What do you guys think the dodgers are going to do with Kemp?  Will they move him, alone or in a package deal?  

This kids too good to be leaving on the bench. Hitting .426 in 19 games with no errors in the field.

I wouldnt mind seeing them deal Gonzalez, and keep Either, Pierre and Kemp.

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CHICAGO (Ticker) - The Chicago White Sox moved quickly to plug a potential hole in their lineup. MLB.com reported on Tuesday that the White Sox signed free agent outfielder Darin Erstad to a one-year contract.

What does this mean for the likes of Ryan Sweeny and Brian Anderson?  With Podsednik out this also creates an opening in left field.  Who is the front runner for the LF job?

I would love to see Sweeny get a shot at CF, if not there, then LF.  

Guys, I know it's the off-season so I think that it's ok to ask one more fantasy question before my draft this Saturday.  
I have the 7th pick in the draft and plan on stocking up on young talent.
I have a feeling Delmon, Weaver, Markakis, Drew and Kendrick will be gone in the top five.  

Guys like Billingsby, Sanchez, Hamels, Quinten, C.Young and Russ Martin will possibly be there.  I was hoping to pick Billingsby first, and Hamels for pitching.  I have been reading about how a lot of people are rating C.Young really high based on future projections.  Is it a stretch to say he could go 7th, higher then the guys above?

I have Beltran, Wells and Cuddyer, fairly young OF, and Cain, Myers, Buerhle, Silva and Snell piching.

This is an APBA sim league.

Two questions....
1)    What order do you put these prospects in?
2)    Is Young rated too high at 7 over these guys

Another league, same situation.  Sim League.
Tejada for Verlander, Vizquel and a 5th or 6th round pick.

I have....
1B- C.Jackson, overbay
2b - Hudson
3B - Lowell
SS - Tejada
OF - V.Wells, C.Beltran, M.Cuddyer
C - Kendhal and Ausmus.
SP - Cain, Zito, Myers, Silva
RP - Wainwright, Broxton, Gonzalez, Ray, League

Getting Verlander would give me Cain and Verlander as my two young studs.

I was offered Manny Rameriz for Huston Street, 2nd and 4th round pick in my upcoming draft.

1. Do you see this being a decent trade for me?  Manny will play in Left with A.Jones and Mag Ordonez in Right.
2. I have Mags, Mig Cabrera, M. Tejada, Zimmerman, Cano, LaRoche, Pierzynzki, Kotsay and A.Jones.
3. How long will Manny keep hitting??? Does his knee bother him that much?
   

] I will post another here in a bit, but this one is for my Dad.  We are in a 20-team keeper APBA league.  My father has the 6th pick in the draft.  Players must be in the MLB for a minimum number of innings and pa's before they can be drafted.  Guys like Delmon, Howie K, J.Weaver and Drew are all eligible to be drafted.

This offer was made to him...
Carlos Beltran and #2 draft pick
for
Jason Bay and #6 draft pick

What would you do and why

Guys,
Its fantasy draft season, and yes I know some of you hate this.  For those of you that don't mind I was wondering if you would partake in this "Fantasy Mock Draft" for my league.  Assuming all teams are in the same situations, base your pick on best of the group. Here are a few names, certainly not all of them...
Catchers  - Johjima, Martin, Iannetta, Napoli, Coste
1B- Loney, Morales, Thorman
2B - Uggla, Kendrick, Kinsler, Barfield, Pedroia
SS- Drew, Tulowizki, Zobrist
3B - Fields, Kouzmanoff
OF - Young, Markakis, Quintenin, C Young, Either, Kemp, Milliage, Cruz, Scott, Guszman
P - Weaver, Billingsby, Hamels, Sanchez, Sowers, James, Hirsh, Pelfrey, Garza, Loewen, Saunderrs, Lester, Maine.

I will also post my top 30 from this group in  a bit

Hamels, Billingsly or Zumaya?  I have the 6th pick in my draft and know there will be some solid players and pitchers available.  I have  B.Myers, Buerhle and Cain coming back, with two slots to fill.  I can take a starter above, or possibly get someone like Martin to fill in for Ausmus or Kendhal.

My question would be.... do I settle with Ausmus and Kendhal (sim league) for next year and go for some young pitching?  Or do I take someone like Martin to move into the lineup?  

Each year it seems like our league has pitching.  Last year Verlander, Liriano, Olsen and others were available.  This year its Bizz, hammels, A.Sanchez, Zumaya, Garza, Pelfrey, Sowers, Hirsh and others.  I have the 6th pick, but also have three in the second round and 7 of the top 100 total.  

Thoughts would be great.

I have a big draft coming up in my keeper league and have a lot of guys eligible this year to be drafted.  These are the order I have them in but would appreciate some insight from everyone.  (I POSTED THIS ON MINORLEAGUEBALL and heard this was  the place to do this fantasy stuff)  
Position Players:
C-  Iannetta, R.Martin, Johjima,Napolli,Montero, Paulino
1B - Loney, Kouzmanoff, Morales,
2B -Kendrick, Uggla, Kinsler, Barfield, Pedroia,Callaspo, A.Casilla
3B - Fields
SS- Drew, Tulowitzki, Arias
OF - D.Young, Markakis, Quintenin, Either,Milliage, C.Young, Kemp, A.Jones, Lind, F.Lewis, Bourn, Cabrera, Hart, Guzman,Clevlen, Denorforia.
NO ORDER ON PITCHING.
SP - James, Loewan, Lester, Sowers, A.Miller, Zumaya, A.Sanchez, Hirsh, Weaver, Saunders, Billingsly, Garza, Perkins, Pelfrey, Hamels, Gorzelanny, Mathieson (IR), Marideth and J.Sanchez.

I have 4 of the top 40 picks in the draft, one being #8 or #7.  I need pitching, so will probably go with someone that will be effective right away, then go with some bats.  I have Kendhal and Ausmus, and will be trying for a catcher as well.  

Who do you guys think I can wait on and whom should I pull the trigger on with one of these top 4 picks?  The league is big (20 teams) and we keep 40, so I need to make this draft count. The league is an APBA league that is based on stats from the year before.  Players cannot be drafted if they dont have a 'card'.  APBA players will know what that means.

Last year I got Connor Jackson, Matt Cain, Jon Broxton and Jeff Fiorentino.  So far Fiorentino is the only one not working out.  

Good job with insight on all prospects so far.  Lets keep this site going strong.

Thanks,
Chris

I have a big draft coming up in my keeper league and have a lot of guys eligible this year to be drafted.  These are the order I have them in but would appreciate some insight from everyone.  
Position Players:
C-  Iannetta, R.Martin, Napolli, Johjima, Montero, Paulino
1B - Loney, Kouzmanoff, Morales,
2B -Kendrick, Uggla, Kinsler, Barfield, Pedroia,Callaspo, A.Casilla
3B - Fields
SS- Drew, Tulowitzki, Arias
OF - D.Young, Milliage, Markakis, Quintenin, Either, C.Young, Kemp, A.Jones, Lind, F.Lewis, Bourn, Cabrera, Hart, Guzman,Clevlen, Denorforia.
NO ORDER ON PITCHING.
SP - James, Loewan, Lester, Sowers, A.Miller, Zumaya, A.Sanchez, Hirsh, Weaver, Saunders, Billingsly, Garza, Perkins, Pelfrey, Hamels, Gorzelanny, Mathieson (IR), Marideth and J.Sanchez.

I have 4 of the top 40 picks in the draft, one being #8 or #7.  I need pitching, so will probably go with someone that will be effective right away, then go with some bats.  I have Kendhal and Ausmus, and will be trying for a catcher as well.  

Who do you guys think I can wait on and whom should I pull the trigger on with one of these top 4 picks?  The league is big (20 teams) and we keep 40, so I need to make this draft count.  

Good job with insight on all prospects so far.  Lets keep this site going strong.

Thanks,
Chris

Hayden Penn was recalled from Triple A today, only to be given a wake up call from the Oakland A's.  Penn is touched for 8 runs on 8 hits in only two-thirds of an inning.  His biggest mistake was a grand slam off Dan Johnson's bat.  

I had real high hopes for this kid.  Was this just a slap in the face wake up call, or will this keep him back on his progression?  He was ranked 17th on Goldstein's list which people (myself included) argued to be to low.

Where is at and where does he go from here?  I know he can only improve on that 108 ERA, but should Orioles fans worry?  

What are everyone's thoughts on Jeff Fiorentino?  He had a good hit streak going in the minors and was recalled a couple days ago.  Will he be a mainstay in the O's lineup next year?  Or will he be trade bait?

Who would you rather have on your team?  

Either - 24 y/o-97g,310ab, .339, 11/51.  .381 obp, .529 slug.
Rated 4th on BA's LAD list, given a B from John.

Markakis-22y/o-111g, 343ab, .306,11/47, /369obp, .466slug
Rated 1 on BA's BAL list, given an A - from John.

Markakis has been tearing the cover off the ball lately and has improved though the entire season.  Do we ignore Eithers stats figuring he will come to earth some day?  Seems both will have jobs next year as well, so who do you take and why?  

As it stands right now, what type of ratings would people give these pitchers?  These guys are all avaliable in my draft (players need to obtain a number of ABS/Inn before they can be drafted).  

Who will make the biggest impact next year?

Weaver
Billingsby
Pelfrey
Hamels
Jansen
Gorzelanny
Mathison
Garza
Marshall
Lester
James
Loewen

On a side note, does anyone think Garza will beat up on the Jays and Burnett tonight?

Guys,
Sorry for the keeper question, but I find this site very informative and love to hear peoples opinions.
I'm in a keeper league that has a rule, which states players must get ABS or Innings pitched in the Majors before they can be drafted.
Here are some guys that are available this year.  I am getting the 7th pick, as well as 3 second round picks.  My needs are everywhere, but last year I drafted Cain, Connor Jackson, Matt Murton, Adam Wainwright and Jon Broxton.  In what order should I look at these guys.

John Lester
Joel Zumaya
Jared Weaver
Billingsby
Pelfrey
S. Drew
C. Quintenin
N. Markakis
H.Kendrick
J. Guzman
A. Either
L. Milliage
I. Kinsler
A. Jones

There are others but I know how people are with these types of posts.

It seems from past picks that hitters seem to develop a little faster then pitchers.  King Felix had a great year last year, but is getting knocked around a bit this year.  Cain is on and off, but I like his potential.  I love Connor Jackson's bat and eye at the plate and think his #'s will be a lot better once he takes Clarks ABS as well.

I really like Quintenin, like Jackson, for his eye and bat.  Not sure he will produce a ton of homers, but Ill take 20-30.  Howie Kendrick can flat out hit, but with extra playing time will his numbers go up (batting .220 right now)?  Will Uggla keep hitting this well?  He got a C from John and is ranked 29th of 30 on FLA top 30, but will get drafted high because guy  like his numbers for a 2b.  

Guys like Carmona, Nolasco and James are avaliable for pitching.  I like Carmona, and think he will close in CLE, with Cabrera SU eventually, but what is his ceiling like.

Anyone one want to chime in it will be a great help.

Thanks!

Did anyone watch the game last night?  Lester seemed to be more relaxed then his last outing.  He struck out Giles and Renteria in the first, both with his fastball (92-93).  He did have 3 walks, 4 the prior game, should we be concerned with this?  He has a similar bb/k ration in Triple A (43-25) this year.  The announcers were saying that when he gets nervous, he tries to throw too hard and tends to throw the ball up and away to righties.  I thought he showed he could control the nerves, epically in the 5th when he had the bases loaded and had to face Fancour.

I thought he had a good game, could do better with the walks, but great overall for his second MLB start.  What are you thoughts?

I know we tend to stay away from these, but I had a question about a trade offer.  
I am in the process of rebuilding and am dealing Billy Wagner off my team.  I have been offered Wainwright, McGowan, Aaron Hill or Jose Cappalan.  I think taking Wainwright would be the way to go, but wanted some input from others.

Wainwright -25yo-2.03 in 18 games, 24/4 k/bb ratio(B-)
McGowan-24yo-7.94 in 5 games, 7/6 k/bb (B)
Capellan-25yo- 5.46 in 22 games, 20/10 k/bb (B+)

Looking at the #'s, Wainwright would be the way to go.  This is a sim league, so he would be worth more next year.  

Who will play in more games this year...Prior or Kerry Wood?  How many you think each will play in?  Who will be on the DL for more days?  With their past injurie plagued seasons, one of these guys will be out for then the other.  Priors shoulder or Woods knee, you make the pick.

Losing Prior would be a big loss, but the Cubs know what its like with out Wood.  Maybe a youngster like Guzman or Hill will fill in that slot, moving Wood to another team or to the pen.

We are having a waiver draft this coming Sat for TBBA league.  I drafted Brendon Harris (WAS) late in the player draft.  Only problem is that Harris is stuck behind Vidro or Soriano, Guzman SS and Zimmerman at 3B. On top of that we can only use games played and Pa's from the prior year.  Harris has 4 gps and 10 pas.  Here are some other options I am looking into, let me know your thoughts on the future of these guys.

Mike Morse - SS/2B - SEA
Jeff Fiorentino - OF - BAL
Walter Young - 1B - BAL ( I see the diary below)
Ken Harvey - 1B - KC (I know hes not a rookie, but he was hurt last year and had really low numbers.

Which one of these guys should I trade in for Harris, if I should trade in for him?

Guys, as I mentioned, this is an APBA league (SIM), and here is the first round results.  Some surprising picks, but remember we just merged and can only use players that are "carded" in the game. Also, some teams NEED to pick for now, because they were lacking positions all together.
1- King Felix
2- J. Peralta
3- Z. Duke
4- J. Patterson
5- J. Francour
6- C. Tracy
7- J. Hermida
8- R. Zimmerman
9- C. Jackson (my pick)
10- A. Marte
11- J. Sosa
12- M. Cain (my pick)
13- P. Fielder
14- H. Street
15- R. Cano
16- B. McCarthy
17- F. Garcia
18- P. Byrd
19- Derek Turnbow

Later Picks
Taravez - 20
Doumit - 22
Paplebon -24
McCann - 27
Reyes - 28
Verlander -47

I ended up getting, in order...
Connor Jackson, Matt Cain, Matt Murton, Steve Shields, Chris Ray, Russ Adams, Brad Thompson, Tim Stauffer, Jon Broxton, Reed Johnson, Jario Garcia, Hayden Penn, Chris Gomez, John Olerude, Brett F'n Boone

Guys, I know some of these are no brainers, I am really just looking for an opinion or two.

I am in a SIM league (APBA) and am wondering your views on the subject matter.

I am pushing towards drafting a fielder first (9th pick) and another in the second pick (12th).  I have Bill Mueller at third and minimal power in the OF.  Hermedia and Francouer will provide power for the future in the OF, but not sure if Zim will provide an ample amout of power, or just a bunch of hits.

What are your thoughts?

I am in a keeper league and have a big draft coming up on the 14th.  I have picks 9,12,46,75,87,107,134,149 in the top 150.  I have a good starting core... Kendhal,Overbay, O.Hudson, Tejada, Mueller, Beltran, V.Wells and Gathright. I have Buehrle, B.Myers, Mulder, C. Silva and B. Wagner in the pen.

I am wondering who I should take a gamble on in the first two picks and if some of these guys are worth waiting on till later rounds.  These are some names that are popping up on the free agent list:
1B-Conor Jackson, Dan Johnson or Chris Shelton  
3B-Ryan Zimmerman, Garret Atkins, Mark Teahan, Edwin Encarnacion or Wilson Betemit
SS-Peralta, Hardy or Cedeno, H Rameriz
OF-Francour, Hermida, B. Anderson, Murton, Granderson,Willy Taveras,Corey Sullivan,Ryan Langerhans,Melkey Cabrera,Jeff Fiorentino and Chris Snelling
SP-M.Cain, K Davies, Anthony Reyes,B McCarthy,J.Varges,Hayden Penn,P.Malhom,Verlander, S.Baker
RP-Chris Ray,Bobby Jenks, Brandon League, C.Hanson, Boyler, Fernando Cabrera, Jose Cappalen.

What are your thoughts on Tim Stauffer, Fransisco Liriano or Ezequiel Astacio, are they worth picking or waiting?

Guys like Duke, Hernendez, Cano, Freddy Garcia, and John Patterson are available, but will definitely go early.