AL East Draft Picks
By: Kyle
I stole this idea from one of the other guys on here (who I assume stole it from someone else in the first place, so I’ve got no problems “borrowing” it myself), as I continue to be unable to think of my own ideas. So, let’s get down to business and take a look at the first round draft picks taken by teams in the AL East.
Tampa Bay Rays - “SS,” Timothy Beckham, #1 Overall (signed)
So, B.J. Upton Jr. Which actually was Justin Upton. So… B.J. Upton III. Ish. I’m gonna go ahead and list him as a, “SS” because much like Upton, I just don’t see the kid staying at short. It’s possible (and honestly I know little about his work at short as a high school player), but you read a report on a kid of this age, with this “athletic ability” and it just screams outfield. He’ll be making the big leap from high school level talent to the minors, something that can’t be overstated. When you take into account that Tampa has Reid Brignac waiting in the wings on top of that, Beckham’s chances to play SS just seem even slimmer.
All that being said, the kid is an outstanding talent, top in the draft, “in theory.” But not far and away. Taking an 18 year old is never a sure thing, no matter how much talent he may possess. On the surface he looks like he’ll develop into an absolute game changer and fantasy superstar, but when you look at the “prime” age for a major leaguer, you’re looking at possibly waiting TEN years to see that potential realized. Good luck just getting your league to last that long!
As a dynasty leaguer, I would be drafting him to trade him almost immediately. His value is probably about as high as it’s gonna be for at least three more years. If you do take him not to draft him though, be fully aware that you’ll basically need to forget he’s on your team for at least three years. At least. If that fits into your current structure, fantastic, take him, enjoy. If you’re a team that’s looking to compete now, and over the course of the next few years and are looking for someone who will be ready to contribute over the coming years, you’re better off looking elsewhere. Be sure to keep in mind that while you’re drafting him as a SS, chances are good you may end up actually getting him as your tenth outfielder. I’m not avoiding him, but I’m drafting him to trade him.
Baltimore Orioles – SP, Brian Matusz, #4 (unsigned)
Talking solely about the AL East draft picks, this is the guy I’m taking if I’m looking to get someone who will be contributing in the near future. Between his college career, his skill, and the team that took him, there is very little to suggest that Brian Matusz will not be pitching in Baltimore at some point in time in 2009.
There are a few front line pitchers who will likely make their big league teams next season, and of all of them Matusz is right near the top of the heap. Excellent control, FOUR pitches, apparently a ridiculous curve, and hits 93-94 w/ his fastball. He also happens to be a lefty, with three years of college experience behind him. To me, that all screams, woohoo! If you’re drafting out of need for a SP, there is absolutely zero reason not to take this kid.
Any hesitation may come from the fact that, at times, velocity on his fastball was down a bit this season. I wouldn’t worry too much, as while his fastball is great, his curve is his go to pitch. Not to mention he has a changeup that’s supposed to be a close second to the curve (god I love pitchers w/ great off speed pitches), and a slider/cutter on top of that. He’d be hands down my first pitcher taken in any amateur dynasty draft this season, and I may even be actively pursuing acquiring him is possible. Especially if you’re out of it this season and can move him to whatever team nabs him and may have a need you can fill this season.
Toronto Blue Jays – 1B, David Cooper, #17 (signed)
My second favorite, “ready to go” pick of the AL East draft. Three year college player, great power, selected by a team who will do their best to get him ready as quick as possible. I’m not exactly giddy about the guy(you’ll notice that by how little I actually have to say about him), but he will probably end up being a very important part to someone’s championship team.
Not actually Toronto’s, god no. But here’s a guy who won’t hurt you in average, while giving you average to slightly above average power for the position. If he could find a spot around the middle of that Toronto order his numbers would be very solid. He should also get a chance to play at some point in 2009, and I could easily see him being the starting first baseman in Toronto for… until they draft a younger, bigger, better option down the road. He’s certainly not my first 1B off the board, but I do like him where he went overall in the draft (4-6th 1B). He’s the kind of player every team needs to have. You just hate to have to use a first round pick to get him.
New York Yankees – SP, Gerrit Cole, #28 (unsigned)
Ugh. A high school pitcher drafted by the Yankees. A big, right handed high school pitcher drafted by the Yankees. As a fantasy pick, I would stay way the hell away from him. I mean, the kid has talent (everyone drafted does, sort of the point of the draft), but what in the world would lead anyone to thinking this will work out? Is it me, or has the entire Yankees system proven they’re just completely incapable of teaching kids how to pitch? Sure, Joba. Exception to the rule. But at the same time, they’re actively trying to ruin everything that makes him a great pitcher! What IS the deal?!
That being said, he’s a draft to trade pick, without question in my mind. There is absolutely no value associated with him on anyone’s fantasy team other than what you can get for him. If he slips into the second round, then I’m making a move on him to trade. Even if you’re drafting for a pitcher, there are so many other better options available to you, options that have a chance to perform at a major league level in the major leagues.
Boston Red Sox – SS/P, Casey Kelly, #30 (unsigned)
Unsigned and perhaps staying that way. An incredibly gifted athlete, he’s still deciding whether he wants to go play quarterback at Tennessee. A SS and pitcher in high school, some see him sticking at short, while others see the Sox moving him to pitcher full time. He apparently has three pitches that could develop into plus stuff. In the end though, I think his bat will probably make that decision, which is hard to project for a high school senior (see Beckham, Timothy).
The other thing that confuses me slightly, is that the Red Sox have a glaring need at short. Those convinced Lowrie is the answer are just fooling themselves, and I can’t see the Sox moving what could be an exceptional talent at short over to pitcher, a position they are more than set at. I think that if the Sox can sign him, they will give him every opportunity to earn his spot at short. But, if that fails, he’s got a hell of a fall back option.
Any and all conversation about his potential are moot though if he goes to Tennessee. That’s a pretty huge opportunity, one that’s gotta be hard to pass up, even being a first round major league draft pick. We’ll all have to just wait and see what happens. If he does sign in Boston though, and stays at short, he’s a hell of a high school option. He won’t have nearly as much trade value as Beckham, so this may be a pick you need to make knowing that he’ll just be occupying a roster spot until at least 2011-2012. You could fill that spot with someone substantially worse though (I know I already am).
This entry was posted on Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 at 4:02 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
