2021 Draft Overview
This seasons's draft features a many similarities from the previous year. There is once again a big influx of potential closers with a few remaining unsigned though the prospects available in this draft do not seem to be as strong overall. Like last year, the biggest need was locating quality starting pitching at all levels. With Covid-19 last year, there were quite a few players that just couldn't find their footing though some were able to capitalize on opportunities. This year, look for teams to once again take chances on pitching with even a hint of success with the hope of striking gold.
Beer & Brat Brigade Draft Preview
BBB experienced this league's biggest turn around going from 11th to 3rd place last season. Something that appears to be missing is a big bat at 1B while prospect Andrew Vaughn (ChW-1B) waits in the wings. Brandon Lowe (TB-1B,2B,OF) has eligibility there but would be best utilized at 2B long term. Therefore, the powerful WS Champ Max Muncy (LAD-1B,2B,3B) would make a lot of sense here and he can play 2B as well as 3B in a pinch. Muncy didn't have a good 2020 season but he did pick it up in the post season and he hit 35 homers in consecutive years in 2018 and 2019. At some point, you have to abandon the rebuild and embrace the aspect of contending so looking at veteran talent with some proven stats could be the way to go.
Prediction (NA Need = 0)
RD 1: Max Muncy (LAD-1B,2B,3B) - Strong selection here with not a lot to dislike
RD 2: Greg Holland (KC-RP) - Ups and downs but has been solid as the Royals closer
RD 3: John Means (Bal-SP) - On another team would get more hype, good peripherals
RD 4: Carlos Martinez (Stl-SP) - Horrible 2020, never recovered from Covid, age 29 on good team
RD 5: Isiah Kiner-Falefa (Tex - C,3B,SS) - Great depth here with versatility and a speedy backstop
RD 6: Andy Pages (LAD-OF) - Keeper
Dope Man's Draft Preview
While this team needs young pitching more than anything, it will be tough to pass on the #1 2020 MLB draft pick Spencer Torkelson (Det-3B). Getting value here with Torkelson will outrank need and rightfully so as he automatically becomes either a future cornerstone or gains this team big trade value if that is the direction taken. Unproven but talented pitchers will likely be the direction latter rounds with spotlights on potentially fast moving arms like Daniel Lynch (KC-SP), Max Meyer (Mia-SP), Asa Lacey (KC-SP) and Emerson Hancock (Sea-SP) if they are still there.
Prediction (NA Need = 2)
RD 1: Spencer Torkelson (Det-3B) - Looks to be a no-brainer, easily the best prospect available
RD 2: Asa Lacy (KC-SP) - High velocity lefty is uber rare, profiles as a future ace and fantasy star
RD 3: Richard Rodríguez (Pit-RP) - Reliever finds himself as the current closer of the Pirates
RD 4: Adbert Alzolay (ChC-SP) - Many are calling him a sleeper as he revamped his repertoire
RD 5: Brennen Davis (ChC-OF) - There is some heat here as he is super toolsy with projection
RD 6: Keibert Ruiz (LAD-C) - Would be a nice replacement for Yadi when he gets a chance
Wildcard Bluejays Draft Preview
If we could go back in time, I think every team in the league would try and find a way to keep Randy Arozarena (TB-OF) but alas every team made the same mistake and left him to fester in free agency. So, what did the rookie Cuban do in retaliation? Well, Arozarena was so pissed off he proceeded to hit .377 with a record 10 homers during the post season. This type of hubris could be just what the doctor ordered for Wildcard. The team is fairly balanced in terms of pitching vs hitting so picking and choose the best available should be the course of action. Finding a reliable closer, some versatility and some talented prospects will round out the rest of this draft.
Prediction (NA Need = 2)
RD 1: Randy Arozarena (TB-OF) - Postseason hero could be full-season hero as soon as this season
RD 2: Jameson Taillon (NYY-SP) - If he's recovered from TJ surgery it's a nice get here
RD 3: Nico Hoerner (ChC-2B,3B,SS) - Hear me out, slated to play OF with crazy infield eligibility
RD 4: Elieser Hernandez (Mia-SP,RP) - Improved command and team overall will help him succeed
RD 5: Zac Veen (Col-OF) - Many see him as best slugger from this year's draft, Colorado can't hurt
RD 6: Emerson Hancock (Sea-SP) - Projectable fast moving 1st round college hurler from Georgia
Chevy Chase Coopers Draft Preview
Chevy Chase Coopers (CCC) has a small problem but there is a probable solution. CCC has 2 of the best shortstop prospects in the game in Brendan Rogers (Col-SS,2B) and MLB's #1 overall prospect in baseball Wander Franco (TB-SS). The problem is that neither player appear to be quite ready for full-time major league work. The solution comes from the far east in the form of Korean import Ha-Seong Kim (SD-2B,SS). Kim may not hit 30 homers or steal 30 bases like he did in Korea but he'll likely hit atop of the order of one of the most talented teams in baseball with lots of at bats and opportunities. So, 20/20 season with 80-100 runs is possible. When Franco is ready, Kim partners with him at 2B to become a fearsome infield tandem. Problem fixed!
Prediction (NA Need = 0)
RD 1: Ha-Seong Kim (SD-2B,SS) - Makes so much sense, it may just happen
RD 2: Stefan Crichton (Ari-RP) - Young closer could hold on the job for years to come
RD 3: Pablo López (Mia-SP) - Broke out in 2020 and should continue to breakthrough in 2021
RD 4: Nick Senzel (Cin-OF) - Former #2 overall pick, terrible 2020, Reds haven't given up hope
RD 5: Daniel Norris (Det-SP) - Previous ROY, good 2020 and big rebound candidate in 2021
RD 6: Josh Jung (Tex-3B) - Ranked as the 5th best 3B prospect in baseball, coming soon
Third Day Draft Preview
Sometimes a clearing of fields gives fruit and that is exactly what happened when both Andrés Giménez (Cle - 2B,3B,SS) and Ahmed Rosario (Cle-SS) were traded to play in Cleveland. Now, Third Day (TD) already rosters Giménez but the teams needs either a SS or a 2B to form a starting lineup. The latter Cleveland bounty Rosario was actually as the much more touted prospect with more tools and projection. He is not blocked and has nothing stopping him from taking off at his new digs either. There aren't a lot of potential game changers available but Rosario has the talent to maybe be one.
Prediction (NA Need = 0)
RD 1: Ahmed Rosario (Cle-SS) - Given the chance, he could fulfill his lofty expectations
RD 2: Anthony Bass (Mia-RP) - All things being equal, he's the Marlins closer in 2021
RD 3: Tanner Houck (Bos-SP) - One of the bigger 2020 breakouts, but control issues could force to pen
RD 4: Josh Donaldson (Min-3B) - Not MVP numbers anymore but capable of producer nice power
RD 5: Austin Hays (Bal-OF) - Semi-breakout last season with potential for a lot more
RD 6: Nick Sandlin (Cle-P) - Keeper
Hair Of The Dog Fred Draft Preview
Modern medicine today can make recovery from serious injuries much more possible. What once took months or even years to heal can now can take weeks. While I am not a doctor, it does seem that the removal of bone chips from an elbow, while serious, is not the most invasive procedure a pitcher can undergo. The Blue Jays seemed to agree when they signed Kirby Yates to be their closer. in 2021 Yates was stellar as the closer for the Padres registering 191/30 K/BB ratio and 53 saves in 2 seasons. Even if Yates isn't as dominate as that in the AL as he once was he still figures to be a top 10 closer at that does not come by easily making him an easy 1st round pick here.
Prediction (NA Need = 1)
RD 1: Kirby Yates (Tor-RP) - Will be worth the pick if he can come close to Padres numbers
RD 2: Zach Eflin (Phi-SP) - Undervalued starter with great Ks but tendency to have a bad outing
RD 3: Hunter Renfroe (Bos-OF) - Playing in Boston should help jump start his offense
RD 4: Merrill Kelly (Ari-SP) - If wasn't coming back from shoulder surgery he'd be higher
RD 5: Marcus Semien (Tor-SS) - Should provide veteran depth as he hit 33 homers in 2019
RD 6: Brailyn Marquez (ChC-P) - Still a very talented arm but needs a chance in rotation
Squeeze Play Draft Preview
There is a country song by Tammy Wynette called Stand By Your Man and this could be exactly what Squeeze Play (SP) is looking to do with Max Kepler (Min-OF). SP missed out on Kepler once and will not look to make the same mistake twice. Kepler suffered a down 2020 season but many players did for whatever reason. The team is fairly balanced but adding big bat like Kepler could go a long way to helping this team take a step forward.
Prediction (NA Need = 1)
RD 1: Max Kepler (Min-OF) - Team swung and missed on him prior, he did hit 36 homers in 2019
RD 2: Max Meyer (Mia-SP) - 1st overall pitching taken in 2020 MLB draft, ace potential
RD 3: Rafael Montero (Sea-RP) - Looks to close on an improving team with a young offense
RD 4: Mike Moustakas (Cin-1B,2B,3B) - 2B eligibility makes his power very attractive
RD 5: Tanner Rainey (Was-RP) - Excellent in 2020 with a 32/7 K/BB on a good team
RD 6: Edward Sanchez (Mia-SP) - Electric arm with a lot of potential, big time sleeper
The Judgesicles Draft Preview
Locating a viable 3B now and for the future should be a priority for The Judgeiscles (TJ) entering this draft. While 3B isn't very deep this season there are few options available with the best likely being Jeff McNeil (NYM-2B,3B,OF). McNeil had a down 2020 but he was an All-Star the year before with 83 Runs, 23 HRs with a batting average over .300. He is young to improve on that and the Mets should be better with all of the additions. McNeil will buy TJ a year or so at the hot corner will this team searches for the 3B of the future. Pickings in the minor as even more slim with newly drafted Austin Martin (Tor-3B) looking to be the best available so he might be a nice get later in the draft as could be Josh Jung (Tex-3B). Also, there may be a few prospects that grow too much for shortstop and are moved to 3B but we'll have to see. In-house prospect Arol Vera (LAA-SS) may do just that.
Prediction (NA Need = 0)
RD 1: Jeff McNeil (NYM-2B,3B,OF) - Potential of revamped team and talent makes this a good pick
RD 2: Griffin Canning (LAA-SP) - Another 2020 breakout candidate should stay that way if healthy
RD 3: Austin Martin (Tor-3B) - Top 3B in the 2020 MLB Draft, could be heir to 3B job
RD 4: Daniel Lynch (KC-SP) - Ranked as the #3 lefty prospect in baseball, should see bigs in 2021
RD 5: David Peterson (NYM-SP) - Underrated hurler on an improving team, good numbers
RD 6: Arol Vera (LAA-SS) - Keeper
Slimedog Draft Preview
In terms of offense, this team is stacked but in terms of pitching this still needs some work if it wants to have a balanced attack. Slimedog (SD) wants to contend and finding the pitcher with the best potential will be key. Even though David Price (LAD-SP) opted out last season due to Covid-19 doesn't mean he still doesn't have the talent to be a a stud. Maybe the taking the season off could actually help on terms of wear and tear. With the 7th overall pick, Price might be worth the price of admission. If this teams focuses on pitching, pitching and more pitching then we might have a winner.
Prediction (NA Need = 0)
RD 1: David Price (LAD-SP) - Opted out last year, team won the WS, most potential vet available
RD 2: Trevor Rosenthal (Oak-RP) - Oakland doesn't pay him $11 million to pitch setup
RD 3: Brandon Kintzler (Phi-RP) - In a land without saves, those with saves are kings
RD 4: Austin Nola (SD-C,1B,2B) - Adds depth at catcher until Mejia proves something
RD 5: Amir Garrett (Cin-RP) - Has the attitude to close but maybe not the mentality, we'll see
RD 6: Drew Smyly (Atl-SP) - Good, bad, good, bad, good. Can he be as good as he was last year?
Loveable Losers Draft Preview
Loveable Losers (LL) has been on the cusp of a championship and will look to stay contending this season. Taking proven veteran guys can help this team win now and its a bonafide strategy that LL will target. Speaking of proven, it really doesn't get much better than Zack Greinke (Hou-SP) who averages 9Ks a game and plays on a good team. Greinke may not be a perennial Cy Young award candidate anymore but he is still a legit No 2/3 with good number that can help win a championship. Targeting a good closer to stabilize things, a value pick or two and some offensive potential could pay future dividends as well.
Prediction (NA Need = 2)
RD 1: Zack Greinke (Hou-SP) - Steady as she goes on a good team and nice numbers
RD 2: Drew Pomeranz (SD-SP,RP) - Great K's should be closer on one of baseball's best teams
RD 3: Oscar Mercado (Cle-OF) - Horrible 2020 but is a legit 20/20 candidate still at age 26
RD 4: Jazz Chisholm (Mi-SS) - Young SS replacement, with 25/25 ability, Javier Baez comparisons
RD 5: Garrett Mitchell (Mil-OF) - One of the fastest prospects in the game, steals are so valuable
RD 6: Bryce Ball (Atl-1B) - Keeper
Tenth Man Out Draft Prospect
With a virtual touch of gold, Tenth Man Out (TMO) continues its dominance in the league. Being on top allows TMO to take chances that other teams cannot afford. Pitching is still probably the only weakness of this team so finding legit quality pitching with enable TMO to stay on top. Which player has the most potential with the highest risk? Something happened to Kevin Gausman (SF-SP,RP) last year, he finally dominated. Gausman had a 3.62 ERA with a mouth watering 11.9 K/9 ratio. If the 2021 Kevin Gausman is the 2019 version then TMO just throws him back in the water. But if this is the Kevin Gausman from 2020 then TMO reels him in and mounts him on his wall along with his other championship trophies.
Prediction (NA Need = 1)
RD 1: Kevin Gausman (SF-SP,RP) - Looks like the best arm available with the 12 overall pick
RD 2: Tyler Mahle (Cin-SP) - Managed a 11.3 K/9 ratio last season, those numbers could translate
RD 3: Matt Barnes (Bos-RP) - Looking to be the clear favorite as Boston's closer
RD 4: Heston Kjerstad (Bal-OF) - 2nd overall pick in 2020 MLB draft, big potential, fast moving
RD 5: Cristian Javier (Hou-SP) - Looks to be poised for a complete breakout this season
RD 6: Vince Velasquez (Phi-SP) - His arm has always been better than his results but he could be ready
