On Friday, Eric posted links to the AL and NL-only LABR draft results. I like to compare the auction prices to the players I am keeping in my two NL-only auction leagues. In the UBA league, the only stretch as far as keepers goes appears to be Paul Maholm. He was drafted for $8 in LABR, and I plan to keep him at $10 in UBA, with the thought that he may build on his successful 2008 season.
But, what stood out for me was the prices that the NL catchers went for. Several months ago, I wrote an article here at Faketeams saying that the NL catching position would be deep, and it appears that the LABR owners agreed, as several catchers fetched $15+:
Brian McCann-$24
Geovany Soto-$23
Russell Martin-$22
Chris Iannetta-$20
Ryan Doumit-$18
Benjie Molina-$15
Ramon Hernandez-$15
I am sure if Pablo Sandoval was catcher eligible he would fetch $20+. As it was, he was drafted at $19 as a 1B-eligible hitter.
Another draft result surprise was how cheap the NL closers were drafted for, excluding Brad Lidge and Francisco Rodriguez . Could this be due to the plethora of unsettled closer roles in the NL this year? Or, due to the high percentage of turnover in the closers role?
Francisco Cordero-$15
Mike Gonzalez-$11
Huston Street-$9
Manny Corpas-$7
Chris Perez-$10
Jason Motte-$5
Chad Qualls-$13
Brian Wilson-$13
Kevin Gregg-$5
Carlos Marmol-$20
Trevor Hoffmann-$13
Heath Bell-$15