broxton
5th:

Wow where to start.. For 1.. Dice K I think was a round too early.. He might be Santana but why pay for him now??? Uggla I have always been down on look at his minors numbers. 05 he hit 251 16HR 61RBI in almost 500AB's.. Then had last season.. Can you see something wrong here?? How often does a player have better major league years then minors?? Sorry but IMO he is a journeyman 2B.. 250 15-20HR but not 2nd round material.. Paid for 06 not 07.. McCann was his only good value pick.. He went where he should have. Thorman?? I think he would have been there in round 15.. Either way he is 2-3 years from MAJOR impact.. Somebody tell Bice this is a 2-3 year keeper league.. Wang was a bit early.. Paid a lot for wins.. Broxton another MR.. Nice K's but still a MR.. Not even a closer.
Overall: Team reached on almost every pick.. I understand why but I think he inflated their projections more then they will be with the team..

Gaylord:A

2nd: OF Ichiro Suzuki
2nd: SS Carlos Guillen
3rd: 1B Adam LaRoche
4th: SP Mike Mussina
5th:

Gaylord traded back from the 1st to early 2nd to load up on another early pick.. Yet it back fired.. Had a shot at a 5 year and lost it.. Though Ichiro is what they needed and I had him as a late 1st rounder.. Guillen went also where he was supposed to go.. Solid pick there.. LaRoche the best 1B on the board.. Team didn't need him but was able to make room with a trade to get a SP.. Mussina fell a little further maybe due to age. He does have some risk but where he went there is little reason to see it being major.. Overall: Team stayed on course and didn't reach too far.. Will prove to be very vaulable come end of the year..

Derrek Lee Drafted in the 1st..

The New York Post reports that the Mets have drafted 1B Derrek Lee.. A spokesman from the Mets front office confirmed the drafting of Lee. "We had a tough decision.. Being at the back of the draft we needed to find a gem.. A player that could possibly put up numbers that rival the guys taken in the top 10. We looked at a few at this pick but we knew in order to be competitive in the league year after year you need to plan for your future without risking current. Vernon Wells was the other we kept thinking about..





He had close to the same stats as Lee and was 3 years younger.. That weighted heavy on us. We wanted a 5 year.. Though what made Lee the one we wanted was the possible production". Lee hit 46 HR's in 2005 and we felt a full year now with Soriano he should have 110+ RBI's.. When asked about contract they repiled "We are in the early discussions but a 5 year is a strong possiblity". The Mets last 5 year was Todd Helton who faded into almost nothing. Once a 40+ HR hitter faded into nthing.. We loved having Helton but by years 4 and 5 he was barely worth a 3 year type. Now maybe only 2. Mets hope the same doesn't happen to Lee.