The BaseballGB Fantasy League draft went ahead – slightly later than planned for obvious reasons. Read on to find out how our managers drafted 300 players in 70 minutes.
Our league has 10 teams this year and as the season is only 60 games this year – meaning seven weeks of regular season and two weeks of playoffs for the top four – the decision was made to expand the rosters. Each team would be drafting: C, C, 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, MI, CI, CF, OF, OF, OF, OF, UT, UT, SP, SP, RP, RP, P, P, P, P, BN, BN, BN, BN, BN, BN, BN.
Each manager would need 30 players per roster including extra bench slots to guard against any injuries and illnesses.The stats categories remained the same: R, HR, RBI, SB, AVG, OPS, W, HLD, SV, K, ERA, WHIP.
I had not done as many mock drafts this year as lockdown came at a time when I would have normally been doing them. I made do with just one 10-team mock, where I chose to pick sixth. I was really happy with how that draft went and it helped me finalise my draft strategy for the real thing. I logged into the draft room 15 minutes before it began and was delighted to find I was picking seventh out of 10. Yes, it was towards the back of the queue but I knew that with fairly regular picks I was confident of building a strong team.
| Round 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Aaron Judge(NYY – OF) | Richie’s RBI’s |
| 2. | Mookie Betts(LAD – CF) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 3. | Ronald Acuña Jr.(Atl – CF) | The Cheddar … |
| 4. | Christian Yelich(Mil – OF) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 5. | Mike Trout(LAA – CF) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 6. | Cody Bellinger(LAD – 1B,CF) | Bunting for … |
| 7. | Francisco Lindor(Cle – SS) | Orpington Ea… |
| 8. | Trevor Story(Col – SS) | Beckenham A&… |
| 9. | Gerrit Cole(NYY – SP) | Norwich No II |
| 10. | Nolan Arenado(Col – 3B) | Mighty Slugs |
The RBIs were always going to pick a Yankee. It turned out to be Judge. Don’t get me wrong, I love his power, but with all of the players to choose from I would go for a player that can help more across more categories in the way Acuna Jr, Trout or Yelich can. A surprise to see Betts go second too but I happily draft Lindor (as I had done in my mock) to get me started. Norwich selected Cole with their first pick. I had already decided to load up on hitters in the early rounds and leave getting a starter until later as even an ace like Cole will only pitch 12 times or so this season.
| Round 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Pete Alonso(NYM – 1B) | Mighty Slugs |
| 2. | Trea Turner(Was – SS) | Norwich No II |
| 3. | Jacob deGrom(NYM – SP) | Beckenham A&… |
| 4. | Juan Soto(Was – OF) | Orpington Ea… |
| 5. | Fernando Tatis Jr.(SD – SS) | Bunting for … |
| 6. | J.D. Martinez(Bos – OF) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 7. | Alex Bregman(Hou – 3B,SS) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 8. | Max Scherzer(Was – SP) | The Cheddar … |
| 9. | Walker Buehler(LAD – SP) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 10. | Gleyber Torres(NYY – 2B,SS) | Richie’s RBI’s |
The Alonso selection brought a similar reaction to the Judge pick for me. Yes, monstrous power and he would have been a fine pick a few rounds later but there are other players here who are better across the board, such as Bregman and Tatis Jr. I did fear that I would be picking a pair of shortstops early and was tempted to go with Tatis Jr here but decided that it made more sense to fill a different position and went for Soto (as I did in my mock). The RBIs go for another Yankee and I can understand why with Torres.
| Round 3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Clayton Kershaw(LAD – SP) | Richie’s RBI’s |
| 2. | Anthony Rizzo(ChC – 1B) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 3. | José Ramírez(Cle – 3B) | The Cheddar … |
| 4. | Javier Báez(ChC – SS) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 5. | Freddie Freeman(Atl – 1B) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 6. | Justin Verlander(Hou – SP) | Bunting for … |
| 7. | Anthony Rendon(LAA – 3B) | Orpington Ea… |
| 8. | Jack Flaherty(StL – SP) | Beckenham A&… |
| 9. | Rafael Devers(Bos – 3B) | Norwich No II |
| 10. | Bryce Harper(Phi – OF) | Mighty Slugs |
Despite several arms going in this round, I was sticking to my guns with my plan to draft hitters in the first five rounds, taking Rendon to fill out the left side of my infield. Slight surprise to Rizzo go this high and we’ll see how long it takes Freeman to recover from Covid-19.
| Round 4 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | George Springer(Hou – CF) | Mighty Slugs |
| 2. | Stephen Strasburg(Was – SP) | Norwich No II |
| 3. | Shane Bieber(Cle – SP) | Beckenham A&… |
| 4. | Jose Altuve(Hou – 2B) | Orpington Ea… |
| 5. | Starling Marte(Ari – CF) | Bunting for … |
| 6. | Nelson Cruz(Min – Util) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 7. | Blake Snell(TB – SP) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 8. | Mike Clevinger(Cle – SP) | The Cheddar … |
| 9. | Xander Bogaerts(Bos – SS) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 10. | DJ LeMahieu(NYY – 1B,2B,3B) | Richie’s RBI’s |
I had my eye on Springer to full my CF spot as the queue made its way back to me but the Slugs spoil that plan. I consider Marte’s power/speed combo but decide to take Altuve, giving me a high-quality middle infield.
| Round 5 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | James Paxton(NYY – SP) | Richie’s RBI’s |
| 2. | Kris Bryant(ChC – 3B,OF) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 3. | Yordan Alvarez(Hou – OF) | The Cheddar … |
| 4. | Trevor Bauer(Cin – SP) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 5. | Zack Greinke(Hou – SP) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 6. | Ozzie Albies(Atl – 2B) | Bunting for … |
| 7. | Austin Meadows(TB – OF) | Orpington Ea… |
| 8. | Yu Darvish(ChC – SP) | Beckenham A&… |
| 9. | Chris Paddack(SD – SP) | Norwich No II |
| 10. | Ketel Marte(Ari – 2B,SS,CF) | Mighty Slugs |
Paxton’s an interesting choice here. He was buried far down in the rankings – much too low for my liking – but I think he would have been around for a bit longer. Still, if he is fit and firing this could pan out very well for the RBIs. I had thought about getting Greinke if he was still available in the following round but the Maltsters get there first. With Bryant and Alvarez going back-to-back, I am pleased that Meadows is still there when it’s my turn. Five hitters in the bag, now time to think about pitching.
| Round 6 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Manny Machado(SD – 3B,SS) | Mighty Slugs |
| 2. | Keston Hiura(Mil – 2B) | Norwich No II |
| 3. | Aaron Nola(Phi – SP) | Beckenham A&… |
| 4. | Luis Castillo(Cin – SP) | Orpington Ea… |
| 5. | Adalberto Mondesi(KC – SS) | Bunting for … |
| 6. | Charlie Morton(TB – SP) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 7. | Paul Goldschmidt(StL – 1B) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 8. | Whit Merrifield(KC – 2B,CF) | The Cheddar … |
| 9. | Vladimir Guerrero Jr.(Tor – 3B) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 10. | Giancarlo Stanton(NYY – OF) | Richie’s RBI’s |
I was hoping that one of Castillo or Morton would reach me and end up with a choice of either. Factoring in the Reds’ schedule and interleague games against weaker opposition, I go for Castilo as I think the Reds have a decent shot to do something this year. I would have grabbed Morton in the next round but he soon goes to the Maltsters.
| Round 7 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Oscar Mercado(Cle – CF) | Richie’s RBI’s |
| 2. | Bo Bichette(Tor – SS) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 3. | Charlie Blackmon(Col – OF) | The Cheddar … |
| 4. | Victor Robles(Was – CF) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 5. | Lucas Giolito(CWS – SP) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 6. | José Abreu(CWS – 1B) | Bunting for … |
| 7. | Patrick Corbin(Was – SP) | Orpington Ea… |
| 8. | Josh Hader(Mil – RP) | Beckenham A&… |
| 9. | Eugenio Suárez(Cin – 3B) | Norwich No II |
| 10. | Kirby Yates(SD – RP) | Mighty Slugs |
I cross my fingers for Corbin and get my wish. The Mercado pick is a little strange here, especially with more established outfielders like Blackmon still available. Beckenham grab Hader, who I think could really shine in a short season. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Brewers use him for multiple-inning stints regularly to maximise his value.
| Round 8 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Josh Donaldson(Min – 3B) | Mighty Slugs |
| 2. | J.T. Realmuto(Phi – C) | Norwich No II |
| 3. | Yoán Moncada(CWS – 3B) | Beckenham A&… |
| 4. | Tommy Pham(SD – OF) | Orpington Ea… |
| 5. | Eloy Jiménez(CWS – OF) | Bunting for … |
| 6. | Marcell Ozuna(Atl – OF) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 7. | Aroldis Chapman(NYY – RP) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 8. | Tim Anderson(CWS – SS) | The Cheddar … |
| 9. | Brandon Woodruff(Mil – SP) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 10. | Gary Sánchez(NYY – C) | Richie’s RBI’s |
I like the Donaldson pick for the Slugs here (I had got him in my mock around this point). Pham’s power and speed combo will do nicely so I grab another outfielder. I still have gaps at first base and centre field. Something to think about in the next few rounds.
| Round 9 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Jonathan Villar(Mia – 2B,SS) | Richie’s RBI’s |
| 2. | Jorge Soler(KC – OF) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 3. | Tyler Glasnow(TB – SP) | The Cheddar … |
| 4. | Nick Castellanos(Cin – OF) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 5. | Ryan Pressly(Hou – RP) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 6. | Joey Gallo(Tex – CF) | Bunting for … |
| 7. | José Berríos(Min – SP) | Orpington Ea… |
| 8. | Marcus Semien(Oak – SS) | Beckenham A&… |
| 9. | Matt Chapman(Oak – 3B) | Norwich No II |
| 10. | Matt Olson(Oak – 1B) | Mighty Slugs |
I was primed to take Gallo’s power and CF eligibility until Bunting For Britain beat me too it. But the upside is that Berrios is still available, which I wasn’t expecting. With Muncy, Bell and Santana still available I take Berrios and hope that one of those three is around for my next pick.
| Round 10 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Max Muncy(LAD – 1B,2B,3B) | Mighty Slugs |
| 2. | Andrew Benintendi(Bos – CF) | Norwich No II |
| 3. | Josh Bell(Pit – 1B) | Beckenham A&… |
| 4. | Carlos Santana(Cle – 1B) | Orpington Ea… |
| 5. | Eddie Rosario(Min – OF) | Bunting for … |
| 6. | Liam Hendriks(Oak – RP) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 7. | Mike Moustakas(Cin – 2B,3B) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 8. | Rhys Hoskins(Phi – 1B) | The Cheddar … |
| 9. | Brad Hand(Cle – RP) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 10. | Trey Mancini(Bal – 1B,OF) | Richie’s RBI’s |
My mind is made up for me as the Slugs and Beckenham take my top two options. Still, Santana is not a bad consolation prize. More closers are starting to be drafted. I ought to fill that CF gap first but if Osuna’s still around he would be hard to pass up at this point.
| Round 11 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Eduardo Escobar(Ari – 2B,3B) | Richie’s RBI’s |
| 2. | Kyle Schwarber(ChC – OF) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 3. | Yasmani Grandal(CWS – C,1B) | The Cheddar … |
| 4. | Roberto Osuna(Hou – RP) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 5. | Carlos Correa(Hou – SS) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 6. | Franmil Reyes(Cle – OF) | Bunting for … |
| 7. | Michael Conforto(NYM – CF) | Orpington Ea… |
| 8. | Luis Robert(CWS – CF) | Beckenham A&… |
| 9. | Ramón Laureano(Oak – CF) | Norwich No II |
| 10. | Corey Kluber(Tex – SP) | Mighty Slugs |
The Knights nab Osuna so I decide to fill my CF slot with Conforto, starting a run on CFs.
| Round 12 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Willson Contreras(ChC – C) | Mighty Slugs |
| 2. | Mike Soroka(Atl – SP) | Norwich No II |
| 3. | Shohei Ohtani (Batter)(LAA – Util) | Beckenham A&… |
| 4. | Sonny Gray(Cin – SP) | Orpington Ea… |
| 5. | Kenley Jansen(LAD – RP) | Bunting for … |
| 6. | Miguel Sanó(Min – 1B,3B) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 7. | Edwin Díaz(NYM – RP) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 8. | Max Kepler(Min – CF) | The Cheddar … |
| 9. | David Dahl(Col – CF) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 10. | Lance Lynn(Tex – SP) | Richie’s RBI’s |
I seriously weigh up taking Jansen here but Gray is still available. There are other closers I would be content with slightly lower in the rankings, so I go for another Reds SP and hope that one of them will still be around in the next round.
| Round 13 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Jeff McNeil(NYM – 2B,3B,OF) | Richie’s RBI’s |
| 2. | Frankie Montas(Oak – SP) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 3. | Jorge Polanco(Min – SS) | The Cheddar … |
| 4. | Corey Seager(LAD – SS) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 5. | Howie Kendrick(Was – 1B,2B,3B) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 6. | Michael Brantley(Hou – OF) | Bunting for … |
| 7. | Taylor Rogers(Min – RP) | Orpington Ea… |
| 8. | Byron Buxton(Min – CF) | Beckenham A&… |
| 9. | Kyle Hendricks(ChC – SP) | Norwich No II |
| 10. | Jesús Luzardo(Oak – RP) | Mighty Slugs |
McNeil’s positional flexibility makes him a nice pick for the RBIs here and I really think Seager is primed for a big year. If I hadn’t already drafted Lindor I might have gone for him in the previous round. Rogers is the top closing option left and I make him my first closer in round 13. You really can wait for saves.
| Round 14 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Justin Turner(LAD – 3B) | Mighty Slugs |
| 2. | Amed Rosario(NYM – SS) | Norwich No II |
| 3. | Hyun Jin Ryu(Tor – SP) | Beckenham A&… |
| 4. | Ken Giles(Tor – RP) | Orpington Ea… |
| 5. | Nick Anderson(TB – RP) | Bunting for … |
| 6. | Aaron Bummer(CWS – RP) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 7. | Craig Kimbrel(ChC – RP) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 8. | Lorenzo Cain(Mil – CF) | The Cheddar … |
| 9. | Julio Urías(LAD – SP,RP) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 10. | Raisel Iglesias(Cin – RP) | Richie’s RBI’s |
I had an eye on Turner for my CI spot but the Slugs spoil that idea. I end up taking a second closer a little earlier than planned in Giles.
| Round 15 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Seth Lugo(NYM – RP) | Richie’s RBI’s |
| 2. | Will Smith(LAD – C) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 3. | Lance McCullers Jr.(Hou – SP) | The Cheddar … |
| 4. | Khris Davis(Oak – Util) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 5. | Yasiel Puig(Cle – OF) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 6. | Matthew Boyd(Det – SP) | Bunting for … |
| 7. | Mitch Garver(Min – C) | Orpington Ea… |
| 8. | Elvis Andrus(Tex – SS) | Beckenham A&… |
| 9. | Dinelson Lamet(SD – SP) | Norwich No II |
| 10. | Rich Hill(Min – SP) | Mighty Slugs |
I haven’t drafted any catchers yet and it’s a shame to see Will Smith disappear from the list when he goes to the Dodgers (of course). The good news is Garver is still available, albeit a bit further down the rankings but it doesn’t feel like too much of a reach.
| Round 16 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Hunter Dozier(KC – 1B,3B,OF) | Mighty Slugs |
| 2. | Carlos Carrasco(Cle – SP,RP) | Norwich No II |
| 3. | Adam Eaton(Was – OF) | Beckenham A&… |
| 4. | Shohei Ohtani (Pitcher)(LAA – SP) | Orpington Ea… |
| 5. | Zac Gallen(Ari – SP) | Bunting for … |
| 6. | Bryan Reynolds(Pit – CF) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 7. | Madison Bumgarner(Ari – SP) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 8. | Eduardo Rodriguez(Bos – SP) | The Cheddar … |
| 9. | Justin Upton(LAA – OF) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 10. | Tommy Edman(StL – 2B,3B,OF) | Richie’s RBI’s |
This was the part of the draft I found toughest. Plenty of SP options but none that really stood out. I take a punt on Ohtani, even though his initial results in training weren’t great. He may only pitch once a week but past the halfway point of the draft it feels like a worthwhile gamble.
| Round 17 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Zack Britton(NYY – RP) | Richie’s RBI’s |
| 2. | Robbie Ray(Ari – SP) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 3. | Max Fried(Atl – SP) | The Cheddar … |
| 4. | Andrew McCutchen(Phi – CF) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 5. | Yusmeiro Petit(Oak – RP) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 6. | Salvador Perez(KC – C) | Bunting for … |
| 7. | Ryan Braun(Mil – OF) | Orpington Ea… |
| 8. | Kenta Maeda(Min – SP,RP) | Beckenham A&… |
| 9. | Paul DeJong(StL – SS) | Norwich No II |
| 10. | Brandon Workman(Bos – RP) | Mighty Slugs |
I keep an eye on McCutchen to fill out my OF and the thought of Perez as my second catcher certainly appeals but neither are available. Braun should benefit from time at DH so I opt for him.
| Round 18 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | A.J. Puk(Oak – RP) | Mighty Slugs |
| 2. | Alex Colomé(CWS – RP) | Norwich No II |
| 3. | A.J. Pollock(LAD – CF) | Beckenham A&… |
| 4. | Mike Minor(Tex – SP) | Orpington Ea… |
| 5. | Zack Wheeler(Phi – SP) | Bunting for … |
| 6. | Lourdes Gurriel Jr.(Tor – 2B,OF) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 7. | Andrew Heaney(LAA – SP) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 8. | José Leclerc(Tex – SP,RP) | The Cheddar … |
| 9. | Archie Bradley(Ari – RP) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 10. | Marco Gonzales(Sea – SP) | Richie’s RBI’s |
I know I need at least two more SPs and Minor fits the bill here.
| Round 19 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Danny Santana(Tex – 1B,2B,3B,SS,CF) | Richie’s RBI’s |
| 2. | Joe Jiménez(Det – RP) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 3. | Mark Melancon(Atl – RP) | The Cheddar … |
| 4. | Wilson Ramos(NYM – C) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 5. | Matt Barnes(Bos – RP) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 6. | Héctor Neris(Phi – RP) | Bunting for … |
| 7. | Sean Manaea(Oak – SP) | Orpington Ea… |
| 8. | Kyle Tucker(Hou – OF) | Beckenham A&… |
| 9. | Mallex Smith(Sea – CF) | Norwich No II |
| 10. | Garrett Richards(SD – SP) | Mighty Slugs |
The final member of my rotation is Manaea. A slight gamble considering his injury but he looked so good on his return last year it makes me think it will be worth it. Now to focus on hitters and filling in my two UT spots as well as CI and MI.
| Round 20 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | J.D. Davis(NYM – 3B,OF) | Mighty Slugs |
| 2. | Alex Verdugo(Bos – CF) | Norwich No II |
| 3. | Gavin Lux(LAD – 2B) | Beckenham A&… |
| 4. | Didi Gregorius(Phi – SS) | Orpington Ea… |
| 5. | Hansel Robles(LAA – RP) | Bunting for … |
| 6. | Cavan Biggio(Tor – 2B,OF) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 7. | Adam Ottavino(NYY – RP) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 8. | Avisaíl García(Mil – CF) | The Cheddar … |
| 9. | Jean Segura(Phi – SS) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 10. | Francisco Mejía(SD – C) | Richie’s RBI’s |
I had Verdugo and Lux queued up so it’s a massive shame when they go back-to-back. I hope that Didi enjoys himself in Philadelphia and grab him as my MI.
| Round 21 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Edwin Encarnación(CWS – 1B) | Richie’s RBI’s |
| 2. | Dansby Swanson(Atl – SS) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 3. | Yuli Gurriel(Hou – 1B,3B) | The Cheddar … |
| 4. | Dellin Betances(NYM – RP) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 5. | C.J. Cron(Det – 1B) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 6. | Sean Doolittle(Was – RP) | Bunting for … |
| 7. | Brandon Lowe(TB – 1B,2B,OF) | Orpington Ea… |
| 8. | Luke Voit(NYY – 1B) | Beckenham A&… |
| 9. | Nick Senzel(Cin – CF) | Norwich No II |
| 10. | Dustin May(LAD – SP,RP) | Mighty Slugs |
To my horror, a bunch of CI options go in Encarnacion, Gurriel and Cron. I think about Voit but Lowe impressed me when I saw him last year and his ability to play 2B and OF is a nice plus as well. Now to find out what he can do in a full season.
| Round 22 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Will Harris(Was – RP) | Mighty Slugs |
| 2. | Renato Núñez(Bal – 1B,3B) | Norwich No II |
| 3. | Christian Vázquez(Bos – C,1B) | Beckenham A&… |
| 4. | Joc Pederson(LAD – 1B,OF) | Orpington Ea… |
| 5. | Carson Kelly(Ari – C) | Bunting for … |
| 6. | Yadier Molina(StL – C) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 7. | Christian Walker(Ari – 1B) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 8. | Shin-Soo Choo(Tex – OF) | The Cheddar … |
| 9. | Rougned Odor(Tex – 2B) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 10. | J.A. Happ(NYY – SP) | Richie’s RBI’s |
Pederson’s the top power hitter left and he will do very nicely as my first UT. Probably not a bad idea to get a complementary batter who offers a higher average though…
| Round 23 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Trent Grisham(SD – CF) | Richie’s RBI’s |
| 2. | Jorge Alfaro(Mia – C) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 3. | Omar Narváez(Mil – C) | The Cheddar … |
| 4. | Yoenis Céspedes(NYM – CF) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 5. | Travis d’Arnaud(Atl – C,1B) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 6. | Joe Musgrove(Pit – SP) | Bunting for … |
| 7. | David Peralta(Ari – OF) | Orpington Ea… |
| 8. | Sean Murphy(Oak – C) | Beckenham A&… |
| 9. | Mike Zunino(TB – C) | Norwich No II |
| 10. | Jake Odorizzi(Min – SP) | Mighty Slugs |
… which is why I’m happy to select Peralta. Cespedes is a very worthwhile punt for the Knights here. If he can stay fit he should offer some nice pop. Five catchers go this round, and I still need at least one more but I’m happy to wait. I need to get some set-up relievers first.
| Round 24 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ryan Yarbrough(TB – SP,RP) | Mighty Slugs |
| 2. | Masahiro Tanaka(NYY – SP) | Norwich No II |
| 3. | Joey Lucchesi(SD – SP) | Beckenham A&… |
| 4. | Will Smith(Atl – RP) | Orpington Ea… |
| 5. | Caleb Smith(Mia – SP) | Bunting for … |
| 6. | Pedro Báez(LAD – RP) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 7. | Hunter Renfroe(TB – OF) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 8. | Keone Kela(Pit – RP) | The Cheddar … |
| 9. | Germán Márquez(Col – SP) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 10. | Craig Stammen(SD – RP) | Richie’s RBI’s |
It’s hard to know exactly how the Atlanta bullpen will shape up with Melancon, Greene and Smith but at the very least the lefty should provide holds as well as the odd save. I think about Baez and Stammen for the next round but they soon go…
| Round 25 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Emilio Pagán(SD – RP) | Richie’s RBI’s |
| 2. | Ian Kennedy(KC – RP) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 3. | Giovanny Gallegos(StL – RP) | The Cheddar … |
| 4. | Tom Murphy(Sea – C) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 5. | Kevin Ginkel(Ari – RP) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 6. | Matt Carpenter(StL – 3B) | Bunting for … |
| 7. | Tommy Kahnle(NYY – RP) | Orpington Ea… |
| 8. | Marcus Stroman(NYM – SP) | Beckenham A&… |
| 9. | Jose Urquidy(Hou – SP) | Norwich No II |
| 10. | Ryan McMahon(Col – 1B,2B,3B) | Mighty Slugs |
… as does Pagan. I opt for Kahnle instead. That leaves me five slots. I need another catcher and some versatility on the bench.
| Round 26 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ross Stripling(LAD – SP,RP) | Mighty Slugs |
| 2. | Nomar Mazara(CWS – OF) | Norwich No II |
| 3. | Brett Gardner(NYY – CF) | Beckenham A&… |
| 4. | Scott Kingery(Phi – 2B,3B,SS,CF) | Orpington Ea… |
| 5. | Dylan Bundy(LAA – SP) | Bunting for … |
| 6. | Starlin Castro(Was – 2B,3B) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 7. | Mike Foltynewicz(Atl – SP) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 8. | Luke Weaver(Ari – SP) | The Cheddar … |
| 9. | Cole Hamels(Atl – SP) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 10. | Gio Urshela(NYY – 3B) | Richie’s RBI’s |
You can’t get much more versatile than Kingery at this point so he’s the perfect candidate to take a bench slot. Nice pick of Stripling here for the Slugs as he should take the rotation spot vacated by Price while Urshela’s a nice late-round pick for the RBIs here.
| Round 27 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Eric Hosmer(SD – 1B) | Richie’s RBI’s |
| 2. | César Hernández(Cle – 2B) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 3. | Kolten Wong(StL – 2B) | The Cheddar … |
| 4. | Nathan Eovaldi(Bos – SP,RP) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 5. | Eric Thames(Was – 1B,OF) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 6. | Nick Solak(Tex – 2B,3B) | Bunting for … |
| 7. | Kurt Suzuki(Was – C) | Orpington Ea… |
| 8. | Yonny Chirinos(TB – SP,RP) | Beckenham A&… |
| 9. | Kevin Newman(Pit – 2B,SS) | Norwich No II |
| 10. | Mike Fiers(Oak – SP) | Mighty Slugs |
It’s time to take a second catcher and I’m torn between Roberto Perez’s raw power or Suzuki’s better all-round numbers. I go for Kurt.
| Round 28 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Sandy Alcantara(Mia – SP) | Mighty Slugs |
| 2. | Brandon Kintzler(Mia – RP) | Norwich No II |
| 3. | Aristides Aquino(Cin – OF) | Beckenham A&… |
| 4. | Jo Adell(LAA – OF) | Orpington Ea… |
| 5. | Willie Calhoun(Tex – OF) | Bunting for … |
| 6. | Kyle Seager(Sea – 3B) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 7. | Yoshi Tsutsugo(TB – 3B,OF) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 8. | Garrett Hampson(Col – 2B,SS,CF) | The Cheddar … |
| 9. | Jon Gray(Col – SP) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 10. | Rick Porcello(NYM – SP) | Richie’s RBI’s |
The beauty of taking Kingery earlier means his flexibility allows me to take a bit of a punt. I don’t know if Adell breaks camp with the Angels but I’m sure he’ll play at some point soon, so I take a flier on him.
| Round 29 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Shogo Akiyama(Cin – OF) | Richie’s RBI’s |
| 2. | Wil Myers(SD – 1B,CF) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 3. | Austin Riley(Atl – CI,OF) | The Cheddar … |
| 4. | Joey Votto(Cin – 1B) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 5. | Daniel Murphy(Col – 1B) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 6. | Mitch Keller(Pit – SP) | Bunting for … |
| 7. | Yandy Díaz(TB – 1B,3B) | Orpington Ea… |
| 8. | Dylan Carlson(StL – CF) | Beckenham A&… |
| 9. | Gregory Polanco(Pit – OF) | Norwich No II |
| 10. | Danny Jansen(Tor – C) | Mighty Slugs |
Two slots left and ideally I’d like cover at CI and another C. Murphy could well rake as the Colorado DH, but he’ll do so for the Maltsters. I liked what I saw of Diaz last year and the fact he can play 1B and 3B is nice too.
| Round 30 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Drew Pomeranz(SD – SP,RP) | Mighty Slugs |
| 2. | Brian Anderson(Mia – 3B,OF) | Norwich No II |
| 3. | Niko Goodrum(Det – 1B,2B,SS,CF) | Beckenham A&… |
| 4. | Roberto Pérez(Cle – C) | Orpington Ea… |
| 5. | Nate Pearson(Tor – SP) | Bunting for … |
| 6. | Corey Dickerson(Mia – OF) | Cheshunt Mal… |
| 7. | Mike Yastrzemski(SF – OF) | Newcastle Kn… |
| 8. | Teoscar Hernández(Tor – CF) | The Cheddar … |
| 9. | Adrian Houser(Mil – SP,RP) | Didsbury Dod… |
| 10. | Jarrod Dyson(Pit – CF) | Richie’s RBI’s |
Perez is still available so he becomes my third catcher and final choice, meaning I have multiple options at every position. When Dyson is selected we have drafted 300 players in about 70 minutes. Rapid.
Looking back at my team, I’m really pleased with how the draft went. There’s lots of power and although I only have two guys who knocked in 100 or more last year and one .300 hitter the overall depth of the roster should keep me competitive in most categories most weeks. The rotation may not have a star name but has nice depth to it. If Castillo, Gray and the Reds do as well as I think they will this year I should be well placed. Ohtani as an SP is a risk if he struggles to shake off the rust. Happy with the closer duo and set-up pair.
Team-by-team summary
RBIs: Infield provides more power than you think it would. Boom or bust OF depending on whether Judge or Stanton can stay healthy. Nice top of rotation in Kershaw and Paxton and plenty of HLD but may require more SV and an upgrade to back of rotation.
Dodgers: Plenty of pop and two young stars in Bichette and Vlad Jr. May require a bit more thump from UT spots. Pitching staff could be dangerous if Urias starts all year and Montas stays healthy.
Chasers: Should have one of the most productive OF in the league plus plenty of pop elsewhere. Nice 1-2 punch of Scherzer and Clevinger but will rest of rotation damage WHIP? May need more SV.
Knights: That’s a stacked lineup with lots of pop, but will Renfroe and Davis drag average down? Shedloads of SV here too which makes them a threat to do well in ERA and WHIP.
Maltsters: Serious HR and RBI bats although not much speed. We’ll see where Puig ends up too. Three very good SP but no others. Just one closer. Shedloads of holds. May need to add rotation depth to make sure of reaching weekly 20-inning minimum limit.
Bunting for Britain: Plenty of speed and power. Only one bench hitter though. Saves certainly won’t be a problem but the back of the rotation may damage ERA.
A&E Dept: Like the IF but OF lacking power and RBIs. Incredible SP depth and the top closer in my view. Could use more SV and has no HLD but the SP depth makes for perfect trade bait.
Norwich: Another boom or bust OF which may be light on power but could well prove me wrong if Senzel and Verdugo make the most of their playing time. Loads of quality SP which means they should be tough to beat in WHIP but may need more than one closer and one set-up reliever.
Slugs: Could well lead the league in HR and RBI. Not much speed and no bench bats though. Should just about be OK for SV and HLD. Counting on Kluber to get back to his best but rotation might be sneaky good in ERA and WHIP, particularly if Puk, Luzardo and May make an impact.
That concludes the 2020 draft summary. Now to find out who wins this sprint to the playoffs.
