Rate my Minor League Draft class (so far)

by kyuss94 on Feb 13, 2012 1:52 AM EST

The minor league draft for one of my baseball dynasty leagues is currently underway, and I need to put together a good haul to get my team re-tooled for a big run in 2014 or so. It's a points league, generally quite standard, but with some slight adjustments to make hitters a bit closer to pitchers than in the normal points format where pitchers are significantly more valuable. Pitchers still have a slight advantage, though. The rosters have 2 catchers, 6 outfielders, and MIF and CIF spots. I came in with a bigger short-term need in pitching, so that's where I focused early. The available pool of players included all players in the 2011 MLB draft, international free agents, and any prospects that were not owned by June 1st, 2011. The league has 16 teams.

First selection (1.3)- Danny Hultzen, SP, Sea- My thought here was to get someone who could help right away, and Hultzen could break with the M's. I'm also a big fan of Hultzen, I think his stuff from the left side is underrated and that he will be a very nice #2 SP. Also considered- Anthony Rendon

Second selection (1.5)- Gerrit Cole, SP, Pit- Now I look like the guy who doesn't know anything and just took players who went high in the real draft. I hoped Rendon would make it past 4, but I wasn't too disappointed that he didn't, I think his shoulder is a big worry. Cole's stuff makes him a 5-star prospect, and a potential future ace. His upside made me feel very comfortable with this pick, especially since no one is in his way in Pittsburgh. Also considered- Xander Bogaerts, Dylan Bundy, Bubba Starling, Yoenis Cespedes

Third selection (2.1)- Josh Bell, OF, Pit- Another Pirate. I absolutely love Bell's bat, I think he'll move through the system faster than some seem to think and he should be a fantasy stud if everything goes as planned. I was absolutely thrilled to see him fall. Also considered- Justin Nicolino, Cheslor Cuthbert, Leonys Martin, Taylor Guerrieri

Fourth selection (3.1)- C.J. Cron, 1B/DH, LAA- Maybe a reach, but I absolutely had to get Cron. The scouting reports on his bat had me drooling, and his professional debut made me like him even more. Not considered about the injury. Somewhat blocked, but I think his bat will find a place for him in LA or another team by trade sooner rather than later. Also considered- Daniel Norris, Kolten Wong, Dante Bichette

Fifth selection (4.1)- Vinnie Catricala, 3B/1B/OF, Sea- Another all bat guy, a type of player that is obviously far more attractive in fantasy circles than in real life. His production was pure insanity and with the state of Seattle's offense I think he'll force himself into the majors somewhere at some point in 2012. Also considered- Alex Meyer, Brandon Nimmo, Trevor Story.

How have I done so far? Any glaring mistakes? Any names to target going forward who people may be sleeping on? All the "also considered" players have been taken save for Nimmo and Story, one of which I will hopefully take at 5.1.

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Hmm

I would have taken Rendon before Hultzen. Hultzen is a “sure thing” but not a high ceiling. I would have also taken Cole before Hultzen probably. Bell is a great high upside pick but comes with obvious risk. Cron is also a good pick but he’s blocked for a while in LAA. Catricala I admittedly don’t know too much about.

by sportsfreak2744 on Feb 13, 2012 2:28 AM EST reply actions

Yes

Rendon before Hultzen. Plus, you could have gotten Hultzen at 5 (assuming that #4 would have selected Cole…‘cause I bet the #4 couldn’t have jumped fast enough to select Rendon. Had you taken Rendon, #4 takes BPA, and Cole fits that. Thus, Hultzen falls to you).

by JoelGuzman'sScout on Feb 13, 2012 5:14 AM EST up reply actions

If you're trying to win in 2014

Picking Hultzen first over Cole or Bundy seems odd. Not quite sure why you are looking for a pitcher who can help you now in that case. Also, I’d be surprised if Hultzen skips the minors altogether, given that the Mariners are unlikely to compete this year.

by A Behemoth on Feb 13, 2012 10:23 AM EST reply actions

Well right now I'm in an odd spot.

I don’t have quite enough talent to win it all this year, and probably not next barring something unforseen, but if Hultzen is doing his thing as a strong #3 or so fantasy starter and Cole is progressing towards ace status in 2014, I could make a very nice run assuming my hitting holds up (I’m built around Cruz, Beltre, Gordon, AGone, who should all be very productive still in 2014), I should be able to compete. Bundy I like, but honestly what deterred me from taking him was the Orioles. They’re awful about developing pitching and that frightens me. My philosophy is usually floor early, ceiling late so that was my thinking. My current rotation is just so thin, I only have Romero, Niemann, Turner and Teheran, so I wanted to get an immediate helper with Hultzen, and was fortunate enough to get a shot at Cole at the 5th pick.

by kyuss94 on Feb 13, 2012 11:55 AM EST up reply actions

for the record

love your name.

by JoelGuzman'sScout on Feb 16, 2012 4:17 AM EST up reply actions

Not the way I would've gone

having two picks so close together I definitely would’ve taken the best position player and the best pitcher available. Here’s who I would’ve selected based on who you took and who was considered. This is the best talent available in my opinion.

1.3 Bogaerts
1.5 Bundy
2.1 Bell
3.1 Bichette
4.1 Meyer
5.1 Story

Here’s who I would’ve taken with an eye on competing in 2014

1.3 Rendon
1.5 Bundy
2.1 Martin
3.1 Norris
4.1 Meyer

Follow @ChristopherB609

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by Chris Buckley on Feb 16, 2012 7:10 AM EST reply actions