Fantasy Baseball 2015: Full 12-Team, 25-Round Mock Draft, Version 1.0

No fantasy baseball player will truly master the craft without participating in mock drafts.

Sure, you've studied the rankings, identified sleepers and assembled a cheat sheet for draft day. All terrific stuff, but nothing beats testing that knowledge against other aficionados.  

Mike Trout didn't just wake up one day being awesome at baseball. No, he practiced, combining natural skills with endless preparation to perfect his trade. Not to turn a fantasy baseball article into an Outliers discussion, but putting in the time is paramount to success in anything you do.

Rattle off some practice runs, and unexpected results in the real thing won't faze you as much. Fellow gamers don't always share the same thoughts as experts, so default rankings and industry drafts aren't always the best indicators for when closers and catchers get scooped up in your league.

With that in mind, I participated in a mock draft to stretch out my fantasy muscles. Sharing is caring, so here are my results and findings.

Participants

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As the headline states, I partook in a 12-team, 25-round mock draft. For those who don't want to do the math, that's a clean 300 players drafted.

Since I don't have 11 friends, ESPN.com's mock draft lobby played host. There I tested my chops against other random contestants on Sunday, Feb. 22. I actually did two, but too many people left the first. What does anybody possibly gain by drafting three or four rounds?

Here are the other players, listed in draft order.

1. Team Sipocz* 

2. Team Hendzel

3. Team Worpell

4. Team Garafola

5. Team Veeman

6. Team J/S

7. Team Bayer

8. Team S

9. Team Gould (Hey, that's me!)

10. Team Last Name (I'd like to think his or her last name is actually "Last Name.")

11. Team Moore

12. Team Cutter

*His team name was actually "Time to Get Miggy with It," but I used his last name for consistency and convenience. That name, however, will come into play during the first round.

Scoring and Settings

Bob Levey/Getty Images

The following draft was conducted for a fake rotisserie league with the standard five-by-five categories: batting average, home runs, RBI, runs and stolen bases for hitters; wins, ERA, WHIP, strikeouts and saves for pitchers.

ESPN's rosters consists of one person each at catcher, first base, second, third, shortstop, middle infield (2B/SS), corner infield (1B/3B) and utility (any hitter) along with five outfielders, nine pitchers (no limits on starters or relievers) and three bench slots.

Players need 20 games to acquire eligibility at a position. Keep this in mind, as David Ortiz and Chris Carter are hidden under the designated hitter tab. Not that this matters too much for mockers' sake, but ESPN enforces an innings minimum of 1,000 and limit of 200 starts, meaning owners in real leagues need a healthy mix of starters and relievers. 

Strategy

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I'm not a fan of carrying a stringent strategy into any draft. Instead, I'm more concerned with hoarding the most value possible early on before adapting to the room and my team's needs.

I tend to follow general practices—draft stable hitters early, take no more than one pitcher in the first five or six rounds, wait on catchers and high-priced closers—but flexibility is vital to an efficient plan. For example, I noticed ESPN's default rankings actually made some top-10 closers and catchers potential values rather than overpays. 

Picking No. 9, I pegged Paul Goldschmidt, Carlos Gomez, Jose Abreu and Jose Bautista as possible selections. I settled for the last name on the list.

Round 1

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Sipocz	1	Miguel Cabrera	1B
Team Hendzel	2	Mike Trout	OF
Team Worpell	3	Giancarlo Stanton	OF
Team Garafola	4	Clayton Kershaw	SP
Team Veeman	5	Andrew McCutchen	OF
Team J/S	6	Carlos Gomez	OF
Team Bayer	7	Jose Abreu	1B
Team S	8	Paul Goldschmidt	1B
Team Gould	9	Jose Bautista	OF
Team Last Name	10	Edwin Encarnacion	1B
Team Moore	11	Felix Hernandez	SP
Team Cutter	12	Robinson Cano	2B

My Pick: Jose Bautista, OF, TOR

The other drafters teased me with the possibility of stealing Paul Goldschmidt, whom I rank No. 3 overall behind Mike Trout and Andrew McCutchen. When he got snagged, I settled for my No. 9 player: Jose Bautista.

Expect his .286 batting average to decline, but a full year of health will procure another 35-plus homers. Given his stellar 15.5 percent walk rate and loaded Toronto Blue Jays lineup, another 100 RBI and runs apiece is also repeatable.

Other Thoughts

To everyone preparing to pick second, don't get excited. Miguel Cabrera going No. 1 is an anomaly, as all 42 participating analysts—myself included—ranked Trout No. 1 on FantasyPros. Turns out "Time to Get Miggy with It" likes Miggy, citing his consistent track record and strong September as reasons to support the star slugger despite health hazards.

Don't take much stock in this unexpected start, but perhaps Cabrera won't regularly fall as far down the opening round as I thought. 

Round 2

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Cutter	13	Adrian Beltre	3B
Team Moore	14	Chris Sale	SP
Team Last Name	15	Troy Tulowtizki	SS
Team Gould	16	Adam Jones	OF
Team S	17	Jose Altuve	2B
Team Bayer	18	Max Scherzer	SP
Team J/S	19	Anthony Rendon	2B/3B
Team Veeman	20	Hanley Ramirez	SS
Team Garafola	21	Anthony Rizzo	1B
Team Worpell	22	Yasiel Puig	OF
Team Hendzel	23	Freddie Freeman	1B
Team Sipocz	24	Madison Bumgarner	SP

My Pick: Adam Jones, OF, BAL

After giving some thought to Anthony Rendon, I trusted my rankings and selected my second straight outfielder in Adam Jones. I hate that he doesn't draw walks, but I've given up doubting his rotisserie prowess.

Despite his aggressive approach, he has posted an average of .280 or higher in each of the past five years, averaging 29 homers and 12 steals through the last four. He's too good of a fantasy contributor to ignore in a game that doesn't count on-base percentage.

Other Thoughts

Pretty standard stuff after a shocking start. Aces will cost a premium, with five starters already gone through two rounds. Drafting Madison Bumgarner, rated my No. 8 pitcher, this high feels like a knee-jerk reaction to his legendary playoff run. Picking at either end, however, forces drafters to make such difficult decisions. He certainly wouldn't be there at the end of Round 4.

Round 3

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TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Sipocz	25	David Price	SP
Team Hendzel	26	Michael Brantley	OF
Team Worpell	27	Bryce Harper	OF
Team Garafola	28	Victor Martinez	1B
Team Veeman	29	Ryan Braun	OF
Team J/S	30	Jacoby Ellsbury	OF
Team Bayer	31	Ian Desmond	SS
Team S	32	Josh Donaldson	3B
Team Gould	33	Stephen Strasburg	SP
Team Last Name	34	Buster Posey	C/1B
Team Moore	35	Corey Kluber	SP
Team Cutter	36	Corey Dickerson	OF

My Pick: Stephen Strasburg, SP, WAS

I would have taken Ian Desmond and given Josh Donaldson some thought, but there was no hitter after those two whom I deeply desired. Yes, pitching is crazy deep, but the surplus of choices makes the true aces stand out more.

That's why I felt comfortable designating my Round 3 selection for Stephen Strasburg, whose 22.9 strikeout-minus-walk percentage (K-BB%) placed fourth among qualified starters behind Clayton Kershaw, Chris Sale and David Price. We still haven't seen the 26-year-old righty's best.

Other Thoughts

After undergoing surgery on his left knee early in February, Victor Martinez represents an immense risk this high. Injury fears aside, he's a prime regression candidate fresh off of collecting a career-high 32 homers at age 35, usually a time when power evaporates.

If Jacoby Ellsbury can register 16 homers and 39 steals during a letdown season with the New York Yankees, he's an astute investment at pick No. 30.

Round 4

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Cutter	37	Zack Greinke	SP
Team Moore	38	Justin Upton	OF
Team Last Name	39	Hunter Pence	OF
Team Gould	40	Albert Pujols	1B
Team S	41	Adrian Gonzalez	1B
Team Bayer	42	Adam Wainwright	SP
Team J/S	43	Evan Longoria	3B
Team Veeman	44	Jose Reyes	SS
Team Garafola	45	Starling Marte	OF
Team Worpell	46	Johnny Cueto	SP
Team Hendzel	47	Yu Darvish	SP
Team Sipocz	48	Carlos Gonzalez	OF

My Pick: Albert Pujols, 1B, LAL

A reach compared to ESPN's default rankings, but I like me some power. Excluding 2013's injury-shortened season, Albert Pujols' 28 homers represented the lowest output of his illustrious career. Having a steady power rock at first base offers peace of mind, but his declining walk rate creates some concern.

Other Thoughts

I'd take Yu Darvish over Adam Wainwright or Johnny Cueto any day of the week. (To be fair, it'd be weird if I'd only prefer Cueto on a Tuesday.) Health issues can't go ignored, but locking up his career 11.22 K/9 rate as the 12th pitcher taken is a coup.

Justin Upton fell, but it's a justifiable dip with the outfielder playing half of his games at Petco Park.

Round 5

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Sipocz	49	Ian Kinsler	2B
Team Hendzel	50	George Springer	OF
Team Worpell	51	Cole Hamels	SP
Team Garafola	52	Jon Lester	SP
Team Veeman	53	Prince Fielder	1B
Team J/S	54	Yoenis Cespedes	OF
Team Bayer	55	Jordan Zimmermann	SP
Team S	56	Billy Hamilton	OF
Team Gould	57	David Ortiz	DH
Team Last Name	58	Aroldis Chapman	RP
Team Moore	59	Matt Kemp	OF
Team Cutter	60	Kole Calhoun	OF

My Pick: David Ortiz, DH, BOS

Another old but reliable power source. Year after year, David Ortiz is undervalued throughout the fantasy community as a result of his age and designated hitter status. I'll happily slot him under utility if he delivers another 30-35 homers.

A career .285 hitter, his .263 average also contains room for improvement. ESPN's Tristan H. Cockcroft noted that Big Papi recorded MLB's highest hard hit average (.237). I now have four 30-homer candidates to kick off my squad.

Other Thoughts

Had Billy Hamilton remained available, I would have been tasked with a difficult decision. Despite all of his other flaws, the youngster's game-changing speed would have proved a sterling complement to Bautista, Jones and Pujols. It's probably for the best, as his .292 on-base percentage and minimal power make him a one-category contributor. 

Round 6

Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Cutter	61	Todd Frazier	1B/3B
Team Moore	62	Alex Cobb	SP
Team Last Name	63	Craig Kimbrel	RP
Team Gould	64	Nolan Arenado	3B
Team S	65	Jonathan Lucroy	C
Team Bayer	66	Julio Teheran	SP
Team J/S	67	Kyle Seager	3B
Team Veeman	68	Dustin Pedroia	2B
Team Garafola	69	Nelson Cruz	OF
Team Worpell	70	Brian Dozier	2B
Team Hendzel	71	Jeff Samardzija	SP
Team Sipocz	72	Jason Kipnis	2B

My Pick: Nolan Arenado, 3B, COL

I injected my team with a needed dose of youth, purchasing stock in Nolan Arenado on the cusp of a breakout. Critics have knocked his power upside, but he responded by slugging .500 on the year and belting 12 homers after the All-Star break. After playing it safe for five rounds, I chased a high-ceiling player rather than taking the cautious rout with Kyle Seager.

Other Thoughts

My team has no speed whatsoever, so I would have loved to see Jason Kipnis last another round. His power eluded him last year, but the second baseman has swiped 83 bags over the past three years. If his average and power revert back to the mean, he'll rise back up the position hierarchy. 

Round 7

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Sipocz	73	Matt Harvey	SP
Team Hendzel	74	Greg Holland	RP
Team Worpell	75	Joey Votto	1B
Team Garafola	76	Jay Bruce	OF
Team Veeman	77	Matt Carpenter	3B
Team J/S	78	Alex Gordon	OF
Team Bayer	79	Sonny Gray	SP
Team S	80	Dee Gordon	2B
Team Gould	81	Matt Holliday	OF
Team Last Name	82	Chris Carter	DH
Team Moore	83	Kenley Jansen	RP
Team Cutter	84	Christian Yelich	OF

My Pick: Matt Holliday, OF, STL

Back to the Fountain of Old I go for Matt Holliday, another stalwart who doesn't receive proper recognition. He has offered at least 20 homers in each of the past nine seasons, hitting the mark exactly with 14 second-half homers in 2014. A .272 average doesn't jive with with his previous track record of batting at least .290 every other year, so don't write off Holliday yet.

Other Thoughts

Once again I was tempted to solve my glaring speed problem in one step, but Dee Gordon went a pick before I had the chance. Odd move from Team S to corner the steals market with Billy Hamilton and Gordon.

Teammates Joey Votto and Jay Bruce are both intriguing bounce-back candidates, but Matt Carpenter at pick No. 77 makes little sense. No power plus no speed equals no thank you.

Round 8

Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Cutter	85	Mark Melancon	RP
Team Moore	86	Chris Davis	1B/3B
Team Last Name	87	Gerrit Cole	SP
Team Gould	88	David Robertson	RP
Team S	89	James Shields	SP
Team Bayer	90	Carlos Santana	1B/3B
Team J/S	91	Devin Mesoraco	C
Team Veeman	92	Pablo Sandoval	3B
Team Garafola	93	Jason Heyward	OF
Team Worpell	94	Matt Adams	1B
Team Hendzel	95	Gio Gonzalez	SP
Team Sipocz	96	David Wright	3B

My Pick: David Robertson, RP, CHW

"Don't pay for saves" is too mainstream to take it as gospel. If everyone is waiting for top closers, pounce on one when value materializes. After submitting a 13.43 K/9 rate, 2.68 fielding independent pitching (FIP) and 2.20 ERA away from Yankee Stadium, David Robertson deserves more respect as a five-star closer. Besides, I'm confident in my ability to locate undervalued starters later with the top choices off the board.

Other Thoughts

For the second straight round, a member of the St. Louis Cardinals offense went too early. (No, smart guy, Holliday wasn't the first.) First-half Matt Adams (.329, 11 homers) could show up again, but he walks too little (4.6 percent) and has yet to display the significant power necessary to rise above a crowded field of first basemen still available.

I would much rather gamble on a David Wright comeback than settle for Adams or Pablo Sandoval.

Round 9

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Sipocz	97	Masahiro Tanaka	SP
Team Hendzel	98	Starlin Castro	SS
Team Worpell	99	Doug Fister	SP
Team Garafola	100	Tyson Ross	SP
Team Veeman	101	Josh Harrison	3B/OF
Team J/S	102	Alexei Ramirez	SS
Team Bayer	103	Cliff Lee	SP
Team S	104	Mark Trumbo	1B/OF
Team Gould	105	Kolten Wong	2B
Team Last Name	106	Jacob deGrom	SP
Team Moore	107	Marcell Ozuna	OF
Team Cutter	108	Mookie Betts	OF

My Pick: Kolten Wong, 2B, STL

Hey, I finally drafted some stolen bases. Kolten Wong netted 20 of them in just 113 games, adding a dozen homers to the table. His .292 on-base percentage makes him mighty risky this early, but I couldn't pass up his enticing combination of power and speed at second. Alexei Ramirez would have fit my team better, but that option was stripped from my hands.

Other Thoughts

Doug Fister produced a 5.38 K/9 ratio last year. Ew. I would probably look elsewhere in Round 19, yet alone Round 9. I also don't get the love for Starlin Castro as a top-five shortstop. He has never hit 15 or more homers in a season and went 13-for-23 on steal attempts during the past two seasons. Does that sound like a top-100 player?

Round 10

Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Cutter	109	Dellin Betances	RP
Team Moore	110	Trevor Rosenthal	RP
Team Last Name	111	Hyun-Jin Ryu	SP
Team Gould	112	Hisashi Iwakuma	SP
Team S	113	Elvis Andrus	SS
Team Bayer	114	Evan Gattis	C
Team J/S	115	Leonys Martin	OF
Team Veeman	116	Jose Fernandez	SP
Team Garafola	117	Manny Machado	3B
Team Worpell	118	Michael Wacha	SP
Team Hendzel	119	Homer Bailey	SP
Team Sipocz	120	Koji Uehara	RP

My Pick: Hisashi Iwakuma, SP, SEA

The perfect pairing with Strasburg, Hisashi Iwakuma represents an ideal No. 2 starter. Going along with a 50.2 ground-ball percentage and the second-lowest walk rate among qualified starters, he also upped his K/9 rate to 7.74. Clayton Kershaw, Matt Harvey, Felix Hernandez and Chris Sale are the only starters with a WHIP lower than Iwakuma's 1.03 clip over the past two years. 

Other Thoughts

Dellin Betances will prove an incredible value if given the Yankees' closing duties. Considering he netted a 2.52 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 10.00 K/BB ratio in an off year, Koji Uehara at No. 120 isn't too shabby either. Jose Fernandez won't grace us with his awesomeness until June or July, so Round 10 is a reach.

Round 11

John Sommers II/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Sipocz	121	Alex Wood	SP
Team Hendzel	122	Jake Arrieta	SP
Team Worpell	123	Carlos Carrasco	SP
Team Garafola	124	Brett Gardner	OF
Team Veeman	125	Yadier Molina	C
Team J/S	126	Charlie Blackmon	OF
Team Bayer	127	Cody Allen	RP
Team S	128	Jonathan Papelbon	RP
Team Gould	129	Gregory Polanco	OF
Team Last Name	130	Lance Lynn	SP
Team Moore	131	Salvador Perez	C
Team Cutter	132	Chris Archer	SP

My Pick: Gregory Polanco, OF, PIT

I wanted another starting pitcher, targeting Alex Wood, Carlos Carrasco and Jake Arrieta. All went in succession to open the round. Then I turned my sights to Charlie Blackmon and Brett Gardner, who also quickly fell off the board.

Flustered, I made my worst pick of the draft, reaching for Gregory Polanco out of desire for some speed. Based on the other outfield values found later, taking him this early proved unnecessary.

Other Thoughts

Wood, Carrasco and Arrieta are all top-25 starters for me, so I would have been fine with one as my second choice had Iwakuma not lasted. Scoring any of these young hurlers with magnificent peripheral stats would have been awesome alongside my ace and steady second banana. 

I get why Charlie Blackmon fell this far. He hit .264/.314/.384 with five homers after the All-Star break, falling hard to earth. Another Coors Field benefactor (.331, 14 homers at home) is one mishap away from losing playing time, but even his stalled finish would put him on track for 12/20 production. He reached the point of switching from regression candidate to value.

Round 12

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Cutter	133	Rusney Castillo	OF
Team Moore	134	Daniel Murphy	2B
Team Last Name	135	Huston Street	RP
Team Gould	136	Garrett Richards	SP
Team S	137	Steve Cishek	RP
Team Bayer	138	Yan Gomes	C
Team J/S	139	Lucas Duda	1B
Team Veeman	140	J.D. Martinez	OF
Team Garafola	141	Mat Latos	SP
Team Worpell	142	Javier Baez	2B/SS
Team Hendzel	143	Zack Wheeler	SP
Team Sipocz	144	Anibal Sanchez	SP

My Pick: Garrett Richards, SP, LAL

After missing out on my desired trio, I settled for a nice consolation prize in Garrett Richards, who would have been long gone if not for undergoing knee surgery in August. Per the Los Angeles Times' Mike DiGiovanna, the 26-year-old righty aims to return by Opening Day in hopes of replicating his 2.61 ERA, 2.60 FIP and 8.75 K/9 rate buoyed by the highest fastball velocity from a starter.

With 37 starters off the board, I'm willing to turn Richards' way in hopes of stealing a blossoming ace.

Other Thoughts

I'm torn on Javier Baez this year. There's no way anybody can ignore a middle infielder who can reasonably supplant a 30/15 campaign, but a .230 average actually represents a friendly projection.

He hit .169 during his MLB debut, striking out 95 times through 229 plate appearances. If he doesn't improve significantly in the contact department, the Chicago Cubs will have no choice but to send him back down.

Round 13

Brian Blanco/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Sipocz	145	Ryan Zimmerman	3B/OF
Team Hendzel	146	Jimmy Rollins	SS
Team Worpell	147	Kris Bryant	3B
Team Garafola	148	Glen Perkins	RP
Team Veeman	149	Jered Weaver	SP
Team J/S	150	Erick Aybar	SS
Team Bayer	151	Alex Rios	OF
Team S	152	Jorge Soler	OF
Team Gould	153	Brian McCann	C
Team Last Name	154	Andrew Cashner	SP
Team Moore	155	Chase Utley	2B
Team Cutter	156	Drew Smyly	SP

My Pick: Brian McCann, C, NYY 

Once again I eschewed my usual philosophy to snatch a value, filling my catcher slot earlier than usual with Brian McCann. The Yankees can't be crazy about last year's .286 on-base percentage, but he still scorched 23 homers, 19 inside Yankee Stadium. His pull tendencies also spawned a .232 batting average, but the league's lowest batting average on balls in play (BABIP) should normalize enough to lift him back into the .250 range.

Usually I would wait longer for a Travis d'Arnaud or Yasmani Grandal, but my No. 5 catcher was just sitting there waiting for a home. Again, everyone has his price.   

Other Thoughts

ESPN is not bullish on Jorge Soler. I would not expect this from an active league, as rookies who show up briefly to slug .573 generally generate interest. Yet it's worth noting for gamers planning to draft on the site. Baez hit under the Mendoza line and Kris Bryant may not make the Opening Day roster, yet both Chicago youngsters got selected before the promising outfielder.

Round 14

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Cutter	157	Xander Bogaerts	SS/3B
Team Moore	158	Fernando Rodney	RP
Team Last Name	159	Brandon Moss	1B/OF
Team Gould	160	Joaquin Benoit	RP
Team S	161	Ben Revere	OF
Team Bayer	162	Melky Cabrera	OF
Team J/S	163	Zach Britton	RP
Team Veeman	164	Drew Storen	RP
Team Garafola	165	Francisco Liriano	SP
Team Worpell	166	Yordano Ventura	SP
Team Hendzel	167	Eric Hosmer	1B
Team Sipocz	168	Jayson Werth	OF

My Pick: Joaquin Benoit, RP, SD

This is typically where I cave for my first closer, but I saw another value as the mid-tier relievers began flying off the registry. Over the past three years, Joaquin Benoit has amassed a 2.48 ERA and 10.34 K/9 rate. Now he gets saves attached to his name while spending half of his time at Petco Park. What's not to like?

Other Thoughts

I should have drafted Ben Revere. Why didn't I draft Ben Revere? Truth be told, I simply didn't notice him when selecting Gregory Polanco. Then I was reticent to load up on too many outfielders early with so many other holes to fill in my middle infield and pitching staff. Given the power I've assembled, I could have sacrificed his limited skills for the ample steals.

Round 15

Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Sipocz	169	Justin Verlander	SP
Team Hendzel	170	Jake McGee	RP
Team Worpell	171	Joe Nathan	RP
Team Garafola	172	A.J. Pollock	OF
Team Veeman	173	Danny Santana	SS/OF
Team J/S	174	Sean Doolittle	RP
Team Bayer	175	Adam LaRoche	1B
Team S	176	Jose Quintana	SP
Team Gould	177	Phil Hughes	SP
Team Last Name	178	Marcus Stroman	SP
Team Moore	179	Justin Morneau	1B
Team Cutter	180	Aramis Ramirez	3B

My Pick: Phil Hughes, SP, MIN

Registering the best K/BB ratio ever earns my attention. I now have last year’s top two control artists, creating a balanced unit alongside other high-strikeout starters (Stephen Strasburg, Garrett Richards) and relievers (David Robertson, Joaquin Benoit). Oh, yeah, Hughes also netted 186 punchouts while issuing just 16 free passes through 209.2 frames, and I don’t see him struggling again inside the pitcher-friendly Target Field, where he produced a 4.25 ERA.

Other Thoughts

My Hughes pick was flanked by two other starters I like in Jose Quintana and Marcus Stroman. Overlooked after earning a 2.81 FIP, Quintana is a great mid-level asset who gets buried behind more exciting choices. Stroman is one of those breakout bets, dazzling with a 2.84 FIP, 7.65 K/9, 1.93 BB/9 and 53.8 ground-ball percentage.

The other pitcher picks are rough. Justin Verlander and Joe Nathan are both coasting on reputation despite ugly seasons. Sean Doolittle and Jake McGee are both tremendous but injured relievers. It appears other mockers have lost interest, with a couple leaving the room altogether.

Round 16

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Cutter	181	Jhonny Peralta	SS
Team Moore	182	Ian Kennedy	SP
Team Last Name	183	Wil Myers	OF
Team Gould	184	Brandon Belt	1B
Team S	185	Michael Pineda	SP
Team Bayer	186	Matt Cain	SP
Team J/S	187	Collin McHugh	SP
Team Veeman	188	Santiago Casilla	RP
Team Garafola	189	Matt Wieters	C
Team Worpell	190	Hector Rendon	RP
Team Hendzel	191	Denard Span	OF
Team Sipocz	192	Howie Kendrick	2B

My Pick: Brandon Belt, 1B, SF

With Ortiz clogging my lone utility spot, I was in no hurry to locate a corner infielder. Had I not stuffed my plate with power, I would have ogled Lucas Duda or Brandon Moss, but instead I give Brandon Belt his third second chance to fulfill his star prophecy. 

Last year was weird. Although he hit a dozen homers in just 61 games, he also struck out an alarming 27.2 percent of the time, a huge increase from the previous year's 21.9 percentage. Rather than banking on a phenom, I'll accept Belt's flaws alongside his 20/10 capability, hoping 2014 isn't who he is over the long haul. That occasional speed could especially come in handy.

Other Thoughts

Jhonny Peralta is a great bargain at No. 181. He's often a fixture on my draft queue, but I needed a speedy shortstop to augment my big boppers. Denard Span is another nifty outfielder who slipped through my fingertips. Last year was probably the best-case scenario, but the veteran is a steady source of steals and average who will score a ton of runs atop the Washington Nationals lineup. 

Round 17

Mike McGinnis/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Sipocz	193	Ben Zobrist	2B/SS/OF
Team Hendzel	194	Joe Mauer	1B
Team Worpell	195	Joc Pederson	OF
Team Garafola	196	Dallas Keuchel	SP
Team Veeman	197	Rick Porcello	SP
Team J/S	198	Mike Fiers	SP
Team Bayer	199	Andrew Miller	RP
Team S	200	Curtis Granderson	OF
Team Gould	201	Jean Segura	SS
Team Last Name	202	Shin-Soo Choo	OF
Team Moore	203	Wilin Rosario	C
Team Cutter	204	Russell Martin	C

My Pick: Jean Segura, SS, MIL

Did anybody else notice that I still needed a shortstop, middle infielder and somebody who can run quickly from first base before getting tagged by the other team? Acknowledging the positional and categorical need, I grabbed Jean Segura in hopes of him splitting the difference between 2013's breakthrough and 2014's stinker. 

His batted-ball and contact rates didn't budge much, so asking for a .270 average isn't unreasonable. That will lead to more baserunning opportunities, which hopefully guides him to 30 needed steals for my squad. At this point, it's a chance I have to take.

Other Thoughts

Joe Mauer hit four home runs last year. Joe Mauer no longer carries catcher eligibility. Unless your league rewards walks, which this draft does not, he's just a brand-name James Loney not worthy of standard mixed-leaguers' time.

Round 18

Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Cutter	205	Jake Odorizzi	SP
Team Moore	206	Ken Giles	RP
Team Last Name	207	Neil Walker	2B
Team Gould	208	Matt Shoemaker	SP
Team S	209	Scott Kazmir	SP
Team Bayer	210	Oswaldo Arcia	OF
Team J/S	211	Joe Smith	RP
Team Veeman	212	Addison Reed	RP
Team Garafola	213	Francisco Rodriguez	RP
Team Worpell	214	Wilson Ramos	C
Team Hendzel	215	Carlos Beltran	OF
Team Sipocz	216	Austin Jackson	OF

My Pick: Matt Shoemaker, SP, LAA

Note to ESPN drafters: Put on your scuba gear and dive deep down the pitcher rankings for Matt Shoemaker, a criminally underrated starter who cracks my top 50. Pay no attention to his 16 victories through just 136 innings, but highlight his 3.04 ERA, 3.26 FIP and 18.4 K-BB percentage that matches Johnny Cueto's mark. As a starter, his ERA falls to 2.89.

Other Thoughts

Oswaldo Arcia is a nice power flier who should offset his strikeout issues enough to round out a starting lineup. Jake Odorizzi's 9.32 K/9 rate is well worth the investment, and Ken Giles will finish the season as a top-10 reliever if the Philadelphia Phillies trade Jonathan Papelbon in the near future.  

Round 19

Ed Zurga/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Sipocz	217	Travis d'Arnaud	C
Team Hendzel	218	Wade Davis	RP
Team Worpell	219	Shelby Miller	SP
Team Garafola	220	Alcides Escobar	SS
Team Veeman	221	Michael Cuddyer	OF
Team J/S	222	Danny Duffy	SP
Team Bayer	223	Coco Crisp	OF
Team S	224	Neftali Feliz	RP
Team Gould	225	Adam Eaton	OF
Team Last Name	226	Martin Prado	2B/3B
Team Moore	227	Lorenzo Cain	OF
Team Cutter	228	Kevin Gausman	SP

My Pick: Adam Eaton, OF, CHW

My quest for cheap speed continues. Adam Eaton’s 15 steals aren’t particularly impressive, but I’m expecting more from a guy with a career .350 on-base percentage who stole over 40 bases in the minors during both 2011 and 2012. For my fifth outfielder, I'll gamble on an injury-prone talent.

Other Thoughts

In hindsight, I still feel fine about Brian McCann in Round 13 when I would have needed to lock down Travis d’Arnaud in Round 18. This is coming from a New York Mets fan who spent the early years of his life surrounded by Yankees fans in Brooklyn during their dynasty years.

Besides that, not a particularly exciting round. Kevin Gausman fits the post-hype sleeper bill, but a couple more intriguing options were still waiting to be claimed.

Round 20

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Cutter	229	John Lackey	SP
Team Moore	230	Nick Castellanos	3B
Team Last Name	231	Jedd Gyorko	2B
Team Gould	232	Danny Salazar	SP
Team S	233	Carl Crawford	OF
Team Bayer	234	Asdrubal Cabrera	2B/SS
Team J/S	235	Tanner Roark	SP
Team Veeman	236	R.A. Dickey	SP
Team Garafola	237	Jenrry Mejia	RP
Team Worpell	238	Steven Souza	OF
Team Hendzel	239	Yasmani Grandal	C/1B
Team Sipocz	240	Aaron Sanchez	RP

My Pick: Danny Salazar, SP, CLE

If I can get Danny Salazar this late in my real leagues, I’ll own him everywhere. No, I’m not living in an alternative timeline where his 4.25 ERA and 1.38 WHIP never occurred. I’m just taking the silver lining on a 25-year-old with 185 strikeouts through 162 career MLB innings.

A .343 BABIP buried his improved 2.86 BB/9 last year, so remember how much everyone loved him last spring.

Other Thoughts

Had I not jumped for Brian McCann, there’s a good chance I would have missed out on Salazar to take Grandal. It always surprises me to see more than 12 catchers go in a 12-team draft with only one catching slot.

Steven Souza is a stealth 20/20 candidate as an everyday player for the Tampa Bay Rays. After handing Salazar mulligan, I can’t judge anyone willing to give Jedd Gyorko another chance.

Round 21

Leon Halip/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Sipocz	241	Pedro Alvarez	3B
Team Hendzel	242	Arismendy Alcantara	2B/OF
Team Worpell	243	Steve Pearce	1B/OF
Team Garafola	244	Luke Gregerson	RP
Team Veeman	245	Tyler Clippard	RP
Team J/S	246	Brandon McCarthy	SP
Team Bayer	247	Andrelton Simmons	SS
Team S	248	Nathan Eovaldi	SP
Team Gould	249	J.J. Hardy	SS
Team Last Name	250	Matt Garza	SP
Team Moore	251	Billy Butler	1B
Team Cutter	252	Rougned Odor	2B

My Pick: J.J. Hardy, SS, BAL 

This was probably dumb. Rather than finding more steals for my middle-infield slot, I went best available with J.J. Hardy. Power declines over time, but Hardy went from 25 homers to nine, and a 5.6 home run/fly ball percentage probably has something to do with that dip. If he hits .260 with 15 long balls, that’s pretty good for my middle infielder and last offensive starter drafted.

Round 22

Brian Blanco/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Cutter	253	Chris Tillman	SP
Team Moore	254	Casey Janssen	RP
Team Last Name	255	Khris Davis	OF
Team Gould	256	Brad Boxberger	RP
Team S	257	C.C. Sabathia	SP
Team Bayer	258	Torii Hunter	OF
Team J/S	259	Sergio Romo	RP
Team Veeman	260	Derek Holland	SP
Team Garafola	261	Scooter Gennett	2B
Team Worpell	262	Jesse Hahn	SP
Team Hendzel	263	Chase Headley	3B
Team Sipocz	264	Mark Teixeira	1B

My Pick: Brad Boxberger, RP, TB

Jake McGee is currently eyeing a late-April return from a left elbow injury. That should give Brad Boxberger the opportunity to keep the closing throne warm. If Boxberger sustains last year’s 14.47 K/9 rate, McGee may not get a chance to win the role back. If he does, I’m still getting an elite middle reliever who pads my ratios and vultures a few saves.

Round 23

Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Sipocz	265	Ryan Howard	1B
Team Hendzel	266	Yovani Gallardo	SP
Team Worpell	267	Avisail Garcia	OF
Team Garafola	268	Rafael Soriano	RP
Team Veeman	269	Mike Zunino	C
Team J/S	270	Francisco Cervelli	C
Team Bayer	271	Jeurys Familia	RP
Team S	272	Mike Napoli	1B
Team Gould	273	Dalton Pompey	OF
Team Last Name	274	Desmond Jennings	OF
Team Moore	275	Josh Reddick	OF
Team Cutter	276	Mike Minor	SP

My Pick: Dalton Pompey, OF, TOR

Just in case Gregory Polanco or Adam Eaton don’t pan out, I added another speedy outfielder for my bench. Dalton Pompey amazingly played in the Rookie League, Single-A, Double-A and Triple-A last year, swiping 52 bases through all levels. With the chance to start the season as Toronto’s center fielder, he’s a no-risk lottery play for 20-25 steals and a few homers.

Round 24

Andy Marlin/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Cutter	277	LaTroy Hawkins	RP
Team Moore	278	Joakim Soria	RP
Team Last Name	279	Ervin Santana	SP
Team Gould	280	Drew Hutchison	SP
Team S	281	Michael Morse	1B/OF
Team Bayer	282	Carlos Martinez	RP
Team J/S	283	Kevin Quackenbush	RP
Team Veeman	284	Adam Lind	1B
Team Garafola	285	Aaron Hill	2B
Team Worpell	286	Andrew Heaney	SP
Team Hendzel	287	Miguel Montero	C
Team Sipocz	288	Rajai Davis	OF

My Pick: Drew Hutchison, SP, TOR

Staying in Toronto, I devoured one more undervalued arm off the board. Drew Hutchison recorded 184 strikeouts through 184.2 innings, allowing a respectable 60 walks. Fly balls derailed his ERA to 4.48, but he has the skills to repair that mark considerably in 2015, especially with Russell Martin as his battery mate.

Round 25

Jonathan Ernst/Getty Images

TEAM	PICK	PLAYER	POS
Team Sipocz	289	Nick Markakis	OF
Team Hendzel	290	Jonathon Niese	SP
Team Worpell	291	Marcus Semien	2B/3B
Team Garafola	292	Lonnie Chisenhall	3B
Team Veeman	293	Clay Buchholz	SP
Team Bayer	294	Taijuan Walker	SP
Team J/S	295	Kelvin Herrera	RP
Team S	296	Jonathan Broxton	RP
Team Gould	297	Marlon Byrd	OF
Team Last Name	298	Pat Neshek	RP
Team Moore	299	Jed Lowrie	SS
Team Cutter	300	James Paxton	SP

My Pick: Marlon Byrd, OF, CIN

This is the polar antithesis of my late-round blueprint. I want to end my squad with upside plays, particularly on the pitching side. Marlon Byrd is a 37-year-old outfielder coming off of the best two years of his career. Expecting anything more from him is foolish.

But come on, the dude hit 49 homers with 173 RBI over the past two years combined. Getting dealt to Cincinnati simply transports him from one hitters’ park to another, so he’s certainly mixed-league usable in a five-outfielder format.

It’s not a bold pick, but it’s important to balance adventurous endeavors with prudent decisions. When injuries and letdowns inevitably happen, Byrd is a guy I’ll be happy to have at no cost.

Final Team

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

POS	PLAYER	ROUND
C	Brian McCann	13
1B	Albert Pujols	4
2B	Kolten Wong	9
3B	Nolan Arenado	6
SS	Jean Segura	17
CI	Brandon Belt	16
MI	J.J. Hardy	21
OF	Jose Bautista	1
OF	Adam Jones	2
OF	Matt Holliday	7
OF	Gregory Polanco	11
OF	Adam Eaton	19
UTIL	David Ortiz	5
P	Stephen Strasburg	3
P	David Robertson	8
P	Hisashi Iwakuma	10
P	Garrett Richards	12
P	Joaquin Benoit	14
P	Phil Hughes	15
P	Matt Shoemaker	18
P	Danny Salazar	20
P	Brad Boxberger	22
BN	Dalton Pompey	23
BN	Drew Hutchison	24
BN	Marlon Byrd	25

Strengths

Were this league to actually play out, power and pitching are my calling cards to championship contention. If all goes according to plan—that unfortunately rarely ever happens—my starters could combine to belt 250 homers. As long as my veteran sluggers hold up through another year, I could sell one for a potent base-stealer after establishing cushy positioning in home runs and RBI.

I also feel great about my pitching staff. Splurging for Strasburg and Robertson didn’t cost my offense too dearly, but it provided me enough peace of mind to take chances on Richards and Salazar. For once, I won’t have to worry about beating my opponents to free-agent closers, especially if Boxberger starts off with Tampa Bay’s ninth-inning duties.

I have the perfect mix of strikeout masters and command artists to compile points everywhere. Wins and save chances are mostly random, but most of my pitchers happen to play for solid clubs, not that team records and individual wins and saves always align.

Weaknesses

Anyone paying attention should know what’s coming by now. I essentially punted speed early while heeding a value-based drafting approach. While I don’t regret assembling a superhero squad of sluggers, I could have done more afterword to amend the issue.

I need Wong, Polanco and Eaton (or Pompey) to give me 25 steals each, and a bit more from Segura would be swell. My other hitters, hopefully with exception to Jones and Belt, will offer few stray steals to support the cause. Gaining 125 steals is an optimistic projection, and that’s not enough to stay competitive in the category.

There’s speed to be had late, but those guys last for a reason. If Polanco’s second-half woes carry over to 2015, Eaton gets hurt and/or Segura flops again, I’m in massive trouble. None of those are outlandish scenarios.

Cheap speed is not too easy to discover this year. That’s my biggest takeaway.

Note: All advanced statistics are courtesy of FanGraphs.

Have any questions before draft day? I’m all ears. (Well, and eyes, a nose, mouth, arms, legs, etc. I bet now you really want to follow me on Twitter.)

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