Stat book in the Car: Draft Analysis, Part IV:
Statbook in the Car IV
4. Jimmy Ciccone. Leaving Madonna Jokes aside, Jimmy might be a DMB virgin, but he certainly knows what he's getting into. Jim signature franchise player ended up being Chase Utley: hard-working white dude who excels at pretty much everything. League observers has him falling a bit due to his uncertain 2009 status, but considering positional scarcity and overall production, Utley was a fine pick. Rickey Nolasco's selection at #2 (37 overall) raised some eyebrows, but Markakis at #3 more than makes up for that minor overdraft. Delgado also might have been a round or so early, but that's getting nit-picky. Balfour is a monster and Ankiel flew a bit under the radar IMO. Overall an interesting mix of dudes.
Best value pick: Nick Markakis is a star in the making and would have gone to me eight picks later if Jimmy hadn't jumped all over him. Some felt that lil' Nicky had first round potential, but the league felt differently. In any case Nick M's star is on the rise and will probably be Jim's 'protected' player next season.
Biggest Overdraft: JJ Hardy. I like JJ Hardy, you like JJ Hardy. JJ Hardy is not a six rounder. Once Hanley and Jose left the building, shortstop should have been pretty low on the list of priorities. Not that JJ shouldn't start for someone---he just shouldn't have gone where he went. It's not any sort of crippling blow, it's just sub-optimal.
Best Pick 20th Round or later: Taylor Teagarden at 29---this guy will have every opportunity to play in Arlington. Patience, Power and Position make him an intriguing selection.
Overall Strength: After a deal with the Spacemen, the Jimmies have an impressive line-up against righties: Utley, Ankiel, Delgado, Edmonds, Hinske and Markakis are all impressive inn their own way. This team should score some runs.
Overall Weakness: Starting Rotation. Nolasco is a fine pitcher who has some nice seasons ahead of him, but for our league he's a good number two, not a hammer #1. the rest of the rotation is OK, but definitely in the bottom half of the league.
Overall Grade: B/B+. Everyone's rotation sucks to some extent, Jim's offensive should cover a number of sins...the bullpen is key here.
17. Shane Pullen. Shane clearly had a plan going into the draft: charge up the offense and grab a couple of reliable starters. Berkman and Youkillis are a very nice way to stock the infield--- a little lefty/righty power from the start. Billingsley and Lowe provide two stable horses at the top of the rotation, one with five straight years of usefulness and one a young gun with upside. Marmol quickly addressed the bullpen and Shoppach was one of the last good catchers. A nice start to a nice draft.
Best Value Pick: Francisco Liriano. Not only is Liriano pretty useful for the upcoming season, he's one of the best when healthy. When healthy.
Biggest Overdraft: Matt Kemp. The guy has upside, but a .725 OPS vs. RHP isn't exactly everyday material. Lefty bashers started going several rounds later.
Best pick 20th round or later: Last pick, Mike Gonzalez. Mike makes Milton Bradley look like Cal Ripken, but when healthy he's pretty damn good...and he's healthy...for now...and hell, all he needs is 40 IP.
Overall Strength: Infield Offense. Berkman, Youk, Durham and yes, even the Riot will all contribute beyond the average for their positions.
Overall Weakness: Outfield Offense. Kemp, Teahan, Lind and Upton will be one of the weakest units for the upcoming season...along with Pearce, Butler, Cruz and Francoeur; there is LOTS of upside here.
Overall Grade: B/B+. A tricky balance of now and later...one more impact bat would have earned Shane an A-, the same with one more reliever of Marmol's quality.