2/20/2008 1:30:06 PM

there were several fantastic picks here. Dan's Liriano pick was major value. Of course, there's major risk as he's coming off major surgery. But hey, for the 11th round you can't beat picking up a potential lights out ace like Liriano. I loved the Valverde pick. He was the last of the real impact closers on the board in my opinion. And I loved the Lincecum pick. That guy, much like Liriano, has the potential to be a top 10 ace.
Now, my pick of Cabrera is not earth-shattering, but I was thrilled that he came back around to me in round 11 as I almost took him in round 10. I love when that happens. I know most say Renteria is ranked higher, but I like Cabrera's RBI, AVG and Steals. Cabrera has no real injury concerns like Renteria. Now, I did notice that I've taken a White Sox hitter in 3 of the last 4 picks and that's not real smart thinking, unless the Sox have a great year, then I'm a genius.

Jimmy Dinsmore

2/20/2008 6:00:43 PM

Round 11 and I was still without a catcher. So this was my time to go with one and I couldn't ask for a better pick in Saltalamacchia. He had a decent rookie season playing for the Braves before being traded to the Rangers. He's playing in a hitters park so his numbers could escelate quite nicely this season. I'd expect him to get 20 HRs or so and near 100 runs and RBIs getting to play a full season. That would be a big jump from last season and would make my pick of him in the 11th round a great one looking back.

I actually thought about taking Lincecum here and waiting to snag Saltalamacchia in the next round, assuming he'd still be there. I like my pitching staff to this point (assuming Gallardo will be good to go sooner rather than later) in Beckett, Chris Young and Gallardo, so I went with the position player now and will probably grab a pitcher with my next pick. I still need to get another outfielder, so that will come either in round 12 or round 13 depending on what pitchers are out there when my pick comes around.

Chris Murdico

2/20/2008 8:02:15 PM

Liriano represents one of a handful of "value picks" I will make here. It is in Rounds 11-15 that I typically take the most chances in my fantasy draft. Guys coming off injuries are prime targets and the off-season reports have been favorable for the Twins' young hurler. If he pans out my top three of Erik Bedard, Matt Cain, and Liriano could become a force and a soli foundation for my rotation.

Dan Clasgens

2/22/2008 4:11:39 PM

Taking Alex Gordon was a risk here, but if he develops the way he should, he could be a steal. Sure, his first full season was more dud than stud, but give the kid a break! Who knows, maybe the eternal optimist in me is coming out.

There was discussion that I should have taken Lowell instead of Gordon, but I don't see Lowell having another season like he did last year. Gordon has much, much more upside, and there are some young 3B who can be stolen later in the draft that could have good enough seasons to use as an insurance policy.

I also considered grabbing Lincecum here, but thought he would pass to me after four more picks. Not only did Polking grab him right after I chose Gordon, but Humbert also planned on taking him. So much for that gamble...

Chris Wetzel