Tuesday, February 26, 2019

2019 Tenth Man Out Mock Draft

Kirby Yates (SD - RP)
Draft: While no team is without flaws, Tenth Man Out doesn't have many leading to old adage "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".  This mindset leads on to believe that the team will adopt the best player available or the player that allows it to remain status quo. Veteran major league ready pitching is likely the avenue taken here with arms like Ross Stripling (LAD - SP), Yusei Kikuchi (Sea - SP), Nathan Eovaldi (NYY - SP) and Rich Hill (LAD - SP) all potential picks here. 

Prediction:
RD 1: Ross Stripling (LAD - SP) - See above
RD 2: Luis Urias (SD - 2B) - Would be an excellent rich get richer pick
RD 3: Michael Pineda (Min - SP) - Just a few years ago he was untouchable
RD 4: Travis Swaggerty (Pit - OF) - Scrappy with guile, will produce with time
RD 5: Corbin Burnes (Mil - SP) - Many predict big things if given full year as starter
Rd 6: Nick Pivetta (Phi - SP) - Rule-5 Draftee
Prospect Draft:

RD 1: Kevin Alcantara (NYY - OF) - Big time international bonus baby with lofty tools
RD 2: Ryley Widell (Min - SP) - Nice projectable frame with nice K rates

RD 3: Sherten Apostel (Tex - 3B) -  Not talked about bat with room to grow

2019 Squeeze Play Mock Draft

Michael Conforto (NYM - OF)
Draft: This team has few holes but it is a little top heavy in pitching when compared to its offense which leads to speculation that MLB ready offense is the way to go here. Much like Wildcard, the selection will likely come down to Stephen Piscotty (Oak - OF), Jake Bauers (Cle - 1B), Yuniel Diaz (Bal - OF) or even Max Kemper (Min - OF) if that is the vein chosen. 

Prediction:
RD 1: Stephen Piscotty (Oak - OF) - See above
RD 2: Wilson Ramos (NYM - C) - Will need a catcher and Ramos is a fine fantasy backstop
RD 3: Gregg Holland (Ari - RP) - If Bradley doesn't close, its likely Holland gets call
RD 4: Drew Steckenrider (Mia - RP) - Rule-5 Draftee
RD 5: Francisco Morales (Phi - SP) - Keeper
RD 6: Gabriel Arias (SD-SS) - Keeper

Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Luis Gil (NYY - SP) - Some view him as a breakout prospect with great K rate
RD 2: Cal Stevenson (Tor - OF) - Underrated bat that continues to succeed
RD 3: Jose Rodriguez (Sea - SS) - Keeper

2019 Third Day Mock Draft

Harrison Bader (Stl - OF)
Draft: Addressing a need is something a potential contender will need to do soon if the team wants to stay in the hunt. Because of this, Third Day will need to focus on quality pitching.  This leaves veterans like Cole Hamels (Tex - SP) as a nice pick here to help an ailing staff.  Others to consider are Nathan Eovaldi (NYY - SP) and Japanese hurler Yusei Kikuchi (Sea - SP). 

Prediction:
RD 1: Cole Hamels (Tex - SP) - See above
RD 2: Marco Gonzales (Sea - SP) - Young and talented in a pitchers park
RD 3: Brandon Nimmo (NYM - OF) - If he can hit lefties and righties, watch out!
Rd 4: Jung Ho Kang (Pit - 3B) - Nice upside pick as long as the DUIs are behind him
RD 5: Brady Singer (KC - SP) - Nice prospect arm that fits need of 3 Non-Active players
RD 6: Alex Colome (ChW- RP) - Rule-5 Draftee


Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Casey Golden (Col - OF) - Nice package of power and speed in hitters ballpark
RD 2: Jamie Westbrook (Ari - 2B, OF) - Shallow position with some pop and flexibility
RD 3: Luis Lander (Tex - 3B) - Keeper

2019 Wildcard Bluejays Mock Draft

Kyle Freeland (Col - SP)

Draft: Finding some major league ready offensive talent will be key for Wildcard in this draft as itthe team has weaknesses in depth along with holes at catcher and utility. Hitters Ramon Laureano (Oak - OF), Stephen Piscotty (Oak - OF), Jake Bauers (Cle - 1B) and Yuniel Diaz (Bal - OF) could all be in play here though there are many that are salivating on what Laureano might be able to do in a full season giving him the nod
here.  

Prediction:
RD 1: Ramon Laureano (Oak - OF) - See above
RD 2: CJ Cron (TB - 1B) - Need depth at 1B/Util that Cron can provide
RD 3: Jorge Alfaro (Mia - C) - Starting in Miami with middle of the order pop will help
RD 4: Diego Cartaya (LAD - C) - Young but MCab comparisons are too great to ignore
RD 5: David Robertson (Phi - RP) - Rule-5 Draftee
RD 6: Jeter Downs (LAD - SS) - Keeper

Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Austin Listi (Phi - 1B, OF) - Top Phillies minor leaguer will be ready soon
RD 2: Chavez Young (Tor - OF) - Very underrated, buy now before too late
RD 3: Osvani Gutierrez (LAD - SP) - Young projectable Cuban arm with some velocity

2019 Loveable Losers Mock Draft

Jesse Winker (Cin - OF)

Draft: Rounding out the closer ranks finds Loveable Losers (LL) with the ability to pounce on the last projected 9th inning man. Some of these projections may shuffle if Craig Kimbrel (FA - RP) finds a MLB team to pay him desired money. LL could do an outfielder here with Laureano or Diaz but similar talent could potentially be found outside the 1st round. 

Prediction:
RD 1: Trevor May (Min - RP) - See above
RD 2: Nathan Eovaldi (NYY - SP) - If he can lower ERA, he's likely in Cy Young convo
RD 3: Pedro Strop (ChC - RP) - Great handcuff as team waits on Morrow to get healthy
RD 4: Keibert Ruiz (LAD - C) - Many compare him to Molina, might be seamless ascension
RD 5 Jonathan Villar (Bal - 2B, SS) - Rule-5 Draftee
RD 6 Fruedis Nova (Hou - SS) - Keeper


Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Mack Lemieux (Ari - SP) - Lefty with size projection, velocity, continues to improve
RD 2: Jack Herman (Pit - OF) - All-around game that can play anywhere on diamond
RD 3: Chris Okey (Cin - C) - Keeper

2019 HOTDF Mock Draft

Mitch Haniger (Sea - OF)
Draft: Keeping to the trend, HOTDF will likely follow suit and select a closer, choosing between Hunter Strickland (Sea - RP) or Trevor May (Min - RP). They are close in terms of potential. Strickland is slightly older but has the most closing experience between the two. May's physique is better though both have battled injuries with May's being more serious.  Stickland throws just a bit harder 94.9 mph vs 94.1 mph, giving Strickland the slightest edge. 

Prediction:
RD 1: Hunter Strickland (Sea - RP) - See above
RD 2: Jonathan India (Cin - 3B) - 1 great year in college, step forward or flash in pan?
RD 3: Yusei Kikuchi (Sea - SP) - Should be a bonafide innings eater with nice stats
RD 4: Shane Greene (Det - RP) - Rule-5 Draftee
RD 5: Cole Brannen (Bos - OF) - Keeper
RD 6: Jared Miller (Ari - P) - Keeper


Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Jhon Torres (Stl - OF) - Tools galore with big breakout potential
RD 2: Alexander Vargas (NYY - SS) - Big international signee with drool worthy skills
RD 3: Drew Lugbauer (Atl - C, 3B) - Good backstop bat made for fantasy 

2019 The Judgesicles Mock Draft

Mike Clevinger (Cle - SP)
Draft: Something different than in most years is the amount of available closers in this season's draft. While the position can be volatile by nature, it can pay true dividends if a team finds a safe and reliable late inning arm. Finding a young closer-in-waiting with the needed skills can make for a decade of worthy stats. The closer that best fits this mold is Jose Alvarado (TB - RP) who's 11.3 K/9 ratio could make him a rare closer indeed. Wanting someone a little more proven, look towards Hunter Strickland (Sea - RP) or Trevor May (Min - RP), though both have their inconsistencies. 

Prediction:
RD 1: Jose Alvarado (TB - RP) - See above
RD 2: Max Kepler (Min - OF) - Looks to be coming into his own with multi-tool talent
RD 3: Andrew Miller (Stl - RP) - Many believe he will eventually close this season
RD 4: Matthew Liberatore (TB - SP) - Needed prospect arm with capable poise
RD 5: Michael Chavis (Bos - 3B) - Fine spring could catapult him to ABs in majors
RD 6: Jake Arrieta (Phi - SP) - Rule-5 Draftee


Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Curtis Terry (Tex - 1B) - Over looked power bat that could be difference maker
RD 2: Cody Bolton (Pit - SP) - Projectable frame with at least 2 major league pitches now
RD 3: Jaison Vilera (NYM - SP) - Keeper

2019 Beer & Brat Brigade Mock Draft

Franmil Reyes (SD - OF)

Draft:  Unlike last year, there appears to be no clear slam dunk pick but Beer & Brat Brigade's roster gives a glimmer of insight. The team rosters Maikel Franco (Phi - 3B) but the Phillies have been keen to the idea of trading or moving him off 3B in favor of 2018 1st round draftee Alec Bohm (Phi - 3B). Bohm's size, potential and college seasoning should make for a fast ascension to the majors giving him an edge here. A contending closer, breakout outfielders Ramon Laureano (Oak - OF) or Yuniel Diaz (Bal - OF) might be in play in addition to fellow 2018 1st rounder Nick Madrigal (ChW - 2B,SS). 

Prediction:
RD 1: Alec Bohm (Phi - 3B) - See above
RD 2: Jake Bauers (Cle - 1B) - New team with lots of counting stats in his future is a must
RD 3: Touki Toussaint (Atl - SP) - Talent is still there and could be a steal here
RD 4: Steven Souza, Jr. (Ari - OF) - When healthy he's a safe bet to produce
RD 5: Franmil Reyes (SD - OF) - Rule 5 Draftee
RD 6: Danny Diaz (Bos - SS) - Keeper


Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Osiel Rodriguez (NYY - SP) - Many consider him the top international arm
RD 2: Heriberto Hernandez (Tex - 1B, C) - Broke out in 2018 at rare pace for his age
RD 3: Yolbert Sanchez (FA - SS) - The Cuban will be fine lottery ticket when he signs

2019 Slimedog Mock Draft

Juan Soto (Was - OF)
DraftIf everything goes accordingly, Slimedog will be one happy camper as it snags the heir-apparent to Robinson Cano (NYM - 2B,1B). 2018 Rounder Nick Madrigal (ChW - 2B, SS), who should be a top 2B for many years to come, would be a nice addition here as it prepares for the future and also answers a team need. Saves has always been a short-coming for Slimedog so that may be a route to take as well. 

Prediction:
RD 1: Nick Madrigal (ChW - 2B, SS) - See above
RD 2: Yan Gomes (Was - C) - Young, powerful and on a new team, a must position to get
RD 3: Archie Bradley (Ari - RP) - If he wins closer job, he could be a difference maker
RD 4: Daniel Palka (ChW - OF) - One of the quietest 27 homer seasons in a long time
RD 5: Matt Manning (Det - SP) - An excellent prospect that should help very soon
RD 6: Luis Giolito (ChW - SP) - Rule-5 Draftee

Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Pedro Castellanos (Bos - 1B) - A great bat and frame to build muscle on
RD 2: Junior Sanquintin (Cle - SS) - Projectable prospect with power potential from left side
RD 3: Matthias Dietz (Bal - SP) - Big arm that should be able to capitalize on velocity

2019 Dragonborn2046 Mock Draft

Scooter Gennett (Cin - 2B)
Draft:  This may be the biggest gamble in the draft. Last year, the World Champion Boston Red Sox won 108 while their closer notched 42 saves along the way. Assuming they do not sign their former closer, finding his replacement could prove paramount to a team wanting to earn saves. Matt Barnes (Bos - RP) looks like the best to take the job but fellow closers Jose Alvarado (TB - RP), Hunter Strickland (Sea - RP) or Trevor May (Min - RP) might be safer picks though on lesser squads. 

Prediction:
RD 1: Matt Barnes (Bos - RP) - See above
RD 2: Ian Anderson (Atl - SP) - Great rebound back to being a legit prospect
RD 3: Jesus Sanchez (TB - OF) - Looks to be an excellent talent after 2018 breakout
RD 4: Ketel Marte (Ari - 2B,SS) - Rule-5 Draftee
RD 5: Christian Pache (Atl - OF) - Keeper
RD 6: Micker Adolfo (ChW - OF) - Keeper 

Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Richard Gallardo (ChC - SP) - A top international arm that will move rather quickly
RD 2: Anthony Garcia (NYY - OF) - Already getting Aaron Judge comparisons 
RD 3: Danny Tillo (KC - SP) - Keeper

2019 Chevy Chase Coopers Mock Draft

Amed Rosario (NYM - SS)
Draft:  While this team lacks true star power it does have some star potential but is absent depth as it waits.  Finding a bonafide stud would go along way towards the cause and Cuban import Victor Mesa (Mia - OF) likely has the most upside.  Long considered the best talent in Cuba, his speed is game changing though the jury is still out on his bat.  Note that his Dad was a 5-tool talent ad owns many records in his country.  With Victor's international experience and pedigree, he could move very quickly to the majors. Other to consider here is 2018 breakout Jesus Sanchez (TB - OF) or a closers like Jose Alvarado (TB - RP), Hunter Strickland (Sea - RP) or potentially Matt Barnes (Bos - RP).  Still, the potential reward on Mesa should be too great to pass up.  

Prediction:
RD 1: Victor Mesa (Mia - OF) - See above
RD 2: Yuniel Diaz (Bal - OF) - Unproven but guaranteed ABs offset risk
RD 3: Mike Zunino (TB - C) - Will need a catcher until Hernandez is ready, has power
RD 4: Kenley Jansen (LAD - RP) - Rule-5 Draftee
RD 5: Wander Franco (TB - SS) - Keeper
RD 6: Ramon Hernandez (TB - C) - Keeper

Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Misael Urbina (Min - OF) - Maybe the top international offensive available
RD 2: Starlyn Castillo (Phi - SP) - Youngster throwing 97 mph could be worth the wait
RD 3: Tanner Myatt (NYY - SP) - Hard throwing projectable frame and arm